Shen Rui woke up angry. Not the kind of anger that made him reach for a knife. That was reserved for people who deserved it. This was a quieter, more miserable kind of anger—the sort that came from being dragged out of bed before sunrise. He lay beneath his blankets, staring at the ceiling. A servant stood beside the bed. “Seventh Young Master, it’s time to prepare.” Shen Rui pulled the blanket over his head. “Tell the Ministry of Revenue I’ll arrive later.” The servant swallowed. “Young Master, Minister Han specifically instructed that you must arrive before the officials begin their work.” Minister Han is becoming increasingly annoying. The servant looked down at the floor. Shen Rui didn’t notice. He pushed the blanket away and sat up. “Bring my clothes.” “Yes, Young Master.” If I ever become powerful, the first law I’ll establish is that nobody can hold meetings before breakfast. An Unwelcome Discovery The Ministry of Revenue was already busy when Shen Rui arrived. He followed Minister Han into the records hall, where several clerks had gathered around a table. On the table lay the original registers from Yunzhou. Shen Rui stopped. “Didn’t they say the records were missing?” Minister Han’s expression was grim. “They were found last night.” Shen Rui walked closer. The registers were bound in dark leather, their edges worn from years of use. He opened the first one. The entries appeared ordinary. He turned several pages. Then he noticed something. A small mark beside the shipment number. He leaned closer. This wasn’t here yesterday. Minister Han noticed his expression. “What is it?” Shen Rui pointed to the mark. “Someone added this later.” The minister bent over the page. A faint line of ink had been drawn beside the original entry, almost blending into the surrounding characters. “Are you certain?” “The ink is darker.” Shen Rui turned to the next page. The same mark appeared. Then another. “These marks indicate that the records were reviewed.” Minister Han frowned. “By whom?” Shen Rui shook his head. “I don’t know.” But whoever did it was careful. He examined the binding. The thread had been replaced in one section. Shen Rui’s eyes narrowed. Someone opened this book and resealed it. His fingers brushed the spine. A loose thread caught against his nail. He pulled it gently. The binding shifted. A folded piece of paper slipped out. Everyone in the room froze. Minister Han immediately took it. He unfolded the paper. Inside was a list of shipment numbers, warehouse locations, and several names. The last entry had been crossed out. Shen Rui leaned over. “What’s that?” Minister Han’s face had become extremely serious. “These are the names of officials responsible for receiving the grain.” Shen Rui studied the paper. Someone has been keeping a separate record. He looked at the crossed-out name. “Who is that?” Minister Han didn’t answer immediately. Then he said quietly, “The former warehouse supervisor of Yunzhou.” Shen Rui frowned. “What happened to him?” The minister’s expression darkened. “He died two months ago.” The room fell silent. Shen Rui stared at the paper. That’s too convenient. The Warehouse Supervisor By midday, Minister Han had sent a messenger to retrieve additional records. Shen Rui sat beside the window, eating a steamed bun while reviewing the names on the list. He had no intention of getting involved beyond what was necessary. Unfortunately, the evidence kept appearing in front of him. A clerk named Zhang Wei approached with a stack of documents. “Young Master Shen, these are the warehouse reports from the previous year.” Shen Rui accepted them. “Thank you.” He flipped through the pages. The former supervisor’s name appeared repeatedly. Gao Ren. His records were neat, detailed, and consistent. Until the final three months of his service. During that period, several shipments had been marked as damaged. Yet the corresponding warehouse reports claimed the grain had been received. Shen Rui put down the bun. He didn’t steal the grain. Minister Han looked up. “What?” Shen Rui blinked. “I said the reports are inconsistent.” The minister walked over. Shen Rui pointed at the entries. “Gao Ren recorded the damaged shipments, but the warehouse reports listed them as received. Someone changed the records after his entries were made.” Minister Han read the pages. His expression became increasingly grave. “Then why was Gao Ren blamed?” Shen Rui looked at him. “Was he?” “His family was accused of embezzlement after his death.” Shen