Chapter 8; A Mole

As the days grew warmer and the winter frost melted away, the Tranquility courtyard began to come alive once again. The sun's rays bathed the ground, breathing life into the dormant plants and flowers. Spring was on its way. However, despite the changing season, there was still a sense of melancholy that hung in the air. The courtyard seemed to mourn the passing of winter, its colors dominated by shades of white and black. It lacked the vibrant hues that would soon grace its surroundings.
In the midst of this tranquil yet somber atmosphere, Ming Yuan sat in his study. Surrounded by books and records, he delved deep into his studies with unwavering concentration. His appearance exuded a certain charm, his features refined and his demeanor poised.

Hui Cufen, a young man in his early age, entered the room with vivid features, a tall frame, and an air of meekness around him. He approached the prince and respectfully handed him a sealed letter from his qiao sleeves. As the prince received the letter. Despite his youthfulness, Hui Cufen possessed a certain grace and elegance that commanded respect..

As the prince unfolded the letter and read its contents, it became apparent that their plans and investigations had been compromised. The enemy seemed to always be one step ahead of them, leaving them at a disadvantage. Ming Yuan rubbed his head thoughtfully, feeling a slight headache coming on as he read the letter. He quickly averted his gaze when something caught his attention. Among a few scattered scripts, he saw an unfinished painting. Although it was yet to be fully developed, one thing stood out to him—the eyes of the subject.

Those eyes held an innocence that was hard to ignore, but there was also a hint of mischief lurking within them. Ming Yuan found himself captivated by the painting, amused by the emotions it evoked within him. However, he maintained his usual impassive expression, not letting any emotion show on his face.

So this was what his cousin had been working on—a character with such intriguing qualities. Ming Yuan couldn't help but feel drawn to unravel the mysteries behind those eyes and discover what story lay behind them. Hui Cufen gazed at his master, his eyebrows raised in curiosity and a slight smile playing on his lips. He wondered silently if his master found something amusing. Suddenly, Ming Huan, his cousin entered the room accompanied by his personal guard. Ming Huan gestured to his guard, who placed a set of clothes on the table. Ming Yuan glanced at the clothes with a puzzled expression, giving his cousin a questioning look, as if wondering why they were there.

In the bustling and vibrant market, the air was filled with the cries of traders vying for customers, the clip-clop of horses and carts, and the joyful laughter of street performers. The street was alive with the constant movement of people going about their day. Amidst this lively atmosphere, Nan Fang and Dan Zhang, noticed an elderly woman struggling on the street. Without hesitation, they offered to lend a helping hand. As Nan Fang and Dan Zhang lifted the heavy sack together, they passed by Ming Yuan and Ming Huan unaware of their presence, who happened to be strolling by in their simple attire. Ming Huan, though seemingly unsure, intentionally came to a halt in front of a dazzling jewelry stall.

Ming Huan's gaze was drawn to a particular necklace, its intricate design sparkling under the sunlight. Ming Huan's eyes fixated on the exquisite set of pearl jewelry, envisioning how lovely it would look on someone special. His thoughts wandered, contemplating the perfect recipient for such elegance.

Meanwhile, Ming Yuan observed his cousin's expression, recognizing the familiar mask of impassiveness that mirrored his own demeanor. Both men were reserved and introspective, guarding their innermost thoughts and feelings, sharing a silent understanding that transcended words.

In the depths of Ming Yuan's heart lay a profound tragedy that haunted him. It was the fateful night when his biological mother, the beloved empress, and his little sister perished in a devastating fire that engulfed their chambers. Despite his desperate attempts to save them, he was forcefully held back by well-meaning servants, their screams of anguish forever etched in his memory. Ming Huan's father, consumed by grief, wept that tragic night as the flames devoured their lives. From that moment on, Ming Huan was thrust into a world devoid of familial love. His father, burdened by the weight of his responsibilities, immersed himself in state affairs, leaving his son to navigate the tumultuous world alone The current empress, unable to accept Ming Huan as her own, neglected him, further deepening his isolation. Driven by the harsh realities of his upbringing, Ming Huan was compelled to adapt and develop resilience in order to survive. Despite his longing for a tranquil life with his mother and sister, away from the complexities of royal existence, fate seemed determined to keep him in its clutches.

