Chapter 17

After a brief pause, Xie Xinglan said, “Send someone to investigate and inquire about which family’s anniversary of the deceased is approaching. The nearest ones to the East Market should be the Earl Weiyuan’s and the Jian families’ residences. Start with these two.”

Xie Jian acknowledged the command. Xie Xinglan then turned to Qin Ying and said, “For now, I will personally investigate the remaining matters after ensuring you are returned to the residence.”

Qin Ying nodded in agreement but said little. Her silent demeanor exuded a heavy-hearted aura. Xie Xinglan furrowed his brows slightly and said, “Until the case is solved, you’d best remain in the Marquis’s residence.”

Qin Ying glanced at him indifferently without replying. Xie Xinglan’s expression darkened slightly, and he said no more.

By the time they returned to the Marquis’s residence, the sun was already setting in the west. Qin Ying dismounted the carriage and entered through the gate. Looking back, she noticed that while Xie Xinglan had left in his carriage, he had left Xie Jian behind. Xie Jian stood there with a cheerful smile, leaving Qin Ying with no choice but to let him follow her.

Entering the front yard, Qin Zhang naturally asked where she had been. Qin Ying explained, “Xie Xinglan took me to visit an elderly gentleman. Do you know of a former Ministry of Works Assistant Minister who retired after suffering a leg injury?”

Qin Zhang was slightly surprised. “Cheng Yunqiu?”

Qin Ying nodded. “It should be him. He was the teacher of Xie Xinglan’s biological father.”

Qin Zhang suddenly understood: “No wonder. Xie Xinglan’s father was quite renowned back in the day. Although they were all from the Jiangzhou Xie clan, Xie Zhengze had a bad reputation, so people often said that Xie Zhengyu’s branch would uphold the family’s honor. But unexpectedly, Xie Zhengyu suddenly resigned from his post and returned to his hometown, only to meet such a tragedy. What a pity for this child, Xie Xinglan.”

Although Qin Ying was aware of parts of the story, the vibrant world before her had long diverged from the original narrative. In the original tale, secondary characters were either wholly good or entirely evil, their lives and deaths serving merely as a backdrop to the protagonists. However, in this Great Zhou dynasty, the myriad lives had their own fates and encounters. They didn’t need the strokes of anyone’s pen; they had their own joys and sorrows in the vast and bustling world.

At this moment, Qin Ying grew curious about Xie Xinglan’s biological father. “Since this Xie Zhengyu was so talented, why did he suddenly resign from his post?”

Qin Zhang seemed to fall into recollection, then shook his head after a moment. “That remains unknown. At the time, although Xie Zhengyu and Xie Zhengze both belonged to the same Xie clan, their ideologies differed, and they often clashed in court. Later, due to some matter, Xie Zhengyu was reprimanded by His Majesty, while Xie Zhengze remained favored by the Emperor. It’s likely that Xie Zhengyu’s scholarly pride was too unyielding, and he resigned in a fit of indignation.”

Qin Ying sighed at the thought. Scholars valued their integrity above all, and Xie Zhengyu himself could not have foreseen the shipwreck that befell him.

Qin Zhang then asked, “What did Cheng Yunqiu say? If I recall correctly, Huang Ting was also there when he was at the Ministry of Works.”

Qin Ying steadied herself and said, “He mentioned that the artificial mountain at Earl Zhongyuan’s residence was originally intended to be constructed by the Taiye Pool behind the Sifang Hall. However, the space was too small, and the mountain was never built. The Sifang Hall was jointly constructed by the Ministry of Works, Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Ceremonies at that time. If the original blueprints still exist, they might be in the possession of either the Ministry of Rites or the Ministry of Ceremonies. Xie Xinglan will lead the investigation.”

Qin Zhang suddenly remembered and said, “Ah, yes! When Huang Ting was building the Sifang Hall, the Taiye Pool had already been completed. He probably intended to add some garden features by the pool, but the space was simply too small.”

Qin Ying nodded in agreement, “The Longyi Guards are handling the investigation. Father, you don’t need to trouble yourself.”

