Chapter 1

On the night of the seventh day of the seventh month in the twentieth year of Zhenyuan, the star bridge stretched across the sky, the Milky Way sparkled brightly, and the autumn festival of golden wind and jade dew unfolded. Yet, within the Zhaomu Pavilion of Earl Zhongyuan’s mansion, a crowd of stern-faced officials filled the space. Their gazes locked onto a young woman dressed in white. In the eerie whispers of the passing wind, her desperate and humiliated cries pierced the silence: “How could I have killed Wan’er? She is Heir Cui’s sister. I only wanted to befriend her—how could I possibly harm her?”

She was in tears, her frail figure swaying like a tender willow in the wind, seemingly on the verge of breaking. Around her, dozens of cold and disdainful eyes regarded her as though she were the murderer.

Seeing that no one believed her, the young woman in white knelt before the middle-aged man seated at the head. “My lord, I, Lu Roujia, swear to the heavens: if I harmed Wan’er, may I be condemned to the eighteenth level of hell after death, never to be reborn!”

When Qin Ying’s consciousness returned, the scene before her was this. She was somewhat dazed, yet the name “Lu Roujia” struck a chord of familiarity. At that moment, a beautiful woman in a purple dress leaned toward her, her eyes slightly red as she said, “Yingying, who would have thought that Miss Lu, who seemed so delicate and timid, would cruelly kill Wan’er over her marriage to Marquis Changqing’s Heir—”

Hearing this, Qin Ying froze as if struck by lightning. She had transmigrated into a book!

This plot was unmistakably from an old melodramatic novel she had read. The female lead was the woman kneeling in the hall, Lu Roujia. After marrying the male lead, who harbored feelings for another, she endured both emotional and physical torment. Only after her tragic death did the male lead realize he loved her.

Shortly after the story began, Lu Roujia became entangled in a murder case. A scheming antagonist seized the opportunity to frame her as the culprit, leading to her family’s downfall and her imprisonment, where she suffered relentless torment.

In the original novel, Qin Ying was precisely that scheming antagonist.

Qin Ying felt her vision darken. She had initially read the book simply because one of the supporting characters shared her name, only to find that this character was not only malicious but also a mere pawn in the plot. Instead, the female lead, Lu Roujia, was gentle and kind, stirring her emotions and drawing many tears. Now, as fate toyed with her, she had transmigrated into the one role she despised the most!

In truth, Qin Ying’s background in the novel is enviable. Her father is the Marquis of Lin’an, and her mother is Princess Yichuan. At birth, she is granted the title of County Princess Yunyang and is dearly loved by the Empress Dowager. Except for the unfortunate early deaths of her mother and elder brother, her life has been smooth and privileged. However, things changed when she became utterly infatuated with the male lead, Cui Muzhi. She devoted herself to winning Cui Muzhi’s affection, making a fool of herself repeatedly. After rejecting several marriage proposals, she fell from being the admired County Princess Yunyang to becoming the laughingstock of the capital—a woman unable to secure a husband. The pain of unrequited love twisted her mindset, driving her to ruin the female lead, leading to her family’s downfall and imprisonment. She even attempted to take the female lead’s life. In a critical moment, Cui Muzhi uncovered the truth, dramatically saving the female lead and ending Qin Ying’s life in one swift strike.

What a melodramatic and absurd twist of fate!

In her past life, Qin Ying was a criminal investigator who died in the line of duty during an explosion. The heavens granted her a second chance at life but with such an unfortunate role.

In the original story, Qin Ying was killed, with Cui Muzhi fabricating her death as an accident. After that, no one pursued the truth behind Cui Wan’s murder. Her death was hastily concluded as a drowning accident, while the true culprit remained at large. But what if she uncovered the real murderer now? How would the story change?

Qin Ying’s eyes lit up. The script might be terrible, but solving cases? That was her expertise!

With the memories of her current self, Qin Ying carefully pieced together everything that had happened that night.

