A soft breeze blew through a cracked window of the office of the Minister of Justice. Shanfeng Yuliang had just entered and was rather surprised to see it open, granted it's been warmer as of late but she was often so meticulous about sealing up her office when she was away. She had many sensitive documents and more than enough enemies eager to seek revenge simply for her judgements passed through trials. It wouldn't be the first time there was a break in to her office.
Fortunately, she had an exceptional memory, able to recall just about any bit of information read, so altered information was never a concern. She tended to take anything she hadn't read yet home with her in the evening. However, even if that was the case, locating, correcting or reproducing anything altered or stolen was more work than she'd prefer.
"How unfair…" Yuliang let out a frustrated sigh and pinched her brow as she approached her desk. Before she even sat down she noticed something new on her desk that wasn't there yesterday. A folded paper crane rested atop a neat stack of documents. She could tell at a glance they were for a new case.
She sighed in relief as she sank into her chair. Only one person left her critters of folded paper in her office. She glanced over at her shelf that she kept the ones she didn't take home. She noticed it was looking a bit full. She'd have to take some home.
Yuliang carefully set aside the paper crane and picked up the stack of documents underneath. Upon review it was an admittance of three new prisoners with an official report from the imperial guard with Riluo's seal. The report indicated that last night Shujing and Meigui Xueye were attacked by the three prisoners and other assailants that were dispatched by Shujing.
"He's out causing us more work again," Yuliang clicked her tongue in disdain. It wasn't the first time she'd seen a report like this on her desk. Typically something like this would make her work easy, but then Riluo wouldn't have left it with a gift were that the case. She would have come across it naturally over the course of her typical duties. Since he left it for her, she could tell it was pressing.
A soft knock came to her door, pulling her from her thoughts..
"Come in," She grumbled, not even looking up from the documents she was reviewing.
"I see you got my gift," a familiar gentle voice greeted her.
"Did you leave my window open?" Yuliang's voice held mild annoyance as she didn't even look up at Riluo.
"Not at all, I just dropped those off for you and locked the door when I left," RIluo glanced over at the window. He usually left her the little paper crafts there when it was open during the day so as to not disturb her, so he understood her suspicion. When she wasn't in, as a member of the upper court, especially one that handles many official matters across all the different branches, he did have a key to her office. He understood what it meant and let out a sigh, "Just one issue after another it seems."
"Unfair…" Yuliang pouted as she rubbed her forehead. She huffed, "I'll look everything over later. His Highness wants this dealt with quickly I assume."
"Yes," Riluo nodded. "He was rather livid when I met with him last night. He's grown quite attached to Young Master Meigui. Honestly, I haven't seen him like that since before we took the palace."
"Hmm?" Yuliang hummed softly with a faint interest that didn't show on her stoic expression. She didn't care to pry into the details if it wasn't relevant to the current matter. Riluo wouldn't bother her with the details unless she asked. She decided to table her curiosity for the time being given the workload she was about to have. She would likely hear more from Shizhe, who likes to share gossip over tea even if Yuliang just listened. She had little doubt Shizhe would have her nose in all this business.
"In any case, Young Master Meigui is a valuable asset to the court but he's in a perilous position, it seemed they were after him. His Highness wants you to extract any information you can out of them, by any means necessary. He implores you don't hold back, and would see them executed when you're done."
"Understood," Yuliang was a little surprised by the last statement. It isn't very often that Yushi pushed for execution for cases he's had a hand in, usually leaving judgment to her. It wasn't as though she didn't believe Riluo about Yushi's ire. She was getting rather curious about this Young Master and his influence over their Emperor. She was looking forward to this case more than usual, "I'll go pay these prisoners a visit." Yuliaing stood up and closed the window, ensuring it was locked.
"If you need assistance with the break in, please let me know," Riluo had a worried frown as she approached him.
"No need," Yuliang shook her head as she looked up at him, brushing her raven hair out of her face. She disliked always having to crane her neck to look up at him. "It'll be much faster to review everything on my own."
"Lady Shanfeng," Riluo sighed. She was always rather independent, he was worried she would overwork herself again.
"Lord Qiuji, with all due respect, you have far more on your plate than I," Yuliang narrowed her eyes. "Don't go making more work for yourself, it's unfair."
"I suppose you're right," Riluo flashed a defeated smile as they stepped out of the office.
"Just leave the investigative work of this case to me." Yuliang said as she locked her office. "I admit I'm curious."
"By all means then," Riluo knew all too well that if she had a keen interest in a case she wouldn't let it go until she got to the bottom of it. "Please let me know if you find anything that leads back to Lord Meigui Hanleng. His relationship with the Young Master is… precarious at best."
