Chapter 291: Audience with the Emperor

Chapter 291: Audience with the Emperor

Xue Sheng was sleeping on the couch in the outer room. His sudden shout sent the Three Tao brothers bursting out of the guest room, sprinting to Song Tingzhou's bedroom to protect him. Caught off guard, all three were still bare-chested.

Among them, Xue Sheng moved the fastest. He had already spotted the dark figure on the rooftop, vaulted onto the wall and gave chase for a few steps, then remembered his master's warning—worried it might be a trick to lure him away—and could only watch helplessly as the figure vanished.

"Master, I couldn't catch him." Xue Sheng returned to Song Tingzhou looking ashamed.

Song Tingzhou stood at the door draped in an outer robe. A bright full moon hung in the treetops, and his cold, sharp features looked even more aloof in the moonlight. "It's fine. Things like this may happen again."

Xue Sheng fell silent.

The bare-chested Tao brothers all shivered, the cold seeping from their skin straight into their bones.

At the fourth watch—around 3:30 in the morning. Song Tingzhou sat up in bed. Xue Sheng, sleeping in the outer room, heard him stir and carried a wooden basin to the kitchen.

A Xun had been left to stay overnight at the Zhu residence. They were all rough-and-tumble men, and Xue Sheng was the most attentive of the bunch. If it had been Chi Yu tagging along, Song Tingzhou would've had to fetch his own water.

Smoke curled up from the kitchen as Yue Mei and her husband—the couple who looked after the place—boiled water and fixed breakfast. They'd barely slept, up since the third watch to work in the kitchen.

After washing up, Song Tingzhou was still a little groggy, but his mind was razor-sharp. He ate two steamed buns to fill his stomach, skipping the porridge and tea entirely, then changed into his official robe and hat and pulled on a fresh pair of black boots.

His Shuntian Prefecture official robe wouldn't be ready for another three days—the Ministry of Works was still making it—so he wore his old crimson prefect's robe, with a silk cloud-goose badge stitched on the chest.

Since Song Tingzhou hadn't officially taken office yet, he wasn't eligible to attend the morning court, and he didn't have to enter through the side gates of the Meridian Gate—he could just use the Donghua Gate.

Xue Sheng and the Three Tao brothers saw him off, the carriage pulling up at the civil officials' carriage stop outside the Donghua Gate.

Song Tingzhou dismounted, smoothed his robes, and had his identity checked by the gate officer. After confirming his papers from the Ministry of Personnel, they patted him down for anything sharp—even a pointed hairpin wasn't allowed inside. Once everything checked out, a eunuch escorted him into the palace.

Song Tingzhou was led to a corridor outside the Wenhua Hall to wait. He stood perfectly straight, head slightly bowed, hands clasped in front of him, feet shoulder-width apart. His loose official robe hid his sturdy frame, but you could still tell he was taller and more striking than your typical civil official.

Dawn still hadn't broken, and eunuchs hurried past, bent low, working in silence. Through the towering palace walls, Song Tingzhou could see the night's deep black hadn't fully lifted—the sky looked like it was wrapped in a gray veil, though it was a bit brighter than when he'd left.

He wondered when Wan'er would show up. Shouldn't be long now...

Slowly, a pale sliver of dawn spread across the horizon, the clouds blushing orange-pink. A streak of gold-red climbed over the palace walls, and in a flash, the whole sky caught fire with morning light. Song Tingzhou shifted, a dull ache creeping up from his legs.

More eunuchs were bustling around outside the Wenhua Hall now, but still in total silence. Even the rare exchange was barely a whisper. The whole palace felt solemn and imposing, like any noise, no matter how small, would echo forever.

The morning court seemed to be over. It should be time for His Majesty's meal now.

After a bit, a eunuch finally came to fetch him. By then, it was fully light out.

"Lord Song, His Majesty summons you. Please follow me." The eunuch bowed low, respectful and clear-spoken.

Song Tingzhou's hands curled into loose fists, and he gave a slight nod. "Much obliged."

The eunuch rushed to say, "You're too kind, Lord Song." Eunuchs weren't like palace maids—neither man nor woman, the most despised, lowest beings in the imperial city. Even commoners sneered at them, let alone these high-and-mighty civil officials.

From under his bowed head, the eunuch stole a glance at Song Tingzhou. Seeing that his eyes matched his words—not a trace of disdain—he felt warmer than if he'd heard a hundred empty compliments.

Inside the Wenhua Hall, the Emperor sat on the throne at the head of the room. He told Song Tingzhou, who had just finished his ritual kowtow, to rise, keeping both the majesty of a Son of Heaven and the warmth of a kind ruler. His face, though, looked worn—no doubt grieving as a father over the Crown Prince's death, with the body still missing.

"Minister Song must have hurried back to the capital as soon as you got the order. Long trip—I appreciate the effort. Please, sit."

