Chapter 8

“In folk wisdom, there has always been a saying: ‘Standing seven, sitting five, coiling three’—meaning that every person’s stature and head length follow certain proportions. Even the length of bare feet and handprints adhere to specific ratios when compared to overall height. If one knows a person’s foot measurement, an extrapolation formula can roughly estimate their height—provided they are an ordinary individual.”

After saying this, Qin Ying picked up a brush and wrote a lengthy passage. She painstakingly transformed the formula into an ancient measurement method, which took considerable effort. However, upon seeing it, Xie Xinglan immediately understood how the calculation was made.

Xie Xinglan glanced at Qin Ying. “Did you learn this at the Imperial Academy? Which teacher taught it to you?”

Xie Xinglan had also studied at the Imperial Academy, where the best arithmetic scholars of the Great Zhou resided. Yet, in his recollection, none had ever engaged in calculations involving body proportions and foot lengths.

Qin Ying knew he would have doubts. “These unconventional techniques are certainly not taught at the Imperial Academy. There’s no need for Envoy Xie to concern himself with where I learned them—just know that this method is quite useful for solving cases.”

Xie Xinglan recalled what Xie Jian had mentioned—that she had done everything for Cui Muzhi. Knowing these eclectic skills was not entirely surprising. Xie Xinglan then put the piece of paper away.

“Has the rockery cave been searched?” Qin Ying was most concerned about the crime scene.

Xie Xinglan replied, “It has. Aside from finding some lamp oil, nothing else was discovered. The suspected murder weapon was also found—pebbles, which can be seen everywhere by the lakeside. Given how many characteristics we now know about the culprit, I believe we should start with those who have the most frequent interactions with the Cui family.”

“Lamp oil—”

Qin Ying caught onto the key detail. “Is it fresh lamp oil?”

Xie Xinglan nodded. “Yes, it should have been spilled last night when they entered to play.”

Qin Ying said, “But no one mentioned it in their testimony last night.”

“The cave’s terrain is uneven—spilling lamp oil is quite common. Perhaps someone was startled or frightened and forgot to mention it.”

Xie Xinglan didn’t think much of it, but Qin Ying found it strangely suspicious. She immediately said, “I’ll go take a look.”

The two left the temporary side hall and headed straight for the rear garden. Just as they reached the hanging flower gate, they unexpectedly ran into Cui Muzhi and Lin Qian. The two groups briefly met eyes, but Qin Ying did not greet them. She brushed past them with a focused urgency, walking swiftly and single-mindedly. Xie Xinglan, following behind, raised his eyebrows in surprise.

Xie Xinglan didn’t say much either. As the two entered the backyard, Cui Muzhi and Lin Qian paused in mild confusion.

Several Longyi Guards were stationed around the rockery, watching Xie Xinglan follow Qin Ying. They were puzzled by the scene. Only after Xie Xinglan ordered someone to lead the way did one of the guards escort Qin Ying inside.

The winding path inside the rockery cave twisted and turned, with a few beams of faint light filtering through the cracks above. Torches were necessary to see clearly. Qin Ying walked along until she reached the spot where the lamp oil had been found—a small patch of brown oil stains splattered against a nearby stone wall.

The stain was about knee-high, suggesting an accidental spill. Qin Ying carefully examined the direction the oil had splashed, then looked up towards the exit. “How far is it from here to the exit?”

Xie Xinglan, standing behind her, replied, “About half the remaining distance.”

Qin Ying continued forward and, after turning a corner, discovered a fork in the path—another route unexpectedly led to the same spot. She stared at the junction as a sudden thought struck her. “What if someone deliberately spilled the lamp oil?”

“Deliberately?” Xie Xinglan was puzzled. “This cave is pitch black, completely reliant on lanterns for light. If the lamp oil was spilled intentionally, wouldn’t that make progress impossible?”

Qin Ying’s gaze sharpened. “But if someone wanted to stop moving forward and couldn’t find a good excuse, running out of lamp oil would be the perfect reason—one that no one could question.”

As she said this, Xie Xinglan furrowed his brows. “Are you referring to Xue Ming?”

Among last night’s testimonies, only Xue Ming had claimed that he intended to walk through the path but had to turn back due to a lack of lamp oil.

Qin Ying looked toward the entrance of the cave. “When I arrived, I observed that this path was less winding and convoluted than the others. Although there are more forks along the way, someone familiar with the route would find this the fastest path to the exit.”

“Let’s assume that Cui Wan had an appointment yesterday—set behind the rockery. She dismissed her maid and came alone to wait, but the person she was supposed to meet got held up by their companions and couldn’t come alone. So, that person entered the cave with someone unfamiliar with its pathways. The original person intended to rely on their knowledge of the route to reach Cui Wan first, but unexpectedly, the other individual, full of enthusiasm, moved faster than them, winding through the passages and accidentally colliding with them.”

