Chapter 470: Bet Placed, Hands Off

Chapter 470: Place Your Bets

"As a newcomer to this office, I was completely unaware that our yamen was playing host to such an esteemed guest as Flag Officer Xie. Assistant Commissioner Yang, this is truly a failing on your part. Why did you not remind me of this sooner?"

Wang Changting cast a deeply meaningful look at Yang Baize.

"The Jinyiwei of Inuyama Castle have all departed on official duty, so they temporarily entrusted Flag Officer Xie to my care. I assumed it was merely a minor matter of mutual assistance between colleagues, so it did not cross my mind to report it in advance. It was my oversight, and I ask for Lord Wang's forbearance." Although Yang Baize referred to himself as a subordinate, his tone was exceedingly cold, and his body remained firmly planted in his chair, showing not the slightest intention of rising to salute.

"Youthful arrogance. He loses his composure so easily; he is still too young, after all."

Wang Changting mused silently, his smile unchanging as he turned his gaze toward Xie Bi'an, who sat in the wheelchair.

"Before I came to take up my post in Inuyama Castle, I had heard tales of a Flag Officer Xie Bi'an of the Inuyama Castle garrison. His talents were exceptional, so much so that even the Thousand-Man Garrison favored him, repeatedly demanding his transfer by name. It is a pity that such a brilliant talent was grievously wounded in a bandit ambush and has yet to awaken."

"When I first received the news, I wrung my hands in sorrow, lamenting the unfairness of heaven. But looking at things now, Flag Officer Xie's consciousness has broken free from the influence of the Yellow Turban Warrior. It is truly a cause for celebration."

Wang Changting’s eyes fell upon Xie Bi'an's legs, his brow furrowing slightly. "Yet it seems Flag Officer Xie's body is still ailing?"

Xie Bi'an replied indifferently, "Lord Wang is too polite. To have reclaimed my life is already a great fortune. It is merely a body; being crippled is of no great consequence."

"I am acquainted with many highly skilled mechanics of the Mohist Order in the imperial homeland. Prosthetics tuned by their hands are indistinguishable from natural limbs. Resolving this small trouble for you, Flag Officer Xie, should pose no difficulty at all."

"Though the Wa District is a barren land of savage mountains and treacherous waters, transplanting mechanical limbs is not a particularly daunting task."

Xie Bi'an's voice was exceptionally calm, like a bystander recounting an event that had nothing to do with him.

"But losing the perception of one's limbs from the conscious level is not something a few mechanical parts can alter."

A look of sudden realization crossed Wang Changting's face. "If that is the cause, perhaps help can be sought from the Yin-Yang Order. I..."

"I appreciate Lord Wang's kindness. Our Centurion will naturally help me decline these troubles, so there is no need to bother you, Lord Wang."

"The Pacification Commission and the Jinyiwei have always been brotherly yamens. For Flag Officer Xie to be so polite is to treat me as an outsider."

Wang Changting detected Xie Bi'an's soft yet unyielding attitude, and he naturally understood why the man was acting this way.

However, Wang Changting did not take it to heart. In his eyes, these were not major issues; as long as he offered sufficient benefits, these Jinyiwei, who lacked alternatives, would naturally choose to forget the unpleasantness between them.

Even if that unpleasantness meant he had once desired their deaths.

The affair at Osaka Castle was, in Wang Changting’s eyes, merely a play staged to kill the chicken to warn the monkey.

It was only a pity that the Dream Ghoul responsible for wielding the blade had bungled the task, and Liang Jianfeng, who had accepted many of his favors, was also a useless fool. The 'chicken' that was supposed to die had survived, causing him instead to lose face in their first confrontation, allowing the 'monkey' that should have been warned to put on airs before him.

"Assistant Commissioner Yang, you did quite well this time."

Disregarding any proper hierarchy of seating, Wang Changting casually pulled up a chair near the door and sat down, smiling. "Or rather, the influence of Lord Pei has exceeded my expectations. I did not imagine that after cutting himself off from the New Donglin Party for so many years, he would still possess such leverage and connections. It is truly admirable!"

