Chapter 25: The Investigation Deepens

The Crown Prince nodded, finally grasping his father’s intention.
This Lan Xing… truly is a talent worth cultivating.

After a moment’s thought, the Prince unbuckled a dagger from his waist and offered it to Xu Yi. “Master Lan, I came out in haste and carry little of value. Please accept this dagger as a token of our meeting. I hope you find it not beneath you.”

Xu Yi blinked in surprise, his eyes fixed on the exquisite weapon. The dagger was beautifully crafted, studded with rubies. Its quality was unmistakable – this was no ordinary trinket.
This is too much! Can’t just take it outright. Need to refuse politely.
He quickly shook his head. “I couldn’t possibly accept something so valuable, Your Excellency.”

The Prince smiled warmly. “Master Lan, I offer it sincerely as a friend. Please, do not refuse.”

Xu Yi hesitated. He’s put it like that… refusing now would seem rude.
Before he could decide, Emperor Jing spoke. “Lan Xing, it’s just a trifle. Accept it. You young men should spend more time together.”

“Well then, I’ll respectfully accept your kindness,” Xu Yi conceded, taking the dagger with another bow. “My deepest thanks, Uncle, Master Jing.”

Emperor Jing stood. “We’ve been out long enough. Time to return. Lan Xing, your touch on that poem earlier was exceptional. Consider it worth two hundred taels.”

Xu Yi’s eyes lit up like stars.
“Uncle! That’s far too generous for mere polishing!”

The Emperor chuckled. “Not at all. I’ll keep the silver for you. Come to me when you need it.”
“Thank you, Uncle!”

“Now, it’s late. We must return. Lan Xing, finish your meal before you leave, as usual.”

Xu Yi thanked them profusely, feeling a pang of guilt for accepting both food and gifts.

Inside the Royal Carriage:
Emperor Jing turned to the Crown Prince. “What are your thoughts on this Lan Xing?”

The Prince answered respectfully. “He possesses remarkable talent, Father – sharp, resourceful, a rare find indeed.”
“However,” he added cautiously, “talent does not equate to character. That requires… further observation.”

The Emperor nodded approvingly. “Spend more time with him then.”
“As you command, Father!”

The Ninth Princess snorted loudly, rolling her eyes.

Emperor Jing smiled faintly. “Does Huaian hold a grudge against Xu Yi?”
“Father! Did you hear what he said? ‘Only a fool would marry a princess!’ That’s contempt for the Imperial Family!” Princess Ninth wrinkled her nose in distaste. “His character seems dubious at best, though his audacity is undeniable.”
The Emperor chuckled. “He didn’t know who we were. His bluntness is understandable.”
“Hmph! I dislike him regardless.”

Unbeknownst to Xu Yi, his careless rant had earned him the Ninth Princess’s lasting enmity.

“His real name isn’t Lan Xing,” Emperor Jing revealed. “He is Xu Yi, the fourth son of Xu Ziming, Minister of Rites.”

Princess Ninth’s eyes gleamed with sudden interest. “Father! That’s deceiving the Emperor! Have him arrested! Give him a beating!”
“He hid his identity,” the Emperor countered calmly, “just as we hid ours. The boy doesn’t fare well in the Xu household, though the reasons remain unclear. I tell you his name so you know who he truly is. Should you need to find him someday, you’ll know where to look.”
His tone turned serious. “But remember – reveal your identities only when absolutely necessary.”
“Understood, Father!” the Crown Prince replied immediately.
Princess Ninth’s eyes sparkled with mischief, her thoughts unreadable. The Emperor watched her, a knowing smile touching his lips.

Meanwhile, Xu Yi was devouring his meal. Sated, he returned to General Chen’s estate for training. He intended to pay his respects to the General, but Qi Yuanzhong informed him the old man had been summoned to the palace. Xu Yi headed straight for the training grounds.

