Xiao, Lian, and Ming sat together, discussing recent events and how they had inadvertently become involved in solving various murder cases. Like fate itself, lead them to solve different cases and improving their detective skills and knowledge. Lian was also having great help in knowing human's nature.
Suddenly, a sharp screech pierced the air. All three looked up to see a hawk soaring above. On one of its legs was tied a small bamboo tube, from which red smoke was blowing out. The hawk hovered above shop No.26 for a few moments before climbing higher into the sky and disappearing.
Xiaobo's eyes widened in alarm. "That's the signal!" he exclaimed, quickly rising to his feet. "I must return to the palace immediately. There's trouble."
He turned to one of the servants standing nearby. "Bring the carriage, now!" he ordered urgently.
Ming, recognizing the gravity of the situation from his brother's reaction, started securing the ledgers and other important documents in a cupboard. "We don't have much time," he said, glancing at Lian who looked bewildered by the sudden chaos.
"What's happening?" Lian asked, her voice tinged with confusion.
Ming paused for a moment, then explained, "That signal means Xiaobo is needed at the palace right away. Something serious has happened."
"I will also come with you" Says Lian sternly.
Xiaobo was already changing into plain white clothes, his face etched with worry. "Lian, it's dangerous," he said, looking at her seriously. "Once you enter the palace, it's not easy to get out. I don't want to put you in harm's way."
But Lian was resolute. "I want to help you, Xiaobo. Whatever it is, we face it together. I've entered the palace before disguised as a maid servant. I can do it again."
Xiaobo hesitated, his concern for her evident, but time was against them. He finally nodded, seeing the determination in her eyes. "Alright, but stay close to us and be careful."
Within minutes, the carriage arrived, and Xiaobo, Ming, and Lian hurriedly boarded it. As the carriage sped towards the palace, the three sat in tense silence, each lost in their thoughts.
Xiaobo broke the silence first. "We must be prepared for anything. The palace is full of intrigue and danger. We don't know what we're walking into."
Ming nodded. "I've got the documents secured in our shop. No need to worry about that. Whatever happens, we need to stay united and watch each other's backs."
Lian, sitting between them, looked from one brother to the other. "What exactly are we facing?" she asked quietly.
Xiaobo sighed. "It could be any number of things. Political unrest, an assassination attempt, anything... The palace is a hotbed of schemes and power struggles. Our family has always been entangled in these matters."
Ming placed a reassuring hand on Lian's shoulder. "Don't worry, Lian. We'll protect you. Just follow our lead. And don't tell anyone about the shop or anything about Xiao. Please think before you speak. A small mistake in the palace leads to big problems."
The carriage raced through the streets, the clatter of hooves and the creak of wheels blending with the distant sounds of the city. As they neared the palace, Xiaobo's mind raced with possibilities. He knew they had to be ready for anything.
The carriage sped through the city, finally stopping behind the palace. Xiaobo quickly thanked the servant, pressing a few coins into his hand. "Close the shop for a few days," he instructed. The servant nodded, understanding the urgency, and hurried off.
Xiaobo led Ming and Lian through the dense bamboo trees and thick bushes, moving with practiced ease. Hidden behind the foliage was a cleverly concealed wooden cover, blending seamlessly with the surroundings. Xiaobo lifted the cover, revealing a small tunnel. "Follow me," he said, disappearing into the hole.
Lian was taken aback by the sight. "A prince entering the palace through a rabbit hole," she muttered to herself, marveling at the ingenuity of it all.
Ming placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Stay close, Lian," he said, guiding her into the tunnel.
The tunnel was narrow and dimly lit, the faint light filtering through cracks in the wooden cover above them. It was just wide enough for them to crawl through, the earthy scent of the soil surrounding them. After a few minutes of crawling, they emerged into the backyard of Xiaobo's private quarters within the palace grounds.
Xiaobo wasted no time. He hurried inside, where an anxious Zhang Wei was pacing back and forth. "Thank God you're here," Zhang Wei said, rushing to meet them. "The King has summoned you immediately. I told him you were unwell and needed time."
