The Golden Hairpin

Strangers who had never met her before instinctively avoided her as she wandered aimlessly down the street. No one could fathom why, on such a festive day, she appeared so lost and desolate, her pallor ghostly.

On the first day of the New Year, the streets of Chang'an were deserted. Apart from the major temples and Taoist monasteries, the city's residents stayed indoors, venturing nowhere. It wasn't until the third day that people would begin visiting relatives and hosting banquets.

Huang Zixiang walked alone toward Yongchang Fang. Amid the silent, empty alleys, she headed toward the Wang residence when she noticed a rather handsome young man playing shuttlecock with two children at the alley's entrance. He was counting triumphantly, "One hundred twenty-one, one hundred twenty-two..."

The children beside him grew impatient, urging, "Hurry up! We're all waiting for our turn!"

"You don't understand, do you? When playing shuttlecock, no one else can join until the current player stops..."

Huang Zixiang couldn't help but laugh and called out, "Jing Heng, aren't you a bit too old to be hogging the children's shuttlecock?"

"Ah, Miss Huang, you're finally back," Jing Heng said, stopping his game and tossing the shuttlecock back to the kids before walking toward her. "The Wang residence is so eerie—not a single person there can speak."

"It's not like they chose to be mute. They have no choice," Huang Zixiang replied. She watched as he walked to the locust tree nearby and untied two horses—one chestnut and the other Nafusha, which eagerly trotted over to her the moment it was freed, nuzzling her raised hand with its damp nose.

Huang Zixiang stroked Nafusha's neck and asked, "Did His Highness summon me? Where to?"

"To the Hao River in the southern outskirts."

The Hao and Jue Rivers both lay south of Chang'an, converging near Xiangji Temple.

In winter, the Hao River flowed gently and shallowly. The willows along its banks had long shed their leaves, their bare branches swaying over the thin ice that still clung to the shore. Under the sparse, elongated branches stood a figure, his white robes fluttering in the breeze—tall, elegant, like a jade tree swaying in the wind. It was unmistakably Li Shubai.

She spurred her horse toward him, dismounted, and looked up. "Your Highness, did you need me for something?"

Li Shubai took two steps toward her, then paused, frowning for a long moment without speaking.

Seeing his hesitation, Huang Zixiang suddenly understood the reason for his reluctance. Her gaze shifted toward Xiangji Temple in the distance, and she asked softly, "Have you found Prince E?"

Li Shubai gave a slight nod.

"Let's go," she said, taking the reins and remounting without hesitation.

Li Shubai's horse, Die, naturally refused to follow behind Nafusha and quickly overtook it, snorting arrogantly as it shot Nafusha a sidelong glance.

Huang Zixiang patted Die's head and looked up at Li Shubai. "Your Highness works fast. We only discussed this last night, and today you've already found Prince E's whereabouts."

"I do have many people at my disposal," Li Shubai replied, lifting his gaze toward Xiangji Temple. His voice was low as he added, "Besides, though Chang'an is vast, there are only so many places he could go."

Huang Zixiang studied him thoughtfully, a flicker of doubt crossing her mind, but she remained silent.

He noticed her hesitation and said, "I... didn't want to face him alone."She turned to look at him, clearly seeing the hesitation and uncertainty on his face. She understood that before everything was revealed, he and Prince E Li Run truly didn’t know how to face each other alone.

“I don’t know what to do or say when I meet my seventh brother…” Li Shubai sighed softly, his gaze fixed on the distant mountains. Huang Zixiang saw the outline of his profile, as elegant and beautiful as the nearby waters and faraway peaks. Yet, beneath such striking features, there lingered a faint trace of doubt, like mist veiling the landscape or a drizzle obscuring the view. “I’m actually a little afraid—afraid of hearing the truth, afraid that he truly hates me, afraid that he’s being controlled by someone, afraid of the truth behind the mastermind…”

“Didn’t you once tell me?” Huang Zixiang slowed her horse and looked at him steadily. “What must come will come, and there’s no escape. It’s better to face what lies ahead—at the very least—”

She reached out from her horse and gently covered the back of his hand, her voice clear and calm. “I’ll always be by your side.”

Words he had spoken to her countless times now came from her lips, compelling him to turn his hand and grasp hers tightly.

