The Lu family’s theft case wasn’t particularly complex. The kidnapper and wet nurse Tian had already confirmed one after another that the current Lu Ruishan’s true identity was no longer in doubt—she was indeed Madam Cai’s daughter from the baby switch, not the infant stolen from the Lu family years ago. The most difficult part of this case in its later stages was determining how to find the real Third Young Lady Lu who had been abandoned by Madam Cai.

Ming Shu and Ying Xun were just one step away from this truth. They only needed to get Madam Cai to talk to learn the real Third Young Lady Lu’s whereabouts and provide closure for Liu Wan’er. However, at this crucial moment, Madam Cai’s attempted murder and subsequent death occurred.

The only person who knew the real Third Young Lady Lu’s whereabouts had died, yet this indirectly confirmed Liu Wan’er’s identity.

The case could be considered solved.

Ming Shu remained troubled that she couldn’t hear the truth about the abandoned infant directly from Madam Cai.

“The court session is today. Are you still worried about Liu Wan’er’s case?” Lu Chang, having finished changing clothes, emerged from the bedroom to find Ming Shu sitting in the flower hall waiting for him, her brow furrowed.

As a key witness, Ming Shu also had to go to the yamen today.

“Mm,” Ming Shu responded glumly, her eyes scanning Lu Chang. Unconsciously, she rose and walked to him. While thinking about the case, she reached out to adjust his collar, complaining, “You can’t even dress properly.”

“The arrow wound hasn’t healed, making movement difficult,” Lu Chang raised his chin, letting Ming Shu fix his collar.

Ming Shu helped straighten his collar and adjusted his belt before coming to her senses.

“You did that on purpose, didn’t you? Just trying to make me help you?”

“I wouldn’t dare,” Lu Chang smiled, then lowered his head and said seriously, “Ming Shu, today you’re a witness. In court, you only need to truthfully tell what you’ve seen and know about the case. Making judgments isn’t your responsibility; you don’t need to take that burden upon yourself.”

“I know,” Ming Shu gave him a sidelong glance. “Can we leave now?”

“After you,” Lu Chang extended his hand.

This was Ming Shu’s first time in court, and she felt somewhat nervous.

Today, not just her, but wet nurse Tian, Madam Peng, and Yu Lian had all been brought to the yamen. As witnesses, they waited outside for their summons, unable to talk freely with each other while two yamen runners stood guard. After waiting silently for a while, a runner finally came to summon Ming Shu.

In the courtroom, everyone who needed to be present had arrived. The judge sat in the center, with the court clerk recording on the left, and yamen runners standing on both sides. Lu Chang sat to the judge’s left and nodded to Ming Shu when she entered. Seeing him, Ming Shu felt slightly relieved. Liu Wan’er, as the first person called, was kneeling on the ground answering questions, with Ying Xun standing beside her.

Three days had passed since the case, and Liu Wan’er still had bandages around her head. She wore a light apricot-colored dress and appeared even thinner than before, her pretty face more gaunt. Now she was looking with red eyes at a couple sitting opposite Lu Chang.

The couple consisted of a man over forty wearing official robes with a well-trimmed beard and a calm expression, and a woman around forty in luxurious clothing with an aristocratic bearing. She was staring intently at the kneeling Liu Wan’er, covering her mouth in disbelief, her face full of shock.

Needless to say, these two were Third Young Lady Lu’s parents—the current Minister of Works Lu Zegang, and his wife Madam Feng.

Compared to Madam Feng’s astonishment, Lu Zegang appeared much more indifferent, barely glancing at the person kneeling below. When Third Young Lady Lu had shown interest in Lu Chang, Ming Shu inquired about the Lu family. Lu Zegang had one wife and two concubines, with seven children in total. Madam Feng had borne the eldest son and two legitimate daughters, while the remaining four children were born to concubines. Lu Zegang greatly valued his son but was indifferent toward his daughters, though he provided them with fine clothes and food, using them only to form suitable marriage alliances to consolidate his position at court.

