Huo Xian, courtesy name1A courtesy name, also known as a “zi,” was a name traditionally given to Chinese men and, less commonly, to women, which they began to use upon reaching adulthood. This practice was especially prevalent during the time of the Zhou dynasty until the end of the imperial era. The courtesy name was distinct from a person’s given name, or “ming,” and it was chosen based on its meaning and the virtues it suggested, often reflecting the character or hopes for the individual. Zhe’an.
In just four years, he rose from an ordinary Jinyiwei guard to his current position as a fourth-rank Zhenfu (town protector), making the very term “Jinyiwei” a persistent nightmare for the civil and military officials of the entire Great Zhou. Merely mentioning his name sends a chill down one’s spine.
The background and experiences of Huo Xian are quite remarkable.
He was born into the century-old noble family of the Xuanping Marquis. His ancestors were famous generals, known for their loyalty and valor. Many of his uncles died on the battlefield, and even his elder brother perished in the Battle of Yunyang seven years ago.
Although he was only a concubine’s son, he studied under the renowned General Lou Panshun during the Xianzhen era. By the age of seven, he could recite military strategies by heart, and by twelve, he was already following the army into battles, showcasing his talents at a very young age, earning him much envy.
In the eyes of others, he was destined for a glorious path filled with military achievements and an honorable death.
However, no one could have predicted his completely opposite trajectory in the future.
At the age of adulthood, he joined the ranks of the Jinyiwei, clinging to the coattails of the Directorate of Ceremonial, rising rapidly through ruthless means, turning the “loyal and valiant” reputation of the Xuanping Marquis family into a laughingstock.
But perhaps this was not without reason.
In his youth, he was exceedingly ambitious and arrogant, showing no restraint. He was always eager to be the best, which made the Xuanping Marquis very displeased, fearing that Huo Xian’s ambition might lead him astray. Thus, he often reprimanded and guided him, which only strained their father-son relationship further.
Initially, with a talented elder brother overshadowing him, it wasn’t too bad. But the problem arose after the death of his elder brother, Huo Jue.
The heir position traditionally goes to the legitimate and eldest son. With Huo Jue gone, it naturally passed to the legitimate younger son, Huo Cong.
However, Huo Cong was still young and sickly since birth, unable to bear the responsibilities of a military family. The prospect of such a person inheriting the title stirred subtle discontent and the very ambition the Xuanping Marquis feared in Huo Xian.
Less than two years after Huo Jue’s death, Huo Cong’s health deteriorated even further. The small daily doses of Cold Food Powder2Cold Food Powder, also known as Hanshi Powder (寒食散), is a historical Chinese medicine that was used in ancient China.The powder was made from a mixture of minerals and herbs, including substances like cinnabar and other ingredients that had stimulant properties. While it was initially used for its medicinal properties, including pain relief and stimulating effects, Cold Food Powder became notorious for its addictive nature and severe side effects. Long-term use could lead to serious health issues, including poisoning and even death. nearly cost him his life, and almost cost Huo Xian his life as well
When the scandal broke, Huo Xian was almost beaten to death by the Xuanping Marquis in the ancestral hall and barely survived after half a year of recuperation.
From then on, the father and son became estranged, and the brothers turned against each other. The Xuanping Marquis suppressed Huo Xian at every turn, denying him any chance to shine.
So it seemed almost natural for him to turn to the Jinyiwei.
At that time, the Jinyiwei had long been in decline and was not favored. Compared to the flourishing Eastern Depot and the Imperial Guard, it seemed like a place with no future. The Xuanping Marquis was displeased but didn’t interfere.
Unexpectedly, within a year, the Jinyiwei showed signs of resurgence. Huo Xian frequently interacted with Zhao Yong, the eunuch in charge of the Directorate of Ceremonial, and was rumored to call Zhao Yong his “foster father.”
Soon, the Zhaoyu prison was reused, torture was reinstated, and Huo Xian’s name spread rapidly throughout the court, causing people to turn pale at the mention.
