"Well?" he demanded sharply. "I have given you ample time. Do you care to explain this scandalous act?"
———
"My lady, a message has come." Lady Xia was caring for the flowers when Bao walked up.
Her handmaid presented a folded parchment devoid of any insignia. Setting the watering pot gently beside the blooms, Xia accepted the message and broke the seal. Her eyes skimmed the contents, and a faint frown marred her brow as she absorbed the ominous words: "Help me walk free, or the cannon may be unleashed."
Xia crumpled the letter, casting it aside without a second glance. Minister Zhang, it seemed, sought a way out of his cell—threatening to expose their secret dealings if she didn't comply.
Bold, she mused.
Foolish, but bold, to resort to threats against her. A smirk appeared on her lips as she glanced at her handmaid. "It appears the dog has forgotten how to be loyal," she remarked coolly. Then, with less effort, she retrieved the watering pot and resumed tending to her flowers.
"What course of action do you believe would restore balance?" Xia asked, moving slowly to the next flower bed, her fingertips grazing the delicate petals. Bao followed closely, her gaze lowered in deference.
"To teach others proper conduct, someone must bear the burden of being the scapegoat," Bao replied softly.
Xia's lips curved into a fleeting smile as she turned to face her. "And this, dear Bao, is why you remain my favorite. You never fail to say what I wish to hear."
"I exist only to fulfill your desires, my lady,"
Xia drifted toward the next flower bed, the silk of her robes flowing against the petals. "My dear Bao," she purred, "I have made my decision already, and it requires your assistance."
Bao lowered herself into a deep bow. "What message would you have me deliver, my lady?"
"Inform the minister that I am prepared to offer my assistance" Xia began, her eyes lost on a single blossom like she was deep in a trance. "As long as he keeps silent about our... arrangement, I will ensure his demands are met."
"Your message will be delivered with the utmost care, my lady,"
"You understand the delicacy of this matter. See that it reaches the minister with both haste and discretion."
Bao inclined her head in a nod. "It will be done."
"And I trust you're capable of handling such... a minor inconvenience, yes?"
"Rest assured, my lady," Bao replied, a faint smile touching her lips as she bowed once more. "It will be dealt with."
The Main Palace
Prince Yizong knelt before the emperor, head bowed and feeling as insignificant as an insect beneath his gaze.
"Well?" the emperor demanded in a cold voice. "I've given you ample time. Have you an explanation for this scandalous act?"
Yizong remained silent. How could he explain what he barely understood himself? One reckless, drunken night had brought him here, under the emperor's wrath.
When Yizong offered no defense, his patience worn out and the emperor's face hardened with disappointment.
"Yizong, your silence speaks volumes,"
"I had hoped you, of all my sons, and the second prince of the Zhōngyǔn Empire, would embody the dignity and discipline befitting your station, Instead, you have brought disgrace upon this family and shame to the royal name."
Yizong swallowed hard, his voice barely audible. "I understand, Father."
The emperor nodded, disappointed. He had expected Yizong to plead or offer something in his defense, but it was clear he had no desire to be saved.Then he rose from his throne,"I hereby strip Yizong of all princely titles and privileges. You are no longer the Second Prince of this empire. Your name shall be erased from the royal registry, and you will henceforth live as a commoner, bearing neither the rights nor the responsibilities of royalty."
Yizong closed his eyes as the decree was declared. When the emperor finished, he turned away with a sigh.
"You are dismissed."
Yizong bowed deeply, fists clenched, and left without a word.
The emperor watched as his son disappeared from sight, then he turned and resumed his place on the throne.
———Prince Cheng's Quarters
"Yizong has been exiled?" Cheng repeated, stunned, after hearing the news.
"Yes, my prince," Yize replied evenly. "The decree was issued today."
Cheng frowned. "But Yizong rarely stepped outside the palace. How will he survive on his own? And what of his engagement?"
He shifted in his seat, "I've been so consumed by my duties," he murmured, "that I neglected to uncover the truth of what happened that night."
Rising, he walked to the window, his gaze distant and troubled.
"My prince, there's no real evidence that what happened that night was out of the ordinary," Yize said, stepping closer to Cheng.