Together, they headed toward Xiangji Temple, the road bustling with pilgrims. Dismounting at the mountain gate, they followed the crowd up the stone steps.

Xiangji Temple was a renowned monastery in Chang’an, its towering pagoda and solemn halls exuding grandeur. Today, being the first day of the new year, the temple was packed with worshippers. The air was thick with incense smoke, and the clamor of voices filled every hall, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

Li Shubai led Huang Zixiang through the bustling halls to the back of the temple. The path was deserted, strewn with fallen leaves and dry branches. At the end of the trail, a man holding a broom swept the path slowly.

Li Shubai stopped beneath a pine tree, watching the man in plain clothes who was absorbed in sweeping.

Following his gaze, Huang Zixiang observed the figure. The man, dressed in coarse monk’s robes but not yet tonsured, appeared to be in his early twenties. His skin was fair and flawless, his features strikingly handsome. A vermilion mole sat precisely in the center of his forehead, accentuating his snow-white complexion and jet-black hair, giving him an ethereal, otherworldly aura.

Accustomed to seeing him in luxurious silks and purples, Huang Zixiang found that the plain, unadorned cloth somehow enhanced his transcendent grace.

He swept the mountain steps meticulously, almost reverently, one by one.

Neither of them spoke, standing quietly on the other side of the path, watching him.

The leaves had all fallen, and the cold wind scattered a few withered twigs onto the already swept steps. He glanced back, then picked up the broom and retraced his steps.

After a few paces, he finally sensed something and slowly turned to look where Li Shubai and Huang Zixiang stood.

His gaze locked onto Li Shubai, and his face twitched slightly with shock and fear. He stood frozen, the broom slipping from his fingers with a soft tap onto the stone steps.

From afar, the temple bell tolled, its deep resonance echoing through the valleys and forests. The reverberations of the mountains lingered in their ears, long and unbroken.Li Shubai walked toward him, his steps somewhat heavy but unwavering. He approached Li Run, who finally snapped out of his daze and instinctively turned to flee.

But Li Shubai was already by his side, reciting softly, "Ancient trees, a path untrodden by men; deep in the mountains, whence comes the temple bell? The spring's voice chokes on perilous rocks; the sun's hue chills the green pines..."

Li Run's body slackened involuntarily, and he leaned weakly against the pine tree behind him, closing his eyes.

Li Shubai gazed at him steadily and said slowly, "Seventh Brother's favorite verse by Wang Mojie. Now that you've achieved your wish—to dwell within Wang Wei's poetry—shouldn't Fourth Brother congratulate you?"

Li Run pressed against the pine tree, biting his lower lip hard, struggling to control his emotions. Yet no matter how he tried, the twitching muscles of his face and his widening eyes betrayed the fear and hatred in his heart.

Li Shubai looked at this brother who now seemed a complete stranger, feeling only a dull ache in his chest that choked his throat, rendering him speechless.

Huang Zixiang stepped up behind him and bowed to Li Run. "Greetings, Prince of E."

Only then did Li Shubai steady himself and ask, "Seventh Brother, why have you secluded yourself here alone? The day you vanished from Xiangluan Pavilion, the entire court was thrown into turmoil, and Fourth Brother was left under suspicion. It wasn’t until yesterday that I heard rumors of a recluse dwelling in the secluded hills behind Xiangji Temple, arriving the day after the winter solstice—with several skilled warriors guarding him. I thought it might be you, so I came to visit."

Huang Zixiang glanced around but saw no sign of Li Run’s guards. They must have already been dealt with by Li Shubai’s men.

Li Run clenched his jaw, standing before them in stubborn silence, his eyes burning with grief and fury as they fixed on Li Shubai.

Seeing this, Li Shubai sighed. "Seventh Brother, today Fourth Brother only wishes to ask you one thing—have I ever, in all these years, done a single thing to wrong you?"

Li Run’s gaze was sharp as a blade, cold as ice, brimming with boundless resentment. That look reminded Huang Zixiang of Wang Zongshi—the same serpent-like, venomous glare.

"Who… is your Seventh Brother?"

Li Run finally spoke, his voice hoarse and desolate, each word forced out with venomous hatred.

Li Shubai stood motionless before him, meeting his gaze but saying nothing.