Simultaneously, Huo Xian was expelled from the Xuanping Marquis family register and established his own household. The “Huo family” people referred to was no longer the Xuanping Marquis’s family but the Zhenfu Huo family.
With a “huff,” horse hooves kicked up a thick cloud of dust. The surrounding commoners fled in panic like encountering a flood or savage beast, half of them gone in an instant.
Huo Xian reined in his horse before the prison cart, looking down at the prisoner Xu He from his high horse. His gaze was filled with arrogant disdain, yet this detestable contempt, coupled with his face, strangely added a touch of aesthetic pleasure.
His features were too exquisite, like a beautifully painted intricate portrait. Especially his eyes, resembling gems embedded in the painting, making his face appear almost luxuriant. However, it differed from the bewitching allure of a woman, leaning more towards sharply defined sternness. The slight tug at the corner of his mouth revealed a hint of cold indifference.
Xu He’s aged eyes contrasted sharply with the young man before him. The veins on his bony hands bulged, and his angry gaze held a trace of regret that others could not fathom.
Yes, regret.
He was the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince during the Xianzhen era. Back then, he served in the same court as Lou Panshun, one in civil and the other in military affairs, and they became close friends, considering each other confidants.
Lou Panshun had a proud and unrestrained nature and took in a disciple with the same fiery temperament. At that time, Huo Xian was only seven or eight years old. Lou Panshun treated him like a treasure, praising his exceptional talent and claiming he would one day protect the Great Zhou.
Lou Panshun was like a father to Huo Xian. When he and Xu He drank together, he often brought Huo Xian along. He wouldn’t let Huo Xian drink but would mischievously make him pour wine, deliberately provoking him while forbidding any outburst.
Because of this, Xu He had several encounters with Huo Xian and, though he never expressed it, he harbored silent expectations for the boy.
Later, when turmoil erupted in the Eastern Palace, Lou Panshun was caught in a fire while carrying out his duty and was burned to death. From then on, no one brought Huo Xian to seek wine from Xu He.
Soon after, the emperor died, and the new emperor ascended the throne. During Xu He’s busy days assisting the new ruler, the once-promising youth went astray. When they met again, Huo Xian was completely changed.
As Xu He reminisced, he was jolted back to reality by a loud clank. The chains on the prison cart were cut, and a curved blade was thrown beside him with a loud crash, pulling him out of his memories.
Opening his eyes, Xu He saw Huo Xian smiling and saying, “Grand Tutor, didn’t you want to kill me?”
A faint smile appeared in Huo Xian’s eyes. He sighed and said, “I am a soft-hearted person who cannot bear to see someone die with regrets. Hearing your words just now, I wanted to fulfill your wish and give you a chance to act on behalf of justice. Do you not want it?”
This pretentious tone was truly infuriating. Xu He, already quick-tempered, glared angrily and shouted, “You—”
The surrounding onlookers had no idea what was happening. They only saw Grand Tutor Xu stagger down from the prison cart, his trembling hands clutching the curved blade, and charge at Huo Xian in a furious, almost suicidal attack.
Huo Xian did not move. With a slight pull on the reins, Xu He missed his target, and the blade flew from his hands.
The crowd gasped. Huo Xian’s horse turned sharply and charged at Xu He at breakneck speed, trampling over him without stopping.
There were screams and gasps. Grand Tutor Xu lay on his back, motionless, blood from his mouth splattering his face, his eyes barely open.
Frightened onlookers scattered in all directions, turning the scene into chaos.
Amid the commotion, Ji Yuluo glanced over. The man on horseback was facing away from Xu He, methodically wiping his reins with a focused and indifferent expression.
However, the thin ray of sunlight breaking through the clouds cast a sorrowful shadow on his deeply furrowed brows.
The events at the city gate quickly spread, adding another vivid stroke to Huo Xian’s notorious reputation.
At noon, Huo Xian calmly exited the Imperial Study. Little eunuch Shengxi quickly approached, “Ah, sir, the emperor didn’t scold you, did he?”
