As soon as Xin Yi stepped out from the corridor of the side hall, he saw an attendant hurrying toward him. Upon seeing him, the attendant’s expression visibly relaxed. He stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Your Grace. This servant has been ordered by His Highness, the Prince of Pingding, to lead Your Grace to change into clean clothes."
Hearing Bai Jiu’s name, Xin Yi’s footsteps paused briefly, but he did not immediately follow.
The attendant became even more deferential. "His Highness said that Your Grace should simply go and change; there is no need to pay any mind to the stray cats and dogs behind you."
That certainly sounded like something Bai Jiu would say.
Xin Yi smiled and turned to follow him. In any case, the schemes within this palace could never be brought into the light; everyone had to compete in the shadows. They only dared to hide their malice under the Emperor’s half-closed eyes. What did he have to fear?
The attendant did not lead him far. There were only a few places where external officials were permitted to go, as they were forbidden from crossing the line into the inner palace. Xin Yi entered the room and found a set of clean robes already placed over a screen. He went behind it to change. When he emerged and looked into the mirror, his dimples appeared.
As it turned out, the robes were not made for his stature; they seemed to be Bai Jiu’s size. Bai Jiu was a full shoulder taller than him. When Xin Yi let his sleeves hang, he looked a bit like an opera singer in costume, a sight that made him want to laugh. He raised his sleeves and spun around before the mirror, looking even younger than he was. He couldn't stop smiling at his reflection, the joy dispelling the unpleasantness from moments ago. On a whim, he ran his fingers over the fabric and brought a sleeve to his nose, sniffing it gently.
Whether it was an illusion or not, he felt he could still catch Bai Jiu’s cool, crisp scent. He was dazed, lost in the scent, when the door was suddenly pushed open.
Bai Jiu entered and immediately saw him standing before the mirror, clutching the long sleeves and staring blankly. He arched a long brow.
"Does it smell good?"
Xin Yi reacted like a startled cat. His hands flew behind his back, feeling as though he had been caught red-handed in some misdeed. Combined with the dream from the previous night, he found it even harder to look Bai Jiu in the eye.
A smile spread across Bai Jiu’s lips. He stepped closer, his fingertips tracing the air near Xin Yi’s chest and waist as if measuring him. "When we return, I’ll have Old Bai take your measurements again. You look a bit rounder than when you first entered the manor."
"The food is good... naturally, I’ve gained a few pounds." Xin Yi lowered his gaze, trying hard to find the tips of his shoes beneath the long hem of the robe, refusing to look up.
Bai Jiu reached up to loosen his own collar. Hearing this, he chuckled. "Easy to raise."
Xin Yi’s heart felt as though it had been brushed by a feather—soft, tingling, and itchy.
Bai Jiu shed his outer robe and didn't look elsewhere, simply asking, "Are the clothes to your liking?"
Xin Yi nodded hurriedly, but out of the corner of his eye, he saw that Bai Jiu had not put on another garment after removing his outer robe. A sense of unease gripped him. He looked up and found Bai Jiu watching him. He froze for a few moments before stammering, "These robes are—"
These robes had actually been prepared for Bai Jiu. Turning his head, he saw another set of robes neatly placed on a cushion beside the screen.
"If you like them, wear them," Bai Jiu said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "There are plenty at home; pick whichever you want."
Xin Yi was speechless, using his two long sleeves to hide his face. Bai Jiu watched him, then suddenly reached out to stop his movement. His hand slid between the sleeves, his fingertips grazing Xin Yi’s cheek and chin. Xin Yi wanted to step back and explain, but he saw Bai Jiu’s lips twitch into a smile—one that held a hint of coldness.
Bai Jiu’s voice was tender. "Did Xin Wen touch you?"
Xin Yi shook his head rapidly. "It wasn't him."
Bai Jiu seemed to know who it was and asked no further. His fingers, which were about to pull away, suddenly turned and stroked Xin Yi’s cheek with a chilling touch. Xin Yi’s eyes widened as he watched him, his breathing turning tense. Bai Jiu’s hand moved to his collar and undid the first button.
"Take them off. Let me see."
Now, it wasn't just Xin Yi’s face that was red; his entire body felt as though it were flushing.
***
By the time he returned to the banquet, Xin Yi’s heart was still pounding wildly. His face was flushed and hot. He didn't even hear Xie Jingsheng’s apology clearly until the man called his name again. Startled, Xin Yi simply shook his head at Xie Jingsheng to indicate he was fine.
