The sky was clear and blue, with the spring sun casting a golden light over the city. The streets, which had been quiet and still just hours before, were now filled with the bustling energy of life. Shopkeepers raised their shutters, street vendors spread their wares with hope, and passersby, their steps quickened by the rush of life, made their way down the path before them.
The laughter of children, the murmurs of merchants, and the ringing of temple bells blended together, creating a melody of life that whispered through the city's ears.
Amidst it all, the guards, clad in shining armor with sharp, watchful eyes, patrolled in an ambiguous silence; it seemed that behind the calm, a danger lurked, one only they were aware of.
Su Jiong had come halfway. The street ahead of him, long and wide, stretched like an endless highway directly toward the palace. A throng of people moved in both directions, some hurrying, some calm and indifferent, and others with suspicious glances.
But for Su Jiong, these were just the curtains of a grand performance; a performance in which he himself was one of the actors.
His keen, fiery eyes scanned the crowd. He passed by a street vendor who eagerly tried to pull in customers with passionate calls. He glanced at a group of soldiers chatting in a corner. Then, muttering angrily under his breath, he growled, "What are all these people doing here so early In the morning?!"
But he quickly pulled himself together. Time moved like a sword above his head. It was past eight, and the streets of Shangping, the beating heart of the city, were filled with people.
He could not afford to stop amidst this crowd. The tall walls of the palace loomed in the distance, like an impenetrable fortress, before his eyes. There wasn't much farther to go, but every moment of delay could be costly for the prince. If the crowd hadn't been in his way, he would have dashed straight to the palace gates. But now…
His eyes scanned the passersby.
The people of the Beichi kingdom, for generations, had adhered to their traditions—long, flowing garments danced in the wind like banners of pride. The women wore their hair in royal elegance, while the men, depending on their tribe, walked the streets with either long or short hair.
Ming Yuan and Jue Yan were trailing just behind him. A heavy silence lay between them; not one of impatience, but of respect for Su Jiong's presence. In this critical moment, every word could strike like a double-edged sword. Only meaningful glances and subtle gestures conveyed their messages to one another. But even these signals seemed insignificant in the face of Su Jiong's imposing presence.
The soldiers who encountered Su Jiong along the way hastily paid their respects to him, as if the sky might fall upon them at any moment. Ming Yuan and Jue Yan, though having a polished appearance and a strong stature, seemed lost in the shadow of Su Jiong's greatness. The people, their gaze no longer on the two of them, seemed to deem their presence insignificant in the face of Su Jiong.
Jue Yan thought to himself, and deep within his soul, he grasped a bitter and forgotten truth. The people's behavior, though born of astonishment and complexity, was rooted in history and tradition. The people of Beichi had always respected the great and the powerful, especially if that person was seen as a symbol of a great hero, whose tales of valor were renowned far and wide.
However, Ming Yuan had a different view. He not only saw himself as equal to Su Jiong, but in his mind, his position and dignity were even higher than Su Jiong's. Though Su Jiong was the nephew of the ruler and held the third position In the inspection office, these titles and honors seemed like a small star compared to the sun of the Ming family's glory. Ming Yuan's father, Lord Ming Zhou, was a powerful commander and an undefeated general in the Beichi Kingdom. Half of the ruler's army fought under his command, and his name was spoken of with great respect in the halls of power.
But when it came to his son, it was as if everything changed. The people's gaze shifted to Su Jiong, the young man whose father had sacrificed his life for the peace and security of Beichi, the one who had safeguarded the northern borders from the threat of the nomadic tribes.
Yet, in Jue Yan's heart, jealousy had no place. The power games and hidden politics had forced families like the Ming and Su to unite, despite their grudges and enmities. As Lord Ming Zhou had said, "To reach the highest peaks, one must pass through the smallest valleys."
As they reached the gates of the palace, it was clear that the security measures had reached their peak. Guards, like iron walls, stood alongside the palace walls. Anyone who approached them was pushed back by their sharp, penetrating gazes. This indicated that the prince's disciplinary ceremony was a sensitive event, one that no one dared to disrupt.
