Chapter 125: The Storm (Part One)

Yang Yaozong accompanied Ai for a leisurely stroll through the streets before escorting her back to the inn where she was staying.

By then, it was nearly time for his meeting with the covert inspector, so Yang Yaozong made his way toward the wonton shop near the government offices.

Outside the wonton shop, only a few customers remained at that hour. Yang Yaozong immediately spotted Eagle Beak seated by the window inside, quietly eating wontons.

Wearing a mask, Yang Yaozong approached the window where Eagle Beak sat and spoke in a low voice, “Walking to where the water ends, sitting to watch the clouds rise.” This phrase served as a secret code signaling Yang Yaozong’s identity as the head of the covert investigation bureau.

Upon hearing the code, Eagle Beak abruptly set down his chopsticks and looked excitedly at the masked figure by the window. After a moment, he stood, tossed some copper coins onto the table, and calmly exited the shop. Following closely behind Yang Yaozong, he led the way to a secluded spot nearby.

Seeing that the place where Yang Yaozong stopped was well hidden, Eagle Beak quickened his pace, knelt on one knee, and saluted respectfully. “Greetings, sir!”

Yang Yaozong helped him up and inquired with concern, “Why are you alone? Where are the others?”

Eagle Beak bowed again and explained, “Eagle Tail and Eagle Eye have been recruited as soldiers by the Loyalist Government. Eagle Eye now serves as a company commander, and Eagle Tail as a squad leader. Recently, the Loyalist Government has intensified military training, so they haven’t had the chance to meet with me today. Eagle Ear and Eagle Foot are with me but, due to security restrictions, I am the one who meets with Eagle Tail and Eagle Eye here at the wonton shop to exchange intelligence.”

Yang Yaozong nodded thoughtfully. “When I arrived, I noticed the city gate inspections were very strict. How did all of you manage to enter the city? And how were Eagle Tail and Eagle Eye recruited as soldiers?”

Eagle Beak replied, “We struggled to enter the capital city due to the strict inspections and lack of sponsors. We hoped to find a way to slip inside. Learning that the Loyalist Government was recruiting soldiers around the capital and Hebei region, we sent Eagle Tail and Eagle Eye—both from Hebei—to enlist first. Unexpectedly, they were recruited smoothly and even gained favor within the army. As for me, Eagle Ear, and Eagle Foot, we were brought into the city as workers on the new prince’s palace construction. The palace is as grand as the imperial palace, with nearly twenty thousand workers. However, the workers are closely monitored and forbidden from leaving the site freely. I had to bribe the soldier in charge of guarding me before I could find opportunities to sneak out. Eagle Tail, Eagle Eye, and I agreed to meet at the wonton shop regularly. We always sit in the same spots, and I even made a secret compartment in the corner beneath my seat where we leave intelligence if we cannot meet in person. I was still contemplating how to send this information back to you when you arrived in the capital yourself.”

Yang Yaozong patted Eagle Beak’s shoulder with satisfaction. “You’ve done well. What intelligence have you gathered?”

Eagle Beak reported, “From Eagle Tail and Eagle Eye, I learned that the Loyalist Government has recruited over 150,000 soldiers, all stationed in Tongzhou for training. Recently, the soldier guarding me mentioned that the new palace would be completed soon. At that time, all the workers, including myself, would be conscripted into the army. Among these workers are many displaced persons, beggars seized from the streets, and even criminals. Though drafted, they are a motley crew.”

Yang Yaozong frowned. “I wondered why there were no beggars visible inside the capital city. So they’ve all been conscripted for palace construction.” He sighed deeply. “A motley crew they may be, but they are still a force. If the Loyalist Government rebels and marches south, the provinces along the way are already under-defended. Without sufficient preparation, the rebels could sustain their forces through warfare. By the time they reach Tianjing, their numbers could swell to over 300,000 soldiers—far beyond the mere 100,000 defenders of Tianjing city. The city’s defenses would be overwhelmed.”

Eagle Beak knelt once more, remorseful. “I have not uncovered any information directly relating to the Loyalist Government’s plans. I have failed to meet your expectations. Please punish me, sir!”

Yang Yaozong hastily helped him up. “I know you’ve done your utmost. To have uncovered such critical intelligence despite your limited movements is commendable. I have yet to reward you, so how could I punish you? I will stay in Tianjing for some time. Each day at this hour, I will come here. If you receive any news, come find me directly. You’ve been out long enough—return now and stay safe.”

Eagle Beak respectfully responded, “Understood! Please take care as well, sir. I will take my leave.”

After the meeting with Eagle Beak, Yang Yaozong returned to Zhang Lie’s residence. Zhang Lie awaited him in the main hall and greeted him anxiously. “Sir, you have returned!”

Yang Yaozong smiled gently. “Yes. Is there something you need?”

Zhang Lie shook his head. “Nothing urgent. It’s late, and I worry for your safety. Should anything happen to you, I would bear full responsibility.”

Yang Yaozong apologized sincerely. “That was my oversight—I forgot to tell you I have protection. Don’t worry. I plan to return around this time daily, so if there is nothing pressing, you should rest.”

His words were meant to comfort Zhang Lie. As long as he remained vigilant, he should be safe. Moreover, in the capital, few would recognize him, and no one would bother an ordinary man. However, his dealings with the covert inspector were secretive, so he could not yet confide in Zhang Lie fully.

Both men then settled into the front hall. Zhang Lie poured a cup of tea and smiled. “Sir, there is one thing you might have guessed wrong.”

Yang Yaozong took a sip, frowned as the tea was somewhat bitter, and put down the cup curiously. “Oh? What is it?”

Zhang Lie explained, “You said many would be hosting banquets to welcome me, but today, when I registered for my post, I did not receive a single invitation.”

Yang Yaozong furrowed his brow and glanced at Zhang Lie. After a moment’s thought, he sneered softly, “It seems the officials are all waiting to see what moves the Loyalist Government will make.”

Zhang Lie gave a dry laugh. “I thought so too.”

Yang Yaozong inquired with concern, “Are they treating you with hostility?”

Zhang Lie shook his head. “Not to that extent. Not all officials blindly follow the Loyalist Government.”

They chatted a while longer before retiring to their rooms to rest.

Just as Yang Yaozong extinguished the lamp, a sudden flash of light illuminated the room, followed by a crack of thunder overhead. The thunder roared past, and the wind outside whipped fiercely, rattling the windows.

The capital city was welcoming its first storm since the beginning of autumn.