Chapter 191: Leaving the Capital on Orders

Chapter 191: Leaving the Capital on Orders

Xin You lowered her eyes slightly and responded to Emperor Xingyuan, "The last time I saw Mr. Songling, he said he needed to leave the capital temporarily. By now, he must have already left."

This answer was clearly not what Emperor Xingyuan wanted. "Then do you know where Mr. Songling resides in the capital?"

Xin You shook her head. "I don't know. Each time Mr. Songling submits his manuscripts, he comes to me on his own initiative. He never mentions his background or residence, so I didn't ask further."

Emperor Xingyuan was unwilling to give up. "And his appearance? Does he always meet you with his face covered?"

"Yes, I can only judge by his voice and build. Mr. Songling is very young, possibly—"

"Possibly what?"

Xin You lifted her eyes slightly and saw Emperor Xingyuan's expression clearly. "Possibly just a young man."

Men in Great Xia come of age at twenty, and those under twenty can still be called a young man.

"Really that young?" Emperor Xingyuan looked surprised at He Qingxiao standing nearby.

He had heard He Qingxiao report that Mr. Songling was young, but not this young.

Thinking of *The Painted Skin* and *Journey to the West*, Emperor Xingyuan found it hard to believe.

Could someone so young write such books without enough life experience?

"Miss Kou, without seeing his appearance, could your judgment by voice and figure be mistaken?"

Xin You thought for a moment and replied seriously, "Perhaps there's also an instinct."

"Instinct?" Emperor Xingyuan found it amusing.

"It's the impression a person gives. Even though Mr. Songling concealed his face, his figure differed from the lean build of an adult man, clearly indicating the slimness of a youth. Also, one can gauge a person's age by their behavior during interactions, not just by their appearance."

As she spoke, Xin You glanced at He Qingxiao.

That time when I dressed as a man, wasn't it the scent that gave me away?

"Miss Kou, after so many interactions with Mr. Songling, didn't he reveal any information?"

Xin You slowly shook her head and then suddenly paused. "There was one instance, but I think Mr. Songling was joking—"

"Tell me."

"When Mr. Songling mentioned leaving the capital, I asked him where he was going and when he would return. Mr. Songling pointed to his manuscript and said he was going to the hometown of the Monkey King."

Emperor Xingyuan grabbed *Journey to the West*, flipping through it quickly, his eyes fixed on the first few lines. "South of the Luo River."

Later, there was another reference to the Monkey King's origins, not only mentioning the area south of the Luo River but also specifying a particular location—Wanyang.

Emperor Xingyuan closed the book abruptly, his heart pounding.

Wanyang—could Xinxin be in Wanyang?

Could it truly be Wanyang?

Despite his turbulent emotions, Emperor Xingyuan maintained his imperial composure in front of Xin You. "I see. Qingxiao—"

"Your servant is present."

"Please escort Miss Kou back first, then go to the palace. I have a task for you."

He Qingxiao immediately responded.

"I, a humble woman, take my leave." Xin You bowed slightly.

Emperor Xingyuan’s gaze inadvertently fell on the neat buns on either side of the young girl’s head and, impulsively, he said, "Miss Kou, you’ve worked hard today. I bestow upon you two pairs of pearl hairpins and a box of pearls."

Xin You looked up in surprise and quickly lowered her head again. "Thank you for the reward, Your Majesty."

When she left the palace, she had an extra box of jewels. Added to the reward she received at He Garden, she wouldn't need to buy new accessories for quite some time.

The wind and snow had not stopped. Xin You rode in a carriage while He Qingxiao rode on horseback. They spoke little along the way. It wasn’t until the carriage stopped that He Qingxiao gently remarked, "Miss Kou, get some rest early."

"Lord He, please take care on your journey." Xin You entered Shaoqing Mansion and found Xiaolian waiting at the gate.

"You're back, Miss." Xiaolian’s gaze landed on the box in Xin You’s hand.

Xin You handed it to her casually. "These were bestowed by the Emperor. Keep them safe."

"Yes."

As the two walked away, the doorman clicked his tongue in admiration.

"Miss Kou is truly impressive. Imperial gifts pour in like water."

When He Qingxiao returned to the palace, it was already dusk.

"Has Miss Kou been sent back?" Before He Qingxiao returned, Emperor Xingyuan had reread *Journey to the West* several times and had calmed down.

"Your Majesty, this official has safely escorted Miss Kou back to Shaoqing Mansion."

Emperor Xingyuan nodded and revealed his reason for summoning He Qingxiao back to the palace: "Tomorrow, I want you to personally go to Wanyang and investigate the whereabouts of Mr. Songling."

He paused before adding, "And also the whereabouts of the Empress."

He Qingxiao’s eyes widened in surprise.

Emperor Xingyuan’s expression darkened slightly. "Take more capable men with you. Do not ask any further questions."

"This official complies."

As He Qingxiao was about to leave, Emperor Xingyuan called out to him, "If you find the Empress, bring her back to the capital to see me immediately."

He Qingxiao, intending to test the Emperor's attitude toward Empress Xin, looked troubled. "If the Empress refuses to return to the capital with me—"

Emperor Xingyuan’s tone was resolute. "Ensure you bring the Empress back to the capital, but do not be disrespectful or neglectful towards her."

"This official understands."

Upon returning to Changle Marquis Mansion, He Qingxiao ate a few bites of food before retiring to his study.

Aunt Gui, looking at the closed door, sighed.

Even during the New Year, he remains so busy. He hasn’t even considered marrying a wife; he can’t even spare time to eat. Could it be that the Emperor appointed the Marquis as the Jinlin Guard commander with this in mind?

In the study, He Qingxiao wasn’t doing what Aunt Gui thought, which was handling various letters. Instead, he opened *Journey to the West* and read it word for word.

The following day, the sun rose. The sunlight was clear but offered little warmth, and the snow piled on the rooftops and streets was blinding.

Before He Qingxiao left the capital, he visited the Shaoqing Mansion once more.

Duan Shaoqing wore a smile, but in his heart, he was anxious: the esteemed Jinlin Guard Commander had visited for the third time. Even for something as grave as murder or arson, this seemed rather excessive, didn’t it?

In the courtyard, He Qingxiao initiated the conversation. “Miss Kou, I am leaving for Wanyang today.”

“Wishing you a safe journey, Lord He.”

He Qingxiao paused briefly before asking, “Is there anything else you wish to add, Miss Kou?”

Xin You bowed her head slightly and noticed withered grass lying in the gaps of the snow-cleared bricks.

After a moment’s silence, she replied, “I hope Lord He can uncover the truth and return to the capital with evidence swiftly.”

“Mm-hmm,” He Qingxiao responded softly, then in an even quieter voice, “Is Mr. Songling actually Sir Xin?”

Miss Kou had previously mentioned she had a method to make the Emperor investigate the matters in Wanyang. It was only yesterday that he realized what that method entailed.

“Journey to the West” references Wanyang. There must be additional information about the Empress concealed within this story, known only to the Emperor.

Miss Kou, being associated with Empress Xin, knew certain secrets, which was not surprising. But how did Mr. Songling, the author of “Journey to the West,” come to know about these secrets?

Either Mr. Songling was also from that valley and they were connected. Or, Mr. Songling was none other than Miss Kou herself.

Mr. Songling had gained renown in the capital yet left no trace, making the latter more plausible. A nonexistent person would naturally leave no trace.

Given his position, there were things he knew but could not ask directly.

For instance, whether Miss Kou was indeed Mr. Songling. Whether she was truly Sir Xin.