禍從口出。 (Huò cóng kǒu chū) — Disaster comes from careless talk.

Unlike the Zi family banquet with its strict formality, the Bai family banquet was an open-air affair. The gates to the estate while still closed, emanated the scent of roast and fried meat and vegetables. Those who passed by will have their mouths water in jealously.

The winter breeze still remained as the seasons slowly changed to spring. Zi Siwei was standing near the pond with his father in tow. He was not pleased with the arrangement as he would rather be with the Bai's.

Zi Xiyu held no animosity towards the Bai family for not supporting the new regime but like his contemporaries, he still viewed their loyalty as dicey. It was only because Zi Siwei was close to Bai Haoxia then he decided to attend.

"It's too noisy." Zi Xiyu remarked, clearly not pleased with the open arrangement of the banquet.

"The day is bright, so it suits it." Zi Siwei replied, daring to oppose his father.

Zi Xiyu felt like saying something but refrained against it. He didn't want their stormy relationship to get worse.

"Dage, you're here!" A cheery voice rang out.

It was Zi Zhifan with his father Zi Liyu. He was about to hug his dear cousin but one steely glance from his father prevented him from doing so.

"It's been a while, Uncle. How are you?" Zi Siwei bowed respectfully to Zi Liyu.

"The army is starting to get restless at the Eastern border but nothing I can't handle." Zi Liyu replied straightforwardly.

The Eastern border...

Zi Siwei remembered what Minister Hao said some time ago about the assassin possibly being from one of the Eastern kingdoms.

"What happened at the Eastern border? I'm sure it was something that you did well in." Knowing that Zi Liyu liked being complimented, Zi Siwei started to curry favour with his uncle to get some information.

Zi Xiyu narrowed his eyes but said nothing.

"Sometime in the middle of winter, His Majesty was called out to deal with the Eastern raiders that were harassing the villages to the far east. I was part of the vanguard and slaughtered many bandits." Zi Liyu explained and boasted with a straight face.

Zi Siwei couldn't care less about his uncle's kill count, "Seems odd that they would attack at this time of year."

Zi Liyu nodded, "His Majesty said the raid was probably in response to something that happened in the city. But we don't have any residents from the Eastern kingdoms unless they smuggled themselves in."

The assassin once again came to mind but Zi Siwei cannot say it out loud since it was a secret between him, Dawa and Minister Hao.

"Smuggling is always a possibility and it's something I've been looking at for a long time." Minister Hao popped up out of the blue.

"Minister." The three men bowed in respect.

"At ease." Minister Hao held up his hand to bring the three men out of the bow, "We actually have a sizable number of Eastern spies living in our city. But you can rest assured that they are all being taken care off."

After standing for minutes not saying a word in the conversation, Zi Xiyu couldn't hold it in anymore, "Minister, why would the Eastern kingdoms want to make a move when we've not had a conflict with them since the last dynasty?"

It was clear that Zi Xiyu was worried about something and Zi Siwei could sense it. He wondered why his father was so frazzled at that moment.

"That is still to be determined but so not worry about such things Branch Leader Zi. Leave that to the Municipality Court." Minister Hao reassured.

Then there was an awkward silence that went on for a few seconds.

"Bai Haoxia must be looking for me." Zi Siwei excused himself.

"Haoxia is here? I guess he decided not to skip this year's banquet to go flirting with the ladies in town." Minister Hao excused himself as well and followed Zi Siwei, leaving the two older men to chat with each other.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Zi Siwei whispered to Minister Hao, "What do you mean by that just now? Are you saying that the assassin was from the Eastern Kingdoms?"

Minister Hao didn't answer his question, "Best not to talk about it here. Only when the princess arrives."

Zi Siwei wasn't surprised that Minister Hao knew of Dawa's activities. He had a feeling that the willy old man will be watching them closely.

Given that Minister Hao was watching closely, he couldn't help but ask, "Are you fine with Concubine Li coming out to meet us?"

"No." Minister Hao replied.

