Chapter 67: Redeeming a Person

Wang Lu had known Zhang Yan for a long time. Much like Jin Yichuan, the old man initially looked down upon Wang Lu in every possible way, until Wang Lu donned the embroidered uniform of the Brocade Guard, which finally made him behave.

However, that respect was merely born out of fear for the notorious reputation of the Brocade Guard, maintained only on the surface, and things did not improve significantly until Wang Lu was later promoted to the rank of Centurion.

A major reason for this shift was Wang Lu's fairly good relationship with Zhang Yan.

Because Wang Lu regularly practiced with his saber, he would inevitably sustain minor injuries of various sorts. After discovering the medical clinic where Zhang Yan worked, he simply decided to wait there like a rabbit waiting by a tree, just to see if Jin Yichuan would show up.

Over time, Zhang Yan naturally began to exchange lingering glances with Wang Lu. She had lost count of how many times she mentioned that old man Zhang had warned her to stay away from Wang Lu.

By now, Zhang Yan understood that since Wang Lu was capable of getting involved in matters as momentous as the Emperor's affairs, her father's warnings were utterly useless.

Therefore, she obediently stayed behind and grew closer to Wang Lu.

Holding her close in his arms, Wang Lu said, "There will be quite a few wounded soldiers in the coming days. You and your father should stay right here and help the medical staff of the Northern Internal Guard care for them."

Zhang Yan nodded and replied, "Alright, I'll listen to you in everything."

Hearing this, Wang Lu smiled and shook his head. "A massive upheaval is about to hit the capital. Staying here will keep the two of you somewhat safer. Once the storm passes, you can decide whether you want to remain with the Northern Internal Guard or go back to running that medical clinic."

Zhang Yan immediately pressed her face against Wang Lu's chest and said, "As long as I can be with you, it doesn't matter whether we are in the Northern Internal Guard or at the clinic."

Knowing that Zhang Yan was a woman of considerable daring, Wang Lu was not surprised by her response.

After sharing an intimate moment with Zhang Yan, Wang Lu returned to sorting through official documents. Zhang Yan helped by serving tea and pouring water, continuing until the crowing of roosters signaled the whitening of the sky on the horizon.

Wang Lu stretched his back. The deployment of the Northern Internal Guard throughout the capital was now thoroughly etched in his mind. He turned to Zhang Yan, who had walked over to massage his shoulders, and asked, "I need to head out shortly. Will you come with me, or would you rather stay here?"

Zhang Yan thought for a moment before replying, "If it's convenient, shall we go together?"

Wang Lu nodded, then closed his eyes and gently patted the back of Zhang Yan's hand, saying, "Keep going."

Zhang Yan resumed her massage. A short while later, Wang Lu stood up. Calculating that the time was right, he took Zhang Yan by the hand and walked out of the official office.

The two guards on duty at the entrance were familiar faces, currently wearing expressions of extreme exhaustion.

Seeing Wang Lu emerge, the two men immediately straightened up and saluted, "Lord Centurion!"

Wang Lu nodded and offered a few words of encouragement. By the time he left, the two men appeared considerably more spirited.

"Centurion Wang has truly made it big this time. Two centurions dead in one fell swoop, and Centurion Lu follows his lead entirely. With the death of Guard Commander Xu, this Guard Commander's Office practically belongs to him now."

"Watch your tongue. Centurion Wang merely stepped up to the plate in a time of crisis."

Such discussions among the two constables were hardly uncommon even among Wang Lu's trusted inner circle within the Northern Internal Guard.

Those with discerning eyes who knew the inside story from the previous night could all see through Wang Lu's calculations. It was nothing more than using Tian Ergeng's desire to indirectly control the Northern Internal Guard as leverage to cow the rest of the guard into submission, thereby achieving his own genuine grip on the Northern Internal Guard.

Wang Lu's first stop was the Brocade Guard's Command Office. Although word had been sent out for a report the previous night, after a night without further incidents, it was time for him to lay his cards on the table with Tian Ergeng in a frank and open manner.

Upon learning of Wang Lu's arrival, Tian Ergeng immediately instructed the guard at the door, "Let him in."

"He also brought a woman. Should that woman be brought inside as well?" the constable asked timidly.

Tian Ergeng smiled speechlessly and said, "What time is it, and he's still dragging a woman around? This brother is certainly capable, but how is it that he remains such a slave to lust? What does she look like?"

The constable felt even more speechless than Tian Ergeng. After a moment of silence, he replied, "She's rather pretty."

Tian Ergeng chuckled, waved his hand, and said, "Go on, go on. Invite him in, but leave the woman outside; otherwise, it's inauspicious."

