Chapter 038: The Search

The news quickly spread throughout the Central Plains and the martial world; even the heights of Tianshan were already aware. The Grand Prince was the elder brother of the late emperor, their bond deep, and he was also a trusted pillar of the current sovereign. Esteemed by all, his reputation was one of uprightness and prudence, a man careful and just in all affairs. Yet, he had somehow incurred a mysterious enmity, meeting an end so chilling that it left hearts cold with grief.

Among the people, rumors abounded: without the Grand Prince’s support, it was as if the emperor had lost an arm. By ill chance, the emperor’s personal attendant, Eunuch Liu, also retired due to illness, leaving the sovereign abruptly alone, bereft of both right and left hand. Who could remain composed amid such loss?

Liu Li was not so much stricken with grief as he was struck by the transience of life and the injustice of fate. Why should so brilliant and valorous a man be robbed of life?

The entire residence—hundreds of corpses, their deaths horrific and pitiful—spoke of a calamity impossible to witness without turning away. All had been blameless, upright souls; why should they meet such a fate?

Liu Li and Gao Hai searched the entire palace, examining every corpse and noting every detail with care. Amid their sorrow, they still managed to accomplish what must be done.

“Convey my command: seal off the Prince’s estate, allowing no one in or out! See to it that the dead are properly tended and buried with full rites. Assign men to seek out the next of kin of the deceased and offer the highest compensation and comfort!”

No sooner had the order been given than someone stepped forth to object.

“Your Majesty, might this not be improper? This palace is prominent; if the ruins remain, it will only stir endless laments and idle talk, perhaps harming the morale of soldiers and civilians, perhaps marring your wise reputation.”

Liu Li glanced at the speaking eunuch, knowing him to be one sent by the Empress Dowager. But on this matter, Liu Li would brook no compromise, replying bluntly, “And what of it? The Prince’s entire household has died so cruelly and mysteriously—if I do nothing, how could I face their spirits above? Who could be unmoved by such injustice, who would dare blame me? If such a tragedy were to befall another place, another family, who would bear it then?”

“Your Majesty, please do not be angered. The imperial person is precious. The dead are gone; the urgent task is to lay them to rest and assuage the people’s sorrow and fear. Otherwise, rumors and talk of vengeful ghosts will run wild, and there will be no end of criticism for your actions today.”

“Ha! Am I afraid of criticism? Am I afraid of being misunderstood?” Liu Li turned away and directly ordered the soldiers present, “Hear my command! After the bodies here are properly handled, station fifty men to guard this place day and night. Also, send several dozen soldiers to search the vicinity for the Prince’s whereabouts—alive or dead, he must be found!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

With these words, the crowd was abuzz, each man’s face registering shock and awe. Seeing Liu Li’s solemn expression and unwavering resolve, all understood the gravity and certainty of this mandate.

“Summon General He at once!”

“Your Majesty, General He is currently commanding the men. Perhaps General Fengxing, his subordinate, could be reassigned?”

Liu Li was surprised, turning to Gao Hai with a puzzled look. “Isn’t Fengxing stationed at the border, commanding a city? How is he now handling these affairs within the palace?”

“Your Majesty, General Fengxing was demoted by the Empress Dowager for leaving his post to save his sister. General He pleaded on his behalf, so he was kept close instead of being dismissed.”

“I see. It does make it easier to care for family! A man of such loyalty can be trusted. Summon him, then!”

Soon, a tall, robust man with keen eyes and striking features approached Liu Li alongside Gao Hai. His demeanor spoke of honesty and integrity.

“Your Majesty!” he saluted.

“At ease. You two, come with me.”

The three of them proceeded to the inner courtyard, where Liu Li finally allowed his expression to relax. Only away from prying eyes could he truly let down his guard and show his heart. Gazing at the ruined walls and the scars of fire, sorrow welled up within him once more.

“I had thought that royal blood brought with it heaven’s favor, that kind souls were always protected. But I was wrong! Today, my imperial uncle’s house has been annihilated; his wife, children, retainers, and servants—none escaped. The grief and fury are beyond words. Yet, even in such circumstances, I cannot act as I wish. With the fate of my kin unknown, I cannot intervene personally. This is a bitter regret!”

“Your Majesty, do not let sorrow overwhelm you. Justice must be upheld for the Prince’s household!” Gao Hai reminded him.

Fengxing concurred, “Your Majesty, please restrain your grief. I know something of the details and am willing to help shoulder your burden. Should you need me, command as you will—I shall follow General He faithfully, without complaint or hesitation.”

“Good! Truly, you are worthy of General He’s trust. Then I ask you to help me seek out my closest kin.”

“I accept, Your Majesty! But as I have spent many years on the frontier, I do not know what the Prince looks like. Might you tell me his distinguishing features?”

Liu Li’s heart constricted, pain stabbing through him; he did not wish to recall his uncle’s noble visage. In this setting, the thought was all the more wrenching. Though the Prince’s body was not among the dead, Liu Li knew hope was faint and the outcome grim. He could only try to make amends in other ways.

