#23: Beyond the Material World (VI)

The Golden Sky Guards swiftly surrounded the two individuals, pinning them down. Ye Tingyan rode forward anxiously, calling out, “Your Majesty!”

Song Lan, still shaken, glanced down and noticed a cut on Luo Wei’s hand.

Following his gaze, Luo Wei realized she had accidentally grazed her hand while hastily drawing the dagger. It was only a shallow wound.

Moved by her protective gesture, Song Lan momentarily forgot about Ye Tingyan, pulling Luo Wei into an embrace. “Sister, does it hurt?”

Luo Wei let go of the knife regretfully, allowing it to fall to the ground.

Turning back, she wrapped her arms around Song Lan’s neck, feigning concern. “I’m fine. Are you frightened, Zilan?”

Song Lan replied sincerely, “I’m just glad you’re unharmed.”

Their whispered exchange was inaudible to those farther away, but Ye Tingyan, standing close by, heard every word.

For a fleeting moment, he struggled to suppress a surge of violent emotion, gripping his bow tightly before stepping back and kneeling before them.

Only then did Song Lan remember him, quickly saying, “Tingyan, rise. If not for your arrow earlier, both the Empress Dowager and I might have perished.”

Ye Tingyan bowed his head, trembling lips struggling to form coherent words. “… Your Majesty and Her Highness were startled. My failure to protect you is unforgivable.”

Luo Wei spoke gently, “Lord Ye is not a palace guard. To act so swiftly to save us demonstrates loyalty. There’s no need for self-reproach.”

After a brief silence, Ye Tingyan replied, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

For some reason, Luo Wei sensed him trembling slightly.

But when he raised his head, all signs of vulnerability had vanished. His expression was calm, genuinely concerned, though his eyes remained slightly red.

However, Luo Wei paid little heed to his behavior, as Song Lan had already risen and approached the fallen horse.

Liu Xi hurried after him, shouting at the two individuals now restrained by the Golden Sky Guards, “Bold rebels, how dare you attempt assassination in the presence of the Emperor!”

Lin Zhao, who had been thrown from the horse, lay unconscious. Only the trainer remained, protesting loudly, “Your Majesty, I am innocent!”

Liu Xi barked angrily, “What innocence? Explain yourself!”

The trainer pleaded desperately, “My lord, I am merely a humble horse trainer at Muchun Field. How could I dare commit treason? Moreover, I couldn’t have anticipated that Lin Er’s horse would suddenly go berserk. It was clearly Lin Er who drew the sword at the imperial platform!”

Hearing this, Lin Kuishan grew enraged and shouted, “Nonsense! Why would my son commit regicide? Your Majesty, this is a frame-up!”

The trainer countered, “How could I have known that the sword presented by Lord Fengping had been sharpened?”

Lin Kuishan stammered, “Th-This matter…”

He kowtowed to Song Lan, tearfully protesting, “Since its forging, this sword has rarely left its scabbard. The last time I saw it was during the inspection by the Golden Sky Guards. If it had been sharpened then, how could I have brought it before Your Majesty?”

The trainer shot back, “Perhaps Lord Fengping orchestrated this assassination after entering Muchun Field, arranging for the sword to be replaced.”

Lin Kuishan cursed, “You insolent wretch—”

Yu Qiushi abruptly intervened, “Enough! Before His Majesty, why must you argue with a mere servant, An De?”

Song Lan, growing weary of their quarrel, waved dismissively. “Zhuque.”

At his command, two or three guards clad in gold and crimson silently approached, kneeling respectfully before him. “Your Majesty.”

By this time, Luo Wei had returned to her seat, leisurely observing the argument until Song Lan summoned the members of the Zhuque Division. She subtly raised her chin, exchanging a glance with Ye Tingyan.

In just a month, this division had been established from nothing. Though Luo Wei didn’t know who Song Lan had secretly trained these loyalists under, their effectiveness was undeniable.

Ye Tingyan met her gaze briefly before averting his eyes. Luo Wei rested her cheek on her hand and noticed Yu Qiushi covertly scrutinizing the emperor’s guards, his gaze flickering uneasily.

Unaware of this, Song Lan commanded, “Take these two into custody temporarily. Once I’ve selected a lead investigator, they will be dealt with accordingly. While detained, they are forbidden from receiving visitors, communicating, or attempting suicide. Any misconduct, and you will answer with your heads.”

The three Zhuque guards responded stoically, bowing deeply. “Understood.”

Once they led the unconscious Lin Zhao and the protesting trainer away, Luo Wei glanced at the dying horse below the steps and suddenly asked, “Who fired the other arrow?”

On Liu Xi’s orders, several eunuchs fetched the person responsible, bringing him before the imperial platform.

The man knelt respectfully, introducing himself. “Your humble servant Chang Zhao, Gentleman of the Imperial Court, Scholar of the Qiong Pavilion, and next month’s appointee to the Ministry of Rites, pays respects to Your Majesty and Her Highness. May Your Majesty enjoy long life.”

Surprised by the title, Song Lan remarked, “You are a scholar-official? Yet you possess such remarkable archery skills.”

