Chapter 213: Not Afraid of Bad Events, Only Afraid of Bad People

The Wei River is some distance from the core area of the Liyuan Forbidden Garden, but not especially far; roughly it is the distance that in Fang Chongyong's previous life lay between the north third ring of Xi'an and the south bank of the Wei River.

Although there are five thousand palace maids and three hundred court officials, once they are scattered in bits and pieces, it is common that no one can be seen within sight.

Fang Youde, leading a detachment of elite Dragon Martial Army troops, rode up to Zhong Wei Bridge and happened to see a Jinwu Guard soldier escorting several palace maids onto a boat moored by the bridge pier! Someone had already boarded.

"You lot, stop and don't move!"

Fang Youde raised his hand, and the dozens of Dragon Martial Army cavalry behind him drew their bows, nocking arrows and aiming at the terrified palace maids.

"General Fang, please hold!"

The Jinwu Guard soldiers guarding the bridge hurried forward to salute Fang Youde, their souls trembling, wanting to resist but daring not to.

"What's going on? Why are you taking the palace maids away? Whose order is this?"

The moment they met, Fang Youde blurted out the question.

"Please, General Fang, grant us this!"

Almost simultaneously, a crowd of people knelt before Fang Youde, including palace maids and Jinwu Guard soldiers.

"General Fang, although we are all Jinwu Guard soldiers, a salary of five stone of rice a month is not enough to marry a wife.

Even if we are allotted official fields, we lack enough hands to till them, and we cannot inherit the family business at home.

You naturally have plenty of beautiful wives and concubines, but what can we do? Miss this chance and it will be hard to find another.

Please, General Fang, grant us this."

A Jinwu Guard squad saluted Fang Youde with a crossed‑hand gesture and spoke.

On the surface, the Jinwu Guard profession seems lucrative, but that's old calendar talk. Compared with other Southern Yamen Forbidden Army units, Jinwu Guard duty hours are long, almost never rotating unless one retires. Many of them can barely support themselves.

In fact, in Fang Chongyong's previous life, during the Tianbao era, the Southern Yamen Forbidden Army generally had a "second occupation" that was the real source of livelihood. The Jinwu Guard role was merely a side job.

Among them were merchants, blacksmiths, errand‑runners, and the like, with virtually no combat ability. That is why, after the Anshi Rebellion broke out, Brother Ji discovered that Chang'an had no usable troops, an important reason.

Although we have not reached that point yet, the trend is already clear.

Many of the right‑hand Jinwu Guard soldiers are hoping this wave will bring a palace maid home as a wife. These maids are not only generally attractive, but also save them a huge bride price. If these Jinwu Guard soldiers try to find a spouse in Chang'an's marriage market, they could never match the caliber of this batch of maids.

Even lower‑tier ones are hard to find!

It was only at this moment that Fang Youde realized Fang Chongyong's gaze was like a torch, penetrating the lower ranks, fully understanding what those low‑born men were after.

Whether these low‑born men are bold depends entirely on what temptations they encounter. Things the upper class ignores can often drive these people to take reckless risks!

Illegally releasing palace maids is a capital crime, but that threat is negligible compared to the lure of a wife. For these low‑born men, even if they are eventually caught, it will still take some time, whereas tonight they can embrace a beautiful girl.

The dire consequences are delayed, while the tempting benefit can be realized immediately!

What choice is there, need I say more?

Fang Youde could not agree with this, but he understood perfectly.

"Men, bind them all and take them away!"

Fang Youde gestured, and the Dragon Martial Army troops immediately bound the Jinwu Guard soldiers guarding the bridge and also tied up the palace maids who were about to board the boat.

"You take these few, go guard the bridge. I'll go elsewhere to see."

Fang Youde said this to a Dragon Martial Army officer standing beside him.

He then turned to the tightly bound palace maids and Jinwu Guard soldiers and said, "I will plead before the saint, but success or failure depends on your fate."

"Only afraid the East Wei Bridge will end up with the same story."

Fang Youde muttered to himself.

Unlike here, the East Wei Bridge crossing is larger, the deck wider, and Pei Min himself watches over it. Within the palace, there are many women of the Pei clan; many are born to concubines or minor branches.

