Chapter 21

As Qin Ying’s eyes fluttered open, the soft blue morning light spilled across the window lattice. Suddenly alert, she asked sharply, “Have Xie Jian and Shen Luo returned?”

Bai Yuan was lightly dozing on the couch and, upon hearing the commotion, also woke up. Half-asleep, she glanced outside and said, “The gatekeeper hasn’t come to report, so they haven’t returned yet. It’s still early—would the County Princess like to sleep a bit longer?”

Qin Ying couldn’t fall back asleep. She put on a robe, sat up, and rubbed her temples.

Xie Jian and Shen Luo hadn’t returned all night, clearly failing to find what she had instructed them to look for. As dawn approached, she had no time left for further investigation and could only hope that Xie Xinglan had found key evidence.

When the first rays of dawn appeared on the horizon, Qin Ying dressed herself neatly and joined Qin Zhang for breakfast. Knowing she would go to Earl Zhongyuan’s residence to attend a public trial today, Qin Zhang curiously asked, “When you returned last night, I heard you sent Shen Luo on an errand?”

Yesterday morning, Qin Zhang left the city early to discuss taoism with Master Zhang. He only returned to the residence in the evening. Qin Ying nodded and said, “Yes, I sent him to investigate an old matter, but it doesn’t seem to be going smoothly—he hasn’t returned all night.”

Qin Zhang raised an eyebrow, “What old matter?”

Qin Ying sighed, “It’s hard to say for now. It’s about the Fu family. Maybe I was mistaken.”

“The Fu family? Is it related to the case with the Cui family?”

Qin Ying nodded. Qin Zhang paused briefly before saying, “If that’s the case, I’ll accompany you to the Earl’s residence later to take a look, just to prevent any unjust rulings that might put you at a disadvantage.”

Qin Ying initially wanted to decline, but remembering how the original character often acted coy and submissive in front of Qin Zhang, she agreed.

After breakfast, it was already mid-morning. Qin Zhang went to the inner courtyard to change into a brand-new Taoist robe, then boarded the carriage with Qin Ying to head to Earl Zhongyuan’s residence. On the way, Qin Zhang remarked, “Originally, the verdict was supposed to be decided tomorrow. It was suddenly moved up by a day—do you think Xie Xinglan discovered something important?”

Qin Ying shook her head, “From what I know, the Longyi Guards already have a suspect, but they haven’t found conclusive evidence yet.”

Qin Zhang was about to ask who the suspect was but changed his mind, refraining from asking. Instead, he patted Qin Ying’s hand reassuringly and said, “No matter the outcome, you’ve done your best. You’ve been running around for days—I’ve never seen you so invested in anything before.”

Qin Ying smiled faintly, “I understand, Father.”

Before the carriage even approached Earl Zhongyuan’s residence, Qin Ying overheard several voices. When she lifted the curtain to look outside, she saw four or five carriages parked outside the Earl’s residence. Imperial Academy Grand Academician, Xue Xianzhi, was being supported by Xue Suqing while speaking with the Minister of Personnel, Jian Qiming. In front of them stood the Vice Minister of Revenue, Lin Yaowen, with Lin Qian and Jian Fangfei standing behind their fathers, both looking relatively calm.

Qin Zhang also noted the scene and remarked, “Luckily I came, or else you’d have no one to rely on.”

Upon reaching the Earl’s residence, Qin Zhang was the first to step down from the carriage. Seeing him arrive, the crowd greeted him warmly. Qin Zhang first expressed his condolences to Xue Xianzhi and his son, briefly exchanged a few words, and glanced at the mourning decorations on the Earl’s residence gate. He then said, “Today isn’t the time for reminiscing. We should head inside and wait—the Second Prince and Fifth Prince will be arriving shortly.”

If it had been just a simple public trial, it wouldn’t have been as formal. However, with the Second and Fifth Princes attending in place of Emperor Zhenyuan, everyone had to treat the occasion with utmost caution. The crowd agreed and followed Qin Zhang’s suggestion to let Xue Xianzhi enter first, and then Qin Zhang accompanied Qin Ying through the gate.

