Character Index
Duan Wuxie: A Senior Investigator in the Imperial Investigator's Bureau, a member of the core staff. Appeared once in the meeting Li Que had Chen Jian listen in on.
Archduke Wei: One of the Emperor's half-brothers. Younger full-brother of Archduke Qi, who was kicked out from the capital after an unfortunate accident during his tenure as the teacher of the princes.
Zhou Chengxia: Archduke Wei's daughter, sent to marry into the Khaganate as Ashina's counterpart.
Princess Ashina: Daughter of the Chuluo Khagan, Kayla's bride-to-be.
Zhou Kuang: The Third Prince, a contender for the throne.
Zhou Xianchun: The Seventh Prince, a contender for the throne.
Zhou Yunqi: The Fifth Prince, supporter of the Third Prince.
Empress Gongsun: The former Empress and mother of the deposed First and Second Princes. She committed suicide after being deposed due to political clashes between the Emperor and the Gongsun clan.
Zhou Zhen: The deceased Fourth Prince, he invoked the Emperor's rage in his defense of Archduke Qi and died soon after being disowned.
Liu Boyue: The Seventh Prince's right-hand man and strategist. Formerly Xianchun's best friend.
Wei Guang: The Imperial Edict Bearer and Kayla's godfather. He was responsible for crowning the current Emperor in a coup.
Xiang Daozong/Qu Boyong: Lord of the Xiang clan, reinstated by Kayla's interference.
Zhao Chao: Kayla's retainer. Not a member of the Zhao clan. (Lots of Zhaos out there, to be clear.)
Tao Qian: Kayla's retainer.
Li You: Kayla's retainer. He was not brought North due to being more hot-tempered and violent than the others.
Issik: Ashina's guard, he holds the title of baghatur.
Kulun: A tarkhan of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate.
Derin: Ashina's lady-in-waiting who has accompanied the girl since childhood, is almost like a mother to Ashina.
Chujiao/Jing Shuyou: Wenyuan's childhood friend and sweetheart, Qu Boyong's cousin.
Princess Mingda: The Sixth Princess, daughter of a deceased Uyghur consort. In an alliance with Kayla.
Sun Zhong'e: Kayla's retainer. Did not go North with Kayla because she was needed to hold down the fort.
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Kayla left the Imperial Palace after yet another long discussion in the Emperor’s quarters. Almost as though to make a point, the Emperor had his most senior ranking eunuch personally escort Kayla out of the Inner Palace on horseback, all but daring the Empress Dowager to challenge the decision.
Kayla couldn’t relax until she was finally back in her own carriage. Her thoughts turned back to her next steps.
Thank god he was so receptive–probably thanks to Wei Guang’s stamp of approval. The edited policy would be announced at the next convening of the court, the one right before the wedding. Kayla felt both nervous and excited at the thought. There was a thread of apprehension that hadn’t been there before–Wei Guang’s objections to her original plans had caught her off-guard.
It wasn’t so much that she had gotten carried away after a few minor triumphs in the North, but that there had finally seemed a solution in sight to the herculean challenges that loomed over her. Kayla had just wanted there to be a clear way out for once.
She forced herself to stop dwelling on the matter. Kayla was all but openly colluding with Kuang at this point–she could only hope Kuang would be thoughtful enough not to make it obvious. The Emperor probably wouldn’t mind much, but still, it was better not to risk such a thing. No matter how much the Emperor favored his nephew, accompanying a ruler was like accompanying a tiger. Even if the tiger was gentle for now, it was still a carnivorous monster that could easily tear you to shreds.
And anyone who forgets that is close to ruin. Her mind flitted to Xianchun. Speaking of dangerous beasts…what is that one up to?
The carriage pulled to a stop before the Imperial Investigator’s Bureau. Kayla was greeted and led inside by Senior Investigator Duan, one of the Bureau’s core staff. He took her straight to their maximum security vaults, running through his reports at top speed.
“These are the most recent reports we have on the Archdukes,” Senior Investigator Duan said, gesturing to the piles of neatly cataloged scrolls.
