Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 696: Conspiracy and Compassion

Zhao Changhe understood her concerns. Some individuals might not have directly participated in the conspiracy but were implicated through their ties as disciples, protegés, or associates of the accused. These people would not be considered accomplices but could still be labeled as allies, and under normal circumstances, would face dismissal or investigation. Others might have genuinely been involved but had not had the opportunity to act before the conspiracy was quashed. Should those individuals also be subjected to exhaustive scrutiny?

Tang Wanzhuang’s position was clear: the former group would certainly not be dealt with, and she even leaned toward sparing many in the latter.

Tang Wanzhuang said, “Sometimes, it’s better to make use of someone’s missteps than to punish them outright. For example, I released Dingjiang, and he’s proven very useful recently. If we show leniency, many of them will likely be too afraid of repercussions to plot again. In fact, they’d probably become even more cautious and diligent, knowing they’re under watch.”

“Mm-hm,” Zhao Changhe agreed. That’s human nature.

Tang Wanzhuang continued, “But this situation is different from Dingjiang’s attack on me. Forgiving him was my personal prerogative. If this were merely a rebellion, the empress could declare that only the ringleaders would be punished, sparing the rest to win the people’s favor. However, this case involves inviting foreign forces into the capital—a matter of principle. If Her Majesty doesn’t pursue it to the end, it would seem as though she cares more about stabilizing her reign than upholding the nation’s dignity. And I can’t afford to play the benevolent one here either. If I did, it would look like I was exploiting this situation to build my reputation and cultivate a faction, turning me into a treacherous minister.”

“So I’m the one who should be the treacherous minister, huh?” Zhao Changhe teased.

“Of course you are,” Tang Wanzhuang said, biting her lip. “The Cui Clan is already yours—who would dare criticize you? And... Aren’t I also a part of your faction? Want to rebel? I’ll be your vanguard and help you take her down.”

“...”

You just want to take them down, don’t you? True feelings always come out as jokes, you know?

Tang Wanzhuang let out a small laugh, masking her emotions. “Anyway, what’s wrong with playing the role of a treacherous minister? Isn’t that what you are? Sharing the dragon bed, dishonoring the empress dowager—if the history books record this...”

Zhao Changhe quipped, “Hah, they’d say that this is how a true man should be. I’m certain.”

Tang Wanzhuang blinked in confusion. Every time she thought she’d gotten used to his shamelessness, he did something unexpected to convince her otherwise.

Before she could react, Zhao Changhe embraced her. “This treacherous minister is also dishonoring the bureau chief of the Demon Suppression Bureau. I beg for forgiveness!”

Tang Wanzhuang squirmed. “We’re talking business!”

“Alright, alright, back to business,” Zhao Changhe said. But he did not let go. Instead, he tightened his hold, lifting her from her chair and settling her on his lap as he took her seat.

So soft. So fragrant.

Being held like this in her own office felt far more humiliating than anywhere else. Tang Wanzhuang could not shake the feeling that someone outside might be watching.

As Zhao Changhe’s hand wandered up her back, he murmured, “So, what do I have to do? I’m still waiting for you to tell me.”

Tang Wanzhuang’s mind went blank, and she could barely keep track of her thoughts. She clung to her earlier line of thought and continued in a daze, “There are many officials uninvolved in this matter who genuinely believe the purge shouldn’t go too far. But no one dares to say so openly. Among the court, you’re probably the only one who can lead on this.”

She finished speaking and immediately realized how absurd it was to discuss serious matters in this position. Her face turned red, the blush reaching all the way to her ears. She tried to wriggle free, but Zhao Changhe distracted her again.

“What do you need me to do? Speak up in court?” he asked.

Tang Wanzhuang replied reflexively, “If you’re too lazy to attend court, just submit a memorial. A matter like this just needs someone to lead, and others will naturally follow. And since you came to see me today, you could frame it as you coming here to silence me...”

