When Qin Wan arrived at the Prefecture Office, Wu Yu was storming out, clearly angry. They crossed paths, and Wu Yu merely offered a slight bow in greeting before hurrying away. Qin Wan frowned and proceeded inside, where she found Zhan Yang standing with Qin Yi, looking deeply troubled.
Since Qin Yi had joined Zhan Yang in last night’s watch, he’d accompanied him to the Prefecture Office today. Seeing Qin Wan arrive, Qin Yi went to greet her. She quickly asked, “Fourth Brother, shouldn’t you be resting?”
Qin Yi shook his head with a smile, “It’s no matter, though I wasn’t much help.”
Zhan Yang also came forward to bow. Noting his serious expression, Qin Wan smiled slightly, “What’s wrong? Why was Third Young Master Wu here? He looked quite upset when leaving.”
As Zhan Yang frowned silently, Qin Yi explained, “Feng Zhang was attacked last night at Zui Yun Lou. He was injured when someone tied daggers to the flower rack, apparently intending to take his life.”
Qin Wan frowned as Qin Yi continued, “We sealed off Zui Yun Lou, but a servant jumped from a window to escape. Our men pursued him to a dead-end alley surrounded by six households. We waited until dawn, but no one emerged. Five households were ordinary citizens who reported a peaceful night. Can you guess who owned the sixth?”
Qin Wan raised an eyebrow, “Third Young Master Wu?”
Qin Yi nodded, “He emerged alone, seemingly surprised to see us and claiming ignorance of our purpose. We inspected his courtyard – only three main rooms were habitable, the rest covered in dust. The place showed no signs of regular occupation, yet he claimed he occasionally stayed there when tired of the Viscount Wei Yuan’s manor… Alone, without servants or maids. Ninth Sister, do you believe that?”
Qin Wan nodded, “So you brought him in for questioning?”
Zhan Yang said, “Hardly an interrogation – just routine questions. Yet Third Young Master became furious, feeling we shouldn’t suspect him. But he should realize we have every reason to consider him a suspect.”
Qin Wan nodded, “But did you find any evidence?”
Zhan Yang shook his head, “No, but I’ve just sent Tong Yu to inquire at Viscount Wei Yuan’s manor. The household only knows Wu Yu didn’t return, not why. He took no servants, and for the past two months, he’s frequently spent nights away – including during previous incidents. Yet when we questioned Wu Yu, he insisted he was merely staying out occasionally, bewildered by our suspicion.”
Zhan Yang’s suspicion of Wu Yu was evident. “Princess, I think we should thoroughly investigate Wu Yu.”
Qin Wan nodded noncommittally, “Since you’ve encountered this connection, naturally you should investigate. How badly was Feng Zhang injured?”
“His arm was wounded – he suffered, but his life isn’t in danger.”
Qin Yi’s tone carried a hint of mockery. Qin Wan felt no sympathy for Feng Zhang either. “Since it happened at Zui Yun Lou, their people should be thoroughly questioned.”
Zhan Yang quickly replied, “We’ve already done so. Miss Xiu Yun knew Feng Zhang was coming today and had lanterns prepared – it’s their festival custom to release lanterns for customers’ rewards. After the afternoon, because Feng Zhang was expected, no other customers were allowed on the rooftop. Only Xiu Yun’s maid was up there preparing. The lantern rack was already there, but after the afternoon, Xiu Yun had people bring up a couch and arrange wine and food, so several servants went up. The maid mentioned seeing an unfamiliar servant lingering, but since Zui Yun Lou had new servants recently, she didn’t think much of it. The daggers – five in total – were likely tied up during that time. There were many lanterns, but everyone knew which ones Xiu Yun liked, so the killer tied the daggers near her favorite lanterns…”
After a pause, Zhan Yang continued, “The killer must have infiltrated Zui Yun Lou no later than yesterday afternoon. They knew about this custom, and they must have some disguise skill.”
Qin Wan frowned – again, it involved a pleasure house. Previously, Wu Qian frequented Feng Qi Lou, Zhao Jia Xu’s concubine had been redeemed from a pleasure house, and Hu De Quan had sold his daughter to one.
Qin Wan nodded, “It seems there’s nothing I can help with.”
Zhan Yang waved his hand, “Since the killer failed this time, they couldn’t complete their ritual. I wonder if they’ll still attempt a seventh killing.”
Qin Wan quickly said, “Chief Constable mustn’t be careless. I asked Master Zhang about this – he said even if the killer can’t get seven victims, they won’t abandon their final chance. The more victims, the more powerful the ritual becomes.”
Zhan Yang frowned, “Then we must remain vigilant against the next incident.”
Qin Wan nodded, and Zhan Yang continued, “Very well, I’ll have Master Zhang divine the time and location of the next attempt. Later, I’ll visit Zui Yun Lou again – someone so familiar with the place must be a regular patron.”
Qin Wan nodded and went to find Master Zhang, who already knew of last night’s events and had begun divining the next auspicious time. After speaking with him about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, she took her leave of the Prefecture Office.
