“An Imperial Decree has arrived! Xiao Nanhui of the Qinghuai Marquis Manor, step forward to receive it.”
The resonant voice jolted Xiao Nanhui from her hungover stupor. She struggled to roll over, feeling as though a piece of burning charcoal was searing her insides.
She was still wearing the clothes she had been drinking in the night before, and only one of her boots had been removed. She tumbled off the bed and was dragged out of the room by Dujuan, her head spinning. By the time she was kneeling on the ground, she still hadn't fully processed the fact that she was receiving an Imperial Decree.
“Are you indeed Captain Xiao Nanhui?”
The eunuch squinted down at her, repeatedly confirming that this disheveled woman with messy hair and rumpled clothes was truly the recipient of the decree.
Xiao Nanhui tried to speak clearly, but her voice cracked and went out of tune the moment she opened her mouth. “I... am.”
*Ugh, what was the proper etiquette for receiving a decree again? This doesn't count as offending the Emperor, does it?*
*Why is there a decree? Why is it for me and not Xiao Zhun? Could it be that brat from the Prime Minister’s manor took the credit and then played the victim, saying something to the Emperor?*
She recalled Xiao Zhun’s warning at the military camp the previous day, and her heart went cold. She seemed to remember badmouthing the Emperor in the carriage on the way back. What exactly had she said?
She waited in trepidation. Her stomach was still burning, and cold sweat trickled from her brow. The eunuch, however, was in no hurry, taking his time to arrange the scroll.
An Imperial Decree of the Tiancheng Empire was sealed with three jade buckles. During the proclamation, these buckles had to be undone one by one to prove that the decree had not been opened by anyone since the Emperor had personally set brush to paper.
“Xiao Nanhui of the Qinghuai Marquis Manor, hear the decree. The diligent service of Subject Xiao is a distinguished example for the court. For her bravery in rooting out traitors, slaying countless enemies, maintaining her integrity, and dedicating her ambitions to the reclamation of territory and the restoration of the military, she is hereby appointed to the position of Right General of the Guangyao Camp. She is further granted one hundred taels of gold and a set of Guangyao Armor. Respect this.”
Xiao Nanhui listened blankly. After a moment of stunned silence, she finally accepted the decree and kowtowed.
“Subject Xiao Nanhui accepts the decree. I thank His Majesty for his grace.”
“Congratulations, Right General. A transfer and a promotion all at once. Choose an auspicious day to enter the palace and offer your thanks in person.”
The eunuch and his grand entourage departed, leaving her standing there, still dazed.
The Emperor had actually promoted her and given her gold?
“Hey, why are you standing there like a fool? The Emperor gave you gold, aren't you happy?” Dujuan carefully lifted the tray of shimmering gold, already calculating how to use the money to supplement the household expenses. “I was startled this morning when they said someone from the palace was coming. I thought you’d caused trouble again. Who knew you actually had some achievements? Why didn't you say so earlier? You made me scold you for nothing.”
For some reason, Xiao Nanhui couldn't bring herself to be happy.
“Dujuan, doesn't the title ‘Right General’ sound a bit familiar to you?”
Dujuan’s mind was clearly elsewhere as she toyed with the hundred taels of gold, her face beaming. “Is it? It’s the first I’ve heard of it. Whatever the title, you’re a general now.”
Had Tiancheng ever had the position of Right General? It didn't seem so. But why did she feel like she had heard a similar title not long ago?
“Who is the Left General now? Is it General Yu?” She remembered Yu Jin had held that position for a long time. Yu Jin and Xiao Zhun had always disagreed on military matters, but she hadn't heard news of their disputes lately.
Dujuan was well-informed on gossip, and her chatterbox opened up at the prompt.
“Old General Yu Jin? I don't think so. I heard from the clinic a while back that he contracted a wind-paralysis ailment. He was treated for a long time without improvement, so the Emperor allowed him to retire to his hometown. But a new Left General was appointed—the second son of Duke Xuanyuan. Oh, right, you were still in Huozhou then, so you probably didn't hear. You remember the second son of Duke Xuanyuan, don't you? I recall you met him once when you were little. Oh my, I saw him when he returned to the city the other day. He looks nothing like he did as a child. Men really change so much when they grow up...”