Xin Wen and Guan Si had already returned to their seats. Seeing Xin Yi return, Xin Wen let out a cold sneer. Xin Yi poured himself some wine and returned the smile.
The palace banquet was drawing to a close. The Emperor looked weary of conversation. Xin Yi took this opportunity to observe the Emperor clearly—a man in his late sixties. In his fatigue, he looked every bit his age. Xin Yi lowered his head, took a sip of wine, and looked no more.
The guests' enthusiasm had also waned; it was time to disperse. The Emperor cleared his throat, and Kang Fu, standing beside him, hurried to offer a supporting hand as the Emperor rose. The crowd fell silent.
The Emperor smiled. "Tonight has been quite pleasant."
There was surely more to follow, but a Capital Guard hurried into the hall. The Emperor frowned and asked, "What is it?"
The guard dropped to one knee, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Reporting to Your Majesty: while the Capital Guard was conducting routine patrols tonight, we discovered Registrar He of the Court of the Imperial Clan drowned in Egret Lake by the side hall."
The words sent a shock through the room. Even He Anchang, who had seemed to be dozing, showed a flicker of surprise. Xie Jingsheng’s brow furrowed deeply. He and He Anchang instinctively exchanged a glance, seeing the same astonishment in each other's eyes. The Court of the Imperial Clan did not fall under the Secretariat; they were neither part of the Leftist faction nor Bai Jiu’s men. They had always reported directly to the Prince of Qin, Xin Zhenhong—a marginal force in the capital that did not take sides. Now that a mid-ranking official of the fifth rank was dead, they couldn't help but wonder if someone was trying to frame them.
The Prince of Qin stood up abruptly, his voice heavy. "Drowned in the lake? How could a perfectly healthy man drown in the lake!"
The Emperor’s expression turned grim. He said to the guard, "Report the details."
"According to regulations, our primary patrol tonight was the Hall of Supreme Harmony. After the hour of Hai (9-11 PM), we were to patrol the side halls. However, there was a disturbance at the side hall during the hour of Hai. I did not dare be careless and led my men to investigate. When our lanterns lit the lake, we found the drowned Registrar He." The guard bowed his head to the floor. "Upon examining Registrar He’s body, I noticed something suspicious. I did not dare deceive Your Majesty, so I have come to report the truth at the risk of my life."
"Suspicious?" The Emperor slapped the armrest of his throne. "Speak quickly! What was suspicious?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty." The Commander of the Capital Guard steeled himself to continue. "I discovered that Registrar He was strangled nearly to death before being thrust into the lake to drown."
Xin Yi, who had been keeping his eyes down, suddenly looked up. On the other side, Xin Wen had already collapsed into a kneel in the middle of the banquet, crying out in panic to the Emperor, "Your Majesty! How is this possible!"
"What is it now!" The Emperor pointed at Xin Wen and roared, "You are the Heir to the Prince of Qin, a true scion of the Imperial bloodline! Why are you acting so flustered!"
"Grandson... Grandson..." Xin Wen’s gaze flickered toward Xin Yi before quickly snapping back. "Grandson and Heir Xin Yi were just helping Lord Guan go change his clothes. We saw Registrar He resting in the side hall earlier, and he was perfectly fine. Afterward, Lord Guan invited me and Heir Xin Yi to return together. Heir Xin Yi shook his head and refused. I thought he had simply had a bit too much to drink, and since Registrar He was in the hall, I figured nothing could go wrong. I never imagined Registrar He would meet such a fate." He knocked his head against the floor several times. "It is my fault. I should have brought Registrar He back with us."
"What fault do you have?" the Emperor snapped, turning his gaze toward Xin Yi. In that instant, the look in his eyes—whether it was loathing or wariness—flickered too fast for Xin Yi to catch clearly. He only heard the Emperor’s heavy voice: "What were you doing staying behind in the side hall?"
It was a pointed question. It bypassed the need to verify the truth and immediately established that Xin Yi had met Registrar He and stayed until the end. Everyone present knew exactly whose side the Emperor’s heart favored.
A Registrar of the Court of the Imperial Clan was not a high-ranking official. Normally, if it were a grandson the Emperor truly favored, he would have merely scolded him, told him to reflect at home, and had him apologize. Given Xin Wen’s years of reckless behavior, he probably had nearly ten such lives on his hands. But because it was Xin Yi, even if an ant had died in that side hall, the palace seemed determined to make him suffer for it. Moreover, such a death had occurred at the perfect time. Xin Yi had indeed gone to the side hall and had indeed returned late. Only the three of them knew what had happened there. But looking at Xin Wen’s behavior, this murder was likely not a deliberate part of his plan.
