Chapter 9

Xue Ming is dead.

Xue Ming, who was supposed to live until the end, is dead.

Qin Ying’s mind buzzed, and Xie Xinglan’s pupils trembled slightly. “What happened?”

The guard spoke quickly, “Last night, not long after returning home, Young Master Xue left the residence again. No one knew where he was going, and he did not return all night. His family was very worried and sent people to search for him in the middle of the night. They looked everywhere he liked to go, but no one had seen him. Then, about half an hour before our men arrived, a young Taoist from Qingyang Temple went to Xue’s residence.”

“The Qingyang Temple is in the west of the city. A year ago, the temple master was reported to the authorities for adultery and later imprisoned. The entire temple disbanded, leaving only a young Taoist who barely managed to sustain it.”

“But after such a disgraceful incident, no one visited Qingyang Temple to offer incense anymore. The young Taoist struggled to make a living and eventually returned to secular life. He established a new residence and only visited the temple every three to five days. Unexpectedly, when he went there this morning, he found Xue Ming’s corpse. Before the temple’s decline, the Xue family used to offer incense there, so the young Taoist recognized Xue Ming.”

Pei Shuo broke out in a cold sweat. “How could Xue Ming be dead… Was he murdered, too?”

“No.” the guard shook his head. “Xue Ming committed suicide. He died before the statue of the Primordial Lord in Qingyang Temple, leaving behind a suicide note—”

Xie Xinglan furrowed his brows. “What did the note say?”

“I don’t know. The young Taoist reported the matter, and the Xue family immediately sent people to Qingyang Temple. We first went to the Xue residence and followed them there upon learning about the situation. When we arrived, the Xue family’s servants had already surrounded the temple. Even after learning that Longyi Guards had come, they only allowed us to take a brief look and refused to say anything else.”

Just as suspicion fell on Xue Ming, he took his own life—how could anyone believe this?

Xie Xinglan immediately said, “Leave ten people to guard the Earl’s Residence; the rest will follow me to Qingyang Temple.”

Xie Xinglan strode forward, and Qin Ying quickly followed. This time, Xie Xinglan did not look back, clearly not intending to stop her. Watching this scene unfold, Pei Shuo couldn’t help but speak up, “Even the County Princess Yunyang is going—should we go take a look as well?”

Cui Muzhi and Lin Qian exchanged serious looks. After a brief hesitation, they both nodded.

Leaving the Earl’s Residence, Xie Xinglan swiftly mounted his horse while Qin Ying got into her own carriage. Changle Lane was already west of the Imperial Street, and Qingyang Temple was not too far away. By this time, it was approaching the hour of Shen, and the late summer, early autumn sun hung fiercely in the clear blue sky. Shen Luo’s whip cracked heavily, and the carriage followed the Longyi Guards’ procession into the bustling streets lined with towers and buildings.

Inside the carriage, Qin Ying’s expression was as calm as still water. She clearly remembered that Xue Ming had parted ways with Cui Muzhi. During the successor’s selection, he supported Empress Zheng’s faction, but Emperor Zhenyuan ultimately chose the Fifth Prince, born of Consort Cui. After the Fifth Prince ascended the throne, the Xue family met a tragic fate.

Qin Ying’s heart was racing—Xue Ming should not have died so soon. It must be because she saved Lu Roujia last night, causing the plot to shift.

“County Princess, why are your hands so cold?”

Bai Yuan held Qin Ying’s hands, which rested on her lap, her eyes full of concern. However, Qin Ying could not explain—while the storyline could change, it also meant altering other people’s fates. If Xue Ming had been innocent, then hadn’t she inadvertently caused his death?

Qin Ying shook her head. “It’s nothing.”

Bai Yuan sighed helplessly. “You must have been frightened. You’ve always been timid, and now Miss Cui is dead, and Young Master Xue too. What kind of mess is this? Are you really still going to investigate?”

Qin Ying’s voice was hoarse. “We still need to investigate. The Longyi Guards say Xue Ming committed suicide—no matter what, we must first determine if he truly took his own life.”