Inside the residence, Zhao Yumian and Fu Ling had already arrived early and chatted in one corner. Earl Weiyuan’s heir, Zhao Wangshu, and the Ministry of Ceremonies’s Fu Zhongming were seated in the prepared hall for the trial. Upon noticing such a large group arriving, the two quickly got up to greet them.

Not long after, Qin Zhang glanced around the hall and asked, “Why isn’t Earl Zhongyuan here?”

Zhao Wangshu replied, “The Earl was out briefly earlier but mentioned that the Madam wasn’t feeling well, so he returned to the inner courtyard to check on her.”

Qin Zhang nodded in understanding and said, “In that case, let’s wait.”

Since everyone was there for the trial and the Xue family members were present, idle chatter was inappropriate. The group took their seats according to rank, and the spacious hall fell silent, with only the faintest sound of a pin drop echoing.

After waiting for a short while, voices were heard from the direction of the main gate. Everyone turned to look and saw the heir of Duke Lu’s household, Lu Zan, arriving together with Pei Shuo, the young master of the Marquis of Pingchang’s residence. They were unaccompanied, evidently not treating the matter with the same level of seriousness. Upon approaching the hall, Pei Shuo raised an eyebrow and remarked, “Such a grand scene?”

Following them were Wu Shuyue and Lu Roujia, who were also with her father. Wu Shuyue was the only lady attending alone today, calm and composed. She maintained a dignified yet modest demeanor upon seeing the scene. Lu Roujia’s father, Lu Shouren, was evidently worried about his daughter, but his low status meant that upon entering the hall, he could only greet everyone respectfully before taking a seat at the lowest rank.

As the hour of Si (between 9 and 11 a.m.) approached, Qin Zhang couldn’t help but remark, “The heir of Marquis Changqing is actually the last to arrive? And the Longyi Guards and the yamen officials aren’t here yet?”

Qin Ying’s heart tightened slightly at his words. She was not only concerned about Xie Xinglan but also wondering where Shen Luo and Xie Jian were at this moment. At this point, a young servant from the gate hurried past, heading straight for the inner courtyard.

The crowd exchanged glances. Soon after, a guard stationed outside entered and reported, “Honorable lords, the Longyi Guards and yamen officials have arrived. However, the two princes are also at the gate, so they are waiting outside.”

Everyone except Qin Zhang and Qin Ying became visibly tense and sat upright. Shortly afterward, Cui Jin emerged from the inner courtyard, briefly greeted everyone, and hurried to the gate to welcome the arrivals.

After waiting for the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the sound of footsteps at the gate became audible. Shortly after, the Second Prince, Li Kun, and the Fifth Prince, Li Yue, entered the central courtyard. Cui Muzhi followed closely behind Li Yue, appearing to accompany him specifically.

Seeing this arrangement, no one present was surprised. The Second Prince, Li Kun, nineteen years old, was born to Empress Zheng, while the Fifth Prince, Li Yue, was sixteen, the son of Cui Muzhi’s paternal aunt, Consort Cui. In essence, Li Yue was Cui Muzhi’s cousin. Given the occasion and Li Yue’s young age and lack of experience, it was natural for him to have a trusted person accompany him.

Trailing behind them were Cui Jin and Xie Xinglan, walking side by side. At the very back were Zhou Xianchen, the Capital’s Prefect, and Zhao Lian, the head constable.

The crowd rose to their feet to pay their respects. The Second Prince, Li Kun, said, “At ease,” and sat at the main table. Li Yue followed suit and sat down as well.

Li Kun, born of the Empress, was raised with different teachings than the other princes. Despite his youth, his words carried an air of authority. “By the decree of our father, the Emperor, my Fifth Brother and I are here to observe the interrogation conducted by the Longyi Guards. The deaths of Cui Wan and Xue Ming have caused a great uproar in the capital, leading to widespread rumors and unfounded accusations among the noble families and court officials. At the request of Earl Zhongyuan, a private court has been convened to settle this case. The true culprit behind their murders must be identified before noon today. Envoy Xie, you may begin.”

