Chapter 24: New Year’s Greetings Part 2

Xiao Kun: “Kaifeng’s cuisine far surpasses Shangjing’s, but the rules are more numerous too.”

Xiang Xian: “Chaosheng might sleep longer—shall we head out and play without him?”

Xiao Kun initially wanted to refuse but changed his mind. “We need to investigate last night’s matter.”

Xiang Xian had wanted to invite Xiao Kun for a spring outing but was reminded of the demonic qi from the night before.

“You don’t want to go?” Xiao Kun said. “Your country’s troubles—I’m happy to ignore them.”

“Fine.” Xiang Xian sighed helplessly. “I just didn’t want to work on New Year’s Day. I was thinking of cuju in the afternoon; I promised Gao Qiu.”

“Once the Jin Troops head south, one slash sends him to the west,” Xiao Kun said. “Then he can play cuju with Wanyan Aguda.”

“Chief Emissary,” Xiang Xian said, “it’s the New Year—don’t curse people to death.”

Xiao Kun couldn’t say he loathed Gao Qiu deeply, but he held no fondness either. Xiang Xian realized that last night, with Gao Qiu embracing him, whispering and laughing so intimately, it had likely made Xiao Kun jealous.

“I’m really not close to him,” Xiang Xian clarified again. “I’ve only been in Kaifeng for two years.”

Just then, the Stone Lions outside suddenly roared.

“Noble guest arrives! Noble guest arrives!”

“The Crown Prince has arrived—”

“No way,” Xiang Xian said. “It’s only New Year’s Day! Why are they all so diligent, one after another?”

Still in bathrobes, Xiang Xian and Xiao Kun had no time to change. Xiao Kun said, “Invite him in.”

Zhao Huan, clad in ceremonial robes, entered the Exorcism Division. Xiang Xian and Xiao Kun personally greeted him at the door porch. Zhao Huan looked preoccupied, as if not fully awake, merely nodding. Xiang Xian added, “Auspicious Star High and Bright, Your Highness, please come inside.”

Xiao Kun merely cupped his hands, saying nothing.

“You must be Xiao Kun,” Zhao Huan said directly. “At last night’s banquet, Guo Jing reported the facts to me. You needn’t worry about my father anymore; I’ve ordered the Ministry of Personnel to draft your appointment documents. In three days, after review by the Grand Councilor, your commission will be issued.”

Xiang Xian thought Guo Jing had acted swiftly this time and hurriedly said, “Thank you for your grace, Your Highness.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Xiao Kun, being a Liao person, was unaccustomed to thanking the Song Crown Prince but restrained his nature, showing deference.

Zhao Huan sized up Xiao Kun, patted his shoulder, and said, “I know nothing about you, relying solely on Xiang Xian’s recommendation. But I trust his judgment. The affairs of the Exorcism Division and Great Song’s fate—we’ll depend on you two henceforth.”

Xiang Xian immediately guessed: last time he mentioned the Heaven’s Mandate Box, Emperor Zhao Ji might not have believed, but Crown Prince Zhao Huan surely did. Guo Jing must have informed him that Xiao Kun’s joining was to serve Great Song, resolving the prophesied catastrophe in two years. For Zhao Huan, solving the problem mattered most.

With both Chief and Deputy Emissaries under the Gold Stone Bureau, any issues went to Guo Jing; the titles themselves were trivial to Zhao Huan—a word sealed any rank.

Only regarding the “Northern Exorcism Division leadership” background did Zhao Huan harbor slight doubt, worrying if this fallen kingdom’s remnant named Xiao Kun, due to Liao Kingdom’s fall, might harbor hatred for Great Song and plot mischief against the Song Court.

After weighing pros and cons, Zhao Huan decided to take the risk. Over a century ago, in Taizu’s era before unifying the fractured lands, enlightened men crossed borders to serve wise lords aplenty; a millennium prior in the Spring and Autumn period, strategists and generals switching allegiances was commonplace.

Moreover, if Xiao Kun matched Xiang Xian’s strength, his presence in Kaifeng equaled a ten-thousand-man army, a tremendous boon for Zhao Huan.

Xiang Xian asked, “Your Highness, care for something to eat?”

“I’ve eaten; just back from paying respects on the mountain,” Zhao Huan said, loosening his collar with fingers after entering. Clearly fatigued, he added, “Dragged the ministers out in the dead of night.”

Xiang Xian yielded his seat. Seeing them silent, Zhao Huan said, “To be frank, New Year’s Day isn’t for such talk, but the matter is grave, and the Exorcism Division is absolutely secure…”

The Exorcism Division under Yuwang Platform had a barrier set since Great Song’s founding; even the emperor couldn’t bring attendants. As Crown Prince, Zhao Huan entered alone, underscoring its security. As long as Xiang Xian and Xiao Kun allowed no one, none could force entry or eavesdrop.

“Please speak freely, Your Highness,” Xiao Kun said coolly, exuding the poise of a Grand Demon-Exorcist on equal footing with royalty.

Zhao Huan eyed the tea Wu Yingzong served, fingers drumming rhythmically on the table. After a moment’s contemplation, Xiang Xian and Xiao Kun waited patiently.

“Before this indelicate request, I’d like to hear the Heaven’s Mandate Box prophecy once more,” Zhao Huan finally said. “Last time, I didn’t catch it clearly—please clarify for me.”

Xiang Xian said, “Xiao Kun was there too, so we’re the only two who heard it.”

Xiao Kun nodded for Xiang Xian to recount it. Months ago, when Zhao Ji imprisoned Xiang Xian in rage and the Deputy Envoy vanished overnight, Zhao Huan had interrogated all witnesses repeatedly, piecing it together—but nothing matched hearing it directly now.