Xiaobo nodded, appreciating Zhang Wei's quick thinking. "Thank you, Zhang Wei brother. We need to move quickly." He turned to Ming and Lian. "Lian, you'll stay here. Ming, guard this place and ensure Lian's safety. I will be back soon."
Ming nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Don't worry, Xiaobo. I'll keep her safe."
Lian stepped forward, her eyes filled with determination. "Be careful, Xiaobo."
"I will," Xiaobo promised, then turned to Zhang Wei. "Let's go."
Xiaobo grabbed a long blue robe from a nearby chest, draping it over his shoulders. As they made their way through the palace, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small piece of white medicine like thing and eats it quickly.
As Xiaobo and Zhang Wei approached the entrance to the King's chamber, the guards standing watch stiffened to attention, but their faces remained expressionless. A herald, standing by the door, typically announced the arrival of a prince or princess. However, as Xiaobo entered, the herald barely glanced at him, and no announcement was made. This had always been the case. Despite his noble status, Xiaobo was often overlooked.
Xiaobo took a deep breath, steadying himself before stepping into the chamber. The large room was adorned with rich tapestries and golden ornaments, a testament to the kingdom's wealth and power. The King sat on an ornate throne, his expression stern and unyielding. Beside him stood his eldest daughter, Princess Wang Zhi, a woman of formidable presence and grace smiling at her little brother.
"Your Majesty," Xiaobo said, bowing respectfully. "Princess Wang Zhi."
Wang Zhi acknowledged him with a nod, her eyes showing eyes full of love and sympathy. The King, however, barely glanced at him, his face as cold and unwelcoming as ever.
"Xiaobo," the King said, his voice devoid of warmth. "I have summoned you here for an important matter."
"Yes, Father," Xiaobo replied, standing straight, though the weight of his father's disdain was almost palpable.
The King looked at Xiaobo with a mixture of disdain and impatience. "I have arranged for you to marry the Princess of Yong Province. The alliance is beneficial for our kingdom, and the wedding will take place in three months."
Xiaobo's heart sank. He knew better than to argue with his father, but the suddenness and lack of consideration stung deeply. "Father, I..."
"Do not speak unless spoken to," the King interrupted sharply. "This is not a request, but an order. Your marriage to the Princess of Yong Province is settled. You will comply."
Xiaobo's mind raced. He wanted to protest, to explain that his condition made such arrangements complicated, but the King's icy gaze silenced him. He stood there, feeling the familiar helplessness and frustration rise within him.
"Father, please," Wang Zhi interjected softly. "Perhaps we should consider Xiaobo's feelings in this matter."
The King turned to her, his expression softening only slightly. "Wang Zhi, this is for the good of the kingdom. Xiaobo's feelings are irrelevant. We must think of our people."
Xiaobo felt a sharp pain in his chest. He knew the King had never truly accepted him since the diagnosis of his incurable illness. In the King's eyes, Xiaobo was a weak link, a liability rather than an asset.
"Do you understand, Xiaobo?" the King demanded, his voice like a whip.
Before Xiaobo could respond, a sudden wave of dizziness washed over him. His vision blurred, and he felt a burning sensation rise from his stomach to his throat. He tried to steady himself, but it was too late. Blood surged up and spilled from his mouth, staining his robe a deep crimson. He swayed, his legs buckling beneath him, and then he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
The chamber fell silent. The King looked down at his son with a mixture of disgust and indifference. "Pathetic," he muttered. "Take him back to his room."
Servants rushed forward, lifting Xiaobo's limp form with practiced efficiency. Wang Zhi stepped forward, her face pale with worry. "Father, we must call the physicians immediately."
The King waved a dismissive hand. "See to it, then. But remember, Wang Zhi, his condition is beyond our help. Focus on the matters at hand."
As the servants carried Xiaobo out of the chamber, Wang Zhi followed closely, her heart heavy with concern. She had always cared deeply for her younger brother, despite their father's harsh treatment of him. She vowed to do everything in her power to ensure he received the care he needed.
Back in Xiaobo's quarters, Ming was pacing anxiously, having sensed something was wrong. When the servants arrived with Xiaobo, he rushed forward, his face etched with worry. "What happened?"
