Chapter 117: Entering the Palace

Not to mention Zhou Sizhao and his mother dying together, the Qing cavalry at the distant horizon came galloping up within the time it takes to brew a cup of tea. Seeing the state of Jin Prefecture at that moment, everyone gaped, momentarily at a loss for words.

Several thick columns of smoke rose into the sky from atop the city walls. Peering through the city gate opening, one could see corpses and scattered goods filling the streets, and many bodies lay before the gate, bristling with arrows.

Shi Tingzhu, the Banner Commander of the Han Army Bordered Red Banner sent to suppress the rebellion, was visibly shaken and said:

"Judging by this scene, it seems they were chased and cornered by the mutinous soldiers, and with no way out, were all killed here. Who on earth would have such audacity?"

"It must be Zhou Sizhao, no doubt." Hong Chengchou, reining in his horse at the side, also wore a wistful expression as he pointed at the corpses and said: "Banner Commander, look — what do these bodies have in common?"

Shi Tingzhu was puzzled and asked: "Master Hong, what do you make of it?"

Whether in the past or the present, Shi Tingzhu had always held Hong Chengchou in great esteem, let alone now that the man enjoyed the trust of the Prince Regent Dorgon and was present at nearly every major decision — though he still wondered why Hong had yet to be given a weighty appointment.

Hong Chengchou also noticed the deference this Jianzhou barbarian Banner Commander showed him, but betrayed nothing unusual and said with a composed expression:

"Quite simple — has the Banner Commander not noticed that all the dead are bannermen?"

"What Master Hong says... makes considerable sense." Hearing this, Shi Tingzhu turned to look, and with the reports of the scouts who had entered the city, only then discovered that the corpses were all bannermen of every age.

Shi Tingzhu knew Dorgon's temper well and his face showed fear: "Master Hong, if the Prince Regent learns of what happened in Jin Prefecture, I fear I will not be able to protect myself. How do I extricate myself from this?"

Hong Chengchou's mind stirred, and he whispered a few words into Shi Tingzhu's ear. Shi Tingzhu's face lit up with joy, his worries gone, and he waved his hand to order the army into the city to clear away the corpses.

For some reason, although Shi Tingzhu knew full well the mutinous soldiers had not fled far, he made no haste to send troops in pursuit. After entering the city, he busied himself only with gathering the dead, instructing his subordinates to properly handle and dispose of the pitiful corpses.

Hong Chengchou walked alone to the city wall. Gazing at the two bodies embracing each other, he then looked toward the direction of the Great Ming capital, reached out to close Zhou Sizhao's unshut eyes, seemingly lost in thought.

"Master Hong, what are you looking at up there? There's something down here we need to ask you!"

Just then, Shi Tingzhu's shout came from behind.

Hong Chengchou startled, realizing he had lost his composure. He furtively glanced around, and only after confirming no one had seen his actions did he breathe a sigh of relief.

"Coming, coming. This old man will be right down."

Hong Chengchou took a deep breath, straightened his appearance, and walked down with composure, as if nothing had happened at all.

In the Forbidden City, the Chongzhen Emperor was discussing state affairs with a man from Joseon in the Winter Warm Pavilion, while Empress Zhou was receiving a woman from the common folk in the rear palace.

The eunuch Li Fengxiang of the Directorate of Ceremonial had been running about everywhere recently, delivering edicts. The trip to Ningwu Pass to "distribute pay" he had thought a fine assignment, but after being warned face-to-face by Wang Cheng'en, the Eastern Depot's Director, he realized this concerned the very survival of the state and no longer dared to play any tricks, carrying out his duties honestly along the way.

Of course, he would still skim a bit — eunuchs were all like that. Even if Li Fengxiang made a show of refusing, the civil and military officials everywhere would still shove silver into his hands with all their might. That was only human nature.

If one eats meat, one must let others have some soup. The Chongzhen Emperor was not unaware of the doings of his hounds, but because he understood this principle, and because he would still need them to deal with the civil officials in the future, as long as they did not embezzle from the treasury, he had always turned a blind eye.

For Li Fengxiang, the first half of the year spent running errands back and forth between Xuanfu, Datong, and the capital had been truly exhausting and bitter, yet he still bore the burden without complaint and completed all his proper duties.

At this point, there was basically nothing major or minor left that Li Fengxiang could help with, so why not seize this opportunity to pocket some silver for himself?

As early as the fifth month, a Chiliarch of the Embroidered Uniform Guard's Provincial Office named Gao Wencai had come to Li Fengxiang. Though the silver was not much, for a eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial it was merely a matter of saying a word — why refuse silver that came for free?

Having been entrusted by another, Li Fengxiang chose a moment when the Chongzhen Emperor was in council to bring this woman into the palace.

Empress Zhou was shrewd as well — how could she not guess the dog-slave's intentions? But like the Chongzhen Emperor, she would not say anything outright.

"Your Majesty, this slave will take his leave now." After briefly introducing the woman's background to Empress Zhou, Li Fengxiang hurriedly made to withdraw.

No joke — he was truly merciful.

The silver he had received for this trip was not much to begin with, and the words he had spoken so far should have cost extra. If he lingered and something went wrong, he might drag himself into trouble.

"Mm, you may go."

Empress Zhou naturally understood what he was worried about, and thought there was no need to make things difficult for him — after all, this slave was still a capable hound working for His Majesty.

"Raise your head."

As the mother of the Great Ming state, Empress Zhou naturally looked down on this sort of common woman about to be sent to the Music Bureau as a prostitute, and her tone carried obvious contempt.

But when the woman shyly raised her head, Empress Zhou was stunned by her beauty. She widened her eyes and looked carefully twice before murmuring to herself:

"What a dog-slave — this woman's looks are truly fine indeed. But what a pity; she has been another man's wife, and is of criminal status besides. How could she become a consort of my Great Ming?"

With that said, Empress Zhou withdrew her gaze and asked in a condescending tone: "Gu Mei, Gong Dingzi was beheaded in public by the Emperor's order — do you bear any resentment?"

"To answer Your Majesty, this common woman is but a weak and helpless thing. Even if I bore resentment, what difference would it make?"

"How dare you!" Empress Zhou immediately slapped the phoenix table and snorted coldly: "His Majesty the Emperor is sagely and enlightened. Gong Dingzi committed the great crime of plotting against the Emperor and deserved his fate. Do you know what the law prescribes for you?"

"This humble woman does not know." Gu Mei seemed frightened by Empress Zhou's sudden fury, and this time her answer was exceptionally meek, her attitude quite submissive.

"By law you are an accomplice and should be sent to the Music Bureau as a prostitute." Seeing the change in Gu Mei's attitude, Empress Zhou nodded with considerable satisfaction, then looked her over from head to toe and said: "But with beauty as rare as yours in ten li, it would be a pity to let you wither away like that."

"Kunning Palace is short one qin player. Tell you what — no need for you to go to the Music Bureau. Stay by my side for now. Are you versed in qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting?"

Gu Mei's expression shifted at these words, and she secretly clenched her fists, saying: "This common woman once served as a singing girl in Qinhuai, and knows a little of each."

Empress Zhou gave an "Mm" and nodded, saying:

"Very well then. Xiumei, take Gu Mei away and see that she is properly arranged for."