Su Jiong fixed his gaze on the palace gates. A closed gate, with five armored guards standing like lifeless statues before it. He did not speak, but his sharp, threatening gaze caused the commander of the guards to tremble. The commander, who knew Su Jiong well, stepped forward and bowed his head, saying, "Young master, by the order of His Majesty, no one is allowed entry into the palace after the seventh hour."
The commander, a towering man with a round face and narrow eyes, was the kind of man who possessed neither kindness nor courtesy. However, due to his sixteenth rank in the military hierarchy, he was compelled to show respect to Su Jiong and the other young masters. Su Jiong could easily spot the anger and dissatisfaction on the commander's face—anger at being forced to display such a humble demeanor. Yet, in the end, he had no choice but to obey, for the ruler's command was an order no one dared defy.
However, defying Su Jiong would have dire consequences. Neither the commander of the guards had any desire to engage In conflict, nor did Su jiong intend to stir up trouble. So, before the commander could utter a word, Su Jiong reached inside his robe and pulled out a wooden seal; a seal carved into an oak block, symbolizing the deputy director of the Inspection Bureau.
Su Jiong spoke in a loud voice, "I have the authorization to enter the palace! This seal gives me the right to enter at any time, under any circumstance!" Then, with a sharp look and a smile full of sarcasm, he added, "What, do you have a problem with that?"
The commander of the guards, as if facing a terrible storm, fell silent and lowered his head. His face was contorted, and he weighed the situation in his mind.
He recognized the seal well; he had seen it many times in the hands of Master Pang Tun, the deputy director of the Inspection Bureau. But now, this seal was in the hands of Young Master Su.
The commander glanced at his guards, but it was clear that his soldiers, like walking corpses, were pretending not to see anything, each of them staring blankly into space. Jue Yan pulled the reins of his horse and took a step forward. In a hard, iron tone, he said, "So, what are you waiting for?"
The commander found himself in a difficult and precarious situation. On one side, there was the ruler's order, and on the other, the overwhelming power of the Inspection Bureau. He had to make a decision that would not put his life at risk. With a cautious tone, he said, "Young Master Su... I am tasked with preventing anyone from entering the palace, but you possess the seal of the Inspection Bureau. So, you may enter. But please, hand me the seal so I can provide a reason to my superior for allowing you entry."
Su Jiong flashed a bitter smile.
The commander, in his eyes, seemed to be a shrewd and crafty man. He might appear simple or even naïve, but he knew well how to avoid responsibility and distance himself from danger. In truth, if Su Jiong were in his shoes, he might have made the same decision. Without hesitation, Su Jiong threw the seal toward the commander and, with a sharp and defiant look, said, "This seal is a temporary possession, so take good care of it!"
The commander lowered his head in obedience and said in a trembling voice, "I obey!"
Then, without delay, he shouted, "Open the gate!"
The palace gate creaked loudly as it opened. Two soldiers strained with all their might, pushing the gate outward until it was fully open.
Su Jiong, Ming Yuan, and Jue Yan immediately entered. The atmosphere inside the palace was tense and anxious, like the moment before a storm. Faces were somber and troubled, as if a cold breeze was sweeping through the halls.
The guards, now more stern and angry than ever, stood watch. The servants, unlike usual, hurriedly ran back and forth, while the clerks and officials whispered among themselves.
Everyone was stunned upon seeing Su Jiong. Ming Yuan and Jue Yan could clearly read the unspoken words on some of the faces of the onlookers:
"What is Lord Su doing here?!"
This question didn't stem from mere curiosity, but from deep astonishment and silent shock. Everyone knew that Su Jiong's presence in the palace, especially on such a day, could not be a coincidence.