“Anything worth noting at the moment?” Kayla asked.
“Archduke Wei has been very discontent due to his daughter’s marriage into the Khaganate, but he has taken no action beyond indulging in alcohol,” Senior Investigator Duan replied.
Poor guy. Senior Investigator Duan gestured for the Investigators to lock up the vault again.
“And this way is where we keep the most recent reports on the princes,” Senior Investigator Duan said. “As you have seen before, all reports are magically encrypted and secured in an archive after a certain amount of time, save for very sensitive information, which is stored separately.”
He led her through a series of heavy doors with interlaced lock mechanisms.
“The security is impressive,” Kayla noted.
“Yes, there are multiple layers of magic wards in addition to physical locks–the two are separate, just in case of unusual circumstances that might disable one or the other,” Senior Investigator Duan agreed.
He opened the final door to the vault, stepping aside to let Kayla enter first. Kayla raised her eyebrows at the mountains of scrolls stacked in the room.
“And these piles are for the Third and Seventh Prince, I assume?” Kayla asked, gesturing at the largest ones.
“Yes, my lord. That one over there is for the Fifth Prince, and those are for the Princesses and their husbands,” Senior Investigator Duan said, pointing out each in turn. Kayla’s eyes caught onto two shelves that sat forlornly in a corner.
“And these are?” Kayla asked.
Senior Investigator Duan hesitated for a moment. “Ah, these are reports on the–on Sir Zhou and his wife,” he said. Kayla took a closer look at the names.
The First Prince, she realized in astonishment. She glanced up sharply at Senior Investigator Duan.
“And…his-his…brother?” Kayla asked, a little flustered at how to address them.
“We also have reports on them,” Senior Investigator Duan replied, looking equally awkward as they broached the topic.
“Are they well?” Kayla asked quietly.
Senior Investigator Duan’s expression froze briefly before he inclined his head slightly. “As well as one can be in their circumstances, I suppose. Their health has suffered from their…um, their various experiences and situations–but-but they are-they’re alright. They have enough to live comfortably.”
They were both silent for a moment.
“That’s quite a lot of reports,” Kayla said.
“We keep an eye on them to make sure there’s no…inappropriate correspondence between them and the Gongsun clan, or anyone else who may have nefarious purposes,” Senior Investigator Duan replied. “The Emperor also inquires about their well-being often.”
I thought they were as good as dead to him. Kayla struggled to let the information sink in. Well, I guess even a tiger is not poisonous enough to harm its own young–but what about the Fourth Prince then? Or are the First and Second Prince different?
She turned her attention back to Senior Investigator Duan’s words.
“When you say anyone else, who do you mean?” Kayla asked.
“Anyone in court, any members of the Imperial Family,” he replied.
“I see,” Kayla murmured. She quickly switched to a less awkward subject. “What about the Turkish delegation? Have they been keeping busy?”
“Indeed, Director. They have had no shortage of visitors, though save for a few notable ladies of good birth and bearing, none received an audience with the Princess herself,” the man replied, glad to be offered an out.
“Sensible enough of them,” Kayla muttered. “Any visitors we should be worried about?”
“Well, it may yet be too early to say, but we’ve compiled a detailed list,” Senior Investigator Duan replied. “We’ve also placed men on every member of the Turkic delegation–without their knowing, of course. Some of their men are quite light-footed. I suspect they were selected for the Princess’ personal use.”
He paused for a moment before hastily turning towards Kayla. “N-not like that, of course, what I meant was–”
“Your meaning was perfectly clear, Senior Investigator. Thank you for your hard work,” Kayla replied. “On the matter of the Princess’ retainers, I have a small request for you.”
“Of course,” Senior Investigator Duan said.
“I need some men to tail each of her retainers so that I will be able to immediately identify and retrieve whichever one tails me tonight,” Kayla said. She glanced at him meaningfully. “This is more of a private matter, so…”
“I’ll arrange for it to be done off the books,” Senior Investigator Duan said.
