Over the next few weeks Ku Shen grew more and more agitated. Ku Xue and Ku Qin Zemin were suddenly very close, something had transpired during their brief conversation to cement them as allies. Ku Shen refused to believe that Ku Xue had beaten Ku Qin Zemin, as they claimed. His spies also came up empty, as they failed to uncover what Ku Xue had offered Ku Qin Zemin, but the change in their relationship was too sudden to be based purely on mutual respect.
By this time Ku Wen had returned and was welcoming other members of the Ku Clan's branch families. It had become customary for the families to send exceptional members of the younger generation to the capitol for the winter. They were there to observe the Imperial Court as well as mingle and forge bonds. Many of the older courtiers referred to this gathering of youths as 'Tomorrow's Court' since most of them had the privilege of attending in their younger days.
“Report.” Ku Shen was doing his best not to let his frustration show, but the agent bowing before him still flinched slightly at the steel in his voice.
“Ku Qin Zemin left the palace after his meeting with Imperial Advisor Ku Wen. One of our agents claims he had a page like your majesty's when he exited her office.”
“I guess it's not entirely surprising our benefactor would leave one for Cousin Zemin.” Tapping his fingers anxiously on the desk, Ku Shen continued, “You said he left the palace. Where did he go? What is he doing?”
“He's currently in the commerce district shopping for fine silks.”
“Hmmm...” The tapping subsides as Ku Shen asks, “Are there any opportunities?”
“I'm afraid not. Imperial Advisor Ku Wen has assigned several units to covertly follow any of the young masters that leave the palace as well as increasing the number of royal guards on patrol. I believe she may be over compensating due to Prince Ku Wei's disappearance.”
The tapping of Ku Shen's fingers returned even more fervently than before. “On the surface she's still investigating what happened, but she hasn't looked into any of the leads we've dangled in front of her. Only now does she decide to take the threat seriously. I don't know what to make of Aunt Wen. It's like someone told her not to look into what happened, but she's still afraid it will happen again. Could it have been Father? How much do they know?”
*** *** *** ***
Ku Qin Zemin was aware he was being followed. He visited several silk suppliers before arriving at his destination in an attempt to hide his true intentions. As he entered the establishment the man at the counter greeted him with a smile, “Welcome to Wyrm's Silk! Can I help you with anything?”
Glancing at another customer admiring a roll of silk, Ku Shen shook his head, “I'm just browsing.”
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“Alright, just let me know if you need help or have any questions.”
Ku Qin Zemin pretended to admire a rather expensive roll of silk as he watched the other customer complete their transaction. After they left the store he approached the clerk with the silk. Seeing Ku Qin Zemin headed his way the clerk asked, “Will that be it? Or can I help you find something else?”
“Actually could you help me find my grandpa?” Seeing the clerk just stare at him confused, Ku Qin Zemin reiterated, “I'm looking for my grandfather.”
The clerk smiled awkwardly, “I hope you find him. Would you like to purchase that silk?”
Ku Qin Zemin's cheeks flushed a bright red. He glanced around again to confirm no one else was in the store before stammering, “I'm a baby goat looking for my grandpa goat.”
Da raised an eyebrow as he studied the customer before him. “The manager will be right with you to help process your order,” he said as he made his way to the back room.
Shortly after a woman stepped out from the door the clerk had just passed through. She was wearing a loose fitting dress, but it still couldn't hide her fiery figure. In a very businesslike tone she said, “If the young master would follow me, we have a private showing room where you'll find what you're looking for.”
Ku Qin Zemin followed the woman into the back area of the store, but as soon as the door closed behind them all the pretenses fell away. He dropped the silk he was carrying. Hearing the silk hit the floor the woman turned just in time to catch Ku Qin Zemin as he rushed to give her a hug. Her arms wrapped around him, his small frame a reminder of how young he was. The boy fought back tears as he cheered, “Mother Ming I'm so glad you're alive and well! I was so worried about you and Jia Ying.”
Ming Fang gently stroked Ku Qin Zemin's hair in attempt to calm and reassure him. In a gentle tone she reassured him, “I'm fine Zem'er[1]. I'm sorry we couldn't leave word with the palace like we planned, but I'm so happy you found us. You must have spoken to Ying'er since you knew the password. How is she?”
“Oh, I almost forgot. That's why I came,” Ku Qin Zemin said as he produced a crystalline page.
Ming Fang took the page and examined it. “What is thi...” but her question was cut off by the inky black liquid moving beneath the page's surface.
It began to take the shape of words written in Ming Jia Ying's hand and said, “Hello Mother. I hope Da and Grandfather are doing well too.”
Seeing the words, Ming Fang's legs buckled and tears welled up in her eyes. She turned to Ku Qin Zemin, pleading, “How do I respond?”
Ku Qin Zemin tried to help her to her feet, but she was too focused on the page to cooperate. Sighing in defeat, he said, “Simply circulate you chi into you palm and place it on the page, then you can either write your message with your finger or speak it aloud.”
“Ying'er! I'm here! Da is here too. We made it to the capitol safely. But who cares about that fucking useless Grandfather of yours! He couldn't even bring you home safely and instead sent you off with some stranger!” Ming Fang seemed panicked as she rushed and screamed her response.
While she was yelling Da arrived at her side and was helping her up. Meanwhile, Shan Yang had just exited one of the rooms further down the hall in time to hear what Ming Fang said and promptly turned to leave. As he did so Ku Qin Zemin noticed that his left arm was missing. It was obvious that they had been through more than they were letting on.
Author's Notes:
[1]Reminder: Adding 'er to a word denotes that it is for children, using it with a name can be a term of endearment between an adult and a minor, such as a parent and child. In this example she also shortened Zemin to Zem before adding the 'er