The Golden Hairpin

Agashina, born from a fleeting thought of the Dragon Maiden before the Buddha. It induces obsession, infinitely amplifying the weight of what one holds dear, filling the heart with fixation until death.

"Yes, Eunuch Wang mentioned to me before that Agashina fish eggs are difficult to hatch, and no one knows the secret. So when I saw the fish laying eggs this morning, I immediately informed you."

Wang Zongshi looked at the crystal vial in her hand and said, "You should have told Yunzhi. I didn’t bring a container with me today."

"Aren’t these things everywhere?" she replied, glancing around the room before casually picking up a jar and pouring the small fish along with the eggs from the crystal vial into it. Then she refilled the vial with water, reached into the jar to scoop the two fish back out, and returned them to the vial.

She placed the crystal vial back on the windowsill, handed the jar to Wang Zongshi, and then sat down at the table, picking up a piece of pastry and bringing it to her lips.

Wang Zongshi, who had been watching coldly all this while, finally spoke up, "Aren’t you going to wash your hands?"

Huang Zixia paused, looked at her hands, and said, "The water in that vial was just changed this morning. It’s clean."

Wang Zongshi narrowed his eyes slightly, staring at her fingers.

On the tip of her left index finger, a tiny fish egg clung to her pink nail, like the smallest speck of red dust—barely noticeable unless one looked closely.

Yet she seemed oblivious, her fingertip lightly brushing the pastry. The tiny fish egg transferred onto it, blending into the sesame seeds and disappearing without a trace.

She took a small bite, then looked at him and asked, "It’s almost noon. Would you like one or two, Eunuch Wang?"

Wang Zongshi studied her thoughtfully, his gaze involuntarily returning to the pastry. She remained unaware, parting her lips slightly as she prepared to pop the remaining half into her mouth.

"Put it down." Wang Zongshi’s icy voice made her freeze. She glanced at the pastry in her hand, then back at him in confusion.

Wang Zongshi’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly as he scrutinized her expression before asking, "You knew?"

Huang Zixia blinked at him in bewilderment. "Knew what?"

Wang Zongshi’s eyes returned to the pastry in her hand, but he said nothing.

"This?" She raised the pastry toward him, then promptly ate the remaining bite. The thumb-sized treat vanished easily into her mouth, but Wang Zongshi’s expression darkened instantly.

The usually sluggish Wang Zongshi, who moved like a hibernating snake, crossed the room in a few quick strides, gripping her throat and slapping her back as he ordered, "Spit it out!"

Huang Zixia gagged twice, struggling to break free. But Wang Zongshi’s grip was unyielding, and under his restraint, she finally vomited up the pastry she had swallowed.

"Send someone to the pharmacy for Rauvolfia and oleander. Grind them into powder and administer a trace amount orally every two hours—two qian per day for a month," Wang Zongshi said, releasing her.

Huang Zixia rubbed her bruised throat and hesitated. "Eunuch Wang, oleander is poisonous."

Wang Zongshi replied coldly, "Such a small amount won’t kill you. At worst, you’ll vomit and feel unwell."

"How unwell, exactly? For example, compared to having a parasitic fish hatch inside you... which would be worse?" Huang Zixia asked calmly.Wang Zongshi's pale, composed face showed a trace of shock for the first time. He glared fiercely at the woman before him, unable to believe his eyes.

Huang Zixiang met his gaze steadily, even allowing a faint smile to touch her lips.

"Hmph..." Wang Zongshi finally suppressed the shock and fury in his chest, speaking coldly, "How did you know?"

"In Chengdu, the monk Mu Shan, who was close to you, once used soul-inducing techniques to persuade Yu Xuan to kill my parents," Huang Zixiang said quietly. "At that time, Qi Teng, who had conspired with Mu Shan, once asked Yu Xuan, 'Do you know where that little red fish has gone now?'"

Wang Zongshi sneered, crossing his arms. "What does Mu Shan know? A fish that has already hatched is accustomed to living in water—once it enters a human body, it dies, only producing a temporary effect. Unlike those hatched from eggs, which can parasitize a person for a long time, altering them without anyone noticing."