…
After receiving Qin Wan’s instructions, Wei Qi Zhi visited Ran Mo Painting Gallery for two consecutive days, first carefully appraising several authentic pieces in Ning Bu Yi’s possession, then urging him to locate other famous paintings.
Though Ning Bu Yi looked unwell after his illness, Wei Qi Zhi still dragged him around asking questions, much to his exasperation. “Why are you so invested in Princess Yong Ci’s matters?!”
Wei Qi Zhi briefly explained the Jin Zhou incident, “If not for Princess Yong Ci, I would have lost my leg.”
Ning Bu Yi was surprised, unaware of Qin Wan’s great kindness to Wei Qi Zhi. “No wonder you’re so earnest. What about Princess Yong Ning?”
Wei Qi Zhi’s smile deepened, “When I was in Jin Zhou, I stayed at the An Yang Marquis Manor. The whole family showed me great kindness, especially Princess Yong Ning, who took particular care of me.”
Noting something different in Wei Qi Zhi’s tone when speaking of Yue Ning, Ning Bu Yi asked, “Who is that ‘Eight Steeds Painting’ you asked me to find for?”
Most paintings Wei Qi Zhi had requested were suitable as gifts for elders, but this one wasn’t particularly famous – though it would hold special meaning for someone who loved horses.
When Ning Bu Yi asked, Wei Qi Zhi coughed lightly, “I was thinking of keeping it myself…”
Ning Bu Yi raised an eyebrow, “You’ve visited many times – if you wanted this painting, you’d have mentioned it before, not alongside Princess Yong Ci’s requests.”
Wei Qi Zhi gave a sheepish laugh, “Well… alright, it’s actually for Princess Yong Ning. I found a Chen Ying sword earlier and gave her a small gift yesterday for the festival. I couldn’t think what else to give her, then remembered I’d given her a foal before, so why not add a horse painting? Wouldn’t that be perfect?”
Ning Bu Yi frowned slightly, “You’ve given her so many gifts?”
Wei Qi Zhi smiled again, “I’ve been giving them since she returned to the capital.”
Ning Bu Yi nodded, “Then what did you give Princess Yong Ci?”
Wei Qi Zhi’s expression changed, showing embarrassment at being exposed, “Well… this time, let’s not charge the Princess for the paintings…”
Ning Bu Yi gave him a knowing smile. Wei Qi Zhi coughed lightly, looking increasingly uncomfortable. Though Qin Wan had shown him greater kindness, he hadn’t given her any gifts since her return, while the stream of presents to Yue Ning, from the foal onward, made his intentions quite clear.
“Is the Wei family planning your marriage?”
Wei Qi Zhi’s expression grew even stranger at this question. Ning Bu Yi shook his head, “I haven’t heard of you being this attentive to anyone else in the capital. It seems the Wei family intends to have you marry a Princess?”
Though the Wei family were merchants, they had connections through Duke Song and Noble Consort Wan in the palace. However, the An Yang Marquis Manor’s status was even higher – truth be told, Wei Qi Zhi’s status was slightly inadequate for such a match.
Hearing this, Wei Qi Zhi snorted lightly, “My father favors my cousin’s daughter.”
Ning Bu Yi raised an eyebrow, “So she’s different from the one you like. What will you do?”
Wei Qi Zhi leaned helplessly against the window, “It’s strange – my cousin used to seem wonderful. We grew up together, and I liked her very much. But after seeing Princess Yong Ning, I realized such women existed in the world…”
Thinking of Yue Ning, Ning Bu Yi nodded, “She is indeed different.”
Yue Ning practiced martial arts and easily thrashed Feng Zhang that day. Her gallant spirit and clear sense of right and wrong were admirable. Ning Bu Yi smiled, “I thought you preferred delicate, gentle ladies…”
Wei Qi Zhi smiled, “I thought so too, but when that special person appears, you realize your assumptions were wrong. Ah, but my father has long decided – he’s mentioned it countless times, just short of arranging a childhood betrothal. Now…”
“What do you plan to do? If handled poorly, the An Yang Marquis Manor will surely be furious.”
The previous incident with Song Rou had already disrupted An Yang Marquis Manor’s marriage plans. If they now offended Yue Ning, Wei Qi Zhi, and his family would face serious consequences. How could Wei Qi Zhi not understand this?
“Of course, I won’t upset the An Yang Marquis Manor. My cousin is fickle – I’ll find a chance to explain things clearly to her. After some tears and drama, if I won’t marry her, surely she won’t force herself on me?”
Ning Bu Yi laughed. Wei Qi Zhi made a silencing gesture, “You know both Princesses – this absolutely cannot reach their ears…”
Ning Bu Yi quickly agreed, “Naturally-“
Wei Qi Zhi clasped his shoulder, “Come on, let’s go look at paintings.”
…
When Yan Li emerged from the palace, he saw Qin Wan’s carriage waiting outside the gate.
He approached suspiciously. As he neared, Qin Wan lifted the curtain, “Does Your Highness have plans today?”
