Chapter 32

Cui Muzhi also saw Xie Xinglan and Qin Ying. He furrowed his brows and asked, “Why is County Princess Yunyang here as well?”

Zhou Xianchen, unaware of the situation, turned to look at Zhao Lian.

Zhao Lian stepped forward and said, “I am not sure either. When I went to the mortuary early this morning to wait, I saw Envoy Xie bringing County Princess Yunyang along. Previously, during Earl Zhongyuan’s case, the County Princess seemed to have some skills in examining corpses. Later, when Envoy Xie investigated the case, the County Princess followed him. This time, somehow, the two are together again.”

Cui Muzhi immediately recalled the night of Cui Wan’s death. That night, Qin Ying examined Cui Wan’s corpse without hesitation, which already seemed suspicious. He hadn’t expected that Qin Ying would also meddle in this case and that she was still with Xie Xinglan.

Zhou Xianchen had already approached and said, “Envoy Xie, I heard from Zhao Lian that there are doubts about the Dou family case. Fortunately, Heir… no, Lord Cui is here as well, so we decided to come together to take a look.”

Zhou Xianchen then turned and added, “The Heir has just been appointed by His Majesty as the Left Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Justice. The imperial edict was issued this morning, and he will oversee the Division of Penal Law.”

The Ministry of Justice oversees four divisions, with the Division of Penal Law responsible for criminal laws and national legal cases—an essential division. Emperor Zhenyuan had Cui Muzhi take charge of this division as soon as he joined the Ministry of Justice, demonstrating the Emperor’s high regard for him.

Xie Xinglan responded, “This case is jointly investigated by the Jinwu Guards and the yamen; it doesn’t seem to fall under the Ministry of Justice’s jurisdiction.”

Cui Muzhi stepped forward and said, “All criminal cases ultimately end up with the Three Judicial Offices. Besides, Dou Yu was once my schoolmate. Both publicly and personally, I must come here.” After saying this, his gaze shifted to Qin Ying. “The Jinwu Guards are handling this case; what are you doing here?”

Before Qin Ying could speak, Xie Xinglan said, “The case of Dou Yu was originally ruled as an accident. Fortunately, she discovered that Dou Yu was murdered, so she is assisting in the investigation of this case.”

Cui Muzhi frowned, “She discovered it?”

Xie Xinglan remained noncommittal. Cui Muzhi then asked, “With so many personnel in Jinwu Guards, including the Longyi Guards, why must a woman meddle in official duties?”

“And what’s wrong with a woman?”

Before Xie Xinglan could respond, Qin Ying couldn’t hold back and said, “The law only states that women cannot serve as officials, but it does not prohibit women from assisting in investigations. I have neither overstepped my authority nor acted out of favoritism. What advice does Lord Cui have?”

Cui Muzhi stared at Qin Ying, utterly perplexed by her significant change. “You hold a noble status. If the Empress Dowager learns that you are spending your days mingling with the magistrate’s subordinates, she might disapprove.”

Qin Ying replied expressionlessly, “Her disapproval is my business and has nothing to do with Lord Cui.”

Cui Muzhi’s face stiffened from her response. Sensing the tension, Zhou Xianchen quickly smiled and said, “Since the County Princess has such dedication, it doesn’t hinder anything. Investigating cases is tough work. This time, the Jinwu Guards and the County Princess are diligently working at the forefront while we relax.”

Cui Muzhi glanced at the two with a cold expression. “Let’s see how many days it takes to solve this case.”

Looking at Cui Muzhi’s demeanor, Xie Xinglan inexplicably felt a bit pleased. He gripped the sword at his waist and said, “The Ministry of Justice only waits for the official documents to finalize the case. The Longyi Guards handle everything else, and the Longyi Guards are not a place for Lord Cui to interfere.”

After saying this, he turned to Qin Ying and said, “It’s time to search Ge Mingzhou’s residence.”

Qin Ying glanced again at the fire scene in Hanguang Pavilion, then walked past Cui Muzhi and headed straight beyond the bamboo forest. Xie Xinglan followed behind her, and after walking just a few steps, their low voices could be heard.

