Chapter 682: Riding the Horse, Passion Intense

Jin Ling, Jubao Gate.

At dawn, the sky was still dim, the east not yet fully lit, and the gate had just opened, yet the vehicles, horses, and pedestrians entering and exiting were already bustling.

Outside Jubao Gate, the official road connected to the major southern land route, passing through major cities such as Changzhou, Huizhou, and Su Zhou.

Thus, many merchants and travelers going north or south would transit through Jubao Gate, each heading toward their own distant destinations.

In ordinary times, although soldiers guarded the thirteen gates of Jin Ling and controlled their opening and closing, they did not inspect pedestrians or vehicles entering or exiting.

But these past few days, the atmosphere had changed; the city felt strange, and embroidered uniform guards were frequently seen patrolling all the city gates and key thoroughfares.

As for the reason, rumors abounded: some said the Three Judicial Offices of the imperial capital had dispatched large numbers of officials to investigate a major case within the city.

Others claimed that Zhen Zhen Yingjia, director of the Renyi Academy in Jin Ling, had been dismissed and investigated by the current Son of Heaven, causing unrest among Jin Ling's officialdom.

Since last year's scandal involving the garrison troops, the once-silent city of Jin Ling seemed to have become restless once more.

At this moment, the dozen or so soldiers of the Five Cities Military Command stationed at the gate stood or squatted, holding spears and swords, looking lazy and bored.

Among Jin Ling's troops, the soldiers of the Five Cities Military Command were likely the lowest tier.

They were neither as fierce and well-equipped as the Jin Ling Garrison Troops, nor as arrogant and brazen as the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

They were essentially civilians armed with spears and swords, dressed in military uniforms, whose daily duties consisted only of guarding the gates, patrolling the streets, and maintaining order in the marketplace.

Yet just a moment ago, these lazy gate guards suddenly stood straight, gripping their weapons firmly.

For a squad of brightly clad Embroidered Uniform Guard officers was approaching the gate in disciplined formation.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard not only held power and acted arrogantly, but also bore responsibility for enforcing military discipline; these gate guards naturally felt some caution.

When the squad reached beneath the gate, the guard captain hurried forward to greet them: "Lieutenant Liu, you're on duty earlier today—still not fully light out."

Liu Hai had climbed from the bottom ranks after enduring suppression and exclusion in the Water Supervision Office, so he lacked the usual arrogance of Embroidered Uniform Guard officers and instead carried a measure of composure.

Hearing the captain's words, he made no show of authority, only smiled faintly and said: "Duty calls; I cannot be negligent."

…

When Jia Cong solved the Water Supervision Office case, Battalion Commander Zou Zou Huaiyi committed suicide, and over half the junior officers in the office were implicated and convicted.

Liu Hai, having suspected the Longtan Port massacre, was distrusted by Zou Zou Huaiyi, who expelled him from the Water Supervision Office and assigned him to guard the construction site of Daci En Temple.

This spared Liu Hai from the scandal that engulfed the Water Supervision Office; afterward, his elder acquaintance and former Jin Ling Embroidered Uniform Guard Battalion Commander Ge Zhi Cheng transferred him into the Embroidered Uniform Guard, where he once enjoyed a period of prominence.

But after Ge Zhi Cheng was dismissed by the court, Wang Wang Zhangjiang assumed command of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and as a former subordinate of the previous commander, Liu Hai naturally found little favor with Wang Wang Zhangjiang.

Fortunately, when the Embroidered Uniform Guard raided the firearms workshop outside Jin Ling, they found evidence linking Jia She of Lady Rongguo Mansion among the cargo manifests seized.

Ge Zhi Cheng sent his trusted man Liu Hai on a thousand-li journey to the capital to secretly report this to the Embroidered Uniform Guard Command, and Liu Hai thus met Deputy Commander He He Honghui.

He He Honghui was impressed by Liu Hai's competence and mentioned him several times in public; Wang Wang Zhangjiang learned of this.

Thus, although Wang Wang Zhangjiang distrusted Liu Hai as a former confidant, he held back from crushing him out of respect for his superiors in the capital.

Instead, he sidelined Liu Hai from the core circle of Jin Ling's Embroidered Uniform Guard, barred him from important duties, and assigned him only menial tasks like patrolling the city.

Liu Hai had experienced the ups and downs of officialdom; when his patron fell, he understood that a new superior would never treat him well.

This was merely the norm in official circles—he had suffered before, and at least he still held his rank. Though frustrated, he accepted it calmly.

…

Since the imperial decree from the capital ordered the dismissal and investigation of Zhen Zhen Yingjia, director of the Renyi Academy, and officials from the Three Judicial Offices arrived in Jin Ling to reexamine the old case of Zhen Zhen Shiwen, the city was in turmoil.

