Hua Yitang was right — Liuyue Restaurant’s sliced raw fish was truly exceptional. The freshest fish was cut into paper-thin slices, each one translucent as a cicada’s wing, gleaming and delicate. Dipped in their special sauce, the fish melted on the tongue — sweet, smooth, and refreshingly cool. Lin Sui’an ate with great satisfaction. The dining environment, however, left something to be desired. The floor above was clanging and banging away, as if someone were doing renovations. According to the waiter, the attic was leaking and craftsmen had been brought in to patch it up. Many distinguished guests had complained about the noise from the upper floor rooms and had rescheduled their reservations.

Hua Yitang clearly didn’t mind at all — he seemed to rather enjoy it. He hummed a little tune along with the clanging from above, glancing over at Lin Sui’an every now and then, the upturned corners of his mouth never quite coming back down.

Lin Sui’an pretended not to notice and kept her head down, stuffing food into her mouth.

“What did you find under the bridge?” Hua Yitang asked.

Lin Sui’an shook her head. “Nothing useful.”

Hua Yitang clicked his tongue. “As expected.”

“We need to find new eyewitnesses,” Lin Sui’an said, then immediately contradicted herself, “Though even if there were any, they’ve probably already been taken away by the constables.”

“That’s not necessarily true,” Hua Yitang raised his voice. “Waiter, please ask your proprietor to come speak with us.”

Someone outside the door answered immediately and left.

Hua Yitang fanned himself with an air of mystery. “I heard that the last meal Yan He ate before his death was Liuyue Restaurant’s sliced raw fish.”

Lin Sui’an: “……”

Suddenly felt a little queasy.

Liuyue Restaurant’s proprietor was a fat man in his fifties, his belly soft and round as a steamed bun. Upon hearing Hua Yitang’s questions about Yan He’s visit to the restaurant the previous night, he was so frightened he immediately broke into a belly-jiggling dance of alarm.

“R-r-r-right away, Fourth Young Master! Last night at the start of the You hour, the second son of the Yan family did indeed come. He ordered the sliced raw fish, but — but he didn’t eat a single bite before leaving. His death has absolutely nothing to do with our establishment’s fish!”

Hua Yitang: “He left without eating a single bite — why?”

The proprietor wiped his sweat. “The dishes had just been served when a young gentleman from the Bai Family arrived. He closed the door and said something to Yan He that no one could hear, and then the two of them hurried out together.”

Lin Sui’an: “Was the Bai Family young gentleman Bai Shun?”

“That’s right, that’s right.”

“Which direction did they go?” Hua Yitang pressed.

“They got into the Yan Family’s carriage, crossed Kaiming Bridge, and headed toward the western part of the city.”

Lin Sui’an: “You remember quite clearly.”

“Yan He was a regular customer — I always personally see him in and out. Besides, at the time, the Bai Family young gentleman hadn’t come in his own carriage, but left together in the Yan Family’s carriage instead. I found it strange, so I took a few extra glances.”

Hua Yitang: “Bai Shun wasn’t in a carriage?”

The proprietor: “He was not.”

“That is peculiar,” Hua Yitang tapped his fan and said. “The Bai Family lives in the Third Lane of the Plum Quarter, which is more than half the city away from Liuyue Restaurant. Bai Shun’s health is poor — he rarely walks and usually travels by carriage.” He paused, then asked, “Was there anything unusual about Bai Shun when he arrived?”

The proprietor thought for a moment. “He seemed to be in quite a hurry — drenched in sweat, and his complexion was far worse than usual.”

Lin Sui’an: “What did he say to Yan He?”

The proprietor’s expression became troubled. “That — I truly don’t know.”

Hua Yitang nodded and handed the proprietor a gold leaf. The proprietor departed in high spirits.

Lin Sui’an stared at Hua Yitang in shock.

“You also think this Bai Shun is suspicious, don’t you?” Hua Yitang said. “If what the proprietor says is true, Bai Shun may well have been the last person to see Yan He alive.”

Lin Sui’an continued to stare at Hua Yitang in stunned silence.

Hua Yitang sensed something was off. He quickly looked himself over and found a few spots of floating dust on his sleeve cuff — probably from when he’d fallen earlier. He understood at once. “Time was pressing — no chance to change clothes. How impolite of me…”

Who cares what you’re wearing!

Lin Sui’an screamed inwardly. What I’m horrified by is the fact that you just casually tipped the man a gold leaf!

Truly the most profligate wastrel in all of Yangdu!

Seeing Lin Sui’an’s expression grow increasingly sour — her disdain reaching unprecedented heights — Hua Yitang gave his own clothing another inspection and discovered two stains on the hem of his robe, which made him feel even more ill at ease. He quickly changed the subject. “Why don’t we go to the Yan Family and speak to Yan He’s coachman?”

Had this fellow forgotten? Last night, Yan He’s father had been convinced that Hua Yitang had murdered his son and would have gladly eaten his flesh and drunk his blood. Did Hua Yitang actually dare to march right to their door today to ask questions? Did he have a death wish?

Lin Sui’an felt utterly exhausted. She sighed.

After all, this fellow was still her partner for now. In the spirit of basic human decency, she ought to give him a word of warning.

“Let’s go to the Bai Family instead,” Lin Sui’an said, and after a moment’s thought, added, “There’s a saying: don’t flash your wealth in public. When you go out, you’d do well to keep a lower profile.”

Hua Yitang was taken aback for a moment, then suddenly broke into a dazzlingly brilliant smile. “Lin Sui’an, you’re such a good person!”

