Chapter Twenty-Eight: Dawn at Last

When Shi Qian heard this, he immediately stood up and stepped to the side, knowing that what would happen next no longer concerned him. After Shi Qian had risen, Zhu Hao instructed the attendant outside to bring six lampstands that had not yet been filled with kerosene. He then poured into each lamp the kerosene from the six porcelain bottles Shi Qian had brought back.

Once the kerosene was added, Zhu Hao nodded and told the attendant, “Light each lamp.” Then he turned to Gongsun Ce and said, “Gongsun, let us witness a miracle together!”

As Zhu Hao finished speaking, his attendants lit all six lamps. As anticipated, three of the lamps burned normally, while the other three emitted thick black smoke and an acrid stench as soon as they were lit.

The same attendant who had previously explained to Zhu Hao the difference between palace kerosene and that from outside the palace cried out in alarm, “There’s something wrong with this kerosene! This isn’t palace kerosene—it’s from outside! Your Highness, where did you obtain this?”

Zhu Hao did not answer him, but exchanged a knowing glance with Gongsun Ce. They both nodded in mutual understanding. Zhu Hao then ordered the attendants to extinguish the lamps and leave the room.

After the attendants had departed, Zhu Hao finally spoke to Gongsun Ce, “It seems we have enough to prove that there’s something wrong with the kerosene in the Empress’s palace! I must go to my father at once!”

Gongsun Ce stopped him, “Your Highness, you must not act rashly and startle the enemy. If you confront His Majesty and the Empress now, she can easily claim ignorance of the kerosene’s origin, insisting it was supplied from the treasury. Without irrefutable proof that it was she who had the outside kerosene brought into the palace, we cannot convict her. Worse, she may turn the accusation back on us, claiming we seek to frame her. Then not only would His Majesty be put in a difficult position, but we, too, would become vulnerable. Please, Your Highness, consider carefully.”

Zhu Hao frowned slightly as he listened, realizing that Gongsun Ce’s reasoning was entirely plausible. He took a deep breath, suppressing his urge to rush off and report to his father at once. “It does seem imprudent. What, then, does Gongsun think our next step should be?”

Gongsun Ce pondered for a moment before replying, “Since we’ve established the kerosene is from outside, and two days after the fire, the Imperial Kitchen’s buyer, Luo Xiang, conveniently left the palace, I believe it highly likely that Luo Xiang brought the kerosene in. I can leave the palace and conduct both open and discreet inquiries. The palace’s buyer would surely attract attention outside. By visiting all the kerosene shops in the city, I am certain we will find a clue. With solid evidence, we can prove that Luo Xiang was responsible for bringing the kerosene into the palace.”

Zhu Hao considered this for a moment, but still found something amiss. He voiced his concern directly, “Even if we find evidence outside, we can only prove Luo Xiang brought kerosene into the palace. It doesn’t prove that the kerosene in the Empress’s palace is the same, nor does it implicate the Empress herself.”

Gongsun Ce’s confident smile returned. “Your Highness is correct, but that is not difficult to prove. If Luo Xiang brought the kerosene into the palace, he would have delivered it himself to Kunning Palace. A matter so sensitive would not be entrusted to others. I recall that prior to our confrontation with the Empress, Kunning Palace was under lockdown, guarded by the Imperial Guards. We need only verify with them whether Luo Xiang entered Kunning Palace before our confrontation. If so, it will prove a link between the kerosene he brought and that in Kunning Palace. At that point, the Empress will no longer be able to extricate herself.”

Zhu Hao nodded. “That makes sense. But it is late now, and it’s not feasible to investigate further tonight. Let us rest and act separately tomorrow morning. I cannot easily leave the palace, so I’ll leave the investigation outside to you. Take Xiaobao with you—he’s resourceful and may be of help. As for the Imperial Guards, I will inquire myself. This time, we must gather enough evidence to ensure the Empress cannot deny her guilt.”

Gongsun Ce was pleased with Zhu Hao’s plan and took his leave. After Gongsun departed, Zhu Hao lay down on his bed. Whether it was the relief of having nearly resolved the matter, the fatigue from the day’s efforts, or both, sleep soon claimed him.

