Chapter Nineteen: No Mercy for the Killers

“What do you intend to do?”

Many years ago, Changzhi Hei was a general of the Baekje Kingdom. After Baekje was conquered by the Tang army, he came to Tang and served as a low-ranking officer. It was only this year, thanks to his military achievements, that he received a significant promotion.

Having commanded troops for many years, he understood very well what it meant to “adopt a sworn son.”

This was a rather fatal vulnerability. On the other hand, those “sworn sons” would inevitably remain fiercely loyal to you, so the benefits and drawbacks were evenly balanced.

“You’d better behave honestly now and serve the Empress Dowager well.”

Changzhi Hei advised Wu An to be a compliant sycophant.

“In Hexi, you were only a squad leader, never promoted to deputy general through military exploits. Now, in Chang’an, your humble origins mean that unless you endure for decades, how do you expect to command troops?”

“The Empress Dowager has ordered me to lead the Hundred Riders unit to search the Left Prime Minister’s residence the day after tomorrow.”

Changzhi Hei was taken aback and quickly warned, “They’re using you as a blade and will discard you once done.”

“I don’t think so.”

“My foolish younger brother...”

Changzhi Hei sighed deeply and spoke earnestly:

“She is a woman of great distinction who has risen step by step to her current position. You are only younger and better-looking; what could she possibly want from you?”

“But during the morning court session, when someone suggested dismissing me, she publicly scolded that person in front of everyone.”

Changzhi Hei fell silent for a moment, then looked up sincerely and said, “Big brother, tell me honestly, how have I treated you?”

They say that among brothers, accounts should be clear, but sometimes the camaraderie of comrades in battle truly surpasses the bonds of blood.

When Wu An left the courier inn, Changzhi Hei personally saw him out and mentioned that he had settled his family in a certain ward in Chang’an, inviting Wu An to visit his sister-in-law and niece when he had time.

Changzhi Hei still had room for further promotion. Being comrades who had faced life and death on the battlefield, it was necessary to maintain their relationship well. Wu An handled the situation perfectly, already planning to visit soon.

The money Wu An spent on strolling the streets and buying snacks all came from his servants. Counting his own funds, he had about three hundred strings of coins and several dozen pearls, though the pearls were not easy to convert immediately.

At least half of this money would go to the families of fallen comrades, and bringing those orphans in would also require considerable expenses...

A profound sense of reverence and yearning for wealth welled up within Wu An. Over the next few days, he studied the relevant legal provisions of the Tang Code.

During this period, Shangguan Wan’er came by several times. Her attire increasingly resembled that of a man in Wu An’s eyes—a white, cloud-patterned round-collar robe, official boots, long waterfall-like hair tied back with a crown, and a cloak draped over her shoulders, looking more like a refined youth.

However, she said this was the proper dress for a female official.

The Empress Dowager allowing her to change from palace maid attire to official garments signified growing trust.

Wu An also gleaned some information from her, learning that despite the harsh interrogations at the Supreme Court, Hao Chujun revealed little and refused to implicate others. Consequently, some officials began lobbying the Empress Dowager to halt the interrogation.

The Empress Dowager, of course, was indifferent; toppling Hao Chujun was a welcome surprise. As for Li Jingxuan, she seemed unconcerned.

The latter was inadvertently revealed by Shangguan Wan’er. Wu An tried to coax more from her, but she demanded he teach her how to deal with disliked female officials in the palace instead, so he fell silent.

“Tomorrow morning, once the palace gates open, I will take you into the palace to receive your armor and weapons. The Jinwu Guards and Ministry of Justice officers will be led by the Censor Di Renjie, with you commanding the Hundred Riders alongside them.”

If Wu An led the raid again, it would be a slap in the face to the entire bureaucracy, provoking strong backlash.

“There probably won’t be anything else. In my view, once this is done well, the Empress Dowager will wholeheartedly cultivate you. Your rank and power will come without fail; perhaps she’ll even arrange a marriage with a noble family’s daughter.”

The Empress Dowager’s attitude was clear.

Wealth, career, and a wealthy, beautiful wife... all were within reach if one did well.

Shangguan Wan’er sat behind the writing desk, helping Wu An prepare his name card while asking:

“Hey, do you know what you’re supposed to do then?”

...

“You’re only here to go through the motions. Don’t be too tense.”

Di Renjie whispered in his ear.

By this time, dawn had broken. The streets were filled with armored soldiers. The Hao residence’s gates were wide open, with clerks and troops streaming inside. Clear cries could be heard from within.

Wu An adjusted his black armor and nodded slightly. Di Renjie seemed about to say more, then quietly asked, “I heard that during the morning court, the Empress Dowager publicly scolded Lord Xue?”

Lord Xue was Xue Zhen, a senior official.

Wu An recalled he was a high-ranking minister of the Three Departments, essentially a chancellor.

