Chapter Six: The Imperial Advisor Transforms into a Dragon to Brew the Elixir of Immortality (Part Three)

... The next morning, the Imperial Preceptor entered the palace at dawn to meet with King Xia Jie. All servants and guards of the Moonwatching Palace were dismissed, leaving only the Preceptor, the king, and Eunuch Zhao.

“Your Majesty, I spent last night refining the sacred relic of the black dragon, and today I present you with the Immortal Dragon Brew, crafted solely for your enjoyment. If Your Majesty finds it invigorating after tasting, I shall transform the entire relic into this brew and offer it all to you tomorrow.”

Today, the Preceptor’s attire was no longer shrouded in mystery, but rather she donned exotic robes from the Western regions, garments typical of Loulan women. The outfit was somewhat revealing, her slender legs fully exposed—a style never before seen in any dynasty of Xia. As she entered the palace, eunuchs and maids stole secret glances, but dared not utter a word.

King Xia Jie, too, was seeing the Preceptor dressed thus for the first time. Though her true visage remained veiled, his imperial gaze easily discerned her extraordinary beauty. Were it not for her formidable abilities, the king would have long desired to make her his consort.

“Thank you for your diligence through the night. I shall drink it all now and see its wondrous effects!” Xia Jie, momentarily averting his gaze from her attire, laughed heartily and downed the brew in one gulp.

As the moments ticked by, Xia Jie began to feel a physical response. Whether it was the sight of the Preceptor’s alluring dress or his own innate desires, he now yearned to draw her into his embrace.

Before his eyes, Empress Yuanji appeared, captivating him with every smile and glance, even lifting her skirts to reveal her exquisitely long, pale thighs. Xia Jie was nearly losing control of his senses.

Suddenly, a soft, seductive voice sounded by his ear: “Your Majesty, if you’re tired, perhaps you should rest awhile.”

But this voice did not belong to the Preceptor. It was Eunuch Zhao Jing, who, seeing the king’s strange expression and apparent arousal, glanced at Lady Yuanji’s indifferent face. Being shrewd, and at the Preceptor’s signal, Zhao Jing leaned in and spoke.

Xia Jie, not fully lucid, followed a vague silhouette, and Zhao Jing gently supported him back to his chambers.

Left alone in the Moonwatching Palace, the Preceptor summoned a black seven-star cloak to drape over her delicate form, perfectly shaping her curves.

“As expected, the essence of the black dragon is too potent for mortal bodies. Though there is no harm in moderate consumption, excessive indulgence would overwhelm even those who possess the true dragon body,” Yuanji mused. Silver mask shielding her face, her features betrayed her peerless beauty—rosy lips curled mischievously, her allure strange and boundless. Her slender arm emerged from the sleeve, delicate fingers rubbing together as if preoccupied, before she spoke in a serious tone: “Come forth.”

Several figures emerged from the shadows, as if they had long been in wait. Shedding their invisibility, one woman spoke in a soft, tingling voice: “Teacher, the plan proceeds as intended. Shall we continue as before?”

Another, her tone cold and impassive, announced: “Wu King Cheng Tang of Shang has arrived at Yudu, staying as a guest at the Imperial Historian’s residence.”

Yuanji ignored the earlier speaker, adjusting her seat and skirt as she perched on the throne, crossing her alluring legs and playing with her fingers. Addressing the cold voice, she said, “Oh! Wu King of Shangqiu—he’s quick to arrive. If Cheng Tang enters the capital today, he may never leave again. We carry on as planned.”

This declaration caused various responses from the assembled shadows—some excited, some calm, others doubtful.

“Master, is Cheng Tang’s adopted son truly the reincarnation of ‘that one’? Our investigations found nothing remarkable about him. He entered the Southern Marsh Song Mountain sect at age seven—a minor branch of the Humanity Daoist faith with few disciples and little influence. His abilities are negligible to us, and we’ve spent more than a decade observing him without finding anything unusual,” another distinctive voice inquired, filled with confusion.

Yuanji frowned slightly, displeased, and replied, “The information from ‘that person’ is never wrong. As for the boy’s extraordinary qualities, you’ll see for yourselves soon enough. I await the surprise ‘that person’ has promised, risking exposure to deliver this news to me.”

“I hope the boy truly is the reincarnation. If not, then the miraculous omens at his birth would never have appeared! Enough—for now, follow only the instructions of Side-Face Jialuo. Withdraw—the king will soon awaken, and the morning court will convene.”

Yuanji rose elegantly from the throne, swaying her hips as she departed.

...

King Xia Jie awoke from his drunken stupor, sitting quietly for a moment. He found nothing amiss after his hearty drinking. In truth, he’d harbored suspicions toward the Preceptor, but for the sake of appearances, had drained the Immortal Dragon Brew. Now, sober, his doubts faded—he simply felt the brew was potent.

He returned to the Dragon Virtue Hall to preside over court. The Preceptor was absent; only the civil and military officials filled the hall. Xia Jie strode to the throne and asked, “Any petitions? If not, court is dismissed.”

