There's Something I Have To Tell You (Rise of the Phoenixes)

Chapter 9

At dusk, Zhiwei, Nanyi, Mingying and Zong Chen made their way to the slave market that Sunhong controlled.

"Welcome, little sister," Sunhong greeted. "What brings you here?" he asked, escorting them inside one of the small buildings that hid an entrance to the underground hideout.

Zhiwei felt a sliver of pity. She did not feel very good about manipulating the soft spot that Sunhong readily showed her. Focus, Zhiwei, you and Sunhong have very different views of the future, she thought to herself. "I was in Fengyun Palace earlier today. The Emperor gave me a small gift for settling Minhai," she said blandly, as if it were no big deal, as if it were just some random act. "I happened to hear Headmaster Xin report about a visit he had here with his students. Did you see them?"

"Yes, some of the vendors told me that the idiots made nuisances of themselves while they were here on their assignment from that buffoon of a teacher," Sunhong grumbled. "What about it?" His voice softened again, as he realized whatever was said in that meeting had caused her to come here in haste. It must be important.

"One of them reported that they saw child slaves being sold," she said, bile rising in her throat. She might feel guilty about Sunhong's familial affection for her, but she also felt disgusted by that particular offense. "Is it true?" she asked, shaking a bit. That part was not an act.

Sunhong waved it off, saying, "Some of the slaves are smaller in size, and they get mistaken for children."

"Are you sure?" Zhiwei asked. "Chief Gu has been ordered to investigate this place," she said in a hushed but urgent tone. "He could be here as early as dawn tomorrow. If he suspects you have been selling children, that is a terrible crime." One I will not forgive you for either, she thought.

Sunhong waved one of his men over. "Go to the Prince of Wei immediately. Tell him that Gu Yan is coming in the morning. He had best move to deter him and stop this nonsense completely if he knows what's good for him."

Zhiwei blinked. "Threatening the Crown Prince?" she asked, stuttering.

"Zhiwei, he is not the Crown Prince yet," Mingying warned.

"Soon enough, he will be," Sunhong said placatingly. "Yueling will make sure of it, but until then, he is going to be our protector, and he will do his job well or risk being exposed."

"Are you sure about this?" Master Zong asked, glancing warily at Sunhong then Zhiwei. "We must protect both of you. If the Prince of Wei knows who you truly are, you are both in grave danger."

"Relax, my friend," Sunhong said. "He believes we are merely the underground Huofeng gang, dregs of Bloody Pagoda, and nothing more. Consorting with known criminals is treachery enough for the prince. He does not need to be scared further by knowing we are also the royal remnant of Dacheng." He turned and shifted his cane.

"If there is to be a hunt, I cannot have my mother and Master Zong discovered in the Feng residence," Zhiwei said.

Sunhong nodded. "You are right. Come, stay here with us for a while. We shall prepare for the traitor Gu Yan's visit."

"Zhiwei, you can't go back to the Feng Residence alone," Mingying interrupted.

"Mother, I will have Nanyi with me," Zhiwei said.

Mingying bowed before Sunhong. "Please, Your Highness," she said, "please allow the princess to stay here as well."

Sunhong held out his hand to Zhiwei. "Stay with us for a few days, I will keep you safe, little sister. We must make sure they cannot trace anything back to your residence. If something does happen, we are stronger here together."