Lan Yin Bi Yue

Kapitel 28

Qin Hao stared intently at the chili peppers in the bowl, and squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth: "Then I thank the Grand Tutor."

He tremblingly picked up a chopstick, and after taking a bite, his handsome face turned bright red. He continued biting, and a burning sensation immediately rose in his teeth, tongue, throat, and even his entire abdomen. He wanted to drink water but didn't want Lin Suyang to laugh at him. Unable to bear it any longer, he slammed down his chopsticks and hurriedly said to Qin Yu and Lin Suyang, "I suddenly remembered that there are still many memorials to review in the Imperial Study. Please enjoy your meal. I will come again next time." Without waiting for them to speak, he strode out the door and said to An Zhen, who had been waiting, "Let's return to the palace."

Qin Yu stared blankly at her brother's retreating figure and asked Lin Suyang, "What's wrong with my brother?"

Lin Suyang, preoccupied with his meal, replied without turning his head, "His Majesty has been very 'busy' lately." Indeed, he was so busy that he had to come to his ministers' homes to freeload a meal. However, seeing the usually serious Emperor Hong in such a disheveled state was a rare treat for Lin Suyang, and he was secretly overjoyed.

Volume Three, Heartbreak, Chapter Sixty-Five: Unending Turmoil (Part 1)

Recently, in the streets and alleys of Yundu, one can often hear children reciting this ditty: "Peach Creek, a peerless beauty emerges, Qin Mu bows in submission. A false phoenix carries a false dragon, ascending high to the imperial court."

The first two lines mean that a peerless beauty emerged from Peach Creek, attracting everyone's attention. The last two lines mean that, for some unknown reason, she transformed from a phoenix into a high-ranking official and gained great power and wealth.

Taoxi refers to the place where the Peach Blossom Banquet was held in Liuci Lane on Wangtai Mountain in the western suburbs. Its original name was Taolin (Peach Grove). Because a stream runs through Taolin, people in Yundu often use Taoxi instead of Taoxi. Here, the word "Lin" is implied. Qin is the imperial surname, representing the royal family. So, the poem can be further interpreted as: The Lin family has a peerless beauty who makes the royal family fall in love with her, but no one knows that she is actually a fake phoenix who has infiltrated the court and obtained power and high position.

Throughout Yundu, although there are many families with the surname Lin, only Lin Suyang, the eldest son of Lin Cheng, the Minister of Rites, and the current Grand Tutor and Imperial Son-in-Law, is truly connected to the imperial family and deserving of the title "peerless." It goes without saying that the person who circulated this poem was targeting Lin Suyang, aiming to expose her true identity.

Lin Suyang had long been the most talked-about figure among the people of Yundu, and this obviously targeted satirical poem quickly attracted the attention of many. A large number of people regarded it as pure slander, while the rest thought it was just a rumor and might actually be true. In particular, those who envied and were jealous of Lin Suyang exaggerated the facts and spread them everywhere. Eventually, the rumors reached the ears of Emperor Hong.

"Can any of you tell me what exactly is going on?" Qin Hao asked, his face grim as he looked at the assembled officials below. "Rumors are swirling outside, full of veiled accusations, questioning officials of the court and even making presumptuous remarks about the royal family. And you're only reporting this to me now?" Qin Hao slammed his hand on the armrest of the dragon throne, sending a shiver down the spines of those below.

"You always speak so eloquently, but now that I have something to ask you, you're all silent?"

"Your Majesty," Ouyang Yufeng stepped forward to report, "As far as I know, this poem originated from a beggar outside the West Gate. I have already sent people to investigate, and they discovered that the beggar disappeared on the very day the poem was circulated. Commander Lin has already sealed off all the city gates. I believe it is impossible for that person to escape." A month ago, Ouyang Yufeng was promoted by Emperor Hong to the position of Inspector General, in charge of compiling reports on major cases from all over the Great Central Plains, and he was responsible for determining which cases should be reported and which should be rejected.

This matter concerns the face of the royal family and the court, so Qin Hao decided to investigate thoroughly. He not only sealed off the entire city, but also ordered the Imperial Guards to search carefully for those spreading rumors within the city. At the same time, he strongly prohibited the people from continuing to circulate the poem. This decision was immediately opposed by the veteran general Xin Min.

