Chapter 11

As night fell, Qin Ying followed Xie Xinglan back to Earl Zhongyuan’s residence.

Earl Zhongyuan, Cui Jin, had already learned about Xue Ming’s misfortune. In his uncertainty, he was still unaware of what was written in the final letter. Upon seeing Xie Xinglan, he immediately asked whether Xue Ming’s death was related to the case of Cui Wan.

Xie Xinglan naturally had nothing to disclose and only asked to see Concubine Zhang by name.

When Concubine Zhang arrived at the main hall, her eyes were still red. After saluting, she looked at Cui Jin with resentment, hesitating to speak. Xie Xinglan glanced at them and said, “Lord Earl, please step aside for a moment. There are matters that Concubine Zhang may not dare to speak of in your presence.”

Cui Jin frowned and said, “Is there anything I’m not allowed to hear?”

Xie Xinglan, with an expressionless face, replied, “There are surely many matters within the inner courtyard that the Lord is unaware of.”

Cui Jin hesitated for a moment, gave Concubine Zhang a warning look, and then left. Xie Xinglan ordered the imperial guards to stand outside the door before asking, “At this moment, you are not crying for Cui Wan. Could it be that something happened to Cui Han?”

Concubine Zhang initially looked timid, but upon mentioning Cui Han, she couldn’t help but say, “Sir, please understand, in this world, where would you find someone forcing a three-year-old child to kneel in the mourning hall?”

Xie Xinglan remained cold and distant, while Qin Ying stepped forward and gently asked, “Did the madam make Cui Han pay respects to Cui Wan?”

Concubine Zhang looked at her, full of grievances. “It wasn’t just paying respects. She made Han’er kneel in the young lady’s mourning hall for nearly an hour before I found out. They are siblings of the same generation, not like nephews bowing to elders. Why would she mistreat Han’er like this?”

“A three-year-old child still understands nothing. Whatever the madam says, he believes, yet he does not realize that only his birth mother loves him the most. Unfortunately, ever since I gave birth to him, the days he has spent by my side over these three years could be counted on one hand.”

As Concubine Zhang spoke, she grew more sorrowful. “When I was pregnant with him, it was so difficult that I nearly lost my own life. Yet, in the end, I gave birth to a son for someone else. Now, whenever he sees me, he is afraid. Surely, it is because others have influenced him…”

Concubine Zhang clearly had nowhere else to voice her grievances. Before her stood an esteemed Jinwu Guard and County Princess Yunyang—she needed to express her troubles properly. However, halfway through her words, she suddenly recalled Cui Jin’s parting glance and quickly stopped speaking, merely wiping away her tears.

Qin Ying sighed and said, “Matters within the household are not ours to interfere with. But no matter what, a biological mother and her child share a bond different from that of others. Perhaps when the young master grows older, he will appreciate his birth mother’s kindness. Today, however, we have come to ask about matters related to Cui Wan—

Concubine Zhang raised her eyes suspiciously.

Qin Ying said, “We heard that during an argument in the manor, you claimed that Cui Wan’s illness was fake. Is that true?”

Concubine Zhang’s eyelids twitched. “I… I never said that…”

Qin Ying smiled faintly, but her tone hardened. “We have found witnesses who personally heard it. You may feel that it’s not your place to reveal such matters, but Cui Wan was harmed by villains. In comparison, even if she was pretending to be ill, does it really matter? Do you understand what is truly important here?”

Concubine Zhang tightly twisted her handkerchief, hesitating for a moment before replying in a low voice, “I said she was faking her illness, but it wasn’t a baseless claim. Two or three years ago, her condition was indeed serious. However, one of my maids noticed she frequently poured her medicine away. Not only that, she never replaced it with a new prescription. Despite this, she continued to tell others that her health was improving day by day.”

“How could that be possible? I started to suspect that she was pretending to be sick, though I didn’t understand why. If she hadn’t been ill, she should have married by now. Then, seeing the frequent visits of young men and women to the manor, I wondered if there was something she was trying to hide.”

Concubine Zhang’s face turned pale. “A woman’s reputation is of utmost importance. I never intended to slander her, but I was resentful of the madam’s tyranny, refusing to let me see Han’er. That being the case, I rarely spoke of it, but I never expected anyone to remember…”

Concubine Zhang’s motives carried a hint of malice, and now, realizing she was in the wrong, she dared not look at Qin Ying. At this moment, Xie Xinglan asked, “Tell us about the events before and after the madam and Cui Wan went to Sanqing Mountain four years ago.”

