Zhan lowered his head with a sigh. "Er… Mamy, actually…" He stopped mid-sentence, silenced by the warning that tugged at his heart. After all, he wasn't sure if he truly understood Daneen's standing within the palace yet.
"Actually, what?" Daneen gave him a steady look. "Listen, don't rush with questions. Ask when you must, and I'll try to answer. If I can't, I'll at least give you guidance for the future."
Zhan nodded slowly. "What I meant is… will the deaths of those attendants be brushed aside, just like that, without any investigation?"
For a few seconds Daneen studied Zhan with an unreadable gaze that made him uneasy, as though he had spoken out of turn. At last, she drew a breath and returned her attention to the book in her hand. "Their deaths won't go to waste. Whoever killed them did it to conceal a truth, and it was part of the attempt to harm you. Right now, the King has already set up an investigation committee. Through it, we hope to uncover who was behind everything that placed you in such danger.
Besides, we were also waiting for your health to recover....to know if you remember anything, or if one of the three who survived might be able to shed light."
Zhan's head snapped up. "Mamy, you mean someone survived?"
"Yes," Daneen answered. "A trusted attendant of Dowager Taihou named Diwa. He was taken to the royal infirmary before the poison could completely destroy his insides. He's receiving treatment now, and is under heavy guard."
"I see… I don't think he had a hand in this, Mamy. He struck me as a decent man."
"Recognizing decent men is not something you can do with your eyes alone, son. Especially not in this palace, where most people only look out for themselves. Enemies rarely reveal themselves by appearance or behavior. Many things here are tangled beyond what the eye can measure. That's why I want you to steady yourself and focus, before you return to your chambers to continue learning the arts of governance and the weight of your position as royal consort. Your influence carries great weight in the power structure of Beiping, and among the people. My wish," Daneen said firmly, "is that you one day rise as the Lord Dowager among the royal consorts."
Zhan didn't quite understand her words, but he didn't press. He felt he needed time to reflect before he could truly grasp her meaning.
★★ ★ ★★
At dawn, the driver who had brought Grandfa the night before also took Wei Po and Mah away. Grandfa and Zeng, meanwhile, prepared to start their search for Babiy and Huan.
As they got into the car, Grandfa glanced at Zeng with a faint, forced smile. "So, you're the one familiar with the town. Where should we begin?"
Zeng exhaled, thinking. "That's the problem, Baba. We don't know which police station those officers came from. But in my opinion, we should search for Moosa's house. Since his wife was the one who called the police, she'd know where they came from."
"That's a sound idea," Grandfa agreed. "But do you know where Moosa lives? It's been nearly five years since I last saw him, back when he was still with Zinnu."
Zeng gave a helpless shrug. "It's the same for me. We only crossed paths because of Zinnu. But after he left our neighborhood, I heard where he went. I'm not sure if he still lives there. We haven't kept in touch. Still, it's worth trying. Let's head there... it's already morning."
Before long, they arrived at the area. It was more crowded than before, and they had difficulty finding the house. When they finally did, they noticed the doorway showed no signs of mourning. Zeng knocked and called out several times before a man answered. The stranger greeted them politely, though he didn't seem to recognize them.
"Forgive me," Zeng began. "We're looking for someone who lived here about four years ago. His name was Moosa. He had a wife, but no children."
The man shook his head. "I'm sorry, I don't know him. I've only been living here for two years. I bought the house from a man named Askari."
Zeng was about to ask another question, but Grandfa gave him a sharp shake of the head, signaling him to stop. They thanked the man and left.
Zeng frowned. "Baba, why did you stop me? I was going to ask him where we could find that Askari."
Grandfa took a long breath. "That's exactly why I stopped you. In matters like this, you must know who you're speaking to. I suspect those responsible for all this trouble are also watching us, ready to block any path we might take. There's a hidden hand behind it, I'm certain."
