Surviving the Succession (A Transmigration Fantasy)

Character Index

Zhou Yunqi: Emperor of the Wu Dynasty.

Zhou Xianchun: Yunqi's younger brother, and Archduke.

Shegui Khagan: Khagan of the Western Turkic Khaganate.

Bilge Khan: Son of Shegui, heir to the throne.

Chuluo Khagan: Khagan of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate.

Consort Li: Yunqi's consort.

Qiu Jinwei: Yunqi's trusted advisor, brilliant but eccentric. Intent on curbing Kayla's power before she becomes too powerful to control.

Vice Commander Jiang: Vice Commander of the Imperial Guard, Kayla's friend.

Emperor Xuanzong: Previous Emperor, father of Yunqi and Xianchun.

Zhou Kuang: Deceased older brother of Yunqi and Xianchun, posthumously titled a Grand Prince.

Li Que: Senior Investigator of the Imperial Investigation Bureau.

Cao Shuyi: Kuang's widow, mother of Prince Chenqian.

Empress An: Yunqi's Empress, from Kuang's maternal clan.

Halime: The Royal Consort, a princess of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate.

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

Kayla grit her teeth, watching the reports pop up on her communication device as the palace was shut down and Imperial Investigators arrived on the scene in batches. She glanced over her shoulder at Yunqi, uncomfortably conscious of the light scroll in her robes that forecast the upcoming crisis.

This might just be the worst timing possible, but given that we have an assassination against the Emperor, everything's suspect until we have a final verdict.

Kayla stepped closer to Yunqi, bowing her head slightly.

"My liege, if I may?"

Yunqi glanced around the room and waved his hand. The Imperial Guards exited in a neat line, leaving them alone in the room.

"What is it, Wenyuan? Did you notice something?"

"That's not quite it. My liege, given how upsetting this must be, I hate to say that I have important matters to report," Kayla said apologetically. "But I have important matters to report.."

Yunqi straightened himself, looking at Kayla with a worried frown.

"Wenyuan," Yunqi said with a slightly desperate note in his voice. "Do you bear me good news?"

"I'm very sorry, my liege. But while the possibility seems low, it's not entirely impossible that the two matters are related"

Yunqi sighed.

"Perhaps it should wait," Kayla offered.

Yunqi shook his head. "No, please go ahead," he said dejectedly. "If it brings us any closer to the culprit…"

"We will find whoever's responsible and make them pay," Kayla promised. Yunqi's frown only seemed to deepen at this.

"My liege, do you have an idea as to the culprit?"

Such as the Cao clan, who would benefit most from this? It wasn't Xianchun. Kayla could be certain of that much given the heavy surveillance over his household, and even the relatives of people who worked there.

"I can't be sure," Yunqi said in frustration. "By the gods! Wenyuan, if you find the culprit to be–how will I even–"

Who was the Emperor thinking of? The thin, ever present thread of unease seemed to wrap itself one more time around her neck.

"I cannot give any promises as to what I will find," Kayla said cautiously. "But I will at least promise that Your Majesty will have all our full support to resolve the aftermath however you see fit."

She would probably end up regretting the subtle offer to cover things up if it did turn out to be related to the Cao clan–they would only grow bolder if forgiven once.

Just leave everyone a path to survival. Who knows if it'll end up saving me down the line?

Yunqi's shoulders slumped as he heaved a sigh.

"Thank you, Wenyuan." He drew himself up again. "Now, tell me."

Kayla bowed her head slightly before pulling a scroll out from her robes.

"If I may, my liege, please take a look at this."

Yunqi frowned. "What is this?"

"Trade volume in Canton and Quanzhou over the past few months by country, my liege. The line at the top is total trade, and the lines we see beneath are trade from regions west of Persia."

Yunqi stilled. "It's going down. What does that mean?"

"I am trying to figure that out. I suspect civil tensions or unrest, but in the worst case, it could be plague–we might need to impose quarantines or even close off the ports."

Yunqi grimaced.

"If it's civil unrest, which is also very likely, then the Khaganates become a concern," Kayla said cautiously, warily watching Yunqi's reaction. "Depending on what happens with Shegui Khagan and his heir, Chuluo Khagan may seize the chance and invade the Western Turks."