The moonlight outside was like flowing water. Concubine Zhang wiped the corners of her eyes and recalled, “At that time, the young lady’s marriage had already been arranged for half a year. I was also pregnant, but my health was poor, and my morning sickness was severe, so I remained indoors to care for my pregnancy. Then, one day, I heard someone say that the young lady had fainted while out playing. She was sent back to the manor, and after examination, it was found that her illness was severe and difficult to treat. Because of this, the madam flew into a rage, and the Lord was also deeply frustrated. Back then, the young lady was fifteen, and soon, after the new year, she would turn sixteen and be ready to set a wedding date…”

“A couple of days later, the madam said she would take the young lady to Sanqing Mountain. No matter what, she couldn’t just watch her being worn down by illness. The Lord had no objections. After preparing for another three to five days, they set off and were gone for over five months.”

“They left in the summer and didn’t return until just before the new year. By then, I was about to give birth. I wasn’t sure if the young lady had recovered, but when I stepped out after my confinement, I noticed she had lost a lot of weight and was still taking medicine daily. I also heard that she had received a divination in Sanqing Mountain, which stated that she must not marry before she turned nineteen. The Lord and the Prince of Huaiyang believed it, so her wedding was scheduled for this year.”

Qin Ying frowned. “If she lost so much weight in a short period, she must have been ill—but not necessarily with asthma.”

Concubine Zhang nodded. “Yes, the young lady used to have a fuller figure, but after her trip to Sanqing Mountain, she became so thin she looked like a completely different person. At that time, she was truly taking medicine. I only started suspecting something was wrong about a year later.”

The more Qin Ying and Xie Xinglan listened, the stranger it sounded. If Cui Wan had indeed been sick, but Madam Lin had covered it up by claiming it was asthma, then perhaps her illness was something far more unspeakable. But what kind of disease could a young girl have that needed to be concealed?

Xie Xinglan asked again, “Do you know where her original maid was sold?”

Concubine Zhang shook her head. “I don’t know. Not long after the young lady returned to the manor, the madam got rid of everyone around her. She was known for doting on the young lady, but at that time, her methods were ruthless—even the two maids who had served her since childhood were sold.”

Xie Xinglan pondered for a moment before dismissing Concubine Zhang. Once she left, Qin Ying spoke softly. “Cui Wan’s illness seems suspicious. If we could find the imperial physician who treated her then or locate those two maids, we might get some answers.”

Xie Xinglan had the same thought. “I’ll send someone to investigate. It’s getting late—you should head home.”

With that, Xie Xinglan bid farewell to Cui Jin and left Earl Zhongyuan’s residence. Qin Ying followed him out. “So, where are you going now?”

Xie Xinglan had already mounted his horse. Under the cold moonlight, his already solemn expression appeared even more forbidding. He looked down and said, “I’m heading back to the yamen. Are you coming along?”

Qin Ying gave a dry laugh. “That won’t be necessary. But this case still has no leads, so we’ll have to continue tomorrow—”

Xie Xinglan’s eyes darkened slightly. He left behind a curt “Suit yourself” before whipping his horse and riding away. Qin Ying watched his retreating figure, her eyebrows furrowing tightly. How did someone so young end up with such a temper?

She got into her carriage and headed back to the manor. Along the way, Bai Yuan kept fretting over Qin Ying’s exhaustion from the day’s work. But Qin Ying thought there was still much to be done—so in the end, she was the one comforting Bai Yuan instead. When she arrived at the marquis’ estate, Qin Zhang was already waiting for her to dine together. During the meal, he listened as she recounted her visit to the Fu family to question Fu Ling and sighed.

“Fu Ling is truly a pitiful child. After you all left today, her stepmother likely gave her a hard time.”

Qin Ying asked, “Was it because the yamen officials visited, making it an unpleasant sight?”

Qin Zhang nodded. “Her stepmother is harsh and unkind to both sisters. You might not remember what happened to her elder sister…”

Qin Ying had no recollection. Seeing her confusion, Qin Zhang explained, “Her elder sister, Fu Zhen, is three years older than her. Two years ago, she had an affair, and when it was discovered, she was immediately sent back to the Fu family’s ancestral home, where they quickly arranged a marriage for her.”

“An affair?” Qin Ying was startled. “With whom?”

Qin Zhang coughed lightly. As an elder, speaking about such romantic matters among the younger generation made him feel somewhat improper. But seeing Qin Ying’s clear and inquisitive gaze fixed on him, he had no choice but to answer, “There were rumors circulating that she was involved with Du Ziqin, the young master of Marquis Dingbei’s household. It was said that they secretly exchanged affection, and he even gave her a personal gift. That might have been acceptable, since the Fu and Du families were a reasonable match. However, Du Ziqin allowed the gift to be seen by others, sparking a wave of gossip. The Fu family never received a marriage proposal from the Du family, and instead, they sent Fu Zhen straight back to her ancestral home.”

