Chapter 16

When Qin Ying left Xiao’s residence, it was already late in the hour of You (5–7 PM). As the setting sun sank in the west, she had no choice but to try her luck at the Earl Zhongyuan’s residence.

Upon arriving at the residence, dusk had fallen, and mourning banners hung high on the gates, casting a solemn and sorrowful atmosphere over the entire residence. After expressing her intention to meet the Earl, the servants led her to the main courtyard. Just as she reached the courtyard entrance, she halted, startled by the sound of shouting.

“You foolish woman! Rumors spread everywhere—how long do you plan to deceive yourself? With Xue Ming committing such disgraceful acts, how can I swallow my anger?!”

“If the Earl cannot endure it, then go cause trouble at the Xue family! When that happens, I’ll throw myself against Wan’er’s spirit tablet to join her in death! Not only is she lonely in the underworld, but now she also has to bear such slander…”

Cui Jin stood outside the doorway, while Madam Lin, pale and sickly, stood inside. The husband and wife were at each other’s throats, their hostility causing the household servants in the courtyard to freeze in fear. Even the young servant leading the way hadn’t anticipated such a scene. He hastily announced, “Earl, County Princess Yunyang has arrived.”

Cui Jin quickly suppressed his anger and asked, “County Princess, why have you come at this hour?”

Qin Ying glanced into the house and said, “I came to ask the Earl: the artificial mountain involved in Wan’er’s accident was crafted by the renowned artisan Huang Ting. Do you know where this artificial mountain was originally intended to be constructed?”

Cui Jin looked confused. “The artificial mountain was built in our estate from the start. How could it have been meant for another location?”

Hearing this, Qin Ying realized her trip was in vain. She shook her head and said, “It’s all right. If the Marquis doesn’t know, then never mind. You just mentioned Xue Ming earlier—what is that about?”

This question hit a sore spot. Cui Jin immediately responded, “County Princess must have heard by now, right? The rumors are everywhere, claiming that Xue Ming killed Wan’er and that Xue Ming committed suicide out of guilt. What utter nonsense! No wonder the Xue family didn’t dare send anyone to pay their respects—they’re clearly guilty! I want to go to the Xue residence to demand an explanation, but she won’t allow me!”

Cui Jin was seething with anger, his whiskers practically quivering. Seeing Qin Ying’s arrival, Madam Lin, who looked pale and sickly, held back her temper and remained silent.

Qin Ying said, “Xue Ming did not commit suicide out of guilt; he was murdered. Furthermore, the so-called suicide note contains some other statements. It would be wise for you to wait until the case is fully investigated before making any conclusions.”

Cui Jin snorted coldly and said, “I know. They’re saying Wan’er and Xue Ming had an affair! What a ridiculous claim. How could that be possible? Wan’er had been engaged to the Prince’s residence long ago. How could she have an improper relationship with another man? Is the Cui family’s moral code merely for show? Unlike the Xue family, who constantly flaunt their righteousness but have produced such a criminal!”

Cui Jin fumed with anger, and Qin Ying found it difficult to calm him down. At that moment, Madam Lin, inside the room, suddenly seemed unsteady, alarming the maids and servants nearby, who cried out, “Madam, Madam!” Startled, Cui Jin hurried into the room to check on her.

Witnessing the scene, Qin Ying comforted Madam Lin with a few words before taking her leave.

As she stepped out of the estate gates, Qin Ying turned to Xie Jian and asked, “How did the contents of the suicide note end up spreading?”

Xie Jian replied with confusion, “The Xue residence initially controlled the news very well. After that, only the Longyi Guards were aware of it. Logically, it shouldn’t have leaked, yet even the Earl has heard about it.”

Night had fallen, and Qin Ying raised her gaze to the ink-like sky. “If Cui Jin stirs up chaos, the situation will only grow more complicated, hindering the investigation. The spread of Xue Ming’s name as the murderer is exactly what the real culprit wanted.”

Xie Jian’s eyes widened in realization. “The murderer spread the rumors?”

Qin Ying nodded and then instructed, “There are two tasks for now: First, check if any court officials once worked alongside Huang Ting and are still residing in the capital. Second, investigate the origin of the rumors circulating among the public.”

Xie Jian responded, “I’ll first escort you back to the Marquis’ residence.”

