Xiuying

“If you come to think of it, it's too uncanny to be a coincidence, but if Cheng Du really did it, why did he try to save Baobao? Is he really trying to save him or did he want to make sure that Baobao died?” Xiuying pondered over the information she got from Yichen.

“I went outside to gather some herbs for Baobao and find Doctor Shen right? And when I went back to the inn, he was gone. Did you see where he went?” she asked.

“I'm so sorry young miss but I didn't. I was too stupefied with what happened to Baobao. I was so focused on my little brother that I didn't notice him leaving. Why do you ask? Is something bothering you?”

“Something is but I need to confirm my suspicions before reporting it to the officers.”

“What suspicions, Young Miss?”

“That the huge man had something to do with Baobao's unfortunate incident that day. But I can't just report it without proof.”

“What?! But why?! Why did he try to save my brother?”

“I am not sure, Yichen. But I'm guessing that the candied fruits had something to do with it.”

“Goodness! Why did he do that to Baobao? We need to find him, young miss! We need to know the truth! I will not let this go if he really harmed my brother!” Yichen cried as he stood up from his seat.

“I promise to help you find out the truth.” Xiuying said as she took the small booklet of poison with her. She bid her farewell to Yichen and left the clinic. She changed her clothes and made her way near the palace and waited for Jin Hai.

Hours later, Jin Hai arrived near the imperial palace gates. “Jianyu, I'm here!” he said as he waved at Xiuying. She still isn't accustomed to hearing her brother's name when somebody calls her. She nod courtly at Jin Hai as she scratched her hair underneath the silk hat she is wearing. He walked towards her and she was aghast when she noticed the man walking behind Jin Hai.

Xiuying grabbed Jin Hai's elbow and went towards the plum tree near the imperial palace's gates. “What is he doing here? I thought he already quit? How did he know we're supposed to meet here? Why is he with you?”

“Whoa! Slow down with the questions!” Jin Hai raised both hands in the air. “He said he lost his way inside the palace. He found me after we separated yesterday at the market. He told me he received the same instructions from the Prince's eunuch.”

“Do you trust him?” Xiuying asked in a hushed voice. “What exactly did he tell you? Did you tell him about the emperor's whereabouts?”

“He told me he received the same instructions as us so I didn't bother to tell him about the emperor. I just assumed he knew.” Jin Hai shrugged.

“We'll find out if he really does. Don't tell him anything. I don't trust this person. Just be careful around him.” Xiuying warned him.

“What do you plan to do? He's obviously tagging along. How will we know if he received the same instructions as us?”

“We'll tell him that we're going to the Redmoon Valley. If he doesn't react then we'll know he is lying.” she said.

“Okay! let's do that!” Jin Hai agreed as he looked at Cheng Du who was now walking towards them.

“Why are you whispering over there?” Cheng Du asks.

“None of your business!” Xiuying responded with a deep voice.

“Come on Jianyu, Don't start a fight! Let's go to the Redmoon Valley. Let's start walking if we want to be there by tomorrow.”

“Redmoon Valley, huh. Interesting. I received a different instruction from the Eunuch.” Cheng Du said, eyeing the two as he started to walk the dusty road in front of him.

“What instructions?” Xiuying blocked Cheng Du's path, raising her hands to the side. She raised her voice slightly and met his eyes as she tried to discern what his real intentions were.

“None of your business.” Cheng Du gave nothing away.

“Wait!” Xiuying tried to grab Cheng Du's tunic in front of her but Cheng Du spun swiftly and grabbed her by the robe. He swooped her unexpectedly and her head fell back. The silk hat fell and her long black hair that was neatly tied up moments ago was freed from its place. The wind blew revealing Xiuying's face. Cheng Du stared at her for a moment and his lips furled. Xiuying's eyes were wide with shock. She fought against Cheng Du's tight grasp. Jin Hai's mouth fell.

“J-Jianyu?” Jin Hai asked.

“Let me down!” she screamed, faking a deep voice.

“I knew it. You can't fool me. You're a woman.” Cheng Du smirked.

“Jianyu, you're a woman?” Jin Hai blinked a dozen times because he couldn't believe what he just saw.

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