Chapter 12

Midway through the hour of Chen (7-9 am), the sky had just begun to brighten. Above the azure expanse, layers of clouds stretched endlessly. At the far eastern horizon, a single ray of golden sunlight broke through the clouds, casting warm orange light onto Xie Xinglan. The sunlight reflected on the golden Xiezhi pattern of his official robe, making it shimmer brilliantly. He sat high on horseback, but his gaze was fixed on the entrance of an alley not far away. Beside him, Xie Jian couldn’t help but ask, “Lord, the Wu family is not like the others. There’s actually no need for you to come in person. Besides, we’ve been here for half a quarter of an hour. Who are you waiting for?”

This place was Mao’er Alley in Changxing Ward. Not far from them was the residence of Wu Mingxiang, the commander of the patrol battalion. Last night, they visited the Fu, Zhao, and Jian families but did not inquire about Wu Shuyue. Therefore, early this morning, Xie Xinglan personally came here. He did not immediately answer. A few moments later, he withdrew his gaze and urged his horse forward, saying calmly, “Let’s enter the residence.”

Xie Jian followed, puzzled, but just then, his gaze toward the alley entrance paused. On the empty long street, an unexpectedly familiar carriage rumbled forward. As it approached, a refined figure stepped out from beneath the curtains.

“Envoy Xie, what a coincidence—”

Qin Ying was dressed today in a light blue embroidered orchid-patterned ruqun. Her complexion was like spring snow, her eyes akin to heavenly stars, resembling a resilient yet elegant willow. No longer was there even a trace of her previous dazzling extravagance.

Based on last night’s paperwork, Xie Xinglan meticulously investigated Qin Ying’s preferred attire. At this moment, he couldn’t help but study her twice. Qin Ying slightly tugged at her lips and said, “I was worried that Envoy Xie would be ahead of me. I didn’t expect to meet you here.”

Xie Xinglan pursed his lips and remained silent. Beside him, Xie Jian’s expression turned peculiar—this wasn’t mere coincidence. Clearly, his Lord had calculated her arrival and deliberately waited for her. But why was his Lord waiting for this county princess?

Xie Jian’s conflicted and baffled look caught Qin Ying’s attention. She assumed it was related to the case, and her expression became solemn as she said, “When I returned to the manor last night, I, too, couldn’t make sense of the case. I wonder if Miss Wu might know something.”

Xie Xinglan had already ordered someone to knock on the door. Seeing that it was the County Princess Yunyang and officials from the Jinwu Guards, the doorkeeper promptly went inside to inform the household. Shortly after, they were invited into the main hall and seated.

Madam Wu and Wu Shuyue arrived quickly. After serving tea, Wu Shuyue furrowed her brows and said, “I knew the Jinwu Guards would come, but I expected you to arrive yesterday. I also heard that Xue Ming had met with trouble.”

She looked suspiciously at Qin Ying and continued, “My wedding is scheduled for next month. I was planning to congratulate Wan’er on her marriage first, but I didn’t anticipate such a series of unfortunate events. Please, feel free to ask whatever you need.”

As Wu Shuyue’s marriage approached, Madam Wu looked visibly tense and evidently worried about her daughter being implicated. Observing this, Xie Xinglan suggested that Madam Wu excuse herself for now. Once she had left, Xie Xinglan asked, “Did you leave your residence after returning home the night before last?”

Wu Shuyue answered calmly, “Of course not. After returning home that night, I discussed the matters concerning the Earl’s residence with my parents. We lamented for quite a while before retiring to bed.”

Her expression was composed and neither servile nor overbearing, giving Xie Xinglan no room to discern any flaws. He continued to ask, “Do you know if there was anything peculiar about Cui Wan’s illness? Although Cui Jin claimed Cui Wan never had conflicts with others, her temperament might be better understood by outsiders like you.”

Without hesitation, Wu Shuyue replied, “Her illness suddenly appeared over four years ago. Before that, I never knew she had asthma. I wouldn’t call it peculiar, just unexpected. Later, she spent over a year in treatment and recovery, so we didn’t see each other often. When we started meeting more frequently, she had already recovered well. As for her temperament—”

At this point, she glanced at Qin Ying and said, “Those born into noble families always carry a certain innate sense of superiority. They believe they handle everything perfectly, yet they are accustomed to being the center of attention, occasionally trampling on others’ pride without much concern. However, to say she had enmity with others—there’s not much to speak of.”

Her words were tactful, yet her general assessment of Cui Wan was lukewarm. That glance at Qin Ying was an unmistakable critique. At this moment, Xie Xinglan unreservedly asked, “Then, do you know if there was any connection between her and Xue Ming?”

At this moment, Wu Shuyue pursed her lips and remained silent.

A shadow flickered in the eyes of both Qin Ying and Xie Xinglan. Xie Xinglan said, “It seems like you know something. Now that the two of them have been murdered, your testimony could very well help us find the perpetrator, which would also be for their sake.”

