At first, Zhan felt certain in his heart that his wish had finally been answered...the chance to enter the Beiping palace and carry out the revenge he had long dreamed of against King Yibo. But then another question gnawed at him: why were these people suddenly opening up to him, showing him their inner thoughts?
And the most unsettling of all...did they already know that King Yibo himself was behind the killings? If so, why had they remained silent? Was it because it was not their children who were being slaughtered, or did they fear him too?
In Zhan's mind, it seemed obvious that women of such power, especially Dowager Ruyan and Dowager Taihou, could have used their influence to discover what the King was truly doing. Yet… why had they chosen instead to use him? Could it be they had seen through his secret purpose and were testing him against the King?
"Son!"
Daneen's voice pulled him back from the spiral of his thoughts, her hand brushing his arm. Zhan let out a sharp breath, startled.
"Do not drown yourself in endless thinking," she said gently. "Our reason for placing you in this matter rests on two things. First, your resilience...your courage gives us confidence. Second, you carry something within you that we believe can succeed where others have failed. You escaped that first attack, the very trap that ended the lives of those before you… and that means something."
"Mamy, perhaps it was not that I was stronger than them," Zhan replied quietly. "Maybe I survived only because of your hopes, your prayers that I would. Still… I can sacrifice myself if needed. And I will obey your commands...not because I believe in my own strength, but because I believe in yours."
His words struck each of them deeply, shining in their eyes with pride and admiration. In that moment, they felt as though he were the son they had been meant to have all along. His courage was exactly the kind of strength required of a royal consort. Ruilan. (Ruilan, male queen)
"May blessings be upon you," they said almost in unison, their voices soft with emotion.
Zhan gave a faint nod in return.
The discussion went on, but his mind grew restless, especially when Daneen casually mentioned that it was the King himself that visited them yesterday in the living room.
Zhan froze. His chest tightened, his thoughts spiraling out of control. Yesterday? It was King Yibo? Yet the man he had met in the outside palace...was he not the same person? His mind locked in confusion, unable to settle.
★★
Slowly, Zhan closed the door behind him, leaning against it with his eyes shut and his breath shaky, as though forcing air into his lungs was a struggle. Should he be rejoicing at this revelation...or drowning in despair?
If King Yibo had truly been there yesterday, then who was the man he had met several times outside the palace before his arrival here?
That question, heavier than all the others, shook him to his core. "No… I'm losing my senses," he muttered aloud. "The King's hair is long, thick, and dark, but that man I saw outside...he had the ordinary hair of any man. Could it be… could it be nothing more than disguise, some artifice of cosmetics?"
His voice trembled as he slid down to the floor, weakness washing over him until he could hardly move. For a long time, he remained there in silence, his body drained, his heart pounding with a fear deeper than any he had ever known.
At last, he forced himself to push those thoughts aside. He had no choice but to return to what Dowager Taihou and the others had told him. That, after all, was the path of survival...the only way forward in this empire. This mission was not just a duty, but the very foundation of his will to endure, no matter how impossible it seemed.
For in the days since his arrival in the Beiping Empire, he had already begun to lose hope of ever achieving his true purpose. There were too many obstacles, too many walls guarding the secrets of the empire, especially the enigma of the King himself.
That very day, Zhan was summoned with surprising ease to a place his heart had always warned him about...a place he felt one might enter, but never leave. There, he was told of a secret part of the Beiping Empire, a matter so grave that even many within the palace did not know of it.
"Could it be these people are hiding something from me?" Zhan muttered aloud, his mind once again sinking into confusion. (If they truly trust you, that trust will reveal the truth in time) his thoughts urged, fighting against the wave of doubt pressing in on him.
A knock at the door broke his spiraling thoughts. Zhan exhaled slowly, then pushed himself up from the crouched position he had taken. When he opened the door, Daneen stood smiling warmly at him. Zhan answered with a faint, restrained smile, then stepped aside to let her in.
The maid accompanying her bowed and greeted him respectfully. Zhan only lifted his hand slightly in acknowledgment, his eyes following the basket she carried.