Rui’s gaze returned to the documents. They killed the man and blamed his family. His expression remained calm. But the hand holding the paper tightened. He had seen that method before. People with power rarely needed to dirty their own hands. They only needed to make someone else appear guilty. Minister Han noticed the change in his expression. “Young Master Shen?” Shen Rui released the paper. “We should investigate his family.” The minister nodded slowly. “Agreed.” A Visit to the Archives The imperial archives were located in a quieter section of the Ministry of Revenue. An old archivist named Qiao Lin managed the records. He was a thin man with a stooped back and a habit of glancing over his shoulder before speaking. When Minister Han asked about Gao Ren’s documents, Qiao Lin immediately became nervous. “Gao Ren’s records were transferred to the provincial archives.” “All of them?” “Yes.” Shen Rui looked around the room. Shelves filled every wall. Dust gathered in the corners. Several boxes sat unopened beneath the tables. He crouched beside one. “What’s this?” Qiao Lin hurried over. “Those are old documents, Young Master. They have not yet been sorted.” Shen Rui lifted the lid. Inside were several damaged registers. He picked up one. The cover was marked with a faded seal. Yunzhou Grain Office. He looked at Qiao Lin. “These are from Yunzhou.” The archivist’s face paled. “Perhaps they were misplaced.” Misplaced three times in one week? Shen Rui opened the register. Several pages had been torn out. He examined the edges. The pages had been removed recently. Not by accident. He stood. “Who has access to this room?” Qiao Lin hesitated. “Officials from the Ministry of Revenue. Authorized clerks.” “Names?” The old archivist swallowed. “I would need to check the records.” Minister Han’s voice turned cold. “Check them.” Qiao Lin bowed and hurried away. Shen Rui watched him leave. He’s hiding something. He glanced toward the shelves. But is he hiding it because he’s guilty, or because he’s afraid? A faint sound came from behind the wooden cabinet. Shen Rui’s eyes shifted. Someone was there. His body reacted before his mind finished processing the sound. He moved toward the cabinet. “Who’s there?” Silence. Then a shadow flashed across the far window. Shen Rui stepped forward. The window was open. A figure had already disappeared into the courtyard. His instincts screamed. An assassin. He moved to follow. Then stopped. He looked down at his fourteen-year-old body. No. Absolutely not. He closed the window. I’m not chasing anyone before lunch. Minister Han stared at him. “What happened?” Shen Rui turned. “Nothing.” Someone was hiding behind that cabinet. Minister Han looked toward the cabinet. Then back at Shen Rui. “Are you certain?” “Yes.” No. The minister sighed. He was beginning to realize that Shen Rui’s answers were rarely as straightforward as they appeared. The Emperor Receives a Report The imperial study was quiet when Minister Han arrived that afternoon. Xiao Jingyuan sat behind his desk, listening as Han Zhi explained the discoveries. “The original registers had been altered. We also found a separate list of shipment numbers and officials’ names.” “Who created the list?” “We do not know yet.” “And the former warehouse supervisor?” “His records suggest he may have been framed.” The emperor’s expression remained cold. “Investigate his death.” “Yes, Your Majesty.” Han Zhi hesitated. “There is another matter.” “Speak.” “The seventh son of the Marquis of Yong’an noticed a person fleeing from the archives.” Xiao Jingyuan raised his eyes. “Did he pursue them?” “No.” A brief silence. Then the minister added, “He closed the window and returned to his work.” The emperor’s eyebrows moved slightly. “Why?” Han Zhi paused. “Perhaps he considered it unsafe.” Xiao Jingyuan leaned back. The boy was either remarkably cautious or extraordinarily lazy. Possibly both. “Increase security around the archives.” “Yes, Your Majesty.” “And keep Shen Rui away from unnecessary danger.” Han Zhi bowed. “Understood.” A Quiet Conversation That evening, Shen Rui sat in the academy courtyard, enjoying a bowl of noodles. He had finally escaped the records hall. The sky was turning orange, and a cool breeze passed through the trees. For the first time all day, he felt peaceful. Then Lu Wen appeared. “Young Master Shen.” Shen Rui sighed. “Why are you everywhere?” Lu Wen sat across from him. “I wanted to ask you something.” Of course you did. “Ask.” “Is it true that someone