Qin Ying hadn’t expected Xie Jian’s monitoring to be so dutiful. Seeing his insistence, she had no choice but to board the carriage and return home. Once she entered the gates of the Marquis’ residence, Xie Jian finally led his men away.

Qin Ying stared in the direction where he had left, lost in thought. Standing beside her, Bai Yuan remarked, “Xie Jian doesn’t seem to be monitoring us—he seems more like he’s protecting you.” When she finished her sentence, Bai Yuan gasped in alarm, “Could it be that Envoy Xie fancies your family background?”

The comment left Qin Ying both amused and exasperated. She shook her head and said, “Even if he had ambitions for the throne, he would have no interest in my family background.”

No one understood better than she how cold and detached Xie Xinglan was. Depending on women was a means he despised most.

Qin Ying then reported the day’s lack of progress to Qin Zhang.

Upon hearing it, Qin Zhang was somewhat disappointed but urged her not to lose hope. He assured her that he would continue to help her gather information. Qin Ying was naturally grateful and only returned to Qingwu Courtyard after having dinner with him.

As soon as she entered, Bai Yuan brought up some gossip she had heard at Xiao’s residence. “I never imagined Du Ziqin could be so shameless. I’ve heard plenty of rumors that Miss Fu wanted to curry favor with Marquis Dingbei’s residence and even gave Du Ziqin a keepsake that belonged to her late mother. Du Ziqin then told people how deeply Miss Fu loved him. But it turns out the truth is that Miss Fu was unjustly wronged.”

Qin Ying frowned. “Du Ziqin used Miss Fu’s late mother’s keepsake to tarnish her reputation?”

Bai Yuan nodded. “It seemed to be some kind of jade pendant. When the rumors spread widely, Miss Fu angrily confronted Du Ziqin to demand it back. She claimed the pendant had been lost, accused Du Ziqin of finding it and refusing to return it, and further condemned him for making up stories to slander her name. But Du Ziqin insisted that she had sent someone to deliver it to him and even made crude remarks about her pretending to be virtuous. Unable to bear such humiliation, Miss Fu attempted to jump from a building to prove her innocence…”

“It was late June during the Hairpin Banquet, with many attendees. While the young masters and ladies likely refrained from careless chatter, their servants and maids loved to gossip the most. Although everyone knew Du Ziqin had a poor character, the story of him losing Miss Fu’s late mother’s keepsake sounded like an excuse. So, some spoke against Du Ziqin, but others criticized Miss Fu. Eventually, after Miss Fu returned to her family’s ancestral home, the rumors gradually died down.”

Qin Ying felt a chill in her heart. “These rumors mean nothing to Du Ziqin but are deadly to Fu Zhen. Throughout history, people have preferred to attach accusations of impropriety to women, while men’s wrongdoings are often deliberately overlooked.”

Bai Yuan nodded repeatedly. “Exactly, exactly! By the end, the blame was almost entirely placed on Miss Fu.”

Qin Ying sighed deeply, recalling what she had heard at Earl Zhongyuan’s residence earlier. Madam Lin’s refusal to let Cui Jin create a scene at the Xue residence was also to preserve Cui Wan’s reputation—she would rather die than allow the situation to escalate.

Cui Wan’s death was pitiful, and the broken trail of clues left Qin Ying increasingly anxious. While changing her clothes, she suddenly noticed the banquet guest list she had obtained from Wu Shuyue two days ago. She had already reviewed it twice, recognizing most of the twenty or so names on the list. However, upon seeing one particular name again, she suddenly froze.

Alarmed, Bai Yuan asked, “County Princess, what’s the matter?”

Qin Ying snapped out of her thoughts, shaking her head as she put away the list. She then turned her gaze to the vast darkness of the night outside the window and murmured, “I wonder if Xie Xinglan will be able to return to the city tonight.”

When Xie Xinglan returned to the General’s Mansion, it was already past midnight. Xie Jian, who had received the news, rushed back as well, only to have Xie Xinglan frown upon seeing him. “Didn’t I instruct you to stay at the Linchuan Marquis’ residence?”

Xie Jian quickly replied, “Rest assured, I only left after safely escorting the County Princess back to the Marquis’ residence. You wouldn’t believe it—today, while accompanying the County Princess to Assistant Minister Xiao’s residence, we actually ran into Du Ziqin—”

Xie Jian animatedly recounted how Qin Ying had subdued Du Ziqin and his mother. After listening, Xie Xinglan’s gaze deepened. “She’s quite sharp. Why was Du Ziqin at Xiao’s residence?”

