An Oriental Odyssey

"Agreed?"

"Agreed!"

The news from the noble guest traveled swiftly. Young Master Xianya, the son of Imperial Tutor Pei, was tried in court at the Luoyang County Government Office. Prince Jing's Mansion received the most accurate information. After a moment of silence, the prince turned and hastened to the backyard. The informants exchanged knowing glances, realizing that the Prince's sister's wedding with the accused was just five days away. However, amidst this great turmoil, they wondered how the prince would handle the situation!

Princess Xinghui was engrossed in selecting beads when Prince Jing entered in a hurry. He declared, "Younger sister, let's put the wedding on hold."

Princess Xinghui looked puzzled and inquired, "Elder brother, what are you saying?"

"I mean, let's postpone your marriage with Young Master Xianya and reconsider or even cancel it. You cannot marry him!"

Princess Xinghui stood up, her brows furrowing as she asked, "Why?"

"You are always well-informed. How can such a significant matter escape your notice?! Young Master Xianya is the mastermind behind the entire private salt network in Luoyang! Today, he underwent a court trial at the Luoyang County Government Office, and the evidence and witnesses all pointed to him. He even admitted it!"

"That is all nonsense!" Princess Xinghui's face flushed, and she argued, "Young Master Xianya is cautious in his actions, kind-hearted by nature, and only loves music. He would never engage in smuggling! Someone must be intentionally framing him! It's a setup!"

Prince Jing sneered, "What did you say about him? Cautious in his actions, kind-hearted, and only loves music? My sister, after just meeting him once, you became infatuated with him. How much do you truly know about this person? Aren't you surprised that he is involved in smuggling? You are too naive! He even killed someone! He murdered!"

Princess Xinghui was taken aback and leaned on the table as she asked Prince Jing, "Young Master Xianya killed someone? Who did he kill? Why?!"

"Weren't they once close? But that poor woman inadvertently discovered Young Master Xianya's secret dealings with Qianduan pavilion in smuggling private salt, and so he poisoned and killed her. Hmph, do you think he is incapable of such a scheme? It served a dual purpose for him: silencing her and removing an obstacle to your marriage!"

"The death of the Qianduan pavilion dancer was widely discussed some time ago. Wasn't it caused by her maid plotting for money? How could Young Master Xianya be the culprit? And that peculiar poison you mentioned, where did he get it?!"

"You find it strange, and I find it strange too. But for a drug addict, someone addicted to opium, obtaining such exotic and curious things isn't difficult at all." Prince Jing looked at Princess Xinghui, noticing her surprised and somewhat distrustful expression. He stood up suddenly and asked, "Still not convinced? Let me tell you, the news from the informants just arrived. The details of the court trial, whether Young Master Xianya was sitting or kneeling, and the confrontation with Qianduan pavilion's Madam, as well as what the dwarf selling the hallucinogenic drugs at the Ghost Market said, I know all of it clearly! The evidence and witnesses are all there! No one can deny it!"

Prince Jing spoke convincingly, and Princess Xinghui finally seemed to be persuaded, pondering for a while. "Dealing in smuggled salt, poisoning, and murder, these are all serious crimes. If Young Master Xianya really committed these acts, he must have been careful and flawless in execution. Who discovered the evidence? Who solved the case?"

Prince Jing said, "If you often walk by the river, you won't avoid getting your shoes wet. Besides, we also encountered an unexpected person! The constable from Luoyang County Government, named Zhao Lanzhi, the one was transferred back from the border just a year ago. In reality, he is a confidant of the Empress, and his return to Luoyang was to oversee major cases!"

Princess Xinghui suddenly had a realization. There seemed to be an image of a vigorous and capable young man associated with Zhao Lanzhi's name – a fair and composed face. She recalled seeing him in the Imperial Tutor Pei's mansion, and she might have heard about him from Young Master Xianya as well. Weren't they friends? How could he send his friend to prison like this? Zhao Lanzhi indeed appeared to be a cold and ruthless character. This thought made Xinghui chuckle softly.

Prince Jing misunderstood, thinking that his sister had accepted his words without hesitation. He spoke earnestly, "Younger sister, this is a calamity that should have been avoided, but it has come nonetheless. It's better that it happened sooner than later. Cancel the marriage with Young Master Xianya! Remember, a nobleman does not stand under a falling wall. Tomorrow, I will request an audience with the Empress to cancel the engagement!"

Xinghui turned away and said, "Elder brother, let me think about it again."

Prince Jing was about to say something more but changed his mind and left. Their parents passed away early, and the two siblings had been close since childhood. Although Xinghui was young, she was exceptionally talented among the imperial children. Last year, she even became the disciple of the Royal Tianqiao Master. Prince Jing thought that, regardless, he had made the interests and consequences clear to Xinghui. Surely, she wouldn't continue to act foolishly, right?

The year entered a new phase. After the Qianduan pavilion case was resolved, Luoyang City seemed to enjoy an unusual tranquility, even the prison cells at Luoyang County Government Office experienced an unusual calmness.

The cell where Xianya was held was different; it had a clean bed and a wash basin. He lay on the bed, facing the wall, illuminated by moonlight. In his half-asleep state, he heard someone softly calling his name: "Young Master Xianya, Young Master Xianya." He thought it was just another dream of Ruyue coming for him again. He waited for a while with his eyes closed, and the calling persisted, with a slight hint of sobbing, "Young Master, wake up, say something to me, please."

Xianya finally realized that he wasn't dreaming. He turned and got off the bed, only to see Princess Xinghui standing outside the cell, dressed in a black robe, clutching the railing. He was surprised and hurriedly approached, saying, "Princess, Princess, why are you here? My case has attracted the Empress' attention; my father and mother cannot visit me. How did you get into this cell?"

"Whether I can accomplish something or not depends on whether I want to. Others may not come, but I had to come to see you!"

Xianya reached through the bars and touched her hair, saying, "I thought I was dreaming."

Xinghui was anxious and grasped his hand, saying, "Young Master, Young Master, I know that you are not involved in smuggling private salt. You don't lack money, so you wouldn't take such risks. I want to ask you, is the dancer's death related to you?"

"Princess, does it matter to you whether these things are related to me or not?"

"Of course, it matters! How can it not matter?! I need to know if I've misjudged you! I need to know!"

Xianya sighed and lowered his head, "I did have a connection with Ruyue in the past. But ever since I met you and fell in love with you, we've parted ways. I was unaware of her death, and it has nothing to do with me!"

Upon hearing this, Xinghui felt greatly relieved and shed tears while smiling, "I understand now. Someone must have framed you! Young Master, I won't stand idly by!" She said this and turned to leave.

Xianya was worried, "Princess, what are you going to do?"

Xinghui resolutely replied, "I have my own ways!"