Chapter 5

Chapter 5....

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Shin Lian closed the book in front of him and looked at his assistant with a concerned expression. "Yes... I've searched through all these books for an explanation, but there's none. She's the first person whose past I cannot see."

Qing Xiao nodded firmly, attempting to reassure his master. "I will investigate the reason, my lord. I'll find an answer for you."

Shin Lian sighed quietly and nodded. "Very well. I'll count on you for this. I need a convincing explanation." His tone shifted slightly as he asked, "By the way, you've come early. Is there something important?"

Qing Xiao retrieved an envelope from his robes and handed it to his master. "It's about General Lan. All the information related to him has arrived."

Shin Lian turned his focus toward the envelope, opening it and scanning its contents. "And?"

Qing Xiao continued in a serious tone. "The general is involved in embezzlement, bribery, and is infamous for his corruption. He spends most of his time in taverns and has suspicious dealings with counterfeiters, according to our reliable sources."

Shin Lian's eyes moved swiftly over the papers as he listened. Then, he looked up with a faint smile. "So, it seems we'll be staying in the capital longer than I anticipated. Have you sent this information to His Majesty as well?"

"Yes, my lord. The information will soon reach him through our agents. The general will be tried before the emperor next week, especially as he's implicated with several officials, as I informed you."

Shin Lian rose from his chair and began pacing calmly, though he appeared deep in thought. "We'll visit the palace next week... to secure that position."

The room was filled with the scent of paper and old books, accompanied by a profound silence as Shin Lian contemplated his next moves. Meanwhile, the Fourth Prince, Chi Ming, entered the study where Shin Lian and Qing Xiao were organizing documents. Shin Lian raised his eyes from the scattered papers, his expression revealing annoyance as he looked at his brother.

With a sharp tone, he said, "Chi Ming, when did you arrive? Why didn't you announce yourself before entering?"

Chi Ming smiled gently and began to explain. "I wanted to surprise you, brother. Were you busy with something important?"

Shin Lian gestured for Qing Xiao to leave. "It's fine. Sit here."

Chi Ming sat across from his brother and accepted the cup of tea Shin Lian offered. He spoke in a playful tone, "Oh, brother, don't be like that. I didn't mean any harm. So, how are you adjusting to this marriage?"

Shin Lian took a small sip of his tea and replied in a cold tone, "It's fine."

Chi Ming seemed puzzled. "What kind of answer is that, brother? How is 'fine' even an answer?"

Shin Lian ignored the question and changed the subject. "Have you had breakfast?"

Avoiding the previous topic, Chi Ming responded, "Yes, I've eaten. Thank you."

At that moment, Yue Mei burst into the room, shouting enthusiastically, "Shin Lian!" Her maid, Lang Jing, hurried after her, carrying a bouquet of flowers. Yue Mei stopped before Shin Lian, her face alight with excitement. "Guess what I brought you!"

Shin Lian looked at her indifferently. "I don't know."

She laughed and revealed the flowers from behind her back. "Look! Aren't they beautiful? They're for you!" She began displaying them one by one. "This is an iris, this is a white camellia, and here we have some orchids and chrysanthemums. It's a lovely assortment, and the scent is refreshing."

She leaned toward Shin Lian, bringing the flowers close to his nose for him to smell. He interrupted her as he stood up. "Take them away. I don't want them."

Yue Mei looked down, then back at him, her voice soft. "But I... I gathered them for you."

He didn't reply, remaining silent. Chi Ming interjected, "Sister-in-law, the flowers are beautiful."

Yue Mei turned to him, surprised. "Really?"

Chi Ming smiled warmly as he inhaled their fragrance. "Yes, they're very beautiful and smell delightful."

Yue Mei smiled in satisfaction and asked curiously, "But who are you?"

Chi Ming chuckled and replied, "Ah, yes. Pardon me, Your Highness. I'm the Fourth Prince, Wang Chi Ming."

Shin Lian's brow furrowed as he asked gruffly, "You don't know him?"

Yue Mei admitted plainly, "No, I don't." Then she addressed Chi Ming again, "So, you're Shin Lian's brother and my cousin too. Haha."

Chi Ming nodded kindly. "Yes, that's right."

Yue Mei moved closer to Chi Ming and sat beside him. His unease grew at her proximity, but he tried to adapt. She whispered to him pleadingly, "Shin Lian doesn't play with me. Will you play with me? Please?"

Her eyes sparkled, and her face radiated innocence, compelling Chi Ming to agree immediately. "Yes, of course."

Yue Mei jumped up excitedly and exclaimed, "Great! Let's play. Call me Yue Mei, cousin! Come on!"

Chi Ming glanced at Shin Lian with a smile. "I'll go with her, haha." Then he followed Yue Mei into the courtyard, where a small group had gathered.