Yunqi glanced at her sharply. "There's a treaty in place that we helped to negotiate. Would they attack in violation of the terms？"

"Chuluo Khagan is a very clever man," Kayla said carefully. "And Shegui Khagan's hold over the Western Turks has been slipping for some time now. With or without Chuluo Khagan's interference, it may be that the Western Turks are the ones who will breach the treaty first."

"Then what?" Yunqi asked.

"Then Chuluo Khagan will become impossible to contain," Kayla replied. "We can't stop him from swallowing the Western Turks."

"Are we supposed to sit back and watch him gain hegemony over the North and the West? That basically gives him a stranglehold over the land routes for trade!"

"I know," Kayla said grimly. "But given the geographic distance and landscape, we won't be able to provide any meaningful aid to the Western Turks–unless we pincer Chuluo by attacking from the south while he's engaged in the west. Yet our military strength doesn't measure up to his. We can only hope to gain a victory if we can count on the Western Turkic Khaganate to put up a fight."

"You do not think that they can?"

"They've already failed once," Kayla replied. "They've suffered great losses, while Chuluo has barely suffered any."

"One who knows shame will be galvanized towards courage," Yunqi said. "Would their thirst for revenge not provide greater morale this time around? What are their nobles saying?"

"The nobles are upset at the humiliating loss, but there's much stronger dissatisfaction against Shegui and his immediate family, who are perceived as responsible for this disaster. That doesn't bode well for their military, given the clan-based organization system"

"Can we not sway their sentiments? Cost is not an issue–a war would cost far more," Yunqi said.

"That…well, that would be difficult, my liege."

Yunqi's expression darkened. "Wenyuan, are you saying that it can't be done even with all the resources I've placed at your disposal?!"

Kayla dropped to her knees. "Please forgive my incompetence, Your Majesty! But I cannot lie to you–as of now, it can't be done. If you recall my previous reports on our covert intelligence efforts, they have seen little success despite their high mortality rates. Our agents have been dropping dead like flies in the Eastern Turkic Khaganate–but also in the Western Turkic Khaganate. I would not be surprised if Chuluo has strong counterintelligence measures, given his meticulous nature, but Shegui Khagan's court no longer has the organizational capacity to put up such rigorous resistance to our efforts. Yet why is it that our men are being targeted with such precision? The only answer I can think of is that Chuluo's reach already extends to the Western Turkic Khaganate."

"Are you sure that's the reason?" Yunqi asked in disbelief.

"Yes, my liege. Dozens of our men have died already. I've even taken to dangling amnesty before death row convicts, to little avail. But what's most alarming is that if we average out the monthly mortality rate across both Khaganates, the survival rate in each is exactly ten percent," Kayla said. "This is deliberate. Those men didn't succeed in going undercover or escape discovery–it's just like how we track Turkish agents in the Wu. We know what they're doing, we're just letting them do it under our watch because tracking down their replacements would require even more resources."

"This won't do," Yunqi said in alarm. "Wenyuan, you must redouble your efforts. I give you permission to use whatever measures necessary, but you must find a way past Chuluo Khagan! You are our eyes and ears, if even you are deaf and blind, what will become of this country?!"

"Your Majesty, I will do everything within my ability to fulfill your orders," Kayla promised, sharply bowing her head.

Yunqi gestured for her to rise.

"Do you think this could be the doing of our good father-in-law then?" Yunqi asked, gesturing in the direction of the building Consort Li was in.

"I do not know yet," Kayla replied.

"Find out," Yunqi ordered. "And find out what on earth is happening with the Umayyad!"

"As you wish."

Yunqi sighed, the outrage melting off of him.

"What will we do?" Yunqi murmured. "If we publicize this, there will be those who call for taking this chance to wage war against Chuluo. One that you and I both know we cannot win without bringing the country to the brink of destruction. If we do not publicize this, the court cannot possibly approve any preemptive measures they see as unnecessary."

