Chapter Thirty-One: The Recruitment Plan

Inside the hall, the three had already shifted to lighter topics, chatting about daily trifles. Laughter drifted out from time to time.

Qin Xueyao, who had only just managed to recover from the embarrassment that had left her legs trembling and sent her collapsing to the ground, now stood up, steadying herself against the wall as she prepared to make her way to the rear courtyard.

“Auntie!” A crisp, childish voice rang out.

“Ah!” Qin Xueyao, preoccupied with silently cursing Yang Yaozong, was startled by Zhilian’s sudden call. She lost her footing on the steps, slipped, and fell back down, looking quite pained as if she’d twisted her ankle.

Qin Zhilian had come to the main hall to call her father, Qin Haizhou, to dinner, but in truth, she had volunteered mainly for the chance to see Yang Yaozong. She happened to spot Qin Xueyao moving slowly along the outer wall of the hall and called out joyfully.

Hearing a woman’s startled cry, the three inside immediately rushed out. They found Qin Xueyao sitting painfully on the ground, with little Zhilian beside her, struggling to help her up.

Qin Haizhou and the others hurried to her side. Seeing his sister’s face contorted with pain, her cheeks flushed as she fought back tears, he scolded anxiously, “How did you fall again? At your age, you should know how to walk without stumbling!” His words, though reproachful, were filled with concern as he reached to help her.

Seeing Yang Yaozong approach, Qin Xueyao dared not raise her head to look at him; her face flushed even deeper, her breath coming unevenly, and the pain in her foot seemed to intensify. Tears that had been threatening to fall now slid silently down her cheeks.

Qin Haizhou, startled by his sister’s reaction, dared not move her further. Since she’d turned ten, he hadn’t seen her cry once. Now, after a mere fall, she was in tears, looking utterly miserable and distressed. Panicked, he said, “Where did you get hurt? I’ll send for Miss Mu right away.”

Little Zhilian, frightened by seeing her aunt in pain and crying, began to cry herself.

Yang Yaozong came and knelt beside Qin Xueyao, gathering the little girl in his arms and gently patting her back. “Zhilian, don’t cry. Your aunt has probably just twisted her foot. I know how to set bones—I can help your aunt. Be good now. No more tears.”

Hearing this, Zhilian calmed, sniffling as she nodded in Yang Yaozong’s embrace.

Yang Yaozong gently wiped away her tears with his sleeve, then looked gravely at Qin Xueyao. “Miss Qin, you seem to have sprained your ankle. I know some bone-setting techniques—may I take a look?”

“Yes!” “No!” Qin Haizhou and Qin Xueyao blurted out at the same time.

Yang Yaozong, still kneeling and holding the little girl, looked at them a bit awkwardly, soothing Zhilian’s sobs.

Qin Haizhou, growing impatient and a little angry, pressed, “If Brother Yang can help, let him. Why suffer needlessly?” His heart ached for his sister, and he was in no mood to worry about the rules of propriety between men and women.

Qin Xueyao, seeing her brother’s irritation, forced back her tears and insisted, “I don’t want his help. I’ll wait for Sister Mu. Brother, please help me up and let’s go to the rear courtyard. It doesn’t hurt as much now.”

Yang Yaozong looked at her curiously, unable to recall when he might have offended this delicate young lady who clearly seemed to dislike him.

Feeling his gaze, Qin Xueyao’s cheeks burned hotter, and she stubbornly averted her eyes.

Qin Haizhou gave Yang Yaozong an embarrassed, helpless look, and Yang Yaozong could only smile wryly, showing no sign of annoyance. “Then, Brother Qin, please help Miss Qin to the rear courtyard to rest. Place a cold towel on the sprain for now. After Miss Mu treats her, switch to a hot towel at this time tomorrow. She should avoid putting weight on the foot, and it will heal more quickly.”

Qin Haizhou nodded in gratitude. “Thank you, Brother Yang.” Then, frowning at his sister, he asked, “Why aren’t you thanking Young Master Yang?”

Qin Xueyao, still refusing to look at Yang Yaozong, pouted, “Brother, just help me to the rear courtyard. It hurts!”

Qin Haizhou, puzzled by his sister’s uncharacteristic behavior, chose not to press the issue. He gave Yang Yaozong a sheepish smile, then helped his sister away.