Huang Zixiang bit her lower lip, staring at him as she asked, "What grudge do you hold against the Zhang family, that you would repeatedly seek their lives?"

"You're overthinking it," he replied, now eerily calm as she pulled back the curtain between them. "I'm not the only one in the world who knows the secret of this fish."

She leaned slightly forward, her gaze unwavering. "Yet the young servant Aze by your side once had contact with Zhang Xingying."

"Zhang Xingying is also someone close to Prince Kui," he countered, meeting her eyes with unshaken composure.

Huang Zixiang nodded silently, lost in thought.

Wang Zongshi leisurely adjusted his sleeves. "You know full well that, given my skills and the fact that this is my territory, if I were truly exposed and enraged, you wouldn't stand a chance of leaving here alive."

Huang Zixiang turned to look at the branches swaying in the wind outside the window, offering no reply.

"Because you've already determined that I'm not the mastermind behind all this. In the court, my greatest and longest-standing rival is Prince Kui—that much is true. But under certain circumstances, we can also rely on each other. Especially now, when the Prince Kui's household and the Wang family face destruction—only in different orders, isn't that so?"

Though reluctant to admit it, Huang Zixiang nodded. As he said, if someone like Wang Zongshi hadn't existed in the court, Prince Kui might have long ago met the same inexplicable fate as the other princes, never rising to prominence during the Xiantong era.

"Otherwise, why do you think I helped you?" Wang Zongshi's icy gaze swept over her slowly. "You are important to Prince Kui, and you are also important to the Wang family. Whether you remain by Prince Kui's side or marry Yunzhi in the future, it would be a worthwhile investment for the Wang family."

Huang Zixiang remained silent for a moment before finally standing and bowing slowly to him.

"There's no need to thank me. I do admire you. If you really were the eunuch Yang Chonggu, I would have gone to great lengths to bring you to my side," Wang Zongshi said, the corners of his lips curling into a genuine smile for the first time, softening his usual cold demeanor. "You clearly understand my regard for you—and you calculated correctly, knowing I would save you without fail.""No, I was merely taking a gamble. After all, if I had simply questioned you directly about this matter, I certainly wouldn’t have gotten anywhere," Huang Zixiao said, seeing Wang Zongshi’s candid confession. She extended her fingers to show him the faint red specks, as fine as dust, clinging to them. "In truth, my fingers were only stained with a bit of rouge powder—red powder made from crushed four o’clock seeds and dyed with the juice of the rouge flower. It’s absolutely non-toxic, so you needn’t worry."

"It’s impressive that you managed to uncover the mystery of the Agashenie from Qi Teng’s few words," Wang Zongshi remarked with a faint smile, then added, "Earlier, I gave Qi Teng the poisoned wine, intending for him to monitor Fan Yuanlong and Monk Mushan. Yet he used it to commit a grave crime. For that, I must also bear responsibility, and I ask for your understanding."

Huang Zixiao had long suspected Qi Teng’s connection to the Wang family, and since the poisoned wine was a secret kept within the palace, it was undoubtedly linked to Wang Zongshi. But now that he had openly admitted it to her, she could say nothing further and could only shake her head to steer the conversation away.

"I only had a vague suspicion. The madness of Prince E, Zhang Xingying, and his son—none of it made sense. Then I recalled the legend of the Agashenie I once heard, that these fish were transformed from a fleeting thought of the Dragon Maiden before the Buddha," Huang Zixiao said, turning to gaze at the two small fish swimming quietly in the water. "A fleeting thought... There’s always a reason behind things. Since such a tale exists, these fish must be connected to human thoughts—perhaps a strange poison that drives people to madness?"

"No, it doesn’t cause madness," Wang Zongshi slowly shook his head. "And though it is a poison, it isn’t fatal."

Huang Zixiao frowned. "When I was in Shu, I saw people cultivating poppies, said to be a cure-all herb from the Western Regions. While poppies are excellent for medicine, excessive consumption induces euphoria, hallucinations, and even addiction leading to death."

"Exactly. The Agashenie is similar—it amplifies obsession, intensifying what one already holds dear to the point of delusion and unyielding fixation, persisting until death."

Huang Zixiao nodded, pondering for a moment before asking, "Can it be used to control others?"