“Your Majesty, if the court immediately suppresses the people’s opinions, it may backfire. While finding the person spreading the rumors is important, clarifying the facts is even more urgent,” Xin Min said, his beard trembling. “A clear conscience fears no accusation. Grand Tutor Lin is a man of integrity; what difficulty is there in proving that he is a man? It is so simple to shut up those who spread rumors. Your Majesty need not worry.” Xin Min was quite pleased with himself for coming up with such a good idea.

Everyone broke out in a cold sweat. It was truly a miracle that this old man could come up with the idea of making the Imperial Tutor of the Dynasty take off his clothes in public to prove his masculinity. Not to mention whether such an arrogant and aloof person would agree, even his father would not agree. Anyone who dared to make Minister Lin's son take off his clothes would be skinned alive!

Lin Cheng glanced coldly at Xin Min. He stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, to order a high-ranking official to undergo a physical examination based on a mere untrue rumor—what becomes of the dignity of our Great Yang? Where is Your Majesty's imperial authority? The Grand Tutor and Princess Jingyang have been married for three years. The fact that he is a man has long been established. May I ask, is there any minister who still has doubts?" His eyes flashed with a chill as he swept them over the crowd, forcing some ministers who were about to speak to shut up.

"Your Majesty," Ouyang Yufeng said again, "I also believe that finding the person spreading the rumors as soon as possible is the most crucial matter. We firmly believe that the Grand Tutor would not deceive Your Majesty."

"We firmly believe that the Grand Tutor would not deceive the Emperor." Many ministers echoed this sentiment.

Qin Hao first glanced at Lin Suyang, who was standing closest to him. Seeing that she remained calm, as if the matter being discussed had nothing to do with her, he felt a surge of anger. This woman was truly audacious. Didn't she know how much trouble she would face once her identity was exposed? Even he, as the emperor, wouldn't be able to protect her then.

Taking a deep breath, Qin Hao said, "According to your advice, my esteemed ministers, finding the person spreading these rumors is of utmost urgency. However, although you all firmly believe in Grand Tutor Lin, it's hard to guarantee that some won't harbor doubts. To prove Grand Tutor Lin's innocence, I have decided to have him examined by the palace eunuchs. If I hear any minister spreading rumors again, don't blame me for confiscating his property and dismissing him!" He turned to Lin Suyang. "Grand Tutor Lin, you may go with Eunuch An."

Lin Suyang smoothed his sleeves and bowed his head, saying, "Your subject obeys the decree." He then followed An Zhen to the side hall. After Lin Suyang left, many ministers whispered among themselves. Only Lin Cheng glanced at Emperor Hong with an inscrutable look before lowering his head in deep thought. Soon, Lin Suyang and An Zhen returned together. As they entered the main hall, An Zhen lightly flicked his whisk and reported to Emperor Hong, "Your Majesty, this servant has verified that the Grand Tutor is indeed a true man."

Qin Hao nodded in satisfaction and said, "In that case, anyone who objects again will be severely punished. Ouyang Yufeng, I entrust this matter to you for a thorough investigation. I expect you to give me a result in three days. Court adjourned."

Lin Suyang was completely confused about what she had been thinking and doing these past few days. When the poem first circulated, she had a premonition that things would turn bad, and sure enough, things escalated. Now, she received twice as much attention whenever she went out. She didn't mind the gossip behind her back, but she worried about causing trouble for Qin Yu. These days, aside from attending court, she spent all her time at home with him. Today, after returning from the palace, Qin Yu grabbed her hand and asked, "Brother, didn't you make things difficult for me? Did those ministers have any suspicions?"

Lin Suyang patted her hand and smiled, "It's alright. The Emperor had Eunuch An examine my body, so I believe no one in the court will dare to doubt my male identity now."

"What, a physical examination? You..."

"Don't worry, I only sat in the side hall for a while." Lin Suyang sat down.

"Then Eunuch An, he..."

"It must have been the Emperor's arrangement. The Emperor already knows the truth."

"Your Majesty knows?" Qin Yu asked in surprise.

"Yes," Lin Suyang nodded, "The Emperor promised that if I serve as the Grand Tutor to the court for another year or two, he will agree to my resignation and retirement. Then you won't have to suffer so much anymore." At that time, if she doesn't want to be separated, he will take care of her wholeheartedly forever. He believes Si Junxing will agree, right?

