Chapter 9

Madam Bai waved her fan and said: "This child, Xia Zhi, has always been unstable; causing today's trouble was not unexpected. Now, thinking of a solution seems difficult. The beloved dog of the Seventh Prince has had its ears clipped and its tail chopped off; it is no longer a playful dog but has become a badger dog. Who would be willing to accept that?"

Having repeated everything from beginning to end, Master Bai frowned and said, "How are we supposed to handle this matter? Those employed in the yamen are out there stealing from others, and what they steal is from the family of the Seventh Prince. What can I say about you? This matter must not be known to the master; if it is, you will lose your livelihood. " While speaking, he stroked his beard, "I do have some connections with people in the Xianwang Mansion, but servants are still servants. You have seen the temper of the Seventh Prince; he is quick to kill. If you harm his dog, won't he chop you up for soup? This is not an easy situation to navigate; I need to think it over carefully..." He stepped aside and said, "Come in, let's talk."

Master Bai shook his head and said, "That is a matter for later; we meet face to face, and since you have come to me, there is no reason to stand by and watch without offering help"

She hesitated for a moment; when asking someone to do a favor, one should at least bring a box of snacks or something. Then she thought, this is a prince, what hasn't he seen? Just bringing food would be even more embarrassing than coming empty-handed! Gritting her teeth, she approached. As she got closer, she was fortunate to see that the side door was still open. Peering inside, she noticed figures moving about; it wasn't yet the time when the household was settled. She let out a sigh of relief, just then a doorman came out, sizing her up from head to toe, and barked in a rough voice: "Hey, what are you doing just wandering around? Is this a place for you to gawk at the Western scenery?"

Do you not want to save your senior brother's life? The Seventh Prince is capable of anything; if it's too late, you will have to prepare a coffin for the body. At this moment, do not worry about face; what is face worth? It is more important to get the person out first

The lantern's light illuminated the face of the person behind, revealing his youthful and handsome features, with a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He did not continue his words, but simply said: "I have already reported back to the prince. The leopard tail squad will resubmit the roster, and whether to keep or remove anyone will be entirely at the prince's discretion."

The doorman heard that someone was introduced, and although her complexion looked a bit better, he still looked down on her, muttering: "Why is she so feminine... just wait, I'll go in and pass the message. If there is a task, I won't be able to come."

A eunuch dressed in blue silk robes with flared sleeves emerged from Dongasmen, leading the way for the people behind him. As he guided them, he said: "This morning, the princess sent someone to inquire whether our prince's request to the emperor regarding Ningguta has been approved. The servant understands the princess's concerns; she fears that the Thirteenth Master will have no one by his side in Chahar. However, upon learning that Lord Lou continues to attend him, she has finally set her mind at ease."

It is indeed difficult to forget that calm face, and I never expected to have another opportunity to interact. I do not know why, but I feel extremely anxious, rubbing my hands together and saying: "Last time, I was truly grateful to that person; if I go to ask again this time, it feels as if I am trying to extort them"

She felt a bit awkward, "There is one matter regarding Xie En, and another matter where my senior brother... offended the dog of the Seventh Lord, and he also fell into the hands of the Seventh Prince. I have no way to plead, and can only dare to come again to seek the Twelfth Lord's mercy for rebirth"

The system of the royal residence and the palace is quite similar, with the inner and outer courts managed separately. The officials on duty in the outer court are from the royal residence, with the ministers being of the seventh rank, and upon arriving at the royal residence, they are at least of the fifth or sixth rank. In the inner court, the chief eunuch is the head, and there are further subdivisions such as those responsible for various tasks, messengers, and even minor attendants, each with their own responsibilities. The eunuchs who attend to daily needs are often those who have served since childhood, making them more attentive than the officials. Therefore, the chief eunuch almost oversees all matters of the royal residence, with the prince being the top authority and the chief eunuch acting as the second in command

Hey, don't get distracted, this is the person you are looking for." The doorman called to her, pointing to the eunuch who was seeing them off, "This is the steward.