Emperor Jing, having returned to the palace, dismissed the Prince and Princess. Accompanied only by Chief Eunuch Quan and Nie Liang, he walked towards the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
“Quan Sheng, what did you think of Xu Yi’s polished poem?”
Eunuch Quan bowed slightly. “Your Majesty, Master Xu’s revisions elevated it to an entirely new level… a true masterpiece.”
The Emperor’s voice was cool. “Xu Gan is Xu Yi’s elder brother.”
Eunuch Quan started. “Your Majesty implies… the poem was originally Master Xu’s work, penned for his brother?”
A cold snort escaped the Emperor. “If Xu Yi were helping Xu Gan, the poem wouldn’t have started brilliantly and ended in drivel.”
Eunuch Quan paled. “Could it be… Xu Gan stole Master Xu’s poem?”
Emperor Jing offered no further comment, his expression icy. Eunuch Quan stole a glance at his sovereign’s face and silently mourned Xu Gan’s impending doom. The Emperor detested those who lacked integrity and sought fame through deceit.
“Nie Liang,” the Emperor asked abruptly, “what of your investigation into Xu Yi?”
Nie Liang responded swiftly. “Your Majesty, agents have been dispatched to Master Xu’s hometown. We expect news within days.”
The Emperor acknowledged this with a quiet “Hmm.” As they reached the Hall’s entrance, a young eunuch hurried forward, kneeling.
“Your Majesty, General Chen requests an audience!”
“Where is he?”
“Waiting inside the Hall, Your Majesty.”
The Emperor nodded and entered. General Chen sat rigidly on a small stool, clutching his cane. Hearing footsteps, he struggled to rise.
“This old servant pays homage to Your Majesty!”
“Rise, General. Speak freely.”
The General’s voice was grave. “Your Majesty, someone tried to kill Lan Xing.”
“What?” The Emperor was startled. “I just saw him! Explain!”
“A Black Widow was placed in his bedding…” General Chen recounted the events.
Emperor Jing’s face darkened with fury. “Outrageous! Using such vile poison against a defenseless boy! Despicable!”
General Chen bowed. “Your Majesty, the Black Widow spider is unique to the Kingdom of Tuoluo.”
The Emperor’s eyes narrowed. “General, are you implying collusion with Tuoluo?”
“This old servant dares not confirm, only suspect.”
Emperor Jing gave a slow nod. “Where there’s smoke… Quan Sheng, summon Geng Jing immediately.”
Eunuch Quan’s heart lurched. This will cause an uproar. Geng Jing commanded the Censorate – the Emperor’s personal secret police, tasked with monitoring all officials. With the power to arrest and even execute officials of the fifth rank and below on proven charges, the mere mention of the Censorate struck terror into the hearts of bureaucrats across the empire.

Meanwhile, Xu Yi was still sweating on General Chen’s training ground.
“Master Lan! Take a break!” Qi Yuanzhong called out.
Xu Yi ran a few more laps before stopping. The training was yielding results. Though still thin, he looked sturdier, his eyes bright with energy.
“Master Lan! Payday!” a burly guard grinned. “My treat tonight at the Pleasure House! Heard they have a fresh batch of girls, tender as new sprouts!”
Xu Yi rolled his eyes, laughing. “Waste of silver and stamina. Count me out.”
“Don’t tell me you’re still a virgin, Master Lan?”
Xu Yi puffed out his chest. “Who are you calling inexperienced? In my prime, I was known as ‘The Stallion’ – conquering multiple beauties a night!”
The men roared with laughter.
“Laugh all you want!” Xu Yi retorted. “Do you even know the Six Delights of Life?”
“Enlighten us!”
“The Six Delights: Admiring the Blossom, Scaling the Peaks, Exploring the Grotto, Arranging the Flowers, Watching the Tide, and Burning Incense! Convinced now? Pure experience talking!”
Another guard chuckled. “But Master Lan… you’re only fifteen! ‘In your prime’… were you doing this at seven?”
“Uh… that… well… none of your business!” Xu Yi flushed, remembering his current age. Overdid the boasting.
After more banter, dusk approached. Xu Yi bid farewell and left.

Back at the Xu Mansion, a maid intercepted him at the gate. “Fourth Young Master! The Master demands you report to the main hall immediately!”
Xu Yi frowned. What does the old bastard want now?

Chapter 26: Is the Fifth Princess Insane?

Entering the main hall, Xu Yi found not just Xu Ziming’s family, but also a young eunuch and several armed guards. Imperial retinue? Why call me?
The eunuch scrutinized him. “You are Xu Yi?”
Xu Yi paused. This feels personal. But why? I’m a nobody.
“I am Xu Yi.”
The eunuch declared, “By the Decree of Her Highness the Princess, Xu Yi will heed this command!” (Imperial decrees were reserved for the Emperor; Empress/Empress Dowager used Edicts; Princesses used Commands).
Xu Yi was baffled. What in the world?
“Kneel!” the eunuch snapped.
Xu Yi’s brow furrowed. I despise this constant kneeling. But resistance was futile. He knelt.
“By the Princess’s Command: Xu Yi has shown contempt for the Imperial Majesty. He is hereby ordered to kneel for two full hours!”
Xu Yi’s mind went blank. Two hours? Is this princess deranged? I’ve never met one! Damn it, this is absurd!
Xu Ziming and the others exchanged bewildered glances. How did Xu Yi provoke a Princess? How does he even know one?
“Esteemed Eunuch,” Xu Yi protested, “there must be a mistake. I don’t know any Princess.”
“Impudence! How dare you suggest Her Highness errs?”
Xu Yi was exasperated. “Then, Esteemed Eunuch, what is my alleged crime? And which Princess ordered this punishment?”
“The crime is known to you!” the eunuch shrilled. “The decree is from the Fifth Princess!”
Fifth Princess?
“Esteemed Eunuch, I assure you, this is a misunderstanding. I do not know the Fifth Princess.”
The eunuch sniffed contemptuously. “That is not my concern. Kneel as commanded. Failure will bring severe consequences!” He turned to Xu Ziming. “Minister Xu, I take my leave.”
“Allow me to see you out!”