Qin Yu reached out and covered her mouth, shook his head, and said, "I'm not wronged, not at all. As long as I can be by your side, I'm happy."

Lin Suyang was so moved that he pulled her into a hug and whispered, "If you were really my sister, then you wouldn't be in the royal family and wouldn't have to suppress yourself from the beginning."

Sister? Qin Yu smiled bitterly. Yes, she had always considered herself a sister, always had. "Isn't it good now? I have you, and I will never again be a pawn in the royal family's interests. I should be thanking you." Lin Suyang didn't hear the bitterness in her words, only assuming it was her helplessness about her inescapable identity.

Lin Suyang always felt that the person she owed the most to was Qin Yu. Although she married her to help her escape the suffocating cage of the palace, she never expected that after their marriage, she would often cause her trouble and worry. She remembered their wedding night, when they vowed to be together forever. At that time, Lin Suyang never imagined she would fall in love with someone, nor did she consider that Qin Yu would eventually marry. She had to admit that she was actually very selfish. If she hadn't been so focused on concealing her identity, perhaps Qin Yu wouldn't have ruined the best years of her life, and she wouldn't be implicated by her own actions now. She only hoped that heaven would bless her, that this turmoil would pass quickly, and that she could successfully escape with Qin Yu in two years, giving her true freedom.

Although the court was working hard to quell the unrest, public opinion was what worried Lin Suyang the most. He summoned Qiao Sheng and asked him to go out into the streets to gather information and observe the people's reactions. However, when Qiao Sheng returned and was questioned, he stammered and couldn't speak. Lin Suyang was alarmed; could the situation outside have already reached a very serious point?

Volume Three, Heartbreak, Chapter Sixty-Six: Endless Turmoil (Part Two)

"Qiao Sheng, don't be afraid, speak slowly." Qin Yu thought he was stunned by the scene outside, so he gently comforted him.

Seeing that he was still hesitating, Lin Suyang said impatiently, "Hurry up and say it. Whatever it is, I'll take care of it. Stop being so wishy-washy. I have to go back to the Lin residence later."

Qiao Sheng raised his eyebrows and thought for a long time before stammering out what had happened. It turned out that he had gone to the teahouse this morning at Lin Suyang's instruction, and happened to catch the beginning of the storytelling performance. As soon as the storyteller started speaking, he began to tell the story that Qiao Sheng wanted to hear.

The storyteller slammed his clappers and exclaimed, "The most talked-about thing lately has to be about our famous Grand Tutor Lin of Great Yang! Did you hear that little poem coming from the west? 'A peerless beauty emerges from Peach Creek, Qin's eyes bow in admiration. A false phoenix carries a false dragon, ascending high in the court.' This is clearly an attempt to undermine Grand Tutor Lin!" The audience nodded in agreement. The storyteller continued, "But who is our Grand Tutor Lin? The Grand Tutor and the Imperial Son-in-Law, a talented man of Great Yang! Would he be a petite and incompetent woman? Tell me, isn't that right? Tell me, isn't that right?" The storyteller pointed to a few people below and asked, but they all shook their heads.

"That's right. Back when Shenzhou was flooded, it was Grand Tutor Lin who volunteered. Tell me, what woman has such courage and ability?"

"How could Grand Tutor Lin possibly be a woman? The person who spread this poem must be either a madman or an idiot. I wonder which villain Grand Tutor Lin offended to resort to such slander. Humph, despicable!" Those listening were indignant on Lin Suyang's behalf. Qiao Sheng, listening from the side, nodded in agreement, thinking that these people did have some knowledge.

"That's not right," someone in the crowd exclaimed. "If Lord Lin isn't a woman, why is he so stunningly beautiful? I saw him in a tailor shop once; he was so beautiful, he looked exactly like a fairy from heaven." Before he could finish speaking, he was attacked by a group of middle-aged women nearby: "Is it Lord Lin's fault that he's beautiful? You're so ignorant! Haven't you heard of the emperor of Yan and Liao? That was truly a monster. If an emperor can be that beautiful, why can't our Lord Lin? A fairy? Have you ever seen what a fairy looks like? You're daydreaming!"

