On the carriage back to the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion, Gongsun Yanming rested with his eyes closed, flashes of the contest between Lu Qi and Lu Yuan in the Jinluan Palace flitting through his mind.
What Lu Yuan displayed exceeded his expectations. He suspected that the rumors of him being an utter good-for-nothing were untrue, but even so, he hadn't anticipated such capabilities.
"Prime Minister Xun, I need your help investigating someone."
"Who could warrant a personal visit to the West City by Pavilion Master Gongsun?"
"The bloodline of Prince Qin's Mansion in the Southwest."
"Oh? Wasn't Prince Qin's line said to be cursed to end? Has there been a revival?"
"It's a long story. Here's a portrait of his father. If he is truly his son, the resemblance should be striking."
"Since Pavilion Master Gongsun has asked, how could this minister possibly stand idly by? Please return to the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion and await word."