Shengxi was Zhao Yong’s man and always escorted Huo Xian when he entered the palace. Huo Xian gave a slight smile, seemingly unconcerned, and said, “Just a two-month salary deduction. It’s not too bad.”
Shengxi thought, ‘How is that not bad? It’s clearly overly lenient. Anyone else behaving like this would not escape without a beating. Two months’ salary? It’s like a joke.’
But it was understandable.
Two years ago, the late emperor died without leaving an heir. They had no choice but to elevate a prince from the imperial clan to the throne.
The process was a veritable storm of bloodshed, the mere thought of which still sends chills down one’s spine.
Among the imperial clan, several princes were eligible for succession. Many had far better qualifications than the current emperor, such as Prince Ning, who had the most support among the courtiers. However, the Chief Eunuch Zhao Yong chose the current emperor, then known as Prince Qi, for his timidity and foolishness, making him easy to control.
At that time, Huo Xian received a secret order from Zhao Yong and led dozens of factory guards to infiltrate Prince Qi’s domain. Before the courtiers could react, they brought Prince Qi into the palace discreetly. By overcoming much opposition, they secured his ascension to the throne. After the new emperor took the throne, Huo Xian further assisted him by confining Prince Ning to his fiefdom, effectively thwarting any courtiers with ulterior motives.
One could say that Huo Xian played a crucial role in the current emperor’s rise to power.
Although all this was achieved with Zhao Yong’s backing, the emperor favored Huo Xian more, likely because he was closer in age and shared similar interests compared to the older eunuch.
As with many who attain power, the emperor’s desire for control grew stronger, and he became increasingly wary of the Directorate of Ceremonial. However, he relied heavily on their protection, leading to a deep sense of powerlessness and frustration. Huo Xian, also dependent on Zhao Yong, seemed to share this predicament, perhaps engendering a sense of mutual understanding.
Shengxi smiled and said, “The emperor still cares for you, sir. What about Grand Tutor Xu?”
Executing Xu He had already met with opposition from many officials. Today’s incident with Huo Xian further incited public outrage, and a large crowd was now kneeling outside the palace gates.
The emperor, exhausted from recent events, could barely endure any more. After inquiring about Xu He’s condition and hearing that he was barely alive, he waved his hand dismissively, saying, “Dead is dead. He’s an old minister of three reigns. Spare him the execution grounds and let him keep his body intact.”
Shengxi looked relieved and said, “That’s good. It’s an act of mercy.”
As they left the inner courtyard, Huo Xian remarked, “I was reckless today. I’m afraid my foster father will be angry with me.”
Shengxi replied, “Not at all. The Grand Eunuch heard that Xu He was cursing incessantly at the city gate, using all his scholarly knowledge to insult people. Who wouldn’t be angered by that?”
As they approached the palace gates, Huo Xian’s horse, tied to a corner gate, was nibbling on wild grass. Huo Xian glanced over, kicked a stone on the path, and said with an unclear expression, “It’s nothing. It’s just that he kept mentioning my master. It was irritating.”
Shengxi raised an eyebrow. It was said that Huo Xian held no regard for the past, showing no mercy even to the Xuanping Marquis household. But Shengxi knew that the Marquis was nothing compared to General Lou in Huo Xian’s heart.
No wonder there was such a commotion at the city gate. The Grand Eunuch suspected there was more to it.
After inquiring about the details, Shengxi chatted for a bit longer before saying, “Take care, sir. The Grand Eunuch is waiting for me to grind ink.”
Once the young eunuch was out of sight, Huo Xian’s expression changed. The arrogance and fearlessness vanished from his features. Taking the reins from Nanyue, he asked, “Where is he?”
Before they left the palace gates, Nanyue lowered his voice and said, “He’s been taken to the dungeon. Grand Tutor Xu is a scholar with a frail body. Qingfeng’s kick was aimed to kill, but no doctor was called. They just mixed some medicine in his water.”
The horse, thinking it was being praised, neighed and was promptly silenced by Nanyue.
