Volume One: The Youngest Among Three Hundred Chapter 110: Abao and Bao'er

Outside the Paulownia Garden of the Palace of Preserved Elegance, Bai Wan, led by Feng Yuanyi, slowly entered. Though he did not stride with a towering and imposing posture, his aura was that of the supreme ruler, exuding the lofty demeanor of an emperor.

“Greetings, Your Majesty!”

Princess Changning, Zhang Youzhi, Eunuch Hai, and Lü Zhongjin knelt simultaneously and paid their respects. Chen Chang’an, reacting a moment later, repeated the gesture and the words, “Greetings, Your Majesty!”

The sudden appearance of so many, especially with both Changning and Chen Chang’an present in the Paulownia Garden, seemed to surprise Bai Wan. His brows knitted subtly, neither displeased nor pleased, before he motioned with his hand, “Rise.”

Everyone stood, and it became clear that by the Empress Bai Wan’s side was a distinguished young man. His physique was graceful and well-proportioned, clad in a pristine white satin robe. His features were delicate and handsome, his face clean as a blooming white lotus.

Chen Chang’an, ever observant, noted more than anyone else: besides his good looks, the young man had a rose-red birthmark just next to his right earlobe.

A new favorite?

Zhang Youzhi thought bitterly—Bai Wan was so capricious, ready to replace favorites at a whim!

Chen Chang’an pondered this silently.

Zhang Youzhi’s gaze was the most meticulous when looking at the young man, emotions swirling with complexity.

Bai Wan, with an air of supreme authority, glanced around the group and first fixed his eyes on Zhang Youzhi. He tugged the young lad beside him forward and introduced, “Youzhi, this is Bao’er. He just entered the palace recently. These past few days he’s been accompanying me. You can rest assured and focus on your recovery.”

Zhang Youzhi’s reluctance was evident—from his slight expressions to his tone, anyone could detect the unspoken message: “If you can’t rise in favor, so be it; I already have a new one.”

“Your Majesty, I…” Zhang Youzhi attempted to explain but, recalling the words Chen Chang’an had whispered earlier, he stopped and nodded helplessly. “Thank you for your concern. Since someone is taking care of me, I can rest easy.”

As one who had enjoyed favor for several years, he understood the virtue of endurance.

“Hmm.” Bai Wan gave a satisfied nod, then turned to Changning. Whether by design or genuine feeling, a hint of displeasure flickered across the imperial face. “Ning’er, what are you doing here?”

Prepared with words, Changning lifted her skirt slightly and hurried over, giggling coquettishly as she explained, “Mother Empress, I initially came to visit you, but I happened to see Chen Chang’an entering the palace to treat Noble Consort Zhang. I was curious about his medical skills, so I followed to see.”

Chen Chang’an’s face darkened. Casting a sharp glance at her, he recalled the fireworks incident during the Longevity Festival and how this young woman was once again trying to shift blame onto him.

Bai Wan, in a voice that twisted thrice around, responded with a soft “Oh?” “Chen Chang’an, you know medicine?”

Since the last Longevity Festival when Chen Chang’an had displayed the might of the Moon Clan within the Taihe Tower, Bai Wan had been paying attention. He had some understanding of his later joining the Wuying Guard and his involvement in martial matters. Hearing now that he could practice medicine, her initial reaction was to think: a versatile talent.

Chen Chang’an humbly replied, “Your Majesty, I wouldn’t say I know much—just a bit.”

A flicker of enthusiasm, concealed beneath the royal composure, shimmered in Bai Wan’s eyes, as if dreaming of a harmonious partnership. “In that case, remain in the palace and coordinate with the Imperial Medical Institute. Take good care of Youzhi’s illness.”

“At your command!” Chen Chang’an responded promptly.

Bai Wan then cast a glance toward her new favorite, Bao’er, who immediately understood and smiled warmly. “Brother Youzhi, rest well and recover. The Empress will have me to care for you. Once you’re better, we’ll go to the Lotus Pond to watch the flowers and boat.”

“That sounds wonderful!” Zhang Youzhi nodded.

Bai Wan had come specifically to visit Zhang Youzhi. Upon learning Chen Chang’an was treating him, she gave a few more instructions and left with her new favorite Bao’er. No sooner had they departed than Zhang Youzhi revealed his true nature, jumping up and roaring, “Who is this Bao’er who suddenly barged in? Why have I never seen him before? Eunuch Hai, go investigate immediately!”

“Yes, my lord!” Eunuch Hai sprinted off like a greyhound. Returning panting, he reported, “Noble Consort Zhang, this Bao’er was apparently met by Her Majesty during a hunt this morning. Because he was handsome, she brought him into the palace.”

“Bah! A temptress to distract the court!” Zhang Youzhi cursed loudly.

Chen Chang’an and Changning did not linger; they left the Palace of Preserved Elegance, exiting the Great Sun Palace. At Fengle District, they parted ways—Changning returning to the Princess’s residence, Chen Chang’an heading home.

