A palpable unease settled upon Wu Wangcheng, as if the very air of the Imperial Study felt too thick to breathe.

Shen Chen, the venerable Old Minister, a man whose life had been entwined with the currents of the Imperial court for over sixty years, cast but a fleeting glance toward the Emperor upon his Dragon Throne.

Wen Er, of the Ministry of Public Works and a former pupil of Shen Chen, lowered his head to sip from a chilled plum cordial, a delicacy granted only within the bounds of this small council; even the most esteemed Upper Pillar Kingdom was denied such indulgence.

Yan Yongfeng, the Master of Ceremonies of the Court of State Visits and the current patriarch of the Purple-Gleaming Yan Clan, a man of formidable visage, was generally present only to mark his attendance.

However, it was the Minister of Justice, Ma Yuan, who shattered the stillness. Rising from his seat, he clasped a jade tablet at his waist. Moments later, a miniature landscape materialized within the Imperial Study, its diminutive structures rendered in verdant hues, each inscribed with gilded characters denoting the various Imperial Bureaus. With the practiced hand of one plucking fruit from a laden bough, Ma Yuan reached toward the Southern Breeze Ward on the thousand-step corridor, selected the Ministry of War’s Records Hall, and within it, the “Handan Province” file. From this, he extracted the dossier for “Qiu Kingdom,” then deftly pointed toward a prepared document resting upon a nearby desk, causing it to materialize mid-air within the Imperial Study. Ma Yuan retrieved the scroll, turning toward the Emperor, Song He, who smiled. “Let the State Preceptor peruse it first.”

Ma Yuan presented the scroll to Chen Ping’an, the Minister of Justice remaining standing rather than returning to his seat.

The Archives of the Ministry of Justice, along with the shipyards where the Sword Vessels were forged, held secrets of the highest order within the Great Li Dynasty.

Access to these arcane records by officials from other Ministries required stringent approvals and meticulous oversight, even within the Ministry itself, where regulations were legion, each procedure demanding unyielding adherence.

Yet, the imposition of these countless restrictions did not warrant unwarranted delays.

To exploit one’s position for personal gain, to intentionally protract the process in hopes of extorting bribes, to engage in veiled exchanges of favors, to vent personal frustrations upon unsuspecting officials, or to wield familial influence and tribal loyalties against those whose superiors were considered enemies – such transgressions were not tolerated.

In years past, Cui Chan had conducted monthly inspections of such documents, yet these “official formalities” were but a facade. For the preceding three years, Cui Chan had meticulously observed the words and deeds of every official within the Archives’ various departments.

For human nature was fickle, yet a man’s ingrained habits could be honed.

After three years, Cui Chan unearthed a treasury of past misdeeds, rewarding the virtuous, promoting the diligent, and devising ingenious punishments for the wicked. Those who reveled in the unrestrained exercise of power were stripped of their positions, their ambitions forever extinguished.

Patrons who had championed the tainted officials suffered demotion, while members of the Censorate who failed to uncover the truth did not escape unscathed. Offspring of noble families were penalized with reduced quotas for Imperial Academy nominations and curtailed estate allowances. If these were insufficient, the transgression would reach to their family elders, who were subject to censure, salary reduction, or even forced retirement. As for the reasons behind the judgements and the specifics of the punishments, they were detailed for all to read within the Imperial Gazettes circulated to the prefectures and provinces.

“I, Cui Chan, am utterly alone,” he had declared. “Bereft of a lineage of learning, without pupils or disciples, lacking family, friends, or kindred spirits. I possess no private property, nor do I accept Imperial honors, content to subsist upon an annual stipend of a single snowflake coin.

“Therefore, if your views contradict mine, you are assuredly mistaken.”

If disagreement arose concerning a specific matter, official documents could be submitted, each meticulously reviewed by Cui Chan himself. Endorsements indicated merit, while unmarked returns signaled their worthlessness. Each envelope bore the official seal of the State Preceptor’s Bureau. Those of sufficient courage could even confront Cui Chan directly, provided that their credentials and the endorsements of two senior officials (such as a Grand Minister) withstood scrutiny, and that they could guarantee not to squander the Preceptor’s invaluable time.

