Character Index

  Zhou Yunqi: The Emperor of the Wu.

  Zhu Simo: A member of the Shandong faction. Essentially the Ancient Chinese equivalent of Cato.

  Han Daizhi: The brain of the Shandong faction.

  Yao Gongzhuo: Minister of War, Kayla's ally.

  Chen Caichun: Director within the Court of Judicial Review. Kayla's ally.

  Halime: The Royal Consort. Ashina's sister.

  Chen Jian: Caichun's brother and an Imperial Investigator.

  Empress An: Yunqi's twenty-three year old Empress.

  Hu Qing/Liang Hongfei: Instructor of the City Guard, Kayla's ally and friend.

  Zhang Dingyong: Minister of Justice. Kayla's ally, has an odd interest in messing with people.

  Zhao Rong: Also known as Rong'er, Kayla and Ashina's two-year-old son.

  Ashina: Personal name Ibilga, Princess of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate, Kayla's wife.

  Zhao Ying: Emperor Xuanzong, Yunqi's father.

  Wei Guang: Former Imperial Edict Bearer and Minister of Censure. Committed suicide after committing regicide.

  Tao Qian: Kayla's head retainer.

  It had been almost half a month since the palace had been shut down in the aftermath of the attempted assassination on the Emperor, and several days since Kayla's unfortunate encounters with Zhu Simo and Han Daizhi. All sorts of wild rumors had mushroomed and fermented in the meantime, ranging from grand conspiracies to the petty and mundane.

  Kayla ignored all of them. She had her hands full arranging the Bureau's newest espionage initiative–the fact that it was meant to be confidential gave her an additional excuse not to avoid anyone who wasn't involved. If it just so happened to allow her not to engage with any of the questions being asked of her about the palace and the Shandong faction, then that was just a lucky byproduct.

  It was, of course, easy for a Duke who was both the Emperor's cousin and in-law to ignore the rumors, but her allies found themselves unable to sit still any longer.

  Kayla was only mildly surprised when Yao Gongzhuo and Chen Caichun broke protocol to corner her outside the Bureau when they should've stayed away to avoid suspicion.

  "Minister Yao, Director Chen," Kayla greeted them. "It's been a while, hasn't it? I trust that all has been well?"

  "Your Excellency, would I be here unless there was something urgent?" Yao Gongzhuo asked in exasperation. "Please, surely this can't go on for much longer! Just what is–no, forget I asked–how long before the palace is unsealed?"

  Kayla shook her head. "That's out of my hands."

  Yao Gongzhuo glanced around, stepping closer and lowering his voice.

  "Does something ail the Emperor?"

  "No, it's not a quarantine," Kayla replied. "You need not worry yourselves such."

  It was hardly strange that people worried. Still without a son, the Emperor would leave an uncomfortable power vacuum if he suddenly took ill and died.

  "The rumors implicate the Royal Consort," Chen Caichun offered cautiously. "Is she involved in this in some way?"

  "What makes you think that?" Kayla asked.

  "You're avoiding the palace."

  "It's really not my decision, and I really can't say much about it," Kayla sighed. "I'll have to ask you two to be more understanding of my situation."

  "We won't ask anything more," Yao Gongzhuo said, "But…if I need to tighten the defense of the capital or–"

  "Not necessary for now," Kayla said.

  "The Investigators have been to the Ministry of War," he said grimly. "And yet I, its minister, have no idea what this is about!"

  "Trust me, you don't want to know just yet," Kayla assured him. "Now let's not speak of this any further. Director Chen, I assume you know the situation."

  "My brother has not spoken of it to me," Chen Caichun said, lowering her head.

  "He should have. He'd be better off with your help, but I suppose knowing less is also a fortune in this case."

  Chen Caichun and Yao Gongzhuo glanced at each other, each prodding the other to speak. Kayla observed them patiently, directing them to start walking towards her carriage.

  "My lord, I just wanted to ask…of course, I am not offering criticism of any sort," Chen Caichun said, with a degree of palpable caution, "But did anything…I mean outside the Inner Palace, of course. Did anything happen that we should know about?"

  Kayla gave her a look of confusion.

