Resilience Tested

A few days had passed since the altercation with the soldiers from the other palace factions. The injuries Zhang Wei had sustained, although not life-threatening, were proving to be more stubborn than he had anticipated. His body ached with every move, yet his spirit remained indomitable.

The thought of returning to his training consumed him. Zhang Wei's sense of duty drove him relentlessly. Each day, he would make his way to the training ground, eager to rejoin his comrades, to be back among the familiar camaraderie of soldiers.

However, as he approached the training yard, he was met with a mixture of bemusement and concern. His fellow soldiers, those who had witnessed his injuries and Hong Yi's, recognized the fervour in Zhang Wei's eyes but also saw the lingering pain in his every step. They admired his determination but couldn't allow him to put his health at further risk.

Time and again, as Zhang Wei tried to step onto the training field, he was gently but firmly refused entry. The training officer would shake his head, and Zhang Wei's comrades, those who had fought alongside him and respected him greatly, would prevent him from crossing the threshold.

Each time he was turned away, it stung. His frustrations were visible, but the concern for his wellbeing always outweighed his protests. His comrades knew that he had much to give, but they also knew the importance of ensuring his recovery.

In the barracks, the situation wasn't any different. Zhang Wei's fellow soldiers, including Hong Yi, kept a close eye on him. They forced him to rest when his stubbornness urged him to train. His health was not at its peak, and they wouldn't allow him to jeopardize it further.

Zhang Wei's internal struggle mirrored the physical pain he felt. He was not accustomed to idleness. The weight of his responsibilities tugged at him. The burden of uncovering the truth about the mistreatment of the city's residents rested heavily on his shoulders, and the passage of each day without action weighed on him.

Nonetheless, he couldn't deny the wisdom of those around him. He knew they were right to make him rest, to recover fully before he could resume his duties as a soldier and, more importantly, as an investigator. The path to justice required him to be in the best possible condition. Zhang Wei would have to be patient, something that went against his nature, but it was a lesson he had to learn.

Walking around the palace while nursing his injuries was, for Zhang Wei, a test of patience. He longed to be back on the training grounds, to resume his physical pursuits and uncover the truth about the mistreatment of the city's residents. However, his injuries and the wisdom of his comrades had kept him from such activities. As he meandered through the majestic halls and corridors, he hoped to find something, anything, that could prove useful to his mission.

As if answering his unspoken prayers, a familiar face approached him. It was Imperial Guard Captain Zhao Jing. A sense of nostalgia washed over Zhang Wei as he remembered the time he had spent as Imperial Guard Captain Zhao Jing's apprentice, learning the intricacies of the palace and the ways of a soldier.

Imperial Guard Captain Zhao Jing's brow furrowed as he studied Zhang Wei. It was unusual to see the young soldier wandering the palace so freely. Zhang Wei was usually immersed in training or poring over scrolls in the library. It was a testament to the young man's work ethic.

"Why aren't you in your usual places, Wei?" Imperial Guard Captain Zhao Jing inquired, concern in his voice.

"I'm on sick leave, Captain. Got myself into a brawl. Not something I'm proud of," Zhang Wei sighed, both relieved to see his mentor and frustrated at his current situation.

"A brawl, you say? There have been rumours circulating about such incidents involving soldiers. And now, it seems they involve you. Take this time to recover well, Wei. We can't afford to have our promising soldiers incapacitated," Imperial Guard Captain Zhao Jing nodded in understanding, his sharp eyes revealing a flash of curiosity.

Zhang Wei had expected Imperial Guard Captain Zhao Jing's response. He was used to well-intentioned advice and concern, but he couldn't let the matter rest. His mission was too important.

"Captain, I've been hearing whispers about those incidents, too," Zhang Wei said, his voice lowered. "Soldiers from different palace factions, mistreating the city's residents. There's an air of secrecy around it as if someone high up wants it that way."