"No. The Agashenie can only magnify what already exists in the heart. It cannot fabricate thoughts out of nothing."

"So even if I had ingested the fish eggs just now, I wouldn’t have been controlled or convinced that Prince Kui threatens the empire, nor would I have sought to kill him at all costs?"

"Certainly not. The Agashenie would only deepen your existing convictions—for instance, your unwavering devotion to protecting Prince Kui, heightening your suspicions of others. You might have believed I was plotting against him and fought me recklessly," Wang Zongshi said with a cold laugh.

Huang Zixiao remained composed and smiled at him. "Spare me, Gonggong."

Wang Zongshi gave a slight smirk.

Huang Zixiao reflected silently. Wang Zongshi had denied killing Zhang Xingying and his son and revealed that A’ze by his side was a hidden spy. This was as good as pointing directly to the true mastermind behind it all.The Zhang father and son's frenzied agitation after being poisoned by the Agashini Gu was due to their fear that Prince Kui would overthrow the Tang dynasty. This likely had something to do with that painting in their home or perhaps with what Zhang's father had witnessed in the imperial palace back then?

While she was still pondering this, Wang Zongshi spoke again, "Regarding Prince Kui, there's something I can tell you."

Huang Zixiao nodded and turned to look at him.

"You may have heard that elders from dozens of wards in the capital have jointly submitted a petition demanding severe punishment for Prince Kui. The next few days will likely be crucial in determining how His Majesty deals with Prince Kui," Wang Zongshi said leisurely as he sat at the table. "But what you might not know is that today, His Majesty suffered another headache attack. The Crown Prince came to attend to him and wept so bitterly he nearly fainted. When His Majesty asked why he was so distraught, the Crown Prince said, 'The Fourth Imperial Uncle seeks to seize the empire. I fear that without Father's protection, I won't be able to defend myself.'"

Huang Zixiao's expression changed, and she murmured, "The people around the Crown Prince are truly malicious."

"Indeed. The Crown Prince is still young—what does he understand? He's merely being incited by those around him. That Tian Lingzi, as the eunuch closest to the Crown Prince, has great ambition but little talent. He's long coveted control of the Divine Strategy Army, thinking anyone in power could ensure the capital's safety," Wang Zongshi's tone was icy, though his expression remained calm, speaking as if making casual conversation. "He merely serves a child who just turned twelve and has gained some favor. Yet he even has the Crown Prince call him 'Father,' and His Majesty actually laughs it off without a second thought."

Huang Zixiao thought to herself that imperial authority had long since slipped from the emperor's grasp, with real power held firmly by the eunuchs. Emperor Xuanzong had bided his time for years before executing Ma Yuanzi. The current emperor had relied on Wang Zongshi for over a decade. Were it not for Prince Kui rising to prominence through his own efforts, Chang'an would likely still be under the eunuchs' complete control.

But eunuchs were still eunuchs—no matter how arrogant and domineering, they could never usurp the throne and become rulers of the realm. Prince Kui, however, was a prince by blood, his status and lineage fully qualifying him to sit on the imperial throne. If the emperor had remained strong and healthy, it might not have mattered. But now, with the emperor nearing his end, Prince Kui was in his prime. How could a twelve-year-old Crown Prince possibly contend with such a formidable opponent?

Huang Zixiao reflected that if she were in the emperor's position, she too would likely be unable to avoid suspicion of Li Shubai. After all, what Li Shubai could effortlessly obtain was the entire realm and the homage of millions.

A fine layer of cold sweat broke out on her back. No matter how she thought about it, she couldn't conceive of any reason the emperor would spare Li Shubai.

Wang Zongshi remained silent, studying her thoughtfully.

Huang Zixiao forced herself to steady her nerves before responding, "Why should you even concern yourself with Tian Lingzi, Gonggong? He's not worth fearing—just a fool who relies on his closeness to the Crown Prince since childhood, acting arrogant before even gaining real power. His Majesty probably thinks that for the Crown Prince, having a foolish and ostentatious eunuch by his side is better than a deep and reserved one."

"Because he'd be easier to deal with, is that it?" Wang Zongshi sneered, brushing his robes. "Just as, for example, His Majesty spent fourteen years trying, yet ultimately couldn't deal with me."