Xie Xinglan’s gaze deepened. “Pei Shuo—”

Qin Ying said, “That’s right. Pei Shuo and Xue Ming initially walked separately, but later, they ended up together. Logically, they had already covered most of the journey by the time they reached this point—just a short distance more, and they would have exited the cave. However, at that moment, Xue Ming decided not to proceed further, claiming his lamp oil was insufficient. Since Pei Shuo was unfamiliar with the route, he naturally followed Xue Ming’s lead and backed out as well.”

Qin Ying pointed at the path beneath them. “This trail may not be completely smooth, but it’s not particularly treacherous either. Even in riskier spots, no one spilled lamp oil—yet here, of all places, it was spilled? The oil stain is just ten or so steps away from this point. If Pei Shuo had come from the other side last night, even before seeing anyone, he would have heard them. At that moment, Xue Ming quickly decided to spill most of his lamp oil, and he had ample time to do so.”

After laying out all these details, Qin Ying had even managed to justify her reasoning to herself. Yet Xie Xinglan responded, “You’re pinning suspicion on Xue Ming based on nothing more than the lamp oil and the terrain, both of which are commonly found. I’m afraid that’s not enough evidence. You always say solving cases requires solid proof, but I think your storytelling skills are far better. Are you going to say that the first time, Pei Shuo disrupted Xue Ming’s plan, and the second time, Xue Ming killed Cui Wan while helping Zhao Yumin search for the jade pendant?”

Xie Xinglan clearly thought she was speaking based on mere speculation, but Qin Ying remained serious. “I’ve indeed relied on imagination, but everything is built upon careful observation of the crime scene and analysis of everyone’s testimonies. This isn’t just storytelling—it’s the result of everyone’s diligent investigation. Sometimes, a single insight from an investigator can determine the speed of solving an entire case.”

“If Xue Ming had accidentally spilled the lamp oil, would he vaguely say that the oil was insufficient, or would he mention that he had a minor accident? A slip and fall is the kind of thing that would make anyone nervous. I don’t believe Xue Ming would misremember such a detail. The most likely explanation is that he deliberately avoided mentioning the oil spill because he felt guilty.”

Qin Ying finished speaking and noticed Xie Xinglan deep in thought. She continued, “It’s highly possible that Xue Ming returned to commit the crime a second time. He isn’t tall, and the Xue family has frequently interacted with the Cui family. If you don’t believe me, ask Zijuan and Biyun how many times Xue Ming has visited the estate. Then bring Pei Shuo and Xue Ming here—make them walk the path again together. Facing each other directly, neither of them would dare to lie.”

Xie Xinglan rarely listened attentively to long-winded discussions—his follower, Xie Jian, knew this better than anyone. Since the start of the new year, his patience had been wearing thinner by the day. Yet, despite Qin Ying’s lengthy analysis, Xie Xinglan did not interrupt her.

Qin Ying continued, “If everything I’ve said turns out to be wrong, then it’s only a waste of time. But today is just the first of the ten days—Envoy Xie shouldn’t be overly cautious.”

Xie Xinglan had to admit that, even if it was just speculation, Qin Ying’s reasoning was coherent and vivid. He nodded and said, “Then send people to visit the Pingchang Marquis’s and Xue Residences.”

After the guards set out, Qin Ying fell into deep thought again. “Regardless of who the murderer is, meeting Cui Wan alone at this location must have had a reason. And we can’t even be certain who invited whom. During yesterday’s banquet, everyone gathered in a chaotic crowd, and since it was Cui Wan’s birthday, no one paid much attention to who spoke to her more than usual. Additionally, the killer first attempted poisoning in daylight but later resorted to murder at night—what kind of deep-seated hatred could this be?”

Qin Ying turned to Xie Xinglan. “Cui Wan’s wedding is approaching—could this have something to do with her marriage?”

Xie Xinglan said, “It is true that Earl Zhongyuan’s family arranged a marriage with the Prince’s residence five years ago. However, Cui Wan’s prolonged illness caused repeated delays, eventually displeasing the Prince’s family. Now that news of the Cui family’s misfortune has spread across the capital, the Prince’s residence only sent a steward to inquire about them this morning. Moreover, Cui Wan has not maintained a close relationship with the Prince’s family over the past two years. According to their household, she only visited twice during festivals, always accompanying Madam Lin, and at other times, she used her illness as an excuse.”

Qin Ying was surprised. “Have you already questioned the Prince’s family?”

Xie Xinglan turned to leave. “The Earl’s family has been evasive in their statements. Questioning them is a waste of effort.”

Qin Ying followed. “Are you referring to Cui Wan’s illness?”

Xie Xinglan couldn’t help but glance back at her, puzzled. He couldn’t comprehend how someone so brilliant could be so deeply infatuated with Cui Muzhi, to the point of tarnishing her own reputation. Could Cui Muzhi truly be her destined one?

Qin Ying murmured to herself, “I have my doubts as well. Zijuan just mentioned that Cui Wan enjoys floral tea, and with such careful nourishment, her asthma has become rare. But if her condition has improved so much, why has her marriage been delayed for so long? Besides, this illness is notoriously difficult to cure.”

