Chapter 120: The Contact

Yang Yaozong, Ayi, and Jiao Zhilu finally arrived at the Tianjin dock on the night of September 10th after six days of travel. As soon as they reached the dock, they saw Zhang Lie and Sewu standing directly on the only path into the dock, looking out for them.

Before Yang Yaozong and Ayi could even disembark from the carriage, Sewu, who first spotted Jiao Zhilu, hurriedly led Zhang Lie toward where the carriage had stopped.

Sewu and Ayi jumped down from the carriage and embraced tightly, overcome with emotion, tears mingling as they clung to each other. When they finally pulled apart, they laughed and cried simultaneously, chattering animatedly in Turkic.

Zhang Lie approached Yang Yaozong, his eyes red-rimmed with emotion, and greeted him warmly, “Brother Yang!”

Yang Yaozong nodded with a gentle smile, “Brother Zhang! Sorry to have worried you.”

Zhang Lie smiled back, “As long as you returned safely, Brother Yang, that’s all that matters. A couple of days ago in Dezhou, Sewu received word that you and Ayi had escaped. It was said you would try to rendezvous with us here at Tianjin port. So, as soon as our ship docked, Sewu and I came ashore to wait for you. You must have endured much hardship on the road!”

Yang Yaozong glanced at Ayi, who was looking just as intently at him. They exchanged a knowing smile. Then Yang turned back to Zhang Lie and smiled, “It’s been tough, but it’s all behind us now. Ayi and I have survived a great ordeal; hopefully, good fortune awaits us ahead. By tomorrow, we’ll reach the capital, won’t we?”

Zhang Lie nodded eagerly, “Yes, we should arrive by tomorrow afternoon.” He then furrowed his brow and lowered his voice to speak closely with Yang Yaozong, “Regarding your and Ayi’s kidnapping—once I learned you were both safe, I sent word to the capital from Dezhou. This matter concerns you directly and is of utmost importance. Also, from what I understand, Ayi’s background is rather complex for a Turkic girl. Even though our two nations are at war, this kidnapping must be accounted for. The emperor will surely dispatch officials to suppress bandits in Shandong; the banditry there needs to be properly dealt with.”

Yang Yaozong was surprised by Zhang Lie’s decisive action. He himself had been hesitant to pursue the matter further, mindful of Liao Qiniang and the elderly, women, and children among the bandits in Guting. After all, Liao Qiniang was a mountain bandit who brought harm to the people and disturbed the peace of the Great Zhou. Yang frowned slightly and nodded, saying nothing more.

Sewu stepped beside Yang Yaozong and respectfully bowed, “Thank you, Young Master Yang, for bringing my lady safely home. Sewu has no means to repay you.” Without waiting, he knelt and seemed about to kowtow.

Yang Yaozong hurriedly helped him to his feet, “Sewu, what are you doing? I cannot accept this. Besides, if Ayi was kidnapped, it is my fault for endangering her. Let’s not stand here any longer; let’s board the ship and talk. Your lady has just recovered; she should rest well.”

Since they would arrive in the capital the next day, Jiao Zhilu chose not to take the boat, finding it torturous. After Yang Yaozong, Ayi, and the others boarded, he drove ahead by carriage to the capital city.

The four returned to the cabin where Yang Yaozong and Zhang Lie were staying. Ayi began recounting all that had happened since Liao Qiniang abducted her to the mountains. When she described Yang Yaozong and herself leaping off the cliff, Zhang Lie and Sewu’s eyes widened in disbelief and shock.

Yang Yaozong shook his head helplessly and smiled at Ayi. She, however, looked at him with sparkling eyes, pride shining in her smile.

They chatted deep into the night before Yang Yaozong escorted Ayi and Sewu back to their cabins.

As he turned to leave, Ayi called after him, “Yang Guo!”

Yang Yaozong turned and responded with a soft “Hmm.”

Ayi gazed at him earnestly, “Please seriously consider what I said about traveling to Turkic lands with me for study.”