An official chair sat in the Wenhua Hall. Song Tingzhou thanked His Majesty for the favor, then took his seat. When he sat, he only took up a third of the chair, back straight, not touching the backrest, leaning slightly forward in deference, ready to spring up at any command.

Benevolent and kind as he was, the Emperor was still the ruler of the realm, every move carrying unshakable authority. He first asked about Song Tingzhou's governance of Qinzhou, then inquired about the customs and culture of Xiwu, as well as the Zhuang brocade of the Zhuang people.

In truth, these administrative matters had long been presented to the throne by the Ministry of Personnel.

After chatting desultorily for a while, the Emperor's expression visibly relaxed considerably, and his gaze toward Song Tingzhou held increasing admiration. "In six years, you transformed Xiwu Prefecture into what it is today. Minister Song's contribution is indispensable. The seat of Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture is rightfully yours."

Song Tingzhou rose smoothly from the official chair to respond, "I thank Your Majesty for the praise. As your subject, sheltered by Your Majesty's protection, it is my duty to share Your Majesty's burdens."

The more such steady, composed people spoke such comforting words, the more credible they seemed, making one feel they were expressing their true sentiments from the heart.

The Emperor's tone grew even more gracious. "Minister Song has no doubt heard of the deaths of the previous two Prefects of Shuntian Prefecture while in office."

Song Tingzhou stood with hands at his sides, head bowed slightly. "Your subject has heard a little of this."

A faint, barely perceptible smile tugged at the Emperor's lips. "There is much baseless gossip among the common folk. Minister Song need not concern himself with it. You are a pillar of talent for the state of Yu, and naturally you have the protection of my imperial authority."

These words carried deep meaning—like a simple reassurance to a subject, yet also like a reminder to Song Tingzhou of something.

Suppressing all his emotions, Song Tingzhou knelt in the hall and kowtowed in gratitude. His posture was as standard as the Ministry of Rites officials had taught him in the Baohe Hall all those years ago. As he bowed his head, the hard, flowing lines of his body were taut, his voice steady and deep. "Your subject kowtows in gratitude for Your Majesty's boundless grace, and shall diligently fulfill his duties to repay Your Majesty's kindness."

Having presided over a full morning court session, the Emperor was also exhausted. He waved his hand. "Go now. Minister Song has rendered great service. I have already dispatched palace attendants to prepare rewards, which will be delivered to your residence shortly."

Song Tingzhou performed another round of kowtows and grand bows, and by the time he exited through the Donghua Gate, he was utterly drained in both body and mind.

His physical constitution was good, but his nerves had been stretched to the breaking point, every word of the Emperor's turned over and over in his mind for hidden meaning—naturally leaving him feeling spent. No wonder some old ministers would be angered into fainting or scared into collapse; it truly was a torment that wore down both body and spirit.

Xue Sheng and the Tao brothers were all waiting outside the Donghua Gate, bored but unable to speak loudly. Three of the four were leaning against the carriage, dozing with their eyes closed.

Seeing Song Tingzhou return, everyone perked up. Tao Shi asked, "Master, where are we going?"

Song Tingzhou boarded the carriage, his posture finally relaxing slightly, his voice tinged with hoarseness. "Back home."

The modest, unadorned carriage departed from before the Donghua Gate, while unknown numbers of spies watched from the shadows.

The Emperor's words, once spoken, were always fulfilled. Song Tingzhou had just returned to Shichun Lane and had a supplementary breakfast when the imperial rewards arrived at his doorstep—and this caused quite a stir.

Though the residences on Shichun Lane were all no larger than three-courtyard compounds, those who lived there were neither poor nor common—either capital officials serving at court or relatives of high ministers.

Some had managed to learn the background of this household, while others still did not know who occupied this long-vacant residence.

Now seeing the imperial envoy arrive, the servants and attendants of the neighboring households all crowded at their gates to watch the commotion.

"The master of this house has returned?"

"I saw people coming and going yesterday—he must be back."

"What does he do? Also a civil official?"

"I saw him yesterday—a tall, strapping young man. Maybe he's a military officer."

"What military officer—he's a civil official. A jinshi from the twenty-fifth year of the Qisheng reign. He was sent out to the provinces before, it seems. Back in the capital now? Quite capable."

"I heard from my old master that returning to the capital from provincial postings is extremely difficult. He was a jinshi from seven years ago—he can only manage a sixth-rank position upon returning, right?"

"Then he's a rank lower than my master!"

"I don't think so. Those are all palace eunuchs, seemingly delivering something. The master of this house must be favored by some noble in the palace."

"Eunuchs? Those castrated men who speak in falsetto voices are out? Let me see!"

"Stop pushing—I can't see anything from over here!"

Perhaps believing that the Song family had weak foundations and had spent years in Lingnan with little to show for it, the imperial gifts were mostly gold and silver, along with some fine furniture made by the imperial household—all practical items.

