Chapter 7: Kaifeng Part 5

Tong Guan let out a cold “hmph” and called into the courtyard: “Prince Kang Zhao Gou and Exorcism Division Deputy Envoy Xiang Xian request an audience—”

In Xiang Xian’s eyes, Tong Guan was just like the stone lions outside the Exorcism Division, forever barking “Someone’s here, someone’s here” toward the palace interior. When a voice from within finally said “Come in,” Xiang Xian walked past Tong Guan into the chamber.

The bedchamber where Zhao Ji resided was surrounded by landscape glass screens on all sides. Silk curtains embroidered with ancient poems and paintings fluttered in the autumn morning breeze. The Chongwen Court had excellent natural lighting, with skylights aligned to the sun’s path through the seasons. Sunbeams poured from the ceiling, weaving through the screens like pillars of light. The landscapes on the screens seemed to flow vividly to life.

Dozens of large and small screens stood in a forest, all masterpieces crafted by artisans scoured from across the land by Cai Jing. Of course, compared to the exquisite stones Zhao Ji cherished, they were but a drop in the ocean.

Even assassins could get lost in the Chongwen Court. Xiang Xian followed Zhao Gou, weaving through the maze of screens until they reached the depths, where he unfastened his Pei Sword and handed it to the guard.

“Father Emperor,” Zhao Gou said before the largest flower-and-bird screen, “Xiang Xian is here.”

Shadows shifted vaguely behind the screen, followed by a muffled response. Moments later came a long yawn, as if stretching.

“Who?” Zhao Ji’s voice asked.

“Xiang Xian,” Zhao Gou said. “Deputy Envoy of the Exorcism Division, Tanhua Lang.”

No reply came from within. After a moment, there were a few indistinct grumbles, ending with a woman’s voice: “Come in. Your father emperor is awake.”

Only then did Zhao Gou lead Xiang Xian around the screen. Empress Zheng was attending to Zhao Ji, who wore a white robe and had just woken. Xiang Xian looked up and met the Daojun Emperor’s gaze. The last time he had seen him was two years prior, at his induction into the Exorcism Division. Coming from the Chu Region to Kaifeng, he had joined Lord Guo’s service on his family’s orders and been brought by the Chief Envoy to meet the emperor.

“Mm, it’s you, Xiang Xian. I remember you.”

Zhao Ji was forty-three that year, exceedingly well-preserved with fair, tender skin from years indoors, untouched by toil. Though middle-aged, he appeared like a man in his thirties. Pleased with his leisurely pursuits of painting, calligraphy, landscapes, music, and occasional cuju or hunting, he exuded a refined mediocrity.

“Xiang Xian pays respects to the Official Family.” Knowing Zhao Ji disdained formalities, Xiang Xian simply bowed from before the imperial couch.

“Speak.” Zhao Ji only spared this brief time each day for his sons. Soon, he would head to the rear courtyard for breakfast. Empress Zheng helped him rise. Barefoot, with white trouser legs dragging, he stretched as he walked behind the screen to wash up.

Xiang Xian glanced at Zhao Gou, who looked anxious.

The emperor behind the screen began rinsing his mouth, not urging them on.

Xiang Xian signaled with his eyes: I’m about to speak.

Zhao Gou quickly said, “Father Emperor, Xiang Xian has just returned from Datong Prefecture.”

Zhao Ji drawled lazily, “How fares the situation in the Yanyun Sixteen Prefectures?”

Zhao Gou said, “Your son recently received intelligence regarding an alleged ancient relic called the ‘Heaven’s Mandate Box’…”

Empress Zheng let out a “pfft” of laughter upon hearing this—whether mocking or curious, it was unclear.

Zhao Ji finished rinsing, popped a licorice root in his mouth, and changed behind the screen. Zhao Gou, eyed threateningly by Xiang Xian, had no choice but to detail why the Jin Kingdom held the Yanyun Sixteen Prefectures without returning them, how Wanyan Zonghan had led twenty thousand troops to besiege the Buddha Palace Temple, and so on.

“…Therefore, your son believes the Jin people went to such lengths precisely to seek this ‘Heaven’s Mandate Box.'”

Zhao Ji finally spoke: “Did you find it in the end?”

Zhao Gou glanced at Xiang Xian.

Xiang Xian replied, “Yes, Your Majesty has found it, but it was not the Imperial Jade Seal as Lord Guo had guessed.”

Zhao Ji, now in a moon-white daoist robe embroidered with mountains, rivers, and stars, emerged from behind the screen and extended a hand toward Xiang Xian. Xiang Xian stared at the emperor’s eyes, uncomprehending.

“Present it!” Zhao Ji said coldly. “What are you waiting for?”

Zhao Gou said, “Father Emperor, it happened suddenly. He couldn’t bring the Heaven’s Mandate Box back.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ji snorted coldly and turned toward the rear of the hall. Zhao Gou followed, with Xiang Xian trailing behind the emperor’s steps as they left the Chongwen Court. Tong Guan caught up shortly after, and a large entourage set out, following the emperor to the gardens where breakfast was prepared amid landscape rocks, with qin maidens at the ready.

Dozens of princes and imperial daughters waited outside the rock garden for Tong Guan to summon them to see the emperor.

Xiang Xian knew that once Zhao Ji sat down, he and Zhao Gou would be dismissed. With Zhao Gou dragging his feet like this, there would be no chance to continue. Ignoring Zhao Gou’s expression, he said, “But Your Majesty heard a voice from within the Heaven’s Mandate Box.”

“Oh?” Zhao Ji’s curiosity was piqued. “A voice?”

Tong Guan tactfully held back Crown Prince Zhao Huan outside. Zhao Huan frowned deeply, gazing at Xiang Xian and Zhao Gou within the garden.