13. The Secret Mission

In the afternoon at the Wenxuan Library, Zhao Chengxian ran into Feishu at the entrance. It turned out they were old acquaintances. Seeing Zhao, Feishu smiled and asked, "Brother Chengxian, I heard you were at the palace. Did the Emperor have some business for you?" Feishu was the youngest half-brother of Xuanyuan Ren. Unlike the Emperor, he was neither shrewd nor capable, and unlike Zhao Chengxian, he was neither steady nor responsible. He lived entirely by his interests; if something piqued his curiosity, he would excel at it, but if he lacked interest, no one could force him to lift a finger.

Zhao Chengxian had always treated Feishu like a younger brother, looking after him with great care. He smiled at him now and asked, "Any interest in joining the investigation of a palace theft?" Zhao knew Feishu was gifted—he had placed second in the imperial examinations at the age of fourteen, after all. However, Feishu had no interest in living in a prince’s manor or serving as an official, so he had convinced Xuanyuan Ren to grant him free access to the Wenxuan Library instead.

Feishu looked intrigued. "What exactly was stolen from the palace that it required the attention of our Prince Jun?" Having grown up in the palace, Feishu knew that thefts were usually investigated in secret to protect the royal reputation. He had never understood this obsession with appearances; was face really more important than anything else?

Zhao Chengxian replied with a smile, "It’s not so much what was stolen, but who it was stolen from. Someone broke into the Fengju Palace last night and took the Ruyi locks gifted by the Empress Dowager to the little prince and princess. You know how protective your brother is of those twins; he naturally wants this investigated thoroughly." As they walked inside, Zhao watched Feishu. Sensing his interest, he continued, "It’s no small feat to steal from the heavily guarded palace. The thief entered through the roof and left behind only a single footprint and a painting intentionally left on the wall. The culprit must be a master of lightness skills and possess a map of the palace—or have an intimate knowledge of its layout. Otherwise, how could they have found the locks so easily? Well? Are you interested in helping me crack this case?" He had already decided on his team, and Feishu was at the top of the list.

Feishu thought for a moment and agreed with a grin, "Fine, I’d like to see who has such impressive skills!" To evade the palace guards required a top-tier martial artist; others simply couldn't do it. But why would such a master steal children's trinkets? There had to be a hidden motive, and that piqued his interest.

They walked toward the office, chatting in hushed tones. Those who knew Feishu’s identity were not surprised—everyone knew he would eventually be a prince, and it was normal for men of high status to converse. However, Yue'er, who was unaware of his true identity, found it strange. They seemed quite close, and wasn't that the same man she had met in the West Wing? Who was he? She wondered to herself, sensing that he was no ordinary person.

As Yue'er pondered, Zhao Chengxian and Feishu reached her. Zhao raised his voice, "Top Scholar Yang, Second Scholar Wen, Third Scholar Li, there is a secret mission that requires your assistance. Follow me to the West Wing for the details." A private matter required a private place, and the West Wing was ideal.

The others at the library cast envious glances at them; everyone here craved the chance to become a formal official. Yue'er, however, felt differently. She knew that the more capable she appeared, the more certain her doom would be. She believed that if she remained an obscure nobody, she might be treated with leniency if things were exposed—at least, based on what she knew of Xuanyuan Ren. But if she became a formal official, her fate would no longer be in the Emperor's hands alone. She politely declined, "Prince Jun, this official has been in poor health and fears being unable to shoulder such a heavy responsibility. Perhaps you should choose someone more capable." She hoped this excuse would deter him, but she was mistaken.

Zhao Chengxian smiled, "Would you like me to summon an imperial physician to examine Scholar Yang?" He understood her reservations well enough.

Yue'er waved her hands in a panic. "No, no need! I am quite alright, truly!" If a physician came, her secret would be revealed. The others looked on, puzzled by her intense reaction.

Zhao Chengxian looked at her with a playful glint in his eyes. "Since you are fine, can we consider the mission accepted?" He wanted her to admit she was his "Little Moon," even a subtle hint would suffice. But she gave him nothing. It made him feel as though he were a total stranger to her, and in his obsession with getting her to acknowledge him, he failed to consider the consequences or the potential harm he might be causing her.

Yue'er could only nod. "Yes, this official will do my utmost." Zhao Chengxian turned and walked away, followed by the four of them. Feishu glanced at Yue'er and offered a disdainful smile. He was arrogant and rebellious; he liked people who didn't treat him as just the Emperor’s brother, and Yue'er was one such person.