Bai Yuan spoke softly, “If it was suicide, then why? Could it be that he was responsible for Miss Cui’s death?”

Qin Ying couldn’t answer. Among all the witnesses from last night, Xue Ming was the most suspicious of lying. He was very likely the one who had arranged to meet Cui Wan. But even if he had truly killed Cui Wan, would he have taken his own life out of fear and guilt?

Qin Ying lifted the curtain of the carriage. As they traveled through the streets and alleys, the scenery gradually became desolate, and the houses grew lower. Many in the capital believed in Taoist teachings, and there were numerous temples. Qingyang Temple was in a remote location—it had once only been worshiped by the residents of the western part of the city. However, after an incident of desecration against the deities, the people naturally turned to other places of worship.

After turning another corner, the desolate and abandoned Qingyang Temple appeared. At that moment, the temple gates were tightly shut, with more than a dozen gray-clad servants standing outside. Surrounding villagers peeked curiously, whispering among themselves—clearly, word had already spread that a death had occurred inside.

Xie Xinglan dismounted outside the temple gate. The servants of the Xue residence recognized his official uniform and immediately knew he was the leader of the Longyi Guards. Hurriedly, they went inside to report his arrival. Not long after, a middle-aged man dressed in luxurious clothing emerged.

“I am Xue Suqing. Greetings, Envoy Xie.”

Xue Ming’s father had passed away early, and now the one in charge of the household was Xue Xianzhi, the Grand Academician of the Imperial Academy. Xue Suqing, the man before him, was Xue Ming’s second uncle. Xie Xinglan knew of him.

“Xue Ming has met with an accident. We have come to investigate. Is the body inside?” he asked.

Xue Suqing acknowledged the statement but then added, “The Longyi Guards only investigate homicide cases. My nephew’s accident is not something we need to trouble Envoy Xie with.”

Xie Xinglan frowned slightly. “An accident?”

Xue Suqing nodded. “That’s right. After the young lady of the Cui family had her incident yesterday, Ming’er returned home feeling unsettled. He decided to go to the temple to pray, but unfortunately, the Qingyang Temple has been neglected for some time. The beams have rotted, and Ming’er was crushed to death when one collapsed. His body was only discovered this morning. It is a tragedy, but the Xue family does not wish to make it public. Envoy Xie, please leave.”

Xie Xinglan let out a cold laugh. “Second Master Xue, with those words, you are taking me for a fool. The Qingyang Temple is not close to the Xue residence, and your family has always worshipped there. You must have known about its poor state. Are you saying Xue Ming was so foolish that he would come here in the dead of night to pray?”

The Xue family had just lost a member, and Xue Suqing was still grieving. However, Xie Xinglan showed no mercy in his words, causing Xue Suqing’s expression to darken. “The deceased is a member of my family. Whether we involve the authorities or not is our own concern. Does the Longyi Guards intend to force us to report the case?”

Xie Xinglan scoffed. “If you refuse to report it, then bring forth the Daoist priest who informed you. I’ll question him directly.”

Xue Suqing gritted his teeth. “That priest has already returned home.”

Xie Xinglan’s patience had worn thin. His gaze sharpened as he looked toward the entrance. “The Longyi Guards is investigating by imperial decree. If Second Master Xue insists on obstructing this, then I will take action. Guards—”

Xie Jian stepped forward with his men and easily restrained the refined Xue Suqing. The servants of the Xue family instinctively moved to intervene, but the Longyi Guards swiftly drew their blades. Unarmed and outmatched, the servants dared not make another move.

“Xie Xinglan, you have gone too far—”

Xue Suqing’s face turned red with anger. He was older than Xie Xinglan, yet Xie Xinglan paid him no respect at all. He shouted, “The Xue family is a lineage of upright scholars. How dare you humiliate us? If you continue to act so tyrannically, my father will bring this matter before His Majesty!”

Xie Xinglan sneered. “Then be sure to explain clearly how Xue Ming died, so the Longyi Guards won’t have to waste words.”