Following protocol, the Jin Ling Embroidered Uniform Guard Battalion Command intensified patrols at all thirteen city gates to prevent unforeseen incidents.

Liu Hai, a disgraced Embroidered Uniform Guard company commander, was naturally the ideal candidate for such errand-running duties.

These past days, he had been patrolling all the city gates with his men; though somewhat dull, it was at least free of pressure.

Although the Embroidered Uniform Guard had increased patrols, no one worried that Zhen Zhen Yingjia, after being dismissed and investigated, would dare flee the city.

He had merely lost his post; if he truly attempted such a foolish act, it would confirm treason, and every member of the Zhen family's main branch would face execution.

Thus, although Liu Hai patrolled all the gates, it was merely routine—he did not fear any incident.

…

The sky brightened fully; inside and outside the gate, the crowds grew dense.

Liu Hai and his men patrolled the gate as usual, conducting routine inspections without incident.

At that moment, two carriages traveling together joined the stream of those leaving the city and slowly approached the gate.

One of Liu Hai's officers, glancing casually as the carriages neared, said: "Liu Tou, that carriage looks familiar—the man riding with it isn't Liu Linjiang Xian, the Zhen family's steward?"

A few days ago, when merchants came to the Zhen family's shop demanding payment, you led us to quell the disturbance and prevent trouble—the man who dealt with the merchants was Liu Linjiang Xian.

The Zhen family wouldn't be so foolish as to try fleeing now, would they?"

Liu Hai's gaze sharpened slightly. "You're always making a fuss. It's the main branch of the Zhen family that's guilty; Zhen Zhen Yingjia has been dismissed and investigated, but not yet convicted.

Liu Linjiang Xian serves the second branch; the second branch hasn't committed any crime. Why are you so alarmed about them coming and going?"

If the main branch wanted to flee, they wouldn't be so stupid as to leave the city in broad daylight.

Keep a close watch on the gate—I'll go take a look."

…

Since Liu Linjiang Xian's wife returned from Jin Ling to Su Zhou, Zhen Zhen Fangqing learned the main branch was transferring silver and gold, and another crisis loomed.

Moreover, calculating the timing, once news of Chen Rong's arrest reached the capital, the imperial decree would arrive in Jin Ling within days, and the situation would grow even more unpredictable.

She sent Liu Linjiang Xian's wife back to Jin Ling to persuade her mother to leave Jin Ling early, to avoid disaster and shield her widowed mother from harm.

Liu Linjiang Xian's wife returned to Jin Ling, spending one day on the road; she reached the Zhen family's main residence two days later.

After Zhen's second madam read her daughter's letter and decided to temporarily leave Jin Ling, she consulted the Zhen family matriarch.

Since Zhen's second madam had a habit of returning to Huizhou for ancestral visits every other year, the matriarch gave it no thought and readily agreed.

Just as the second branch prepared to pack their belongings, the imperial decree arrived in Jin Ling—two days earlier than Zhen Zhen Fangqing had anticipated.

The imperial envoy read the decree at the Zhen residence: Zhen Zhen Yingjia, guilty by association with his son's crimes, was ordered dismissed and investigated immediately.

Upon hearing the decree, the Zhen family was struck as by a thunderclap; the entire household descended into chaos.

At this moment, Zhen's second madam's plan to return home for ancestral visits was improper and would invite suspicion; the matter was postponed.

Liu Linjiang Xian feared that after the decree, the Zhen family's situation would worsen further; if they delayed any longer, even the second branch might be unable to leave the city.

Thus, several days after the decree, once the Zhen household's emotions had calmed slightly, he persuaded Zhen's second madam to revive the plan to visit her family.

Since the matter had already been raised with the matriarch before, revisiting it drew no attention, and the matriarch was already preoccupied with the main branch's troubles.

The second daughter-in-law was merely a widow; her presence or absence was irrelevant to the crisis.

With the household in such disarray, letting her return to her parents' home for a few days was no harm.

Zhen's second madam received permission and departed early that morning, greatly relieving Liu Linjiang Xian.

The speed of the imperial decree from the capital had already exceeded his and Zhen Zhen Fangqing's expectations; the next decree's arrival was equally unpredictable.

Jin Ling had become a dangerous place; the best course was to let Zhen's second madam escape while the Zhen family's situation had not yet fully collapsed.

…

These past days, Embroidered Uniform Guard patrols had been active at all gates; Liu Linjiang Xian was well aware.

But since the Zhen family had not yet been finally convicted, and the second branch, due to Zhen Zhen Fangqing's status, was not under indictment, attempting to smuggle them out would risk failure and backfire.

Using the pretext of ancestral visits, leaving the city normally was the safest method—Zhen Zhen Fangqing had specifically instructed this.