“Excellent. You’re really as reliable as they say, Senior Investigator. Then I thank you in advance for this favor,” Kayla said.
Senior Investigator Duan dipped his head and moved aside to let Kayla access another stack of reports.
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Xianchun tossed aside a report, turning to Liu Boyue with a frown.
“Something’s afoot. We can’t sit back and watch any longer,” Xianchun said.
Liu Boyue let out a sigh. Their eyes and ears hadn’t turned up anything of importance.
Kuang evidently knew who the spies in his household were, and seemed to take pleasure in keeping them in his line of sight without letting them glean any information. Wei Guang and Wenyuan were both so paranoid and secretive that only their most trusted retainers knew what was going on at any given moment.
“I still believe that it is imprudent to act without sufficient information, but with Wenyuan’s frequent trips to the palace, I would say there is a new policy in the works,” Liu Boyue said.
“The timing is suspicious,” Xianchun said. “With how tirelessly he runs back and forth from the palace, he must be seeking to implement it quickly–I would even say before the wedding. But why? He would have more weight behind his blows if he waited till his new father-in-law was made official.”
“Perhaps it has to do with the wedding itself,” Liu Boyue suggested. “Nobles from across the country are arriving for the ceremony–perhaps he means to make use of the opportunity.”
“For what? He could hardly arrest them at the wedding banquet,” Xianchun muttered. “Or is he planning to roll out a reform at a moment when they can’t refuse him without creating an international scandal?”
Liu Boyue frowned thoughtfully. “Or perhaps…it’s the other way around. Maybe it’s not the nobles he’s aiming for, but his in-laws.”
“The Khaganate?” Xianchun asked in surprise. “What could he want with them?”
“There may still yet be room for him to maximize his advantage,” Liu Boyue replied. “But we cannot say for sure without knowing his actions.”
“Easier said than done! The man has the Bureau at his command, if he doesn’t want us to know, then we won’t find out so easily,” Xianchun said through gritted teeth. “I have no doubt that Third Brother has already been looped in–so much for the neutral faction!”
Xianchun tossed a plaque to Liu Boyue. “Increase our eyes and ears on the Turkish delegation. If Wenyuan plans to move on his in-laws, we must be the first to know.”
Liu Boyue bowed his head slightly, tucking the plaque into his robes. “As you wish, my prince.”
“For the time being, just focus our energy on the Shu clan and the Turks. We don’t have enough manpower to keep an eye on the nobles anyways–all we can do is rely on Grandmother’s information,” Xianchun said. He noted Liu Boyue’s look of concern and let out a sigh. “I don’t trust her either, but with Wei Guang firmly stepping on Xiang Daozong’s tail, we’re the only ones she can use right now. We’ll have to make the most of it.”
“It’s as you say, my prince. Then I will go convey your orders,” Liu Boyue said.
Xianchun nodded, and his strategist slipped out of the room.
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It was nightfall by the time Kayla set off to see Chujiao. Kayla was only half-hearted in being discreet. She halved the usual number of guards and changed to a nondescript carriage, but took no further measures to avoid being followed to the safe house.
Not long after they set off, Zhao Chao approached the carriage on horseback. Kayla leaned over, opening the window.
“What is it?”
“We’re being followed, my lord.”
Just as expected.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
“Excellent. Stop the carriage and bring him over,” Kayla ordered.
Li You raised his eyebrows, but Zhao Chao and Tao Qian bowed their heads without protest.
“As you wish, my lord.”
Kayla closed the window and sat back in the carriage, patiently waiting without a care in the world. It wasn’t as though she was blocking traffic in such a desolate street anyways.
It didn’t take long for Zhao Chao and Tao Qian to return, a flustered man sandwiched between them. The guards watched on indifferently from the side.
“Good evening,” Kayla greeted him pleasantly. The man stammered out a greeting in response, looking as though he wanted to combust on the post.
“It’s been a while, hasn’t it? How has your stay in the capital been so far?” Kayla asked conversationally. The man didn’t reply, staring at Kayla in flabbergasted disbelief.