Huang Zixiao fell silent, truly at a loss for how to respond to this."His Majesty is well aware that I have always held differing views from Prince Kui, yet he deliberately entrusted this matter to me—naturally, he has his reasons," he said, rising leisurely to his feet. "As for those ignorant commoners submitting petitions, you needn’t concern yourself. Since I’ve been appointed to oversee this, how could I possibly be swayed by such insignificant folk?"

Huang Zixiang stood with him but had yet to speak when he retrieved a memorial from his sleeve and gestured toward her. "This joint petition—what do you think should be done with it?"

Huang Zixiang lowered her head. "Since His Majesty has entrusted this matter to you, I’m certain you will handle it appropriately. Zixiang dares not presume to advise."

Wang Zongshi glanced at her but said nothing, simply walking out instead.

Huang Zixiang followed him outside, where the crisp air struck her face, sending a slight shiver through her.

Wang Zongshi, who usually detested the cold, now stood tall amidst the bare branches and withered trees, his voice calm and detached. "The coming days will be the most bustling and chaotic period in Chang’an. The Buddha’s relic will soon arrive in the capital, and the entire city will be in an uproar. I intend to advise His Majesty to release Prince Kui from the Imperial Clan Court to receive the relic." He cast a cool glance at the sky. "Isn’t it said that Prince Kui is possessed by an evil spirit? Then let everyone see whether he dares to receive this sacred relic."

Huang Zixiang’s heart tightened. "Will His Majesty agree?"

"He will. First, whether Prince Kui can regain his former glory depends on whether he can pass this trial. Whether he survives this ordeal remains to be seen." Wang Zongshi turned to her with a cold smile. "Moreover, this morning, reports came in that the Uighurs have invaded our borders, and the Zhenwu Army is holding the line. Poor Li Yong—after all his efforts to expand the army, they were routed overnight, all his work wasted. It’s like history repeating itself. Two years ago, when the Uighurs invaded, the military governors retreated step by step. And who was it that led the northern campaign and defeated them? Prince Kui."

"So, the court truly needs Prince Kui now," Huang Zixiang said, forcing herself to remain composed despite the turmoil in her chest.

Wang Zongshi gave her a sidelong glance. "Don’t rejoice too soon. After the suppression of Pang Xun in Xuzhou, didn’t Prince Kui lose the use of his left hand?"

Huang Zixiang pressed her lips together silently and nodded slowly.

"And how do you know what Prince Kui might lose this time, once everything is settled? What merit could possibly absolve him of the crime of fratricide?" Wang Zongshi flicked his sleeves with a sigh. "Sometimes, I can’t help but feel regret. Despite my decade of planning, I could never match Prince Kui’s innate brilliance. For nine years, he lay low in his residence, silent and unnoticed—I thought his fate was sealed, destined to perish quietly like his elder brothers. Yet who could have guessed he would seize the chaos of Pang Xun’s rebellion and rise again in an instant?"

Huang Zixiang stood silently behind him, watching the faint white mist of his breath, and offered no reply."Once again, Prince Kui finds himself at a critical juncture of life and death. However, judging by the recent changes in the northern situation and His Majesty's failing health, I believe the Emperor will take action within two or three days. It won't be long before Prince Kui leaves Xiuzheng Ward—after all, whether he lives or dies, whether he's executed or employed, there's no more time to delay." Wang Zongshi's words caused her eyes to widen slightly, yet he seemed completely unaware of her reaction, continuing as if speaking to himself, "A person's life is governed by fate and shaped by fortune. He has grasped his own destiny—truly a convergence of heavenly timing, earthly advantage, and human harmony. The rebellion arranged by heaven, the Emperor's urgent need for forces to counter me. The rebellion allowed him to stand out, the Emperor's support gave him opportunities, and his extraordinary talent has brought him this far."

Turning his head, he gave Huang Ziguang a cold smile, "But now, whether his fate has reached its end depends on you."

Huang Ziguang felt a surge in her chest, something overwhelming gripping her throat, making it hard to breathe or speak.

"As far as I know, Yunzhi is very fond of you," Wang Zongshi said, his face unusually pale, his cold gaze tinged with a barely perceptible sympathy. "Huang Ziguang, someone as intelligent as you should know how to choose the best path for your life."