Xie Jian responded, “The Dingbei Marquis’s residence is seeking a marriage alliance with the Xiao family. Moreover, today, Miss Xiao mentioned that the eldest daughter of the Fu family, who was sent back to her ancestral home, was actually wronged by Du Ziqin…”

Xie Jian repeated Xiao Fulian’s words, and Xie Xinglan’s expression turned cold.

“We really went too easy on him!” Xie Jian added that before recounting Qin Ying’s visit to Earl Zhongyuan’s residence and everything that had happened there, “The County Princess wanted us to locate former officials of the Ministry of Works, but I haven’t found them yet. We also haven’t discovered the source of the rumors—it’s quite strange.”

Xie Xinglan paused in thought. “Finding former officials of the Ministry of Works isn’t difficult. Tomorrow, I’ll pay a visit to an old acquaintance.”

Xie Jian was delighted and quickly asked, “During this trip out of the city, did you find the person?”

Xie Xinglan nodded and replied, “Four years ago, Madam Lin and Cui Wan most likely went to Quzhou. I’ve already sent people to Quzhou to investigate. If everything goes smoothly, we should have news within five days.”

---

The next morning, Qin Ying had just gotten up when Shen Luo came to report that Xie Jian was waiting outside the estate.

Qin Ying felt a headache coming on. She didn’t believe that Xie Jian had uncovered anything overnight; his presence this early was undoubtedly due to Xie Xinglan’s orders. After freshening up, she headed straight to the gate. Seeing Xie Jian from afar, she remarked, “It seems your master’s position as Envoy is at risk, yet you’re here so early to keep an eye on me!”

Xie Jian laughed as though he found her irritation amusing.

Qin Ying frowned in confusion. As she walked a few steps closer, she suddenly froze, realizing why Xie Jian’s laughter carried deeper meaning. It was then she noticed a carriage parked beside him, and Xie Xinglan, dressed in a dark silver-cloud patterned robe, standing like a steadfast pine tree in the morning light.

Xie Xinglan narrowed his eyes slightly. “What’s at risk?”

Qin Ying coughed lightly and composed herself, walking forward with feigned confidence. “Today marks the fifth day since the Emperor issued his decree. With no progress on the case, what’s at risk? Now that you’re back in the city, did you uncover anything during your trip?”

Xie Xinglan tilted his chin slightly and said, “Get on, and I’ll explain.”

Qin Ying halted. “Where to?”

Xie Xinglan, brimming with confidence, looked at her and said, “To find the former officials of the Ministry of Works who once collaborated with Huang Ting.”

Qin Ying immediately understood that Xie Xinglan was already aware of yesterday’s events. She promptly ordered Shen Luo to mount his horse and follow while she nimbly climbed into the carriage. Xie Xinglan followed her in, and once the wheels began to roll, he started speaking in a calm voice.

“I found the coachman who was driven away by Madam Lin four years ago. After leaving the city, they sent the coachman back. Upon their return, the coachman noticed that the four carriages were all semi-new, unlike those that had traveled long distances for half a year. Later, he tried to question another coachman about where they had been, but the man evaded his questions. It wasn’t until he discovered a talisman on the man that he learned it was from the Three Saints Temple in Quzhou.”

Qin Ying frowned, “Quzhou? Quzhou is to the southwest of the capital—it only takes three days to get there, or two if traveling overnight. Sanqing Mountain, however, is to the east, entirely opposite the route to Quzhou. I’ve never even heard of the Three Saints Temple in Quzhou. If Madam Lin and Cui Wan went to Sanqing Mountain, why would they visit an obscure temple like the Three Saints Temple?”

Xie Xinglan nodded. “That’s why they didn’t go to Sanqing Mountain—they went to Quzhou.”

Qin Ying couldn’t help but sit upright. “If it was Quzhou, why didn’t they return for half a year? Were they in Quzhou for medical treatment during those six months?”

Xie Xinglan said, “Madam Lin has some properties in Quzhou. Although four years have passed, if they truly stayed in Quzhou for half a year, it would be impossible to erase all traces. I’ve already sent people to investigate Quzhou, and there should be news within three to five days.”

