Chapter Eight: The Three Chariots

Shi Heng—a man of great renown, a name rivaling that of the infamous Wang Zhen, the eunuch whose treachery would be remembered for ages. When Overseer Guo heard this name, he was astonished that Shi Heng had also managed to escape from Yanghe alive, just as he himself had. Lu Qing’s first thought was the “Incident of the Southern Palace”—the famous Seizing of the Gate in Ming history.

The Southern Palace Incident was the most significant armed coup in the Ming dynasty since Emperor Chengzu Zhu Di’s usurpation. In this upheaval, the military commander Shi Heng, the scholar-official Xu Youzhen, and the court eunuch Cao Jixiang—three men of disparate backgrounds—were drawn together by mutual interest to gamble on desperate measures. Together, they gritted their teeth and launched the coup that would leave future generations sighing in admiration and regret. Afterwards, the trio were handsomely rewarded: Shi Heng was ennobled as Duke of Loyal State, Xu Youzhen became Marquis of Martial Merit and Grand Secretary, and Cao Jixiang was appointed Chief Eunuch of the Ceremonial Directorate and Governor of the Three Grand Garrisons.

But all of this was still eight years in the future. At present, Shi Heng was only a Deputy General stationed at Datong, and a defeated one at that; Xu Youzhen was but a lowly lecturer at the Hanlin Academy, who, in his spare time from reading and writing, dabbled in the occult arts of yin and yang, and was said to be an enthusiast of astronomy; as for the historical inspiration for the villainous eunuch Cao Shaoqin in modern martial arts films—Cao Jixiang himself—he was only a trusted aide of Wang Zhen, currently in Fujian suppressing the peasant uprising led by Deng Maoqi alongside Marquis Chen Mao of Ningyang, with responsibility for overseeing artillery.

No matter how high these three would rise in the future, for now they were all unknown figures, far beneath the rank and power of Overseer Guo Jing of Datong, with no ability to sway the imperial court. Without the Calamity of Tumu Fort, their future glory would never have come to pass. Thus, after a brief moment of reflection, Lu Qing’s thoughts returned to the matter at hand: the immediate problem—what to do without horses?

Overseer Guo had yet to realize this predicament; he was still marveling at Shi Heng’s escape, peppering Sun Yousong with questions. Upon learning that Shi Heng had commandeered several horses from the relay station and headed west, claiming he was returning to Datong to raise troops and organize a defense, Overseer Guo’s frown eased at once.

Eastward led to Xuanfu and Juyong Pass, which was the emperor’s route; westward, to Datong. If Shi Heng had gone east, Overseer Guo would have had to worry about him having the same intention—to reach the emperor first to deliver the news. If that were the case, no matter how hard he pushed his horse, he would never catch up. But since Shi Heng had gone west, back to Datong, his anxiety was put to rest.

Shi Heng was indeed loyal; at such a critical moment, he was still devoted to the king’s business. He was worthy of Guo’s appreciation...

While Overseer Guo was inwardly praising Shi Heng, Lu Qing quietly reminded him, “Eunuch, General Shi has taken all the horses. What are we to ride?”

What? Overseer Guo suddenly realized the situation. Damn that Shi Heng! He took all the horses—how was he supposed to meet His Majesty now?

There was no time to curse him. He pointed at Sun Yousong, who was still kneeling on the ground, and opened his mouth to call his name, but couldn’t remember it at the moment and only managed, “You there...”

But Sun Yousong was quick on the uptake and hurried over with a fawning smile. “Eunuch, I am Sun Yousong!”

“I know your name is Sun Yousong!” Overseer Guo snapped, glaring at him. “Listen carefully: I don’t care what method you use, but within half a stick of incense I want to see two horses. If there are none, I won’t make things difficult for you, but when I return I’ll send a letter to the Right Garrison of Wanquan, and you can imagine the consequences yourself!”

“Eunuch, where am I to find horses for you in such haste?” Sun Yousong’s face turned miserable at the prospect. “I’ve heard that since the Tartars broke through the Great Wall, everyone in town has been busy fleeing for their lives. All the wagons at the carriage house have already been rented away. There’s truly no way I can find you horses right now...”

“Useless dog! Can’t you do anything right?” Overseer Guo, furious, kicked Sun Yousong and roared, “Another word of complaint, and if you delay my business, I’ll kill you where you stand!”

It was a showy kick, but he’d forgotten he no longer had a group of attendants and guards with him—only Lu Qing by his side. If the relay master decided to turn violent, it was uncertain who would come out on top. Fortunately, Sun Yousong was an honest, meek fellow—he was terrified not only of grand officials like the Overseer, but even of minor officers. So, though he took a kick, he dared not show any anger, only wore a worried frown and racked his brains, but could not think of anywhere to find horses at such a time.

Seeing the eunuch looked ready to kill, Zhao Da, who stood behind, grew anxious. Fearing that real bloodshed would occur, he put aside his doubts, tugged at Sun Yousong’s sleeve, and whispered, “Master Sun, Master Sun...”

“What is it?”

Sun Yousong was preoccupied with his own survival and had no patience for Zhao Da. But seeing Zhao Da’s meaningful glance, he leaned in to listen as Zhao Da murmured a few words. Sun Yousong’s face brightened at once, and he turned to the eunuch. “Eunuch, please wait a moment. I will try to think of something.”

“Hmph. Make it quick! I’m in a hurry!”

Satisfied that the relay master had found a solution, Overseer Guo refrained from further scolding and sat down again. Zhao Da quickly helped Sun Yousong to his feet, and the two hurried off, vanishing in the blink of an eye. Even Zhao Er, who had been kneeling nearby, quickly disappeared as well.

Seeing this, Lu Qing could not help but wonder if Sun Yousong might simply run away with the relay hands. Yet, after some thought, it seemed unlikely—after all, one can’t escape responsibility forever, and as the station master, Sun had family to worry about. He would not risk the wrath of Overseer Guo falling on his loved ones. Moreover, the town was sizeable, with plenty of passing merchants and refugees—surely, with some effort, they could scrounge up two horses. There was no need to run.

Thinking thus, Lu Qing spoke up in Sun Yousong’s defense. He said to Guo Jing, “Eunuch, there’s no need to be too hard on the relay master. Man proposes, Heaven disposes—who could have expected General Shi to commandeer the horses first? Once the station master brings the horses, perhaps you should offer him some comfort; he’s been thoroughly cowed by your authority already.”

“Haha! Young man, you certainly know how to flatter. I’m but a man who’s seen the inside of a cell—what authority do I have?”

“Eunuch, as the town’s overseer and a veteran of several campaigns, you are no ordinary court eunuch.”

Lu Qing had just finished his praise when he heard Sun Yousong shouting from outside, “Eunuch! Eunuch! Here they are, here they are!”

So quickly?

Both Lu Qing and Overseer Guo were surprised. How had Sun Yousong managed to find horses so fast? But as the two caught sight of what Sun Yousong was leading over, their eyes nearly popped out of their heads: these were not horses at all, but two hefty mules!