Yang Yaozong was left at a loss. The Crown Prince’s Heir approached, eyes glinting with curiosity. “Yang Yaozong, how did you offend Miss Qin?”

Cradling Zhilian, Yang Yaozong replied helplessly, “How should I know? This is our first meeting.”

He didn’t mind her attitude, attributing it to the temperament of a pampered young lady. Holding Zhilian, he teased her into a fit of giggles. “Zhilian, what brings you and your aunt to the front courtyard?”

The little girl remembered, “Mother sent me to call Father, Brother Yang, and Brother Cheng to dinner—the meal’s ready.”

At her words, Yang Yaozong and the Crown Prince’s Heir exchanged amused glances. So, Qin Xueyao’s tumble had come while she was summoning them to eat. No wonder she was cross with Yang Yaozong—her temper was certainly formidable, the two thought in unison.

Before long, Qin Haizhou returned, apologizing for the delay, and led the two to the dining hall in the rear courtyard.

The dining hall was typically reserved for Qin Haizhou and his family. Now, it was only the three men at the table, which was laden with an abundance of fine dishes and wine.

Qin Haizhou poured wine for his two guests, then raised his cup with a solemn expression. “To have Cheng Jing and Brother Yang as my guests today is truly my honor. I am but a rough man of few words—all my feelings are in this drink. I’ll finish first as a sign of respect; you two may follow as you wish.” With that, he drained his cup in one draught.

Were the Crown Prince’s Heir not present, he might have been more informal. But with such company, he could only drink himself and let his guests proceed at their leisure.

Yang Yaozong and the Heir both raised their cups and drank. The wine of this era was low in alcohol, mostly yellow wine; white spirits existed but were uncommon.

Yang Yaozong knew his current body was not much of a drinker, but a small cup was no trouble. The wine was fine, with a sweet aftertaste—clearly one of Qin Haizhou’s treasures. “Brother Qin, you’re too courteous. We are the ones imposing today, yet you treat us to such a feast. I feel truly welcome. This must be a prized vintage?”

The Heir nodded in agreement. “Yang Yaozong is right—General Qin, you’re too generous. It makes even this prince a bit embarrassed. And yes, the wine is excellent.”

Qin Haizhou refilled their cups. “This is my own collection—a fifteen-year-old Shaoxing vintage. Sharing it with you both today is well worth it. Brother Yang, you mentioned a matter you wished to discuss. If there’s any way I can help, I will do so with all my might.”

Yang Yaozong then laid out his plans for establishing the Secret Intelligence Bureau. Qin Haizhou was astonished that the Emperor had agreed to let Yang Yaozong, under another identity, oversee this new bureau—its function akin to the emperor’s own eyes, surpassing even the capital’s current Censorate in power and importance.

He was surprised not only by the emperor’s trust in Yang Yaozong, but by Yang Yaozong’s political acumen.

Yang Yaozong fixed Qin Haizhou with a grave look. “This matter is still confidential. Brother Qin, you are the first I thought of to help me. If you’re willing to serve, your public identity remains as General of the Left Route of the City Defense Army, but secretly you will also be the Left Commander of the Secret Intelligence Bureau. In the bureau, I am your sole superior; ultimately, you answer to the emperor.”

Qin Haizhou understood: Yang Yaozong had chosen him for his character and ability. Now that he knew this secret, he had no choice but to accept, even if he wished otherwise.

He supported the establishment of the bureau and trusted Yang Yaozong. Though his current post was important, it was limited to city defense.

Moreover, as Yang Yaozong had said, his public role would remain unchanged; only in secret would he serve as Left Commander. It was a chance to achieve something great together.

After a moment’s thought, Qin Haizhou rose and knelt solemnly before Yang Yaozong. “Your subordinate pays respects to the Chief Commander! I am willing to serve the emperor and Great Zhou alongside you, to never betray the trust of His Majesty, the Crown Prince’s Heir, or our Chief Commander. I will follow your orders without hesitation, even at the cost of my life!”

Yang Yaozong immediately helped him up, grasping his hands firmly. “Brother Qin, you are as my left arm. Let us manage this bureau together, doing all we can for His Majesty and Great Zhou.”