★★ … ★ … ★★
Meanwhile, just as they had been informed, Barrister Aas, Grandfa, and Zeng went directly to the station where they had been told Babiy and Huan were being held. Because of the Barrister's reputation, they had no trouble securing an audience with the officer in charge. Formal greetings were exchanged...the officer's professional courtesy against Grandfa's dignified respect.
Barrister explained their purpose clearly, even producing a photograph of Babiy to make matters easier. The officer studied the picture in silence, his eyes narrowing as if weighing something. Finally, he looked up and said flatly, "Barrister, I don't believe these people are in this station."
Sensing trouble, Barrister forced a polite smile, adjusting himself in his seat. "Perhaps you should double-check. It may be that word hasn't reached you yet. But I am certain they are here. I have not come to secure their release, though I know they are innocent of the charges laid against them. I came to see them and ensure they are presented in court, for it is clear to me that the woman who had them brought here merely seeks to twist the law for her own gain."
The officer shook his head. "I speak only the truth, Barrister. There are no such people here. But perhaps you should seek out the woman herself...surely she knows in which station they were taken."
Silence followed. Barrister studied the man closely. Grandfa's eyes darkened with thought, while Zeng shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Two long minutes passed before Barrister rose with a small smile, offering his hand. The others followed.
The officer's gaze lingered on them as they departed. As soon as the door closed, he reached for his phone, grinning faintly. Within two rings, the line was answered. "Just as you guessed, they have left my office," he reported. He listened, then chuckled lightly and added, "It's done," before hanging up with a sly laugh.
In the car, Zeng broke the uneasy silence. "Barrister, are we truly to believe that officer? Did you see the way his eyes flickered, like some old swindler? This whole affair chills me to the bone."
Barrister exhaled heavily, his mind still racing. "Do you think he was lying to us, Zeng?"
"The look on his face said as much," Zeng replied, then turned to Grandfa. "Don't you agree, Baba?"
Grandfa, deep in his own weighing of the matter, slowly shook his head. "Perhaps he spoke the truth. But there is one thing we can do to test it. After that, I'll tell you both something important...what truly happened before we arrived here."
Barrister glanced at him through the mirror. "We're listening, Baba."
"Then we must head straight to Moosa' house."
"A wise idea," Barrister agreed, steering the car onto a new road toward Moosa's residence.
★★ … ★★ … ★★
Later that evening, in his chamber, Zhan looked up in surprise. "Mamy, all of these... the phone and the laptop... are for me?"
Daneen smiled softly. "Yes, son. These are nothing extraordinary, and I know you need them. At the very least, they will let you feel closer to home. But more importantly, your task here is dangerous. You must always have a way to contact us. If you see anything unsettling within the palace, among us four, you must be able to reach someone instantly. The laptop is simply to ease your loneliness… but take great care, for through it you can speak to anyone on the outside, even without knowing who they truly are."
Zhan nodded firmly. "You are right, Mamy. I will be cautious. Thank you for everything."
"You deserve it," she replied warmly.
Zhan leapt with joy the moment Daneen left, even breaking into a little dance. All the heavy thoughts and restless worries about the King instantly melted away the moment he received the new phone and laptop. To him, it felt like he had been handed two chances at once... and now, there was no way the King could escape his plans.
The very first thing Zhan wanted to do was reach out to Sir Fenghui. He had tried earlier with his friend Mulan's phone, but its battery had died, leaving him stranded. Now, with his new phone freshly charged, he slipped in his old SIM card and immediately sent a message. As if waiting for that very moment, a reply from Sir Fenghui came through almost at once. His hands shook as he opened it, and before he even finished reading, the phone began to ring.
His heart thudded when he saw the unfamiliar number, but gathering courage, he answered.
"Sir!" he exclaimed, eyes widening as he quickly locked the door behind him.
"Zhan, where have you been?" came the familiar voice. "After your last message I couldn't reach you again. I was starting to fear someone had discovered you."
"No one found me, Sir. The truth is, my phone died and I had no charger. I left it behind."
"I see… I've been trying every day, hoping the line would connect. That's why I secured this private number just for you. Even now, I only called to test it... I didn't expect you to pick up."
Zhan brushed away the tears that had gathered in his eyes, smiling faintly. "Thank you, Sir. Even if I fail, I'll never forget your efforts. Please, did you manage to check on Babiy and the others? I can't rest without knowing."