Observing his cousin's withdrawal, Ming Yuan's neutral voice betrayed a hint of concern, prompting him to inquire about the matter. Dismissing the question with a shake of his head, Ming Huan silently retreated. As Dan Zhang forcefully led Nan Fang into the grand halls of Jianqiang, the opulence and extravagance of the place captured his attention. The hall, sprawling and adorned with vibrant hues, was intricately divided into various sections. The gaming area buzzed with the thrill of gambling, while the entertainment center hosted captivating performances. With a mischievous glint in his eyes,
"Place your bets, win all odds. " Dan Zhang approached the large gambling table, lured by the promise of fortune. As he reached for his pouch, anticipation filled the air, only to be swiftly replaced by a sudden change of heart. A playful sheepishness crossed his face as he withdrew his bet, offering a cheeky explanation of his inexperience and the desire to observe first.
As the audience snickered and shot annoyed glances his way, Zhang couldn't help but feel the weight of their judgment. Unfazed, he watched intently as the croupier shook the dice and threw them onto the table. A collective groan echoed through the room as the gamblers realized their losses, suspicion glimmering in the narrowed eyes of Zhang and Nan Fang. The croupier's cunning nature became apparent, as if expertly conning the crowd out of their hard-earned money. Amidst the grumbling crowd of customers, a call to place bets for a hefty prize of one hundred ounces of gold resonated through the air. This announcement instantly captured their attention, prompting a swift rush to the betting table. Voices rose as eager gamblers proclaimed their wagers, ranging from ten to seventy ounces of gold. Amidst the fervor, Dan Zhang, a young man filled with excitement, placed his bet with a small bronze stone, radiating enthusiasm for the game.

Two impeccably handsome men, dressed modestly yet emanating an undeniable allure, entered the bustling gambling hall. Their uncanny resemblance suggested they were identical twins, captivating the attention of onlookers. It was not just their looks that captivated, but their commanding presence and charismatic demeanor that set them apart. Nan Fang and Dan Zhang stood there, utterly dumbfounded, as they realized that the crown prince and the eighth prince had made an unexpected appearance in the very world of gambling. The sight left them questioning the boundaries of convention and tradition, wondering what changes the world had undergone.

As the prostitutes cast flirtatious glances in their direction, Ming Yuan felt his heart quicken and pound in his chest. However, their focus seemed to be fixed on one person in particular. "It's him again!" Ming Yuan thought to himself, feeling a mix of excitement and confusion. And there she was, Ming Huan thought, the woman he nicknamed
"Little Bunny," her eyes glittering with recognition. But why was she dressed as a man?
As the prostitutes cast flirtatious glances in their direction, Ming Yuan felt his heart quicken and pound in his chest. However, their focus seemed to be fixed on one person in particular.
"It's him again!" Ming Yuan thought to himself, feeling a mix of excitement and confusion. And there she was, the woman he nicknamed
"Little Bunny," her eyes glittering with recognition. But why was she dressed as a man?

With a thoughtful shake of the dice, the croupier tossed it onto the table, mentally anticipating his high commission at the expense of the gamblers , the dice landed against his favor. A smile of satisfaction spread across his face as he glanced down at the table. But his smile quickly vanished as his attention was drawn to the two young strangers standing beside him. It was Dan Zhang who had emerged victorious. The room erupted into a mix of disbelief and shock, as everyone marveled at the considerable sum of a hundred ounces of gold won by the unlikely gambler.

Dressed inconspicuously in his everyday attire, Ming Yin wandered through the bustling market. In his prime, he possessed a striking handsomeness, characterized by sharp features that added an air of mystery to his charm. With a quick wit and keen observation skills, he had a knack for stirring up trouble, all while exuding a captivating charisma. The monotonous life of royalty was an endless bore to him, filled with rigid etiquette and stifling expectations. Ming Yin found solace in the vibrant chaos of the marketplace, where he could shed his princely persona. As Ming Yin arrived in front of Jianqiang Hall, he observed the constant flow of people entering and exiting the establishment. Letting out an exaggerated stretch to release any tension, he mustered a determined nod, ready to indulge in some gambling. Adjusting his attire with a composed demeanor, he ascended a short set of stairs and entered the hall.
"Welcome, Young Master Zhi," greeted an attendant, extending a warm welcome. "This way, please." Guided by the attendant, Ming Yin was led to his designated table. Taking a seat at his table, Ming Yin's gaze swept across the room, his interest piqued by the commotion surrounding a particular table. Running his hand through his braids, he leaned back slightly, his handsome face turned upward in an attempt to catch a glimpse through the crowd. The women in the vicinity clamored for attention, their efforts to catch the eye of certain individuals evident. Overcome by overwhelming curiosity, Ming Yin's ruby eyes couldn't resist the temptation any longer. He pushed his way through the bustling crowd surrounding the gambling table, determined to uncover the source of the commotion. With every step, his anticipation grew. But as he finally reached the table, his jaw dropped, his eyes bulged, and his complexion turned ghostly pale. In a state of utter shock, he stammered, "Bro...brother Ming Yuan! Co...cou...cousin Ming Huan!" The unexpected encounter left him speechless, struggling to process the astonishing sight before him. Baffled and filled with disbelief, Ming Yin vigorously rubbed his eyes, darting in and out of the crowd, desperate to confirm that his eyes weren't deceiving him. What on earth were they doing here, in a gambling hall of all places? A storm of emotions started to brew within him.