Thus, after understanding the Lu family situation, although Ming Shu still didn’t approve of Lu Ruishan’s actions, she could somewhat understand her feelings. As a woman herself, Ming Shu naturally understood this injustice toward women and could comprehend that urgent desire to break free from fate.

Seeing them today confirmed her understanding—of this couple, only Madam Feng truly loved her daughter.

In today’s court session, the judge presided while Ying Xun presented the case, calling witnesses one by one. After Liu Wan’er’s testimony, it was Ming Shu’s turn to testify. Ming Shu began when Liu Wan’er came to her for help. When she mentioned the longevity lock and silk handkerchief, a yamen runner brought these items on a tray for her to confirm.

She had given these two pieces of evidence to Ying Xun three days ago.

“Your Honor, this longevity lock and silk handkerchief are indeed the two pieces of evidence Liu Wan’er left with me when she sought my help,” Ming Shu confirmed after a brief examination.

The runner then presented the tray to the Lu couple for confirmation. Lu Zegang stroked his beard silently, but Madam Feng picked up the lock and handkerchief, examining them while crying: “These are indeed my child’s belongings. I put this lock on her, and this handkerchief was what I left in her swaddling clothes…”

She touched these old items while crying and looking at Liu Wan’er, who also began crying, both speechless.

The case proceeding had to continue. Ying Xun continued questioning Ming Shu, who recounted everything she had investigated. With each point, another witness was called. Soon, wet nurse Tian, Madam Peng, and Yu Lian were summoned to court one by one for testimony and confrontation, bringing the old case to light, and finally reaching the arson case. After Ming Shu’s testimony concluded, she stepped aside.

Next came the arson case, still presented by Ying Xun.

Madam Cai’s autopsy report was presented to the court, and the coroner was called to explain her cause of death and the examination of Liu Wan’er’s injuries. Eyewitness testimonies, physical evidence, and other items were presented one by one… The entire case was completely linked together, bringing the Lu family’s seventeen-year-old missing infant case fully to light.

The judge announced his verdict: Madam Cai had died accidentally while attempting murder, and Liu Wan’er’s pushing of Madam Cai was self-defense, carrying no guilt.

The judge’s wooden block fell, concluding the case.

Madam Feng stood from her chair and rushed toward Liu Wan’er, both staring at each other choked with emotion, neither knowing what to say. After a long while, Madam Feng finally broke into sobs, crouching down: “Child, you’ve suffered so much…”

Liu Wan’er was crying uncontrollably and fell into Madam Feng’s embrace.

Lu Zegang walked over, gave Liu Wan’er one glance, and said: “Since she’s of Lu family blood, take her home.”

Just as he finished speaking, everyone heard a cry from outside: “Mother—”

Ming Shu looked toward the sound to see the false Third Young Lady Lu being blocked outside the court by yamen runners, with her maid desperately holding her back. This case had spread widely in Kaifeng, and having heard rumors and seen her parents summoned to the yamen, she had followed secretly today, hiding among the crowd.

“Mother, I am… I am your daughter…” She stood outside, looking at Madam Feng and Liu Wan’er, crying inconsolably.

Madam Feng, as if startled awake, looked toward her. Seventeen years of mother-daughter feelings made her instinctively reach out to embrace Lu Ruishan, but her hand stopped midway and fell back, her tear-filled eyes full of struggle and conflict. Lu Zegang, watching the three crying women, frowned deeply, his face showing impatience. He barked coldly, “Disgraceful thing, take her away!” while bowing to Lu Chang and the judge before leaving with a flourish of his sleeves.

“Mother— Mother—”

As Lu’s family servants came to pull Lu Ruishan away, she struggled violently, breaking free from their restraints and rushing past the guards into the courtroom, crying and shouting.

Going from a minister’s beloved daughter to a trafficker’s child was an earth-shattering change for her, like falling from the clouds into the mud. She couldn’t accept it, wouldn’t believe it. Seeing Madam Feng holding Liu Wan’er tightly while looking at her with complex and conflicted eyes, her heart felt as cold as frost.