Dressed in a black official robe embroidered with gold Xiezhi patterns, Xie Xinglan’s solemn appearance was flawless. One might think he had everything under control, but with just a glance, Qin Ying could tell that his endeavors the previous night had not gone smoothly. Her heart was heavy as she kept glancing toward the mansion gates.

Xie Xinglan’s sharp gaze swept over the crowd, and he first directed his question to Cui Jin. “Marquis, does Madam not intend to attend the hearing?”

Cui Jin’s expression was somewhat unpleasant. “She is feeling unwell, so she won’t be coming today—”

Across from him, Xue Xianzhi responded coldly, “On such an important day, does Madam not wish to know how Cui Wan was murdered? She won’t even take a few steps to come here?”

Looking at the Xue family members, Cui Jin’s attitude soured further. When he submitted his accusations to the Emperor, he directly named Xue Ming the murderer. The Xue family clearly knew of this, and their words carried a sharp edge. “Having lost her beloved daughter, naturally, she is overwhelmed with grief, she—”

“I will, of course, attend the hearing.”

Before Cui Jin could finish, Madam Lin’s voice suddenly came from outside the hall.

Accompanied by soft footsteps, Madam Lin appeared at the entrance dressed in plain clothing, her sickly demeanor evident. Upon seeing her, Xue Xianzhi remarked firmly, “That’s more like it. Today, we are all gathered here. Let’s have the Longyi Guards uncover everything and let the two Princes bear witness, so there’s no ambiguity in the future!”

After apologizing upon entering, Madam Lin sat beside Cui Jin. Her attire was solemn, and her expression resolute. Sitting upright like a sharpened sword ready for battle, only her tightly clenched hands resting on her knees betrayed the deep anxiety within her.

Today, the Cui and Xue families, being the relatives of the deceased, sat in the principal seats on either side. Seeing Madam Lin arrive, Xue Xianzhi turned to Xie Xinglan and said, “Envoy Xie, whatever findings you have, please lay them out clearly for everyone here—”

Xie Xinglan’s gaze darkened as he said, “Regarding the two deceased victims in this case, apart from the rumors everyone has heard, the Longyi Guards have indeed uncovered a great deal of inside information. The earlier question about Madam’s absence was also because she might be one of the witnesses.”

Madam Lin’s straight posture stiffened slightly, and she responded with a cold smile, “What do you mean by this, Envoy Xie? I am Wan’er’s mother, here to find out who the real murderer is. How does that make me a witness?”

Xie Xinglan replied, “A murderer must have a motive, and this motive stems from a private affair that cannot be exposed. Madam is privy to this and is naturally a witness.”

After days of grief, Madam Lin’s eyes were filled with sorrow that she could no longer suppress. Upon hearing these words, a sudden sharpness flashed in her gaze. “What are you saying? What private affair? Are you telling me that the Longyi Guards can’t find the murderer and now intend to slander Wan’er?”

Xie Xinglan was unfazed by her anger. “It seems Madam has no intention of admitting it.”

Madam Lin clenched her teeth and forced herself to remain composed. “I have no idea what you are talking about. Your job is to identify Wan’er’s murderer, yet here you are spreading outrageous claims. Is this the capability of the Longyi Guards?”

Xie Xinglan remained calm, but Xue Xianzhi on the opposite side couldn’t hold back and asked, “What private affair? Between whom? Could it be that Cui Wan had a private relationship with someone, which the murderer then used to frame Ming’er?”

Cui Jin immediately became furious. “Lord Xue, mind your words! Xue Ming’s suicide note clearly states everything. I advise you not to absolve him completely! My daughter, Wan’er, was long betrothed to the Prince of Huainan’s residence; it’s absolutely impossible for her to have had any illicit relationship with someone else!”

