When the eight friends went with YuZhen and Chun-er to meet her father, they were unprepared for the man who met with them. They had expected a frail and weak older gentleman but instead saw a man with a thoughtful face and kind eyes. His skin still retained the pallor of an invalid and his robes looked slightly too big on his frame, but the hands that held his book were steady.

At the sounds of their arrival, Wang Da Ye looked up and a genuine smile broke across his thin face. YuZhen took one look at her father and broke into sobs. Forgetting her manners, she ran to him and knelt at his feet. Wang Da Ye looked down at his daughter in tenderness and gently patted her head.

In a raspy voice, he said: "Yu-er, it's alright. See, your old father is still with you."

Chun-er went to her young mistress and gently helped her into a seat next to her father.

Chun-er: "Young mistress, I hope you will forgive my deception. Actually, the master has been slowly regaining his health for a while now."

The eight friends looked at each other in surprise while YuZhen looked in amazement at her father.

EK softly cleared his throat, causing Wang Da Ye to turn to his guests.

With YuZhen's help, he slowly got to his feet and gave a slight bow in their direction: "Honored guests, I apologize for the state of affairs in this city and the surrounding regions. I have not upheld HS's faith in me. I have not been well and sent word via reliable sources to the capital for help. I am glad that HS received my messages and sent you to help me. I believe I owe both you and my daughter some explanations. Please, take a seat. Chun-er, if you could bring some tea?"

Chun-er nodded and went on her errand.

YuZhen sat next to her father and clasped his hand; she still couldn't believe that he was well.

Wang Da Ye smiled at her reassuringly and embarked on his tale…

"Five years ago, my wife came to me and told me that she believed she was with child once more. Ever since having YuZhen, her health has never been the best and we had lost three children before they were born. So, I was both ecstatic and worried. We talked about it and decided that the best option was to keep it from everyone until we could be sure she was safe. As the months passed, however, she grew paler and paler until finally, she couldn't leave her bed one morning. My wife so loved to ride horses out into the countryside when she would check on the common people under our care and not being able to do so really shattered her spirits. By that point, we also couldn't hide it from YuZhen anymore. I brought in the best physicians and they told me that she wasn't with child but rather had a dangerous mass growing inside her. They couldn't do anything for her. That year, a famous physician from BeiJing happened to be traveling through and I begged him to examine her. He was able to give her some pain medication to ease her suffering but told me that the best thing to do was just enjoy what time I had left with her. Surprisingly, my darling wife took the news better than I did. She insisted that I carry on with my duties and take care of the people. That was when I began to take YuZhen on rides with me out into the country-side. It started out as my way of continuing my wife's legacy, but it became one of my favorite parts of my official duties. Two short months later, she slipped away from us. She had been so brave and so full of goodness until the very end…the entire region went into mourning for her."

Wang Da Ye paused in his telling. His eyes glistened with unshed tears. Chun-er returned and gently set out the tea. YuZhen leaned her head on her father's shoulder, sharing the grief with him.

Taking a sip of his tea, Wang Da Ye continued: "Even though I had known her death was unavoidable, I still went into shock. I wouldn't see anyone but closeted myself in my study. Poor YuZhen, then only a child of 14, had to make arrangements for her own mother's funeral." He turned to his daughter and said softly: "I apologize, my dear child. You have grown up and matured faster than you should; you did not have a chance to fully enjoy your youth."

YuZhen smiled gently and shook her head.

Continuing this story, Wang Da Ye spoke: "I refused to eat or drink and became drastically ill. I lost awareness of the world until one day, I felt moisture on my hand and saw YuZhen's tears fall onto my bed. Then, something broke in me and I resolved to get better, if only for her sake. I began to take the medicine the physician from BeiJing prescribed and felt my strength returning. Then, one day, Official Li came to tell me that the physician had left to return to BeiJing. He did, however, bring me a new physician who he swore was knowledgeable about keeping me healthy. I believed him and started a new regiment. Initially, I did feel better, but then I was massively sick again. The weather was growing colder though, so I thought I had just caught a cold and didn't think much of it. But the cold always seemed to linger. Little by little, my strength left me. It wasn't noticeable day to day, but after a year, I couldn't leave my bed but just wanted to sleep all day long. I turned over my official duties to my advisors and thought that they would do a good job running the region. Another year passed and I was getting no better. Then, one day, YuZhen came to tell me that she had banned Official Li from the household. I was initially surprised, though I agreed with her stated reasons. She had never lied to me and I wanted to keep her safe. She is all I have left of my wife. However, her distress so worried me I forgot to take my medicine that whole week. Finally, I couldn't stand it anymore and summoned Chun-er to me for some explanations. Chun-er told me the truth. I was outraged; Chun-er had served my wife well and was like a sister to my Yu-er. Before her death, my wife and I had spoken many times about officially adopting her. I wanted to do something about the situation but was too weak. But without the medicine in my system, I could think clearly again. I began to suspect Official Li's motives. Instead of drinking my medicines, I would pour it into the plant holder in my room. By that point, I think Official Li thought I was under his command enough that he didn't have anyone watch me drink my medicines. Just in case, however, I ordered that no servant was to see me besides Chun-er and that I would be spoken to only on one side of a screen. Over time, as I grew stronger, I noticed that the plant was starting to wither; I had proof of his treachery. Even so, my recovery was slow. For the next two years, Chun-er took care of me. I bade her keep my condition secret from YuZhen, just in case I relapsed. I also sent a letter, without Official Li's knowledge, to the capital. I am glad HS responded and sent you to help an old fool like me."