Before he could finish, a figure stepped out from the right—General Guan Longfeng of the military. Kneeling on the golden steps, he declared loudly, “Your servant, Guan Longfeng, must report on the matter of the twin dragons’ flight yesterday. I believe this is of utmost importance. Your servant and Imperial Historian Zhonggu investigated overnight—this is no ominous sign. If Your Majesty preserves the twin dragon relic, it will safeguard our nation and ensure its prosperity.”

Imperial Historian Zhonggu, through Guan Longfeng’s loyal words, spoke in reverse, for directness might anger the king. Xia Jie recalled that the Preceptor had already turned the twin dragon relic into brew, and hearing Guan Longfeng’s petition, he realized its reason but regretted it was too late.

Grand Minister Zhao Liang, seeing the king’s hesitation, knew the Preceptor had already refined the relic and the king had consumed it. If this became public, the historian faction would turn against the Preceptor; they must not be given grounds. Zhao Liang stepped forward: “Your Majesty, General Guan Longfeng’s words are reasonable. I implore Your Majesty to order the twin dragon relic stored in the treasury to protect our nation. The treasury is depleted—if the relic strengthens our finances, it would be most beneficial.”

Xia Jie recognized that Zhao Liang was providing him an escape and replied, “The matter of the twin dragon relic has been properly handled. I thank you both for your dedication.”

“Your Majesty, you must not take this lightly!” Imperial Historian Zhonggu could not restrain himself. He knew Zhao Liang would cover for the Preceptor, who had deceived the king by refining the relic. Zhonggu had learned of it that morning, but dared not state it outright.

“Does the historian have something unspeakable? Why not address it directly?” Xia Jie asked.

“Your Majesty, I respect the Preceptor’s talents, but the twin dragon relic concerns our nation’s core. Any mishap could harm the kingdom. The treasury is empty; tribute from other states is not as before. The Preceptor has undertaken grand construction of the Seven Stars Tower—our finances cannot sustain it. The twin dragons’ appearance signals that the ancestor Yu brings fortune to our country. We must not risk any mishap!” Zhonggu spoke passionately, and only the king and Zhao Liang understood his true meaning.

Xia Jie, uneasy, wished to avoid further trouble and replied impatiently, “Your loyalty is well-known, but as I said, the relic is in the Preceptor’s care. No further discussion. If there is nothing else, court is dismissed.”

“Your Majesty, I have another matter to report!” Zhonggu, a veteran of three reigns and a court heavyweight, understood Xia Jie well. Seeing his impatience, Zhonggu knew that further insistence would anger the king. He merely hoped to warn Xia Jie against the Preceptor.

“What is it?” Xia Jie asked irritably.

“Wu King Cheng Tang of Shang has entered the capital, bringing the talented Yi Yin for Your Majesty’s consideration. He awaits outside the palace!” Zhonggu, frustrated by the Preceptor’s swift actions, wanted to resolve Cheng Tang’s matter quickly.

“From Shangqiu, Wu King Cheng Tang—I accept!” Xia Jie had heard of Shang’s talent, and was curious how such a minor king attracted so many able men, and why the historian recommended him so highly.

The official summoned Cheng Tang into the hall. “Wu King, enter!”

Cheng Tang entered, knelt, and greeted, “Cheng Tang of Shangqiu bows to Your Majesty!”

“Rise, Wu King.”

Grand Minister Zhao Liang was displeased. He knew Cheng Tang well; Shang’s development meant it was no longer a small state of the Yellow River. Cheng Tang had great ambition, and his left minister Yi Yin was a rare talent. If Cheng Tang offered Yi Yin to the king, and Yi Yin entered the court, he would rival the historian faction, threatening Zhao Liang’s position.

Zhao Liang suppressed his thoughts, deciding to wait for another opportunity.

“Wu King, what brings you to the capital?” Xia Jie asked, surprised by Cheng Tang’s simple attire.

“Your Majesty, I came to recommend a loyal and virtuous talent, who excels in governance and is also adept in cooking, astronomy, and geography. Such a gifted individual deserves a bright future; I wish to present him to Your Majesty for the benefit of all. He has a heart for the people, and I hope Your Majesty will accept my proposal.”

Cheng Tang rose, confident in Yi Yin’s abilities, and with the historian’s support, expected to pique Xia Jie’s interest.

“I’ve heard of Yi Yin, your left minister. But why did you come alone?” Xia Jie wanted loyal talents, but Yi Yin was not of his country and of humble birth. He would not decide based on rumors.

“Without Your Majesty’s permission, I dare not act on my own.” Cheng Tang understood Xia Jie’s implied suspicion; if he answered poorly, he would arouse doubt. As a vassal king, his intentions in recommending an outsider would be questioned, especially as the court was unstable and the country weak—this was a risky time. Xia Jie, perhaps influenced by the Preceptor, had let the nation decline, and now hesitated at the chance to recruit talent.

Both Zhonggu and Guan Longfeng worried for Cheng Tang, knowing that a misstep would allow Zhao Liang to exploit the situation. If Yi Yin were successfully recommended, he would become prime minister, putting Zhao Liang beneath him, and Zhonggu knew Zhao Liang would not tolerate such a threat.