Qin Zhang smiled and nodded, “That’s good. It’s time for me to focus on spiritual cultivation. Tomorrow morning, I’ll head out of the city to meet Master Zhang and discuss Taoism. I’ll bring back a peace talisman for you.”

Qin Ying naturally agreed. Having lived a life of wealth and leisure, Qin Zhang now sought to nurture his body and spirit, prolonging his life. Once Qin Zhang went to the scripture hall in the backyard, Qin Ying returned to Qingwu Courtyard.

Although the clues provided by Cheng Yunqiu were still inconclusive, a shadow of unease loomed over Qin Ying’s mind. She took out the list given to her by Wu Shuyue and studied it carefully. Soon, she instructed Shen Luo, “Run to the Wu’s mansion and deliver an invitation to Miss Wu. Inform her that I’d like to invite her to Lingyan Lake for a visit tomorrow afternoon at 2:30.”

Shen Luo and the other two were startled, and Xie Jian couldn’t help but exclaim, “County Mistress, how can you still think about visiting the lake?”

Qin Ying did not answer but handed the invitation to Shen Luo, who quickly delivered it.

Half an hour later, Shen Luo returned with a reply from Wu Shuyue, “Miss Wu has agreed to meet you at Lingyan Lake tomorrow afternoon at 2:30.”

Qin Ying felt reassured and, seeing the evening was approaching, said to Xie Jian, “You might as well return to assist your master in investigating the case and come back tomorrow morning. I truly won’t leave the residence from now on. If your master receives any news, you can update me tomorrow.”

Xie Jian scratched his head. “I could leave, but I’m afraid the master would blame me.”

Qin Ying smirked slightly. “I’m in my own residence. What is there for you to watch over? What could he possibly blame you for?”

After shadowing Qin Ying for two days, Xie Jian felt that she was quite different from the rumors and realized that the County Mistress was not someone to be trifled with. He chuckled nervously and said, “Understood. I’ll be waiting at the gate for you at dawn tomorrow, County Mistress. Please don’t mislead me.”

Qin Ying waved him off helplessly, and Xie Jian finally hurried away.

Bai Yuan, puzzled, asked Qin Ying, “County Mistress, are you really planning to visit the lake tomorrow?”

Qin Ying looked out the window and said, “Yes, autumn is fast approaching, and the best scenery at Lingyan Lake will soon pass. Isn’t it a pity not to go now?”

Bai Yuan was half-convinced, but this fit Qin Ying’s character perfectly. She cheerfully said, “We truly haven’t been to Lingyan Lake in quite a while. I’ll go prepare your outfit for tomorrow!”

Bai Yuan eagerly anticipated the outing, but to her surprise, the next morning, light rain began to drizzle outside—the first rain of late summer and early autumn, bringing a cool, refreshing feeling. Bai Yuan hurried to prepare a cloak for Qin Ying, while Xie Jian, as promised, was already waiting outside the residence gate bright and early.

Qin Zhang had left the city early to discuss Taoism with Master Zhang. While having breakfast, Qin Ying asked Xie Jian, “Does your master have any updates?”

Xie Jian replied, “Yesterday, the master visited the Ministry of Rites but couldn’t find the blueprints there. Today, he’s heading to the Ministry of Ceremonies. If things go smoothly, he should have good news by evening.”

Qin Ying nodded. “Today is the sixth day.”

Xie Jian smiled and said, “You’re more anxious than my master!”

Qin Ying was understandably anxious. She couldn’t recall when the original owner’s “incident” had occurred. Now that Lu Roujia was completely unrelated to the case and Cui Muzhi had no reason to kill her, she still couldn’t shake off the uncertainty. Only by solving the case could she truly be at ease.

After breakfast, the rain continued drizzling, and the sky remained gray and gloomy, unlikely to clear up. Qin Ying worried that Wu Shuyue might fail to show up. When mid-morning arrived, she took her entourage and headed to Lingyan Lake.

Lingyan Lake, located in the southeast of the capital, was known as the most picturesque spot in the city. During spring and summer, the lakeside was shaded with willows and adorned with vibrant flowers. Everyone, from royalty and nobles to common folk, enjoyed visiting the lake to appreciate its beauty.

