Eunuch Gao entered with his usual poise, standing atop the stair that led to the dragon throne.
He bowed with practiced grace, his sleeves falling like curtains as he addressed the court of officials.
"By imperial decree," he announced, voice carrying effortlessly through the hall,
"His Majesty is unwell and shall not attend today's court session. The court, however, shall proceed. If there are matters of importance, let them be brought forward now."
A hush fell.
Ministers glanced at one another. Some lowered their gazes. Others whispered behind raised sleeves.
After a pause, the Minister of Revenue stepped forward, bowing low.
"This humble servant begs to bring up the matter of the annual budget. We await approvals for both reconstruction and provisions. "
Eunuch Gao's expression remained calm, but no one could see the smug hidden in his eyes.
He simply nodded.
"Your memorials have reached the Emperor's table. His Majesty—" he paused, fist in palm, reverencing the absent Emperor,
"—has considered the empire's prosperity now that the years of warfare at the borders have come to an end. Just as heaven has blessed us with long-awaited the drought-stricken south with rainfall, so must balance be maintained beneath heaven."
A few ministers stiffened.
"To that end," Eunuch Gao continued with an subtle dip of the head,
"His Majesty has decreed that an imperial audit shall be undertaken. All departments will be assessed before any new allocations are finalized."
The murmurs grew louder.
The Minister of War's face remained still, but his hand clenched slightly behind his robe.
Tight glances passed among officials.
"His Majesty believes," The Eunuch emphasized. "That to harvest correctly, the roots must be solid. Thus, this audit is a matter of restoring balance and order."
Several officials exchanged tight glances.
A gruff voice from the back, Deputy Minister of Works, spoke up,
"May I ask… which ministry will be given the task of the audit?"
Eunuch Gao's smile did not waver.
"His Majesty has given this matter great thought. Given the sensitive nature of the investigation, it must be entrusted to those both capable and, above all, perceived as impartial."
There was a pause.
He turned slightly toward the gathered officials, hands folded.
"The Ministry of Justice shall oversee, as is their duty."
Minister Liang dipped his head, eyes unreadable.
Then a subtle stir.
Not everyone welcomed the idea but it was expected that he would be part of the team for this task, maybe even the one to oversee it.
"To ensure fairness," Eunuch Gao continued, "His Majesty has also appointed two additional seats for this task. The Imperial Censorate."
That caused a visible stir. Whispers rippled outward.
Minister Xu and Minister Liang shared a look with each other. The odds might just be in their favor.
Everyone knew the Imperial Censorate reported directly to the Queen.
Eunuch Gao let his silence stretch just a while longer.
"The third appointee is neither court official nor censor," he said. "But one His Majesty believes will approach the task with fairness."
"Commander Cai Ruwen."
The murmurs exploded into full discussion.
Minister Cai, previously tuned out in the chaos, suddenly felt dozens of eyes on him. His mind raced through every possibility.
How did Ruwen get involved in this? Was he aware of it or was this news a mystery to him?
"It is His Majesty's hope that this act will restore confidence and ensure the country's wealth is spent where it is needed most, on the people."
He let the words settle.
"Is there anything else?"
None dared speak .
With a final bow, Eunuch Gao turned and departed.
**************************************
The servant led Commander Cai down velvet-curtained corridors, where the air was thick with perfume, f spiced wine and the soft echoes of zithers plucked in the distance.
Xiaoxiao House was famous, not just for music and beauties, but its secrecy and discretion.
Which was exactly what existed inside the room Ruwen entered.
He immediately lowered his head.
He had seen this man only once on the day he brought word of victory. Even then, behind the Emperor, Eunuch Gao had stood like a shadow.
"Your servant greets Eunuch Gao."
"Commander Cai. Sit."
Eunuch Gao poured tea. "Any progress on the task you were given?"
Ruwen reached into his sleeve and placed a sealed scroll on the low table before him, leaving it untouched by either hand.
His eyes flicked once to the painted screen.
"While looking into the embezzlement by the Marquis of Yong'an," he began,
"This servant found troubling inconsistencies in the winter grain relief for Qinghu. The Ministry of War reported a complete distribution… yetmore than half the registered households reported receiving nothing."