Dujuan continued her rambling, but it went in one of Xiao Nanhui’s ears and out the other.
Su Pingchuan, the legitimate second son of Duke Xuanyuan. Eighteen years old, two years younger than her.
Ten years ago, she had knocked out one of his front teeth in his back garden.
Of course she remembered.
Could that be called "meeting once"? That was a "grudge of a tooth."
She also remembered seeing him just a few days ago.
She had even had the gall to ask him if he knew her.
Thinking back now, he certainly did.
In Tiancheng, the Left was the position of honor. This meant Su Pingchuan outranked her by one level. Since they were in the same camp with similar ranks, they were bound to cross paths constantly.
This was just great. Aside from Xu Shu, she now had another person to make her life difficult.
Xiao Nanhui gave a bitter smile. Was that old Emperor really not doing this on purpose?
Just then, Xiao Zhun stepped into the courtyard. He was still wearing his court robes, evidently having just returned from the palace.
Xiao Nanhui murmured, “Father, the Emperor promoted me...”
There was no joy on Xiao Zhun’s face either; he merely gave a faint nod. “Yes, I ran into the eunuch delivering the decree just now. I’ve heard.”
She seemed to recall something and asked tentatively, “That official told me to go to the palace to give thanks. Should I prepare anything? When should I go? Do I need to send word in advance?”
“Don't worry, I’ll have Chen Si prepare everything for you.”
As they spoke, Chen Si hurried in, looking at Xiao Nanhui with a mix of amusement and exasperation.
“Miss, Young Master Yao has been waiting for you at the back gate for over half an hour this morning. He just sent word: meet him at the Feng-character Teahouse on West Street. If you don't go, there's no need for you two to ever meet again.”
Xiao Nanhui’s face paled as fragments of last night’s memories surfaced. Yao Yi was a very petty man, and that blueprint of the Zou Manor looked incredibly precious. If she didn't go, she’d likely lose a layer of skin later.
“Father, I’ll be right back.”
She rushed toward the exit. Dujuan quickly followed, nagging while reaching out to fix her messy hair. “If you go out looking like this, don't tell people you're from this manor. At least wipe your face...”
As their voices faded, Xiao Zhun remained standing where he was.
Chen Si tucked his hands into his sleeves and spoke in a low voice after a long silence. “Marquis, it’s just a promotion and wealth. It isn't necessarily a bad thing.”
Xiao Zhun said nothing.
He had indeed petitioned the Emperor to transfer Xiao Nanhui to the Guangyao Camp, but he had never requested rewards or honors for her.
*It is lonely at the top.* He had understood this truth long ago.
The Emperor’s mind was as deep as a dark pool. He could only hope that, as Chen Si said, it was all just his own baseless speculation.
****** ****** ******
By the time Xiao Nanhui arrived at the teahouse, a clever young servant was already waiting for her at the door. Clearly, they had expected her. Upon seeing her, the servant led her to a private room upstairs.
Yao Yi’s ability to read people was truly formidable; he must have a fox living in his heart.
Inexplicably, an indifferent face flashed before her eyes. She wondered who would come out on top if those two ever faced off.
“Guest, we have arrived.”
Xiao Nanhui snapped back to reality. It must be because her trip to Huozhou had been so fraught with misfortune that she kept thinking of these things.
“Thank you.”
She slid open the light lattice door and moved past three layers of hanging screens to reveal the private room behind. The furnishings were simple, the light was soft, and it was so quiet it felt like being deep in a bamboo forest rather than a bustling market. This was the kind of place favored by those discussing sensitive matters.
Yao Yi was drinking with a middle-aged man dressed as a scholar, whose hair and beard were streaked with white. Seeing Xiao Nanhui appear, he flashed his trademark welcoming smile.