Moreover, when Jia Cong had temporarily set up his office in Jin Ling's Ministry of Works, Liu Linjiang Xian had once delivered a letter to him, and thus knew Liu Hai had once been an old acquaintance of Jia Cong…

For this departure, he chose Jubao Gate after careful consideration: the Embroidered Uniform Guard patrolling Jubao Gate these past days was precisely Liu Hai and his men.

As the carriages neared the gate, Liu Linjiang Xian saw the Embroidered Uniform Guard officer approaching—not an ordinary squad leader, but Company Commander Liu Hai.

This subtle gesture carried unspoken understanding; only those skilled in human relations would grasp it. Liu Linjiang Xian breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

Liu Hai's face showed no smile as he asked calmly: "Isn't this Manager Liu? Where are you off to so early?"

Liu Linjiang Xian bowed with a smile: "It's Lieutenant Liu! My second madam received a letter from Huizhou—the family matriarch is unwell, so she must hurry home for ancestral visits.

The Huizhou matriarch is nearly seventy; at her age, illness is perilous. My second madam is anxious, so she set out early."

Liu Hai nodded. "I heard your third daughter received the Retired Emperor's favor, serving as a mourner for the old imperial consort at the imperial mausoleum for half a year.

The mourning period should have ended by now. With the Zhen family in turmoil, your third daughter is the family's pride—surely they're eager for her return."

Liu Linjiang Xian smiled. "Lieutenant Liu, you have such sharp news. Our third daughter did serve half a year at the mausoleum; her term has ended, and she's sent word home—she should be on her way back.

During her leisure, she mentioned that Lieutenant Liu of the Embroidered Uniform Guard is an old friend of the Lord Weiyuan Marquis. That makes you a friend of our second branch—we were told never to treat you with disrespect.

A few days ago, when merchants surrounded and harassed our Zhen family shop, it was thanks to Lieutenant Liu and your Embroidered Uniform Guard brothers that order was maintained. We are deeply grateful.

I've been busy these past days and neglected proper etiquette. When our third daughter returns to Jin Ling, she will surely insist I properly thank you."

Liu Hai smiled faintly. "Manager Liu, you're too courteous. I merely fulfilled my duty—routine matters."

The hour is late; I've merely asked a few questions. Manager Liu, go on your way. As the saying goes, filial piety is the foremost virtue—don't delay your second madam's journey."

Liu Linjiang Xian beamed, pulled out a heavy money pouch, and slipped it silently into Liu Hai's hand.

"Last time your Embroidered Uniform Guard brothers guarded our shop, they stood in the blazing sun all day without even a sip of water.

I've felt uneasy ever since; when our third daughter learns of this, she'll scold me for being senile.

These are a few tokens for you and your men to buy tea and wine—please don't refuse."

Liu Hai smiled indifferently, waved his hand behind him, and the officer who had spoken earlier hurried over. "Liu Tou, what's your order?"

Liu Hai said: "Manager Liu says you all worked hard guarding the Zhen family shop—he's treating you all to wine. Thank him."

The officer blinked in surprise, then quickly said: "Thank you, Manager Liu."

As the Zhen second branch's carriages passed through the gate, the officer asked: "Liu Tou, you just let them go?"

Liu Hai glanced at him. "You're too rigid. Didn't I tell you? It's the main branch that's guilty—the second branch isn't under indictment.

The second branch's third daughter is someone the Retired Emperor has honored. Even if Zhen Zhen Yingjia is punished, who would dare touch the widow and orphan of the second branch?"

The officer suddenly understood. "The Retired Emperor admired the Zhen third daughter? That's significant—no wonder you showed them respect."

Liu Hai said: "You know Jia Cong, the Lord Weiyuan Marquis?"

The captain laughed: "How could I not know? He's the great hero who pacified the Jurchens—barely a teenager when he was granted a marquisate. No opera has ever depicted such glory."

"When we brothers idle and boast, we all speak of the Marquis of Lord Weiyuan with deep admiration."

Liu Hai smiled: "The third Miss Zhen was betrothed to the Marquis of Lord Weiyuan by imperial decree. Though the wedding was postponed due to her father's death, the imperial title is real and binding."

"This third Miss is the Marquis's future bride. Her mother wishes to return home to observe filial mourning—how could you possibly stop her?"

The young captain shook his head like a rattle drum: "Of course not! To grant convenience to the Marquis's bride is a great honor."

"It's clear you, Liu Tou, understand the stakes. If we didn't know the background, we might've done something foolish. In Jin Ling, more connections mean more paths—always true."

Liu Linjiang Xian smiled. All those accompanying him on today's patrol were his long-trusted men.

When he was promoted into the Embroidered Uniform Guard by Ge Zhi Cheng, he was regarded as a key asset.

He took advantage of that moment to bring in, one after another, the junior officers he had trusted while serving in the Water Supervision Office—all still serve under him today.