Today was Cui Wan’s nineteenth birthday, the eldest daughter of Earl Zhongyuan’s household. All the guests arrived as invited, enjoying a lively banquet until the afternoon. Since it happened to be the Autumn Festival, Cui Wan kept around ten close friends for a nighttime garden stroll and Qiqiao festivities. Yet no one expected that halfway through the outing, while everyone was scattering to release river lanterns, Cui Wan’s lifeless body would be discovered in the lotus pavilion at the northwestern corner of Yingyue Lake. Even more tragic was that in just ten days, she was supposed to be married.

The shocking event struck like lightning. Earl Zhongyuan’s wife, Madam Lin, fainted on the spot, while the guests were horrified beyond words. Amidst the brief chaos, Earl Zhongyuan, Cui Jin, reported the case and gathered all the guests into the Zhaomu Pavilion to wait.

Given that a murder had occurred within the Earl’s residence, not only did the capital magistrates arrive swiftly, but even the elite Longyi Guards—directly commanded by the Emperor to handle criminal investigations—dispatched more than twenty men. The evidence that led to Lu Roujia being suspected? A silk handkerchief found near Cui Wan’s corpse.

No matter how desperately Lu Roujia swore her innocence, Earl Zhongyuan remained unmoved. He looked at her coldly. “During the evening stroll, all the servants stayed behind at the back garden’s hanging flower gate. In this vast garden, only the ten or so guests were present. Among them, you were the only one who had any previous discord with Wan’er. A month ago, when news spread that the Lu family would be joining in marriage with the Marquis of Changqing’s household, Wan’er believed that the Lu family’s status was too low. She even told the Marquis and his wife that you were unworthy of Muzhi, leaving you deeply embarrassed. Is that true or not?”

“In ten days, she was set to marry Prince Huainan’s Heir, a union that everyone admired. Meanwhile, your marriage with Muzhi remained uncertain. You know how much Muzhi’s mother adored her—were you afraid she would interfere in your marriage?”

Cui Jin spoke sorrowfully, “The guests tonight are all close family friends. In the past, Wan’er never had any serious conflicts with anyone, not even petty quarrels. You, however, only started associating with her last month. Aside from you, I cannot think of anyone who would harm her so cruelly.”

After Cui Jin finished speaking, Zhao Lian, the head constable of the Capital Magistrate’s Office, added, “You insist that you never went to the lotus pavilion, yet your silk handkerchief was found right next to Miss Cui’s body. During the garden stroll, you left the group alone, claiming you went to the Moon Gazing Terrace, yet there is no witness to confirm this. How do you plan to defend yourself now?”

Lu Roujia was choked with sobs, unable to respond. She shifted her gaze toward the man standing beside Cui Jin. He had sharp, stoic features and a tall, commanding presence—despite his youth, an air of authority surrounded him. With a voice full of anguish, she pleaded, “Heir, it truly wasn’t me. I never resented Wan’er.”

Seeing this unfold, Qin Ying furrowed her brows. The person Lu Roujia was now seeking help from was none other than the original male lead—Marquis Changqing’s Heir, Cui Muzhi. The deceased Cui Wan was his cousin from the same ancestral family. After the incident, Cui Muzhi was the only guest who was never suspected and even assisted in handling the aftermath. However, Lu Roujia was likely unaware that Cui Muzhi would never come to her aid.

The Lu family had been imperial physicians for generations. In the past, Lu Roujia’s grandfather had saved Cui Muzhi’s father. To repay the kindness, the two families verbally agreed on an arranged marriage between their children. However, more than a decade passed, and the Cui family never mentioned it again. Later, the Cui family gained significant military power, making Emperor Zhenyuan wary of them. When it came time for Cui Muzhi to marry, in order to show loyalty, the Cui family refrained from forming an alliance with influential families. It was only then that they remembered the arranged marriage.

