by Jeannie Lin
“Why take the risk?”
“Even if I had the chance to speak with the general, I probably wouldn’t know the answer to that. A man goes to a courtesan to forget himself. He doesn’t want to dwell on his troubles.” Mingyu looked lost for a moment, but it passed quickly. “I need to go. There’s an important engagement tonight I must see to.”
Yet she remained seated. Kaifeng could tell her thoughts had shifted away from Deng Zhi. She was looking at him the way she had up on the pavilion. As if she was waiting for him to do something.
“Are we truly supposed to forget?” he asked quietly.
There was no need to mention what he spoke of.
“I haven’t forgotten.”
“Then it did happen.”
He reached for her, but went no farther than the edge of her sleeve. He let the silk slip along his fingertips before releasing it. Mingyu followed his every movement with her eyes.
He breathed deep before speaking. “Since that moment, I’ve been wondering—”
“What have you been wondering?” The sensual undercurrent in her voice made his heart pound.
“I’m not General Deng. Or Lord Bai. There is no advantage to seducing me.” Not that she was seducing him. They were just sitting beside one another, not even touching.
Mingyu smiled just a little. “No advantage whatsoever.”
“Then why?”
“The sun must have been shining in just the right way,” she said in that teasing manner of hers.
Mingyu was a notorious beauty, but he found her most compelling when she looked like she did now. As if all her armor had been removed.
Beneath the flirtation, there was something much more complicated. Something lonely and searching. Kaifeng could also see the stubbornness in her and knew she would never concede the advantage.
“Even if it were possible—” And it wasn’t, he insisted, even as his hands itched to touch her skin. “I don’t know how to begin courting your attention.”
She bestowed a sly glance upon him. “Perhaps that is why I’m beginning to enjoy your company, Wu Kaifeng.”
Mingyu enjoyed it for all of two more seconds. Then she handed him the bowl of unfinished dumplings. For just a moment, she was close enough that he could smell her perfume, sweet and sensual like evening jasmine.
“I do have to go,” she said, sounding regretful enough that his heart believed it.
He was embarking upon something hopeless here. And if he wasn’t careful it would drive him mad.
* * *
KAIFENG SET A task for himself that evening to keep himself focused. Mingyu was still in his blood as the sun started to set and it would be a long night if all he did was stare up at the ceiling and think of her.
From his interviews at the household, he learned that General Deng had arrived in Changan with an impressive entourage. Deng had made sure to march into the capital accompanied by a garrison of his soldiers. Not a force large enough to be an outright threat, but of a good enough size that people took notice. According to the servants, the soldiers had been housed in a market area along the western edge of the Imperial Way.
The garrison was easy to find. The men had been split between two inns on opposite sides of the street. Shouting from an adjacent tavern indicated that was where the men chose to drink when they weren’t sleeping. As Kaifeng neared the door, the shouting grew louder, accompanied by the sound of things crashing to the ground and breaking.
“Hit him! Hit him!”
The chant rose above the commotion. Kaifeng remained outside and peered in through the open doorway. A space had cleared at the center of the floor where two men grappled one another. They were surrounded by an appreciative crowd.
“Constable!” A decidedly unsoldierly man with a round belly called out from the far end of the tavern. His robe was of a pale tan color popular among merchants. “Help us out here.”
Kaifeng’s headdress and dark uniform clearly marked his position even from afar. In long strides, he closed in on the fight and grabbed the nearest man by the tunic, yanking him back.
“Aiya!” The young soldier attempted to swipe at Kaifeng before recognizing the uniform. “This is just a friendly match,” he protested.
His “friend” stood from the floor and wiped at the cut on his lip. “Right, Constable. There’s no trouble here.”
The crowd was decidedly disappointed.
Kaifeng nudged a broken stool with his boot. “How do you intend to repay the tavern keeper for the damages?”
“Never mind that.” The proprietor made a shooing motion with his hand. “Just get out. Out.”
The two former combatants left, complaining to one another about their mistreatment.
“For everyone remaining, set this room back in order,” Kaifeng instructed. To their credit, the soldiers obeyed.
Gratefully, the proprietor led him to a table. “Please sit, Constable.” He eyed the soldiers. “Stay awhile.”
The proprietor’s wife brought a jug of wine and poured out two cups. The man seemed relieved to sit and have someone to voice his complaints to.
“It’s been getting worse since General Deng’s death. One of his retainers is supposed to come today to settle the accounts. At least someone is still taking care of the costs, but they don’t seem to know what to do with these fellows here. Not that I can complain too much. It’s good money.”
“We have been unable to locate General Deng’s bodyguards,” Kaifeng began. “I hear there were five of them. They would have set themselves apart from the rest.”
“Big fellows, always together, right? Four or five of them. They would come in here to drink. Haven’t seen any of them for a while now.”
“Can you remember the last time they were here?”