Huang Ziguang stiffly lowered her head and replied, "Yes, Ziguang understands."

The capital Chang'an seemed to transform overnight.

The excited populace not only cleaned their homes but also voluntarily took to the streets to sprinkle water and sweep. Yet they soon realized their efforts were futile—the wealthy had already transported the purest yellow sand, sifted repeatedly, ready to spread on the ground to welcome the Buddha's relic. But soon, even the sand paled in comparison, as some had spent their entire fortunes on hundreds of yards of Persian carpets to lay along the relic's procession route.

Chang'an was abuzz with excitement. The Emperor had ordered small pagodas and colorful pavilions to be erected at every intersection. The wealthy filled pools with mercury and adorned trees with gold and jade. The streets were lined with vibrant canopies, and even the trees were wrapped in brocade, creating a dazzling spectacle awaiting the Buddha's relic.

Huang Ziguang, dressed in a narrow-sleeved male outfit, rode through Chang'an on horseback. The bustling streets forced her to dismount and lead her horse, slowly weaving through the crowd. She overheard people discussing the upcoming event—

"Once the Buddha's relic arrives in Chang'an, peace and prosperity will surely follow! Everyone is overjoyed by this occasion."

"That's not entirely true. When Emperor Xianzong welcomed the relic, didn't Han Yu foolishly oppose it and get demoted the same day? This time, there's someone else showing disrespect toward the relic!" an old man stroked his beard and said.

The others suddenly understood and asked, "Are you referring to Prince Kui attempting to obstruct the welcoming of the relic?"

"Exactly! Prince Kui has been dissatisfied from the start, opposing the Emperor's construction of pagodas to welcome the relic. What business is it of his? First, he disapproves of welcoming the relic, then he reduces the number of pagodas, doing everything to hinder His Majesty's plans.""I've also heard the rumors!" someone said mysteriously. "They say Prince Kui has a strange talisman by his side, with the vengeful spirit of Pang Xun attached to it. This talisman glows ominously with blood-red light whenever there's killing. It's by relying on this that Prince Kui has been able to dominate—conquering Nanzhao, defeating the Uighurs, all thanks to Pang Xun's ghostly soldiers!"

Hearing such absurd street gossip, Huang Zixiao couldn't help but rein in her horse and listen further.

Seeing that everyone was captivated by the supernatural tale, the speaker grew even more animated, spinning an increasingly fantastical story: "But Prince Kui never expected that what helped him rise would also cause his downfall. While the talisman aided his success, it was also secretly consuming his mind. Now, possessed by Pang Xun's evil spirit, he's lost all reason and intends to rebel!"

"No wonder he killed Prince E without regard for brotherly bonds!"

"What brotherly bonds exist in the royal family? Besides, his personal guards have come forward to testify—Prince Kui's true ambition is to seize the throne. A mere brother wouldn't even register in his eyes!"

Amid the sighs of the crowd, the old man from earlier also spoke up, "Indeed, so this old man, along with several other elders, jointly submitted a petition directly to the Emperor, urging His Majesty to prioritize the law over merit, ensuring that crimes are exposed and the perpetrators brought to justice!"

"Even in his twilight years, the elder remains devoted to the nation. Truly admirable!"

Amid the praises, someone raised a skeptical voice, "But Prince Kui once rendered outstanding service in battles across the south and north, making great contributions to the empire. If it's said he was bewitched, shouldn’t his merits offset his faults? Surely his crimes don’t warrant death?"

"Prince Kui naturally doesn’t deserve death—he even rendered great service to the empire. But now, it’s no longer Prince Kui residing in that body, but Pang Xun! What does it matter if this soul-stealing demon dies?"

Another chimed in, "But I’ve heard that the court still has need of Prince Kui. Rumor has it..." Here, he lowered his voice mysteriously, his eyebrows twitching with excitement over his insider knowledge, "The court intends to send Prince Kui to suppress the Zhenwu Army!"

"Impossible! Has something happened with the Zhenwu Army?"

"Who knows? Weren’t they just expanding their military forces a few days ago? Could they have rebelled, prompting the court to quell the uprising?"