Yang Baize sneered, "This still relies on your mercy, Lord Wang. However, there is one minor thing I do not understand, and I wish to ask you, my Lord."

"Speak freely."

"You and the Yanluo Centurion have never met, let alone harbor any grievances. Why go so far as to stab him in the back?"

Yang Baize went straight to the point, tearing away the final veil right in front of Xie Bi'an, the very victim of the plot, bringing the unspoken truth into the open.

This move caught Wang Changting off guard, causing a sudden ripple in the otherwise placid lake of his composure.

Was this Yang Baize deliberately trying to push the Jinyiwei of Inuyama Castle into an irreconcilable, mortal opposition with him?

Or was he truly a reckless greenhorn who, having miraculously won a single move, conceitedly believed he could win the entire match, naive enough to think he could force a showdown?

Regarding the young official before him, Wang Changting had actually paid close attention to him long before deciding to enter the Wa District.

Yang Baize's ancestral home was in Mianzhou County of Chengdu Prefecture, a family of scholars and officials with a past era of glory, missing the promotion to a third-class clan by a mere hair's breadth.

Yet that hair's breadth was a world of difference.

The Confucian Order genes of the Yang clan withered from that point onward, leaving generations confined to a small county seat. The entire clan had even suffered a sudden calamity and been entirely slaughtered over a piece of Top Scholar slicing that was not particularly valuable.

Li Jun and Yang Baize had met at that very time, the latter narrowly escaping death at Li Jun's hands. He had then drifted all the way to Chongqing Prefecture, entering the lineage of Pei Xingjian, breaking his locks and advancing his order to become a member of the Confucian Order.

This brief life experience was not complex. Aside from the sudden appearance of Pei Xingjian, which warranted repeated consideration, the rest was not even worth mentioning in Wang Changting's eyes.

Therefore, in the intelligence archives of the Wang clan, most analyses regarding Yang Baize revolved around Pei Xingjian, while the evaluation of the boy himself was summed up in a single, simple sentence.

Mature beyond his years, possessing innate wisdom.

Yet Yang Baize's current actions made Wang Changting feel that the clan's intelligence analysis might be entirely wrong; this was not something a mature person would do.

Wang Changting narrowed his eyes, saying softly, "Assistant Commissioner Yang, framing a superior is no small crime. I advise you to think it through before you speak."

"Wang Changting, everyone present is an understanding person. There is no need for you to continue putting on an act. Or is your courage inferior to that of a youth like me, rendering you a man who dares to act but dares not admit it?"

Yang Baize’s words rang out powerfully, but they were met only with a deeply contemptuous sneer.

"Courage? Which rank of the Ninth-Rank Confucian Order is that? And which beast on an official's rank patch does it represent?"

Wang Changting’s gaze swept over everyone in the room. "The understanding people you speak of are all wearing the official robes of the Great Ming Empire. This is the office of the Pacification Commission; this is the bureaucracy, not the martial underworld! In the bureaucracy, we do not care about courage; we care about evidence! I will not discuss whether you possess the qualifications to convict me. I will only ask you one question: where is the evidence?"

"I can answer that for you. You have none."

Wang Changting flicked his wide sleeves, and the overbearing aura of a man born of a Confucian noble clan surged forth.

"I can even tell you directly: even if Akechi Hidetoshi were not dead and were standing right here, what could you possibly do? Even if this lawsuit reached the Ministry of Officials, what could you do? You would still be unable to do a single thing."

"Yang Baize, I see that you are a man of talent, so I shall give you another piece of advice. The bureaucracy has its own rules of the game. You may dislike them, but you cannot fail to follow them. Unless one day you manage to climb to the absolute summit of this court—at that time, your rules will naturally become the rules of the bureaucracy. At that time, the courage you speak of will naturally be revered as a golden rule, pursued by waves of followers."

"But before that happens, you had best not mistake my goodwill for cowardice, and whatever you do, do not view yourself too highly. Otherwise, when you fall, Pei Xingjian might not be able to catch you."

"Lord Wang truly possesses a formidable official presence!"

Xu Zhun, standing behind Yang Baize, let out a cold snort.

