“Prince!” Boyue’s voice rang out. Xianchun looked up from his seat, opening the window to wave to Boyue.

“I’m in here,” Xianchun called to him. He opened the window wider and Boyue directly jumped in rather than going around to the door. Boyue quickly knelt to give his greetings, Xianchun pulling him into a seat before Boyue’s knee could touch the floor.

“My prince, there’s news,” Boyue said.

“What is it that’s got you in such a rush?” Xianchun asked. “You’re usually the calmest of us all.”

Boyue bowed his head slightly but didn’t smile at Xianchun’s teasing tone.

“Apologies, my prince. The serving girl I’d contacted from Liu Hongyu’s household was also arrested last night,” Boyue said seriously. “The Imperial investigators also arrested Liu Hongyu’s housekeeper, they’re only one step short of arresting Liu Hongyu himself now.”

Xianchun sighed. “All this fuss and we still don’t know what’s happened,” he said. “But I’d bet it has to do with Wenyuan.”

“I believe you’re right, my prince. The first arrests were made the same night as when Wenyuan was summoned by the Emperor, and he was summoned this morning to the Imperial Investigation office,” Boyue said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s the reason why this is happening.”

Xianchun shook his head in disbelief. “Just what did he do that father’s going this far?” He tapped a finger on his chin contemplatively. “But it’s also a good chance for us to make him one of ours. What he’s doing is no different from attacking the Third Prince outright, he won’t be able to refuse any offer we make him.”

Boyue hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Actually, I heard that he went to visit the Fifth Prince yesterday,” Boyue said. Xianchun glanced at him in surprise.

“The Third Prince’s already retaliating? How did he even figure out it was Wenyuan?” Xianchun asked.

“I don’t believe it was to retaliate, my prince. After he left, the Fifth Prince sent a gift of high-quality tea to Wenyuan’s quarters,” Boyue replied. “According to the doorman at the Grand Duke’s household, Wenyuan looked to be in a good mood after his meeting. Rather than retaliation, I would say that the Fifth Prince’s trying to express his good will.”

Xianchun stiffened immediately, anger flaring up in his chest.

“Expressing good will? You mean to say Wenyuan’s courting the Third Prince’s faction?” Xianchun asked sharply. Boyue gave him a sympathetic look.

“I believe it’s the opposite, actually. It may be that the Third Prince’s faction wants to recruit him. After all, they’ve just lost their pillar of support in court, what they need right now is someone with a strong familial background to stabilize their position,” Boyue said.

Xianchun clenched his jaw tightly, feeling a sharp pang of irritation.

“My prince, we could also recruit Wenyuan,” Boyue comforted him. “Since his goal seems to be targeting the Grand Duke’s faction, we’re much more aligned with him than the Third Prince is.”

“Exactly! That’s the problem, we’re already on the same line of battle and he’s considering the Third Prince’s faction?!” Xianchun seethed.

“Why are you so upset over this, my prince? We still have the upper hand when it comes to him,” Boyue asked. Xianchun turned his head away, not sure how to respond.

“I don’t know myself, but the thought of it is annoying me,” Xianchun admitted, deflating slightly. Boyue gave him a thoughtful look before nodding to himself.

“It’s true we’ve never recruited him,” Boyue said. “Even though our goals have aligned so far, he’s not one of your men.”

“I know that much,” Xianchun said. He frowned as he realized Boyue’s meaning. “Are you trying to say I’ve taken it for granted that he’s one of my people? That guy?”

Boyue bowed his head slightly. “I’m glad you understand, my prince.”

Xianchun’s frown deepened. “That’s not true.”

Boyue raised an eyebrow but only shook his head. “If you say so, my prince. But if you want to know the situation for certain, perhaps you should just ask Wenyuan yourself. Since you want to recruit him, might as well move faster before the Third Prince grabs him up.”

Xianchun sighed, standing up and straightening his robes. “You’re right, I might as well ask him myself.”

/////////////////

Kayla let out a deep sigh, rolling her neck as she exited the Imperial Investigation Bureau. The guards at the door bowed their heads as she passed by them.

This must be grandmother’s will. Even though the summons came from the Emperor’s study, it was clear that it hadn’t been the Emperor’s own idea. Before she’d even managed to get to work, the carriage had been stopped en route and redirected to the Bureau. Kayla had almost had a panic attack until she’d seen the golden plaque of the Imperial investigators. She had almost thought it was Xianchun’s people, though it didn’t make sense he would make a move in broad daylight like this. In the novel, Wenyuan had been kidnapped on his way back from Liu Hongyu’s household in the middle of the night, but Kayla’s nerves were frayed from the continuous stress of waiting for Xianchun to make a move.

