From the annals of the Dali Ministry of Punishments, a saying was oft repeated by a grim-faced clerk: “Each self-penned confession in the Archives of Truth-Seeking is a swiftly-told, yet stunning tale of a shadow-walker’s life.”

In a humble inn, nestled within the ordinary streets of Qiu’s capital, Su Lang, the famed Azure Bamboo Sword, donned fresh attire, returning to the abode where his disciple, Gao You, sat bolt upright, a knot of worry twisting in his gut. The lad feared his master’s errand would end in tragedy; barely had he sworn fealty than he might be burdened with a blood-debt, forced onto a path of vengeance before his blade had truly tasted steel.

Su Lang retrieved a wooden box from his pack. Within lay the implements of a scribe. Seating himself, he ground ink, then closed his eyes, gathering his thoughts. Finally, he dipped the brush and began to chronicle his venture into Qiu’s capital, the assassination within the gilded cage of the pleasure house.

Young Gao You, though bursting with questions, held his tongue, fixing his gaze upon his master’s back. Yet, he could not bear the silence. “Master,” he whispered, “what do you write?”

“A detailed account,” Su Lang replied, “for the eyes of the Dali Ministry of Punishments.”

Gao You gave a small “Oh,” and dared not press further.

After a moment’s hesitation, Su Lang beckoned Gao You closer, placing the two finished pages before him. The tale ended just before the Yellow-Rank assassin was ambushed by the courtesan. “Read,” Su Lang instructed, “then forget.”

Gao You devoured the words. He had learned to decipher script alongside the sword forms. “Master,” he declared, “I would be wary of that courtesan.”

Su Lang remained impassive. “Why?”

“This Yellow-Rank is clearly a master of shadows,” Gao You explained, “yet only in his room, the one costing three hundred taels a night, did the flower awake? I believe not that she was merely frightened. Prudence is a warrior’s shield. One may gamble at the gaming houses, but not with life itself. Had I deemed it unwise to slay her outright, I would have knocked her senseless! If she were a foe—hypothetically speaking—either the Yellow-Rank was careless or the two knew each other, fearing eavesdroppers. You, Master, might have been watching! Or no… perhaps they recognized one another, and she feigned sleep, communicating in hushed whispers, as bards tell us. Or… perhaps they were lovers, and duty demanded a cruel choice. One must live, the other must die… I but speculate, Master.”

In the shadowed alleys of his boyhood home, dens of ill-repute offered fleeting solace for mere copper. The price scribbled on the page, three hundred taels, made his eyes water. Was she forged of gold, this courtesan? He had dreamt of saving twenty or thirty taels, sending them to those women he and Wan Yan had called “Auntie” as they passed their doors. His master had merely said, “A kind thought,” yet offered not a single coin.

A rare smile touched Su Lang’s lips. “I see I have chosen well. You have a knack for the craft.”

He would not share the later passages with the boy; the Ministry of Punishments would discern the truth.

Gao You scratched his head, uncertain.

Su Lang feigned displeasure, furrowing his brow. “Where do you find such strange notions?”

Gao You confessed, “Thieving is no simple task. Since the age of six, Wan Yan and I have plied the trade, without a master’s guidance. Misjudge a mark or hesitate, and you are rewarded with a beating. I’ve been sent spinning by a single blow. Wan Yan was once kicked so severely he was never the same. After each failure, we would dissect our errors, searching for understanding.”

Su Lang chuckled. “In every profession, a master can be found.”

Relief flooded Gao You’s face. As long as his master did not banish or despise him, a little embarrassment mattered little.

Su Lang shared more of the inner workings. “The Yellow-Rank targets Qiu’s corrupt officials, while I shadow him. This is both to prevent escape or the presence of hidden protectors, and to ensure his obedience. His accounts and mine must align perfectly. A single discrepancy invites scrutiny. A minor offense requires a journey to the Ministry; a major one, a visit from their agents. The Secretary of the Ministry of Punishments oversees me, and the Vice Minister, Zhao Yao, watches over them all. As for who watches Zhao Yao… only the Heavens know.”

Gao You gasped. “Then this Zhao Vice Minister must be a mighty figure indeed!”

Su Lang smiled. “In a way, yes.”

Gao You inquired, “Did many from Dali join in this venture against Qiu?”

Su Lang nodded. “I am but a cog in the machine, not privy to the grand design. However, I can estimate. The target list holds five hundred names. The Yellow-Rank and I belong to secret branches of the Ministry of War and Punishments. Add the warriors drawn from the garrisons of Han and other provinces. Whether they strike or merely lurk in the shadows, the number should be three hundred strong.”