Cui Muzhi turned back and watched this scene unfold, asking, “How was it discovered that Dou Yu wasn’t burned to death but was instead burned after his death?”

At this moment, Zhao Lian replied, “It was found out through the autopsy.”

Zhou Xianchen added, “That’s right. The coroner’s detailed examination report was very thorough. Our office’s old coroner has been seriously ill this year and has already resigned. This young man used to assist the old coroner. At the beginning of the year, he handled two cases quite clumsily, but his examination was excellent this time. However, just now, Envoy Xie mentioned that it was the County Princess who noticed something unusual—”

Cui Muzhi coldly remarked, “Just a clever trick, learning some strange and dubious techniques from who knows where. Showing off once wasn’t enough, and now she’s again working with the Jinwu Guards. Xie Xinglan has truly lost his mind.”

Standing nearby, Zhao Lian hesitated, considering whether to share the events from the mortuary earlier this morning. However, hearing such comments from Cui Muzhi, he dared not speak further. Moreover, he didn’t actually know what had happened in the back hall, so Yue Lingxiu might have independently conducted the autopsy.

Cui Muzhi continued, “Later, send the case documents and the coroner’s report to the Ministry of Justice—I want to review them.”

Zhou Xianchen responded cheerfully, but as he thought about the rumors in the capital regarding Qin Ying and Cui Muzhi, he couldn’t help but feel puzzled. From his perspective, County Princess Yunyang didn’t seem to harbor any affection toward Cui Muzhi.

On the bamboo forest path, Xie Xinglan walked while glancing at Qin Ying. Earlier, Qin Ying had shown no kindness to Cui Muzhi, and it wasn’t the first time. Based on what Xie Xinglan had learned about her in recent days, she didn’t seem to be playing hard to get. This led him to believe that Qin Ying had truly lost her feelings for Cui Muzhi.

Even so, Qin Ying furrowed her brows as if troubled by something she couldn’t understand. Xie Xinglan frowned as well and asked, “Could it be that Cui Muzhi’s words bothered you? Or are you worried about the Empress Dowager?”

Qin Ying shook her head, glanced at Xie Xinglan, and said thoughtfully, “I was just wondering why Cui Muzhi went to the Ministry of Justice. Early on, he joined the military, and the Marquis of Changqing’s household held military power. By all logic, he should have joined the Shence Army like Zhao Wangshu.”

Xie Xinglan’s heart stirred. Qin Ying was indeed intelligent—she had even noticed this peculiarity. While he was also surprised by it, his surprise was accompanied by delight. Cui Muzhi’s choices had changed, and Emperor Zhenyuan’s decisions had shifted too. This meant that, even if their goals and intentions remained the same, the course of events would differ from the past.

These changes weren’t without reason either. He contemplated and said, “In the past, His Majesty heavily relied on the Cui family, which made their influence grow. Now, with the Duan family being elevated, His Majesty likely wants to curb the Cui family’s power. The Cui family is aware of this too, as reflected in their marriage alliance with the Lu family and Cui Muzhi’s recent choices. Many influential figures in the court come from noble families, but some older ministers stick to outdated traditions and are loyal to imperial authority but not to the Emperor himself. Others lean toward the Zheng family. Whether in the military or court, His Majesty must cultivate his trusted confidants.”

Qin Ying couldn’t help but look at Xie Xinglan. She realized that Xie Xinglan had understood the dynamics of the court this early on. Unable to hold back, she asked, “What about Envoy Xie? Which faction does Envoy Xie belong to?”

Her question brought a feeling of desolation to Xie Xinglan’s heart. He was not born into a prestigious family nor connected to military authority. Coupled with Xie Zhengze’s infamous reputation, his choices were truly limited, and being a solitary minister in this world was the hardest of all.

In his previous life, he chose to be the sharpest blade at Emperor Zhenyuan’s side and supported the second prince, Li Kun, whom Emperor Zhenyuan valued the most. However, he later discovered that, in Emperor Zhenyuan’s eyes, he was worth less than a blade—at best, he was just a more vicious attack dog like Han Qi.