Qin Ying finally felt reassured. She lifted the curtain to look at the street scenery outside and saw the carriage heading east. After the time it takes to burn two sticks of incense, they entered Xing’an District, passed through two long streets, and stopped in front of a residence with a plaque that read “Cheng Estate.”

Xie Xinglan stepped out of the carriage and said, “Here we are—”

Qin Ying was curious about which family this belonged to. Today, Xie Xinglan wasn’t dressed in his official uniform, nor had he arranged for her to use the Marquis’ estate carriage, seemingly trying not to disturb the host. Once she exited the carriage, she saw a gentle, elegant woman open the door.

“I knew it was you.”

Xie Xinglan smiled faintly and said, “Aunt Cheng, sorry for today’s disturbance.”

Madam Cheng laughed softly, “It’s no disturbance at all. My father is in good spirits today. You came at just the right time to keep him company.”

As she finished speaking, Madam Cheng noticed Qin Ying standing behind Xie Xinglan. She was momentarily stunned, appearing pleasantly surprised. “And this is…?”

“This is County Princess Yunyang. We have some matters to discuss with Mr. Cheng.”

Madam Cheng’s smile grew a bit fainter. “Oh, County Princess, please come in—”

Qin Ying followed Xie Xinglan into the courtyard while the others stayed outside. The residence had two wings and was clean and elegant, with lush greenery and flowering plants. Two bird cages hung under the eaves, each containing chirping green finches.

Madam Cheng led the way, and before long, they arrived at the warm western annex. “Father, Xinglan has come to see you.”

In the warm chamber, lying on the couch near the window, was an elderly man with white hair and beard. Hearing the sound, he squinted toward the door, but his poor eyesight prevented him from seeing clearly even after a while. He murmured vaguely, “Xinglan, is that you?”

Xie Xinglan approached the couch and sat down, greeting the old man gently. His demeanor was composed, showing no trace of his usual rebelliousness.

Qin Ying entered and stood still, glancing at the elderly man on the couch. She noticed that he had difficulty moving his legs. Beside him were two open books, which Madam Cheng promptly picked up upon noticing. “Your eyesight is getting worse. I’ve told you not to read so much, but you never listen.”

Cheng Yunqiu chuckled and said, “If I can’t read, I’d truly be nothing but a useless old man.”

After speaking, his blurry gaze fell on Xie Xinglan. “You’ve come just in time. I wrote a memorial essay for your father a couple of days ago. Take it with you later and burn it for him.”

His gaze swept over to Qin Ying, but as his vision wasn’t clear, he mistook her for one of Xie Xinglan’s attendants. Thus, he added, “Have you gotten into trouble recently? Your father was my best student, but you are so disappointing! Though I suppose I can blame your adoptive father for that…”

Xie Xinglan couldn’t help but laugh. “Rest assured, I’ve been diligently doing my duty and behaving quite well.”

Hearing this, Qin Ying raised an eyebrow in quiet disapproval. Madam Cheng chuckled softly, “Father, Xinglan has some questions for you.”

Cheng Yunqiu ceased his admonishments. Xie Xinglan got straight to the point, asking, “When you worked at the Ministry of Works, did you collaborate with the renowned artisan Huang Ting?”

Cheng Yunqiu was slightly surprised. “Why ask about this?”

“For a case. Do you remember the artificial mountain Huang Ting provided to Earl Zhongyuan’s residence? Where was it originally meant to be constructed?”

Cheng Yunqiu furrowed his brows tightly. “You mean the artificial mountain with winding pathways inside and a pavilion named Woyun Pavilion on top?”

Xie Xinglan, seeing that he remembered clearly, quickly confirmed. Cheng Yunqiu pondered momentarily and said, “If I recall correctly, that artificial mountain was supposed to be built by the Taiye Pool behind the Sifang Hall. However, Huang Ting’s design was too intricate and took up a lot of space, so the project was never completed.”

Xie Xinglan’s thoughts stirred. “Sifang Hall is a place for hosting foreign envoys. Was it constructed jointly by the Ministry of Works, Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Ceremonies? If Huang Ting’s draft still exists, would it be in the Ministry of Ceremonies?”

Cheng Yunqiu nodded. “The Ministry of Works, the Ministry Rites and Ministry of Ceremonies. As for where the draft might be, I’m not sure.”