In days of yore, the only respite from the intricacies of the Imperial City that the Brocade Tiger had sought was to depart the Echoing Chamber Pavilion, wander through the alleys, and gaze upon the city walls.

The disquiet felt by Shen Chen and his esteemed colleagues during this particular council stemmed from the fact that the previous occupant of the chair, the Brocade Tiger, had engaged in discussions with an almost eerie composure, devoid of emotional fluctuation.

Yet, Chen Ping’an displayed his emotions with an uncharacteristic candor. Although, at the last council, Chen Ping’an had resembled the Brocade Tiger more closely.

Chen Ping’an swiftly scanned the scroll, his countenance easing slightly. The document, meticulously compiled, contained annotations and indices highlighting key figures and events – passable, at best.

Shaking his head, Chen Ping’an declared, “Royal kindred, border generals, noble clans, martial dignitaries, cultivators, the Jianghu, and the spirits of rivers and mountains – these seven categories, as identified and recorded by the Ministry of Justice, encompass but ninety-three individuals. The number is insufficient, and must be augmented.”

“The Ministry of Justice shall conduct a thorough search of the ‘Ren’ classification of files, seeking out local magnates, rustic hermits, and the like. Commence this task immediately. Pay particular attention to the scrutiny and collection of writings by recluse scholars, their books, gatherings, and lectures, be they laudatory or critical of the Great Li Dynasty, its governance, and the conduct of the border garrisons. Leave no word unspoken, no parchment unread.”

Ma Yuan’s gaze grew peculiar, his emotions a turbulent mix of intrigue and concern. *Could it be that the State Preceptor has surreptitiously wandered through our halls? How else could he possess such intimate knowledge of the Ministry’s inner workings?*

A dozen young officials buried in their records, pens flying across parchment, immediately rose and began to diligently retrieve files from the shelves. Concurrently, another group of young officials sifted and compiled the extracted information, striving for accuracy and conciseness in the data presented to the Imperial Study.

Noting the young Hidden Officer’s subtle expression, Ma Yuan sighed with relief, reassured that within the Ministry of Justice, the seeds of future promise had indeed taken root.

Chen Ping’an, of course, had not engaged in clandestine maneuvers within the Ministry, and he saw no need to offer explanation.

As the Hidden Officer who had single-handedly categorized and archived all the information from the Summer Palace and the Winter Palace, such tasks had become second nature. The study of records, once mastered, transcended specific disciplines, revealing a common thread running through all. Even the number of paper scraps used as bookmarks was immeasurable.

Chen Ping’an stated, “The six Sword Vessels currently under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Public Works shall immediately ascend and be placed under the command of the Great Li military, destined for Handan.”

“Furthermore, through the auspices of the Ministry of War, the court of Qiu Kingdom shall be notified and ordered to immediately recall the two border armies that have engaged in unauthorized rebellion.”

“Proclaim to the Generals of the Great Li stationed in Handan and Wei Provinces that they shall immediately break camp, selecting and dispatching an elite regiment of light cavalry. The commanding officers may determine the deployment of their troops along the borders of Qiu Kingdom at their discretion.”

“The Ministry of Rites shall issue a notice to all mountain and river spirits within Handan, commanding them to return to their temples and await further orders from the Great Li military. Any who dare to violate this decree shall be deemed heretical cults and their golden idols smashed. Concurrently, any evidence of collusion between Qiu Kingdom officials and foreign powers shall be immediately reported to the Ministry of Justice, with express permission to transmit such intelligence via flying swords.”

“Within Handan and the three adjoining provinces, all Great Li officials, both civil and military, shall be subjected to a thorough investigation, regardless of the methods employed. All interactions with Qiu Kingdom involving any exchange of benefit within the past five years, even so much as a single tael of silver or a painted scroll, shall be meticulously documented.”

