“Long story short, here’s the situation. The ministers in the court were arguing fiercely with the Crown Prince and the Official Family because there were simply too many Liao refugees.
“Jin Troops swept through the Yanyun Sixteen Prefectures. Over these three years, there had been a once-in-a-century drought that triggered famine in the Northern Regions. Since the start of the year, refugees had trickled southward in droves—over a million in total…
“Did you see them on your way back to the capital? The Yellow River banks and all of Guanzhong were filled with your fellow countrymen from the old kingdom. His Highness showed great mercy and didn’t let the border troops slaughter them all. As a result, more and more refugees poured south. Now, there were already five hundred thousand outside Kaifeng City, and Xinzheng was packed with Liao people as well.
“…The Official Family said they needed to be driven… sent to Longyou as soon as possible and resettled somewhere. I said there was no rush. Isn’t our Demon-Exorcising Envoy the former Liao Crown Prince’s Junior Tutor? Perhaps in a few days, Lord Xiao would have a brilliant plan. After all, the one who tied the bell must untie it… I…”
Guo Jing rambled on.
“Kang Wang is here! Kang Wang is here!” The two Stone Lions at the door called out together again.
“I have to go.” Guo Jing took the hint and bid farewell.
Zhao Gou arrived outside the Exorcism Division. Xiang Xian said, “Let him in.”
Zhao Gou exclaimed, “You’re finally back!”
In the hall, Xiao Kun and Xiang Xian looked utterly numb, lacking even the energy to speak.
Zhao Gou asked, “Where did you go? Why do you look so exhausted?”
Meanwhile, as Guo Jing left, Chaosheng watered the peony flowers by the wall in the front courtyard and asked, “Lord Guo, are you alright?”
Guo Jing nodded, seemingly having forgotten the incident from the New Year’s festivities three months prior. He approached warmly and said, “Little Immortal, how have you been?”
Chaosheng asked, “Any issues with your health since spring began?”
Chaosheng took Guo Jing’s pulse. Having been possessed by Mr. Qin once, Guo Jing could still walk and move, showing no severe aftereffects. However, he appeared somewhat fatigued, no longer striding with his former vigor.
“Nothing serious,” Chaosheng said. “Just eat more good food.”
“Thank you, Little Immortal.” Guo Jing replied, “One has no control over one’s life in the mortal world.”
Guo Jing sighed, as if burdened by endless frustrations and melancholy. Though it was spring, an autumn wind seemed to stir faintly behind him as he left the Exorcism Division, carrying an intangible air of desolation.
“Take me into the palace tomorrow,” Xiang Xian said to Zhao Gou.
“What are you up to now?” Zhao Gou jumped, startled. The last time Xiang Xian entered the palace, he and Xiao Kun had wreaked havoc across nearly thirty percent of Wansui Mountain. The time before that, they had left the Emperor trembling for nearly a month.
“Relax,” Xiang Xian said. “We must resolve this quickly and settle the Liao refugees outside.”
“Indeed.” Zhao Gou agreed. “Cai Xiang, Li Bangyan, and the others say Heaven favors life; General Li Gang and Lord Nie Shan insist that crowds of refugees breed unrest and must be dispersed.”
Xiao Kun had fallen silent since Guo Jing’s arrival.
Xiang Xian knew the matter was grave, so he said, “I’ll go see the Official Family tomorrow.”
“And your father?” Xiao Kun suddenly asked.
“After the New Year incident,” Zhao Gou answered, “Father Emperor has rarely meddled in court affairs. Now, my eldest brother handles state matters, with Cai Xiang and Crown Prince Junior Chancellor Li Bangyan assisting.”
Xiang Xian and Xiao Kun exchanged glances. They both understood that the power transition in Great Song had occurred peacefully amid the turbulent changes, sparing the common folk—a silver lining in misfortune. Zhao Ji indulged in pleasures all day; now that his son Zhao Huan held power, life for the people might improve somewhat. Whether Zhao Huan could secure the throne remained for time to prove.
“And you two?” Zhao Gou eyed Xiang Xian and Xiao Kun. Their serious expressions suggested troubling matters. Though he had no rapport with Xiao Kun, he greatly admired Xiang Xian and wished to ease his brother’s burdens. “The Chang’an Prefect sent a document recently. Did you have a fierce battle exorcising demons there? Then you went to the Western Regions?”
Xiao Kun had returned via Dragon Control, and news from the Western Regions took nearly half a month to reach Kaifeng even by fast horse. Thus, the capital knew nothing of the major events in Gaochang Uyghur. Xiang Xian pondered; though overwhelmed and frustrated, he couldn’t show impatience toward Zhao Gou. He smiled warmly, shared some amusing anecdotes from the Western Regions trip, and gifted him a few gems.
Xiao Kun grew increasingly restless, his mind buzzing. Finally, Zhao Gou took his leave, agreeing to enter the palace with Xiang Xian the next day and stroll the Hongqiao Spring Market arm-in-arm before departing.
It was already late at night when Zhao Gou left. Wu Yingzong came to clear the table and warm wine. The Exorcism Division had five rooms: Wu Yingzong shared one with Chaosheng, Mu Qingshan had one, Hulü Guang had one, and they had all retired.
“What now?” Xiao Kun finally asked.
Xiang Xian said, “Old Wu, no wine tonight—switch to tea. Go take care of Chaosheng.”
Xiang Xian felt a massive headache. He hadn’t expected to face so many vexing issues on his first day back, without even a moment’s rest.
“I’ll handle Gao Qiu,” Xiang Xian said. “A Huang will rescue the messenger White Falcon.”
He knew Xiao Kun’s mind was filled with thoughts of skewering Gao Qiu or feeding the Grand Commandant to the Heavenly Demon.
“What’s that?” Xiao Kun noticed a letter on the table.
“Left by Guo Jing,” Xiang Xian opened it and glanced over. “A mission for the Exorcism Division. Amid the great drought, sightings of the ancient demon ‘Drought Fiend’ from Jiangdong to Lianghu. Oh, your ancestor.”
Xiao Kun: “…”
“They urgently request the Exorcism Division to send someone south to investigate and capture the demon.” Xiang Xian said. “Capture your forebear.”