At dawn, as soon as Zhu Hao awoke, Gongsun Ce came to report to him, then hurried from the palace with Wei Xiaobao to seek clues. Zhu Hao finished his morning ablutions and had his attendants carry him to the Imperial Guard barracks.

Upon arrival, the soldiers at the gate naturally recognized the illustrious Fifth Prince and did not dare impede him. They quickly made way and sent word to their commander, Xie Gang. Upon learning that Zhu Hao had come in person, Xie Gang was astonished. He dressed hurriedly and rushed out to welcome the prince.

At the barracks gate, Xie Gang spotted Zhu Hao seated in his palanquin from afar and hastened over, bowing deeply. “Your servant Xie Gang greets Your Highness. May I ask what brings you to our barracks at this early hour?”

Feigning displeasure, Zhu Hao replied, “What, Commander Xie? Am I not welcome? Can’t I come visit you without reason?”

Xie Gang quickly assured him, “Your Highness, you must be joking! You are an honored guest whom I’ve long wished to invite but never dared hope would come. How could I not welcome you? Besides, under heaven, all lands belong to the emperor; there is nowhere in the Ming realm forbidden to Your Highness!”

After some cordial exchanges, as the atmosphere grew warm, Zhu Hao stated his true purpose. “Commander Xie, since the fire in Kunning Palace, my father has sealed it off, and your guards have been responsible for its security. I would like to ask if anything unusual has occurred during this period.”

Xie Gang thought for a moment. “Now that you mention it, Your Highness, I do recall an incident. One day, someone reported to me that the Imperial Kitchen delivered supper to Kunning Palace twice. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but now, considering your question, it does seem odd. Meals to each palace are fixed in amount; unless His Majesty suddenly orders extra, such things never happen, nor is anyone authorized to do so.”

Zhu Hao nodded. “Do you remember who reported this matter to you?”

Xie Gang grinned. “That I do! Of the five thousand men in the Imperial Guards, there isn’t one I don’t know by face. I remember exactly who it was!”

Zhu Hao thought to himself, “This is going smoothly. I hope Gongsun’s investigation goes as well.” Eagerly, he said, “Then please have him brought before me. I wish to hear a detailed account from him.”

No sooner had Zhu Hao spoken than Xie Gang thumped his chest confidently and shouted, “Shi Qian! Get out here! Where have you run off to slack again? If you don’t show yourself, I’ll have your hide!”

Hearing this, Zhu Hao was momentarily speechless. So the one who had noticed the anomaly and reported it to Xie Gang was none other than Shi Qian, who had rendered such service the night before.

As Xie Gang’s shout faded, a figure emerged from the corner of the camp, hurrying over in a fluster—it was Shi Qian, whom Zhu Hao had seen just last night. As he ran, Shi Qian called out, “Commander, I’m here! Reporting, sir, I’m here!”

With a few quick strides, Shi Qian arrived, saluted Xie Gang, and said, “Reporting for duty, Commander! What are your orders?”

Xie Gang, seeing Shi Qian out of breath, barked, “Are you blind? Don’t you see the Fifth Prince here? Show proper respect!”

Shi Qian quickly knelt and bowed to Zhu Hao, far more respectful than he had been to Xie Gang, his sincerity evident.

Zhu Hao gestured for him to rise. “No need for formalities. I want to ask you: I heard that one day you discovered the Imperial Kitchen delivered supper twice to Kunning Palace. Tell me exactly what happened.”

Shi Qian respectfully recounted the events. On his shift that day, first an old eunuch from the Imperial Kitchen brought supper, and later a young eunuch brought a second meal. Shi Qian explained that the old eunuch’s food box was unusually heavy and emitted a strange odor. He had wanted to inspect it, but the Empress’s maid, Spring Peach, had personally come out and escorted it into Kunning Palace. The second, younger eunuch seemed entirely normal.

After hearing Shi Qian’s account, Zhu Hao mused, “This system’s memory implantation is truly remarkable. Shi Qian recalls details from before I even summoned him, as if he inherited the memories of another guard. In any case, it has proved immensely helpful this time.”