tried to steal the Yunzhou records?” Shen Rui paused. “Who told you?” “People are talking.” “People talk too much.” Lu Wen leaned closer. “Did you see the person?” Shen Rui took another bite of noodles. “Yes.” Lu Wen’s eyes widened. “Really?” “Yes.” “What did they look like?” “Fast.” Lu Wen stared at him. Shen Rui continued eating. Why does everyone want a detailed report? I didn’t even see their face. Lu Wen rubbed his forehead. “You’re impossible.” “Thank you.” “That wasn’t a compliment.” “I know.” Lu Wen burst out laughing. Shen Rui lowered his head, hiding a small smile. The academy was troublesome. The palace was worse. But perhaps he could tolerate one or two people who weren’t completely unbearable. A Summons at Dusk Shen Rui was preparing to leave when a palace attendant approached. “Young Master Shen, His Majesty has ordered you to report to the imperial study.” Shen Rui froze. His hand remained on the sleeve he was adjusting. Again? The attendant bowed. “Please follow me.” Shen Rui looked toward the setting sun. The emperor must have an incredible amount of free time. He followed the attendant through the palace corridors. When he arrived at the imperial study, Xiao Jingyuan was standing beside a table covered with documents. “Your Majesty.” “Come closer.” Shen Rui approached. The emperor pointed to a map. “These are the shipment routes from Yunzhou.” Shen Rui looked down. Several routes were marked in red ink. “Do you see anything unusual?” Shen Rui examined the map. The routes passed through three major towns before reaching the capital. One section crossed a mountain pass. Another passed near a military garrison. He traced the routes with his eyes. Then he frowned. “This route.” Xiao Jingyuan looked at him. “Explain.” “The shipment from Yunzhou should have passed through Qinghe before reaching the capital. But the records show it was diverted through a smaller village.” “Why does that matter?” “That village has no registered warehouse.” Shen Rui pointed at the map. “If the grain was diverted there, it would have been difficult to verify how much arrived.” The emperor’s gaze sharpened. “And what would you conclude?” Shen Rui hesitated. That someone deliberately chose a place where no one would check. He kept his voice measured. “This subject believes the village should be investigated.” Xiao Jingyuan nodded. “That is what we will do.” Shen Rui looked up. We? The emperor turned toward him. “You will accompany the investigation team.” Shen Rui’s expression went blank. “Your Majesty?” “You identified the discrepancy. You will help verify the records.” Shen Rui stared at the emperor. I should have pretended I couldn’t read. Xiao Jingyuan’s eyes remained on him. “Do you object?” Shen Rui immediately bowed. “This subject would not dare.” I object very much. The emperor said nothing. But the faintest trace of amusement passed through his eyes. “Prepare yourself. You leave in three days.” Shen Rui’s heart sank. Three days. A journey outside the capital. An investigation. Potential danger. He lowered his head. “Yes, Your Majesty.” As he turned to leave, the emperor spoke again. “Shen Rui.” He stopped. “Remember that the people involved may not hesitate to silence anyone who discovers the truth.” Shen Rui’s expression became still. For a moment, the lazy young official disappeared. The assassin beneath the borrowed identity opened his eyes. If they come for me, they’ll regret it. He turned slightly. “I understand, Your Majesty.” Then he left. Xiao Jingyuan watched the closed door. The boy’s face had changed for only a moment. But the emperor had noticed. Something dangerous lived behind Shen Rui’s sleepy eyes. And the emperor intended to find out what it was. Three Days Later Shen Rui stood before the carriage prepared for the investigation. He looked at the horses. Then at the officials waiting beside them. Then at the road leading out of the capital. I wanted to become a salted fish. He climbed into the carriage. Why am I traveling to investigate stolen grain? The carriage began moving. Shen Rui leaned against the window and closed his eyes. When I return, I’m sleeping for five days. He did not notice the imperial messenger riding several lengths behind the convoy. Nor did he know that, in the capital, Xiao Jingyuan had ordered his movements to be reported. The emperor had not forgotten him. And the investigation into the missing grain was about to become far more dangerous than anyone expected.

The Man Behind The Missing Grain