Liu Xuanwen stared out of the carriage window as dawn began to break, casting a pale light over the landscape. They had been traveling for three long days, and the weariness of the journey was starting to seep into her bones.
Nankou, a small town near Guizhou, was their destination—a city that lay on the western edge of the Dongzhou Empire, bordering the powerful Liaozhou Empire. In this world, three empires ruled the land: Dongzhou, the most dominant, followed by Yangshui and Liaozhou.
Her thoughts drifted, a question escaping her lips in a whisper, "They should have received it by now, right?"
It had been two months since she was thrust into the body of Xuanwen, a hopeless noblewoman. Two months of pretending, playing her part flawlessly to avoid suspicion from the second prince. But her deception ran deeper than anyone knew. Behind the scenes, she had been secretly communicating with the crown prince, alerting him to the second prince's schemes. So far, she had managed to stay ahead, but it wasn't enough. She couldn't follow the same doomed path as the original Xuanwen, who was fated to die at the hands of the second prince in a year. She needed an escape, and the crown prince seemed like the only way out.
Xuanwen sighed heavily. "How do I get out of this?"
Hualing, stirred from sleep. "What did you say, Xuanwen?"
"Nothing," Xuanwen replied quickly.
Hualing blinked, looking out of the window. "It's morning already?"
Nanny Yin's voice cut through the quiet. "Hey, old man! When will we reach the city gate?"
The coachman grumbled, "A couple more hours."
Nanny Yin turned to Xuanwen, concern lining her face. "Miss, are you tired? We'll be at the gate soon, and if we hurry, we'll reach Nankou by nightfall."
Xuanwen stretched lazily, her tone light. "Let's make a stop at Guizhou. I want to look around. My legs are numb from sitting for so long."
Nanny Yin's face paled. "But... miss, we might get into trouble."
"Trouble? From who?" Xuanwen shrugged, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "If I don't speak, and you don't, no one will know. My parents didn't even bother to send someone to follow me."
Nanny Yin hesitated but could only offer a weak protest. Xuanwen had already made up her mind.
"Hualing, what do you want to eat when we get there?" Xuanwen asked, effectively brushing aside Nanny Yin's concerns. They were on their way to Guizhou, with or without permission.
---
–**Xiao Mansion**–
**Old Mistress Xiao's Birthday Banquet**
The Xiao Mansion was alive with activity. Inside the grand estate, Xiao Rong, the elegant and poised daughter of the family, meticulously oversaw the banquet preparations.
"Cuifen, place the flowers over there—yes, that's better," she instructed, her eyes gleaming with the attention to detail expected of her.
Her mother, Madam Liao Lijuan, approached, her voice gentle yet firm. "Rong'er."
Xiao Rong turned, a bright smile lighting her face. "Mother, you're here."
"You've worked hard for your grandmother's birthday. She'll be pleased," Madam Liao said, her tone full of pride.
Xiao Rong walked toward her mother, her smile deepening. "Of course. It's Grandmother's 56th birthday. I couldn't just sit idle. Besides, many of Father's acquaintances will attend. We mustn't lose face."
Madam Liao stroked her daughter's hair affectionately. "Go prepare yourself. The banquet will start soon."
As Xiao Rong left to get ready, the grand hall filled with nobles, the sound of laughter and pleasant conversation swirling through the air as esteemed guests arrived. Everything seemed perfect—until Su Huian arrived at the entrance.
"Huian!" Xiao Rong called, rushing over to embrace her best friend.
Su Huian smiled as they hugged. "Rong'er, it's been too long. I missed you."
They entered the banquet together, their mothers trailing behind. The room was abuzz with excitement, but beneath Huian's calm exterior, her mind raced. Something was wrong.
Just then an unexpected announcement echoed through the hall.
"His Highness, the Crown Prince has arrived!"
Why was the Crown Prince here? Huian's heart pounded. In her previous life, the Crown Prince had never attended this banquet. Was this a ripple caused by her regression? She distinctly remembered meeting him at her father's banquet after the war—not here.
The banquet, in Huian's past life, was the beginning of a series of tragedies that unraveled the Xiao family and worsened the court's political turmoil. Could it be that fate was shifting already?
The Crown Prince, Zheng Jianyu, entered, his regal presence drawing all eyes to him. His movements were deliberate, his face unreadable, as he approached Old Mistress Xiao.
"Congratulations on your 56th birthday, Old Mistress Xiao. I wish you health and prosperity," he said with a slight bow, his voice calm yet authoritative.
Old Mistress Xiao beamed, but Huian's sense of unease grew.
As he took his seat, Jianyu—the crown prince—leaned over to his attendant Liqin and whispered, "Now. Do it."
Liqin disappeared into the shadows, unnoticed by the revelers.
Su Huian sipped from her cup, scanning the room.
The evening continued with cheerful exchanges, and Xiao Rong performed a graceful dance for her grandmother. Everyone was captivated by the elegance of the performance. Yet, Huian remained on edge.