With each “directive” issued by the State Preceptor,

the Imperial Study erupted into purposeful activity.

Shen Chen, with a gentle smile, inquired, “Shall we recall those soldiers of Qiu Kingdom descent who serve within the Great Li border garrisons from the Barbarian Lands?”

Zhao Duanjin nodded. “Such action is advisable.”

Regardless of their rank or origin, those who had followed the iron legions of Great Li to the battlefields of the Barbarian Lands possessed one attribute in common: they were veterans.

Chen Ping’an shook his head. “There is no need.”

Zhao Duanjin frowned slightly, while Shen Chen remained silent.

Chen Ping’an continued, “The Ministry of War and the Ministry of Justice shall furnish a detailed list of all Great Li spies and agents planted within Qiu Kingdom, their current identities, locations, and all historical intelligence gathered. In addition, a list of Qiu Kingdom military officers and lieutenants who once served within the Great Li border garrisons or participated in the Battle of the Capital, alongside mid-level Qiu Kingdom civil officials, shall also be provided. The Ministry of War and the Ministry of Justice shall indicate their respective attitudes toward the Great Li court – whether benevolent, neutral, or malevolent.”

Wu Wangcheng, Assistant Minister of War, nodded. “The Ministry of War possesses such records. Furthermore, we have assessed the changes in attitude among neutral Qiu Kingdom civil and military officials following the outbreak of hostilities, as well as detailed accounts of the character and proclivities of those officials who outwardly express animosity towards the Great Li.”

Ma Yuan, Minister of Justice, was surprised, yet he spoke plainly, “The Ministry of Justice has no such undertaking.”

Chen Ping’an did not rebuke the Ministry of Justice, instead saying to Wu Wangcheng, “Assistant Minister Wu, please discuss this matter with the Ministry of Justice in detail, and forward a copy of the council’s records to the State Preceptor’s Bureau.”

Wu Wangcheng nodded, while Ma Yuan looked taken aback.

Chen Ping’an considered for a moment, then said, “A small-scale council involving officials from the Ministry of Revenue would also be beneficial, although the presence of all three senior officials would be unnecessary; a department secretary would suffice. It is easy to compel Qiu Kingdom to submission, the challenge lies in managing the ensuing chaos. The Ministry of Revenue will have to disburse funds, so it is essential to monitor those venal officials, mountain immortals, and renowned figures of the Jianghu who harbor an affection for coin. Additionally, we must not overlook those disgruntled Qiu Kingdom civil and military officials who have been marginalized due to factional strife or the machinations of their colleagues. To those who desire wealth, grant them wealth; to those who seek office, grant them office; and to those who crave fame, bestow upon them fame. Within five to ten years, we shall assist this vassal state in replacing its leadership with capable officials who are loyal to the suzerain nation.”

“This is but one step in a series of measures to manage the aftermath. I shall soon draft a document specifically addressing the management of such situations, and forward it to those officials eligible to attend the small council. I encourage all to provide swift feedback, however lengthy or brief. It is my hope that we can establish a codified Imperial decree, enabling the methodical handling of future crises.”

Chen Ping’an shifted his gaze, inquiring, “Your Majesty, shall I proceed to the thousand-step corridor to discuss the specific details with the senior officials of the Ministries of War and Justice?”

Song He replied, “State Preceptor need not move. Continue the proceedings here. However, if the State Preceptor believes that the other location would be more effective, I shall accompany you.”

Chen Ping’an hesitated for a moment before saying, “Then, let us proceed to the State Preceptor’s official residence to resolve this matter.”

Song He rose and smiled. “I shall be delighted to accompany the State Preceptor and show you the facilities.”

As Chen Ping’an stood, he suddenly asked, “The State Preceptor’s Bureau also possesses similar arrangements, does it not?”

Song He chuckled. “Indeed, they are even more lavish than those of the Imperial Study.”

Chen Ping’an murmured, “My elder brother certainly did not fear committing lèse-majesté.”

The assembled officials, who had dared not laugh aloud at the Emperor’s words, burst into laughter at the State Preceptor’s self-deprecating remark.