Liu Hai tossed the money pouch to the junior officer: "Divide this silver among the men. Use the rest to arrange two top-tier banquets. After duty, let's all drink well."

"Tell the brothers: eat and drink, but keep your mouths shut. Don't let liquor loosen your tongue—you'll ruin the goodwill we've worked so hard to earn."

The junior officer grinned: "Liu Tou, rest easy. If we had no sense of propriety, we wouldn't dare keep following you."

Once the junior officer left with the pouch, Liu Hai gazed at the distant carriage of the Zhen family's second branch, his eyes thoughtful…

…

Divine Capital, Ningrong Street, Marquis's Mansion.

Afternoon sun blazed high, baking the air into heat; the street lay empty, nearly devoid of passersby.

Even the few who passed hugged the shadows beneath the eaves, avoiding the scorching summer blaze.

Yet at the mouth of Ningrong Street, urgent hoofbeats rang out, making two pedestrians huddled in the shade turn to look.

A galloping horse burst into the street, drenched in sweat, gasping as if it had expended every last ounce of strength.

But its rider was still unsatisfied, cracking his whip repeatedly with sharp, piercing cracks.

Fortunately, the center of the street held no pedestrians, allowing the rider to spur his mount full speed—until the horse thundered to a halt before the Jia family's eastern mansion.

The frantic horse, suddenly reined in, reared up with a shrill neigh, startling the retainers by the side gate.

The rider leapt off, grabbing the horse's reins and leading it through the side gate.

He spoke in a hoarse voice: "I'm from the Zhen family of Jin Ling, sent by Miss Zhen the Third, traveling far from the south."

"I bring an urgent letter for the Marquis of Lord Weiyuan—it must be delivered into his own hands. Ten thousand lives depend on it. Please inform him at once."

Since Jia Cong established his household two years ago, his fame has soared. Countless people arrived with various motives, seeking audiences with reasons as varied as the wind.

These gatekeepers, having seen all manner of visitors, knew their marquis was a low-key man. Any unfamiliar stranger was turned away without exception.

So no matter how urgent the claim, any unknown face demanding to see the Marquis of Lord Weiyuan would be refused outright.

This rider, galloping wildly down the street, looked intimidating—and utterly unfamiliar. By all logic, the retainers would have driven him off.

But he claimed to be from the Zhen family of Jin Ling, delivering urgent news for Miss Zhen the Third. The gatekeepers dared not act rashly.

Every servant in the mansion knew: Miss Zhen the Third had once been betrothed to the Marquis. Had fate not intervened, she might have become the lady of the house.

Though the marriage was broken off, their connection remained extraordinary. If she sent a letter, the gatekeepers dared not delay—they immediately sent word to the steward.

The eastern mansion's steward, frequently moving between both branches, knew many faces.

Seeing the rider, he recognized him at once: "Young man, you look familiar. Weren't you here last time the Zhen family came to pay respects to the late patriarch?"

The man hurriedly replied: "Steward, you have an excellent memory! I'm Wang Hai, Miss Zhen's errand boy. I came with Liu Linjiang Xian's wife to mourn the old master."

The steward, hearing the name Liu Linjiang Xian's wife, knew the man was genuine: "The Marquis is currently at court. You cannot see him now."

Wang Hai said: "I carry Miss Zhen's own handwritten letter. It's urgent—I must deliver it to the Marquis immediately."

"Please send word to him to return home. If I delay Miss Zhen's matter, I'll be held accountable."

Seeing Wang Hai's urgent tone and expression, the steward feared it was truly serious and dared not take it lightly.

Jia Cong's court workplace—the firearms workshop beyond the city—was always heavily guarded, surrounded by large detachments of imperial troops.

The steward worried others might fail to handle the message properly, so he decided to deliver it himself.

Otherwise, delaying the Marquis's or Miss Zhen's matter would be catastrophic.

As he left, the steward told Wang Hai to wait in the outer courtyard's side hall. Wang Hai refused, insisting he would wait by the side gate—so he could meet Jia Cong the moment he returned.

Seeing his urgency and stubbornness, the steward gave up arguing. He ordered a retainer to place a chair in the shade, where Wang Hai sat to wait.

Wang Hai waited long at the eastern side gate. The noon sun had begun to tilt westward, yet neither steward nor Jia Cong appeared. His heart grew anxious.

Then, from the mouth of Ningrong Street came the rumble of carriage wheels. Four carriages, one following the other, approached.

Wang Hai's heart stirred. Instinctively, he stepped into the shadow of the side gate, watching the carriages pass the eastern mansion and head straight for the western one.

As the carriages passed, one of them drew back its curtain, revealing a woman's face.

Wang Hai recognized the woman's features—and his face turned ashen… (End of Chapter)