"Understood, I'll let you know what I find," Yuliang nodded. "Does Young Master Meigui know about His Highness?"
"No, he's still under the guise of Shujing with him," Riluo informed. He was a bit surprised to hear her ask as though she were intending to meet with Xueye at some point. "Are you going to-?"
"Undetermined, but it's a possibility," Yuliang interrupted him before he could finish. "If I am to investigate this thoroughly or report to His Highness, I'd rather not slip up."
"Do as you see fit," Riluo sighed, Xueye was certainly drawing all sorts of attention. "For now he is under His Highness's protection at Crystal Estate."
"Curious," Yuliang could tell just from the small pieces that Riluo has told her that Xueye is quite important to Yushi. She felt all the more compelled to look into the matter as well as the Young Master himself.
"Lord Qiuji!" One of the palace attendants had come dashing up to them in the Palace courtyard. He seemed a bit haggard, as though he was hurriedly looking for him for some time.
"Easy now," Riluo's brow knitted with concern. "Catch your breath and then tell me what's the matter."
"I'll take my leave," Yuliang voiced casually to Riluo.
"Mmn, thank you for your assistance," Riluo nodded as she departed. He turned his attention back to the attendant.
"My Lord, the emissaries have arrived, and were hoping to see His Highness today," the attendant looked worried, even more so when Riluo seemed to tense.
"Now of all times they decided to arrive early," Riluo grumbled quietly. It was just one issue after another. "They weren't supposed to arrive until next week…" While Yushi always granted him authority to handle matters on his behalf, he didn't particularly like negotiating international matters, least of all the Elians. Even so, he would have to buy some time, and knew they wouldn't be appeased by anything less than an upper court official. "Take me to them," Riluo groaned with reluctance.
Riluo was guided to one of the palace's parlors typically used for entertaining guests. He took a deep breath before entering. As expected there were the usual two blondes awaiting inside. The elegant young woman watched him enter with a delighted smile that made Riluo's skin crawl. She set down her tea and rose to her feet offering a polite bow.
"It's a pleasure to see you again, Lord Qiuji," Her honeyed voice barely held a trace of her Elian accent. She had always been rather fluent in the native language of Meihua but her accent often slipped through. It was clear she'd improved.
"Lady Styliani," Riluo greeted curtly as he returned a bow. "You've arrived quite early, I'm afraid His Highness is unavailable to meet with you today."
"Not even for a moment? We simply wanted to extend our greetings." She looked a little disappointed but Riluo knew she couldn't care less. Korina Styliani was a very sharp woman with an agenda that Riluo could never quite figure out. The only thing that was clear was she was out to benefit herself more so than her country. "I'm aware we are imposing upon you like this but we had to move up our travels as a storm was about to take the islands."
"A storm, huh?" Riluo hadn't realized it was about the stormy season already. It wasn't the biggest issue for his own work, but he knew it affected duties of some of the other members of the upper court. It also tended to affect travel like this instance. Above all, storms had an effect on Yushi, though the emperor tended to tough it out and work through it. "The year certainly has gone by…" Riluo shook his head, he could contemplate the issues that would arise later.
"Just what would keep His Highness so busy that he can't offer a greeting in person?" Korina narrowed her emerald eyes. Riluo didn't react but the timing was starting to raise his suspicions. It was apparent she was planning something or at the very least she suspected that Yushi was away.
"They are matters I cannot disclose," Riluo stated plainly. "Unfortunately, His Highness will be preoccupied for quite some time. He isn't simply a figurehead with time to spare, he is often quite busy. Once again, I apologize but my greetings will have to suffice for now."
"I suppose it will have to do," Korina sighed dramatically. "Do you think he'll have time to spare tomorrow? It's been some time and I'd love to speak with him sooner rather than later."
"Whatever you wish to discuss before the appointed date will have to wait until he is available," Riluo was getting rather annoyed but wasn't about to let her have the satisfaction of knowing she was getting under his skin. "As always you are welcome to stay in the Cloud Bearer Pavilion for the duration of your stay, ask the attendants if you need anything and they will do their best to accomate as always. I have other matters to attend to so this is all the time I have to meet with you today."
"My, my it's quite lively here in Meihua isn't it," She giggled as she exchanged a glance with her silent twin brother who's stoic expression was more unreadable than Riluo's tended to be. She flashed a delighted smile at Riluo, "Thanks for the hospitality."