“Left Secretariat.”

Kayla stopped in her tracks, turning at the familiar voice. She frowned slightly.

“Li Que? When on earth did you get here?” Kayla asked. She hadn’t seen or heard him approach. Li Que bowed before removing his mask.

“Just now, my lord. I came over to give my greetings and apologize for any inadequacies in the etiquette of my colleagues,” Li Que said.

“There was no such thing, they were very professional,” Kayla replied. She glanced at the sun, which was almost in the middle of the sky. “Unfortunately, I should probably get back to work now, but I’ll see you around.”

“I’ll walk you to the carriage, my lord,” Li Que offered. Kayla hesitated for a moment before agreeing. Li Que’s presence was probably the Emperor’s intention, likely to check in on Wenyuan. She had acted as though Liu Hongyu’s words were distressing to talk about before the Emperor, and not only had the Emperor accepted that, it seemed to have further aggravated the Emperor’s anger towards Liu Hongyu. But given his fondness for Wenyuan, he likely wouldn’t have publicly dragged Wenyuan into this through a summons to the Bureau in broad daylight. Lese-majeste or not, the summons was more or less declaring to the court that Wenyuan was directly involved in taking down the patron of many important officials.

Even though it was a summons to provide an official statement, Kayla had given it in a comfortable office rather than an interrogation room, with only one high-ranking investigator present rather than the norm of two interrogators and two guards. It had been awkward to recount the things Liu Hongyu said, and she had been as vague as possible about the Secretariat Director’s actions towards Wenyuan, though she had no doubt that the Empress Dowager would put together the pieces with ease.

“My lord, this case is rather high-profile, may I suggest that you increase your security for the time being?” Li Que asked. Kayla hesitated.

Breaking off someone’s path to fortune is like killing someone’s parents. Liu Hongyu’s officials had gained a lot of benefits thanks to his backing, things will likely get more complicated from now on.

“Should I? I didn’t do anything wrong, won’t it be suspicious that I’m increasing the number of guards?” Kayla asked. The question was for the sake of assuring the Emperor of her sincerity, but she was actually hoping Li Que would disagree.

“I understand your feelings, my lord. But I would still recommend you close the windows before the rain, rather than be taken off guard by the unexpected,” Li Que replied. “With the Emperor’s permission, the Imperial investigators assigned to assist you will also be increased to take care of your safety as well.”

That was exactly what Kayla had hoped to hear. “There’s no need, I’ll just increase the number of guards. How can I trouble the Imperial investigators like this? All of you are the best and most talented of the lot, having to waste your time and effort on my safety would be a pity,” she said.

“Please don’t say that, my lord. It would be our honor,” Li Que replied.

“If you say it like that, then it would be rude for me to refuse further. Please convey my thanks to the other investigators as well,” Kayla said. Li Que bowed slightly.

“Of course, my lord.”

They had reached the spot where Kayla’s carriage was parked, Li Que putting his mask back on as they exited the Bureau’s grounds. Ever since she’d spoken to Qu Boyong last time, he had somehow gotten his shifts changed to be centered around Wenyuan’s schedule rather than the usual 8-hour blocks that would assign him to the evenings. Boyong quickly stood alert as he noticed Kayla approaching. She turned to Li Que to give her thanks.

“Thank you for escorting me,” Kayla said. Li Que bowed his head.

“Please have a safe trip, my lord.”

Kayla nodded to Boyong as she got back onto the carriage.

“Where to, my lord?” Boyong asked.

“The Ministry of Justice, I still have work,” Kayla said. Even if there wasn’t much work to do, she still had archives to rustle through.

Doesn’t grandmother know about our investigation? Why would she draw more attention to us through this?

She probably has her own plans, she did say she wanted you to benefit from the upcoming changes but didn’t say how. We’ll just have to trust this was her doing.

It must be. Other than uncle, only grandmother could influence the doings of the Bureau, and you seem certain it’s not his doing.

Kayla nodded. Actually, whether or not I continue the investigation no longer matters. Just the information from the localities is enough to drag in most if not all of the higher-ups involved in this, so long as the investigation is started, the outcome is inevitable. But there’s no way I can let go just yet, I need the protection of the Imperial investigators. With their eyes on me, it’s the same as having direct access to the Emperor and Empress Dowager’s protection.

Here’s to hoping that the Third Prince’s faction won’t be out for blood.

Kayla winced at the reminder. No matter how much she knew about the plot, there was only so much she could do to control her situation. There was no telling what Zhou Kuang might do if he was seriously angry. As she was pondering the situation, the carriage rolled to a stop. Kayla glanced out the window and frowned.