There was a pause, as though Fenghui were weighing his words. Then he said quietly, "They're safe. I went as far as their residence, but couldn't get inside because of the heavy royal guards surrounding them. Still, I did manage to speak with Huan…"
"Then why haven't their phones worked?" Zhan cut in sharply.
"Babiy's phone broke down," Fenghui explained carefully. "As for Huan, the network's been unstable. He told me he tried to reach you many times, but couldn't get through."
"I've been unwell, and not always able to keep my phone on," Zhan admitted. "But now I'll try again... I need to hear their voices to find peace."
"That's good. It will settle your heart. And… did you manage to call my friend?"
"Yes, but it was strange. Someone picked up only to tell me I had the wrong number."
For the first time, Sir Fenghui let out a small laugh. "That's just his way. Don't worry, he'll listen to you properly this time."
Zhan pouted, half in irritation, half in relief. "For a moment I thought you gave me the wrong number on purpose."
"Zhan, even in jest, I'd never do such a thing. This matter is far too important. By the way...this phone of yours, it has battery?"
"It's not my old one. This is brand new... they gave me a sealed phone and even a laptop."
Sir Fenghui fell silent for several seconds, his mind racing. Then he sighed. "Do you not find it suspicious that they gave these to you? These people are dangerous, Zhan. Their reach is immense. I fear for you."
Zhan shook his head, though he knew Fenghui couldn't see. "The one who gave me the phone isn't like the others. Even among them, there are good and bad. I'll tell you everything that's happened.... because I trust you more than anyone."
Patiently, Zhan explained everything he had experienced, every detail. Fenghui listened intently, both troubled and secretly relieved. Finally, he said, "This may be the break we've been waiting for. But you must tread carefully. Use the SIM card they provided for all accounts... except WhatsApp. Open that only with your old number. And never leave it installed on your phone. When you need to contact Mulan, install WhatsApp, send your message, then delete it and remove the SIM card. Your phone must always be under your own strict watch. I'm certain they'll be monitoring you too."
Zhan nodded firmly. "I understand, Sir. I'll follow everything you've said exactly."
***
Barrister Aas was just about to drive into Moosa's neighborhood when a black car pulled out. None of them thought much of it and continued forward until they reached his gate. The house looked shut tight, but that didn't discourage them. They all got down.
Zeng walked up to the gate first and knocked firmly. Two minutes passed with no sound or sign of life. He turned back to glance at Grandfa, shaking his head.
"I don't think anyone's here. The place is silent."
"Knock again," Barrister urged, giving him confidence.
Zeng nodded and knocked harder. Instead of Moosa's door, it was the neighbor's that opened. A young man stepped out. Zeng greeted him politely, and before he could ask, the young man volunteered information.
"There's no one at that house. Not long ago, I saw the lady of the house leave in a car with a large trunk."
Zeng blinked in surprise. "Just now?"
"Yes. Barely ten minutes ago. She even came over to bid farewell to my mother, saying she was returning to her hometown. We were all surprised...after all, her husband only passed away fifteen days ago."
Zeng thanked him and walked back toward Barrister and Grandfa, his shoulders tense.
"Did you hear that? She just left. According to the neighbors, she's gone back to her family's town."
"Her hometown?" Grandfa echoed, frowning.
"That's what he said. Honestly, this whole matter is starting to feel wrong. There's something being hidden here that we don't know about."
Neither Barrister nor Grandfa replied, both lost in thought.
PALACE (JASRAH QUARTERS)
"I've noticed you've been restless all day," he teased. "And you still haven't told me how it went with Daneen after your discussion yesterday. I also saw you two passing by earlier on your way to Dowager Ruyan's quarters."
With a playful smile, she arched a brow. "Or maybe your little spies already reported to you."
"Spies? Come on now. That's the habit of the royal consorts, not us men. We have better things to do than snoop around like idle gossips."
She gave a soft laugh, rolling her eyes. "Not every woman in the palace spends her time like that either. As for me, I've got more than enough to occupy my mind. I don't have time to trail people. My only concern in this matter was ensuring the Lion's welfare."
He chuckled. "Fair enough. So how did it go?"
