Chapter 85: Unraveling the Threads (Part Two)

Yin Ruxin smiled and said, “The third point is that the Prefect of Yingtian, Guo Huaide, is actually a man of the Loyalist Prince!”

Yang Yaozong and Qin Haizhou were both taken aback by Yin Ruxin’s words, exchanging a startled glance.

Observing their astonished faces, Yin Ruxin continued with a gentle smile, “The Loyalist Prince only told me that Prefect Guo Huaide is his man after I sent someone to inform him of the plan to help the eldest prince escape from the capital a month ago. He must have revealed this to ensure the plan’s safety. When I told the eldest prince Jing Min that Prefect Guo was actually his father’s man, he was visibly excited and confident that the plan would proceed flawlessly. With just a word from Prefect Guo, the constables could be distracted elsewhere, buying Jing Min precious time to escape the city. There was absolutely no need to risk exposing secrets or Guo’s true identity by orchestrating a prison riot. Moreover, no matter how well Guo handled the riot, he could hardly escape blame and would likely face severe punishment, possibly even dismissal and exile. Though the position of Prefect isn’t the highest, it carries real power and is crucial. Even if Jing Min were as foolish as a pig, he wouldn’t endanger Guo Huaide to the point of losing his post or even his head. Even if he dared, the Loyalist Prince would never allow it.”

Yang Yaozong nodded, turning to Qin Haizhou. “According to Ruxin, it’s indeed impossible that the eldest prince orchestrated the Yingtian prison riot.”

Qin Haizhou, when discussing the prison riot’s connection with the Secret Investigators, hadn’t avoided Yin Ruxin. He assumed that since Yang Yaozong had let her participate in the analysis, she already knew about the Secret Investigation Bureau. He even paid attention to Yang’s reaction as he spoke, and, seeing no sign of displeasure, continued without reserve, sharing what the Secret Investigators had uncovered. However, he did not explain what the Secret Investigators were.

At first, hearing the title, Yin Ruxin was confused, but when Qin mentioned surveillance and investigation, she quickly deduced that they were imperial spies, specializing in covert inquiries. She’d never heard of them before, but surmised from Qin’s bearing that he was in charge of the organization, and Yang Yaozong clearly knew as well. With Qin present, she didn’t probe further, simply making a mental note to ask Yang about it later.

Qin Haizhou frowned. “If it wasn’t the eldest prince, but as you and Yang have analyzed, the prison riot must be connected to his escape. According to our intelligence, two of the twenty-five leaders of the riot have ties to the second prince Jing Yu and Prince Xian. Could they be involved?” Thinking of these two—a prince who shirked his duties and a pleasure-seeking lord—he was genuinely puzzled, glancing at Yin Ruxin and Yang Yaozong.

Yang Yaozong considered what he knew of the two and frowned. “I’m not sure if there’s a connection, but if we assume there is, I’d like to know what their motive could be. How would they benefit?”

Yin Ruxin shook her head. “The Loyalist Prince has obviously abandoned the second prince. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have left him as a hostage in the city, saving only the eldest prince. I can’t imagine why Jing Yu would help his brother escape, especially since their relationship is hardly close. Besides, if Jing Min returns safely, the Loyalist Prince is bound to rebel. Isn’t Jing Yu afraid that the Emperor will kill him in retaliation, or use him as a warning to the Loyalist Prince?”

Ever since she’d taken over her master’s affairs in the capital, Yin Ruxin had made a thorough study of the city’s notable figures and the powerful elite—her knowledge rivaled that of Qin Haizhou, a native-born son of the gentry. After a moment’s thought, she continued, “As for Prince Xian, he’s the Emperor’s full brother, and has never concerned himself with politics. The Emperor has asked him repeatedly to help manage state affairs, but he always refused. Everyone knows that Prince Xian is devoid of ambition; he keeps no advisors or guards. To mastermind a prison riot would be tantamount to treason. If he harbored such intentions, why not seize the throne twenty years ago, when he held military power? If he had rebelled then, the Emperor might well have been replaced by now.”

With only the three of them in the room, Yin Ruxin spoke without reservation, knowing Qin Haizhou’s character and that Yang Yaozong trusted him deeply.

Qin Haizhou was slightly startled by her boldness, but also admired her frankness, and nodded in agreement.

Yang Yaozong, however, seemed to catch a thread of thought and looked at Qin Haizhou. “Prince Xian once held military command?”

Qin Haizhou nodded. “Yes. Not only did he hold command, he fought side by side with General Nangong against the northern tribes. His prowess, both in battle and strategy, was unrivaled. In those years, the invaders would retreat at the mere mention of his name.”

Yang Yaozong asked curiously, “Then why did he relinquish his command?”