"Well, well, Pang Xun was originally a rebel leader. Now he’s being sent to fight the Zhenwu Army—rebels fighting rebels. What a mess!"

The crowd burst into laughter. Huang Ziyao listened as their wild speculations grew increasingly absurd. She was about to lead her horse away when the sudden beat of a drum drew everyone’s attention, and the crowd surged toward the sound.

Following the commotion, Huang Ziyao spotted the middle-aged storyteller who often performed at Embroidered Tower. True to form, he had seized the opportunity to set up his drum in the street, basking in the lively atmosphere.

A professional wordsmith, he wasted no time. With a flourish of his drumstick, he launched into a tale about the twenty-four meritorious officials of Emperor Taizong’s Lingyan Pavilion—only to be met with jeers. "Can’t you tell us something more exciting? Give us something scandalous!"

Amid the knowing chuckles of the crowd, the storyteller had no choice but to oblige. "Very well, let me tell you all a tale of the absurd from the reign of Emperor Yang of the Sui dynasty. In Emperor Wen’s twilight years, gravely ill, Emperor Yang entered the palace to attend to him. By chance, he caught sight of Lady Xuanhua bringing in the medicinal broth. With just one glance, his soul was utterly captivated—how could such beauty exist in this world?"

"Then Emperor Wen passed away, and Emperor Yang sent Lady Xuanhua a love knot, taking his father’s concubine for himself and indulging in nightly revelry—we’ve heard this a hundred times! Give us something new!"

Amid the uproarious laughter, Huang Ziyao suddenly paled.

Her mind flashed back to the strands of silk she had uncovered in the incense burner at Prince E’s residence—the remnants unmistakably forming the charred remains of a love knot.

A love knot, a dagger, and a jade bracelet. So this... was the hidden connection between these seemingly unrelated objects!

A wave of terror washed over her. The world blurred before her eyes, the crowd receding into the distance until only the faint outline of the street remained. The colorful awnings overhead cast the road in vivid hues, the sunlight drenching everything in a pale, blood-like red.Her face was deathly pale as she involuntarily clenched the reins in her hand, eyes wide with disbelief, frozen stiff against the wall. After what felt like an eternity, she thought she heard heavy breathing—every hair on her body stood on end as she fearfully and warily glanced around, only to realize the heavy, ragged breaths were her own.

In all her years, she had witnessed countless cases, each more brutal and horrifying than the last. Yet this was the first time she stood in the middle of a crowd, drenched in cold sweat, her mind utterly blank.

The truth was too terrifying—her ears rang with it, her face so ghastly that passersby couldn’t help but stare.

Leaning against the wall at the busiest hour in Chang’an, surrounded by crowds eagerly awaiting the auspicious Buddhist relics, she felt as though her body had turned to ice, stiff and lifeless.

She didn’t know how much time had passed before her senses gradually returned. The storyteller nearby had already moved on to a new tale—this one about Prince Kui’s heroic resistance against the Uighur invaders. But despite his animated delivery, the audience was unimpressed.

"Prince Kui has committed such crimes now—pick someone else to talk about!" they jeered.

Huang Zixiang pressed her fingers to her temples, leaning against the wall, too drained to move.

"Gentlemen, there’s a reason I tell this story today!" The storyteller stood beneath a colorful awning, his face flushed with excitement. "The Uighur invasions are nothing new—but have you heard the news from Zhenwu Army? They were forced to retreat fifty li, their very camp overrun!"

Amid the uproar, the crowd lamented, "What does another defeat matter? The Tang dynasty’s fortunes are in decline—how many losses have we suffered at the borders? It’s nothing like the old days."

The storyteller solemnly declared, "When the Uighurs were crushed by Prince Kui before, they trembled at the mere mention of his name and dared not act recklessly. But now that the prince is in peril, his life hanging by a thread, the Uighurs seize the chance to invade again! They think our Great Tang has no one left! Such despicable opportunism is truly detestable!"

The listeners erupted in fury. One man pushed forward, shouting, "This is intolerable! Prince Kui should lead our Tang forces north and teach them a lesson! Let those petty troublemakers see the might of our empire!"

"Yes, exactly! Show them what we’re made of!"