Xie Xinglan said, “The Xie family’s notorious reputation is well-known; it cannot belong to any faction.”

Qin Ying hesitated before carefully saying, “Not belonging to any faction means you won’t be implicated for no reason. Let others fight their own battles. By staying out of the struggle for power and wealth, wouldn’t maintaining a low profile be ideal?”

Xie Xinglan smiled faintly, thinking Qin Ying’s perspective was too simplistic. In the capital, where power struggles were fierce and survival of the fittest ruled, there was no concept of “keeping a low profile.” Not competing was impossible, but as for competing further…

Xie Xinglan’s smile faltered, and a hidden pain spread through his chest like a nightmare. His grip tightened on the hilt of his waist knife, and he casually said, “I haven’t carried out any tasks ordered by His Majesty in six months—not only am I keeping a low profile, I’m practically living in idle comfort.”

Qin Ying sighed helplessly, “Is His Majesty’s orders the only kind that count? Are others not important? The Jinwu Guards are responsible for arrests and patrols, but this time, they nearly caused a miscarriage of justice. Though I reminded Envoy Xie, his thorough investigation into the case still served the people well. If His Majesty is truly a wise ruler, he won’t fail to distinguish between right and wrong.”

“Watch your words,” Xie Xinglan’s expression tightened as he instinctively glanced around, only relaxing when he saw it was just their own people nearby. He looked at Qin Ying helplessly and said, “His Majesty is a wise ruler, but he cannot manage the lives and deaths of all the court officials. If it’s merely handling a case among the common folk, the power struggles in the court indeed have nothing to do with me. But I am not as selfless as you.”

Xie Xinglan spoke candidly, and Qin Ying found herself somewhat admiring him. While most people love to parade their righteousness and morality, Xie Xinglan embraced the infamous reputation of the Xie family wholeheartedly. She understood that a person’s mindset is exceedingly difficult to change. For the two of them, having this conversation was already rare, and she had no position to advise him on how to conduct himself in life.

While speaking, they arrived at the Linfeng Pavilion, where Ge Mingzhou resided. It was a small, independent courtyard with three main rooms alongside wing rooms on both sides. It was exquisite and elegant—a perfect secluded retreat for Ge Mingzhou’s studies.

Xie Xinglan led the guards inside, and Ge Mingzhou stood confidently in the main hall, unwavering no matter where they searched. He held his posture upright, not even blinking once. Qin Ying observed from the side, her unease growing. She had seen many suspects; for those less skilled, it only took a moment to reveal clues. However, Ge Mingzhou’s expression of righteous indignation and the unyielding aura of a literati humiliated yet defiant practically wrote the word “integrity” across his face. Qin Ying scoured his room, finding nothing suspicious, which only reinforced her intuition.

After the guards finished their search, Ge Mingzhou said, “My conscience is clear. Search and guard me as you wish. Until the case is resolved, I will not take a single step away from here, so rest assured.”

Xie Xinglan’s expression did not look good either. The timeline of the crime provided a basis for suspicion, but no evidence to prove Ge Mingzhou committed murder, and his motives were insufficient. Upon leaving, Xie Xinglan instructed the guards to stay and watch over Ge Mingzhou.

At this moment, the final rays of sunset sank below the horizon, and the sky was filled with fiery clouds stretching across the heavens. As Qin Ying walked toward the front yard, she remarked, “There must be something we haven’t discovered yet; we need to continue looking for evidence.”

Xie Xinglan agreed, “The people sent to Yuxiang Pavilion have yet to return, and Dou Wenjia has not returned home either. I will have people investigate the businesses and social interactions of several families outside to see if there are other hidden matters. It’s getting late; you don’t need to wait here idly. Head back to your residence earlier.”