Having lost his grandson and enduring days of rumors circulating among the populace, Xue Xianzhi was already seething with anger. Hearing this, he retorted sharply, “That so-called suicide note was forged by someone else! Although the handwriting resembles Ming’er’s, it’s absolutely not his! In my opinion, it’s clearly your daughter Cui Wan who was entangled with someone else, dragging my grandson Ming’er into the mess. And now you’re even slandering us before His Majesty!”

The present company, all of high rank and great influence, watched as the courtroom was about to devolve into a shouting match. Li Kun, the Second Prince, suddenly slammed the table with a loud bang. “The Xue family has always been known for its strict and upright traditions, and the Earl Zhongyuan’s household has likewise observed propriety and etiquette. If such an event had not occurred, the Longyi Guards and yamen would not have accused you falsely. Envoy Xie, let’s hear the truth from you.”

Cui Jin and Xue Xianzhi both fell silent. Madam Lin’s face turned pale, her fingers trembling uncontrollably within her sleeves. The others turned their gazes to Xie Xinglan, eager to know whether the rumors circulating outside were true.

“As mentioned earlier, this case begins with an illicit affair,” Xie Xinglan said, looking at the families of Cui and Xue. “After days of investigation, the Longyi Guards’ findings may disappoint the deceased’s families. Cui Wan was indeed involved in an illicit relationship, and the person she was involved with was none other than Xue Ming.”

Xie Xinglan’s words were like water poured into a pot of boiling oil. Those unaware of the situation gasped in shock, while Cui Jin and Xue Xianzhi were instantly enraged. Cui Jin abruptly stood up, exclaiming, “How is this possible? How could Wan’er have had feelings for Xue Ming?”

Xue Xianzhi, already advanced in age, trembled as he pointed at Xie Xinglan and said, “Cui Wan was already betrothed, and Xue Ming knew this. How could he have been involved in anything improper with Cui Wan?”

Xie Xinglan wasted no words and said directly, “Bring the witness, Cheng Yan.”

Xue Xianzhi was momentarily taken aback. When he turned to look, he indeed saw Xue Ming’s trusted servant, Cheng Yan, being escorted into the hall by the Longyi Guards. Trembling, Xue Xianzhi said, “You… you’ve served Ming’er for many years. You must not slander your master.”

The guards brought Cheng Yan into the courtroom, and he knelt, his face deathly pale.

Xie Xinglan said, “After Xue Ming’s death, the Longyi Guards questioned Cheng Yan, but at that time, he lied. It wasn’t until last night that the Longyi Guards discovered that, over the past two years, Cheng Yan had frequently pawned treasures at the Tongfu Pawnshop in the eastern part of the city. Among these items, there are several that I believe the Earl and Madam will recognize.”

The guard escorting Cheng Yan took a small cloth bundle from his sleeve and unfolded it on the ground beside Cheng Yan. Within it were several items: a pendant with crimson silk tassels, an intricately embroidered sachet made from high-quality materials, a finely crafted folding fan adorned with a painting of a lady, and two jade thumb rings.

Cheng Yan’s face turned even paler, cold sweat streaming down his forehead. Beside him, Madam Lin’s eyes widened in shock. Though Cui Jin, being a man, could clearly see these items, he said, “I don’t find them familiar. Are you saying these belonged to Wan’er?”

Xie Xinglan looked at Cheng Yan and said, “You explain it.”

Cheng Yan trembled as he prostrated on the ground. “I’m sorry, Old Master. I never intended to betray my young master, but this is a matter of life and death. If I don’t speak the truth, the officials will hold me guilty. I have no choice…”

“These items—only the two jade thumb rings were gifts from my young master. The other three were items he once instructed me to destroy. Over the past year, I’ve been consumed by gambling and constantly losing money. Desperate, I pawned these valuable items for money. The pendant was given to him by Miss Cui five years ago, the sachet was hand-embroidered by her during the Autumn Festival two years ago, and the folding fan, although seemingly ordinary, bore the characters’ Yan Wan.’ On the surface, it praises a maiden’s beauty, but in truth, it contains Miss Cui’s name…”

As Cheng Yan spoke, he became increasingly frightened, finally breaking into sobs.

