# Chapter 9
Qi Xiao changed into fresh clothes and had Jiang Deqing invite Bai Ren to his study.
Bai Ren had not harbored much hope this time. He had been turned away several times already, yet Jiang Deqing had always been courteous and meticulous in his hospitality, leaving Bai Ren rather puzzled. Nevertheless, for Roujia's sake, he would have come however many more times. When Jiang Deqing finally told him that Qi Xiao had agreed to see him, a great weight lifted from Bai Ren's heart. He paused and asked, "The Crown Prince... is in his study?"
Bai Ren had come several times before, but this was the first time he would actually meet Qi Xiao. Under normal circumstances, a host would receive guests in the main hall. Bai Ren considered himself far from familiar enough with Qi Xiao to be invited directly into his private study. Seeing Bai Ren's hesitation, Jiang Deqing smiled and said, "His Highness specifically said that Young Lord Bai Ren is no outsider, so there's no need for such formality. The study is more conducive to conversation."
Bai Ren had no reason to doubt this and nodded, following Jiang Deqing out of the main hall, through winding corridors, and into Qi Xiao's study.
Qi Xiao was seated before the kang, appreciating the tea set Bai Ren had sent. Upon seeing his guest, he rose and smiled. "State affairs have kept me occupied. It was remiss of me to keep you running back and forth these past few visits. Please don't take offense."
Bai Ren had been worried about how coldly he had treated Qi Xiao that day in the palace. Seeing that Qi Xiao held no grudges and remained as warm as ever, he felt considerably at ease. He smiled in return. "Your Highness is too kind. I've simply been too idle lately. I should be thanking Your Highness for tolerating my intrusion."
"Not at all, not at all." Qi Xiao turned to Jiang Deqing with a smile. "Prepare some boiling water. Since Young Lord Bai Ren is here, I shall take this opportunity to be a gracious host with this fine tea set."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Deqing hastily brought over a kettle of boiling water. There was no way Bai Ren could let Qi Xiao actually perform the tea ceremony himself. He smiled and said, "I wouldn't dare presume. I know a thing or two about tea. If Your Highness doesn't mind, allow me to brew a cup for you."
Qi Xiao smiled. "That would be excellent."
The two sat facing each other. Bai Ren knelt before the tea table, rolled up his sleeves, and took up the kettle, proceeding to rinse the tea vessels in sequence. His movements were practiced and elegant. Qi Xiao watched with a smile, then chuckled softly. "I've long heard that Young Lord Bai Ren excels in both virtue and the arts. Seeing is believing—it's true."
"Your Highness flatters me." Bai Ren set aside the rinsed Qianquan jade pot and measured out two spoonfuls of tea leaves. Leaning forward to take the kettle, he poured half a pot of boiling water, gave it a gentle shake, then poured it out. Casually, as if making small talk, he said, "Come to think of it, I learned all this from my younger sister. Not to boast, but as for the saying 'excels in both virtue and arts'—I hardly deserve such praise. My younger sister, however, is truly worthy of those words."
Bai Ren poured fresh boiling water in again and set the teapot before him. While drying his hands with a silk cloth, he carefully observed Qi Xiao's expression. Inside, Qi Xiao found it amusing that Bai Ren was secretly watching him. He had half a mind to tease him further, but he indulged Bai Ren's curiosity and feigned interest. "Are you referring to the second daughter of the Prince of Lingnan, Princess Kangtai?"
"Indeed." Bai Ren's heart was tense, but he pinched his sleeve inconspicuously, then slowly and carefully continued, "My father often says that among our generation of daughters, only Kangtai truly deserves the title of 'noble lady.' Ha, ha—Your Highness must find this amusing."
Bai Ren lifted the jade pot and gave it another gentle shake, watching Qi Xiao from the corner of his eye. Qi Xiao's expression remained perfectly still, but inside, he grew more fond of Bai Ren. He had expected Bai Ren to be so anxious that he would bring up his sister's matter right away. Instead, Bai Ren had held back. He didn't mention his own sister first, but rather praised his half-sister, then subtly highlighted how doted upon that half-sister was. It seemed carefree on the surface, but every word was a blade.
Qi Xiao smiled faintly. "Not at all. If the Prince of Lingnan speaks so highly of her, the princess must be a beautiful and talented woman. I wonder which fortunate man will win her hand someday."
Bai Ren's confidence grew threefold. He steadied his nerves and continued with a smile. "Speaking of which... I've recently heard that the grain convoy officer will be carrying good news to Lingnan. I dare to ask—is it true?"
Inside, Qi Xiao was amused. Still too young—already losing his composure. Qi Xiao acted as if something had just occurred to him, and he smiled. "Oh right, I nearly forgot after chatting with you. It was precisely about the grain transport that I wished to consult Young Lord Bai Ren... Jiang Deqing."
Bai Ren thought Qi Xiao was finally ready to get down to business and couldn't help but sit up straighter. He watched as Jiang Deqing turned and entered the inner room, emerging with a stack of documents which he presented to Qi Xiao with a bow. Qi Xiao smiled warmly. "Over these past few years, the court hasn't had much contact with Lingnan, so there are few people familiar with the routes. I had no choice but to recruit several men from Lingnan. Unfortunately, they proved incompetent. Some of them turned out to be from your household—I only discovered this after the assignment documents were issued. I'm afraid this will cause inconvenience for Young Lord Bai Ren. If your household is short on servants, please do tell me. I shall have the Imperial Household Agency send over the most capable ones immediately."
Since arriving in the imperial capital, the Emperor had frequently reassigned people from his side, replacing them with new ones to keep watch. Bai Ren was well acquainted with this tactic and didn't think much of it. He shook his head and smiled. "That won't be necessary. There are still people serving in my residence."