"You may be right," Zeng admitted. "But if that's the case, wouldn't it be better to hire a lawyer? Someone skilled could track down the truth more easily....and since it involves legal matters, it would be safer."
"That is wise," Grandfa said, nodding. "But the problem is finding a lawyer we can trust."
Zeng smiled faintly. "That won't be a problem. My late wife's elder brother is a respected lawyer, upright and reliable. You'll trust him once you see him. I doubt he'll be at home this morning, but we should be able to find him at his office."
- - - -
Just as Zhan had requested from Daneen to bring over his chest that had been delivered to the residence upon his arrival, he felt a deep sense of relief and joy.
After the maid who carried it in left, he opened the chest and began to check its contents. Everything was exactly as it should be, even the letter Sir Fenghui had given him remained safely hidden in its place. Taking out only the notebook he had tucked among his clothes, he picked up a pen and began to write. Carefully and patiently, Zhan recorded every detail of what had happened to him...his departure from home, his entrance into the palace, the events after his recovery, and what was continuing to unfold around him.
Whenever he heard a sound...even if it was just Daneen...he would quickly hide his notes. That was how he spent the entire day, lost in his writing. By nightfall, instead of lying down to sleep after preparing for bed, he remained seated, continuing his study and notes. When Daneen entered and found him so, she did not disturb him. She simply had the maid behind her place down the warm milk they brought, then quietly withdrew, closing the door with the intention of returning later. At the moment, she was heading to check on Dowager Ruyan, who was unwell.
As soon as Zhan heard her leave, he let out a long sigh, shut his notebook, and stood. He checked the corridor, found it empty, then locked the door. Leaning back against it, he released a secret smile. With brisk steps, he returned to his chest, retrieved Juan's phone and the letter from Sir Fenghui, and carefully copied the number into the phone. Pulling the soft blanket over himself as he lay down in the middle of the bed, he dialed the number.
His heart beat anxiously with every ring, waiting for the call to be answered. But the line kept cutting off without reply. He tried again, and again. Still silence. He did not give up, calling more than ten times, until finally, on perhaps the fifteenth attempt, the call was picked up. Zhan let out a heavy sigh, like someone lifted from an icy pit, and hurriedly said:
"Hello."
"Who are you looking for?"
The voice on the other end asked, instead of greeting him back. On another day Zhan might have bristled at such coldness, but instead he quickly replied:
"Sir Mulan."
"Who are you looking for?"
The same words, repeated again.
Zhan's chest tightened, his nerves sparking, but he steadied himself and repeated:
"Sir Mulan."
"Who are you looking for?"
Once more, the same detached question, as though the speaker hadn't heard him.
Frowning, Zhan pulled the phone from his ear, checked the number against the letter. No mistake...it matched perfectly. He pressed the phone back to his ear, muttering inwardly, Let's see how far this goes, and once again answered firmly:
"Sir Mulan."
"Wrong number."
The line went dead instantly, leaving him stunned.
- - - - -
Meanwhile, Zeng, being an in-law to the barrister, had managed to arrange a meeting with ease through a phone call. They were ushered into the office without delay. The grandeur of the barrister's office and the dignity of the institution itself gave Grandfa renewed confidence in the truth of the matter at hand. Zeng and the barrister exchanged greetings with familiar warmth. The barrister also bowed respectfully to Grandfa, recognizing his elder age.
They refused the refreshments offered, and Zeng began explaining the situation in detail. The barrister listened intently, writing notes as he went, then set down his pen, nodding. Turning to Grandfa, he asked for clarification:
"Elder, do you also know this Moosa?"
"Yes, of course," Grandfa replied. "I know the boy well. In fact, his father was close with Zinnu's own father. And on my mother's side, we share blood ties with his family. It was Moosa who first brought Zinnu to this town, and it was Zinnu who taught him the craft of beekeeping, which had been passed down in his family."
The barrister nodded thoughtfully. "So, there was a strong bond indeed. But I think we should also understand what separated them. The evidence we hold now might help us free them, since this case seems serious and deliberately plotted."