The man who had initially objected was nearly drowned in the surrounding spittle, but after a moment's thought, he raised his head again and asked, "That still doesn't make sense. If Lord Lin is a man, then why has Princess Jingyang remained childless for three years since marrying him?" The entire room fell silent. Indeed, Princess Jingyang had been married to Grand Tutor Lin for almost three years, and there had been no news of pregnancy from the scholar's residence. Could it be…

The storyteller quickly tapped the table: "Ahem, ahem, ahem, you shouldn't speculate about the Emperor's secrets." At this moment, a small voice came from a corner below: "Could it be... that Lord Lin... has some kind of health problem?"

Hearing this, Lin Suyang couldn't help but spit out a mouthful of tea without any regard for her image. She stared wide-eyed at Qiao Sheng, whose face flushed red instantly. "I... I was just telling the truth..." Qin Yu suppressed a laugh and said to Qiao Sheng, who dared not say anything more, "Alright, let's continue. And then?"

Qiao Sheng was stunned when he heard the answer. His hand holding the teacup trembled, but then he heard people having a more "in-depth" discussion.

"That's possible. Look at how frail Lord Lin is. It'll be really difficult for him to have children. Look at me. Despite how robust I am, my wife didn't conceive until a year later." One person nodded in agreement. Another added, "But it could also be the princess's problem. I even saw Lord Lin going to a brothel those few days. Think about it. If it were Lord Lin's own problem, how could he dare to go to a place like that?"

"It's also possible that Grand Tutor Lin simply doesn't like the princess. He doesn't want her to have a child, which is why he goes to brothels," a young woman said.

"But if Lord Lin doesn't like the princess, then why is he so good to her and often accompanies her out?"

"Hey. That's what makes Lord Lin so good. If I could marry someone like him, I'd die happy." The more she said, the more outrageous it became. Qiao Sheng was too embarrassed to stay any longer. He quickly paid the bill and ran out. On his way back, he didn't hear anyone say anything bad about Lin Suyang. On the contrary, there were more people criticizing the person who spread the poem. They either sympathized with Lin Suyang or felt indignant on his behalf.

"Is this all the information you gathered today?" Lin Suyang asked, looking at Qiao Sheng. Qiao Sheng nodded. Seeing that the young master wasn't angry, he said, "Young master, I... I still have things to do. Could I..."

"Go down," Lin Suyang waved her hand and said. Qiao Sheng, as if granted a pardon, ran out like the wind. Qin Yu looked at Lin Suyang and smiled, "So it's you who's been the culprit for this princess's three years of childlessness?" Her beautiful eyes sized up the person sitting in the chair.

Lin Suyang angrily picked up his tea and drank it all in one gulp. These people really know how to come up with ideas, but perhaps it's not such a bad idea after all...

The next day, many people in Yundu saw Madam Lin, Princess Jingyang's personal maid, buy several copies of "Thirteen Protectors" at the best pharmacy in Yundu, and then go to the market to buy a lot of sour plums and dates. People speculated that perhaps the princess was pregnant, which was why Madam Lin hadn't gone out these past few days.

As it turns out, the power of women is great, especially the power of gossip. With the firm support of Lin Suyang's loyal admirers and the appearance of highly convincing evidence, no one in Yundu doubted the fact that the Grand Tutor of the Dynasty was a man.

Meanwhile, at the imperial court, Ouyang Yufeng found the beggar who was gambling away in a gambling den and imprisoned him on charges of spreading rumors that slandered the reputation of imperial officials and the royal family.

Through rigorous interrogation, the beggar confessed that he had found the poem by the city wall during one of his begging trips. It was still early, and there was hardly anyone around. He saw a silver ingot on the ground and pounced on it like a cat on a mouse. When he picked it up, he found a piece of paper underneath. This beggar had once been educated, but his family had fallen on hard times, and he himself was lazy and gluttonous, which was why he had started begging in Yundu. He saw the poem written on the paper, along with a note saying that if whoever found it didn't spread the poem, they would be struck by lightning and haunted by vengeful ghosts. The beggar, being very superstitious, had no choice but to obey this cursed letter. Thus, the poem spread.

This beggar was at least literate, yet he was afraid of ghosts and gods rather than the officials of the court? When Emperor Hong heard Ouyang Yufeng's report, he was furious and ordered that the beggar be flogged one hundred times and exiled to the frontier to serve in the army.

