Yue Ning and Qin Wan exchanged glances, surprised by the scene before them. The servant had said Master Ning was upstairs, yet here was Ning Buyi in the back courtyard making a beauty cry. They both stepped back, feeling it inappropriate to spy on such a private moment.

The two entered the private room, and Yue Ning asked, “Master Ning isn’t young anymore, how is it he hasn’t taken a wife yet?”

Qin Wan smiled, “That I don’t know. Perhaps he has his reasons.”

The servant quickly brought tea and apologetically said, “Please wait a moment, Imperial Princesses. Master Ning has some matters to attend to.”

Yue Ning and Qin Wan shared a knowing smile, both understanding and patient – Master Ning needed to console the young lady. Just as they were thinking this, Ning Buyi arrived quickly, appearing at the private room’s doorway moments later.

“Greetings to both Imperial Princesses. I wasn’t aware of your visit today and have kept you waiting.”

Ning Buyi was very warm upon seeing the two. Just as Qin Wan said “No need for formalities,” Ning Buyi looked at Yue Ning’s hand and asked, “Has Your Highness’s hand wound healed?”

Yue Ning smiled, “It healed long ago.”

She showed the back of her hand, and indeed the wound had healed completely. From a distance, one could barely see any scar. With Qin Wan by her side and the wound being shallow, it had naturally healed very quickly.

Ning Buyi sighed in relief, “That’s good. Since that day, I’ve felt deeply apologetic. I wanted to pay a visit, but as a commoner artist, I didn’t dare to presume.”

“Why does Master Ning belittle himself so? Master Ning’s reputation precedes him. Whether visiting the An Yang Marquis Manor or the Zhong Yong Marquis Manor, you would be most welcome…”

Hearing Qin Wan’s words, Ning Buyi gave a bitter smile. He knew Qin Wan was just trying to comfort him. He was merely a painter – even if well-known, his paintings were just worth some money. To true noble families, especially royal relatives like the An Yang Marquis family, his reputation meant little. If he were to visit alone, they might not even receive him.

Ning Buyi didn’t continue that line of conversation, instead asking their purpose, “What brings the Imperial Princesses here today? Last time, Your Highness came to buy paintings but was interrupted. Today I will certainly help Your Highness select carefully.”

Seeing Ning Buyi still showed guilt, Yue Ning asked somewhat helplessly, “Has anyone come to cause trouble since that day?”

Ning Buyi quickly shook his head, “No, no. Everything has been very peaceful since then.”

Yue Ning felt relieved, “That’s good. I already bought several paintings downstairs earlier for decorating my halls. Today I came seeking an ‘Ancient Pine Painting’ to give to my father. I heard that painting is here – are you willing to sell it?”

Ning Buyi’s eyes brightened slightly, “That painting is indeed here. Please wait a moment, Imperial Princesses.”

Yue Ning nodded. Ning Buyi left and returned moments later carrying a long box. “This painting was acquired three years ago from a fallen noble family of the previous dynasty. It should undoubtedly be authentic.”

As Ning Buyi spoke, he removed and unrolled the painting. Instantly, a vigorous ancient pine tree appeared before Qin Wan and Yue Ning. This painting was by the previous dynasty’s painting sage Cao Dejian. The brushwork was magnificent and powerful. Legend had it that this painting was Cao Dejian’s birthday gift to the previous dynasty’s great general Li He, naturally capturing General Li’s scholarly military bearing.

For Yue Ning to buy this painting as a gift for Yue Qiong was most fitting indeed.

Neither Yue Ning nor Qin Wan were skilled at appraising paintings, but seeing how Ning Buyi had righteously rejected Feng Zhang’s advances that day, Yue Ning instinctively felt he was a man of some scholarly integrity. Additionally, since they had saved Ning Buyi, she thought he wouldn’t – and wouldn’t dare to – deceive them.

“If Master Ning says this is authentic, then I believe it is. Master Ning, please name your price.”

Yue Ning was quite straightforward. As soon as she finished speaking, Ning Buyi began rolling up the painting while saying, “When I acquired this painting, I didn’t pay a single coin—”

Qin Wan and Yue Ning were slightly surprised. Ning Buyi smiled and explained, “At that time, the elderly gentleman had a damaged ancient book – a family heirloom. I knew of this and, partly to acquire the painting and partly to help, spent three months restoring the book for him. The elderly gentleman was deeply moved when the book was restored. Knowing I wanted the painting, he simply gave it to me. So I truly didn’t spend a single coin.”

Yue Ning sighed, “Scholars appreciating each other’s talents – the elderly gentleman must have cherished Master Ning’s abilities.”

Ning Buyi smiled, “The elderly gentleman wanted to repay my kindness. Though I spent no money, the friendship involved was worth more than gold. As he treated me then, how can I not do the same today?”

