Chapter 71
It was late at night, but Prince Jing’s estate was brightly lit.
Inside the study, a middle-ranking officer of the Imperial Guard, pale with worry, knelt before the prince. Standing before him, Prince Jing clasped his hands behind his back, his expression dark and thunderous.
“Your Highness, I swear on my life that something is not right about this situation! My men and I are absolutely trustworthy. Logically, there’s no way Xie Lanxu could have traced this back to us,” the officer pleaded.
“If your men are so trustworthy,” Xie Jingtan said in a low, dangerous tone, “then why did Xie Lanxu learn of your name from a group of petty thugs?”
The officer hesitated before answering, “That’s exactly the issue, Your Highness. When I arranged for the rumors to be spread, I used mask and voice-altered intermediaries and men who share life-and-death bonds with me. Betrayal is impossible. As for those thugs… they’ve spent their lives wallowing in the gutters. How could they possibly know anyone from the Imperial Guard?”
After a pause, he added nervously, “Your Highness, I suspect there’s a mole among us…”
“Nonsense!” Xie Jingtan’s sharp rebuke cut him off mid-sentence. “The only ones privy to the details of this operation are you and me. Are you accusing me of being the mole?”
“There’s one other person, Your Highness,” the officer said cautiously. “Have you forgotten… Qian Yiwang?”
Before he could finish his thought, Xie Jingtan erupted in fury.
“Ridiculous! You might as well accuse me of being the traitor!” Xie Jingtan shouted. “Qian Yiwang has been by my side for years. If he had any intention of betraying me, I’d have been dead countless times by now! You’ve botched this mission, and instead of reflecting on your failures, you throw baseless accusations. I’m deeply disappointed in you!”
“Your Highness—”
“Enough!” Xie Jingtan barked. “Get out of my sight! Once you step beyond the gates of this estate, you know what you can and cannot say. As for your family, I’ll make sure they’re taken care of.”
“Your Highness! I realize my mistakes—please, spare me!”
The officer fell to the ground, repeatedly kowtowing and pleading, his voice thick with desperation.
But Xie Jingtan remained unmoved.
The officer left the study in a daze. Before walking out of the estate, he glanced back one last time, hoping against hope for some form of mercy. But Xie Jingtan had already retreated to his inner chambers, his figure no longer visible.
He had been abandoned completely. His fate was sealed.
As the officer stepped out of the estate like a ghost, a group of heavily armed guards from the Ministry of Justice was already waiting for him.
The lanterns they carried lit up the night as brightly as day.
In the glow of the lanterns, the officer’s face was pale as a sheet.
Standing on the steps, surrounded by his retinue, Xie Lanxu looked on with an air of calm indifference. Bathed in the silvery light of the moon, he seemed almost ethereal, like a divine figure cloaked in gentle radiance.
The officer, now completely resigned to his fate, allowed the guards to arrest and escort him away.
Xie Lanxu turned his gaze toward the imposing gates of the Prince Jing’s estate. His sharp eyes seemed to pierce straight through the heavy doors.
The gatekeeper, who had been peeking through a crack in the door, jumped in fright. A deep, inexplicable fear gripped his heart, and instinctively, he slammed the door shut.
When he cautiously opened it again to peer outside, the street was already empty.
The officer, the guards, and even Xie Lanxu had vanished like mist dissolving into the night.
——
The next morning, before dawn broke, Xie Lanxu entered the palace for court.
There were emperors who attended court only once every ten days, and there were emperors who, rain or shine, showed up without fail—even dragging their ailing bodies to preside over matters of state.
Emperor Xie Shencong was the latter.
The last emperor of the previous dynasty had been the exact opposite. Born as the crown prince, he had ascended the throne with ease and ruled with a philosophy of laissez-faire governance. For nearly a decade, he had neglected court entirely, to the point that most officials didn’t recognize him, nor he them.
In stark contrast, Emperor Xie Shencong’s life had been a relentless climb.
As the grand gates of Ziwei Palace creaked open from within, the waiting officials filed in one after another.
With Eunuch Gao’s drawn-out announcement of “His Majesty has arrived,” the spirited Emperor Xie Shen stepped into view, dressed in brilliant yellow. He ascended the dragon throne before the kneeling officials and waved a hand.
“Rise, my loyal ministers.”
With those words, the morning court session officially began.
Xie Lanxu stepped forward under the watchful gaze of the court and presented his report on the investigation into the treasure rumors.
The Imperial Guard Lieutenant had confessed and pled guilty, admitting to spreading the rumors out of personal resentment toward the deposed crown prince and jealousy of Xie Lanxu’s recent successes.
“…This was an attempt to use my hand to eliminate my grandson. Truly despicable,” Emperor Xie Shencong remarked with feigned indignation. “Such malice must be punished severely.”