He asked her, "So, what game do you want to play?"

She raised a finger, tilted her head with a childlike expression, and smiled brightly. "Hide and seek... It'll be me, you, and Jing Jing. The others are busy, so you'll fill in for them."

Chi Ming laughed at her youthful demeanor. "At this age, hide and seek is still fun. Haha." Then he added, "So, who starts counting?"

Yue Mei turned to her maid, Lang Jing, and announced excitedly, "Jing Jing will count, and we'll hide."

Lang Jing nodded, and the game began. However, Lang Jing kept finding Yue Mei quickly. After being discovered yet again, Yue Mei pouted. "Why do you always find me?"

She started calling out for Chi Ming. "Cousin, you should come out too! Why do you always win? Where were you hiding?"

Chi Ming laughed. "It's a secret, haha."

Yue Mei challenged him. "This time, I'll seek. Jing Jing, cousin, I'm coming for you!" She began counting aloud while Chi Ming hurried back to Shin Lian's room to hide.

Whispering to his brother, Chi Ming said, "Don't tell her where I am. Shh."

When Yue Mei entered, she asked slyly, "Shin Lian, have you seen my cousin?"

Without lifting his gaze from the book he was reading, Shin Lian replied, "Wouldn't it be cheating if I told you?"

Yue Mei nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. Fine, I'll keep looking."

After she left, Chi Ming emerged, feeling triumphant. "Thanks, brother. Haha."

But Yue Mei quickly reentered, shouting, "Aha! I found you! Haha!"

Chi Ming looked at her, stunned. "But... that's cheating."

Yue Mei laughed. "No, it's not. Since Shin Lian refused to tell me where you were, it was obvious you'd hide here."

Chi Ming admired her cleverness and gave her a thumbs-up. "Wow, you're smart."

Yue Mei beamed with pride. "I know! My aunt always says I'm brilliant."

She approached him and said, "Now, I'll catch you." Suddenly, Qi Ming began running around Shi Lian while Yue Mei tried to catch him. During the chase, Yue Mei suddenly tripped, but Qi Ming quickly caught her by the waist. Turning to her, he asked, "Are you alright?"

Yue Mei smiled warmly. "Yes, thank you."

Shi Lian watched them, slightly annoyed, especially when Yue Mei almost fell. Qi Ming raised his hands slowly toward Shi Lian, visibly nervous at this moment. Then he touched Yue Mei's hair and said, "I caught you. Are you alright?" Yue Mei smiled. "Yes, thank you." She suddenly pulled away, saying, "Haha, I won. I caught you."

Qi Ming looked confused and surprised. "Oh, yes, you won. Well done." Yue Mei turned to Qi Ming and declared, "Since I won, I want a wish." Qi Ming looked at her curiously. "A wish?" She quickly and firmly replied, "Yes. Don't overthink it. I have everything here. Still, I remembered—I want us to eat long noodles. It's been a while since I had them. What do you think? You, me, and Shi Lian?"

Qi Ming immediately agreed. "Alright, let's go. What do you think, Brother? Shall we go now?" Shi Lian furrowed his brows, refusing with a sharp tone as he glanced at Yue Mei standing before him. "No one is going. Don't ask him for anything."

Yue Mei stepped closer to Shi Lian, speaking in a convincing tone. "But I haven't had them in so long… Let's go together, please." Shi Lian's harsh gaze was piercing as he replied coldly, "No. I have work now, and I need to focus." Her voice lowered as she looked down, disappointed, saying softly, "Alright, Shi Lian. I'm sorry, Cousin. We won't go."

Her steps were heavy as she retreated, sorrow evident in every movement. Before leaving, she cast one last look at him, but Shi Lian didn't lift his eyes from the documents before him.

Qi Ming, who had been observing the scene, stepped toward Shi Lian, clearly upset. Once Yue Mei left the room, Qi Ming spoke in a frustrated tone. "Why do you treat her so cruelly?" His words were reproachful, and his gaze reflected clear disapproval.

Shi Lian, however, remained indifferent, replying in a cold and detached tone, "This is none of your concern."

Qi Ming sat down angrily, as though trying to find the right words to persuade him. He clenched his fists, as if struggling to control his emotions. "I know Father chose her for you, and I know she suffers from a mental condition… but that doesn't give you the right to treat her so heartlessly."

Shi Lian stayed silent, unbothered by his brother's remarks. Qi Ming's frustration grew with every moment of silence. Finally, he took a deep breath and tried to speak in a calmer tone. "Brother, she's a kind-hearted, pure girl. Don't treat her this way… Don't you feel any pity for her?"

Shi Lian slammed the book he was reading shut and placed it firmly on the table. His expression was stern as he looked at Qi Ming, as though ending the conversation with a single glance. "Qi Ming, did you come here just to lecture me on marriage ethics?"

