Liu Che watched with cold eyes as Wei Yuan, disregarding all etiquette, rushed forward to scoop A’jiao into her arms. In her haste, she jostled Liu Jin, who was already sitting on the floor wailing, causing him to tumble further to the side.
Liu Che did not have a deep impression of Wei Qing’s youngest daughter. He did, however, remember the eldest—Wei Xian. She had been gentle, elegant, and exceptionally intelligent. Years ago, when selecting a consort for the Crown Prince, Liu Ju, he had deliberated between Wei Xian and Yun’er, the daughter of his sister, the Grand Princess of Longlü. It was a pity those two children...
“娇娇儿 (Jiaojiao’er), what’s wrong? Where are you hurt?” Wei Yuan pulled A’jiao from Liu Che’s embrace, checking her over anxiously.
“He stepped on my leg!” A’jiao whimpered, burrowing into Wei Yuan’s arms.
Liu Ju also hurried forward to pick up Liu Jin. “Jin’er, what happened? Tell Father!” Liu Jin only cried louder, unable to form words through his sobs.
Wei Yuan assumed Liu Jin had stepped on A’jiao’s already injured leg and gasped in horror. “Ah! What should we do? Bear with it, Jiaojiao’er, let Auntie see!” She reached for the splinted leg.
A’jiao, meeting Liu Che’s icy stare, pulled Wei Yuan’s hand toward her other leg. “Auntie, here!” She lifted her trouser leg to reveal a large, dark bruise.
A’jiao screwed up her face and let out a few timely sobs to match the mood.
Wei Zifu stepped forward to take Liu Jin, inspecting him briefly before saying, “It was just a bump between children. It is nothing serious.”
“Auntie! How can you say it’s nothing? Look at Jiaojiao’er’s leg!” Wei Yuan lifted A’jiao and thrust her toward Wei Zifu. “Look at this bruise—it’s completely black and blue!”
“Children are clumsy and don’t know their own strength. Yuan’er, do not be insolent before His Majesty,” Wei Zifu said, her voice dropping an octave.
Only then did Wei Yuan realize she had charged right up to the Emperor. Her temper instantly deflated.
The cacophony of children crying gave Liu Che a headache. “Enough. Empress, take the Crown Prince and the others back. Wei... young lady, take A’jiao to the side chamber. Yang De’yi, summon the imperial physicians.”
“Understood,” they all obeyed.
“Father!” Liu Ju was dissatisfied that A’jiao was being allowed to stay in the Xuanshi Hall. Jin’er was his father’s true grandson; this little girl was merely riding on the coattails of his uncle, the Great General.
Liu Che raised an eyebrow. “Do you have an objection?”
Liu Ju’s heart jolted. “I would not dare! I shall take my leave.” The Crown Prince’s Consort, Lady Shi, followed suit, bowing as they withdrew.
Wei Zifu smiled at Wei Yuan. “Yuan’er, take good care of Lady Huikang. Do not be constrained while in the palace. I must return to check on Jin’er; I will visit you when I have time.” With that, she led Princess Liu Qing away.
Now left alone, Wei Yuan held A’jiao, her heart pounding with fear. She had actually... actually... actually bumped into His Majesty.
“Your Majesty, I was reckless. I beg for your forgiveness!” Wei Yuan said, her realization coming late.
Liu Che pulled the hem of his robe out from under Wei Yuan’s foot and said deeply, “It is fine. Take her to the side room.”
“I thank Your Majesty for your grace!” Wei Yuan carried A’jiao, following a palace maid to the adjacent chamber.
Once they were gone, Liu Che stood up and walked over to the golden crane. He couldn't see anything unusual. He touched it, but nothing felt out of place.
“While she was at the Qingliang Hall, was there anything strange?”
“Reporting to Your Majesty,” Guo Dun said respectfully, “from what I have observed, Lady Huikang possesses intelligence far beyond her years and is intimately familiar with palace etiquette. Other than that, I have not seen her contact anyone suspicious, nor have I seen any other strange behavior.”