In recent days, Qin Ying had been returning home late every evening, and she didn’t want to cause Qin Zhang any worry. So, she nodded in agreement. Just as she took two steps toward the direction of the mansion gates, she unexpectedly encountered Dou Ye, dressed in a martial robe, returning to the residence. Dou Ye had gone hunting outside the city today with the two sons of the Pei family and had just returned. His figure was commanding and heroic; riding back now, his cheeks were slightly flushed, and a thin sheen of sweat covered his forehead, but his eyes were particularly bright, giving him an invigorated and spirited appearance.

“Lord Xie, County Princess—” He cupped his hands in greeting.

Xie Xinglan scrutinized him for a moment and asked, “You accompanied Pei Shuo and Pei Xi?”

Dou Ye replied, “With such events happening in the household, I truly shouldn’t have gone out of the city to amuse myself. But the arrangement was made over half a month ago, so it was difficult to break my promise to them.”

The Dou family’s business largely depended on the favor of high-ranking officials and nobility. Dou Ye was evidently aware of his position and spoke with great humility. Xie Xinglan did not make it difficult for him, allowing him to leave, and then escorted Qin Ying to her carriage.

Seeing that Xie Xinglan ordered Xie Jian to accompany her as well, Qin Ying could no longer hold back and asked, “Why do you still have Xie Jian follow me?”

Xie Xinglan didn’t quite know how to explain and simply said, “You came to assist me in the investigation. If anything happens to you, I wouldn’t be able to account for it to Marquis Linchuan, the Empress Dowager, or His Majesty.”

Qin Ying initially thought it unnecessary, but she suddenly remembered that in the original storyline, she had died in an “accident.” Although the story had now changed, what if something still happened? Having Xie Jian follow her might seem odd, but if something truly went wrong, Xie Jian might save her life. She decided to accept this gesture. “Envoy Xie is indeed thoughtful. Thank you very much.”

As the carriage rumbled along, Qin Ying reflected on Xie Jian’s recent days of following her. From “monitoring” to escorting, it seemed Xie Xinglan’s intentions had been good from the start. Though she felt a bit strange about it, considering her status as a county princess, Qin Ying reasoned that Xie Xinglan’s actions were not without logic.

By the time she returned to the marquis’s residence, night had just begun to fall. Qin Zhang was waiting for her to dine together. Upon hearing that the case had made little progress, Qin Zhang sighed, “The Dou family is a prominent clan. Such a scandal will undoubtedly deal a heavy blow to their vitality. Among their five branches, I only know that Vice Minister Dou dotes on his second grandson. The third and fifth branches are somewhat unusual.”

Having spent most of his life as a wealthy gentleman with no real power, Qin Zhang had nonetheless made many friends and acquaintances over the years, both in court and among the nobility of the capital. “That second grandson is very clever. At a young age, he apprenticed under Su Huaizhang, the former Minister of Personnel, and his success in the imperial exams last year shows his exceptional abilities.”

“The third branch is the only illegitimate line. Seeing that Vice Minister Dou did not favor them, they started their own business early on. While the Dou family’s industries revolved around tea and silk, they ventured into unrelated businesses like running restaurants. In less than ten years, they’ve gained some renown. Fengle Pavilion in the Eastern Market is theirs, and I hear it’s now run by the young master himself, who is quite capable—”

“As for the fifth branch, I am familiar with one of them. He has been practicing Taoism at Baiyun Temple for over a decade. He’s a bit younger than me, a rather unconventional man. He neither married nor had children and has devoted himself entirely to cultivation. I feel ashamed when I think of his dedication—I lack such resolve.”

Qin Ying hesitated and asked, “If he is so focused on cultivation, he shouldn’t harbor ill intentions, right?”

Qin Zhang sighed lightly, “It’s hard to say. Didn’t Qingyang Temple have its scandals before? Daughter, your thinking is still too simple. Human nature is difficult to gauge; appearances can be deceiving.”

Qin Ying quickly responded affirmatively. Although the case involving the Dou family was currently ongoing, Qin Ying was still worried about Fu Ling and the others whose judgment had yet to be finalized. She shared their situation, and Qin Zhang commented, “Indeed, those two maids are sentenced to exile two thousand five hundred li away. The deceased’s identity is not low, so they will likely be sent to the harshest and coldest places in the west or north. Autumn is already here, and once the sentence is finalized, they’ll leave the capital in late autumn. On their journey, I fear they won’t survive the winter.”