Li Run took deep, shuddering breaths, trying to suppress the fury in his chest. Yet the thin mist from his breath obscured his face, making it impossible to tell whether fear or hatred weighed heavier in his heart.

His voice was muffled as he said, "All Li Run ever wanted in this life was a quiet place to study Buddhist scriptures… Yet I never imagined… never imagined that just because I wished to glimpse the Buddha’s relics, I would lose my chance to escape…"

Li Shubai, hearing his broken, incoherent words, interrupted him. "Seventh Brother, come with me. Whatever grievances you hold against Fourth Brother, whatever fears torment you—please return with me and clear my name. Or at least tell me what crime I’ve committed to earn your resentment."

"Go back with you?" Li Run let out a bitter laugh, taking a slow step back. "Do you really think I can still go back?"

Huang Zixiang stood silently behind him, ready to block his escape should he try to flee and alert others.Yet Li Run did not turn to flee. He merely stared at Li Shubai, slowly retreating step by step, his voice dry and strained, hoarse as if it were not his own: "Fourth... no, Li Shubai! You may have deceived everyone in the court and beyond with your schemes, but in the end, you slipped up—you couldn’t fool me!"

Seeing him so obstinate and unwilling to explain, Li Shubai could only approach him, saying, "Seventh Brother, there’s no need to accuse me. First, speak clearly about everything!"

"Don’t come any closer!" Li Run flipped his right hand, revealing a slender dagger glinting coldly, now pressed against his own chest.

Huang Zixiang, standing behind him, saw Li Shubai’s face turn ashen in an instant. He halted, not daring to advance further, his eyes filled with boundless dread. Gritting his teeth to suppress the terror surging in his chest, he spoke word by word: "Seventh Brother, put it down!"

But Li Run, with one hand holding the dagger to his heart and the other pointing straight at Li Shubai, let out a hysterical roar: "Li Shubai, in this life or the next, you will pay for your sins!"

Before the words had even faded, the dagger in his hand plunged fiercely into his own chest.

Li Shubai lunged forward, grabbing his wrist, but the blade was too sharp, and Li Run’s strike too ruthless—the dagger had already sunk deep into his heart.

Frantic, Li Shubai caught Li Run’s collapsing body, his voice a ragged howl: "Why? Why? What could possibly be worth dying for?"

Huang Zixiang heard footsteps—someone was already rushing up the mountain path from the other side. Though stunned, she hurried to Li Shubai’s side and urged in a low, urgent voice: "Your Highness, leave now! Someone’s coming!"

Only then did Li Shubai jolt back to awareness. A group of well-trained guards had surrounded them. Normally, he was keenly alert, but now, his mind in turmoil, he hadn’t noticed their approach. Clenching his teeth, he lifted Li Run’s body and stood.

Huang Zixiang said urgently, "Prince E struck his own heart—he won’t survive!"

Li Shubai knew he should abandon Li Run and flee immediately, but he had always been closest to Li Run, their brotherly bond deep and harmonious over the years. Now, witnessing his sudden death before his eyes, his mind reeled.

Holding Li Run’s body, feeling its lingering warmth, the blood still coursing through his limbs—how could he simply let go and leave his seventh brother on the ground?

Desperate, Huang Zixiang tugged at Li Shubai’s arm, forcing him to lay Li Run down, then pulled him away to escape. Yet Li Run, in his dying moments, clutched Li Shubai’s wrist with all his remaining strength, refusing to let go.

Li Shubai gripped Li Run’s wrist, meeting his gaze—those eyes brimming with venomous hatred, unyielding even in death.

A chill seized his heart. Blood rushed to his head, his temples throbbing violently, clouding his thoughts. For a fleeting moment, he wondered: Had he truly wronged his seventh brother? Was he guilty of some unforgivable sin, one he didn’t even remember committing?

That momentary lapse cost him his last chance to escape.A figure in purple robes rushed forward, landing before them with a gust of icy wind—none other than Wang Zongshi. Behind him, over a hundred elite soldiers of the Divine Strategy Army had arrived, surrounding them tightly.

Li Run, on the verge of death, struggled to turn his gaze toward Wang Zongshi. His throat gurgled as he mustered his last breath, his voice barely human as he rasped, "Prince Li Shubai of Kui... killed me!"