Cui Muzhi didn’t like Lu Roujia, which was bad enough, but he also had an ideal match—a woman of equal status whom he secretly admired. As he was now being forced into marriage, all his frustration was directed at Lu Roujia, making this the time he resented her the most.

Sure enough, Cui Muzhi asked indifferently, “How do you explain the handkerchief?”

Lu Roujia felt like she had fallen into an icy abyss, her eyes filling with tears instantly.

Qin Ying felt a chill in her heart.

In the original story, seeing Cui Muzhi completely distrust her, Lu Roujia had once been so disheartened that she considered breaking off the engagement. However, Cui Muzhi refused to let go of a marriage that carried the noble reputation of repaying a kindness. After saving her, he avenged her by killing the original villain, subtly signaling that she held a place in his heart. This was what ultimately drove her into the abyss without hesitation.

Cui Muzhi’s character? Calling him just a “scumbag” would be putting it lightly.

Seeing that Lu Roujia could not “argue her way out,” Zhao Lian glanced across the crowd toward the tall, striking figure by the western window. That man was Envoy Xie from Longyi Guards. Yet, despite their presence, it was clear that today, the Longyi Guards were merely here to make an appearance. They had been at the Earl Mansion for fifteen minutes already, and this Envoy Xie had remained uninvolved, not bothering to ask a single question about the case.

Recalling the rumors circulating about Xie Qin over the past six months, Zhao Lian dared not provoke him. Instead, he turned and said, “Lord Earl, Young Master, since Miss Lu is the prime suspect and night has already fallen, perhaps it would be best if I took her back to the yamen for questioning.”

Cui Jin’s expression darkened as he nodded in agreement.

Without hesitation, Zhao Lian declared, “Miss Lu, the evidence is irrefutable. Come with us to the yamen.”

Lu Roujia’s face instantly turned pale. Being taken to the yamen meant imprisonment. She did not hold a high status, and if the blame was forced onto her, she would be utterly unable to defend herself. She looked at Cui Muzhi, only to meet his indifferent gaze. Then, turning to the others, she saw the clear divide between them and herself. Her tears flowed uncontrollably. Just as fear and despair consumed her, unsure of where to seek help, a clear and resonant voice rang out—”Wait!”

The fifty or so people in the pavilion were momentarily unable to determine where the voice had come from. When Qin Ying stood up, the crowd finally saw that it was her, and in an instant, their expressions became a mix of surprise and intrigue.

“It’s County Princess Yunyang!”

“What is she going to do? Earlier today, she almost slapped Lu Roujia…”

“Wan’er didn’t keep her in the afternoon, but she refused to leave. Now, she must be putting on a show again to attract the attention of the Heir Apparent of the Cui family. She might even be planning to make up for that missed slap.”

The entire capital knew that Qin Ying liked Cui Muzhi. Her bold gestures of affection had long been looked down upon by noblewomen. Ever since news spread that the Lu family was going to marry into the Changqing Marquis Mansion, she had repeatedly made things difficult for Lu Roujia. At present, Lu Roujia was widely suspected to be the one responsible for Cui Wan’s death—could it be that Qin Ying intended to punish Lu Roujia now in order to win Cui Muzhi’s favor?

Watching Qin Ying approach, Lu Roujia shrank her shoulders in panic. Meanwhile, Cui Muzhi, who had overheard the conversation, showed a look of disgust, as if even mentioning his name alongside Qin Ying’s was an insult.

Today, Qin Ying was dressed in a long, flowing robe of pink color, intricately embroidered and resplendent in its beauty. Her jet-black hair was like clouds adorned with dazzling hairpins. Step by step, she walked toward Lu Roujia, her gaze resolute and her expression dignified. Instead of being overshadowed by her extravagant attire, she exuded a refined and proud elegance. The onlookers found the scene somewhat strange, but they couldn’t pinpoint why.

As Qin Ying drew closer, Zhao Lian hesitated and asked, “What is the County Princess planning to do?”