“The night view is lovely in Luoyang, isn’t it? Well, come on over and sit down,” Kayla offered, gesturing at the seat across from her.
“Your Excellency, I really couldn’t,” the man said, flushing in consternation. “I beg your pardon for having disturbed your evening–”
“I insist,” Kayla said firmly, opening the door further. Zhao Chao and Tao Qian manhandled the man into the offered seat, Li You giving him a hard shove for good measure.
“M-my lord, I–”
“If the Duke has been kind enough to offer, there’s no need to be so polite,” Zhao Chao said, firmly pressing the man into his seat.
“I assure you, Duke Zhao, this is all a misunderstanding,” the man said, looking at Kayla uneasily. He was met with an unreadable smile.
“No, your timing is perfect. I don’t quite recall your name–you were often with Issik-baghatur, weren’t you?”
She waited expectantly for a long moment until the man was deeply unnerved.
“Shy, aren’t we? Never mind then. This isn’t really the best place for proper introductions anyway. But I was just on my way to an appointment. Why don’t you accompany me?” Kayla asked.
“I couldn’t, my lord, I–”
Kayla cut straight to the point.
“I insist. You see, the woman I am meeting with is like a sister to me. But seeing as she is yet unmarried, it would be inappropriate for me to meet with her again after the wedding–I’m going to say my goodbyes tonight, and to wrap up any loose ends that may adversely impact my marriage in the future. Seeing as this is a bit of a sensitive situation, I think you’d best come with me for good measure,” Kayla said.
She ignored the look of badly hidden shock on the man’s face. “After all, one could drown in people’s spit. Never mind that we grew up together and that I only think of her as a sister–people would speculate regardless. My friend is dear to me, of course, but this marriage is much more important.”
Kayla fixed him with a piercing stare. “Anything that has even the slightest chance of causing me marital disharmony needs to be taken care of properly beforehand, wouldn’t you say?”
The man’s face went through several different variations of consternation.
“I wouldn’t dare inquire into your business, Duke Zhao, but I trust your good judgment,” the man said in a choked voice.
“Don’t say that now, you’re from the bridal side. It’s only proper you should come along as a witness so we can all be at ease.”
The man shifted uncomfortably, disbelief and fear mixing in his face. “My lord, surely I couldn’t. This is entirely inappropriate–I am just a low-ranking servant, how dare I do such a thing?”
“You were planning on accompanying us anyhow, weren’t you? Why would this be less acceptable than following me in secret?” Kayla asked, giving him as genuine a look of puzzlement as she could manage.
The man opened and closed his mouth several times before finally biting out a reply.
“I-I really couldn’t, my lord. I have nothing but the deepest faith in your discernment and respectability, and would not dare to–would not–” He licked his lips, lost at what to say. Kayla looked at him expectantly.
“I would not dare to intrude, my lord, I should really get going,” he finally managed.
“Don’t be like that, I insist. Come along, that way both sides can be at ease, no? After all, I don’t wish to be misunderstood.”
Tao Qian and Zhao Chao shifted menacingly at the carriage door.
“Please, my lord, that is entirely unnecessary, I implore you. We have nothing but faith in your virtue,” the Turkish man said, dread creeping into his voice as he watched his chances of surviving the night diminish with each word.
Kayla tilted her head slowly, eyes fixated on him in a disconcerting stare. “Well, if you’re absolutely certain that you don’t wish to join me…”
“Thank you, but I cannot impose in such a manner, my lord. Please be assured that I will explain the situation to the princess so that this will not be cause for concern,” he said.
Kayla smiled. “Why thank you then. But…I did offer, you know? You’re the one who refused.” Her eyes crinkled in the mockery of warmth. “So if the princess misunderstands or is upset with me on this matter, you’re the one I’ll hold accountable.”
The man nodded, his face ashen. Kayla waved her hand, and her retainers manhandled the Turkish man back out of the carriage.
