Upon hearing this, Wen Yanran seemed rather intrigued. She immediately summoned Zhang Luo, assigned him a team of imperial guards as attendants, and ordered him to go out to gather some information.
She had previously suspected that Wen Jinming would start with the Imperial Household Department. Since this news came from a female official, it might very well be related to the Marquis of Quanling.
An hour later.
Zhang Luo proved to be highly efficient. Familiar with the Emperor’s work habits, he first compiled a general overview of the situation and delivered it to the inner palace. At the same time, he directed junior eunuchs to conduct a detailed investigation, preparing to organize a comprehensive report shortly afterward.
In the Western Yong Palace, Wen Yanran leaned against the armrest and read aloud from the report in her hand. “Many families of nobility have been vying to visit him, considering it an honor to meet the revered figure in person…”
She skimmed over the adoration that the nobles of Jianping had shown for the individual in question and carefully examined the “miracles” attributed to the Great Master Xuanyang.
Great Master Xuanyang traveled extensively across various regions. Given the prevailing localist mindset of the people, one would expect outsiders to face some degree of exclusion. Yet, wherever he went, he was warmly welcomed by the local gentry. Tales of his miraculous deeds often spread, with rumors claiming he possessed the ability to see ghosts with his own eyes.
Zhang Luo, being meticulous, provided a detailed explanation regarding the “ability to see ghosts.” According to him, Great Master Xuanyang claimed that some malevolent ghosts would attach themselves to living humans, draining their vitality, and required someone of his spiritual prowess to drive them out through flogging.
The outcomes of these floggings varied – some good, some bad. Perhaps because Great Master Xuanyang was exceptionally skilled at persuasion, or maybe because the people of the Great Zhou dynasty had not been exposed to modern anti-fraud education, the successes were attributed to the master’s powerful magic, while the failures were blamed on the victims being possessed for too long, beyond any hope of salvation, and thus deserving of an early release.
In addition, Great Master Xuanyang claimed to be able to communicate with deities. Some wealthy skeptics, at his request, prepared a quiet room for him. After purifying himself and burning incense, he would enter the room alone. Despite bringing nothing with him, sounds of music and voices of people of different ages – both male and female – could be heard from inside, astonishing everyone and quickly cementing his reputation as a mystic.
In this era, the concept of the Mandate of Heaven was a mainstream belief, and Daoist priests held a relatively exalted status – a tradition rooted in the imperial family itself. To legitimize their divine right to rule, the founding ancestors of the Great Zhou dynasty established the Tianfu Palace. Many emperors throughout history had also sought immortality and engaged with Daoist practices, while court-appointed Daoist officials received official salaries according to their ranks. Faced with such authority, ordinary people naturally leaned toward believing in these phenomena rather than dismissing them.
Wen Yanran smiled slightly. “Since he is such a remarkable master, I shall grant him an audience.” She instructed her attendants, “Go to the Imperial Household Department and retrieve a pair of jade artifacts, ten units of gold, and twenty bolts of silk to bestow upon Great Master Xuanyang. Then summon him to the palace.”
As a reader who had just glanced at the comment section without delving deeply into the details of the story, Wen Yanran was unfamiliar with the name Zhao Ju. However, while browsing spoilers, she had come across mentions of a skilled charlatan Daoist named “Tian Dongyang,” who played a pivotal role in undermining the Great Zhou regime through his expertise in manipulating minds.
Though she regretted not encountering Tian Dongyang, she reasoned that even a minor fraud was still a fraud. Judging by Great Master Xuanyang’s past behavior, he might still prove somewhat useful.
Wen Yanran continued reviewing memorials while waiting for the fraudster to come and deceive her. However, half an hour later, the court herald she had sent earlier returned empty-handed to the Western Yong Palace and apologized to the Emperor.
Unaware of the Emperor’s true intentions, the herald had not dared to trouble this honored guest of the Dong family and could only relay Great Master Xuanyang’s exact words to Wen Yanran.
In the Western Yong Palace.
Wen Yanran set down the scroll in her hand and remarked to those around her with a smile, “It seems this great master is quite an arrogant man.”
Noticing that the Emperor did not seem particularly angered by the news, an attendant nearby attempted to offer a placating smile but was immediately silenced by a sharp glance from Chi Yi.
The Emperor’s favor and reliance on Vice Commissioner Chi were well-known. Seeing Chi Yi’s face begin to pale slightly, the others grew fearful and bowed their heads in solemn silence.
Wen Yanran rested her left hand on the armrest and propped her chin with her right, the smile at her lips unchanged, yet a glint of cold intensity flickered in her eyes.
The Great Zhou empire was teetering on the brink, with chaos rampant across its twenty-one provinces. Malevolent schemers emerged one after another – was there truly a shortage of treacherous individuals like Zhao Ju?
As a tyrant, it was her role to command such villains, not to be controlled by them in return.
