Chapter Thirty-Four: A Chance Encounter

Within the prison warden’s quarters.

After inviting Xu Boqing to sit, Warden Hu bustled about, brewing a pot of tea with practiced diligence. Filling both cups, he smiled and said, “These quarters are humble, nothing like the palace. If my hospitality falls short, I beg your forgiveness, Lord Xu.”

“You’re too polite, Warden Hu…”

Xu Boqing picked up his cup, glanced at the tea, and took a delicate sip. “This tea’s fragrance is truly delightful, and its flavor is rich and refreshing, leaving a pleasant aftertaste. It’s not at all inferior to what’s served in the palace.”

“To think Lord Xu appreciates good tea as well!” Warden Hu’s fondness for Xu Boqing increased, especially after learning that his kin were still imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison. It was almost certain this was a business negotiation.

He chuckled, “This is the first batch of Silver Needle tea from this year, painstakingly acquired. If you don’t mind, I’ll send a few taels with you when you return to the palace.”

“A gentleman does not covet another’s treasure…”

Xu Boqing refused with a smile. “I’m not especially keen on tea myself. It’s just that Chief Steward Huang of the Cining Palace is quite the aficionado, and since I’m always at his heels, I’ve learned to distinguish good leaves from bad, though I wouldn’t call myself an expert.”

“Chief Steward Huang…” Warden Hu seemed momentarily lost in thought, then asked, “Forgive me, Lord Xu, but is the Huang you speak of Huang Xingxian, Elder Huang?”

“Yes, indeed.”

“Is Elder Huang still in good health?”

“His health?” Xu Boqing furrowed his brow, considering the question, then replied, “Barring unforeseen events, the Chief Steward’s health should remain stable for some time. Why do you ask? Did you know him?”

“No, no, you misunderstand…” Warden Hu hurried to explain, “Elder Huang was a close attendant of the late emperor, once the chief eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonies, and also supervised the Eastern Bureau… When he held the whip beside the imperial carriage, I was but a young warden inheriting my family’s position. To have seen him once, over twenty years ago, was rare fortune, let alone claim any connection.”

Xu Boqing nodded. He only knew the Chief Steward’s martial prowess was unfathomable and his demeanor kind, but had not realized how illustrious his career had been during the Shengyuan era.

The two continued their conversation…

He praised Xu Boqing’s youth and promise, his boundless future;
Xu Boqing returned the compliment, remarking on Hu’s vigor and expressing his wish to learn from him.

The flattery was mutual, both men understanding the subtext.

Xu Boqing was curious about the mighty martial prisoners held in the Heavenly Prison, but merely hinted at his interest, never pressing directly…

Warden Hu, a seasoned hand, skillfully steered the conversation toward the prior assassination attempt on the emperor…

All the while, he lamented the difficulties of serving under the emperor’s very nose, and the innocence of the city inspectors.

Xu Boqing knew well enough what he meant, and so, feigning anguish, asked, “Warden Hu, you know my second uncle’s family is loyal and upright, yet now they languish in prison. As their nephew, my heart aches as if cut by knives—I would gladly take their place. Can you show me a way forward?”

“Do not fret, Lord Xu.” Warden Hu sighed theatrically, then said with pointed meaning, “Though I am warden here, I have no direct authority to release prisoners. Any appeal must be approved by the officials of the Ministry of Justice.”

Xu Boqing nodded in understanding. “If the warden could help smooth matters with the Ministry, would that mean my kin could be freed?”

“Precisely.” Warden Hu’s eyes gleamed as he replied cheerfully, “If the Ministry’s obstacles can be cleared, not only can the prisoners be released, their confiscated properties and homes can also be restored, even their official positions reinstated.”

‘So it’s a whole industry now, is it?’ Xu Boqing sneered inwardly, deciding to drop the pretense. He asked directly, “In your opinion, Warden Hu, how much silver would it take to grease those wheels?”

“It depends on the person and the matter—the price varies.” Warden Hu took a sip of tea, then continued, “For someone like Inspector Xu, to leave the Heavenly Prison requires three thousand taels of silver, five hundred more to restore the estate, and another five hundred for reinstatement.”

He paused, seeing Xu Boqing’s less-than-pleased expression, and sighed. “Lord Xu, these prices aren’t set by me, but by the Ministry.”

“No need to worry, Warden Hu…” Xu Boqing understood that the warden was but a front; the Ministry held the true power. There was no point in quarreling.

He thought for a moment, then took a purse from his robes, pouring eight large golden ingots onto the table and pushing them toward Warden Hu.

“Here are eighty taels of gold, worth eight hundred taels of silver—a deposit for their release. I’ll gather the rest within a fortnight. I ask you to look after my second uncle’s family in the meantime.”

Warden Hu’s eyes shone at the sight of the gold, but he calmly swept the ingots into his pouch and, smiling broadly, gave his word. “Rest assured, Lord Xu. In the Heavenly Prison, I will ensure Inspector Xu suffers not the slightest hardship.”

“Thank you, then.”

Xu Boqing rose and bowed. “It’s late, I’ve made my visit, had my tea, and discussed business. I won’t trouble you any further tonight.”

Seeing his benefactor depart, Warden Hu quickly stood as well. “Inspector Xu has likely been moved to the Upper Prison. Perhaps you would like to see him before returning?”

Xu Boqing considered briefly, then nodded. “It’s best to speak to them before I leave, to ease their worries.”

“Please, Lord Xu.”

The two left the warden’s quarters, chatting amicably as they followed a guard toward the Upper Prison…

Unlike the cramped gloom of the Lower Prison, here the air was fresh, the light ample, meals refined, bedding and toiletries all provided—there was little sense of imprisonment.

Passing one cell, Xu Boqing saw a young man, arrogant and unruly, entertaining a woman inside…

The youth noticed he was being watched, and upon seeing the eunuch’s attire, his enthusiasm grew, as if he had discovered something amusing…

He shouted brazenly, “Little eunuch, ha ha ha… little eunuch…”

Warden Hu, like an ostrich, bowed and scraped, not daring to speak, beads of sweat forming on his brow.

Xu Boqing shook his head and ignored him…

It was obvious—the youth’s arrogance in the Heavenly Prison marked him as the son of some powerful figure.

After leaving the cell’s vicinity, Warden Hu cautiously approached and explained, “Lord Xu, that young man is Chancellor Zhang’s second son. His words were offensive; I hope you’ll forgive him.”

“It’s nothing,” Xu Boqing nodded, replying casually, “The proud will meet their fate, I’m not so petty as to take offense.”

Warden Hu breathed a sigh of relief.

Chancellor Zhang, whose full name was Zhang Song, was the current Right Prime Minister. His daughter was the Empress, and the Crown Prince called him grandfather.

With the emperor neglecting state affairs, most governance fell to this father-in-law, making him one of the most powerful figures of the Yonghe era.

Such a man’s second son, imprisoned here, was merely going through the motions—if nothing unexpected occurred, he would not even spend the night…