Chapter 27: Shi Qian Achieves Merit

To prove the idea forming in his mind, Zhu Hao immediately turned to the young eunuch who was still adding kerosene and asked, “Let me ask you: do you know the difference between the kerosene used in the palace and that from outside?”

The young eunuch had never expected the Fifth Prince to speak to him. Startled, his hand shook, spilling kerosene onto the floor. He quickly knelt down, kowtowing to beg forgiveness.

Zhu Hao did not reproach the eunuch for his mistake, but instead asked again about the difference between palace kerosene and that from outside. Though the eunuch was rather bewildered by the prince’s question, he answered honestly, “Your Highness, the kerosene used inside the palace does not produce thick smoke or a pungent odor when burned, whereas the kerosene from outside does the opposite—it gives off heavy black smoke and a strong, acrid smell.”

Zhu Hao nodded at this reply. The eunuch’s words confirmed what he had suspected. He waved the eunuch away and, unable to contain his excitement, turned to Gongsun Ce. “Gongsun, I’ve found a solution!”

Gongsun Ce had not yet grasped what Zhu Hao meant by a solution and said with some confusion, “Your servant is slow-witted. Please enlighten me, Your Highness.”

Seeing Gongsun Ce still hadn’t figured it out, Zhu Hao’s face broke into a self-satisfied smile, almost gleeful. “Gongsun, that account from Luo Xiang, who purchases goods for the Imperial Kitchen, left us unable to determine whether the kerosene came from outside the palace. If we simply expand our investigation outward and the direction is wrong, then we’ll have wasted precious time. But do you remember the strange happenings at Kunning Palace that Steward Liu He mentioned? Coupled with what my eunuch just said, I am almost certain that the kerosene at Kunning Palace is from outside, and that Luo Xiang is involved.”

Gongsun Ce nodded, then shook his head. “Hearsay can be misleading, Your Highness. If Liu He was sent by the Empress to deliberately mislead our investigation, we would be falling into their trap.”

Zhu Hao nodded seriously. “You are absolutely right, Gongsun. That possibility must not be overlooked. Therefore, I must first verify whether Liu He’s account is genuine before we proceed with our investigation outside the palace.”

Gongsun Ce’s face expressed further puzzlement. “But how does Your Highness intend to prove the truth of Liu He’s words? Please, enlighten me.”

Zhu Hao gave him a mysterious smile. “Gongsun, come closer.”

Still full of questions, Gongsun Ce bent over, bringing his ear near Zhu Hao’s lips. Zhu Hao then whispered at length into Gongsun Ce’s ear.

When Zhu Hao finished, Gongsun Ce straightened up, looking conflicted. “Your Highness, is it really appropriate to do this?”

Zhu Hao grinned slyly. “Gongsun, extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures!”

Gongsun Ce, sounding unconvinced, persisted, “But Your Highness, I do not know of anyone at our side who could carry out your plan?”

Zhu Hao’s eyes twinkled with mystery. “There is no need to worry on that account, Gongsun. I know exactly whom to send. This person will easily accomplish what I have in mind. Just wait for the good news!”

With that, Zhu Hao went to the door and instructed the young eunuch, “Go find Commander Xie Gang of the Imperial Guards and tell him to send Wei Xiaobao to report to me immediately!” The eunuch dared not delay, acknowledged the order, and hurried away.

He had not sent the eunuch directly to Kunning Palace to find Wei Xiaobao, but instead had him go through Xie Gang, for the fewer people who knew that Wei Xiaobao was monitoring Kunning Palace, the better. Besides, who knew if that inveterate gambler Wei Xiaobao wasn’t currently with Xie Gang gambling away! Thus, Zhu Hao took a roundabout approach.

About the time it takes to burn a stick of incense later, Wei Xiaobao arrived, brimming with excitement and accompanied by another man. Upon seeing Zhu Hao, he immediately fell into his usual cheeky banter, “Your humble servant Wei Xiaobao pays respects to Your Highness! At last Your Highness remembers me—I was beginning to think you’d forgotten all about me!”

Feigning annoyance at Wei Xiaobao’s jesting, Zhu Hao said, “Enough of your antics! Tell me, has anything unusual happened at Kunning Palace these past two days?”

