Chang'an Imperial Estate - April 18th, 1940, Afternoon
The silence that followed the tea drinking was palpable, heavy with unspoken awareness. Princess Changning, it appeared, was doing everything within her power to keep her gaze fixed on the cups arranged on the table before her. She adjusted them unnecessarily, straightened items that required no straightening, anything to avoid looking in the direction of the foreign officers. It seemed she too must have felt something during that brief moment of contact.
Kylian likewise did not look up toward her side again. He was too embarrassed, too confused by the intensity of his reaction. He felt as though his soul was being consumed by something he couldn't name or control. The sensation was both exhilarating and terrifying in equal measure.
The princesses soon departed the grove after finishing their tea. Kylian watched peripherally as Princess Changning stood with fluid grace and walked away, her emerald dress catching the dappled sunlight that filtered through the bamboo canopy. At that moment, he felt those overwhelming sensations threatening to swallow him again—the racing heart, the electric awareness, the sense that something fundamental had shifted. Fortunately, the feelings subsided as she disappeared from view, though they left behind a residue of confusion and longing that he couldn't shake.
The two officers, noticing they were now alone with the Consort and her silent retainers, decided to finish their cups and take their leave. Despite the excellent quality of the tea, they had no desire to linger in such an oppressive atmosphere. The Consort had not proven to be conversational during the entire ceremony, she had asked perhaps one or two perfunctory questions through her translator: their names, whether they enjoyed the tea. The exchanges had been brief and formal, offering no warmth or genuine engagement.
As soon as they finished their tea, both officers stood and bowed deeply toward the divider before departing the grove. They felt profound relief at having escaped without incident or diplomatic mishap.
It was now mid-afternoon, and the sun had begun its slow descent toward the western horizon. The two officers found themselves walking across an open field, ostensibly taking in the estate's natural beauty but actually seeking privacy to devise their plan for the evening. To any observer, they appeared to be simply enjoying a leisurely stroll.
"I have a plan now, Kylian and this might be our best bet," Wolfgang began once they were certain no one was within earshot. "I think we should wait in our room tonight and listen carefully to see if we can detect any activity in the adjacent room. If the observer shows up, we might be able to determine something useful from the sounds of their movements."
"There's no guarantee whoever that is will show themselves tonight," Kylian replied pragmatically. "They might conduct their surveillance silently, or they might not be there at all on certain nights and this type of boldness is what I've been telling us to avoid."
Wolfgang's grin carried a hint of reckless determination. "What do you propose we do then? We can't stay passive. If they don't show up, then I guess we'll just have to knock." The implication was clear—he meant breaking in.
"No, that's far too reckless," Kylian protested immediately. "If we're caught attempting to break into that room, the diplomatic consequences could be catastrophic. We could be arrested as spies, imprisoned, or worse."
"What choice do we have then?" Wolfgang's voice carried firm conviction. "I'm not going back to Beijing without finding out who's behind this surveillance and what they want from us. We deserve to know why we're being watched like criminals."
Kylian fell silent, his hand moving to his chin in the gesture he made when thinking through complex problems. He stared into the distance, weighing options and calculating risks. After several long moments, he spoke.
"Alright, I'll go along with your plan in principle. But I want to propose one additional approach."
Wolfgang's eyebrows rose with interest. "And that is?"
"Remember what I told you about a servant who's always watching us? I think we should try to identify him specifically and track his movements. If we can determine who he is and what his patterns are, we might learn something useful without having to break into anything."
Wolfgang's enthusiasm visibly deflated. "No! That's even more absurd! We're not professional intelligence officers, Kylian. We'll get caught for..." He paused, struggling to complete the sentence as the full embarrassment of the scenario hit him. "...stalking. We'd cause a diplomatic disaster because we were caught stalking a servant."
The image was ridiculous enough to make both men crack slight smiles despite the seriousness of their situation.
"Alright, Wolfgang, have it your way," Kylian conceded. "But I maintain that trying to identify that servant is the safer option. We don't know how long we'll be staying at this estate, if your plan doesn't work out tonight, then we'll try my approach tomorrow. Fair enough?"
Wolfgang considered this compromise, then nodded with a grin. "Noted, von Reichsgraf. You have yourself a deal."
It was now late afternoon, and they had wandered far into the fields surrounding the estate. Having settled on Wolfgang's plan as their primary approach, the officers turned back toward the residential quarters. As they made their way along the winding paths, both men kept stealing glances at the building adjacent to their own residence. Still no obvious signs of life, no movement in the windows, no sounds emerging, nothing to indicate occupation. The air felt ominous despite the bright sunshine that bathed the countryside in golden light.
As they approached their quarters, they found Captain Song Zhongwei waiting at the footsteps of their residence. He was idly drawing something in the dirt with a fallen tree branch—passing time while he waited for them. The two officers felt genuine pleasure at seeing him, though their recent discovery had made them wary of trusting anyone completely. They had no one to rely on but themselves, yet Song had shown them consistent courtesy and what seemed like genuine friendship.
"Captain Song! Good to see you," Kylian said as both officers offered respectful bows.