Yet, even if fate had led him here, this event was neither a good omen nor a happy one. Among the crowd, some shook their heads with cold, worried expressions, others, though reluctantly, showed their respect, and a few preferred to pretend they were unaware, as though Su Jiong's presence in this place held no significance. The truth was, Su Jiong had never been popular in the palace. There were many reasons for this animosity, but one stood out above all others:
His deep friendship with Prince Su Yao.
Xiaoyan, who had been named Su Yao since birth, was not only Su Jiong's cousin but also his closest friend. The two were only six months apart in age and had been inseparable since their early days. Their mothers were sisters, and their fathers were brothers. Their bond was so strong that, at eighteen, they swore brotherhood before the heavens and earth; a vow made not out of tradition, but from the heart.
However, this decision did not sit well with King Luoxian, Su Yao's father. He had never accepted the oath—perhaps out of concern, or perhaps for reasons he had never shared with anyone.
Su Jiong dismounted from his horse with calm composure. He fixed his gaze around him. The grandeur of the palace was breathtaking from the outside, but from within, it had an unmatched magnificence. Tall and majestic buildings, intricately carved columns depicting legendary dragons, and corridors wide enough to rival city streets. The path was covered with smooth, polished stones, as though it reflected the night sky within itself.
Ming Yuan and Jue Yan, who had just dismounted from their horses, stood momentarily stunned. It was the first time they had set foot in such a place. Excitement and anxiety intertwined within them. They couldn't decide whether they should be astonished or fearful. This place seemed like a gaping mouth made of stone, ready to mercilessly swallow their fate.
However, Su Jiong's face was cold and emotionless, as though he had donned all his inner armor and was prepared for a silent battle. His steps were firm and measured. One of his hands rested on the hilt of his sword. It was unclear whether he did this to display his strength or simply to prevent the sword from shifting as he walked. Ming Yuan and Jue Yan immediately followed in his wake.
In the silence of their path, strange thoughts echoed in Ming Yuan's mind—an uneasy, yet sharp, anxiety. How would the fate of this day unfold? Was death, like a patient hunter, lurking in wait for them? Or were they soon to be exiled, like guilty criminals driven away?
He had faith In his father—in his power, his influence, and his will that would not bend even before King Luoxian. Yet, a bitter truth stirred in the depths of his mind: the consequences of this decision, even if approved by his father, would fall squarely on his shoulders.
Jue Yan, however, unlike his friend, did not surrender to these thoughts. Outwardly, he remained calm and steadfast, like a mountain, but inwardly, a rebellious stubbornness burned within him. He had no Interest in becoming ensnared in an unknown future. He did not think of fate, for he knew well that if doubt were to creep into his heart, even for a moment, his legs would falter, and then, he would never be able to maintain his loyalty to the prince.
After passing through several gates and crossing corridors that seemed endless, they finally arrived at their destination: the courtyard of the Hall of Discourse.
This was the place where Prince Xiaoyan had been publicly humiliated and sentenced to punishment before the eyes of dozens of high-ranking officials.
The entrance to the courtyard was closed. Dozens of soldiers stood before the gate, their armor shining in the sunlight, and their spears stood like an impenetrable barrier in their hands. Their faces were emotionless and cold, but their eyes were filled with suspicion and a sharp vigilance.
These heavy gazes had no effect on Su Jiong. He stood calmly and indifferently, as if the glances were nothing more than a fleeting breeze to him. A brief silence hung in the air, but suddenly, one of the soldiers stepped forward. Clearly distinguishable by the red attire he wore, he set himself apart from the other guards. With the poise and confidence in his movements, it was evident that he was the commander of this group of guards.
With a serious expression mixed with respect, he fixed his gaze on Su Jiong and his companions and bowed his head slightly. Even before he spoke a word, their attire had already revealed to him that these uninvited guests were officers from the Inspection Bureau. So, with a formal yet cautious tone, he said, "how can I assist you?"
Su Jiong fixed his gaze on the door. Beyond that closed door, there was an indistinct murmur. He could clearly hear the whispers, hushed conversations, and tense discussions taking place beyond the walls. Without taking his eyes off the door, he spoke in a calm yet commanding voice, "Open the door."