Qi Ming hesitated, feeling for a moment that he had crossed a line. But after a brief silence, he said in a low voice, "I'm here because of Commander Lan. Father received information about corruption files involving some of his ministers. His trial will take place next week."

Shi Lian leaned back, crossing his arms in a gesture of mild relaxation after the topic shifted. "Why are you telling me this?"

Qi Ming tried to calm himself as he continued, "After I return to the capital, Father will force me to stay here and take his place after Commander Lan's trial."

Shi Lian made a small gesture, as if the matter didn't concern him much. "Congratulations. You deserve the position. You're a strong warrior."

But Qi Ming shook his head in frustration, speaking with a tone that carried hidden discontent. "Brother, you know I prefer wandering… I don't like the responsibilities of such a position. Come to the trial and help me secure it for you instead."

Shi Lian's expression grew more serious, but he responded with clear indifference. "I won't stay long in the capital. My circumstances don't allow me to hold a position there."

Qi Ming tried hard to persuade him, his tone insistent but not desperate. "Brother, you have many privileges and achievements. After driving out the enemy and stabilizing the borders, Father will have no choice but to accept you, especially in front of his ministers. Think about it."

But Shi Lian remained unmoved, repeating his refusal in a firm voice. "I can't. I have no place in the capital."

Qi Ming stood up, feeling defeated. His steps were heavy as he said, "Brother, I'll be waiting for you next week. I hope you'll think about your future."

He then turned and left the room, leaving Shi Lian alone amidst a heavy silence.

One week later...

The day of the commander's trial arrived, and Shi Lian had prepared to head to the palace. The morning was sunny, with sunlight filtering through the tree leaves, casting dancing shadows on the ground. At that moment, Qing Xiao entered and said, "Your Highness, the carriage is ready. It's time to leave."

Shi Lian nodded as he walked toward the door, adding as he exited, "Very well then." His tone was firm, his expression serious. Qing Xiao followed closely, asking curiously, "My lord, will Her Highness the Princess be coming?"

At that moment, Yue Mei approached Shi Lian, standing beside him with her sparkling eyes. She held the hem of her purple dress, which draped elegantly around her. "Shi Lian, do I look beautiful in this dress?" she asked excitedly, spinning around to show him.Shin Lian continued on his way without stopping. "We'll be late. Move quickly," he said firmly. Yue Mei followed him, her steps hurried but hesitant. "Yes…" she muttered softly. Once they entered the carriage, Yue Mei glanced at Shin Lian with a puzzled expression. In a low voice, she asked, "Shin Lian, are you upset with me? Have I made you angry? Did I do something wrong to make you ignore me these past days?" Her gaze searched his eyes for an answer, but his expression remained steady and silent.

After a pause, he finally responded, "It's not that. I'm just not talkative."

Yue Mei's mouth opened slightly, and a moment of mutual understanding passed between them. "Ah, I see. Well, in that case, I'll do the talking for both of us… Did you know? I've made friends with all the servants at home. We've played together a lot. They're really nice, and we've had fun doing so many things. Also, I visited my aunt these past days. You know I promised her I'd visit often. We talked, and she, my uncle, and my cousin are the best people in my life. They're my family. I love them… and now, you're part of my family too. Isn't that amazing?"

As Yue Mei rambled on, Shin Lian felt a growing tension within him. Suddenly, he raised his hand sharply and commanded, "Enough!" Startled, Yue Mei tilted her head and hesitated. "Yes…?"

Pointing his finger warningly, Shin Lian declared, "You're not allowed to speak here." Lowering her voice, Yue Mei replied apologetically, "I just wanted to talk to you… I'm sorry. I won't do it again. I'll listen to you instead." He sighed, "Good." A silence fell between them until they reached the palace.

At the palace gates, they disembarked together. Yue Mei glanced at Shin Lian as he turned to her with a firm tone. "I have important work to attend to. Don't wander around." She nodded softly. "Mm…" Shin Lian then walked away with his assistant, while Yue Mei watched him until he disappeared from sight.

---

In the Phoenix Imperial Hall, towering columns adorned with golden engravings filled the air with the scent of luxurious sandalwood. The atmosphere was heavy with silence and respect as the ministers stood in neat rows, their faces stern under the emperor's presence. Sunlight streamed through the high stained-glass windows, casting a majestic aura over the hall. In the front row stood the Crown Prince, the other princes, and the emperor's brother, Liu Xian Jin, all poised to hear the fateful verdict regarding Commander Liang Yi Lan.

