[One Month Earlier — Crown Prince Line]
On the official road between Lingqu County and Fenghe Granary, an inconspicuous green-canopied horse carriage was moving steadily forward.
The sound of wheels crushing gravel was scattered and broken away by the wind.
Inside the carriage sat a handsome man, whose brows were sharp like swords and eyes bright like stars, wrapped in an innate noble aura—
Even though he wore only a moon-white and pale-green robe with no dragon patterns of court attire, that steady authority seemed carved into his bones, impossible to conceal.
This man was none other than Crown Prince Zhao Jingheng, traveling in disguise.
“Your Highness, we are approaching the Fenghe Granary region ahead. Shall we find an inn to rest first?”
A guard lifted the curtain, his voice kept extremely low, afraid of disturbing the person inside.
Zhao Jingheng was idly playing with a folding fan. The ink-painted bamboo and stone on the fan surface were elegant and refined. His fingertips rubbed the fan bones as the corners of his lips lifted into a playful smile:
“No rush. First go to the Kang Prince’s residence. Since I’m rarely out in disguise, I should at least give my imperial uncle a ‘surprise.’”
As his words fell, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes—
“Rumor says the Lingxi merchant group has gotten bold enough to do business in Fenghe Granary, even daring to sell foreign evil medicines under my imperial uncle’s nose. I wonder if he truly doesn’t know, or is simply pretending ignorance? Today is just right to test him.”
“Yes! Your Highness!” the guard responded promptly, turning the carriage toward the Kang Prince’s residence.
[Prince Kang Residence]
“Your Highness, we’ve arrived at the Kang Prince’s residence.” The guard lowered his voice, eyes vigilantly scanning the surroundings.
Zhao Jingheng gave a slight nod and straightened his robe collar—
After all, royal dignity must be maintained even in disguise.
He stepped forward and lightly knocked the door ring—three steady, unhurried taps.
Footsteps soon came from inside. The steward peeked out, and upon seeing unfamiliar faces, was about to question them when Zhao Jingheng spoke gently:
“Please inform the Kang Prince. This nephew Zhao Jingheng has come to pay a visit.”
The steward froze for a moment, narrowing his eyes to examine him—
This bearing, this speech… definitely not an ordinary noble youth. He dared not delay and quickly bowed:
“Please wait, sir. I will report to His Highness immediately!”
He turned and rushed inside, his hurried steps as if afraid of neglecting an important guest.
Not long after, hearty laughter came from the main hall.
Prince Kang Zhao Chengyu, dressed in dark-patterned casual robes, strode out quickly, his face full of surprise:
“Jingheng? You brat, why did you suddenly come to Fenghe Granary? Come in quickly!”
He grabbed Zhao Jingheng’s hand warmly, showing none of the court restraint—only familial closeness between uncle and nephew.
The two entered the main hall and took their seats as guest and host. Maidservants served fragrant tea, steam curling upward.
Looking at his nephew, Prince Kang nodded repeatedly:
“You’ve become more and more steady. Truly worthy of the emperor’s high expectations. Why didn’t you inform me before coming in disguise? I could have prepared a proper reception and welcomed you properly.”
“Uncle jokes.” Zhao Jingheng took a sip of tea and said calmly, “This trip was meant to be private. Too much ceremony would ruin the purpose. Besides, only by traveling in disguise can one see the true lives of the people in Fenghe Granary. Better than riding in a carriage and passing through superficially, wouldn’t you agree?”
Prince Kang’s eyes showed approval, then he changed the topic:
“You are busy with state affairs in the capital. What brings you to this remote place? Surely not just to see me, this idle prince?”
Zhao Jingheng set down his teacup, his expression slightly turning serious:
“Uncle guessed correctly. This trip is related to the Purple Decision Flower case. Father ordered me and Grand Tutor Bai to investigate the Guang Prince residence. Now the case has made progress, and Grand Tutor Bai has already returned to report. I used this chance to travel around the local areas—to observe the people, and also to see if Uncle is living well here.”
“Purple Decision Flower case?” Prince Kang frowned slightly.
“I’ve heard of it. It involves many people, even Prince Guang’s Zhao Chengyuan was dragged in. Hopefully this can clear his name.” He sighed.
“You are young yet bearing such responsibility. Truly difficult.”
Just then, footsteps came from outside the hall.
On the left was a young man in green brocade robes, gentle and smiling—Prince Kang’s eldest son Zhao Jinyu.
On the right was another man in dark green robes. Though tall in stature, he carried an undeniable decay—
His face was pale as paper, eyes sunken, gaze dull like ash. He looked like dried bones, entirely lifeless. It was Prince Kang’s illegitimate son Zhao Jinzhou, courtesy name Wenyan.
“Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince!”
Zhao Jinyu immediately recognized him and bowed excitedly:
“I didn’t expect Your Highness to arrive. It has been many years. Your demeanor is unchanged. I still remember our days in the Directorate Academy studying Shura arts together.”
Zhao Jingheng stood and returned the courtesy:
“Brother Jinyu, well met. You seem even more composed now. You must have refined your techniques greatly over the years.”