“So many!” Gao You exclaimed, astonished.

“Is it?” Su Lang asked, amused.

“Cut that in half,” Gao You ventured, “and you could slay every official and general in Qiu within a day!”

Su Lang chuckled and shook his head.

“Did I err, Master?” Gao You asked, concerned.

Su Lang laid down his brush, his face growing serious. “Who strikes whom is not solely dictated by power. That you are suited to the task matters more than your current strength. Every strike must be certain, yet serve as a lesson for the Yellow-Rank and his ilk. The Ministry seeks to hone their skills. The Yellow-Rank spent years in the brothels, learning the ways of men. When he assumes a new identity—a wealthy son or a pampered noble—he can speak and behave accordingly, becoming more real than reality itself.”

“Most importantly, remember this: the ‘Yellow-Ranks’ of tomorrow, or Gao You, yourself, may become officials. You will step from the shadows into the light. You may not follow the path of scholars, but Dali has forged two routes of advancement for you. One day, you might rule a territory! I have heard that some have risen to the rank of Prefect or even Vice General of Qi Province!”

Su Lang smiled faintly. “It is said that Minister Ma of our Ministry once declared, ‘There are two kinds of officials: those brilliant with books, and those grounded in deeds.'”

Though, the Minister had added, “I, of course, am both.”

Gao You laughed. “Ma Yuan? Everyone knows him, the famed Minister, head of the Poyang Ma clan! They say in the capital that he is Guan Yu’s bastard son!”

Su Lang did not chide his pupil’s disrespect.

Gao You grew somber. “Master, Wan Yan and I used to joke about Minister Ma. Now that I know how powerful Vice Minister Zhao is, I realize Ma Yuan must be fearsome indeed. I might stammer when I meet him.”

Su Lang found the notion amusing. “Fear not, the chance is slim. I have never met Minister Ma myself, nor spoken a word in his presence.”

Abruptly, Su Lang snatched the sword scabbard from the table and gestured for silence.

A gentle knock echoed from the door. Su Lang deepened his voice, feigning languor. “Who is it?”

A voice, syrupy enough to melt a man’s bones, purred, “Good sir, might I warm your bed? The price is negotiable…”

She chuckled suggestively.

Su Lang sighed, but relaxed nonetheless.

Gao You whispered, “Auntie Zhou?!”

Su Lang hastily hid the pages within his sleeve, then glanced at the wooden box. Hesitating, he left it be and opened the door, revealing Zhou Haijing.

A handsome man stood beside her, a wine gourd of purple leather dangling from his belt, smiling warmly.

Su Lang was taken aback. He bowed at once. “Su Lang, Second-Rank Enshrinement of the Ministry of Punishments, greets Vice Minister Cao.”

Had Zhou Haijing concealed Vice Minister Cao’s presence in the corridor? Or…?

Cao Gengxin returned the bow. “A pleasure, a pleasure! The name of the Azure Bamboo Sword is legend. I was passing by with Madam Zhou and thought to pay our respects.”

It was hard to tell who had heard of whom. Su Lang stepped aside, allowing them entrance, and quietly closed the door, knowing that silence was golden.

Cao Gengxin gazed at Gao You, bowing again. “Good day, young sir. You have the air of a future official!”

Gao You wisely rose to his feet, retreating from the table towards the bed, unbidden.

Struck dumb by the Vice Minister’s greeting, he could only glance at his master, seeking guidance. Su Lang offered none.

The lad was bewildered. Vice Minister? Of where? Of this Qiu? Or a peer of the great Zhao? Were all officials so whimsical? If so, Wan Yan and I were born for the life! Alas, that ungrateful Wan Yan had fled to the mountains to become a god!

Cao Gengxin chuckled. “Young Gao, could you speak clearly before Minister Chen?”

Gao You blinked. “Minister Chen? Which one?”

“The one who visited your alley and called upon your Auntie Zhou!” Cao Gengxin teased.

Gao You grinned. “Ah, that one!宗主Chen sect leader, of course! Recognize him immediately, very friendly…” He hadn’t chatted much, but the man was quite amicable.

The one who wore cloth shoes was quite wealthy.

Cao Gengxin roared with laughter. “Then fear not Minister Ma! Ask him at once if he is Guan Yu’s bastard son! I have wondered myself for years. If you learn the truth, be sure to share it!”

Su Lang’s mind raced. Was it truly him, occupying that position?

The Azure Bamboo Sword then thought of years ago, maybe he could say to be defeated in the match was an honor?

