Chapter 6

A woman?

The four people in the room all showed a change in expression. Lin Qian couldn’t help but say first, “Even if the County Princess wants to help, she shouldn’t make baseless accusations. No one saw the perpetrator’s figure last night, so how can you say the culprit isn’t tall?”

Lin Qian was of average height, so his words only increased suspicion toward him. As his words fell, Cui Muzhi responded with a cold expression: “What kind of tricks are you trying to play again? Right now, Wan’er’s body hasn’t even gone cold. This is not the time for you to stir up trouble.”

Qin Ying was speechless at Cui Muzhi’s overly sentimental attitude. However, her initiative to investigate the case had already aroused suspicion. If she revealed principles that did not belong to this era, others would likely think she was possessed by spirits.

After a moment of silence, Qin Ying suddenly spoke, “Envoy Xie, may I have a word with you?”

Xie Xinglan frowned slightly. He hadn’t expected that among the four people in the room, Qin Ying would choose to speak to him—the one she was least familiar with. Thinking back to the events of last night, Xie Xinglan decided that there was no harm in listening. He walked toward the western window, and Qin Ying hurried to follow him.

Lin Qian glanced at Cui Muzhi with a hint of implication. “Why is she going to find Xie Xinglan?”

Cui Muzhi scoffed coldly. “What does that have to do with me?”

Standing beneath the western window, Xie Xinglan gazed over Lin Qian and Cui Muzhi, then turned to Qin Ying’s serious expression. This entire scene seemed rather intriguing to him.

“I imagine that you, Envoy Xie, don’t believe what I’m saying,” Qin Ying got straight to the point. “However, since the Longyi Guards have already begun investigating the case, you can consider my perspective as a possible lead. The crime scene is on a slope, meaning the perpetrator wouldn’t have needed much strength to drag Cui Wan’s body down. Therefore, as long as they weren’t seriously ill, even an ordinary woman could have done it.”

It was impossible to verify whether Qin Ying’s statement was true, but her sincerity and focus were unmistakable. She had examined the body last night and came to the Earl’s mansion today to strategize—she was giving her all for Cui Muzhi.

Xie Xinglan responded indifferently, “It’s worth considering.”

Qin Ying couldn’t gauge his attitude and asked again, “Has the servant who went to question the canal workers returned?”

Xie Xinglan knew exactly what she wanted to ask, but he had lost his patience. “County Princess, you are of noble status, yet investigating a case is tedious and difficult. You might as well return to your residence and wait for updates. If you think of anything unusual, then come back and report it.”

Qin Ying’s heart sank. Xie Xinglan’s expression remained calm, but his meaning was clear—she was overstepping and asking questions she shouldn’t be asking, and he would not allow her to interrogate him. She understood the principle that one should focus on the duties of their position, but she couldn’t help but say, “I heard that His Majesty issued an order for you to solve this case within ten days.”

Xie Xinglan looked at her. “So what?”

Qin Ying continued, “Are you confident? You worked hard to earn the position of Envoy, but wouldn’t it be a pity to lose it because of this case? If you’re willing, I can lend you a hand—”

Qin Ying remembered from the original story that Xie Xinglan had faced suppression from multiple sides, making it difficult for him to obtain a key position in the Jinwu Guard. It wasn’t until the imperial spring hunt a year ago, when Emperor Zhenyuan and his entourage encountered danger, that Xie Xinglan risked his life to save the emperor. This act led Emperor Zhenyuan to see him in a new light and soon promoted him to Inspector, despite opposition.

A position earned by risking his life—Qin Ying didn’t believe Xie Xinglan could be completely indifferent to it. In all of the capital, apart from Cui Jin and the Lin family, there was probably no one more anxious to solve the case than Xie Xinglan and herself. If that was the case, why not join forces?

A position earned at the cost of one’s life—Qin Ying didn’t believe that Xie Xinglan would be indifferent to it. In all of the capital, aside from Cui Jin and the Lin family, there was likely no one more eager to solve this case than Xie Xinglan and herself. If that was the case, why not join forces?