She was exactly the kind of official with a head full of serious matters—her thoughts could be redirected to work at any moment, which made the current situation all the more amusing. After all, Zhao Changhe’s hand was slipping under her clothes as he teased her, and she still could not stop herself from discussing court politics.

Zhao Changhe could not hold back a laugh. “Silence you? How exactly did I do that? With noodles?”

Tang Wanzhuang’s face turned red with frustration, and she angrily stomped on his toes, twisting as if trying to drill a hole in his foot.

Using noodles would have been tame compared to what others in the court might be imagining about how her mouth was “silenced” right now. And, truthfully, they would not be far off—who else could pull off having such a mix of play and business in the bureau chief’s office?

But... but what if he does bring out something....

Seeing her puffed-up, indignant expression, Zhao Changhe’s fingers twitched with delight. He leaned in close to her ear and whispered, “Then silence me in return.”

Tang Wanzhuang panicked. “No, I just ate noodles—mmph!”

Before she could finish, her face was gently turned, and he kissed her deeply, leaving her dazed.

Her eyes were wide open as she was kissed. She froze, her feet no longer stomping on his. Her hands pressed against his chest with a hint of nervousness, worried that he might go further. In a place like this, if anyone heard even the faintest noise, it would be a catastrophe.

Her cautious reaction only made Zhao Changhe find her more adorable. But sensing her genuine embarrassment, he released her after a moment. Still, he could not resist planting a few more affectionate kisses on her forehead and cheeks. “My dearest First Seat... you’re just too cute.”

Tang Wanzhuang knew his affection was sincere—he was clearly smitten—but she was still furious at how teasing and playful he always was. “I’ve changed my mind. If you ever rise to power, you’ll undoubtedly be one of the most notorious tyrants in history!”

Zhao Changhe only chuckled, pulling her closer and resting his chin on her head. He did not say anything, just holding her tightly.

Tang Wanzhuang grumbled a bit more but eventually felt his genuine warmth. Her heart softened, and she gave a small hum of contentment, curling up in his arms. She grabbed his wandering hand and held it firmly to stop it from misbehaving.

He complied, and the two sat quietly, wrapped in each other’s warmth, stealing a brief moment of peace on a cold winter afternoon.

After some time, Tang Wanzhuang spoke softly. “Aside from asking if I needed help, you had something else you came here for, didn’t you?”

“Mm... but I didn’t feel like saying it. Holding you like this calms my mind and makes me happy. I thought I’d bring it up later.”

“Come on, tell me. With such troubled times, we don’t often get to rest peacefully. Once the world is settled, I’ll accompany you in a life of leisure—under the moonlight, painting and playing the zither.”

Still cradling her soft, fragrant body, Zhao Changhe felt reluctant to speak. The warmth of the moment had drained his desire for serious matters. Tang Wanzhuang noticed his hesitation and grew mildly annoyed. “You... Let me guess. You’re planning to leave again, aren’t you?”

“Mm,” he admitted.

“You proposed letting Vermillion Bird handle the situation in Shanxi, and you trust her abilities so much that you likely won’t go there yourself. Given the current dynamics, the states of Qin and Jin are bound to align closely. Dealing with the Three Jins means you can’t ignore Guanlong, so you’re probably heading west to resolve the issues with the Li Clan. But you can’t handle everything alone, so I’m guessing that you’ll be heading to Bashu to try and get Li Shentong’s support to gauge his stance. Before, Li Shentong attacked Hanzhong, and during the battle to slay the dragon, he was furious over the Li Clan’s actions. He’s someone who can be won over. Your next journey will undoubtedly take you to Bashu.”

Zhao Changhe listened quietly, a mix of admiration and helplessness in his heart, finally responding with a simple, “Mm-hm.”

“And Li Shentong has a long-standing friendship with Yuxu. Yuxu, as you know, also played a role in that battle. The two of them can’t be viewed in isolation. Furthermore, with the Thief Saint having stolen the Axe of Tngri, you’ll likely seek him out as well. That means you’ll also have to go to Kunlun. Between the two, you might even go to Kunlun first, as sending an envoy to Li Shentong would suffice, but Kunlun requires your personal presence. So, you came to me because you think Kunlun is dangerous and want to hear my insights?”