Imperial Guard Captain Zhao Jing's eyes narrowed. Zhang Wei's words struck a chord, and his mind began to churn with thoughts. It was rare for him to see Zhang Wei, his protege, openly discussing such matters. But this was no ordinary situation.

The Imperial Guard Captain wished Zhang Wei a speedy recovery, as was customary, and turned to leave. However, Zhang Wei's hand on his arm stopped him.

"Captain, is there anything I can do to help with this situation?" Zhang Wei asked, his tone earnest but his expectations low. He had been turned away numerous times since his injury, and he wasn't sure if he could make a difference.

Imperial Guard Captain Zhao Jing paused a glint of inspiration in his eyes. He turned back to Zhang Wei with a small smile.

"There might be. Come with me, Wei. Let's see if we can turn your recovery period into an opportunity."

Imperial Guard Captain Zhao Jing led Zhang Wei through a series of lesser-known passages, away from the hustle and bustle of the palace's main thoroughfares. As they walked, Zhao Jing explained.

"I've been entrusted with an important task that requires discretion and insight, and I believe your perspective could prove invaluable."

"What kind of task, Captain?" Zhang Wei was intrigued, his curiosity piqued.

"We're going to watch the palace gates," Zhao Jing smiled enigmatically.

"The palace gates?" Zhang Wei blinked in surprise.

"Yes, the palace gates. It's said that the gates witness everything that occurs within these walls. People coming and going, messengers, couriers, and even the occasional clandestine meeting," Zhao Jing nodded.

They arrived at a small, secluded area overlooking the main gate. From here, they had a clear view of everyone entering and leaving the palace.

"As you can see," Zhao Jing explained. "This vantage point offers a unique perspective. We get to observe the movements of those who come in and out of the palace, and sometimes, it's the small, unnoticed details that reveal the most."

Zhang Wei settled down, taking a seat on a stone bench that had a view of the gate. It wasn't as thrilling as combat or as intense as a confrontation, but he understood the significance. The palace gates were a hub of activity, and countless secrets passed through them.

As they watched, the ebb and flow of palace life played out before them. Messengers in official garb scurried in and out, while officials in colourful robes and high-ranking soldiers strode confidently. The occasional civilian was allowed entry, bearing petitions or requests. Every gatekeeper, every visitor, seemed to have a purpose.

"You see that group? That's Lord Cai of the Ministry of Finance, one of the most influential men in the palace. He seems rather engrossed in that discussion," Zhao Jing gestured towards a group of high-ranking officials who were deep in conversation with a scholarly-looking man.

Zhang Wei observed with interest, his sharp eyes scanning for any signs of hidden tensions or whispers of conspiracy. The more he watched, the more he appreciated the significance of this simple act of observation.

The sun had begun its slow descent, casting a warm, golden glow over the palace courtyard. Zhang Wei found a sense of calm in this new endeavour. It was different from his usual duties, a welcome change that allowed him to heal while still contributing in his way.

Imperial Guard Captain Zhao Jing continued to provide insight, pointing out the various officials, ministers, and nobles who came and went. Zhang Wei listened intently, absorbing the knowledge and wisdom that his mentor imparted.

As the evening shadows lengthened, they noticed a hooded figure, shrouded in mystery. The individual moved with a quiet, deliberate grace, avoiding the bustling crowd.

"That one," Zhao Jing murmured. "A masked courier of the highest order. They bear messages of the utmost importance."

It was moments like these, the quiet observation of life unfolding, that reminded Zhang Wei of the complexity of the palace. Every individual played a role in the grand scheme, and secrets were carried by the most unexpected messengers.

Zhang Wei and Zhao Jing continued their watch, contemplating the subtle nuances of palace life, understanding that sometimes, it was in these moments of stillness that the most significant revelations could be found.

With each day, Zhang Wei's body healed, and his insight deepened. He began to realize that there was more to the palace than met the eye. It was a world of intrigue and secrets, hidden beneath layers of grandeur and formality. The palace gates were a gateway to this world, and from this vantage point, Zhang Wei was determined to uncover the truth that lay hidden behind them.