Chapter 11

Xu Ziming misinterpreted Xu Yi's silence as success—he believed his words had softened the boy's heart.

He's still just a child, he thought. A little coaxing should suffice.

"Yi'er," he asked gently, "have you met anyone unusual lately? Had any visitors?"

Xu Yi blinked, feigning confusion. "Minister Xu, since arriving at the Xu residence, I've barely left the house. Either sick or recovering, I haven't met many people. Who exactly are you referring to?"

Xu Ziming grew more puzzled. That was precisely what baffled him.

If Xu Yi hadn't been out, how could he have possibly met the Emperor?

But he couldn't ask directly, so he circled back. "I mean strangers. Not family."

Xu Yi scoffed coldly. "I haven't even figured out who's who in this house yet. When would I have time to meet outsiders?"

Xu Ziming's doubts deepened, but he dared not press further.

Xu Yi met his gaze steadily. "Since you're so insistent on keeping me confined here, fine. But there's one thing I still can't let go."

"Oh?" Xu Ziming raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

"Xu Gan stole one hundred taels of silver from me."

Xu Ziming frowned. "Where would you get one hundred taels?"

"That's none of your concern," Xu Yi said flatly. "The silver was mine. Xu Gan took it by force. I expect you to deliver justice."

Xu Ziming's face darkened. "Yi'er, I can compensate you, but you must curb these bad habits. Slandering your brother? I absolutely cannot tolerate such behavior."

Xu Yi's eyes turned cold.

He gave a bitter laugh. "I knew you'd say that. Forget it, Minister Xu. Pretend I said nothing. I'm tired. See yourself out."

He knew perfectly well—he would never see that money again.

Still, deep down, he'd harbored a sliver of hope—just a tiny one—that Xu Ziming might surprise him.

But no. He'd overestimated his place in Xu Ziming's heart. The man remained the same cold, calculating father. If he'd cared even a shred for Xu Yi, he would have investigated, not immediately condemned him.

Xu Ziming snorted coldly.

In his view, Xu Yi's recent behavior was nothing but a ploy, a childish trick for attention.

This rebellion... this ingratitude only makes me despise him more, he thought.

Had it not been for Emperor Jing, he wouldn't have spared the boy a second glance.

His face thunderous, he stormed out of the room.

Outside, Steward Wu was waiting, bowing deeply.

"Master, breakfast is ready."

Since court officials couldn't eat before the morning audience, their meals were usually served afterward.

Xu Ziming looked at him coldly. "Steward Wu, how many years have you served me?"

Wu hesitated, bowing again. "Over ten years, Master."

"Then you should know my thoughts." His voice was low, edged with frost. "Xu Yi is still a member of the Xu family. I will not tolerate any underhanded tricks behind my back."

"Remember, a master who has fallen from favor is still a master. A servant, no matter how trusted, is still a servant. Know your place. The Xu residence tolerates no disobedience."

He paused, then added, "From now on, ensure Xu Yi's meals are nutritious and clean."

With that, Xu Ziming strode away, hands clasped behind his back.

Steward Wu stood rigidly by the door, face pale, sweat beading on his forehead.

He understood the warning perfectly.

How did the Master know I tampered with Xu Yi's breakfast?

What he didn't know was that Xu Ziming, deeply versed in the brutal politics of the court, had seen through the ploy the moment Xu Yi forced Wu to eat the food.

Xu Ziming's reprimand wasn't out of concern for Xu Yi—far from it.

It was about power. If a servant dared harm even a disfavored member of the Xu family, it reflected poorly on the master.

Meanwhile, Xu Yi kept sifting through the clues behind Xu Ziming's unusual behavior.

Why ask if I'd met outsiders?

Had someone—perhaps someone important—intervened on my behalf?

Chapter 12

The only outsider Xu Yi had met in recent days... was Tian Jing.

And Tian Jing hadn't come alone; he was accompanied by a eunuch, clearly a trusted agent of the imperial household.

Xu Yi had long suspected Tian Jing's identity: he was likely the Prince of Fu, the Emperor's younger brother, and the only one residing in the capital.

Could Xu Ziming's sudden change in tone be related to the Prince of Fu?

But that didn't make sense. Xu Yi had used a fake name; Tian Jing shouldn't know his true identity.

Unless... he had Xu Yi followed and investigated?

Even if he had, why would a prince bother protecting someone like Xu Yi?

Moreover, the Prince of Fu held no real power; he was merely an honorary noble, a royal reserve. Xu Ziming stood firmly behind the powerful Left Chancellor. He had no reason to fear a powerless prince.

Xu Yi rubbed his temples. There had to be something else.

Never mind. Focus on healing first. Then figure out how to escape this prison.

Xu Ziming might ignore him—but the real threat came from Chang Ruyue and her sons.

They had the backing of the Left Chancellor himself—a man whose influence was second only to the Emperor's.

If Xu Yi stayed here any longer, he would die sooner or later.

A month passed in a blink. Xu Yi's injuries had mostly healed.

His diet improved, he gained some weight, and his complexion lost its sickly pallor.

Truthfully, he could walk after seven or eight days. He went to see Uncle Chai—thankfully, the old man was fine. Otherwise, Xu Yi wouldn't have let Xu Mao forget it.

Xu Yi had a plan.

Time to sell more poems and raise funds.

The hundred taels? Gone. Stolen by Xu Gan. Likely lost forever.

But the goal remained unchanged—he had to leave the Xu family for his own survival.

To escape, he needed money.

So he scaled the courtyard wall again, slipped into the city, and headed straight for the Zhuangyuan Tower.

If I'm lucky, he thought, I'll meet Tian Jing again.

That man's generosity is my lifeline.

The weather was turning colder. Xu Yi pulled his thin clothes tighter, shivering.

Whether due to Xu Ziming's oversight or Chang Ruyue's meddling, no one had brought him a warm quilt, despite the better food lately.

The thick clothes he bought with poem money? Taken by Xu Gan along with the silver.

So now he was back in his tattered tunic.

He jogged to Zhuangyuan Tower.

The teahouse buzzed with life, filled with chatter and laughter.

Xu Yi scanned the crowd, searching for Tian Jing.

If he couldn't find him, he'd have to sell his poems to someone else—which meant a much lower price.

Just as he craned his neck, a soft voice sounded behind him.

"Master Lan! I've finally found you!"

Xu Yi turned—and his eyes lit up.

It was the effeminate eunuch again.

At this moment, Xu Yi found him more endearing than annoying.

Because where this eunuch appeared, Tian Jing was sure to follow.

And that meant money.

Eunuch Quan looked him up and down and sniffed. "Still a miser? Made so much silver, yet can't even buy decent clothes?"

Xu Yi couldn't be bothered to explain. He just sighed. "Don't judge. I did buy some. But there's a stray dog at home who ran off with my silver—and my coat."

Eunuch Quan's face instantly paled.

That silver? It was bestowed by a prince. Stealing an imperial gift was tantamount to treason.

Who was foolish enough to commit such a crime?

"Stolen? By whom?" he demanded sharply.

"Just a dog at home," Xu Yi muttered. "No use talking about it anyway. Is the lord inside? Does he want to buy a poem today?"

Quan gave a slight nod. "Follow me."