Countless undercurrents swirled between the two men beneath a veneer of calm. Bai Jiu was the first to exit the hall, leaving the Crown Prince behind. The Crown Prince watched his tall, elegant figure vanish past the threshold, his expression becoming increasingly inscrutable. He maintained an air of benevolence, yet his eyes betrayed a flicker of murderous intent.
Bai Jiu returned directly to his manor. By the time Xiao Jin turned around, the man was already gone. With Prince Qin and Zhang Taiyan still in his custody, Xiao Jin was naturally on edge. He turned again and saw Xie Jingsheng approaching.
"Keep your head on straight," Xie Jingsheng said. He had clearly rushed over from the Hall of Supreme Harmony, his sleeves still smelling of gunpowder soot. "Prince Qin is hard to say, but Zhang Taiyan absolutely cannot die." He clutched his stomach and frowned. "Get me some shaojiu. There’ll be no sleep tonight."
Indeed, sleep was out of the question. Executing another prince like Prince Qin would already stir a massive outcry, let alone adding Zhang Taiyan to the list. It seemed this year was cursed; three imperial scions had fallen in rapid succession. At this rate, only the Crown Prince and Prince Tang would be left.
Thinking of this, Xie Jingsheng suddenly asked, "Where is Prince Tang?"
Xiao Jin was overwhelmed with work; how could he possibly remember the timid and shrinking Prince Tang?
It was nearly dawn when Bai Jiu returned to his manor. He carried the chill of the night with him, a coldness that even a hot bath could not fully mask. As he slid his hand under the covers, he knew Xin Yi was still awake.
"Why aren't you sleeping?" Bai Jiu leaned against the edge of the bed and asked softly.
Xin Yi opened his eyes. "I lost track of time for a moment, and suddenly it was now." He added, "It's cold outside. Come in."
Bai Jiu slipped into the bed. Xin Yi reached out to feel his back. Bai Jiu smiled. "No injuries." He pulled the boy into his arms, patting his back gently as he closed his eyes. "Sleep with me a little longer."
Xin Yi heard Bai Jiu’s breathing grow heavy and felt the hand on his back gradually slow to a stop, knowing he was truly exhausted. He closed his eyes, yet his mind remained crystal clear.
The next day, the Emperor remained confined to his bed, summoning only Imperial Physician Hong and Bai Jiu. He Anchang knelt outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony for a long time, pleading for Zhang Taiyan’s life. However, the longer he knelt, the more the Emperor’s fury grew. The Crown Prince was also barred from the hall, and no one dared even mention Prince Qin.
The gunpowder incident was no small matter; only someone of significant influence could pull off such a feat within the palace. Xiao Jin’s Capital Guards pursued the investigation relentlessly. The detained eunuchs and maids all gave consistent testimonies, claiming Prince Qin was the mastermind. Even Prince Qin himself took full responsibility, seemingly intent on seeking death. Even Xiao Jin sensed something fishy, but since Prince Qin refused to implicate anyone else, the crime could only be pinned on him. For the attempted assassination of the Son of Heaven, death was the only sentence.
The Leftists were also suffering. Their leader, Zhang Taiyan, had been imprisoned first. The old man could not withstand such hardship; as time dragged on, it was uncertain if he would ever emerge intact. With He Anchang still kneeling outside the hall and Bai Jiu’s men watching like hawks, the faction lived in constant trepidation.
Within a few days, Xin Yi, the Young Prince of Beiyang, quietly entered the Court of Judicial Review, taking a minor post as an administrator under Zuo Kaizhi.
"That is Prince Qin’s cell." Inside the prison, Xiao Jin pointed toward the innermost corner for Xin Yi. "It’s dark and damp. He’s quite ill."
Xin Yi had come with Zuo Kaizhi to collect the testimonies of the palace servants. Hearing this, he couldn't help but look over. Xiao Jin rubbed his new stubble and continued, "I think Prince Qin is done for this time."
"The case isn't settled yet." Xin Yi held his brush and made a few marks on his scroll. "Give me the remaining three testimonies. I need to hand them in to give an account."
Xiao Jin asked, "Aren't you curious?"
Xin Yi stopped his brush. "Curiosity is useless." He paused, then added, "However, this case truly does not seem like Prince Qin’s doing."
"The Emperor has the final say." Xiao Jin turned back to study Xin Yi. "Why do I feel like you’ve changed?"
Xin Yi smiled, took the testimonies, and pointed upward before walking away. Xiao Jin shouted after him, "Come to my house for lunch! My sister is waiting for you!" Xin Yi nodded and headed out. Xiao Jin let out a huff and muttered to himself, "He really didn't ask a single thing..."