Upon reaching his doorstep, Chen Chang’an saw Zhu Jiawen, Su Wanqing, Qin Fuluo, and Su Qingtang’s family pacing anxiously like ants on a hot pan. Seeing him, they all rushed over.

“Ah, Chang’an, are you alright?”

“You’re finally back. How’s Noble Consort Zhang’s illness? Is it cured?”

“It’s already cured. Rest assured!” The more questions asked, the more concise Chen Chang’an’s answers became.

“That’s good, that’s good!” Qin Fuluo happily patted her chest.

Su Wanqing’s previously tense expression slowly relaxed. Their eyes on Chen Chang’an gained a new respect. Having joined the Wuying Guard, earning merits repeatedly, and now knowing medicine, he was truly a treasure.

“Uh…”

Chen Chang’an felt strange under their scrutiny and quickly changed the subject. “By the way, Mother-in-law, where did you arrange for that beggar to stay? He still has some issues that need treatment.”

Qin Fuluo’s voice was melodious, “In an unused room in the back courtyard. I’ll take you there.”

Chen Chang’an had expected she might find some random place outside, but she brought him home. Following her, they opened the door to find the beggar pacing nervously inside.

She was a gaunt woman, her face pale and thin. Hearing the door open, her weak eyes immediately turned toward them and she recognized Chen Chang’an at once. She quickly knelt and bowed deeply. “Lord Chen, it’s you! You… you’re not dead! Thank goodness! Greetings, Lord Chen. Please, Lord Chen, help this humble one!”

Chen Chang’an was stunned. From her respectful address, she not only recognized him but knew of his Wuying Guard identity. Something about this felt strange.

He scrutinized her but could not clarify the situation. “Who are you?”

The beggar swallowed to moisten her throat and replied, “Lord Chen, you may not recall, but I am from Ganquan Village.”

“Ganquan Village?”

Chen Chang’an’s nerves tensed reflexively. He had nearly died there. Hearing the name stirred his emotions. What puzzled him more was the rule in Chang’an City: the division between inner and outer city applied only to registered residents. How could a non-native infiltrate through unofficial channels?

Why had she come all this way? For what purpose?

The beggar grew more earnest, her words sharp and clear. “Lord Chen, my name is Zhou Guifeng. Please, help my sister…”

“Take your time. Tell me what happened,” Chen Chang’an said, feeling a headache coming on. Troubles were piling up, but he could not ignore this.

Zhou Guifeng wept bitterly, “Lord Chen, a few days ago, Ganquan Village was stricken with illness. I was too busy to keep in touch with my sister who married into the eastern part of the village. But after you treated everyone’s illness, I went to find her…and I found…*sob*…”

She broke down in sorrow.

Chen Chang’an softened his tone to comfort her, “What happened? Speak freely. If I can help, I will.”

Zhou Guifeng gritted her teeth and forced back her sobs, “I found my sister murdered at home. Her son, my nephew Abao, is missing—likely taken by someone!”

“Please, Lord Chen, seek justice for my sister and find Abao!”

Chen Chang’an pondered briefly. “You should report this to the local magistrate. Why come all the way to Chang’an City?”

“Well… it’s like this.” Zhou Guifeng carefully produced a torn silk fragment from her clothing and explained, “Lord Chen, this was found at my sister’s home, surely left by the culprit. A neighbor who supplied goods to Chang’an City said that fabric of this quality is only worn by people in Chang’an.”

“Oh?”

Chen Chang’an took the fragment curiously. Qin Fuluo, experienced in buying fabrics for new dresses, stepped forward to examine it closely. “Yes, it’s Western Region’s Luochou silk. Indeed only available in Chang’an City.”

“Exactly.” Chen Chang’an nodded, his pupils contracting. “Not only is it exclusive to Chang’an, I think I know whose clothing this was torn from.”

After a pause, he asked, “Can you describe your nephew? Any unusual features would help me find him.”

Zhou Guifeng cooperated eagerly, speaking carefully and in detail. “Lord Chen, Abao is seventeen this year. Though a boy, he has a delicate and handsome face. The villagers say he looks like a girl. As for unusual features… oh yes, he has a rose-red birthmark below his right earlobe!”

“What?”

Chen Chang’an gasped aloud. When Zhou Guifeng mentioned this, the image of the Empress Bai Wan’s new favorite, Bao’er, whom he had seen in the palace today, flashed in his mind. The young man had the same rose-red birthmark beneath his right earlobe.

Bao’er!

Abao!

Could it be that Bai Wan’s new favorite Bao’er was Zhou Guifeng’s nephew Abao?

Noticing his reaction, Zhou Guifeng excitedly grabbed his sleeve. “Lord Chen, do you know where Abao is?”

Chen Chang’an was no fool. Until he confirmed the facts, he would not speculate. Calmly, he shook his head. “No, how could I know? But rest assured, it’s not difficult for the Wuying Guard to search for someone in Chang’an City. I will do my best.”

Having said this, Chen Chang’an pocketed the half piece of torn silk and left the Su family mansion, heading straight for Wuying Alley. He needed to verify this matter—or rather, confirm a certain suspicion.