The Kingdom That Never Sleeps CH 104 Yelü Shege
Xiao Lü’s manor was located in the southern part of Xijin Prefecture. By the time Qiao Jiu’s carriage arrived, the entrance of the Xiao Manor was bustling with traffic, and the place was already packed with guests. Nearly all of Xijin Prefecture’s high-ranking officials and nobles were in attendance. Compared to them, Qiao Jiu, an unknown tea merchant from Song, was insignificant. Even Xiao Lü had to bow and scrape before these powerful officials, offering constant smiles and pleasantries.
Xiao Lü stood at the main entrance, personally welcoming each guest.
Qiao Jiu walked up, carrying a gift. Seeing that he had come alone, Xiao Lü instinctively glanced behind him, noticing only a servant following Qiao Jiu.
Xiao Lü’s eyes flickered briefly, but he maintained his composure. He asked, "Brother Qiao, why didn’t you bring your son along? The last time you visited my residence, I noticed you were still recovering, so I made sure to send you an extra invitation this time."
Qiao Jiu replied, "Mr. Xiao, you may not know this, but my son isn’t feeling well. Otherwise, how could I not bring him to witness such a grand occasion?"
Xiao Lü said no more and instructed his servants to escort Qiao Jiu inside.
Qiao Jiu behaved like a country bumpkin overwhelmed by the grandeur of the event. He didn’t dare offend any of the high-ranking Liao officials present and quietly retreated to a corner. Although he wanted to engage in conversation with some officials, he lacked the courage, appearing uneasy and out of place.
By the time the moon was high in the sky, most of the seats in the banquet hall were occupied, except for the two main seats at the head of the hall, which remained empty.
Xiao Lü’s powerful backer, Xiao Zhen, the Left Minister of State Affairs in Xijin Prefecture, had also arrived but remained at the entrance with Xiao Lü, anxiously waiting. The guests continued to chat and flatter each other, frequently casting expectant glances toward the entrance, as if anticipating someone’s arrival.
After another hour, a carriage approached from the street corner. Upon seeing the carriage, both Xiao Zhen and Xiao Lü lit up with joy. They didn’t wait for the carriage to reach the gate but eagerly rushed forward to greet it.
In Liao, there was a crude custom of serving as a human stepping stool.
Xiao Zhen respectfully lifted the curtain of the carriage himself, while Xiao Lü immediately knelt on the ground without a word, placing his arms on the ground and raising his hips high, presenting himself as a human stepping stool.
Xiao Zhen loudly announced, "Welcome, Your Highness, the Second Prince!"
Hearing the title "Second Prince," all the previously indifferent officials inside the Xiao Manor instantly left their seats and gathered at the entrance. Qiao Jiu, shocked by what he had heard, followed the crowd outside. He watched as the curtain was lifted, revealing a stern-faced middle-aged man who stepped out first. However, he did not step on Xiao Lü; instead, he used a wooden step to alight from the carriage.
Behind him, a young man in luxurious robes emerged. With a delicate and handsome face, his narrow eyes gleamed coldly, and there was a hint of ruthless determination in his gaze. Holding a folding fan commonly used by scholars from Song, he struck an elegant and refined pose. Yet Qiao Jiu, seasoned by years of experience in jianghu, immediately recognized that this youth’s outward grace was merely a façade.
The young man stepped directly onto Xiao Lü’s back and descended from the carriage.
Outside the Xiao Manor, the officials of Xijin Prefecture collectively bowed to Yelü Shege.
Yelü Shege smiled faintly and said, "I encountered some matters on the way, hence my delay. I hope the esteemed officials will not take offense."
For a brief moment, Qiao Jiu felt as though he were looking at a Song Dynasty scholar. However, he quickly snapped back to reality. Yelü Shege might wear a veneer of scholarly refinement, but it was merely a disguise to fool the Liao people; he was nothing like a true Song official.
Yelü Shege led the way into the manor, and the rest of the officials followed closely behind him.
Once everyone had entered, Xiao Lü, who had been lying on the ground, finally got up and hurried after them.