Xie Xinglan’s expression was complicated. The words of Xie Jian from the previous night echoed in his ears. The more he looked at Qin Ying, the more absurd she seemed. The Qin Ying he had seen last night had clearly appeared intelligent, yet the things she had done were beyond belief. She truly was accustomed to overstepping boundaries—now she even wanted to meddle in the Longyi Guards’s investigation. But for what? Just for Cui Muzhi?

Cui Muzhi was Marquis Changqing’s heir. If Qin Ying wanted to gain favor or credit, she should have gone to Cui Muzhi instead of coming to him. It was simply that Cui Muzhi had treated her coldly and refused to entertain her, forcing her to settle for a second option.

Xie Xinglan sneered, “Rest assured, County Princess, you will never see that day.”

Qin Ying failed to grasp the deeper meaning behind his words. She only thought that since Xie Xinglan no longer placed any importance on Marquis Changqing’s household or Earl Weiyuan’s residence, he would certainly not listen to a county princess with no real power. She was somewhat disappointed but had no choice but to relent. “Since Envoy Xie is so confident, then I shall wait for the good news.”

Xie Xinglan’s expression turned colder. Just at that moment, Xie Jian hurried in from outside. “My lord, the murder weapon has been found. A distinctly different-colored cobblestone was discovered in the waters last night.”

Xie Xinglan cast a dark glance at Qin Ying before losing interest in engaging further. Qin Ying felt inexplicably frustrated under his gaze—she was helping herself, but she was also helping him. It was one thing for him to be ungrateful, but why was he showing such hostility?

Watching Xie Xinglan and Xie Jian leave the room, Qin Ying walked outside in frustration.

Cui Muzhi and Lin Qian had been observing them whispering by the window for quite some time. They had no idea what Qin Ying had said, but whatever it was, it had clearly provoked Xie Xinglan’s stern reaction. Lin Qian smirked as if enjoying the spectacle. “So, County Princess Yunyang is helping you irritate Xie Xinglan now?”

Cui Muzhi smirked faintly. “Why would I need her help?”

Lin Qian nodded noncommittally. “Women only cause minor disturbances, but the Marquis’s petition carries real weight. Ten days—can the Longyi Guards solve the case within ten days? If they fail, do you think that scoundrel Xie Xinglan won’t just find someone to take the fall?”

Cui Muzhi sneered, “Don’t worry. He already has enough mistakes before His Majesty. If this case isn’t solved within ten days or the resolution is full of loopholes, that will be the perfect chance to kick him out of the Jinwu Guards.”

Lin Qian understood. “Then I should start mourning for him in advance.”

…

Qin Ying stepped outside and immediately called for Shen Luo. “Go find the steward of the estate and ask about the servant who went to question the canal workers at Yuguan River last night. See what he learned—I want to know when the hidden channels of Yingyue Lake release water.”

Shen Luo was an orphan rescued years ago by Qin Zhang and later trained as a martial guard in the estate. He was always efficient in his work. Although he didn’t understand why Qin Ying needed this information, he followed orders without question.

Qin Ying glanced toward Yingyue Lake but suddenly changed direction, heading toward the front courtyard. Bai Yuan kept close behind her. “County Princess, what do you plan to do now?”

Qin Ying said, “I’m going to see Madam Lin.”

The Longyi Guards had many personnel, and they would certainly obtain clues faster than she could. However, there were times when being a woman had its advantages.

Madam Lin had been overwhelmed with grief last night and was now bedridden. In just one night, her temples had turned gray, and her entire being looked lifeless. Perhaps out of gratitude for Qin Ying’s help in examining the body the previous night, Madam Lin immediately invited her in upon hearing of her arrival.

Upon entering, Qin Ying saw Madam Lin’s sorrow-stricken appearance. What surprised her even more was Cui Han’s presence. At just three years old, he still didn’t fully understand what had happened, but his eyes were red.

Noticing the unfamiliar guest, Cui Han shrank back into the bed. Madam Lin pulled him close and then gestured for Qin Ying to sit.

Qin Ying first offered a few words of comfort before remarking, “Madam, you are a loving mother. Even in such a difficult time, you still care for the young master.”

Madam Lin glanced at Cui Han. “He has been raised by my side since infancy—there is no difference between him and my own child. He and Wan’er were like real siblings. He woke up this morning asking where his sister had gone and wouldn’t stop crying unless he stayed with me. But I… I truly don’t know how to answer him.”