Yue Ning and Qin Wan exchanged glances, unsure of Ning Buyi’s meaning. But Ning Buyi had already placed the painting in its box and turned to present it to Yue Ning with both hands. “Today, I wish to gift this painting to Your Highness as a token of my gratitude.”

Yue Ning stepped back, “How could I… No!”

Yue Ning said helplessly, “This painting is truly valuable. Master Ning needn’t be so formal. Since I came here, I sincerely wish to buy it. Just name your price. I’m no scholar – I simply want to give it to my father…”

Ning Buyi shook his head with a smile, “I’m not being formal. This gesture comes from my heart. Though Your Highness isn’t a scholar, this painting depicts the previous dynasty’s General Li He – it’s most appropriate as a gift for the Marquis. Your filial piety toward your father also moves me deeply. Gifting this painting to Your Highness serves two purposes: to repay Your Highness’s kindness and to fulfill your filial intention. If Your Highness refuses, it would make me anxious.”

Yue Ning raised an eyebrow and looked at Qin Wan somewhat troubled. Seeing this, Qin Wan suggested, “If that’s the case, accept it for now, and tomorrow we can choose a gift in return?”

Hearing this, Ning Buyi quickly waved his hands, “No need, no need. If that would cause Your Highness additional trouble, it would be my fault.”

Yue Ning’s eyes flickered as she came up with an idea, “In that case, I’ll accept the painting first. Thank you, Master Ning.”

After Yue Ning accepted the painting, Ning Buyi finally relaxed, “I hope the Marquis will like this painting.”

Yue Ning smiled, exchanged a few more words, and prepared to leave. Though Ning Buyi wanted to keep them for tea, Yue Ning said, “Something happened in the East Market, and she needs to go there soon.”

Ning Buyi’s brows furrowed slightly, “Something happened in the East Market?”

Qin Wan explained, “There was a fire. Someone died.”

Ning Buyi’s face showed sympathy, “That’s truly… By the way, there have been several cases in the city lately. Has the magistrate’s office found anything?”

Qin Wan replied, “They’re still investigating. I believe there will be results soon.”

Ning Buyi sighed, “Since the end of last year until now, the capital has truly not been peaceful.”

Ning Buyi escorted them downstairs. As soon as they reached the bottom, Yue Ning saw the beautiful young woman from earlier waiting in the main hall. Yue Ning and Qin Wan paused their steps. Upon seeing the woman, Ning Buyi’s face immediately darkened, “Why haven’t you left?”

Seeming to realize Yue Ning and Qin Wan’s presence made things awkward, Ning Buyi stepped forward and said something quietly to the woman. The tear-stained woman looked at Ning Buyi, “I just wanted to see you one more time. I’ll leave now.”

Ning Buyi watched the woman without showing any intention to stop her. The woman first looked hopeful, then disappointed, before stepping back and curtsying. She turned and left. Ning Buyi was stunned for a moment before turning back apologetically, “My apologies for the Imperial Princesses witnessing this.”

Yue Ning asked curiously, “This young lady is Master Ning’s…?”

Ning Buyi gave a bitter smile, “She’s my honorary uncle’s daughter.”

Honorary uncle’s daughter…

Hearing this, Yue Ning and Qin Wan understood there was a story. The woman had been in tears, clearly harboring feelings for Ning Buyi, while he remained cold without showing any tenderness.

Flowers falling in love with flowing water that feels nothing in return – such stories were countless in the world. As unmarried ladies, Yue Ning and Qin Wan naturally couldn’t comment further. They bid farewell to Ning Buyi without additional words and left the gallery for their carriage.

In the carriage, Yue Ning said, “This Master Ning does wear powder on his face…”

Qin Wan laughed at this, “You noticed quite carefully.”

Yue Ning shook her head, “I just found it strange, so I looked more closely today. After all, even I, as a lady, don’t care for such things.”

This observation led Qin Wan to ponder. While it wasn’t appropriate to mention Feng Zhang’s harassment of Ning Buyi, his words made both Yue Ning and Qin Wan more attentive. Today when seeing Ning Buyi, Qin Wan also noticed his complexion was smooth as jade, but upon careful observation, he had indeed applied powder.

Qin Wan shook her head, “Perhaps he just pays attention to his appearance… I need to return to the fire scene. You should head back to the Marquis Manor soon.”

Yue Ning naturally wanted to escort Qin Wan back to the East Market. Hearing this, she asked, “This is the fourth person, right?”

Qin Wan sighed, “Indeed, the fourth person.”

Yue Ning frowned, “How is it there are still no clues after so long? And each person died differently.”

Qin Wan wanted to tell Yue Ning that the killer’s methods came from Moon Worship Cult teachings, but after consideration, she held back. The case wasn’t solved yet – it wouldn’t be good for Yue Ning to know too much.