Wei Xiaobao, unsure if Zhu Hao was truly angry or merely feigning it, quickly composed himself. “Your Highness, there has been nothing out of the ordinary these two days. I have kept a close watch at all times and dared not slacken for a moment!”

Zhu Hao snorted. “From what I see, you’ve been at Xie Gang’s side gambling day and night, without a moment’s pause!”

Wei Xiaobao, caught in the act, forced an embarrassed smile. “It’s true I’ve gambled with Commander Xie these last two days, but I have not neglected my watch over Kunning Palace!” He gestured to the man in the garb of the Imperial Guards kneeling beside him. “This is the guard responsible for Kunning Palace. Whenever I was away, he kept watch in my stead. If Your Highness doubts me, you may ask him.”

Only then did Zhu Hao examine the young man kneeling behind Wei Xiaobao. The young man kept his head lowered, saying nothing until Wei Xiaobao indicated him. Then he spoke, “Your servant Shi Qian pays respects to Your Highness!”

Indeed, this was the very Shi Qian—number one hundred and seven among the outlaws of Liangshan, known as the Flea on the Drum—summoned as a reward for Gongsun Ce’s unwavering loyalty.

Zhu Hao said to them, “You may rise and speak.” When they stood, Zhu Hao observed Shi Qian’s appearance: neither shifty nor handsome, but utterly ordinary. So ordinary, in fact, that one could lose him in a crowd and never find him again.

Inwardly, Zhu Hao mused, “With a face like that, this ancestor of all thieves was truly born for his trade!”

For someone whose loyalty was preordained, Zhu Hao wasted no time. “Shi Qian, I have a tricky task for you. Are you willing to undertake it?”

Shi Qian immediately knelt again. “Your Highness’s trust honors me. I shall exhaust all my strength, even lay down my life, to prove worthy of it!”

Zhu Hao nodded in satisfaction. “Very good. The task is difficult, but you need not risk your life. I simply want you to go to the storeroom of Kunning Palace and bring me a sample from every barrel of kerosene. I have great need of them. Can you do it?”

A confident smile lit Shi Qian’s face. “Your servant cannot boast, but for such a minor errand, Your Highness may rest assured. I will have what you desire within a quarter of an hour. Please wait but a moment, Your Highness!”

No sooner had he finished speaking than Shi Qian slipped away in a blur, his speed truly astonishing.

Zhu Hao thought to himself, “Such agility! He’s not only a great thief—he may have other uses in the future.”

After Shi Qian left, Gongsun Ce approached. “This is the talent Your Highness spoke of?”

Seeing Gongsun Ce reluctantly utter the word “talent,” Zhu Hao smiled. “Gongsun, I know you are a learned man and reluctant to mingle with such people. But do you recall Lord Mengchang? Even those skilled in crowing like cocks or barking like dogs can save lives at critical moments. Every skill has its use. Do not underestimate this man.”

Shame flushed Gongsun Ce’s face. “Your Highness’s discernment and unique use of talent leave me in awe. To serve you is my good fortune!”

Zhu Hao did not linger on Gongsun’s flattery, but gazed out the door, speaking with heartfelt emotion, “Let us hope what Shi Qian brings back will confirm Liu He’s account. Then perhaps the truth is not far off. Had I known this simple case of fire would become so convoluted, I would never have let you become involved, risking your very life.”

Deeply moved, Gongsun Ce trembled. “Your Highness, to share your burdens is my duty. As for my life, I have already set it aside. Life and death are fated. Even if I perish without unearthing the truth, to have known Your Highness is enough—I have no regrets.”

Zhu Hao stepped forward, clapping Gongsun Ce on the shoulder. “I understand your feelings, but I hope you will live and render even greater service to the realm, not perish in vain over this fire. I believe Shi Qian will bring good news. I will not let you die unjustly!”

Not long after, Shi Qian returned, travel-worn but just as he had promised—not a quarter hour had passed. Entering the room, his face alight with excitement, he carefully set six small porcelain bottles on the ground, then bowed to Zhu Hao. “I am fortunate not to have failed, Your Highness. I have brought back what you requested and now report in!”

Seeing the six bottles filled with kerosene, Zhu Hao was greatly pleased. “Well done! From now on, you will serve at my side. I will never neglect anyone who renders me meritorious service. Rise and speak!”