"There's a golden house in every book." Qin Yeming had heard this saying at least three times while serving Pang Jing. After turning it over in his mind, he decided it was what the Western Regions Protectorate Official had meant to convey to the Dragon King. It had originally been intended as a taunt, but now it had become a clue.
"'In a book'? Does that mean the study?" Molin was the first to think of a possible hiding place for the gold.
"Worth taking a look."
There were two studies in the residence, one outer and one inner. It was deep into the night, and all twelve North Court swordsmen had stayed in the rear courtyard to guard City Governor Mo Chu. The courtyard consequently seemed deserted, with a faintly eerie air. Qin Yeming stayed close behind the Dragon King, ashamed of his own fearfulness yet deeply relieved to have the Dragon King there.
The outer study was neat and tidy, with only a few books, mostly thin volumes left behind by former City Governors. Qin Yeming briskly lit the oil lamp on the desk to light the way for the Dragon King.
The room was easy to survey and had nowhere to hide a secret. Gu Shenwei looked down as he inspected the floor, while Qin Yeming carried the lamp around, stamping at the boards. After circling the room, all three were sure there was no hidden space beneath it.
"You have something to say?" Gu Shenwei asked. Although the boy did his utmost to serve the Dragon King, confusion still showed in his eyes.
Qin Yeming immediately dropped to his knees. He still wasn't sure of his place, and didn't know which things he should say and which he should keep to himself. "I am the Dragon