“Intelligence beyond her years?” Liu Che shook his head and smiled. “And this golden crane? Why did she insist on moving it here?”
“I do not know. Shortly after Your Majesty left today, Lady Huikang ordered to be brought to the Xuanshi Hall and demanded the golden crane be moved as well... During that time, she was only alone with her maid, Xia Zhu, for a brief moment.”
“Xia Zhu?” Liu Che crouched down and tapped the golden crane.
“Yes. Xia Zhu is a maid from the Chen household who served Lady Huikang. She was part of the dowry of Lady Huikang’s mother, Lady Ruan. She followed the young lady to the Great General’s manor and only entered the palace this morning. She was searched upon entry; nothing was found,” Guo Dun paused. “Also, the young lady just ordered Xia Zhu to move into the main hall of the Qingliang Hall.”
“Continue to watch her. Try your best not to give them opportunities to be alone. What about Yu Li?” Liu Che, unable to find anything on the crane, stood up to head toward the side chamber.
“Yu Li has become quite familiar with Lady Huikang. Just now, the young lady even told Yu Li to go socialize with the servants of the Xuanshi Hall.”
Liu Che gave a cold laugh and stopped. “She didn't give you any benefits?”
“When the Great General came yesterday, he gave me a small pouch, another to Yu Li, and a large one for me to use for 'arrangements' within the palace.” Guo Dun held up two bags of money.
Liu Che laughed in spite of himself. How could he forget? This A’jiao was no longer the daughter of the Grand Princess. In this life, Chen A’jiao was quite poor.
“Since the Great General gave it to you, keep it. Use it where necessary. Report her every move to me daily.”
“Guo Dun, have someone move this into the side chamber!” Liu Che walked toward the room.
Upon entering, he saw A’jiao curled in Wei Yuan’s arms, whimpering softly.
Seeing Liu Che, A’jiao gave him a heavy “Hmph!” Wei Yuan tugged at A’jiao’s clothes, signaling her not to be so rude.
“Go see if the physicians have arrived. Everyone else, out,” Liu Che commanded Wei Yuan.
Wei Yuan was puzzled but dared not disobey the imperial will. As she left, she obediently closed the door behind her.
“Chen A’jiao, what is the meaning of moving this golden crane here?” Liu Che sat beside her and glanced at her leg. Indeed, the bruise was large and purple, looking quite gruesome. If the A’jiao of the past had been hurt like this, his aunt would have scolded the culprit all the way from the Xuanshi Hall to the Crown Prince’s palace.
A’jiao held a cushion across her chest and said, “If I tell you, will you give me an appanage?”
“...Chen A’jiao!”
“Oh, Your Majesty, you know I’m penniless in this life.” A’jiao gestured toward the door with her chin. “You’ve already asked around; I even have to rely on Wei Qing to grease the wheels for me.”
“You certainly have a clear head for business.” Liu Che poured himself a cup of water. “If what you say is useful, I can grant you an appanage.”
“At least a thousand households!” A’jiao held up one chubby finger.
Liu Che’s expression turned serious. “Speak.”
“There is something inside the golden crane. There might be something inside the golden elephant and the golden tiger as well.”
“What kind of thing?” Liu Che dipped a finger into the water.
“Naturally, the kind of things you are thinking of.” A’jiao hid her face behind the cushion, leaving only her eyes visible to watch him.
“How do you know?”
“I guessed.” A’jiao giggled. “Also, that leaf—you’d better bring it for me to see.”
Liu Che’s finger slid back and forth across the table.
A’jiao watched him silently.
“I will have it investigated. If what you say is true, this will be yours.” Liu Che tapped the table.
A’jiao leaned in to look. Written in water on the table were two characters: “Changping.” In the first year of Yuanfeng (110 BC), Liu Che had established the counties of Changping and Jundu; they had yet to be granted to anyone.
A’jiao beamed with joy.
“Your Majesty, the Chief of the Imperial Physicians has arrived,” Yang De’yi’s voice sounded from outside.