At the center of the hall, kneeling on the cold floor, was Commander Liang Yi Lan. His white prison garments, stained with blood from torture, reflected his miserable state. His gray hair was disheveled, and his pale eyes gleamed with desperation. A faint groan escaped him, blending with the echo of the guards' steady footsteps, while the pounding of his heart thundered in his ears like the drums of doom. "Your Majesty, please have mercy!" he stammered, trembling from head to toe. "I have devoted my life to serving you… I beg for forgiveness!" His trembling hands reached up as he tried to meet the emperor's gaze, his voice barely audible over his stifled sobs.

The emperor rose slowly from his throne, his regal robes embroidered with a golden dragon swaying with his steps. His face was stern, devoid of emotion, and his voice sharp as a blade as he spoke. "Are you regretting your service to me, or are you trying to use it as leverage?" The emperor's words rang with finality. "I have rewarded you for all your accomplishments. As for forgiveness… that is impossible."

Yi Lan's pleas grew more desperate, his bloodied forehead pressing harder against the floor with each bow. "Please, Your Majesty… my family is innocent. I will accept death, but please, spare my family… This is my final request." His words trembled with despair, his hoarse voice betraying the depth of his hopelessness.

The emperor sighed deeply, his piercing gaze fixed on Yi Lan as he held up a wooden board inscribed with "Execution." "You have been found guilty of corruption. You betrayed the trust placed in you and wronged the ministers. Your family will be exiled from the capital, never to return. As for you…" With a swift motion, the emperor threw the wooden board before Yi Lan, the harsh sound of its impact echoing in the chamber like a tolling bell of doom. "Commander Liang Yi Lan, you are sentenced to execution!"

A heavy silence enveloped the hall. Only the anxious breaths of those present and the rhythmic steps of the guards echoed as they approached to drag Liang Yi Lan away. As his disgraced figure was hauled out, the sound of his fading footsteps left a haunting void behind. The ministers began whispering among themselves, speculating who would replace him.

Minister Yang Shi stepped forward confidently, holding a complete dossier of potential candidates. Handing it to the emperor, he declared firmly, "Your Majesty, with Commander Yi Lan's betrayal, a swift decision is necessary. Here are names of capable individuals fit for the position."

The emperor raised a contemplative brow as he examined the documents. Turning to Minister Yang, he asked, "Are they truly worthy of this responsibility, Minister Yang?" Bowing respectfully, Yang replied with conviction, "Yes, Your Majesty. They are highly qualified."

Despite the assurances, the emperor entertained the thought of appointing his son, Prince Chi Ming, to the position. Gesturing toward Chi Ming, he declared, "My son, this is your opportunity to prove yourself worthy of responsibility. You possess all the necessary qualities."

Chi Ming stepped forward slowly, suppressing his apprehension. "Your Majesty, I am unfit for this role. I am too lazy to fulfill the duties properly. I apologize, Father. I lack the required competence." His words were resolute, signaling his rejection.

At that moment, Prince Shin Lian entered the hall with confident, measured steps. His presence was commanding, his aura undeniable. Bowing formally, he greeted, "Greetings to Your Majesty."

The emperor's expression darkened. "This is the first time the third prince has come here. What brings you to intervene at this moment?"

Kneeling before the throne, Shin Lian replied firmly, "I seek this position, Your Majesty. Of all the names listed in this document, I am the most capable."

A tense silence filled the hall as the ministers exchanged glances. The emperor scrutinized his son, hesitating before making his decision. Finally, he asked softly, "How can you? You are to return to the borders soon."

Smiling shrewdly, Shin Lian replied, "I wish to stay, Your Majesty, to assist you and share your burdens."

After much deliberation, the emperor spoke decisively. "The third prince is strong and trustworthy. His achievements are well-known, and he is the reason for our nation's safety. He will be appointed as Commander of the Capital Army. I trust he will fulfill his duties."

Shin Lian bowed respectfully. "I thank Your Majesty for your kindness. I will work hard and carry out my responsibilities with utmost diligence."

---

In the palace gardens, amid the fragrant blossoms, Yue Mei wandered with her servant, Lang Jing. Yue Mei admired the flowers and spoke softly, "Did the message reach His Majesty?" Lang Jing nodded. "Yes, My Lady, it was delivered." Yue Mei's face was serious, though a faint smile lingered on her lips. "Good. Send word to the Red Robe Wing. They must burn all of Commander Liang's documents." Lang Jing replied firmly, "Understood, My Lady."

As Yue Mei watched the butterflies flitting among the flowers, her expression grew tranquil. Suddenly, noticing someone nearby, she switched to her feigned madness, chasing after the butterflies with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Jing Jing! Catch the butterfly, quickly!" she cried, stumbling backward in her pursuit.

Lang Jing called out, alarmed, "My Lady, be careful…" Yue Mei collided with someone and fell to the ground. Rising, she turned to see who it was.

To be followed in the next chapter ............