“Officer Xiao has arrived.”
Xiao Nanhui froze for a moment before realizing he was addressing her.
She had only received the decree this morning, and already she was "Officer Xiao." This fellow Yao Yi’s information network was far too fast.
“This is Mr. Wu Xing. Many of the calligraphy pieces and paintings in the pavilion previously relied on Mr. Wu’s connections, as you know.”
“Greetings, Mr. Wu.” Xiao Nanhui smiled and performed a salute, sitting down next to Yao Yi and secretly pinching his arm.
Yao Yi pulled his arm away, pretentiously brewing tea while his mouth remained busy.
“The gentleman was just telling me that the last batch of paintings and calligraphy was nearly intercepted by mountain bandits before they could even arrive.”
“Indeed, indeed.” Wu Xing nodded repeatedly, looking as though he still had lingering fears.
*Mountain bandits?* Xiao Nanhui glanced at Yao Yi in confusion. Where would there be mountain bandits near the capital? Others might be fooled, but a shrewd devil like Yao Yi couldn't possibly not know.
Yao Yi acted as if he didn't see her look, unhurriedly filling three cups with hot tea. “Well, fortunately, the General is no stranger. Isn't the duty of the Guangyao Camp to patrol the vicinity of the capital? In the future, it shouldn't be difficult to look after Mr. Wu’s carriages and horses. Don't you agree, Officer Xiao?”
Xiao Nanhui nearly choked on a mouthful of hot tea.
So that was what he was after.
This Wu Xing was likely a stubborn academic who didn't ask for details when collecting art. His subordinates had probably pulled some tricks to scam him. Yao Yi couldn't point it out directly, so he used her—the newly appointed general—to do him a favor, making everyone happy.
On the other side, Wu Xing, unaware of these intricacies, looked at her with eager anticipation. “Officer Xiao is silent. Is there some difficulty?”
Xiao Nanhui swallowed the tea and could only shake her head. “It’s no big deal. You needn't worry, sir.”
Wu Xing beamed and thanked her profusely. “Then I am most grateful to Officer Xiao. You have no idea how tragic the loss of that last batch of scrolls was. Many were unique copies that I spent years collecting from various places...”
When a scholar started talking about books, it was like a river breaking its banks. Nine out of ten sentences were fluff. Xiao Nanhui could hardly get a word in, so she just drank tea and listened.
This Wu Xing was the library manager for the current Erudite of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Liao Junhe. Liao Junhe loved ancient books and records, but he was too busy with court affairs to manage them himself. The library held a vast collection, and the responsibility for inventory and repairs fell to Wu Xing. He loved calligraphy and paintings, especially ancient masterpieces, but as a mere library manager, his funds were tight, and he lacked the gold to satisfy his hobby.
Yao Yi had seized upon this, turning Wu Xing into his "supplier." Wangchen Pavilion often held elegant tea parties that required genuine artifacts to maintain prestige. The antique shops on West Street were looked down upon by the guests and their prices were exorbitant; a source like Wu Xing was far more cost-effective.
Previously, Wu Xing had been prideful, unwilling to be associated with the manager of a brothel. Yao Yi had used a bit of finesse to give him a taste of the benefits while showing him ample respect, leading to their current relationship. This "borrowing a flower to offer to the Buddha" was also a move to consolidate this profitable connection.
After several rounds of tea, Wu Xing finally grew tired of talking. Yao Yi then smilingly took over the conversation.
“Look at us, talking so much we almost forgot the main business.”
Here it was. The thing she didn't want to face was coming.
Yao Yi took out the familiar bamboo tube and placed it on the table. Xiao Nanhui gulped at the sight of it.
Whether she faced the blade now or later, she felt it was better to explain it herself.
She gave an awkward smile. “Um... did Yao Yi mention to you that there was a bit of a situation?”
Wu Xing shook his head blankly, then his expression changed as he realized something. “What situation?”