With that final word, his breath ceased. The hand that had been pointing accusingly at Li Shubai fell limp, dropping into Li Shubai's arms. Yet Li Shubai merely lowered his eyes to the closed lids of the deceased, motionless, too drained to even reach out and grasp the lifeless hand.

Wang Zongshi's cold gaze settled on Li Shubai and Huang Zixiao. Li Shubai's white robes were now stained with Li Run's blood, like crimson plum blossoms blooming starkly against snow.

Wang Zongshi took a slow step forward, his voice as frigid as clashing ice: "May I ask why Prince of Kui would murder his own brother, Prince of E of this dynasty?"

Standing beside Li Shubai, Huang Zixiao trembled slightly, fear rising in her heart. She wondered who could have orchestrated such a terrifying trap—one that, despite their every effort, had led them inexorably to this moment.

Li Shubai kept his eyes on Li Run's corpse in his arms, ignoring Wang Zongshi's question. After a long silence, he gently laid the body down on the withered grass, straightened his robes, and asked, "If I were to say Prince of E was not killed by me, would you believe it?"

Wang Zongshi shook his head, gesturing to the surrounding Divine Strategy soldiers. "Your Highness murdered Prince of E, and the victim himself identified his killer. Over a hundred of my men witnessed and heard it with their own eyes and ears."

"Then let us go," Li Shubai said calmly.

Huang Zixiao grew frantic, stepping quickly toward Wang Zongshi. "Eunuch Wang, there are hidden circumstances in this matter. Please allow me to examine the scene in detail!"

Wang Zongshi looked at her, the corners of his lips curling faintly. "Why is Miss Huang here?"

"She has nothing to do with this. She parted ways with me days ago and has been residing in a residence in Yongchangfang," Li Shubai said as he passed Wang Zongshi, pausing slightly before adding in a low voice, "As for whose residence it is, even I do not know."

Wang Zongshi understood his implication—if Huang Zixiao were implicated, he himself would not escape scrutiny. He turned to the men behind him and said, "Miss Huang is a renowned investigator of the realm. It is only fitting that she examine the scene. Two of you may stay to assist her, while the rest escort Prince of Kui back to the capital."

Huang Zixiao watched as Li Shubai departed, his posture still upright, his steps steady. Only then did she feel slightly relieved.

She approached Li Run's body, rolling up her narrow sleeves as she knelt to examine it.

In death, Li Run's skin appeared even more translucent, his body still warm. The cinnabar mark between his brows stood out starkly red. His face, so beautiful, was now contorted in agony—a tragic end.

Though dressed in plain cloth, the cotton was imported from the Western Regions, finely woven and padded, making it more luxurious than silk. Even as he devoted himself to Buddhism, hiding in the back mountains of Xiangji Temple, he remained distinct from ordinary monks.She pulled the dagger from his chest. Li Run's heartbeat had already ceased, leaving only a small bloodstained hole from which a trickle of blood seeped. Holding the dagger in her hand, her heart sank as she recognized its shape. When she wiped away the blood and saw the ancient seal script characters "Yuchang" engraved upon it, her chest tightened with shock.

The Yuchang dagger had originally been Li Shubai's personal weapon, later given to her when he was ambushed in Shu. She had carried it with her until their argument, when she hastily left the Kuiwang residence, leaving all her belongings behind. Later, she only retrieved a few personal items through intermediaries—naturally, this dagger had remained in the Kuiwang residence.

Yet now, Li Run had somehow obtained it and used it to take his own life.

Many in the court knew the Yuchang dagger belonged to Li Shubai. This evidence alone would solidify the crime of Prince E's murder.

Sure enough, the two remaining soldiers immediately recognized the dagger in her hand. "The Yuchang dagger! Isn't this the very blade Prince Kui always carries?"

Another nodded. "Yes, it must be the same one."

Huang Zixiang handed the dagger to them, suppressing the turmoil in her chest as she asked, "You're familiar with the Yuchang dagger?"

"Who isn't? After Prince Kui quelled the Xuzhou rebellion and returned to court, His Majesty personally bestowed it upon him. The Shenwei and Shenwu troops often boasted about it back then, acting as if an imperial gift made them superior."

The other soldier carefully took the dagger, admiring its sharpness with reverence. "Truly a fine blade."

