12. The Palace Theft Case

Early Morning at the Palace’s Hall of Celestial Harmony

At dawn, Zhao Chengxian was summoned into the palace by Emperor Xuanyuan Ren. Upon entering a side chamber of the Hall of Celestial Harmony, he immediately noticed the emperor’s troubled expression. Approaching him, Zhao Chengxian inquired, “What troubles Your Majesty? What could possibly unsettle someone as composed and unshakable as you?”

Seated leisurely, Zhao Chengxian already suspected the cause. Half a year earlier, Xuanyuan Ren had also summoned him early in the morning—then in high spirits. At that time, the emperor had joyfully shared that the dragon-and-phoenix twins born to Du Haiju had addressed him as “Father Emperor.” Zhao Chengxian had nearly fainted on hearing this, surprised that the usually stoic emperor could be so delighted by a single word. Now, seeing his agitation, Zhao Chengxian guessed it must again relate to those two children.

Xuanyuan Ren, visibly distressed, confided, “Last night, someone broke into Fengju Palace and stole the ruyi locks that the Empress Dowager had gifted to Yumu and Yuling. They even left a mark on the wall—a white crane. I have ordered strict guards. No one should have entered so easily unless there was an inside accomplice.” He trusted Zhao Chengxian understood the gravity of the matter. Yumu and Yuling were the dragon-and-phoenix twins born to Du Haiju: Yumu, the prince, and Yuling, the princess. The siblings were strikingly different in temperament—the younger sister a lively, mischievous tomboy, while the elder brother was more composed. Xuanyuan Ren found it odd how two children born merely fifteen minutes apart could be so dissimilar.

Zhao Chengxian smiled knowingly and asked, “Your Majesty, you wish for me to investigate this matter thoroughly, don’t you?” He had no doubt it was related to the twins. The events of two years prior had not shaken the twenty-plus years of brotherly trust between them. Xuanyuan Ren continued to confide in Zhao Chengxian with matters too sensitive to be made public.

“Remember," the emperor cautioned, "this concerns the dignity of the royal family. You must keep this strictly confidential. Select a few trustworthy men from the Wenxuan Archives to assist you. Above all, choose those who are discreet. Do you understand?” If anyone mocked the royal family under the pretense of this investigation, it would be a grave embarrassment. Hence, secrecy was paramount.

Patting the emperor’s shoulder, Zhao Chengxian replied, “Any matter you bring to me is understood to be confidential. After so many years, I know these rules well.” Over a decade of collaboration had forged an unspoken understanding between them; words were often unnecessary.

Xuanyuan Ren nodded, smiling. “I trust your handling of this. Come, I’ll take you to the scene of the incident.” They proceeded toward Fengju Palace.

Fengju Palace

Du Haiju was playing a game with the two children. Blindfolded, she took cautious steps forward while the children and several young maids teased her—tugging on her phoenix-embroidered robe and then darting away, patting her before running off again. The little girl called out, “Mother Empress, come catch me! Mother Empress!” Voices surrounded Du Haiju from all directions, disorienting her. She could only advance blindly.

At that moment, Xuanyuan Ren and Zhao Chengxian entered. Seeing the game, the emperor refrained from summoning the palace eunuch Rong to announce his arrival. Everyone noticed Xuanyuan Ren’s presence except Du Haiju, who remained unaware. Suddenly, silence fell, unnerving Du Haiju, but she pressed forward. As she neared a pillar, Xuanyuan Ren hurried over and caught her just in time, preventing the empress from colliding with the wall during the game.

Removing her blindfold, Du Haiju saw she was in the emperor’s arms and smiled as she rose. “Your Majesty, what brings you here? Shouldn’t you be reviewing memorials at the Hall of Celestial Harmony? Has an urgent matter arisen?” Since having children, the emperor visited Fengju Palace almost daily. Though he could not stay every night, he spent at least seventeen or eighteen nights a month there, much to the envy of the concubines.

Xuanyuan Ren smiled at Du Haiju. “If I hadn’t come, you would have certainly hit that pillar!” Without his intervention, everyone’s distraction would have led to her injury. The true culprit, therefore, was himself. Embarrassed, Du Haiju lowered her head with a smile.

Zhao Chengxian bowed respectfully to Du Haiju. “Your Majesty, Empress, may you be well!” She smiled in return, now understanding that the emperor’s visit was due to the stolen ruyi locks. She, too, wished to uncover the culprit.

Xuanyuan Ren instructed the wet nurse to take the children away, then led Du Haiju and Zhao Chengxian to the chamber where valuables were kept. Zhao Chengxian examined every detail carefully. There was only one door, no other exits—entry could not have been through the door unless it was someone from within the palace. Suddenly, he noticed a footprint on a tall table. Approaching, he studied it closely and confirmed it was a man’s footprint. This explained how the thief had entered.

Looking up toward the ceiling, Zhao Chengxian smiled. He carefully traced the footprint and then copied the painting on the wall. His inspection of the scene was complete.