Murderous intent

When Zhangsun Zhi returned to his residence, dusk was already falling. The servants and household guards, seeing the state he was in, were deeply concerned. Even when they could not help but inquire after him, Zhangsun Zhi ignored them all, shutting himself away in his study.

Zhangsun Qian and Zhangsun Ren had already returned from their duties earlier and, upon hearing the news, grew worried and went together to the study. Gao Qingyun was already waiting at the door.

“Mother, what happened?” asked Zhangsun Qian.

Gao Qingyun shook her head, her face etched with worry. “Afu told me that when your father came back, he was filthy and disheveled, with blood on his forehead and a vacant look in his eyes. He didn’t say a word the whole way home, as if he’d lost his soul.” Her voice trembled at first, and by the end she was in tears. “As soon as he returned, he locked himself in the study. What on earth could have happened?” she cried to Zhangsun Qian.

Seeing their mother in tears, the two sons were immediately flustered.

“Mother, please don’t cry.”

“Mother, don’t be upset. Everything will be fine.”

Just then, Yuchi Yiyi came over, holding Zhangsun Hongfei in her arms. “Mother, husband, elder brother, what’s happened?” she asked after greeting each in turn, her face confused and anxious.

Zhangsun Hongfei, who had heard bits of the story on the way, understood that something serious must have occurred. He suspected it was related to cultivation, but he could not be sure.

“Grandma, don’t cry,” Zhangsun Hongfei said. Though only one year old, his words were clear despite the childish tone. He reached out his tiny hand.

Seeing this, Yuchi Yiyi hurried forward, bringing Zhangsun Hongfei close to Gao Qingyun, who let the little one gently wipe away her tears.

“Good boy, grandma won’t cry,” he said, wiping his own eyes afterward.

At that moment, the study door opened. Zhangsun Zhi stood in the darkness. No candles were lit within; only the lanterns hanging high in the courtyard cast a faint light on his figure.

“Go about your business, all of you. Tomorrow I’ll tell you everything,” Zhangsun Zhi said, his voice heavy with exhaustion. He closed the door again.

Those outside looked at each other in silent confusion, then dispersed helplessly.

Night fell.

The lamp still burned in Zhangsun Zhi’s bedchamber. Neither he nor Gao Qingyun had slept; they sat together at the edge of the bed. Out of concern, Zhangsun Qian and Yuchi Yiyi had found an excuse to bring Zhangsun Hongfei to keep them company. The child lay in Zhangsun Zhi’s arms, eyes closed, appearing to sleep.

“How can the Emperor be so obsessed?” Gao Qingyun sighed after hearing Zhangsun Zhi’s account and finally understanding the reason behind his condition.

“Things have changed... changed so much,” Zhangsun Zhi sighed, his words heavy with sorrow.

Zhangsun Hongfei, having learned the truth, felt a strong unease. He knew well the emperors of dynasties past and their obsession with immortality—how many had died for offering honest counsel? Yet what could he do? He couldn’t possibly lecture Zhangsun Zhi with lofty principles now. If he startled him further, who knew what harm might come?

“So, what do you intend to do, Father?” Gao Qingyun asked, worry clear in her voice, though her concern was solely for Zhangsun Zhi.

“Tomorrow I will enter the palace and try to persuade His Majesty again. If I fail, you must be prepared to return with me to the countryside,” Zhangsun Zhi said, reaching out to hold her hand.

“There’s no hardship in that. We’ve enjoyed a few good years already; I’m content. But what of our sons?” Gao Qingyun allowed him to take her hand, a shy expression on her face.

“If they wish to continue as officials, let them stay in the capital. No matter how His Majesty changes, the old ties remain.” As Zhangsun Zhi spoke of those ties, a faint smile crossed his lips for the first time, though it quickly faded into a sigh.

Zhangsun Hongfei did not know to what extent those ties remained, but he understood well how fragile an emperor’s affections could be. “This time,” he thought, “the prospects are grim.”

The next day at noon, within the Hall of Virtue—

“Your Majesty, I heard General Zhangsun did not attend court this morning. I doubt he will accept this task,” Yu Lianzhou said with some concern as he stood nearby.

“Zhangsun simply does not understand me for the moment. In a few days, he’ll come around,” Li Ji’an replied, heaving a deep sigh.

Just then, Gao Yuan arrived with a message: “General Zhangsun requests an audience.”

Li Ji’an’s face brightened. “Have him enter,” he said. Turning to Yu Lianzhou, he continued, “You may withdraw for now.” Yu Lianzhou bowed and left.

As he passed Zhangsun Zhi, Yu Lianzhou quickly stepped forward and saluted. “Greetings, General Zhangsun.”

Zhangsun Zhi did not so much as glance at him, merely walking past. Watching his retreating figure, Yu Lianzhou allowed a cold smile to slip across his face before departing.

