Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)

Chapter 112 : Chasing The Stars

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The setting sun faded away, replaced by a scattering of stars that adorned the sky peeking through the tree branches. The Imperial Army’s patrol squad made their rounds around the streets and alleys. Giving Shen Zechuan a piggyback, Xiao Chiye walked along the street shrouded under a cloak of shadows. It was a little hot this summer night, and Xiao Chiye had his ceremonial outer garment open as he walked at a speed that was not fast.   

Shen Zechuan lifted his head high and put his chin on top of Xiao Chiye’s hair. Xiao Chiye was too tall, causing the upper half of Shen Zechuan’s body to be exposed to the moonlight. He only had to turn his head, and he would have been able to look over the wall into other people’s courtyards. 

“I’ll head for the old camping grounds tomorrow morning and intercept his escape route from the east. He won’t dare to head north, and there are troops lying in ambush to the south. I’ll be back in three days, at the very latest.” Supporting Shen Zechuan, Xiao Chiye said, “It has been a long time since we last got news of Qudu. We have to send someone to make inquiries as soon as possible. Only then will we know of Qi Zhuyin’s movements.” 

“The marriage between Hua and Qi has been delayed again and again. To seek external aid, the empress dowager will not let Qi Shiyu wait any longer.” Shen Zechuan estimated the dates and said, “The wedding will not be delayed beyond the eighth month at the very latest.” 

“Hua Xiangyi can go right ahead and marry all she wants.” Xiao Chiye said. “As long as she doesn’t have an heir, it’s still Qi Zhuyin who has the final say in Qidong. She’s going there to be the second wife, and she’s even younger than Qi Zhuyin. If she gives birth to a son, he will be Shi Shiyu’s legitimate son of direct descent. Once Qi Shiyu croaks, mother and son will be the hidden obstacle that stands in the way of Qi Zhuyin from holding on to military power.” 

“The prestige of the commander-in-chief among the troops cannot be underestimated. Will she really fear a brother of direct descent who is younger than her by so many years?” Shen Zechuan thought and said, “If she seeks peace back at home and lives in harmony with Hua Xiangyi, then she would instead save herself a lot of trouble.” 

“It hasn’t been easy for Qi Zhuyin to be conferred a title. It’s evident from the setbacks she faced when she took over Qidong’s Five Commanderies. Not only is Qudu deeply uneasy over her gender, but even Qidong internal military administration officials had also begun to stir.” At this point, Xiao Chiye paused for a moment before he continued, “Besides, I have already handed over the genealogy records that I got someone to copy to Qi Zhuyin a long time back in Qudu. Just with this alone, she will never let Hua Xiangyi give birth to a child.” 

As long as Hua Xiangyi’s standing in Qidong remained shaky, the empress dowager would never be able to turn the Qidong’s Garrison Troops into her own right-hand men. However, this was all based on the premise that Qudu still had no real emperor. If Qudu were to push forth a new emperor before winter arrived, then Qi Zhuyin would be on track to face off Libei.

“I’m worried about Lu Guangbai.” Xiao Chiye kept his relaxed expression in check and said, “After autumn, the Biansha Cavalry will cross the boundary into our territories to plunder food. This is the time when their horses are plump and well-fed, and they will choose to take a risk in order to better survive the winter. The Bianjun Commandery relies on Dazhou to allocate and distribute their military provisions. The Twelve Tribes of Biansha are well aware that they are poor, and they also know that the granary is built right in Bianjun, and it’s close to the camps. That’s why they would go after Lu Guangbai every time. Qidong’s military provisions this year were cut by half. He’s by far the worst off when it comes to surviving and defenses. My leaving of Qudu only serves to exacerbate the situation and make matters worse for him.”