“Why have we stopped? We’re not there yet,” Kayla asked, feeling increasingly alarmed. Boyong came over to the carriage window with a worried expression.

“My lord, it’s the Seventh Prince, he wants to speak with you,” Boyong said nervously. Kayla’s heart dropped.

Oh shit. Kayla peered out the window, hastily withdrawing her head upon seeing a servant dressed in the uniform of Xianchun’s household. It’s the middle of the day, he can’t do anything to me in the middle of the day, Kayla hastily reassured herself.

“Is something the matter, my lord?” Boyong asked. Kayla cleared her throat.

“No, I’ll go meet him then,” Kayla replied. It’s a good chance to test his attitude, at least I’ll be prepared for whatever’s coming. She got out of the carriage and nodded as Xianchun’s servant came over to greet her.

“Young lord, the prince asks for a moment of your time,” the servant said, gesturing towards the side street where Xianchun’s carriage was parked. Kayla nodded and followed him over. Boyong came along as well, matching his pace to Kayla’s and looking around attentively.

“Sir, the prince wishes to speak with you alone,” the servant said as they neared Xianchun’s carriage. Xianchun’s guards were all standing a good distance away. Kayla nodded to Boyong, who bowed his head and took a step backward.

Kayla breathed in deeply and headed to the carriage.

“Wenyuan greets the Third Prince,” Kayla said, bowing her head. She stood next to the carriage window apprehensively. The curtain drew back and she was greeted with Xianchun’s scowling face.

“Wenyuan, get in the carriage,” Xianchun ordered. Kayla froze.

“My prince, I’ll just talk from here,” Kayla replied quickly. Xianchun’s scowl deepened.

“Get in. Don’t make me ask a third time.”

Kayla reluctantly got into the carriage, settling as far away from Xianchun as she could. Shit, look at the mood he’s in, he probably knows.

“The whole situation with Liu Hongyu’s turning out to be quite the commotion,” Xianchun said in a level tone.

“Indeed, I did say I was going for it,” Kayla replied.

“You said you were going to create a rift between the Grand Duke and Liu Hongyu, not that you were going to take him head-on. I shouldn’t even be surprised at this point,” Xianchun sighed, shaking his head.

“I wasn’t sure about the outcome before starting it either,” Kayla said. She relaxed a little, seeing that he didn’t seem particularly upset. Never mind, he probably doesn’t know yet.

“Just what did you do?” Xianchun asked. Kayla hesitated for a moment before replying.

“I accused him of lese-majeste. I expect he’ll be convicted, I would recommend keeping your hands off of this case for now. The Emperor was rather displeased with him,” Kayla said. She wasn’t about to give him more information than she did for the Third Prince’s faction unless absolutely necessary.

“He insulted the Imperial family?” Xianchun let out an amused chuckle. “It’s not so simple as that, is it?”

“Simple? I guess it depends on the level of insult. Given the grave he dug for himself, I certainly wouldn’t consider it simple,” Kayla replied.

“Alright then. The Third Prince’s faction must be quite unhappy with you,” Xianchun said. His tone remained the same, but something was off. Kayla shifted uncomfortably.

“I…can’t be sure about that,” Kayla said hesitantly.

“No? Even though the Fifth Prince is already demonstrating his goodwill towards you?” Xianchun’s voice grew colder as he spoke. Kayla frowned in confusion.

Just what is this about? He’s not angry about the Grand Duke but the Third Prince’s faction?

“He wasn’t angry, but he wasn’t all that pleased with me either, he was just polite,” Kayla said.

“He gave you a gift and you call that just being polite? Just what kind of etiquette are you used to?” Xianchun demanded.

“He did give me some tea, but that was because I sent a servant to bring some medicinal supplements to take to his mother,” Kayla explained.

“You met with him privately, and now you’re exchanging gifts. Just what are you trying to do, Wenyuan?” Xianchun asked. There was a dangerous edge in his voice that set off alarm bells in Kayla’s head. She scooted further away from him.

“I went to give him an explanation, and I sent a gift to appease him. After all, Liu Hongyu is the Third Prince’s supporter, I don’t want him to misunderstand,” Kayla quickly replied.

“Misunderstand? Misunderstand what?” Xianchun demanded.

Kayla stared at him in confusion. “That I did it for personal reasons, not political ones.” Xianchun’s face darkened at her response.

“Wenyuan, I’ll advise you to think over your situation clearly,” Xianchun said. His eyes narrowed as he seemed to grow angrier. “Between the Third Prince’s faction and me, which side are you taking? If you keep stepping between two boats like this, you might just get bisected.”