The Three Departments—the Secretariat, Chancellery, and Department of State Affairs—were the highest executive bodies, above the Six Ministries and Nine Courts.

“Yes.”

Di Renjie was silent for a moment, then smiled warmly: “Once today’s matter is settled, in a few days, Big Brother, would you have time to come by my place for a drink? I’ll also introduce you to some like-minded friends.”

Di Renjie extended a friendly invitation.

Wu An, worried about expanding his network, immediately agreed. Di Renjie exchanged a few pleasantries with him before turning to other officials, smiling.

In middle age, Di Renjie maintained good relations with those around him. No matter who, there was always something to talk about. Officials clad in crimson or cyan robes chatted and clasped hands warmly, eyes shining with the joy of meeting friends.

Yet, they all seemed blind to the servants and family members being led out, ignoring their cries as they passed by.

Just as the conversations grew lively, a commotion erupted in the distance, interrupting the officials.

Wu An beckoned, and a Hundred Riders soldier hurried over, whispering, “Commander?”

“What’s happening over there?”

“A few ministers and some elderly royal clan members are blocking the way, refusing to let the Ministry of Justice officers escort the prisoners.”

Wu An narrowed his eyes.

Outside the crowd.

A flash of purple official robes stood out conspicuously. Aside from him, the elderly and middle-aged men wore plain clothes, yet no one dared approach to disperse them.

Because among them were members of the imperial clan.

An old man in black fur robes stepped forward and loudly declared to the now-quiet crowd:

“I am Prince Li Yuanjia.”

“That’s Prince Han,” Di Renjie whispered beside Wu An.

Unlike other clan members, Prince Han was the brother of Emperor Taizong, the current emperor’s uncle. Even the Empress Dowager had to show him respect.

This was true seniority beyond all else.

“The case of the Left Prime Minister remains uninvestigated, and the Three Departments have yet to issue an official edict declaring guilt. On what grounds do the Supreme Court and Ministry of Justice seize the Hao residence without authorization?” he asked calmly.

Though Li Yuanjia appeared an ordinary wealthy elder, his words carried natural authority, at least enough to intimidate the lowly officers and servants.

“All of you, leave!” Li Yuanjia stepped forward again, his graying temples stirring in the wind.

Slowly, the escorting group began to retreat and even disperse.

The crowd fell completely silent. The officials who had been laughing lowered their heads, and none claimed to have the rightful authority to conduct the raid.

The emperor’s uncle was adamant, and even the emperor himself would have to humor him.

Di Renjie stood unmoved, showing only a trace of helplessness.

This sudden incident was truly difficult to resolve. They had clearly timed their appearance with a specific purpose.

Seeing the opposing officials wilt, Prince Han no longer spared them face. After a moment’s thought, he said slowly:

“Please have these family members returned to their residences. Regardless, they are families of court ministers. Arbitrary removal damages the court’s dignity. I will enter the palace immediately to report to the emperor, then proceed…”

“But the Empress Dowager has decreed that all of Hao Chujun’s family must be arrested today. Not a single one is to be spared.”

A cold voice rang out sharply.

Li Yuanjia narrowed his eyes as the crowd parted slightly, revealing a young man in black armor stepping forward, his hand resting on his sword hilt.

“I am Prince Li Yuanjia,” he repeated.

Wu An began to feel this domineering old man resembled a certain spoiled second-generation heir who always cried ‘Dad!’ when trouble arose.

Who your brother is, what rank you hold, what does it have to do with me?

The Empress Dowager may truly respect this elder, but if she later asked what Wu An was doing when Prince Han arrived, and he answered that he was pretending to be timid with others, she would be displeased.

You can have your superiors clean up your mess afterward, but you cannot let them lose face on the spot.

What the leadership cares about is attitude.

“I am Wu An, resolute commander of the Hundred Riders, ordered by the Empress Dowager to arrest the Hao family. Today, no one is to be spared!”

Prince Han Li Yuanjia was angered; his accompanying officials stepped forward as well. But Wu An gripped his sword hilt tightly, bellowing without turning his head:

“Soldiers of the Hundred Riders of Great Tang, respond!”

“Here!”

“Here!”

One by one, armored soldiers pierced through the ranks of the Jinwu Guards and Ministry of Justice officers, lining up behind the black-armored youth.

Then, a scene that shocked everyone unfolded.

Facing a Tang prince and numerous high officials, these soldiers drew their swords. The cold glint reflected in all eyes, the murderous aura erupting fiercely.

Wu An slowly drew his blade. The gleaming steel reflected the mocking smile at the corner of his lips.

Then, he raised his sword, pointing it directly at the trembling Prince Han Li Yuanjia.

“Hundred Riders, obey orders! Under the Empress Dowager’s command, arrest the court’s wanted criminals! Anyone who obstructs will be deemed a traitor and executed without mercy!”

“Yes!”

“Yes!”

Roaring voices echoed behind him instantly.