Qin Ying paid him no mind and went straight to Lu Roujia’s side. Under everyone’s watchful eyes, she reached out her hand toward Lu Roujia’s cheek. The crowd assumed she was truly about to slap her, and even Cui Muzhi thought the same, preparing to speak up and intervene. But in the next moment, his eyebrows lifted in surprise—

Qin Ying gently brushed her fingertips across Lu Roujia’s face, softly wiping away the tears on her cheek. “Don’t be afraid.”

The crowd collectively gasped. Even Lu Roujia herself was stunned. But before she could react, Qin Ying firmly grasped her arm, half-supporting and half-lifting her up. “This is not the proper way to investigate a case. Don’t worry—I won’t let you be wrongly accused while I am here.”

Lu Roujia felt as if she were dreaming. However, Qin Ying’s hand was warm and firm, and her tone was sincere. Even though Lu Roujia couldn’t believe it, she instinctively felt more aggrieved—after all, Qin Ying was the only one who believed her!

Seeing her tears falling without end, Qin Ying sighed, took out her silk handkerchief, and handed it to Lu Roujia. There was a touch of regret in her expression. At this moment, Lu Roujia was still too innocent and kind. Kindness was precious, but it shouldn’t be left to the kindhearted alone to protect. She turned around and positioned herself before Lu Roujia, blocking everyone’s gaze. Then, looking at Zhao Lian and Cui Jin, she said, “A silk handkerchief cannot be considered solid evidence. Tonight, I saw her heading toward the Moon Gazing Terrace.”

This whole scene was too novel, and Zhao Lian responded playfully, “County Princess, even if she did go to the Moon Gazing Terrace, it doesn’t mean she spent the entire night there. Besides, that place is separated from Lotus Pavilion by more than half of Yingyue Lake—it takes at least fifteen minutes to walk there. She wasn’t at Lotus Pavilion, yet her silk handkerchief ended up there. Are we supposed to believe the handkerchief grew wings and flew over by itself?”

Qin Ying was unsurprised by his attitude.

In the original text, Qin Ying indeed saw Lu Roujia go to the Moon Gazing Terrace, but she did not testify on her behalf. Moreover, between the two judicial offices involved, the Longyi Guards merely went through the motions and ended up handing the case over to the Capital Magistrate Office.

Captain Zhao Lian was a bully who preyed on the weak. Seeing that the suspect, Lu Roujia, was easy to manipulate and that Cui Muzhi didn’t support her, he became all the more determined to frame her as the murderer. Later, the original protagonist easily bribed him, and as a result, Zhao Lian subjected Lu Roujia to severe punishment and even forged a confession document. When Lord Zhongyuan heard of it, he submitted a petition to Emperor Zhenyuan, and the very next day, the Lu family was raided.

Although the original protagonist was the main culprit, Zhao Lian was also a corrupt and lawless official.

Zhao Lian’s words elicited several scoffs from the onlookers. In the hall, everyone’s gaze was fixed on Qin Ying, waiting for her to make a fool of herself as she usually did while trying to impress Cui Muzhi.

Then, Qin Ying’s voice rang out clearly: “A silk handkerchief wouldn’t be carried so far by the wind, nor would it grow wings and fly over on its own. However, it could have been carried by the lake’s current—”

Zhao Lian was startled, his playful demeanor vanishing instantly. But he had no idea that Qin Ying’s next words would shock everyone even more!

She said, “Yingyue Lake is fed by running water flowing east to west. Not only could the silk handkerchief be carried away, but fallen flowers, leaves, and branches could also drift along with the current—so could Cui Wan’s body.”

“Therefore, the handkerchief is far from being solid evidence, and Lotus Pavilion is likely not the primary crime scene. Others’ alibi for Lotus Pavilion proves nothing. Everyone present, including myself, remains a suspect.”

The hall fell into a profound silence that even a falling needle could be heard.