  "Anything? Well, there certainly is plenty," Kayla said, thinking of the young Empress she had certainly offended and Hu Qing's suggestion for infiltrating the Khaganate. "But nothing I can speak of until the case is closed."

  "I think Director Chen was speaking of the court," Yao Gongzhuo helpfully offered.

  "The court? I haven't been at court."

  The two officials glanced at each other again, and once more it was Caichun who rallied her courage faster.

  "There are rumors that you threatened an official," Chen Caichun added. "Publicly."

  Kayla could think of over a dozen people she'd threatened over the last month, primarily to do with developments in the port cities. But publicly? When had she last threatened someone publicly? She wasn't that careless, especially not now that she knew of Yunqi's reservations.

  "I don't think I have," Kayla said in befuddlement. "Do the rumors at least say who I've allegedly threatened?"

  "Han Daizhi, my lord," Yao Gongzhuo said, not bothering to hide his distaste. "He's been running his mouth for a while now, but of course that coward would quiver the second he thinks he'll see any consequences."

  Han Daizhi? Kayla racked her brain, trying to remember anything in their last conversation that could constitute a threat–enough so to stand its ground in any accusations, at least.

  "I feel like I've been pretty careful in dealing with the Shandong faction," Kayla said. "I didn't even run over Zhu Simo, though I really should have."

  "My lord!" Chen Caichun protested.

  "I wouldn't have and I didn't,” Kayla pointed out. "Everyone knows of the incident by now. Given the circumstances, who would have faulted me even if I'd forced him off the road?"

  Chen Caichun's mouth drew into a grim line. "My lord, the rumors really aren't favorable to you right now. The matter's boiling over throughout the capital, and people are saying that you're following in your grandfather's footsteps. It will blow over in due course if the Royal Consort–if everything works out in the Inner Palace, but if not–"

  "If not, I will take the brunt of it anyhow, regardless of whether that man goes crying to the court," Kayla cut in. "I really didn't threaten Han Daizhi, but if he can't handle a conversation with a superior officer without feeling threatened, he's welcome to quit."

  Taking after the Grand Duke? If she took after the Grand Duke, Han Daizhi would be dead. This was what happened when new officials were raised to positions in the central government without any real frame of comparison for how bad things used to be. They had no idea how it was like back when the Grand Duke dominated the court and the Imperial Princes were jockeying for the throne.

  That even something this minor is worth yapping about...the capital's really become peaceful, huh?

  A flash of worry crossed Chen Caichun's face, and the young woman lowered her gaze.

  Still, if it can become a scandal then it won't do to overlook it.

  "I'd say we have bigger problems at hand," Kayla said, softening her tone. "The whispers about the Royal Consort's involvement come from the Shandong faction, don't they? Han Daizhi and Zhu Simo are way too confident in their rumors. They're not fools either, they won't act unless they think they actually have a solid chance of success. But what made them think they did?"

  She glanced between Yao Gongzhuo and Chen Caichun as they stopped before her carriage.

  "Any ideas?"

  The two very deliberately did not glance at one another. The silence dragged out for a long moment before Yao Gongzhuo gave in.

  "Well, I'm sure it's nothing," Yao Gongzhuo said uneasily.

  Kayla's eyes narrowed. "Minister Yao?"

  "Zhang Dingyong seems to have spoken to the Shandong faction a few times," Yao Gongzhuo reluctantly supplied. "But knowing him, he was probably just riling them up for fun."

  "We really wouldn't advise acting on a mere inkling of a rumor," Chen Caichun hurriedly added, hands raised in a placating gesture. "Minister Zhang is a valuable ally for the reforms, he has no reason to destroy his own career."

  Zhang Dingyong–of course Zhang Dingyong's involved. If there was trouble to be made, he was sure to be rubbing his hands in glee nearby.

  "It's barely been half a month since I've stepped back from court," Kayla said, glancing between them in disbelief. "There's no way he's already jumped ship."

  "Absolutely not," Chen Caichun said.

  "I'm sure," Yao Gongzhuo agreed.

  Kayla looked from one apprehensive face to the other with a mix of disbelief and exasperation.