Suddenly, four servants entered with plates of food for the table, and Huian's breath caught in her throat.
This was it. The poison.She couldn't pinpoint which dish, but she knew it was among them. Huian stood, ready to act—but was interrupted.
"Halt!" Crown Prince Jianyu's voice rang out sharply, freezing everyone in place. His eyes, cold and calculating, locked onto the servants as they approached the old mistress.
Xiao Wencheng, Xiao Rong's father and the Imperial Physician, rose from his seat, concern etched on his face. "Your Highness, what's the meaning of this?"
Jianyu's gaze didn't waver as he approached the table. "Old Mistress Xiao, with all due respect, one of my men overheard disturbing talk among your servants. I cannot remain silent."
A hush fell over the banquet hall. The old mistress's face tightened. "What do you mean, Your Highness?"
With a smile that didn't reach his eyes, Jianyu leaned in toward the plates. "Physician Xiao, have you heard of the tragic tale of Yan Xiu and Song Chunhua?"
The physician nodded cautiously. "Yes, Your Highness, a well-known story of love turned to enmity through betrayal."
"Indeed," Jianyu said, pacing slowly. "And the betrayal? It began with poison."
A ripple of shock passed through the room. Jianyu glanced at the servants, his tone becoming more menacing. "A similar betrayal is brewing here tonight."
Xiao Wencheng's face drained of color. "Are you saying..."
Without waiting for him to finish, Jianyu stepped closer to the shaking servant. "This one here is nervous. Suspiciously so."
At the prince's words, the hall erupted in whispers. The trembling servant, barely able to stand, was quickly seized by the guards. Wencheng's voice thundered, "How dare you! Who ordered this treachery?"
The servant's terrified face said it all. Before she could speak, she was dragged away.
Though the crisis was averted, the mood had darkened irreversibly. The banquet was cut short, and Wencheng offered his apologies to the guests, thanking the Crown Prince profusely. "Your Highness, you've saved us from a grave disaster. How can I ever repay you?"
Jianyu's response was enigmatic. "It was merely a coincidence that I discovered the plot, Physician Xiao."
But Huian wasn't convinced. **How had the Crown Prince known about the poison? Was it truly a coincidence?**
Just then, a guard rushed in, his face pale. "Your Highness, the servant... she's dead."
The words sent a chill through the room. **Dead? Already?** Jianyu's mind raced. **Someone silenced her to cover their tracks. But who?**
As the banquet ended and the guests departed, Su Huian sat in her carriage, her thoughts a whirlpool of questions.How did the Crown Prince know about the poison? And why had he intervened? Was he involved in the larger plot she had only begun to unravel?
With the old mistress Xiao now alive, the timeline had already shifted. Huian clenched her fists.Whatever the Crown Prince's role, one thing was certain—everything had changed, and the mystery surrounding the Xiao family was only beginning.
**–Guizhou–**
The sun had already begun to set as Xuanwen entered the bustling city of Guizhou. Her steps were light, blending effortlessly into the vibrant streets, where market stalls overflowed with trinkets and food. The air was filled with the scent of sweet cakes and spices, and laughter echoed around her. It had been a long time since Xuanwen had allowed herself a moment of indulgence.
"Xuanwen, this isn't a good idea. What if Nanny Yin is right? What if the lord finds out?" Hualing's voice quivered with anxiety as she tugged at Xuanwen's sleeve.
Xuanwen flashed a carefree smile, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Relax, Hualing. No one will recognize us. Look at us—how are we any different from the common folk here?"
She was right. Years of neglect had left her with little in the way of finery. Her simple attire blended seamlessly with the locals, making her nearly invisible in the crowd.
The streets were becoming more crowded by the minute. Vendors shouted their wares, and the clamor of people filled the air. Hualing's attention was quickly drawn to a nearby food stall.
"Xuanwen, I want some of that cake," she said, her voice filled with embarrassment as her gaze lingered on the sweet treats.
Xuanwen laughed softly, handing her some silver. "Go ahead."
As Hualing hurried off, the crowd swelled, and within moments, the two were separated. "Xuanwen! Xuanwen!" Hualing's voice was swallowed by the noise of the marketplace.
Xuanwen, now alone, found herself drawn to the entrance of the Yi'an Wine House, a bustling establishment known for its wine and lively performances. Music and laughter poured from within, and the strong scent of liquor hung in the air. She stepped inside, requesting a seat on the second floor, where she could survey the entire room from above.
From her vantage point, Xuanwen's gaze swept over the crowd below, her eyes narrowing as she spotted a familiar figure. Tao Weimin, the chief of the Huajing department, was seated amidst the revelers.Why is he here?. As Crown Prince Jianyu's trusted man, he should have been by his side, not wandering the city. But Xuanwen knew better—he was here for something far more secretive. He was following her subtle hints about a rebel army, though she had only revealed fragments of the truth.