Wu Shuyue hesitated and replied, “I fear that their spirits in heaven might not see it that way.”

What she said further convinced Xie Xinglan that she knew something. Xie Xinglan said, “You don’t need to have any concerns. The Longyi Guards will not make your testimony public. Before Xue Ming’s death, he left a suicide note mentioning his past relationship with Cui Wan. Now, we are simply conducting a thorough investigation to see if this relationship truly existed and whether their deaths were connected to it.”

Wu Shuyue was startled. “He left a suicide note mentioning this?”

Xie Xinglan nodded.

Wu Shuyue deliberated for a moment before making up her mind. “If that’s the case, then there’s nothing I can’t say. I used to be a student of the Xue family’s Master along with her. Back then, at the Xue residence, she was very close to Xue Ming. At the time, I thought they were childhood sweethearts and might make a great couple in the future. But unexpectedly, Wan’er first got engaged to Prince Huaiyang’s heir.”

“They were just close at that time. But as for anything unusual, I never witnessed anything. However, two and a half years ago, during a ship banquet, I witnessed something odd…”

Wu Shuyue fell into deep thought and said, “It was at Lingyan Lake, located east of the city, during the banquet hosted by Princess Chaohua. Around twenty sons and daughters from noble and official families in the city were invited. The ship had three levels, and I felt a bit dizzy from drinking too much, so I went to the stern of the top level to catch some fresh air. But before I reached the railing, I heard two people speaking downstairs. They were suppressing their voices, yet I instantly knew it was Wan’er and Xue Ming.”

“Wan’er said she had waited long enough. Xue Ming replied that he was working towards earning his academic title for Wan’er’s sake and mentioned that the Prince of Huaiyang’s residence couldn’t wait that long, urging Wan’er to rest assured.”

Wu Shuyue continued bitterly, “Not to eavesdrop intentionally, but Wan’er was whispering angrily. I realized something was wrong and didn’t want to get caught up in the drama, so I left immediately. Before leaving, I overheard Wan’er saying Xue Ming didn’t understand what she had sacrificed…”

“After that incident, I kept this secret and told no one. Wan’er was engaged to the Prince of Huaiyang’s heir. The Xue family, being generations of scholars, couldn’t compare to royalty. I knew this matter would never see the light of day and that their relationship was doomed. Later, when Wan’er’s wedding date was set, I assumed they had given up on their relationship and even felt relieved for them.”

Xie Xinglan said, “So Xue Ming’s intention at the time was that he would earn an academic title for Cui Wan and, if successful, take this engagement from the Prince of Huaiyang’s residence before their wedding?”

Wu Shuyue nodded and then smiled bitterly. “He thought too simplistically. Not to mention that he failed to earn the title, but even if he had, how could he make Prince Huaiyang’s residence break off the engagement? I guess Wan’er’s feigned illness was an attempt to delay the marriage until the Prince’s family lost interest, but unexpectedly, they just waited.”

“Wan’er grew up pampered and loved. She probably never thought there was anything she couldn’t have or anyone she couldn’t win over. But what she didn’t consider was the price she would pay if this matter became widely known. I had hoped that once she was married, everything would be resolved. But as the wedding date approached, she died…”

After listening for a while, Qin Ying couldn’t help but ask, “Aside from you, who else knows about their past relationship?”

Wu Shuyue shook her head. “I don’t know. I only stumbled upon that incident once. At other gatherings, whether banquets or palace events, they would interact politely and cautiously, likely afraid of anyone discovering their secret.”

Qin Ying thought of the tragic fate of Fu Ling’s sister, Fu Zhen. Fu Zhen had not even been engaged, yet her end was so miserable due to a single token and some rumors. Now that Cui Wan’s wedding date was approaching, if this private affair were to become known, her reputation would be utterly destroyed. At that point, could Xue Ming still fulfill his promise to marry her?

Qin Ying pondered for a moment. “Can you write down the list of guests who attended the banquet on the ship that day?”

Wu Shuyue replied, “It’s been so long, I can’t remember clearly. I’ll write down as many names as I can recall.”

Wu Shuyue’s testimony finally brought progress to the case. After leaving the Wu family, Qin Ying immediately said, “This can help us find Xue Ming’s motive for harming Cui Wan. Cui Wan did not want to marry Prince Huaiyang’s heir. Perhaps she pressured Xue Ming harshly, and Xue Ming, fearing exposure, took drastic action to kill her. As for the person who harmed Xue Ming, it is most likely someone who knew the truth and used this matter to lure Xue Ming to Qingyang Temple.”

Xie Xinglan responded, “Last night, an investigation was conducted on Lin Qian and Cui Muzhi. Their actions that night were not suspicious, and there’s no evidence suggesting they had any grievances with Xue Ming. The motive behind Xue Ming’s murder remains unclear, and as for the snow lotus herb, we haven’t yet found any trace of Xue Ming purchasing the poison.”