  If he hasn't changed sides...and he wouldn't, he's not stupid...then what the hell is this guy trying to do? Does he think I'm not busy enough already? Is he just bored or something?

  "I want to speak with him," she finally said.

  "I'll pass along the message," Yao Gongzhuo replied almost immediately.

  "I can just call him myself," Kayla said.

  "No, please, allow me," Yao Gongzhuo insisted.

  What the hell does he think I'll do to Zhang Dingyong? Well, at least they're getting along, Kayla thought wryly.

  "If it would please you to do so," she said. "I'll thank you for your troubles then."

  "Of course."

  "Would you like a ride?"

  "That's alright, I came on my own horse."

  "Very well then."

  Yao Gongzhuo gave a small bow and left, his footsteps quickening the further he went. Kayla watched him leave before turning to Chen Caichun.

  "Well then, Director Chen. Shall I arrange a carriage to take you back?"

  Chen Caichun shook her head. "I'll go back on my own, my lord. Thank you."

  Looking deeply troubled, she also hurried off.

  "Minister Zhang!"

  The angry hiss of Yao Gongzhuo's voice reached him before Zhang Dingyong even caught sight of his beleaguered colleague. Yao Gongzhuo had evidently come back to the Outer Palace after work hours specifically to seek him out, given the look on his face.

  "Ah, Minister Yao!" Zhang Dingyong turned around with a wide smile and arms outstretched. "What brings you here today?"

  Yao Gongzhuo waited until the two were almost uncomfortably close to speak.

  "The rumors. Do you have anything to do with them?"

  "What rumors?"

  "The rumors about the Royal Consort!"

  "What? The Royal Consort? What about her? Oh my, is she pregnant?" Zhang Dingyong gave a wide grin at that. "Who would've thought she would be the first to bear a child? Looks like our Emperor's tastes run–"

  "Cease jesting! Do you understand what situation we're in right now?!"

  "I wouldn't dare to make fun of an Imperial Consort, my friend. You shouldn't worry too much."

  "You've been in contact with the Shandong faction," Yao Gongzhuo said accusingly. "Tell me you're not behind this."

  "I haven't really been in contact with them much," Zhang Dingyong replied. "Am I supposed to walk off every time one of them approaches me? That's not very polite, you know."

  He began sauntering down the hall, ignoring Yao Gongzhuo's growing exasperation.

  "The reason why people believe those rumors is because they think you're behind them," Yao Gongzhuo said through gritted teeth.

  "Hmm, then these people aren't very good at discerning the truth, are they?"

  "The Duke is also aware of those rumors, Minister Zhang!"

  "So he is. I'm sure he's more aware than you are, Minister Yao. He basically owns the Bureau now."

  Yao Gongzhuo quickened his footsteps, cutting to a stop before Zhang Dingyong.

  "You've been avoiding the question this whole time!" Yao Gongzhuo snapped. "Give me an answer before I risk my neck to defend you before the Duke–did you leak information to the Shandong faction?"

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  Zhang Dingyong grimaced. "Just what do you think of me?"

  "Minister Zhang!"

  Zhang Dingyong heaved a sigh, glancing away irritably. "Am I that kind of person? Really?"

  "You deny it then?" Yao Gongzhuo asked.

  "No," Zhang Dingyong replied.

  He deftly stepped around Yao Gongzhuo and started hurrying off. "I did lead them to believe this has to do with the Royal Consort."

  "You–!"

  "I had a good reason,” Zhang Dingyong said, hastily bursting into a brief sprint when Yao Gongzhuo lunged at him. "Your temper, Minister Yao! Goodness, we're still at court!"

  "You'll see what my temper looks like soon enough!" Yao Gongzhuo snarled. "And here I was about to speak on your behalf!"

  "And I'm grateful! I'll see you at the Zhao household!" Zhang Dingyong called over his shoulder, hastily jogging away with as much dignity as he could muster.

  Yao Gongzhuo was left seething after him, face red with consternation.

  "You shameless bastard! Of all the foolish things you could've chosen–"

  "Later! I can't hear you!"

  "I cannot believe him,” Yao Gongzhuo muttered, more in dismay than exasperation. "Just what in the world is that man thinking?"