Gao Hai quietly explained to Fengxing, “His Majesty does not mean for you to search for the Prince himself, but for the Prince’s eldest son. His name is Liu Qing—I hear you have met a few times, so it should be easier for you.”

“I see! I do have some acquaintance with the heir. I will devote myself fully to this task.”

“Good. Remember, you are to search for the Prince, not for the heir. Since the heir has long been absent, neither ennobled nor promoted, few know of his whereabouts or even his existence. It is rumored he recently returned—if he bears any wounds, you must find him before others do, or disaster may follow!”

“Yes, I understand.”

When Gao Hai and Fengxing finished, Liu Li finally surfaced from his grief. The pain was so raw and immediate it was almost inescapable, and Liu Li could hardly accept what he had witnessed this day.

“Gao Hai, what do you think these strange scenes are trying to tell us?”

“Your Majesty, there is heaven’s will in all things. We will uncover the truth, but it will take time and evidence from many sides. I beg you not to let sorrow cloud your judgment.”

Liu Li nodded. “I shall not yield in the least. This place must be guarded. As for the concealed corpses, leave them for now; when all is settled, I will see to their proper rest myself. I will not let my uncle’s household become wandering spirits with no home.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. And what of the eavesdropper just now—how shall we proceed?”

“It’s of no consequence. Pretend not to notice. In fact, letting some false rumors spread could be useful, for this matter touches many, even the inner palace. I will not overlook a single suspicious soul!”

“And if the Empress Dowager takes charge? She and the Prince have long been at odds; what if she uses this to diminish his legacy? How will you respond?”

“She will not. My mother would not act thus. Now that my uncle has fallen, she stands to gain most, and should be pleased rather than interfering. My concern is that she may refuse further investigation and counsel only a hasty burial and public closure.”

Gao Hai suddenly understood, and could not help but admire Liu Li. “Your Majesty is wise! With the powers of the high nobility now absent, the Empress Dowager’s influence can be checked, and we may continue our inquiry as needed.”

“I never wished to vie for power with my mother, nor to regard her with suspicion. But in this matter, things must change.”

“Your Majesty is above worldly ambition, loyal and sincere to kin and confidants alike. Surely, hearts will turn to you of their own accord. In time, the Empress Dowager will understand your devotion, and mother and son will share the realm in harmony.”

“These are secondary matters. The urgent task is to protect Liu Qing. You must be vigilant, and if need be, enlist other help.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

In the snowy bamboo grove, all was silent. The Lord of Qian Gui sat deep in thought, his four disciples not daring to disturb him.

After a long while, Qian Gui finally stirred and stroked his white beard.

“This matter is truly thorny.”

“Master, why do you say so? Affairs of power in the mortal realm are always cause for sorrow and pity, but what makes this so difficult?” Ji Lin ventured.

Qian Gui ignored him, turning instead to Xue Ze. “Do you know the Art of Thousand Seeking?”

“The Art of Thousand Seeking?” Xue Ze was taken aback. “Is that not a secret technique of the Heavenly Maidens? I do not know it.”

“Are you certain? Celestial Master Qinglian was the previous Heavenly Maiden, and she disliked tradition—perhaps she taught you, unbeknownst to you?”

Xue Ze shook her head. “My mother only taught me lightness skills and the art of sensing. The rest were only basic spells. I have yet to learn anything serious from you, Master—those, I know not!”

Qian Gui laughed. “What you call ‘lightness skills’ is only a mortal name. Perhaps you have learned, but do not realize it. Take your swiftness—for instance, the speed and serenity you possess come from the Tianshan secret art, the Ice-Swallow Hidden Feather. If a frosty jade swallow wished to dart through a storm without being touched by a single drop, it would need such speed!”

Xue Ze was stunned to realize how much she had already learned. “Have I broken the rules, then? Such arts are for the Heavenly Maidens alone, but I—”

Lan Shui smiled gently at her. “It matters not—ignorance incurs no blame. If you have learned, it only proves your talent.”

Qian Gui nodded. “Lan Shui is right. All my disciples are extraordinary. The rule against ordinary people learning these arts is because most cannot access or master them. Besides, without the proper status, it is impossible to succeed, hence the regulation.”

“Elder sister, you come from a noble lineage, have inherited the gifts of Celestial Master Qinglian, and have our master’s tutelage—you are no ordinary person! To know some rare techniques is no exception. Besides, if we do not speak of it, who will know? Don’t trouble yourself—think carefully, do you know that search technique?”

Qian Gui smiled serenely. “Yes, Lianzi is right. Xue Ze, search your memory well.”

Ji Lin, meanwhile, was amused, patting Lan Shui’s shoulder. “I think our sister surely knows! Eldest brother, will you wager?”

“Such nonsense—why gamble on our sister?”

Xue Ze grew more flustered at their words. Did she, in fact, know the so-called Art of Thousand Seeking?