His acting was impeccable, rivaling that of professional performers.
Everyone in court knew that the officer was merely a scapegoat. But everyone also knew they had to pretend to accept this conclusion.
It wasn’t about sparing the officer’s dignity—it was about sparing the dignity of the power players behind him.
After the court session adjourned, Eunuch Gao approached Xie Lanxu just as he was about to leave.
“Your Grace, the Emperor requests your presence.”
Eunuch Gao led Xie Lanxu to the imperial garden.
In the garden lay a wide plum orchard, filled with trees blossoming in defiance of the winter cold. Emperor Xie Shencong sat in a pavilion within the orchard, painting a scene of two palace maids swinging on a swing.
Beside him sat Noble Consort Yi, her face cold and her eyes sharp as knives. She glared at the two young palace maids, who were pale and stiff, their postures awkward yet forced to continue swinging.
It was the dead of winter, but the maids were dressed in thin spring robes. They looked no older than eleven or twelve, their childlike faces trembling as they smiled through their visible shivering.
Emperor Xie Shencong, wrapped in thick fur-lined robes, seemed perfectly comfortable. The luxurious fur peeked out from the sleeves of his imperial attire. Beside him, Noble Consort Yi wore a fiery red cloak and held a hand warmer in her hands.
When Xie Lanxu arrived and paid his respects, Emperor Xie Shencong warmly invited him to admire his painting.
To be fair, the Emperor’s skill in fine brushwork was impressive—good enough to make a living as an artist if he weren’t sitting on the throne. Xie Lanxu offered a few words of praise, but the Emperor appeared dissatisfied.
“I’ve been working on this painting for three days, but something about it still feels off,” Emperor Xie Shencong lamented. “It’s missing… a certain vitality.”
Noble Consort Yi, her voice sweet yet laced with venom, remarked, “Plum blossoms have spirit, but what spirit could these clueless little palace maids have? If they don’t have it to begin with, no matter how hard His Majesty tries, it won’t appear in the painting!”
Her tone was dripping with jealousy, but her words were laced with a kind of casual cruelty.
Emperor Xie Shencong smiled at her indulgently. “You, always so petty and jealous.”
Despite his words, there was no reproach in his tone.
Xie Lanxu stood quietly to the side, eyes lowered, patiently waiting for the two to finish their little performance.
Finally, Emperor Xie Shen set aside his brush and got to the point.
“You’ve endured much today,” he said warmly. “I know that Prince Jing is behind this, but his power has grown too strong. If we accuse him outright, it will only lead to chaos in the court. I’ve asked you to cease your investigation for your own safety.”
Or perhaps to preserve the delicate balance of power, ensuring that no single faction grows strong enough to challenge the throne.
A three-legged balance, after all, ensures that the most secure position is the one within the cauldron—the imperial throne itself.
Some in the court believed that the Emperor had summoned Xie Lanxu back from the secluded Mingyue Tower to assist the weakened Prince Feng. However, Xie Lanxu knew better—this wasn’t about favoritism.
The Emperor was merely uneasy about the two-legged balance of power, which could shift at any moment.
Bringing him back was a strategic move to establish a third leg, ensuring stability in the precarious balance of power.
Xie Lanxu understood the Emperor’s thoughts clearly, for he was certain that the Emperor and he were cut from the same cloth.
The authority to take a life—if not in his own hands—was a weight the Emperor could entrust to no one else.
Xie Lanxu felt contempt for the Emperor’s hypocrisy, but he didn’t let it show. His face remained calm as he bowed respectfully to express his gratitude.
“The vacant position of the Imperial Guard Lieutenant—who do you think is suitable for the role?” Emperor Xie Shencong asked.
“Your Majesty’s wisdom surpasses all. I dare not offer a suggestion,” Xie Lanxu replied.
“Speak your mind when I ask you to,” the Emperor said with a chuckle.
Before Xie Lanxu could answer, Noble Consort Yi interjected, pouting coquettishly, “Your Majesty, why don’t you ask me? My cousin is both capable and diligent.”
The Emperor patted Noble Consort Yi’s hand affectionately but kept his eyes on Xie Lanxu.
Xie Lanxu finally spoke. “Your Majesty, I’ve only recently returned to the capital and am not yet familiar with the officials here. However, I believe anyone entrusted with the position of your personal guard must possess both exemplary skill and an impeccable background.
“Given that, I would recommend selecting someone from among your Imperial Guards.”
He glanced toward the assembled guards and added, “The third one from the left—something about him stands out to me. I believe he is fit for the role.”
The Emperor and Noble Consort Yi turned their gazes toward the guards.
The third man from the left…
The Emperor suddenly burst into laughter. “Ah, you sharp-eyed Prince Langya. No wonder he looks familiar—that’s none other than Li Mingke, Li Zhi’s cousin.”