Qin Ying hesitated, “If I intercede, could they be sentenced to the south instead?”

Qin Zhang laughed, “Such matters can be arranged with a word from your father. Why do you need to intervene?”

In this world, social classes were distinctly divided, and those of low status bore harsher punishments. Qin Ying could foresee that on the journey to escort them out of the capital, the officials and servants would not show them pity. In the freezing cold of winter, how could two weak women possibly survive? Qin Ying knew she couldn’t change the laws or societal structure but could only take small actions to save these two maids’ lives.

With Qin Zhang’s help, it was much better. Qin Ying felt deeply moved and looked at Qin Zhang with increasingly tender eyes. Qin Zhang smiled and said, “Good child, you have a compassionate heart. Of course, I will help you. Consider it an act of kindness and virtue on my part.”

Qin Zhang then continued, “You mentioned Cui Muzhi entering the Ministry of Justice; I hadn’t expected it either. However, the matter concerning Earl Zhongyuan’s residence cannot be concealed. Word has already started spreading among the populace, and Marquis Changqing’s reputation has suffered greatly. Previously, the Cui family was highly influential, and Earl Zhoungyuan’s residence benefited from their connections. Their servants often behaved with arrogance. But now, after such a sensational scandal, His Majesty might be contemplating preventing them from meddling in military affairs.”

Qin Ying’s heart grew heavy. The open and covert struggles in court were intricate, and the Emperor’s thoughts were even harder to predict. One event could lead to countless intertwined consequences, altering Cui Muzhi’s original choices. That night when she saved Lu Roujia, it was akin to a butterfly flapping its wings, eventually setting off a chain reaction. However, Cui Muzhi’s destiny had changed—what about Lu Roujia’s?

Upon returning to Qingwu Courtyard, Qin Ying personally wrote an invitation and instructed Bai Yuan, “Deliver this to the Lu family tomorrow morning. At the initial hour of Xu (around 7 PM), I will meet Miss Lu at the Flower Goddess Temple in the Eastern Market.”

Bai Yuan was slightly surprised. “What will you do at the Flower Goddess Temple?”

Qin Ying smiled faintly. “To meet a beauty.”

After a restful night, Qin Ying accompanied Qin Zhang for breakfast early the next morning. She then took a carriage to the Dou family estate. Upon reaching the gates, she noticed the Longyi Guards were already present, along with officers from the Capital Magistrate’s Office standing outside.

As she entered, a guard noticed her arrival and immediately said, “County Princess, the Lord is with the second madam. Her condition has improved significantly today, and she can answer questions. I will escort you there.”

Qin Ying nodded in agreement and followed the guard toward the northwest corner. The second branch’s courtyard was located near Hanguang Pavilion and Dou Qiguang’s main residence. The group walked along the corridor they had passed the day before, heading north. Halfway there, they encountered several servants carrying axes heading toward Hanguang Pavilion.

The guard explained, “Old Master Dou has ordered the servants to chop down the burned bamboo grove.”

During the previous visit to Hanguang Pavilion, the burned bamboo grove had remained unrestored. Now, it was being removed, which seemed reasonable. Qin Ying acknowledged this with a simple “Hmm” and continued to the second branch’s courtyard.

Xie Jian and Xie Yong were guarding the door. When they saw Qin Ying arrive, they immediately went inside to report her presence. Shortly afterward, Xie Jian invited Qin Ying to enter.

The room’s décor was elegant yet simple, distinctly modest compared to the luxurious splendor of the Sijin Pavilion. Following the maidservant, Qin Ying approached the warm chamber. Before even entering, she could smell the faint scent of medicine.

Upon stepping inside, she saw a frail-looking lady lying on a couch. Covered with a thin blanket, her face was pale, her lips slightly blue, and there was a lingering sorrow in her expression that evoked pity. This was Madam Huang, Dou Yu’s mother.