He stepped forward, and Xue Suqing could only watch helplessly as Xie pushed the door open and entered.

Qin Ying, standing behind, sighed at the sight. The Xue family was a noble household, so they clearly hoped to settle the matter privately. Xie Xinglan could only use sheer force to access Xue Ming’s remains. She quickly followed inside, and as soon as she stepped through the door, Xue Suqing’s lies collapsed.

The courtyard of Qingyang Temple was overgrown with weeds, and the windows and doors of the main hall were broken and decayed. However, the beams of the main hall were far from collapsing, and Xue Ming’s body lay in the center of the front hall, already covered with a white cloth. The young Daoist who had reported the incident stood at the entrance, still visibly shaken.

Xie Xinglan strode into the hall and lifted the white cloth. The deceased was indeed Xue Ming.

Xue Ming lay unmoving beside the kneeling mat before the statue of the Primordial Lord, his eyes shut tightly and his face pallid. His hands were curled slightly at his sides, and next to his right hand lay a dagger stained with blood. On his left wrist, however, was a gruesome wound—crusted with dried blood, with multiple deep gashes reaching down to the bone. A pool of crimson had spread beneath his wrist, soaking into his robes at his side and staining his waist and hem.

At first glance, anyone would assume it was a case of wrist-slashing suicide.

But Qin Ying knelt for a closer examination and immediately declared, “This is no suicide.”

Xie Xinglan agreed. “He wouldn’t have been capable of harming himself like this.”

Qin Ying explained, “Slitting one’s wrist is excruciating. Most people fail to even cut through their arteries with a single slash, let alone attempt a second. To make repeated deep cuts requires unwavering determination to die. Moreover, look at the wounds—they start shallow near the thumb and deepen toward the pinky. That’s highly unlikely for a self-inflicted injury. When a person attempts suicide, the initial cut is usually the deepest, and subsequent wounds become shallower as the pain intensifies.”

Xie Xinglan narrowed his gaze at her. “Unless someone else inflicted these wounds.”

By now, Xue Suqing had been dragged into the courtyard. With his lie exposed, despair overtook him, and he no longer put up a fight. Hearing Qin Ying and Xie Xinglan’s analysis, he hesitated, torn between asking further questions and suppressing his unease. Meanwhile, the three men who had accompanied Pei Shuo stood frozen, their expressions filled with shock and confusion at the grim revelation.

Qin Ying pulled at Xue Ming’s collar, then lifted his sleeve to examine his arm. Pressing lightly on an old scar, she quickly furrowed her brows and said, “The body is showing clear signs of rigor mortis. The livor mortis fades under pressure, and his cornea has started to cloud. He was killed approximately three to four hours ago—around the time of the Mao hour (5-7 am).”

She completed the initial examination with no need for a coroner. Xie Xinglan kept his gaze on her and added, “The Mao hour is just before dawn. If the killer slit his wrist, it must have happened earlier. A wound like this would take at least an hour for the victim to bleed out, meaning the crime occurred around the Yin hour (3-5 am).”

Xie Xinglan, thinking clearly, no longer needed Qin Ying to calculate further. At that moment, she turned her attention to the markings on Xue Ming’s robe. He had attended a banquet the previous evening, dressed in a sky-blue brocade robe. He had left home without changing and still wore the same clothing now.

Xie Xinglan’s eyes shifted toward the courtyard. “Were you the one who discovered Xue Ming’s body?”

In the courtyard, only one person was dressed in coarse cloth, his expression exceptionally panicked—it was the young Daoist who had reported the death to the Xue family. Seeing Xie Xinglan’s gaze upon him, he hurriedly stepped forward and knelt. “It was I who discovered Young Master Xue. This temple has been unsellable, and I haven’t tended to it for a year. I only visit occasionally, and I never expected that upon coming this morning, I would find a dead body.”

The copper lock on the courtyard gate was rusted, and the lock on the main hall door was missing—this place was accessible to anyone. Xie Xinglan asked, “What was the scene like when you arrived? Where is his suicide note?”

