Guo Shangzhong didn't return to the palace. Instead, he went to a private residence, changed into plain clothes, and headed for the Yichun Courtyard.
Since Murong Jin had drawn the line, it was time to visit the Fifth Prince.
He chose a room in the tavern across the street and sent his attendant to fetch Xue Liulan.
"Any idea why Guo Shangzhong wants to see you?" Die Man asked, straightening Xue Liulan's robe.
He held his arms out, eyes half-closed. "Murong Jin saved Guo Ren from disaster. This is his thank you."
"A thank you? Is he that kind?"
"Kind? Of course not. But it won't be an invitation of knives." He clasped his hands behind his back. "Your people haven't made their move?"
"No. He's too well-guarded. But even a tiger has to sleep. We'll have news by day's end."
Xue Liulan nodded. "Be careful."
From his window, Guo Shangzhong watched Xue Liulan emerge from the Yichun Courtyard, swaying slightly as if still drunk.
"I've brought him," his attendant murmured.
The doors opened. Xue Liulan stood there, his eyes scanning the room before landing on Guo Shangzhong.
"It's been a while," he said with a grin.
"Indeed." Guo Shangzhong rose to welcome him, closing the door. "This old slave greets the Fifth Prince."
"No titles, Eunuch. We're outside the palace. Why not speak as equals? Here, Master Guo, the seat of honor."
"Your Highness, you flatter me."
"Forget 'Your Highness'. Someone might hear." Xue Liulan took the guest's seat for himself.
Guo Shangzhong didn't refuse again. He sat and poured Xue Liulan a full cup of wine.
"So, why invite me here, Master Guo?" Xue Liulan asked, his finger tapping the cup.
Guo Shangzhong raised his own. "My son caused trouble yesterday. Thanks to your wife, the matter was settled. I came to thank her." He paused. "I would have gone to the residence, but I heard you were here."
Xue Liulan lifted his cup. "A small matter. Not worth the trip."
He drained it.
Guo Shangzhong's brow tightened. He drank his as well.
"Your wife seemed… unwell today," he said, watching Xue Liulan's expression. "I watched you grow up, so allow me an extra word. She is your proper wife. You must consider her family's face. Things will get ugly if you don't."
Xue Liulan kept his eyes down, refilling his own cup and downing it. He slammed it on the table. "That woman thinks too highly of herself."
Well, she is the Lord of Yuling, Guo Shangzhong thought. And a famed general. Arrogance is expected.
"She's brilliant. Talented women have pride. In my opinion, it's better if you yield a little. After all, you're relying on them," he said, his voice low.
"Hmph. It was a move born of desperation. If I succeed, we'll see how long their arrogance lasts." A vicious edge crept into his voice, but his eyes, fixed on his cup, were perfectly calm.
Guo Shangzhong sighed. He poured another cup.
"What are your plans now, Your Highness?"
"Plans?" Xue Liulan looked at him. "What would you suggest?"
"Me?" Guo Shangzhong froze. They both knew what this question meant.
After a moment, he smiled. "Your back's healed. Maybe it's time you took a trip—give the Old Master some peace."
"But if his suspicions haven't faded, won't my absence just create a vacuum?" Xue Liulan narrowed his eyes.
Leaving Jindu was, in fact, exactly what he wanted. A voluntary exile was a good strategy. But with Xue Feiyan still in the capital, it was a risk.
Sensing his hesitation, Guo Shangzhong smiled. "The Old Master has some business troubles in the south. He was just wondering who to send."
Xue Liulan's lips curved. He understood.
"If I went, that would certainly grant him some peace." He took the jug and refilled Guo Shangzhong's cup. The eunuch shot to his feet.
Even if they spoke as equals, the hierarchy was absolute.
"Sit," Xue Liulan said. "The wine here is terrible. I'll have the good stuff sent to your residence."
"Then this old slave thanks you."
Xue Liulan raised his own cup. "To you," he said, and drank. His smile never reached his eyes—there was only darkness. Even if only thirty percent of this is real, it's a good haul, he thought. A smirk touched his lips. Thinks too highly of herself? Murong Jin, I'm ruining your reputation.
In fact, Murong Jin didn't seem to care about her reputation. Otherwise, she wouldn't be sitting across from Zuo Xunxiao at the Chengyue Residence. Whether it was a chance encounter or he had been waiting, she couldn't refuse a man who was once her sworn brother.
"Are you well?" he asked. She looked thinner, worry etched into her brow. The fire she'd once carried on the frontier seemed dimmed.
"I'm fine," she answered. "Why did you ask to see me, General Zuo?"
"Can't I share a drink with you without a reason?"
She gave a soft laugh. "I'm a married woman. If there's no reason, I'll be leaving." She moved to stand.
"Jin, do you think he cares?" Zuo Xunxiao's voice was cold.
She whipped her head around. He was looking at his cup.
"He spends his nights in brothels. You came to the send-off alone. A husband like that—you think he cares what you do?"
Murong Jin bit her lip. "Gossip is a fearsome thing. He may not care about my reputation, but his household cannot become a public joke."
"Is it worth it?" he asked, rising. "Are you still so certain?"
"I've made my choice. You know my character, Zuo Xunxiao." She met his gaze. It was better not to have seen him. Better to have avoided this war of words.
He gave a helpless laugh. "Jin, must we be enemies?"
Enemies. It had come to this.
"That was your choice," she said, sighing softly. "I've always respected your choices. Let me go, Zuo Xunxiao."
"If only I could. Jin, I won't give up," he said, his voice firm. "Guo Ren will fail. The defense of Sushen will fall to me. Xue Liulan is doomed."
"Is he?" A smile touched her lips. "Since we're being honest, let me make one thing clear. As long as I am here, Xue Liulan will not lose."
"He doesn't even care about you," he growled, grabbing her arm.
She glanced down at his hand, then met his eyes, her voice steady. "It's enough that I care about him."
The words were like a brand. He recoiled as if burned. Shock, disappointment, disbelief—a storm of emotions crossed his face, finally settling on a deep, profound pain. They had pushed each other to the brink.
Leaving, Murong Jin went to Yumen Jiao. The Yang family caravan was leaving tomorrow.
"All set?" she asked as Xing entered.
"The first shipment will reach Wuchuan as soon as it's converted to grain. Don't worry. I'll do my best to convince Gongzi Suyi to meet you."
Murong Jin smiled back. Just then, Yi slipped into the room.
"What is it?" she asked, surprised. He never showed himself unless it was urgent.
"I just got word. The Minister of War, Yu Weide, was poisoned in his study half an hour ago. He's dead."