"So the rumors in the capital are true—Prince Kui really has been possessed by Pang Xun. Prince E exposed his schemes, so he silenced him for good."

Huang Zixiang, who had been searching Li Run's pockets, coldly interjected, "Nothing has been confirmed yet. Do not spread baseless rumors."

The man quickly fell silent and carefully stored the dagger away.

Li Run had come to sweep the mountain path, carrying nothing of note. Huang Zixiang stood and walked toward the small hut where he had lived. The broom he had been using lay discarded by the path. She picked it up, examined it—finding it ordinary—and placed it by the door before entering.

The interior was spartan to the point of austerity: a table, a cabinet, a bed, and a shelf holding a few scrolls. The low bed was neatly made, the cabinet containing a handful of plain robes. Both bedding and clothes were new but muted in color, fitting for a life of quiet devotion.

After searching the hut and finding nothing, Huang Zixiang stood still, watching the faint light filtering through the narrow window as she pondered Li Run's existence here.

A prince born into luxury, who had publicly accused his own brother—once close to him—of treason, then faked his death to live in seclusion behind a temple, devoting himself to scripture and solitude.

If he had truly sought enlightenment, why had he asked them to investigate his mother's past? And what had transpired between him and Prince Kui that drove him to sacrifice his own life to frame his fourth brother?Huang Ziyao stood in the dimly lit room, listening to the roaring of the pine waves outside, like furious ocean tides. She thought of Prince E's resolute death, the blood on Li Shubai, the character for "death" on the talisman, and felt herself sinking into a deep fog. Stunned, she remained motionless in the room for a long time.

The two soldiers outside urged her on, and Huang Ziyao had no choice but to step out. The howling wind surged in waves, sweeping through the forest. The deafening roar of the pine-filled gale overwhelmed her ears, and she trembled uncontrollably, instinctively raising her hands to cover them.

A tremendous wind rolled over the mortal world, crushing everything in its path into dust before its immense force—unstoppable, inevitable.

The first day of the first lunar month—the fresh beginning of a new year.

Huang Zixiang returned to Chang'an as dusk fell. The city's residents were in the midst of celebration. Firecrackers crackled everywhere, and lanterns and colorful decorations adorned every corner.

Mischievous children chased each other with lanterns in hand, young women's hair buns were tied with festive ribbons, and everyone on the streets exchanged cheerful greetings with beaming smiles.

Strangers who saw her wandering dazed through the streets instinctively gave her wide berth. None could understand why on such a joyous day, this woman appeared so lost and despondent, her face as pale as a ghost's.

Huang Zixiang arrived at Yongchang Ward and stood outside the gate for a long time before finally entering the Wang residence.

Wang Zongshi was already waiting inside. Watching her approach step by step, he calmly sipped his tea and said without changing expression, "I told you I would help investigate this matter. Why were you in such a hurry to put yourself in danger?"

Huang Zixiang bowed her head and replied softly, "Please forgive my impatience, Your Excellency, and thank you for saving me today. May I ask what will happen to Prince Kui now?"

Wang Zongshi set his teacup down on the table. "We have already reported Prince Kui's matter to His Majesty. For now, the case falls under the jurisdiction of the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs. Prince Kui will remain there temporarily and not return to his mansion."

Being detained by the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs was equivalent to imprisonment.

Huang Zixiang pressed further, "Then may I ask why Your Excellency appeared at Xiangji Temple's back mountain at such a coincidental time today?"

"An interesting coincidence indeed," Wang Zongshi replied. "Originally the entire Divine Strategy Army was to rest today, but at noon we suddenly received an imperial order. His Majesty said that when court officials went to Xiangji Temple at dawn to offer the first incense, they heard someone who resembled Prince E. He immediately dispatched his personal guards for protection, but considering the circumstances of Prince E's disappearance, he also ordered the Divine Strategy Army to go fetch him and bring him to the palace—with strict instructions not to let anyone harm him."

At this point, a cold smile appeared on Wang Zongshi's face. "His Majesty is most wise. Unfortunately, I ultimately failed in my duty—I couldn't save Prince E from Prince Kui's hands."

Huang Zixiang silently bowed to him and said, "Thank you for sheltering me these past days. Prince Kui is my benefactor, and now that he's in trouble, I feel I should return to help him."

