The dead assassin lay beneath the palace guards’ feet, his body twisted unnaturally against the polished floor. A faint smell of bitter almonds lingered in the air. Shen Rui stood several steps away, staring at the strip of black cloth that had fallen from the assassin’s sleeve. The character embroidered upon it was unmistakable. Shen. His family name. How unfortunate. I’ve only been here for a few days, yet my family has already upgraded from irritating relatives to suspected criminal organization. Shen Rui sighed inwardly. I should have remained in bed. A person who stays in bed cannot discover conspiracies. At most, they discover that their pillow has gone cold. Xiao Jingyuan stood beside the imperial desk, his expression unreadable. Eunuch Wei and two Black Guard officers remained close enough to hear Shen Rui’s thoughts. The emperor’s gaze lingered on the cloth. “Where did you find it?” “Inside his sleeve,” Shen Rui replied. “It probably fell out when he swallowed the poison.” “Do you recognize the embroidery?” Shen Rui crouched beside the cloth but did not touch it. He examined the stitching, the thickness of the thread, and the way the character had been formed. The work was neat. Too neat. The lines were narrow and precise, made with dark gray thread that only appeared black beneath the palace lamps. “It resembles the embroidery used by my household,” Shen Rui said. Eunuch Wei’s fingers tightened around his sleeves. Xiao Jingyuan’s eyes sharpened. “Resembles?” “If it were exactly the same, I would be more concerned.” Shen Rui pointed toward the lower edge of the cloth. “The Shen Estate’s household embroidery uses a double knot at the end of each line. This one uses a single knot.” One of the Black Guard officers leaned closer. “Could the difference be caused by a different embroiderer?” “It could.” Shen Rui straightened. “Or someone copied the pattern without knowing the details.” Or someone deliberately changed it so that the evidence would point toward my family. He glanced at the emperor. If I were framing someone, I’d choose a symbol everyone could recognize. Subtle evidence is useless when you want people to panic. Xiao Jingyuan remained silent. But Eunuch Wei’s expression changed slightly. The emperor walked to the table and picked up the cloth using a pair of silver tongs. “Send this to the Imperial Bureau of Investigation,” he ordered. “No one outside the Black Guard is to know about it.” “Yes, Your Majesty.” “Also investigate how the assassin entered the residence.” Shen Rui raised his eyebrows. That’s a good question. The palace has enough guards to protect a mountain, yet assassins keep appearing indoors like uninvited guests. Xiao Jingyuan glanced at him. “Do you have something to add?” Shen Rui immediately put on an innocent expression. “Nothing, Your Majesty.” “You were thinking otherwise.” Shen Rui’s heart skipped. Then he calmly lowered his head. “I was thinking that the palace guards are very capable.” Eunuch Wei coughed into his fist. One of the Black Guard officers lowered his face to hide his reaction. Xiao Jingyuan looked at Shen Rui for a long moment. “Very capable?” “Of course.” Shen Rui nodded solemnly. “They allowed the assassin to enter, fight me, die, and leave behind evidence. It was a very complete performance.” The room fell silent. The officer beside the dead assassin suddenly found the floor extremely interesting. Eunuch Wei’s shoulders trembled. Xiao Jingyuan’s expression did not change, but the atmosphere around him grew colder. Shen Rui looked at the guards. Did I say something wrong? Their security really is terrible. “Investigate every guard stationed near the guest residence,” Xiao Jingyuan said. “Include those assigned to the western records hall.” “Yes, Your Majesty.” “And double the patrols around the seventh prince—” He paused. “Seventh son,” Shen Rui corrected automatically. Xiao Jingyuan looked at him. Shen Rui immediately smiled. “I am not a prince, Your Majesty.” “Then stop behaving as though you are one.” I would gladly stop behaving like anything if everyone would leave me alone. Xiao Jingyuan’s gaze darkened slightly. “From this moment onward, you will not leave the guest residence without permission.” Shen Rui’s smile vanished. “Your Majesty, may I ask why?” “You have been attacked inside the palace twice.” “That is precisely why I should leave.” Eunuch Wei turned his face away. Shen Rui continued before anyone could interrupt him. “If the enemy knows where I am, remaining in one place makes me an easy target. Moving unpredictably would be more practical.” Xiao Jingyuan studied