Cheng called for Yìzé, who entered right away. He instructed Yìzé to send a message to the Jīngwèi Bureau, requesting they dispatch a physician, one skilled not only in medicine but also in clandestine matters, to examine his chambers. Every surface, every piece of food and drink needed to be inspected. Whatever caused this latest ordeal could not be overlooked.
Yìzé understood the urgency, gave a quick bow, and left immediately to carry out the order.
Cheng leaned back against the bed, his mind drifting as he thought about how narrowly he had escaped death once again. Being sent here, far from the emperor's watchful eye and proper care, left him vulnerable, it made him an easy target for anyone with ill intent. The question kept bothering him; who inside the palace could have done this? Could it be Lady Xia's hand once more?
Hours passed before a knock came at the door. At Cheng's invitation, the physician entered and carried out a thorough examination of both the prince and his chambers. When her work was done, she stood before Cheng, ready to report her findings.
"All the food and drink is safe," the physician began. "I found no traces of poison on any surfaces in this chamber either. However, after examining the incense, I discovered traces of yew berries mixed into the scent. Whoever is behind this, Your Highness, knew you take comfort in burning incense and used that knowledge to harm you."
Cheng's hand tightened around the sheets at the news. "Someone with intimate knowledge..." he said, a bit low and serious. He exchanged a tense look with Yìzé, both fully aware of just how many people could fall into that category.
The physician gave a respectful bow. "Unfortunately, I cannot yet identify the exact poison as it was infused in such minute amounts, it will require further testing. With your permission, Your Highness, I would like to take samples to study more closely and consult with my colleagues. It may take some time before I have clear answers."
Cheng gave a firm nod. "You have my permission to do whatever is necessary."
The physician carefully gathered pieces of the incense into a container.
"I will return as soon as I have answers, your highness."
"Thank you," Cheng said. "Please keep me informed on your progress. We cannot afford to be careless now."
With a final bow, the physician took her leave.
...,.....
Prince Xuan made his way to the palace kitchens with a smile on his face. Today, he wanted to surprise Yú Yúe with something sweet, a small gesture to show she was on his mind. The cooks were busy preparing for the evening meal, steam rising and fragrant spices filling the air.
Xuan leaned over their workstations, sneaking tastes of pastries along the way.
"Your Highness, you'll ruin your appetite!" the head cook said with a laugh. She wiped her hands on her apron and asked how she could assist him.
"I came to find something special, something sweet to share with someone even sweeter." The other maidens chuckled softly.
The cook's eyes lit with understanding, without a word, she set to work. Through his guidance, she began filling a basket with delicate rice cakes, honeyed fruits, and sugared pastries. Xuan thanked her warmly and left the kitchen, excited to present the treats to Yú Yúe when they met.
Xuan arrived at the royal gardens, it was quiet, the air touched with the soft scent of blooming jasmine. He wandered down the paths, his heart beating a little faster in anticipation. He imagined the way her face would light up when she saw the treats, and him.
Soon minutes turned into hours and Yú Yúe was nowhere to be found. Exhausted and worried, he went around a corner, nearly bumping into a palace maid carrying a stack of linens. "I'm so sorry, Your Highness!" she exclaimed, quickly curtsying.
Xuan bent down to help her gather the fallen fabrics. "Have you seen Lady Yú Yúe anywhere?" he asked.
The maid shook her head. "Lady Yú Yúe has the day off, Your Highness. I don't think she's in the gardens today."
Xuan's heart sank a little, though he thanked the maid kindly. The basket of treats suddenly felt heavier. Where was Yú Yúe now? Was she smiling under the same sky, thinking of him too?
"Wait, Your Highness!" the maid called after him. Xuan stopped and looked back.
"Maybe I can help," she said hesitantly. "Lady Yú Yúe mentioned she might visit the market to see a relative."
Xuan's eyes brightened. "Do you know which market?"
"She left through the west gate, heading to the town just past the fourth ridge."
Xuan thanked her again before heading back. When he reached the garden, he sat, considering his options. The market was some distance away, and there was no way to know when she would return. The sun was also climbing higher, the afternoon heat would make the gardens less inviting. With a reluctant sigh, he decided to return to his chambers.
She would likely come back before dusk. For now, he could enjoy the treats in his room while he waited.
The sun had already set by the time Yú Yúe returned to the palace, tired from her journey but smiling softly at the familiar halls. Before retreating to her quarters, she was told that Prince xuan requested her presence.
Moments later, she was led into his chambers, where Xuan rose from his seat the moment he saw her.
"I was hoping to see you today," he said, warmly.
"And I you," she answered softly.
As she settled into her seat, a knock sounded at the door. "Your Highness, Lady Yú Yúe has arrived," came the guard's voice.
Xuan shook his head as the guard entered. "She is already here. You may return to your post."
The guard bowed but hesitated slightly. "As you wish, Your Highness. Though it is unusual for guests to enter unannounced." His eyes flicked briefly toward Yú Yúe, but he said nothing further.
Xuan understood the guard's caution but didn't want Yú Yúe to feel uncomfortable. "There's no need for concern. Please, take the rest of the evening to yourself."
The guard bowed once more and shut the door, sealing them in their quiet world. Prince xuan gently moved to Yú Yúe's side.
As he sat down, he remembered the reason for his earlier visit to the kitchens. "I was hoping to find you in the gardens today," he said.
He reached beside his chair and lifted the basket. "I asked the cooks to prepare a few treats for us to share."
He placed the basket between them, lifting the cloth to reveal the treats inside. "I remember you said said that these were your favorites. I hoped we could share them together."
Yú Yúe's eyes softened, her fingers tracing the edge of the basket. "You... You remembered."
"I remember everything about you," Xuan said, his voice quieter now.
She chose a pastry dusted with honey and offered it to him, their fingers touching lightly for the briefest moment. Xuan stared at her as he took a bite, savoring the sweetness.
They talked late into the evening, their voices growing softer as the sky darkened.