Chapter 23

Yun Shuang paused in surprise, looking down at the tiny girl whose illness had left her dazed. She spoke softly, “Erya, what’s wrong?”

“Mother…” Though her head still felt foggy, and her body deeply uncomfortable, Erya felt a strange sense of peace — so warm, so comforting. Unable to help herself, a smile curled on her lips as she whispered, “Erya feels so happy.”

Because she could feel her mother’s love — because she knew Mother wouldn’t abandon her. That was happiness.

Yun Shuang couldn’t help but laugh, crouching to stroke her little head gently. “Silly girl. When you’re sick, don’t let your mind wander. Just rest well.”

She then instructed Goudan to keep an eye on Erya and headed to the kitchen. There, she prepared a simple, easily digestible millet porridge with eggs and minced meat, along with two side dishes: tomato stir-fried eggs and braised cabbage with pork.

Busy on her own in the rear kitchen, surrounded by still, endless darkness, Yun Shuang began to feel a little dazed herself. She’d only been here for three days, and yet somehow, it felt like she’d been living in this place for a long, long time.

In her original world, she had a successful career, and thanks to her striking looks, admirers were never in short supply. But her heart often felt hollow. Having lacked warmth from family since childhood, she’d long yearned for a happy home deep down.

So when she came here and found herself with two children, she didn’t resist. Only rarely, in fleeting moments, did confusion creep in. Was she truly capable now — capable of raising these two children well?

That night, the three of them shared a simple meal and went to bed. Because her sleep had been restless, Yun Shuang got up very early the next morning.

Erya had slept soundly and hadn’t had another fever. After a careful examination, Doctor Gao smiled and said, “Your daughter’s much better now. If she stays fever-free for the rest of the day, you can take her home.”

Relieved, Yun Shuang thanked him repeatedly, then turned her thoughts to Yan Fang — wondering how things had gone with the tasks she’d assigned him yesterday. He had mentioned that he’d be staying in Shanyang County for a couple of days and could be found at the county office if needed. But before she even stepped outside, one of Yan Fang’s soldiers arrived, his expression solemn.

“Miss Yun,” he said, “something’s happened. Yan Fang sent me to bring you over immediately.”

Something happened?

Yun Shuang’s heart sank slightly. She responded at once: “Alright. I’ll go right now.”

How could something have gone wrong? Logically, Yun Shuang’s plan for finding Lady Luo should’ve been foolproof. If the method wasn’t flawed, then the trouble must’ve fallen on someone connected to it.

Just then, Doctor Gao was escorting a patient out the door. Spotting Yun Shuang standing nearby with a serious expression, he couldn’t help but ask, “Miss Yun, did something happen? Is this your husband?”

The soldier hadn’t worn his uniform, since he was only running errands in the county. At first glance, he looked just like a regular gentleman.

Yun Shuang shook her head. “No, Doctor Gao. Sorry — something’s come up. May I trouble you again to watch over Erya for a while?”

“Of course, of course.” Doctor Gao, thinking it must be something serious, quickly assured her, “Don’t worry — your daughter’s safe here. Go ahead.”

Yun Shuang glanced back at the interior of the Tongxintang with quiet apology. She was leaving her little girl alone here again. She knew, from past stories Sister Hua had shared and from the clinic’s positive reputation, that Doctor Gao was kind and responsible. Still, leaving such a young child behind made it impossible not to worry. All she could do was hurry back as soon as possible — just like yesterday.

This time, she didn’t bring Goudan either, leaving him behind to watch over Erya. The soldier’s tone had strongly implied that whatever had happened wasn’t suitable for bringing children.

Once outside, the soldier lowered his voice to explain the situation.

“Yesterday, as instructed, Yan Fang sent people to quietly tail Miss Lianxin. Sure enough, this morning, she suddenly slipped out the back gate of the Luo residence and headed straight for Yiyuan Inn.”

There were only a few notable inns in Shanyang County, and Yiyuan was one of middling rank — not the best, not the worst.

The soldier continued, “But when our people followed her there, they found the place in chaos. After asking around, we learned that someone had died there this morning.”

Someone died! Yun Shuang’s eyes widened slightly.

“Our people were shocked — especially when Miss Lianxin, upon hearing of the death, looked panicked. Before the county authorities arrived, she sneaked inside and found a woman hidden in the inn.”

“That woman… turned out to be none other than the long-missing Lady Luo! Now, because of the murder at Yiyuan Inn, the county authorities had locked down the entire establishment and forbidden anyone inside from leaving. Upon learning of the incident, Yan Fang immediately sent me to fetch you.”

Yun Shuang asked quickly, “Where is Yan Fang now? Did he go to the scene?”

“He did.” The soldier nodded. “Yan Fang went with General Jiang.”

General Jiang? He was certainly invested in this case.

Yun Shuang didn’t press further — there wasn’t much use. This soldier hadn’t been at the crime scene and could only share limited information.

Yiyuan Inn stood on Lai’an Street, one of the busiest roads in Shanyang County, second only to the main street.

Even before Yun Shuang arrived, she saw that crowds had already gathered outside, eager to catch a glimpse of the commotion. The soldier led her through the rear entrance.

Yiyuan Inn was a fairly large three-story building. The ground floor was reserved for dining and resting, with a limited number of rooms. The second and third floors were entirely guest accommodations.

At the moment, everyone in the inn had been herded into the lobby on the first floor. Constables stood guard in all directions, and from the far side of the hall came waves of chaotic shouting:

“…We didn’t kill anyone! Why won’t you let us leave?”

“Sirs, I have a delivery to make out of town — how long are you going to keep us here?”

“I… I need to return to my village! If I’m late, my wife and children will be worried!”

“Silence!”

Suddenly, the sharp voice of Magistrate Ding rang out. He was skinny and wiry, almost like a bamboo pole — but his authority was unmistakable.

“The victim was killed this morning here at the inn. During the attack, the murderer accidentally knocked over a vase in the victim’s room. Once the body was discovered, Manager Shen ordered staff to block every exit and prevent anyone from leaving. That means that the killer is still among you!”

“Until the county authorities finish investigating, no one is allowed to leave. Violators will be treated as obstructing a criminal investigation — punishable by twenty cane strikes and a fine of one thousand wen!”

His commanding words quieted the noisy hall almost instantly.

Yun Shuang suddenly stopped in her tracks. The soldier leading her noticed immediately and was about to ask what was wrong when she said quickly, “Hold on, I need to go buy something,” and dashed off.

When she returned, she had a veiled hat in hand and swiftly put it on. “Let’s go.”

Low profile is key to survival — no matter the situation. Yun Shuang had no intention of becoming notorious in this unfamiliar world over something ridiculous.

The soldier: “…” He’d already been puzzled when Yan Fang instructed him to bring this Miss Yun to the crime scene — now his confusion had reached its peak.

True, they had found Lady Luo using her method. But this was a murder case! Why bring Miss Yun here? And this hat — was she afraid of seeing the corpse, and wanted something to shield herself?

Still, regardless of his internal complaints, the soldier dutifully brought Yun Shuang up to the third-floor room where the murder had occurred.

There, several people were already gathered — among them General Jiang and Yan Fang.

Seeing Yun Shuang arrive in her veiled hat, Yan Fang paused for a moment in surprise. Then he hurried over, still dazed. “Miss Yun, you’re here! Did you hear? The woman who died today was Fan Youliang’s mistress — the one he’s kept outside all this time!”