Chapter Seventy-Six: The Palace Guard

“My lord’s kindness is deeply appreciated,” Kong Sheng said earnestly. “However, I would never dare to defy an imperial command. No matter how perilous the Henan Circuit may be, I must press forward without hesitation, risking life and limb to serve the court with all my loyalty.”

These words, naturally, were meant for Li Fuguo’s ears—more a performance than mere courtesy. It was not mere posturing, but rather a tactful way to decline Li Fuguo’s “invitation.” Only with such impassioned rhetoric, brimming with loyalty to the state, could Kong Sheng gently refuse without giving offense.

Li Fuguo frowned slightly but did not press further. Given his temperament, it was already extraordinary for him to offer guidance. Since Kong Sheng did not seize the opportunity, Li Fuguo would not insist.

He thought to himself: “This young man is still too naive, headstrong and full of youthful fervor. He speaks of loyalty and service to the Emperor, but he is blind to the dangers ahead. The journey to Suiyang is fraught with peril. He may not even reach his post before losing his life in the chaos.”

Yet on second thought, Li Fuguo mused, “Though the boy is stubborn and foolish, he is grateful and sincere. Two hundred strings of cash are nothing, but his heartfelt gesture is rare. Since that is the case, I’ll show him a small favor—perhaps sowing the seeds for goodwill in the future.”

With this in mind, Li Fuguo’s demeanor softened, and he smiled warmly. “Kong Sheng, I value talent and appreciate your sincere desire to serve the court. Since you must journey far alone, let me lend you two guards as escorts.”

He gestured to two robust palace guards by his side and said, “These men are valiant warriors of the Imperial Guards, both holding junior officer ranks. The Emperor appointed an escort for my journey to the south, and now I’ll have these two accompany you to Suiyang. Consider it my way of supporting your noble service to the nation.”

Li Fuguo descended from the dais, smiling broadly. “If you achieve even a modest success in the future, I’ll retain some credit before His Majesty and the court.”

Kong Sheng was taken aback. He had only come to offer a token gift, never expecting Li Fuguo to be so moved as to lend him two palace guards. “Lend” was in name only—given the distance and difficulties of travel, it was unlikely these men would return anytime soon.

Of course, these were palace guards, temporarily under Li Fuguo’s command, but their true authority lay with the imperial commander. It was not strictly by regulation for Li Fuguo to reassign them, so “lending” was the only suitable term.

The real question was: as junior officers of the Imperial Guards, their skills were surely formidable. Keeping them as bodyguards could be very useful, especially in times of crisis. However, these warriors, accustomed to serving at the Emperor’s side, were proud and unruly. Would they submit to the orders of a mere county magistrate?

Kong Sheng instinctively glanced at the two guards, who looked stunned. Both were tall and powerfully built, clad in the armor of the Emperor’s elite troops, and appeared exceptionally valiant. Their deep-set eyes, prominent noses, and reddish-brown hair marked them as foreigners rather than Han Chinese.

In Tang society, open to the world, it was not uncommon for foreigners and minorities to settle, serve in office, or even join the military. Thus, finding non-Han guards among the palace ranks was not unusual.

The two guards were in utter disbelief. Li Fuguo had just handed them over like mere goods to a yet-uncrowned county magistrate. They were palace guards—how could they become the personal attendants of a mere youth? Was this not absurd? Moreover, the Henan Circuit was extremely dangerous. To be sent with Kong Sheng to Suiyang was to leap into a fiery pit.

Yet, they dared not refuse. Li Fuguo wielded immense power in the palace and was trusted by the Emperor. As members of the imperial escort, they knew this better than anyone. To defy Li Fuguo would mean risking not only their lives but also those of their families.

Li Fuguo could easily fabricate charges of rebellion and have them executed on the spot. If his anger persisted, he had countless ways to implicate their families and have them exiled.

“You two, listen well,” Li Fuguo commanded sternly. “On your journey to Suiyang, you must dedicate yourselves to protecting Kong Sheng and obey his every order. If you do so, I will see to your promotion and reward. But if you show the slightest negligence, you will answer to me!”

The two guards cursed inwardly. “Promotions and rewards? What future is there in protecting a county magistrate? This wretched eunuch is truly heartless!”

Seeing their hesitation, Li Fuguo’s expression darkened and he let out a cold snort. His icy glare sent chills down their spines. They broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly saluted Kong Sheng with military precision.

“Guard Wu Xian (Wu Jie) at your service, Magistrate Kong! By order of His Excellency, we vow to escort you to Suiyang and will not dare to be remiss!”

Li Fuguo raised his chin arrogantly. “Very well. I trust you will honor your word and not treat my orders as empty threats. You know my temperament well enough.”

Such blatant and shameless threats could only come from Li Fuguo. The faces of Wu Xian and Wu Jie turned pale as they bowed again, repeatedly expressing their compliance.

Kong Sheng’s eyes flashed with amusement. He returned the salute with a slight bow. “Then I must trouble you both, Deputy Commanders.”

He turned to Li Fuguo and bowed deeply. “I am grateful for your great kindness. Should I make any progress in the future, I will never forget your support and favor.”

“Good. As long as you remain loyal to the state, it matters little whether you remember my favor or not.” Li Fuguo’s shrill laughter echoed through the hall.

In truth, he had no expectation of repayment from Kong Sheng, nor did he think the youth would survive the coming chaos. This was nothing more than a whim, a casual gesture. Whether this small favor would ever be repaid was inconsequential.

After all, he lost nothing by it. There were many guards accompanying him to the south—two more or less made little difference. To him, granting two dispensable guards as a favor was a trivial matter.

“That will be all, Kong Sheng. You may go. I am weary,” Li Fuguo said, his patience spent. His tone grew cold and he waved his hand in dismissal.

Kong Sheng arched an eyebrow but betrayed no emotion, bowing respectfully as he departed.

As he walked out of the posthouse, a peculiar smile danced on his lips. Two hundred strings of cash in exchange for two palace guards—this transaction appeared to be quite a bargain.