him. “You speak as though you have experience avoiding assassins.” Shen Rui’s expression remained composed. “I have experience avoiding troublesome people.” The difference is mostly vocabulary. The emperor said nothing for several breaths. Then he ordered, “You will remain under guard. If you need anything, tell Eunuch Wei.” Shen Rui looked toward the eunuch. “Can he arrange food?” Eunuch Wei blinked. “Food?” “Preferably something warm. And perhaps a bed that does not feel like a wooden board.” “You have already been provided with a comfortable bed.” “Then the palace has a different definition of comfort.” Xiao Jingyuan turned away, but Shen Rui caught the faint movement of his sleeve. Did he just sigh? Excellent. Even the emperor is exhausted by palace life. By the time the body was removed, the eastern sky had begun to pale. Shen Rui stared at the first light filtering through the windows and felt his spirit leave his body. Another night ruined. He had not slept properly since arriving in this world. Every time he found a comfortable position, someone attacked him, summoned him, or left a threatening message. At this rate, he would die again—not from an assassin’s blade, but from sleep deprivation. Eunuch Wei escorted him toward the guest residence, accompanied by four guards. “Seventh Young Master,” the eunuch said carefully, “His Majesty is concerned for your safety.” “His Majesty should be concerned for his own sleep.” Eunuch Wei nearly stumbled. Shen Rui glanced at him. “I mean, an emperor must have many responsibilities. It would be unfortunate if he became ill.” Especially if he becomes ill and decides to blame me. The eunuch’s lips twitched. “His Majesty rarely rests.” “That explains why he looks as though he wants to execute the sunrise.” Eunuch Wei quickly lowered his head. Shen Rui narrowed his eyes. Everyone in this palace laughs strangely. Perhaps the food contains something. When they reached the guest residence, the guards searched the room again. They inspected the windows, roof beams, floorboards, and even the decorative vase near the bed. Shen Rui watched them work. The vase was empty. The windows were locked from the inside. The roof beams showed no fresh dust. The floor had no concealed mechanism. But near the entrance, he noticed a faint scrape along the stone threshold. He crouched. A thin metallic line had been pressed into the groove between two stones. Shen Rui’s eyes narrowed. “Stop.” The guards immediately turned. He pointed toward the threshold. “Don’t step there.” One guard carefully knelt and examined the line. After a moment, he drew a small blade and lifted a nearly invisible wire from the stone. The wire extended beneath the door. The guard’s face changed. Shen Rui leaned back. Wonderful. A second assassin’s trick, and this one is attached to the door. Whoever opens it might trigger a blade, poison needle, or something equally unpleasant. “Cut it?” the guard asked. “No.” Shen Rui shook his head. “Follow it first.” The guard traced the wire along the base of the wall. It disappeared beneath a wooden panel. After removing the panel, they discovered a narrow passage leading toward the servants’ quarters. Eunuch Wei’s face paled. “There is a hidden passage here?” Shen Rui looked at the dark opening. Of course there is. Why would a palace only have ordinary doors when it can have secret tunnels too? He took one step forward. A guard immediately blocked him. “Seventh Young Master, please remain behind us.” Shen Rui looked at the guard’s sword. Then at the dark passage. Then at his own hands. I could go inside, find the person responsible, and finish this before breakfast. He sighed. Unfortunately, that would require effort. “Fine,” he said. “You go first. If you survive, call me.” The guard’s mouth twitched before he entered the passage with two others. A few moments later, a shout echoed from inside. “Someone was here!” Shen Rui’s expression sharpened. The guards returned carrying a small wooden box. Inside lay several items: a palace servant’s waist token, a coil of fine wire, a vial of clear liquid, and a folded piece of paper. Eunuch Wei took one look at the waist token and stiffened. “This belongs to someone from the inner palace.” Shen Rui reached for the paper, but stopped before touching it. “Use gloves.” The guard wrapped his fingers in cloth and unfolded it. There were only four words. “The Shen household must act.” The room became unnaturally quiet. Shen Rui stared at the message. For the first time, the irritation in his chest faded. This was no longer merely an attempt to frame his family. Someone