Beware Of Chicken v7c32: The Work Continues, in Light and Shadow

Reading about old Chinese court intrigues was one matter.

Observing them unfold in real life was something completely different.

The initial evening had provided plenty of entertainment, as the Lord Magistrate and Lady Wu squeezed the Wu Clan relentlessly. However, our enjoyment vanished swiftly when the Wus responded by commanding the abduction of the Lord Magistrate, Lady Wu, and the Auditor right after departing.

...I had almost rushed down there on my own, not to mention how Meimei’s gaze turned icy and shadowed. All of us reacted poorly. Suddenly, a dragon appeared on the rooftop from which we observed, sparks of lightning flickering near his whiskers, while Babe’s fur stood on end, his eyes gleaming with actual sharpness—his sword intent manifesting as a tangible presence. The bees lifted into the air around us, humming in a threatening manner.

Yet, Xue Ji intervened and rescued them before Meimei could unleash her poisons, driving the scoundrels away.

She did so in the literal sense.

They stripped their fortress with such haste that I couldn’t hold onto my anger; the cultivators fled their home carrying absurdly bulky packages on their backs. Furniture like chairs and tables protruded awkwardly, and strings of treasures hung from their necks and limbs.

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The following day, it was only Mei and me at the start—we couldn’t precisely maintain a subtle presence while bringing an ox, a fish, and an infant to the Imperial Palace in the Azure Hills.

This marked my initial visit to a provincial capital’s palace, and it exceeded my expectations in grandeur.

Deep red and gold banners cascaded over the walls like a regal mantle; each featured a majestic Phoenix that appeared so vivid it could soar right off the surface. The wood gleamed smoothly, polished by master craftsmen, and then came the artwork. Though much originated from the Azure Hills, vases hailed from distant Ivory Cloud Savannah, over forty thousand Li southeast. Prints carved on wood blocks from Victory Flame Bay. A massive glowstone formation, house-sized, sourced from Amber Sap Thicket; a collection of taxidermied and preserved rare beasts; every item carried the weight of ancient history, gathered across millennia of the Empire… each demonstrating the vast reach of the Dominion of the Phoenix.

Even within the Azure Hills, the display impressed deeply. It held a touch of extravagance, admittedly, but witnessing all those relics and pieces was thrilling. Such a place could have served as an incredible museum if accessible to ordinary folk. The allure was so captivating that we almost overlooked the Special Court session, entering discreetly at the rear just as the Governor arrived, courtesy of the Azure Jade Trading Company representative who endorsed us.

Following that… it essentially became a formal trial, akin to viewing one on television. Mei followed the events with keen interest, observing the Auditor present all the details to the Governor.

Yet, another figure drew her attention.

“He looks somehow familiar,” Meimei whispered to me, indicating the Lord Director of Civil Service Examinations. “I can’t place why, though. I don’t believe I’ve encountered him previously.”

I narrowed my eyes at the elderly gentleman, but nothing distinctive came to mind.

“Perhaps it’s the freckles?” I murmured softly. They resembled Mei and her brother’s, spanning the nose and cheeks. “Your mother hailed from Pale Moon Lake City, correct?”

Meimei examined him a bit longer, then shrugged. “… I don’t suppose it’s worth pursuing. Either there’s no connection… or he’s the cause of my mother being born to a courtesan. Regardless, I have no desire to know him.”

In the end, that seemed reasonable enough.

The judgment came down. The proof was irrefutable. The order for Lord Wu’s capture was issued. And chaos exploded across the city.

Brief turmoil, but turmoil all the same.

The Wus attempted to flee, only to be blocked by Teacher’s preparations and those of his companions.

He had requested we refrain from meddling… so we mostly stayed out of it. The sole actions taken by Meimei, Washy, Babe, and myself were to ensure the conflict didn’t extend into civilian areas and that the blazes didn’t propagate. In the end, though, our involvement proved unnecessary.

The Lord Magistrate, Lady Wu, Azure Jade Trading Company, and the Plum Blossom’s Shadow had orchestrated everything with precision, accounting for virtually every possibility.

