Chapter Fourteen: The Dagger Revealed (Part One)

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“Oh! Everyone’s here, I see! In that case, shall I proceed to read the imperial edict directly?” The familiar robe, woven with green patterns and adorned by the image of a purple python, along with the long, dark blue hair fluttering in the wind, all marked the man’s identity—Commander Hua Wenkai of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

His deep brown eyes, like polished amber, revealed endless coldness, and the corners of his mouth wore his signature ‘professional fake smile’. Now, he looked at everyone with a playful air, idly twirling the imperial edict in his fingers as one might spin a pen out of boredom.

“How dare you address Marshal Su like that!” The hot-tempered Yu Wenqi immediately stepped up beside Su Qing, loudly rebuking Hua Wenkai. “You were nowhere to be found when the frontlines fell, and now you’re here spouting sarcasm. I really wonder what use the Embroidered Uniform Guard is if all you do is loaf around.”

Su Qing did not stop him. Though he did not know Hua Wenkai’s true purpose for coming, he was certain this visit boded no good. He himself could not stoop to cursing him, but his men were not bound by the same constraint—after all, Yu Nianci had died because of this man. His wife’s bones were barely cold in the earth; how could he ever kneel to such a person?

Once Yu Wenqi had said his piece, Su Qing gave his shoulder a light tap, then stepped forward and said, “Commander Hua, if you have business, speak plainly. Our camp is rough and may not have offered proper hospitality—I trust you’ll be generous in overlooking it.”

“Marshal Su, are you refusing to hear the imperial edict?” Hua Wenkai’s expression did not waver at Yu Wenqi’s accusations; he maintained that same amused look as he asked again.

Su Qing took another step forward, his eyes narrowing with a hint of threat. “And what does the Commander think?”

Hua Wenkai’s expression suddenly changed, and he burst into laughter. “Marshal Su, why get angry? I was merely asking out of courtesy. If you refuse to accept it, then so be it.”

Su Qing glared at him, wishing he could flay him alive, bleed him dry, grind his bones to dust—yet reason told him now was not the time. He took a deep breath, forced himself to calm down, and said in a low voice, “Commander, surely you haven’t come just to read an edict. Otherwise, the emperor could have sent some half-dead old eunuch.”

“Well…” Hua Wenkai paused, then continued, “His Majesty wishes to summon you to the capital, to personally reward you. These details are in the edict, but it’s a shame not to read them aloud.”

Su Qing ignored the subtext and replied directly, “If that’s the case, please convey to His Majesty that I am overwhelmed with border affairs. I fear I cannot share wine and laughter with him at this time, and beg forgiveness.”

Hua Wenkai shook his head, strolling leisurely before the assembled officers. “Marshal, your stance may not be wise. The entire court is dissatisfied with your attitude. If you refuse the emperor’s invitation again, who knows what rumors might spread?

“I know you don’t care for such trifles. But those people keep whispering in His Majesty’s ear—eventually, he’s bound to believe a little of it.

“Then you’ll be forced to explain yourself, and the bond between ruler and subject will suffer. Is it worth it?”

It was a warning, reminding Su Qing not to let pride ruin his family’s chance at survival.

Yang Tingyu, standing behind, had remained silent throughout, but now furrowed his brows as if sensing something amiss. Still, it was only a suspicion—he could only watch as Su Qing and Hua Wenkai waged their silent battle.

Without hesitation, Su Qing replied, “Fine! I’ll return to the capital with you.”

Clap, clap, clap! Hua Wenkai applauded. “As expected of the Marshal—understanding, clear-sighted. Only, this time, your return will suffice; there’s no need for others to accompany you.”

He looked at the other generals. “The rest of you are to remain here on standby. Within three months, the Marshal will surely return.”

“Very well. I’ll go alone,” Su Qing answered without hesitation, startling the officers around him.

“Good! Good! Good!” Hua Wenkai repeated, his smile growing even brighter. “Marshal Su, you truly are forthright—I enjoy dealing with men like you. Pity you’ve always held yourself above the likes of me. Otherwise…”

Su Qing cut him off. “Enough! No more empty words. When do we depart?”