Qin Ying frowned deeply. “Do we know whom she ended up marrying?”

Qin Zhang shook his head. “She was sent back to the ancestral home and married quietly. There was no wedding banquet in the capital, no invitations—so it’s safe to assume she married some wealthy landowner or gentry from the old hometown.”

She was a good young woman, yet because she exchanged a keepsake with someone she cared for, she ended up in such a fate. Qin Ying couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow. From what she had observed today, whether it was Second Master Xue or Madam Fu, they all placed the family’s reputation above everything else. Even Cui Wan’s case was likely shrouded in lies for the sake of appearances.

With that thought, Qin Ying ladled a bowl of soup for Qin Zhang. “Other girls suffer so much over a mere token of affection, yet no matter how recklessly I’ve behaved in the past, you have never blamed me. I’ve truly made you worry.”

Qin Zhang was deeply moved by her words. He quickly accepted the bowl, gazing at her affectionately. “How could I ever blame you? From the moment you were born, all I have ever wished for is your happiness. Besides, I know—you simply haven’t grown up yet. One day, you will understand what is truly worth doing…”

Looking at the familiar and affectionate face before her, Qin Ying felt an indescribable mix of emotions. According to the original story, she was supposed to “accidentally” die soon. But now, with the original owner replaced by her, no matter what path she chose, Qin Zhang would never be able to accept it.

Qin Ying served Qin Zhang more food and said, “Father, rest assured. I am slowly beginning to understand now.”

The father and daughter enjoyed their dinner harmoniously. After the meal, Qin Zhang kept Shen Luo behind for questioning. When Shen Luo finished speaking with a strangely hesitant expression, Qin Zhang exclaimed in surprise, “She followed Xie Xinglan around all day and didn’t utter a single complaint about being tired?”

Shen Luo nodded emphatically. “Not only did she never complain, but the County Princess was even more agile than I was!”

Qin Zhang was shocked. “Not even the slightest thought of giving up?”

Shen Luo shook his head.

Qin Zhang asked again, “Did she find anything?”

Shen Luo shook his head once more. Hearing this, Qin Zhang let out a long sigh of relief. “Good, as expected of my daughter. That puts my mind at ease. Let’s observe for another two days—if she finds nothing, she won’t be able to keep this up for long. Investigating a case is too exhausting. Why go to such lengths for Cui Muzhi…”

Qin Zhang leisurely rose and returned to his chambers, never noticing Shen Luo’s hesitant expression.

…

At the general’s residence, Xie Jian was reporting, “I led my men to question the households of Marquis Changqing, Marquis Pingchang, and the Lin family. The testimonies of their servants and nearby neighbors all match—they did not leave their homes last night. I also inquired with the physician frequently employed by Earl Weiyuan’s residence. He stated that he entered the manor around midnight last night to treat Miss Zhao, who was severely frightened. He prescribed a calming remedy and advised her to rest for two or three days.”

Xie Xinglan sat behind the lacquered desk in silence. Xie Jian said, “It seems that no one is lying, which makes this all the more strange. Cui Wan and Xue Ming both come from noble families—who would dare to harm them?”

Xie Xinglan shook his head. “The culprit must be lying. We just haven’t found the flaw yet.”

Xie Jian hesitated for a moment. “This morning, His Majesty issued a decree, and now Xue Ming is dead as well, making this case even weightier. When you led your men to the Earl’s residence that night, you initially only planned to observe. Given the current circumstances, would you say this has turned into a bad situation?”

Xie Xinglan lifted his chin slightly. “Naturally not.”

Xie Jian couldn’t help but mutter, “If this case is solved, it still won’t erase the times you angered His Majesty. A murder case is far more serious than a court investigation. If you had taken men to thoroughly investigate the corruption scandal in Wenzhou’s imperial examinations, you could have implicated quite a few officials. That would’ve earned you more credit. You’re becoming harder and harder for your subordinates to understand.”

As Xie Xinglan listened to his words, a rare trace of melancholy appeared on his refined features. No one understood better than him what investigating the Wenzhou corruption case could yield, but only he knew the disastrous fate that awaited him if he followed that path.

Xie Xinglan remained silent. At that moment, a knock sounded from outside.

“Young Master, Xie Yong has returned!”

“Let him in—”

The door swung open, and another trusted aide, Xie Yong, entered. He clasped his hands in greeting before presenting several pages of documents. “Lord, I have investigated everything you asked me to look into—all the details are clear now.”