As soon as Madam Lin spoke, she was about to shed tears again. Seeing this, Cui Han asked in his soft, childlike voice, “Mother, will Sister be sick for a long time?”

Madam Lin gently stroked Cui Han’s cheek. “Yes, for a long time…”

Cui Han pouted, then started crying again. Madam Lin let out a sigh and quickly pulled him into her embrace. Watching this, Qin Ying felt sorrow well up in her heart. If Madam Lin could show such care for Cui Han, who was born to Concubine Zhang, how much more must she have loved her own daughter, Cui Wan?

“Sister was perfectly fine yesterday.”

“She even gave me a birthday pastry.”

Cui Han couldn’t stop his tears. The servants and maids tried to comfort him but to no avail. Seeing the situation getting out of control, Madam Lin instructed, “Go and bring Yuanbao.”

The nanny answered and hurried out, but the atmosphere in the room had already become chaotic.

Under these circumstances, Qin Ying decided it was inappropriate to state her true intentions. She had initially planned to visit Cui Wan’s chamber, but now, lacking a legitimate reason, speaking up too abruptly might only seem intrusive to Madam Lin in her grief.

With no better option, Qin Ying excused herself. As she left Madam Lin’s courtyard, she found Shen Luo waiting on the path outside. Seeing her approach, he stepped forward and reported, “County Princess, I inquired as you asked. The servant who spoke with the canal workers last night learned that the hidden channels of Yingyue Lake release water every night at the first quarter of the Xu hour and continue for half an hour.”

Qin Ying furrowed her brows. Zhao Yumin and Jian Fangfei had gone to the artificial mountain at the second quarter of the Xu hour, while Cui Muzhi and the others arrived only after the water flow had already ceased. This meant that only Cui Muzhi’s group could be excluded from suspicion. However, among those three, Lin Qian had helped Zhao Yumin look for a lost jade pendant. And based on her estimates regarding height, Pei Shuo from Marquis Pingchang’s family could also be ruled out.

She hesitated. “I still need to check the artificial mountain.”

Bai Yuan was unsure. “That Envoy Xie doesn’t seem easy to deal with. Will he allow you to go?”

Qin Ying also felt troubled. The Longyi Guards was no ordinary government office, and Xie Xinglan, with his reckless and fearless nature, certainly wouldn’t accommodate her. For her to rely on her status as a county princess and forcibly interfere would be nearly impossible.

Just as she considered her next move, the nanny Madam Lin had sent out earlier returned in panic. Seeing her expression, Qin Ying immediately knew something had happened and quickly stopped her. “What happened? Weren’t you sent to bring Yuanbao?”

Qin Ying only caught the word “Yuanbao” and didn’t know what it referred to. The nanny, looking distressed, said, “Yuanbao is dead. What should we do? First, the young lady met a tragic fate, and now Yuanbao is gone as well—”

Qin Ying’s heart skipped a beat. “What is Yuanbao?”

“It’s the cat that the young lady and the young master raised together. They’ve had it for two years, and both of them deeply loved it. But last night, who knows what it ate? When we found it just now, it was already dead.” The nanny stomped her foot in frustration. “I must go and inform Madam Lin. County Princess, please excuse me.”

Bai Yuan and Shen Luo exchanged glances, surprised that the pet had perished alongside its owner. Bai Yuan sighed softly, “Could it be that the cat had a spiritual connection with its mistress and followed her?”

Qin Ying shook her head. “That’s impossible. Let’s go take a look.”

…

Yuanbao had died inside Cui Wan’s Hanlan Pavilion. Qin Ying summoned the servants to gather there. As she stepped through the courtyard gate, she saw Zijuan and Biyun weeping as they placed the body of a snow-white cat into a basket. She quickly approached and asked, “What happened?”

Zijuan and Biyun hadn’t expected her to arrive. Considering her status, Zijuan tearfully said, “I don’t know what happened. It was perfectly fine yesterday, but after the incident, we didn’t have time to check on it. Usually, it’s very well-behaved and only sleeps in the cage the young lady prepared for. Earlier, when the nanny said she would take it to comfort the young master, we went to the side room to look for it, only to find the cage empty. After searching for a long time, we finally found it in the corner of the couch in the young lady’s warm chamber—its body had already stiffened.”