“Please bring my warm regards to the princess,” Kayla said. The man bowed his head towards the carriage before he practically fled the area. He didn’t slow down until he was a good distance away, his heart pounding wildly. He rubbed at his arms, sore from the iron grips of Wenyuan’s retainers.
“That crazy bastard–! What kind of–” He quietly cursed under his breath, lost for words even in the privacy of his own thoughts at the outrageous behavior he had just been forced to witness.
“There’s something seriously wrong with that man,” he finally muttered to himself. He shook his head, pity pooling in his stomach.
Coming all this way to marry a shameless lunatic…our poor princess really has an unfortunate life.
He sped up again, making haste to give his report.
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Ashina was livid as her retainer finished stammering out his report. The man’s flustered countenance only served to increase her irritability–she turned her gaze away, hiding the bubbling anger in her stomach.
Are you kidding me? Are you fucking kidding me?!
She whipped her head towards Kulun and shot him a glare before turning away again.
“You may go,” Derin spoke up in her stead. “Keep silent about this matter until otherwise instructed.”
The man bowed his head and left the room.
So this is why he never said anything about his altercation with Father’s men, he intended to humiliate me like this from the start! The more she thought about it, the more furious she was. It was premeditated, it had to be. Wenyuan had known she would watch him, and had set this up specifically to make her lose face.
“We don’t know for sure what his intentions are,” Kulun said to the room, though it was clear enough he meant it to assure her.
Humiliation burned up from her stomach and lit aflame her cheeks.
That vindictive little shit–
Zhao Wenyuan’s visits and inquiries had come to an abrupt halt once they’d reached the capital. The sudden end to the steady trickle of gifts had left her feeling even more wary than before.
Did he do all that just to coax me into a false sense of security so I’d come with him quietly? And now he’s–what, he’s off to meet with a mistress?! That bastard dares to make a fool out of me!
“Well, we will know of his movements shortly,” Kulun said reassuringly. Ashina gritted her teeth. His words felt more like mockery than comfort.
Why did I ever agree to this? Just from a meeting at a brothel!
Sure, she would’ve been forced into it regardless, but she would’ve at least had the satisfaction of not prancing in by her own will. There was dignity to be found in suffering for her Father’s misjudgement, but none in suffering the consequences of her own decisions.
“Perhaps we should lodge a complaint,” Kulun’s secretary suggested.
“And what if he has an excuse prepared? If he was lying from the start and this merely a trap to humiliate us?” Kulun shot back. “We’d do best to sit back and observe from afar.”
“Are we to simply let this matter go?” Derin demanded. “This is an insult to our princess and to the marriage!”
“But he already has a justification prepared–it’s hard to levy such charges when he claims that this is precisely for the sake of protecting the marriage,” the secretary pointed out.
“By openly marching over to meet an unmarried woman?!” Derin snapped at him.
“We don’t know that for sure yet,” Kulun replied. “And even if we did, what could we do? The marriage hasn’t gone through yet–unless we have solid proof of infidelity, there’s nothing we could say.”
“Enough!” Ashina cut in. The room fell silent.
“That’s enough–everyone out,” Ashina ordered. When no one moved, she shot to her feet, glaring at them furiously. “I said get out!”
Derin hastily opened the door, gesturing politely but firmly for Kulun to step through, leaving the Princess to stew in her anger.
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Kayla knew something was wrong the moment she walked through the door.
“Wait outside,” she ordered. Tao Qian bowed his head and closed the door behind her.
Kayla slowly walked through the safehouse, glancing about for Chujiao. She found the young woman in the innermost study, too occupied to notice Kayla’s arrival.
“Miss Jing,” Kayla called. Chujiao did not respond, her attention too intense to hear the greeting. Kayla stepped closer and her heart dropped into her stomach.
Chujiao was staring at Wenyuan’s plaque, the plaque Kayla had barely thought about since her release from prison.
The plaque under my name.
“Miss Jing,” Kayla said again, louder this time. “Miss Jing!”
Chujiao started, blinking as though she had just awoken from a dream. She stared at Kayla for a moment with a look of vague confusion, as though Kayla was somewhere she shouldn’t be.