Stepping on two boats? Why is he making it sound like I’m cheating?! Just what the fuck is going on with this guy?

“My prince, you’re speaking nonsense,” Kayla said stiffly.

“Zhao Wenyuan, I won’t deny you’ve helped me quite a bit. But that doesn’t mean I’ll let you act however you please!”

Kayla flinched as Xianchun raised his voice. She didn’t even know what Xianchun was upset about, but it was clear that the longer she was here the angrier he would get. She mustered her courage to reply.

“My prince, I don’t think I’ve done something worthy of your anger. I’ve done what I could regardless of the difficulties, and I haven’t done anything to attack you. I don’t understand what you’re so angry about! If you want to throw a tantrum, that’s fine, but you’ll have to excuse me. I’ll take my leave now!” Kayla bowed her head before hastily getting out of the carriage.

“Zhao Wenyuan, get back here! I’m not done talking to you!” Xianchun shouted after her.

Kayla quickly bowed towards the carriage before speedwalking away. Xianchun’s guards glanced between each other nervously but let her leave. Kayla subconsciously felt a wave of relief as Boyong stepped into sight.

“My lord, have you finished speaking with the prince?” Boyong asked politely, as though he hadn’t just heard Xianchun shouting after her.

“Yes, let’s hurry up and leave,” Kayla replied. “Like, right now.”

“As you wish, my lord. But it seems there’s been an accident on the main street, we’ll have to take a detour,” Boyong said.

“Whatever, anywhere’s fine, let’s just get out of here,” Kayla said. Boyong bowed his head as she got back into the carriage. He spoke a few words to the horseman, who quickly started the carriage. She leaned back, letting out a sigh and closing her eyes as she tried to soothe her nerves.

What the fuck was any of that? Kayla shook her head despairingly. She breathed in and out slowly, letting the smooth motion of the carriage ease up the anxiety in her chest. The moment of peace didn’t last long.

“It’s an assailant! Protect the carriage!”

Kayla sat up bolt straight at the sound of Boyong’s voice. What the fuck?!

“What’s going on?!” Kayla shouted, cautiously lifting a corner of the curtain to see. The horseman gave a high-pitched scream, hastily hopping off the carriage and fleeing as an arrow hit the doorframe. Kayla gasped, staring at the arrow that had hit an inch away from her hand.

“My lord, stay in the carriage!” Boyong shouted. Another guard hurriedly pulled the curtain shut again. Kayla didn’t need to be told twice. She flinched away from the carriage door, her breath hitched at the sound of blades clashing.

Holy shit, Xianchun’s going for it! I thought he wouldn’t go for it in broad daylight!

What do we do?! What do we do, Kayla?!

Kayla backed into a corner of the carriage, gripping onto the seat in fear. There had been several men dressed in all black with their faces covered, and even with only a glimpse, she could tell they were trained in martial arts.

Shit, what do I do?! Kayla could barely hear her thoughts over the sound of metal clanging and her panicked heartbeat.

The talisman! Use the talisman and summon the Imperial Investigators! Kayla immediately reached into her robe to grab it, stopping halfway with a start at the sound of horse hooves.

What is it now?! Is it their backup?

Just use the talisman!

“Protect the Left Secretariat!”

Kayla frowned at the unfamiliar voice. Who the fuck is that?! The sound of blades clashing intensified and several shouting voices intermingled. Before she could react, the carriage door was yanked open. Kayla hastily backed away from the door, stopping at the sight of the intruder.

“Zhao Wenyuan!”

Oh shit, I’m done for.

Kayla flinched as she met Xianchun’s eyes.

“My prince,” Kayla forced out the words in a shaky voice. “What are you doing here?”

---

Cultural Notes

Political Neutrality in the Battle for Succession: In Ancient China, important figures in the capital were rarely able to avoid getting dragged into the fight for succession when one took place, and even scholars who avoided politics, as well as religious figures were also dragged in as well. Remaining neutral was often difficult since everyone would only continue to suspect that you had secretly sided with one side or another. 

断人财路如同杀人父母/Breaking off someone's path to fortune is like killing someone's parents: A Chinese saying that refers to the animosity and hatred you will inevitably gain by obstructing someone's income or material benefit.

礼尚往来/Gifts given will be repaid in kind: A Chinese proverb referring to the social customs of repaying gifts and etiquette in kind. It's frowned upon if you get a gift and you don't give something in return, at least between peers of the same status level.

脚踩两只船/Stepping on two boats: A Chinese phrase usually used to refer to cheating, hence having one foot on either boat. Kayla's confusion is due to her understanding of it being used solely for cheating on your spouse/significant other.