Wang Changting did not even deign to look at him, instead turning his head to glance at Xie Bi'an, asking with a light smile, "Flag Officer Xie, do you believe my words are correct?"

The words carried a hidden meaning, a double entendre.

"I, Xie Bi'an, am merely a brute. What I hold in my hand is a blade, not a brush. I do not understand the bureaucracy, nor do I understand your rules."

Xie Bi'an pondered for a moment before saying slowly, "But the Jinyiwei never compromise with enemies, and they will absolutely never show mercy."

"Toward a true enemy, one should naturally be as ruthless as the autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves, but you and I are not enemies; we are colleagues standing beneath the same dragon banner."

Wang Changting said with a smile, "I know Flag Officer Xie harbors some misunderstandings toward me, but these can all be explained clearly. It just so happens that the Wang clan never lacks the ability to resolve misunderstandings, and I possess the sincerity to resolve them as well!"

"I do not quite understand these words of Lord Wang."

"Centurion Yanluo will understand them. You only need to deliver the words exactly as they are, Flag Officer Xie."

Xie Bi'an's brow furrowed tightly. He felt an intense loathing for an old fox like Wang Changting, whose face was as thick as a mountain and whose shrewdness was unfathomable.

Yet at this moment, he did not openly break ties with the man as he would have done in the past. Instead, he remained silent, lowering his eyes as if waiting for something.

"Perhaps I truly cannot do anything. Just as you said, even if I held evidence in my hands, it would not threaten you. Even if I have won a match now, it cannot alter the outcome of making a bridal gown for you."

A youth's voice, tinged with self-deprecation, broke the silence within the room.

Wang Changting's sharp gaze swept over to see Yang Baize standing up, declaring loudly, "But what of it? No matter how perfectly a ghost learns to mimic human speech, it remains a ghost; it can never become human. The rules of a ghost naturally cannot bind a human."

"What arrogant talk, what immense audacity!"

Wang Changting's face turned grim. "So, you intend to style yourself a human and treat me as a ghost?"

"Paths that diverge cannot be walked together. Since humans and ghosts tread different roads, it is best we each rely on our own abilities."

Yang Baize's gaze was burning, bright and piercing, his countenance radiant with spirit.

"In Osaka Castle, you and I have already crossed swords. Since the blades have been drawn, there is no need for false civility. I have no desire to play these fake, hypocritical bureaucratic games with you. I will leave my words here today: I will absolutely never hand the political achievements of Inuyama Castle over to you. Whether it be open spears or hidden arrows, I await your move!"

“Before you speak a word, you are its master; once spoken, you become its slave. Yang Baize, hasn’t Master Pei Xianjian taught you this?”

“He taught it; I didn’t learn.”

“You two, master and disciple, are truly a pair of reckless fools who don’t know how to show respect.”

Wang Changting’s voice turned icy: “Yang Baize, do you believe I could now have you arrested on the charge of contempt for superiors?”

“Whom would you take down?”

Xu Zhun stepped forward, standing beside Yang Baize.

“Is this the life‑saving talisman Pei Xianjian gave you? It seems the old man has nearly exhausted the goodwill he once hoarded; he’s running on fumes.”

Wang Changting’s eyes narrowed with contempt as he jabbed a finger at Xu Zhun: “A dying old Confucian four‑tier—what makes you think you can shout in front of the Wang clan?”

Bang!

The sealed doors burst open with Wang Changting’s words, and outside stood a dense crowd of silhouettes—all his trusted confidants who had followed him into the Wa district.

The leader was slender yet bore a mountain‑like presence; his sharp gaze fell on Xu Zhun, and a bone‑chilling cold swept over him instantly.

“Lord of the Four Furrows of the Agrarian Order.”

Xu Zhun’s expression grew grave, as if facing a great foe.

“I’m getting on in years, but my eyes are still sharp. This servant of mine has already undergone five ‘furrow’ reconstructions within his body; though few in number, they’re more than enough to deal with you, Xu Zhun.”