“So, like the others, you’ve found a roundabout way to push for positions for your own people, haven’t you?”
Xie Lanxu didn’t deny it. Instead, he smiled openly and said, “I’m not well-versed in military matters, Your Majesty. If you insist that I choose, it’s safer to pick someone I know rather than risk choosing someone at random.”
“Fine, I’ll indulge you this time,” the Emperor said with a laugh. Then he called out, “Li Mingke, step forward.”
Li Mingke, looking utterly bewildered, approached the pavilion hesitantly. From his distant position, he hadn’t caught the details of the conversation and wore an expression of nervous apprehension.
The Emperor explained the situation and, to Li Mingke’s shock, immediately promoted him to the rank of Lieutenant of the Imperial Guard—a leap of two official ranks.
Still in a daze, Li Mingke dropped to his knees, kowtowing profusely to express his gratitude.
The Emperor chuckled as he watched the newly promoted Li Mingke, struck dumb by his sudden good fortune. But standing nearby, Xie Lanxu regarded the scene coldly, his gaze detached and calculating.
Compared to the ethereal legend of the treasures of the previous dynasty, Emperor Xie Shencong was a living legend.
The Emperor had started from a position lower than a minor official—he was once merely a tingzhang (a headman of a village pavilion) in Yan County. Before that, he was nothing more than the idle son of a farmer.
His life took a dramatic turn when, thanks to his strikingly handsome appearance, he became the live-in son-in-law of a wealthy southern family. Through financial contributions, he rose to the rank of a seventh-grade county magistrate. With his shrewdness and adept networking, he quickly climbed the ranks of the bureaucracy.
In the end, he orchestrated a coup and seized the throne.
In the early years of his reign, Emperor Xie Shencong had been a relatively just and upright ruler. Much of the credit belonged to his first wife, the original Empress, who had shared his struggles and hardships.
Emperor Xie Shencong had deeply respected her. Even in moments of stubbornness, he often yielded to her gentle advice, allowing for a more open and inclusive government.
But after the first Empress’s death, the Emperor’s true nature began to emerge.
“Your Majesty, His Highness, Prince Feng has entered the palace,” Eunuch Gao announced as he entered the pavilion.
“Ah, Feng’er must have come to pay his respects to me,” Noble Consort Yi exclaimed with delight. “Your Majesty, let’s return to Yaohua Palace!”
“Yes, yes,” the Emperor replied indulgently before turning to Xie Lanxu. “You…”
Xie Lanxu, ever perceptive, immediately bowed and said, “This humble servant bids Your Majesty farewell.”
“It’s nearly time for the midday meal. You should take your leave as well,” the Emperor added.
Xie Lanxu maintained his bow as he watched Emperor Xie Shencong depart with his entourage. The dense cluster of attendants and guards followed the Emperor and Noble Consort Yi in a grand procession out of the imperial garden.
Only when even the faintest echoes of footsteps had faded did the two young palace maids, who had been shivering in the cold while swinging for the Emperor’s amusement, dare to huddle together for warmth and scurry away.
Xie Lanxu straightened his posture, his expression icy as he stared in the direction the Emperor had gone.
After a long moment, he turned and left.
—–
Meanwhile, at Yaohua Palace, a meticulously decorated and opulent residence, Xie Fengshao arrived carrying a beautifully crafted food box. Two palace maids greeted him at the entrance.
“Her Highness has gone to accompany the Emperor in the imperial garden,” one maid explained. “Would His Highness like to wait here? We can send someone to inform Her Highness of your arrival…”
“That won’t be necessary,” Xie Fengshao interrupted quickly. “This box contains a delicacy from Hui Xue Tower outside the palace. Please deliver it to my mother and let her know I’ll visit her another time.”
“But Your Highness, if you wait a moment, Her Highness will surely be delighted to see you…” the maid began.
Before she could finish, Xie Fengshao had already spun on his heel and strode out of the hall.
Outside the palace, his personal attendant was waiting, holding an identical food box.
“Let’s go,” Xie Fengshao ordered curtly, his expression unreadable.
The attendant followed immediately, and the two made their way toward the secluded administrative quarter near the palace’s rear chambers. This area, home to the offices of female officials, was quiet and rarely frequented.
Stopping at an isolated pavilion, Xie Fengshao handed the food box to his attendant with a silent command to deliver it. Just as the man turned to leave, Xie Fengshao called him back.
“Yes, Your Highness?”
“Nothing… Do my clothes look proper?” Xie Fengshao asked suddenly.
The attendant blinked in surprise before breaking into a small smile. “His Highness is as dashing as ever—flawless.”
Xie Fengshao nodded, seemingly reassured, and dismissed the attendant.