Xin Yi carried the testimonies out. As he stepped up the stone stairs, the damp, dark atmosphere of the prison did not affect his calm, gentle demeanor. More than curiosity, he wanted to stay by Zuo Kaizhi’s side to refine his own skills. The feeling he couldn't forget from the night of the explosion was powerlessness—a sensation that surged from his depths and simmered in his heart. Every time he remembered it, his agitation grew. Xin Yi felt he was no longer satisfied with merely being protected by Bai Jiu; a burgeoning desire to defend the only warmth he had left was taking root.
Above, Zuo Kaizhi waited for a moment before Xin Yi presented the documents. Xin Yi called Zuo Kaizhi "Teacher." Zuo Kaizhi considered himself a strict man, yet he could find no fault in this young prince. Though Xin Yi did not speak much, he was exceptionally diligent.
Zuo Kaizhi flipped through the testimonies and let out a long sigh after a while. He said nothing, but his pity for Prince Qin was evident in that sigh. In this world, the only person who cannot be saved is the one who wishes to die. Prince Qin had cut off all his own paths; his lineage had reached its end.
In this affair, Prince Qin had hidden the gunpowder first, the Crown Prince had delayed the rescue in the middle, and Zhang Taiyan had pleaded for mercy at the end. The Emperor was in a state of extreme paranoia; seeing these three events linked, he could not help but suspect the Crown Prince of a conspiracy. After all, Prince Qin had always been part of the Crown Prince’s faction, and it was he who had lobbied for the Crown Prince’s return to the capital. It wasn't impossible that he would risk his life for the cause. Furthermore, if the explosion had been a bit more powerful that night and something had happened to the Emperor, the Crown Prince—with the support of the Leftists, his control over a portion of the Capital Guards, and Prince Qin’s backing—could have easily ascended the throne.
But on second thought, if this wasn't the Crown Prince’s scheme, then it was a masterstroke that killed three birds with one stone. Now, only Bai Jiu’s faction stood tall, reaping immense benefits. Within the court, no other power could rival him in the short term. Suddenly, the winds shifted. Bai Jiu appeared to be covered in infinite glory, but in reality, he was standing at the eye of the storm. If the Emperor and the Crown Prince ever reconciled, the very favor Bai Jiu enjoyed today would become the seed of secret resentment tomorrow.
This plan didn't just kill three birds; it suppressed all three major factions in the capital overnight. But as for who was behind it, that remained unknown.
Lately, Bai Jiu was so busy his feet hardly touched the ground, and he was rarely seen at the manor. Thus, at noon, Xin Yi left the Court of Judicial Review and went to Xiao Jin’s place as agreed, with Meng Chen following him. Before they had gone far, a carriage pulled up beside them.
"A-Yi." The person lifting the curtain was Prince Tang. His perpetually gloomy face finally broke into a smile as he said earnestly to Xin Yi, "There has been so much happening lately, I haven't had a chance to speak with you. Where are you heading?"
Xin Yi stopped and bowed with a smile, pointing ahead. Prince Tang said, "Are you going to Master Xiao’s? Come up, your Imperial Uncle will give you a lift."
Xin Yi couldn't refuse, so he boarded the carriage. They sat opposite each other. Prince Tang didn't seem accustomed to official pleasantries and simply said, "There's no need for formalities before your own uncle. How have you been faring in the capital?"
Xin Yi nodded and smiled.
Prince Tang seemed a bit awkward himself, saying sheepishly, "I haven't had a long talk with you; I've been a poor uncle." He then resumed his worried expression. "I failed to persuade Old Seven back then, which caused you to suffer. Now that you're in the capital, if you need anything, just send word to me. I may not be powerful, but I won't let others bully you."
Seeing Xin Yi listening, he continued, "Prince Pingding is a good man. Although the rumors outside are unpleasant, he has truly done a lot for your family."
Xin Yi looked up. Prince Tang said ruefully, "Look at him now with the Crown Prince—isn't it because he still holds a grudge in his heart? If you have the chance, try to restrain him. He is the Crown Prince, after all. Things shouldn't be taken too far; it won't be good for anyone if everyone gets provoked."
*The root of the enmity between Bai Jiu and the Crown Prince is Prince Yan?* Though Xin Yi was deeply shaken, he maintained a calm exterior, lowering his eyes to hide his shock.
Prince Tang said earnestly, "You are working in the Court of Judicial Review now, so you will inevitably deal with old cases and records. You will surely encounter things from the past. Your uncle advises you..." He placed a hand on Xin Yi’s shoulder and said sincerely, "Endure what you can. Even if some things are investigated thoroughly, the truth might not be enough to overturn the heavens. Especially cases related to the Crown Prince—it's best to stay away. The Crown Prince... he likely still harbors lingering regrets."
These words undoubtedly set off a massive wave in Xin Yi’s heart, nearly shattering his maintained composure.
***
That night.
The prison was silent until the sound of chains broke the stillness, like ice crashing into water. Prince Qin, detained in the innermost cell, opened his eyes and looked at the figure standing before his cell with hands behind his back. His throat was dry, his body weak; he could only lean against the cold wall and stare at the person.