Such a person is worth conversing with, and it is advisable to promptly go up and pay respects to the Chief Steward.

Regardless of the circumstances, it is an opportunity. She is quite optimistic, smiling as she says: "The prince is a good person; he will definitely see me."

Though it is difficult to speak, I must grit my teeth and say it. She bowed again, "To the Grand Steward... indeed, there is a matter. I have come today to seek an audience with the Prince, and I ask the Grand Steward to be accommodating and relay my request. Life and death are at stake; the Grand Steward accumulates virtue and does good deeds. I will remember your kindness and set up a longevity tablet for you, offering incense three times a day in your honor..." Life and death are at stake; the Grand Steward accumulates virtue and does good deeds. I will remember your kindness and set up a longevity tablet for you, offering incense three times a day in your honor..."

It is advisable to feel happy, and after a busy sigh, one stepped into the ornate residence of Prince Chun, adorned with intricately carved beams and painted rafters

It is for urgent matters that I have forgotten. She hurriedly said, "I am called Mu Xiaoshu, currently serving in Shuntian Prefecture. My master is Wu Changgang, who is in charge of the major criminal cases. Last time, I had a brief encounter with the prince at Caishikou. I offended Seventh Master, and it was Twelfth Master who interceded on my behalf, saving my life."

"What about the door fee? How much is appropriate?" Ding Yi said with a mournful expression, "There is no door fee, they don't even allow people to enter. Isn't that how the royal residence operates?"

She hesitated and pondered, when suddenly she heard footsteps. She thought of going to greet them, but upon reflection, she realized it was not appropriate, so she chose to stay aside instead

Running towards Gulou, hurriedly with sweat all over. Master Bai lives in Shajing Hutong, just turn into a two-entry courtyard and that is their home. Dingyi went up to knock on the door, after knocking for a while, he heard coughing and spitting from inside. After a moment, someone came to open the door, Master Bai looked up and exclaimed, "Xiaoshu, are you here to visit us?"

It is quite shabby, yet there is no other way. Looking ahead, the grand mansions are not far away, with large red lanterns hanging under the eaves and two massive stone lions squatting on either side of the steps. The royal residence rarely opens its main gate, only for weddings and funerals; usually, entry and exit are through the side gate. Therefore, the six crimson doors, adorned with numerous brass studs, appear particularly imposing and solemn.

That Lord Lou took Ge Sha away, and the sound of hooves drifted far down the street. Ding Yi was still savoring their earlier conversation; Prince Chun was to travel to Ningguta, taking the route from Shengjing, and Changbai Mountain was an essential passage to Ningguta. Her mind buzzed as if she had been trekking for a long time and suddenly spotted a carriage to hitch a ride on, a joy that was beyond words to describe. If she could get close and blend into the accompanying group, at least she would have some support for the journey of several thousand miles. However, right now, saving Xia Zhi was the priority; that ancestor had been captured and taken to the Seventh Prince's residence, and it was uncertain how many layers of skin had been peeled off by now.

It truly reflects the saying that where there is one, there is another. After saving you once, you come seeking help again; what does this mean? Guan Zhaojing patted the back of his neck, "Whether the prince nods or not is hard to say. I do not look at the monk's face but rather at the Buddha's face; after all, it was Lord Bai Er who sent you, and I must give him face. So, you wait at the second gate. The prince has just finished his meal and is currently feeding the fish in the western garden. I will go in and notify him, as for whether he is willing to meet you, that depends on your fortune."

Guan Zhaojing let out a sound, "I understand, I have heard about this matter. So you are here today to express your gratitude"

One must still nod and bow to express gratitude, having grown accustomed to cold treatment. At times, it can be quite disheartening, but living under a low eave is the reality of ordinary people. Without a strong backing, and with not even a fraction of wealth, who would take you seriously? As for her, it is not merely her poverty that draws disdain, but her appearance. If one were to say she is a man, her slender arms and legs do not fit that description; if one were to say she is a woman, her flat chest remains unchanged from any angle, leading to the conclusion that she is neither male nor female, but rather a 'two-tailed' person. Sometimes, she secretly curses those who are blind to her worth, and once she saves enough money to leave Beijing, as long as her brothers are still alive, she will find them and change into women's clothing, never again pretending to be a man.