Riluo bowed and left. He couldn't get out of there fast enough. Now he simply wanted them to leave sooner rather than later, worried that their early arrival might lead to more time for whatever Korina was scheming this time. He had half a mind to push Yushi to meet with them sooner rather than later, especially if Yushi wanted to be out of the palace for some time.
Typically, Yushi didn't leave the palace when there were foreign dignitaries visiting as a precaution. Yushi's activities outside the palace was a well guarded secret and it needed to remain so from a woman like Korina. There is little doubt that she would use it as leverage in one way or another. There was already a high possibility of Elian prying eyes already watching their activities looking for any secret they could use to their benefit.
"What a mess," Riluo sighed in frustration. He needed to discuss this matter with Yushi as soon as possible, but he couldn't just leave right away to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
Riluo proceeded to handle a few more mundane tasks on his list before heading to the prison to see if Yuliang had made any headway on extracting information. He happened to catch her just as she was about to leave and return to her abode to change from her bloodstained robes.
"Done already?" Riluo wasn't surprised, she was always quick to get results. Judging by the blood splattered on her clothes and cheek, she was more vicious than usual. He pulled out a handkerchief and waved her over, "Allow me."
"Thank you," Yuliang voiced softly as she approached. She tilted her head back to look up at him. He was so much taller than her and it was rather annoying to have to look up at him all the time. "Unfair…" She mumbled.
"What is it this time?" Riluo smiled meekly as he carefully wiped the blood from her cheek.
"It's nothing…" She huffed. He didn't need to know about her petty distaste.
"Did you manage to find out anything useful?" He asked.
"I learned of their employer, they weren't privy to the details of why, just that they were supposed to bring the Young Master to him." Yuliang looked to be in deep thought. "I wonder what the connection is. It's not the first time we've come across the name, Jianhong."
"What would he want with Young Master Meigui?" Riluo knitted his brows.
Jianhong was indeed a name they had heard quite often. His roots have reached deep into the capital long before they took over the palace. The name had come up in countless cases that crossed Yuliang's desk and has often been amidst the shadows of their information network. Jianhong has many ties to the influential, much like Yushi does under the guise of Shujing. Jianhong is known to build up those who seek his aid to be indomitable, so long as they don't turn away any favor he asks of them. The moment they do it ends up being their downfall.
"I need to speak with His Highness later so I can inquire for you," Riluo was a little worried. Either Xueye had unknown ties to Jianhong which could be dangerous being close to Yushi if he owes a favor. The other option was more difficult to resolve if Xueye was a target.
While he found it unlikely the Elians knew not only of Yushi's activities as Shujing let alone how close the two have gotten in such a short time, Riluo couldn't help but be a little suspicious of the timing.
"Well if you are heading there then that works out," Yuliang would much rather have a chat with Xueye herself but she would likely find an opportunity to do so later. "Are the emissaries being as pushy as ever?"
"Unfortunately," Riluo sighed heavily. "The sooner both these matters are resolved the better. So if there is anything else you need me to ask, now would be the time."
"As of right now his connection to Jianhong and the details surrounding it are all I need," Yuliang would be able to figure out quite a bit from just that information. Any further questions that arose, she would happily meet with Xueye.
"Alright," Riluo nodded. "I'll take my leave. Do take care."
"Same to you," Yuliang bowed her head slightly and they parted ways.
Riluo departed the palace, however he didn't head straight to his destination. He got the sense he was being followed, but he expected it. Riluo slipped into the crowds of the shopping district, he was able to catch a glimpse of the one following him. Despite the disguise of the one following him, Riluo recognized the blonde male from Elia by his build and gait, but what really gave him away was those emerald eyes that were still visible under the hood.
Emilios Styliani was an Elian Knight who always accompanied his sister. He never talked much but was very much an observer for Korina. He often was the one to wander the palace or follow certain members of the court in search of secrets for Korina to exploit.
Emilios wasn't an easy one to lose but Riluo knew these streets far better having grown up on them. Even so, it took until the sun was setting to truly lose Emilios amidst the crowds and winding streets.
Riluo took a moment, once he felt he'd finally lost his persistent pursuer. Taking a breath, he realized just how tense he was through the day. However, there wasn't any time for rest now, he'd wasted enough time trying to lose his tail.
Fortunately he didn't get the sense that anyone was following him any longer as he made his way to the Crystal Estate. He noticed there was hardly any light in the windows, despite being early in the evening. He knocked softly and after a moment Yushi opened the door.
"Quietly," Yushi waved him in. Riluo noticed the white haired young man asleep on the divan in the main seating area. "Xueye fell asleep not long after we returned. He didn't exactly have the most peaceful rest last night."