A’jiao quickly wiped the water from the table. Liu Che glanced at her, his hand halfway raised to do the same, but he simply lowered it.
“By the way, Liu Che, be careful. The things inside... I fear they are very fragile.”
“You don’t need to remind me. You’ll be following the investigation anyway,” Liu Che sat up straight. “Enter. Yang De’yi, have the golden elephant and tiger brought here as well. Remember to cover them with red cloth.”
A’jiao froze. Why? It was so dangerous; she didn't want to be part of the investigation. She flopped back, pouting.
Wei Yuan entered, followed by the Chief of the Imperial Physicians and several assistants, all bowing in trepidation. They had just changed the Emperor’s dressings at noon; had something gone wrong?
“Examine her.” Liu Che pointed at A’jiao. Wei Yuan hurried over to uncover A’jiao’s legs.
A’jiao was forced to sit up. She happened to see Song Zhen standing at the very back of the group.
“Lord Physician, please look carefully at our Jiaojiao’er’s legs. Both are injured, and she is so small. If she ends up lame, how will she ever marry?”
A’jiao’s eye twitched. Liu Che let out a snort.
The old physician responded kindly, examining both of A’jiao’s legs. After a long moment, he confirmed, “Reporting to Your Majesty, the young lady’s legs are not in grave danger. Although the left leg is fractured, the bone has begun to reset and is healing well. In about ten days, the splint can be removed, and she can walk. As for the right leg, it is merely a superficial bruise. A simple ointment will suffice. I shall have Assistant Fang draft a recipe for a nourishing tonic as well.”
“Where is Imperial Physician Chang?” Liu Che took a sip of tea.
The old physician replied, “Reporting to Your Majesty, the Empress said the Imperial Grandson suffered a fright and summoned Physician Chang to the Jiaofang Palace.”
“So delicate. He just stepped on me and fell on his bottom; what could possibly be wrong with him?” A’jiao grumbled.
Liu Che sighed helplessly. “Why are you bickering with a child? How petty. You were exactly the same before; if you so much as caught a cold, your mother wanted the entire medical department to diagnose you.”
“I am a child too!” A’jiao said righteously.
“Go and prepare the medicine!” Liu Che waved them off. The group of assistants, who had done nothing, followed the Chief Physician out.
Wei Yuan watched the banter between A’jiao and the Emperor in a daze.
“Your Majesty, the Great General has arrived!” Yang De’yi had just ordered Huang Yu to move the golden statues when he saw Wei Qing approaching.
“Let him in.” Liu Che pulled a few cushions behind his back.
“Subject Wei Qing greets Your Majesty.”
“Sit.” Liu Che pointed to the seat opposite him. Wei Qing sat down, watching the Emperor and A’jiao huddled together, with Wei Yuan sitting on the floor beside A’jiao.
“Yuan’er, come here,” Wei Qing called to his daughter. Lady Huikang was a child, but it would not look good for Wei Yuan to be crowded so close to the Emperor.
Liu Che raised an eyebrow and finally looked at Wei Yuan. She was quite pretty, with a round face just like the current A’jiao—very auspicious-looking. A’jiao also clicked her tongue inwardly. She had long heard that Liu Che treated Wei Qing with intimate trust; it seemed it was the same whether they were at the Wei manor or the Xuanshi Hall.
Wei Yuan obediently walked to Wei Qing’s side. Yang De’yi let out an “Oh my!” and said, “It is this old servant’s fault for forgetting to bring a mat for the young lady. These youngsters have no eyes; please do not take offense, Great General.”
Liu Che waved his hand. “Just go get one, why so much talk? I have matters to discuss with Zhongqing. All attendants, withdraw. Yang De’yi, bring the leaf from the box on my desk.”
Yang De’yi bowed and withdrew.
“Your Majesty summoned me in such haste; is there a problem?”
Liu Che patted A’jiao’s head. “This girl has discovered someone practicing witchcraft in the palace again!”