Zhao Lian had always regarded Qin Ying’s reputation with little concern—despite outwardly showing respect, he had never taken her seriously. But now, her sharp reasoning stunned him. After a brief hesitation, he turned to Cui Jin for confirmation. “Lord Earl, is Yingyue Lake truly fed by running water?”

Cui Jin, snapping out of his surprise, nodded. “That’s indeed the case…”

Zhao Lian attempted to salvage his position, but Qin Ying, with an almost amused expression, remarked, “As the head constable, you haven’t even confirmed the primary crime scene yet, and you hastily accused Miss Lu as the prime suspect. Is it because she lacks powerful backing that you’re eager to frame her, hoping to close the case swiftly and claim credit?”

In front of Zhongyuan Earl, Zhao Lian panicked on the spot. “I only wanted to quickly find the culprit who harmed Miss Cui, so that her unjust fate could be redressed. Just now… Just now, I was reckless. Please forgive me, County Princess.”

Qin Ying stepped aside. “Who should you be asking for forgiveness from?”

Zhao Lian understood her meaning. He gritted his teeth, bowed his hands in salute to Lu Roujia, and said, “Miss Lu, please forgive me. I sincerely apologize.”

Watching Zhao Lian’s flushed and embarrassed expression, Lu Roujia finally felt a sense of vindication. Her tear-streaked face turned toward Qin Ying, and at that moment, she thought Qin Ying’s already stunning features seemed to glow. “County Princess…”

She wanted to express her gratitude, but Qin Ying merely patted the back of her hand reassuringly. Qin Ying felt deep pity and sympathy for Lu Roujia’s fate, yet at the moment, there was something far more urgent than rescuing a tragic heroine.

She turned to Zhao Lian and asked, “Captain Zhao, since you sincerely wish to find the culprit, has the cause of Wan’er’s death been determined?”

“The cause of death?” Zhao Lian was momentarily stunned. “County Princess, do you believe Miss Cui did not die from drowning?”

Qin Ying held all the memories of the original owner of her body, and when she spoke, an air of ancient cadence naturally emerged. “Tonight’s moonlit gathering—everyone first paid homage to the moon in the plum grove. Later, though they all left, they only remained by the lakeside to release river lanterns. During that time, no one heard a cry for help. This suggests that she was most likely attacked first, lost consciousness, and then fell into the water.”

After a slight pause, Qin Ying recalled another detail. “Moreover, she was the first to leave the plum grove tonight. Aside from the river lanterns, she also prepared a sky lantern to make a wish to the Weaver Goddess. At that moment, she was supposed to take her maid with her to the front courtyard to retrieve the sky lantern.”

The direction of the case had shifted. The young woman in the purple robe who had spoken with Qin Ying earlier stood up—her name was Fu Ling, the second daughter of the Minister of Ceremonies. She said, “That’s right. From that moment on, we never saw her again. We waited for a while, and then each took a river lantern to release. Almost a hundred lanterns had been set afloat, and yet she never returned.”

Following her statement, Miss Zhao Yumian from the Weiyuan Marquis household added, “That’s correct. We spent half an hour releasing river lanterns and even visited several scenic spots along the lakeside. When I reached the Lotus Pavilion, that’s when I discovered her…”

Zhao Yumian had been the first to find the body, and she was still visibly shaken.

Qin Ying deliberated for a moment. “There was nearly an hour in between. Retrieving a sky lantern wouldn’t take that long. We must question her maid and find out where she went after fetching the lantern. The location she visited afterward is likely the true crime scene.”

As the County Princess, Qin Ying carried an undeniable air of authority. Even though Zhao Lian was tall and imposing, he felt dwarfed by her presence. He stammered his assent and quickly ordered the constables to run the errand.

As soon as the constable left, the entire Zhaomu Pavilion fell into sudden silence. Everyone watched Qin Ying with uncertain and questioning gazes. Clearly, they realized that she had changed. By the western window, the figure that had remained detached from the scene finally turned, their deep gaze settling on her.