Yan Li smiled, “For others, I’d claim to be too busy to even catch my breath, but for a beauty’s invitation, I’d risk my life to accompany her. Tell me, why are you waiting here?”
Qin Wan smiled, “Please join me in the carriage to discuss-“
Yan Li raised an eyebrow, then tossed his riding crop to an attendant and entered. Inside, he was surprised to see Qin Wan dressed in men’s clothes. “With Seventh Brother helping the Northwest Army, I heard you were busy investigating cases. Why are you dressed as a man today?”
Qin Wan smiled, “If I hadn’t waited here for Your Highness, would you have gone to Feng Qi Lou?”
Yan Li lifted his chin, “Oh? It seems you want me to help you do something naughty!”
Yan Li was too clever – he understood immediately. Qin Wan smiled at him. Yan Li frowned worriedly, “Helping isn’t the issue, but I fear Seventh Brother. Taking you somewhere he wouldn’t go seems inappropriate.”
Qin Wan blinked, “I’m not going to cause trouble. Bai Ying is coming too.”
Yan Li lifted the curtain to look outside. He’d noticed Bai Ying in men’s clothes earlier but hadn’t guessed Qin Wan’s plan. After thinking, his expression turned serious, “Is this related to the recent cases?”
Qin Wan wouldn’t visit a pleasure house merely out of curiosity.
Qin Wan nodded. Yan Li considered, then suddenly smiled, “Very well, but Seventh Brother can’t know about this.”
Qin Wan shook her head with a laugh, “Don’t worry, I don’t want him to worry either.”
Having reached an agreement, Qin Wan instructed Bai Ying to drive the carriage.
As they traveled, Qin Wan asked, “You went to pay respects to the Empress Dowager?”
Yan Li nodded, “She asked about you. Knowing you must be helping with the investigation, she didn’t say much. The palace hasn’t been peaceful lately-“
Qin Wan frowned slightly, “Princess Tuoba said they were leaving soon, but it’s been nearly half a month and they haven’t departed. Is it about Fifth Princess?”
Yan Li made an affirmative sound, “Yes. The Fifth Princess refuses to marry into Northern Wei. She’s been causing more trouble lately. Previously under house arrest by the Empress, she escaped and hid in an abandoned palace in the Western Garden. Everyone feared something had happened to her. The Emperor and Empress were terrified. She only emerged the next day, driven out by hunger. The Emperor was relieved, but the Empress, in her anger, had two palace maids beaten to death. Fifth Princess fell ill from this.”
Qin Wan frowned, “Is the Empress determined to marry the Fifth Princess to Northern Wei?”
Yan Li sighed helplessly, “It seems so. Even though the Emperor has relented, the Empress insists… Naturally, the Emperor prioritizes state affairs. If the Empress can truly persuade the Fifth Princess, the Emperor likely won’t object. When I entered the palace earlier, I heard rumors that the Fifth Princess told the Empress she has someone she loves, to avoid the Northern Wei marriage…”
Thinking of Yan Zhen’s formerly innocent and lively nature, Qin Wan sighed, unable to understand why the Empress insisted on this. Was it all for the Crown Prince?! Having not entered the palace for many days and with the case at a critical stage, she could only wait until the case was solved. As for the Empress and Fifth Princess’s situation, she could only listen and let it be.
It was now dusk, with the last rays of sunlight disappearing below the horizon. As they approached the Western Market, the crowds grew denser. Soon, the carriage stopped before Feng Qi Lou.
Yan Li was a regular here with his dedicated room. Sometimes he stayed for several days. Seeing him arrive, the manager came out personally to greet him, “Young Prince! Cloud Mist has been waiting for you!”
Yan Li waved his hand, “Later. I brought friends today – bring wine and food first.” After a few steps, he added, “And good tea. We’ll call for the company later.”
The manager’s eyes darted to Qin Wan, noting her youthful but exquisite features. Initially assuming she was a young gentleman, he noticed her particularly graceful figure and smiled slightly, immediately recognizing her as a woman. He acknowledged the instructions and withdrew to make arrangements.
Yan Li led Qin Wan to his room. Along the way, she observed Feng Qi Lou’s magnificent decorations: embroidered tapestries depicting hundreds of flowers in bloom, vermillion-lacquered corridors, vivid paintings on the ceiling and beams, hanging curtains, pleasant music, from eight-panel rosewood screens to small blue-and-white porcelain vases with blooming peonies – every detail showed elegant refinement. Though there were already guests in the first-floor hall, she heard only drinking and laughter, not the vulgar scenes she had imagined.
Though still daylight, crystal lamps were already lit throughout the building. As Qin Wan climbed the stairs step by step, she ventured deeper into the lamplight, suddenly feeling as if she’d entered another world.
Regardless of the frost, sword-edge cold, or scorching heat outside, this place remained eternally resplendent and magnificent. Those who entered seemed to instantly forget their outside worries. With beautiful women, fine wine, music, and dance – how could any man not be enchanted?