An opened food box was gently pushed forward, the warm aroma of food wafting to his nose. The scent was unusual—it made Prince Qin’s eyes suddenly soften.
"It must have been hard for you to find this," Prince Qin said, his lips twitching into a faint smile. He picked up the chopsticks, his hands so frozen and stiff that they trembled uncontrollably. "It smells exactly the same."
It smelled exactly like the food the Princess of Qin used to make.
Prince Qin took a few shaky bites. As the food entered his mouth, his eyes dimmed again. It took a long time for him to swallow before he dropped the chopsticks onto the plate. "The smell is the same, but the taste is not."
The person watched him the entire time without speaking.
Prince Qin stared blankly for a long while before saying, "I understand what you mean. I won't cause you any more trouble. I just don't want to live anymore. Big Brother is dead, Old Six is dead, Old Seven is dead, Zhiriu is dead, and Wen'er is dead too. At my age, I should have been enjoying the company of my brothers, wife, and children, yet everyone is dead. Leaving me alone is pointless. I might as well join them; we can keep each other company in the underworld."
The person said, "Some die for a worthy cause, others get what they deserve. That is fate."
"Yet neither of those was the reason they left this world," Prince Qin said. "He is an executioner, but you are the one who sends them on their way."
The person remained silent, then said, "This is sentiment."
"To hell with your sentiment," Prince Qin laughed deathly. "You send a man's whole family to their graves, yet you still talk of sentiment."
"You were never one to meddle," the person said, taking a wine cup and a flask from the food box. "Who was it this time that talked too much and told you things you shouldn't have heard?"
"I was your eyes for over a decade." Prince Qin pressed his hand down on the wine flask and leaned in, his face expressionless. "Yet you killed my wife and son."
The person did not move but looked up, a hint of pity showing in the pale moonlight. "Only by being clean and decisive can one become a great vessel. I did it for your own good. Besides, as for that Xin Wen, it was Bai Jiu’s people who submitted the evidence. Even if I wanted to stop it, I couldn't."
"Without your tacit approval, he couldn't have run such a large business. Without your intent, he wouldn't have left such a massive trail. You discarded my son and washed your hands clean. You are made of flesh and blood; do you not feel a single shred of guilt?"
"Since you put it that way," the person’s pity seemed to grow, his voice raspy, "I do not feel a single shred of guilt."
"How could you..." Prince Qin slammed his hand against the floor, his eyes overflowing with tears and hatred. "How could you all? You and him... you truly are father and son. Killing sons, killing brothers—cold-blooded and heartless."
"Only the cold-blooded and heartless are worthy of the Imperial House," the person’s voice suddenly turned icy. "Shouldn't Old Six have died? Shouldn't Old Seven have died? Shouldn't all these people have died? If Bai Zhiriu hadn't died early, would you have been so willing to stay in the capital!"
Prince Qin gritted his teeth. "What did it have to do with her? With just one word from you, I would have gone through fire and water. What did it have to do with her? What did it have to do with her!"
"It's futile to say more now." The person pushed Prince Qin’s hand aside and poured a full cup of wine from the flask. "Go on."
Prince Qin gave a tragic smile. "Years ago in the palace, when Consort Hui intended to poison my mother, you ran to the Empress’s palace to bring Father to save her life. I remembered that for a lifetime, and for that, I served you with all my heart as a brother. I never thought that this final journey would bring me back to where I started, ending with a single cup of wine."
The person pushed the cup forward. "Everything is predestined."
With that, the person turned to leave.
In the darkness, Prince Qin raised the cup. He watched the person walk away step by step and suddenly called out, "Third Brother."
The person paused.
Prince Qin said, "Your younger brother is going first."
As the words fell, he tilted his head and drank it all in one gulp. The empty cup slipped from his hand and shattered on the floor.
The next day, as soon as Xin Yi stepped into the Court of Judicial Review, he heard others whispering.
"Prince Qin is gone."
Prince Qin was dead.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 大理寺 | Court of Judicial Review | Also known as the Dali Temple; the high court of the imperial central government. |
| 司务 | Administrator | A low-ranking administrative official (rank 9b). |
| 左恺之 | Zuo Kaizhi | The head of the Court of Judicial Review. |
| 洪院使 | Commissioner Hong | The head of the Imperial Academy of Medicine (Taiyuan Yuan). |
| 燕王 | Prince Yan | Xin Yi's deceased father. |
| 辛炆 | Xin Wen | Prince Qin's son (deceased). |
| 白芷柔 | Bai Zhiriu | Prince Qin's deceased wife. |
| 惠妃 | Consort Hui | A high-ranking imperial consort from the past. |
| 三哥 | Third Brother | How Prince Qin refers to the Crown Prince. |