  A second later, the implication of Zhang Dingyong's words reached him, and Yao Gongzhuo turned on his heel to sprint back to his horse and head towards the Zhao household.

  He's insane, Yao Gongzhuo thought to himself in despair. He admits it outright and yet he's still going to the Duke? Does he think this is a child's game?!

  One thing was clear–he needed to get there before Zhang Dingyong did, or the outcome could damn them all.

  Kayla sighed softly as she threw her outer robe over the back of a chair, eking out a smile for Rong'er as the toddler babbled on Ashina's lap.

  "They're even saying it in the marketplace now," Ashina fretted. "Everyone seems to already be certain of my sister's guilt!"

  "Luckily she won't need to hear of it until after her name has been cleared," Kayla replied.

  "Can't you do something about it?"

  "Rumors like these, the more you try to suppress them, the wider they spread," Kayla said. "Once the truth comes out, people will feel very foolish for having believed them."

  "It's not just my sister either. Now they're saying that you're abusing your power! How can you ignore this?"

  Kayla gave a wry smile. "And what brilliant ideas do you have? If I actually abuse my power to stop people from saying that I'm abusing my power, then I'll be handing my enemies evidence."

  "Stop joking around! You can't let those Shandong rabble run their mouths like this," Ashina snapped.

  "I also can't go around threatening capital officials anymore. The times have changed," Kayla replied. She paused for thought. "Though that Han Daizhi is going around saying that I've already done so. I guess I might as well have actually done it if this was going to happen, might as well hang for a sheep as for a lamb."

  Ashina's face contorted. "What?!"

  "It's just a saying," Kayla said.

  "Don't speak of such ominous things when our house is already beset with ill fortunes!" Ashina snapped. "No one will be hanged!"

  Oh shit–Kayla silently considered slapping herself. Halime certainly wouldn't be gifted white brocade over this specific incident, but Ashina already had enough to worry about with her sister's well being without the reminder of the possible fate that awaited down the line.

  "No, no, of course not," Kayla hastily assured her. "Listen, this time things will work out, but even if they don't, your sister will never be someone who can be carelessly disposed of. Her status as a princess notwithstanding, she'll be the mother of an Imperial prince or princess soon enough. It's alright, really."

  "You don't know that," Ashina said. "They say that in the Han people's palace, children die often."

  "Uh, yes, but children with pretty powerful uncles and grandfathers tend to die less often," Kayla replied. "I'm a pretty powerful uncle, and our Emperor is a wise one. He will not carelessly allow his own flesh and bone to come to harm. They'll be fine."

  "Emperors can change. Not to mention that being too gentle can also be a problem! Think of the mess that Emperor Xuanzong made of the succession because of his own indecision," Ashina said. "And no one could have accused him of being kind hearted and soft handed."

  No, they could not. Kayla's thoughts drifted as she remembered Han Daizhi's taunts.

  Bringing up the old Emperor so carelessly…the way I see it, he's gotten sick of living.

  And despite everything, Emperor Xuanzong had gone out with a bang, taking the old Empress Dowager with him as if making all the necessary arrangements in preparation for his own murder.

  Did he know that would happen to him? Surely not.

  But to some extent, some tiny sliver of him must have known what was coming. Emperor Xuanzong would have done the same if he were in their shoes.

  Even so, he must have resented us.

  Wei Guang was the only one who knew of the Emperor's last moments, and he had never given Kayla any details. Now, both he and Emperor Xuanzong were among the long line of the dead, and she had no more chances to ask.

  Of course not. Who could know what he was thinking? No, even in my case, I could die tomorrow and no one would ever know who I am. No one would ever know the truth.

  What truth? There was no truth that really mattered anymore. Kayla felt the oncoming throb of a headache deep within the back of her skull, a dull ache that would be impossible to dislodge until it had its fill. Her tinnitus threatened to come back, and Kayla grimaced at the thought.

  Rong'er dropped his toy, and Kayla handed it back into his stubby little hands, chucking him under his little double-chin. He gurgled happily, which only seemed to upset his mother further.

