Scheming in the Shadows

After Yang Qing accepted the imperial decree, the imperial envoy continued, "Northern Liang's crushing defeat at Yan Pass is, after all, cause for celebration. His Majesty is greatly pleased. He has therefore appointed you as envoy for the peace negotiations, Lord Yang, responsible for all arrangements when Northern Liang's envoys arrive in Yan Prefecture."

Yang Qing looked at the imperial envoy. "Northern Liang's envoys are coming to our Yan Prefecture?"

"Indeed," the imperial envoy replied. "Although our soldiers at Yan Pass soundly defeated Northern Liang's forces this time, there is no denying that Northern Liang has always been militarily stronger than our dynasty."

"Now Northern Liang's sovereign wishes to establish friendly relations with our dynasty. This is an exceedingly rare opportunity. Lord Yang, you must see this matter properly handled."

Yang Qing bowed his head in salute. "I shall spare no effort."

After escorting the imperial envoy back to the official guesthouse, Yang Qing headed back toward the County Office. Halfway there, someone bumped into his arm.

By the time he raised his head to look around, the person who had bumped into him was nowhere to be seen.

"Young master, shall I give chase?"

Bu Er stepped forward, ready to follow the trail, but Yang Qing stopped him.

"No need."

He reached up and drew a tiny roll of paper from his collar.

Only after closing his hand tightly around it did he resume his leisurely walk.

At midnight, at the Yang Residence in Little Willow Lane.

An oil lamp with a flame no larger than a bean lit one corner of the room.

Yang Qing sat upright to one side, his gaze fixed on a spot in the darkness.

Bu Er leaned against the doorway, occasionally listening for movement outside.

One or two scattered barks drifted in from afar.

"Young master, he's here," Bu Er whispered.

"Open the door and welcome our guest," Yang Qing replied.

Just as Bu Er opened the door, a nimble figure landed before him.

The newcomer looked at the master and servant, both already properly dressed and waiting, and smiled faintly. "I have long heard that Lord Yang has a formidable Guards at his side. Now that I have met him, he certainly lives up to his reputation."

Yang Qing smiled as well. "You flatter us, Guard Suotu. You are far too modest."

Suotu looked at Bu Er with bright, keen eyes. "If I were not pressed for time tonight, I would very much like to exchange a few pointers with this young brother."

Yang Qing extended a hand toward Suotu. "Guard Suotu, please!"

Suotu stepped inside. Bu Er carefully closed the door behind him, then remained outside on guard.

Once inside, Yang Qing turned up the little oil lamp before looking at Suotu. "You have traveled day and night, Guard Suotu. I take it His Majesty has given you special instructions?"

Suotu nodded. "Lord Yang, I actually arrived in Yan Prefecture yesterday. I simply refrained from disturbing you."

Yang Qing's expression grew solemn. "Please speak, Guard Suotu."

Suotu took a secret letter from inside his robe and handed it to Yang Qing. "His Majesty commands you to act in accordance with everything written in this letter, Lord Yang. There must be no mistakes!"

Yang Qing accepted it with both hands and said gravely, "Your humble subject receives the imperial command!"

After handing the secret letter to Yang Qing, Suotu saluted him. "His Majesty said that with this matter entrusted to you, Lord Yang, a satisfactory answer is assured. I shall not linger here any longer. Farewell!"

Suotu turned to leave, but after a few steps, he turned back again. "The road ahead is perilous. Please take good care of yourself, Lord Yang!"

Yang Qing returned his salute. "Thank you, Guard Suotu! May your return journey go smoothly!"

Suotu saluted once more, then leaped into the night. After a few bounds, he vanished from sight.

Once he had gone, Bu Er turned and returned to the room.

Looking up, he saw Yang Qing staring at the secret letter, lost in thought.

At the sound of movement, Yang Qing said to Bu Er, "Go and invite Young Master Jiang over."

Before his words had faded, a faint sound came from outside the door. "No need for the trouble. I'm already here."

As he spoke, Jiang Zhizhou came strolling in.

"What is troubling you?"

Jiang Zhizhou asked softly as he looked at Yang Qing's tightly furrowed brows.

"Within the next few days, Northern Liang will send envoys to our Yan Prefecture to negotiate peace."

Yang Qing continued, "I suspect this was arranged by your Northern Liang sovereign."

Jiang Zhizhou nodded. "That's right. Our emperor in Northern Liang has never liked bloodshed. This crushing defeat at Yan Pass gives him the very reason he needs to negotiate peace with Western Chu."

There was not the slightest hint of relief on Yang Qing's face. "But this outcome certainly won't please that Regent King. He will undoubtedly send people to obstruct it."

"Precisely. That is why we must be on our guard."

"Being on our guard is all well and good, but taking the initiative is the better strategy."

Jiang Zhizhou's interest stirred at that. "Then how, in your opinion, should we take the initiative?"

Yang Qing said, "In these negotiations between our two countries, your Northern Liang Regent King isn't the only one who wants to meddle. There are people in our Western Chu who want to do the same."

"But whatever happens, I will surely be the first person they want to deal with."

"Since that is the case, why not play along?"

Jiang Zhizhou nodded. "That makes excellent sense. I imagine Yan Prefecture City will become quite lively before long."

Yang Qing turned his gaze toward the window. "Indeed."

The following day, at the official guesthouse in Yan Prefecture.

Wei Li had been resting on his bed when his personal guard came to report. He immediately sat up.

"Northern Liang is sending envoys to Yan Prefecture to negotiate peace? Is that true?"

"It is absolutely true," the guard replied. "The Yan Prefecture County Office has already sent an official dispatch."

"Good news! Wonderful news! Ha ha!"

Wei Li laughed several times, then abruptly stopped and turned toward his guard.

"Did the dispatch say who would be responsible for these peace negotiations?"

"Lord Yang Chengming," the guard answered.

Wei Li narrowed his eyes. "Him?"

Then his expression relaxed again. "Good. Very good! Heaven itself is helping me!"

Wei Li laughed for another while, then looked at his guard again. "Has there been any word from my uncle?"

"A secret letter has arrived from Chancellor Wei. Please have a look!"

The guard handed the secret letter to Wei Li.

Wei Li eagerly opened it and skimmed its contents.

A whole succession of expressions crossed his face. "My uncle's wishes align perfectly with mine."

With that, he summoned the guard closer and gave him a series of instructions.

The guard repeatedly nodded his assent, then turned and left Wei Li's quarters.

Watching his guard leave, Wei Li slowly walked to the window and gazed silently at the clouds drifting swiftly past outside.

A long while later, he heard a faint sound behind him.

Wei Li turned and saw a man smiling at him.

"Who are you?" Wei Li's heart jolted.

At least two personal guards stood watch outside his door. How had this man managed to enter the room without alerting anyone?

"Deputy General Wei, why are you alarmed? I merely heard that you were recuperating here and came especially to pay you a visit."

"Besides, aren't you troubled by a certain matter, Deputy General Wei? As it happens, something has been troubling me as well, and I thought I might seek your advice."

Wei Li gave him a wary look. "What matter?"

The newcomer smiled again. "We have come because of the very person and matter troubling you, Deputy General Wei."

Wei Li's expression turned serious. "You mean..."

The man nodded without hesitation. "Precisely! Might you now be interested in a discussion, Deputy General Wei?"