Chen Ping’an turned toward the taciturn man, Yan Yongfeng, Master of Ceremonies of the Court of State Visits, and said, “Please send Han E and Liu Wenjin to wait outside the State Preceptor’s Bureau. In addition, summon Yan Jiaoran; I have matters to discuss with him.”

Yan Yongfeng nodded.

Chen Ping’an said, “Also, summon Cao Gengxin and Zhao Yao.”

Zhao Yao of the Ministry of Justice, and Cao Gengxin of the Ministry of Personnel, were both young and promising assistant ministers, and therefore eligible to attend the small council. The small council held in the Imperial Study could be attended by senior ministers from the six ministries, in addition to assistant ministers, the director of the Imperial Clan Court, and the general in charge of the Capital’s security. However, their presence was not invariably required, and on occasion even a senior minister could “beg leave” to absent himself.

Wu Wangcheng of the Ministry of War was a rising star in the Imperial court. Given the advanced age of the venerable Minister Shen Chen, whom Cao Ping had jokingly referred to as “more spent than refreshed,” the two assistant ministers of War, Xu Wu, who oversaw military affairs in the Barbarian Lands, had taken up residence in his office, while Wu Wangcheng, responsible for domestic military affairs, had to attend the small council every day.

For example, on this day, Xu Wu would remain in his office to discuss military secrets with Yan Jiaoran of the Purple-Gleaming Yan Clan.

One should not assume that Wu Wangcheng, with his battlefield experience, was a crude barbarian; he was, after all, a survivor of countless battles.

Among the Upper Pillar Kingdom clans of the Great Li Dynasty, Guan Yiran, great-grandson of Guan Yingche, the aged Minister of Personnel, held a low office; a secretary in the Department of Evaluations in the Ministry of Revenue. Several of his family elders occupied insignificant positions within the minor nine court ministries.

The Yu Clan, to which Empress Yu Mian belonged, was known derisively as the “Manure Yu Clan”, held no positions in the Imperial court, yet was highly respected within the Great Li border garrisons.

Yuan Chong, also known as Yunshui, possessed a refined appearance reminiscent of a scholar and was the father of Yuan Zhengding, the prefect of Hong Province.

Cao Qiao, of imposing stature, was the elder brother of the Inspector Cao Ping and the father of Cao Gengxin, Assistant Minister of Personnel.

It was said within the Great Li court that “the Yuans and Caos traveled different paths.”

In addition to Cao Ping, there were currently six military officers in the Great Li Dynasty who had been granted the title of Inspector, of whom only four were living.

The title of Upper Pillar Kingdom could be inherited, but not that of Inspector.

Rumor had it that there existed eight Promotion Charts within the Great Li Dynasty, representing eight overt or covert paths to advancement.

Although Yan Yongfeng was the current patriarch of the Purple-Gleaming Yan Clan, his role in the affairs of the Great Li Dynasty were overseen by Yan Jiaoran, who was responsible for the deployment, supervision, and promotion of all the military cultivators within the Great Li Dynasty.

It was a pity about General Su Gaoshan, the first Great Li general to receive the title of Inspector, who had fallen in battle.

It was said that Assistant Minister Wu Wangcheng, the confidant and favored general of Prince Luo, Song Mu, had risen through the ranks to the Ministry of War due to his humble origins, mirroring those of Inspector Su. The Great Li court was said to require figures of this nature to serve as pillars within its establishment.

An old man in the house is a treasure.

The same holds true for an imperial court.

Chen Ping’an helped the elderly Minister Shen rise, leading him out of the Imperial Study. The thousand-step corridor was neither far nor near.

The Emperor Song He had been called away on urgent business, taking the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Palace Attendants with him.

The weasel-hatted girl, a confirmed careerist, clucked her tongue in envy, remarking on the prestige of those men holding the highest-ranking offices of the Treasure Bottle Continent.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “How did your discussions regarding the publication of books go?”