Later, Qin Hao thought about it carefully. He realized the matter wasn't so simple. Leaving aside the fact that the person who wrote the poem risked leaving the silver and note by the city wall without worrying about someone taking only the money and not seeing the note, even if they did see it, how could they be so sure that a few threatening words would be enough to make the finder obey? Perhaps that person's purpose wasn't to reveal Lin Suyang's identity, but something else entirely? In any case, there shouldn't be many people in Da Yang who know Lin Suyang is a woman, and the place she spent the most time after resuming her female attire was… Yan Liao!

In the twelfth month of the first year of the Hongli reign, as the anniversary of the late emperor's death approached, Prince Qin Ke of Yin, who was stationed in the northwest, was granted permission to return to the capital to mourn. On the twentieth of the twelfth month, Prince Qin Ke arrived in Yundu with only a few attendants. The following night, the Prince Qin's palace was brightly lit and filled with joyous singing all night long.

When Lin Suyang walked along that familiar flower-lined corridor again, gazing at the still figure in the pavilion, her heart was as calm as still water. Once upon a time, that tall, upright figure had faintly etched its outline in her heart, like aged wine, releasing wisps of fragrance, lingering until the very end, only to be suddenly taken away; the fragrance remained, but the wine was gone.

When was that? A year, only a year, but it feels like a very, very long time has passed, so long that I can no longer find any trace of it. Then, that blank space was replaced by another vivid shadow. Now, all that remains in my memory is that smiling face and those dim eyes, firmly imprinted in my heart, leaving no room for anything else, not even the inexplicable flutters I once felt.

Lin Suyang stood there, stunned, until the figure slowly turned around. As always, clear eyes gazed deeply at her through the thick fog, and a familiar, gentle voice floated over the falling leaves, "You've come."

Stunned, I recalled that it was a similar sky, heavy and tinged with a melancholy sadness. He stood there, smiling, and said, "You've come."

Volume Three, Chapter Sixty-Seven: Heartbreak from Love (Part 1)

I suddenly remembered a poem by Nalan Rongruo:

If only life could be like the first time we met

Why does the autumn wind bring sorrow to the painted fan?

The heart of a loved one changes easily.

But people say that old friends' hearts are easily changed.

If only life could be like the first time we met, a single glance, a tender, childlike voice.

The cold wine glass gleamed with a cool light. Lin Suyang remained seated in a corner of the pavilion, while Qin Ke faced her, carefully pouring her a pot of fine wine. The wine overflowed the rim without her noticing, until Lin Suyang softly said, "Your Highness, it's full."

"Your Highness, it's full." These words, unlike his usual cold tone, inexplicably unsettled Qin Ke, causing the spilled wine to soak Lin Suyang's sleeves.

"Ah, I'm sorry." Qin Ke came to his senses and hurriedly took out a white handkerchief to help her wipe, but Lin Suyang immediately withdrew her hand and said, "It's alright, Your Highness, you don't need to worry about it. I'll just wash up when I get home."

Qin Ke paused for a moment, then finally held out the handkerchief to Lin Suyang and said, "Wipe yourself first. It's getting cold, so don't catch a cold." Lin Suyang took it, her eyes lowered, not daring to look at him. Although she didn't know why, she always felt that her behavior wasn't out of fear, but rather, out of avoidance.

"How was this year?" Qin Ke asked her gently.

Lin Suyang nodded and raised his eyes. Qiaoqiao avoided his gaze and looked at the distant scenery. "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am doing very well."

Qin Ke stopped talking. He just looked at her. After a long while, he gave a wry smile: "When did you become so distant?"

Lin Suyang was startled. She turned to look, her gaze meeting Qin Ke's clear, watery eyes. Her previously composed thoughts jolted violently again, her mind a jumbled mess, unable to discern who was who. The air suddenly felt thin, like walking through a dark, narrow passageway, with only a sliver of light emerging from the deepest part, yet never reaching the end.

"I...no." The words came out stiffly and with difficulty. Why did I feel this way facing it again?

Hearing that she no longer used the self-reference of "lower official," Qin Ke chuckled softly. "Don't be nervous. I was just joking. I wanted to know... have you been thinking of me?" Such ambiguous words came out of his mouth as casually as discussing the weather. The slight upturn of his lips was dazzling.

