102 Where did the jade seal go?

Night had fallen, lanterns hung aglow.

The Guan residence, where the engagement ceremony was supposed to be bustling with lively chatter, was now eerily silent. Even Wangcai, usually the loudest dog in the house, lay quietly stretched out in front of his doghouse. His favorite braised pork had been served, yet he neither pounced on it excitedly as usual nor retreated to his doghouse to sleep.

Servant A whispered softly, unable to hide his sorrow, “They say dogs are the most intuitive creatures. Seems that’s true—Wangcai must know what happened to Miss…”

“Shh! Shut up! Do you want to die? How can you say that at a time like this?” Servant B hurriedly stopped him. “If you want to die, don’t drag me down with you! I didn’t hear a thing.”

“Hey, why are you just as heartless as the others?”

“I’m just being practical! What good is conscience? Can it fill your stomach or buy silver?”

“You! Hah, everyone pushes when the wall falls. No wonder Wangcai won’t eat or sleep.”

“Enough. Let’s feed the dog and get back to our rooms. Didn’t you see that just before dusk, the Crown Prince brought his men into the second master’s courtyard? Something big is going to happen tonight. We better save our own skins first.”

With that, they walked away.

Once their figures disappeared from sight, Wangcai stood up, stepping aside from the doghouse door. From inside, a shadow emerged.

The shadow patted Wangcai’s head. “Good boy, Wangcai. Even at times like these, you need to eat and rest properly. What if you’re needed again and you’re too weak? Don’t worry—the person you care about is a troublemaker; she won’t die.”

Wangcai’s eyes sparkled in response.

“All right, go eat your dinner. I have business to attend to. I’ll come back to see you later.”

After speaking, the shadow glanced around, then pressed close to the wall and hurried toward the courtyard where Guan Yihe, the second master of the Guan family, resided.

Inside Guan Yihe’s chamber—

Seated at the main seat was Crown Prince Li Yincheng. He glanced at Guan Yihe, kneeling before him, and asked, “Is the person in hand?”

“Yes, my father handed them over voluntarily.”

“Then why haven’t you brought them here yet?”

“Well…”

The prince slammed his teacup heavily on the table. “What, did the person run away?”

“No.”

“Then,” the prince’s lips curled with sinister amusement, “are you trying to negotiate terms with me?”

Guan Yihe bowed his head quickly, not daring to lift it. “I dare not, Your Highness. It’s just that my father is old and cautious, always considering everything carefully. I hope Your Highness understands.”

“Very well. For your sake, speak plainly. What does your old father want in exchange for handing over the person?”

“My father wishes that Your Highness retracts the order allowing the Tianxia Embroidery Workshop to open branches nationwide.”

“Oh? What nonsense is this? I’m voluntarily helping you monopolize the entire embroidery business across the country—surely that’s a good thing for Tianxia Embroidery Workshop, isn’t it?”

“It is, Your Highness. You are correct, it is a good thing. But the Guan family is not so fortunate. My father says that Tianxia Embroidery Workshop grew from a small workshop into its current scale over the centuries. Our century-old reputation isn’t because the Guan family is wealthy, but because we’ve always maintained a mutually beneficial, supportive relationship with numerous small workshops across the nation. If we were to open branches in others’ territories, it would inevitably harm these cooperative relationships. So…”

“Hmm, interesting,” the prince mused, glancing sideways at Guan Yihe with playful eyes. “I never expected that the ruthless and merciless Second Master Guan would have such a sentimental and loyal old father.”

“Your Highness’s mercy humbles me. The old man is my only family. You know, my late mother cared only about the embroidery business, so I was nearly raised single-handedly by my father. Our bond is the most precious thing in my life. I beg Your Highness to allow me to serve him until a hundred years hence.” Guan Yihe kowtowed deeply once more.

The prince did not reply immediately, instead taking up his teacup again. “Second Master Guan truly opens my eyes today! You show no hesitation in dealing with your niece, and you dispatched your stepmother with a single arrow without blinking. Yet, when it comes to your own father, you turn into a filial son full of tender affection. Guan Yihe, I’ve told you before: to achieve great things, one must have no attachments.”

“I remember Your Highness’s teachings,” Guan Yihe said earnestly, fearing his voice lacked sincerity. “Since following Your Highness twenty years ago, I have poisoned my own sister, caused my mother’s death, and both of my wives—one after another—died directly or indirectly by my hand. My loyalty to Your Highness is as vast as the heavens and as enduring as the sun and moon. I have never boasted of any achievements nor sought high office or salaries. Now, I only seek one sincere promise: to serve my father until a hundred years hence.”

“Are you trying to use your past service to demand a return?”

“I dare not!” Guan Yihe suddenly raised his head. “Your Highness’s grand ambitions are not yet fulfilled; sacrifices must be made. If my father truly becomes an obstacle to Your Highness’s great cause, then I fully understand Your Highness taking action. I would not harbor thoughts of revenge; I would bid farewell with tears and offer my head in tribute to my father.”

“Oh? Threatening with death again?”

“No, I—”

“Enough! I was going to make a fuss, but given your frank request today, I approve. Don’t worry, I won’t harm your old father. Just get past him and bring me the person.”