  "Our current Emperor certainly does not live up to those standards of decisiveness when it comes to the matters of the harem," Ashina was saying, staring her husband in the eye even as Kayla glanced away, shifting her weight uncomfortably. "With the way things are going, you'll end up having another bloodbath on your hands. Is that the kind of world you want us to live in? That you want your son to live in?"

  "Can we please not talk about this right now?" Kayla cut in.

  Ashina fell quiet, and a soft look of uncertainty crept into her face.

  Kayla took a deep breath.

  Of course she's worried, Kayla reminded herself. It's her sister on the line, and also her husband and kid and herself, and she doesn't even have any control over it. Don't be an asshole.

  "It will be alright," Kayla sighed. "I promise. I'm just tired."

  "Alright," Ashina said, forcing herself to soften her voice.

  A knock on the door soon broke the awkward silence that followed.

  "My lord, Minister Yao is here to see you," a servant called.

  "I'll meet him in my study," Kayla replied. She got up, patting Rong'er on the head and giving Ashina a sheepish smile.

  "We'll talk later?"

  Ashina gave a nod that brokered no doubt that they would indeed talk later, on her terms. Kayla wasn't looking forward to it.

  It was an incensed Yao Gongzhuo that Kayla met in the study, bearing news of Zhang Dingyong's apparent duplicity.

  The two were of the same rank, and it would be a lie to say there was no camaraderie between them, even with their constant disagreements and clashing personalities. In fact, Kayla would say that it was precisely because of these factors that they secretly got along better than they would admit.

  It was probably also why Yao Gongzhuo was angrier than she was. The more he'd thought about it, the angrier he had become, and now he paced the length of Kayla's study with the vitriol of a man betrayed.

  "The fool wants to come here and talk with you! Well I recommend that you turn him away at the door!"

  He was making her dizzy given how fast he moved around. That's the Minister of War for you.

  "Alright, alright," Kayla placated him. "We'll know the full story when he gets here. He sent me a message that he'll arrive shortly."

  "He already admitted it himself," Yao Gongzhuo said in disbelief. "And what did he do it for? He's groveling to a man several ranks below him!"

  "It's not as if the Royal Consort has any meaningful involvement in the Inner Palace's current situation," Kayla said. "So I'd really like to hear what on earth was going through his mind."

  "Minister Zhang is here," Tao Qian loudly announced from outside the door. It was a warning for Yao Gongzhuo, who only grew more irritated in response.

  "And he might as well not have come!" He snapped, raising his voice to make sure Zhang Dingyong heard.

  "Show Minister Zhang inside," Kayla said resignedly.

  The door opened to show Zhang Dingyong with a smile on his face, as cheerful as if he hadn't admitted to colluding with the Shandong faction.

  Technically he couldn't sell me out. He didn't have any concrete information on this either, Kayla mulled to herself. But to be honest, just seeing his nonchalant grin was starting to set her on edge.

  Which means he's probably doing this on purpose. And getting a kick out of it.

  She could only hope it ended without Yao Gongzhuo literally getting a kick in, or Zhang Dingyong might break a bone or two.

  "Your Excellency," Zhang Dingyong greeted them. "Minister Yao."

  "You shameless cretin! How dare you show your face so carelessly?!" Yao Gongzhuo snarled, growing all the angrier at Zhang Dingyong's casual manner.

  Zhang Dingyong ignored him, turning to Kayla.

  “Your guards were really staring me down,” Zhang Dingyong complained. “How scary! I nearly thought they would bar me from entering!”

  Kayla was beginning to wish they had. Though they probably had no idea what was going on, Yao Gongzhuo's mood had probably given them some hints.

  "Sit, Minister Zhang." She gestured to the chairs. She glanced at Yao Gongzhuo's glowering face. "You too, Minister Yao."

  Zhang Dingyong plopped down, Yao Gongzhuo following sullenly.

  Without waiting for her to speak, Zhang Dingyong poured himself a cup of tea.

  "Minister Zhang, do you have something to tell us?" Kayla asked patiently.

  "Tell the Duke what you were telling me earlier!" Yao Gongzhuo snapped.

  "You were the one doing most of the talking," Zhang Dingyong pointed out. He took a teacake off the plate of snacks, dipping it into his tea before taking a bite.

