Chapter Seventy-Eight: The Campaign for Yan Yi (Part Two)

Wu Yanyi's arrests extended beyond Shuangli; he also detained Quan Li, as well as the captains and lieutenants among the Thousand Riders—a total of three who were shackled together, with over ten others subjected to flogging.

There was no need for the apprehension of Shuangli to drag on so long, nor for the commotion of sealing off the Princess Yiyang’s residence; the operation to seize these individuals met with repeated setbacks. The officers of the Thousand Riders, loyal to their former commander, resisted orders and acted sluggishly, inciting Wu Yanyi’s fury and prompting him to enforce military law in public.

After the arrests, a servant whispered to Wu Yanyi about the prior search of Princess Yiyang's residence, revealing the discovery of a large amount of money and silk. Wu Yanyi became convinced that he now held fatal leverage against Quan Ce, who would surely not recover from this blow. Greed overtook him; he demanded that Quan Li, who managed the finances, hand over the account books and keys. Quan Li refused and was severely beaten by Wu Yanyi’s servants, yet his lips remained sealed, divulging not a single word.

Infuriated and humiliated, Wu Yanyi ordered a thorough search of the residence, digging deep and scouring every corner, but still found nothing. Frustrated, he detained Quan Li as well and locked down Princess Yiyang’s residence, forbidding entry or exit.

Despite arresting so many, Wu Yanyi had no legitimate cause, no official mandate or legal documentation. The various judicial offices refused to accept the prisoners, keeping their doors shut. Undeterred, Wu Yanyi brought them directly to the Flying Dragon Stables outside the Chongxuan Gate of the Daming Palace, the Thousand Riders’ station in Chang’an. The official in charge of the stables remained unchanged—still Grand Steward Luan, the eunuch who had once handed over the precious horses to Quan Ce. Misfortune had dogged him; the prized horses suffered under Wu Yanyou’s abuse, and now Wu Yanyi, the new general, was equally tyrannical, quick to employ torture in his quest for evidence against Quan Ce.

“Sir, please wait. The Flying Dragon Stables are tasked only with raising imperial horses and handling routine affairs of the Thousand Riders, not with imprisoning and interrogating. These prisoners must be relocated elsewhere,” Grand Steward Luan blocked the entrance, his tall frame now thinner than before, clothes stained with grass and water, his left leg limping as he walked.

Wu Yanyi snorted through his nostrils and violently whipped his horse. The steed reared in pain, surging forward at a breakneck pace, sending Grand Steward Luan flying through the air.

The soldiers behind were stunned, reining in their mounts, uncertain and motionless. The discipline and reason instilled by Quan Ce, firm in their minds like the roots of an ancient tree, seemed the essence of military conduct. Yet faced with Wu Yanyi, all principles were shattered.

Wu Yanyi’s actions were ruthless, unreasonable, utterly lawless.

“Are you all intent on defying me?”

His furious shout echoed as he entered, only to realize he was alone. Ashamed and angry, he brandished his whip at his stunned subordinates, red-eyed.

The soldiers, resigned, nudged their horses forward and entered the stables. Some glanced back to see Grand Steward Luan struggling, waving an arm as if to ward something off.

At the Princess Gao'an’s residence, word had come ahead of time. Princess Gao'an and Wang Hui waited at the gate, Gao'an pacing anxiously with her embroidered handkerchief, Wang Hui repeatedly offering comfort to little avail, earning only a few reprimands and a wry smile.

Soon, a group turned the corner onto the street; the two riders in the lead were none other than Wang Xu and Quan Ce.

Princess Gao'an was overjoyed, lifted her skirt and hurried forward, bypassing her husband to reach Quan Ce, pulling him from his horse with urgency. “My child, have you been wronged again? Don’t be afraid—tell your aunt everything. The Empress promised me that in times of trouble, you may enter the palace and seek her. I will stand up for you.”

Quan Ce’s face was bright with a smile and his eyes slightly reddened. “Aunt, I am fine, truly. I just missed you and wished to stay here for a few days.”

Princess Gao'an was unconvinced, turned to look at Wang Xu, and saw her usually reserved husband gazing at his nephew with deep affection and pity. Her heart skipped a beat; she pulled Quan Ce into her embrace, tears streaming down as she choked out, “My child, don’t hide things from your aunt. Is something truly amiss? Did you offend some noble? If you resign your post now, would that suffice? Shall I take you to apologize in person?”