Ruwen continued smoothly, "In light of this, this servant would humbly propose…"
He paused for just a fraction of a breath, choosing his words with care.
"…an Imperial Audit."
A faint clink of porcelain as Eunuch Gao set down the teacup. "An audit?"
Ruwen nodded once.
A faint rustle came from behind the screen.
Eunuch Gao did not respond immediately. Instead, he turned slightly, toward the screen.
A pause.
Then, softly, almost kindly: "Do you fear stepping on certain shoes?"
Ruwen gave a faint smile. "There is little I can do from the outskirts of the city without alerting anyone.
Eunuch Gao tapped the scroll gently once, then collected it.
"His Majesty will consider your proposal."
Ruwen bowed deeply once more. "This servant thanks Eunuch Gao."
As he stepped out into the quiet garden path, Ruwen exhaled slowly, and his mind drifted to the conversation he had with Hai Feng days before.
Hai Feng had stood with arms crossed that evening.
"Then you need more than spies and backdoors. You need authority. Real authority."
Ruwen raised a brow. "You're suggesting I request that from His Majesty?"
"You've already been given the task," Hai Feng said, turning to face him.
"What you lack is the reach to execute it. News of this year's budget is spreading. Talk of allocation, reconstruction, and recovery is already stirring among the court. His Majesty refuses to move on any of it until this investigation is settled. This is your moment."
Haifeng stepped closer.
"I believe there is something different about the Qinghu case. If His Majesty wants you to look into it quietly, then you need a veil to operate under."
Ruwen's eyes narrowed slightly.
"A veil?"
Hai Feng's voice remained even. "Propose an Audit. Frame it as a gesture of accountability now that the war has ended. You're not just an outsider poking into ledgers, you become one of the eyes of the throne."
"And if they resist?"
"They won't," Hai Feng replied, "If His Majesty personally assigns the panel, no one can object."
Ruwen leaned back slowly, weighing the suggestion.
"You think he'll agree?" he asked after a beat.
**************************************************
The scroll was passed forward.
Ruwen bowed low, his two hands holding the decree.
"I accept this decree."
He got up to his feet and busted his knees.
One of Ruwen's men stepped forward and guided the eunuch and his entourage away.
Silence returned to the tent.
Then, from behind a partition draped in plain brown cloth, Liu Hai Feng stepped out.
His robes were a plain navy-blue robe, swords nowhere around him.
Ruwen let out a breath and turned. "Did you truly have to hide? I doubt they would recognize you after all these years."
Haifeng didn't answer right away.
Instead, he stepped beside Ruwen, eyes trailing after the eunuch's departing figure.
"Everyone will be watching now. Ministers, censors, even the Empress's people. Some will test your loyalty. Others will try to get close. And a few…" He paused. "Will want you gone."
Ruwen ran a hand through his hair and sighed.
"Wonderful. I spent my entire lifein the north avoiding death, only to come to the capital and face it all over again."
Hai Feng stepped closer. His voice dropped just low enough.
"Ruwen, this is different. You need to be careful. Don't trust too quickly. Keep your ears open."
There was a long pause between them.
Then Ruwen chuckled. "Yes, father."
Haifeng playfully bumped shoulders with him.
Ruwen nodded, quiet now. "For the people."
Hai Feng gave him a look. "And for yourself."
"I want what is best for her. 'Those' men are not." Ruwen gave a small, wry smile. "I may need to return home soon. Take care of the barrack while I'm gone."
Ruwen didn't want title or fortune, all he wanted was for Ruyi to be happy. But to protect her, I need power.
If he completed this task, he would make a request to His Majesty.
Haifeng just nodded.
****************
Ruyi sat propped up on her bench, an opened book, forgotten in her lap as she stretched her neck.
The feeling of waiting was eating her up from the inside.
Her mind drifted to the day before.
"Did you see Fifth Miss last night? Barely able to stand, clutching the wall…."
"Hush, you'll get us in trouble."
"It's true. She nearly knocked down the lantern pole before Steward Ming dragged her in…"
Outside, two maids' voices drifted faintly through the courtyard.
Ruyi's lashes lowered. A thought stirred.
The door creaked open.
Hua came in carrying a fresh pot of tea.