The wife of the master is also quite polite; upon seeing her, she greets, "Is Little Tree here?" and instructs the young girl to cut some melons to entertain her

Master Bai said: "It doesn't matter, the Twelfth Prince is strict in managing his household, even the eunuchs have been reprimanded. Anyone who dares to take liberties will be rolled up in their bedding and sent away. While there is still time, you should hurry and go find someone named Guan Zhaojing; he is in charge of the Prince's residence. Mention my name to him, and he will not make things difficult for you. Ask him to send a message for you, and first find a way to meet the Prince. I will wander around outside the residence of the Virtuous Prince to see if I can gather any information. If Xia Zhi is fortunate, at most he will suffer a bit of physical pain, which is not a big deal."

Guan Zhaojing entered with his head tilted, while Ding Yi patiently waited outside the railing. As time passed without any sign of him, her hope gradually waned. Leaning against the wall, she sighed and looked up at the moon, which also appeared dim and lackluster. She thought to herself that having been so rude, the prince would surely not pay her any attention.

She felt as if her heart was being fried in hot oil, stood up and stretched her waist, "Thank you, but I can't eat anything right now; my senior brother has someone holding me back."

Two people set out in the same direction, with the Prince Chun's residence located on the North Bank of Houhai and the Seven Kings' Mansion situated on Deshengmen Inner Street, not too far apart. Upon reaching the fork at Di'anmen, it would be advisable for one person to head north along Shichahai, walking while feeling anxious, uncertain if she would be able to see Prince Chun if she were to visit unannounced. What if he had gone to bed early, and by the time she arrived, he was already asleep? What would she do then? And what about that night of the summer solstice? Regardless, trouble was looming, so she might as well take a chance! Even if it felt like stealing a dog, she couldn't bring herself to say it out loud, letting a prince act as a go-between for a thief, fearing she might be thrown out before she could explain herself.

The eunuch, around thirty years of age, had a broad forehead and a bulbous nose, appearing quite clever and slick. He was flattering to those above him and maintained a certain authority over those below. He cast a glance at her and asked, "Did Master Bai send you to find me? What is it, do you have something to discuss?"

The eunuch repeatedly responded, having prepared the stirrups for him, waiting for the person to mount the horse, and then with hands hanging down, he performed a bow, saying, "Send off Lord Lou."

Guan Zhaojing was left at a loss by her words, pressing his hand to interrupt her, "Wait a moment... wait a moment, it is not so easy to meet the prince. Who are you, and what is your purpose? There must be a reason for this. You can't just open your mouth and say you want to see the prince; where are the rules? If I lead you in, I bear the responsibility and must ensure that you are not an assassin."

The advisor nodded, "Indeed, it is as you say, the Seventh Prince is not easily dismissed. If you wish to seek his favor, you must offer compensation. If you have no silver, he may ask you to take the place of his dog; would you be willing to do that? We must continue our efforts outside, but ultimately, we cannot avoid him. Without his imperial decree, who would dare to release anyone at will?" After pondering for a moment, he asked, "Last time you escaped, it was the Twelfth Prince who protected you, was it not? This suggests a connection; why not seek his assistance again? Prince Chun is a kind-hearted person; as long as he is willing to help, we would have resolved a significant portion of the matter."

Just as I was lamenting, I did not expect a little eunuch to come running over, waving his hand from a distance, "Don't be stunned, the prince has ordered you to enter!"

Please allow me to trouble you, I am looking for someone. I was sent by Master Bai from the Shuntian Prefecture, and I am looking for Chief Guan Zhao Jing.

It is indeed busy, "I apologize for the trouble caused. Once my senior brother comes out, I will have him express his gratitude to you properly"

Master Bai is a person of distinction, yet he is not highly regarded by the officials. He is easy to talk to and also righteous. Upon entering, she cried out, "Master, please save my elder brother."