The silence that greeted his story was broken by YuZhen. She turned to her friend and asked: "Why did you not tell me?"

Chun-er looked at her young mistress sadly: "I am so sorry, Mistress. I so wanted to, but the master forbade me. I didn't want to give you any false hopes."

As YuZhen continued to stare at her, Wang Da Ye broke in: "My dear child, please don't blame Chun-er. It is I who should apologize. I let you suffer alone for these many years. You've had unnecessary burdens heaped onto your young shoulders."

YuZhen turned to her father and shook her head: "No, Ah Ma. It's my fault. If I had only been born a boy; I could have taken over your duties for you…"

Wang Da Ye hugged his daughter close: "No my dear child. You have been braver and stronger than any man."

Touched by both the story and the scene before them, XYZ, ZW, SY, and Qing-er found themselves sniffling into their handkerchiefs. Even EK, ET, YQ, and XJ were moved.

XJ interrupted the moment, however, by asking: "Wang Da Ye. What do you plan to do now?"

Father and daughter separated from their embrace. Wang Da Ye answered: "I had hoped that HS would send a replacement. Did he not send you for that reason?"

Recalling their earlier conversation, ET and SY glanced thoughtfully at each other.

YQ, puzzled, replied: "No, I'm afraid HAM had made no mention of this trouble to us…"

Seeing the disappointed look on Wang Da Ye's face, XYZ quickly broke in: "But rest assured, we'll think of a solution."

ZW nodded: "Wang Da Ye, I think the important thing right now is that you make a full recovery. You are still young and have many years ahead of you."

Wang Da Ye, however, sighed: "That may be, but I feel like I have failed the people who put their trust in me. Chun-er has told me of the troubles in the region and I can't help but feel responsible. I am the one who put those monsters in power. Now, I just want a quiet life of retirement"

Qing-er shook her head: "No, Wang Da Ye. It is not your fault. Evil doers will always find a way to do evil deeds. You had no way of knowing."

ET spoke up: "But if you truly desire a quiet life, perhaps you can designate an heir? Did you or your wife have any siblings? Perhaps one of YuZhen's cousins would fit the role? HS can surely send a new official, but mayhaps someone from this region will earn the trust of the people better."

Wang Da Ye answered him: "No. Unfortunately not…I was an only child."

At this point, YuZhen suddenly remembered what Chun-er had told her earlier: "Father…what about my cousin Xing-er?"

Wang Da Ye looked startled: "Xing-er? You still remember him? But we haven't seen him in years!"

SY was intrigued: "Who is this Xing-er?"

YuZhen quickly explained: "He's the son of my mother's older sister. She had disobeyed her parents and ran away with a commoner whom she fell in love with. Since that day, her parents refused to speak of her existence and pretended that she had passed away. My mother, however, never gave up on her. After marrying, my mother used various resources to found her and would secretly visit her. Whenever my father and I rode out into the country, we always made sure to pay a visit."

Wang Da Ye nodded: "I always remember, he's a good boy. He was always such a hard worker, both in the farm work and in learning all that your aunt had to teach him. But Yu-er…we don't know if he is still nearby…I would have expected your aunt to pressure him to go to BeiJing to take the yearly exam."

YuZhen shook her head: "No, Ah Ma. While you were…indisposed…Aunty and uncle both became sick. Aunty passed away. While Uncle can still function, he can no longer till the land. So, Xing-er had to take over the farm. Of course, I haven't seen him since your sickness since I haven't been able to leave the city by Official Li's orders. But he managed to sneak a note into the city via one of the orphanage children."

Wang Da Ye sighed: "It seems I have missed much in my illness."

XYZ was excited by the prospect of a possible heir: "Wang Da Ye, do you really think Xing-er would be a good replacement?"

Wang Da Ye nodded: "Yes. Unless he has drastically changed in the past five years…But the problem is we don't know if he's willing to take the position. While I would love for him to take over, I do not feel right forcing the situation upon him. Despite all his education, there is still much to learn about governing. Besides, while I have recovered somewhat, I am not at my full strength. So I can't go look for him. Also, I'm not quite ready to make Official Li aware of my recovering health yet and any attempt to search for Xing-er will certainly arouse his suspicions…"

YQ thoughtfully asked: "Perhaps we can look for him for you? Now that Official Li knows of our real identities, we can pretend that we are indeed doing an inspection for the Emperor. If you would just tell us how to find Xing-er, I'm sure we can talk to him for you."

Wang Da Ye nodded: "Thank you WAG, that does seem a reasonable course of action…"

Chun-er, who had stayed quiet until this point, suddenly spoke up: "But Lao Ye, you don't have to look for him at all!"