"I am worried about the same thing," Kayla admitted. "But if the court knows, the people will know. In the worst case, it can spiral into a hysterical backlash against foreigners that destroys the reforms altogether. After all, not everyone is happy with the reforms, even with the wealth it brings for the people and the Treasury. Those who see its effects as…unfairly distributed."

"I know what you speak of," Yunqi said grimly. "How difficult it is to run a country!"

There was the sound of sharp words outside, and they both glanced at the door.

"Advisor Qiu has arrived!" Vice-Commander Jiang announced from the hallway, a last-ditch effort to prevent Qiu Jinwei from barging in entirely unannounced.

The door flew open to Qiu Jinwei. The man's expression was hard to place–it wasn't quite the usual look one would expect of someone who was worried, but he was red in the face.

"My liege, are you unharmed?!"

"I am fine, Jinwei," Yunqi greeted him, holding out a hand placatingly. "As you can see, I am perfectly well."

"My liege, how can you go unprotected at a time like this?! Please recall the Imperial Guards to your person immediately!"

"Very well, Jinwei. Be at ease, we're perfectly safe," Yunqi said. He raised his voice slightly even though Vice-Commander Jiang could hear him just fine from the open door.

"Enter."

The Imperial Guards filed back inside, as neatly as they had left.

"Advisor Qiu," Kayla greeted him. He nodded stiffly at her, looking as if he were barely holding back. He didn't hold back for much longer.

"Duke Zhao, did you cut off the palace communications?"

Kayla smiled blandly. "Yes, Advisor Qiu."

"You overstep, Your Excellency!"

Yunqi raised his hand, gesturing for Qiu Jinwei to stop. "With my permission, Jinwei."

Qiu Jinwei drew back at this, as though he had been physically stung. "With your permission?!"

Bastard, do you think there's not enough drama in this place yet?

"This is best kept quiet," Yunqi replied.

"Of course, my liege…but it never should have happened in the first place!" Qiu Jinwei narrowed his eyes, turning back towards Kayla. "Don't you think so, Director Zhao?"

Well of course the fuck not, but was he seriously goading her to throw the Imperial Guards under the bus right now?

Kayla didn't get a chance to deliberate further.

"There's no one who worries more for my safety than Duke Zhao," Yunqi intervened.

Oh thank god. It was fine for a pissed boss to chastise subordinates who had failed to do their tasks. It was not fine for the head of an allied organization to screw over the Imperial Guard. Though Yunqi seemed reluctant to actually shut down Qiu Jinwei and whatever the man was surely planning, he also seemed reluctant to let Qiu Jinwei succeed in creating any meaningful rift between Kayla and the palace.

Still, Kayla thought through the rising surge of irritation in her ribcage, the Emperor chastising the Imperial Guard to protect me won't please them much either. Even if it originally was their failure, it's just not the same if it happens this way!

It was Vice-Commander Jiang's turn to take the fall. He knelt to the ground, the other Imperial Guards sharply bowing their heads without even moving a step away from their posts.

"My liege, we have failed you! Death would not be enough make up for this incompetence!" Vice-Commander Jiang said, genuine shame in his voice.

"Raise your head, Vice-Commander Jiang. I would hardly fault you or the Imperial Guard for this. Countless things had to go wrong for such an incident to occur," Yunqi said. "At this time I must rely on you more than ever before."

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Yes, my liege!" Vice-Commander Jiang bowed his head to the ground before rising to his feet again.

Kayla bit back the unseemly rush of relief at the back of her throat.

Qiu Jinwei looked entirely unimpressed. The whole scene might as well have never happened for all that he cared.

"Your Majesty is truly merciful beyond any precedent," Qiu Jinwei said. "In most cases, such dereliction of duty that directly endangers the Emperor would call for the Commander of the Imperial Guard to resign, but…"

He looked Kayla straight in the eye. "I suppose my liege's decision is for the best."

Come on, what? What the hell are you even doing? Right to our faces too?

Qiu Jinwei might as well say it straight at this point, that he'd rather void the Commander's punishment altogether to prevent Vice-Commander Jiang–or anyone with close ties to Kayla–to rise the ranks. How much more blatantly could he attempt to sow discord? It might actually be a little less insulting if he just actually said his intentions out loud as he usually did.