We observed the Wu Clan members getting apprehended. A tense moment arose when Lord Wu’s vessel nearly broke free… until Xue Ji drew a blade reminiscent of Suyan’s. It resembled a kukri somewhat; a curved, menacing edge drawing from a cicada’s wing design—and she hurled it with a casual wrist snap from the pier.

The knife flew forth, whirling like a frenzied dancer, severed the sails’ ropes, then circled back like a returning boomerang for Xue Ji to snatch, all without drawing notice from others.

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And with that… the Lord Magistrate’s role largely concluded. It had unfolded as a truly spectacular spectacle. Fit for a legendary woodblock print story, and Babe appeared to concur. The antagonists defeated by justice, and the protagonists triumphant.

Still, it didn’t mark the absolute conclusion.

“We’re no longer required for the upcoming phase. The machinery of governance is turning, and his bid to escape only heightens Lord Wu’s apparent guilt,” the Lord Magistrate noted, sipping his noodles noisily.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“Indeed, you’re free to depart, while I’m stuck here sifting through the chaos and ensuring it all holds,” the Auditor grumbled through a bite of noodles. “It’s an utter disaster, and it’ll require months to identify collaborators—and you’re spot on, Wa Shi, toasting those spices does enhance the flavor.”

Wa Shi grinned brightly, and the Lord Magistrate laughed at the griping before his expression grew serious. “Look after yourself, Sheng Yanjing. The responsibility you’re shouldering is immense.”

Yanjing exhaled deeply.

“Assassination efforts will come thick and fast,” he remarked after a pause, prompting my wince at his casual delivery. A faint smile played on his lips as if it were trivial, yet I noticed the slight shake in his hands. “Might you lend Xue Ji for a few months? She excels at dispatching thugs.”

“Regrettably, I cannot, Sheng Yanjing. My duty lies with the Lord Magistrate, as assigned by Lady Nezuhua,” Xue Ji replied, her tone genuinely remorseful. “That said… I’ll discuss your situation with my Lady. An ally of our Lord Magistrate warrants particular attention.”

“Really?” the Auditor inquired. Xue Ji affirmed with a nod. Sheng Yanjing released a breath of relief. “Well then, I’ll stay vigilant in the meantime, eh?”

“We’ll remain in the city a few more days,” I mentioned. “And after this whirlwind of events, a relaxing day by the seaside sounds perfect for all.”

The Lord Magistrate, his forehead still creased with concern, gave a nod.

“I believe that’s precisely what we all require,” he concurred.

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Chen Lianji from the Plum Blossom’s Shadow occupied a brightly illuminated chamber alongside his organization’s leaders, his mind serene, brush poised. The code for this gathering had been established, and he had committed every encoding step to memory.

A procedure his colleagues were also undertaking midway through. Earlier sessions hadn’t employed codes, and the Wu Clan’s actions had underscored the vital need for encryption.

His contributions in the latest endeavors had earned him a seat here as recorder, absorbing lessons from the leaders endorsed by Master Scribe. Their base hummed with fervor—securing assets, liaising with partners, refreshing key data…

“I now declare this assembly commenced; within it, we will review our actions and formulate responses to the challenges faced,” Xun Huang, overseer of merchant intelligence, announced.

And naturally, the essential ritual of self-assessment followed.

Three-fourths of the Wu Clan’s backup strategies had been dismantled. Vital strikes against instigators succeeded, and where they faltered, flames were doused rapidly. They guided allies to secure locations, supported enforcers in detaining covert operatives fleeing the city.

“Let us start by addressing our missteps.”

Despite their claims of prowess, despite Master Scribe’s prior alerts, perfection had eluded them.

It represented a grievous lapse for their group. They disgraced their Master through their shortcomings, regardless of the Lord Governor’s astonishment at their operational speed and the rapid suppression of the city’s disorder.

Only Master Scribe’s own guidance staved off resignations or leaders proffering their lives in atonement: ’Defeat itself isn’t final. Failing to grow from it is.’

“I’ll start,” offered Zhen of the Palace, her error being the gravest. “The Wu Clan employed a superior-grade crystal compared to previous uses, alerting their superiors. Its transmission pierced our interference and tipped off Lord Wu. We hold it now; it dates back four thousand years, and despite evident wear, it surpasses any local provincial creation.”

“Any countermeasures available?” Xun Huang queried.