Lin Suyang picked up her wine glass, holding the warm liquor in her mouth. But in her heart, she wondered: had she ever truly thought of him? Perhaps at first, she had. But when did the memories of him disappear? Was it from when she fell off the cliff? Or when someone else held her? Or, in Yanliao, the moment she saw those eyes lose their light?

Suddenly, the figure that loved to follow her became even more vivid, slowly filling the fragments she was still piecing together, finally settling firmly in her heart. Si Junxing, Si Junxing… she silently called his name, ignoring the growing pallor of the person in front of her.

Where did this pain come from, causing blood to seep from every pore, invisibly staining her white clothes crimson and obscuring the dark sky? She didn't know, and neither did he.

One pain lies in the separation, the unseen presence, the belated understanding of a love tinged with deep longing. The other pain lies in the heart of the one you yearn for, now soaring high, the irretrievable regret of not confessing your true feelings then and there. It's too late, so very late.

Qin Ke drank one strong glass of liquor after another, feeling good about getting drunk, even though it made his liver and intestines bitter and filled him with sorrow.

The imperial study was still dimly lit.

Lin Suyang sat on the chair below, carefully examining several volumes of documents. Her long, silky hair cascaded around her, like a bewitching and exquisite painting, carrying the scent of paper and ink. Qin Hao sat on the dragon throne, his deep, cold eyes watching her like a cheetah lurking in the night, dangerous and domineering.

"When the Ninth Imperial Uncle returned to Yundu to perform the sacrificial rites, I decided to have him attend court for a few days to observe the governance of the court. I wonder what the Grand Tutor thinks?" Qin Hao said calmly.

Lin Suyang raised his head, thought carefully, and replied, "I think this method is excellent. The Ninth Prince has been through many battles. Although he has spent many days on the battlefield, he entered the court earlier with the late Emperor. I believe he will be of great help to Your Majesty."

Qin Hao nodded and continued, "Under the Imperial Uncle's supervision this past year, the people of the ten northwestern provinces of Kashag have lived in peace and enjoyed bountiful harvests. It is said that the Imperial Uncle also intends to expand the army and is recruiting soldiers everywhere. The people are enthusiastically supporting this, and the number of people joining the army has increased like never before. What are Grand Tutor Lin's thoughts on this?"

Lin Suyang's heart skipped a beat. Had Emperor Hong begun to suspect King Yin? He had heard that Qin Ke had, in just one year, sent people to reorganize the ten provinces of Kashi, making it possible to leave doors unlocked at night. At the same time, he treated scholars with respect, recruiting people of all kinds of skills and talents, and combined the unique wind and sand environment of the Northwest to create a unique dry-cultivated multi-season crop, making this year's harvest more than double that of last year. Moreover, he was humble and approachable, and many ambitious people were willing to serve under him. For Emperor Hong, who ruled a country, such a person was indeed a great threat, even if he was his own uncle.

"Grand Tutor Lin, why aren't you answering?" Qin Hao asked, displeased, noticing Lin Suyang's continued hesitation.

"Your Majesty, I believe that the Ninth Prince must have his reasons for doing this," Lin Suyang quickly replied.

"Oh?" Qin Hao narrowed his eyes and looked at her, waiting for her to continue.

"The vassal states and our Great Yang have always kept to themselves. However, in recent years, they have been intentionally or unintentionally causing disturbances on our borders. Although each incident is minor and can be overlooked, and the late Emperor and the current Emperor have lowered their guard due to the Yan-Liao issue, their arrogance will inevitably grow over time. I believe that the vassal states are not willing to submit to our Great Yang. If their intentions change, we will be unable to defend against them. I think that the Ninth Prince's expansion of the army is firstly to guard against any unrest from the vassal states, and secondly to demonstrate the strength of our Great Yang."

After listening to Lin Suyang's words, Qin Hao remained silent for a while before saying sarcastically, "It seems that Grand Tutor Lin understands Ninth Prince very well. He can even guess what the Prince is thinking." In fact, he had thought of these things as well, but as an emperor, he could not allow any powerful beings around him. Moreover, Lin Suyang's attitude made him very angry, as if something of his had been stolen, which made him feel uncomfortable.

Lin Suyang understood the implication in Qin Hao's words and said calmly, "Your Majesty is overthinking it. I am merely stating the facts. As for the Ninth Prince's thoughts, I do not have the ability to understand them."