"The court is a nest of vipers, and Lady Xia is their queen."
———
Cheng read Yìzé's coded message again, hoping he had missed something. He was tired, but he still tried to make sense of the mess in front of him.
One note in Lady Xia's list of "favors" caught his attention. On the same night as the last market attack, a merchant had been told by someone unknown to sell fine silk to Minister Tan's household at a huge discount. The timing was too suspicious.
Cheng tossed the message onto his desk, and walked through the palace halls, thinking about Yize's report.
For years she had slipped into his father's private meetings, slowly twisting the emperor's opinion of him. Now it seemed she had pushed her reach into the streets too.
Even so, the full extent of her scheme was still hard to measure.
A few days earlier, he learned someone in his household had been leaking information, likely tied to the attempt on his life at Lotus Square. He had sent guards before, but Cheng knew that showing force only made enemies hide better.
At last, Cheng at his destination.
Elsewhere, Yize approached a young servant as she hurried through her tasks. He touched her arm lightly and said, "The young master wants to see you."
She followed him without a word.
After a long walk, they reached a quiet part of the palace. Realizing something was wrong, the maid reached into her pocket and held something tightly.
When they entered an underground room, she quickly pulled out a small substance to drink, but Yize struck it from her hand. Then she dropped to her knees.
"There are claims that you have been speaking with people who wish the young master harm. Is it true?" he asked.
Fear filled her eyes, exposing her guilt.
She did not know Cheng was sitting behind a screen, watching.
Yize continued, "Tell me what they promised you. If you do, I will beg for mercy on your behalf."
The maid only shook her head stubbornly.
Cheng sighed, stepped out from behind the screen, and walked toward the door.
Yize noticed him leave.
A short while later, he stepped out alone, and assumed his position behind Cheng.
Arriving at his palace, Cheng turned to the report of illness spreading in Lanyun Village near the Imperial City.
He called for his Grand Physician, Lien.
"Send your best healers to find out what's causing this sickness,"
"Use whatever you need."
Lien bowed. "At once, Your Highness."
Cheng still felt the situation was urgent. "Prepare poultices, elixirs, and remedies for fever and cough. If we don't act fast, many lives could be lost."
Lien hesitated. "The journey is long, your highness. Our healers may arrive too lat—
"Then I will go myself," Cheng interrupted.
"Ready the horses, supplies, and all medical stores. We leave within the hour."
Lien hurried to obey.
No one could deny that Cheng put his people first. For him, protecting the empire began with protecting its common folk.
---
Cheng was reading more reports when someone knocked. "Enter," he said, expecting more problems.
To his surprise, Prince Xuan [Lady Xia's son] stepped in. "Still working, Brother Cheng?" he asked, walking in with ease. "Come rest. I brought good wine."
Cheng raised a brow. "You came again, defying mother's orders?"
Xuan shrugged and poured. "She sees threats everywhere. Drink a little. It'll help you relax." His warm smile softened Cheng's mood.
Cheng accepted the cup gratefully, and the tension in his shoulders slowly started fading as they chatted about lighter things, including Xuan's newest romantic mess.
For a while, politics didn't matter. Their bond was stronger than all the troubles around them, and Cheng treasured it.
Later, as Cheng reviewed plans for travel, he noticed Xuan preparing three horses.
"You ignored my order," Cheng said quietly. "The road isn't safe."
"And you want me to stay behind and do nothing?" Xuan replied. "Let me help. I want to serve our people too. I'm not here only for comfort."
Cheng sighed. "The dangers I face… well I'm sure the village could use another hand with healing."
He pointed a finger. "But be careful. The moment trouble appears, you return. No arguing."
Xuan grinned. "All right. I'll keep my guard up."
Cheng then called for Yìzé.
"Place five of your best men with Prince Xuan at all times. You will go too. I trust you most."
Yìzé bowed. "As you command. Is the danger truly that serious?"
Cheng took a pause. Xuan's was playful and easygoing by nature. He worried for that reason the most. "Protect him with your life."
"You honor us with such trust," Yìzé said.
The courtyard grew busy as everyone prepared to leave. Cheng gave final instructions while servants loaded supplies.
When all was ready, Cheng faced Xuan. "Go safely. May heaven guide you. Return with answers."
Xuan bowed. "You've given me a worthy task. When we meet again, I'll bring good news."