Zichuan Canxing

Sterling struggled out of bed, his head splitting with pain.

After taking a bath, he felt a little better. It was already dusk when he checked the time. All he remembered of last night was getting drunk and fighting someone, then... he could not even remember how he had gotten home. Yet there were two wallets in his pocket—one of them belonged to Zichuan Xiu. As for how it had ended up in his pocket, he could not remember that no matter how hard he tried.

The old servant came to report that Miss Li Qing had visited and left a note.

Sterling picked it up and saw Li Qing's graceful handwriting: "You did not return last night. Commander-in-Chief Canxing and I were both deeply worried. We were only somewhat relieved when you returned this morning. You are no common peddler or laborer; how can you lose yourself in drink like them? Lord Canxing has instructed that you come see him as soon as you awaken."

Sterling gave a bitter smile. Li Qing was still the same—gentle, rational, and steadfast. Even when reproaching him, she did not wish to wound his pride. With such a virtuous wife, what more could a husband ask for? If not for what he had experienced last night, she truly would have been an ideal lifelong partner for him.

Sterling had already prepared an excuse for Li Qing. "I saw Axu last night and was so happy that I had a few extra drinks... I couldn't help it, he dragged me along." Sterling was almost certain that Zichuan Xiu would tell Zichuan Ning the exact same lie: "Sterling dragged me along." Friends were meant to be used as shields at times like this.

After drinking a cup of tea, Sterling immediately felt refreshed. The energetic Sterling had returned to him.

When he arrived before the Commander-in-Chief's Mansion, Sterling habitually inspected the defenses around it. The Undying Battalion, the Imperial Guard's strongest and most loyal force, stood like nails all around the mansion, with sentries every few steps and security posts everywhere. That was only what could be seen from outside. Hidden archers were stationed at every high point of the mansion; rooftops, corners, and gardens were packed with concealed positions. Countless sharp blades had been embedded atop the walls, and hidden weapons beneath corners and blind spots stood ready to fire at the slightest touch. Mechanisms were everywhere—it could be said that the defenses were airtight. Sterling had designed this entire system himself. After inspecting it, Di Lin had once remarked, "Unless an army launches a full assault, it is absolutely impossible to get inside."

The Imperial Guard soldiers on duty saluted and let him pass without any inspection or obstruction. Since Pigu was old and lacked the energy, Sterling had in fact long been in charge of the Imperial Guard's defenses.

Sterling went directly to the Commander-in-Chief's office, dozens of meters underground. After saluting, he spoke. "My lord?"

"Sterling?" Zichuan Canxing looked up from a pile of documents and adjusted his reading glasses. "Sit."

The current Commander-in-Chief of the Zichuan Family was fifty-three years old. Six years ago, his famed elder brother, Zichuan Yuanxing, had died fighting the Flowing Wind Army, leaving behind an heir, Zichuan Ning, who had been only nine years old. Thus, he had naturally succeeded to the family's supreme position.

There was not a trace of the great Zichuan Yuanxing in his appearance. He looked ordinary and vulgar: short, with bean-like eyes, a slightly hunched back, and uneven teeth. Many people were greatly disappointed upon first seeing him. In Zichuan Xiu's private words, "He is a ruler incapable of inspiring loyalty in his subordinates."

Nor had his political achievements added any luster to his image. "He had made no irredeemable mistakes, but neither had he achieved anything inspiring." People could not find in him the regal bearing expected of a Commander-in-Chief. The common opinion was, "He is an easily bullied, mediocre old man who got this position only through good luck."

Only Sterling and a few other trusted aides knew how startlingly sharp the flash of light in those dull eyes could be...

"I heard from Qing Banner that you wished to see me, my lord?"

"Yes." Zichuan Canxing nodded. "You drank too much last night, didn't you?"

"Yes!" Sterling immediately rose and bowed in apology. "I'm sorry, my lord..."

"I do not mean to blame you. Young people should relax now and then. It is only... this was not the time for it... You must understand, at a time like this, those people are watching you very closely. I was worried they might use this to make a move against you. When you did not return all night, I sent two Imperial Guard regiments to look for you. If something had truly happened to you, I would have fallen out with Yang Minghua at once to bring you back."

Sterling was deeply moved and said chokedly, "My lord, I am sorry. I acted recklessly and willfully. I truly... am profoundly grateful for such favor. I would willingly brave fire and water for you..."

"There is no need for that, Sterling. I would rather you live well for me." Zichuan Canxing smiled, and the smile unexpectedly lent endless charm to his stiff face. "Did you see Zichuan Xiu?"

"How did it go?"

Sterling understood perfectly well what that question meant, and its terrifying consequences. "He leans toward us, but he has not made a final decision. He is still considering it."

"Yes, then Zichuan Xiu is not very clever." Zichuan Canxing stood up. "He is the adopted son of my late brother. Yang Minghua will never regard him as one of his own. Since that is so, why does he not simply join us outright?"