“Wu King Cheng Tang, you are most thoughtful. I feel this matter need not be rushed—let us discuss it another day. I have urgent business with the Preceptor.” Xia Jie decided to consider it later, wary of Cheng Tang’s rapid progress and possible ulterior motives. He continued, “The historian’s loyalty is appreciated. As for Yi Yin’s appointment, we shall discuss it another day. Court dismissed!”

Xia Jie rose and departed for the palace; the officials followed and left. Zhonggu paid special attention to Zhao Liang, who bowed his head in contemplation, perhaps scheming.

Cheng Tang left with Zhonggu and Guan Longfeng. On the road, Zhonggu pondered and said, “Wu King’s audience today, in my view, does not bode well. The king is clearly cautious, and if the treacherous minister intervenes, it could become dangerous.”

“What does the historian advise?” Cheng Tang sensed the court’s peculiar atmosphere, realizing the situation was delicate—the Preceptor’s faction dominated, with only the historian and General Guan Longfeng loyal to the king, while all other officials sided with the Preceptor. Recommending Yi Yin would not be easy.

“If Wu King is willing, stay at my residence a few more days. We can plan anew and wait for the right opportunity,” Zhonggu was deeply troubled—the Preceptor’s swift actions astounded him. Last night, searching for the twin dragon relic, only to find it already destroyed and made into brew. He was furious, but to maintain the balance, he needed to recruit loyal ministers.

“Historian is too kind; I shall gladly accept!” Cheng Tang replied.

...

The next day, in the capital of Xia.

Grand Minister Zhao Liang hurried to the Seven Stars Tower. Meanwhile, Wu King Cheng Tang remained at the historian’s residence, unaware of palace affairs. Even the historian’s spies could not quickly gather news about the king, though some information did trickle in.

At the historian’s mansion, a city guard entered, rushing to the main hall.

“Historian, word from the palace—the king is issuing an edict to imprison Wu King in the Celestial Prison!” The city guard was a confidant of Wang Weizhi, a disciple of the historian, and risked much to deliver the news.

“What? Ah! What now? Calm yourself and tell me everything,” the historian anxiously glanced at Cheng Tang, who was stunned, unable to fathom why the king would take such action.

“The news is that Grand Minister Zhao Liang entered the Crouching Dragon Hall at noon to discuss state affairs with the king, then left the palace for the Preceptor’s residence at Seven Stars Tower. Soon after, news spread that the king would imprison Wu King Cheng Tang in the Celestial Prison.”

“I have miscalculated at every step. Who would have thought Zhao Liang so cunning, plotting with the Preceptor right after court to entrap you? Wu King, I have wronged you!” Historian Zhonggu regretted deeply. If only he had petitioned the king alone after court, perhaps the situation could have changed. But now, the king himself had issued the edict, and soon palace officials would arrive.

Indeed, moments later, as the city guard departed, the historian and Cheng Tang heard commotion inside, “Edict arrives! Historian Zhonggu, receive the decree!”

Cheng Tang remained calm, even knowing he was to be imprisoned. Such composure marked him as extraordinary.

He accompanied the historian to meet Eunuch Zhao Jing, who glanced at Cheng Tang and read the edict aloud: “Historian Zhonggu, it has come to light that the traitorous Wu King Cheng Tang harbors rebellious intent and has been sheltered and influenced by you. In consideration of your service as a three-reign elder, you will not be implicated. As for the treasonous Wu King Cheng Tang of Shang, he has been accused of harboring treason. Pending investigation, he shall be imprisoned in the Celestial Prison as a warning to all. If the charges prove true or false, judgment will be rendered after confinement. Thus commanded.”

Eunuch Zhao Jing finished and waited for the historian to accept the decree.

With trembling lips, the historian said, “I accept the decree!” He glanced at Cheng Tang, then stepped forward and took it with shaking hands, filled with guilt. If not for inviting Cheng Tang as a guest, Zhao Liang would not have seized this opportunity.

Cheng Tang, with a clear conscience, stood firm. He spoke, “Please convey to His Majesty that Shang Tang has no shame before him. I came sincerely; if His Majesty is misled by traitors, I willingly submit to imprisonment and await judgment. But as a loyal servant, I ask you to relay this message.”

Zhao Jing, well versed in the court’s darkness, knew the intrigues between officials. He reserved judgment on Cheng Tang’s loyalty, as Shang was a vassal, and could not conclude either way. Serving beside the king, he knew the risks, and chose to remain neutral to protect himself.

“I shall relay your message, Wu King. I ask you to bear this burden with understanding,” Zhao Jing replied, then turned to the guards, “Imprison Wu King Cheng Tang in the Celestial Prison!”

Without further words, Cheng Tang exchanged a glance with the historian and went with Zhao Jing, leaving the historian gazing regretfully at his wronged guest.

...

Wu King Cheng Tang was now imprisoned in the Celestial Prison, while the officials and people of Shangqiu remained unaware.