Grandfa sighed. "I can't say for sure what caused the break between them. Zinnu was a man of deep thoughts and sometimes unpredictable moods. But I remember one day realizing I no longer saw them together. When I asked, Zinnu said his friend had distanced himself for no clear reason. He tried many times to get an explanation, but his friend refused to speak. In the end, Moosa packed his things and left the neighborhood with his family. I never saw him with Zinnu again after that. When I met him later, I asked once more, and he said he had searched but Moosa had already left town. That's all I know."
"And you never saw Moosa again?" the barrister pressed.
"No," Grandfa replied. "Not even when his father passed away. We only heard rumors that Moosa came briefly to pay respects and left right after. Since then, there has been no trace of him. His mother had already passed earlier."
The barrister tapped his pen thoughtfully. "Then our next step is to locate which police station might have them, or where his wife is staying."
Zeng added with worry, "We went to where we thought she might be, but didn't find her. However, we did learn the name of the man who sold their house to its current owner."
"What's his name?"
"Askari."
"No problem. Go on with your lives, I'll have Askari traced by tomorrow. I'll also make inquiries with the police I know across different stations in this city."
Grandfa and Zeng both thanked the barrister warmly. He reassured them not to worry, that matters would unfold in their favor.
- - - - -
Zhan, meanwhile, nearly broke down in frustration as he dialed the number again, only to hear that the line was now switched off. His chest tightened with sharp pain, his hands trembling as he desperately searched for Sir Fenghui's number....the one who had given him this cursed contact in the first place…
Hot tears slipped down Zhan's cheeks as he tried calling the strange number again, only to be interrupted by a sharp knock on his door. Quickly, he ended the call, switched off the phone, gathered his papers, and slid off the bed...he already guessed it was Daneen at the door.
"Son, you haven't slept yet?" Daneen's voice was soft with concern.
Zhan lowered his head with a faint smile. "I'll sleep soon, Mamy. I just want to finish my reading."
"That's good, but it's already late. You should rest." She reached out and brushed her hand over his head.
"I will," Zhan promised quietly.
After Daneen left, he didn't lie down immediately. Instead, he tried the mysterious number again, but now it only said not available. He even tried Sir Fenghui's number, but with no success. At last, sleep crept in like a thief, and by dawn Zhan's phone had slipped to the floor, forgotten.
The next day, Zhan resolved to go in person to greet Dowager Ruyan. His health was steadily improving, and though his scars had not completely healed, he was strong enough to walk. After the attendants finished tidying his chambers, he locked the door, bathed, and dressed.
Despite his sympathy for the attendants, Zhan still couldn't fully trust them. Just as he was adjusting his robe, another knock sounded. He quickly pulled on his overcoat before opening the door. Daneen stood there smiling warmly.
"Good morning, Mamy," Zhan greeted with lowered eyes.
"Did you sleep well?" she asked, touching his hair gently.
"Yes, I did."
"That's good. Here are your clothes for today. We chose them carefully.... just in case. But don't worry, your full wardrobe is almost ready. For now, wear these. I'll be visiting Jasrah's mother (Dowager Taihou). Make sure you eat well while I'm gone."
"Safe journey, Mamy. Please send her my regards."
"She will be pleased. And don't forget to change into these clothes."
Zhan only nodded. Yet inwardly, he wondered what was so wrong with the garments he already wore. They were new, and he liked them. His thoughts were interrupted when two attendants entered carrying bundles of clothing. After exchanging greetings, one left, while the other knelt respectfully before him.
"By your command, Royal Consort, the garments will be arranged."
For the second time, Zhan found himself giving orders in this palace. "Not now. You'll accompany me to see Mamma. Wait outside."
"As you command, Royal Consort."
After the attendant left, Zhan examined the clothes. Every morning since his recovery, three full outfits would be brought, and the next day they would be taken away....whether he wore them or not. At first, he assumed it was a palace custom, but Daneen's explanation made him realize it was for security reasons.
