Volume One, Chapter 7: The Emperor Backs Qin Bao!

Emperor Xuanwu’s eyes shone with excitement. He slapped the desk with his palm and exclaimed, “Excellent! Truly, the Five Harmonies are a remarkable concept!”

Wang Caiwei gazed at Qin Bao, who spoke so eloquently, and for a moment she was utterly entranced.

What a fine speech.

Indeed, he was worthy of her selection.

Qin Bao’s demeanor was humble, neither servile nor overbearing. He replied, “Your Majesty flatters me. Though there are the Five Harmonies, possessing them alone is not enough to march east beyond Tong Pass. Without earnest, practical effort, a nation can never prosper.”

Emperor Xuanwu nodded. “Well said—prosperity through diligence. With brilliant young men like you offering counsel, the heavens truly favor Great Liang. Now tell me, what reward do you desire?”

Qin Bao shook his head. “A commoner does not accept reward for no merit.”

The emperor replied, “You have severed ties with the Qin family, and since you have nowhere to go, I grant you a residence. Once you distinguish yourself at the Four Kingdoms Literary Assembly, further rewards await you.”

Fearing that Qin Bao might refuse again, Wang Caiwei quickly prompted him, “Don’t just stand there—accept at once.”

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s great kindness.”

Qin Bao bowed with utmost formality, joy flickering in his heart.

After this audience, he would have a place to stay, and having entered Emperor Xuanwu’s notice, he would no longer be alone and powerless.

The emperor waved his hand. “You may withdraw.”

Wang Caiwei and Qin Bao both saluted and departed together. Yet just as they reached the palace gates, Emperor Xuanwu suddenly called out, “Wait.”

Qin Bao turned back. “Does Your Majesty have further instructions?”

Emperor Xuanwu said, “‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms’ is excellent. Write more when you return and have Changle bring it into the palace.”

He was urging for more chapters.

Qin Bao hastened to agree, and only then did he and Wang Caiwei take their leave.

As soon as they exited Zhangtai Palace, an eunuch brought Qin Bao the keys and address of his new residence—he could move in immediately.

Once they were outside the imperial city, Qin Bao again said, “Your Highness, I am immeasurably grateful for your great kindness.”

Wang Caiwei replied, “Winning first place at the Four Kingdoms Literary Assembly will be the greatest repayment to me. In addition, you must focus on writing—produce more manuscripts so they can be published and sold.”

After affirming his promise, Qin Bao parted ways with Wang Caiwei and made his way to his new home in the western city.

…

Within Zhangtai Palace.

Emperor Xuanwu’s gaze was deep as he commanded, “Wang Wu!”

“At your service!”

From a shadowy corner of the hall, Wang Wu stepped forth.

Clad in black martial attire, his frame was lean and wiry, his triangular eyes exuding the menace of a venomous serpent poised to strike.

He commanded the Black-Clad Guards, responsible for intelligence and covert operations—he was the emperor’s sharpest weapon.

Emperor Xuanwu ordered, “Investigate everything about Qin Bao.”

“As you command!”

Wang Wu turned and melted into the darkness.

Emperor Xuanwu stretched languidly, then bent once more to his state papers.

Half an hour later, Wang Wu returned in haste, saluted, and reported, “Your Majesty, all matters concerning Qin Bao are clear.”

“Speak,” the emperor prompted.

Wang Wu began in a measured tone, “Marquis Changping, Qin Sheng, schemed to have his wife befriend the wife of Minister Sun Jing of the Ministry of Revenue, which led to the two families’ arranged marriage.”

“But Qin Youde impregnated the courtesan Shen Meng, and in order to hush up the matter, Qin Sheng tried to have Qin Bao marry Shen Meng.”

“Qin Bao refused and left home in defiance.”

“In the Marquis’s household, Qin Bao suffered mistreatment at the hands of his stepmother Madam Wu and his siblings, yet bore it all in silence.”

“His status in the Qin household was lower than the servants, and his days were wretched. Even so, Qin Bao never ceased his studies and was never seen without a book in hand.”

After hearing this, Emperor Xuanwu waved him away, and Wang Wu faded back into the shadows.

Only then did Emperor Xuanwu truly believe Qin Bao.

When it came to matters of state, there could be no negligence, no matter how thorough or cautious one might be.

He pondered a moment and commanded, “Send word—summon Sun Jing, Minister of Revenue, for an audience.”

The eunuch departed to deliver the order.

Soon after, Sun Jing entered the palace hall.

Though nearly fifty, Sun Jing was robust and energetic. He announced himself in a clear voice, “Your servant Sun Jing pays homage to Your Majesty.”