"Miss, you didn't eat much again." She set the tray down with a pout, already pouring.
"Hua'er," Ruyi said quietly.
The maid answered. "Yes, Miss?"
"Do you think I am a bad person?"
The question came so softly, it almost sounded like she was speaking to herself.
Hua blinked, then frowned, pouring carefully into the cup. "Of course not. Miss is the kindest person I know."
Ruyi gave a faint smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. She shook her head. "Wrong."
Hua froze mid-pour. "…Wrong?"
"I am not a good person." Ruyi's voice was steady now, her gaze fixed on the rising steam from the cup. "I can't be a good person."
Hua's brows knit, as she stepped closer. "Miss, why would you say such a…"
Ruyi reached out, fanning her to come close until Hua knelt beside her.
She leaned close, her lips brushing near Hua's ear as she whispered.
Hua's eyes widened with every word.
By the time Ruyi drew back, Hua's face had gone pale. "Miss… that… that's…no! I cannot…"
Ruyi tilted her head calmly.
"Do you know what people care about most, Hua'er?"
The maid shook her head.
"Image," Ruyi said softly, almost like a secret. "How others see them. What happens to someone with a ruined image?"
Hua's lips parted, but no sound came.
"No one wants to be associated with them," Ruyi finished. "People's hearts shift as easily as the wind bends grass."
Won't be too long now.
Ruyi was so engrossed that she didn't hear the hurried footsteps making its way to her chambers.
Hua appeared in the doorway, her face flushed.
"Young Miss," She bowed quickly before approaching the bed, her voice breathless. "The Young Master has returned."
"Gege is here?" Ruyi's heart lifted. "But he didn't have to travel all the way here because…"
Ruyi paused for a moment. Did he hear the rumors? Is that why…
"He's with Master Cai in the study," Hua interrupted gently. "The Young Master has been appointed by His Majesty himself to conduct an audit of the ministries."
The book slipped from her hand.
"An audit?" She had heard the rumors of the issues concerning the budgets but this…
"But, he has barely been in the capital for two months. How could the Emperor…?"
Hua began to fill in quickly.
"The Young Master was seen at XiaoXiao House twice while you were away. I was also told that Eunuch Gao was there around the same time."
Ruwen, despite all his military prowess and strength, was too young and unfamiliar to receive such imperial favor.
Unless…
"…Why didn't you inform me?"
"You were still sick at that time…"
Ruyi asked quickly. "Was he the only one appointed?"
Hua shook her head. "The Imperial Censorate and… Minister Liang of the Ministry of Justice."
The name struck Ruyi.
Coincidence? Prehaps.
Ideally, cases like this were handled by the Ministry of Justice.
Still…
"Hua, the moment my brother leaves Father's study, send word to him immediately."
"Yes, miss."
As Hua's footsteps faded, Ruyi stared out at the cloudy afternoon sky.
The situation had just gotten more difficult to unravel.
Heavy footsteps echoed in the hall room just as the sun was beginning to descend.
"A'yi."
Ruyi looks up sharply. "Ge'."
His warm voice carried across the room as he crossed to her bedside.
Up close, his expression tightened. "You've lost so much weight. I shouldn't have let you travel back so soon. If I had known, I would have made you stay longer in Hai feng's manor."
From the look on his face, the meeting with their father must have ended in a big disagreement.
Riyi pressed a hand to her cheek. "It was only half a day's journey. Or would you rather carry me on your back as you did when we were children?"
"I can still do it," He crossed his arm across his chest playfully.
"Truly, I'm better now." She assured him softly, giving a small smile.
"But why did you rush home? I told you it wasn't necessary. I'm sure your work has kept you busy."
"You're my sister." He sat beside her, flicking her nose gently with his finger. "I can never be too busy for you. Of course I'd come."
She bats away his finger. "Ge'!"
Ruwen's gaze darkened as he paused for a second. "Besides, I had other business in the capital to attend to. And… things I needed to discuss with Father."
Ruyi tilted her head. "What is that?"
"His Majesty appointed me to supervise an audit of the ministries."
Ruyi's brows lifted.
"An audit? But, you've only been here for two months. For His Majesty to entrust you with something so large, he must truly value you."