"It went well. As soon as I explained things to Daneen, she agreed and suggested we go together to Dowager Ruyan. Fortunately, she too found the matter reasonable. To shorten the story... we've already spoken with the boy. Tomorrow he will return to his own Chambers. But there's one condition the Dowager would not approve."
"And what is that?"
"She wants the King's royal consorts re-trained. She believes that before anything else moves forward, they must undergo another round of instruction, especially since Zhan is still proving himself. She insisted there must be no shortcuts this time."
He masked his frustration with a grin. That scheming old woman again, he thought bitterly. Out loud, however, he said, "Ah, that actually makes sense. No wonder the Dowager continues to impress me. This could even play in our favor if handled well."
"I hope so," she replied uneasily. "Because honestly, I fear history might repeat itself. Right now, the eyes of the world are turning back toward the Beiping Empire. If not for the doubts surrounding us, negotiations abroad would already be underway. I only pray the truth comes to light, and that the innocent aren't ruined by the ambitions of others."
"Don't worry, my dear," he reassured. "There's something you don't yet know. The King has been keeping it quiet, but next month the leaders of seven major Asian nations will be visiting Beiping...led by the President of China himself. It's one of the reasons behind all these precautions."
Her eyes widened in shock. "What?"
"Calm yourself. And don't breathe a word of this to anyone. I told you only because I trust you completely."
She nodded, though her heart was still uneasy. He soothed her with gentle words until sleep overtook her. Only when he was certain she was fast asleep did he slip quietly from her embrace and leave the room, phone in hand.
ROYAL CONSORT
Zhan followed every piece of advice Sir Fenghui had given him. After parting with Daneen, he prepared for bed and locked his door. Instead of sleeping, he opened WhatsApp and searched for Sir Mulan's number. Luckily, the man was online. Zhan felt a sudden surge of relief and happiness. He drew in a deep breath and steadied himself.
Good day.
He sent the message, his heart thumping as he waited for a reply. Ten minutes passed, but the message remained unread. Growing restless, he sent another Good day. His eyes stayed glued to the screen, as though he were counting every breath until it was opened.
Like a dream, the message was finally read. Zhan's chest tightened, waiting for a reply… but silence stretched on for another ten minutes. The neglect stung, for no matter how much one needed something, no one liked being dismissed. He bit down on his lip hard, trying to suppress his anger.
Good day.
The reply came at last. Zhan exhaled sharply, yet he didn't answer immediately. He forced himself to wait seven whole minutes before typing back.
My name is Xiao Zhan.
Ten more minutes dragged by before another response appeared.
I know.
Zhan scowled at the curt reply. He muttered aloud, "Pointless fool. You know my name, but not how to do your job? Useless!"
Still, after a pause, he typed again:
Days ago I called, but the way you treated me still lingers in my mind. Are great journalists always so dismissive of those beneath them?
The message was read twenty minutes later, yet again with no reply. The silence cut deep.
Unable to contain his frustration, Zhan called Sir Fenghui. After just two rings, he answered.
"Zhan," Sir Fenghui said, slightly anxious, "don't you realize there's a risk in calling so much? The palace isn't just anywhere...it has its own hidden security measures, including surveillance."
"I understand, Sir. But I had no choice. Are you sure this friend of yours is really a journalist? He doesn't take me seriously. Any true journalist would be eager about a story, especially one as big as mine."
"What happened, Zhan? He didn't reply to your message?"
"He did reply. But he's playing arrogant games. Honestly, I'm already losing patience with him."
"Don't be discouraged so quickly. I know Mulan well...he's not the type to behave that way. I suspect he was tied up with some assignment when you reached out. You know how busy they can be. In fact, he was eager to hear from you. Just before you called, I had already begun telling him a little about your situation."
That softened Zhan's frustration somewhat. He sighed. "Very well. I'll leave it for now."
They exchanged farewells, and Zhan ended the call.
No sooner had he hung up than a new WhatsApp notification appeared:
I'm sorry, Xiao Zhan. I was caught up with some urgent work. I can hear you now.
Relief washed over him. Zhan replied with renewed courage:
I may have misunderstood you, Sir Mulan. Please forgive me.
No problem, came the swift response.
Feeling encouraged, Zhan typed again:
I'm sure Sir Fenghui already explained my search for you.
