A cart waits for us at the gate, filled with large pots, a sleepy-looking donkey tied to it. Zhen heaves Ruyi onto the cart, and I pull myself up next to her. Sniffing the air, I smell wine.
A head pops out from under the blanket. I barely manage to stifle a surprised shriek, and even Zhen pulls a dagger and points it at the figure in the dark.
“It’s me, it’s me!” Qing’er whispers, waving his arm above his head.
I pull him to me in a crushing hug, refusing to acknowledge his protests. “How did the guards not find you?” I grab hold of him by the shoulders, surveying him from head to toe, to make sure he’s not hurt in any way.
“Small Wu made me hide in the chicken coop and made a big ruckus to lead the guards away,” Qing’er says, sniffling. “There was only enough room to hide me, no one else. I stayed very quiet and then … I ran into Guard Hu.
“Grandmother always says I can trust Guard Hu,” he states with the confidence of young children. “He told me to hide here, and the princess would come and find me. And now here you are.” He tries to smile at Zhen but doesn’t quite succeed.
I give the princess a look over his head, and she nods, confirming that Guard Hu is the one who made the arrangements for leaving the palace.
“You did very well,” I tell him.
His lower lip quivers, and I can see he is trying his very best to hold himself together.
“Will Grandmother be safe?” he whispers.
Zhen steps closer and kneels until she is at his eye level. “We have to leave the palace right now. Your safety depends on it. But I promise I will make every effort to make sure your grandmother is safe as well.”
“Thank you.” Qing’er gulps, wiping away tears, trying to look as dignified as possible.
I squeeze him again, just to be sure he knows he is not alone.
* * *
We set off for the teahouse district, with only the clopping of the donkey’s hooves to accompany us. The cart carries us past shuttered businesses and quiet residences. But even now, somewhere around the Hour of the Thief, the teahouses are still ablaze with light. Pulling into an alley, we tie the donkey up to a post behind Peony House and ascend the back stairwell. I know the four of us are a conspicuous group, and I cannot help but continually check over my shoulder.
Zhen knocks at a set of doors on the second level, and we are admitted to a private room. Looking around, I can see it’s an understated but tastefully decorated receiving room. A man and a woman are the only occupants, and they bow to greet us.
The man is not much older than my father, with lines around his eyes, showing he has led a life full of smiles. The anxious-looking woman next to him, probably his wife, reminds me of the way Mother would hover around Father when she believed he was doing something unwise. With our ragged appearance, Ruyi appearing as if she is on the verge of collapse, I can see we are a reasonable cause for alarm.
Zhen quickly gestures for them to rise, dismissing the need for court niceties. Qing’er and I maneuver Ruyi to sit heavily on a stool. “Official Qiu,” she acknowledges with a nod. “Madam Sun.”
The official’s attention swings to me. “And this is?”
“She will become my shénnóng-shī when I reclaim my court,” Zhen says. Even though I know she may not have an empire to rule if everything unravels in the coming weeks, it shows me she still remembers her promise.
“I understand.” He nods, then returns to the business at hand. “The person you have requested to meet is waiting for you in the next room.”
“One more thing,” Zhen says. “I know I have asked more of you than you are obliged to give, but our efforts have put this boy in danger. We have to move him away from the palace for his own safety. Can you place him under your protection?”
Qing’er looks up at Official Qiu, trying to maintain his composure—he manages, except for his quivering lower lip.
“Yes, of course!” The wife swats her husband’s arm, not even waiting for his response. “We will take him. A child should always have a home. Come with me. Auntie will get you some treats.”
She puts her hand on his shoulder, and Qing’er looks to me for permission. I give him a nod. Even though I wish I could keep him with me, I know there are more dangerous roads ahead.
“Go on,” I encourage him. “I’ll see you again.”
He follows her, and I am happy that at least he will be well taken care of.
“Now if you will follow me.” Official Qiu pulls aside the heavy tapestry, revealing a doorway. “We will speak to the astronomer.”