“Your Highness, that is impossible.”

“Oh?”

“My father has hidden the person.”

“You haven’t found them?”

“I’ve looked, but couldn’t.”

“Is that so?” The prince fell silent for a moment, then said, “So it means you must go through your father to find the person. Stand up. Tell me, if you cannot move your father, how will you bring the person to me swiftly?”

Guan Yihe relaxed slightly. After bowing thrice and expressing his gratitude repeatedly, he rose and approached Li Yincheng.

“My father needs assurance. It would be best if Your Highness feigns compliance for now. It might hurt Your Highness’s dignity temporarily, but for the greater cause, I ask Your Highness to bear with it. It’s only a verbal promise. Once my father’s mood is calmed and you have control of the person, we can make other arrangements.”

“Aren’t you afraid your father will hold you accountable later?”

“By then, the grand plan will be settled. Whether it’s the Tianxia Embroidery Workshop or the Guan estate, all will be firmly under my control. I can issue a gag order at will. By then, the news my father receives will only be of peace and prosperity as he wishes.”

The prince gently set down his teacup, his deep gaze meeting Guan Yihe’s. “You are cunning beyond measure. Does your father know?”

Guan Yihe’s expression stiffened momentarily before returning to normal. “It is for his own good. When this is over, he will understand.”

The prince waved his hand, no longer looking at him. “Fine, as you say. Next, will you invite your father here to hear my promises, or shall I visit his courtyard personally?”

“I dare not trouble Your Highness further. My father will come to pay his respects in due time.”

In about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the sound of numerous footsteps came from the courtyard.

The old steward opened the door as a spirited old man, Guan Qinghuai, entered. Upon entering, he bowed, “An old servant pays respects to Crown Prince.”

“Rise, Master Guan, you are too polite.” The prince gestured to his attendants. “Lu Xi, prepare seats.”

“I prefer to stand,” Guan Qinghuai declined outright, his sturdy figure standing straighter than his son, Guan Yihe.

Lu Xi muttered, “Ungrateful,” and retreated behind the prince.

Guan Yihe smiled awkwardly at the prince and edged toward his father. “Father, please don’t be like this.”

Ignoring whether the prince could see, Guan Qinghuai slapped Guan Yihe sharply on the back of the head. “You good-for-nothing! Have you lost the Guan family’s pride just to climb higher?”

“Father!” Guan Yihe’s face flushed, but he first glanced at Li Yincheng’s expression. Seeing the prince calmly sipping tea, he relaxed a little.

With his back to the prince, Guan Yihe signaled his father with his eyes. “Father, can we get down to business? When this is done, you can deal with me as you please.”

“Get lost, unfilial son! See how I deal with you later!” Guan Qinghuai kicked him aside, then turned to the prince. “Your Highness’s wisdom is vast. My son is foolish and may not serve you well; I hope after taking the person, Your Highness will allow him to return to Tianxia Embroidery Workshop.”

Before the prince could reply, Guan Yihe spoke up. “Father, what are you saying? I’m just a commoner with no rank. To have the chance to serve Your Highness is my fortune. How can you not support me and yet hold me back?”

“Unfilial son, you…” Guan Qinghuai, furious, raised his arm to strike again but was interrupted by the prince’s voice.

“Master Guan, my courtesy to you is out of respect for your age and because Second Master Guan has served me loyally all these years. His father deserves some consideration. But,” the prince shook his teacup without looking at the struggling father and son, “I am fond of recruiting talents but never force anyone. If you don’t want your son to serve, why not cut off his legs so he can stay confined in this mansion? Of course, if you can’t do that, I, who love my subjects as my own children, can assist a little.”

Guan Yihe collapsed to his knees with a loud thud, sweat beading his forehead. “It is my honor and willingness to contribute to Your Highness’s grand plans.”

His father rarely left home and might not understand the prince’s nature, but Guan Yihe, having served the prince for over twenty years, was intimately aware of his ruthless style. He had just made a request, which the prince had grudgingly agreed to; now his father was making demands—he was walking right into the lion’s den!

He barely wiped the sweat before tugging at Guan Qinghuai’s trouser leg. “Father, please stop wasting time. The sky darkens quickly. The prince must return to the palace. Please hand over the person Your Highness desires.”

Though straightforward, Guan Qinghuai was no fool. He sensed the prince’s latent killing intent. Glancing at the prince’s sharpened guards and the palace troops surrounding the courtyard in three layers, he understood when his son tugged at him like that, what had to be done.

“Since Your Highness has allowed me into the courtyard, I take it you have agreed to withdraw the order for Tianxia Embroidery Workshop’s nationwide branches?”

The prince said nothing.

Guan Yihe explained, “Yes, Your Highness has agreed. Father, please hand over the person.”

“A verbal promise? Forgive my old cowardice, but I cannot feel entirely assured by that.”

“Father!” Guan Yihe was nearly breathless with anxiety. His normally decisive father was now dithering. If this continued, the terms just agreed upon might be overturned. He opened his mouth to speak, but the prince waved his hand to stop him.

