Chapter 038: Big Trouble

Zhang Wanyi was taken aback, then shook his head. "I don't know." He glanced around and added, "This is the residence of Chancellor Li, and also the site of the temple belonging to his beloved daughter. How could Xie Dalang have the right to enter here?"

"A temple?" Li Zaixing was quite surprised.

"Yes," Zhang Wan replied with a smile. "Originally it was part of the Li family estate, but after rumors of haunting, the Li household converted this courtyard into a Taoist temple, appointing his daughter as the abbess. It was a grand affair—His Majesty himself inscribed the plaque, and many renowned scholars came to paint and compose poetry. Scholars hoped to gain entry, perhaps to catch the abbess's eye and become the chancellor's son-in-law."

"If she became an abbess, could she still marry?"

Zhang Wan chuckled slyly. "Many Taoist priestesses return to secular life and marry. Numerous noblewomen enter religious orders precisely to meet men. Even the imperial family can renounce vows and return to secular life—why should it be impossible for others?"

Li Zaixing paused, staring at Zhang Wan's lewd, wicked grin, and suddenly understood. Indeed, the Tang dynasty was famed for women entering religious life and then returning to secular affairs, especially in the palace. Empress Wu Zetian was once a nun, as was Yang Guifei. Even the current emperor's daughters, Princess Jinshen and Princess Yuzhen, have taken vows. Countless women, both famous and obscure, have become Taoists or Buddhists. Princess Yuzhen even monopolized Wang Wei, the great poet—being a Taoist priestess is hardly lonely.

Could Xie Dalang be after Chancellor Li Linfu's daughter? Li Zaixing mused as he stepped outside. Turning onto Wangsianmen Avenue, he was about to head south when he saw armed soldiers checking passersby. Alarmed, he quickly drew his insect maiden close and whispered in her ear, "Don't speak."

She didn’t need his warning; the insect maiden sensed the tension and trembled with nervousness. Zhang Wan was also surprised and, with a questioning sound, led Li Zaixing north, turning onto Chunmingmen Avenue, and continued to Chunmingmen itself. They did not leave the city but turned south, skirting the city wall. Zhang Wan was a streetwise native of Chang'an, familiar with every corner, and easily avoided the patrolling soldiers, arriving at Qujiang Pond to find Xie Dalang.

Upon seeing them, Xie Dalang immediately understood their purpose and smiled apologetically. "Brother Li, it's not that I broke my word. I just sent someone to notify Zhang Wan, but he was intercepted by the guards of the Left Guard. He was carrying a small crossbow and got arrested. I’m trying to get him released."

In Great Tang, common folk were not prohibited from carrying ordinary weapons like sabers and bows, but powerful crossbows or specialized weapons such as the Mo Dao were forbidden. Many braves carried illegal arms, and getting caught was common.

"What happened?"

"I'm not entirely sure yet. It seems something happened in Qinren Ward. These days, there’s a lot of construction there—maybe someone got greedy and stole something. I’m still investigating. Whatever it is, it’s not good; the brothers will have to lay low again." Xie Dalang laughed. "Did you come to find me about Zhang Wan?"

"Not just about Zhang Wan—there’s something else." Li Zaixing explained the opportunity to join the Dragon Martial Army. Xie Dalang’s eyes instantly lit up with joy. "Really?"

"Of course. Would I joke about this with you?"

"That’s wonderful!" Xie Dalang rubbed his hands and began pacing. "So, I need to find a quiet place to practice my skills—it's been a while, and I’m out of shape."

Li Zaixing’s heart stirred, and he suggested, "If you don’t mind, Dalang, come to Bodhi Temple and keep me company. What do you think?"

Xie Dalang was delighted. "Thank you, Brother Li! Guanglong is deeply grateful."

Only then did Li Zaixing learn that Xie Dalang’s full name was Xie Guanglong.

...

He had intended to return immediately to Pingkang Ward, but the insect maiden, eager for rare freedom, refused to go back. Though Qujiang Pond was far from its most beautiful—trees still slumbered, flowers had yet to bloom—her exuberant spirit could not be contained. Li Zaixing had no choice but to accompany her, riding horses and playing by the water for half a day before returning, still reluctant, to Pingkang Ward.

Upon entering the west courtyard, Du Fu greeted him, pulling Li Zaixing aside. "Brother, the insect maiden can’t stay here any longer."

"Why?"

"A group came this morning. They didn’t say whom they were looking for, but searched inside and out, asking if anyone had seen a little girl dressed in emerald feathers. It’s clear they’re searching for her. Thankfully my wife was alert and didn’t betray anything."

Li Zaixing frowned, pulled the insect maiden into a room, and shut the door.

"Insect maiden, who are you really?"