Qin Haizhou frowned and shook his head. “It’s said that twenty years ago, after being severely wounded fighting the barbarians, he returned to the capital and voluntarily gave up his power, choosing a life of leisure. The exact reason was never discussed.”

Yang Yaozong rubbed his temples, thinking of the vague connections uncovered by the Secret Investigators. With both men implicated in the riot, he muttered, “Could it be just a coincidence that Prince Xian and the second prince both have ties to two of those twenty-five death warriors?” Unfamiliar with both men, he found them shrouded in mystery. The more he considered their involvement, the more certain he felt of their connection—yet the motive eluded him. Troubled, he asked Qin Haizhou, “How influential is Prince Xian in the army now?”

Qin Haizhou replied solemnly, “Among the officers, memories of Prince Xian’s deeds still inspire deep respect—even I greatly admire him. Many who served under him have since fallen in battle, but those who remain are powerful generals. For instance, General Cui Jiyie, who commands the northern defenses, and my own superior, General Xu Houyuan, in charge of the city’s garrison—both were once his trusted lieutenants.”

Yang Yaozong narrowed his eyes, fingering his prayer beads, and after a moment’s thought said, “Suppose—just suppose—they aided the eldest prince’s escape to provoke the Loyalist Prince into rebellion, and to ensure his success. The second prince could then use Prince Xian’s influence and connections to eliminate the Loyalist Prince and Jing Min, claiming the throne for himself. Is that possible?”

Yin Ruxin and Qin Haizhou both furrowed their brows, pondering deeply.

Yin Ruxin said, “If that’s the case, why wouldn’t Prince Xian seek the throne for himself, instead of helping the second prince? And as I said, if he had no ambition in his youth, why would he plot rebellion in his old age? Though your hypothesis is tenuous and somewhat speculative, it’s not entirely impossible.”

Qin Haizhou, however, said gravely, “Brother Yang, you must realize that if your theory involves Prince Xian, this is no matter for idle conjecture. He is, after all, an imperial prince, and his prestige in the military remains high. Regardless of his intentions, if we are to investigate him, we must be exceptionally cautious—not a whisper can leak out. Otherwise, before we uncover anything, we might lose our heads. Even the Emperor might not be able to protect us.”

Yang Yaozong nodded, his brow deeply furrowed. “I just feel these two are not as simple as they appear. The princess once told me that Prince Xian looks down on the Loyalist Prince’s family. Even when uncle and nephew meet, they exchange only the most perfunctory greetings. If they’re truly cautious, a thorough investigation might still yield nothing. It seems I’ll have to find an opportunity to visit Prince Xian myself. If he and the second prince are truly in league, as Ruxin suggested, I suspect it’s because the second prince holds something over Prince Xian, or knows a secret that weighs heavily on him—enough to change his resolve.”

The three had been conferring for quite some time. Yang Yaozong was beginning to look fatigued, massaging his temples with a furrowed brow, and Yin Ruxin and Qin Haizhou grew concerned for his health.

Qin Haizhou said, “In that case, based on our analysis, the only likely suspects in the prison riot are Prince Xian and the second prince. I’ll have people investigate them discreetly—if they’re plotting something, they’re bound to slip up eventually.”

Yang Yaozong nodded. “Good. Tell our men to be careful.” He suddenly added, “By the way, Brother Qin, release Meng Kuo and send him to Ruxin.”

Qin Haizhou now knew Meng Kuo was under Yin Ruxin’s command. The interrogations had yielded nothing—Meng Kuo had been as silent as a stone, his wounds severe, refusing both treatment and water, clearly resolved to die. Qin Haizhou respected his courage but was troubled by his intransigence. Hearing Yang Yaozong’s request, he felt relieved. “Meng Kuo is a brave man—he’s said nothing under questioning, refused treatment, and hasn’t touched a drop of water. Now that I know he’s your subordinate, I’ll arrange for his release after finishing some matters, and bring him here myself.”

He rose. “Brother Yang, take care and get some rest. I’ll take my leave.” He then turned to Yin Ruxin, clasping his hands. “Thank you for looking after Brother Yang.”

Yin Ruxin quickly replied, “Brother Qin, there’s no need for such courtesy. I am already Yang’s wife; caring for him is my duty. On the contrary, I regret not being able to entertain you properly. Once Yang recovers, we will host you with all due honor.”

As she went ahead to open the door, Qin Haizhou grinned at Yang Yaozong and joked in a low voice, “Brother Yang, neither of your wives is an ordinary woman. I doubt this double blessing is easy to enjoy!” With that, he turned and headed for the door, leaving Yang Yaozong momentarily speechless and helpless.

Though he’d spoken softly, Yin Ruxin caught his words and took no offense. To be compared to Nangong Qingyi was, in her heart, a source of pride and happiness.