"I beg to differ," Cheng replied firmly. "Yizong would be the last of us to act so recklessly."
He paused for a while, then continued, "If nothing else, I trust my intuition—it has never failed me. If only I could find a way to buy enough time to uncover the truth."
Yize stood silently as Cheng turned from the window and approached his desk. "Meet with Yizong before he leaves the palace," he ordered. "Tell him I need a moment with him."
"Where are you going, my prince?"
"To see the emperor," Cheng replied without pause.
"My prince, you're already at a disadvantage with him. Getting involved in this matter might make things worse. Please reconsider—"
"Do whatever it takes to stop Yizong from leaving the palace," Cheng interrupted, striding toward the door. "You know how stubborn he can be."
"Yes, it is a trait that clearly runs in the family," Yize said, exhaling in frustration.
———The Main Palace
Cheng's Pov
"Let him in," came the emperor's weary voice.
I stepped into the chamber, bowing low. "Father."
He motioned for me to rise, his stern gaze locking with mine. "Rumors reach me, even in these walls."
I straightened, my jaw tightening. I knew what was coming.
"They say you were seen with a young woman," he continued,"In your private chambers. Bathing together."
"Nothing improper has occurred, Father," I said, keeping my voice light.
"Yet you do not deny it." His gaze bore into me while I remained quiet.
"When will you children learn? Silence only strengthens accusations." He placed a hand on his forehead.
"Who is she, and how did this happen? Speak plainly." I shifted, searching for the right words. His scrutiny was unrelenting.
After a pause, I met his eyes again. "She is a sword master who once saved my life during a mission. That is all I know of her."
The emperor's face revealed nothing, but his silence was filled with unspoken judgment. "If she saved your life, it would be fitting to reward her generously," he said at last.
"She desires no reward," I said firmly. "She is a wanderer, nothing more."
The room grew uncomfortably still for a long while, his thoughts impenetrable. Then, with a measured nod, he said, "If you say so. But tread carefully, Cheng, to avoid such... situations in the future."
The emperor exhaled slowly, "Do not forget your commitment to Princess Chán Juān. Your union must come first."
"I understand, Father. My focus must remain on serving our people."
He leaned back, fingers steepled and his gaze sharp with expectation. "Then tell me, why have you come today?"
"Father, I ask for your reconsideration of Yizong's punishment. While his actions deserve reprimand, perhaps the sentence was delivered too swiftly. He faltered, yes, but it was a moment of weakness. I believe he deserves an opportunity for redemption."
The silence that followed felt endless, I stood firm, hoping my words had not overstepped the line I so carefully tread.
The emperor stroked his beard, his eyes distant in thought. "You truly believe I acted in haste?"
I hesitated, I didn't know if he wanted me to answer that question or not. "Yes, Father."
He studied me for a long moment before speaking again. "I will reconsider,"
"But only on one condition."
I stood upright, "Name it, Father, and it shall be done."
"Three days.That is all you have to uncover the truth of Yizong's actions. If you return with reasonable findings, I will pardon him and restore his status. But if you fail, you too will face the same consequences. Understand that this is as much a test of your judgment as of his guilt. Will you accept?"
The gravity of his words bore down on me. I knew this was a trap, the emperor was setting me up for failure. Yet, refusing was not an option. Yizong's fate depended on me, and now, so did mine.
"Thank you for this opportunity, Father. I will be thorough in my search." I bowed deeply.
He nodded once. "Then go. May wisdom guide you. We will speak again soon."
"Yes, Father,"
That evening, I met with Yizé to discuss Yizong's predicament.
"My prince, this may be an impossible task," Yizé said, his voice low. "The emperor is clearly setting a trap."
"Did you manage to stop Yizong from leaving the palace?"
"Yes, my prince," he replied calmly. "Do you intend to see him now?"
"Not yet," My mind was already turning over possibilities. "I just need him to stay for three more days."
I fixed my gaze on Yizé. "Send word to the Jīngwèi Bureau immediately. Instruct them to investigate Yizong's involvement with Xiao, but keep it discreet. I need a report within two days."
Yizé bowed deeply. "It will be done, my prince." Without hesitation, he left to carry out my command.