"He fainted in the King's chamber," one of the servants explained. "The Princess has ordered us to call for the physicians."
Lian, who had been waiting nervously, gasped when she saw Xiaobo's pale, blood-streaked face. "Xiaobo!" she cried, rushing to his side.
Ming took her hand, his own worry evident. "He'll be alright, Lian. We'll take care of him."
As they laid Xiaobo down on his bed, Wang Zhi entered the room, her presence commanding attention. "I've sent for the royal physicians," she said, her voice steady but her eyes betraying her concern. "We must do everything we can to help him. But you should not show your doctor skills much in the palace. It may cause unnecessary attraction and problems."
Lian nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. "Thank you, Princess."
Wang Zhi placed a comforting hand on Lian's shoulder. "Xiaobo is strong. He will get through this. We must stay hopeful."
As they waited for the physicians, the room was filled with a tense silence. Each person there felt the weight of the King's harshness and the fragility of Xiaobo's health. But they also felt a shared determination to protect and support him, no matter the cost.
An hour later, Xiaobo stirred, his eyes fluttering open. The first thing he did was sit up and call out, "Food! I'm starving!"
The servants, who had been lazily waiting nearby, rushed to bring him a tray laden with dishes. Xiaobo looked remarkably casual for someone who had just fainted and lost blood. He dug into the food with gusto, chewing happily. The servants exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of what to make of his behavior.
As he ate, Xiaobo glanced at Lian and Ming. "This food is delicious," he said between bites, grinning as if nothing unusual had happened. He reached for a jug of wine and poured himself a generous amount, downing it in one gulp.
One of the servants, a young woman named Mei, whispered to another, "Is he always like this?"
Her colleague shook his head. "I don't know. He seems... different. But he is famous for being a weirdo. "
After several more jugs of wine, Xiaobo began to act erratically. He staggered around the room, singing off-key, and talking nonsense. "Did you know," he slurred, pointing at no one in particular, "that the stars... they're actually... tiny candles in the sky?" He laughed uproariously at his own joke.
The servants' irritation grew. "Take care of this dumbo," one of them snapped at Lian, before they all left, clearly exasperated.
Lian, though surprised by Xiaobo's behavior, sensed there was more to it. She knew him too well. Ming, leaning against a pillar with his eyes closed, did nothing, but his calm demeanor suggested he was aware of Xiaobo's act.
Zhang Wei had left to attend to business matters, leaving the trio to their own devices. Fifteen minutes passed before the servants' footsteps faded completely. Ming opened his eyes and stretched. "I think they've gone," he said lazily, straightening up.
Ming then left the room and wandered around the backyard. Lian remained silent, her instincts telling her this was all part of some plan. She had known Xiaobo and Ming long enough to trust their judgment.
After a thorough round of the backyard, Ming returned and announced, "All clear."
Xiaobo immediately dropped his drunken act, his expression shifting from carefree to serious. He let out a long sigh of relief but couldn't hide the worry lines on his forehead. Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm himself.
"Finally," Xiaobo said, rubbing his temples. "That was exhausting."
Lian approached him, her voice gentle. "Xiaobo, what's really going on?"
Xiaobo looked at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and determination. "I needed to buy us some time and privacy. The King's orders... they've put us in a very precarious position."
Ming nodded, his face serious. "We can't afford to let anyone know what we're planning. We need to be cautious."
Lian frowned, trying to piece together the puzzle. "What did the King say exactly?"
Xiaobo's jaw tightened. "He ordered me to marry the Princess of Yong Province. He made it clear that I have no choice in the matter. He treated me like... like I'm nothing more than a pawn."
Lian's eyes widened in shock. "How could he do that? Doesn't he care about your feelings at all?"
Xiaobo shook his head, a bitter smile on his lips. "He never has. Not since he found out about my illness. To him, I'm a liability. But we can't dwell on that now. We need to figure out our next move."
Ming leaned against the wall, his arms crossed. "We need to find the reason for thr king's such drastic step. Maybe if we solve the problem, the King may cancel the marriage. If someone is trying to destabilize the kingdom, your forced marriage could be part of a larger plot."