A moment of silence followed. A look of surprise passed between the guards. The commander, not expecting such a request, stared at him with wide eyes, as if he thought he had misheard. With an incredulous tone and furrowed brows, he asked, "What?!"
Su Jiong, who was not surprised by this reaction, gave a faint smile and, with an obvious tone of sarcasm, asked, "Did I say something strange?!"
The commander, now wearing a frown on his forehead, stepped forward slightly and, with a warning tone, said, "This Is the Hall of Conversation. Entry is only permitted with official authorization."
He then tilted his head slightly, casting a scrutinizing look at Ming Yuan and Jue Yan. His eyes were sharp and inquisitive, as if searching for any signs to arrest these individuals. After a moment, he emphasized, "Moreover, only first-ranking officials are allowed to enter here. You are not permitted!"
Su Jiong, who seemed tired of this verbal altercation, rolled his eyes and cast a brief glance at the sky and the ground. Then he took a deep breath and, In a tone that was half-reproachful, asked, "Are you done with your speech?!"
This sentence struck directly at the commander's pride. He flinched and pressed his lips together. It was clear that he considered this remark to be a direct insult. An uncontrollable anger flared inside him, but with visible effort, he tried to compose himself. Searching for an excuse to confront Su Jiong, his gaze lingered on his sword. Upon seeing it, a smirk appeared on his face, and with a tone now laced with mockery, he said, "Actually, I'm not done yet. This is a palace. Only the guards are allowed to carry weapons. What right do you have to carry a sword?!"
The commander's words carried a heavy weight. In fact, the point he raised could have been a suitable excuse for the arrest and detention of the three men… if, and only if, Su Jiong were not the nephew of the ruler, and Ming Yuan were not the eldest son of General Ming Zhou!
Unfortunately for the commander, it was clear that he did not know Su Jiong personally. Of course, he had every reason for this; Su Jiong had never attended any of the discussions in the hall. Moreover, the guards stationed in this part of the palace had been there for years, and like fossils bound in place, they only knew what concerned them. So it was no surprise that they did not recognize the young master Su's face. Su Jiong, with a mischievous smile, murmured, "I'm different."
The commander, now clearly feeling threatened, narrowed his eyes and asked suspiciously, "What's different about you?!"
Su Jiong took a step forward, positioning himself directly in front of the commander's face, and said, "no one has ever questioned me for carrying a weapon. You're the first one to cause trouble with this excuse."
Unable to hide his displeasure any longer, the commander's face darkened with a heavy frown. He parted his lips slightly, but before he could utter a word, Su Jiong crossed his arms and, in a tone that was dripping with sarcasm, said, "I am Officer Su jiong, Senior Officer of the Inspection Department." Then, he lifted his chin slightly and smirked, as if displaying an undeniable power. "Don't bother looking for a seal or official mark. Your colleague at the entrance gate took It from me."
A heavy silence fell over the space.
In that moment, the guards' faces twisted, as if confronted by an unpleasant truth. Their eyes flickered between each other and Su Jiong. Then, scattered murmurs began to rise among them:
"What is this troublemaker doing here?!"
"Is he planning something disruptive again?!"
"Oh no… if he's going to make another mess, the consequences will fall on us too!"
The faces of Ming Yuan and Jue Yan darkened as they heard these murmurs. Their complexions turned pale, as if there were no blood left in their veins. The frequency with which the words "again and again" were repeated among the soldiers indicated that, in their eyes, no matter how respectable Su Jiong was, he was ultimately nothing more than a troublesome young man.
Nonetheless, Su Jiong showed no reaction. His face was as calm as a still pond, where even a stone could not disturb its surface. It was as though these murmurs and mocking glances meant no more to him than the dust on the ground. He didn't even blink. He simply said, "Move aside."
But the guards, as if they hadn't heard him at all, remained in place. Their hands were firmly gripping the hilts of their weapons, their expressions cold and lifeless.