Her eyes suddenly narrow. "But to suddenly give you such a task…"
His face turned serious.
"I'll be working with the Imperial Censor Xiao and Minister Liang of Justice."
"Minister Liang?" Ruyi blinked. "That name..."
"His son is Liang Tian, the commander of the imperial army. His name is on your list of suitors." Ruwen's face hardened.
"Gege, But… What if this isn't a coincidence? What if someone placed you there? His Majesty…"
Ruwen shook his head. "I asked for it. I'll take care of it. Don't worry."
Ruyi noticed that he dismissed it rather quickly. Was this her brother's plan?
"I don't understand politics," she murmured.
"You don't need to." Ruwen patted his sister's head.
Ruyi just nodded in return.
"A'yi." Ruwen let out a deep sigh. "Those names you sent… you don't have to choose from them."
"Ge'…"
"I mean it," He scooted closer to her. "You owe no one a decision like that. You still have time to…"
Ruyi lowered her gaze, voice softening as she cut him off.
"Concubine Shen says marriage is the only path for me. It feels like… I don't have a say at all. Even the list was sent the same day I returned to the capital."
For a moment, Ruyi felty her courage slipping. "Ge', maybe she is right. I need to consider what is best for the family."
The words pricked something in him. His hand tightened around hers.
"A'yi. No. Don't say that. I will not let you be used as a bargaining chip in whatever scheme this is. You are not her pawn. You are my sister and no one will decide your life for you. They won't dare."
"But what can we do? Father won't oppose this."
"Then he will answer to me. I don't care who it is." Ruwen said firmly. "I will take care of this."
Ruyi knew that if he could find evidence of guilt on Minister Liang during the course of the private investigation, the Liang family would fall and she would be safe.
However, Gao Yichen might pose a problem. His connection to the Queen being the main issue.
Ruyi squeezed his hand gratefully.
This might just be an opportunity. But she could tell that there was more to what he was telling her.
However, she didn't push.
"Thank you gege."
"For you," he said without hesitation. "I would overturn the heavens if I must. Whatever comes, you'll have a choice. I swear it."
***************
Ruwen entered into the Cai manor's receiving hall.
He had taken the liberty of wearing one of the clothing that Ruyi had made for him.
The dark blue color of his shirt matched the dark energy oozing from his father, who was already pacing.
"Do you understand what you have been ordered to do!" Minister Cai's voice was tight with frustration, the moment his eyes landed on his son.
"An audit of the ministerial cabinet. You will be investigating men who have served the court longer than you have been alive."
"I understand perfectly," Ruwen replied with a steady tone. "The Emperor, himself, has honored me with this responsibility and I intend to fulfill it completely."
"Honored?" Minister Cai's laugh was bitter. "You call it honor to paint a target on your back? On our family's back?"
He stopped pacing and fixed his glare on his son. "You have been away too long, my son. The battlefield is completely different from this."
"Are you suggesting I should disobey an imperial decree?"
"Your principles won't protect you when the Queen Dowager decides you're a threat!" The words came out sharper than intended.
"Do you think she'll hesitate to crush anyone who challenges her authority? You have no allies here, no power."
"Is Father trying to say that Her Majesty is the reason behind all this?"
The statement fell from Ruwen's mouth. This realization made Minister Cai's blood run cold.
"Lower your voice," he hissed, glancing at the door. A servant flinched near the doorway. "Do you want to get us all killed?"
But Ruwen remained unmoved.
"The Emperor clearly believed the system needs examination, or he wouldn't have issued the decree. Are you questioning His Majesty's judgement?"
Minister Cai was left speechless for a moment.
"Things can still be salvaged." Minister Cai sighed through his nose, turning to the window.
"Minister Liang has also been assigned to handle this case. Madam Shen has arranged for Ruxin's marriage to the commander. Let Minister Liang handle this matter."
Ruwen went still.
Liang Tian. On Ruyi's list.
He scoffed.
"Minister Cai, are you suggesting I deceive His Majesty?"
Minister Cai snapped, turning to face his son directly. "To survive. You don't understand what is at stake here."
"Then what would you have me be? Another official who looks the other way while the county rots away and the people suffer?"
The insult hit a sensitive point.