Lian nodded, her mind racing. "We need allies. People we can trust."
Xiaobo sighed again. "That's the problem. Trust is a rare commodity in this palace. But we have to try."
The three of them sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their situation sinking in. Xiaobo finally broke the silence. "For now, we need to keep up appearances. Let everyone think I'm just a madman, drunk and useless.As usual. It will give us the freedom to move unnoticed."
Lian placed a hand on his shoulder. "We're with you, Xiaobo. No matter what happens."
Ming nodded in agreement. "We'll find a way through this. Together."
Xiaobo felt a surge of gratitude and determination. With Lian and Ming by his side, he knew they stood a fighting chance.
Xiaobo sat on his bed, his face a mask of worry. The King's decree that he marry the Princess of Yong Province weighed heavily on him. He glanced at Lian, who was sitting beside him, her eyes filled with concern.
"Lian," Xiaobo said softly, "I won't marry anyone. I promise you."
Lian nodded and smiled faintly, though her eyes remained troubled. "I know, Xiaobo. We'll find a way."
Ming, who had been pacing the room, stopped and turned to face them. "We need a plan," he said firmly. "The only way out of this is if the Princess of Yong herself breaks the engagement. But how do we make that happen?"
Xiaobo pondered for a moment, then said, "What if we spread a rumor that I'm a playboy? That I spend nights with many different girls every day?"
Ming shook his head immediately. "That will only bring more trouble. The King's reputation would be destroyed, and besides, how could a prince who is always in his room do such a thing? No one would believe it. No one saw you before. It won't work."
Lian, who had been listening quietly, started to think out loud. "Ning once told me about the qualities that girls look for in a boy. Maybe we can use that."
Xiaobo and Ming both looked at her with interest. "Go on," Ming said.
Lian continued, "Ning said that if a boy has very good manners and is well-behaved, girls like him. If he respects the girls and their families, girls like him. And if the boy is strong and knows martial arts, girls like him too."
Hearing these rules, a spark of inspiration lit up in Xiaobo's eyes. "What if I do the opposite of all those things?" he suggested. "If I act rude, disrespectful, and weak, the Princess of Yong will likely break off the engagement herself."
Ming's face broke into a grin. "That's a brilliant idea, Xiaobo. If you behave in a way that goes against all the qualities she values, she won't want to marry you."
Lian looked uncertain. "But Xiaobo, are you sure you can pull this off? It's going to be difficult to change your behavior so drastically."
Xiaobo nodded, determination etched on his face. "I have to try. It's the only way to get out of this without defying the King directly. Besides, if it means securing my freedom and our future, I'm willing to do whatever it takes."
Ming clapped him on the back. "Alright, let's plan this out. First, we need to find an opportunity for you to meet the Princess. You'll have to be at your worst when you see her. Also need to find the likes and dislikes of the Princess. Then you can only do what the Princess does not like."
Lian looked worried but nodded in agreement. "You'll need to be rude and unrefined in front of her. Make sure she sees you as someone completely unsuitable."
Xiaobo sat up straighter, his resolve hardening. "We'll make it happen. I'll be the worst version of myself if that's what it takes."
Ming began to outline the details. "We'll need to stage a few encounters. Make sure the Princess sees you being disrespectful, unkind, and completely uninterested in her."
Xiaobo added, "I'll need to avoid any show of strength. No martial arts, no displays of physical prowess. I'll act weak and helpless."
Lian spoke up, her voice tinged with concern. "Xiaobo, you'll have to be convincing. This won't be easy, but we believe in you."
Xiaobo gave her a reassuring smile. "Thank you, Lian. I know it won't be easy, but with both of you by my side, I can do this."
Ming nodded. "Let's start by arranging a meeting. Zhang Wei can help with that. Once we know when and where, you can put on your act."
They spent the next few hours planning and preparing. Zhang Wei returned and, after hearing their plan, agreed to help arrange a meeting between Xiaobo and the Princess of Yong who is supposed to arrive within one week. They need to be prepared for whatever may happen but the result must be in their favour.