Free Gunpowder Alchemy by Jeannie Lin

to us.”
    Inspector Aguda laughed outright. “Maybe you should petition Prince Yizhu yourself, young miss. He might find it amusing that a peasant girl would be so bold.”
    â€œI am no peasant.” I lifted my chin in defiance. I was tired of casting my gaze downward. “I’m of Manchurian blood, as you are. My ancestors served among the Eight Banners that founded this dynasty.”
    Rather than taking offense, Aguda appeared pleased. “See now, Mister Chen? You can’t say she doesn’t have enough audacity for the task.”
    Chang-wei regarded me with a thoughtful expression. “Yang Hanzhu is known to be a very dangerous man. You must be careful not to trust him.”
    â€œI’ve always known him to be loyal,” I countered.
    â€œWhy, I thought you didn’t remember him?” Aguda pointed out.
    I ignored his taunt. “What of my conditions?”
    The inspector opened his mouth to retort, but Chang-wei interrupted him.
    â€œAllow me to speak to Prince Yizhu on your behalf.” His eyes were serious when they met mine. “I will do what I can, for the sake of your family. Your father was a great man who was always kind to me. I consider it my debt to him.”
    I didn’t want to be moved by his words, but I felt a pang of longing nonetheless. My father had been more than kind. Father had promised me, his only daughter, to Chen Chang-wei. He had betrothed us to each other. Though the arrangement was nothing any longer, such bonds could not be so easily forgotten.
    Chen Chang-wei, this stranger who was not quite a stranger to me, was the closest thing I had to an ally. Part of me wanted to trust him. I wanted to believe the man Father had chosen as my husband-to-be was at least worthy.
    I looked to Inspector and then back to Chang-wei. “What do you need me to do?”

Chapter Six
    That night I stayed in one of the small apartments upstairs. The trading office was apparently a hideout for Prince Yizhu, who had his men stationed throughout the entire building. I was confined to a room, but at least there was a bed for me to sleep upon instead of a tiny berth on a riverboat.
    After a slumber that was full of stops and starts, I awoke to blackness. A light tapping came from outside the door of the chamber, jerking me fully awake. It was early, too early for a visitor. The tapping came again, insistent.
    I felt around for my slippers, then stumbled through the unfamiliar chamber with my hands out in front of me. The chill of the morning nipped at me through the light tunic and trousers I had been given.
    When I finally opened the door, a faint halo of light greeted me. Chen Chang-wei stood in the hallway with a candle in hand. Thankfully it was dark and the door provided a shield. I shivered as I held on to it.
    Chang-wei was fully dressed in his heavy robe and jacket. The material was dark in color and without adornment. Without the flicker of the candle he would have been completely invisible.
    â€œThere is something you need to know,” he whispered urgently. The stiff politeness he’d maintained toward me the day before had disappeared. “Yang Hanzhu is no longer the same person you knew eight years ago. He’s an outcast. An outlaw.”
    I rubbed a knuckle over my eyes. “Only because imperial authorities forced him out.”
    â€œPlease reconsider,” he entreated. “I said I would take your appeal before the prince. I’ll do the same whether or not you cooperate with the inspector. I swear it.”
    â€œYou’d have me defy the crown prince?” I asked incredulously, and Chang-wei fell silent. “We humble subjects don’t exist to the Emperor or his exalted son unless we serve some purpose. Inspector Aguda went all the way to Hunan province to find me and bring me here. You and I both know the prince will have his way in the end.”
    The corners of Chang-wei’s mouth turned downward at my