A Pawn's Passage

Under Qi Xuansu’s relentless push, the results of this public humiliation were nothing short of immediate.

In just two days, news that Gao Shide had been tied up naked in front of the Yuhuang Palace spread across North City. The local gangs, who were already shaken from the downfall of the Green Den, grew even more cautious. With their extensive information networks, they had also heard of Wu Si’s murder and understood one thing—Old Master Gao had messed up, not only failing to intimidate the Mage but had even provoked him instead. Now that the Daoist superintendent had struck back with a heavy hand, everyone waited to see what Old Master Gao would do next.

Old Master Gao could certainly play dead and pretend nothing happened, but Qi Xuansu was about to start parading these drug users through the streets under the guise of a public awareness campaign. This parade would begin in the Wuliang Northwest District, right in front of Old Master Gao’s house. How would this local overlord respond?

Businessmen cared more about trust and confidence. As long as one was credible and others still believed in them, they could still juggle mountains of debt and maintain their facade. But the moment one lost credit and trust vanished, creditors would come knocking all at once. No matter how big one’s business, it would crumble in an instant.

This principle applied to Old Master Gao’s authority as well. If the local overlord showed even a hint of fear, he would be swarmed and toppled immediately.

In contrast, Qi Xuansu had claimed the moral high ground, so he was now looming from above. The power of an official authority was nearly limitless, like heavy cavalry on a wide-open plain—unstoppable and overwhelming.

The local gangs had also caught wind of some dissenting murmurs from within the Imperial Capital Daoist Mansion. Some said Qi Xuansu had good intentions but was too hasty in acting, overcorrecting to the point of excess.

But those murmurs were swiftly stamped out by Sage Shi Bingyun. Her response was that extraordinary measures had to be employed in troubled times, and chronic illness needed strong medicine. Even though it was a time of peace, laws had grown too lenient, giving rise to many who acted without restraint, which in turn led to long-standing social ills. The Imperial Capital Daoist Mansion had neglected its duties for too long. Now that the rot ran deep, only drastic action could bring swift results.

The Mansion Master and Chief Deputy said nothing, so no one else dared speak up.

The current Imperial Capital Daoist Mansion rested on a three-way power balance. Shi Bingyun, though senior in qualification, was only the Second Deputy, much like Li Tianlan of the Jiangnan Daoist Mansion. The Mansion Master Li Ruoshui came from the Li family, but she was not a core member, lacking the generational name and having a status like that of Li Qingnu. The Chief Deputy Zhou Jiaoxian hailed from the Quanzhen Sect, occupying a neutral position that made him ideal for mediation.

Qi Xuansu was indeed a subordinate of Shi Bingyun, but he was also a disciple of the Quanzhen Sect, so Zhou Jiaoxian had no reason to give him trouble. As for Li Ruoshui, she certainly could oppose him, but she had no connection to Gao Mingyin, and Qi Xuansu held the moral high ground. If Qi Xuansu succeeded, the Imperial Capital Daoist Mansion would share in the credit, so there was simply no reason for her to interfere. Thus, it seemed like Qi Xuansu was securely seated at the helm.

Just as Qi Xuansu predicted, someone did try to stir up trouble with the storytellers, only to walk straight into a trap and get caught red-handed by the Spirit Guards lying in wait.

The troublemakers were not from the Wardens’ Office or the Green Phoenix Guard. Those in public office were all old hands. The moment they sensed the winds shifting, they immediately distanced themselves. After all, this was not the Imperial Court’s order to conduct a bureaucratic purge. The Daoist Mansion would not and could not go after court officials anyway.

In short, it was Old Master Gao who could not read the room and made the wrong decision. What did it have to do with the rest of them? No one would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him now because everyone fled when disaster loomed. Who would stick their neck out at a time like this?

The ones sent to cause trouble were the Beggar Gang. Qi Xuansu merely had the Spirit Guards detain the Beggar Gang members and interrogate them thoroughly, but he did not act against the Beggar Gang as a whole.

Just then, Ke Qingqing walked in and reported, “Superintendent, a courier just delivered a package without a sender listed. According to standard protocol, the Spirit Guards had to open unlabeled packages first. Inside was just a letter and a copy of an account ledger. I skimmed through it and believe that both the letter and ledger appear related to one of Gao Mingyin’s businesses.”

Qi Xuansu was not surprised. He merely said, “The first signs of effect. File it with the other evidence. We’ll settle the full account at the end.”

“Yes, Superintendent.” Ke Qingqing turned and left.

Wang Chongnian entered right after. “Superintendent, the Gao family finally responded. Gao Mingyin sent word through Superintendent Xu of the Arrest Office. He wants to meet with you privately.”

Qi Xuansu did not agree right away. “Old Wang, what’s your take?”

Wang Chongnian hesitated before saying, “Could it be a trap?”

“This is the Imperial Capital.” Qi Xuansu neither confirmed nor denied it.

Wang Chongnian reminded him. “If you decide to go, please stay on guard.”

Qi Xuansu pondered for a moment. “Tell him the meeting will be at the Taiping Inn’s branch by the shore of Penglai Pool in the Haosheng Southeast District, just before dusk. It’s up to him whether he comes or not. I won’t force it. I suppose I can enjoy the autumn breeze and sunset at the Penglai Pool since I’m there.”

Wang Chongnian accepted the order and departed, conveying Qi Xuansu’s message to Gao Mingyin. He also had to reserve a room at the Taiping Inn if Gao Mingyin accepted the invitation. That was where the Imperial Capital Daoist Mansion had hosted their welcome banquet when Qi Xuansu and the newly transferred staff first arrived in the capital.