Kayla flicked her gaze to Yunqi, who hid his discomfort by clearing his throat.

Are you going to let that stand or not?

She decided she wasn't going to wait to see what happened.

"A ruler who dictates policy based on mercy is unrivaled beneath the heavens," Kayla quoted. "My liege's decision truly is wise, and surely will be repaid with greater loyalty from the Imperial Guard."

Vice-Commander Jiang offered a timely bow of his head that was replicated in unison by the other Guards.

"After all, His Majesty's safety is the foremost concern of all his subjects," Kayla concluded.

"Precisely why it's important to ensure that this won't happen again," Qiu Jinwei said.

Are you not fucking done? Then almost immediately, the realization that Qiu Jinwei was not fucking done because Yunqi hadn't ended it yet.

Fuck.

"Indeed," Kayla said, the word feeling heavy in her mouth.

Whatever happened next happened with Yunqi's blessing.

"Then is it not troublesome that the Imperial Investigation Bureau, which is meant to prevent such conspiracies, can only ever passively react afterwards?" Qiu Jinwei asked.

That's what he was going for? The alarm bells in her head went off at full volume. She took in the silver opening with horror and swooped in at full speed as a last-ditch effort.

"I agree. The current liaison system may be insufficient. Your Majesty, with your permission I would create a–"

Qiu Jinwei cut her off at full volume before Kayla could make a proposal. "Your Majesty, a separate branch of the Imperial Investigation Bureau should be established to be stationed directly within the palace! The current liaisons do not have a chain of command that would allow them to act immediately or preemptively. Are these men meant to watch the Emperor or watch over him?!"

"Of course they're meant to watch over him!"

"Then our good Director surely does not have any reason to refuse a perfectly reasonable request?"

Kayla wanted to bash Qiu Jinwei's face in with a brick. Establish a separate branch? He meant to carve away her hold over the Bureau, openly taking for his own uses what she had built up over the last three years.

There was no need for a separate branch. There were always Imperial Investigators stationed in the palace, and the current liaisons were only there to formalize the longstanding tradition. And what chain of command? Communication devices existed! Not to mention that they didn't need a chain of command when they had the Emperor himself to obey!

But he had her in the noose already–and how easy it was to tie a noose around someone's neck when you had the Emperor as an excuse! Kayla suddenly felt a flash of empathy for the men she had cornered at Emperor Xuanzong's behest. Trapped between a public display of disloyalty and handing over their hard-earned power, they could only choose the latter.

But that's also a trap, Kayla thought grimly. Thinking you have the right to choose!

Hadn't she laid similar traps herself?

And this fucker thinks he can get me with this flimsy trash?

"It is not my place to accept or refuse a decision that rests in His Majesty's hands," Kayla said, her voice devoid of anything but perfect professionalism. "Whatever His Majesty thinks is best, the Imperial Investigation Bureau will obey without question."

Qiu Jinwei bowed towards Yunqi. "My liege, please permit a branch of the Imperial Investigation Bureau to be established for the direct use of the palace! Such a horrific incident should never have occurred again after the tragedy of the Grand Prince, and certainly can never be permitted to happen again to you!"

Yeah? You're going to bring in Kuang? You fucking little wad of subway gum!

Yunqi now had every excuse to agree without openly damaging his relationship with Wenyuan.

"My beloved subject, I of course take heed of your words," Yunqi said. He turned to Wenyuan, a look of concern on his face that belonged to a family member and not a ruler commanding his subject. "But Wenyuan, what do you think of this? Please speak without restraint. After all, you are the Director of the Imperial Investigation Bureau."

Well what the fuck can I say?

"As Director, Duke Zhao is one of the most loyal men there is in the country! How could such a person possibly refuse to ensure Your Majesty's safety, upon which the stability of this dynasty lies?" Qiu Jinwei jumped in.

One sings, one harmonizes. Kayla tried to suppress a wry grin and turned it into a flawlessly courteous smile.

"I of course have no objection–Advisor Qiu's suggestion is wise. Your Majesty's safety must be ensured, which we of the Bureau are prepared to dedicate our lives to ensure."

