The imperial palace was far too large for someone who had already endured an exhausting journey. That was Shen Rui’s first thought as he followed Eunuch Wei through the endless corridors. His second thought was that the palace architects had clearly hated human beings. Why are there so many steps? The emperor has servants who can carry him around. Why am I the one suffering? Walking several paces ahead, Eunuch Wei’s lips twitched. He quickly turned his face away. Shen Rui noticed nothing. His attention was focused on the warm light spilling from the imperial study. Two guards stood beside the entrance, their expressions rigid and their hands resting on their weapons. Wonderful. More people who look like they’ve never laughed in their lives. He stopped before the doors and discreetly stretched his shoulders. His body was tired, but his instincts remained alert. Two guards outside. At least three people inside. Possibly more concealed behind the screens. No obvious killing intent. Still, the emperor was not someone a person could afford to underestimate. Eunuch Wei turned toward him. “Seventh Young Master, His Majesty is waiting.” Shen Rui nodded. “Understood.” If I survive this conversation, I’m going to sleep for twelve hours. Eunuch Wei paused briefly. Then he pushed open the doors. Shen Rui stepped inside. The imperial study was quiet. Xiao Jingyuan sat behind his desk, his dark robes illuminated by the warm glow of the lamps. A pot of tea rested beside him, and several documents lay neatly arranged before his hands. Shen Rui bowed. “Your Majesty.” “Come closer.” Shen Rui obeyed, stopping at a respectful distance. Not too close. Close enough to hear him, but far enough that if he suddenly decides to kill me, I might have time to move. Xiao Jingyuan’s gaze sharpened. The emperor had heard the thought clearly. Shen Rui, meanwhile, remained perfectly composed. “Were you injured during the journey?” Xiao Jingyuan asked. “No, Your Majesty.” “Your face looks tired.” “Travel has that effect.” So does being dragged out of bed before sunrise and chased by assassins. But I doubt the emperor wants a detailed report about my suffering. Xiao Jingyuan watched him for a moment. “Sit.” A servant brought a chair. Shen Rui sat carefully, his eyes briefly moving across the room. He noticed the position of the windows, the distance between the desk and the nearest door, and the short sword resting beside the emperor’s chair. The weapon was within easy reach. The emperor noticed his inspection. “You seem interested in my sword.” Shen Rui looked back at him. “It is well made.” “Do you know weapons?” “A little.” Enough to know that the sword is balanced for speed rather than strength. The emperor probably prefers decisive movements. Efficient. No unnecessary flourishes. Xiao Jingyuan’s fingers rested on the desk. “Where did you learn that?” Shen Rui’s expression did not change. “From observing others.” “A useful skill.” “Sometimes.” And sometimes it gets you sent into dangerous villages with a group of officials who can’t tell an obvious ambush from a fallen tree. The emperor’s eyes lowered briefly. “Tell me about Qinghe Village.” Shen Rui sighed inwardly. Of course. No tea, no food, not even a polite question about whether I want to sleep first. He straightened. “The village had no registered warehouse, despite records claiming that grain had been delivered there three times. The villagers were poor, and the village chief was frightened. The hidden storage chamber contained grain, weapons, official seals, and records.” “What did you conclude?” “That the grain was being diverted deliberately.” “Why?” “The storage chamber was concealed beneath an abandoned shrine. The entrance was hidden, and the records had been altered. Someone wanted the grain to disappear without attracting attention.” Xiao Jingyuan nodded slightly. “And the ledger?” “Several officials were listed. Zhao Qian’s name was circled in red.” “Why do you think that matters?” “Because whoever wrote the ledger wanted that name noticed.” The emperor leaned forward. “Or they wanted suspicion to fall on Zhao Qian.” Shen Rui considered this. “That is possible.” Good. The emperor has a functioning brain. That makes my life more difficult. A faint flicker crossed Xiao Jingyuan’s eyes. “Did you see the person who started the fire?” “No.” “Did you see the person who killed the village chief?” “No.” “Yet you recognized the attackers as trained men.” Shen Rui paused. He had to be careful. Too much knowledge would attract suspicion. “I noticed their movements.” “Most people would only notice weapons.” “Most people panic.” “And you did not?” Shen Rui looked at him calmly. “I was busy staying alive.” And I’ve had extensive experience with people trying to kill me. Unfortunately, that is not a skill I recommend putting on a résumé. The room became silent. Xiao Jingyuan studied him for a long time. Shen Rui maintained a respectful posture, though his thoughts were becoming increasingly impatient. If he keeps staring at me like that, I’m going to start charging him by the minute. “Why did you not pursue the assassin who fled the archive?” the emperor asked. Shen Rui’s expression remained unchanged. “Because I did not know how many others were waiting nearby.” “That is your reason?” “Yes.” “Most