He did. In fact, he promised to give me a portion of your writings that he has in his possession.
That's good. I also have a continuation of that writing with me now. The problem is, I don't know how best to send it..whether through him or directly to you.
That's simple. You can send it directly here.
But typing it out would be difficult, Sir Mulan.
Don't worry. Just take a photo.
Eagerly, Zhan jumped from his bed, pulled out his notebook, and began snapping pictures of the handwritten pages. He sent them all at once.
Here it is. From now on, I'll try to send you something new every three days.
That's fine, but why not once a week instead? That way, we can track and expand our research more thoroughly.
As you wish. I only hope you'll prove yourself a journalist of integrity, someone who values the honor of his country. I've entrusted everything to you and Sir Fenghui. If my efforts end in failure because of betrayal, then you will carry the blame. And remember, any girl who finds herself trapped in the same misery my sisters and I endured will hold your names as those of oppressors—just as the King himself is accused of today. Think carefully about the weight of that responsibility. If you have further questions, you can always text me. Farewell.
Zhan didn't wait for a reply. He deleted the WhatsApp entirely, switched off his phone, and released a long, heavy sigh. A burden seemed to lift, though not completely.
Yet, in the quiet, his mind kept circling back to the image of the man he had seen earlier and... the man standing as King Yibo. That face would not leave him, no matter how hard he tried.
★★.... "★★" .....★
"May your health and long years continue to flourish, Cao, Wiper of Tears."
The Inner One, who had bowed her head in deference, spoke after Cao's sudden arrival. As always, dressed in her striking crimson robes, Cao adjusted her regal posture before extending a small vessel to the Inner One. With both hands, she accepted it, lowering her head and drinking everything inside in one steady motion.
"This is the reward for fulfilling our command of slaying the great black animal. Your dedication and strength will ensure you never lack from us, Inner One."
"Thank you, Cao, Wiper of Tears."
Cao smiled faintly, stretching her legs upon the cushioned seat.
"Worry not...you are one who will always prevail. Now tell me, what progress have you made with the tasks we entrusted to you?"
"I'm close to completing them. I also received a strong report from a trusted source...the boy will soon return to his Chambers. However, the Dowagers held a private council, and no one knows the content of their discussion. Still, I strongly believe it concerns his return."
"Do not let their meeting trouble you. Your next task is to secure spies among his attendants. You know well there are many who desire this position...no need for me to remind you. Also, remember the clothes left in the Dowager's wing. Once he returns to his Chambers, you must be among those who draw close to him. If he grants you his favor, we will finally be able to use him to accomplish our true purpose."
"Thank you for being the light that clears away whatever darkness might cloud my path, Cao."
"Your loyalty is the reason your tears will always be wiped away, Inner One. Never will we let your enemies laugh while you weep. Instead, they shall be the ones to cry, while you live in triumph. But beware....the male royal consort is stubborn. Do not underestimate him. We expect him to drink this milk at least three times from you once he returns to his Chambers."
With those words, Cao handed the Inner One another vessel, its origin unknown. One moment her hands were empty; the next, it appeared as though it had always been there.
The Inner One accepted it reverently with both hands, showering Cao with praises and thanks. Gradually, Cao began to fade from sight, dissolving like a storm cloud swallowed by a rainbow.
Exhaling heavily, the Inner One rose with the vessel of milk and placed it carefully inside a chilled compartment. A smile of confidence touched her lips...her victory was becoming more certain. In her heart, she knew the real game was only now beginning. After all, when the blade finally touches the forehead, the true sting of the barber's razor is felt.
It had been some time since she last received such a visit from Cao; most of their meetings in recent days had ended in tension and discontent. Yet today's encounter filled her with renewed strength and courage...to crush anyone daring to stand between her and her triumph.
NB
Author's:
"Well, dear readers, it is true...the real game begins now. Zhan will soon return to his Chambers. But this return is laden with ambitions...ambitions from all those surrounding him, each with their own designs and purposes. Do not forget, Zhan himself carries his own determination.
Who will succeed in the end?
And what of Babiy and Huan? Instead of clarity, the darkness around him only deepens. Will Grandfa make a bold move in this matter? Or will Barrister retreat after the warning given to him?
Let us see....for nothing has truly begun until now." 😉🥱
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