He selected a black and red robe adorned with glittering gold stones, which complemented his fair skin that now carried a faint flush from healing scars. From his grandfather's keepsakes, he chose a hidden perfume, and soon the air filled with a soft fragrance that calmed his heart.
When Zhan arrived at Dowager Ruyan's quarters, the elderly woman's face lit with genuine delight at seeing him standing strong. She welcomed him warmly and invited him to sit on a thick embroidered carpet beside her.
"How are you feeling, my child?" she asked kindly.
"I feel much better, Mamma," Zhan replied respectfully, lowering his head.
"That is good. May your strength continue to return."
With a wave of her hand, Dowager Ruyan dismissed all the attendants, then ordered that breakfast be prepared for just the two of them. The servants exchanged surprised glances....for it was rare indeed to be invited to dine with the Dowager Ruyan.
In no time, the meal was served. Zhan could only marvel silently at her quiet power and authority. And in his heart, a question stirred: If even the women of this household held such presence… what kind of man was King Yibo himself?
At Dowager Ruyan's command, Zhan rose and followed her to the place where the meal had been set. They had barely settled when her trusted maid entered, carrying a small bowl...
The fragrance clinging to Zhan drifted into Maid Banou's nose, making her body tremble slightly. Her hands shook as she bent to set down the bowl, and just then her eyes met Zhan's.
Startled, Banou quickly straightened, head bowed low.
Zhan too felt a strange disturbance within him. He studied her carefully: something about the woman did not sit right with him. She was tall, broad-shouldered, almost mannish in her build, with none of the softness one expected in a woman. Dowager Ruyan also noticed her maid's unsteady demeanor and frowned in surprise, but her authority and pride kept her silent.
Banou, who felt like fleeing under the weight of Zhan's gaze, collapsed to her knees. With trembling hands, she hurried to serve Dowager Ruyan the food.
Zhan stopped her gently. "Leave it. I'll do it myself."
Before he had even finished speaking, Banou bolted upright as though scalded and all but fled. Left with no choice, Zhan calmly served the Dowager her meal. Ruyan, accustomed to her maid's odd spells, thought little of it. She had long dismissed Banou's peculiar fits as signs of some hidden affliction and paid them no further mind.
Once outside, Banou released a heavy sigh, wiping away the sweat streaming down her forehead as if she had just labored in the fields. Her sharp, large eyes...eyes that often unnerved people....were clouded and restless. She slumped in a corner, praying that Zhan would soon leave and that Dowager Ruyan would not call for her again in his present. In her mind, she had already decided she would stay hidden; if they needed her, they would find her eventually. Even so, her body still hadn't calmed from the encounter.
Meanwhile, Zhan found himself unable to eat. Shyness knotted his stomach, and he only nibbled at the food. Sensing his discomfort, Dowager Ruyan engaged him in light conversation, drawing him out gently. He answered softly, all the while distracted by thoughts of Maid Banou and the unease she stirred in him.
It was in this mood that Daneen arrived. Overjoyed to see Zhan, she quickly joined them, her heart warming with fondness for him. The three sat together, eating in companionable silence broken only by light chatter. But half of Zhan's thoughts remained elsewhere.... haunted by Banou's presence.
***
Elsewhere, as promised, Barrister had secured the help of Askari through the same contact they had first approached. His face bright with relief, he informed Grandfa and Zeng as soon as they met in his office.
"I've found Askari. He gave me the full address of Moosa, the man who sold him that house. Here it is."
Joy spread across Grandfa's face. He showered the Barrister with gratitude. Zeng too thanked him, then asked, "So do we go there now.... or will you go yourself?"
"None of us will go," the Barrister replied firmly.
They exchanged puzzled looks. The Barrister tore a sheet from the book on his desk, scribbled something down, then faced them again.