“Wha—” Wei Yuan was cut off as Wei Qing slapped her arm, silencing her instantly.
“I believe this is connected to the previous witchcraft doll. Did you bring it?”
Wei Qing produced a small box. “I have it here.”
A’jiao stood up on one leg and took the box, opening it. Sure enough, she could see extremely thin strands of spiritual energy entwined around the doll.
Yang De’yi returned with the leaf. It was also wrapped in the same spiritual energy.
When the two were placed together, the two strands of energy tangled and merged. A’jiao then looked at the golden crane on the floor—it was surrounded by a mist, but it did not merge with the energy of the other two.
The witchcraft doll and the leaf were likely the work of the same person! As for this golden crane, she didn't know what kind of creature this legendary "Sheng Old Immortal" was supposed to be!
A’jiao steadied herself by leaning on Liu Che’s shoulder and whispered in his ear, “These two were done by the same person.”
Liu Che hummed in acknowledgement and turned to Wei Qing. “This leaf was found on Du Zhou. Zhongqing, remember to investigate him thoroughly.”
“Du Zhou? When I entered the palace yesterday, I saw him and Chu Haiguang together in front of the Xuanshi Hall... questioning Lady Huikang.”
A’jiao tilted her head and closed her eyes, nodding along with a look of feigned exhaustion. That bastard Liu Che—why did he have to say *she* discovered it?
“Aside from investigating their interactions, I can only continue to check the handwriting and the ink used to draw these talismans.” Wei Qing picked up the leaf, unable to decipher the sigils upon it.
Liu Che pointed to the golden crane on the floor. “And this. Take a look at it too. I recall the craftsmen saying these statues were... solid gold, were they not?”
Wei Qing thought for a moment. “Your Majesty remembers incorrectly. They are hollow, perhaps only half an inch thick. Otherwise, they would not be so easy to move.”
Liu Che smiled. “Is that so? Can it be disassembled then? I remember something that could be taken apart... Ah, tsk, I’ve forgotten again.”
“This one cannot, I believe. I recall it was like this when Your Majesty brought it back. As for the one that could be disassembled, that should be the Lotus Gilded Lampstand presented by the King of Qi (Liu Hong) four years ago.” Wei Qing recalled.
Liu Che nodded, putting on a look of curiosity. “These statues are carved so lifelike; it makes me want to see what they look like inside.”
“They can be opened, certainly, but I fear they could not be restored!” Wei Qing hesitated, standing up to inspect the golden crane from all sides.
Liu Che felt a weight in his heart. “Zhongqing, do you think the palace’s Office of Imperial Manufactories could produce such a statue?”
“In my humble opinion, no. These three statues have fluid lines and distinct forms; compared to the palace’s craftsmanship, these are far more sophisticated. But were these not gifted by the Old Immortal? Naturally, they are different from mundane items.”
The small gold items in the palace were exquisite, but the large pieces could not compare to these three statues.
“Your Majesty, Master Chu requests an audience.” At noon, Liu Che had summoned both Wei Qing and Chu Haiguang.
A’jiao glanced at Chu Haiguang as he entered and was struck with shock—this man’s soul was drifting, as if it were about to leave his physical body!
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
--- | --- | ---
昌平 | Changping | A county/fief promised to A'jiao.
汤沐邑 | Appanage / Fief | Literally "bath and hair-washing town," a private fief granted to royalty or nobility.
巫蛊 | Witchcraft / Sorcery | Specifically refers to "Wugu," a form of sorcery involving dolls or curses.
法力 | Spiritual Energy / Magic Power | The mystical force A'jiao can see.
晟老仙君 | Sheng Old Immortal | A mysterious figure who allegedly gifted the golden statues.
太医令 | Chief of the Imperial Physicians | The head of the medical staff in the palace.
尚方令 | Office of Imperial Manufactories | The department responsible for making imperial tools and items.
褚海光 | Chu Haiguang | An official or diviner summoned by the Emperor.
杜周 | Du Zhou | An official mentioned as a suspect in the investigation.
