Chapter 064: Who Is Actually Sick!

The Prince of Xiang’s residence in Yan City was situated in Yong’an Ward, the very same ward where Song Ye lived in his small courtyard.

Earlier that morning, after Song Ye had finished roll call at the yamen, Zhao Zhigao made a special trip to remind him, “In the next couple of days, when you leave work, you’d best avoid the area around Prince Xiang’s residence. It’s grown very sensitive lately, with many Ziyu Guards stationed there. No one knows exactly what’s going on inside!”

Song Ye had little interest in this so-called Prince of Xiang. He replied to Zhao Zhigao, “After work, I usually find a good spot to fish. I haven’t been near Prince Xiang’s residence lately.”

“But Zhao, as the head constable of the city yamen, you’re at least someone of note in Yan City. Even you don’t know what’s happening in the prince’s residence?”

Zhao Zhigao shook his head. “I’ve heard plenty of rumors, but who knows what’s true? The word outside is that Prince Xiang and his entourage slipped into the city under cover of darkness several nights ago. Lately, a number of cultivator-physicians have been brought into the residence. People are saying that the prince’s mysterious daughter has contracted some shameful malady, and that’s why all this is being done so secretively.”

Song Ye said, “Whatever is happening in the prince’s residence has nothing to do with us. I need to patrol the streets. After work today, let’s find a good place to drink and chat!”

With that, Song Ye took Song Yan out on patrol. As for Zhao Zhigao, being a constable, unless there was an urgent case, he spent most of his time at the yamen.

But not long after Song Ye left, a Ziyu Guard appeared at the gates of the yamen, and the atmosphere inside grew tense at once.

Soon, Prefect Wang Demao, along with the assistant prefect and the registrar, hurried over to greet the Ziyu Guard.

Wang Demao greeted him respectfully, “May I ask what brings you, sir, to our humble yamen?”

The Ziyu Guard replied coldly, “I bear an order from Prince Xiang: all senior officials of the yamen are to make their way to his residence at once!”

“So the prince has arrived in the city. Naturally, I shall pay my respects in person,” Wang Demao replied.

The Ziyu Guard said nothing further. Having delivered his message, he left.

Wang Demao turned to his two colleagues, “Gentlemen, let us make our way to Prince Xiang’s residence.”

At this, Zhao Zhigao asked, “My lord, should I accompany you?”

Wang Demao shook his head. “We are going to Prince Xiang’s residence, and this is the first time the new residence is open to guests. Aside from us, the city’s dignitaries will be invited. Such an occasion is hardly suitable for someone as rough as you.”

“But didn’t the Ziyu Guard just say to invite all officials of the yamen?” Zhao Zhigao asked in confusion.

The registrar laughed. “Head Constable Zhao, that was merely a formality. We have three shifts of constables and many staff—would we bring the jailers and every patrolman on the streets to the prince’s residence?”

Zhao Zhigao forced a smile. “You are right, my lord.”

But then Wang Demao said, “Still, you are now head constable. It does no harm to let you attend an event of this sort. Just remember—when you’re there, don’t speak out of turn, don’t stare about, and don’t act like someone who’s never seen the world.”

Zhao Zhigao nodded. “Don’t worry, my lord. At Prince Xiang’s residence, I’m just a humble constable—I wouldn’t dare speak out of turn.”

And so, Wang Demao, accompanied by the assistant prefect, the registrar, and head constable Zhao, the four of them, made their way to Prince Xiang’s residence.

Just as Wang Demao had predicted, the great hall of the residence was already filled with the city’s dignitaries. Aside from the wealthy and powerful families, there were also representatives from the Commandery, and members of the Murong and Huangfu clans had arrived as well.

Murong Jingtian and Huangfu Xiaoyun had dressed with particular care, knowing that today they might have the good fortune to see the true face of Prince Xiang’s daughter.

They had prepared thoroughly, hoping to make a memorable first impression on the princess. In truth, it wasn’t just these two who vied in secret; many prominent young men present hoped to win the princess’s favor and become the prince’s son-in-law.

But Prince Xiang and his daughter were nowhere to be seen.

No one knew how much time passed before Prince Xiang finally emerged from the inner chambers, accompanied by a tall woman.

Yet the woman at his side was not his daughter. She too wore the purple robes of the Ziyu Guard—she was Qi Shuyi, a two-star Ziyu Guard of the Dayu Temple.

The prince’s expression was distant as he addressed the assembled guests coldly, “I have been unwell lately. Thank you all for waiting so long. I am truly sorry.”

Only then did the guests realize that it was not the princess who was ill, but the prince himself. The cultivator-physicians who had been sneaking in and out these past few days had come to treat him.

Given that he had summoned cultivator-physicians, the prince’s illness was clearly not an ordinary one.

The guests all expressed their concern for his health, offering to introduce trusted physicians.

But the prince replied, “Thank you for your kindness. My health is much improved and I need only rest a few more days. Cough… cough, cough!” He broke into a sudden cough, and after a moment, continued, “Forgive me, I am unwell and must excuse myself.”

With that, he returned to his inner chambers.

Many guests had come hoping to catch a glimpse of the prince’s mysterious daughter, but she never appeared, leaving them disappointed.

Rumor had it the prince was seeking a suitable match for his daughter here in Yan City. Today, nearly all the unmarried noble sons of the city had gathered in the great hall, yet the prince had withdrawn so abruptly. Did none of these young men catch his eye?

At that moment, Qi Shuyi, the two-star Ziyu Guard, suddenly called out, “Who is Song Ye?”

Song Ye?!

Zhao Zhigao’s eyes widened. Was she calling for Song Ye? His own friend, Song Ye, was out patrolling the East Market right now.

But remembering Wang Demao’s warning not to speak out of turn, and fearing he had misheard, Zhao Zhigao did not immediately respond.

Instead, a young nobleman stepped forward from the crowd. “That would be me!”

The words for “Ye” and “Ye” in their dialect sounded similar. Seeing no one else step forward, Song Ye mistakenly thought Qi Shuyi was calling for him, and so he presented himself.

Qi Shuyi pointed at him and said, “You stay. The rest of you may go.”