Su Jiong took a deep breath. His hands gripped the hilt of his sword, but this time not to suppress his anger, but to unleash it. The dry, sharp sound of steel echoed through the air, and suddenly, the blade of his sword was pressed with deadly speed against the throat of the commander of the guards.
The light from the blade reflected off the commander's face, a cold gleam, like the shadow of death sliding across his skin. The commander's pupils trembled, and for a moment, his breath was caught In his chest. However, the soldiers, unlike him, quickly recovered from the shock and immediately reacted.
The spearmen aimed their weapons at Su Jiong and his companions; the men with swords swiftly drew their blades from their scabbards. Now, the air was tense, like the string of a bow, ready to be released. A silence full of threat reverberated among them; at this moment, one wrong move was enough to turn the field Into a bloodbath.
The commander's heartbeat raced. He felt dryness in his throat and struggled to swallow. His hands clenched into fists, but this clenching was not of will, but of fear. With a voice he tried to make firm, he said, "Master Su, this is a crime! We are officers who follow orders. If you kill me, you will have defied His Majesty's command!"
Su Jiong, without the slightest change in his expression, pressed the blade a little more into the commander's throat. His eyes, like two dark orbs of unbridled hatred and rage, stared at him. In a calm, venomous voice, he said, "You're talking too much… Move aside!"
But the commander, against expectations, resisted. He gave a bitter smile and, with a tone that hinted at a reluctant decision, responded, "If I step aside now, it means I've disobeyed His Majesty's order, and then my fate is nothing but death. So I'd rather be killed by a rebel than be executed as a traitor!"
Ming Yuan and Jue Yan's eyes widened in slight fear. They exchanged a quick glance.
Su Jiong lowered his head slightly. His gaze became even more dangerous. He said, "What did you say? You called me a rebel?!"
The commander, though drained of color, foolishly smiled. His voice carried a tone of disdain and challenge, as if he were trying to show his courage:
"Yes… a rebel!"
Su Jiong's lips pressed together. A look of disgust crossed his face. It seemed that the presence of this man was nothing but an insult to him. with a voice filled with revulsion, he said, "You seem like a brave man. But that bravery won't help you anymore."
And before the commander could understand the meaning of these words, Su Jiong suddenly delivered a lightning-fast kick to his chest.
The blow was so strong that the commander was hurled backward like a lifeless puppet, spinning through the air and slamming hard into the gate. The sound of his bones crashing against wood and iron echoed like a death knell in the ears of the guards.
And in that instant...
The atmosphere was set for a massacre.
Ming Yuan and Jue Yan, Two Excluded Officers!
Ming Yuan and Jue Yan had never entered the palace. From a young age, they knew that this place would always be beyond their reach. Unlike Su Jiong, who occasionally entered the palace on the pretext of meeting Prince Su Yao, the two of them were deprived of such a privilege.
Su Jiong, thanks to his position in the Guosu tribe and his blood relation to the royal family, enjoyed this privilege. Otherwise, what reason would there be to allow him entry into the palace? Now, let's turn to Jue Yan...
Jue Yan was the son of a peasant family, who had just risen to the position of officer in the Inspection department. Although his social standing was not insignificant, he still had no place among the aristocracy.
As for Ming Yuan...
He too, like Jue Yan, was kept away from the palace. However, unlike Jue Yan, Ming Yuan's father, Lord Ming Zhou, went to the court almost every day and attended official meetings. Yet, Ming Yuan had never once been allowed to accompany his father. This exclusion seemed less like a rule and more like a deliberate act. As the only son of a senior official, Ming Yuan was expected to at least attend official court banquets, but neither he nor his mother, Lady Shi, had ever been invited to such gatherings. This absence was not only a deprivation for them but also the subject of mockery by some of the young nobility. In private circles, when Lord Ming Zhou was seen alone at these feasts, the wives of the aristocrats and influential people would gossip and spread rumors.
But why? Why were Ming Yuan and his mother excluded from these gatherings?
