Chapter 7

After a long time, he spoke.

“I can agree. First, you must help me reach that position. Understand that I have nothing now. Only a disabled body and an empty residence.”

“You do have something.”

I met his eyes, every word clear.

“Your rightful status as an imperial son. Intelligence and patience equal to anyone’s. And an ally who came out of hell.”

I pointed to myself.

His pupils contracted. He plainly hadn’t expected that.

He looked deeply at me, then nodded.

“Good. From now on, we’re allies. What do you need?”

“Your people to go somewhere and retrieve something.”

“Where? What?”

“Nichang Silk House, south of the city.”

“The capital’s largest silk shop. Part of Qin Wanrou’s mother’s dowry. Its accounting room holds a hidden ledger detailing her secret transfers of Qin assets to cover the Eastern Palace’s deficits, behind my uncle’s back.”

Qin Wanrou’s fatal weakness.

My first grand gift to her.

In the previous life, the Qin family’s endless wealth secured her position as crown princess.

This time, I would cut her funds first. A paper tiger without teeth or claws.

Zhao Heng didn’t answer immediately.

His fingers tapped steadily on the wheelchair arm, considering risk and value.

“Nichang is heavily guarded,” he said slowly. “And her mother isn’t simple.”

“I know. That’s why I need you. The City God Temple fair is in two days. Her mother is devout. She attends every fair to burn incense. The shop will be least guarded then.”

His eyes brightened slightly.

“Deal.”

He took a black wooden token from his clothes and handed it over.

An odd emblem was carved on it, like an eagle spreading its wings.

“My token. You may command everyone in my residence with it. Including…”

He glanced at the door.

“Tie Mian.”

Iron Mask.

The token was cold in my palm. It felt like a smoldering fire of revenge.

“Thank you.”

“No need.”

He picked up his book.

“We each take what we need.”

I rose to leave. At the door, I remembered something.

“Your Highness.”

“Yes?”

“Your legs… is there truly no hope?”

His page-turning hand paused.

Without looking up, he said emotionlessly, “Broken bones. How could they be joined again?”

“Is that so?”

I answered softly.

“I know an extraordinary physician. Perhaps… he can help.”

I left without looking back.

So I didn’t see him slowly put down the book and raise his eyes, burning after me, turbulent enough to swallow the night.

06

The City God Temple fair was packed.

I didn’t go. Claiming discomfort, I stayed in my courtyard.

Yunzhou paced anxiously.

“Really not going? They say it’s especially lively this year. Acrobats from the Western Regions too.”

I shook my head.

“I don’t feel well. Never mind.”

On my couch, I held a book for leisure reading.

Inside, I counted every moment.

Waiting for news.

For a fine performance.

Qin Wanrou would certainly attend. She loved crowds, and showing off her future status before everyone.

Soon a servant reported, “Miss Wanrou sent toys from the fair to amuse you.”

I had them brought in.

Fine pastries, masks, and unusual pinwheels.

Such a thoughtful sister.

Unfortunately, small favors couldn’t buy me.

I gave them to the servants and continued reading.