“When I arrived, Young Master Xue was already lying beside the kneeling mat, surrounded by a large pool of blood. I was terrified. When I checked his pulse, I realized he had long been dead. As for the suicide note—it was found on his chest. I knew this was serious, so I hurried to report it to the Xue residence. Later, Second Master Xue arrived and took the note. I believe he ordered it sent back to the residence.”

Xie Xinglan turned to Xue Suqing. “What did the note say?”

Xue Suqing stiffened his neck and said, “The note states that he had been depressed for a long time after failing this year’s imperial exam. Furthermore, he was affected by the matter concerning Miss Cui, and he resolved to end his life here, asking his family not to grieve.”

Xie Xinglan narrowed his eyes. “Was he here for a lovers’ suicide?”

Xue Suqing immediately burst into anger. “What lovers’ suicide? Stop speaking nonsense! Both Miss Cui and Ming’er were innocent. The deceased must be honored—you would tarnish their names even after their deaths?!”

Seeing Xue Suqing’s righteous indignation, Xie Xinglan shifted his gaze toward the young Daoist. “Then you tell me—what exactly did the note say?”

The Daoist trembled upon hearing the question. “I do not know. I do not know what was written in the suicide note…”

Xie Xinglan smirked. “You saw the note, and there was no one else around. Are you saying you weren’t even a bit curious about why Xue Ming died? If I were you, I would have at least taken a look.”

The young Daoist lowered himself to the ground. “I recognize Young Master Xue—how could I dare to offend him?”

Xie Xinglan nodded knowingly, but in the next moment, his tone abruptly shifted. “You recognize Xue Ming and were the first to discover his body. I see that Xue Ming carried nothing valuable on him—it is highly possible that you killed him for money. Guards, take this murderer into custody for interrogation!”

Qin Ying was startled. Xie Xinglan’s blatant fabrication was even more domineering than Zhao Lian’s usual tactics. Just as she was about to speak, the young Daoist burst into tears. Seeing the Longyi Guards closing in, he quickly shouted, “It wasn’t me! It wasn’t me! I read Young Master Xue’s note—he… he died out of guilt!”

Xie Xinglan was unsurprised by his sudden change of tune, while Qin Ying raised an eyebrow. If nothing else, dealing with the forceful Xue Suqing and this slippery Daoist proved that Xie Xinglan’s aggressive approach was effective.

Just as the Daoist was about to reveal the truth behind the suicide note, Xue Suqing roared, “You are out of line!”

Xie Xinglan shot him a cold glance and, after a brief pause, commanded, “Come inside and report.”

The young Daoist trembled as he scrambled to his feet. Xue Suqing tried to stop him, but Xie Jian, armed with his blade, intercepted him. Xue Suqing clenched his teeth so hard that they audibly ground together. Watching the young Daoist enter the main hall, he finally shut his eyes in despair.

Once inside, the Daoist no longer dared to hide the truth. He spilled everything in a rush. “Young Master Xue said he was tormented by love and had harmed the young lady from Earl Weiyuan’s family. He claimed they had long shared affection, but he could not bear to see Miss Cui marry another. After killing her, he felt too ashamed to live and chose to end his life here, hoping for the deity’s forgiveness. Otherwise, even if he remained alive, it would be as if he were in hell.”

Qin Ying exchanged a glance with Xie Xinglan. Xie Xinglan declared, “This suicide note was definitely not written by Xue Ming.”

Qin Ying nodded. “Right. There’s no way Xue Ming would have calmly allowed himself to be cut like that. Based on my examination, I suspect the killer set up a deception here—either using poison or toxic fumes—to incapacitate him before striking.”

Xie Xinglan continued, “But the fact that he came here late at night means the killer must have had leverage over him. Maybe his affair with Cui Wan was real, and maybe he truly was responsible for her death. The murderer used that to their advantage.”

Qin Ying’s gaze grew sharp. “Then the one who killed Xue Ming must be among the ten people who participated in last night’s Qiqiao Festival night stroll!”