Chapter 21: A Foray into the Imperial City

Qiu Zhiqin was still somewhat bewildered. Were the commoners in Lin'an always this bold? Openly discussing the Emperor in public? The well-meaning Qiu Zhiqin advised the group, who clearly looked like villagers who had come into the city to sell their wares:

"Immeasurable Longevity to the Dao, everyone, it would be better to be careful with your words. The Emperor's affairs are not something for the likes of us to discuss casually. Besides, the Dali Temple is right across the way, and the Fengbo Pavilion is located within it. Who knows, a bailiff might run out at any moment to charge us with a trumped-up crime!"

It was evident that they didn't take his words to heart, though they appreciated his good intentions. Everyone knew that the term "trumped-up" (a reference to the charge used by Zhao Gou to execute Lord Yue) was the very reason for the discussion, so they lost interest in continuing that line of talk.

One middle-aged man smiled at Qiu Zhiqin and asked, "Little Daoist, you didn't come to Lin'an just because you heard the Emperor is fond of Daoism, did you?"

His accent was heavy, and it took Qiu Zhiqin a moment to understand him. A thought stirred in his mind, and rather than deny it, he smiled and asked, "Is there something wrong with that?"

The man chuckled, "To say nothing else, little Daoist, your appearance is the biggest problem."

Seeing Qiu Zhiqin's confusion, the man continued, "You see, little Daoist, first you need a handsome face, and a three-strand beard under your chin is essential. You are far too baby-faced; you don't look anything like an old immortal. How could the Emperor possibly believe in you?"

Qiu Zhiqin wanted to tease him, so he put on a mock-serious expression and said, "That's where you're wrong! This is what we call 'rejuvenation'!"

To his surprise, the man and the surrounding crowd burst into laughter. Another man interjected, "When the Daoist 'rejuvenated,' were there thunderclaps in the sky or divine light shining down?"

As he spoke, he fanned the air toward his nose, shook his head, took a deep breath, and continued, "And surely there was no fragrance filling the room, right? Hahaha!"

This comical display and banter had everyone, including Qiu Zhiqin, laughing heartily, drawing curious onlookers from all around.

Once the laughter died down, Qiu Zhiqin said, "Actually, I have come to find Master Cuixu. I heard that the Master is roaming around the Lin'an area! Does anyone happen to know which temple he might be staying at?"

Seeing everyone shaking their heads, Qiu Zhiqin didn't feel too disappointed. It was a long shot anyway; it seemed he would truly have to follow his master's instructions...

Just then, an elderly man spoke up: "Are you talking about that fellow who often mixes earth with talisman water to roll into little pills to help cure people? That... Chen Niwan?"

"Ah?" Qiu Zhiqin was stunned for a moment. He searched his memory and recalled his master mentioning something like this. He nodded quickly, "Yes, yes! You know him, sir? Could you please tell me where he is staying? I will be sure to reward you handsomely!"

Truly, when you reach the mountain, there is a path; when you reach the bridge, the boat will naturally straighten out! Since someone knew where he was, there would be no need to sneak into the Imperial Palace...

However, his joy was premature. The old man’s next words left him dumbfounded: "Didn't he die seven years ago?" Qiu Zhiqin was confused. Another person added, "That's called 'ascending to heaven as an immortal,' not dying!"

The old man insisted stubbornly, "Isn't it the same thing? That year I went to Guangzhou to transport goods for my employer, I heard he died in Zhangzhou. Many people were talking about it at the time. But that's thousands of miles away from here! Little Daoist, did you go to the wrong place?"

Ah... were they talking about the same person? What Qiu Zhiqin did not know was that the historical Master Cuixu had indeed, as the old man said, ascended in Zhangzhou at Mount Liang seven years ago, on the fourteenth day of the fourth month in the fourteenth year of the Jiading era. But Qiu Zhiqin was unaware of this!

Thus, Qiu Zhiqin couldn't help but feel that these idle folks were unreliable. He decided he would still have to follow his master's advice and enter the Imperial City at night. Perhaps, just as his master had said, he might encounter Master Cuixu near the Little West Lake within the palace walls.

With his mind made up, he decided to proceed. Since he was in Lin'an, how could he not tour the West Lake?

The scenery of the West Lake in the third month, spring rain like wine and willows like smoke...

Unfortunately, it was now the Mid-Autumn Festival. Otherwise, Qiu Zhiqin might have enjoyed a truly meaningful tour of the West Lake. Now, he could only settle for a more understated one. The Willow Embankment, the Broken Bridge, and... Jingci Temple? What on earth is Jingci Temple?

Sigh... such a prime piece of geomantic real estate, actually occupied by a foreign religion. Truly casting pearls before swine!