Before long, Gao Mingyin sent word back that he would attend as agreed.

By evening, Qi Xuansu arrived at the Taiping Inn’s branch. Spirit Guard Zhou had wanted to bring 100 Spirit Guards as added security, but Qi Xuansu turned him down, saying, “Even the Mansion Master doesn’t travel with such a parade. Who am I to pull this kind of stunt in the Imperial Capital? Those unaware might think that Sage Qingwei is visiting the city.”

So Qi Xuansu brought only a few attendants, with no Spirit Guards.

Led by the innkeeper, Qi Xuansu walked up the stairs at a leisurely pace. Before he even reached the private room, he saw a man standing outside, respectfully awaiting his arrival.

The man with graying hair at his temples exuded a scholarly grace and an exceedingly humble stance. Before Qi Xuansu even approached, the middle-aged man bowed and said, “Greetings, Mage Qi.”

“Are you Old Master Gao?” Qi Xuansu returned the gesture. “Your reputation precedes you.”

“I dare not claim the title of an Old Master in the presence of you, Mage Qi.” Gao Mingyin extended a hand. “Please, Mage Qi, this way.”

This was Gao Mingyin’s first time seeing Qi Xuansu up close. He immediately sensed the killing aura emanating from the young man. This intensity was not the result of slaying one or two people, nor the kind that came from a young master abusing servants. It was also not the fierceness of the battle-hardened Black Robes. Qi Xuansu’s aura was untamed, like that of a Jianghu swordsman. In Daoist terms, Qi Xuansu was a wild Daoist.

Wild Daoists were a type of wandering Daoist. Some wandered the world in search of enlightenment, and some were chivalrous and altruistic. However, wild Daoists were known for their courage, disregard for rules, and decisive actions. This young man in front of him was clearly among the finest of wild Daoists.

Gao Mingyin finally realized he had underestimated Mage Qi. He had fallen behind and been hit at every turn, with no chance to strike back. If he could do it over, he would have personally gone to bail out his son as requested, and he would consider the loss of the Green Den a small price to pay to avoid disaster. He would never have let it get to this point. But it was too late for regrets. All he could do now was patch it up as best as possible.

Only Qi Xuansu and Gao Mingyin entered the private room, while everyone else remained outside.

The two sat facing each other. Qi Xuansu did not bother with pleasantries and cut to the chase. “I’m not one for beating around the bush. Since you wanted to see me, I imagine you have something to say. Please speak freely, Old Master Gao.”

Gao Mingyin carefully considered his words. “Mage Qi, my son was unruly and offended you. I hope you can forgive him.”

Qi Xuansu leaned back in his chair. “Are you implying that I’m petty? That I’m now retaliating only because Gao Shide offended me?”

Gao Mingyin fell silent for a moment, then added, “There is no great enmity between us, Mage Qi. I’ve prepared a small gift as an apology on behalf of my foolish son.”

Qi Xuansu gave him a look. “So now you’re implying that my retaliation is just a way to extort money from you, huh? Though you haven’t used a single harsh word, every sentence is an insult—and to my face, no less. Old Master Gao, what crime have I committed to earn such hatred from you?”

Gao Mingyin held up a single finger.

Qi Xuansu said nothing.

A businessman of Gao Mingyin’s caliber would never offer just 1,000 Taiping coins, as that would not be a negotiation; it would be an insult. So naturally, this offer was 10,000 Taiping coins.

Qi Xuansu had never seen so much money in his life. His annual stipend was only 3,600 Taiping coins, which meant he would have to live like a monk for three full years just to save up that amount.

All he had to do was nod his head, let Gao Shide and Gao Mingyin off the hook, and he would walk away with 10,000 Taiping coins—for free. It was completely effortless on his part. Such was the benefit of power.

But Qi Xuansu did not show the slightest flicker of temptation. Instead, he deliberately let a trace of contempt show.

Gao Mingyin was not surprised by this reaction, so he calmly added, “Wuyou coins.”

One Wuyou coin was worth 10 Taiping coins, so 10,000 Wuyou coins amounted to 100,000 Taiping coins.

Qi Xuansu would have to work 30 years in this post to save up that much money. He sneered. “That’s quite the generous offer, using 100,000 Taiping coins to buy the life of a ninth-rank Daoist Kindred. But adding the crimes of the Green Den, that’s at least 200,000 Taiping coins, no?”

Gao Mingyin smiled faintly and replied, “The dead cannot return to life, and the cause of death no longer matters. What matters is the people still alive. Let the past be bygones. The living must carry on.”

Qi Xuansu remarked, “That reminds me of the Jiangnan case that the Beichen Hall and the Fengxian Hall jointly investigated. Fang Linhou was desperate to live and had his family offer 10,000 Taiping coins to the Deputy Beichen Hall Master. He did not expect to keep his title or Daoist status. He just wanted to stay alive. The Deputy Hall Master accepted the bribe and agreed. But during the tribunal, the Deputy Hall Master handed these cash notes to the Fengxian Hall as evidence of bribery, complete with an image recording. That was the final nail in Fang Linhou’s coffin. His charges were compounded, and he was executed on the spot.”

Qi Xuansu looked at Gao Mingyin. “If 100,000 Taiping coins can buy a Sage’s life, then it can buy mine too. I appreciate the offer, but no thanks.”

Gao Mingyin no longer bothered to appear humble. He sat up straight, and the smile gradually faded from his face as he stared down at Qi Xuansu. “Then there’s nothing left to discuss.”

Qi Xuansu remained leaning back in his chair. “There’s only one thing to discuss today—how you’ll confess and submit to the law.”

Gao Mingyin’s gaze instantly turned cold. “You’re asking me to die.”