On this day, however, with the arrival of autumn rain, it was inconvenient to travel. The crowds on Imperial Street had thinned significantly, let alone anyone willing to spend half an hour traveling to Lingyan Lake. When Qin Ying arrived at the lakeside by carriage, she noticed no boats on the lake. The hazy drizzle resembled a soft veil, lightly covering the emerald waters and the ships.

Suddenly, a carriage stopped at the dock caught Qin Ying’s attention. She instructed Shen Luo to drive closer. As they approached, she saw Wu Shuyue sitting inside the carriage, lifting the curtain to look at her. “County Princess, you’ve arrived—”

Qin Ying responded and got out of the carriage with her umbrella. Seeing this, Wu Shuyue also stepped out. Qin Ying wasted no time and asked directly, “Do you remember the boat banquet from over two years ago? Which boat were you on?”

Wu Shuyue was slightly surprised. “I guessed that the County Princess’s invitation wouldn’t be for anything ordinary, but I didn’t expect it to be because of something I mentioned.” She glanced around and finally looked toward the southeast. “It was the decorated boat from Chunfeng Pavilion.”

Qin Ying walked beside her, their umbrellas just a foot apart. The gentle drizzle rolled off the umbrella surfaces, soaking the hem of their exquisite dresses as they hit the ground. Neither of them paid any attention to it.

When they reached Chunfeng Pavilion, Wu Shuyue gave a brief description, and the shopkeeper immediately knew which decorated boat they were looking for. Qin Ying instructed Shen Luo to pay the silver, and the group headed toward the boat. As they approached the dock, Bai Yuan clicked her tongue lightly in astonishment. The boat had three levels, adorned with pearl curtains, embroidered drapes, and colorful flags fluttering. It looked like a magnificent palace rising from the water.

The group boarded the decorated boat one after another. Since Wu Shuyue had been here before, Qin Ying first had her lead them on a tour. As they walked, she asked, “Do you remember the exact date of the boat banquet?”

Wu Shuyue replied, “It was two years ago, at the end of May. Princess Chaohua hosted a lotus-viewing banquet, but I remember when we arrived, many white lotuses had already started to wilt.”

Walking past the spacious hall on the first floor, Wu Shuyue pointed and said, “The main banquet was held here. The second-floor rooms were warm chambers for resting, writing poetry, and playing the qin. The third floor was for enjoying the scenery.”

After viewing the banquet area, Qin Ying moved to the second floor. She then suddenly asked, “There was also a hairpin banquet in June, but I didn’t attend that year. Do you remember the date? Did Xue Ming and Cui Wan also go?”

Wu Shuyue, though somewhat puzzled, replied, “If I remember correctly, it was early June. Wan’er and Xue Ming indeed attended.”

Qin Ying appeared thoughtful. Once they reached the top floor, her expression became serious. “You previously mentioned that you were on this level and overheard Cui Wan and Xue Ming arguing below?”

Wu Shuyue nodded, leading Qin Ying past the small hall with intricately carved windows to the stern of the boat. The rain created a hazy mist, swaying lightly with the cool breeze like a sheer curtain. From their elevated vantage point, the entire rainy scene of Lingyan Lake unfolded before them.

As they arrived at the stern, Wu Shuyue pointed to a spot on the deck and said, “I walked here and heard noises. I took two more steps and heard the voices more clearly. Realizing it was something I shouldn’t be hearing, I hesitated for a moment before turning back. When I went downstairs, the two of them hadn’t returned yet—”

Qin Ying said, “There were over twenty-three people at the boat banquet that day. Now, I need you to recall the details carefully. On the third-floor deck, who were the other guests downstairs? When you came down, did you notice anyone looking peculiar? Or do you know if anyone else overheard Cui Wan and Xue Ming’s argument?”

Wu Shuyue’s gaze deepened. “Are you saying I wasn’t the only one who overheard their private affair?”