“Judging by your eagerness, Marshal, you seem more impatient than I am,” Hua Wenkai teased. “Why not set out tomorrow? Unless you’d prefer a few more days—in which case, I could linger here for a fortnight or so.”

“No need,” Su Qing replied coldly. “Tomorrow, then. It’s been long since I paid my respects to His Majesty. I do wonder, with so many surrounding him, whether he can still hear the world outside.”

As the eyes and ears of the emperor, the Embroidered Uniform Guard oversaw the officials. Su Qing’s words were a thinly veiled jab at Hua Wenkai, accusing him of blinding the emperor.

“Whatever the Marshal says. We simply serve the throne, after all. Now that the day’s set, I’ll let you get back to your drinking.” With a wave, Hua Wenkai and his two attendants withdrew.

“Marshal!” Yang Tingyu, silent until now, finally couldn’t hold back. He pulled at Su Qing’s robe and whispered, “Marshal, how could you agree so easily? What if—”

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“What if Hua Wenkai harbors ill intent? Wouldn’t we be doomed?” Hua Wenkai’s voice rang out from afar, turning to fix Yang Tingyu with a sinister smile.

Yang Tingyu’s heart seemed to stop in that instant, only resuming once Hua Wenkai looked away. Cold sweat drenched him, his every hair on end. Years of battle-hardened courage, undone by a single glance from Hua Wenkai.

“Enough! Since I’ve agreed, I will not go back on my word. And my men are not yours to threaten.” The words thundered in Yang Tingyu’s ears—he realized he’d fallen into Hua Wenkai’s trap.

There had been a trace of sorcery in that glance, compounded by the vast gulf in their abilities. Had Su Qing not shouted to snap him out of it, he might have been driven mad to the point of suicide.

Breathing hard, Yang Tingyu quickly collected himself. His fear of Hua Wenkai now ran even deeper.

“Forgive me. I’ve shamed you, Marshal,” he said, embarrassed.

Su Qing waved it off, but warned, “It’s nothing. Not just you—even within the great Ming Empire, few can resist Hua Wenkai’s illusions. Be more careful around him. He’s not easily dealt with.”

“I understand. I’ll be wary.” Yang Tingyu frowned deeply.

“Now, what was it you wished to say?” Su Qing glanced at the others; understanding his meaning, they gathered their things and hurried out, leaving only the two of them.

Su Qing closed his eyes, swept the area with his mind, then opened them and said, “Now you may speak.”

Yang Tingyu let out the questions that had been weighing on him. “Marshal, I fear this journey will be fraught with danger.”

“Oh? Why do you say so?” Su Qing asked, a faint smile on his lips.

Yang Tingyu hesitated, then continued, “Your victories in the west are undeniable, but the court does not see it that way. I’ve heard from reliable sources that Yang Qingyun is the candidate the commander recommended to the emperor.

“He is the emperor’s favored face, but your return would be a slap to the emperor’s pride. Given His Majesty’s suspicious nature, I fear—”

“That’s enough,” Su Qing interrupted. “This trip is unavoidable. If I refuse, more than just myself will suffer. Besides, you forget one thing.”

“What is it?” Yang Tingyu asked.

“I’ve already arranged for Cheng Yuyan and others to guard the Su family with eighty thousand elite soldiers—every man handpicked by me, their fighting strength rivaling three hundred thousand regulars. As long as the emperor is mindful of this, he won’t act rashly.”

Anger flashed in Su Qing’s eyes. For nine years, he had mourned his lost wife day and night. Every time he thought of the emperor’s indifferent face, he was filled with frustration, yet for the greater good, he had to endure.

Those tales of carefree warriors were nothing but storytellers’ inventions. Reality was filled with bitter necessity.

“You are to stay here. If I fail to return, ally with the three western kingdoms and use that as leverage against the emperor. I believe he will yield.

“When the Su family’s soldiers join forces with you, that power will surely make the emperor wary.”

Yang Tingyu’s voice trembled. “You and His Majesty have known each other for years, yet you’re no match for the honeyed words of corrupt scholars at court. It’s—alas.”