Although Xiao Lü was ostensibly the host of the banquet, held at his own residence, he was more like a servant serving dishes. Throughout the event, the only voices heard were those praising Yelü Shege and Yelü Qin. Even Xiao Zhen, the Left Minister of State Affairs, occasionally chimed in with compliments.
Yelü Shege proved to be a prince of unusual demeanor, showing no airs despite his royal status.
Qiao Jiu didn’t know if other princes of Liao behaved similarly, but during this banquet, Yelü Shege listened attentively to anyone who spoke, even Xiao Lü, a mere merchant. By the end, the Liao officials were all looking at Yelü Shege with admiration and respect. Even Qiao Jiu had to admit that Yelü Shege was the most affable and approachable Liao noble he had ever encountered.
Whether his behavior was genuine or an act, Yelü Shege was undoubtedly an oddball in the Liao court.
As the banquet concluded, Qiao Jiu had intended to chat with Xiao Lü and perhaps secure an introduction to Yelü Shege. Failing that, an introduction to Yelü Qin, who had accompanied Yelü Shege, would have sufficed. However, Xiao Lü was too preoccupied to entertain him, leaving Qiao Jiu with no choice but to depart in disappointment.
Upon returning to the residence, he immediately reported the matter to Tang Shen.
Tang Shen was taken aback. “Yelü Shege, the second prince of Liao? Why would he come to Xijin Prefecture?”
Tang Shen initially thought the important figure mentioned by Xiao Lü was Yelü Qin. He never imagined it would actually be Yelü Shege!
Among the four sons of the Liao Emperor, the eldest prince, Yelü Zhan, held the title of firstborn. The third prince, Yelü Han, had noble lineage, and the youngest prince, Yelü Longzhen, was deeply cherished as the Liao Emperor’s late-born son. However, the emperor placed his greatest trust in the second prince, Yelü Shege.
The two most likely candidates for the throne were Yelü Han and Yelü Shege. Yet why would Yelü Shege, accompanied by Yelü Qin, travel such a great distance from Shangjing to Xijin Prefecture?
Tang Shen frowned in deep thought and called for Lu Shen without delay. He got straight to the point: “If I task you with monitoring Yelü Qin and Yelü Shege’s movements without being discovered, can you manage it?”
Having been investigating the Liao royal court’s affairs recently, Lu Shen immediately understood who the two figures were. He pondered for a moment before replying, “Although I wasn’t aware Yelü Shege had also arrived in Xijin Prefecture, I’ve been keeping track of Yelü Qin. He hasn’t brought many guards and is traveling light. His security detail isn’t formidable, or I wouldn’t have been able to track him so easily. While the prince may have hidden bodyguards, Yelü Qin himself doesn’t. If I focus on following him with caution, there should be no issue.”
Tang Shen instructed, “Since both Yelü Shege and Yelü Qin are currently at Xiao Lü’s manor, wait until they leave and then follow Yelü Qin.”
“Yes, daren!”
The unexpected appearance of Yelü Qin forced Tang Shen to increase his vigilance. He had already packed his belongings, planning to leave for Youzhou the following morning.
Meanwhile, at Xiao Lü’s manor, after the other officials departed, Yelü Shege and Yelü Qin remained.
Knowing that Yelü Shege admired Han culture and was well-versed in calligraphy and painting, Xiao Lü had specially acquired a collection of renowned artworks for the prince’s enjoyment. Seeing so many masterpieces, Yelü Shege appeared slightly surprised. He glanced at Xiao Lü with a faint smile and said, “Mr. Xiao, you seem to have quite the collection.”
Xiao Lü dared not accept such praise and quickly responded, “I heard that Your Highness appreciates calligraphy and paintings, so I gathered these works especially for you. Please feel free to take any you like.”
“A gentleman doesn’t covet another’s treasure. How could I take what you cherish?”
“These pieces are beyond my appreciation. They can only find their true worth in Your Highness’s possession.”
Yelü Shege didn’t argue further and quietly began to admire the artworks, tacitly allowing Xiao Lü to accompany him. Overjoyed but restrained, Xiao Lü followed closely, not daring to disturb him.