Song Tingzhou placed everything in the rear bedroom, waiting for Meng Wan to arrive before storing them in the treasury.

Later in the afternoon, Zhu Zening and Wu Zhaoyuan came together to see him. The two had previously requested leave, and their superiors had granted it upon learning they were welcoming their friend Song Tingzhou back. But now that Song Tingzhou had arrived in the capital, taking more leave would be tactless.

"I'm truly sorry—Qiongniang ran a fever yesterday, and my household was in a tizzy." Zhu Zening had grown more composed since becoming a father, with a short stubble on his chin.

Song Tingzhou patted his shoulder. "Between brothers, why all the formalities? Is Qiongniang feeling better?"

"Much better, much better."

Zhu Zening's face lit up with excitement. "That young physician you brought—his skills are really something. My Qiongniang has been frail for years, and no matter how many doctors we saw, nothing helped. But young A Xun says he can nurse her back to health!"

Song Tingzhou was pleased for him. "That's wonderful news."

The three entered the house and took their seats. Zhu Zening always talked more than Wu Zhaoyuan. "Lan Niang asked me to ask you—if he could stay at my place for a bit?"

Song Tingzhou poured tea for both of them. "As long as A Xun is willing, there's no need to ask my opinion."

Zhu Zening winked slyly. "What's the story with this A Xun? He's not your bed warmer, is he?"

"Zening." Song Tingzhou's tone was stern.

Wu Zhaoyuan tugged at Zhu Zening. "You really have no filter. Jingxing is our friend and won't hold it against you, but if you act like this outside, you'll trip up sooner or later."

Song Tingzhou frowned, speaking seriously. "If it were any other remark, I wouldn't react this way. You know I don't let anyone come between Wan'er and me—yet you still say stuff like that to get under my skin."

Zhu Zening pressed his palms together in sincere apology. "My big mouth, my bad. Jingxing, don't hold it against me."

Zhu Zening was outgoing and loved making friends. Over the years, even when he drank with colleagues at the yamen, he never dared go further than that, let alone take a concubine. This time, he'd just blurted out a joke at Song Tingzhou's expense, hitting a sore spot, and was too scared to say a word for a long time.

Wu Zhaoyuan shot him a sharp glare and asked Song Tingzhou, "Did your meeting with the emperor go okay today?"

Song Tingzhou rose to pour tea for Wu Zhaoyuan and himself, ignoring Zhu Zening. "It went fine. His Majesty gave me a bunch of gifts." It went smoothly, but the emperor's words were hard to read.

"And what about the deaths of the last two Shuntian Prefects?" Wu Zhaoyuan pressed, for this was the crucial matter.

Song Tingzhou gently turned his teacup, something stirring in his eyes. "The Ministry of Justice is still looking into it; no conclusion yet."

Feeling ignored, Zhu Zening butted in anxiously, "Then you're just going to take office like that? Isn't it dangerous?"

A soft sigh came from behind his teacup. Song Tingzhou recited the emperor's words from Wenhua Hall flatly: "As long as you do your job, His Majesty's imperial might will protect you."

Zhu Zening and Wu Zhaoyuan exchanged a glance, unsure if Song Tingzhou was just reassuring them or actually meant it.

The Ministry of Personnel had summoned Song Tingzhou back in haste, but once he arrived, they didn't rush him to take office. Over the next few days, Song Tingzhou either dined at the Zhu household or joined the two of them for long talks into the night at the Wu residence.

With ears everywhere in the capital, they only touched on court matters lightly, never going deep, instead sharing their own experiences.

Song Tingzhou had a wealth of experiences over the years—enough to fill days and nights of storytelling—but unfortunately, he was a man of few words. Even a harrowing adventure was summed up in two sentences, leaving Zhu and Wu feeling a bit cheated.

Five days later, maybe figuring Song Tingzhou had rested enough, the Ministry of Personnel sent word that he could assume his post the next day.

His official robes had also been completed by the Ministry of Works: a five-beam cap, a crimson robe, and black boots. They differed little from his prefectural attire, save for the chest badge, which had been replaced with a pair of facing peacocks—vivid in color and exquisitely embroidered, a far cry from what ordinary folks wore.

With the imperial palace as the axis, Shuntian Prefecture lay in the northern district, directly in line with the central palace gate. It was not close to Shichun Lane—a ride of at least an hour on horseback.

At dawn, Song Tingzhou ate at home before setting out, with Xue Sheng and the Three Tao brothers ever at his side. The higher his rank, the greater his authority to assign his subordinates.

He first needed to familiarize himself with the yamen's affairs, then place his men accordingly.

Riding to North Palace Street where Shuntian Prefecture stood, he found a thick crowd of lower-ranking officials already waiting, numbering at least double what a typical prefecture would have.

The Prefectural Vice-Governor, a man in his fifties, led a group including one Assistant and six Vice-Prefects, hesitantly stepping forward to ask, "Are you Lord Song Tingzhou?"