Chapter Thirty-Two: Continuing the Persuasion

Deng Yuanjue’s abduction of Zhao Yu was partly due to Zhao Yu’s own carelessness and disregard for his personal security, but more accurately, it was a matter of fate’s mischief. Perhaps Shi Qian was unfamiliar with Deng Yuanjue’s group, or perhaps he felt a close bond with Zhao Yu and wanted to rescue him single-handedly, hoping to boast about his feat before the others. Regardless of the reason, the deed was done, and everything now had to proceed according to Deng Yuanjue’s carefully laid plans.

Such a significant act could not possibly be carried out by Deng Yuanjue alone. After he succeeded in capturing Zhao Yu, he ordered his men to deliver Zhao Yu’s jade pendant and his conditions to the authorities. However, his men were unfamiliar with the government departments, which led to Zhou Jinglong receiving the token. The matter was reported to Emperor Huizong at the earliest opportunity.

In truth, Deng Yuanjue’s demand was insignificant—a mere thief, hardly comparable to a prince of royal blood. Had they not been so nervous and guilty, Yang Xu alone could have secured Zhao Yu’s release. Now, with such a spectacle made of the situation, Emperor Huizong immediately ordered the exchange, but the identity of Pang Wanchun still caught the attention of those with keen eyes. The time was too short for any thorough investigation, but nothing escapes scrutiny, and what if Pang Wanchun were to suddenly die during transport? Who would bear the consequences then?

Emperor Huizong commanded the Ministry of Justice and Kaifeng Prefecture to swiftly devise a plan for the prince’s exchange. Meanwhile, two groups of assassins quietly left the capital.

That night, in the flower hall of Prince Yi’s residence, Yang Xu, Lu Zhishen, Lin Chong, Shi Qian, and Duan Feihe—who lay bedridden with severe injuries inflicted by Deng Yuanjue—gathered. Duan Feihe’s role was merely to recount the events once more; after that, he could only listen to the others.

After Duan Feihe finished his fragmented narrative, the others turned their angry gazes to Shi Qian. Shi Qian was bewildered; he had never imagined another group would be involved in rescuing Pang Wanchun. He had already explained to the others that aside from Pang Wanchun, he did not know any of Pang Wanchun’s companions. But as he was the origin of the affair, who else could they blame? At this moment, his heart was filled with remorse.

Lu Zhishen and Lin Chong had just arrived, and the joy of their reunion was completely overshadowed by the incident.

“Rest assured, if anything happens to His Highness, I will end my life in atonement,” Shi Qian declared.

“What good would your death do? Would it bring Yu back?” Lu Zhishen retorted, and Shi Qian dared not utter a word of complaint, only frowning and asking, “Then what do you suggest, brother?”

Yang Xu suddenly raised a hand to halt them. “Gentlemen, please don’t quarrel. I’ve just received word from Kaifeng Prefecture—the escorting party for Pang Wanchun has arrived at Yingtian Prefecture. According to the bandits’ demands, the exchange will occur at Chenliu. I would like to request the master to go to Yingtian Prefecture and ensure Pang Wanchun’s safety, at least until we are certain of His Highness’s security.”

On hearing Yang Xu’s words, the group’s expressions grew grave. Yang Xu forced a bitter smile. “You all know without me saying—the prince is always restless and targets the powerful. Normally, these people wouldn’t dare do anything to him, but now that he’s fallen into the hands of thieves, the situation is much more complicated.”

Without another word, Lu Zhishen stood up, grabbed his staff, and departed.

“Master Yang, what should we do next?” Lin Chong asked, realizing that Yang Xu was the only one capable of taking charge at Prince Yi’s residence.

Yang Xu did not immediately answer, but turned his gaze to Shi Qian and spoke gravely, “See if you can contact any friends of Pang Wanchun. Lin Chong and I will wait here in the residence.”

Shi Qian could only smile bitterly to himself. He had meant only to save the prince, never imagining he would end up risking His Highness’s life. Well, he’d do his best. He agreed and strode out.

The entire capital was now in a state of turmoil. Fat Tiger, Song Zhong, Liu Hei, Jiang Laoda, and other subordinates of Zhao Yu had mobilized, conducting a thorough search of every corner. Most of Zhao Yu’s men were street toughs, more adept at finding people than the official constables, but a whole day passed without any news.

Yang Xu had no reliable people at hand. Having heard from Zhao Yu about Lin Chong’s superior martial skills, he kept Lin Chong in the residence as a reserve force.

Once the tasks were assigned, there was nothing left to do but wait. Duan Feihe was carried away.

With only himself and Yang Xu left in the hall, Lin Chong could no longer restrain himself. “Master Yang, I have a question that’s been troubling me. With so many nobles in the capital, why did they target the prince alone?”

Hearing Lin Chong’s question, Yang Xu frowned deeply, for this too was a matter he had pondered constantly.

Where there are people, there are rivalries, but the dangers of the court far exceed those of the underworld, for at times one cannot even tell who is friend or foe. Yet Zhao Yu’s enemies were indeed numerous...

Outside the city, in the dilapidated temple of the mountain god, the scene had changed: Zhao Yu and Deng Yuanjue were no longer alone. Two burly, fierce-looking men had joined them before nightfall.

Zhao Yu and Deng Yuanjue sat facing each other, a bonfire burning between them to ward off insects. Deng Yuanjue’s demeanor was now much altered; though he had not yet spoken of releasing Zhao Yu, his words were far more courteous.

“To be honest, Your Highness, this humble monk never expected a member of the royal family to be a fellow traveler. What plans do you have next?”

The words Zhao Yu spoke during the day had already been sent by swift messenger to Fang La, for this was a matter of great importance, and Deng Yuanjue needed Fang La’s explicit instructions before acting further.

In truth, those who lie are pitiful, for each deception demands countless more to maintain the illusion. It is a laborious and thankless task. But Zhao Yu, with two lifetimes behind him, had honed his thick skin to perfection and could spin tales without blinking; the highest level of lying is believing your own falsehoods.

What plans could I possibly have? Zhao Yu mused. Though rebellion is often forced by official oppression, it is always the common people who suffer most. If only I could extinguish your rebellious ambitions, that would be best. Yet his expression remained composed and dignified. “I would very much like to meet Master Fang,” he said.

Deng Yuanjue was momentarily stunned, realizing Zhao Yu did not wish to divulge too much to him. Slightly displeased, he replied, “I have spoken too much. Rest assured, Your Highness, so long as my brother is safe, I will not harm you. However, there is something I do not understand—at your age, how did you come to know so much about our sect?”

“Manichaeism, introduced from Persia in the first year of the former dynasty’s Yan Zai era, established temples throughout the land. In our dynasty, the sect’s influence waned and nearly vanished, until Li Yanyu of Huai’an brought a Manichaean statue to the capital. Only then did Manichaeism begin to flourish in the south. If I am not mistaken, that statue is now enshrined in Master Fang’s residence, is it not?”

Some of Zhao Yu’s words were borrowed from encyclopedia entries, others outright fabrications. His aim was clear: accuracy was irrelevant so long as it impressed.

As expected, Deng Yuanjue’s face remained calm, but his eyes betrayed shock, for Fang La had indeed inherited Li Yanyu’s legacy and secretly recruited followers by teaching the faith. The statue was enshrined in Fang La’s secret chamber, a fact known only to a handful of confidants. How could this young man know?

Zhao Yu suddenly flashed a mysterious smile. “I do not know if Master Fang has ties with a certain noble in the capital, but you’d best advise him to sever those connections as soon as possible…”