The merchant thought for a moment, rubbing a hand over his chin. “Must have been just a few days before the general’s funeral. A few of those guards were here at that table in the corner. They were arguing about something and I thought another one of these brawls would break out. Fortunately their captain came to fetch them.”
“Their captain?”
“Only seen him once or twice here. Doesn’t want to appear too friendly with the lower ranks, you know how it is.”
Kaifeng thanked the proprietor and gathered a few more details about the regiment captain before leaving the tavern to seek him out. He was supposedly staying on the top floor of the more luxurious of the two inns occupied by Deng’s squadron.
From the street outside, it was certainly a challenge to identify which of the two buildings would be considered luxurious, or if either of them qualified. Kaifeng had prepared to try the one on the right side of the street when he spied a familiar figure ducking into the one on the left. He followed.
Yuan Lo, Deng’s house steward, was arguing with the innkeeper when Kaifeng stepped through the doorway.
“Are you trying to swindle me? Same price as last week, not one zhu more.” Yuan didn’t wait for the innkeeper’s agreement before pulling out a wad of paper from the front of his robe. He peeled off several sheets of flying money notes before tucking the rest back into his robe.
His business apparently done, he turned and nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw Kaifeng there. Yuan struggled to regain his composure. “Constable.”
“You’re a busy man, Mister Yuan. With your master’s death, there must be many affairs left to be put in order.”
“Yes, indeed. Pardon me.”
He bowed hastily and ducked past Kaifeng, continuing out into the street with his head down. Kaifeng followed behind him like a silent shadow. The old servant glanced over his shoulder nervously, but said nothing before entering the second inn. The transaction there was much the same. He paid the innkeeper, completing the transaction with impressive effici
ency. Once outside, Yuan Lo headed for the tavern.
“There was some damage there,” Kaifeng warned, still hovering two steps behind the man. “The soldiers appear to be getting restless.”
Yuan Lo halted and swore beneath his breath. “Is there something you require of me, Constable?”
“I thought I would wait until you were done with the task at hand.”
“No, please.” He pulled out a handkerchief and mopped at his forehead. “Anything you need.”
Despite the short walk between the two inns, Yuan Lo was now drenched in sweat. The autumn evening was mild in temperature and though the steward moved with a brisk, purposeful pace, it wasn’t enough to account for it. Guilt made one perspire.
On the other hand, so did nervousness. Between Kaifeng’s fearsome appearance and his constable’s uniform, he always made people uneasy.
“We did not get a chance to speak during the magistrate’s visit,” Kaifeng began.
“My apologies, Constable. I had duties to attend to.”
“I meant to ask about General Deng’s bodyguards. Did he summon them that morning?”
The steward swallowed. “I...I don’t believe he did. I can’t be certain.”
“I’ve heard that he always had them near.”
“It was very early in the morning. Perhaps he thought it unnecessary.” Yuan swiped the handkerchief over his face again. “My master didn’t always explain himself to me.”
Kaifeng looked down the lane. The regiment occupied the entire section. There were soldiers staying at the inns, frequenting the tavern, even loitering about the tea stands and shops.
“In a way, all of these men are Deng’s bodyguards.”
“There is always the threat of brigands while traveling,” Yuan explained. “The general had his family to protect.”
Kaifeng nodded absently as he absorbed the information. “How many soldiers would you say accompanied Deng and his family?”
“Oh, I couldn’t say for certain.”
“I don’t believe you.”
Kaifeng’s swift reply took the steward aback.
“You hold the purse, Mister Yuan,” Kaifeng continued in what he thought was a gentler tone. “I would expect you to know of every last man as well as what he eats for dinner.”
“Of course, Constable.” His hands twisted into the handkerchief. “What I meant to say was it’s written in my books. Every last man, as you said. Can’t trust this old head to remember everything anymore.”
“You don’t have to remember the exact number. Just tell me if I’m close to the mark.” Kaifeng glanced over the two inns. “A hundred men?”
“More or less,” the steward confirmed. The handkerchief swiped over his forehead once more.
A regiment of a hundred armed men. Such a force made for a decent skirmish. Certainly Deng feared more than an ambush from some unruly bandits. The general was prepared for a large-scale attack, yet all it took was one moment of carelessness for his enemies to slip past his defenses.
It didn’t make sense that Deng wouldn’t call for his bodyguards. Perhaps he had become too confident, believing no one would attack him in what had once been his domain and while he was under the hospitality of the Emperor. Either that or the steward was mistaken. Or he was lying.
“Thank you, Mister Yuan. You have been very helpful.”
Yuan bowed to him and hurried away to disappear into the tavern.
Kaifeng continued his search for the captain. He was easy to locate. He had been given the largest room at the inn on the left and appeared to be concluding a meeting with advisers as Kaifeng approached.
“My apologies, Constable. I was told there was another disturbance at the tavern.”
The man was Kaifeng’s senior by ten years or so and seemed an entirely different soldier from the rabble down at the tavern. The captain had an air of experience about him. The deep lines around his mouth and eyes indicated he made a habit of looking stern.