“None yet,” Zhen responded promptly. “We’ll need deep collaboration with Mengde’s Crystal Emporium to devise defenses… assuming it’s feasible against such an venerable, top-tier relic.”

Aiguo Han of the Beggars caressed his beard. “Chen Lianji, do you possess a record of her preventive measures?”

Lianji retrieved the relevant files. “Affirmative, sir. Zhen doubled the standard jammers and interceptors. Half our assets went to this effort, with Mengde’s Crystal Emporium supplying theirs… plus nearly every other group directing at least one toward our area.”

Aiguo Han inclined his head. “If it broke through despite that, it was inevitable. Zhen implemented every required safeguard.”

“Concur,” stated Big Yan of the Underside, his gaze still shifting restlessly about the space. “What about the other signal?”

Zhen produced a further document. “Their secondary crystal was a complete setup in the basement. We were aware of it, but misjudged its potential. At peak output, it evaded all blocks once more. Local agents detected nothing, but fortunately, our operatives nearer the Grass Sea captured fragments of the message, which resisted eavesdropping fiercely. Nonetheless, a capable contact beneath Master Dong Chou also snagged segments. We pooled efforts and pieced it together—alerting the Acting Lord Magistrate of Grass Sea City to the bounty on his life.”

“Splendid. Convey our gratitude to the Grass Sea unit and praise their initiative,” Xun Huang instructed, as Lianji noted it carefully.

“The might of an ancient lineage is truly daunting,” Aiguo Han murmured.

“True. Who’d have thought they’d burn those depots? We flagged them as critical… yet they torched them without pause.” Big Yan shook his head. “They even had the nerve to battle on—that level of devotion… it’s admirable in its way.”

“The Wu Clan commands thousands of retainers; certain lineages have served since the Age of Heroes. Despite their crimes, the direct Wu household staff receives fair treatment and compensation,” Zhen explained.

“Fair enough to brawl with blades in backstreets and act as decoys willingly,” Big Yan muttered. “We lost two; the groups we supported suffered heavier tolls, including a total rout on Pine Avenue.”

“Indeed, gauging allied strengths for such an expansive venture is challenging. Any ideas?”

They deliberated onward for some time, dissecting each flaw and shortfall; seeking origins of errors or paths to enhancement. Ego clashes were minimal. They understood their service and had studied his doctrines.

At last, after prolonged discussion, the session wrapped up.

“Ultimately, the mission achieved remarkable success,” Xun Huang proclaimed. “It stands as our grandest endeavor yet, independent of Master Scribe’s direct guidance. We met every goal, though not flawlessly. We recognize our strong performance—but the efforts persist.”

“I’ve already informed my squad to watch the emerging forces likely to fill the power gap, and the Wu remnants’ potential rallying points,” Lianji reported.

“” his superiors responded. Big Yan offered Lianji a solid nod.

Lianji straightened his posture.

Ultimately, overthrowing the Wu—the province’s mightiest noble house—formed merely one rung on the ladder to the pinnacles Master Scribe dreamed of.

Before long, the Plum Blossom’s Shadow would garner greater influence among the Empire’s elite; they’d support every rising power in eliminating their primary foe.

And so, the Plum Blossom’s shadow would stretch further, plunge deeper.

All in service to Master Scribe’s grand design.

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The metropolis plunged into disorder one day—then reverted to routine the next. Security presence lingered more intensely than normal, but they carried targeted lists, and most citizens moved freely, as the primary offenders were now in custody.

Restoration teams tackled the unexpectedly minor debris. Laborers resumed their labors.

The urban heart still pulsed vibrantly. Yet, a subtle unease simmered beneath the surface. All sensed it. The shifts originating remotely in the Grass Sea were at last manifesting in Pale Moon Lake City.

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Even farther off, Ye Shun positioned himself beyond the Dueling Peaks, accompanied by his son and grandson.

Having secluded themselves in Pale Moon Lake City for Closed Door Cultivation, they stared in shock at the enormous azure banners draping the slopes. Passersby cast peculiar glances at the hefty packs borne by him and his kin.

“They’ve forged an alliance?” he queried weakly. “Cai Xiulan has reached the Spiritual Realm?!”

What in the world had transpired?!