Sterling stood to one side, not daring to speak. Though it was not his fault, Zichuan Xiu was his friend—and because he had failed to persuade Zichuan Xiu, he seemed incompetent and lost face.

"Keep an eye on him! Sterling, I know you are good friends, but if he fails to see the situation clearly and joins Yang Minghua's camp... we may have to strike first."

Sterling shuddered, but merely answered, "Yes, my lord."

Zichuan Canxing saw his feelings. "I hope it does not come to that. I do not wish to have an enemy as formidable as Zichuan Xiu either."

"Do you know anything about Zichuan Xiu's martial abilities?"

"I only know that Lord Yuanxing once taught him the basics of the Wave Skill. After he went to the Far East, I no longer knew..."

Zichuan Canxing's expression turned grave. "He definitely has another master... Ge Yingxing once reported to me that he buried himself in a mound of sand and held his breath for four hours, then assassinated a Demon Race commanding general amidst an army of thousands. Two first-rate experts were both killed by a single strike, with almost no ability to resist. Then he escaped safely from the encirclement of several thousand Demon Race soldiers. My late brother likely could not have taught such a terrifying expert."

Sterling did not dare make a sound.

Zichuan Canxing changed the subject. "What do you think of Yang Minghua sending Di Lin to the Far East?"

Sterling answered seriously, "At present, this subordinate can think of only one point. Yang Minghua sending Di Lin to the Far East indicates that he does not yet intend to openly break with us. Di Lin is Yang Minghua's capable expert and trusted confidant. If Yang Minghua intended to act, he would certainly need a fierce general as valiant as Di Lin. When Yang Minghua recalls Di Lin, that will mean he is about to make his move." After a pause, he added, "This subordinate is foolish and shallow-minded. That is all I can think of for now."

"Yes, very good. You have thought deeply." Zichuan Canxing smiled. "Only, you are a little too optimistic. Have you considered it from Yang Minghua's perspective?"

"Please enlighten me, my lord."

"We are worried that Yang Minghua will turn on us, but is Yang Minghua not equally worried that we will turn on him? At such a tense time, he actually dares to send his capable trusted general far away. Do you not find that strange?"

"Ah... yes."

"So after thinking it over, I see only two possibilities that would make Yang Minghua dare do this."

"Please explain, my lord."

"First possibility: Yang Minghua has discovered Di Lin's true identity, so he is sending Di Lin away to keep him from getting in the way. But that does not suit Yang Minghua's character. He is not such a patient or merciful man. Would it not be quicker to kill Di Lin and toss his corpse into the moat?"

"Then the second possibility is..."

"Yang Minghua has hidden strength that we do not know about!" Zichuan Canxing said each word distinctly. "He definitely does. Otherwise, he would not be so fearless. And this hidden expert must meet three conditions. First, his martial arts must be strong enough. Second, he must be permanently stationed in the Imperial Capital. Third, he must not arouse anyone's suspicions. Can you think of anyone who meets these conditions?"

Sterling's heart tightened. He already knew whom Zichuan Canxing suspected.

"The timing of Zichuan Xiu's return is too coincidental. The moment he returned, Di Lin immediately prepared to depart... Aside from him, no other expert has entered the Imperial Capital recently..."

"My lord," Sterling said resolutely, "I guarantee with my life that Zichuan Xiu is absolutely not that sort of person!"

"Sterling, you have not seen each other for three years. People can change..."

"People can change, but Zichuan Xiu and Di Lin... My lord, if there is anything improper about either of them, I will take my own life to atone." Sterling answered proudly.

Zichuan Canxing said nothing.

Sterling said nothing.

"Very well, Sterling. You should persuade Zichuan Xiu to join us as quickly as possible. He himself is an expert, and his more than forty subordinates have fought long and hard in the Far East. They are brave and skilled in battle. Though few in number, they are highly formidable and can count as a major fighting force. With his participation, our Lancers plan will have a greater chance of success."

"Yes, my lord! This subordinate will do his utmost!"

"Achoo!" Zichuan Xiu, who was sneaking into Shirakawa's room to steal her wallet, sneezed. "Who is badmouthing me behind my back now?"

"Oh, Shirakawa, you're awake. What a coincidence—I actually ran into you in your own bedroom!"

"Shirakawa, don't look at your superior like that. Here's what happened: I got up to use the toilet at night, and when I was heading back to my room, I got lost and accidentally wandered into yours... That is a perfectly reasonable explanation!"

"As for the wallet in my hand—hahahaha, that is perfectly reasonable too. You don't think I would steal your money, do you? Hahahaha..."

"Hey, Shirakawa, why are you reaching for your knife? Wait a moment, I'll give you a perfectly reasonable explanation right away... Don't press me so hard. At least give me some time to come up with an excuse..."

"Help..."