Emperor Xuanwu smiled and began inquiring about the treasury, to which Sun Jing replied in detail.

Sun Jing had served at the Ministry of Revenue for years and had only been promoted to Minister after Emperor Xuanwu’s ascension—he was a man thoroughly versed in fiscal matters and greatly trusted by the emperor.

Though he answered every question, a suspicion grew in Sun Jing’s heart.

The emperor’s questions were all matters easily understood, previously addressed in memorials—why summon him specifically to discuss these issues?

Perplexed, Sun Jing nevertheless answered truthfully.

After a long pause, Emperor Xuanwu suddenly remarked, “I hear your daughter is betrothed to the second son of Marquis Changping?”

“Yes!” Sun Jing replied at once.

He instantly recalled the Marquis’s status as a noble of the founding generation and, alarmed, fell to his knees, saying solemnly, “Your Majesty, permit me to explain.”

The emperor’s tone was mild. “Explain what?”

Sun Jing quickly replied, “My wife and the wife of Marquis Changping are close, sworn sisters.”

“My wife admired the Marquis’s second son, and since the Marquis’s house is now in decline and his status negligible, I agreed to the match.”

He kowtowed, declaring loudly, “Your servant was raised by Your Majesty’s favor and is loyal unto death.”

At that moment, regret gnawed at Sun Jing’s heart.

When arranging the betrothal, he had discussed the Marquis’s status with his wife. She assured him that the house had long lost its influence and the emperor would not interfere.

He had relaxed his guard.

He never expected the emperor would pursue the matter.

Emperor Xuanwu regarded the anxious Sun Jing and instructed, “I trust your loyalty. Rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Relief washed over Sun Jing as he rose and said, “I will annul the engagement upon my return.”

The emperor replied, “I have no intention of meddling in your family’s affairs. Keep the engagement or not, as you see fit. I summoned you only to ensure you are not deceived by Qin Youde and his father.”

A deeper unease overtook Sun Jing.

Deceived by Qin Youde?

Qin Youde was the Marquis’s second son—his wife had claimed he was talented, virtuous, and handsome, and only after much thought had Sun Jing agreed.

Now, with the emperor’s sudden mention, there must be something amiss.

Could it be the emperor is truly warning him, not displeased by the marriage?

Once more, Sun Jing promised, “Rest assured, Your Majesty. I will investigate thoroughly as soon as I return.”

“Go,” the emperor ordered with a wave of his hand.

After saluting and leaving Zhangtai Palace, Sun Jing stood outside, wiping the cold sweat from his brow.

Upon returning home, he summoned the steward immediately and instructed, “Investigate Qin Youde’s background at once—make inquiries far and wide. I want every detail.”

The steward, though puzzled, departed to carry out the order.

Sun Jing waited in silence.

After a short while, the steward returned, his expression grave. “Master, it’s all been uncovered.”

Sun Jing asked, “What is Qin Youde’s situation?”

The steward replied, “Master, Qin Youde is a spoiled scion, idle and dissipated, who never studies.”

“He is especially fond of frequenting brothels, and he has already gotten the courtesan Shen Meng of the Imperial Fragrance House pregnant.”

“Shen Meng hopes to enter the Qin family by virtue of her pregnancy.”

“Qin Sheng, fearing Shen Meng might jeopardize Qin Youde’s marriage, tried to force his legitimate son Qin Bao to marry the courtesan, which led to a confrontation and Qin Bao’s departure.”

In a flash, Sun Jing’s face turned a livid purple.

Qin Sheng was truly scheming—his wastrel son had hoped to wed Sun Jing’s daughter?

Absurd!

Furious, Sun Jing roared, “Qin Youde is a debauched scoundrel—he has not even married and already impregnated a courtesan! This is an outrage!”

In that instant, Sun Jing understood the emperor’s intent.

His Majesty could not bear to see him become a laughingstock and had kindly offered a warning.

How wise the emperor was!

His anger boiling, Sun Jing ordered, “Prepare the carriage—I am going to the Qin residence for an explanation.”

“At once!” the steward answered.

Sun Jing rode to the gates of the Marquis Changping’s manor. The coachman handed over his calling card, and the doorman went to announce his arrival.

Shortly, Qin Sheng emerged, beaming, and said, “This morning, the magpies were chattering away—I should have known it meant Brother Sun was coming! Please, come in!”

“Come in? Over my dead body!”

Sun Jing cursed aloud, raised his right hand, and slapped him across the face.

Smack!

The sound of the slap rang out sharp and clear.