Qin Ying nodded solemnly. Wu Shuyue’s expression grew heavier. She slowly turned to survey the boat and, after a pause, began to recall in a measured tone, “That day, I was the only one on this third level. Everyone else was downstairs in the flower pavilion, drinking and composing poetry. When I went down, most people were engaged with Princess Chaohua, but there were… four or five people missing from the banquet. They might have gone to the stern on the first floor or were talking in the chambers on the second floor…”

Unable to resist, Qin Ying asked, “Who wasn’t at the banquet?”

Wu Shuyue strained to recall, and after a moment, she said solemnly, “I’m not certain about the others, but there is one person I remember very clearly—and this person, the County Princess knows as well…”

…

By late evening, the rain had just stopped. Xie Xinglan emerged from the Ministry if Ceremonies, his expression dark.

Beside him, Xie Yong said, “Master, the Ministry of Ceremonies didn’t have the blueprints either. Could it really be like that scribe mentioned earlier—that the blueprints were lost?”

Xie Xinglan narrowed his eyes. “Do you recall what that official in the Ministry of Rites said yesterday? When we couldn’t find the blueprints?”

Xie Yong hesitated and replied, “The Ministry of Rites also didn’t have Huang Ting’s blueprints, but that official suggested the blueprints might be in another office. He also mentioned that Huang Ting’s blueprints were extremely rare and might have been gifted to a private individual later. It’s quite likely that the blueprints are still in Huang Ting’s possession—”

At this point, Xie Yong suddenly realized something. “The people at the Ministry of Ceremonies are acting suspiciously. Given how precious Huang Ting’s blueprints are, even if they wanted to shirk responsibility, they should have said the blueprints were elsewhere. But instead, they insisted the blueprints were lost…”

Xie Xinglan let out a cold laugh. “Investigate this scribe and look into the records, reputation, and personal affairs of Fu Zhongming over the past few years. Report anything that seems unusual.”

Xie Yong acknowledged the order and then asked, “The people who purchased sacrificial offerings haven’t been found yet. Neither Earl Weiyuan’s residence nor the Jian family’s residence has anyone approaching the anniversary of the deceased. We’ve also visited other family residences, and none reported such anniversaries. What should we do next?”

Xie Xinglan replied coolly, “Either there truly isn’t anyone observing a remembrance day, and the maid purchasing sacrificial offerings is paying respects to her own relatives—which would make it unrelated to the case—or someone is lying.”

As night fell, Xie Xinglan glanced at the sky and said, “Keep an eye on things. For now, investigate the matters concerning the Ministry of Ceremonies.”

Xie Yong acknowledged the command, and Xie Xinglan raised his whip, heading directly to the Xie General’s residence in Anzheng District.

The Xie family of Jiangzhou was highly renowned in the previous dynasty, producing several prime ministers and empresses, with disciples and old friends spread across the realm. However, in the current dynasty, the number of families accompanying the Li royal family in seizing power was overwhelming, with each being ennobled or becoming prime minister. The Xie family gradually declined until Xie Zhengze abandoned literature for martial arts and gained the favor of the former Emperor with his military achievements. Only then did the Xie family secure a position among the nobility in the capital.

At a young age, Xie Zhengze was promoted to a third-grade banner general to guard Yuanzhou. During the Fengzhou rebellion in the third year of Zhenyuan, he was the first to lead troops north to aid the king. Later, alongside Zheng Mingkang, the grand general of the state, he drove away the rebels. From then on, Xie Zhengze officially became Emperor Zhenyuan’s right-hand man. However, the reputation Xie Zhengze painstakingly built in the military was soon tarnished by his manipulative methods of framing loyal officials.

At the time, Emperor Zhenyuan was in conflict with Empress Dowager Zheng’s faction. Xie Zhengze’s decisive and ruthless tactics became the Emperor’s sharpest weapon. He was appointed as the Gold and Silver Guard General to eliminate dissidents on behalf of the Emperor, earning countless enemies within the court. He adopted Xie Xinglan during his most notorious years.

When he passed away, no one remembered his military achievements on the battlefield. Instead, he was labeled as a “court lapdog” and a “traitorous manipulative minister,” cementing his disgrace on the pages of history.

