Chapter Twenty-Eight: "Yang Guo" Becomes Sentient

In the vast and empty hall, the Emperor’s voice echoed as he praised Yang Yaozong. Smiling, the Emperor nodded and said, “Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! Minister Yang, you truly have a fine son! Yang Yaozong, didn’t you say that the Secret Inspection Bureau only dons official robes when carrying out the Emperor’s decree, and at other times conducts investigations disguised as ordinary citizens? I’ve also heard you once introduced yourself as Yang Guo?”

Yang Yaozong heard the Emperor’s jesting remark and, embarrassed, opened his mouth but said nothing, thinking to himself, “That Crown Prince truly tells the Emperor everything. But what does the Bureau’s methods have to do with me calling myself Yang Guo?”

“Yang Guo, that name is quite fitting. It allows you to remind yourself to constantly reflect upon your actions, and urges you to correct your mistakes. You manage the Secret Inspection Bureau, wielding considerable power. Today, I shall bestow upon you the name ‘Yang Guo’ for all matters concerning the Bureau! It serves as my constant reminder and supervision. Today, I also appoint you as Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, so you may freely enter and leave the palace. I grant you a gold token to execute my commands—do not misuse it!” The Emperor’s tone carried amusement as he gave the name, but grew stern when granting the token.

Yang Yaozong was dumbfounded, staring at the Emperor in a daze. To be given a new name, “Yang Guo,” and a new identity—this old Emperor was truly ingenious. As for the Grand Tutor title, Yang Yaozong knew it was a ceremonial post without real power, but carried high status: the Crown Prince’s teacher, and in the future, the Emperor’s mentor—a lofty position indeed. The gold token was rare, reserved for those the Emperor trusted deeply. Seeing Yang Yaozong’s overwhelmed expression, the Emperor smiled with satisfaction.

After a moment, Yang Yaozong hurriedly bowed several times, expressing gratitude. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your favor. I shall not disappoint your grace!”

The Emperor nodded and smiled. “Rise. You shall oversee the Secret Inspection Bureau. I appoint you Chief Inspector, beneath you will be Commanders, Censors, and Inspectors. If you need personnel, inform me and I will arrange it. I will support you financially—just ensure your duties are well performed. Though the Grand Tutor post is to conceal your true role, you must also fulfill your duty in guiding the Crown Prince.”

Yang Yaozong promptly replied, “Your subject will obey your command!”

The Emperor nodded, smiling. “I hear you cultivate those new species with a foreigner named Bruno?”

Yang Yaozong was momentarily startled, inwardly uneasy. But there was nothing to hide about Bruno, so he explained everything to the Emperor.

The Emperor nodded, a subtle smile on his lips. “I hear you are quite close to the courtesan Yin Ruoxin?”

Upon hearing Yin Ruoxin’s name, Yang Yaozong grew anxious. Though he suspected her identity was unusual and her actions perhaps extraordinary, he knew nothing concrete. Nor could he guess what the Emperor might know. He masked his unease with a shy expression.

The Emperor, seeing Yang Yaozong’s embarrassment, chuckled. “The love of beauty is universal. A talented man winning the favor of a remarkable woman is a fine thing. But I must warn you, Yin Ruoxin is no ordinary person. She is closely connected with Prince Jing Min, who adores her. Despite my investigations, I cannot discern Yin Ruoxin’s true identity. You must be cautious with her. Once the Secret Inspection Bureau is established, you may conduct a thorough investigation!”

Yang Yaozong broke out in cold sweat at the Emperor’s words, feigning surprise. He was genuinely shocked that Yin Ruoxin’s identity was so mysterious, even the Emperor could not uncover it. She had already drawn imperial attention—did she know it herself? This woman truly kept him on edge. At least the Emperor had entrusted the investigation to the Bureau. Yang Yaozong felt a touch of helplessness.

He understood this was the Emperor’s way of intimidating him, implying that all his actions were under imperial scrutiny.