As a member of the same clan, Pei Min "raises his hand" in this matter, which is perfectly normal.

Just as Fang Youde was about to head to East Wei Bridge, he suddenly saw flames shooting up from the southwest!

"Is the water level rising?"

Fang Youde stared at the distant smoke and muttered. The buildings within Liyuan are spaced far apart, so there's no risk of a single fire engulfing everything. Yet, given the many trees in the Forbidden Garden, care cannot be lax.

"Watch those few, I'll lead men to put out the fire."

Fang Youde pointed at the heavily bound Jinwu Guard soldiers and palace maids, then led his large force toward the flames.

…

At East Wei Bridge crossing, Zhang Guangsheng led ten right‑hand Jinwu Guard soldiers, confronting Pei Min and his right‑hand Jinwu Guard in a tense standoff, swords drawn. Behind Pei Min stood a group of palace maids, one of whom, dressed in a white silk gown, stood beside him.

The woman's name was Pei Xiu, Pei Min's biological daughter. Pei Min's reason for joining this affair was actually more thorough than Fang Youde had imagined; he was there to rescue his own daughter and, incidentally, fulfill his family's request.

Then why didn't Pei Min entrust an official to have his daughter "shot"?

Because he did not want his daughter to remain a slave; he wanted to change her name and surname, adopting her as his "niece" so her status could be cleansed.

Moreover, the family's commission was also a key reason; otherwise, Pei Min would not mind using other channels to resolve the matter.

These commissions did not come solely from the Pei clan but also from other official families. These people all hope their daughters in the palace can escape suffering. The pressure was so great that Pei Min had no excuse not to comply.

Unlike the simple father‑son relationship between Fang Youde and his son, the Pei family's social ties are extremely complex.

They hail from Hedong, settled in Guanzhong, have produced a royal consort, and have connections in both the military and political spheres. Pei Min could not refuse this request. Following the principle that saving one person is saving many, the generous Pei Min readily agreed to others' petitions.

Everything had gone smoothly, until the left‑hand Jinwu Guard unexpectedly turned up to cause trouble.

"General Pei, stealing from your own guard is unacceptable, cease now."

Standing behind Zhang Guangsheng, Fang Chongyong had not intended to intervene, but seeing Pei Min seemed unwilling to let go, he was forced to step forward and negotiate.

"Censor Fang, I have heard you are among the dragons and phoenixes among men. Do you not know that the palace is a gigantic prison?"

"Today, if our sisters cannot escape the suffering, death would be a quicker way out."

"Is the contest for a romantic arrow… a game you really don't understand?"

Pei Min had not spoken yet, but his daughter Pei Xiu stepped forward first.

Hearing this, Fang Chongyong fell silent. After learning the stark contrast between the number of palace maids involved and the number of court officials, Fang Chongyong grasped the hidden rule. Of course, among the palace maids there were also clever ones like Pei Xiu.

What Fang Chongyong knew, she also knew, perhaps even more.

The so‑called "Flirtatious Arrow" game is a palace‑maid death‑match. If you don't snatch an arrow, you must kill someone who did, and also prevent the others who missed from killing you; the evil of human nature will blossom like a flower.

Will there be any humility?

It doesn't exist.

It's a life‑or‑death game.

The palace maids don't all share the same social background, so those from official families naturally won't take part in these "dirty games". They don't want to scramble for "bones" in the mud like stray dogs.

Those who can leverage their fathers will do so at once!

"Do you know me?"

Fang Chongyong asked curiously.

"Hmph, who the Sage's favored minister is, who the palace maid on the Sage's watch is—who wouldn't know?"

Pei Xiu snorted coldly, his words dripping with sarcasm.

At that moment, a raging fire erupted to the southwest!

"They really did make a move."

Pei Min muttered to himself, though it was unclear who his "they" referred to.

"Go back and protect the carriage quickly. Afterwards, I will of course plead guilt before the Sage."

Pei Min bowed deeply to Fang Chongyong, crossing his hands in salute. Clearly, his decision to let the maids go was resolute, and he was mentally prepared for punishment. Of course, Pei Min was a runner‑messenger for the officials of Chang'an, so Ji Ge's disciplining him was inevitable, though the chance of execution was slim.