"I have served this country faithfully for thirty years. I have kept this family safe—"
"At what cost?"
"Think of Ruyi," Minister Cai said. "She is about to be married into the royal household. If you continue with this audit, if you make enemies of the wrong people, do you know what that means for her?"
The room froze.
"…about to be married?" Ruwen repeated, very softly.
Minister Cai paused, then nodded toward his desk.
"The arrangements are being discussed. Prince Gao has expressed interest…"
"Arrangements?"
Ruwen's voice interrupted his father.
"She has been home for four days and sick. I made it clear that Ruyi will make her choices herself. Did you forget that, Minister Cai?"
"Does she know?" His eyes blazed. "Does she know that you've already decided her fate?"
"Some decisions," Minister Cai said, walking towards his desk, "are anbove any of us. The Queen's favor is not something we can simply refuse."
Ruwen took a step forward, anger boiling in him about to spill over.
"So you would sacrifice Ruyi to save your own head."
"It's not that simple…"
Ruwen's voice finally cracked. "You are selling her and using it to threaten me."
His voice drops low. "I should have never let her return. Is this how you have been treating her all these years?"
"Ruwen!"
The sound of soft footsteps echoed as Concubine Shen entered the room.
"My Lord." She moved to the side of her husband trying to appease him by stroking his sleeve. "The young master is just speaking out of concern for the Third Miss. Please, calm yourself..."
"Commander Cai, perhaps, you could try to understand the intentions of your father…"
Ruwen interrupted with a cold voice. "This does not concern you."
Concubine Shen's smile faltered slightly.
"I only wish for peace. Your father is doing what is best for the family…."
"Family," Ruwen repeated with contempt. "Were you involved of the discussion about my sister's future? Did you help arrange this marriage that she apparently has no say in?"
The question hit its target directly rendering her speechless.
Her painted lashes fluttered. She forced a soft breath. "Young master, I—"
"That is enough!" Minister Cai said. "You will not speak to your mother like that."
"Your wife," Ruwen corrected, turning back to his father, "is none of my concern. My sister is."
He turns to Concubine Shen.
"And if I find out that this was your doing, there will be consequences. Only Ruyi has a say in this. Only her."
He moved towards the door before pausing.
"I will carry out the Emperor's orders, regardless of the consequences. And Ruyi will make her own choice on this matter. No matter what, I will protect her."
"Commander…" Concubine Shen started but he was already gone, out the door.
Minister Cai slammed his hand in anger on the arm of his wooden chair.
Concubine Shen quickly went to his side, her hand soothing his back.
Her eyes darkened when they stared at the doorway before changing to softness as she looked at her husband.
"My Lord, don't be angry... The young master doesn't understand that you are doing all this for the sake of the family."
In the sudden silence, the wheels in her head started to turn. Her plans couldn't be derailed because of this. She needed to take quick actions.
**************************************
Concubine Shen knelt in the main hall's receiving chamber, the imperial yellow silk of the scroll spread in her hands. The eunuch who had delivered spoke.
"The Queen Dowager extends her gracious invitation to the daughters of the House of Cai for the Mid-Spring Celebration. To be held in the Palace of Accumulated Virtue, where all the young ladies of noble birth shall gather to celebrate the season's renewal."
The eunuch's smile was thin.
"Her Majesty specifically requested that both the Third Miss and Fifth Miss attend. Such an honor speaks well of your family's standing."
Concubine Shen's hands remained steady as she folded the invitation carefully. This was the opportunity she had been cultivating for months.
"Please convey our family's deepest gratitude to Her Majesty," she said, pressing a small jade ornament into the eunuch's palm. "The daughters of Cai will be honored to attend."
After the eunuch departed, Concubine Shen immediately summoned her personal maid.
"Call Ruxin. We need to start making preparations immediately."
The maid, Meilan, bowed deeply.
"Madam Shen…" She hesitated, wringing her hands. "The Fifth Miss left early this morning."
Concubine Shen's jaw tightened.
Ruxin's frequent absences had become a source of constant worry. A young lady of her age should be at home, not wandering the capital's streets.
But confronting her daughter directly had proven futile, Ruxin possessed a stubborn streak that reminded Concubine Shen of herself at that age.