Even knowing the man’s rank, Gao You felt no fear. “I’m not a fool,” he muttered.

Su Lang, fearing an indiscretion, forced a smile. “Gao You, this is Vice Minister Cao of the Ministry of Personnel from our Dali, not Qiu.”

Gao You glanced at Cao Gengxin’s wine gourd, then grinned sheepishly. “Master, I suspected as much, but dared not believe it.”

Every corner-boy in the capital knew of Cao, Vice Minister of Personnel: first-rate lineage, second-rate talent, third-rate office, last of the breed. The lover of wine and women, who was notoriously remiss in his duties. In short he was bad news. Those who lived off the streets, however, often envied the one advantage of Cao, as it appeared to be simple.

The rumors held that Minister Cao had sold Spring Palace paintings as a child; how true, none could say.

Cao Gengxin settled onto the bench, clasped his hands behind his head, and leaned back, only to jolt upright, embarrassed. “I am not well-liked in the Sword Galleon, I have lost some official positions but there have been many more promotions, and also have some misgivings about how to do things smoothly, even if it is difficult, must be promoted. I nearly drew the ire of powerful lords who would gladly see my head on a pike. Luckily, Madam Zhou knew this fellow. We fled here for a bit of peace, leaving Vice Minister Zhao to weather the storm.”

Gao You, never having served in officialdom, merely found Cao Gengxin amusing; he’d make a fine storyteller.

Su Lang understood exactly what sort of transgression would enrage the General of Han and his peers, to the point of confronting the Vice Minister of Personnel, whose family had done wonders in the past. In short, not only Qiu was being cut down, but officials within Dali’s Han Province also faced the blade.

Zhou Haijing giggled. “Swords drawn, tensions high! And a man hiding behind two women! How valiant! Vice Minister Zhao, on the other hand, stood his ground, berating the governors of Si and Lu Provinces as if they were children!”

Cao Gengxin took a swig of wine, shaking his head. “Some men can never be pleased. By heavens, I should have joined the Ministry of Punishments! This post is too hot to handle!”

Su Lang ventured, “Are we expecting reinforcements? Will someone be watching for a time?”

Zhou Haijing gasped.

Cao Gengxin nodded. “Those vacant positions, both in the capital and among the generals, already have candidates vying for them. The departure of Grand Preceptor Zhuang Fan and General Dou Mei has sparked fierce competition in Qiu. But the court and officialdom in Qiu should be relatively easy, but when it comes to the immortal sects and martial orders, those are easy enough to solve too, of course, there will be some who are irreplaceable, like the academies and free speech which takes up an excess of energy, the new experts will be needed. The State Preceptor’s Office has all in hand. The effects will be seen in a few months.”

Gao You was lost in a sea of words.

Su Lang’s heart was conflicted. He forced himself to say, “I cannot imagine.”

Cao Gengxin smiled. “Perhaps we all have things we cannot imagine.”

In Dali’s capital, Yu Yu, who was supposed to be running things smoothly.

With the State Preceptor Cui’s guiding hand, all ran flawlessly.

Now that he was gone, Dali was faltering.

Putting aside what was far away.

Cao Gengxin looked normal, as he asked, “I have two guests meeting me here, will Su let us use this room?”

Su Lang rose and said, “If there are no extra requests, then me and Gao You can get our of the capital”

Cao Gengxin smiled and said, “This kid, hopefully you can turn him into something, if you are in the capital, you can visit, the Ministry of Punishments and the Ministry of Personnel, only a few steps away.”

Su Lang said goodbye, “I certainly will.”

Master and pupil had barely left when two others arrived.

A handsome youth, a folding fan tucked into the back of his collar, like a dissipated noble, accompanied by a woman in a veiled hat, seemingly a maidservant.

He was the Vice Minister known in court, the prodigy from humble birth, the top scorer in the imperial exams.

He has now become the a Vice Minister at 30. Other than once almost becoming the royal consort, Shao Wanling has had a very stable career.

And the sword-bearing palace maid was called Wei Xianrou, she was known to have slain three people in a row, an instructor, the young queen, and a young emporer

These two, were real natives of Qiu.

The second day after having risked everything, the man mailed a secret letter to the Ministry of Punishments.

A woman became a spy for Dali since she was twelve, and also was on the official registry in the capital.

The general populace didn’t need to know the secrets, just the court.

Zhou Haijing gave a sigh of relief.

Cao Gengxin smiled and said, “You thought that Su Lang was too righteous, and didn’t really suit the official life, but I knew I saw something. Being high up, requires a lot of skill, I can’t say with certain, that this will happen, but I really like the Azurite Sword. The next time that I see him at the Ministry of Personnel, must ask about the details of the Mountain Village Showdown.”