She looked bewildered. "I am the insect maiden."

"I mean..." Li Zaixing scratched his head, exasperated. "What’s your father’s name?"

"My father..." She rolled her eyes. "How would I know? I’ve never heard anyone call him by name."

Li Zaixing felt a chill and quickly asked, "What about your mother?"

"My mother’s surname is Cao."

"What’s her full name?"

"It’s... I think it’s Cao Yena."

"Cao Yena?" Li Zaixing was amused and perplexed—what kind of name was that? He thought for a moment and asked, "Where do you live? Who else is in your family?"

"Oh, my home is huge." The insect maiden spread her arms wide. "But it’s not fun at all. There are so many people—dozens of brothers and sisters, some older than my mother..."

"Wait, how old is your father?" Li Zaixing began to sweat, a sense of foreboding growing.

"My father... He’s over sixty, I think. His beard is white." She pouted. "He’s so old, but still likes young women, especially those surnamed Yang."

Li Zaixing’s sweat poured down. "Do you remember any brothers or sisters? Do you know their names?"

"Yes, I like my brother the Crown Prince best." Her eyes gleamed. "He’s always kind to me."

Li Zaixing’s face twisted in disbelief. He stared at the radiant insect maiden, thinking his luck was extraordinary. He thought he’d rescued a child laborer, a little Taoist nun, but her ruthless father turned out to be the emperor himself. Good heavens—Li Longji, you’re too cruel, making your own daughter a Taoist to bless the new mansion of the Yang sisters. Are you doubting your own paternity, suspecting she’s not your real child?

"Insect maiden, do you know you’re a princess?" Li Zaixing was nearly beside himself.

"I’m not a princess." She pouted, sulking. "I have sisters who are princesses, but I’m not. Father doesn’t like me and won’t let me be a princess."

Li Zaixing rolled his eyes, too tired to argue further. He gazed at her, pondering deeply, then had a sudden idea. He stood and summoned Lu Hu, instructing him to find Li Mi immediately.

Lu Hu didn’t understand, but seeing Li Zaixing’s urgency, he hurried out to search for Li Mi.

Li Zaixing then called Du Zongwen, asking him to take the insect maiden to play, specifically instructing him not to leave the courtyard and to hide at once if strangers appeared. Du Zongwen, a bit older and sensible, nodded and cheerfully led her away.

Li Zaixing then summoned Aier Maidi. "Aier Maidi, last night, why did you lose composure when you saw the insect maiden?"

Aier Maidi sighed, her eyes somber. "Her eyes were so much like my former mistress’s. I lost control and hurt her—please forgive me."

"What was your former mistress’s name?"

Aier Maidi was startled, looked up at Li Zaixing, her breath quickening. "Her name was... Cao... Cao Yena."

Li Zaixing exhaled slowly. After a moment, he said, "You didn’t mistake her. The insect maiden is indeed Cao Yena’s child."

"Really?" Aier Maidi gasped, eyes wide. She turned to rush out, but Li Zaixing grabbed her, causing her to stagger and fall. He helped her to sit on the bed, comforting her, "Aier Maidi, listen to me. The situation is dangerous. If we’re not careful, not only our lives but the insect maiden and her mother’s are at risk."

Hearing this, Aier Maidi panicked, clutching Li Zaixing’s arm. "Master, what should we do?"

"Follow my arrangements." Li Zaixing smiled confidently. "I think I have a way to turn danger into safety. Perhaps, you could even meet your former mistress again."

"Master," Aier Maidi replied without hesitation, "I’ll do as you say."

...

Due to the lockdown of several wards nearby, it took some effort for Li Mi to arrive. As soon as he entered, he exclaimed, "Where is the imperial princess?"

"Why are you so anxious?" Li Zaixing replied calmly. "Sit, have some tea first."

"Tea?!" Li Mi glared at him. "Do you realize how much trouble you’ve caused with your reckless actions? If His Majesty finds out, the entire city of Chang’an could be locked down."

Li Zaixing raised an eyebrow. "So His Majesty still doesn’t know his daughter is missing?"

Li Mi shook his head. "The disappearance of a princess is a huge matter. How could they report it casually? They don’t dare search openly, only sending people to look in secret. I only learned about her from Lu Hu’s description—she’s the emperor’s youngest daughter, born to Lady Cao Yena, currently at Qinren Ward praying for blessings for An Lushan’s new mansion."

"An Lushan’s new mansion?" Li Zaixing was stunned. So that palace-like residence was An Lushan’s? He had always thought it belonged to the Yang sisters. Something didn’t add up. Yang Guifei lived in Qinren Ward, and now An Lushan’s new mansion was placed there too. Is the old emperor making it easier for them to meet? Does he like wearing the green hat and want them closer?

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