But now wasn't the time for childish behaviors, she had to make Ruxin the perfect woman.
She had sacrificed too much to make sure that her daughter wasn't relegated to the level of a concubine but a main wife.
Her daughter would never deserve less than Ruyi, never!
Meanwhile, in the exclusive upper chambers of Xiaoxiao House, Cai Ruxin reclined against silk cushions like a young lord at home.
Her disguise was meticulously crafted: a deep blue changshan robe of finest silk, cut in the masculine style with wide sleeves and a high collar that concealed her slim neck.
Her hair was bound in a simple topknot secured with a plain gold hairpin.
The transformation was complete enough to fool casual observers, but here in this private chamber, surrounded by the male courtesans of Xiaoxiao House, such deceptions were not only expected but accepted.
The workers knew better than to have loose lips especially with the type of customers received.
She wasn't alone in this disguise. Her two friends, young ladies of noble families, lounged around in the room.
Seventh Lady Xu and Fifth Lady Ping.
Seventh Lady Xu, Xu Meilin, bold and sharp-tongued, was stretched on her side with one leg propped lazily over the arm of the couch.
As the youngest daughter of the main household, she was the favored of the family in every sense. This unfortunately bred dullness.
Fifth Lady Ping, Ping Yuehua, softer in manner, perched cross-legged near the low table, nursing a cup of wine.
Despite being the daughter of her father's favored concubine, being the only girl was her only disadvantage.
Having the constantly dumb down her wit so as not to overshadow her siblings was her daily routine.
One would wonder, what exactly bound these three souls together?
Each of them with two courtesans attending to them.
"Young Master," purred the one to her left, his kohl-rimmed eyes and a silk veil that covered the lower half of his face, leaving only his eyes visible.
He held a jade bowl filled with grapes, selecting the ripest ones to place between her lips.
"Why are you so quiet tonight? You usually empty two jars of wine before the first song is over."
It was a bit odd for the 'young master' not to be in the gambling den racking up strings of coins while downing bottles of wine.
"Young Master Cai, did you lose a game again?" Seventh Lady Xu raised her cup towards Ruxin.
"Da'ge, you should really stop betting all in. One of these days your mother will sell your dowry to pay your debts."
"Speak for yourself," Fifth Lady Ping cut in smoothly. "My mother believes I'm at a poetry gathering at this very moment."
Only Ruxin knew what preoccupied her mind.
Ruyi. Again
Her mother hadn't waited a second after breakfast before she broke the news of marriage to her, a huge fight had occurred between them.
She could still hear her mother's voice ringing in her ears.
"Do you want Ruyi to outshine you?"
"Ruyi would never behave this shamelessly."
"I'm doing this all for your future."
Everything in her life revolved around her sister. She always had to be better and stand out more than her.
"He is from the Liang family. You should be honored."
Ruxin laughed. Honored?
"This marriage will elevate our family, secure your future…"
Another courtesan, worked at the tension in her shoulders with practiced skill.
Like his companion, he wore a translucent veil beneath his eyes, a fashion that had become popular among the capital's most exclusive male entertainers.
"Nothing that wine and company cannot cure," Ruxin replied in the lower register she had perfected over months of practice.
At the center of the room, a third courtesan performed a slow, hypnotic dance.
"The dance of the Western Rivers," murmured the grape-bearer. "It tells the story of a dragon who fell in love with the moon's reflection in water, pursuing it until he forgot his nature and became mortal."
Xu snorted. "Dragons, moons, reflections…. What use are stories?"
Ping turned to Ruxin, "What do you think about this story?"
Ruxin watched through half-closed eyes. "Perhaps forgetting one's nature is not always a curse. Sometimes it is the only path to freedom. An escape."
The masseuse's hands stilled for a moment. "Wise words, Young Master Cai. Though one wonders what you would want to escape from."
Before Ruxin could answer, the sound of urgent footsteps echoed from the corridor outside. She tilted her head towards the open window, catching the glimpse of the setting sun.
The day was ending.
"I should return," she said, though her voice lacked conviction. "It's getting late."
"Stay a while longer, young master," coaxed the consort holding the grape vine.
The real world, with all its expectations and constraints, was calling her back.
She needed to prepare.
********************