"As expected, Duke Zhao is a magnanimous man who holds the country in his heart! Then may I be so bold as to recommend having Senior Investigator Li Que head this effort?" Qiu Jinwei followed up, not letting up for a second.

"Senior Investigator Li Que?" Kayla repeated as if it were her first time hearing the name.

"Is there a problem with that, Duke Zhao? Can't bear to be parted from him?"

The strange feeling of free fall came to a stop. So that's who it was.

There was definitely someone high up in the Bureau who answered to Yunqi, someone that made Yunqi feel secure placing the Bureau within her grasp. Kayla had known this from the start. But who was it? She finally had an answer now.

Better him than anyone else, Kayla thought in resignation. He's one of the last decent men in the capital, not to mention that he will never force me into a corner unless he's sure he can kill me.

"Not at all," Kayla said out loud. "Though I highly value his talents and support, that is precisely why I feel that Senior Investigator Li is indeed the best candidate for the job."

Qiu Jinwei's face went abruptly rigid.

Did you think I wouldn't let him go?

Kayla bowed towards Yunqi. "My liege, I humbly beg you to raise Senior Investigator Li's rank so as to grant him the necessary authority to operate within the palace!"

"Gladly, Wenyuan. I trust your judgement in his ability and character. What rank do you think would be suitable?"

"Of the two Vice-Director positions, one is still vacant. This lowly subject begs Your Majesty's grace in establishing Senior Investigator Li Que as a Vice-Director of the Imperial Investigation Bureau," Kayla said.

"And I happily grant your request," Yunqi said warmly.

Kayla gave a grateful smile.

It's not going to end here. This is probably just the start, unless I crush it somehow. Qiu Jinwei…you think you can use my own methods against me?

If he did, then he was making a mistake. It would not be his last, but it was certainly the most fatal.

And Yunqi. Does he really think he doesn't need me anymore? Don't get ahead of yourself just because the reforms are going well! Are you forgetting what I just warned you about?!

Kayla discreetly scrutinized Yunqi's pale face. No, it wasn't despite the warning signs of trouble with the Khaganates, it was because of the warning signs. Hadn't Yunqi only just given Kayla the power to do anything to establish an intelligence network, though of course without a proper edict? The more Yunqi felt compelled to hand the reins over to Kayla, the more he was afraid that she would actually take them. But he wouldn't get rid of her, not when she was still needed. At a more fundamental level, he was too good a person to do that without having been severely offended.

Really, it's life on a knife's edge, huh?

Kayla was distracted by an Investigator appearing in the doorway. She clocked him as one of Duan Wuxie's men–an able man of solid character. He knelt before the Emperor on one knee.

"Your Majesty, we have a report."

"Speak," Yunqi ordered.

"Some of the evidence on the scene implicates potential suspects," the Investigator said.

Yunqi waited a beat, but the Investigator struggled to speak, obvious hesitation written over his face.

Ah fuck. That couldn't mean anything good.

"You are before the Emperor, speak clearly!" Kayla interjected.

"It was not the tea that Consort Li was drinking that was the source of the explosion," the Investigator said in a cautious tone. "The actual source of the explosion was the cup. We found traces of magic on the cup that match signs of explosion spells used on the battlefield, the ones used to ignite dynamite. However, we did not find any signs of dynamite on the scene. We suspect that a military-grade explosion spell had been adapted to react with hot water, causing it to erupt with such force that it could result in severe injury or…or death."

"The tea had already been poison tested, but it was only poured out on site," Sir Yang added. "But even so, it had already been in the cup for some time. Was it a delayed reaction that requires the cup to reach a certain temperature?"

The Investigator looked even more uncomfortable. "That…is indeed a possible avenue, but we do not believe that to be the case here. Instead, given the trajectory of the cup shards post-explosion, we believe that a nullification talisman was used to keep the reaction at bay. Once the talisman was removed, the explosion was immediate. This means that the nullification talisman could have been anywhere within ten to fifty meters of the site of the explosion."

He gulped, then wet his lips. "However, of the magical talismans under the delegation of the palace, none of the nullification talismans had gone missing. While it is possible that the talisman had been smuggled in from outside the palace, it is also possible that the talisman came from within the palace."