Once alone, however, he adjusted his collar and smoothed out the faintest wrinkles in his sleeves. Despite his usual composure, a hint of nervousness flickered in his movements.
Pacing the pavilion repeatedly, he counted seven laps before the attendant finally reappeared at the end of the path.
Behind him was a figure dressed in light blue.
The palace’s strict hierarchy extended even to clothing, and the pale blue robe left no doubt in Xie Fengshao’s mind that the person he’d been waiting for had arrived.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped out of the pavilion and moved to greet her.
“Your servant greets the Prince Feng,” Li Zhi said, curtseying as he approached.
“You don’t need to bow. There’s no one else here,” Xie Fengshao said.
Although he said so, Li Zhi cautiously completed the full formal salute before straightening up.
“I wonder why Your Highness has summoned me?” she asked.
“It’s nothing important—” Xie Fengshao extended the food box in his hands. “This is Hui Xue Tower’s New Year specialty box. They only sell ten a day. I’ve tried it myself, and it’s quite good.”
“This… it’s far too valuable. I cannot accept it,” Li Zhi replied.
“It’s just a box of snacks—how is it valuable? Take it,” Xie Fengshao insisted.
“I cannot accept without merit. It wouldn’t be right.”
“I said take it, so take it,” Xie Fengshao said, his tone turning impatient. Without giving her another chance to refuse, he pressed the box into her arms.
“…My thanks to Your Highness,” Li Zhi said reluctantly, bowing again.
“If you face any difficulties during your duties in the palace, tell me. I’ll help you find a way,” Xie Fengshao added. Then, after a pause, he said, “And one more thing… When we’re alone, don’t refer to yourself as a servant.”
His casual tone only deepened the unease pooling in Li Zhi’s heart.
Tentatively, she asked, “Why does Your Highness show me such care?”
Xie Fengshao opened his mouth to answer, but before he could speak, a noise came from behind her.
Li Zhi immediately turned her head, scanning the path. It was empty. The crumbling walls and overgrown foliage blocked her line of sight.
“Probably just the wind,” Xie Fengshao said dismissively.
He made no attempt to answer her earlier question.
“You’ve been out for quite some time. Go back now. If your superiors reprimand you, just say I summoned you for questioning. If they have any issues, they can take it up with me,” Xie Fengshao said.
Li Zhi lowered herself in a deep curtsy, bidding him farewell.
She didn’t look up at him but heard a faint sigh as he turned to leave.
—–
Xie Fengshao was unlike any of the other princes in the palace.
The deposed Crown Prince had witnessed his father’s journey from a lowly county magistrate to the throne. Having endured countless hardships and brushes with death, he understood the struggles and helplessness of the common people.
Xie Jingtan, born a prince to a noblewoman from a powerful family, had mastered the art of scheming and manipulation. The reputation of the “Virtuous Prince” and the power of the Prince Jing’s position were the results of a lifetime of calculated moves by him and his mother.
But Xie Fengshao? He was born in Noble Consort Yi’s palace, raised at the Emperor’s knee, and shielded from the harshness of palace rules. At the age of seven, he was already galloping freely on horseback in the front court without fear of punishment.
The first time Li Zhi saw him at Ziwei Palace, she immediately recognized him as someone untouched by the difficulties of the mortal world—a man born to rule.
The bright, sunny confidence on his face was something only those who had never known hardship could possess.
But what had the former Li Zhi meant to him?
The thought lingered in her mind for just a moment before transforming into a faint, complex smile that curved her lips.
What was lost was lost. What had vanished would never return. Whatever connection Xie Fengshao had shared with the Li Zhi of the past, that Li Zhi no longer existed.
What remained in the world now was a wandering soul bearing the name “Li Zhi,” living for one purpose alone—vengeance.
——
After Xie Fengshao left, Li Zhi decided to return to the Palace Administration Bureau. The food box in her hands felt like a scorching hot coal, and she needed to think about where to hide it.
As she stepped out of the pathway and onto the palace road, she paused mid-step, her senses prickling. Slowly, she turned her gaze toward the dense forest on her left.
The trees stood tall and lush, their thick foliage masking anything beyond. On the surface, nothing seemed out of place.
Li Zhi narrowed her eyes but eventually turned away.
With measured steps, she finally left the secluded path.
Behind her, the forest swayed gently in the breeze, its secrets hidden among the shadows.
——
Translator’s Note: – A Lieutenant is typically a mid-tier officer within the Imperial Guard, tasked with leading squads or platoons of soldiers into battle. They serve as the primary link between higher-ranking officers (like Captains or Commissars) and enlisted soldiers.
In which team are you? Team Xie Lanxu or Team Xie Fengshao ?
Team Xie Lanxu ofcourse 🙃 after all those hardships they experienced