"The Sage has already gone to Lingyan Pavilion; I don't need to guard the carriage."

Fang Chongyong shook his head and sighed.

After Ji Ge left, he had Gao Lishi summon Fang Chongyong and left a written order, tasking him with cleaning up the mess in the Liyuan Forbidden Garden. For him, it was a "small test" before heading out to recruit the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army.

So where is Lingyan Pavilion?

Walk south from the Liyuan Forbidden Garden, pass through the western inner garden of the Longwu Army garrison, then enter the Tai Chi Hall through Xuanwu Gate; it's around there, though Fang Chongyong has never been to the exact spot.

In other words, Ji Ge grew tired of the Liyuan Forbidden Garden's bustle, has long since slipped to the Tai Chi Hall to rest, and never stayed in the palace‑maid‑filled garden at all.

Since the last time he was blocked by the Longevity King—uh, the current Crown Prince Li Chang—Ji Ge has become a real dog, never putting himself in danger. What if there's an assassin among those maids?

The possibility is small, but it can't be ruled out entirely.

How could Ji Ge possibly sit foolishly in the garden's palace waiting for an accident?

"Let's each use one move; if you win, you take those people and I'll leave the rest to you.

If you lose, pretend you never saw us today. Deal?"

Pei Min suddenly stepped forward, stood before Fang Chongyong, and said in a deep voice, shielding Pei Xiu behind him.

Pei Min commanded at least dozens of Jinwu Guard soldiers, far more than Zhang Guangsheng's side. Moreover, these men are all his confidants, placed there during his many years with the Right Jinwu Guard.

If we clash head‑on, it would be a huge loss.

"Father! Don't act on impulse!"

Pei Xiu grew frantic; now's not the time for polite words to Fang Chongyong!

"Step back."

Pei Min hissed softly.

"Brother, Pei Min was originally granted the Sword Saint title by the Sage; taking him on one‑on‑one would be a loss for you."

Zhang Guangsheng leaned in close to Fang Chongyong's ear and said.

"I'll match you with just one move."

Fang Chongyong placed his hand on the hilt of the Swift Wind Illusion Blade and nodded slightly.

Zhang Guangsheng and his companions reluctantly stepped back ten paces, yielding space; Pei Xiu, the maids, and the Jinwu Guard soldiers also retreated ten steps.

"May I trust you, Censor Fang?"

Pei Min stepped forward, faced Fang Chongyong, and asked quietly.

"Of course."

Fang Chongyong gave a slight nod.

"Fine, then I'll watch with anticipation."

Pei Min stepped back, his hand resting on the hilt of the sword at his waist.

Both drew their blades almost simultaneously; a flash of sword light revealed a fresh cut on Fang Chongyong's sleeve, while Pei Min's sword was cleaved in two by the Swift Wind Illusion Blade, the broken blade embedding in the ground's soil.

"It's Censor Fang who won."

Pei Min casually tossed his sword to the ground, and Fang Chongyong crossed his hands in salute, saying meaningfully.

"I accept your concession."

Fang Chongyong nodded in understanding.

"Take the people away; I'll head back to the Jinwu Guard office and wait for orders. Let the Left Jinwu Guard take over East Wei Bridge."

Pei Min walked to Pei Xiu's side, looked at the incredulous Pei Xiu, gave a slight shake of his head, and said nothing.

……

In the northeast corner of the Tai Chi Palace in Chang'an lies Lingyan Pavilion; at this moment, Tang Emperor Li Longji is resting there.

Lingyan Pavilion has three tiers: the innermost tier depicts the most meritorious ministers; the middle tier shows high‑ranking princes; the outer tier portrays other meritorious officials.

Entering the main hall through Lingyan Pavilion's front (north) gate, the first sight is a series of painted walls: a eulogy written by Emperor Taizong Li Shimin for twenty‑four meritorious officials and inscribed by Chu Suiliang.

The eulogy concisely summarizes each official's achievements, character, and talent; originally twenty‑four people, later Kong Yingda was added, making twenty‑five.