Her eyes darted once more across the room, searching for another figure: Long Fenfang, the owner of Yi'an Wine House.Was she here, watching too?
A sense of unease rippled through Xuanwen. It was time to leave. She rose quietly and followed Weimin as he exited the wine house, disappearing into the shadows of a narrow alley. But she wasn't the only one trailing him.
The alley was cloaked in darkness when Weimin suddenly stopped. His voice echoed off the stone walls. "You've been following me long enough. Show yourself."
A figure clad entirely in black emerged from the shadows, a low chuckle escaping their lips. "I was waiting for your signal."
Without another word, the two clashed in a swift, deadly exchange. Their blades met with precision, both fighters skilled beyond measure. But Weimin, though strong, was caught off guard. The figure in black moved with startling speed, releasing a volley of darts. Weimin dodged most, but one grazed his arm.
Weimin staggered, feeling the sharp sting of poison coursing through his veins. "You've poisoned me?" His voice wavered, his body growing weaker by the second.
The figure in black chuckled again, stepping closer. "You should have been more careful."
Just as the assailant raised a dagger for the final blow, a slow, mocking clap echoed through the alley. "Did I miss the fun?"
Both Weimin and his attacker turned, startled by the new presence.
"Who are you?"
Xuanwen stood at the mouth of the alley, a mask concealing her face. Her voice was laced with amusement. "Me? You'll have to figure that out."
Before the figure in black could react, Xuanwen's hand flicked, sending a small dagger flying through the air. It slices past the attacker's hand, causing them to drop their weapon with a sharp cry of pain.
"My throwing skills are as sharp as my aim," Xuanwen quipped, clearly enjoying herself.
The assailant cursed under their breath and lunged at her, but Xuanwen easily sidestepped the attack, delivering a swift kick that sent the figure crashing into the alley wall. Without a word, the attacker scaled the wall and disappeared into the night.
Xuanwen sighed, her tone disappointed. "That was hardly a challenge."
She turned to Weimin, who was struggling to remain conscious. Kneeling beside him, she administered a small vial of medicine.
"You'll be fine in a few hours. The guards will be here soon." Rising to her feet, she retrieved her dagger from the wall and vanished into the shadows, leaving Weimin behind in the dark alley, alone.
---
**–Yi'an Wine House–**
Long Fenfang winced in pain as she wrapped a bandage around her injured hand. Her subordinate, Qian Guang, stood by her side, his expression stern.
"That was reckless, Miss. You should have let me go instead."
Fenfang smiled weakly through the pain. "You wouldn't have stood a chance, Qian Guang. Tao Weimin is not to be underestimated. But it doesn't matter. Send a message to the guild."
---
**–Imperial Palace–**
In the quiet of the imperial chambers, Crown Prince Jianyu took a sip of tea, his brow furrowed in thought. Across from him, Tao Weimin recounted the evening's events.
"Whoever this mysterious helper is, they know far too much. Not just the poisoning but the other schemes as well," Weimin said, his voice laced with suspicion. "But don't you find it odd, Your Highness? Why give us hints? What's their motive—power, a title?"
Jianyu set down his cup, his gaze thoughtful. "Perhaps both. We may never know. How is the investigation progressing?"
Weimin shook his head. "Nowhere. The maid who served the poisoned dish was new—no one knew where she came from. And now, with her dead, we have no leads. Miss Su, however, has been adamant about examining the body."
"Miss Su?" Jianyu raised an eyebrow.
Weimin nodded. "Su Huian, the second daughter of General Su Honghui."
Liqin, the Crown Prince's other trusted aide, looked concerned. "If I'm not mistaken, Miss Su stood up when the poisoned dish was served, but she sat down again when we interrupted."
Weimin leaned forward. "What if she's the one sending these strange letters?"
"Or she could be behind the poisoning," Liqin added.
Jianyu pondered this for a moment before speaking. "Allow her to examine the body, but investigate her thoroughly."
Liqin bowed and left, while Jianyu turned to Weimin with a wry smile. "You should have that cut looked at, Weimin."
Weimin scoffed, glancing at the small wound. "It's nothing serious."
"But you were paralyzed for nearly two hours," Jianyu teased.
Weimin groaned. "It was poison! I'm fine now that it's wearing off."
"Did you find any clues about the rebels?", Jianyu asked as he stood up from his seat, ready to head back to his chamber.
Weimen nodded, but his expression confused," There were suspicious movement, but I couldn't find who was behind it. I suspect someone powerful was helping with the weapon transportation because there is no way it happened without no one noticing".
" I see...". Jianyu leaned forward, his expression growing serious. "Do you have any idea who helped you?"
Weimin shook his head. "None. But the attacker left behind a dagger. Probably because she was startled by the that person"
"The attacker was a woman?" Jianyu asked, intrigued.
Weimin nodded. "I could tell when we fought. As for the one who came later... I have no clue. They vanished into thin air."