Someone Behind the Scenes

"Minister Xie, that was quite a deft move."

"Your Majesty." Xie Heng cupped his hands. "Everything I did was for Your Majesty."

The emperor fell silent for a moment, then asked, "Where did you find that man?"

"Your Majesty, he truly came forward of his own accord. He despised how Xuanxin deceived people with charlatan's tricks, so he volunteered. He sought neither wealth nor glory, only to expose Xuanxin's scheme. I have not lied about a single word of his intentions."

"Then he is a man of principle indeed."

Xie Heng did not answer directly. "Your Majesty, when the former dynasty fell, Emperor Huai burned himself along with many records. Much of its history can no longer be verified. Many old texts found their way into common hands. It would be no surprise if someone had read one and recognized Xuanxin's tricks."

"..."

Seeing the emperor remain silent, Xie Heng spoke again. "Your Majesty, I have one more request."

"Speak."

"Xuanxin is merely a Taoist from the countryside. A contest of skills between two minor practitioners hardly warrants a palace. I hear Consort Chen has a summer residence outside the city. Why not hold it there? We could enjoy the cool air while watching the contest."

Consort Chen was the emperor's new favorite, and her youngest son was still small. She had never involved herself in the princes' struggles. The emperor trusted her, so he had no objection to using her residence.

"Very well. Make the arrangements."

"As Your Majesty commands."

Word that someone had called Xuanxin a charlatan had caused an uproar among the people. Though the Inner City Office's suppression had gradually quieted the talk, who could say what people really believed? Mystic Temple was no longer as bustling as it once had been.

At the Xie Residence, Xie Zhao looked troubled.

"I don't know whether the rumors are true. If they are, we've all been fooled."

Yan handed over a bowl of tea. "If they're true, then Lan Tang really saved my life when she refused that bowl of talisman water for me."

"Saved your life might be putting it too strongly, but whatever the case, we mustn't swallow any of that dubious stuff."

"Exactly. It's best to follow the physician's advice and focus on the pregnancy. We can't listen to folk remedies and wandering Taoists."

After chatting with Xie Madam, Xie Zhao looked around. "Where's Lan Tang? Is she not home today?"

Xie Madam glanced toward the door. "No. Lan Tang had something to attend to, so she went out."

Someone Behind the Scenes

The Chen Family had been prominent for a hundred years. This residence had been built as part of Consort Chen's dowry while she was still unmarried. Though it did not boast extravagantly carved beams, it was elegant and luxurious. Now, with distinguished guests filling its halls, the estate held an added air of mystery.

The contest was to take place in a garden in a side courtyard. Servants had already cleared the area, and palace guards in plain clothes watched every exit, including the main gate. Not even a fly could have escaped.

Consort Chen was thirty-one, yet looked barely past twenty. She also possessed the grace of a mature woman, with a full, shapely figure and an elegance that never felt excessive. Her expression was usually serene, giving her the look of a woman blessed by an age of peace and prosperity. It was little wonder the emperor favored her.

Dressed in splendid robes beside the emperor, Consort Chen asked, "Have both Taoist masters arrived?"

An attendant below replied, "Your Majesty, Your Highness, everything is ready."

"Then let them begin."

The attendant walked to the other side of the screens and relayed the order to the servants.

Several elegant screens divided the courtyard in two. The emperor and Consort Chen sat at the front behind them. To their left sat the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince. The First Prince had no interest in getting involved and had claimed illness to stay away. The others there were the two princes' guards.

To the right sat Xie Heng and the other officials.

Beyond the screens, the contestants had also formed two distinct groups. One was Xuanxin's party, made up of the Fourth Prince's servants and retainers. The other was the wandering Taoist's party. Though neither side exchanged a word of hostility, the divide between them was unmistakable.

While the attendant delivered the order, the two brothers on the left had a "warm" and "friendly" exchange:

A smile graced the Crown Prince's fair, gentle face, and his voice was as pleasant as a spring breeze. "Are you confident, Fourth Brother?"

The Fourth Prince answered curtly, "Of course."

The Crown Prince smiled faintly and went on. "Whoever wins, you and I are only spectators enjoying a performance by wandering Taoists. It won't harm the bond between us brothers. Wouldn't you agree, Fourth Brother?"

The emperor cast him an approving glance. The Fourth Prince gritted his teeth. The Crown Prince really is the most calculating of them all. He forced a smile and answered with equal insincerity:

"Of course. How could a contest between common Taoists affect our brotherly bond?"

The emperor was thoroughly pleased by the brothers' show of affection. On the other side, Zhang Yulin stepped forward and announced loudly from the center, "Let the two Taoist masters enter!"

Everyone turned to see two men come through the courtyard entrance.

One wore blue-green Taoist robes and carried himself with an austere dignity. The other wore plain gray clothes and had an unremarkable face.

A glint flashed in the Fourth Prince's eyes when he saw the gray-clad Taoist. Ever since His Majesty had decided to find the man, the Fourth Prince had sent people searching for him. He had ordered them to follow Zhang Yulin, the Crown Prince, and even the First Prince, but they had found nothing. Only when a retainer reminded him had he realized Xie Heng might be involved too. By then, it was too late.

The Fourth Prince's gaze settled on Xie Heng, studying him.

Xie Heng looked perfectly at ease, as though he had noticed nothing.

Beyond the screens, Zhang Yulin raised a hand. "Begin!"

Xuanxin stepped forward and cupped his hands. "Then allow me to go first."

With nothing to hide, he had his young Taoist assistant bring out hot water, a porcelain bowl, and lotus seeds. His first demonstration was his signature feat—the Lotus-Birth Technique.

The young Taoist lifted the lid. Lotus blossoms bloomed in the water like the first flowers of summer. Against the bowl's jade-green glaze stood white petals, pink buds, and long green stems, each detail exquisitely rendered. They were a lovely sight.