“Mm-hm.”

Tang Wanzhuang finally smiled. “Isn’t the Four Idols Cult supposed to have spies in Kunlun, like the Earth Deer of Liu? Why not ask Vermillion Bird? Why come to me?”

Zhao Changhe coughed awkwardly. “The Earth Deer of Liu was exposed during our last trip there. He’s already been recalled. Leaving him there any longer would have been tantamount to openly provoking Yuxu.”

“Well, so their spies have been withdrawn, but the Demon Suppression Bureau doesn’t have any agents there either, so why ask me?”

“You’re smart. I thought you might have some useful insights...”

“If you really want my opinion, I’d tell you not to go at all. Will that work?”

“...”

“Since it won’t, my advice is this: change your approach. Find someone and bring them along.”

“Who?”

“Sisi.” Tang Wanzhuang said calmly. “First, when dealing with Li Shentong, you can’t rely solely on lofty ideals. Whatever his original motives may have been, he’s now a leader who is responsible for the lives of many. While appealing to higher principles, you also need to make it clear that we’re not coming to beg for his help—we’re bringing leverage of our own. And where’s that leverage? Miaojiang is right beside him, isn’t it?”

Zhao Changhe inhaled sharply. He had not considered this angle.

“Don’t confuse this with colluding with foreign forces,” Tang Wanzhuang added, her gaze sharp. “The difference is that you’ve subjugated Miaojiang, and they are thus under your control, and serving your purpose. What do you think?”

After a moment of hesitation, Zhao Changhe nodded. “I should be able to do it.”

Tang Wanzhuang’s eyes gleamed with approval. “That’s the unique strength you possess—something no one else can claim.”

She paused briefly before continuing. “Now, let’s talk about the Thieves Guild. Ji Chengkong and his generation aren’t up to the task. They’re barely clinging to the end of their potential, and they’ll likely fall off the rankings soon. Ironically, the true heir to the Thief Saint’s legacy is none other than Sisi. It wasn’t just magnanimity that kept the Thief Saint from punishing her. Sisi can genuinely influence the Thief Saint’s decisions. Furthermore, the Thief Saint has been in Kunlun for a long time. Did you ever look into his relationship with Yuxu?”

“...No. Our relationship at the time wasn’t close enough for me to figure out.”

“Then take Sisi with you this time. With her along, that relationship will come to light.”

Zhao Changhe gave her an earnest look. “The Four Idols Cult being kept in check by you really wasn’t without reason.”

“There’s no need to flatter me,” Tang Wanzhuang said quietly. “In these troubled times, there’s only so much we can do. The best we can offer is to create a stable rear for you. You march out into the world while we stay behind, worrying day and night. All we wish is for you to return safely. Even if you accomplish nothing, it doesn’t matter. No matter how bad things get, remember that we’ll face it together.”

Zhao Changhe smirked faintly. “Don’t worry, heaven is blind. Someone as wicked as me isn’t going to die anytime soon.”

It was unclear whether his words were meant as a promise or a joke.

Tang Wanzhuang, unwilling to parse his tone, murmured, “The sails of a thousand ships drift by, yet none are mine. The sun casts a lingering glow, and the waters stretch endlessly[1] ... I used to think I understood poetry like this. But since you left for Qinghe, it’s only been a month, yet my heart has burned with worry and longing day and night. Only now do I truly understand how shallow words on paper are.”

Zhao Changhe’s teasing demeanor softened, and he responded quietly, “I’ll come back safely.”

“You’re burdened with the task of restoring order to the mountains and rivers,” Tang Wanzhuang said, her voice trembling slightly. “We won’t stand in your way. But as you set out on this journey, remember that there’s someone in the capital waiting for you to return.”

[END OF SEVENTH ARC]

1. This is Gazing at Jiangnan (望江南) by late Tang dynasty poet Wen Tingyun (温庭筠). ☜