Xue Xianzhi, trembling, raised his hand and said, “Impossible… utterly impossible…” His vision darkened, and his breath caught in his chest. He nearly fainted on the spot. Beside him, Xue Suqing helped him breathe while remarking, “You audacious scoundrel! Did you steal these items belonging to Miss Cui and then try to pin the blame on your master?”

Cheng Yan froze momentarily, then cried even louder. “Second Master, I wouldn’t dare! I’ve spent years helping my young master cover this up. If this weren’t a life-or-death matter, I would rather die than speak. If Second Master places all the blame on me, I might as well smash my head and end it now!”

Having confessed the truth, Cheng Yan knew he could no longer remain in the Xue household. He never expected Xue Suqing to shift all the blame onto him quickly. Though he admitted to the relationship between Cui Wan and Xue Ming, he thought it would only lead to his expulsion. But Xue Suqing’s words were clearly a death sentence for him!

He was quick-witted and promptly pleaded to Xue Xianzhi, “Old Master, everything I’ve said is true. Besides these items, my master exchanged letters with Miss Cui in the past. Most of them were burned by me, but a few inconspicuous ones were carefully kept by my master in the library. Later, it seemed that even my master had forgotten about them. If you don’t believe me, you can send someone back to the residence to check the second shelf from the left on the library’s second floor, at the bottom row, hidden among the poetry collections.”

Xue Xianzhi had barely recovered his breath when he heard Cheng Yan’s detailed account. Realizing Cheng Yan wouldn’t dare to fabricate such specific lies, Xue Xianzhi’s eyes rolled upward, and he nearly fainted again. Xue Suqing frantically tended to his father amidst the crowd’s bizarre stares, his forehead damp with cold sweat. His eyes darted around, but he could think of no way to salvage the situation.

Xie Xinglan, however, wasn’t about to give him any chance. “Someone, follow Cheng Yan’s instructions and retrieve the evidence from the Xue residence.”

With these words, he turned to Cui Jin and Madam Lin. “If the Earl and Madam cannot identify Miss Cui’s belongings, then summon her maids and wet nurses. They will surely recognize them. Someone—”

Enraged, Cui Jin jumped up and shouted, “Why must whatever the Xue family’s servant says to be taken as the truth? How can these items belong to Wan’er? Perhaps they are things written or made by another young woman that have been misunderstood! This servant schemes against his master’s property, showing his wicked intent. Couldn’t it be that Xue Ming was involved with someone else and Wan’er was implicated?”

Previously, the Xue family suspected Cui Wan of being involved with someone else. Now that the Xue family had provided concrete evidence, it was Cui Jin’s turn to suspect Xue Ming of an affair with another woman. Stubbornly defending himself, Cui Jin argued as if in a street quarrel, entirely forgetting his earlier claims that Earl Zhongyuan’s household was one of propriety and etiquette. His face flushed red, clearly intending to deny everything. The others observed with varying expressions, although they already understood that the affair was likely true. To their disbelief, the Earl Zhongyuan and the Xue families were now embroiled in such a scandal.

Qin Ying remained calm as she observed Xie Xinglan, her previously tense heartstrings relaxing slightly. She hadn’t anticipated that the Longyi Guards would locate Cheng Yan as a witness in just one night. Without this turn of events, the confrontation between the Cui and Xue families would have surely dragged on.

The guards soon brought Zijuan and Biyun in, their faces filled with tension as they entered. Before they could greet anyone, Xie Xinglan stepped forward and asked, “Take a look at these items. Do you recognize any of them as belonging to your mistress?”

Zijuan and Biyun exchanged glances and then stepped forward to examine the items. Upon seeing them, their faces changed drastically. Zijuan pointed to the sachet and said, “This was embroidered by our mistress two years ago. She later placed it at the very bottom of her clothing trunk and never used it again. How could it be here?”