Her flurry of questions soon dissolved into incoherent sobs. She recalled her nephew’s near death from vomiting blood after attending scripture lectures, his battered body after entering the Lijing Gate—all overwhelming her with sorrow, and she wept aloud.

Quan Ce, much taller than his aunt, bent low as she hugged his head, listening to her cries with a heart full of bittersweet emotion. He knelt before her, supporting her waist and murmuring words of comfort, but Princess Gao'an would not be consoled.

Wang Hui was bewildered, his expression grave, and glanced at his father. Wang Xu wiped his eyes and waved his sleeve, scolding, “What are you staring at? Help your mother inside—must we let others laugh at us?”

The admonition came too late. Wang Hui and Quan Ce helped Princess Gao'an back inside, but news had already swept through Chang’an: General Wu Yanyi had surrounded Princess Yiyang’s residence, arresting and searching the household; Quan Ce, now homeless, had taken refuge at Princess Gao'an’s residence, and the princess had fainted from crying for her nephew at the gate.

Amidst the completion of the Dayun Commentary and the newly bestowed Empress title, these events stirred much speculation. Unsavory phrases were whispered—“the cunning hare is cooked when the hound has served its purpose,” “killing the chicken to warn the monkey”—some even suggesting this was the prelude to a new round of purges. Regardless of the rumors, Wu Yanyi’s reckless actions at such a moment unsettled many.

Within the court, ministers and nobles weighed their thoughts. Quan Ce busied himself with colorful attire to cheer his aunt, soothed her, and requested she send for Fuqu, prompting Gao'an to scold him for forgetting his aunt after marrying. She arranged for the housekeeper to fetch Fuqu herself, but fretted, “Shouldn’t we be concerned about your own residence?”

Quan Ce smiled and shook his head; sometimes inaction was best. He wanted Fuqu brought here, fearing she might act rashly if left alone.

“Elder brother, Prince Wu and Minister Wu are here, wishing to see you,” Wang Hui rushed in, speaking hurriedly.

“Thank you, cousin. I’ll go receive them,” Quan Ce stood calmly, took Princess Gao'an’s hand, and whispered, “Aunt, don’t worry too much. If they wish to topple me, it won’t be so easy.”

Princess Gao'an bit her lip, scolding with a faint smile that quickly faded into concern.

Wu Youxu and Wu Youji paced in the garden lounge, both looking grim.

Quan Ce greeted them, and Wu Youxu helped him up, apologizing profusely. “It’s all because of me; I’ve brought this trouble upon you. I am deeply ashamed.”

“Minister, you exaggerate. It’s poor fortune for me—not anyone’s fault. Perhaps I’ve brought trouble to you instead,” Quan Ce bore no resentment, his gentle manner smoothing over the matter with laughter, though he too knew that without his own involvement, Wu Youxu would not have been dragged into such peril.

“No need for formalities. Call Youji ‘uncle’ and I’ll shamelessly claim the same. You’re a generous soul, sure to be blessed, and I hope to share in your good fortune,” Wu Youxu was deeply moved, grasping Quan Ce’s hand with hope.

“Yes, Uncle,” Quan Ce complied.

Wu Youji nodded and interjected, “We can chat about lighter matters later. Right now, with no outsiders present, tell us honestly—was there anything improper at your residence? Anything we should prepare for or conceal?”

“Uncle, my home is merely a place to live. There’s nothing else,” Quan Ce replied firmly.

“The two detainees—do you know their backgrounds?” Wu Youxu asked.

“Quan Li is a lifelong servant of the Quan family from Tianshui, entrusted with managing our finances; he’s always been reliable. Shuangli, well, she was bestowed by the Empress. As for her origins, it’s not my place to investigate further,” Quan Ce answered without concealment. He had long suspected Shuangli’s dubious background, even when learning calligraphy from her, but had chosen not to pursue it. Regardless, her crimes, if any, could not be laid at his door.

“Ha! I see, then,” Wu Youji threw back his head and laughed, “You truly are a prudent man.”

Wu Youxu smiled, though his expression remained somber, his lips drawn taut.

The two did not linger, stopping briefly to see Wang Xu before taking their leave.