"He's now imprisoned by the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs. How do you propose to help him? Do you think the leaderless Prince Kui's household still has anyone who can assist your investigation?" Wang Zongshi slowly stood and walked to her side, fixing her with his icy gaze without speaking further.

Huang Zixiang pressed her lips together silently, knowing he spoke the truth. At present, she truly had no way to save Li Shubai. After a long silence, she finally spoke weakly, "Please enlighten me, Your Excellency. How may I repay this debt?"

"I've told you—I admire you greatly. In my view, none of those so-called talented young men your age, not even Wang Yun, can compare to half of you," Wang Zongshi studied her lowered profile and shook his head. "It would be the Wang family's great fortune if you could become one of us."

Huang Zixiang stood motionless, silently biting her lower lip.

"Of course, you went back on your word—you agreed to consider becoming a Wang daughter-in-law, yet ran off to entangle yourself with Prince Kui. This displeases me greatly."

Huang Zixiang finally spoke: "I only agreed to consider it. I never promised anything.""Heh, playing such petty tricks with me is ultimately futile," Wang Zongshi sneered, clasping his hands behind his back as he paced to the window. Gazing at the newly hung lanterns outside, his leisurely voice reached her ears, unavoidable. "Now give me a definite answer—are you willing to watch Prince Kui die with your own eyes, or will you serve the Wang family and let us help you lend Prince Kui a hand?"

Huang Ziyao pondered for a long time before asking, "The forces behind this are so immense. Can the Wang family truly aid Prince Kui?"

"That depends on you, not us," Wang Zongshi's gaze remained fixed outside the window, not turning to look at her, his tone almost as if speaking to himself. "All I can promise is to help you intervene in this case and give you the chance to investigate."

Huang Ziyao stood in the hall. On this lonely night, the cold lamplight cast her slender shadow across the floor.

Only this fragmented shadow accompanied her now. Alone in the world, with no one to turn to, how could she withstand the immense storm before her?

She was but a woman. Against the most formidable power in the world, she would only be crushed to dust, scattered like mud.

Tears of weakness welled in her eyes. On this frigid night, she couldn't stop her body from trembling. She knew the abyss she faced—covered by only the thinnest layer of ice. One misstep, and she would plunge into it, with no chance of return.

But the one already fallen into that abyss was Li Shubai.

Even if thousands stood in her way, even if the path ahead was drenched in blood, even if she knew she would be torn apart by this overwhelming force—she had to take this step.

She straightened her sleeves and bowed deeply to Wang Zongshi's back, saying softly, "Thank you, Eunuch Wang."

Wang Zongshi turned to look at her. "Well?"

"I will consider this matter carefully. Please grant me a few days," she shook her head gently, her voice choked. The moisture in her eyes turned them red, but she stubbornly refused to let the tears fall. "When Wang Yun returns, I will give him my answer."

She had come here with Wang Yun, originally just to borrow the Wang family's influence to involve herself in the case. Yet now, she could no longer extricate herself—nor did she likely have the strength to resist. Though she wished desperately that when she reached the end of her life, she could hold the hand she truly wanted to hold, the tempest now looming over her was more than she could bear.

Silently, she bowed to him. Wang Zongshi seemed about to say something but ultimately turned away. "As you wish. You may continue staying here. If you need anything, come find me."

After Wang Zongshi left, Huang Ziyao stood alone in the room. The silence was absolute, save for the pair of Agashini he had gifted her, still swimming in their crystal vase, rippling the water. The faint reflections shimmered in her eyes, mirroring the turmoil in her heart that refused to settle.

As if unable to endure this eerie restlessness, she stepped out of the Wang residence. The cold night sky stretched above, stars glittering icy and distant. She tilted her head back to gaze at those unreachable constellations, the silent Milky Way sprawled across the heavens. The world was so vast—both above and below—and she was alone in it, sustained only by the burning resolve in her chest.

She clenched her fists tightly, letting her nails dig into her palms until they ached slightly.

Without hesitation, she headed east.Passing through countless bustling streets filled with clamor and noise, she arrived at the tightly shut gates of Prince Kui's residence and raised her hand to knock.

The voice of the gatekeeper came from within: "Who... is it?"

"Uncle Liu, it's me, Yang Chonggu," Huang Ziyao called out, raising her voice.