Wen Yanran closed her eyes briefly. When she opened them again, all traces of sternness had vanished. She smiled at the attendants beside her and said, “Go and summon Minister Yan inside.”
Yan Xiaolou came from the Yan family of Jianzhou. Though his lineage was less prestigious than the former Ji family, they were still a military clan. Under normal circumstances, given his background and experience, he would have easily been promoted from deputy to a full position after the new emperor’s accession. Unfortunately, due to the fallout from the imperial guards’ internal strife, he remained stuck with the temporary title of deputy general in charge of the guards.
Yet, he harbored no resentment whatsoever over the stagnation in his official rank.
Yan Xiaolou reflected that his failure to detect the rebellious intentions within the imperial guards was indeed his own shortcoming. On the day when the Grand Tutor remained silent to avoid suspicion and civil officials unanimously demanded the Emperor dismiss him to assert authority, the Emperor had withstood all pressure. Not only did she allow him to continue leading the Outer Guards, but she also sent attendants to console him – a clear sign of her trust and regard.
Whenever he thought of this, Yan Xiaolou felt his blood surge with fervor. The Emperor had shown him such grace that he was willing to lay down his life for her. His only regret was the lack of a suitable opportunity to prove his loyalty.
That day, when a palace messenger suddenly arrived summoning him for an audience, Yan Xiaolou was overjoyed. Without delay, he followed the herald into the palace.
In the side hall of Western Yong Palace, which served as the study.
Wen Yanran was seated on the couch reading when she noticed Yan Xiaolou approaching. She smiled gently and remarked, “You’ve come quite swiftly.”
Yan Xiaolou stood solemnly before the hall and performed a deep ceremonial bow toward the front.
Wen Yanran set down her book and accepted his gesture with a calm smile.
Today, Yan Xiaolou was not merely expressing his loyalty as a subject to the Emperor of Great Zhou – he was demonstrating his personal devotion to Wen Yanran herself.
Wen Yanran instructed Yan Xiaolou to rise and said, “There is a Taoist who calls himself Great Master Xuanyang currently residing in the residence of Marquis Dong.” Her tone was calm, yet each word seemed to carry a peculiar force. “I had intended to summon him to the palace for an audience, but it appears my authority is insufficient to compel his attendance. Minister Yan, take the imperial guards and bring him – and his followers – out from Marquis Dong’s residence.”
Yan Xiaolou acknowledged the order and asked, “Shall we bring the Taoist to the palace?”
Wen Yanran chuckled lightly. “Bringing such a man to the palace…” She paused mid-sentence, then nodded slowly to her official. “You are right. Bring him to the palace. The Oblique Dungeon has remained empty for far too long.” Her gaze fixed intently on Yan Xiaolou. “Set out swiftly. I grant you full authority to act as you see fit.”
Initially, she had considered sending the group of fraudsters to the Grand Court of Revision for trial. However, given the behavior common among many scions of influential families in this era, even if Zhao Ju were imprisoned there, his followers might secretly secure his release. Moreover, justifying such an act afterward would not be difficult – they could simply claim they were repaying a debt of gratitude to Great Master Xuanyang. In society, the praise for acts of gratitude often outweighed the condemnation for freeing a prisoner. Great Master Xuanyang could then fabricate a story about using mystical arts to escape, further elevating his own prestige.
Wen Yanran reflected that if he were to successfully slip away, she would likely become a laughingstock.
After confirming the details of his mission, Yan Xiaolou – embodying the decisiveness characteristic of a military man – promptly accepted the order and took his leave.
Wen Yanran said, “See Deputy General Yan off.” She glanced at Chi Yi and gave a slight nod.
Chi Yi bowed slightly and exited the side hall with Yan Xiaolou, personally escorting the deputy general out of the palace.
“Deputy General Yan.”
Only when they reached the central gate did Chi Yi stop Yan Xiaolou and softly advise, “I heard a saying: ‘When the ruler is troubled, the minister feels disgraced; when the ruler is humiliated, the minister should die.’ That villain Zhao Ju has already shown disrespect to Her Majesty. Would you, General, allow him to remain and disrespect Her Majesty a second time?”
A flicker of anger toward Zhao Ju first crossed Yan Xiaolou’s face, followed by a look of sudden understanding. He then bowed respectfully to the female official before him. “Thank you for your guidance, Vice Commissioner Chi.”
While Wen Yanran was summoning Yan Xiaolou, Tian Dongyang – using the alias Zhao Ju – was drinking with the head of the Dong family.
The Dong family head had initially been uneasy about Great Master Xuanyang’s refusal to answer the imperial summons. However, seeing the other party so calm and composed, he gradually relaxed.
After all, Great Master Xuanyang was a true immortal of profound wisdom, capable of glimpsing the secrets of heaven. Since he showed no concern, there surely would be no trouble.
Just then, a clamor suddenly erupted from the direction of the street.
