Chapter Sixty-Five: Using Truth to Confound Falsehood

Rumors in the capital grew ever more rampant. Within the court, some who delighted in collecting rare antiquities had already set their sights on this matter. Among them, the Third Prince, famed for his lifelong passion for such treasures, traveled from afar to seek out the prize. His sudden arrival truly terrified the Bai family. Anxiety gnawed at their hearts, recalling the unresolved affair with Magistrate Chen three years prior. Yet, to their surprise, the prince had come solely in pursuit of the fabled jewel.

“County Magistrate Bai, I’ve heard tell that a once-in-a-millennium Dragon Blood Jade has surfaced here. Bring it forth so I may see it,” he demanded.

The old man broke out in a cold sweat. “Your Highness, it’s not that we refuse. The treasure is in someone else’s possession, and he is most obstinate, unwilling to present it to the court.”

“Oh?”

The old man was deft at shifting blame. “Who is this person?”

“A scholar named Han Qing, residing at Tinglan Garden.”

Upon hearing this, the prince made ready to depart at once. “Your Highness, I beg to accompany you—your noble status should not be made to linger in such a place,” Bai offered.

The prince waved him off, neither refusing nor objecting, and proceeded to visit Han Qing directly.

“Han Qing, this is His Highness, the Third Prince. Why have you not knelt and paid your respects?” Bai’s second son barked.

Han Qing remained composed and bowed politely. “I was unaware His Highness would honor my humble abode. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Recently, you acquired the Dragon Blood Jade. Why have you not reported it to the court, instead keeping it for yourself?”

Han Qing felt a measure of disdain, but his expression remained calm. “Your Highness, I did find a red jade recently, but I do not believe it is the Dragon Blood Jade you seek.”

He rejected the claim outright, his demeanor unmoved.

“Han Qing, you are bold indeed—do you dare deceive even the Third Prince?” Bai’s second son declared triumphantly, for he had brought along Master Zhou, the renowned merchant. Those present had witnessed everything firsthand.

“What is going on? Is this truly the Dragon Blood Jade?” the prince asked impatiently. He had traveled for days; how much longer must he listen to this nonsense?

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“Your Highness, Master Zhou was previously the foremost jade gambler in the capital—his expertise can distinguish authenticity at a glance. He was present when the Dragon Blood Jade was discovered in Magistrate Zhao’s home, and it was Han Qing who took the stone away,” Bai explained, justifying Zhou’s presence.

“If that is so, open it and let me see,” the prince commanded.

Yet Han Qing hesitated.

“Your Highness, I would never deceive you. The jade is but an ordinary red stone. I did not report it as it seemed unremarkable, not worthy of your attention,” Han Qing explained calmly, his words plausible.

But the truth remained elusive—someone was surely lying. Why else would one insist while another refuse so vehemently?

“Your Highness, I swear I saw it with my own eyes. At first, I mistook it for a common stone, but when it was opened, it truly was the Dragon Blood Jade,” Zhou said earnestly.

Had it not been for this mistake, the other merchants would not have scorned him so often.

The prince grew impatient. “Open the box, now!”

Han Qing judged the moment ripe and slowly opened it. Inside lay a red stone, identical to the one unearthed that day—matching only in color.

The prince, accustomed to collecting rare jewels, could tell at a glance the difference between ordinary and precious stones. This was but a mundane object, how had they managed to make it so mysterious?

“This cannot be! Everyone saw it back then—it was the Dragon Blood Jade!” Zhou muttered in disbelief, unable to accept what he saw. This was not the stone they had witnessed. Was there deception at play? No one could explain it.

“I have already stated plainly: this is merely a slightly unusual red gemstone, nothing rare—such stones are common in the marketplace,” Han Qing remarked casually.

He made it clear that this group was guilty of deceiving the prince. To trick even the Third Prince of the capital? They must be tired of living.

Anyone with sense could see Zhou must have some dispute with the Han family; why else try to frame them? An ordinary stone, rumored to be a millennium-old treasure—absurd.

“Master Zhou, deceiving the sovereign and showing no remorse—take him to prison immediately!” the prince ordered, then turned and left, his face full of disgust.

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These ridiculous rumors had thoroughly vexed him.

Old Master Bai was already trembling, kneeling on the ground, truly afraid.

“Your Highness, I am innocent! He deceived you—it was him!” Zhou blurted, but no one paid him any mind. His fate was sealed.

For the Bai family, it was a calamity upon calamity. Their hope of regaining favor was dashed yet again. The prince did not punish them—escaping with their lives was fortune enough. No use in entertaining impossible hopes. There was not the slightest chance.

Now, their anxiety only deepened.

“Han Qing, this is all your doing—you deliberately led the prince here!” Bai’s second son raged, wild as a maddened boar, not knowing where to vent his anger.

“You’re mistaken. I did not have Master Zhou taken away—you trusted him yourself, who is to blame?” Han Qing replied, as the gates were ordered shut. The family, shaken, wished no further visitors.

Old Master Bai fainted from distress. Their situation was now dire at every turn.

A clever move had not only dispelled the rumor, but left the Third Prince disgruntled with the Bai family—causing them to lose face for no reason.

With nowhere left to vent, Zhou could only become the scapegoat.

“Brother Han, I truly admire you. Now the Bai family must finally see themselves clearly,” Young Master Zhu mused.

Though still incredulous, he had to admit Han Qing was remarkable. Even in the capital, he dared not meddle with nobles—one word from them could decide fate. Yet Han Qing was fearless.

“They won’t see clearly. They only wish to eliminate me,” Han Qing replied quietly.

Given Bai’s second son’s temperament, another attempt was likely. Whether they had the ability remained to be seen.

“They wouldn’t dare—the imperial inspector is still residing in Bai Manor,” Zhu assured him.

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