Song immediately stood and returned the gesture with equal formality. "Sorry I could not come find you earlier today. I was caught up with various duties." There was an air of sincere apology in his tone and bearing.
"It is quite alright, Captain Song. You have no need to apologize," Wolfgang assured him. "We only saw you briefly at the tea ceremony. I understand there must be a great deal for you to attend to in maintaining security for the imperial family."
"Yes, Captain von Witzland, precisely," Song replied with visible relief at their understanding. "When it comes to duty at the estate, you suddenly find yourself with far more responsibilities than you anticipated. I'm actually quite grateful to have some free time now, which is why I came looking for you both."
Wolfgang smiled with genuine sympathy. "I can understand completely, Captain Song. My ducal apprenticeship under my father wasn't to my liking either. Sometimes I feel like being born into nobility is more curse than blessing, all obligation and restriction, little freedom."
"I wouldn't characterize it quite so negatively," Song replied—he was, after all, a traditionalist at heart who believed in the values of hierarchy and duty. "But I understand your sentiment, Captain von Witzland."
Kylian found himself amused by the ease with which his friend conversed with Song, as though they had known each other for years rather than days. Wolfgang had a gift for putting people at ease and finding common ground.
"You know, Captain Song," Wolfgang continued, "I've read extensively about Chinese history, so I'm familiar with some aspects of court etiquette. But coming here has been genuinely eye-opening. From the servants to Her Royal Highnesses themselves, everyone follows such a strict social order. It's quite impressive how thoroughly the hierarchy is maintained."
"Of course, Captain von Witzland," Song explained with evident pride in his culture. "The estate is a sacred place for the imperial family. We must observe proper social hierarchy here, it's not merely tradition but a reflection of cosmic order, the way society should function."
Wolfgang leaned forward with obvious curiosity. "I also suspect that part of this strictness must be because of Consort Wu? It seems she is the primary force enforcing these rigid protocols."
"It is true, Captain von Witzland," Song admitted, though visible strain appeared on his face as he spoke. "The Consort is deeply rooted in tradition. To misstep in her presence would be..." He paused, searching for the right words. "It would be suicide, professionally if not literally."
Kylian's curiosity was piqued by Song's obvious discomfort. "Why is she so powerful?" he asked, though the question came out more bluntly than he had intended.
"Hush!" Song said urgently, scanning their surroundings with sudden wariness. His voice dropped to a whisper. "This is quite sensitive to discuss in the open. Let's get inside where we can speak more freely."
Without waiting for a response, Song grasped both officers by their arms and guided them firmly but not roughly toward their residence. His sudden urgency conveyed more than words could about the seriousness of the topic.
Once they were safely inside with the door closed behind them, Song prepared to speak. "The Consort—" he began, but stopped abruptly.
He had noticed the visible strain in Wolfgang's eyes, who was looking nervously at Kylian. Kylian, registering the tension without a word, looked directly at Song and silently indicated the wall adjacent to the other room. He cupped his hand to his ear and made a clear gesture suggesting listening, someone was eavesdropping.
Song Zhongwei's eyes widened with immediate understanding. Though he made no sound, his lips formed a silent "Ahh" of comprehension. His face grew visibly more tense, which did nothing to comfort the two officers.
Wolfgang had been listening intently to the adjacent room the entire time. Suddenly he stood up, his posture alert. "That room is clear now. I heard the occupant leave just a moment ago. I heard him lock the door from the outside."
"So there was someone after all," Kylian said with grim satisfaction. "They told us it was just for storing antiques. Of course that was a lie."
"Regardless, we can talk more freely now," Kylian continued, though he began scanning their room more carefully. His military training had taught him to assess environments for threats, and now that training was proving invaluable.
His gaze settled on a painting hanging on the wall adjacent to the surveillance room. It was positioned on a small table pressed against the wall—a classical Chinese painting depicting Diaochan, one of the legendary Four Beauties of ancient China, resting and gazing at a distant horizon. The artwork was exquisite, the kind of piece that would command significant value in any art market.
But something was wrong with it. Kylian's gaze became fixated on the painting with an intensity that made Wolfgang notice.
"What's wrong? Are you seeing things?" Wolfgang asked, genuinely confused by his friend's sudden fascination.
"No, Wolfgang. Song. Look at that painting carefully," Kylian said quietly. "Why is it shaking as though it has a heartbeat? Look at it very carefully."
Both men turned their attention to the painting. They stared for several long moments, struggling to see what Kylian had noticed.
"Captain von Reichsgraf, I confess I don't understand what you mean," Song began apologetically. "My apologies, but—"
Before Song could finish, Kylian walked purposefully toward the painting. He carefully lifted it off its mounting, balancing its weight as he turned it around to examine the back. There, concealed behind the artwork, was a small compartment—and from this compartment, Kylian could detect the faintest vibration.
The other two watched with growing fascination and dread as Kylian worked to open the hidden compartment. His fingers found the mechanism, and the small box came free. Inside, nestled in a custom-fitted space, was a listening device.
Time seemed to slow. The revelation was profound. Both Wolfgang and Song gasped audibly—quietly, but with unmistakable horror. Their voices were low, almost whispers, but their shock was palpable.
