Chapter 50: The Great Qian Secret Agent

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Lu Wenyong nodded, harboring no doubts about Elder Qin’s words. Although the old man was usually unreliable, when it came to serious matters, he had never caused any trouble.

As dusk deepened, Elder Qin and Lu Wenyong followed the masked figure through countless twists and turns, traversing an unknown distance, yet they still had not reached their destination.

“Is Elder Qin trustworthy? I feel like we’re just going in circles,” Lu Wenyong whispered softly into Elder Qin’s ear after several more minutes of walking.

“Wait until we arrive, then you’ll understand,” Elder Qin replied quietly, rolling his eyes.

Lu Wenyong nodded subtly but couldn’t help asking again. “What is this Nightshade? I’ve been in the capital for so long and have never heard of it.”

“Why do you talk so much nonsense?” Elder Qin said, but after considering Lu Wenyong’s status, he thought it wouldn’t hurt to explain. “You might not know the name Nightshade, but surely you’ve heard of the Azure Guard.”

“Oh, come on. In all of Greater Qian, who hasn’t heard of the Azure Guard’s reputation?” Lu Wenyong scoffed, as if to say, “Who do you think you’re underestimating?”

The Azure Guard was the sole intelligence organization of Greater Qian, a sharp blade wielded by the royal family. They excelled not only at espionage but also as a sword hanging over the heads of high officials.

Since its establishment, many prominent court members had fallen to their hands, earning the Azure Guard a notorious reputation that could silence even a crying child.

Their ranks were filled with masters; any single member could easily overpower a dozen ordinary soldiers.

The composition was complex: veterans, famed martial heroes, and even desperate criminals—a chaotic mix. Yet, no matter the background, their loyalty to the royal family was unquestionable.

“But what you don’t know is that while the Azure Guard serves the royal family’s interests, their true loyalty lies with Greater Qian itself, not our current sovereign,” Elder Qin said, eyes narrowing, his voice cold.

“What do you mean?” Lu Wenyong’s expression grew serious, his tone uncertain.

“That’s right. Nightshade is the personal army of the current sovereign, only appearing like its name suggests—in the cover of night and shadows, barely noticed by others,” Elder Qin nodded slowly and spoke solemnly.

Lu Wenyong’s mind cleared; he roughly understood who it was that wished to see them.

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Yet one question still puzzled him, so he quietly asked Elder Qin, “How did you, old fox, come to know of this?”

“Hmph! Don’t underestimate me. Though I come from a military background, when I was still healthy a few years ago, the sovereign invited me to serve as an instructor for a while. Among my students were members of Nightshade,” Elder Qin said proudly, lifting his chin.

As the two chatted, the masked guide suddenly stopped and cupped his fists toward the darkness ahead.

“Reporting to Your Majesty: the two gentlemen have been brought here.”

Hearing the words “Your Majesty,” though Elder Qin and Lu Wenyong had long suspected, a shiver of awe still rose within them, and they instinctively turned their gaze toward the shadows.

“Very well. Your business here is done. Take your posts and keep watch around,” came a commanding voice, accompanied by two sets of footsteps quietly emerging from the darkness.

Soon, the owners of those footsteps stepped into the moonlight, their figures illuminated by the celestial glow—none other than the Empress and Nangong Wan.

“Your servant Qin Zhenjun pays respects to Your Majesty!”

“Minister Lu Wenyong pays respects to Your Majesty!”

At the first sight of the Empress’s face, both immediately performed a deep bow.

Their salutes differed slightly: Elder Qin knelt on one knee, fists clasped; Lu Wenyong bowed with both hands half-joined forward, a standard Confucian gesture.

“No need for such formality, my honored ministers. Please rise,” the Empress said softly, a rare smile breaking her usually stern countenance as she showed respect to the elders.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” they replied in unison.

“Elder Qin, it has been many days since we last met. Has your health truly improved?” the Empress inquired with a satisfied nod.

“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am indeed recovered. Should Your Majesty require it, this old soldier is still capable of bringing glory to Greater Qian on the battlefield!” Qin Zhenjun replied with a firm and resolute voice.

“That’s good to hear. But as for the battlefield—Elder Qin, it’s time you stopped mentioning it. Our Great Qian has fought for many years; it’s time to rest,” the Empress said somewhat disapprovingly.

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“Your Majesty, do you think I am old?” Qin Zhenjun’s eyes flashed, his tone tinged with displeasure.

“That’s enough, old man. Have you been lying in bed too long, your mind turning to mush? How dare you be so disrespectful before Your Majesty,” Lu Wenyong admonished, frowning.

“I apologize, Your Majesty. I meant no disrespect,” Qin Zhenjun quickly said, realizing his mistake and offering his apology.

“No matter. Elder General Qin’s devotion to the nation is clear; how could I blame him?” the Empress waved her hand dismissively.

Qin Zhenjun breathed a silent sigh of relief, stood up, thanked her again, and ceased mentioning the battlefield.

The three chatted for a while longer. When Lu Wenyong sensed the right moment, he clasped his fists and cautiously asked, “May I ask, Your Majesty, why are you here so late, not resting in the palace?”

“I’ve been feeling somewhat weary lately and wished to take a walk. Today, while dining at Jun Youlai Tower, I happened to encounter you two along with Minister An,” the Empress explained.

At these words, Qin Zhenjun and Lu Wenyong lowered their heads in embarrassment, recalling their earlier quarrel, now fully exposed to the sovereign’s gaze.

The Empress noticed their expressions but did not press the matter, instead smiling gently and continuing, “I saw you chatting in the elegant chamber for a while, then Minister An left in anger.”

“I found it quite intriguing and invited you here to hear what you were discussing.”

The two exchanged a glance, and finally Lu Wenyong stepped forward, honestly recounting the entire matter to the Empress.

“Is Shen Xuan really that formidable? To almost cause a fight between you two?” Nangong Wan said in disbelief after hearing the story.

“Indeed, Your Majesty. Shen Xuan is no ordinary youth. By my years of experience in judging character, his abilities may rival those of my two disciples,” Lu Wenyong said solemnly, his voice filled with conviction.