“Your Excellency,” she hastily greeted Kayla. “I-I apologize, I did not hear you enter.”
“No, it’s fine,” Kayla replied. They fell into an awkward silence.
“So…have you been well?” Kayla asked.
“Yes, I have, thank you for your concern. And–and thank you for helping my cousin restore the clan’s honor,” Chujiao said. “Have you been well, young lo–my lord?”
“Fine, fine, thank you. And there’s no need to thank me for that, it was only what I should’ve done,” Kayla replied.
There was another awkward lapse before Kayla cleared her throat.
“So what did you wish to talk about?”
A sad smile flitted over Chujiao’s face.
“Nothing, my lord. I only wished to return this to you.” She held out a small cloth package.
Kayla took it into her palm, opening the handkerchief to find Chujiao’s red jade necklace.
“Chujiao, this is yours to keep,” Kayla said quietly.
Chujiao shook her head. “This was given to me by the Imperial Princess who hoped that I would serve you loyally and stay at your side. I was unable to do either. My conscience won’t allow me to keep this.”
“My mother intended this as your dowry,” Kayla protested.
Chujiao lowered her eyes. “That is precisely why I must return it, my lord.”
Ah, that’s what she meant.
“I see,” Kayla said. “If you insist…then I will accept it. But–”
“It’s alright, my lord. Thank you.” Chujiao gave a knowing smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
Guilt curled up in Kayla’s chest. “Chujiao, I’m sorry that…that things didn’t turn out the way we hoped they would. But I sincerely hope for your happiness,” she said. “As you know, my wedding is going to take place soon. I’m afraid that this may be the last time we can meet like this. But know that you may come to me for help should you ever need it.”
Tears welled up in Chujiao’s eyes. “Thank you, my lord. Please know that I will always be praying for your happiness.”
“You should worry less about mine and more about your own,” Kayla said gently. “Our long-lasting friendship is not something I can or wish to cover up, but it unfortunately will cast suspicions upon us both with my marriage. People who wish me harm will attempt to do so through damaging your reputation…you ought to consider your options for the future as early as possible.”
“I…I do not wish to marry, my lord,” Chujiao said, a note of bitterness in her voice. “But I do not wish to cause you any trouble either. I will leave the capital.”
“No, Chujiao. If you are to leave, it ought to be on your own terms. Don’t make concessions on my behalf, they are neither wanted or needed,” Kayla said firmly. “But you need to return to your cousin’s household. Your safety is at stake here.”
Chujiao’s eyes softened a little. “I’ve been a servant for so long…I can’t adjust to being a lady,” she admitted.
“It may come with its own set of difficulties, but I believe that you should give it a try,” Kayla urged. “You qualify for excellent suitors, whether that’s now or in the future. And even if you do not wish to marry, you’d have far more opportunities. I hear that Princess Mingda is currently expanding her influence in the political circle–if you wish to continue working, I’d be happy to make introductions. And under her protection, few would dare to harm your person or your reputation.”
Chujiao wavered briefly. “I…I will consider it, my lord. I’m very grateful for your thoughtfulness.”
Kayla smiled. “If you choose to do so, then contact me through Sun Zhong’e. I’ll be happy to make the necessary arrangements.”
That should be fine, right? Kayla cautiously examined Chujiao’s face. I probably shouldn’t say anything sentimental at this point.
“My lord, this altar…may I ask who it is for?” Chujiao asked, glancing at Wenyuan’s plaque.
Kayla froze before quickly collecting herself.
“An old friend of mine,” Kayla replied.
“Is he someone I know?” Chujiao asked quietly, meeting Kayla’s eyes with a sorrowful gaze.
Kayla sucked in a deep breath. Her heart skipped a beat, thudding painfully in her ribcage.
Somehow, Chujiao had realized. The young woman probably didn’t even know how to make sense of what she was feeling at the moment, but she’d hit the mark.
“I’m not sure you have,” Kayla finally replied. “But if you’d met, I’m sure you would’ve cherished him greatly. He was a good man.”