Su Qing clapped his shoulder and whispered, “Don’t say that to outsiders. If something happens to me, Su Bai will come to you.

“Look after him for me. The boy’s grown up outside the manor, never knowing comfort. I hope you’ll do me this favor.”

“Marshal, there’s no need for such words. I’ll look after the young master. But surely, a man of your virtue is protected by fate—don’t speak so ominously.”

Su Qing smiled and shook his head. “Fate? Men like us are born to defend the nation. I’ve long seen myself as a corpse on the battlefield. Just remember—when the coup comes, make peace with the court and withdraw.”

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A sharp light flashed in Su Qing’s eyes as he said to Yang Tingyu, “Say no more. The Su family must keep a foundation, for the chance to rise again.”

He gripped Yang Tingyu’s hands tightly, speaking with grave solemnity, “Everything after this, I entrust to you. Don’t let me down.”

Then he handed Yang Tingyu a letter.

“What is this?” Yang Tingyu asked, puzzled.

Su Qing, seeing his confusion, explained earnestly, “I am sworn brothers with Dao Xuan of the Palace of the Celestial Sphere. Give this letter to him, and he will know what to do.”

Yang Tingyu, tears brimming in his eyes, knelt on one knee and vowed, “I will not fail you, Marshal!”

The next morning

Su Qing, fully attired, had just stepped outside when he was met by Hua Wenkai’s trademark smile.

“Marshal, you’re as punctual as ever. I’ve just arrived and already run into you. Isn’t that fate?” Hua Wenkai said, his smile heavy with implication. “I remember the first time we met—it was in the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s prison. Even then, I knew you were not made for mediocrity. And look, in just seventy years, you stand my equal now.”

“Equal?” Su Qing could not help but laugh. “Hua Wenkai, you and I have never walked the same path. Our principles diverge; don’t waste your breath talking of cooperation. Besides, you know…”

He leaned in close, whispering in Hua Wenkai’s ear, “Every time I see you, I want nothing more than to tear you limb from limb.”

A murderous intent surged from him—enough to drive an ordinary man mad with terror. But Hua Wenkai brushed it away with a flick of his sleeve; the oppressive aura at the gates vanished as if it had never been.

He maintained his smile, but his eyes showed a trace of disdain. “Marshal Su, it seems your wife’s death has unbalanced you. Have you lost your composure? Or will only a river of Su family blood calm you?”

Without a shred of emotion, Hua Wenkai’s few words crushed Su Qing’s spirit. After decades of campaigns for the Ming, never had he felt so powerless before a single man. Every vulnerability was laid bare, every move anticipated, as if Hua Wenkai saw through his every thought. That unchanging face betrayed no joy, anger, sorrow, or mirth. The unknown is always most terrifying—and Hua Wenkai magnified that fear within Su Qing, trapping him in a cycle of dread.

Before Su Qing could recover, Hua Wenkai had already boarded the carriage, beckoning. “Marshal Su! What are you waiting for? Come aboard!”

Clenching his fists, Su Qing mounted the carriage, his steps heavy.

Half a month later

A carriage pulled up outside a post station ablaze with lights, as though awaiting a great dignitary. Within, cups clinked and laughter rang out, the revelry lasting late into the night before quieting.

“Come, Marshal! Allow me another toast!” Hua Wenkai, eyes narrowed as if slightly drunk, slowly raised his cup to Su Qing across the table.

“Commander, I’ll pass. I have little tolerance for drink and am already tipsy,” Su Qing replied coldly, meeting Hua Wenkai’s gaze.

On this journey, the carriage had never lingered so long at any station, nor had such a banquet been prepared. The sudden merriment unsettled Su Qing—he had no wish to waste time on Hua Wenkai’s games.

But Hua Wenkai’s next words chilled the room to the bone.

“So, the Marshal refuses to finish his cup of parting wine,” he said softly, still smiling. His eyes, seemingly casual, in fact locked tightly onto Su Qing’s every move, poised to strike at the slightest provocation.

Beneath the table, Su Qing’s palms broke out in a cold sweat under that gaze.