Xin Yi was mute and could not answer. He knelt in the center of the hall and pointed to his clothes, indicating he had only gone to change.
"If it was to change robes, you could have changed with Lord Guan. Why stay behind?" The Prince of Qin narrowed his eyes and took a step forward. "You have been in the capital for several days now; have you still not learned the rules? Such a flimsy excuse is truly hard to believe. Though a Registrar of the Court of the Imperial Clan is no great figure, we are colleagues in the same court, serving the same sovereign. What grievance could be so great that you could not tolerate his existence!"
"You have only been in the capital for a few days, and you have already made enemies? To use such cruel methods!" The Emperor pushed away Kang Fu’s support and walked to stand before Xin Yi. He said darkly, "Thirty thousand North Yang troops guard the border. If they were handed over to someone like you—someone who knows no rules, no etiquette, and possesses such a malicious heart—would our Great Lan ever know peace? Xin Yi, I originally considered your father’s loyalty and righteousness, yet you have such a heart!"
Xin Yi lowered his head and remained silent.
He Anchang suddenly stood up and knelt to one side. "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. I believe it is too early to reach such a conclusion!"
Xin Wen immediately spoke up, "I agree! Furthermore, Registrar He died of strangulation. Heir Xin Yi is of slender build and gentle temperament; he surely could not have done such a thing!" He turned to Guan Si, saying earnestly, "Lord Guan surely thinks the same, does he not?"
Guan Si cursed inwardly. He knew Xin Wen wanted him to speak up and push Xin Yi toward his doom. But setting aside Xin Yi himself, Bai Jiu—who sat above them, smiling without a word—was already making him break into a cold sweat! Moreover, He Anchang of the Leftist faction had already spoken, making it clear they would not accept this framed case. Both major factions in court maintained an air of integrity. If he spoke now, smearing Xin Yi would be a small matter, but if even a drop of that filth splashed onto the Leftists or Bai Jiu’s faction, it would be his own death warrant!
Guan Si’s expression shifted repeatedly. Finally, he knelt and said hesitantly, "I believe... this case requires a detailed investigation. Registrar He was a man of no contention; he deserves... deserves an explanation."
Xin Wen said, "Though I believe Heir Xin Yi is not such a cruel and arrogant person, since we seek justice, why not conduct a thorough investigation into this case? That way, Heir Xin Yi’s innocence can be proven. What does Heir Xin Yi think?" As he spoke, he shifted slightly, reaching out as if to support Xin Yi, but in reality, he intended to lift the long sleeve to reveal any potential injuries or marks.
Xie Jingsheng suddenly knelt between the two of them, flashing a smile at Xin Wen. He seemed to have sobered up quite a bit, and his smile held a touch of roguishness. He pressed Xin Wen’s hand back to his side. "I absolutely, absolutely, *absolutely* agree with Heir Xin Wen’s words. However, matters of the court are best left to the court officials. As subjects, it is our duty to share the Emperor’s burdens; there is no need for Heir Xin Wen to trouble himself." He then turned to the Emperor. "How about this? Since I have returned to the capital, it would be unseemly to idle for days. Since this case has appeared so coincidentally, I request Your Majesty’s permission to handle the investigation."
"You investigate?" The Emperor sneered. "You were the one who escorted him back to the capital; you would surely show him some favor."
"I also request permission," He Anchang said calmly and steadily. "Registrar He and I were acquaintances; he was a friend of mine. If this case is not investigated, I cannot be at peace. If only Lord Xie investigates, it will inevitably invite gossip. I am willing to volunteer as an overseer to ensure justice."
He Anchang was famous in court for his impartiality and integrity. Since he had spoken, the Emperor could not easily refuse. But to let Xin Yi off so easily left a bitter taste in his mouth. As they reached a stalemate, the sound of a wine cup clinking came from above.
Bai Jiu smiled. "A murder of a court official should, by right, be the hard work of Lord Zuo of the Court of Judicial Review. Why is everyone making it so difficult for themselves?"
The Court of Judicial Review was in charge of trials and investigations. Its Chief, Zuo Kaizhi, was famous for investigating every case with absolute clarity and was known as a fearless, stubborn man. Over the years, he had submitted a mountain of memorials against Xin Wen’s misconduct and showed no special deference even to Bai Jiu. If he presided over the case, everyone would be satisfied.