"As I said... none of us will go. The law is not always straightforward, and we do not yet know what traps they may have set. Any move we make now could be used against us. Instead, I went directly to a high-ranking police officer I know. I explained everything and begged him to investigate for us. He agreed. I'm waiting for his call....he promised to contact me within the hour."
Hearing this, relief swept over Grandfa and Zeng. They could only exhale deeply, reassured at last.
- - - -
That entire day, Zhan spent every moment trying to reach his mentor Sir Fenghui and his friend Mulan. To his growing despair, both numbers were unreachable from morning till evening.
Frustration and dread mounted until tears fell despite his efforts to restrain them. More than anything, his anxiety came from not being able to contact Babiy and Huan either. He yearned for news of his family, and the recurring nightmares that plagued him only fed his fear that something terrible had happened.
At last, desperate, Zhan even sent Sir Fenghui a message, begging him to help check on his parents. But silence was all that answered. He didn't even know if the message had been read.
Zhan wept bitterly outside before finally rising, wiping away his tears and following the urging of his heart. He picked up his phone again and resent the message he had earlier sent to Sir Fenghui, this time also forwarding it to Mulan, Sir Fenghui's close friend. He hoped that at least one of them would see it, even if he received no reply.
He moved to stand by the window, inhaling the cool evening breeze. Almost instinctively, he turned his gaze to the side.....there he spotted Handmaid Banou crouched among the flowers near Dowager Ruyan's chambers, digging into the earth as though hiding something. She kept glancing around nervously, her movements betraying unease.
At first, Zhan froze, staring at her. Then, compelled by his instincts, he acted. Making sure no one saw him leave his room, he slipped outside. Since he had wrapped a scarf around his face, no one recognized him; besides, his clothes were one of his former clothes, which he had taken earlier.
Carefully, Zhan followed the path until he reached the spot. By then, Handmaid Banou was already trying to cover up the soil again, clearly having buried something. Just as she finished and rose to leave, she stopped abruptly, frozen in shock at the sight of a figure standing behind her. Mistaking him for another servant, she tried to steady herself and asked harshly:
"Who are you? And what brought you here?"
Zhan stepped closer, then pulled away the scarf, locking his sharp, reddened eyes onto hers. Banou trembled visibly, panic creeping over her face.
Zhan shifted his gaze to the disturbed soil.
"What did you bury?"
"N–nothing, Your Highness," she stammered, "j–just a remedy I wanted to prepare for myself..."
"A remedy?" Zhan's voice cut cold. "Is that why you buried it in secrecy? Who are you really? What are you plotting?"
The questions came sharp and relentless, and Banou faltered, unable to maintain her composure despite her effort to feign courage.
Zhan brushed past her and knelt by the spot, using the same stick she had dug with to scrape the soil again. Suddenly, something small fluttered upward....a bird, still alive, struggling as it shot into the air before vanishing.
Zhan straightened, his gaze following it, then turned back to Banou just as she tried to slip away. He stopped her instantly.
She lowered her head, her entire body trembling. He studied her in silence for several long moments before shaking his head.
"So this is it....you buried a living bird? Out of selfish desire? Or were you ordered to do it by someone else? Or..." His voice grew colder. "Are you perhaps one of the witch clan yourself? Because out of those three possibilities, at least one must be true."
Banou burst into tears, falling to her knees. "Your Highness, I don't understand what you mean! It was only medicine I planted, believe me."
Zhan's eyes narrowed. "Medicine? Look at me properly. Do I seem like someone so easily deceived? Still, I'll give you time. I will find you again when it suits me. If you try to run, you will not escape me. If this was an attempt to harm me, know that you are already within my watch. If it was merely recklessness, then consider carefully before you throw yourself into a pit of no return."
With that, he gave her one last piercing look before walking away. Banou glared after him, biting her lip hard and squeezing her reddened eyes shut, fury simmering within her despite her fear.
NB
I know you're eager for the Yizhan moment in the Palace, a little more patience please, that's why I make the chapters more longer from 2k words to 4k words. Soon! Soon!! Soon!!! 😀
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