In the adjacent room, Yelü Qin wore a cold expression while speaking with Xiao Zhen, one of Xijin Prefecture’s highest-ranking officials. Despite his usual authority, Xiao Zhen acted meekly, fearful of offending Yelü Qin with a single wrong word.
After discussing recent events in Xijin Prefecture, Yelü Qin glanced at the time and rose to leave. Just then, Xiao Zhen hesitated, as if recalling something. He finally gathered his courage and said, “Daren, did you notice the Song merchant at tonight’s banquet?”
Yelü Qin thought for a moment before responding, “The one seated at the far end?”
“Yes, that’s him.” Xiao Zhen gave Yelü Qin a knowing look and continued, “That Song merchant deals in tea and conducts significant business. He’s seeking collaboration with this lower official. Besides that… he has a son, handsome and refined, with the delicate scholarly demeanor typical of Song intellectuals. This lower official was thinking…”
“Crash!”
A teacup shattered on the floor, barely missing Xiao Zhen’s head. Startled, he stood frozen, too frightened to breathe.
Yelü Qin sneered, “Do you think you have the right to involve yourself in matters concerning His Highness? The prince despises sycophants and those who offer flattery and gifts. Haven’t you heard what happened to the last Song man someone tried to present to him? He was cut in half by the prince’s sword on the spot, and blood flowed everywhere!”
Trembling, Xiao Zhen stammered, “I-I wouldn’t dare… I wouldn’t dare…”
“You’d better not. Don’t bring it up again!” Yelü Qin warned sternly before striding away.
“Yes.”
Xiao Zhen and Xiao Lü escorted Yelü Shege and Yelü Qin to the gates. Before leaving, Yelü Shege selected a few paintings and complimented Xiao Lü, “Tonight’s banquet was splendid. Thank you for your effort.” His tone was gentle and his attitude amiable.
Xiao Lü, overwhelmed with gratitude, bowed deeply. “I am honored to serve Your Highness in any way.”
Yelü Shege smiled faintly, said nothing further, and departed in his carriage.
Once they were out of sight, Xiao Zhen furiously slapped Xiao Lü across the face. “You fool! How dare you suggest giving ‘gifts’ to the prince! Do you think someone of His Highness’s status lacks anything? One more misstep like that, and I won’t spare you!”
Though seething with resentment after being struck, Xiao Lü was primarily filled with exhilaration. Tonight’s events marked the beginning of his rise to prominence.
In the darkness, a shadowy figure flitted after Yelü Shege’s carriage, unnoticed by all.
Inside the carriage, Yelü Shege rested with his eyes closed, while Yelü Qin remained silent. He hadn’t mentioned Xiao Zhen’s inappropriate suggestion to avoid provoking Yelü Shege’s ire.
Upon arriving at Yelü Qin’s residence, the two disembarked. Yelü Qin personally escorted Yelü Shege to his room. As he was leaving, Yelü Shege called after him with a smile. “Yelü Qin, be sure to rest early tonight. Tomorrow, you’ll accompany me to inspect the Xijin Prefecture military camp.”
Yelü Qin gave him a long look before bowing deeply. “Understood, Your Highness.”
Meanwhile, Lu Shen followed Yelü Qin to his study.
Instead of retiring for the night, Yelü Qin opened a secret compartment and carefully stashed away a letter. Just as he was about to extinguish the lamp, a figure smashed through the window, blade gleaming, and charged at him with a furious shout.
“Assassin! There’s an assassin!”
Caught off guard, Yelü Qin narrowly dodged the attack. Guards rushed toward the commotion as the assassin smashed open the secret compartment, grabbed the letter, and fled. The study descended into chaos as Lu Shen watched in stunned silence from outside. He was just wondering whether to leave as well, lest he be captured and ruin Tang Shen's plans.
But moments later, Yelü Qin clenched his jaw and, to Lu Shen’s astonishment, stabbed himself in the shoulder with a dagger. Blood gushed from the wound.
Guards burst into the room, followed shortly by Yelü Shege, who arrived in only an inner robe with a cloak thrown over it.
“Yelü Qin!” Yelü Shege exclaimed in shock.
Clutching his bleeding shoulder, Yelü Qin gasped, “Your Highness… an… assassin…” Before he could finish, he collapsed, unconscious.