Huo Xian merely grunted in response. As long as Xu He wasn’t dead, that was fine.
As they walked out of the palace gates, Nanyue added, “At the city gate today, it looked like I saw the Ji family’s carriage.”
Upon hearing this, Huo Xian slowed his pace slightly. This wasn’t his first time seeing Ji Yuyao.
In recent years, Ji Chongwang had gained much influence among scholars, showing signs of becoming the next Xu He. Moreover, Ji Chongwang was more cautious in his actions, making it nearly impossible to catch him at fault.
It was Zhao Yong’s idea to marry into the Ji family, but the decision on whom to marry was Huo Xian’s.
Indeed, his inner court was already full of beautiful women, so adding one more made no difference. However, choosing someone with a gentle and easily manipulated nature would save him a lot of trouble. Thus, he selected the pure and kind eldest daughter of the Ji family, orchestrating the events at Chengyuan Temple.
When he saw Ji Yuyao, he felt she was indeed as cautious as Nanyue had reported, like a white flower in an inner courtyard pond, delicate and unseasoned by life’s hardships.
Recalling that glance today…
Huo Xian frowned, unable to pinpoint what felt off.
But it didn’t matter. He mounted his horse and said, “Where’s Liyang? Tell him the city gates can resume normal passage and withdraw the agents from the capital.”
“Ah?” Nanyue asked, “Master, we’re not pursuing the assassin anymore?”
Huo Xian tugged on the reins, a shadow of frustration crossing his face, “Continuing the search won’t yield results. Withdraw the team.”
Liyang was somewhat dejected.
He had been with the Jinyiwei for many years and excelled at reconnaissance and capturing. For years, he had never failed a task assigned by Huo Xian, but this time he had taken a significant misstep.
When he arrived at the mansion, the assassin was already injured, yet managed to escape from his grasp, leaving Liyang feeling both frustrated and ashamed.
He asked, “Who exactly is this assassin, and why is the master so determined to capture her?”
Liyang had not been with Huo Xian as long as Nanyue. Nanyue had been with Huo Xian since he was a child and had even had the fortune to receive guidance from General Lou.
Nanyue sighed, “You didn’t see it. The assassin’s movements were incredibly swift, almost identical to what the general taught the master back then. I was just a step too slow. Look—”
Nanyue pulled open his collar, revealing a fresh scar on his neck. “That hairpin nearly hit a vital spot.”
“That’s…” Liyang looked at the scar, realizing it was quite serious. He was about to offer comfort when he suddenly had a thought, jumping up. “I’m going to the Ministry of Justice.”
With that, he ignored Nanyue’s calls and hurried away.
Ji Yuluo arrived at Chengyuan Temple.
The temple was solemn and pure, with its grand red double doors and a plaque above depicting a hundred monks. The redwood pillars supporting the structure were carved with lions playing with embroidered balls and dragons chasing pearls. North of the entrance was the main hall housing the statue of Amitabha Buddha, while family memorial tablets were placed in other buildings.
After the incident at the city gate, the group was heavy-hearted, their minds elsewhere, making even the incense offering for the old patriarch feel distracted. Lin Chan nearly burned her hand on the incense ashes.
Unlike Ji Xianyu, who was frightened by the bloodshed, Lin Chan was thinking of Jiang’s warnings, subconsciously replacing Xu He’s face with Ji Chongwang’s, and became quite scared.
After offering incense to the patriarch, she decided to pray to the Amitabha Buddha statue in the main hall for peace of mind.
The younger generation followed her.
However, Ji Yuluo wasn’t very keen on worshipping, so she lagged a few steps behind. Just as she was about to step into the main hall, she bumped into a white-robed woman wearing a veiled hat. The woman hurriedly pressed down her hat and almost ran away.
Ji Yuluo paused for a moment, sensing that the touch had left a faint sweet scent on her hand.
The scent felt vaguely familiar. Just as she was frowning and looking back, Ji Xianyu called out to her, urging her inside, and she turned back to enter the main hall.
