Chapter Thirty: The Riddler

"If Changsheng must choose between his own life and the lives of the people, Changsheng chooses the people!"

Gao Changsheng’s words exploded in Dou Yuan’s mind like a thunderclap. It had been far too long since he had heard anything so naive. Yet, it had also been too long since he had encountered someone so sincere. Compared to the sycophants in the imperial court who spent their days tangled in petty schemes and backstabbing, Gao Changsheng seemed like a lone glimmer of clarity in a pool of murky water.

"My Lord!"

Dou Yuan suddenly knelt before Gao Changsheng, his expression resolute as he cupped his hands in a salute. This was the second time he had addressed Gao Changsheng as his lord. The first time, he had been coerced by Miaofa into submission. This time, however, things were clearly different.

"General, what is the meaning of this?" Gao Changsheng feigned surprise, though he was inwardly overjoyed. To have the commander-in-chief of the three armies voluntarily pledge his allegiance—even the Emperor Shenwu might not have been granted such a blessing!

"Dou does not pledge his loyalty to you because you took a risk for me," Dou Yuan declared righteously. "It is because I have long been sickened by the corruption of the Great Yong Dynasty. The Emperor is tyrannical, the Crown Prince is immoral, and the Empress and her two foolish sons know nothing but how to form cliques for their own gain. The entire court is suffocated by an aura of despair. By comparison, you, my Lord, are the one who should sit upon the throne, to sweep the world clean for the sake of the realm and its people! To restore clarity and justice to Great Yong! If this is your goal, I am willing to brave fire and water for you."

If these grand words had come from the mouth of a civil official, Gao Changsheng would not have believed a single syllable. But Dou Yuan was a military man—a veteran who had bled for Great Yong for decades. He had seen too many soldiers sacrifice their lives on the battlefield; if not for some lingering ideal in their hearts, who would willingly sell their lives for a pittance?

"Let me be clear: I don't make oaths," Gao Changsheng said lazily. "I don't believe in ghosts or gods, and I believe in Heaven even less. If there really were a Heaven, it wouldn't allow so many scoundrels to enjoy wealth and luxury only to die peacefully in their beds. Unless Heaven is both deaf and blind. And if he is deaf and blind, what use is an oath?"

Gao Changsheng let out a cold snort. Hearing this, Dou Yuan burst into hearty laughter, and the oppressive atmosphere instantly lightened.

"My Lord speaks the truth. I, too, have no faith in that godforsaken Heaven."

Dou Yuan waved his hand and continued, "However, regarding Fengxi County, I still believe it is better to plan carefully. In case you, my Lord..."

Before he could finish, Gao Changsheng waved him off. "I am leaving Miaofa with you. He will judge when the time is right to strike at Fengxi County. That is settled!"

With that, Gao Changsheng didn't give Dou Yuan a chance to protest. He leaped onto his horse and rode away.

***

Meanwhile, in the imperial palace, within Emperor Shenwu’s study, a man dressed in black handed a report to Zhang Yao.

"Since Lang Qingzao of the Qingwu Guard has come in person, why should I bother reading the report? Tell me yourself," Emperor Shenwu said, glancing indifferently at the man kneeling before him. His sharp eyes seemed to glint with cold light.

Beside him, Zhang Yao grew anxious. For the Emperor to show such a look meant that whatever the Qingwu Guard had discovered was a matter of life and death. He could only wonder how many heads would roll to appease the Emperor’s fury this time.

"Yes!" Lang Qingzao replied. "My informants embedded in Fengxi County reported yesterday that a large number of strangers have appeared in the city over the last half-month. Most disguise themselves as merchants, while others claim to be visiting relatives or pose as refugees. At first, my men thought they were a single faction, but after two weeks of observation, it is clear that they do not interact. In other words, there are at least two separate groups hiding in Fengxi County. As Fengxi is a vital transit point for our armies, I believe we should eradicate them as soon as possible. That is why I have returned to the capital to seek your instructions."

"Two groups?" Emperor Shenwu murmured, as if ignoring the request. "Lang Qingzao, who do you think sent these two groups?" He leaned forward, his curious expression resembling that of an inquisitive child.

"I am guilty!" Lang Qingzao panicked, prostrating himself. "I only felt that such a major matter should be reported to you first, lest acting rashly ruin your grand design!"

*Grand design?* Zhang Yao was inwardly shocked. He was always by the Emperor’s side; how could he be completely ignorant of this "grand design"? Had the Emperor stopped trusting him? Or was this matter so terrifying that even his personal eunuch was not qualified to know?

"Look at how nervous you are. I’m not blaming you," the Emperor said. "Lang Qingzao, you did well. I indeed do not wish to startle the snakes just yet. But I cannot be too reckless; his safety concerns the entire northern frontier. Regardless of how the court bickers, it must not affect the front lines, or the officials and the people will say I only know how to play with power."

"I understand," Lang Qingzao replied. "No matter what happens in Fengxi County, I will ensure he comes to no harm!"

Hearing this, Zhang Yao felt like giving up. These two riddle-makers were speaking in code, and only God knew who this "he" was!

"Any news on the Empress’s two idiot sons?" the Emperor asked, sitting back on his throne with a look of disdain.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the two princes have arranged their men at Longling Village. They have decided to strike at midnight tonight," Lang Qingzao replied coldly.

"Idiots!" the Emperor roared. "To strike within the army’s path—how did those two fools come up with that? No wonder they haven't been able to deal with the Crown Prince for all these years. If not for the Empress helping them, they would have been played to death by the Crown Prince long ago. I’ve wasted so much effort supporting them; they are truly beyond saving!"

The Emperor’s volatile mood was like that of a madman, but to Zhang Yao and Lang Qingzao, this was standard behavior. They were long accustomed to it.

"But when all is said and done, Gao Changwen and Gao Changfei are still my sons. Though they are stupid, they are devious. Ordinary people find them hard to handle. I might as well use this opportunity to test the Sixth Prince. If he cannot even pass this trial, he isn't worthy of my favor. But if he performs well, raising him up to counterbalance the Crown Prince would be better than relying on those two fools, Changwen and Changfei!"