Xu Yi seethed with humiliation. Did that Fifth Princess get her brain squeezed between some man’s thighs? Why randomly punish me?
He glared at Chang Ruyue and her sons. “Your doing? Impressive reach, getting a Princess involved. Why not have her execute me?”
Chang Ruyue and her sons looked genuinely confused.
“Xu Yi! Don’t slander us!” Xu Gan snapped.
Xu Yi sneered. He couldn’t fathom anyone else wanting to torment him.
Just then, Xu Ziming returned. “Yi’er, how did you offend the Fifth Princess?”
Xu Yi laughed coldly. “Minister Xu, drop the act. How could a nobody like me meet a Princess? Ask your esteemed wife, the Chancellor’s daughter, if she asked the Princess to target me!”
Xu Ziming frowned. “Impossible. Your mother rarely leaves the mansion; she couldn’t meet the Fifth Princess. Yi’er, think carefully. Did you unknowingly offend her? This is grave.”
Xu Yi snapped, “I don’t even know if the Fifth Princess is round or flat! How could I offend her?”
“Outrageous! Mind your tongue!” Xu Ziming thundered.
Xu Yi scoffed. I’m being punished for nothing, and I can’t even vent?
Yet, the situation was bizarre. If it was Chang Ruyue’s scheme, a mere two-hour kneel seemed too lenient. She’d want him dead.
Suddenly, Xu Yi recalled something. “Minister Xu, how old is the Fifth Princess?”
“Why?”
“To see if she matches any woman I know.”
“She should be around thirty.”
Xu Yi muttered, “Then it’s not her.”
“Not whom?”
Xu Yi shook his head. He’d thought of Prince Fu’s daughter, but she was only a teenager. He was certain he didn’t know this Fifth Princess. “Minister Xu, it’s a mistake. I don’t know her.”
“Truly?”
“I said I don’t.”
“Then why would she punish you?”
“How should I know?” Xu Yi retorted. Maybe she’s brain damaged… he thought savagely.
Two possibilities surfaced:

1. Someone offended the Princess using his name, making him the scapegoat.

2. 

3. Prince Fu’s daughter – who could meet the Fifth Princess – had relayed his disparaging remarks about princesses.

If it’s the second… I’ll have words with Prince Fu. ‘Casual chat’? More like betrayal! That girl’s lips are looser than an old sack!

4. Xu Ziming declared, “Regardless, the Princess has commanded. You will kneel.”

Chang Ruyue maintained her ‘doting mother’ facade, inwardly delighted. Xu Gan and his brothers didn’t bother hiding their glee.
“Xu Yi, kneeling by the Fifth Princess’s command is a rare honor! Others would envy you!”
“Indeed! We’d kneel gladly if we could!”
“Fourth Brother truly has remarkable luck!”
They taunted him relentlessly. Xu Yi’s face darkened as he mentally cursed the Fifth Princess’s ancestors eighteen generations over.
“Minister Xu,” he asked darkly, “what happens if I refuse?”
Xu Ziming blanched. “Do not be reckless! A Princess’s command represents the Imperial Family! Defy it, and the entire Xu household suffers!”
“Really?” Xu Yi’s eyes lit with malicious hope. “So if I die, I take you all with me? Perfect… I’m not kneeling. Let’s all await death together.”
He stood up and strode towards the door.
Xu Ziming and the others turned deathly pale.
“Xu Yi! Return! Kneel at once!” Even Chang Ruyue panicked.
Xu Ziming hissed furiously, “Xu Yi! Get back here!” If this got out, the Princess would hear, and they’d all be implicated. Contempt for Imperial authority was a capital offense.
“It’s late. Goodnight, all!” Xu Yi waved dismissively and walked out without a backward glance.
“Treacherous bastard! That reprobate seeks to destroy us!” Xu Ziming raged.
Chang Ruyue hushed him frantically. “Husband, quiet! Servants might hear! If this leaks, we’re finished!”
His fury undimmed, Xu Ziming turned on his other sons. “Useless fools! What possessed you to provoke him?”
The three were thoroughly chastised. “Listen carefully!” Xu Ziming snarled. “If anyone asks, Xu Yi knelt the full two hours. Is that understood?”
Xu Gan and his brothers nodded hastily, seething inwardly. That bastard Xu Yi… we’ll deal with him soon.

Xu Yi returned to his room. He meticulously checked his bed for venomous creatures, fearing another snake or spider. Satisfied, he sprinkled the anti-snake powder General Chen had given him beneath the bed. He prepared his medicinal bath, then readied for sleep. The Fifth Princess’s punishment was already forgotten.