Continuing on horseback, roughly an hour later, Zheng Fan arrived beneath the South Gate of the capital city.
The city gate was already closed, but a contingent of Imperial Guards stood watch at the entrance—not on the gate tower, but below the city wall.
As Zheng Fan approached on horseback, an Imperial Guard immediately stepped forward to block his path.
"Zheng Fan, Commander of Green Willow Fortress in Yinlang County, Yan."
Soon, a large basket was lowered from the city gate tower. Googlᴇ search 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭·𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢·𝗇𝗲𝘵
Zheng Fan dismounted and climbed into the basket, which was then hoisted up to the city wall.
Before Zheng Fan could ask anything, a city guard captain led him down from the tower, pointed to a horse that had already been prepared, and after saluting Zheng Fan with clasped hands, left without another word.
Had his name become that renowned? Or perhaps, no one would dare impersonate him at this hour? Or could it be that the password for tonight was simply "Zheng Fan"?
Of course, this was merely a playful conjecture. In reality, Zheng Fan knew perfectly well that the one in the palace must already be aware of what was about to happen at the Tian Residence.
The message Lord Jingnan had asked him to deliver: "It has begun."
It sounded as though two brothers had clearly divided their tasks and were supporting each other. It meant one side had finished their part, and now it was the other’s turn.
Of course, the decision to annihilate an entire household wasn’t one Lord Jingnan would make on a whim at a banquet upon discovering the food didn’t suit his taste. This matter had undoubtedly been planned long ago.
The reason for causing trouble for the Third Prince during the day was even simpler. Since I’m going to wipe out my own entire clan, crippling one of your sons to vent a bit isn’t going too far, is it?
He hadn’t killed the Third Prince, but crippled him. This was likely more in line with Lord Jingnan’s desire to vent his anger; the method was crueler, far more satisfying to Lord Jingnan than simply killing the prince.
So it seemed he had truly learned the instinct from how Blind Bei and the others bootlicked, knowing how to ensure those he needed to flatter were thoroughly pleased.
However, that Emperor in the palace was ruthless enough to send his Empress to visit her family, knowing full well the catastrophe about to befall the Tian Residence tonight. But perhaps this was the Emperor’s subtle and profound way of expressing his love, giving his wife a chance to see her parents one last time?
Ji Chengjue, on the other hand, might feel a bit more balanced now. The Second Prince’s maternal clan had also been annihilated. Moreover, his father, the Emperor, hadn’t played favorites; he’d let Lord Jingnan lead the troops to exterminate both.
Outsiders couldn’t possibly fathom what treacherous thoughts were going through the mind of this messenger—one who bore a heavy responsibility and was pivotal to the National Destiny—as he rode from the South Gate to the Imperial Palace gate.
Even Zheng Fan himself didn’t know why he was entertaining such thoughts. Perhaps it was to alleviate his inner tension.
Although he largely believed the Emperor was a strong ruler who, as such rulers often do, cared little for his own sons... what if? What if the Yan Emperor didn’t follow the usual path? He only had one life, after all.
This was Zheng Fan’s first visit to the Imperial Palace of Yan State. Thankfully, it wasn’t difficult to find. Future capital planners would also consider the height of buildings near the Forbidden City. In this capital city of Yan State, no matter where one stood, a glance was enough to reveal the direction of the Imperial Palace.
The Imperial Guards at the palace gate stepped forward to question Zheng Fan.
Zheng Fan once again stated his position and name.
Soon enough, a basket was also lowered from the palace gate.
Generally speaking, Zhongcheng like these always had at least two layers: an inner city and an outer city. In fact, the Imperial Palace itself was designed with defensive capabilities. This wasn’t to defend against rebel armies or foreign enemies from outside the city; generally, once an enemy army breached the capital, the situation was largely lost, rendering even the best palace defenses meaningless. However, the palace’s defensibility was quite effective at thwarting small-scale rebellions and coups originating from within the capital.
After being hoisted up in the basket, this time, Zheng Fan was not allowed to ride his horse.
Descending from the palace gate tower, Zheng Fan found a familiar face waiting for him.
Not exactly a close acquaintance, but Lord Jingnan had mentioned several times on their journey that he wanted to introduce Zheng Fan to this person’s department for a position.
Furthermore, this important figure had told him quite seriously during the day, "I’ve taken note of you."
Zheng Fan instinctively swallowed and quickly glanced over his shoulder at the tightly closed palace gate. For a moment, he had the distinct illusion of being a young maiden selected for the palace, a single wall now separating him from his former life and destiny.
"Chief Zheng, we have been waiting for you for some time." Wei Zhonghe, holding his horsetail whisk, gave Zheng Fan a slight bow.
It was a familiar voice, a familiar demeanor, coupled with the archetypal image of such figures portrayed time and again in film and television.
"Commander Zheng Fan of Green Willow Fortress pays his respects to Eunuch Wei!"
"Oh, it’s only been half a day. How has Lord Zheng become so formal again?"
"Well, my life is in your hands, Eunuch Wei."
Eunuch Wei, making an orchid-finger gesture with his left hand, pointed at Zheng Fan and said, "Cheeky."
Then, Eunuch Wei added, "The palace is most in need of clever individuals like Lord Zheng."
"His Majesty is still waiting in the Imperial Study. Lord Zheng, please follow me."
"This is my first time entering the palace. I’ll have to trouble Eunuch Wei to lead the way."
"You’re too kind. Let’s go."
Zheng Fan had witnessed Eunuch Wei’s walking speed before. And this time, Eunuch Wei seemed to be deliberately rushing, moving at such a speed that although he appeared to be merely walking, Zheng Fan had to practically run to barely keep up.