Yunqi's face had gone very still. "Within the palace…so someone who holds nullification talismans not under the control of the Internal Administration Department?"

"It is a possibility, my liege. At this time, we cannot confirm nor deny anyone's involvement. It is also possible that the source is from outside the palace. With your permission, we would confirm with the Ministry of War and its armories as to the source of the explosion spell, and also check in the markets for transactions involving nullification talismans and explosion talismans."

"I grant my permission," Yunqi said.

"If I may be so rude, the palace…" The Investigator struggled to keep his expression calm, but the beads of sweat on his forehead gave away his nervousness.

"My liege," Kayla stepped forward, taking pity on her subordinate. "If we may be so audacious, we would also like to confirm whether anyone in the palace has or has had nullification talismans and whether those talismans are accounted for."

Yunqi barely dared to blink. "Wenyuan."

Kayla bowed her head. "Your Majesty. I understand how shameless our request is, to dare to meddle in the internal affairs of the Inner Palace. But with Your Majesty's safety at risk, we as your subjects dare not to overlook anything that may be of threat to you."

Yunqi breathed out slowly, his shoulders remaining tense. He braced himself to speak, Kayla's heart sinking all the while.

Oh no, oh fuck. This isn't going to be good. Whatever it is, it won't be good.

Cao Shuyi still had a nullification talisman from the Empress Dowager. Xianchun also had one, but he had no chance to use it–Kayla had already "gotten rid" of hers, or at least pretended to back when the Grand Duke was still alive. Few knew that she didn't even need a talisman to use nullification magic, and none of them were in a position to speak.

Li Que–no, not unless the Emperor was in direct danger from me. He knows me well enough not to risk himself and his loved ones.

At least that meant this wasn't a plot to frame her–but nullification talismans were exceedingly hard to come by. Only someone very high up in the food chain could gain access to or afford one.

"Your Majesty, didn't you gift the two nullification talismans from the Imperial Astronomer to Her Majesty the Empress and the Royal Consort?" Qiu Jinwei asked, as innocently as if he couldn't perceive the palpable tension in the room.

Kayla struggled to keep her shock off her face.

You what?! Why would you give them that?!! Are-are you like, bored or something? Do you think there isn't enough harem intrigue per harem? Just keep the fucking talismans! Why would you give them to two of the people best positioned to use them for starting shit?

Then again, hadn't the Empress Dowager given out nullification talismans to all the parties in the succession crisis as a clear signal of her intentions to balance things out? A warning not to go overboard, and a last-ditch safety measure just in case they did.

Had things escalated that much? Halime never said anything to me. Or to Ibilga. Kayla wasn't so sure on the latter anymore.

"I did," Yunqi said, his voice heavy.

"Well that's simple then. If they both still have theirs, it's obvious they're innocent, and we can move on with the investigation without so much discomfort," Qiu Jinwei said.

Why are you being so proactive about this? Have you framed Halime already?

No, he wouldn't have done something so stupid. Halime was a princess who married in through a political marriage–for as long as they wanted the treaty to hold, Halime could murder a man in broad daylight and everyone's priority would be how to best cover it up. Even Qiu Jinwei wasn't exempt. After all, he wasn't stupid.

"If Your Majesty permits," Kayla said, bowing her head slightly.

Yunqi nodded.

"Though at such a time it would be best for me to go in person, given the high station of the persons in question, I am the brother-in-law of the Royal Consort by marriage, and do not wish to cause a conflict of interest at such a crucial stage," Kayla said. "Perhaps this task would be best suited for our new Vice-Director Li Que, if Your Majesty thinks it appropriate."

"Well considered, Wenyuan. Let it be as you say."

Let Li Que have his position then, with all the duties that come with it. She felt sorry for Li Que, who was a solid man in every right, but the offending task was his for the taking.

"My liege, may I suggest imposing an embargo on this incident and its investigation until we have a final conclusion and a suitable response prepared?" Kayla asked.

Yunqi nodded. "Jinwei, please draft an edict for me."

The advisor bowed slightly and got to work.

