Chapter 11: Seeking Help

Upon arriving at the destination, Xiao Chenrui instructed the carriage driver to wait and stepped forward to state his business to the guards. He then waited quietly outside.

Before long, a guard emerged: "Young Master Xiao, His Highness the Prince requests your presence."

His elder sister had thoroughly briefed him the day before. Though nervous inside, he managed to maintain a calm exterior.

The guard led him directly to the study of Prince Jing in the front courtyard. After exchanging a few quiet words with the guard at the door, that guard approached the entrance and announced respectfully, "Your Highness, Young Master Xiao has arrived."

A deep voice sounded from within: "Admit him."

Xiao Chenrui was ushered inside. Not daring to let his eyes wander, he saw a carved sandalwood writing desk dominating the room, backed by a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf made of huanghuali wood, filled to the brim with books.

He approached properly and bowed deeply: "This humble subject, Xiao Chenrui, pays his respects to Your Highness, Prince Jing."

Prince Jing, Mo Yuxuan, looked at the youth before him: "Rise. State your purpose for visiting the Prince's residence today."

Xiao Chenrui swiftly drew the letter from his robe: "Your Highness, this is a plea for help entrusted to me by my elder sister. I humbly beseech Your Highness' mercy and assistance." An attendant nearby took the letter and presented it to the Prince.

Prince Jing opened the unsealed letter and scanned it rapidly, his expression darkening. He raised his eyes to Xiao Chenrui: "Are you aware of the contents of this letter?"

Xiao Chenrui nodded: "Yes, Your Highness. My elder sister explained everything to me yesterday. I earnestly implore Your Highness to uphold justice for my sister and me."

Prince Jing recalled Xiao Renjin, who had perished saving his life. His voice turned grave: "This Prince is now aware of the matter. An investigation will be dispatched. If the claims are substantiated, justice shall be done. You may leave."

Having secured the Prince's promise, Xiao Chenrui felt slightly reassured. He bowed once more: "I thank Your Highness for your grace. This humble subject takes his leave."

Outside the Prince's residence, the hired carriage still waited. Xiao Chenrui quickly boarded and returned to the bookhouse where his second cousin was. Upon entering, he saw his cousin still deep in conversation and laughter with other young gentlemen. Only then did his tension fully dissipate.

To avoid unnecessary questioning upon returning to the mansion, he deliberately used his own silver to purchase a book he needed. He found a secluded corner, sat down, and began reading, waiting for his cousin to call for their return.

It was nearly noon when people finally began to disperse from the bookhouse.

Xiao Chenrui then boarded the family carriage back to the mansion with his second cousin.

Naturally, they once again entered discreetly through the rear gate.

Parting ways with his cousin on a garden path, Xiao Chenrui first returned to his own residence, Pine Courtyard. His manservant greeted him: "Young Master, you've returned?"

Walking towards the study, Xiao Chenrui asked: "Has anything happened in the mansion?"

The servant followed him into the study: "Nothing, Young Master."

"Has anyone visited Pine Courtyard?"

"No."

Xiao Chenrui breathed a sigh of relief: "Very well. You may go."

Once the servant withdrew, he left the courtyard alone and walked swiftly towards the Bamboo Seclusion Pavilion.

The maid Siqin, recognizing the Third Young Master, curtsied: "This maid greets the Third Young Master."

Xiao Chenrui asked softly: "Is my sister within?"

Before Siqin could answer, Yunyi emerged from inside: "Ruige'er (young master Rui), come in."

Xiao Chenrui hurried forward. Lowering his voice so only the two of them could hear, he said: "Sister, it's done." A smile spread across Yunyi's face. After the maid served tea and withdrew, Yunyi asked: "What did Prince Jing say?"

Xiao Chenrui recounted the events at the Prince's residence in detail. Finally, he asked: "Sister, will Prince Jing truly help us?"

Yunyi nodded firmly: "Be at ease. The eyes of the entire capital are watching. Even if his motives are not pure, he must put on a show for the world. Believe that soon, someone from the Prince's residence will come."