Chapter 26: The Imperial Decree Arrives

"You’ve certainly kept us searching. Why gather here at the Suzhou Prefectural Office instead of staying at the Meng estate?"

Meng Yuxi turned toward the source of the shrill voice. Outside the hall, the citizens of Suzhou were being pushed aside by two armed guards.

In the midst of the crowd, a man dressed in vibrant, dark red silk robes embroidered with blue tortoise, crane, and auspicious cloud patterns walked toward them with his hands clasped behind his back. Following him was a young man bowing slightly while cradling a yellow scroll, accompanied by ten servants.

The man wore a black gauze cap. Though he appeared to be of considerable age, with fine lines etched into his face, his eyes were sharp and sinister. His skin was deathly pale, as if he had never seen the sun, and his thin lips were devoid of facial hair. A faint, cold smile played upon them.

Seeing him, Wu Jiwen immediately set down her teacup and rose to greet him, her stern face replaced by a rare, fawning smile.

"Eunuch Wang, look at this! What wind has blown you our way?"

Wu Jiwen hurried forward to exchange pleasantries, with Deng He following behind with lowered head.

Meng Yuxi stood up, and Meng Xueqiao, Xiao Cui, Zhang Long, and Zhao Hu gathered behind him.

Seeing that Meng Yuxi was unharmed and whole, they finally felt at ease. Zhao Hu hurriedly applied medicine to the wounds Meng Yuxi had sustained from the "deterrence rod," though, fortunately, being sturdy of bone and muscle, he had only suffered superficial flesh wounds.

Watching the two exchange pleasantries, Meng Yuxi cursed inwardly, "Damn eunuch, ruining my plans."

"Madam Meng," Eunuch Wang replied, "you jest. There is no joy in this life, only the duty of travel. And so, I have arrived bearing the Imperial Edict."

"Let us discuss other matters later. First, the reading of the Edict."

Eunuch Wang stepped aside, and the young man holding the yellow scroll stepped into the center, announcing in a ringing voice:

"The Emperor has decreed!"

Everyone within and outside the hall, provided they were neither deaf nor blind, prostrated themselves on the ground.

"Having toured the South multiple times, I have found the region prosperous and its people studious—a model for our dynasty. I hereby grant an additional examination for the scholars of the South. All aspiring men may register. This is to select virtuous and capable pillars for our nation. The Meng estate shall serve as the examination hall. The exam will commence in five days. I shall arrive in Suzhou personally, reside at the Meng estate, and review the papers myself. Let those with knowledge be diligent and eager to learn; only those with ambition and talent shall be entrusted with great responsibilities. This is the decree."

Only after the reading concluded did the crowd rise to their feet.

***

"Where is the Suzhou Prefect, Wang Lingxin?" Eunuch Wang asked.

Wu Jiwen replied in a low voice, "Eunuch Wang, Wang Lingxin colluded with villains in an attempt to frame the fourth young master of the Meng family. The truth has now come to light. They turned on each other in the court, and the villains have all been brought to justice; they will not survive."

"Heh, heh, heh. That is just as well; it saves me the trouble. Master Meng, once you have had an audience with the Emperor, you may file a report against Wang Lingxin for dereliction of duty and corruption. I had intended to take him to the capital for trial, but this saves me the effort."

"The new Prefect should arrive in Suzhou within half a day. He will fully implement the Emperor's decree. As the Emperor will be staying at the Meng estate and using it as the examination hall, Madam Meng, you should return early to make preparations. There are only four or five days left."

Eunuch Wang said with a smile.

Wu Jiwen looked puzzled. "How did my husband reach the capital so quickly? He only departed by carriage yesterday. Even at the fastest pace, he should only be arriving this evening."

Eunuch Wang said, "I know nothing of that. I only know that Master Meng arrived last night. I heard he did not even use a carriage. I, too, traveled through the night upon receiving the Imperial Edict. I had intended to go to the Meng estate first to inform you to prepare for the reception before coming here to read the Edict, but I did not expect you all to be here."

Wu Jiwen bowed. "In that case, we thank you, Eunuch. Please, come to the Meng estate to rest before continuing your journey."

Eunuch Wang chuckled. Everyone knew the Meng family was immensely wealthy; he figured he was due a little 'travel allowance' for the bumpy journey.

"Oh, I couldn't possibly."

"Eunuch Wang, what are you saying? How is the Empress lately? Does she still often speak of our Zhe'er?"

As they spoke, they exited the office, their servants trailing behind in a grand procession.

Meng Yuxi stared at the teacup, thinking, 'As long as I have this "dementia water," I will find an opportunity.'

'The person who threw the note into my cell, warning me that the water was poisoned to induce madness, must have come from the Eight Prince’s estate.'

'Now, the Prefect, Li Zhao, and the brothel madam are all dead. Wu Jiwen luckily escaped unscathed. Only the people from the Eight Prince’s estate have been absent since the trial began, and the soldier who whispered schemes into Wang Lingxin’s ear is also gone. The note even suggested we meet in the capital. Adding all this up, if it wasn't the Eight Prince’s side suddenly pulling out, what else could it be?'

'I never expected Qin Ming to be Zhang Dewang’s niece. But the Eight Prince certainly never imagined that this niece was actually a secret agent for the Crown Prince. It is a pity Qin Ming isn't a Hollywood actress; she would have made a brilliant double agent.'

Meng Yuxi smiled to himself. He was not the type to dwell on losses. Even if Wu Jiwen had managed to escape, this minor setback would not affect him.

***

"Young Master, where are we heading?"

Xiao Cui asked respectfully. She found Meng Yuxi utterly unfathomable. His plans were meticulous, treating everyone—friend or foe—as a chess piece. He possessed immense wit and knew how to manipulate the environment to create situations favorable to himself.

It was no wonder Meng Hongchang was so wary of him, and no wonder her own master had ordered her to protect him in secret.

Yet, his methods sometimes terrified her. She hoped Meng Yuxi understood that while she had her secrets, she never intended to harm him. Otherwise, her life would be at risk; in the eyes of someone like Meng Yuxi, martial arts might be a trivial skill.

"What else would we do? We are going shopping!"

"Zhang Long, your remark outside the hall about never being an accomplice to a corrupt official was brilliant. You truly opened the eyes of the Suzhou citizens."

Meng Yuxi patted Zhang Long on the shoulder and laughed.

Though Zhang Long wore a mask, his tone was light and cheerful.

"It was all thanks to your guidance, Young Master. Zhao Hu and I were used to a life of killing, but now we realize that some problems can be solved without bloodshed."

"Ah? Fourth Brother? Was Zhao Hu arranged by you? I thought... hehe..."

"You’re underestimating my brother Zhao Hu. Later, Fifth Brother, you must have a few drinks with him and offer an apology, understand?" Meng Yuxi said, draping an arm over Meng Xueqiao’s shoulder.

"Of course. I also have questions about martial arts I’d like to ask Zhang Long and Zhao Hu. Hey, Fourth Brother, these new names you’ve given them are quite catchy. Wait, that’s not right—why did you specifically arrange for Zhao Hu to lure the mistress here?"