Yang Yaozong frowned briefly, then smiled, “Alright, I will.”

Ayi jumped with joy, “Really?”

Yang nodded, “Yes, really.”

“Then see you tomorrow!” she said, beaming as if a wish had just been fulfilled.

“See you tomorrow!” Yang Yaozong replied with a smile.

---

The following afternoon, the ship finally docked in the capital. Jiao Zhilu was already waiting at the pier with a carriage.

With a carriage available, Yang Yaozong and Zhang Lie avoided much trouble and accompanied Ayi and the others to the outskirts of the capital city.

Near the city gates, Yang Yaozong saw long lines of people undergoing strict questioning and inspection. Especially rigorous were the checks on travel permits; any suspicion meant being denied entry. However, Jiao Zhilu did not queue with them. Showing a token to the gate guards, a man who appeared to be the gate commander respectfully led them through another entrance into Tianjing City. That such ease was granted was far beyond Yang Yaozong’s expectations.

Once inside, Ayi insisted on escorting Zhang Lie and Yang Yaozong to their lodgings. At Zhang Lie’s residence, he warmly invited the three to enter, but Ayi politely declined, then gave Yang Yaozong the address of her inn. They parted reluctantly.

Zhang Lie led Yang Yaozong back home. Zhang’s elder brother was absent—apparently unaware of Zhang Lie’s return. The officials and servants at the Zhang household were delighted to see him and congratulated him heartily on passing the imperial examination as the second highest scorer. Zhang Lie rewarded them generously and instructed that accommodations, hot water for bathing, and dinner be prepared for Yang Yaozong.

During dinner, they spoke casually.

“Tomorrow you will report to the government office, yes?”

“Yes, sir. Is there anything you would have me do?”

“Not for now. I plan to tour the capital for a few days. If the Prince of Loyalty invites you as a guest, and you can bring someone along, please bring me.”

“This time, Your Grace, you have changed your name. What if someone at the Prince’s mansion recognizes you?”

“That’s unlikely. I rarely appear in public; only my reputation precedes me. The Emperor has only recently favored me, so few know me personally. Even if recognized, it is no problem—only the social obligations might increase.”

“True enough. If the officials in the capital knew the Grand Tutor had arrived, they’d surely line up to host you.”

“Zhang Lie, what do you think of the Prince of Loyalty?” Yang Yaozong asked, studying him intently.

“I have never met the Prince personally,” Zhang replied, “but I know of some things I have seen with my own eyes: the grand construction of his mansion, the strict surveillance of the capital, and the private recruitment of soldiers. I believe the Prince harbors ambitions.” Zhang frowned deeply as he considered his words. “The token Jiao Zhilu used to enter the city seems to be an inspection exemption issued by the Prince’s mansion. That explains why we could enter so easily, while ordinary citizens face such harsh scrutiny outside. Entry is difficult enough, but leaving the city is even harder.”

Yang nodded, “You have been appointed by the Emperor as the Deputy Magistrate of the capital, a position of great responsibility. This shows the Emperor’s and the Crown Prince’s trust in you. Do not disappoint them.”

Zhang Lie rose respectfully and bowed southward, then again to Yang Yaozong. “The Emperor is benevolent and kind, caring deeply for his officials and subjects. I have witnessed this personally since arriving in Tianjing. Although the Great Zhou faces difficulties, I believe that if the entire nation unites, these challenges will be overcome. I serve at the Emperor’s pleasure and will not fail the Emperor, the Crown Prince, or you, even at the cost of my life.”

Yang patted his shoulder, “Well said, Zhang Lie! Since ancient times, who has not died? Let us leave a loyal heart shining through history! Come, let us drink!”

“Since ancient times, who has not died? Let us leave a loyal heart shining through history!” Zhang repeated fervently, raising his cup. “I am honored to befriend you, sir. This cup is to you!”

After finishing their wine, Zhang Lie asked, “Should we have someone follow and investigate Ayi and the others’ identities and movements?”

