Chapter Thirty-Two: Wei Jizhong and Little Xizi’s Perilous Journey, Part Two

After leaving the study, Zhu Zhanhe headed straight back to his living quarters within the palace.

"Young Master, you have returned."

As soon as Zhu Zhanhe stepped through the door, Yun'er and Jian'er emerged to greet him. The two young maids ran over with joyful expressions, clinging to him from either side, their faces beaming with delight. Zhu Zhanhe, reciprocating their warmth, let them lead him further into the room.

Before long, Xiao Xizi arrived.

"Young Master, Xiao Xizi is here. Do you have any instructions for me?" Xiao Xizi knelt immediately upon entering, his face full of happiness. After all these years, the Young Master had finally remembered him and had a task to entrust to him. He vowed silently that he would complete this mission at any cost.

"Yun'er, Jian'er, go fetch my princely seal and a ruler," Zhu Zhanhe said to the two clinging girls behind him. They exchanged a knowing glance, bowed, and retreated. They understood that the Young Master had serious business to discuss.

"Young Master?!" Xiao Xizi’s heart raced with excitement. The request for the silver seal meant this was a matter of great importance.

"Xiao Xizi!" Zhu Zhanhe turned to him, his expression suddenly grave.

"I am here, Young Master! Please, give your orders!" Xiao Xizi replied, his voice trembling with eager anticipation.

"Can I trust you absolutely? With no reservations whatsoever?" Zhu Zhanhe asked, his gaze piercing.

"I am willing to go through fire and water for you, Young Master! I would never refuse, even at the cost of my life!" Xiao Xizi declared, feeling he had finally become a true confidant.

"I have a matter of utmost importance that needs to be handled. It is my deepest secret, known only to me—not even my father knows. Are you willing to be the one to retrieve this secret for me?" Zhu Zhanhe stared intently at him.

"Young Master, I am willing!" Xiao Xizi’s eyes shone with intensity. He was to be the only one who knew the Young Master's secret! He was exhilarated.

"Xiao Xizi, this is no simple task. It is highly dangerous. Furthermore, once completed, you must act as my double and live under an assumed identity until this secret is unveiled. Have you truly considered this?" Zhu Zhanhe laid out the gravity of the situation. He knew that after the giant crocodile arrived in the capital, it would require daily care until it was ready to be revealed, and the only ones suitable for the task were those who were unfailingly loyal and had personally retrieved the creature.

Xiao Xizi was momentarily stunned. To live under an assumed identity? Would he still be able to serve the Young Master?

"You will still serve by my side upon your return, but this secret will demand much of your time and energy," Zhu Zhanhe said, his sharp gaze softening just a fraction.

After a long silence, Xiao Xizi bowed his head to the floor and pledged his loyalty. "Young Master, I am willing. Please, command me."

"Good. I knew I wasn't wrong about you. You are truly my confidant. Rest assured, follow my instructions, and I will ensure your safety so you may return unharmed." Zhu Zhanhe pulled him to his feet with a smile.

"Please, instruct me," Xiao Xizi urged, his eyes resolute.

"You have spent so much time preparing those coastal maps for me. My mission is for you to take my seal, travel to Taicang, and bring the target back."

Xiao Xizi breathed a sigh of relief, thinking it was just a simple escort mission.

"Do not mistake this for something simple," Zhu Zhanhe continued. "First, because of its importance, my father has sent Uncle Wei to accompany you; do not let your guard down. Second, this must remain a total secret; you must travel covertly and let no one else know. Third, you must carry my seal on your person at all times; the target recognizes the seal, not the person. Losing it would be fatal. Fourth, you have only thirty days. If you do not return within this time, your life will be at risk, even if you find the target. Fifth, take the ruler the girls are bringing; it is not a seal, but you will understand its purpose when you see the target. Sixth, I do not know the exact location, only that it is near Taicang. The target only appears at night; you must search the surrounding area after dark. The target will only reveal itself to the seal. Without it, you will be in grave danger."

Finally, Zhu Zhanhe emphasized, "Upon your return, you must travel by water, and you must not be discovered by anyone. Do you understand?"

Xiao Xizi was left wide-eyed, but he soon regained his composure. "Young Master, rest assured, I will strictly follow your requirements."

Zhu Zhanhe called for the girls. Yun'er and Jian'er entered, carrying two small trays. Xiao Xizi, knowing the influence of those close to the Young Master, greeted them respectfully.

Zhu Zhanhe took the silver seal from one tray and the finely crafted wooden ruler from the other. He handed the ruler to Xiao Xizi, who tucked it into his sleeve.

"Now, for the seal." To the shock of everyone present, Zhu Zhanhe drew a small dagger from his waist and pricked his right finger, drawing blood.

"Young Master!" the three cried out, rushing forward.

Zhu Zhanhe remained unmoved, dripping the blood onto the silver seal and rubbing it in. "This is what makes it effective. Xiao Xizi, the seal is yours. Go prepare, and then find Uncle Wei."

He handed the blood-stained seal to Xiao Xizi, then turned his bleeding hand toward the distressed maids.