was actively using his name to threaten the emperor. Or someone within his family had truly become involved. I should have been born as a vegetable. He rubbed his forehead. Vegetables don’t have family conspiracies. Unless they are involved in court politics, which is probably why I should avoid cabbage too. Eunuch Wei hurried to report the discovery. Shen Rui remained in the room with the guards, staring at the open passage. A moment later, footsteps approached from the corridor. Xiao Jingyuan entered without announcing himself. His gaze moved from the hidden passage to the wooden box and finally to the message. “Who found it?” he asked. “I did,” Shen Rui replied. The emperor looked at him. “Explain.” Shen Rui pointed toward the threshold. “The wire was hidden beneath the stone. It connected to the door and extended into the wall. The passage leads toward the servants’ quarters. Someone prepared a trap and used the hidden route to enter or escape.” “And the message?” “It was placed inside the box with the tools. Whoever left it wanted us to find it.” “Why?” Shen Rui looked down at the words. “To make you suspect the Shen household.” Xiao Jingyuan’s expression hardened. “Do you believe your family is innocent?” Shen Rui lifted his head. “I believe suspicion is not proof.” The emperor’s eyes remained fixed on him. Shen Rui continued, “The cloth carried the Shen character, but the stitching was imperfect. The message mentions my household, but that could be intentional. If someone from my family were truly involved, they would not need to leave such obvious clues.” Unless they were idiots. Wealthy families seem to produce those in large quantities. Xiao Jingyuan heard the unspoken words, though his face revealed nothing. “And if someone is trying to make your family appear guilty?” “Then they want you to investigate the wrong people.” “Who would benefit?” Shen Rui considered the question. “The people who profited from the missing grain. The people connected to the northern campaign. Or anyone afraid that the old records will expose them.” He paused. “There may be more than one group.” Xiao Jingyuan’s gaze grew colder. “Then we will not investigate only the Shen household.” Shen Rui looked surprised. The emperor turned toward the Black Guard officers. “Trace the waist token. Determine who last held it, who had access to this passage, and whether the token was stolen or issued under a false identity.” “Yes, Your Majesty.” “Send a sealed order to the Marquis of Yong’an.” Shen Rui’s back straightened slightly. “Do not accuse him,” Xiao Jingyuan continued. “Ask for the household registry, the names of everyone who has handled the family seals during the past seven years, and the records of servants dismissed during that period.” The emperor’s voice became sharp. “If the marquis is involved, we will find evidence. If he has been framed, we will find that as well.” Shen Rui studied him. At least he understands that suspicion and guilt are not the same thing. Xiao Jingyuan turned toward him. “And you.” Shen Rui immediately felt a headache coming. “Your Majesty?” “You will review the records concerning the northern campaign.” Shen Rui’s face fell. “Must I?” “Yes.” “Could someone else do it?” “No.” “Could I supervise that person from bed?” “No.” This emperor is crueler than the assassins. Eunuch Wei pressed his lips together. Xiao Jingyuan’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Begin after breakfast.” Shen Rui’s expression brightened. “An excellent decision, Your Majesty.” “Do not sound so pleased. You will review the records with me.” The brightness disappeared from Shen Rui’s face. I take it back. He is worse than the assassins. Xiao Jingyuan turned to leave, but stopped at the doorway. “Shen Rui.” “Yes?” “Until we discover who is behind this, trust no one.” Shen Rui’s gaze shifted toward the hidden passage. “I never do.” For a brief moment, the emperor looked at him with something close to recognition. Then he left. Shen Rui watched the door close. He stood in silence for several seconds before turning to the guards. “Is breakfast ready?” The guards exchanged glances. Shen Rui sighed. “Fine. I’ll investigate the conspiracy first.” He looked once more at the message lying on the table. The Shen household must act. Somewhere beyond the palace walls, someone carrying his family name was preparing to make a move. And Shen Rui, who had wanted nothing more than a quiet bed and a peaceful life, had once again been dragged toward the center of danger. If this continues, I’m going to demand compensation from heaven.

The Name on the Cloth