It was no wonder Song Lan was astonished. Chang Zhao’s position was among the most common pathways for scholars selected through the imperial examinations, leading to prestigious postings in the six ministries. Such appointments were coveted for their ease and potential for rapid advancement—far smoother even than Ye Tingyan’s appointment to the Censorate.

As Chang Zhao spoke, Yu Qiushi glanced down and noticed Lin Kuishan signaling him discreetly.

A flicker of suspicion crossed Yu Qiushi’s face, followed by understanding.

This official named Chang Zhao was likely the person Lin Kuishan had mentioned earlier.

In that critical moment, many guards and officials present carried bows and arrows, but only two individuals reacted instantly and possessed enough confidence in their marksmanship.

Even a slight deviation could have startled the imperial entourage, resulting in severe consequences despite good intentions.

Yu Qiushi thought privately, Setting Ye Tingyan aside, this incident may well have been orchestrated to gain Song Lan’s trust. As for Chang Zhao, his composure under pressure suggests he may also be a useful asset.

“I passed the imperial examination in the third year of Jinghe, ranking last among the top tier,” Chang Zhao replied modestly yet confidently. “I later entered the Qiong Pavilion. From a young age, I trained in archery, earning praise from the Minister of Rites. Thanks to his recommendation, I was invited here today. In that urgent moment, I acted instinctively, fearing to startle Your Majesty. Please forgive me, Your Majesty and Your Highness.”

Song Lan said approvingly, “Your loyalty pleases me greatly. Liu Xi, fetch gold and silver fish-shaped insignias and bestow them upon Tingyan and Scholar Chang.”

Chang Zhao, wearing green robes, was not required to carry a silver fish insignia, while Ye Tingyan, already clad in crimson robes, received a gold insignia—a generous reward hinting at promotion.

Both men thanked the emperor and took their respective positions.

After rewarding them, Song Lan glanced at Luo Wei behind him. Rising, she addressed Liu Xi. “Liu Xi.”

“Yes, Your Highness?”

“The hour approaches. You oversee the eunuchs attending the imperial procession. Recall everyone from Muchun Field to the palace. Ensure absolute secrecy regarding the assassination attempt. Should rumors spread, you will bear the first punishment.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Luo Wei then called the newly appointed leader of the Golden Sky Guards. “Feng Zhong, lead the way back to the palace with the guards. Upon returning, summon the senior officials of the two councils to meet me at Qionghua Hall.”

After the guards departed, Luo Wei gave final instructions to two nearby attendants. “Circulate the field once, conveying my orders. All officials should conduct themselves cautiously. Further discussions will take place within the palace.”

Once these arrangements were made, Yu Qiushi frowned. “Your Highness’s measures seem overly strict.”

Luo Wei had been waiting for this remark. Sternly, she replied, “An assassination attempt on the emperor is a grave matter involving national security. Lord Fengping is implicated, and as his relative, Your Excellency should recuse yourself. The investigation, conducted jointly by the two councils and three departments, should proceed without your interference to preserve your reputation.”

Beside her, Lin Kuishan sobbed pitifully, “Your wisdom shines brightly, Your Highness. My son has always been reckless but truly innocent…”

Luo Wei interjected coolly, “There’s no need for distress, Lord Fengping. If he is innocent, his name will remain untarnished.”

Lin Kuishan opened his mouth to protest further but caught Yu Qiushi’s meaningful glance and fell silent, simply replying, “Yes.”

Returning to Song Lan, Luo Wei bowed gracefully. “Forgive my presumption, Your Majesty. Given the shock you’ve endured, it would be best to return to the palace promptly. However, since this case requires thorough investigation, please appoint someone to oversee matters here.”

Song Lan nodded and called out, “Tingyan…”

Yu Qiushi interrupted abruptly, “Your Majesty, both Censor Ye and Scholar Chang distinguished themselves today. For the investigation, I suggest entrusting them jointly.”

Chang Zhao immediately kowtowed. “I have met Lin Er once. I vow to uncover the truth and clarify responsibility for Your Majesty.”

After some deliberation, Song Lan declared, “Very well. Upon our return, I will issue an edict granting you both access to Muchun Field and the inner palace. The Golden Sky Guards will assist you. Once evidence is gathered, consult the Zhuque Division for further questioning.”

From the moment of the assassination attempt, Luo Wei had noticed Ye Tingyan’s subtle distraction.

She initially wasn’t sure if Chang Zhao was one of Ye Tingyan’s men, but Yu Qiushi’s recommendation confirmed otherwise.

Given Ye Tingyan’s nature, he should have spoken up to secure sole responsibility.

Yet today, he merely thanked the emperor with reddened eyes, his steps unsteady as he departed.

As the imperial procession prepared to leave Muchun Field, Yan Luo returned silently. Seeing she hadn’t changed out of her guard uniform, Luo Wei paused thoughtfully before instructing, “Privately deliver a message to Lord Ye. Tell him that after tomorrow’s Qingming holiday concludes and twilight falls, I invite him to our usual meeting place.”

Yan Luo acknowledged the order and turned to leave, but Luo Wei hesitated and called her back. “Also… ask him if his red-rimmed eyes indicate an old ailment.”