Yang Yaozong then proposed some ideas about training and outfitting Bureau personnel, which the Emperor left entirely to his discretion. Yang Yaozong actually wanted to design uniforms inspired by those worn by soldiers in his previous life—training gear, camouflage, daily wear—for convenience. Now that the Emperor had given him full responsibility, he would implement these designs as standard equipment for the Bureau.

Afterwards, the Emperor chatted with Yang Yaozong about family matters, offering advice and concern. He summoned the Crown Prince and “Little Shun,” the palace eunuch, into the hall. Since the Bureau was still secret, the Emperor only announced Yang Yaozong’s appointment as Grand Tutor and instructed “Little Shun” to proclaim it. Jing Sheng was delighted at this, and the Emperor specifically advised him to learn from Yang Yaozong, allowing Yang Yaozong to take the Crown Prince out frequently, with security assured. Yang Yaozong understood the Emperor’s intent: the Crown Prince was the heir, and should not be caged like a pampered bird. The Emperor wanted him to accompany Yang Yaozong, participating in the Bureau’s operations from planning to execution, preparing him for future oversight and as training.

Seeing the Emperor’s growing fatigue, Yang Yaozong bowed and left with the Crown Prince.

Outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Yang Yaozong realized his legs were sore from standing and kneeling so long, but since they were still in the palace and the Crown Prince was beside him, he forced himself to endure. He was about to take his leave when the Crown Prince, curious and excited, blinked his large eyes and smiled. “Hmm… Grand Tutor Yang, come with me. Let’s walk and talk. I’m very curious what you discussed with the Emperor for over an hour. He made you Grand Tutor and granted you a gold token. I always thought you were capable, and expected you might become my reading companion. But now you’re my Grand Tutor.”

Little Xi Zi, hearing Yang Yaozong’s appointment, was also happy for him. He smiled and bowed, “Congratulations, Master Yang!”

Yang Yaozong laughed, patting Little Xi Zi’s shoulder. “Thank you, Brother Xi. Let’s work together to take good care of the Crown Prince.” He showed no reserve with the Crown Prince.

Little Xi Zi was moved that Yang Yaozong still treated him as a brother despite his new status, though he felt a bit anxious, given the Crown Prince’s presence.

The Crown Prince was pleased with Yang Yaozong’s conduct. “You two are already quite close. Very good!” At thirteen, the Crown Prince was loyal and considerate to those who treated him well. Little Xi Zi had cared for him since he was eight, so he was fond of him; Yang Yaozong was someone he admired, and seeing their friendship made him happy.

Yang Yaozong, seeing the Crown Prince’s delight, smiled. “Your Highness, I must leave the palace to attend to some matters. What do you think?” He had no desire to wander the palace with the Crown Prince—he had much to do. The hint was clear: the Crown Prince should amuse himself; Yang Yaozong was busy.

Hearing Yang Yaozong needed to leave, the Crown Prince’s face lit up with excitement but he spoke seriously, “Little Xi Zi, return to the Eastern Palace. I will go out with Grand Tutor Yang to handle some affairs.”

Yang Yaozong and Little Xi Zi both began to protest, but the Crown Prince waved them off with solemnity. “Grand Tutor Yang, have you forgotten the Emperor’s words? He told you to bring me along, and my safety will be assured. Don’t worry!”

Little Xi Zi looked to Yang Yaozong, seeking confirmation. Yang Yaozong smiled wryly and nodded. He thought, “Someone will be responsible for your safety? How can I not worry? Even your aunt, though like a fairy, isn’t omnipotent. If anything happens, there will always be a moment when she can’t protect you. It’s like carrying a ticking time bomb on errands—no telling when it might explode, just hope it doesn’t.”