"Oh! You're back!" The voice inside immediately grew three times louder as someone quickly opened the small side door. Uncle Liu and a group of others were gathered in the gatehouse, huddled around a stove, their faces all etched with shock and unease.

Uncle Liu shut the door behind her and asked anxiously, "Miss Huang, have you heard? His Highness has been taken to the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs!"

"I know. Prince E's death has implicated His Highness." The room was sealed tight, and the heat from the stove made her feel weak. She hadn’t eaten for a long time, and after the day’s upheavals, the stifling warmth made her realize just how famished and exhausted she was—she could barely stand. She took a few sips of the water Uncle Liu handed her before asking, "I’m here to see Jing Yi. Is he in?"

After the ambush in Shu and the great fire in Chengdu, many of Li Shu’s trusted aides had scattered or perished, including Jing Yu. The old steward of the residence had retired, leaving only Jing Yi and Jing Heng as the capable ones remaining.

The three of them gathered, and Huang Ziyao recounted the day’s events in detail.

Jing Yi said, "Now that Prince Kui is in the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs, we can’t mobilize the Shenwei or Shenwu armies—our external support is cut off. Though the residence has over a hundred ceremonial guards, what can they accomplish? We’re isolated."

Jing Heng nodded and added, "There are plenty in the court who are friendly with His Highness, especially those he personally promoted. They won’t stand idly by—the rise and fall of Prince Kui’s residence affects their own lives and fortunes. If we seek their help, they’ll respond."

Huang Ziyao slowly shook her head. "But the charges against His Highness are too shocking. Even if the court officials submit a joint petition, how can they possibly defend him against accusations of fratricide and treason?"

Jing Heng groaned, cradling his head in his hands. "Exactly. Other charges could be managed, but now it’s Prince E himself pointing the finger at His Highness. Prince E was always close to him—his words carry the most weight. And to make matters worse, His Highness was with him just before his death. This is... impossible to refute!"

Jing Yi lowered his voice and asked Huang Ziyao, "Did Prince E really accuse His Highness with his dying breath?"

Huang Ziyao gave a slight nod, remaining silent.

"How could this... happen?" Jing Yi frowned, at a loss for words.

Huang Ziyao shook her head without speaking. What could she say? Every rumor in the capital was irrefutable. The only ones who knew Prince E Li Run had taken his own life were her and Li Shu—but who would believe them? Who would believe Prince E would use his own death to frame Prince Kui? Who could accept something so unbelievable?

Even Jing Yi and Jing Heng probably didn’t dare fully believe such a thing.

Huang Ziyao changed the subject. "The truth behind this is beyond our grasp. Prince E is already dead, and there are no clues to follow. I think we should approach this from another angle."

Jing Heng glanced at her weakly and asked, "What angle?""The Prince of E took his own life with the fish-gut dagger he always carried with him. This dagger was once given to me by the prince, but later I left it behind in the residence. I wonder how the prince handled it afterward?"

"This dagger was a gift from His Majesty, and the prince actually gave it to you?" Jing Heng asked, his eyes widening in surprise.

Huang Zixiang replied casually, "At the time, things happened in a rush. The prince didn’t say he was giving it to me—just lent it to me temporarily. I left it in the residence when I departed a few days ago."

"Oh... But afterward, the prince never mentioned it," Jing Heng said, glancing at Jing Yi before asking, "Did you take charge of it?"

Jing Yi looked at Huang Zixiang and said, "After you left, the prince refused to speak of you at all. Only after learning of your whereabouts did he order your belongings to be packed and sent to you. I was the one who arranged for people to gather your things. I thought you were merely angry with the prince and would surely return, so I instructed them to take only your personal clothes and some money, leaving everything else untouched in your room. If the fish-gut dagger had been found, they would have reported it to me."

"So, it must have been taken shortly after I left?" Huang Zixiang pressed her lips together, lost in thought for a long moment before murmuring, "We should investigate who entered my room after my departure. Of course, it could have been one of the residence guards, slipping in unnoticed during night patrols to take it without a sound."

"A guard?" Jing Heng raised an eyebrow, muttering to himself.

Huang Zixiang nodded. Hesitation flickered in her eyes, but after taking a deep breath, she finally spoke. "Zhang Xingying."