Xie Xinglan took the documents and read them as Xie Yong continued his report. “The County Princess Yunyang was born on the ninth day of the second lunar month in the third year of Zhenyuan. She is seventeen years old. Her mother and elder brother perished in the plague during the Fengzhou uprising. For years, she has relied solely on the Marquis of Linchuan. Two years ago, she became infatuated with the heir of Marquis Changqing. At that time, the heir had just returned from military service, and it is said she fell for him at first sight while watching an archery and horsemanship competition at the imperial training grounds.”

“She requested a marriage arrangement from the Empress Dowager twice. The second time, the Empress Dowager was about to issue the decree, but His Majesty intervened. It is said that Concubine Cui was the one who obstructed it. Over the past two years, she has acted recklessly, constantly trying to win favor with Cui Muzhi. She has also harassed any woman who was close to Cui Muzhi. According to your orders, I focused on investigating Lu Roujia. Since the news of the impending marriage alliance between the Lu and Cui families broke a month ago, County Princess Yunyang met Lu Roujia four times. Each time, she mocked and ridiculed Lu Roujia. On the day of Cui Wan’s birthday banquet, she nearly got into a physical altercation, but somehow, later that night, she ended up helping Lu Roujia.”

Xie Xinglan watched and listened, “She rejected three marriage proposals because of Cui Muzhi?”

“That’s right. The heir of Prince Xuanping, Li Yunqi; the heir of Earl Yongchuan, Liu Siqing; and the son of the Deputy Minister of Works, Xiao Houbai. The Empress Dowager saw that she remained deeply attached to Cui Muzhi and wanted to grant her a marriage.”

With a loud “snap,” Xie Xinglan closed the document. He pinched his brow, unable to believe that he was about to protect such a woman. Yet, besides her, he couldn’t find another person who might have altered Xue Ming’s fate.

Xie Jian was amazed. “Last night, when you returned to the manor, you summoned Xie Yong—just to have him investigate County Princess Yunyang? Over the past six months, Xie Yong has examined the backgrounds of many people. What exactly are you searching for?”

Xie Xinglan placed the document into the drawer, which was already overflowing with similar records. Closing the drawer, he spoke calmly, “The Longyi Guard serves as His Majesty’s eyes and ears. Naturally, the more we know, the better.”

Xie Jian remained skeptical, but Xie Xinglan had already risen to return to his room. As he walked, he said, “There are nine days left until His Majesty’s deadline. Make sure the people below stay alert—this case must be handled flawlessly.”

Xie Jian and Xie Yong acknowledged his order. After Xie Xinglan left, Xie Jian turned to Xie Yong and asked, “What do you think is going on with our Lord?”

Xie Yong, who was usually stern-faced and quiet, simply shook his head. It was clear that he didn’t understand either.

Xie Jian sighed. “Do you remember? On the night of the seventh day of the first lunar month, he suddenly had a violent outburst. After that, his temperament changed completely. For the past five years, he had been extremely cautious, enduring all injustices without complaint. Just as the situation was improving, in the past six months, he has shattered all the balance he painstakingly maintained through patience and restraint. Now, he’s making enemies on all sides—how can he continue to rise in status?”

Xie Jian pursed his lips, somewhat resentful, and said, “He had let go of several good opportunities, and others have taken credit for the achievements. When he returned to the office in the evening and ran into Han Qi and the others, they were all extremely smug, yet he didn’t care in the slightest…”

Past midnight, Xie Xinglan finally rested. He fell into a difficult sleep, but as soon as he drifted off, the familiar nightmare arrived as expected.

In the dream, the cold wind howled fiercely. His black robe was soaked in blood as he struggled into the deep forest. With every step he took, the arrows embedded in his flesh twisted and drew more blood. The blood dripped steadily from the hem of his robe onto the snow-covered ground. Behind him, torches formed a long, dragon-like line, encircling him. He had nowhere left to run.

Suddenly, another volley of arrows rained down from above. Pain shot through his calf and back, and he was flung forward like a kite with a broken string. His grip on his sword loosened, and he no longer had the strength to crawl forward. Blood gushed from his mouth as he lay face down in the dirt, his face smeared with blood and filth. Overwhelmed by hatred and humiliation, he fell silent, like a piece of mud trampled underfoot.

Xie Xinglan jolted awake with a start. Cold sweat covered his forehead, and his bloodshot eyes stared wide as he gasped for breath. Gritting his teeth, he thought fiercely: If it truly is Qin Ying, no matter what, he must protect her at all costs!