“Lu Xi, escort Second Master Guan to the side chamber.”

“Your Highness—” Guan Yihe’s face turned pale. The prince was about to…

Lu Xi obeyed, grabbing Guan Yihe and dragging him toward the door. Guan Yihe tried to speak but had his robe’s sleeve yanked, silencing him.

Once they left, Li Yincheng spoke softly. “Master Guan, what assurance do you still seek from me?”

“A written document with the imperial seal.”

The prince paused, tapping his teacup. “The imperial seal? What imperial seal?”

Guan Qinghuai spoke each word deliberately: “The Jade! Seal! The! Imperial! Seal!”

No sooner had he finished than the prince sprang up from his seat. His fingers, still gripping the loosened teacup, snapped tightly around Guan Qinghuai’s throat.

Crash—the teacup shattered on the floor.

“Don’t think I’m afraid to kill you!” the prince hissed.

Guan Qinghuai’s eyes remained calm and steady. “Killing is easy; finding the person is not.”

“Since you captured that monk, I have had my eyes on you at all times. I know exactly where you hid the person. You…”

“Then why did Your Highness not take them immediately?”

“…”

“Because you can’t!”

The prince glanced out the window. “Your beloved son is in my hands. Are you sure you want to trade your fake niece for your own son’s life?”

Guan Qinghuai returned the threat evenly. “If Your Highness harms a single hair on my son’s head, the person you want will immediately lose theirs.”

“You!” Li Yincheng was so angered by this unprecedented threat that he was momentarily speechless. Fang Rulai’s mysterious powers tempted him too much; he was not yet ready to destroy her.

Seizing the prince’s momentary distraction, Guan Qinghuai elbowed him back, shrank, and stepped out of his grasp.

The guards drew their swords, ready to seize him.

But the prince raised a hand, signaling them to stand down. He flexed the arm he had been struck on, then folded his hands behind his back and sat again. “I never expected this old man to be so vigorous.”

“Not like Your Highness’s youthful vigor. This old man is merely fighting desperately for his son.” Guan Qinghuai’s eyes were wide, full of a resolve to burn the house down rather than surrender the person if his demands weren’t met.

The prince studied him for a long moment, then abruptly said something unrelated: “Guan Yihe is your biological son, but Guan Yazhi isn’t your own daughter? And Guan Mingqin—isn’t she your lawful wife of many years?”

This was strange. If this old man was willing to bargain with the prince with a ‘burn it all down’ attitude over his son, why had he never punished Guan Yihe after Guan Mingqin and her daughter died? He never remarried after her death, and except for this time, he never helped Guan Yihe against Guan Shiyin.

Why?

Guan Qinghuai remained calm. “Private matters, no comment. Your Highness only needs to tell me if the written document can be arranged.”

“It can. But you don’t expect me to carry the imperial seal around, do you?” The prince smiled amiably. “You hand over the person first, and after I return to the palace tonight, I’ll send you the document stamped with the seal. How about that?”

“Whenever Your Highness delivers the document, I will hand over the person immediately.” Guan Qinghuai stepped back and opened the door. “Though it’s dark, with the skills of the palace guards, it’s no problem to fetch the imperial seal from the palace within an hour, is it, Your Highness?”

Li Yincheng tightened his fist and smiled. “The nation’s imperial seal—do you think it’s safe to let a guard carry it through Shengjing city?”

“I trust the palace guards’ abilities.”

“You! How dare you…” Lu Xi wanted to scold him.

“Lu Xi!” the prince interrupted sharply.

“Yes, Your Highness!” Lu Xi was baffled as to why his master was holding back.

The prince stood and left. “Prepare the carriage. We return to the palace!”

At the door, he passed by Guan Qinghuai. “Before I return, I hope you carefully watch over my possession. If it’s lost or destroyed, I have many ways to repay your painstaking efforts.”

Guan Qinghuai bowed low. “Farewell, Your Highness.”

“Let’s go!” The prince flicked his sleeve and departed.

Outside the second gate and the Guan mansion’s main entrance, the prince paused.

“Your Highness?” Lu Xi asked.

The prince glanced at the Guan family gate. “I had planned everything except for one old geezer! Lu Xi, send word to Kōkō to investigate!”

“Yes!”

“And also, the Guan estate is to be sealed tight. Not a single bird shall fly over its skies. As long as the person is inside, she shall not escape my grasp.”

“Yes!”

The prince stormed off and was not seen again until dawn.

The next day, the people of Shengjing saw the Guan mansion heavily guarded by palace troops.

Upon hearing this news, Zhu Xishi kicked open Guan Shiyin’s door. “You idiot! How can you still be sleeping? If you don’t go save that little bald head now, it’ll be too late! You…”

Her voice abruptly stopped as she saw a group of men crowded inside.

Most were familiar, but one figure shouldn’t have been here at this moment.

“Mu Zhijin!?”

––––– Epilogue –––––

Ha ha ha! You know I adore you, right? Even as winter fades, don’t rush to take off your warm clothes—late cold snaps always sneak back.

Take good care of your health! (I swear, this time I mean it—I’m not joking! Seriously!)