The carriage moved slowly, and soon they arrived at the East Market again.

Yue Ning left the Ancient Pine Painting in the carriage and followed Qin Wan to Shu Yu Quarter.

The elderly lady and several women who had been crying earlier were gone. Only Zhan Yang remained, directing constables searching through the fire scene. Seeing Qin Wan and Yue Ning arrive, Zhan Yang quickly bowed in greeting.

Taoist Zhang walked out from the back courtyard and, seeing Qin Wan and Yue Ning return, also hurried over to bow.

After thinking, Qin Wan asked, “Taoist Master, four people have died now. From the first victim until now, is there a pattern? If the first person faced the Skin-Peeling Hell, according to Moon Worship Cult teachings, is the first level of hell the Skin-Peeling Hell? Is the second the Tongue-Pulling Hell? And is the fourth the Blazing Fire Hell?”

Taoist Zhang nodded, “Indeed it is—”

After a pause, Taoist Zhang continued, “I know what Your Highness wants to ask. The fifth level of hell is called the Stone Grinding Hell, meant to punish those who waste grain and those who break religious precepts. Wasting grain aside, breaking precepts refers to punishing monks, Taoists, or other religious followers who violate their teachings.”

Qin Wan looked at Taoist Zhang, “Those who break precepts?”

Taoist Zhang chuckled, “Yes, I suppose I count as one who has broken precepts.”

Taoist Zhang was known for drinking and eating meat. Qin Wan felt quite helpless about this. “Can Master Zhang divine when and where the killer will strike next?”

Taoist Zhang nodded, “I’ll return to the magistrate’s office, but it will take two days to know.”

Qin Wan nodded and turned to Zhan Yang, “Those women from earlier were…?”

“Wang Shouchang’s mother, wife, and concubine. The Wang family is large, and they all depended on Wang Shouchang and this shop. Now that Wang Shouchang is dead, they’ve lost their pillar of support.”

Qin Wan asked further, “About the arson…”

Zhan Yang’s eyes darkened, “I asked about it. At first, the elderly lady wouldn’t say anything, so I asked an old servant by her side. The servant said that when Wang Shouchang was young, he once burned a maid to death while playing with fire. At that time, Wang Shouchang was preparing for the imperial examinations to become an official, so they couldn’t make this public. They told others the maid had accidentally started the fire herself. This happened almost thirty years ago.”

Qin Wan frowned. Thirty years? How many people would know about something from thirty years ago?

Zhan Yang continued, “Logically, not many people should know about this. Even Wang Shouchang’s wife and concubine didn’t know. Yet somehow the killer knew…”

Qin Wan thought for a moment, “The victim was a merchant, so he must have known many people. Perhaps someone learned of this incident.”

Zhan Yang nodded, “This servant will continue investigating. Your Highness, it’s very messy here. You should return to the Marquis Manor first. If there’s any news, this servant will naturally send someone to inform you.”

Qin Wan could only nod. Yue Ning, listening to all this, didn’t ask more questions. Only after they left did she say, “The killer follows the Moon Worship Cult?”

Qin Wan quickly asked, “You’ve heard of the Moon Worship Cult?”

Yue Ning looked puzzled, “I’ve heard of it, but I can’t remember where. What was all that talk about different hells? What is this person trying to do?”

Qin Wan hadn’t planned to tell Yue Ning, but she also didn’t intend to hide it from her, so she said, “According to Taoist Zhang, this person might be trying to complete some kind of wish. But they follow the most evil branch of the Moon Worship Cult, which requires human sacrifices.”

Yue Ning’s heart skipped a beat hearing this. Seeing Qin Wan’s solemn expression, she didn’t ask more, “Such a killer who harms heaven and hurts people must be truly evil. Since you’re helping the magistrate’s office now, you must be very careful.”

Qin Wan nodded, “Don’t worry, I understand.”

After much cautioning, Yue Ning finally got in her carriage and left. Qin Wan stood there for a moment before also getting in her carriage to return to the Marquis Manor. The carriage headed north, soon entering Xing Le Quarter. Shortly after, they arrived at the Marquis Manor’s gate. However, just as Qin Wan alighted from the carriage, she saw a person and horse waiting at the manor gate. Qin Wan frowned, “Princess Tuoba?!”

Tuoba Wu sat high on horseback. Hearing this, she turned to look and brightened upon seeing Qin Wan finally return. “You’re back!”

Qin Wan walked over, “Why has the Princess come?”

Tuoba Wu said joyfully, “The Empress intends to have the Fifth Princess marry into Northern Wei. We’re preparing to return to Northern Wei these days. We leave in three days…”

Qin Wan was startled to hear this – the Empress wanted to marry Yan Zhen to Northern Wei.