Qin Ying nodded. “The matter of the poison must be thoroughly investigated. As for the rest, we should at least question Jian Fangfei and Zhao Yumian. Yesterday, Fu Ling also mentioned that they had a closer relationship with Cui Wan.”

She glanced at the midday sun and said, “How about I visit Earl Weiyuan’s residence? Envoy Xie, you can take your men to the Jian family to avoid wasting time going back and forth.”

Qin Ying thought splitting up would be the fastest approach. However, Xie Xinglan said, “It is the Jinwu Guards and the Longyi Guards investigating this case. On what grounds would the county princess go to Earl Weiyuan’s residence?”

Qin Ying wanted to argue, but Xie Xinglan had already spurred his horse forward. “If you still want to investigate this case, you should follow along obediently.”

Qin Ying let out a soft hiss, biting her lip as she watched Xie Xinglan’s retreating figure.

The carriage rolled through the bustling town’s intricately carved and painted streets and arrived at Earl Weiyuan’s residence. By now, almost half an hour had passed. This time, there was no obstruction from the butler, and after the gatekeeper reported their arrival, they were led straight into the mansion.

Although they were invited inside, it was not to the guest reception area. They followed a narrow path, which became increasingly secluded as they went along. Before long, they came upon a lush grove of green bamboo. From beyond the bamboo forest came the “da-da” sound of horse hooves, faintly suggesting someone was riding.

Peering through gaps in the trees, Qin Ying saw several blurred figures. Noticing Xie Xinglan’s slightly grim expression, Qin Ying, standing to his rear left, asked, “What is this—”

Before she could finish saying “place,” she suddenly caught sight of Xie Xinglan’s face changing drastically. In the next moment, he stepped forward to shield her, and with a swoosh of wind, Xie Xinglan swiftly raised his sword scabbard. With a sharp “ding,” a razor-sharp long sword fell onto the path before them.

The arrowhead flew through the bamboo forest, cutting through the air. Qin Ying barely had time to react—if Xie Xinglan hadn’t acted, the arrow would have grazed his shoulder and shot rapidly toward her. A cold sweat belatedly formed on her palm.

Just then, a man and a horse emerged from the bamboo path. It was none other than Zhao Wangshu, dressed in martial robes. He held a long bow in his hand, with a quiver full of identical arrows hanging next to his horse’s head. It was clear that the arrow just now had come from him!

“Zhao Wangshu—” Xie Xinglan’s tone was grim, laced with a biting fury.

Zhao Wangshu snorted lightly from his horse and said, “Rest assured, I have good aim. I wouldn’t let you die in my mansion.”

Xie Xinglan’s expression didn’t soften in the slightest. “You can hurt me—that’s fine. But you nearly hurt her!”

He stepped aside, allowing Zhao Wangshu to see Qin Ying more clearly. Her delicate brows were furrowed. Today, her green dress blended perfectly with the bamboo; only now did Zhao Wangshu realize he hadn’t seen her properly earlier.

Zhao Wangshu’s back went cold, and he quickly jumped off his horse. “County Princess Yunyang? I truly didn’t see you.”

Nearly causing a fatal incident, Zhao Wangshu’s arrogance vanished completely. He had only intended to teach Xie Xinglan a lesson. Hurting Qin Ying would be disastrous, and even injuring Xie Xinglan himself would have been troublesome.

With lingering fear, Qin Ying couldn’t help but mock, “I never expected the young lord of the Zhao family, after honing his archery and equestrian skills in the Shence Army, to enjoy turning his arrowheads on his peers.”

Zhao Wangshu’s face turned alternating shades of pale and livid. Hurting anyone else might be manageable, but this County Princess Yunyang was the Empress Dowager’s favorite. She was a person who could cause a scene regardless of the circumstances, and now that she’d been frightened, there was no way she’d let it slide easily.

He quickly said, “It’s indeed my fault, and I offer my apologies.”

Qin Ying exhaled deeply, her expression still sour, and said, “Forget it. We came here today to find Yumian. There are matters regarding Wan’er’s case that we need to discuss with her.”

Zhao Wangshu hadn’t expected her to forgive him so easily. After being momentarily stunned, he responded, “She’s here. Miss Jian from the Jian family is visiting her. They’re speaking in the northern flower hall—I’ll lead the way.”

Upon hearing that Jian Fangfei was also present, Qin Ying felt that it was quite a coincidence. Zhao Wangshu had already walked away, but Xie Xinglan’s grim expression had yet to fade as he continued to stare at her. Qin Ying raised her eyebrow questioningly, and Xie Xinglan slowly lowered the sword he had been holding at his side.

Only then did Qin Ying realize that ever since he shielded her from the arrow, he had held his unsheathed sword tightly as if ready to confront Zhao Wangshu at any moment.

Seeing her surprise, Xie Xinglan suppressed his emotions and turned away. After taking just two steps, he spoke in a displeased tone, “You’d better keep up with me!”