Xu Qi’an reported his findings to the Eldest Princess. Based on various clues, the princess speculated that the Duke of Northern Defense (Zhenbei Wang) might be involved and reprimanded Xu Qi’an for his audacity. Shocked, Xu Qi’an admitted he had no prior knowledge of the duke’s existence. The Eldest Princess, impressed by his intelligence and sharpness, asked if he was willing to pledge loyalty to her.
Xu Qi’an hesitated, citing his acquaintance with Lin’an Princess and the potential for misunderstandings. The Eldest Princess dismissed his concerns, and Xu Qi’an accepted her token of allegiance. She then brought him to the palace library, where they combed through records and discovered that Bodhi Beads could obscure aura-sensing abilities.
Xu Qi’an suddenly recalled encountering someone wearing Bodhi Beads during a pitch-pot game. He remembered hearing that the person in the sedan chair was a woman and wondered how this tied to the Duke of Northern Defense. The princess also shared details about Princess Pingyang, who had disappeared while evading an imperial marriage decree. Even the Sitianjian’s aura-sensing techniques had failed to locate her, hinting at a connection to the beads.
Seeking Lin’an for Clues
Realizing that Lin’an, being close to Pingyang, might hold more information, Xu Qi’an reluctantly approached her, despite their earlier awkward encounter. However, Lin’an refused to see him. To demonstrate his sincerity, Xu Qi’an stood under the blazing sun for hours. When he pretended to faint from heatstroke, Lin’an finally relented, having him brought inside to recover.
After cooling off and charming Lin’an with his persuasive words, Xu Qi’an managed to ease their tension. He swore loyalty to her and inquired about Princess Pingyang’s disappearance.
Lin’an revealed that Pingyang had been closest to her in the palace. Pingyang had shared a deep bond with Henghui of Qinglong Hall, their mutual affection well-known. When the emperor decreed her marriage, Pingyang confided in Lin’an before fleeing the palace. Her father later succumbed to political stress, and her mother was left in perpetual sorrow. To comfort her grieving aunt, Lin’an often fabricated stories about Pingyang living happily in hiding.
Xu Qi’an reassured Lin’an, noting that Pingyang had taken an artifact capable of concealing her aura, which might have kept her safe all this time.
A Chaotic Encounter with the Spirit Beast
In the imperial garden’s pond resided a small dragon, a spirit beast beloved by the princes. Normally docile, it would often carry the princes on aerial flights. Recently, however, the dragon had grown reclusive and agitated. It began displaying erratic behavior, swimming wildly and spitting water. Concerned, the emperor visited the pond with Wei Yuan. Upon learning that Xu Qi’an had passed by the area earlier, Wei Yuan grew uneasy.
Feigning submission, the dragon carried the emperor into the air, only to drop him suddenly. Luckily, the royal guards intervened in time to prevent disaster. The dragon then soared higher, searching for a specific aura, and ultimately locked onto Xu Qi’an.
As Xu Qi’an strolled through the garden with Lin’an, the dragon charged at them. Xu Qi’an immediately shielded Lin’an with his body. The guards and emperor soon arrived, subduing the dragon after a fierce struggle. Lin’an seized the moment to praise Xu Qi’an’s bravery, advocating for his pardon.
The emperor acknowledged Xu Qi’an’s valor and granted him a reward but remained firm on his prior decision: Xu Qi’an still faced execution unless he solved the case within 15 days.
A New Challenge Ahead
With limited time and mounting pressure, Xu Qi’an steeled himself for the challenges ahead, determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious case and prove his worth.
