“There are parts of my work that I do not care for,” he said in a low voice. “And what you saw yesterday was one of them. Not everything is as straightforward as at the point of a blade. I’m not proud of what I said, but imagine if I had not, Prince Yanming might have been taken. Hundreds of soldiers might have died in battle. King Yanzheng could have been murdered—along with your new friend, Prince Yanxi.”
I started, wondering at his biting tone. Yet Captain Wenzhi’s other words resonated with me. As I myself knew, sometimes we found ourselves in situations where we were forced to deceive against our will, our inclination and hearts.
He continued, as though it was a relief to him to unburden these thoughts. “The merman cared not for his own safety; threats to himself, he would have ignored. But the lives of his family and friends, he would not treat so cavalierly.” A tight smile spread across his lips. “And it helped that the Celestial Emperor is not famed for mercy.”
How well I knew this. I shuddered to recall the emperor’s icy gaze, the dread which had enveloped me at the sight of him. I had no doubt he would eliminate those he believed were a threat.
“Thank you for telling me this.” I meant it. He had not needed to explain himself, that he did so was an indication of his trust.
“Thank you for you listening,” he said quietly. “I hope we will always speak like this. That you will share with me any worries you have.”
He picked up his bowl though the congee had gone cool. We did not speak for the rest of the meal, but I ate with newfound relish, the burden on my conscience eased.
When Captain Wenzhi and I arrived at the Fragrant Coral Palace, an attendant showed us to a room on the highest floor. The windows opened out to the azure sea, ever shifting and boundless. Rosewood chairs were arranged around a large table, carved from a single slab of wood. Prince Yanxi and six other immortals were clustered around it, engaged in a heated discussion.
Dismissing the need for courtesies, the prince introduced us quickly to the commanders in the room. His face was grim as he said, “The merfolk never dared to storm the palace before. They would only do so now because they believe their army strong enough to confront us. Which means we’re running out of time.”
Captain Wenzhi lowered himself onto a chair and gestured for me to do the same. An attendant hurried over to fill our cups with tea. “They might also wish to antagonize you into retaliating rashly,” he warned.
Prince Yanxi nodded tersely. “We will be cautious. However, if we allow Governor Renyu to attack us without repercussion, this will only embolden him further.” His gaze met mine across the room. “The First Archer’s point about ensuring the battle is fought on land is a vital one. The merfolk would undoubtedly prefer to draw us underwater where they are strongest.”
Captain Wenzhi clasped his hands together on the table. “Orchestrating the confrontation would allow us to choose the battleground. You’ve said the merfolk venture to shore to raid. Is there any other occasion that would bring them to land?”
“None that we know of,” Prince Yanxi replied.
“Then we need to lure them to us. What can we use as bait?” Captain Wenzhi said decisively.
A few generals shifted in their chairs as though disconcerted by his suggestion. I took a sip of tea to loosen the tightness in my throat. “It should be something that would tempt Governor Renyu himself to lead the charge. This can only work once,” I added quickly, before I lost my nerve.
“I agree. Has the governor led a charge before?” Captain Wenzhi asked.
“No. He’s powerful but very cautious,” Prince Yanxi said.
Captain Wenzhi sighed. “If I might speak plainly, Your Highness?” At Prince Yanxi’s nod, he continued, “Magical items or treasure might not be enough to entice him to risk his neck. However, we are now aware that Prince Yanming is crucial to the governor’s plans.”
Prince Yanxi’s chair scraped against the floor as he uncoiled to his full height. “You want to use my little brother as bait?” he ground out.
Captain Wenzhi did not flinch, appearing indifferent to the prince’s wrath. “Your brother will be taken to safety at the first sign of danger. We just need him to draw the governor into our trap.”
Prince Yanxi glared at him. “How can you ensure his safety?”
I recalled the young prince from last night, the one who had gripped his mother’s hand so tightly and laid his face against her shoulder. It reminded me of how I had clutched my own mother during the times I had been most afraid—when I almost drowned in the river, when I learned I had to leave my home.