At the mention of foreign invaders, the crowd was easily roused. The matter of Prince Kui’s alleged murder of Prince E was instantly forgotten, replaced by fantasies of the prince sweeping across the northern frontier, crushing the Uighurs in moments, even storming their capital and driving them deep into the desert, never to rise again...

"Moreover, let me tell you all—doesn’t Prince Kui’s supposed murder of Prince E strike you as utterly bizarre, even sinister? There are hidden mysteries here, and I shall reveal them to you—"

The ensuing speculations grew even more sensational, weaving in supernatural elements that sent the crowd into another uproar. Huang Zixiang, still dazed, continued leading her horse forward, thinking to herself—the Wang family acted swiftly indeed. Just days ago, they had spoken of shifting public opinion, and now it was already underway.

She looked up to see Xiuzheng Ward ahead. Tethering her horse to a willow tree, she instructed the stablehand to add more fodder before heading toward the pavilion of the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs.Upon reaching the entrance, she stood quietly in the corner outside the alley, her figure concealed by a locust tree.

As the sun climbed higher, she remained behind the tree, feeling her hands and feet grow colder by the minute.

Her mind was consumed by thoughts of the love knot, the dagger, and the shattered white jade bracelet.

Had anyone seen her then, they would have noticed her trembling lips and the fear etched across her face.

Even though she now understood the entire chain of events, fear still gripped her—fear of the depths of human depravity, fear of the unknown, fear that she might never uncover the truth herself and restore Li Shubai's innocence.

Clenching her lower lip, she struggled to steady herself as she waited in silence.

It was nearly the hour of Chen when a disciplined troop of Imperial Guards arrived, led by none other than Wang Yun.

"By His Majesty's decree, Prince Kui is summoned to the palace for an audience."

The guards dared not delay. After verifying the decree, they promptly allowed Wang Yun inside to escort the prince out. Huang Zixiang stood motionless behind the locust tree, using its gnarled trunk to shield herself, revealing only half her face as she waited silently.

Moments later, Li Shubai emerged with Wang Yun. His expression was somber, the dark blue brocade robe accentuating his solemn demeanor. Despite the sudden imperial summons, his face betrayed neither joy nor sorrow, and even as he mounted his horse, there was no hint of anything amiss.

She caught sight of his profile—the same flawless contours she remembered, like distant mountains and winding rivers. Unwilling to blink, she stared at him transfixed, memorizing his every movement, imprinting each breath and the slightest flutter of his hair upon her heart.

Silent, she bit her lower lip and watched as he urged his horse forward.

Yet, in that quiet moment, he seemed to sense something. Suddenly, he turned his head toward where Huang Zixiang stood.

His gaze was so sharp it seemed to pierce through the tree trunk, pulling her into his presence.

Instinctively, Huang Zixiang shrank back, hiding completely behind the locust tree. Fortunately, he only paused briefly before withdrawing his gaze and riding onward.

Only when he was far enough away did Huang Zixiang finally exhale, leaning against the tree. With her back to the departing Li Shubai and the others, she thought of the truths that might forever rot in the depths of her heart. She stood there dazed for a long while before closing her eyes with a long sigh, her expression a mix of relief and bitterness.

"Eunuch Wang truly foresaw everything—the change was indeed set for today," she murmured to herself, unable to continue. "But..."

But because of this, she owed the Wang family even more.

When she left Li Shubai's side in the snowstorm, she had thought to use Wang Yun to uncover the Wang family's connection to the case and trace the mastermind behind it. Yet step by step, she had never imagined she would receive so much kindness from the Wangs, nor that events would unfold to this point—where she had to abandon her last escape route.

It was Wang Yun—and the entire Wang family—who had aided her, enabling her to delve deeper into the truth of the case. Prince Kui had been released from the Imperial Clan Court, the case had taken a turn, and now... how could she betray the promises she had made and forsake the Wang family?She knew that with this slim chance, Li Shubai could escape all traps and snares, free to roam the world from then on, never again trapped in perilous situations.

Perhaps forgetting each other in the vast world was the best ending for them.

And now, the only choice left to her was to disappear from his life forever after confirming his safety.

Because even if they met one last time, she wouldn't know how to say goodbye, how to say farewell forever.