“It’s you, you’re taking revenge on me, aren’t you?” Seeing no one would help her, she spotted Ming Shu and quickly grabbed her, crying, “I was wrong, I was wrong! I shouldn’t have opposed you, shouldn’t have had people bully you. I’ll apologize to you, I’ll give you anything you want, just tell them this isn’t true, please? I beg you… please…”

Lu Ruishan’s sudden attack was violent, her grip so tight it hurt Ming Shu’s wrist. Unable to break free, Ming Shu could only frown and try to calm her: “Third Young Lady, please calm down…”

At this point, it was beyond Ming Shu’s control.

“Let go!” Someone shouted sternly, striking Lu Ruishan’s hand away and pulling Ming Shu behind him protectively.

Seeing Lu Chang’s severe expression, Lu Ruishan gave up on pleading with Ming Shu and tried to reach Madam Feng, but before she could get close, she was caught by Lu’s family servants.

“Mother—” Her heart-wrenching cries gradually faded into the distance.

Madam Feng finally couldn’t bear it, standing up with tears in her eyes as she watched Lu Ruishan being taken away.

“Are you alright?” Lu Chang turned to ask Ming Shu.

Ming Shu shook her head: “I’m fine, just feeling stifled. I want to go outside.”

Her heart felt heavy, and Lu Ruishan’s crying had given her a headache. She desperately wanted to leave.

The case was concluded, and the remaining matters weren’t their concern. Lu Chang bid farewell to the judge and Ying Xun before leading Ming Shu out of the yamen.

Fresh air rushed in as Ming Shu slowly exhaled the stifling air in her chest, walking beside Lu Chang through the streets.

They walked in silence for a while before Lu Chang asked: “Feeling better?”

“Much better, thank you, Brother.” Her affected mood gradually recovered as she stretched her arms toward the sky. “Shall we go home?”

They had spent the entire day at the yamen, and with evening approaching, it was time to return home.

Lu Chang shook his head: “Your case is solved. Let me treat you to a celebratory meal. How about that?”

Ming Shu was delighted: “Really? I want to go to Wan Jia Lou.”

Wan Jia Lou was Kaifeng’s most famous restaurant, where one couldn’t leave without spending at least ten taels of silver.

Lu Chang coughed and said: “Ming Shu, you know my salary. Most of it goes to Mother for household expenses. Today, perhaps we could…”

Ming Shu burst out laughing. She knew Lu Chang’s financial situation better than anyone. He rarely spent money on himself, most of his salary either went to Madam Zeng or household expenses, leaving no savings for himself.

“I’m just teasing you,” Ming Shu said. “Let’s go to Zhou Bridge night market. There were still many snacks we hadn’t tried from last time.”

Zhou Bridge night market wasn’t far, within walking distance. As they approached, the streets became more lively and crowded. Ming Shu looked around for food, spotting a long line at a pastry shop selling marrow pastries. Lu Chang told her to wait under a street tree while he queued.

Ming Shu watched Lu Chang while waiting.

In the smoke-filled ordinary alley among common people, Lu Chang stood out in the crowd with his refinement, yet maintained a simplicity that let him blend into the mundane world. Though contradictory, this was what Ming Shu found most unique about him.

Very captivating.

When the queue nearly reached Lu Chang, he looked back, meeting Ming Shu’s gaze with a smile.

Ming Shu unconsciously smiled in return.

Someone hurriedly walking nearby accidentally bumped her shoulder. She turned to look as the person repeatedly apologized before quickly walking away. Ming Shu didn’t mind, but a moment later she instinctively touched her waist—her money pouch was gone.

That was her purse!

“Stop! Don’t run!”

When Lu Chang turned at Ming Shu’s shout, she had already run far after the person who had bumped her. He quickly took the marrow pastry from the vendor and followed after Ming Shu.

The night market was crowded, and the thief was experienced, slipping through the crowd like a slippery fish after getting what they wanted. Ming Shu couldn’t catch up, and no one around was willing to help. She watched helplessly as the thief disappeared into a dark alley, not daring to follow further, and bent over supporting herself on her knees, breathing heavily.