Opposite Madam Huang, Xie Xinglan sat on a wide chair. His demeanor was solemn, but a subtle light flickered in his gaze upon seeing Qin Ying enter. From the couch, Madam Huang looked at her with gratitude in her eyes and said, “I am unable to rise and pay my respects to the County Princess; I beg for your forgiveness.”

Qin Ying quickly responded, “No need,” and after sitting down, Madam Huang gently said, “Just now, Lord Xie mentioned that the case was initially going to be closed, but it was the County Princess who found discrepancies and prompted a re-investigation. Otherwise, my Yu’er would have died unjustly. I truly owe my gratitude to the County Princess. On the day the yamen declared that Yu’er had died in a fire, I couldn’t believe it. Yu’er had lived in the Hanguang Pavilion for many years. Even if there had been a fire, wouldn’t he have managed to escape?”

Speaking of this, tears welled up in her eyes again. “Now that the Jinwu Guards are investigating everyone in the household, I feel relieved. I hope they can soon uncover the culprit so I may know who was so ruthless.”

Qin Ying sighed, “Madam, please restrain your grief.”

She offered words of comfort, and Xie Xinglan added, “As I asked earlier, Madam, it’s best if you give this some serious thought.”

Madam Huang dabbed at her eyes. “Yu’er has always been the type to share happiness but not hardships. I’ve been unwell, and each day, he’d come to greet me with a cheerful smile, even though I knew he was actually struggling. Outsiders often praised his extraordinary talents, calling him a prodigy, but as his mother, I know his abilities are merely average. His academic achievements came solely from his own hard work and dedication.”

“You’ve seen the Hanguang Pavilion; it’s secluded, and he lived there alone. I rarely visited; he would come to see me daily. Before the incident, he didn’t exhibit any unusual behavior. When speaking of others in the household, he was always kind and accommodating.”

Madam Huang sighed deeply. “You’re aware of the matter concerning the eldest son. Due to that incident, our family branch has felt indebted to the main branch for years. Yu’er felt that although he was second-ranked, he should bear the burden of supporting the family. His grandfather thought the same, which only made him strive harder. He got along very well with his siblings. While the eldest son wasn’t close to him, Yu’er greatly respected his elder brother and treated Xin’er very well. I can’t fathom who would want to harm him.”

Xie Xinglan remarked, “From what we’ve gathered so far, there doesn’t seem to be any motive for someone to seek revenge on him.” He paused slightly and then asked, “How was Dou Yu’s relationship with Ge Mingzhou and Dou Wenjia?”

Madam Huang furrowed her brows. “Mingzhou… he was quite close with Mingzhou. Mingzhou came to our residence originally to prepare for the imperial examination. When he first arrived, he often studied alongside Yu’er. His sister Fu’er is also a good girl; her thoughts were quite transparent to me. However, the Old Master arranged Yu’er’s marriage, and as his mother, I had no say in the matter. As for the fifth brother…”

Madam Huang paused as a flicker of apprehension crossed her face. “He has a cold and unfeeling nature. However, since he spends much of his time outside practicing Taoism and has no personal grudge against Yu’er, I don’t believe he would harm Yu’er.”

Qin Ying glanced at Xie Xinglan, who said, “He returned to the residence last night. He was somewhat cooperative during questioning but had no alibi for the afternoon of the 12th. Later, we sent people to search his living quarters within the residence, but no evidence was found.”

After explaining, Xie Xinglan turned to look at Madam Huang. “Practitioners of Taoism may have a calm and detached nature, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they lack malicious intent. Has he returned here often over the years?”

Upon hearing this, Madam Huang chuckled, “Sir, you misunderstood me. When I say he is cold-hearted, I mean precisely that he harbors malicious intent.”

Xie Xinglan and Qin Ying both looked puzzled. Madam Huang cast a glance outside. “Did neither of you notice that the Third Young Master is missing from our household?”

Seeing their furrowed brows, Madam Huang’s smile gradually turned icy. “It’s because the Third Young Master from the third branch met his end at his hands. That is the real reason he turned to Taoist practice.”