In the Grand Hall, Xue Liulan slumped lazily on the Dragon Throne, observing his ministers.
Since Murong Jin's return, he hadn't held court for days, claiming illness. But his reputation as a dissolute ruler was well-established; no one batted an eye.
Most ministers were indifferent. The court was a dyeing vat, staining even the most upright. Xue Liulan's gaze drifted to Guo Shangzhong.
The eunuch stood on the edge of the dais, looking down like a spectator. He didn't need to participate in their debates; he only needed to identify who could be used.
Xue Liulan looked at Li Yan on the left, then at the empty spot on the right. He smiled faintly. That place belonged to Xiao Suyi.
Last night, Suyi had infiltrated the palace, landing silently in the courtyard of Zhaoyang Palace.
Xue Liulan was reading memorials by the window; Murong Jin was flipping through a book in bed.
"Come in," Xue Liulan said, opening the door. "Visiting so late? Rare."
Suyi stood at the door, listening. "No wonder you missed court. Hiding a beauty in a golden house?"
Even with his sight restored, his hearing remained sharp. But he didn't enter. Propriety mattered to him.
Murong Jin looked up and saw him. Black robes, gentle smile. She walked to Xue Liulan and bowed. "I trust you have been well."
"Murong Jin?" Suyi's surprise flashed briefly.
Xue Liulan put an arm around her, grinning at Suyi. "Well?"
"Not bad." Suyi chuckled, studying them. "You've finally come back to life."
Murong Jin felt a pang of sadness. Back to life. How had he lived while she was gone?
"Can I come in now?" Xue Liulan pulled her back, clearing the way.
Suyi nodded and entered, sitting at the table.
"Please sit. I'll get tea." Murong Jin smiled and left, closing the door. Suyi's visit was important; she would ensure no one was listening.
Xue Liulan turned back to find Suyi smiling enigmatically.
"What?"
"It seems you were right not to take the Danxi. Guo Lingyu actually helped you."
Xue Liulan felt it too. Fate didn't want him to forget her.
He had been about to swallow the medicine when Guo Lingyu burst in, looking for her 'lost cat'. Suyi had barely hidden in time.
"Was it really a cat?" Suyi asked.
"No. Guo Shangzhong suspects you."
Guo Lingyu's intrusion was a test.
"Old fox." Suyi smiled. "But thanks to her, you changed your mind. Why?"
Xue Liulan looked down. "I suddenly felt it wasn't time to forget her."
"Oh?"
"Guo Shangzhong destroyed her. I have to collect that debt."
"You were going to destroy him anyway." Suyi looked skeptical.
"Without that debt, maybe I wouldn't have been so desperate to wipe him out. I planned to forget her after he was dead."
Suyi knew that plan well. It was a suicide mission. Xue Liulan intended to drag Guo Shangzhong down with him.
"Only death could make you forget her in peace." Suyi sighed. "You love her more than life."
"Don't act like I'm the only one. Is your love for Xu Wan'er any less? We are brothers in this." Xue Liulan laughed loudly.
Suyi laughed too, but his smile faded into melancholy.
"Did you kill Prince Cheng?"
Xue Liulan nodded. "But not completely."
"I heard Guo Shangzhong is trying to frame the Fourth Prince."
"I heard."
"Prince Cheng is still alive?"
"Just a decoy wearing his face. I haven't found a good reason to announce his death yet." Xue Liulan shrugged.
Actually, he had a plan, but Murong Jin's involvement had disrupted it. The mission was supposed to be a distraction while he did the killing. But he couldn't let her die.
So he killed Prince Cheng and replaced him with a double.
"We killed Guo Shangzhong's medicine men. He won't let it go. He'll use this to drag someone down."
Suyi smiled. "And that someone is me."
Xue Liulan rubbed his nose. "Who else but the best swordsman in the dynasty?"
Suyi rolled his eyes. "You saved your wife and threw me into the fire. Xue Liulan, I see your true colors now."
Xue Liulan spread his hands helplessly.
"Your Majesty!" A voice from the steps snapped him back to the present.
Five ministers were kneeling below.
"What is it?" Xue Liulan sat up straight.
"A joint petition." Little Dingzi presented it.
Xue Liulan scanned it. As expected. The assassination of Prince Cheng's guards. The finger pointed squarely at Xiao Suyi, who was absent from court.
"Xiao Suyi assassinated Prince Cheng?" Xue Liulan feigned confusion. "Do you know why?"
"We dare not speculate. Summon him to court for questioning," an old minister quavered.
Xue Liulan pretended to think. "Reasonable. Little Dingzi, summon Xiao Suyi from the Prime Minister's residence."
"Your Majesty, I have a report." Li Yan stepped forward.
"Oh? Speak."
"Troops are gathering in Yin. To prevent rebellion, I have already imprisoned the Fourth Prince, Xiao Suyi, and sent envoys to Yin." Li Yan said slowly.