young men would attempt to prove their courage.” “Then most young men have poor judgment.” Eunuch Wei, standing beside the desk, lowered his head. Xiao Jingyuan’s lips curved almost imperceptibly. “You are fourteen.” “I am aware, Your Majesty.” “You speak as if you have lived much longer.” Shen Rui’s heart gave a small jolt. For the first time that night, his answer came a fraction slower. “Hard experiences can make people seem older.” The emperor’s gaze remained on him. Shen Rui lowered his eyes. Careful. Don’t say too much. You are a lazy fourteen-year-old noble son. Lazy. Uninterested. Mildly useless. Remember the character you’re supposed to be playing. Xiao Jingyuan heard every word. The boy’s behavior was strange—not merely clever, but deliberate. Shen Rui seemed to constantly measure how much of himself he revealed. That was not the behavior of an ordinary spoiled noble child. “Tell me about the jade pendant,” the emperor said. Shen Rui looked up. “The pendant?” “The one recovered from the captured assassin. Have you seen it before?” “No.” “Your family’s insignia was engraved on it.” “I heard.” “What do you think?” Shen Rui leaned back slightly. I think someone is either framing my family or my family is involved in something very unpleasant. Since I enjoy having a head attached to my body, I’ll keep that thought to myself. He answered, “The insignia may have been stolen or copied.” “Do you suspect your family?” Shen Rui was silent for a moment. “My family has many people. I cannot speak for everyone.” “A careful answer.” “A safe one.” The emperor’s gaze sharpened. “Are you afraid of your family?” “No.” I’m afraid of complicated family politics, powerful enemies, and people who expect me to attend meetings before sunrise. The family itself is only one part of the problem. Xiao Jingyuan looked away briefly. “Your father has been questioned.” Shen Rui’s fingers tightened on the edge of the chair. “About the pendant?” “Among other things.” “Did he answer?” “He answered what he was asked.” That means he probably said a lot without actually saying anything. The emperor lifted his teacup. “You seem unconcerned.” Shen Rui blinked. “Should I be?” “Your family may be connected to a conspiracy that began seven years ago.” “Then being concerned will not change the evidence.” Xiao Jingyuan put down the cup. “What would you do if your family were involved?” Shen Rui looked directly at him. “Find out the truth.” “And if the truth harmed your family?” “Truth does not become false because it is inconvenient.” The emperor’s eyes rested on him. For a moment, Shen Rui felt the weight of that gaze. Then he added, “Besides, I am only fourteen. I have no authority to investigate my father.” And I have absolutely no desire to investigate anyone’s father, including my own. Eunuch Wei lowered his head again. Xiao Jingyuan’s expression remained unreadable. “You will stay in the palace tonight.” Shen Rui’s eyes widened. “Tonight?” “The hour is late.” Exactly. Which means I should be sleeping, not staying in the palace. “There is a guest residence prepared for you.” “Your Majesty, would it not be more appropriate for me to return home?” “No.” Shen Rui closed his mouth. Of course. Why did I even bother asking? Xiao Jingyuan continued, “You will be given a guard detail. You are not to leave the residence without permission.” “Understood.” “Tomorrow, you will review the documents recovered from Qinghe Village.” Shen Rui’s face fell. Tomorrow? He’s already planning to ruin tomorrow? The emperor’s gaze shifted to his expression. “Do you have an objection?” “No, Your Majesty.” I have several. They are all extremely reasonable. “Good.” Xiao Jingyuan stood. The audience was clearly over. Shen Rui rose and bowed. “Your Majesty.” As he turned to leave, the emperor spoke again. “Shen Rui.” He stopped. “Yes?” “Why do you want so badly to avoid trouble?” The question caught him off guard. For one brief moment, his expression lost its carefully maintained laziness. Then he smiled faintly. “Because trouble is exhausting.” And because I already died once. I have no intention of repeating the experience. Xiao Jingyuan heard the unspoken thought. Shen Rui bowed once more and followed Eunuch Wei out of the study. The doors closed behind him. The emperor remained standing in the quiet room. “He is hiding something,” Eunuch Wei said. Xiao Jingyuan looked toward the doors. “Everyone hides something.” “But what he hides…” “Find out carefully,” the emperor ordered. “Do not frighten him into silence.” Eunuch Wei bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.” Meanwhile, Shen Rui followed the palace servant toward his assigned residence. He yawned. At last. A bed. Then he noticed two guards waiting outside the guest quarters. His expression darkened. They’re guarding me? Or guarding everyone else from me? He stepped into the room. A steaming bath had been prepared, along with fresh robes and a tray of food. Shen Rui stopped. His eyes brightened. The emperor may be terrifying, but his kitchen understands diplomacy. For the first time that night, he smiled sincerely. And somewhere beyond the closed doors, two palace guards exchanged a confused glance. They had never seen someone look so delighted at the sight of steamed buns.

The Emperor’s Midnight Questioning