Qi Xiao smiled. "Good. Here are the assignment documents. May I trouble Young Lord Bai Ren to take them back...?"
"Yes." Bai Ren's mind was elsewhere entirely. He took the documents, but then picked up the thread of their earlier conversation. "Your Highness, then... regarding Chaoge?!"
A cruel glint flickered in Qi Xiao's eyes—he was counting on Bai Ren not to miss it. The very first name on the document was Cen Chaoge's.
Bai Ren looked up sharply at Qi Xiao. Qi Xiao paused, feigning confusion. "What's the matter? Oh, Cen Chaoge... isn't he your study companion?"
Bai Ren nodded woodenly. "Yes... my study companion. Why is he on the escort list?"
Qi Xiao looked surprised. "Didn't you request this yourself? I won't hide it from you, Young Lord Bai Ren. When I first saw this man's name, I thought of you too. Since he's your study companion, how could I possibly send him back so readily? I immediately summoned the official in charge of this matter to inquire. Fortunately, that man was rather timid. After I questioned him sternly, he confessed. He said he'd received thirteen thousand taels of silver from the Prince of Lingnan's heir, specifically ordering him to include Cen Chaoge on the escort roster. Upon learning it was your wish, I didn't pursue it further... Oh, and the coward also sent those silver banknotes to me."
Qi Xiao turned his head. Jiang Deqing immediately brought forward a stack of banknotes, which Qi Xiao set gently before Bai Ren with a warm smile. "You're all alone here. You probably don't have much silver on you. Why spend so much on a study companion? Keep this for yourself. If there's a next time, come directly to me. Whatever can be done, I shall not refuse."
Bai Ren took the banknotes numbly. His throat felt tight. "May I ask... who was the one who took the bribe?"
Qi Xiao smiled cruelly. "The Director of the Imperial Household Agency. Xixiang."
Bai Ren closed his eyes briefly. Everything suddenly became clear.
Cen Chaoge had time and again asked him for silver, and it was all for... for returning to Lingnan. How foolish he had been. He had found it strange himself—just gathering information, why would it cost so much? Yet he had never thought to ask more...
Bai Ren's eyes suddenly reddened. He turned his head away and drew a deep breath. His fists clenched involuntarily as he fought to suppress the crushing pain in his heart, refusing to lose his composure before others. Qi Xiao watched this, and for some reason, felt an unexpected pang in his chest. Just as he was about to speak, he saw Bai Ren inconspicuously dab at his eyes, pick up the jade pot, rinse the teacups once more, then pour a cup for Qi Xiao. With both hands, he presented it, forcing a smile. "Now, where were we? Ah yes... I was precisely curious—true or false, this rumored good news?"
Qi Xiao was captivated watching Bai Ren. In the span of a heartbeat, he had composed himself. Qi Xiao had always believed no one could surpass him in the art of restraint, but on this occasion, he had to concede defeat. Qi Xiao accepted the teacup, blew on it gently, and thought with a quiet laugh that he had not misjudged—Bai Ren was the same kind of person as him.
Qi Xiao's resolve grew stronger. For Roujia's sake, Bai Ren could endure anything.
According to Qi Xiao's original plan, today he would have things out with Bai Ren. Whether the marriage alliance was real or not would depend entirely on what Bai Ren said. If Bai Ren wanted to protect his sister, that was fine—but he would have to pay with himself. If Bai Ren proved sensible and accommodating, perhaps today he could gain some advantage...
But somehow, looking at Bai Ren like this, Qi Xiao suddenly felt soft-hearted. Bai Ren had just learned about Cen Chaoge's betrayal, yet here he was, holding firm before Qi Xiao. Who knew what a tempest of emotions churned within him? If Qi Xiao were to strike again now...
Qi Xiao sighed inwardly. Never mind. If he kept a person caged too tightly, something might go wrong. Would it not be himself who suffered the consequences?
"I won't hide it from Young Lord Bai Ren—I have heard whispers about this good news you mention. But I genuinely don't know the details." Qi Xiao smiled with apparent candor. "I'm not playing ignorant. In matters of marriage, I can only follow my parents' wishes and the matchmaker's words. My father and mother have never mentioned this to me. I've only heard a word or two from the Eldest Princess. I don't know the specifics. But since Young Lord Bai Ren has asked, tomorrow I shall make inquiries. If I learn the truth, I shall certainly tell you."
Qi Xiao spoke sincerely. Bai Ren could no longer tell whether he knew the truth or not. His mind was in turmoil. He feared that speaking more would only lead to mistakes, and offending Qi Xiao would be得不偿失. He could only agree, exchange a few more hollow pleasantries, then take his leave.
Qi Xiao escorted Bai Ren to the ceremonial gate and only turned back to return to the residence once Bai Ren had boarded his sedan chair. Jiang Deqing had followed silently behind him and couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness... why not secure Young Lord Bai Ren today? If you let him go like this, what if that Cen fellow is glib enough to talk Young Lord Bai Ren back around...?"
"No, he won't." Qi Xiao was still savoring the scene that had just unfolded. "Bai Ren is no fool. With hard evidence in black and white, can Cen Chaoge wash himself clean? Unless he insists it's all your frame-up and is willing to never return to Lingnan to prove his innocence. But... hehe, you think he'd舍得?"
"Rather than waiting for Cen Chaoge to come up with all sorts of high-sounding excuses to explain himself, it's better that I reveal the truth first and let them sort it out themselves. Only once the enmity is completely severed can I make my move..."
Qi Xiao smiled faintly. "Why the rush? The man has so many weaknesses in his hands. Isn't taming him just a matter of time?"