The narrow path within the rockery brought Qin Ying and Xie Xinglan quite close to each other. Her serene voice echoed through the winding cave, washing over Xie Xinglan like ripples of water. He did not respond and instead strode forward quickly.

Upon exiting the rockery, the bright daylight bathed the surroundings. The sun had reached its zenith, instantly bringing a sense of clarity and openness. Xie Xinglan ordered someone to summon Zijuan and Biyun before questioning them. “Has your lady been close to Xue Ming from the Imperial Academy Grand Academician’s family?”

The inquiry left Biyun and Zijuan slightly confused. After hesitating, Biyun answered, “Young Master Xue used to be our lady’s calligraphy tutor. He taught her for two years, and during that time, she frequently visited the Xue residence. But that was long ago—before we began serving in the Earl’s residence.”

“And what about Xue Ming? Has he visited your residence often?”

Biyun nodded. “Our families used to have frequent interactions, especially during festivals. Young Master Xue was also quite friendly with Heir Cui and would occasionally visit.”

Xie Xinglan pressed further. “Then he must have met Yuanbao? Has he been to this rockery before?”

Biyun responded, “Of course, he has seen it before. He has visited the rockery multiple times.”

Qin Ying’s eyes lit up upon hearing this, while Xie Xinglan gave her a neutral glance. For some reason, he didn’t want her to figure everything out so quickly.

The Xue and Pei residences were near the Earl Zhongyuan’s residence. After waiting through two incense sticks’ time, Pei Shuo arrived first. As soon as he entered, Cui Muzhi and Lin Qian got the news. Upon hearing that the Longyi Guards had summoned him, they accompanied him to the rockery.

As they walked, Pei Shuo asked Cui Muzhi, “I heard that His Majesty only gave Xie Xinglan ten days. If he fails to solve the case within that time, will he truly lose his position as the Envoy?”

Cui Muzhi replied, “The imperial decree has already been issued. There’s no way it could be false.”

Pei Shuo shook his head, seemingly doubtful of Xie Xinglan’s abilities. He added, “Issuing the decree was necessary. Otherwise, he may have officially taken over the case, but who knows how he would secretly manipulate things.”

Standing beside them, Lin Qian added, “That’s exactly the concern.”

As the three conversed, they arrived outside the rockery and looked up to see Xie Xinglan and Qin Ying standing together. Upon seeing them, both wore rather stern expressions—they were clearly united in their stance.

Xie Xinglan turned to Pei Shuo first. “Last night, you mentioned that after entering the cave with Xue Ming, you walked separately before somehow meeting again. Describe the situation in detail—how exactly did you two encounter each other?”

Pei Shuo was somewhat puzzled but still answered, “When I saw him, he was coming from another path, and we simply ran into each other. I originally intended to continue forward, but then he said his lamp oil was running low, so we retraced our steps.”

“Which path did you take to return?”

“The one I was walking on.”

Xie Xinglan’s expression darkened slightly. “Lead the way—walk the path again.”

Pei Shuo was confused. “What is this about? Are you suspecting me as the culprit?”

Xie Xinglan said coldly, “If you’re feeling guilty, you don’t have to cooperate.”

Upon hearing this, Pei Shuo immediately strode into the cave. “Guilty? Nonsense! Not only you, but even I want to know who murdered Cui Wan. Let’s see how long it takes the Longyi Guards to uncover the real culprit.”

Following his memory, Pei Shuo led the way, with Xie Xinglan and Qin Ying closely behind him. They twisted and turned through the cave for about half a teacup’s time before Pei Shuo stopped at the exact spot they had left earlier. “Here—this is where we met. We saw each other. He didn’t want to continue and pulled me back along this path. I remember it clearly.”

Qin Ying glanced at Xie Xinglan, who, despite his reluctance to acknowledge her theories, couldn’t help but be impressed. He said in a deep voice, “Let’s wait for Xue Ming.”

As the three retraced their steps out of the cave, Cui Muzhi and Lin Qian were still waiting outside. Pei Shuo looked toward the garden gate and muttered, “The Xue residence is closer than ours. Why hasn’t he arrived yet?”

With Xue Ming absent, Pei Shuo was unsure what tricks Xie Xinglan and Qin Ying were up to, so he craned his neck in anticipation—more impatient than even Xie Xinglan and Qin Ying.

Then, all of a sudden, Pei Shuo exclaimed, “He’s here!”

Everyone followed his gaze and saw two Longyi Guards hurriedly entering the garden gate. However, as they stepped in, no one was behind them—Xue Ming was nowhere to be seen.

Pei Shuo remarked, “Xue Ming is quite bold, ignoring the Longyi Guards?”

Before his words had fully landed, the approaching guards urgently announced, “Sir, Xue Ming is dead! His body was found at Qingyang Temple in the western part of the city!”