Xie Xinglan reined his horse before the mansion gate and glanced at the slightly worn, red-lacquered plaque. He still did not know the cause of Xie Zhengze’s death. However, despite Xie Zhengze’s absence for so many years, this imperial-granted plaque had not been removed. Its presence commanded a degree of caution among the officials and noble families; otherwise, the orphaned women and children in this mansion would have been devoured completely, leaving no bones behind.

Throwing the whip to the attendant who came to greet him, Xie Xinglan strode up the steps. But before entering the gate, the sound of a carriage approaching echoed along the bluestone-paved street. Xie Xinglan stopped and turned around, his eyebrows slightly raised.

Xie Yong spotted Xie Jian and spoke up, “Lord, it’s County Princess Yunyang.”

When Xie Zhengze was alive, the General’s residence had few visitors. In recent years, noble guests have been even rarer. With nightfall approaching, Qin Ying’s arrival by carriage brought an unsettling feeling to Xie Xinglan’s heart.

As soon as the carriage stopped, Qin Ying leaped down gracefully and approached him. “Xie Jian said you would return to the mansion after dark. I see I’ve timed it perfectly. Did you visit Honglu Temple?”

Xie Xinglan gave a slight nod. Qin Ying raised her delicate brows, “It seems you didn’t find anything.”

Xie Xinglan’s face was as dark as the bottom of a pot, showing no signs of progress. But to his surprise, Qin Ying continued, “I had already guessed that your trip to Ministry of Ceremonies would be fruitless.”

Xie Xinglan frowned. “You didn’t say that yesterday.”

Qin Ying’s gaze darkened. “I only guessed it two hours ago.” As she spoke, she lifted her chin, gesturing towards the mansion. “Are we going to talk at the gate?”

Only then did Xie Xinglan say, “Let’s go inside.”

The General’s residence used to be a Prince’s residence, located in Anzheng District at the foot of the Imperial City, rivaling the mansions of any royal kin. Later, it was bestowed upon Xie Zhengze by imperial decree, a testament to Emperor Zhenyuan’s high regard for him. Yet, when Qin Ying stepped through the gates, the scene before her was desolate. Compared to this, the coldness of Marquis Linchuan’s residence was hardly worth mentioning.

The group walked westward along a lantern-lined corridor, but strangely, this corridor split the mansion into two halves. The western side occasionally had lights, while the eastern side was shrouded in darkness, the pavilions and towers concealed by the night. A cool breeze passed through, making it seem as if the shadows of ghosts flickered.

Qin Ying’s brows knitted slightly. Rumors outside said Xie Xinglan had angered his foster mother into a bedridden state, but now it seemed more than just an illness caused by anger. She steadied her emotions and followed Xie Xinglan into a courtyard pavilion.

The courtyard was filled with plum trees and bamboo groves, lush and verdant in this season, finally adding a touch of vitality. Upon entering the main room, it was revealed to be Xie Xinglan’s study. A plaque inscribed with the words “Han Zhang” hung high in the hall. In the northwest corner of the study, there was even a Buddhist shrine, enshrining a bodhisattva statue. The faint scent of sandalwood lingered, soothing the soul.

Qin Ying recalled the scent she had noticed on Xie Xinglan the last time they met. Only now did she realize it was incense from a Buddhist shrine, and she found it hard to fathom that someone like Xie Xinglan would have a shrine in his study. She sat down with a steady gaze and began directly, “Yesterday, when we learned about the Ministry of Ceremonies, we suspected Fu Ling. However, I instinctively dismissed it at the time because Fu Ling had no motive. But do you remember Wu Shuyue’s testimony?”

Xie Xinglan stood by the desk and replied, “I remember.”

“She overheard the argument between Cui Wan and Xue Ming during the banquet on the boat at Lingyan Lake. That was the only occasion when Cui Wan and Xue Ming’s actions were particularly conspicuous. Wu Shuyue was certain that the two had an affair, though others only noticed some subtle hints and weren’t sure. That day, I asked Wu Shuyue to write a list of attendees, and most people involved in Cui Wan’s case had attended that boat banquet.”