Biyun looked at the matching jade pendant and said, “This knotting technique resembles our mistress’s handiwork. However, we’ve never seen this jade pendant. As for the folding fan, ‘Yan Wan’ is the name our mistress used when writing poetry in her boudoir; outsiders are completely unaware of it.”

The statements of the two maids further confirmed the authenticity of Cheng Yan’s testimony. Cui Jin looked at them in disbelief and exclaimed, “What nonsense are you two spouting? Take a closer look! The embroidery of women across the world is all the same, and the knotting techniques are just as common. How can you be certain this is Wan’er’s craftsmanship?”

Zijuan and Biyun turned pale, realizing they had said things they shouldn’t have. They quickly knelt on the ground, tightly pressing their lips together, refusing to say another word.

Xie Xinglan interjected, “That is incorrect. A woman’s embroidery is akin to her handwriting, shaped by years of habitual practice. Those closest to her cannot fail to recognize it. If you still refuse to believe, the Longyi Guards do not lack additional evidence.”

Xie Xinglan paused deliberately, which only heightened everyone’s curiosity about the additional evidence held by the guards. He sighed softly and remarked, “But the next piece of evidence may be too much for you to handle—”

Cui Jin’s thick brows furrowed fiercely. “My beloved daughter suffered a tragic death, and now she’s being slandered so cruelly. I cannot fathom what more I might have to endure!”

Xie Xinglan nodded slightly, “Very well, then I shall reveal the findings from Quzhou—”

“Wan’er indeed had an affair with Xue Ming.”

Before Cui Jin could fully grasp what Xie Xinglan had just said, Madam Lin, standing beside him, suddenly spoke up. It was only at this moment that Cui Jin realized Madam Lin, who had always defended Cui Wan’er, had been silent for quite some time. He even doubted his own hearing as he stared at her, “Madam? What did you just… what did you just say?”

Madam Lin’s face was bloodless, her stiff figure swaying unsteadily. With a bitter smile, she looked at Cui Jin and said, “My Lord, did you not hear me clearly? I said, Wan’er indeed had an affair with Xue Ming.”

Her words, enunciated with precision, struck like a hammer. Cui Jin staggered and said, “Madam, have you lost your mind? They say Wan’er lacked virtue and engaged in an illicit affair, and now you’re saying the same?”

Madam Lin had endured for so long, but at this moment, she could no longer hold back her tears. Despite the tremble in her voice, she lifted her lips in a forced smile as tears streamed down her cheeks. “I told you long ago, my Lord, that Wan’er did not wish to marry into Prince Huaiyang’s household. But you didn’t believe me. In your eagerness to gain favor with Prince Huaiyang, you ignored everything and arranged the engagement. All of this began on the day you set up that engagement…”

Cui Jin’s eyes burned with rage. “You’re insane. You madwoman! Do you even realize what you’re saying?”

Ignoring his insults, Madam Lin turned to Xie Xinglan. Her tone remained composed, though tears brimmed in her eyes, revealing her anguish. “Envoy Xie, very well. Today, as Wan’er’s biological mother, I admit that Wan’er indeed lacked virtue and had an affair with Xue Ming. I have known about this for a long time. It was my failure as her mother that led to this, and all of this is my fault.”

“Wan’er has died under suspicious circumstances. She was engaged, and I couldn’t reveal the truth to you for the sake of her posthumous reputation. But if you want me to admit it, then I will. Can you now tell me—who is the murderer that plotted Wan’er’s demise?”

In the eerie silence, Xie Xinglan, unusually hesitant, showed a rare moment of uncertainty. Just then, a soft voice broke the quiet.

“Envoy Xie, did you say you uncovered evidence in Quzhou?”

The crowd was startled and turned toward the source of the voice, discovering that the speaker was none other than Fu Ling, the daughter of the Minister of Ceremonies, who had always been inconspicuous.

Xie Xinglan’s gaze shifted to Fu Ling, and their eyes met. With a timid and gentle demeanor, Fu Ling spoke sincerely: “With both Your Highnesses present, if the evidence is not fully disclosed, how can this public trial be regarded as just and truthful?”