Bi Yun choked up, “It was perfectly fine—how could something have happened to it too?”

Qin Ying found it strange. A healthy cat shouldn’t suddenly die without cause. Her gaze fell into the wooden basket, where she examined it closely. Before long, her eyes fixed on the cat’s mouth and nose. “What did it eat last night?”

Zijuan and Biyun exchanged looks. Zijuan answered, “After the luncheon yesterday, the young lady returned to her room to rest briefly. During that time, she fed it fish and minced meat. After that, she didn’t check on it again—it should have only eaten the minced meat.”

Qin Ying lifted her chin slightly. “Look at the fur around its mouth—”

The white cat inside the basket had its eyes shut tight. Around its neck, it wore a silver-red collar with a small bell. Its body was clean, except for a streak of yellowish residue near its mouth. Zijuan was stunned. “That’s—”

“It vomited. Usually, a cat vomits when there’s a buildup of fur in its stomach, when it eats something bad, or when it’s poisoned. Bring me the leftover minced meat it ate, and take me to the place where its body was found.”

Upon hearing that poisoning was a possibility, Zijuan and Biyun turned pale with fear. Qin Ying then instructed, “Go to Yingyue Lake and invite Envoy Xie over.”

The two stood frozen for a moment before snapping out of it. Biyun hurried off to call Xie Xinglan while Zijuan led Qin Ying into the upper room.

Cui Wan’s courtyard was also lavishly decorated. With the wedding approaching, everything in the house was brand new—the curtains and bead screens were a deep red, resembling blood, adorned with auspicious patterns such as blooming pomegranates and twin lotuses.

The warm chamber was located west of the upper quarters. As soon as Qin Ying stepped inside, she caught a faint stench in the air. Zijuan walked over to the southwest corner, where a chaise lounge stood. “This is where we found it.”

Seeing the situation, Qin Ying immediately stepped forward to move the chaise lounge. Shen Luo, who was following behind, quickly said, “Let me do it—”

Shen Luo finished speaking, but Qin Ying did not step aside. Bai Yuan hurried forward as well, exerting force. The three of them worked together to lift the long couch, and as soon as they moved it, Zijuan and Bai Yuan let out a small gasp.

Under the chaise lounge, there were two large patches of foul yellow stains, with traces of blood scattered within. Qin Ying’s expression grew solemn. Zijuan then walked toward the side room. Before long, she returned with a porcelain plate filled with minced meat. Most of the meat was still untouched, indicating that Yuanbao had eaten very little.

Qin Ying looked around. This warm chamber was meant for reading and resting, and no food was visible anywhere. She pondered for a moment before asking, “Yesterday, when your lady returned to rest, did she have anything to eat?”

Zijuan recalled, “She didn’t have anything; she just asked someone to bring osmanthus tea. But she didn’t drink it since there were still guests present. She only played with Yuanbao for a while before leaving.”

“What happened to the osmanthus tea afterward?”

Zijuan, still shaken, said, “Whenever there is leftover tea in the room, the young maids always pour it into the flowerbed under the western wall of the courtyard while cleaning.”

Qin Ying swiftly turned and stepped outside. As soon as she exited, she saw a lush cluster of gardenia trees along the western wall. She quickly approached the flowerbed, reached out, and pushed aside the trees. Leaning in, she glanced around casually—but her pupils abruptly contracted as if pricked by a needle. Beneath the neatly arranged roots of the gardenia trees lay a dense layer of brownish-black insect corpses sprawled across the ground.

Qin Ying straightened with a heavy expression just as the sound of footsteps echoed from outside the courtyard. Xie Xinglan entered with the Yuwei guards, his face grim. He had assumed Qin Ying would give up by now, yet he was surprised that she had sought him out over a dead cat. Why hadn’t she gone to Cui Muzhi instead?

Upon seeing Qin Ying, he spoke coldly, “Longyi Guards investigate homicide cases. Do we now investigate dead cats, too?”

Qin Ying turned to him and replied, “What if the one responsible for the poisoning was originally targeting a person?”