Xie Xinglan immediately asked, “Did Fu Ling also attend?”

“No, she did not,” Qin Ying’s voice sank, “but her sister, Fu Zhen, did.”

Xie Xinglan frowned slightly, and Qin Ying continued, “Earlier today, I visited Lingyan Lake with Wu Shuyue and returned to the painted boat that hosted the banquet years ago. Wu Shuyue recalled that after she stumbled upon Cui Wan and Xue Ming’s argument, she hurried downstairs to the banquet hall, where several individuals were notably absent. Among them was Fu Zhen. I suspect that not only did Wu Shuyue overhear Cui Wan and Xue Ming’s affair, but Fu Zhen might have overheard it as well.”

“That boat banquet took place in late May of the eighteenth year of Zhenyuan, and Fu Zhen’s incident occurred only ten days later at the June Hairpin Banquet. According to Bai Yuan, that day, Du Ziqin spread rumors that Fu Zhen had feelings for him and gifted him her late mother’s jade pendant. When Fu Zhen found out, she confronted him, but Du Ziqin insisted that the pendant had been sent to him by Fu Zhen’s people. Du Ziqin’s character is questionable, and Fu Zhen would never give away her late mother’s keepsake. But could it be possible that neither of them was lying? Could someone have deliberately framed Fu Zhen?”

Xie Xinglan’s expression darkened. “Are you saying Cui Wan and Xue Ming framed Fu Zhen?”

Qin Ying nodded. “If Fu Zhen overheard Cui Wan and Xue Ming’s affair that day and they found out, they might have feared Fu Zhen spreading the news. Outwardly, they did nothing to her, but they used this incident to frame her. After all, Fu Zhen had a strict stepmother. Once her reputation was tarnished, she would most likely be sent back to her family estate. As long as Fu Zhen never returned to the capital, they could rest easy.”

“Fu Zhen was originally a distinguished official’s daughter but ended up in such a predicament. Fu Ling must have harbored deep resentment against Cui Wan and Xue Ming. This provides a motive for the murders. In this scenario, her killing them and exposing their affair to the public would make sense.”

Though it sounded like a fabricated story, it was logical and well-reasoned. This time, Xie Xinglan did not question her further and instead recounted his trip to the Ministry of Ceremonies. “The registrar helping us look for the blueprint was clearly lying. He has nothing to do with the Cui family case, so there’s no reason for him to deceive the Longyi Guards. This leads me to suspect that Fu Zhongming had given him instructions in advance. If that’s the case, we’ll unlikely find the blueprint.”

Qin Ying added, “We’ve already searched the Ministry of Works and Rites. If the murderer constantly monitors the Longyi Guards’ actions, they would definitely notice. Looking for the blueprint only verifies what deception the murderer employed. If it really was Fu Ling, she must have made other mistakes. Killing two people in succession—there’s no way she could have done it without someone covering for her.”

Xie Xinglan then said, “But there’s a question. Even if what you’re saying is true and Fu Zhen was framed back then, this incident happened two years ago. Fu Zhen is already married. Would Fu Ling really kill two people over this?”

Qin Ying said, “It is indeed a bit far-fetched. Therefore, there are two things we need to verify at the moment. First, investigate how Fu Zhen is living in the family estate. If she suffered greatly, Fu Ling would naturally harbor even deeper resentment toward Cui Wan and Xue Ming. Second, find out what really happened between Fu Zhen and Du Ziqin back then.”

Pausing slightly, she continued firmly, “I suggest we go directly to Du Ziqin.”

As soon as she said this, Xie Jian couldn’t hold back and exclaimed, “County Princess, you know that Du Ziqin despises us to the core. If we go to him for verification now, do you think he would cooperate?”

Qin Ying replied, “It certainly won’t be easy. However, Du Ziqin was one of the involved parties, and verifying with him is the quickest way.”

Xie Jian couldn’t help but glance at Xie Xinglan. Xie Xinglan looked out at the ink-dark night and, without any emotion, said, “Tomorrow at mid-morning, we will visit Marquis Dingbei’s residence.”