After touring the West Lake, Qiu Zhiqin entered Lin'an City through the Qianhu Gate in the southwest, and was taxed once more for entry! This area was relatively remote, and from afar, he could clearly see the walls of the Imperial City on Phoenix Mountain. There were guards every three steps and sentries every five; every quarter of an hour, patrols would pass by...

With this level of security, the idea of sneaking in without alerting the guards was unthinkable! Moreover, this was no place to linger. Just because he had stared at the guards on the wall for a few seconds, at least three pairs of eyes were now fixed on him.

Wait, this wasn't right. In the stories he had read, the Imperial City guards were supposed to be very lax!

He remembered a plotline where people from the Jin Kingdom entered the palace in groups. But with security like this? Let them try to enter as a group and see what happens!

Once he was noticed, he could no longer scout recklessly. He might end up being invited by the Imperial City Department for tea and a session on the "tiger bench"—a very brutal affair!

Although the Southern Song Dynasty had just lost a Crown Prince, the people seemed accustomed to it, as if death were commonplace. It was said that this was already the eighth prince the current Emperor had lost, though it was unclear if the rumors were true.

This prince was an adopted son of the current Emperor, and on top of that, none of the Emperor's own nine biological sons had survived... Given this script, it was no wonder the commoners whispered that the heavens were punishing him. Even Qiu Zhiqin found it hard to believe it was anything else!

While the Mid-Autumn Festival could not be celebrated lavishly this year, the night market was still a major highlight of Lin'an. However, for Qiu Zhiqin, a man from the future, it was nothing extraordinary.

The night was deep, yet the Imperial Street remained brightly lit. No, the entire city of Lin'an was ablaze with light. This did not hinder Qiu Zhiqin's movements, however. He crept along the outer wall of the Imperial Palace on Phoenix Mountain, scouting toward the southeast.

He did not believe that the Southern Song Imperial City would actually enclose the entire Phoenix Mountain; that would be too extravagant!

As he expected, the Imperial City only enclosed a small portion of Phoenix Mountain, though the palace walls were indeed built upon the highest ridge.

Just as he was wondering whether to seek a better vantage point, Qiu Zhiqin suddenly held his breath and retreated quietly! Damn it, what is this? Why is there an ambush?

Qiu Zhiqin backed away a few steps, turning to leave, but stopped abruptly. It was over; he was surrounded. When had he been spotted? He listened carefully and heard several peculiar breathing patterns.

Qiu Zhiqin's face changed. Dogs! To hell with it! You geniuses, how did you manage to keep the dogs from barking?

The trees outside the Imperial City had clearly been cleared, leaving only shrubs that looked no more than two years old. This was frustrating. If he had known, he would have tried the water gate to the east!

Realizing there was no point in trying to explain, Qiu Zhiqin began to break through toward the desolate southwest—for no other reason than the fact that there were no dogs in that direction!

However, he soon realized something was wrong. Looking ahead, he saw dense buildings and soldiers on guard. Dammit, he had run straight into the enemy's headquarters...

He finally opened his eyes wide and realized he had stumbled directly into the main camp of the Imperial City Department. To make matters worse, the dogs in the camp began barking furiously. Terrified, he bolted toward the West Lake!

Seeing no need to hide anymore, he unleashed his "Golden Goose Skill" and sprinted west. Behind him, a roar echoed: "Who dares to trespass into the Imperial City Department at night! Stop him!"

The man gave chase immediately! His shout wasn't meant for Qiu Zhiqin—everyone knew that someone breaking into the palace at night wouldn't stop—it was to alert the garrison.

Qiu Zhiqin later learned that this area housed the Imperial City Department, the Directorate of Works, the armory, and the three main training grounds of the Imperial Guard. It was a good thing he hadn't tried to infiltrate those, or his story would have ended right there!

Soon, Qiu Zhiqin reached the western wall. Spotting his chance, he used the treetops to vault onto the ramparts. A squad of soldiers was already waiting with swords drawn; fortunately, there were no archers.

Before he even landed, several blades swung at him. Unwilling to take lives, Qiu Zhiqin swung his horsetail whisk, parrying the blades while simultaneously landing several kicks with deft precision to push the soldiers back. He then turned and leapt off the wall.

Suddenly, he heard the sound of air being pierced behind him. Several knives were thrown at him. Helpless, he had to turn and deflect them before continuing his flight! But the pursuer behind him caught up, lashing out with a long whip aimed straight at his ankles!

Qiu Zhiqin utilized his "Golden Goose Skill," taking a few steps in mid-air to increase the distance before continuing his run!

He had no intention of engaging in a protracted fight beneath the walls. If the soldiers atop the wall reacted and brought out their crossbows, he would be done for!