Figures he would say that...

"However," He cautioned, "I suggest you become like Dawa's messenger eagle if you intend to protect her." He folded his arms and left.

Zi Siwei didn't understand what his former master meant by that but he didn't have time to contemplate. He had to meet with Bai Haoxia.

Bai Haoxia was near the main residence looking for Zi Siwei. When the latter finally arrived, he pulled him aside.

"What took you so long?" Bai Haoxia hissed.

"Sorry." Zi Siwei apologised, "There was information that seemed important to us."

Bai Haoxia looked perplexed so Zi Siwei dragged him to an unoccupied room in the main residence.

"You think that the Eastern kingdoms may have something to do with your assassination attempt?" Bai Haoxia asked once he had been informed by Zi Siwei.

"Mm, but it is odd that they would want to assassinate Concubine Li or myself." Zi Siwei mused.

"If we had time, we could look into it but it is almost time for us to meet the princess." Bai Haoxia smiled brightly.

Zi Siwei felt his stomach turn but pushed it down. He pulled out the map Dawa had sent him, indicating the location they would meet. It was in one of the inner rooms of the Bai residence. They had to take care that she wasn't seen or they would be in trouble indeed. Luckily all the servants were busy keeping an eye on the food that is being prepared outside so they could wander the building without worry.

Soon they reached an inner room fairly far away from the noise of the banquet. Zi Siwei opened the sliding door and for the first time in weeks, came face-to-face with Dawa.

"You're late," Dawa said.

"I'm sorry." Zi Siwei replied.

She looks happy. Is it because there are familiar people?

"Princess, it's been a while. How is the palace treating you?" Bai Haoxia beamed.

Dawa bowed, "General Bai, it is lovely to see you too. The palace is a very stifling place. It's hard to be yourself." She spoke honestly.

Zi Siwei did a double-take. He noticed she looked tired around the eyes and her lively spirit was dim but he didn't know she was suffering in the harem. Then again, he never asked so she was never obliged to answer.

"Is that so? Then I suppose that's why you suggested coming outside then despite the risks?" Bai Haoxia asked.

"No, that's not the reason. It's too dangerous to meet inside the palace -- many ears are listening." Dawa clarified.

For some reason, Zi Siwei felt proud for deducing that but his face didn't show it.

"We have some great information to show--"

The sliding door opened abruptly.

"There you are, we've been looking everywhere for you!" A shrill woman's voice rang out.

The trio looked confused for a moment before the loud woman grabbed Dawa's wrist.

"Come on, it is time for your solo!"

"Wait! I don't know what you're talking about. I'm not sure what's going on?!" Dawa protested and tried to wrench the woman's grip off her wrist but to no avail.

The woman slapped Dawa's face and Zi Siwei's eyes blazed. He pushed the woman back and she landed on her bottom.

"The lady said she doesn't know what you are talking about so do her a favour and leave." Zi Siwei chillingly spoke.

"Wait! I can explain!" The woman protested, "Someone told me my dancer was here. She had gone missing and I was looking for her. Now that I look closer, although her face shape under the veil is the same, it is indeed a different girl."

The woman was crestfallen, "But that means the man lied to me! I still don't have a dancer and the guests are waiting...Oh! but you look similar so maybe.." She scrutinised Dawa from head to toe.

"Absolutely not." Zi Siwei replied. His expression was dark indicating massive displeasure.

"Is that woman your lover? Don't worry it's not provocative." The woman reassured.

Zi Siwei blushed and looked awkwardly at the floor. He couldn't even answer the woman.

"I'll do it." Dawa agreed to the surprise of the two men.

"But princess--" Bai Haoxia protested.

"I happen to be an accomplished dancer so it is of no problem," Dawa reassured.

"Heavens bless us!" The woman was delighted, "Please follow me to get changed into your costume."

Before Dawa left the inner room she glanced at Zi Siwei who had an uneasy look on his face.

For some reason, her heart ached but she continued to walk out the door.