  “Stop eating!” Yao Gongzhuo snapped. “Unbelievable, this shameless–”

  He whirled towards Kayla in outrage. “Duke! Please say something!”

  Kayla clenched her jaw, watching as Zhang Dingyong ate a teacake with an obnoxious grin.

  “Let him eat,” Kayla said through gritted teeth. “Go on, Minister Zhang. Enjoy it.”

  “While I still can?” Zhang Dingyong helpfully supplied. “Goodness, you’re scarier than Minister Yao.”

  “Eat,” Kayla commanded, blood-thirst seeping into her voice. “Go on, have them all.”

  “Alright, that’s disturbing,” Zhang Dingyong said. He took a long, slow sip from his tea, continuing to savor the snack in enthusiastic bites until it was gone. “I think I’ve lost my appetite.”

  He dusted the crumbs off his hands and onto Kayla’s carpet.

  “What on earth have I done to deserve such animosity?”

  Kayla briefly considered strangling him with her bare hands.

  “How shameless can you be?” Yao Gongzhuo asked in disbelief.

  Kayla held up a hand before Yao Gongzhuo could act out her thoughts for her.

  "Minister Zhang, you admitted to feeding the Shandong faction information relating to the Royal Consort that has resulted in the present rumors, did you not?" Kayla asked.

  “I did,” Zhang Dingyong said with full confidence.

  Kayla stared at him for a moment before drawing a deep breath.

  “Why did you do it?”

  “Finally, someone asks the important questions,” Zhang Dingyong said. “I knew you weren’t stupid enough to think that I would saunter into your home after betraying you, Duke Zhao, unlike some people here.”

  “I swear I’m going to just bash his face in!” Yao Gongzhuo snarled. Kayla hastily leaned over the table and grabbed onto his forearm, patting him patiently as he leaned back into his seat.

  “I wasn’t talking about you,” Zhang Dingyong said innocently. “But it’s good to know that you know where you stand–”

  “Keep eating the tea cakes if you like,” Kayla cut in.

  Zhang Dingyong sighed, giving up on whatever jab he was about to take.

  “Your Excellency, what do you think happens now that the Shandong faction have spread these rumors about the Royal Consort all over the capital?” Zhang Dingyong asked.

  “It causes us no small amount of trouble, that’s for sure,” Yao Gongzhuo harrumphed.

  “That it does,” Kayla agreed. “But I assume that isn’t Minister Zhang’s point.”

  “Indeed not. You see, the whole matter of it is that no one knows anything about what's happening," Zhang Dingyong said. "I assume that you know more than most, my lord, but even you haven't been into the palace in two days, and people are counting. But I'm assuming that the Royal Consort isn't really at fault for any of this."

  Kayla's face remained completely still. "You assume?"

  "Well, yes. If the Turkish princess was truly involved in a way that is detrimental to her, it becomes a diplomatic incident, and sealing the palace would be the worst solution of all. It gives the Turks all kinds of leverage to accuse the palace of tampering, mistreatment, and so on so forth. And you certainly wouldn't stand back and let your sister-in-law suffer either, and neither would your wife ignore her sibling's plight. So surely, whatever is wrong, is not her fault."

  "You're very confident," Kayla said lightly. "Are you sure you should be?"

  "Please don't frighten me," Zhang Dingyong said, not at all frightened. He raised his hands as Yao Gongzhuo bristled. "Hold on, hold on, I'm getting to the good part now. See, if I was wrong about it, the Duke would have found some way to quash the rumors already, no matter what it took. Your Excellency haven't even spread counter rumors, which means that it can't possibly be that bad for the Royal Consort."

  True enough. Counter rumors against another Consort or an Imperial in-law could have at the very least reduced Halime's share in the gossip, but that was a risk Kayla was unwilling to take unless absolutely warranted, given the long-term consequences of the offence that would drag on afterwards.

  "It's not up to you to take such risks," Yao Gongzhuo said through a clenched jaw. Kayla silently agreed.

  Do you have a gambling addiction, Zhang Dingyong? Just based off a guess, you would take such a risk?

  "So why let them believe it has to do with my sister-in-law?" Kayla asked.