Although Cheng Yunqiu couldn’t provide a definitive answer, this information was sufficient. Xie Xinglan turned to Qin Ying, whose eyes sparkled brightly. Cheng Yunqiu, clearly uninterested in worldly affairs, instructed Madam Cheng, “Go and fetch the memorial essay for him.”

Madam Cheng smiled as she went to retrieve it. A moment later, she returned and handed it to Xie Xinglan, who thanked her and tucked it into his chest, appearing solemn yet obedient. Since Cheng Yunqiu’s eyesight was poor, he didn’t inquire further and dismissed them after a few words.

As Xie Xinglan bid farewell and left, Madam Cheng said to Qin Ying, “My father’s eyesight is severe, and his temper isn’t great. Please don’t mind him, County Princess.”

Qin Ying couldn’t help but ask, “What kind of eye condition is it?”

“The doctor examined him but couldn’t identify the condition, saying only that it’s due to old age—his eyesight has severely blurred. Other than advising him to stop reading all day, nothing else can be done.”

Qin Ying’s thoughts stirred—wasn’t this just presbyopia? Lost in contemplation, she exited the estate.

Xie Xinglan’s previously polite demeanor immediately cooled. He said, “Mr. Cheng used to work at the Ministry of Works, where he reached the position of Assistant Minister. Later, while overseeing river embankment construction in Mianzhou, he suffered a leg injury and retired from his post.”

Qin Ying remarked, “Since Mr. Cheng pointed us in the right direction, the next steps are yours.”

Xie Xinglan nodded. “The Ministry of Ceremonies.”

Upon hearing this, Xie Xinglan and Qin Ying felt a sinking sensation in their hearts. They boarded the carriage, and after some hesitation, Qin Ying said, “If the drawings are in the Ministry of Ceremonies, then Fu Ling becomes highly suspicious. However, she has no connection to Cui Wan or Xue Ming, nor does she have any motive. On the night Xue Ming was murdered, Fu Ling returned home visibly shaken, and the servants in her estate attended to her for half the night.”

Xie Xinglan thought for a moment. “Let’s locate the drawings before concluding.” With that, he recalled Cheng Yunqiu’s instructions, lifted the curtain, and ordered Xie Jian, “When we pass through the East Market later, buy some offerings to bring back to the residence.”

Xie Jian responded affirmatively from outside. The group retraced their route, and upon reaching the East Market, Xie Jian rode swiftly to a nearby funeral shop. In the carriage, Qin Ying discreetly observed Xie Xinglan.

Xie Xinglan’s father, Xie Zhengyu, had been a double-ranking scholar 22 years ago. He joined the Hanlin Academy as an editor and earned the favor of the late Emperor. When Emperor Zhenyuan ascended the throne, Xie Zhengyu was also entrusted with significant roles, working in both the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Works. However, in the early autumn of Zhenyuan’s seventh year, Xie Zhengyu suddenly resigned and returned to his hometown. On his journey back to Jiangzhou via the waterways, a shipwreck occurred, drowning over twenty people, including Xie Zhengyu and his wife. Eight-year-old Xie Xinglan was the sole survivor.

The prominent young master, Xie Xinglan, became an orphan overnight. As a young boy, he brought the remains of his parents and servants back to his family estate in Jiangzhou. It wasn’t until two years later, when Xie Zhengze adopted him, that he returned to the capital. By then, his circumstances had drastically changed.

Xie Xinglan maintained a calm expression, showing no trace of sorrow. When he noticed Qin Ying staring at him, he lifted his eyelids and asked coldly, “Do I have flowers on my face?”

Qin Ying refused to back down and responded, “No flowers, but very handsome.”

With his usual cold demeanor, Xie Xinglan was nearly thrown off by her bold remark. He looked at Qin Ying in disbelief, wondering how a young lady could be so shamelessly audacious. At that moment, Xie Jian returned and reported from outside the carriage, “Master, County Princess, I just saw a familiar face—”

Xie Xinglan pulled the curtain; his face darkened. Xie Jian said in confusion, “I saw a maid who seemed familiar, as though I’d seen her at some household in recent days. She was also buying offerings, but she left first and didn’t see me.”

Instinctively, Xie Xinglan turned to look at Qin Ying, who was also looking at him. Their gazes met, and both found the situation peculiar.

The Earl Zhongyuan’s and Xue’s residences were far from the East Market, so it made no sense for anyone from those households to travel there to purchase offerings. This raised the question—whose maid could that have been? And who might she be going to pay respects to?