As they exchanged greetings, Zhao Jinzhou slowly stepped forward, his gait unsteady like walking on cotton. When he bowed, he even swayed slightly. His voice was hoarse, like sandpaper scraping:
“…Greetings, Your Highness.”
His tone was flat, almost numb. His clouded eyes flicked up briefly before quickly lowering again, as if even looking longer cost him strength.
Zhao Jingheng was not familiar with this second young master, having only seen him from afar years ago at a family banquet.
But seeing his current state, his heart sank—
This was not merely “poor health.” It was clearly the result of some evil art or poison.
Yet he remained calm, nodding slightly:
“This must be Young Master Wenyan. It has been some time. You seem much thinner.”
Prince Kang quickly interjected, masking his seriousness:
“Jingheng, do not be offended. Jinzhou has been unwell lately. His spirit is weak, and his temperament has become dull.”
Zhao Jinzhou said nothing, only lowering his head, fingers unconsciously rubbing his sleeve patterns, his entire body exuding rejection.
Zhao Jinyu quickly changed the topic:
“Your Highness must be tired from travel. Shall we prepare a banquet so we may properly catch up?”
“Indeed!” Prince Kang laughed. “We shall drink well today!”
Zhao Jingheng smiled:
“Then I shall trouble Uncle and both brothers.”
The hall atmosphere gradually warmed. Zhao Jingheng chatted freely with Prince Kang and Zhao Jinyu, speaking of capital affairs and local governance.
Only Zhao Jinzhou remained silent, like air.
Zhao Jingheng observed everything, his suspicion deepening—
Fenghe Granary, as an important grain hub near Lingqu County, might hide key clues of the Purple Decision Flower case. And Zhao Jinzhou’s condition… likely connected to the Lingxi merchant group.
After the banquet began, wine flowed.
Prince Kang, slightly drunk, asked:
“Jingheng, who exactly is involved in the Purple Decision Flower case? And Zhao Chengyuan…”
Zhao Jingheng set down his cup:
“Uncle, rest assured. He is innocent. The true culprit lies elsewhere. We await Father’s decree before revealing details.”
Prince Kang relaxed:
“That is good… that is good.”
Zhao Jinyu added with concern:
“Your Highness must be careful.”
Zhao Jingheng smiled lightly, then changed topic:
“Speaking of which, I heard Fenghe Granary recently has foreign merchant groups selling miraculous goods and medicines—men grow stronger after consumption, women remain youthful. Is it true?”
Prince Kang nodded:
“Yes, they visited the residence and gifted rare medicines. They were effective.”
Zhao Jingheng waved:
“No need to trouble Uncle. Just tell me which shop.”
Zhao Jinyu looked to Zhao Jinzhou:
“You often deal with them. Why not take His Highness?”
Zhao Jinzhou’s expression changed abruptly:
“I… I can help purchase them…”
Zhao Jingheng smiled faintly:
“Very well. I will stay ten days. Deliver them to my inn.”
“Yes… yes…”
Afterwards, Zhao Jingheng left.
Outside, he ordered:
“Send two shadow guards to follow Zhao Jinzhou.”
“Yes!”
[Mei Lai Inn]
Night deepened.
A knock sounded—irregular.
“Enter.”
A plain youth entered. He was Zhuwei, disguised as an inn attendant.
“I am Zhuwei, sent by Grand Tutor Bai and the Ten Thousand Gold Alliance to assist Your Highness.”
Zhao Jingheng narrowed his eyes:
“Alliance indeed moves fast.”
He unfolded a map marking two pharmacies:
“Hui Chun Hall” and “Ning Xiang Zhai.”
“The latter is more suspicious,” Zhuwei said.
They discussed “Drunken Bone Powder,” an addictive poison.
Zhao Jingheng’s eyes turned cold:
“No wonder Zhao Jinzhou looks like that.”
They planned infiltration of “Drunken Rouge Tower.”
[Drunken Rouge Tower — First Night]
The tower was loud, decadent.
Disguised, they entered.
After persuasion, they were placed in “Ting Feng Pavilion” beside “Lan Yue Pavilion.”
That night, nothing.
Second night—nothing.
Third night—
Finally, a hooded man entered—Zhao Jinzhou.
Inside, transaction confirmed:
“Drunken Bone Powder” exchanged.
He confessed ambition, addiction, desperation.
Outside, Zhao Jingheng’s eyes sharpened.
Back at inn:
“We continue tracking.”
“Yes.”
[South Mountain Incident]
After Zhao Jingheng left Fenghe Granary, the mountain road was sealed under excuse of “crack and demons.”
Zhuwei investigated.
A hidden cave was found—large excavation ongoing.
Later, a hooded woman entered with a beast in a cage.
She used a wooden token; guards obeyed instantly.
Zhuwei reported via transmission stone.
Soon after, a Fu Long Camp soldier appeared with her.
They mentioned “Purple Decision,” “Capital,” “Renshan.”
Zhuwei reported again:
“Follow them. Do not lose track.”
“Yes!”
He and an operative vanished into the shadows, silently following them onward.