  "So they'd be wrong," Zhang Dingyong replied. "I mean, they are wrong. And this will be very damaging to their reputations. And probably their careers. Aren't they the biggest thorn in your side at court? This is a good thing, my lord. It just depends on how you play it, and I have great faith in our Duke here."

  “Are you throwing this problem to me? After you created the problem?” Kayla asked incredulously. “Zhang Dingyong, you really are something. I don’t think I’ve met anyone as shameless as you before, and I lived with the Grand Duke.”

  “Given Your Excellency’s forbearance, I’m sure you can tolerate even someone like me,” Zhang Dingyong replied.

  Kayla gave a long-suffering sigh.

  "Then I assume that my actions are of use to you?" Zhang Dingyong asked innocently.

  This unbelievable bastard…she had to admit that it did give her some leverage, but he had gambled with far too much at stake this time.

  “It seems I’ll be busy for quite a while,” she said grimly.

  Zhang Dingyong's demeanor finally sobered.

  “People are starting to believe that Zhu Simo is the voice of morality and reason," Zhang Dingyong said solemnly. "And with what he's saying of you and your reforms, it can become a problem in the long run. Don't underestimate the fanaticism of scholars, my lord. If they believe themselves right, they can destroy the country and still praise themselves for it."

  He leveled gazes with a scowling Yao Gongzhuo. "I saw a chance and I seized it, only because this is a good opportunity to show the world that Zhu Simo's conviction is stronger than his grasp on reality. He's not the lone speaker of truth. He's just a fanatic whose mouth runs faster than his mind. We need this, or we'll never be rid of him unless we kill him, and not even then."

  "He's a bold one, that's for sure," Yao Gongzhuo muttered. "If there was such a brazen fool in the Department of War I'd have him whipped! He had no right to stop anyone's carriage."

  Kayla didn't move her gaze from Zhang Dingyong.

  "So you're trying to discredit Zhu Simo. But what about Han Daizhi? I want him gone also."

  "That man thinks himself very smart," Zhang Dingyong said. "I think he'll soon find himself quite the fool."

  Pretty words, but all they meant was that he had no handle on the results.

  "At the very least, the matter of your so-called intimidation of him will probably go away," Zhang Dingyong said. "He wouldn't dare to push it after realizing he's spread false rumors about the Royal Consort."

  He doesn't need to be the one who pushes it. Her mind flickered to Qiu Jinwei and the Cao clan. If someone wants to complain, they'll complain even if it gets Han Daizhi in over his head. A small fry like him doesn't matter to them anyhow, not when there's a far greater prize.

  “If this doesn’t work out, I’m taking you to task for it,” Kayla said.

  Zhang Dingyong smiled in satisfaction. “Of course.”

  "And next time."

  Zhang Dingyong's smile faded at Kayla's icy tone.

  "Yes, my lord?"

  "Next time, try to keep my wife and sister-in-law out of it, yes?"

  Don't take such unwarranted risks on my behalf without so much as a word of notice.

  Zhang Dingyong nodded grimly. "Understood, my lord."

  It was Kayla's turn to smile, entirely without mirth.

  "Wonderful."

  Cultural Notes

  坐不住了/Unable to sit still any longer: A Chinese saying meaning to lose your composure, to lose your patience, etc., To be unable to keep yourself from reacting.

  避嫌/Avoiding suspicion: A Chinese concept avoided quite broadly, from not having close or frequent contact between two persons of the opposite sex who are not related by blood, to avoiding someone who has political ambition to avoid being seen as affiliated.

  不知是福/Knowing less/not knowing is fortune: A Chinese proverb meaning that in some cases, it's better not to know anything than to have the full story.

  Hang for a sheep as for a lamb: An English proverb referring to rational-choice theory. It was common to be sentenced for hanging for theft of anything over a certain value, so you might as well steal something more expensive.

  赐白绫/Bestowing white brocade: An Ancient Chinese phrase referring to having a consort hang herself, usually with white brocade.

  骨肉/Flesh and bone: Ancient Chinese equivalent of flesh and blood, specifically referring to one's children.

  依我看来他是活腻了 /The way I see it he's gotten sick of living: A Chinese saying that means someone is doing something extremely risky, or being offending in a way that deserves harsh retribution.