Xie Gou grumbled, “After hearing from the old scholar that anyone with a little money can publish and sell books themselves, I lost interest.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, offering no further comment.

Shen Chen inquired, “Does the State Preceptor require a set of everyday official robes?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head. “No, they make me feel awkward. I prefer to follow the example of State Preceptor Cui.”

Shen Chen further inquired, “If not official robes, how about ceremonial court attire for sacrificial rites and celebrations?”

Chen Ping’an smiled and nodded. “Ceremonial robes are a necessity. Surely I am not expected to pay for them myself?”

Shen Chen chuckled. “The Ministry of Revenue is not so miserly.”

Chen Ping’an inquired, “I never asked: what is the State Preceptor’s stipend?”

Shen Chen smiled and replied, “If the State Preceptor were to ‘retain the previous arrangement,’ it would be one snowflake coin.”

Chen Ping’an replied, “That is not insignificant.”

Shen Chen clarified, “Not per month, but per year.”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Not so much, then.”

Shen Chen gently patted the hand of the young State Preceptor, smiling. “I am able to walk slowly.”

The rhythmic tap of his cane echoed upon the paving stones.

The cane in the old man’s hand was slender, yet appeared particularly sturdy.

Chen Ping’an released his hold, giving Wu Wangcheng a meaningful glance.

Wu Wangcheng quickly took the State Preceptor’s place in supporting the old Minister, who did not refuse, yet spoke without gratitude. “Is Assistant Minister Wu so eager to become a senior minister that he insinuates to the State Preceptor that I am decrepit and half-buried?”

Although Wu Wangcheng was perceptive, he lacked eloquence and did not know how to respond.

Shen Chen laughed. “Those who lead troops only need to be competent with a blade. Is this not the truth, State Preceptor?”

Chen Ping’an replied, “Assistant Minister Wu was merely slow to react in the Imperial Study, outmaneuvered by me.”

Wu Wangcheng felt awkward and ill at ease.

Shen Chen slowly said, “Generally, there are two reasons for rebellion. Either the common people outside the government are unable to endure their hardships, resorting to cannibalism, or treacherous officials seek to usurp the throne to indulge their imperial ambitions. I find the situation in Qiu Kingdom difficult to comprehend.”

“During the council in the Imperial Study today, there were those who harbored reservations regarding the State Preceptor’s military actions against Qiu Kingdom, yet they dared not voice their doubts. The mountain offering had recently ascended to the fourteenth realm, who would dare speak against him? As the council progressed, their understanding deepened. From a young age, they were raised to be adept at reading the winds, and as they matured into senior officials, they became adept at adapting to changing circumstances. Like oil, they would always rise to the surface, no matter how turbulent the waves.”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “I am aware.”

Shen Chen inquired, “Truly aware? And also aware of the dissolute descendants and relatives of my family who are oppressing our local village in recent years?”

After the State Preceptor Cui Chan resigned and before Chen Ping’an assumed the office, the Great Li Dynasty, which encompassed half of the continent, had become too large, and the Treasure Bottle Continent had ceased its war.

Chen Ping’an replied, “If the elderly Minister Shen is aware, then I am even more so. I indeed intended to act against those vermin within the Shen Clan. However, you need not go to such lengths to assist me in igniting the three fires of a new official. You may simply send a letter home. First, you are of advanced age, and I must discuss the matter of Shen Chen’s posthumous title with His Majesty beforehand. The Ministry of Rites is not qualified to offer advice. Furthermore, if I intend to make an example, I will certainly select the largest targets; small-scale actions are meaningless.”

Shen Chen frowned. “Is Zhao Yao of the Ministry of Justice planning a large-scale operation?”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “I have previously told Zhao Yao to investigate thoroughly, with no statute of limitations and no exemptions. Whomever they uncover, regardless of their relationship, shall be held responsible for their inadequate oversight.”

Shen Chen hesitated.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “I will exercise discretion. From a young age, I learned to read faces; the fare of a hundred families is difficult to stomach.”