“Do you have trustworthy people in the capital for such tasks? If not, do not act rashly. Focus on your duties. When dealing with other officials, especially those aligned with the Prince of Loyalty, do not be overly confrontational—just play along. Learn as much as you can about the Prince, then report everything to me. I suppose you’ve guessed that my visit to the capital is not merely for study, right?” Yang said, locking eyes with Zhang Lie.

Zhang nodded, meeting his gaze without hesitation.

Yang smiled approvingly, “For now, just fulfill your duties. If I need your help, we will discuss it in detail. I am also curious whether your brother shares your views.”

Zhang answered seriously, “My elder brother’s loyalty to the Emperor exceeds mine. He has always taught me that a minister must be willing to die for his ruler. Whenever I speak of ruling justly and stopping if unable, he rebukes me harshly.”

Their conversation continued deep into the night.

Yang Yaozong found many of Zhang Lie’s thoughts progressive. Especially when Zhang revealed that, unlike his brother’s blind loyalty, his own allegiance stemmed from genuine respect for the Emperor. Yang’s regard for him grew. Zhang spoke emotionally of the Emperor’s relief efforts for disaster victims, tax reductions, and how the Emperor was a benevolent ruler who valued the people above all else. Despite external threats, Zhang believed that unity would overcome foreign dangers. Yet he was also outraged at the Prince of Loyalty’s possible treachery, which would bring shame upon all.

This in-depth exchange deepened Yang Yaozong’s understanding of Zhang Lie, though trust would require more time to develop.

The next day, Yang Yaozong and Zhang Lie proceeded to the government office. When Yang trained the inspectors, he had instructed them to carve secret signals on the lower right side of every local government office’s outer wall. The choice was strategic: offices were ubiquitous, and the concealed location made it hard to remove the marks. Only the inspectors knew their meaning.

Zhang Lie reported to the magistrate’s office, while Yang searched the designated spot on the wall. Sure enough, he found the secret marks left by the Eagle Squad. Yang noted they updated information daily, with the latest message indicating a meeting at 9 p.m. near a dumpling shop.

With the Eagle Squad’s information and the rendezvous point secured, Yang relaxed somewhat. He hired a carriage and began to tour the capital—not merely sightseeing, but observing the city and assisting in searching for the younger brother’s sister.

After a day of riding, Yang had a reasonable grasp of the capital’s layout and saw the Prince of Loyalty’s nearly completed mansion, grand enough to rival the imperial palace itself. Yang attempted to get closer, but soldiers patrolling the area chased him away.

He then asked the driver to take him to the residence of the younger brother’s family. Upon arrival, Yang found that the old home had changed hands. Inquiries revealed that since the younger brother’s abduction, his sister had sold the property and gone searching for him, never to return. Yang felt sorrow for the boy; with communications so limited, the chance of finding his sister was slim.

Having explored much of the capital, Yang ended the day in the busiest district, stopping before the “Red Dust Drunk” establishment.

As the doors opened to welcome guests, Yang was greeted by a middle-aged man who served as a host.

“You look unfamiliar, young master. Is this your first time at Red Dust Drunk? What kind of ladies do you prefer? I can recommend some who will make you feel comfortable,” the host said eagerly, noting Yang’s fine attire marked him as a wealthy youth.

Yang smiled slightly, “I’m here to see Madame Jiang.”

The host paused, then quickened his pace to follow Yang, smiling as he confirmed, “You want to see our Madame?”

Yang nodded.

“Is there something you wish to discuss with Madame? She is quite busy and may not be available. Could you tell me now so I can inform her?” The host arranged a seat in the hall and poured a cup of hot tea, bowing respectfully.

Yang took out ten taels of silver and handed it to the host with a smile. “Just tell Madame Jiang that a young master named Yang has come to see her.”

The host accepted the silver, grinning obsequiously, “Very well, young master. Please have some tea and wait a moment. I’ll deliver your message right away.” He hurried off, then turned back with a sly smile, “Young master, don’t you want a lady to accompany you?”

Yang shook his head with a smile, “No, just go quickly with the message.”