Chujiao stared at the plaque. The lamps cast their shadows against the wall, the plaque’s shadow stretching out languidly over the eaves of the roof, carving an inky abyss between them.
“I’m sure I would have,” Chujiao said, a note of reverence in her voice.
She realized. She might not even know it, but she’s realized. Kayla’s shock made way for a pang in her chest. The feelings were more Wenyuan’s than her own, and were far too tumultuous for her to properly identify. Kayla lowered her eyes, unwilling to watch as the distance between them stretched out.
The look on her face right now, it’s just like the look the Grand Duke had right before he died, Kayla realized. Did he…yes, he must have.
“Well then,” Kayla finally said, breaking the silence between them. “I’ll have my retainer escort you back.”
Chujiao tore her eyes away from the plaque. “I…yes, thank you, my lord.”
Kayla was suddenly seized by an instinctive urge. She stepped forward and took the plaque off the altar, extending it towards Chujiao.
“This may be–no, it’s extremely inappropriate of me, but may I leave this in your care?” Kayla asked. “I am…not as diligent as I ought to be in my offerings, and soon, I will be removing it from here anyways.”
Chujiao stared at her in shocked confusion.
Well. Shit. I. Should. Not. Have. Done. That. Kayla slowly lowered the plaque back onto the altar.
“I’d love to,” Chujiao blurted out. “Th-that is, you have done so much for me, my lord. And I feel a great affinity with your friend’s plaque…I would be happy to take care of it for you.”
“Thank you. I would tell you his name, but it may be better that you do not know,” Kayla said. “If anyone ever gives you trouble regarding it, you may push all the blame onto me. I could just give you his pseudonym, but for someone as pure-hearted as yourself, I cannot help but feel it would be an insult.”
“I understand,” Chujiao said, and Kayla got the feeling that she really did understand.
She helped Chujiao wrap the plaque in its altar cloth and escorted the young woman back out of the safehouse.
“I wish you all the best, Chujiao,” Kayla said as Tao Qian helped the young woman onto her carriage. “Tao Qian, see her home safely.”
“Thank you, my lord. Please take care,” Chujiao called to her as the carriage pulled away, Tao Qian in tow. Kayla turned away without waiting for the carriage to disappear from sight. She had enough self-awareness to avoid giving Chujiao any lingering attachments.
“Let’s go,” Kayla said. Almost silently, the carriage disappeared into the night.
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Cultural Notes
伴君如伴虎/Accompanying a ruler is like accompanying a tiger: An Ancient Chinese proverb meaning that being close to the locus of power comes with high risk as well. Kayla follows this up with a more colloquial saying, 那老虎再温顺它也是吃人的/No matter how gentle the tiger is, it still eats people.
虎毒不食子/Even a beast as poisonous as a tiger doesn't eat its young: An Ancient Chinese proverb meaning that even the most evil of men will not harm their own children.
静观其变/Silently watch for changes: An Ancient Chinese proverb meaning to observe a situation without acting/interfering.
牢牢地踩着他尾巴/Firmly step on his tail: A Chinese colloquialism meaning to firmly keep someone under control, with the implication that you have something on them.
唾沫淹死人/Spit can drown a person: A Chinese colloquialism meaning that rumors can destroy your life, even if they're false.
娘家的人/From the bride's family: A Chinese phrase that directly translates to "from your mother's family", but it's generally used to refer to the birth family of the bride, who are generally expected to stand up for their female relatives who are mistreated in their husband's families.
拐骗/Lure and cheat: A Chinese phrase referring to a specific type of kidnapping in which someone is lured away via seduction or false promises.
牌位/Memorial plaque: Deceased family members (and sometimes friends) often had plaques dedicated to them in an altar, either in a separate building of a large household, or in a dedicated area in the house, depending on what space allows. It was expected that the living would offer incense, food, and sometimes other offerings on a regular/semi-regular basis. Note that in most regions, custom allows you to eat the offered food after some time has passed (after the deceased have "finished their meal").