Shen Chen smiled in response. “Is it the taste of the fare of a hundred families that is difficult, or is it difficult to obtain the fare of a hundred families?”

Chen Ping’an replied, “The taste is pleasant on the tongue – a full meal is the greatest of flavors. However, it is difficult on the heart.”

Shen Chen said, “The State Preceptor should also give due consideration to His Majesty’s feelings.”

Chen Ping’an replied, “Assuredly.”

Shen Chen inquired, “Do you believe His Majesty is truly engaged in pressing matters, or is it merely an excuse?”

Chen Ping’an replied, “It is of no consequence.”

Shen Chen looked up at the sun, which was not yet high, resembling a golden pearl embedded within the azure sky.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Fortunately, no one said, ‘Why make such a commotion, wasting national resources? Would it not be better for the State Preceptor to personally travel to Handan?’ Or, ‘Why not simply have the enshrined stranger draw his sword?'”

Shen Chen said, “They would not say such things at the small council, but perhaps at the morning court. It is not that they fear you, but rather that the court must dispatch a few ‘scouts’ to probe the depths of your tolerance and the limits of your actions.”

After a moment of silence, Shen Chen inquired, “Does the plan for Handan involve using Sword Vessels to scour the battlefield, followed by two units of light cavalry to strike directly at the Qiu Kingdom capital?”

Instead of answering directly, Chen Ping’an inquired, “Elder Minister, why do you believe such individuals are absent from the small council?”

Shen Chen smiled.

The young State Preceptor’s conversational tone caused Wu Wangcheng to feel a chill down his spine.

He wished to depart quickly or cover his ears. However, he was still supporting the elderly minister.

Shen Chen said, “In my youth, fueled by impetuosity, I resigned from my position. In addition to criticizing Cui Chan for being a foreigner, I also criticized him as a Great Li State Preceptor who insisted on calculating his salary in snowflake coins, feigning indifference. Actually, I criticized him for much, but due to my accent, the officials from the capital could not understand my local dialect.”

“When I suspected that he was a nascent soul immortal – for in those days, a nascent soul in the Treasure Bottle Continent was undoubtedly an esteemed old immortal – I became enraged. As the State Preceptor, he personally reorganized the Great Li border garrisons, yet why did he not intervene when the battles were so brutal? Therefore, if I were several decades younger, I would have asked those two questions in the small council today.”

“Now, I will not.”

To succeed in the Imperial court, in addition to diligence and competence, one must also be skilled at pretense, endurance, and ruthlessness. Of course, good fortune is also essential.

Shen Chen sighed. “Cultivation within the Imperial court is arduous, amidst the swirling waves.”

Chen Ping’an folded his hands within his sleeves, saying indifferently, “Within the turbulent currents of the official sea, a peak suddenly rises, revealing that steadfastness is the true mountain.”

Shen Chen halted, shaking his arm to signal Wu Wangcheng to release him. The elderly Minister smiled. “State Preceptor, allow Assistant Minister Wu to proceed to the council; I shall not walk the long path to the State Preceptor’s Bureau. I must return for a nap.”

Chen Ping’an smiled and nodded. “The first Great Li Bureau I visit will undoubtedly be the Main Hall of the Ministry of War.”

Shen Chen whispered, “In the matter of my posthumous title, please say a few kind words to His Majesty on my behalf, awarding me a grand assessment.”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “I shall assuredly act with impartiality.”

Shen Chen sharply struck Wu Wangcheng with his cane. “Why do you tarry? Show the State Preceptor the way! It is time to depart!”

Wu Wangcheng led Chen Ping’an to the exclusive Bureau established for the State Preceptor near the thousand-step corridor.

The most important bureaus of the capital were clustered along the Southern Breeze Ward and the Imperial Examination Lane, flanking the thousand-step corridor.

Those bureaus that were dismissed as unimportant were often located in the Lane of Hesitant Intent and the Calle of Flutes.

The Emperor had truly been summoned away on urgent business to the inner palace, to the Empress, Yu Mian. Family matters, yet the Emperor’s family matters were also matters of state.