Wang Changting sat unmoving, gazing at Yang Baize with scorn: “I once thought you were a talented youth who knew the times, so I gave you chance after chance, even entertained the idea of drawing you into the Langya Wang clan to give you a swift rise. Alas, you and your master Pei Xianjian are alike—ambitious beyond measure, yet frail as paper.”

“Kill me inside the office, and you won’t escape either.”

Yang Baize clenched his fists; his features held only rage, no fear.

“It seems you still don’t grasp what an aristocratic clan really is.”

Wang Changting shook his head: “Do you know why the Scholarly Order says, ‘Reading ten thousand scrolls is not worth walking ten thousand miles’?”

“Because every word in those books is penned by the aristocracy; the text merely spins comforting tales to keep you low‑born peasants from despairing too much. Only when you travel far enough will you see how lofty the vermilion gates are, how deep the manor walls run—and then you’ll understand the weight those two words, ‘aristocracy,’ truly carry.”

“Today, not a single word, image, or dream can fly out of this Pacification Commissioner’s office. And your death, Yang Baize, will be recorded as having secretly colluded with the Wa rebel Ming Zhiqingxiu; exposed by me, you will die of your own fright.”

“Pei Xianjian will surely avenge you; old grudges and new will erupt together, likely driving him to reckless madness, and the Wang clan will incur some trouble—but that’s all. If I am once called to account by my own kin, your death will not have been in vain.”

Wang Changting seemed not yet satisfied with his present dominance; he longed to see fear and reluctance flicker across Yang Baize’s face.

Best of all would be his regret for scorning the rules, and his remorse for the gratifying vengeance he’d wrought.

Wang Changting wished not only to teach Yang Baize how to survive, but also to make him understand why he must die.

That is what it means to be a true mentor!

“Now, do you still wish to lay your cards before me, Yang Baize, Deputy Commissioner?”

“And how many miles have you walked?”

The speaker was neither Yang Baize nor Xu Zhun.

But rather Xie Bian’an, seated to the side, his white hair spilling over his shoulders!

“What did you say?”

Wang Changting’s eyes narrowed slightly, a cold glint within.

“You made him walk ten thousand miles; you too should leave the court and see the world beyond.”

Xie Bian’an lifted his head, his bloodless lips curling into a faint, cold smile.

“Jinze City’s Battalion Commander Shan Ying, leading twenty Embroidered Uniform Guards, reports in under the order of Centurion Qiongqi!”

“Jilu City’s Battalion Commander Chong Jia, leading twenty Embroidered Uniform Guards, reports in under the order of Centurion Qilong!”

Shouts erupted suddenly, followed by a thunderous tide of hurried footsteps as a throng of fully armed Embroidered Uniform Guards flooded the small side courtyard.

“It’s late, yet this place is surprisingly lively.”

Chong Jia spoke lightly, but his eyes locked on the retreating Agrarian Order man, his thumb nervously rubbing the hilt of his embroidered spring blade.

“Monkey, if things really kick off, you guard Xie Bian’an and get him out first.”

Shan Ying likewise felt that suffocating pressure, instinctively licking his lips.

“And what will you do?”

“Jilu City owes Quan Shan City a debt of favors; we must repay it!”

Shan Ying gritted his teeth, his breath heavy.

Outside, swords were drawn and tensions taut; inside, undercurrents stirred.

“Commander Xie, what does this mean?”

Wang Changting offered a smile that didn’t reach his eyes: “Surely you’re not trying to shield Yang Baize?”

“Including myself, the cripple, there are forty‑three Embroidered Uniform Guards here; though we’re not few, your forces could easily slaughter us all. So we’re not here to protect him—and we couldn’t even if we tried.”

Xie Bian’an spoke calmly: “I’ve merely brought a few extra pairs of eyes to watch you kill. Not a single word or motion may be missed. When Centurion Yanjun returns, he will naturally bring this evidence to you, Lord Wang.”

Wang Changting’s visage shifted, his voice low: “So you mean the Quan Shan City Guard have bought in and are now all‑in?”

“Bought in, all‑in.” Xie Bian’an enunciated each word.

“Good, excellent! Then we’ll wait for the opening of the game to see who wins and who loses!”

Wang Changting rose in anger and strode purposefully toward the door.