Lianfeng walked with the crowd, and soon enough Ren joined her.

Ren asked Lianfeng, "Did you confirm? Is he your cousin?"

Lianfeng simply nodded.

When they reached the palace, the sun had already set on the horizon with only a faint light. As she settled on her bed, her thoughts unraveled fast. Is he trustworthy? Does he really not remember how he survived? Should I tell him about my plan? She exhaled a long breath. I was just 5 years old when the massacre happened. He might know things I don't. Does he also seek revenge or has he forgiven those jerks?

Lianfeng asked Ren who was staring at Lianfeng the whole time. "How old is the old lady? Tell me all you know about her."

Ren's eyebrows flared up in a quick gesture, and she replied, "Our source in the county said, she is dead. She died two years ago at the age of 64. She was known as a kind woman and remained unmarried. Her father had left her a chunk of money and she embroidered for a living."

She is already dead. I can't get any information out of her. Lianfeng thought sighing, her eyes suddenly rose and she inquired, "What about the county magistrate?"

Ren answered, folding her hands, "He is now 45. He is known as a just and honest officer and has quite a reputation. He comes from a poor background. That's maybe why he encourages and sponsors talented poor scholars. He has only one child, a girl about 20."

Lianfeng nodded. He has a reputation for fairness. But reputations are often deceptive. And what use is he? He most probably doesn't know anything or maybe he does? She thought, squinting her eyes.

"Ask someone to keep an eye on the magistrate, especially who he meets. I want to know as much as possible about him."

Ren stated, "I will send the order about the magistrate. But Shi Meng..... is he trustworthy?"

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Lianfeng paused and replied, "Actually, I don't know but I believe he hasn't forgotten our tribe's principles. And in our tribe, we will never betray each other."

Ren didn't look convinced. "Let's hope so."

Ren still had doubts but didn't tell Lianfeng about them. Lianfeng might trust him, but I can't take chances. I have to ask someone to keep an eye on him too.

Ren rose and inquired, "Should I tell your family about it or not?"

"Don't tell them yet," Lianfeng replied.

No one knew about her connection to Wu family in the palace except Ren. She hadn't seen Wu Hi and her mother for quite some time. She only saw her father in the training ground. She had to pretend to not know him or his techniques. It was easier when they weren't here, pretending that they are strangers is harder. But I have to do it anyway.

She fell on the soft fabric of her bed and removed the hairpin from her pouch. She ran her fingers on it. The faint scent of the oil lantern mingled with the soft hum of the palace. Should I trust him or not? If he’s loyal, he could be the key to uncovering the truth. If not... everything I’ve worked for might crumble. I must see him tomorrow.

With her next step planned, she brushed off other thoughts and fell to sleep.

The next afternoon, she went to Peony Street and spotted Shi Meng eating noodles at a stall. He wore the green robe Lianfeng had bought for him the day before. A small smile tugged at her lips as she approached him, her steps deliberate. She tapped his shoulder with her finger.

Shi Meng turned, startled at first, but his expression softened as he smiled. “Huan—”

She cut him off with a sharp tone, masking her amusement. “Brother, how are you doing?”

Shi Meng blinked, surprised, but quickly recovered. “I’m doing fine,” he said, setting down his empty bowl.

Lianfeng’s gaze flicked toward the stall owner. “Don’t you have to pay her?” she asked, arching an eyebrow.

Shi Meng shook his head, a faint grin on his lips. “No, I pay her at the end of the month.”

Today, the street was less crowded than yesterday but the smell and the air felt the same. They walked together and Lianfeng began the convo. "You must not tell anyone that I am Huanxin."

Shi Meng replied, confused, "But why?"

Lianfeng replied, "Just don't tell anyone." Your eyes are just the same. They say that you are trustworthy.

Shi Meng replied, "I won't tell anyone but you still must tell me the reason."

"I have forgone of my name. I am no longer Huanxin." Lianfeng replied, taking her eyes away from his eyes.

"So who are you now?" he asked.

At this question, Lianfeng became confused. Who am I now? Am I Lianfeng or He Ning?