Blushing under the gaze of so many people, she quickly apologized: "Chun-er is sorry to speak out of turn…"

YuZhen, however, reached out to her friend: "No Chun-er, it is quite alright. You're part of this family. I wish Ah Ma and E Niang had thought to tell me of their plans to adopt you earlier. You really would have been my sister."

Chun-er knew that her friend meant the gesture also as forgiveness for not telling her about the master's health. She smiled gratefully and nodded.

EK spoke up: "What did you mean we don't need to look for him?"

YuZhen smiled: "That question I can answer as well. Seeing my father well again, even if not completely, almost made me forget my news…the young man you helped save, that's Xing-er. I couldn't tell because of his condition and because I haven't seen him in so long…but it's definitely Xing-er!"

The travelers looked puzzled.

XYZ asked: "But YuZhen, the young man's name isn't Xing-er at all. We met his father before arriving in the city and his name is Zhao Yuan."

YuZhen nodded: "Yes. That's my cousin's given name. But because he carries a star-shaped birthmark on his shoulder, he's always been called Xing-er."

ZW gasped: "You mean…your cousin's actually in the manor right now?"

YuZhen happily nodded.

Wang Da Ye drew in a shaky breath: "YuZhen, are you sure? How did he come to be here?"

YuZhen nodded: "Yes. Chun-er even saw his birthmark."

Blushing, Chun-er nodded and clarified: "I was present when the physician examined him. He had scars across much of his back, but yes, I'm certain of it."

Wang Da Ye let out a hearty laugh: "Well, honored travelers, it seems you have brought good fortune with you! HS has sent his miracle workers to us! Thank you!"

He made to kneel in front of the travelers but ZW immediately stopped him: "No, Wang Da Ye, you need to take care of yourself. Now that Xing-er has been found, we need both of you to recuperate so that we can set things to rights."

EK agreed with his wife: "Yes, Wang Da Ye. Please don't over exert yourself. You still need to guide the young man to be a great official."

XJ, however, added thoughtfully: " I still think YQ is correct though, we need to maintain the upper hand in this situation. We must somehow remove Official Li from power to pave the road for your successor."

XYZ scoffed: "Well, that's simple. ZW and I both have the golden medallions. Besides, YQ is WAG, he is the highest ranking person we have here. Certainly we can forcibly cancel his position."

Qing-er shook her head: "No, XYZ, it's not that simple. Blunt force won't work in this situation. We also need to figure out just how deep and wide his influence runs. It will do no good to remove him only to have another snake head grow back in his place."

XJ nodded in agreement: "Qing-er's spoken my exact thoughts. This situation will have to be handled delicately…"

EK nodded: "I agree. But I think we also need to find out Xing-er's opinion about all this. If he would much rather not become the heir, then we will still need to tell HS and have a new official sent here. That will take time, perhaps too much time."

ET agreed with his brother: "EK is right. But I still think WAG's words have merit. I think we really just need to make it obvious that we're here on the Emperor's orders to look over the state of affairs in the region."

SY thoughtfully looked at YuZhen: "YuZhen, you have the most experience keeping these officials at bay. Do you think they'll allow us to just take over?"

YuZhen was thoughtful: "I think the largest obstacle is Official Li. From what I can tell, the rest of them just follow his lead. As long you hold on to your golden medallions, I don't foresee any difficulties. I would recommend, however, that the girls stay in the manor with me. If Official Li can stoop low enough to poison my father, then certainly he might try to harm them and use them as bargaining chips. As far as I know, the manor's guards are still loyal to my father; they should keep us safe in here."

EK nodded: "Yes. The girls' safety is definitely a priority. So, I think it would be best if one of us stayed with them at all times, even within the manor. XJ, would you mind serving as their bodyguard? We need WAG because of his status and ET and I must serve as bodyguards to keep up appearances. This is not about status, but safety."

XJ nodded: "Of course. And based on what I've seen of XYZ and SY's abilities, I think they can help protect YuZhen, Chun-er, and Wang Da Ye as well."

XYZ smiled gratefully smiled at her brother for his recognition of her skills.

Wang Da Ye nodded: "I will gladly write up an official script to declare my intention to temporarily turn over all power in this region to WAG. Thankfully, I never gave an official document to the others."

WAG nodded: "Then we had best prepare each step carefully. I don't mind keeping up appearances but we must be careful and act as a unit."

YuZhen added: "Father, I think it best if we keep your growing health a secret still. Chun-er, would you mind making sure Cousin Xing-er is safe? While I don't think Official Li knows about this family secret, we would do well to be cautious. I can take care of my Father in the meantime."

Chun-er nodded her agreement: "Yes mistress."

The solemn moment was broken by a low grumbling noise.

XYZ smiled sheepishly as everyone turned to look at her: "Sorry…all this planning has made me rather hungry…"

As everyone laughed, YQ said: "Trust XYZ to keep us lighthearted in the most serious of situations."

With a smile, Chun-er left to arrange dinner for everyone.

Wang Da Ye looked around the group: "Thank you everyone. I am forever in your debt. I thank HS for sending you to my aid."