The State Preceptor, the Brocade Tiger, had once walked through the bustling streets of the capital with the then Crown Prince Song He.

He imparted to the youth the true nature of “Imperial Disposition,” so often written about in history books and whispered among officials. It was not merely feigning eccentricity or being ruthless, or concealing one’s thoughts from one’s ministers, nor was it unbridled magnanimity, gentleness, or tolerance.

The essence lay in “depth,” in the capacity to contain many things, including anger and grievances, keeping them hidden within the heart, and then… destroying them!

Walking along the road, listening to the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Palace Attendants speak of mountain and river journeys, the Emperor smiled. “You had a pleasant conversation with Miss Xie of the Cared-for Mountain?”

The old eunuch immediately replied, “This old servant has overstepped his bounds.”

The Emperor waved his hand, curiously inquiring, “Was her attempt to converse with you merely a tactic, or was she sincere?”

Although the old eunuch had come to a conclusion, he replied, “This old servant does not know.”

The Emperor raised and stretched his arms, shaking his head and puffing out his chest. He felt quite pleased.

The State Preceptor’s Bureau was essentially an official residence, yet Cui Chan never resided there, instead returning to his humble alley each night.

The inspection of officials in the capital and provinces was critical to ensuring the orderly functioning of the empire. However, after the first decade, State Preceptor Cui Chan delegated responsibility for it to the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Rites, with the other two Bureaus providing ancillary support. Yet, the self-inspections of the Censorate, as part of the Imperial inspection, were never disregarded by Cui Chan, and were always closely monitored by the State Preceptor’s Bureau.

Within the three courtyards of the official residence, more than thirty secretarial clerks worked on government affairs in the east and west wings of the second courtyard, earning it the reputation of the Great Li Dynasty’s Small Hanlin Academy.

The “gatekeepers” were two young women in their early twenties. They were pure martial artists, said to be the orphans of two military officers.

Chen Ping’an and Wu Wangcheng proceeded directly to the main hall for discussions. After approximately half an hour, the senior ministers returned to their respective offices.

The six Sword Vessels had already reached the border between Handan and Qiu Kingdom, casting vast shadows across the land like six clouds.

Two units of elite cavalry clad in armor adorned with talismans were also on the march, their iron armor glinting and stirring up dust on the official road to Handan.

The two individuals brought over by the Ministry of Rites had waited outside the Bureau for a full hour.

Along the way, they had seen no fortified barriers or heavily armed soldiers. And standing before the entrance, nobody paid them any attention.

The young prince, Han E, who should have been granted a fief, stood desolately under the sun.

By his side, the Minister of Rites of Qiu Kingdom, Liu Wenjin, of middle age, stood with his back straight and his face expressionless.

The young prince was the first to be led to the entrance of a wing within the third courtyard by a stern-faced, heroic-looking young woman. It resembled the study of a wealthy family in the capital of Qiu Kingdom.

She silently turned and left, leaving the boy alone.

The room was sparsely furnished, and shafts of light streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air.

*Was this where the Brocade Tiger, State Preceptor Cui Chan, once presided over the affairs of the Great Li Dynasty?*

*Which figures had occupied the vacant chairs intended for guests?*

Han E, his breath coming in short gasps, steeled his resolve, peering around with the corner of his eye, afraid to turn his head lest he give the master of the room some pretext for accusing him of spying on Great Li’s secrets. History recorded such tales.

A warm voice cut through the air. “Enter.”

The boy hastily lowered his head and crossed the threshold, lifting his gaze to locate the speaker near a row of bookshelves extending to the ceiling.

The man wore a jade hairpin in his hair, donned a blue shirt, and wore cloth shoes. He had a gentle expression and smiled. “State Preceptor Cui’s study is elsewhere. This room has just been set up.”

Perhaps on the way there, the young prince had envisioned countless scenarios: an official from the Ministry of War or the Ministry of Rites of Great Li issuing a thunderous rebuke, or a dance of swords where heads would roll, either his own or Minister Liu’s, or perhaps both.