"To be expected if he isn't used to something like this," Riluo sighed, he didn't want to wake him so perhaps it would be best to save the questions for another time.
"That's the thing, he said this wasn't the first time it's happened, but it didn't seem like there has been a consistent perpetrator behind it." Yushi led Riluo to the small study within the estate so as to not accidentally awaken Xueye with their chatting.
"Interesting, I suppose he is rather influential as the heir to the Meigui Trading Company," Riluo should have expected it and yet his initial investigation into Xueye following Yushi's first meeting, he hadn't come across any cases that were similar. "I didn't come across any cases like this in my initial search."
"He said he's gotten used to talking his way out of it," Yushi crossed his arms as he leaned against the desk. "He shouldn't have to…"
"Lady Shanfeng did manage to extract the attackers' employer." Riluo hadn't seen such a worried and tormented look on his face before. "Seems they were underlings of Jianhong."
"What would a bastard like him need Xueye for?" Yushi growled under his breath. He had to resist the urge to march out of the estate and go take care of the matter himself. He knew the backlash would be far more dangerous if he got rid of Jianhong. He had a hold on not only the influential but also kept the criminal element more under control with a degree of organized crime. Jianhong was a necessary evil, thus he wasn't always pursued on the rare occasion his name came up.
"They wanted him alive," Riluo thought aloud. "I can only assume it's more along the lines of owing a favor than a target of one."
"Wait," Yushi recalled something Xueye mentioned just the other night. "What if it isn't Xueye but his father? He did say something about dealing with his father's debts."
"That is a possibility," Riluo nodded. "I will bring it up to Lady Shanfeng since I'd rather not interrupt his much needed rest." Riluo paused a moment before bringing the other issue to light. "Sir, the case isn't the only reason I came in person. I have some unfortunate news."
"Shit," Yushi sighed heavily. He could tell by Riluo's tone it was pretty bad. "Lay it on me."
"The Elian Emissaries arrived early," Riluo looked rather concerned, considering he only used such crass language during a storm or when he was extremely stressed.
"When it rains it pours," Yushi groaned. "What a time for them to show up early for once!"
"That's my concern, I don't think they know about your secret but the timing is a bit suspicious. They were quite insistent to see you today and Sir Stylliani was following me when I left the palace. It took far too much time to lose him amidst the shopping district."
"Damn pests, still prying for secrets," Yushi growled bitterly. "Lady Stylliani would very much delight in using Xueye against me. I don't know about leaving him alone, even here. Watching him today I've found that he's quite the workaholic, even if he were to take a break I doubt he'll be able to sit idly for a couple days."
"I was afraid of that," Riluo was about to share his idea on how to proceed when Yushi's face tensed and he held up a hand to stop him before dashing out into the main seating area again. Riluo followed after, knowing Yushi's hearing was much more sensitive than most. He relaxed seeing it was just that Xueye awoke and it wasn't an intruder.
Yushi was already at Xueye's side, kneeling next to him with the softest look Riluo had ever seen. Pure adoration and care, the likes of which not even the upper court had been on the receiving end of. Riluo could now tell that Xueye meant more to Yushi than perhaps the country he fought so desperately to save and help thrive. Riluo wasn't sure he'd ever see Yushi look like that towards another person given his tendency to keep most people at arm's length. Yet, here he was, a comforting hand rubbing circles on Xueye's back and the sweetest smile in hopes of easing the troubled Young Master.
That was enough for Riluo. He knew they had to do whatever it took to keep Xueye safe. To keep the happiness and joy that Yushi so desperately deserved alive and well.
"Another nightmare?" Yushi asked softly once Xueye seemed to calm down from his panic.
"Mmn," Xueye nodded, hands covering his face. "I'm sorry."
"There's nothing to apologize for," Yushi carefully pulled Xueye's hands away from his face. "It's not something you can control."
"I don't mean to disturb you though," Xueye glanced over at Riluo. "Especially, not when you have a guest."
"It's quite alright," Riluo smiled softly, not wanting to cause him any further distress. "I was just on my way out, actually."
"Are you certain?" Yushi blinked in surprise. Clearly, they had more to discuss. Riluo was always diligent on matters of state.
"Yes, at this time there is nothing that can't wait until tomorrow." Riluo nodded, as he moved towards the door. "I should leave you two to rest, if you can."
"A-luo," Yushi called out to Riluo. It hadn't been since they were kids that he heard Yushi call him that, so he'd stopped dead in his tracks. When Riluo saw the tender smile on Yushi's face, he couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. "Thank you. Let's pick this up tomorrow."
"Take your time," Riluo closed his eyes as he turned away and left.