Hearing the constable's relayed message, Wang Lu told Zhang Yan to wait by the base of the wall before walking into the Command Office alone.

Looking at Wang Lu, who stood respectfully with cupped hands, Tian Ergeng's eyes were full of appreciation. "Splendid, splendid!" he said. "Once Chang Zhi and Du Rong are dead, the rest of them won't amount to much. From now on, affairs of the Northern Internal Guard will be under your overall command. Come report to me only if something extraordinary happens."

As Wang Lu nodded, Tian Ergeng continued, "From now on, I will make an appearance on the first and fifteenth of every month, just in case anyone harbors grievances against you. As for matters on the surface, I can smooth over anything for you. Of course, the underground struggles and rivalries are something you'll have to handle yourself. Take last night's business with Chang Zhi and Du Rong—you handled it exceptionally well, but how do you plan to wrap it up?"

"A few subordinates of Chang Zhi and Du Rong surrendered to me. After an interrogation through the night, I obtained this." Wang Lu smiled faintly and drew a blood-stained confession document from his pocket.

Tian Ergeng personally took it from Wang Lu's hand, read the opening sentence aloud, and recited, "'Guard Commander Xu Xiantun was assassinated; Centurions Chang Zhi and Du Rong plotted a mutiny...'"

A moment later, the corners of Tian Ergeng's mouth curled upward. "Well done. Let this case be sealed as an ironclad verdict. Over the years, thanks to Guard Commander Xu's shielding, Chang Zhi and Du Rong amassed considerable wealth. Since they have committed treason and are implicated in the assassination of Guard Commander Xu, all of their family assets shall be confiscated and turned over to the state."

Wang Lu cupped his fists and said, "They have already been confiscated."

Tian Ergeng raised an eyebrow in surprise and asked, "So quickly?"

Wang Lu smiled bashfully. "Striking while the iron is hot. Your subordinate simply took the opportunity to check if there were any assassins hiding out in their homes who might have been involved in murdering Guard Commander Xu. The silver recovered has already been deposited in the treasury of the Northern Internal Guard. Among it, one thousand taels were confiscated from Chang Zhi's residence, along with various rare pearls and jewels worth roughly five hundred taels; Du Rong's place yielded seven hundred taels, though his pearl jewelry was about on par with Chang Zhi's."

"So that silver is currently at your Northern Internal Guard headquarters?" Tian Ergeng asked immediately.

Wang Lu paused for a fraction of a second before replying, "A total of over twenty-seven hundred taels. The Northern Internal Guard kept fifteen hundred taels that were difficult to move, and the remaining twelve hundred taels are right here."

With that, Wang Lu produced the bank drafts, having swapped out the ones given to him earlier by Prince Xin.

Overjoyed, Tian Ergeng took them. A flash of satisfaction crossed his face, but he deliberately put on a stern expression and asked, "Why are you giving me money confiscated from a raid?"

They were both seasoned foxes of a thousand years; there was no need to play naive games.

Speechless, Wang Lu knew Tian Ergeng was merely testing his obedience, so he played along for the time being. "The Northern Internal Guard was able to quell the rebellion so swiftly entirely due to Your Honor's peerless brilliance. Therefore, the spoils of this confiscation must naturally be submitted for Your Honor's perusal. Furthermore, property seizures require official warrants, which still need to be resolved by the Commander-in-Chief."

"Understood. You've handled these matters very well." Tian Ergeng tapped the desk and said, "You kept the city gates tightly sealed last night. If you continue to do so today, the other centurions will begin to see through the cracks. I will personally drop by this morning. Make sure to summon all the centurions of the Northern Internal Guard in advance so I can back you up."

Wang Lu immediately expressed his gratitude. After agreeing on a time with Tian Ergeng, he took his leave and went with Zhang Yan to the residence of the Minister of Justice.

Backed by Wei Zhongxian's patronage, Wang Lu smoothly obtained the writ of amnesty. Traveling early in the morning with Zhang Yan through a series of hurried journeys, he finally appeared outside the tightly shut gates of the Warm Fragrance Pavilion.

"Are you planning to redeem someone?" Zhang Yan asked with belated realization.

"Indeed. An old acquaintance of mine is inside." Wang Lu stepped forward to push the door open, only to find it securely locked from within. He pulled Zhang Yan along and said, "Let's go to the courtyard in the back."

Puzzled, Zhang Yan asked, "An old acquaintance?"

"The younger sister of a friend is in there. Rescuing her this time also fulfills a promise I made previously."