Kylian carefully removed the device from its compartment. It was small and elegant in its design—a passive device that required no internal power source. Instead, it drew electromagnetic energy from an external source to become energized and active. This design gave it an essentially unlimited lifespan, requiring no battery changes or maintenance. It was sophisticated technology, far beyond what one would expect to find in a remote Chinese imperial estate.
"Kylian, that's insane," Wolfgang breathed, his voice filled with disbelief. "But more than that—this technology is far too advanced for a place like this. This is cutting-edge surveillance equipment. Where would they even acquire such a device?"
"Yes, I'm wondering the same thing," Kylian replied, turning the device over in his hands and examining it from every angle, trying to determine its origin and capabilities. "This isn't something you could purchase at a market or have made by a local craftsman. This is military-grade surveillance technology."
Captain Song, meanwhile, had gone completely pale. He was speechless, his face showing a fear that went beyond mere concern for diplomatic complications.
"What's wrong, Captain Song?" Wolfgang asked with genuine concern, moving closer to their Chinese guide. "You look absolutely terrified."
"This is the Consort," Song said, his voice trembling despite his obvious efforts to control it. "I am absolutely certain of it." He paused, swallowing hard before continuing. "This is what I was trying to tell you. The estate belongs to her. This is her own kingdom, her domain where she rules absolutely."
"Her own kingdom?" Kylian replied, his analytical mind immediately grasping the implications. "That's very interesting, Captain Song."
"Can you tell us more?" Kylian pressed. "Does that mean the Emperor himself has no authority here?"
"I would very much like to tell you everything," Song said, his voice laden with frustration and fear. "But this is not the right time or place. Even now, there could be other devices we haven't found. We could still be under observation."
"Right, of course," Wolfgang interjected. "But then when? If you know of a better place where we can speak freely, we'll gladly join you. We need to understand what they want from us and why we're being subjected to this level of surveillance."
"I will tell you everything, I promise," Song assured them. "It's a long and complicated story. But I don't know when we'll have an opportunity to meet and discuss this safely." He fell silent, pondering their options, then released a heavy sigh.
"I know of one time we could talk, but I need you both to exercise extreme restraint," Song said, his voice serious and his eyes intense.
"Are we not restrained enough already?" Kylian asked, folding his arms across his chest with slight defensiveness.
"Yes, of course you are, Captain von Reichsgraf," Song replied quickly. "But this situation is more delicate than the others. It requires even more careful behavior."
Wolfgang let out a small outburst, though his tone suggested frustration with the situation rather than anger at Song. "And that is because...? Captain Song, with due respect, please get to the point."
Song took a deep breath, clearly steeling himself for their reaction to what he was about to propose. "The Third Princess always takes walks at night whenever she is here, at the estate. I always accompany her as her personal guard, it's my primary duty. That is the only time we can talk freely, when we're away from the buildings and their surveillance. I want you both to come along with me. I will request permission from the Princess personally and give the excuse that I want you to see the forest paths for yourselves—perhaps for your cultural education."
Kylian's eyebrows rose sharply at this suggestion. "Surely this is too much? I doubt this is wise, especially with the Consort watching everything and everyone at all times. If she discovers we were alone with a princess, even with proper chaperoning..."
"No, the path she takes is within the estate grounds but deep inside the forest," Song explained hurriedly. "There are no guards posted there, it's her private retreat, the one place she can be away from constant observation. It will be perfectly appropriate if you respect the hierarchy and maintain proper distance. She walks in front, we maintain several meters behind her and follow. That's when we can talk without being overheard."
Kylian's head dropped, and he shook it slowly. He didn't know if this was a good idea. The prospect of spending time in Princess Changning's presence again, even at a respectful distance, filled him with apprehension. He didn't want to be distracted by her again, didn't want to feel that overwhelming sensation that had consumed him during the tea ceremony. This plan seemed to create more problems than it solved. Yet he could see no alternative, if they wanted answers, they would have to accept Song's proposal.
"Alright," Wolfgang said with characteristic confidence. "When do we meet?"
"It's getting late already," Song replied, glancing toward the windows where the sun was beginning to set. "Tonight at nine o'clock. When it's almost time for the Princess to take her walk, I'll come to collect you. Remember, maintain proper distance at all times. Several meters behind her, no closer. Don't speak to her directly unless she addresses you first, and even then, keep your responses brief and respectful."
"Okay, okay, we understand, Captain Song!" Wolfgang responded enthusiastically as they watched Song move toward the door.
The sun was indeed setting now, and dusk was settling over the estate. The air was starting to become noticeably chilly, nighttime temperatures in this part of China could drop significantly, especially in the spring. The two officers felt determined to discover more about this estate and the mysterious forces that seemed to control it.
For Kylian, however, the determination was mixed with profound conflict. He desperately wished to avoid being consumed again by the overwhelming feelings Princess Changning stirred in him, yet the thought of walking behind her through moonlit forest paths filled him with both longing and dread. As darkness fell, he stood at the window staring out at the lengthening shadows. In a few hours, he would be walking through the forest with the woman who had begun to occupy his every thought, a prospect that both thrilled and terrified him.