Chapter Thirteen: The So-Called Butterfly Effect

Often, the occurrence of great events is triggered by inconspicuous little things, unnoticed at the time by anyone. The demise of Gao, a notorious scoundrel from a high-ranking family, even if slain in the street, would merely be classified as a criminal case. But since it was Prince Zhao Yu who personally intervened, the matter inevitably became entangled with more sensitive implications.

While Zhao Yu racked his brains to devise a way to save Lin Chong, Liu Xiantang, the deputy magistrate of the Kaifeng Prefecture, was in the study of the Duke of Wei, reporting to Cai Jing in a manner not unlike a lapdog. Cai Jing, having served multiple terms as prime minister and honored by Emperor Huizong as Duke of Wei and Grand Tutor, had gradually withdrawn from the front lines due to his health in recent years, yet still wielded absolute control over the court.

From the day Gao encountered trouble, Liu Xiantang had kept Cai Jing apprised of every development in the case. The constables and bailiffs in the Kaifeng Prefecture may seem insignificant, but to underestimate them would be a grave mistake, for their daily dealings are mostly with the city’s riffraff and rabble. Thus, Zhao Yu’s actions in the street were quickly laid before Cai Jing.

Zhao Yu had never offended Cai Jing, but this incident succeeded in drawing Cai Jing’s attention—so there was such an odd prince amongst the royal sons?

The study was thick with the scent of herbs; Cai Jing’s poor eyesight and the dim lighting created a suffocating atmosphere. After reporting Zhao Yu's recent activities, Liu Xiantang stood quietly at the side, hands respectfully at his sides.

"Transfer Lin Chong to the Kaifeng Prefecture prison," Cai Jing said, his words few but always laden with meaning.

Hearing this, Liu Xiantang’s expression grew troubled. "Grand Marshal Gao is dissatisfied with my handling of the matter concerning Young Gao and is displeased with me. Moreover, Lin Chong is said to have violated military law. If the Kaifeng Prefecture intervenes, I fear…”

“Who says Lin Chong only violated military law? Just follow procedure; others will handle the rest,” Cai Jing replied, waving his hand.

Liu Xiantang, seasoned as he was, immediately grasped Cai Jing’s intent. Seeing no further instructions, he bowed and withdrew.

“Father, are you planning to support Prince Yi?” Cai Jing was not alone in the study; his other son, Cai Tao, was also present.

Cai Jing’s sons were all well-educated and, thanks to their father’s influence, held important positions at court. The eldest had even risen to be Imperial Chief of Staff and Grand Scholar of Wenhua Hall. Unfortunately, he and Cai Jing were at odds, always scheming for his father’s place.

Due to Cai Jing’s failing health, it was Cai Tao, the second son, who managed the family’s affairs.

Hearing his son’s question, Cai Jing sighed softly. “The Crown Prince harbors much resentment toward me. If our family is to secure lasting fortune, certain preparations must be made ahead of time.”

“Tomorrow morning, have a censor impeach Gao Qiu for abusing private punishment and disregarding the law.”

Cai Tao’s eyes lit up at his father’s words, marveling at his cunning. With this, Gao Qiu would be forced to hand over the prisoner.

Learning of Zhao Yu’s conduct from Liu Xiantang, the Cai father and son judged the prince as reckless, impulsive, lacking in sense, and utterly devoid of political ambition—an ideal candidate to control. Should such a man ever replace the Crown Prince, the Cai family could continue to wield influence at court, provided they first secured the favor of this somewhat wild Prince Yi.

Indeed, what sane prince would secretly consort with the city’s riffraff and rabble?

Zhao Yu suddenly realized that his earlier resolve to punish Li Yan might have been misguided, for even villains could prove useful. In the matter of rescuing Lin Chong, Li Yan would undoubtedly be more effective than himself.

Resolving to seek Li Yan in the palace, Zhao Yu was surprised when Li Yan came to him first.

Upon hearing the guard’s report, Zhao Yu hurried out to greet him, leaving Li Yan a little flattered, though he showed nothing on his face. Bowing, Li Yan moved close and whispered, “Your Highness, you should prepare yourself—His Majesty has summoned you. Think carefully: have you recently done anything to anger His Majesty?”

Zhao Yu was startled—could his actions already have been exposed? He wasn’t prepared!

“Thank you, Lord Li. Someone sent me some local specialties yesterday; I’ll have them delivered to your residence,” Zhao Yu replied.

Li Yan smiled. “Your Highness is too kind. If there’s nothing further, let us head to the palace; His Majesty is waiting.”

Zhao Yu was adept at reading faces; seeing Li Yan’s expression, he guessed that his father the Emperor must not be angry over anything serious. If his own actions had been uncovered, Li Yan would not be so relaxed. So what could it be?

Li Yan glanced around, then lowered his voice further. “The Crown Prince just visited His Majesty.”

“The Crown Prince?”

Zhao Yu began to understand, though he’d never been on particularly bad terms with Zhao Huan; surely the Crown Prince wouldn’t slander him.

He shook his head, thinking it better to play things by ear when he saw his father.

He ordered his carriage brought, invited Li Yan aboard, and told the driver to head for the palace.

“Lord Li, there have been so many matters lately, I haven’t had a chance to explain what happened that night. Please don’t take offense—it was a kidnapping.”

Li Yan was taken aback. “Such a grave incident—why hasn’t anyone spoken of it? How did Your Highness escape?”

“It was Instructor Lin Chong of the Imperial Guard who rescued me…”

Zhao Yu recounted the events of that night, omitting certain details, and concluded, “Now, I wish to repay Lin Chong, but I hear he violated military law and Grand Marshal Gao threw him in prison. Can you advise me, Lord Li, on how to rescue Lin Chong?”

Though Zhao Yu’s account wasn’t entirely truthful, Li Yan was no fool. Everyone knew that, under ordinary circumstances, a prince could easily extract his savior from prison, even by appealing directly to Gao Qiu. Yet this Prince Yi sought help from others—was he too shy to ask, or was there some hidden reason?

For Li Yan, the matter wasn’t difficult, but he was a man who never acted without benefit; he could help, but only for a price.

With this in mind, Li Yan deliberately furrowed his brow. “Grand Marshal Gao is not easy to deal with. If we involve His Majesty, it may seem excessive. Let me think… think…”

Zhao Yu saw Li Yan’s expression and knew the wily eunuch was angling for a reward. This was no issue—so long as Lin Chong could be rescued. But surely Li Yan wasn’t short of money?

Then another thought came to Zhao Yu.

“This wily eunuch is in charge of the West City’s land registry, notorious for extorting the people. He must have amassed a fortune—where would he hide it, I wonder?”