The Crown Prince led Yang Yaozong toward the palace gates. Without Little Xi Zi, Yang Yaozong walked and explained the afternoon’s conversation with the Emperor. The Crown Prince was astonished by Yang Yaozong’s abilities, excitedly patting his shoulder. “Yang Yaozong, I knew I judged you well!”

Nearing the palace gates, Yang Yaozong glanced around, then looked up as if searching for something.

The Crown Prince, amused by Yang Yaozong’s behavior, teased, “What are you looking for? Look ahead.”

Yang Yaozong looked and saw a carriage nearby, laughing. “I’m not looking for a carriage.”

The Crown Prince, with a mischievous grin, said, “I know, you’re looking for my aunt. She’s already waiting for us in the carriage.” He watched Yang Yaozong’s stunned expression with amusement.

The two approached the carriage, its door open. The Crown Prince climbed inside; the carriage was spacious, drawn by two horses. A burly, broad-shouldered man stood by the horses, whip in hand, scrutinizing Yang Yaozong. Nearly two meters tall, he wore a coarse gray robe and a wide belt, his physique particularly robust, eyes sharp, with a thick beard. He radiated a fierce, dangerous energy—far surpassing Qin Haizhou, whom Yang Yaozong knew. Yang Yaozong thought, “This man must be highly skilled, likely with many lives on his hands.” Unfazed by the man’s aura, Yang Yaozong calmly smiled. The man, seeing this scholar unperturbed and smiling, showed a hint of admiration.

Yang Yaozong stood by the carriage, awaiting the Crown Prince’s invitation before boarding. After a short wait, the Crown Prince opened the door and called, “Grand Tutor, come inside.” He then retreated into the carriage.

Yang Yaozong smiled, stepping onto the front board. Inside, beside the Crown Prince, sat the fairy-like lady, still in her white dress and veiled face, gazing at Yang Yaozong expressionlessly before turning her eyes away. Yang Yaozong thought, “This carriage is tiny—wherever you look, you still see me.” The Crown Prince had changed into a scholar’s attire; evidently, the carriage was well-equipped for him. Yang Yaozong remained standing, head bowed, outside the carriage door, glancing at the Crown Prince and the lady. “Your Highness, I’ll sit outside.”

The Crown Prince understood and laughed. “What Grand Tutor sits outside? Come in, sit here. We’re leaving—you’re in a hurry, aren’t you?” He gestured to the seat opposite. Yang Yaozong, seeing no reason to decline, entered and sat.

Earlier, he had told the Crown Prince they would visit the city garrison to find Qin Haizhou. Once seated, the fairy lightly tapped the carriage wall with her slender fingers; outside, the whip cracked, and the carriage rolled forward.

As they left the palace gates, Yang Yaozong asked, “Your Highness, shouldn’t we tell the driver where we’re headed?”

The Crown Prince smiled mysteriously. “My aunt has already told him. Don’t worry.”

Yang Yaozong nodded, glancing at the lady, thinking, “This woman seems to know everything.”

As if she heard his inner musings, she turned her gaze coldly on him.

Yang Yaozong merely pursed his lips at her glare, then turned to the Crown Prince. “Your Highness, if you’re often out on official business, it’s inconvenient to reveal your identity. You’ll need another persona.”

The Crown Prince, excited, nodded. “What identity do you suggest, Grand Tutor?”

Yang Yaozong frowned in thought. “Well, Your Highness, you’ll have to endure some discomfort. Perhaps you could pose as my bookboy, named Cheng Jing.”

The Crown Prince’s eyes widened. “Alright. I am Minister Yang’s disciple, so playing your bookboy is reasonable. As for the name, you’re clever—it’s just my own name reversed. If pronounced poorly, it sounds like ‘becoming a spirit.’ Never mind, let’s do it. When out on business, you’ll be Yang Guo, and I’ll be Cheng Jing.”

The fairy, hearing the Crown Prince joke about the name sounding like “becoming a spirit,” couldn’t help but smile, gazing at him with indulgent affection.