As a military commander, Yan Xiaolou wasted no time after leaving the palace. He immediately gathered a team of soldiers to apprehend the target. Though bold in action, he was also meticulous – fearing that Great Master Xuanyang might attempt to slip away, he discreetly deployed the imperial guards to surround the Dong residence, sealing it off completely before stepping forward to announce his presence.
A young member of the Dong family came out to inquire about the purpose of the visit. Yan Xiaolou stood tall and declared, “I am here under the Emperor’s orders to arrest Zhao Ju.”
The Dong scion was momentarily taken aback before realizing who “Zhao Ju” referred to. Frowning, he replied, “Great Master Xuanyang is an honored guest of our Dong residence. We ask that Deputy General Yan treat him with due respect.”
Yan Xiaolou responded, “The Dong family is one of high status, and I have no intention of causing offense. If Lord Dong would kindly bring Zhao Ju out yourself, it would allow me to fulfill my duty without further trouble – a convenience for us both.”
In the Great Zhou dynasty, it was customary to address officials as “Lord X”, since the Emperor was the sovereign of her ministers, and ministers, in turn, were the sovereigns of the people under their jurisdiction. Over time, even children of official families who had not yet entered government service came to be addressed this way. By now, it had evolved into a common term of respect.
Military officials have always been at the bottom of the bureaucratic hierarchy, so the young Dong scion immediately flushed with anger and flicked his sleeve dismissively. “Deputy General Yan, do not jest!”
Yan Xiaolou, who had already dismounted, now swung back into his saddle and commanded, “In that case, I must apologize for what comes next!” He directly ordered a charge.
Caught completely off guard, the Dong scion stood frozen in place as the imperial guards stormed through the main gate. Some tried to block their path, but how could they possibly hold back trained cavalry?
By the time Yan Xiaolou charged into the inner courtyard, Tian Dongyang had already received word.
True to his reputation as a Taoist who had swindled his way from the provinces to the capital, Tian Dongyang remained seated calmly as the imperial guards rushed toward him. He continued drinking by himself, exuding the composure of a transcendent master.
Yan Xiaolou commanded, “Seize this man and bind him!”
Marquis Dong hesitated, then rose to his feet as if to intervene. Yan Xiaolou shot him a sharp glance, drew his blade, and declared sternly, “By the Emperor’s decree, those who defy the order shall be executed without leniency!”
As a military official, Yan Xiaolou would normally never dare to act so disrespectfully toward a titled family. But now, having received such grace from the Emperor, he was determined to repay it with unwavering loyalty – even at the cost of his own life. Since Her Majesty trusted him without reservation, how could he hold back out of concern for himself?
Only then did Tian Dongyang leisurely set down his wine cup, brush his sleeves, and raise his eyes to cast a disdainful glance at Yan Xiaolou. He let out a scornful laugh and said coldly, “Ignorant brute! You think by interpreting the Emperor’s will, you secure your future – but in truth, disaster is already upon you. If you do not wake up now, it will be too late for regrets!”
His ability to deceive for years without exposure was partly due to the information lag and lack of public enlightenment in this era, but even more so because he excelled at discerning the inner thoughts of others.
Tian Dongyang understood that Yan Xiaolou’s bold actions were likely authorized either by the Emperor herself or by Grand Tutor Yuan. However, he believed that as a Taoist revered even among the nobility, the Emperor – if she wished to be seen as a wise ruler – would not move against him simply for refusing one summons. Therefore, this dispatch of troops was purely a psychological tactic, aimed mainly at intimidation. If he were to show fear and beg for mercy, he would appear greatly diminished in the eyes of contemporaries.
If he viewed the current situation as a gamble, then winning would mean becoming a court-appointed Taoist official on par with Wen Jingmei. He might even advance to manipulate the young Emperor in the inner court and replace Grand Tutor Yuan. How could he allow himself to be defeated here?
Narrowing his eyes, Yan Xiaolou looked down from his horse at the Taoist. Suddenly, he raised his long blade high and brought it down like a thunderbolt toward the other’s neck.
The deputy genral’s blade was exceedingly sharp. Before the smile could fade from Tian Dongyang’s face, his head – bearing the aura of a transcendent master – flew from his shoulders. In an instant, hot blood gushed from the neck cavity, drenching the nearby Marquis Dong.
Two sounds echoed simultaneously – the first was the thud of Tian Dongyang’s head hitting the ground, the second was Marquis Dong stumbling back in terror, accidentally knocking over a wine pot on the table.
Yan Xiaolou casually flicked the blood from his blade and ordered his subordinates, “This treacherous Taoist has disciples and attendants. Arrest them all – not a single one is to escape.” Only after giving the command did he dismount. He then bowed respectfully to the stunned Marquis Dong, apologized for the disturbance, and strode away holding Tian Dongyang’s head.
In the residence of Marquis Dong, a young man dressed as a guest observed the entire scene from a high tower, a flicker of unusual insight in his eyes. After the imperial guards surrounding the mansion dispersed, a servant slipped out unnoticed through the back door.
