"The court is a nest of vipers, and Lady Xia is their queen."
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———
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Cheng re-read the encoded message of Yìzé, hopeful he might find some clue he had missed. He grew tired, yet still he strained himself to form something coherent out of the Gordian knot before him.
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There was, in the list of Lady Xia's "favors," one notation that sent his eyebrow up, On the night of the most recent assassination attempt in the market, one merchant had been ordered by god knew who to barter a heavily discounted shipment of fine silks to Minister Tan's household. The timing was too great a coincidence.
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Cheng clutched the parchment in his hand, How many others had Lady Xia pulled into her conspiracies through subtle strings of obligation like this? What role had the manipulations of consort xia played in turning most of the court against its rightful heir?
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In disgust, he flung the message onto his desk. For years, Lady Xia had insinuated her way into his father's private chambers and councils, subtly trying to poison the emperor's mind against him. Now it would seem that she had spread that influence out into the streets as well.
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However the complete extent of her treachery had been difficult to measure.
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He strode quickly down the palace corridors, with the grim report of Yìzé going through his mind.
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A few days ago, he discovered that someone had been leaking information from his household, likely connected to the attempt on his life at Lotus Square.
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He'd previously sent guards to thwart her, but Cheng had learned long ago that a public display of manpower only drove the conspirators deeper into hiding. This danger required a far more subtle resolution.
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Finally Cheng spotted what he was looking for; a young servant hurrying about her duties. With a gentle hand, his personal guard Yìzé approached her. "Prince Cheng request your presence".
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Now, in Cheng's study room, he questioned her.
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"There are reports-true or false-that you have been consulting those who wish me ill?
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Fear flashed across her face, giving her guilt away. Cheng continued, having already noticed her response. "Tell me what they've promised you, and I give you my word no harm will come."
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But the maid only shook her head stubbornly.
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Cheng sighed. "So be it. I take no joy in this..."
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Moments later, he emerged alone, the maid's lifeless body left carefully out of sight. Cheng whispered a prayer for her soul even as he strategized how next to use this given opportunity.
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His thoughts turned to the urgent report of illness spreading through lanyun village on the Imperial city. If not contained, such maladies could ravage the land. He called for his Grand Physician, Lien, and said, "Dispatch your best men to learn the root of this sickness. Spare no effort or resource."
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Lien bowed. "At once, my prince."
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Even with that, Cheng sensed time was short. "Send poultices, elixirs. Have remedies prepared for fever, cough, all afflictions of plague. If this sickness takes hold before its nature is understood, many could perish who might otherwise be saved."
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But Lien hesitated. "The voyage is long, your highness. By the time our physicians arrive..."
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"Then I will go myself."
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Cheng had been borne down by threats within the palace for too long. Here was a challenge requiring swift action. "Ready horses, provisions and your full medical stores. We ride within the hour."
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Lien hastened to comply. None could say the prince did not hold his people's well-being above all else. Cheng would brook no delay in bringing relief where it was so urgently needed. The well-being of the empire began with the health of its common folk.
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Cheng reviewed missives from the village physicians when a knock came. "Enter" he sighed, expecting more troubles.
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But the head against the open door was Prince Xuan's. "Still working, as always, Brother Cheng?" he said, not waiting for a reply, sauntering closer. "Come, you must rest. I have brought good wine with me."
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Cheng stared in surprise. "You dare to come defying Mother's order again?"
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Xuan poured with a shrug. "She sees enemies at every turn. Drink - it will ease your cares, if only for an hour." His smile was infectious.
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Cheng took the offered cup with a smile of his own, stress uncoiling from his shoulders as xuan engaged him in small talks. They spoke of pleasant things - even Xuan's latest romantic folly.
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In this moment, politics didn't matter. There was peace in the unbroken bond they shared, despite everything that tried to tear it apart. Cheng valued Xuan's friendship even more because it stood strong against all odds—they were brothers in everything but name.
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Hours later, Cheng began surveying preparations for departure, but slowed at the sight of Xuan readying three horses.
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"You didn't listen when I forbade this, brother; the road can be dangerous."
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"And do you think it right to leave me with no purpose but plotting mothers and chattering palace maids?" Xuan asked.
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"Let me stand in for you, Let me show I care for our people as you do. What need a prince that minds only to fulfill pleasures?" He implored.
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Cheng sighed. "The dangers I face, I fear you cannot shoulder. Still, the village could use another able hand at healing."
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"Very well, but you be careful and without question, the first sign of trouble means instant return. I'll not endanger you needlessly."
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Xuan smiled, "There you go again, fine I'll make sure to take extra precautions".
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That being said, Xuan prepared for this ride, determined to prove a reliable asset.
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Then Cheng sent for Yìzé, his head of guards.
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"Station five of your best men with Prince Xuan at all hours. You'll also go yourself - there's no one I trust more for such a charge."
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Yìzé bowed. "It shall be done, my prince. But is the danger so great?"
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Cheng considered the question seriously. Xuan has shown his heart lies with the people. Some may see that as a threat. "Ensure no harm comes to him - by force or guile. your lives are forfeit if any harm should come his way." The command was harsh, but the words well-chosen for the life he valued.
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Yìzé bowed. "You honor us with such trust."
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The courtyard bustled as the party made ready to depart. Cheng conferred final orders with Yìzé while servants loaded carriage and horses with supplies.
He took comfort in surrounding Xuan with more than enough protection.
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At last all was prepared. Cheng turned to his brother. "Go with care, and may god favor your endeavor. Return with news of answers found."
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Xuan bowed in reply. "You've entrusted me a noble charge. Rest assured - when next we meet, it will be with remedies in hand."
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With that, the cavalcade rolled forth, guards mounted protectively around Xuan's carriage. Cheng watched them go, praying silently for wisdom, speed and goodwill to guide their mission. Much depended now on what they might uncover in that distance settlement. For the present, all he could do was have faith in those he sent and await their findings with vigilance and more prayer.
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