This was a question Ming Yuan had carried in his mind for years, yet he had never found an answer. He knew full well that Lady Yueming, the wife of the King of Beichi, personally handled the guest lists for these feasts, and if she decided to exclude someone, no one would dare to protest. But what was the reason for this decision? Only the heavens knew this secret, and perhaps Lord Ming Zhou himself. However, even if his father knew the truth, it was clear that he had no intention of revealing It, meaning that whether he knew or not, it made no difference—the outcome was the same.
One day, unable to bear the uncertainty any longer, Ming Yuan turned to his mother and asked,
"Mother, may I ask you a question?"
Lady Shi, who was busy sewing a silk dress, replied without lifting her head, "Ask, my son."
Ming Yuan said,
"I feel like you know something about this. Both you and father… You know well why Lady Yueming doesn't allow us to enter the palace and participate in the feasts, like other noble families."
Lady Shi remained silent.
Ming Yuan, wanting to get his mother to speak, stepped closer, gently took her hands, and, with softness and kindness, said, "Please, tell me, mother. I want to know the truth. Please!"
Finally, Lady Shi stopped her work, looked deeply into her son's eyes, and then, suddenly, with her finger, gave Ming Yuan's forehead a sharp tap and said harshly,
"You curious boy! How should I know? Focus on your own matters and don't interfere with this. The less you know, the better for you!"
However, from the way she looked and the tone in her voice, it was clear that she knew something but didn't want to speak about it. Ming Yuan, realizing that his mother wasn't going to reveal the truth, decided not to insist further, but the thought never left him. Why had they been kept away from the palace? Was there a secret hidden in his family's past?
The Hall of Debate, a place with divine grace!
The Hall of Debate was a magnificent and imposing structure, shining like a gem among the great halls of the palace. Its walls were made of polished stone, and its ceiling was adorned with designs reminiscent of ancient eras and glorious times. It was a space that held a special sanctity, for here, thinkers, poets, writers, and scholars gathered to share their thoughts, test their knowledge, and engage in deep and passionate discussions.
However, alongside this noble role, the Hall of Debate served another purpose: the arena for argument. And perhaps nothing could awaken this hall from its dullness and stillness as much as a fiery debate. Among the youth, few were eager to attend such gatherings. They saw the hall as a tedious place of old words and endless debates. Su Jiong was no exception to this rule, and only when his cousin, Su Yao, insisted, did he reluctantly step into the hall.
Yet, it was the one time he attended such a session that left a lasting memory in his mind. He witnessed a debate between a young man in his twenties and an elderly man who seemed to have survived from the legendary Xi Dynasty. The topic of discussion was the prohibition of certain ancient customs and rituals in the countries of Beichi and Yanxia.
Su Jiong did not care much about the content of their conversation. What fascinated him were the scenes that unfolded whenever the old man ran out of arguments. Each time he was unable to counter the young man's reasoning, he would angrily throw something at him—first his right shoe, then his left, followed by the book in his hand, and finally, his cane! This absurd spectacle continued until the meeting was abruptly halted, and both men were pitifully thrown out of the palace.
However, being cast out of the Hall of Debate was no ordinary matter, for despite all its ups and downs and fiery discussions, this place was considered a cultural center. Even its name reflected the purpose of the hall: a place for speech and reasoning, not for conflict and disorder. Therefore, if someone was punished here, it carried consequences far beyond a simple reprimand.
The last time someone was officially disciplined in this hall was about seventy years ago. This history had turned the hall into one of the few places where even the princes were safe. But now, the punishment of a prince In this very hall was seen as a kind of taboo-breaking act. This move could only have one meaning:
"No one, regardless of their rank or position, in any sacred place, is safe from punishment."
And perhaps there were even deeper messages hidden behind this decision. Messages that only the special few, those who had caught the king's attention and strayed from his preferred path, could understand. Ordinary people and nobles unaware of court politics might have seen it as just a simple punishment, but for those who were aware of the underlying issues, it was a clear warning:
"There is no sanctuary for you."
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