Back in Chang'an, Tang Daiyu returned to Peace Tree Inn. She paid for one night and went upstairs to her room. It was a different from the one she had lived in for two years, but still similar. As she curled up on the bed, Tang Daiyu thought of her brother and parents. Soon, her eyelids drooped, and she fell asleep.

The next morning, she got up, left the inn, and wandered around the marketplace. It wasn't long until she saw a horse tied to a hitching post. She walked over to the animal and discreetly undid the reins. Then, Tang Daiyu swung herself up and flicked the reins, urging the horse into a gallop.

"Hey! Stop, thief!" someone called.

Tang Daiyu ignored them and headed for the southern exit. Once she had passed through the gates, she turned onto the road heading back towards Heping. Near the border, Tang Daiyu dismounted from the horse and walked into Heping. Soon enough, the Chang exiles approached her.

"Your Majesty," they all said as they bowed to her.

"Please, don't," she said, waving off the bow. Once they had straighten, she added, "I need your help."

The leader stepped forward. "Anything."

"This isn't just for me, but my whole family."

Then, she told them everything that she had learned. When she finished, there was a moment's silence.

"I want to know the rest of this story. Help me figure out the whole truth, and I will reward you greatly and be indebted to you all. But I need to know why my family was chosen, why my parents had to die, why I was chosen as Rong's wife. Don't leave a stone unturned."

The leader looked at her and said, "I, Xia Dongya, on behalf of the group, accept your request. We will help you, Tang Daiyu. Your family doesn't need anymore slander.”

Visible relief washed over her. She relaxed and nodded. Gratitude shone in her eyes.

"Thank you," Tang Daiyu said softly.

She had gained allies. Now, it was only a matter of trusting them. But at least she wasn't alone in this endeavour anymore.

~~~

Tang Daiyu returned to the palace in Nanning. In Feng Rong's rooms, she rummaged through documents and books, searching for something, anything. When she came up empty, Tang Daiyu roared in frustration. She threw a book at the wall, and dislodged another book. Suddenly, the wall began to shift. Her eyes widened in shock as another, smaller room was revealed. Slowly, she walked forward towards the entrance.

What is Rong up to?

She entered the room and looked around. There were boxes filled with scrolls. Tang Daiyu's hands shook as she picked up a scroll with very familiar seal on it. It was addressed to Emperor Jianyuan.

Dear Emperor Jianyuan of Chang,

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  Beware. There is a traitor in your midst. Be very careful with whom you share information. Any official could be working against you.

  Well wishes, Anonymous

Tang Daiyu's bottom lip quivered. She knew the hand writing well.

It's Rong's.

She closed her eyes, fighting the tears.

He directed Emperor Jianyuan right to my father.

Her eyes opened slowly, and she took a shuddering breath. Tang Daiyu turned around and picked out more papers. Every paper, every document she read, increased the evidence against her father and family.

"I can't believe this! Everything, it was all fabricated."

Tang Daiyu whistled and soon, the Chang exiles appeared. They looked at her, waiting for her instruction. Xia Dongya stepped forward.

"You called?"

"Yes, do you have someplace where this can be moved to? I fear that when Rong returns, he might try to get rid of all this. I cannot afford to let that happen."

"I do. There's an old abandoned storage room near where we stay. The boxes can go there. Everyone, let's move!"

"Wait!" Tang Daiyu said. "How are we going to move all these boxes by ourselves?"

"There's a horse and cart nearby. We can load them onto the cart and then drive away."

She nodded in agreement. "Okay, let's get this out of here."

They began to move. Tang Daiyu picked up a couple and the others more. The boxes were carried outside and around to a cart nearby. They loaded the cart and went back for more boxes. Then, it was back to the cart. Once everything had been loaded, Tang Daiyu thanked them for their help. Xia Dong nodded.

"Of course. Don’t worry, we’ll safeguard these documents.

Good evening, Tang Daiyu."

Then, they disappeared, leaving her alone. She returned to her rooms and sat down slowly onto the bed, sighing.

Another part of the puzzle is solved. But how much more do I have to uncover? What are Rong and Prince Yelang hiding?

Tang Daiyu took a deep breath and stood up. She walked over to her desk and took out a piece of paper, a brush, and ink. Dipping the brush tip into the ink, her hand held still as she thought about what she was going to write. Eventually, she looked down towards the bamboo paper and began her brushstrokes.

Feng Rong,

  I've returned to Heping. By the time you return, I'll already have disappeared. Don't try to look for me because you won't succeed. I really thought I could trust you and that I could

  start over here in Heping. I guess only the last part can come to fruition. So this is goodbye.

  Tang Daiyu

After she let the ink dry, she rolled it up and tied it with a piece of white ribbon. Tang Daiyu whistled again, and Xia Dongya entered her residence. He bowed slightly.

"You called?"

"Yes, I need someone to deliver this message to Emperor Rong. He's still in Chang'an, and I know the risk you and the rest of your men take if you enter Chang. If you don't think it's safe, I'll have someone else deliver it, that's completely okay. I don't want you put any of you in harm's way intentionally. You all are the only ones I can rely on right now."

"I'll take it myself, Tang Daiyu."

He held out his hand to her. She gently handed over the paper. Gratitude flickered in her eyes.

"Thank you, Xia Dongya. Be safe and may Guanyin protect you."

He nodded, turned, and left in silence. Tang Daiyu slowly let out a breath she didn't know she had been holding and closed her eyes.

I hope nothing happens. I doubt the others will help me if Xia Dongya gets hurt doing this. Then, I'll truly be alone.