From the Hall of Virtue, Li Ji’an’s furious shouts could be heard clearly even by the guards outside. The assembled guards exchanged glances, unable to comprehend what had happened. No one in the court was unaware of the relationship between Li Ji’an and Zhangsun Zhi. Li Ji’an had never before lost his temper with Zhangsun Zhi, not even speaking harshly to him, let alone shouting. Today’s events left the guards utterly bewildered.

Only those who had accompanied Li Ji’an to the training ground the previous day knew what had transpired. But as mere guards, none dared gossip, so the matter remained unspoken.

Not long after Zhangsun Zhi returned home, Prime Minister Xiao Yu came to visit. Xiao Yu, as the current chancellor and a friend of Zhangsun Zhi, had heard from the Emperor that Zhangsun Zhi was ill after he did not appear at court, so he came to check on him.

Seeing Zhangsun Zhi’s poor condition, Xiao Yu urged him to rest. Not wishing to disturb him further, Xiao Yu soon took his leave.

The next morning, Zhangsun Zhi again did not attend court. Later, he went to the Hall of Virtue to tender his resignation, but was refused. As Zhangsun Zhi left, Yu Lianzhou emerged from the side.

“Your Majesty, General Zhangsun seems determined. What of the military selection?”

“No matter. The task does not require Zhangsun alone.”

“But—”

“Speak plainly,” Li Ji’an said impatiently.

“I fear General Zhangsun may divulge the matter.”

“That is nothing to worry about. Although Zhangsun is angry with me, his heart remains loyal,” Li Ji’an replied with confidence.

“But yesterday I saw Chancellor Xiao visit General Zhangsun. Do you suppose—?”

Bang! Li Ji’an slammed his hand on the desk and stood, glaring at Yu Lianzhou. “How dare you spy on Zhangsun?”

Yu Lianzhou immediately dropped to his knees. “Your Majesty, I dare not! I only happened upon the scene as I went to persuade General Zhangsun yesterday.”

“I care not whether it was by chance or design. Do what I command and you shall be rewarded. Overstep your bounds and I’ll have your head.”

“I would never dare. I will obey Your Majesty in all things, with absolute loyalty!”

“That’s enough. Do not let it happen again. Leave.”

Though Yu Lianzhou had spoken only a few words, he had nonetheless planted a seed of doubt in Li Ji’an’s mind.

Another day passed. Zhangsun Zhi once more sought a private audience with Li Ji’an to plead for his resignation, and was again refused. By now, both men knew the other would not yield.

Li Ji’an dismissed his attendants and guards, sitting alone in the Chao Hua Pavilion by the Grand Lake, gazing at the snow piling on the lake’s surface. After an hour, he seemed to come to a decision. He took a deep breath, exhaled forcefully, and left.

In the Hall of Sweet Dew—

“I heard Your Majesty lingered at the Grand Lake for an hour before coming here. What troubles you now?” Gao Huitong asked, pouring Li Ji’an a cup of wine.

“You know me best,” Li Ji’an answered with a smile after drinking.

“After so many years as your close blade, it would be strange if I did not know you,” Gao Huitong replied with a smile.

Gao Huitong had once been Li Ji’an’s personal bodyguard. When he ascended the throne, she became his concubine, granted the rank of Second Consort of Grace.

“Your Majesty seems in good spirits. Have you resolved your troubles?” she asked, serving him another bite of food.

Li Ji’an nodded. “You still remember my favorite dishes. Well done.”

“That puts my mind at ease. I know Your Majesty loves bear’s paw, but we have none today, so I substituted venison instead,” she said with a gentle laugh.

“You…” Li Ji’an laughed as well.

After they finished eating, Gao Huitong withdrew. Li Ji’an then summoned Yu Lianzhou.

It was Yu Lianzhou’s first time in the Hall of Sweet Dew. The hall was small, with only two bookshelves and a desk. The walls were adorned with many calligraphy scrolls, but Yu Lianzhou could not judge their merit.

Once more dismissing his attendants, Li Ji’an spoke: “If I ordered you to attack Zhangsun Zhi’s residence by night, how many men would you need for success?”

Yu Lianzhou, knowing hesitation was dangerous now, replied, “I do not know the layout of the residence, so…”

“Someone will inform you soon,” Li Ji’an said.

As he spoke, the eunuch announced from outside, “Your Majesty, Commander Liu has arrived.”

“Send him in.”

When Liu Renwu entered and saw Yu Lianzhou present, he thought nothing of it at first—until Li Ji’an spoke, and suddenly his heart raced.

“Explain to him the defenses at General Zhangsun’s residence.”

Hearing this, Liu Renwu understood what the Emperor intended, but dared not hesitate. He began detailing the security arrangements for Yu Lianzhou.

When Liu Renwu finished, Yu Lianzhou said, “Your Majesty, if that is all, I alone am enough. But there are too many household servants—I cannot handle them all.”

“Very well. Liu Renwu.”

“I am here.”

“I order you to assist Captain Yu. Let not a single soul from the Zhangsun residence escape.” Li Ji’an’s tone grew grave, his words measured and cold.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”