21. Testing Schemes of the Heart (3)

At noon, in a teahouse in Rong County, Hui Yue'er and Zhao Chengxian, still dressed as a peasant couple, arrived thirty li outside the capital to see whether Xia Ke of Rong County might prove better than Xia Zhixia. As soon as they entered Rong County, they spotted a simple tea stall. Zhao Chengxian, struck by inspiration, walked in and took a seat in a corner. After the morning’s events, Hui Yue’er had begun to understand Zhao Chengxian’s intentions; she quietly sat beside him and whispered, “It seems you’re not just an idle man after all, but someone who undertakes what others cannot!” So this bookworm was the emperor’s most trusted man, surely sent to investigate the officials! She cast a sidelong glance at Zhao Chengxian.

Zhao Chengxian did not reply. At that moment, the mistress of the tea stall approached and greeted them, “Where do you two come from?” She brought them a pot of tea and two cups, pouring for them. The stall was run by a husband and wife, and business was brisk, given its location near the county’s main gate—a perfect spot to gather information.

Before Zhao Chengxian could speak, Hui Yue’er answered quickly, “He’s my uncle. We’re here visiting relatives!” The mistress looked at them skeptically; she’d taken them for husband and wife at first glance, not uncle and niece. Hui Yue’er, pleased with her little mischief, shot a triumphant smile at Zhao Chengxian.

Zhao Chengxian simply slipped his arm around Hui Yue’er’s shoulders and smiled at the mistress. “My wife here is a playful soul, always joking. Please don’t take her words to heart.” Hui Yue’er tried her best to push him away, but Zhao Chengxian only held her closer.

The mistress laughed, “I thought as much. You two certainly look like husband and wife. How could you be uncle and niece? Young couples are always teasing each other!” Hui Yue’er glared fiercely at Zhao Chengxian but held her tongue, remembering they were here to make inquiries.

Zhao Chengxian turned to the mistress and asked, “How’s business? I’ve heard Rong County is very safe—people sleep with their doors unlocked and leave things by the roadside unclaimed. Life must be good here?” He’d heard such tales, but didn’t know if they were true or just stories fabricated by Xuanyuan Rui’an to pave the way for his followers—common enough in official circles.

The proprietor and the other patrons shook their heads. Before they could reply, a commotion erupted outside—the sound of several burly men chasing a frail, skinny youth along the street. The boy, slight and weak, was no match for his pursuers. When they caught him, they beat him savagely, kicking and punching until he was battered and bloody. Unable to bear the sight, Hui Yue’er swept the thugs off their feet with a leg sweep, then helped the young man into the teahouse. Blood trickled from the boy’s lips as he gazed at Hui Yue’er with gratitude. The thugs, regaining their feet, seemed ready to retaliate, but Zhao Chengxian flicked chopsticks from the table like flying daggers. The men cried out in pain and fled in terror.

The mistress, her face full of sympathy, poured the boy a cup of tea. Hui Yue’er, puzzled, asked him, “Why were they beating you?” The boy, only fifteen or sixteen, looked pure-hearted—hardly someone who would invite such violence.

The youth glanced at them and began, haltingly, to tell his story. He had once been the child of a prominent family in Rong County, but a local bully coveted his family’s wealth. The villain framed them for possessing forbidden books, resulting in the entire family being thrown into prison. After a single, perfunctory trial, the magistrate condemned his father to death and confiscated all their property. Tearfully, the boy continued, “After my father died, my mother soon followed from grief. To avenge them, I pretended to be mute and took work as a servant in the bully’s household, waiting for a chance to strike. Today, someone who once knew me visited the villain and betrayed me to curry favor. Fortunately, I realized I’d been recognized and managed to escape.” For one so young to bear such a weight of hatred and tragedy—truly pitiable.

Zhao Chengxian pondered a moment, then said, “Come with us to the yamen and beat the drum to petition for justice!” Knowing the boy no longer trusted the authorities, he added, “Don’t be afraid. Trust me—I won’t harm you.” As a prince, Zhao Chengxian was confident he could protect the youth.

For once, Yue’er found herself in agreement with Zhao Chengxian. As she wiped the blood from the boy’s mouth, she encouraged gently, “Yes, trust this elder brother. He has the power to protect you.” She exchanged a glance with Zhao Chengxian—her first time truly trusting him. The boy agreed, sensing that these two, though plainly dressed, had an air of distinction. He believed he could trust them.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, and all those in between, quickly shower me with gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Hold nothing back—let the storm rage even fiercer!