Back from the heavenly prison, Murong Jin collapsed into a chair. Outside, the sky was already turning a fish-belly white. She had been up all night. She rubbed her temples and closed her eyes.
Her eyes snapped open. The door was creaking open. In the dim morning light, a man's figure appeared, then stepped into the shadows, his face obscured.
Her hand went to the sword at her waist. She moved silently around the desk. "Who's there? Since you've come, why not show yourself?"
"And if I don't?" a hoarse voice whispered. He was deliberately disguising it.
"Then I'll have to make you," she said, her voice flat.
As the words faded, she struck. Her soft sword was a silver snake, a flash of light aimed for his heart. One more step, and he would be dead.
But she sheathed her blade and sat down. "Yi," she said, her voice laced with annoyance, "don't you think I have enough to deal with?"
"Hah! Of course not." The man stepped out of the shadows. It was Yi.
He sat beside her. "Is my sister angry?"
"Of course I am," she snapped.
"Then what can I do to make you not angry?" he asked, propping his chin on his hand. "Kill Xue Feiyan? Or rescue Xue Liulan?"
"You can start by not causing me any more trouble." She rested her palm on his forehead. "Didn't I tell you to go back? What are you doing here?"
"Liu was following the General's orders. So am I," he said, sitting up straight. "The General was worried, especially after he heard about Xue Liulan. So he sent us back."
"I see." So her father was still worried.
"You're injured?" His eyes fell to her right arm. "Who did it?"
"I did," she said, her voice flat.
"What?" He stared, his face a mask of disbelief.
"It's a long story." She told him what had happened. He listened, his expression thoughtful.
"I saw Xue Feiyan and that guard last night," he said when she had finished. "The one called Ling Yan."
"Oh?" Murong Jin looked at him, interested. "Do you know anything about her?"
"I heard she's from Night Blade. Been with him for eight years."
She thought for a moment. "Yi, I want you to investigate her. And a while back, I heard he broke the Nine-Turn Chain Bells with a woman at his side. It was probably her."
"Alright. I'll get right on it."
"Wait." She stopped him. "You've been riding all night. Rest first."
A boyish grin spread across his face. "With Xue Liulan in prison, you must be more anxious than anyone. The sooner I find out about her, the sooner he might be able to come home, right?"
"You…" She couldn't help but laugh. "Alright. But be careful."
"I will." He opened the door and vanished into the rising sun. She let out a long breath, a wave of exhaustion washing over her.
Five days had passed. A message came from the palace: tomorrow, the Emperor would be rewarding his meritorious subjects. She was to attend the morning court.
She received the edict, dismissed the eunuch, and stood in the courtyard, staring at the scroll.
If I were to trade my merits for his freedom, would he agree? The thought was met with a self-mocking laugh. This was Jindu. Of course not.
"Ning Bi."
"Your Highness."
"Prepare my court robes," she said. "The cloud-brocade one, the dress of a princess consort."
"What?" Ning Bi stared. She was a victorious general. Shouldn't she wear her armor?
"Is there a problem? Eaten by moths?"
"N-no. Of course not."
"Good. Prepare it." She handed the edict to the maid. "Put this somewhere."
Ning Bi took the scroll, her mouth twitching. She treats an edict with the same carelessness as the master. They were made for each other.
"Your Highness, where are you going? Shall I prepare the carriage?" Little Dingzi asked.
"No need. I'm just going for a walk," she said, not breaking her stride.
"Shall I attend you?"
"No."
He watched her disappear, then exchanged a look with Ning Bi. The master is in prison. What is she in the mood for a walk for?
She stopped before the gates of Yumen Jiao.
"My lady! You've returned!" The attendant at the door recognized her.
"Yes. I've been to the frontier."
"We've all heard! You assassinated the Yanyun leader! A great hero!"
She just smiled. "Is your Third Young Master back?"
"Ah, no. The old master in the south is ill. He was called back and hasn't returned."
"I see." A flicker of disappointment. She walked inside.
The hall was the same, but more crowded, the stage more opulent. It was the same dancer Xing had trained, her movements more fluid.
And in the front row, a man in black robes, his fingers tapping along with the rhythm.
"It's been a while," she said, walking to his side.
He stood. "I have been waiting for you."
She froze, then gestured. "Please. Let's talk upstairs."
"After you."
"What brings Gongzi Suyi to Jindu?" she asked once the door was closed.
"For Liulan's sake, of course," he said with a gentle smile. "Are you not doing the same?"
"All for nothing, I'm afraid." She looked down, then composed herself. "You said you were waiting. Why?"
He just smiled. "I've already been to see him."
She just raised an eyebrow. For a man of his skill, breaking into the heavenly prison was a simple matter.
"He asked me to give this to you." He placed a black box on the table. "If this plan succeeds, not only will Liulan be freed, but Xue Feiyan will suffer a great loss."
She opened it. Inside, on a bed of white silk, lay a hexagonal cloth pouch, embroidered with strange, complex patterns. It looked like some kind of witchcraft. The stark white only made the crimson red of the pouch seem more sinister. A sudden chill crawled up her spine, her vision rippled—as if the box itself were breathing.
Clack. She slammed the lid shut.
"So you have already experienced its power," he said, having heard the change in her breathing.
"This is the legendary witchcraft?" she asked, forcing a smile.
He nodded. "The court has always forbidden it, especially any alliance between the inner palace and the outer court."
She understood. She tucked the box into her sleeve. "I see."
"The one who tied the bell must untie it. If you need anything, I will be waiting in Yin." He rose and gave a formal salute.
"I won't see you out," she said, returning the gesture with the respect due a great scholar.