During Emperor Gaozong's reign, the portraits in Lingyan Pavilion were repainted in two batches: the first batch featured Li Ji alone, the second batch added Wei Zheng, Gao Shilian, and five others, yet no new names were added. It still displays twenty‑five meritorious officials.

Ji Ge ruled for decades and never added newcomers inside.

At this moment, Tang Emperor Li Longji quietly studies the wall paintings of the twenty‑five officials, staring blankly; outsiders have no idea what he's thinking.

"Sage, the palace within the Liyuan Forbidden Garden seems to have been deliberately set on fire."

Gao Lishi quietly came up behind Ji Ge, clasped his hands in salute, and said.

"Whose person is this?"

Ji Ge let out a soft sigh and asked.

"Your Majesty, we haven't found out yet. The arsonist committed suicide; she was a palace maid who participated in the event."

Gao Lishi calmly replied.

"I suspect the mastermind behind this is none other than my unworthy sons."

Li Longji shook his head, somewhat disappointed, and said.

Gao Lishi did not respond; he also didn't know what to say, because this was itself a loophole that Ji Ge deliberately exposed. Sure enough, someone took the bait, hoping to profit from the chaos.

"By the way, were any court officials injured this time?"

Ji Ge asked, pretending not to care.

"None, but they all look rather disheveled."

Gao Lishi held back a smile and continued:

"Fang Quan Zhong reported that a Jinwu Guard soldier tried to secretly release a palace maid, and he caught him in the act. They are now detained in the Longwu Army's prison; please, Your Majesty, decide what to do."

"Hmm, keep them detained for now; we'll discuss punishment later. Anything else? Tell me all at once."

Li Longji waved his hand, speaking indifferently.

"Fang Guozhong is outside Lingyan Pavilion requesting an audience, saying he has an important matter and wishes to see Your Majesty alone."

Gao Lishi said softly.

"Him? Shouldn't he be fighting the fire in the temporary palace inside the Pear Garden right now?"

Ji Ge felt something was odd; he had already ordered Fang Chongyong to take full charge of the cleanup work in the Pear Garden's forbidden grounds, so why isn't this person staying at the site of the fire?

"Never mind, bring him in and then we'll talk."

Ji Ge was slightly disappointed; Fang Chongyong had failed to carry out his orders properly, getting the priorities all wrong.

Soon after, Fang Chongyong was brought in.

"Your Majesty, Colonel Pei Min of the Right Jinwu Guard attempted to secretly release a palace maid; I, your humble servant, captured him and hereby report to Your Majesty."

Fang Chongyong clasped his hands in salute and said.

"Hmm, I understand. You may withdraw."

Ji Ge waved his hand casually, seeming not at all surprised and having no intention of doing anything.

"Your Majesty, this matter..."

"This matter is something I have tacitly approved; do not interfere."

Li Longji emphasized this point, though he did not elaborate on why he had tacitly allowed it.

"Your Majesty, I wish to ask: what do you intend to do with the palace maids who failed to obtain the Flowing Arrow? Are you planning to let them return to the Imperial City Forbidden Garden?"

Fang Chongyong asked, steeling himself.

"Do you know where the flood occurred inside the Pear Garden's forbidden grounds?"

Li Longji asked with a grim expression.

"Your Majesty, I haven't had a chance to inspect it yet; I merely felt that the affair of the Right Jinwu Guard was more urgent, so I came first to report at Lingyan Pavilion."

Fang Chongyong clasped his hands in salute and said.

"Hmph, the temporary palace where I previously resided has been flooded; these palace maids intended to assassinate me. What do you say, Your Majesty, how should we deal with the remaining palace maids?"

Upon hearing this, Fang Chongyong suddenly realized; he finally understood why Pei Min, caught red-handed, showed no panic, and he also grasped what the "Pear Garden Shooting Beauties" scheme was all about!

"Your Majesty, I have an improper request that I must voice; I hope Your Majesty will not blame me for it."

Fang Chongyong suddenly knelt on the ground, clasped his hands toward Li Longji in salute, and said.

"Get out; I don't want to hear you pleading for those palace maids."

Ji Ge snapped impatiently, having Gao Lishi drive Fang Chongyong out of Lingyan Pavilion.

(End of chapter)