Zhou Haijing laughed at him “Don’t you have something else to do?”

Cao Gengxin said, “Some of the things that Su Lang just can’t comprehend.”

Zhou Haijing was shocked, “Cao Gengxin, aren’t you trying to make yourself look better and insult everyone?”

Cao Gengxin retorted, “As a child, I had a phobia of becoming an official, so I had to do something to get by, do you think I was having fun while I was a building inspector, do you think anyone could be like I was? Wu Yuan, Yuan Zhengting, they are super smart, and yet they have tripped, and failed before.

Zhou Haijing laughed, “If you’re afraid, then why would you have anything to do with officials, but you’re in the position, you are so high up, it’s not your concern?”

Cao Gengxin said, “More often than not, you just have to do it.”

A knocking was heard, Zhou Haijing lifted her chin, and Cao Gengxin scrambled to answer the door.

Cao Gengxin fixed his collar and greeted them warmly “Please, come in” Since, Shao Wanling, thought that Cao didn’t mean for him to come, then he had already gone towards the table. Wei Xianrou removed her hat, and bowed to Cao Gengxin before standing next to Shao Wanling.

Cao Gengxin closed the door, before turning around seriously and said, “Meeting”

Zhou Haijing didn’t really have expectations, something like this had almost never happened before.

Cao Gengxin didn’t waste any time, he asked, “Shao Wanling, you weren’t given the Minister of War position, you feeling angry?”

Shao Wanling shook his head. “I don’t really suit the position, it’s not just the fact that my experience, age and pedigree, and I’m more suited for the Ministry of Personnel. If I become the Minister later, it will not be a problem.”

Cao Gengxin nodded. “The reason that I’m here, is because the State Teacher asked me to pass on a message, he wanted to know if you were willing to take a position with the Dali Department of General Administration, which just happened to be making a few shifts, and some are very suited for you”

“Of course it won’t be the same position, as it would be very eye catching, and to do that you would be a liability in Dali, as well as your career in your homeland. I, Cao Gengxin, can guarantee here that as long as you work hard, I will have it matched”

Zhou Haijing was shocked, and he told Shao Wanling that he could be promoted very quickly, but

She didn’t expect that Shao Wanling was very determined, “I ask for an official position, not with Dali. Even if I were to be binded and brought back to Dali’s Capital, I wouldn’t be an official, and if the State Teacher would be standing here. I would be saying the same!”

After a moment of silence, Shao Wanling softly said, “If now, I can easily switch what the Emporer is sitting on, but if the officials became anything like the people from Qiu, I would be against the main nation, and if this was the case, you would easily kill me, and then I will deserve it.”

As he was saying it, Shao Wanling self deplored a bit, but in the end said, “Ganging up with those worthless dead beats, who say I should die, it really does not feel good, and has been taken out of context”

Cao Gengxin was thinking, before hitting the table, “Studying at the school, and writing those things.”

Wei Xianrou’s eyes brightened.

Cao Gengxin said, “There’s stuff that you just can’t do, just don’t tell me ah, you need to speak to the State Teacher yourself”

Zhou Haijing put her hand in front of her mouth, and softly spoke, “Those words are from the State Teacher, Vice Minster is borrowing them”

Cao Gengxin was very shameless, so he really didn’t mind anything, and was talking about himself, “You really can’t be an official.”

Shao Wanling said “It’s just a small number, if not”

Cao started to say, while breaking up Shao Wanling and saying, but he took out a Second Rate Worship Plaque and said, “It should have been Zhao Yao, who personally delivered this to you, but he can’t move at the moment, so I will do it for him”

Wei Xianrou took out a third rate badge, and swapped them out.

Zhou Haijing had been very curious, and she could see that Wei Xianrou wasn’t really happy.

Cao Gengxin got out and wore it on his waist, with everyone looking weird at him, and he asked, “What, it illegal, not able to have fun?”

Wei Xianrou softly spoke, “Vice Minister, according to the Dali rules, wearing a badge is very illegal, and the consequences are great.”

Cao Gengxin waved his hand and said, “I am the State Preceptor and I am as close as brother’s with Zhao Yao.”

A hand was put on the shoulders of the State Preceptor, who was smiling and said, “It’s not illegal, you need to draft stuff.

Cao Gengxin turned his head and smiled, “Why are you here State Preceptor?”

Other than Chen Ping’an, was a red cheeked girl, and a green stick.