Zhang Taiyan stroked his beard and said with a smile, "The Prince of Pingding is correct. Your Majesty, why not have Lord Zuo preside over the case, and order Lord Xie and Ruxu to investigate and oversee it together? That way, the conclusion will be clear and beyond reproach. It gives an explanation to Registrar He and demonstrates Your Majesty’s benevolence."
Since the two of them had spoken, the proposal was reasonable. To refuse further would only alienate people.
The Emperor pondered for a moment and granted the request. The incident had left him even more exhausted. Unable to sit any longer, he left the banquet to return to his palace. As the Emperor reached the palace doors, Xin Wen, unable to catch up, prepared to stand. However, just as his knees left the ground, a sudden, sharp pain struck his back. He was kicked over, rolling across the floor.
The Prince of Qin’s face changed. He cried out in shock, "Prince of Pingding! What is the meaning of this!"
Bai Jiu ignored the Prince of Qin. He simply looked at Xin Wen with a smile. "Did the fall hurt?"
The surrounding officials, who were about to leave, instantly fell silent and still. They all knew the "Yama" was fickle; they didn't know how Xin Wen had managed to offend him. The more gently Bai Jiu smiled, the more the crowd broke into cold sweats.
Xin Wen’s knees had hit the ground hard, but even his father hadn't dared to show Bai Jiu any attitude. How could he dare cry out in pain? He could only clutch his leg, his face ashen, and force out the words, "It doesn't hurt."
No one nearby dared to help him; even the attendants stood far away, fearing they would be caught in the crossfire. Xin Wen cursed inwardly, bracing himself against the floor to stand up. Unexpectedly, this time Bai Jiu raised his foot and kicked him squarely in the shoulder, sending him sprawling onto his back.
"It must have hurt." Bai Jiu smiled as he held his wine cup. He leaned down in front of Xin Wen and said tenderly, "I know the Heir has a fine ferule. However, such an object should be kept by a teacher. Since the Heir has not yet reached his capping ceremony, bringing such a thing into the palace seems a bit improper. How about this—give it to me?"
Hearing this, Xin Wen knew Bai Jiu was looking for trouble on Xin Yi’s behalf. Fury surged in his chest, his face turning dark and grim. He pulled the ferule from his sleeve, but before he could offer it up, he was kicked squarely in the chest. He and the ferule were sent flying. Immediately after, the wine cup shattered with a *bang* right next to his head. A shard flew up, grazing his cheek and leaving a thin line of blood.
Xin Wen hadn't expected Bai Jiu to truly dare act this way in the palace, nor had he expected him to treat him so brazenly. The shattered cup left him in a cold sweat, even as his rage burned.
Bai Jiu looked down at him from above, his lips curved in a gentle line. "How can you be so senseless? Prince of Qin, the wine cup breaking before me is no great matter. But if it had shattered before His Majesty just now, I fear the Heir would have had to crawl out of the Hall of Supreme Harmony tonight." He reached out, grabbed Xin Wen by the collar, and pulled him up. Looking at the line of blood on his cheek, he said, "See? As soon as I am unhappy, blood is shed. The man in the lake hasn't even dried yet; why is the Heir in such a hurry? What is a mere lake? One day, I shall send the Heir there as well, shall I?"
Xin Wen saw the mix of ferocity and gentleness in Bai Jiu’s exquisite features. His eyes seemed to hold the ice of a thousand years, freezing Xin Wen’s limbs until they trembled. His mouth opened and closed, but his throat was so tight that not a single word could escape.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 经历 | Registrar | A mid-level administrative rank (Registrar or Manager) in the Ming/Qing dynasties. |
| 宗人府 | Court of the Imperial Clan | The institution managing the affairs of the imperial family. |
| 白鹭湖 | Egret Lake | A lake within the palace grounds. |
| 贺安常 | He Anchang | A court official, member of the Leftist faction. |
| 如许 | Ruxu | He Anchang's courtesy name (style name). |
| 康福 | Kang Fu | The Emperor's head eunuch. |
| 大理寺 | Court of Judicial Review | Also known as the Dali Temple; the supreme court of imperial China. |
| 左恺之 | Zuo Kaizhi | The Chief of the Court of Judicial Review. |
| 章太炎 | Zhang Taiyan | A senior official/minister. |
| 戒尺 | Ferule | A flat ruler used for corporal punishment, often by teachers. |
| 及冠 | Capping Ceremony | The traditional coming-of-age ceremony for men at age 20. |