Xiao Nanhui gritted her teeth and glared at Yao Yi, who looked perfectly composed, waiting to watch the show.
Adjusting her expression, she spoke carefully. “Well... an unexpected situation. As you know, the weather hasn't been great lately. Sigh, it’s all to be blamed on the seal of this bamboo tube not being tight enough...”
Wu Xing was no longer listening. He tremblingly picked up his tea and took a sip. “It... it got damp?”
Xiao Nanhui’s head dropped almost below the table. “...It got soaked.”
The cup in Wu Xing’s hand hit the floor with a *clatter*, and he slumped onto the mat.
She tried to salvage the situation, holding up her palm to demonstrate. “Actually, it wasn't a very large area. Just a water stain about the size of a palm...”
Wu Xing still looked heartbroken. “A sin... what a sin...”
Xiao Nanhui bowed deeply to Wu Xing, speaking with sincere remorse. “I know my offense is grave. Whatever requirements you have, sir, please state them. I, Xiao Nanhui, am willing to take full responsibility to make up for this loss.”
Wu Xing looked up at her feebly. “There is only one such map in the world. How can you make up for it?”
Xiao Nanhui was speechless and could only remain silent.
Yao Yi, who had been quiet, finally shifted slightly. He picked up the cup Wu Xing had dropped and wiped it clean with a plain silk cloth.
“Officer Xiao is truly humorous. You almost had me believing you.”
Xiao Nanhui looked at him in confusion, and Wu Xing struggled to sit up. “Manager Yao, what do you mean by that?”
“Officer Xiao was just joking with you, sir. If you don't believe me, you can open the tube and inspect the item yourself.”
Wu Xing skeptically opened the bamboo tube, took out the contents, and unrolled them. It was indeed the blueprint of the Zou Manor. The map was completely undamaged, without a single water stain.
Now it was Xiao Nanhui’s turn to widen her eyes. Yao Yi ignored her, smiling cheerfully at Wu Xing. “The one Officer Xiao borrowed was a replica I had my people make based on the original. How could I be so careless with such a precious item of yours, sir?”
*So that was it.* Yao Yi must have anticipated that her trip to Huozhou would be perilous, so he had prepared a backup from the start.
This confirmed a conclusion she had reached long ago: although Yao Yi was a bit ugly and had a wicked tongue, he was very reliable when it came to getting things done.
Seeing his beloved treasure returned, Wu Xing’s joy was beyond words.
Yao Yi then clapped his hands.
The door to the side room opened, and a young servant respectfully placed a red-lacquered tube sealed with wax on the table before quietly withdrawing.
Yao Yi presented the red-lacquered tube to Wu Xing as well. “Bamboo tubes aren't moisture-proof. This is a lacquered nanmu scroll tube. Next time you carry such a rarity, sir, please use this.”
Though Wu Xing was a pedantic scholar, he certainly recognized a high-quality item. He thanked Yao Yi repeatedly as he accepted it, carefully taking the "much-traveled" blueprint to put it away.
Not only was the original returned, but a gift was added. It seemed Wu Xing was now completely under Yao Yi’s thumb.
Xiao Nanhui instinctively moved forward to help, but as her peripheral vision caught the bottom left corner of the thin paper, her gaze suddenly froze.
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
--- | --- | ---
光要营 | Guangyao Camp | A military unit; "Guangyao" means radiant glory.
右将军 | Right General | A military rank; in this context, slightly lower than Left General.
左将军 | Left General | A military rank; in this context, superior to Right General.
夙平川 | Su Pingchuan | Second son of Duke Xuanyuan.
烜远公 | Duke Xuanyuan | A noble title.
太常博士 | Erudite of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices | A historical government position responsible for rituals and records.
廖君禾 | Liao Junhe | Name of the Erudite.
吴醒 | Wu Xing | A library manager/scholar working for Liao Junhe.
丰字号 | Feng-character | The name of a teahouse (Feng meaning abundant/prosperous).
楠木 | Nanmu | A precious type of wood often used for high-end furniture and containers.
