Ronghe waits

Ronghe stood before the carved fire totem symbol of Dayan Empire in the guest hall. He had never been to the Grand Prince's palace before. Contrary to his expectations, the decor didn't look extravagant.

No signs of gold or silver decor, unlike most nobles. Not even a valuable jade vase or anything of value in sight. He never expected the sparse interior. Even the carpet was a plain coloured weave of wool with no decorative patterns.

The guest hall reminded him of the visitor's hall in the main military base in Yandi. Ronghe had visited it only once when asked to report for duty when he first arrived a few years ago. From its outward appearance, the residence looked like a small fortified military camp.

Small wisps of smoke rose from the large yet simple bronze censer, perfuming the place with a rich, earthy aroma with hidden sweet tone. The fragrance reminded Ronghe of walking through a dense forest after the rain, when the earth released a musky fragrance mixed with the sweet floral scent of wildflowers.

The Grand Prince's rosewood armchair on the wooden dais had the only intricate designs carved on it. A plush snow leopard skin covered part of the back. Below the dais were armchairs of a simpler design, usually seen in a mid-ranked official's home, arranged at both sides with accompanying side tables.

The town physician, Lang, in his seat at the furthest end of the dais, slowly sipped his warm tea while his eyes wandered around the place with curiosity. "Our Grand Prince doesn't spend much on decor except for incense."

"Guard your tongue," Ronghe warned him in a low voice as he eyed the guards standing outside. "But how do you know the incense is expensive?"

Ronghe never came across such a strong aroma before. Not even in the imperial palace. He was curious.

"Smelled it in a wealthy merchant's house. Told that this scent comes from a rare rotting wood, granted by a noble of another state when he went to trade. Only comes from the far west or south. It's hard to cultivate and worth more than its weight in gold." Lang shrugged. Being at the border exposed him to traders who brought items never seen in the Capital.

"What other use does it have?"

"It masks the smell of blood and death," Lang replied, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. "The chairs are also made of a special type of cypress."

"Anything special with the cypress?"

"Also to hide smells." Lang placed his slightly rattling teacup down on the table and took a deep breath while clenching his trembling hands.

He felt nervous and wondered if Ronghe knew what he was doing. Lang felt like a lamb entering a wolf's den. His eyes surveyed the wooden panels around. Some bore suspicious dark stains resembling splatter, which made him apprehensive.

Lang had no doubt people died in this room before. His eyes shifted to the guards stationed at the entrance. Their posture appeared to stiffen and straighten up.

"Don't worry," Ronghe tried to reassure him.

Lang stared at him in disbelief. Who was Ronghe trying to kid? The Grand Prince is a Killing God.

A long shadow appeared on the other side of the entrance door. He tugged Ronghe's sleeve and signalled to the entrance.

The atmosphere in the guest hall seemed to grow colder, sending shivers down Lang's back. If he wasn't the one who made the discovery, he wouldn't be here.

Sweat broke out on his brow. Lang regretted coming and wondered if he could return alive to see his wife and two sons. He decided if he could walk out alive again, he may resign as the town coroner.

A fresh-faced young man, dressed in a shimmering black gown, appeared at the door. He looked no older than Ronghe. Lang immediately fell to his knees, only to have Ronghe tapping on his shoulder to stand up.

02 coughed politely, pretending to smoothen out his sleeves. "I'm just 02, the Grand Prince's aide. Please …no need for such a formal greeting."

Lang wished the ground would swallow him up.

Ronghe bowed slightly at 02, who eyed Lang curiously. "Your aide?"

"My coroner. He is the town physician."

02 placed his hands together and bowed to a puzzled Lang. "Thank you for your hard work."

"Oh no need, no need, you're too polite." Lang quickly wagged his hands.

02 straightened up.

"The Grand Prince?" Ronghe asked while his eyes searched behind 02.

"Will be here shortly. Some matters to attend to first. But I need to warn both of you…," 02 spoke up and then paused.

Not a good sign, Lang thought.

"The Grand Prince's mood isn't very good…"

Lang could feel his own palms turning sweaty even though the hall was cold. Will he get killed on the spot if the Grand Prince didn't like what he said? Lang glanced at Ronghe, who waited for 02 to finish his words.

"Don't kneel, just bow in greeting. And whatever question the Grand Prince asks, do not lie and keep to the facts. I hope for your sake, it's urgent."

His words sounded like a threat to Lang.

Ronghe bowed to 02 while nudging Lang, who did the same. "I understand the Grand Prince has many matters to attend to. And I wouldn't be here if it wasn't urgent."

02 pointed his finger at one of the side tables with a rolled up scroll. "That must be the report."

Ronghe didn't hesitate. He walked over and grabbed the scroll, presenting it to 02 with two hands. "Please inspect the report."

"No need. The Grand Prince will inspect it on arrival. If there's anything you need, like more tea, just let the guards here know."

02 threw down the words and left the hall, leaving Ronghe and Lang puzzled.

"What did he mean by not in a good mood?"

Ronghe pulled him further into the hall, away from the guards.

"Your findings better be accurate," Ronghe muttered. "Or else we'll both be in deep trouble."

"If I wasn't sure, I wouldn't accompany you. Those clothings have a big problem — I have never seen a silver needle turning green before. Black, yes, for poison."

"Is it related to the smell of the corpses?"

"No, I told you that something else caused the stench. And those corpses were not decomposing," Lang replied.

"Don't say too much about the corpses," Ronghe whispered. "Sometimes being too clever isn't good."

"Now you tell me, then why did you want to report about the clothing?"