But he had never imagined such a peaceful and serene setting. Han E felt bewildered.

The man was not dressed in Great Li official robes. Rather, he resembled an unsuccessful scholar who had been trapped in the examination hall, or a schoolmaster.

The man inquired, “Han E, did you come here as a hostage willingly, or out of necessity?”

Han E replied without hesitation. “Of course, I came willingly!”

Chen Ping’an placed the book under his arm, dragging two chairs near the window. “Sit down and let us talk. Tell me why you came here willingly.”

Han E dared not sit. Tentatively, he inquired, “May I ask who sir is?”

Why was this man here? Was he a high-ranking official, one of the pillar clans entrusted with the hopes of the family? Was he a well-preserved, close retainer of the State Preceptor, Cui Chan, a loyal follower with a separate room to his name? Or merely a secretary, temporarily assigned to take care of mundane tasks here?

Moreover, stories told of white-robed strategists, concealed behind the scenes, orchestrating events from afar.

Tales of the Brocade Tiger and Cui Chan were countless. Han E had heard so much in the palace in Qiu Kingdom that his ears ached.

Chen Ping’an simply said, “Han E, do you know that Qiu Kingdom is about to engage in war? In war, many will die.”

Han E was confused. Were these not mere platitudes? Yet, recalling that this man was likely a confidant of the State Preceptor, he suspected that the words contained a deeper meaning, one that he was unable to fathom.

The man continued, “Of course, those who die include you and Minister Liu Wenjin, who is so eager to be enshrined in history.”

Although Han E had long anticipated his own demise, hearing these words from an “official of the State Preceptor’s Bureau of Great Li” caused his face to blanch, his scalp to prickle, and a chill to run down his spine.

Han E saw that the man’s smile remained unchanged, and his voice warm, yet the content of his words caused the young prince to feel as though icy air was seeping through the crown of his head.

“Because you are doomed and happen to be in the capital of Great Li, and because you happen to be young, I shall speak with you a while longer.”

Han E, born of royal blood, had never witnessed such things before, especially without Liu Wenjin by his side.

The boy tried to appear brave, but he was as agitated and trembled like a leaf.

The man said, “I have only recently taken office and am unfamiliar with the military and political affairs of Great Li, let alone the customs of Handan and the internal affairs of Qiu Kingdom. Now that I have finished with official business, I will talk with you.”

“May I ask you a question, then can you answer? If you have any questions, of course you can ask me. Of the nations north of the Great Estuary, only thirty-odd retain the title of vassal state. As the suzerain state, the court of Great Li has treated your Han family reasonably well. It is merely that State Preceptor Cui and Liu Qingfeng had a desire for you to jump out, and they tolerated you. I, on the other hand, might not have coddled you to begin with.”

Han E remained silent.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Are you afraid to speak without Liu Wenjin by your side? I will summon the spy of the former White Frost Dynasty.”

He said to the outside, “Bring Liu Wenjin here.”

Soon, Han E saw Liu Wenjin.

The young woman carried a bloodied head.

Chen Ping’an waved the rolled-up book in his hand, and she departed with the head. Han E hastily covered his mouth, nearly vomiting.

Chen Ping’an shook his head and smiled. “Not very old, but acting skills are not bad. You recognized my identity at first sight but tried to pretend otherwise. But do not worry – you will find out if Chen Ping’an of the Cared-for Mountain is the new State Preceptor of Great Li?”

Han E suddenly tensed, wiping his mouth with his hand, rising slowly, and bowing. “Han E, a vassal of Qiu, greets the State Preceptor of Great Li.”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Qiu Kingdom is no longer a vassal of Great Li, so your idea of seeking riches and honors by gambling for a new vassal ruler has failed.”

Han E suddenly lifted his head, incredulous. “State Preceptor truly intends to commit indiscriminate slaughter in Handan, invade with armed forces, and kill innocent people?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head. “Both yes and no. I will only kill those who believe that even if a war is fought and the border garrisons are killed, they will be untouched.”