:":":":":
As Liang Zheng departed, Jian felt a mix of relief and unease.
Mei's eyes locked onto Jian's. "Be cautious, Jian Yu. The Crown Prince is not one to trifled with."
Jian nodded, his mind racing.
Suddenly, a soft voice whispered in Jian's ear. "Psst, traveler."
Jian turned to see a young servant girl, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Yes?" Jian asked.
"I overheard your conversation with the Crown Prince," she whispered. "You're not from around here, are you?"
Jian hesitated, unsure how much to reveal.
The servant girl continued, "I can help you navigate Imperial City. My name is Ling."
Jian smiled, grateful. "Thank you, Ling. I'm Jian Yu."
Ling nodded. "Meet me outside the city gates at sundown. I'll show you the ropes."
As Ling disappeared into the crowd, Jian pondered her offer.
Mei approached him. "Jian Yu, be careful. Ling may have ulterior motives."
Jian nodded, unsure what to make of Ling's intentions.
Hours passed, and Jian found himself outside the city gates, awaiting Ling.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Ling appeared.
"Follow me," she said, leading Jian through winding alleys.
They reached a secluded courtyard, where a figure awaited.
"Jian Yu, this is Brother Fang," Ling said. "He's been expecting you."
Brother Fang, an elderly monk, greeted Jian warmly.
"I sense you possess an unusual gift," Brother Fang said. "One that could change the course of Imperial City's fate."
Jian's heart pounded. What gift?
Before he could ask, Ling interrupted. "Brother Fang, what about the Crown Prince's secret?"
Brother Fang's expression turned grave, his eyes clouding with concern. "Ah, yes. Liang Zheng's secret. It's a matter of life and death."
Jian's curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"
Brother Fang glanced around the courtyard, ensuring they were alone. "Liang Zheng's thoughts are shrouded in darkness. His ambition knows no bounds, and his methods are ruthless."
Ling's voice dropped to a whisper. "Brother Fang, do you think Jian Yu can help him?"
Brother Fang's gaze locked onto Jian. "You, Jian Yu, possess an extraordinary gift – the ability to read minds."
Jian's eyes widened. "How did you know?"
Brother Fang smiled. "Your aura reveals more than you realize. This gift can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how you wield it."
Jian's thoughts reeled. "What does this have to do with Liang Zheng's secret?"
Brother Fang's expression turned somber. "Liang Zheng's secret is tied to his true intentions for Imperial City. If you can uncover his thoughts, you may be able to prevent catastrophe."
Ling's eyes sparkled with determination. "We'll help you, Jian Yu. Together, we can unravel Liang Zheng's secrets."
As the night deepened, Jian realized his journey had just begun.
As the night deepened, Jian accompanied Ling and Brother Fang through Imperial City's winding alleys. They reached a secluded teahouse, where Brother Fang led Jian to a private room.
"Prepare yourself, Jian Yu," Brother Fang said, lighting incense sticks. "To uncover Liang Zheng's secrets, you must focus your mind."
Jian nodded, taking a deep breath. Brother Fang handed him a small, delicate cup.
"Drink this tea. It will enhance your mind-reading abilities."
Jian hesitated, unsure about the tea's properties.
Ling reassured him. "Brother Fang brewed it himself. It's safe."
Jian sipped the tea, feeling its subtle effects. His senses heightened, and his mind clarified.
"Now, visualize Liang Zheng's face," Brother Fang instructed. "Connect with his thoughts."
Jian closed his eyes, focusing on Liang Zheng's features. Suddenly, visions flooded his mind:
Liang Zheng standing atop Imperial City's walls, gazing out at the kingdom.
Liang Zheng's thoughts: "I will claim this throne, no matter the cost."
A flash of a mysterious woman, her face obscured.
Liang Zheng's thoughts: "She holds the key to my destiny."
Jian's eyes snapped open. "What does it mean?"
Brother Fang's expression turned grave. "Liang Zheng's ambition is clear. The mysterious woman may hold the key to his plans."
Ling's voice dropped to a whisper. "We must find out who she is."
As Jian pondered the visions, a loud knock echoed outside the room.
"Your Highness," a voice called out.
Liang Zheng stood in the doorway, his eyes fixed intently on Jian.
Liang Zheng's gaze pierced through Jian, his eyes narrowing. "So, this is where you've been hiding, Jian Yu."
Jian's heart pounded, unsure how Liang Zheng discovered their location.
Brother Fang intervened, his voice calm. "Your Highness, this is an unexpected visit."
Liang Zheng's smile was icy. "I've been searching for Jian Yu. His...talents interest me."
Ling stepped forward, her voice bold. "What do you want with him, Your Highness?"
Liang Zheng's eyes never left Jian's face. "I want to understand his gift. How can he read minds?"
Jian hesitated, unsure how much to reveal.
Brother Fang placed a reassuring hand on Jian's shoulder. "Jian Yu's abilities are a blessing. He can help you navigate Imperial City's complexities."
Liang Zheng's expression turned calculating. "I can use that to my advantage. Come with me, Jian Yu."
Jian felt a surge of unease. "I won't be used for your gain, Your Highness."
Liang Zheng's smile widened. "We'll see about that."
With a swift motion, Liang Zheng grasped Jian's wrist, pulling him closer.
Jian's mind flooded with Liang Zheng's thoughts:
"Ambition...power...control..."
A vision of Imperial City burning.
A whisper: "You'll help me achieve my destiny."
Jian's eyes locked onto Liang Zheng's. "No, I won't let you harm innocent people."
Liang Zheng's grip tightened. "You have no choice."
Suddenly, Ling intervened, her hand on Liang Zheng's shoulder. "Release him, Your Highness."
Liang Zheng's gaze flicked to Ling, his expression darkening.
Ling's hand on Liang Zheng's shoulder seemed to freeze time. The air thickened with tension.
Liang Zheng's gaze narrowed, his voice low and menacing. "You dare to intervene, Ling?"
Ling stood firm, her eyes flashing with determination. "I won't let you harm Jian Yu, Your Highness."
Brother Fang stepped forward, his voice calm and authoritative. "Ling, step back. This is between Jian Yu and the Crown Prince."
Ling hesitated, then released Liang Zheng's shoulder.
Liang Zheng's gaze snapped back to Jian. "You have spirit, I'll give you that. But defiance comes at a price."
Jian braced himself, expecting punishment.
Instead, Liang Zheng's expression transformed into a calculating smile. "I propose a deal, Jian Yu. Serve me, and I'll spare your friends."
Jian's mind reeled. "What do you want me to do?"
Liang Zheng's voice dripped with malice. "Use your gift to uncover my enemies' secrets. Bring me information, and I'll reward you."
Jian hesitated, weighing the risks.
Brother Fang's subtle nod encouraged Jian to accept.
"I agree," Jian said, his voice firm.
Liang Zheng's smile widened. "Excellent choice. Ling, escort Jian Yu to the palace. We have work to do."
As Ling led Jian away, Brother Fang's whispered words echoed in Jian's mind:
"Be cautious, Jian Yu. Liang Zheng's true intentions remain hidden."