The Crown Prince’s Heir was deeply moved, his eyes reddening at the sight of their shared fervor for the emperor and the nation.

Yang Yaozong seated Qin Haizhou again and, seeing his excitement, continued, “For now, we need to recruit intelligence officers—not many, but the best. Brother Qin, select fifty capable young men from the City Defense Army, aged sixteen to twenty, with outstanding character and skills. Don’t tell them the true purpose yet—just say they are to undergo special training. Even if some cannot endure and must return, they should be rewarded. The survivors will train with us. Given my identity, I’ll have to participate in secret, wearing a mask and using the name Yang Guo during training. You must address me by that name.”

Qin Haizhou was about to object to Yang Yaozong joining the training, but Yang Yaozong waved him off. “I must undergo it too. Otherwise, how can I lead? You must also train; if you fail, I’ll remove you from the bureau.”

Yang Yaozong planned to incorporate the physical and psychological training he’d endured in his previous life as a special agent. He was confident he could endure it again. In this era, he needn’t learn multiple languages, so he could focus more on physical and mental conditioning.

He went on, “Of these fifty, perhaps none will make it through—or perhaps only a few. Whoever survives will then receive further tactical training from us.”

In truth, Yang Yaozong intended to carry out a sort of indoctrination, instilling in the survivors a blind loyalty to himself, making management easier and eliminating personal agendas.

He continued, “Those who excel will be promoted first, and then trained to select and instruct the next group of agents. The training site will be a hidden camp in Purple Gold Mountain. Only the emperor, the Crown Prince’s Heir, you, and I will know its location. Those not in the bureau must be blindfolded when brought in. We will build the camp and train together. You and I will be responsible for procuring any needed materials. Brother Qin, the hardships may be greater than you expect—don’t blame me then.”

Qin Haizhou laughed heartily. “Don’t underestimate me! I’ve survived battlefields and earned my post through my own efforts. If you, a scholar, can handle the training, why can’t I? If you can endure it, so can I!”

Yang Yaozong looked into his eyes, unwavering. “Then let’s work together, Brother Qin!”

The Crown Prince’s Heir, stirred by their resolve, was visibly excited, his eyes shining.

Yang Yaozong smiled at him. “Your Highness, I’ll be living with Brother Qin in the mountains for training. Please find an excuse for the Nan Gong household—say I’m teaching you in the palace. Every so often, I’ll return for a night to ease their minds.”

The Heir nodded vigorously. “Leave it to me!” He was thrilled to finally be part of Yang Yaozong’s plans.

Yang Yaozong then spoke of equipping the bureau, including designing their uniforms and weapons himself. This only increased the admiration in the eyes of the Crown Prince’s Heir and Qin Haizhou; Yang Yaozong seemed capable of anything.

With an easy smile, Yang Yaozong added, “I have some ideas, but there’s no rush. The uniforms will need to be custom-made, and the weapons must be kept secret. We can have the Ministry of Works’ Armory handle the weapons, but for the uniforms, it’s best to find a secure and discreet place outside the palace.”

Qin Haizhou responded promptly, “That’s easy. My concubine’s father owns a tailor shop. If needed, I can arrange everything, including secrecy.”

Yang Yaozong considered, then nodded seriously. “Very well, I’ll leave the uniforms to you. Tonight, I’ll draw up the designs and hand them over. I’ll also prepare the schematics for the weapons for His Majesty. Tomorrow, we’ll begin preparations. You’ll have to work a bit harder, joining me on a trip to Purple Gold Mountain to select the site.”

Qin Haizhou replied, “It’s my duty. I fear having nothing to do more than being overworked!”

Seeing his sincerity, Yang Yaozong stood and raised his cup. “Let today’s agreement be sealed! Your Highness, Brother Qin, let us drink to our shared ambition. May we give all we have for His Majesty and Great Zhou, holding nothing back, no matter the cost!”

The Crown Prince’s Heir and Qin Haizhou, stirred by his words, also rose and raised their cups. Though they could not shout, their solemn voices rang with conviction, “Together, for His Majesty and Great Zhou, we give all our strength, holding nothing back, even unto death!”

The three brought their cups together with a resounding clink and drank the wine to the last drop.