“The men are without direction and waiting for orders. We’re to join the city garrison shortly and will trouble you no further.”
“I am interested in five men in particular.” Kaifeng provided the names that he had been given. “One of the bodyguards could not be found after the general’s murder.”
“These men are no longer with this regiment.”
“Then if you could tell me where to find them.”
“They are no longer in Changan.”
Kaifeng had his own habit of looking stern. “Considering they are under investigation, that would be a violation. Who gave the command?”
“No one did. They took this task upon themselves when they learned that one of their own had turned traitor. There are certain matters better handled within the family, so to speak.” The captain was unapologetic. His gaze shifted to Kaifeng’s sword. “You know the code between fighting men. The general’s death must be avenged.”
The code likely meant the bodyguards would exact revenge themselves. The traitor would be effectively silenced, making it impossible to investigate the possible conspiracy. What was his purpose for turning on his master? Who had bought his loyalty?
Deng’s enemies had deliberately used Mingyu’s assignation with the general as a moment to strike. The same woman who was now tempting him beyond all reason.
Wu Kaifeng left the lane without the answers he had come for. The answers he did find, he did not like at all.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“SEEING YOU AGAIN is like catching the first bloom of the peonies in Changan.”
Inspector Xi Lun stared at her with the unblinking eyes of a mantis while he spoke.
Mingyu tilted her head coquettishly. “My lord, you aren’t supposed to speak while I’m preparing the tea.”
“I loathe to waste a single moment with you.”
“Is silence necessarily a waste?”
“It is when I’ve been longing to hear your voice.”
His words were undeniably flattering, yet they lacked any hint of warmth.
Keeping her eyes on the tray before her, Mingyu finished pouring hot water over the tea leaves and placed a lid over each cup. The back of her neck heated under the censor’s scrutiny. Outwardly, her expression remained tranquil, as the Classic of Tea prescribed.
“You should know that it is incorrect to address me as ‘lord.’ I come from a humble upbringing, much as yourself.”
Her first thought was to ask how he knew anything of her upbringing, but she didn’t want to engage him in such a personal topic.
“The inspector’s accomplishments have made him equal to any man, regardless of his birth,” she replied.
“I am fortunate the Emperor feels the same.”
His upbringing was apparently the only thing Xi was humble about.
“I have brought a gift for you, in honor of this night.” He set a lacquered case inlaid with mother of pearl onto the table.
She took the time to admire the orchid design. “The box itself is a treasure.”
“Open it,” he commanded, watching for her reaction so closely it made her skin crawl.
Inside the lacquer case was a bracelet of milky white jade, carved into a perfect circle. It looked like a band of ice without a single flaw.
“I searched for the brightest, purest jade. It was only fitting, given your name. Mingyu, meaning ‘bright jade.’”
“Thank you. This is very beautiful.”
“Will you not put it on? I have been waiting impatiently to see it on you.”
“Of course, Inspector.”
He was noticeably displeased by her lack of enthusiasm, but Mingyu knew better than to appear too easily impressed. Picking up the bracelet, she slipped it over her hand, pausing only a moment to work the circle over her
knuckles and settle it around her wrist. Most jade she had seen had some hint of green in it. White jade was highly prized, especially stone that was free of any flaw or blemish. He had invested thought and money into this gift. There was pride behind it.
Mingyu lifted her hand so he could see the jade and made a show of turning it this way and that as she admired it.
“And all I have to give in return is tea,” she teased.
“Tea and your precious company.” He took a sip while keeping his eyes on her.
Xi was pleasing enough to the eye. His face was square and his jaw broad. To match the strong features of his face, his clothing was impeccable and his manners cultured. He was young compared to many highly ranked officials and he was free with his wealth. That she knew from the bracelet resting coolly against her wrist.
Recalling a few threads from their last meeting, she tried to weave them into a conversation. “Have you reconnected with old friends since your transfer to the capital?”
“I have few friends from my time here as imperial candidate, but that is actually fortunate. It allows me to focus on my duties in the Palace Bureau without distraction.”
“Mmm.” She murmured a sound of mild interest.
“One would think that in Changan, before the very gates of the imperial palace, the officials would be the most honest and diligent in the empire. Not so.”
“Not so?” Conversation with the inspector was quite easy. He preferred to do all the talking himself.
“The Palace Bureau has to keep a careful eye over the bureaucracy of the capital. Everyone is connected and corruption is rampant, from high to low. Even a place such as the county magistrate’s office has to be scrutinized.”
“Even men with the most honest of intentions might lose their way given the right temptation,” Mingyu concurred, lifting her tea. It was a bland statement. Thoughtful enough and not likely to offend.
“On the subject of the magistrate’s office, it seems Constable Wu Kaifeng has given you trouble a few times.”
She nearly choked on her tea. “Wu Kaifeng?”
Merely speaking his name aloud made her stomach flutter.