Zhou Haijing heisted, before getting up to greet the guest.

Both of them, jumped and stood up.

Chen Ping’an ignored Cao and greeted the others, “Meeting Shao Vice Minister and Wei Officer, these past few years have been a lot”

Shao Wanling gave a bow of respect.

Wei Xianrou started to raise her hands, before stopping to do a bend.

Cao Gengxin wanted to get up, but Chen Ping’an pressed back on his shoulder.

Chen Ping’an had a smile on and said, “I’m here to board the ship and take a look, another reason is to meet the Dali spies, I can’t be laughed at, so I had to be a diplomat.”

Cao Gengxin said, “State Teacher, I’m not able to move, so I’m not really able to move”

Shao Wanling said, “Are you able to invite the Minister, or I’ll make you look like one of those people.”

Cao Gengxin rubbed his chin, “Really. I really have a good time in the official world, so you have to be more careful”

Wei Xianrou’s expression was serious, but there was something shocking, how could Cao just talk to the State Preceptor like that?

“You can both sit down and talk”

Chen Ping’an said, “Officer Wei, Qiu has had changes, and Dali has a lot of stuff, but they are very well done, so I wanted to go over them and help promote people, so I came on the ship, and then Zhao Yao didn’t want any of those guys to get credit for it, and thought it was making other people not happy, so he stopped it, however he said that he would personally oversee it. ”

When Zhao Yao was talking, Wei jumped and stood up.

Her face shone, with a mouth that was tightly shut.

Chen Ping’an said, “Shao, do you want to come to Dali?”

Shao Wanling got up and shook his head, “Can I ask the State Teacher to help with Minister Zhangsun?”

Cao Gengxin had a laugh, but also the State Teacher was on the way.

Chen Ping’an nodded and said, “No problem”

Cao Chen looked at the Minister, but he looked back at Chen Ping’an and thought you have nothing, do you.

Chen Ping’an turned around and took all of the guards to the Guest Inn, near the quite place.

Prior to this, Cao had left, while Zhao was fighting with the officials.

Only to say those six officials, have went to the hill.

They didn’t realize the huge map had someone who was behind them for a while

When they got suspicious, Chen was asking the Vice General about some war things, after that Chen was only discussing with Zhao about the upgrade for one of the people.

Si Tu, was like Chen who was acting as a new teacher.

Long before it happened Chen had said “If you do not agree with me, then you are wrong.”

He had the say “I was the reason for the Dynasty, Dali in the past and Chen in the past, you need to know this.

The sun gradually got higher, and was far away from the immortal.

There was Chen, who was heading towards the immortals place.

Prior to this, the dogs had told Chen that, let’s go visit that place again, and it would be very interesting, it would be very moving.

The brothers had a rough go, and then they would die out and what could they do, they had dreamt and dreamt.

Xie dog had already told Chen to go to the monks.

Chen had a big smile as he said “This happened a long time ago and became a story.”

Xiaomai was in a state of talking, and said no one was died and it was a miracle.”

Chen Ping’an replied: “No one is bad, everyone is going to have to do it so no one has any flaws.”

Xiaomai asked: “Will the three sections all be taken up?”

Chen Ping’an said: “I’ll just take a look.”

Xiaomai said, “Can I do something?”

Chen Ping’an: “The act of having you two is also the greatest work.”

Xiaomai nodded.

Xie put on a stern face and grinned.

The Yuxuan clan’s sides, had silently died some members.

After a while, the elder hadn’t said anything, the grand uncle had been cleared up by himself, and the others had thought what was the point to argue. Then the Yuwai faction wanted to leave for another trip to the capital, with the same student. It was still a long way to go, but the face was very sad.

Then Huo Ling was asked, and then was said.

It was the clan’s mission, and then had to go to the capital.

Pang Yun got his close door student, there were all the creations from the land!

There was still one who didn’t really have an expression, there was Pang.

They were all the clans mission.

There were a lot of people, and there wasn’t enough space.

Fu Ji looked at the Yuwai clan, and it reminded her of something else.

The elder had once said, look at it, and it’s so easy to look and remember.

At the Yuwai clan’s sign post, a brother sister team had taken a sign, and had gotten out and landed.

The man had a crown and a whip, and woman had a lash.

It was also thought that they were siblings, as people were lining up to get in.

Soon a youth had come and was wearing a Taoist hat, and it was very quick.

The youth and the man knew what they were talking about.

She had seen the Taoist of, so he asked the Lord what they were supposed to do here.

Chen Ping’an smiled and said “This is the story from a bunch of years ago.”