"This, of course, swears everyone present to secrecy," Kayla explained to the guards and the Investigator still kneeling on the ground.

"Yes sir!"

It didn't take long for Li Que to arrive, though he could hardly have anticipated how much things had changed from when Kayla first summoned him.

Li Que knelt as soon as he crossed the threshold of the doorway. "This lowly subject humbly greets His Majesty the Emperor!"

"Come closer, Li Que," Yunqi ordered.

Li Que slowly moved a few feet closer.

"Closer," Yunqi said.

All the more careful than before, Li Que moved forward until he was within five feet of Yunqi.

"Li Que, I have heard that you are a reliable man of great ability," Yunqi said.

Li Que lowered his head. "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"There has been an attempt on my life, one that has severely injured my Consort," Yunqi said. "To thoroughly investigate this matter, and to prevent future occurrences, I hereby order you to establish a branch of the Imperial Investigation Bureau to be stationed within the palace, and promote you to Vice Director."

Li Que froze for a second before hastily bowing his head to the ground. "Thank you, my liege! But this humble subject is unworthy of such a great honor!"

"Your direct superior disagrees," Yunqi said. "Isn't that right, Wenyuan?"

"Indeed, there is no one in the Bureau better suited for the role," Kayla said. "But please look kindly upon the Vice Director's modesty, it is among one of his virtues."

"Of course," Yunqi said, turning back to Li Que. "Well, Li Que, surely you will not object further?"

Li Que gulped, not daring to lift his head. "I…I am immensely grateful, my liege! I swear to protect Your Majesty's safety with my life!"

"Excellent! Please rise, Vice Director," Yunqi said. "Then I entrust this to you."

Kayla stepped forward. "Vice Director, the Investigators will explain the situation to you. Currently, we will need to conduct searches in the Empress' and Royal Consort's palaces to confirm the whereabouts of the nullification talismans in their possession. Though I should go with you to express our apologies for the rudeness, I wish to avoid a conflict of interest. I thereby leave this task in your capable hands."

To his credit, Li Que didn't even hesitate despite the obviously daunting nature of the task.

"Yes sir! Then my liege, Director, I will begin immediately."

Yunqi nodded approvingly as he left. "As reliable as you say, Wenyuan."

Kayla formed her face into a smile. "Indeed, my liege."

Are you going to keep pretending you're not well-acquainted already? Suit yourself then.

It was another long hour before Li Que returned, the tense wait made more bearable only by the news that Consort Li would survive, and that the healers had high hopes of healing her face. Li Que bowed and entered, received with smiles amidst the thawing atmosphere.

But the air of the room seemed to drop in temperature as Li Que knelt before the Emperor, a grim expression on his face.

"My liege, I have an urgent matter to report."

The last traces of relief melted off of Yunqi's face. "Speak."

Li Que drew in a deep breath, glancing at Kayla uneasily.

What? What the fuck is wrong? Surely it can't be Halime!

"Go on, speak!" Qiu Jinwei snapped, losing his patience.

Li Que lowered his eyes and steeled himself to speak.

"Both the nullification talismans in the Empress and the Royal Consort's possession have gone missing."

Cultural Notes

留活路/Leave a path to survival: A Chinese saying that means not to completely trap/defeat someone but rather leave some leeway.

Canton: A port in modern-day Guangzhou, a major trading hub of the Maritime Silk Road.

Quanzhou: A port in modern-day Fujian, a major trading hub of the Maritime Silk Road.

知耻近乎勇/One who knows shame will be galvanized towards courage: A Chinese saying that means someone who has suffered defeat will be further galvanized to act with more courage after experiencing the shame of a loss.

王者行仁政而无敌于天下/A ruler who dictates policy based on mercy/virtue is unrivaled beneath the heavens: A quote from Mencius, a pre-Qin Confucian scholar.

一唱一和/One sings one harmonizes: An Ancient Chinese saying that originally referred to communal singing practices but later evolved with the increasing sophistication of opera plays to refer to two people who have a shared, pre-existing motive that they are working towards before an audience while hiding their efforts.

胸怀天下/Hold the country in one's heart: An Ancient Chinese saying that means to be broad-hearted.