Lu Chang caught up from behind, heard Ming Shu angrily cursing the thief, handed her the marrow pastry, and ran into the dark alley.

“Brother, don’t chase!” Ming Shu couldn’t stop him in time.

In the past, she wouldn’t have worried—a few petty thieves were no match for Lu Chang. But now, with his arrow wound not yet healed, she didn’t want him to risk further injury.

“Brother!” She was extremely worried.

After waiting for a moment, just as she couldn’t resist following into the alley, Lu Chang’s figure finally appeared at the entrance.

“There were too many intersecting paths inside, couldn’t catch up. Only found this.” Lu Chang handed the money pouch to Ming Shu.

Ming Shu took the pouch irritably, saying angrily: “Who told you to chase after them? Lost money is lost money. If you got hurt again, have you forgotten what you promised me?”

“I know my limits, don’t worry,” Lu Chang said.

Ming Shu gave him a look, squeezed the pouch, and turned it over—it was empty inside.

The thief had probably taken the money and thrown away the empty pouch.

“Never mind, losing money wards off disasters,” Ming Shu comforted herself as she reattached the pouch to her waist.

Because of the encounter with the thief, Ming Shu lost interest in exploring the night market. They bought some simple food and returned home.

That night, the moon was hidden, all stars lost, with signs of approaching wind and rain. The wind blew fiercely outside, making tree shadows dance wildly. Ming Shu lay in bed tossing and turning, her thoughts in chaos, watching time pass slowly, unable to fall asleep.

Scenes from the courtroom that day flashed before her eyes—Liu Wan’er’s face, Madam Feng’s face, Lu Ruishan’s face… all flickering past. Frustrated, she hugged her head and turned over, somehow thinking about the Zhou Bridge night market incident again.

Nothing had gone smoothly today. That pouch had contained nearly ten taels of silver—curse that thief!

As she thought about her emptied money pouch, she felt the pain of loss again. Then suddenly, she sat up in bed.

After sitting for a moment, she threw off her covers, went to the table, and picked up her empty money pouch, squeezing it thoughtfully before suddenly turning and running out of her room.

It was late at night, and everyone in Lu Chang’s small courtyard had retired except for Lu Chang’s room, where candlelight still burned—he usually worked on official matters until late.

He had already removed his outer robe and was wearing only his middle garment, preparing for bed, when he heard urgent knocking at his door.

The door creaked open, and Ming Shu burst in, grabbing Lu Chang’s arms with both hands, her face full of shock.

“Brother, I’ve figured it out.”

Lu Chang looked down at her—she must have just jumped out of bed and rushed to his room without thinking. Her long hair was loose, now disheveled by the strong wind outside. She hadn’t even put on shoes, her bare feet on the floor, wearing summer sleeping clothes: loose Song-style pants and only a half-sleeved short jacket on top.

The wind from outside blew into the room, making people feel cold. Lu Chang frowned, quickly closed the door, and without asking what was wrong, turned and walked away.

Ming Shu followed behind him: “Brother, I know why something felt wrong. There’s something strange about the Lu family matter. That Liu Wan’er… something’s not right with her…”

Before she could finish, she was covered by a piece of clothing.

Ming Shu was stunned for a moment. The next instant, Lu Chang had draped his outer robe over her and quickly lifted her onto the small couch by the window. He crouched in front of her, putting his soft-soled shoes on her feet while asking calmly: “What could be worth such a fuss? Tell me, what’s wrong with Liu Wan’er?”

Ming Shu, wearing his outer robe and shoes, came to her senses and her cheeks turned bright red.

After a long while, she finally spoke again: “That longevity lock and silk handkerchief—why would they be in Liu Wan’er’s possession?”

Even today’s thieves know to take valuable items. Kidnappers steal babies for money, and that pure gold longevity lock was valuable. So why did Liu Wan’er still have the most valuable lock with her after staying with the kidnapper’s family for nearly half a year?

This was extremely unreasonable!