Walking along Tongqu West Street, Lin Sui’an watched Hua Yitang’s swaggering figure ahead of her. The sunlight fell across his billowing robes like tender flower petals in the warm brightness of spring.

She felt a little amused. Had she just been handed a “you’re such a nice person” card?

Truth be told, she’d actually wanted to add another half-sentence — something like, “With all that spare money, you’d be better off giving it to the poor, starting with me” — but when Hua Yitang had smiled at her just then, the words had somehow failed to come out.

“Past the bridge is the Third Lane of the Plum Quarter where the Bai Family lives,” Hua Yitang said, pointing at the stone bridge ahead. “Are you tired? If you are, we can stop at a teahouse and rest first.”

Lin Sui’an naturally wasn’t tired at all. This body’s stamina was extraordinary — aside from that strange episode last night, she had never felt fatigue. Hua Yitang, on the other hand, looked lean as a reed, yet after walking for more than half the city, he somehow still maintained a brisk, windswept pace. Truly remarkable.

“Your stamina is impressive,” Lin Sui’an said.

Hua Yitang immediately became smug. His little fan spun with vigorous energy. “As the foremost wastrel of Yangdu, physical strength and a robust constitution are fundamental. As they say: stand like a pine, move like the wind, sit like a bell, recline like a bow, and when you run — boom, boom, boom!”

Good heavens. That didn’t sound like the creed of a wastrel at all — more like a personal trainer at a gymnasium.

“To be a wastrel in your particular fashion is truly…” Lin Sui’an searched for the right word, “…one of a kind.”

“Exactly!” Hua Yitang stepped onto the bridge, chin practically lifted to the sky. “To stand apart from the crowd — that is the Hua family’s founding motto.”

Whether it was his outlandishly theatrical appearance or something else, the passersby on the bridge gave him a wide berth, pointing and whispering among themselves. Scattered words drifted through the air — “Bai Family” and “the Bai Family’s young gentleman” among them.

Hua Yitang’s expression shifted. “This is bad — something has happened to the Bai Family!”

Before the words had even fully left his mouth, he tucked up the front hem of his robe into his waistband and took off down the bridge at full speed with a boom, boom, boom, charging straight into the Yanni Quarter.

Is this man part rabbit?!

Lin Sui’an’s temples throbbed. She hurried after Hua Yitang at the fastest pace she could manage and finally caught up with him inside the quarter gate. They were met immediately by a large compound — not as extravagantly imposing as the Hua Family’s, but still far from ordinary. Twin stone lions flanked the entrance; a plaque bearing the characters for “Bai Clan” hung above the main gate. The gate stood wide open, and servants and attendants were rushing in and out with anxious, taut expressions. Upon seeing Hua Yitang and Lin Sui’an appear so brazenly in the doorway, the entire courtyard fell into a sudden dead silence.

Hua Yitang cupped his hands in greeting. “Is Bai Shun here?”

The nearest servant let out a yelp, fell backward onto the ground, then scrambled to his feet and bolted into the compound, shouting as he ran: “Master of the house! Master of the house! Fourth Young Master Hua is here!”

The remaining servants scattered in all directions, then regrouped at a safe distance, encircling Hua Yitang as if afraid he might bolt.

Lin Sui’an sharply noticed that Hua Yitang had clearly stiffened. He raised his fan to cover his face and shot her a pleading sidelong look. Though he said not a single word, Lin Sui’an understood immediately what he was asking.

“Your clothes, boots, hairpin, and fan are all in fine order,” Lin Sui’an said. “There is nothing improper about your appearance.”

Before Hua Yitang could even let out a breath of relief, a group of people came charging out of the main gate in a frantic rush. At the front was a couple with greying temples at their brows. The moment they caught sight of Hua Yitang, they fell to their knees with a thud and wailed in hoarse voices:

“Fourth Young Master of the Hua Family — please, we beg you, save our Bai Shun!”

Hua Yitang: “Huh?!”

Lin Sui’an: Oh, this is something.

The Bai Family’s main hall was only one-fifth the size of the Hua compound — a difference in scale that seemed to represent the difference in standing between the two families.

Hua Yitang was practically herded into the seat of honor, while Lin Sui’an was firmly pressed into the secondary seat. The two sat there with throbbing heads, listening to the Bai Family patriarch — that is, Bai Shun’s father — sob and blubber for nearly half an hour before the full story finally emerged.

Bai Shun had gone missing. The Bai Family had dispatched every single servant and attendant to search for an entire day and night. They had combed every corner of Yangdu and found no trace of him.

Lin Sui’an: “Have you reported this to the authorities?”

“We hadn’t at first — we assumed he was with the Yan Family’s second son. But then we heard what happened to him, and he was supposedly —” Bai Shun’s father cast a careful glance at Hua Yitang and wiped his tears again, “— I went to the prefectural office that very night, but Prefect Zhou was occupied with investigating the Yan Family second son’s case and said he couldn’t spare any men…”

Bai Shun’s mother covered her face and burst into open weeping. “The Yan Family’s son is a son, but is my Bai Family’s child not a person?! The Feng Clan sees that our family patriarch has passed away and we have no more connections at court, so they can’t be bothered with us anymore!”

Bai Shun’s father: “My dear, mind your words!”

Bai Shun’s mother: “Mind what words at a time like this?! I don’t even know if my son is alive or dead! If you’re so capable, go shout at the Feng Family! Go curse at the Yan Family! All you know is how to put on airs at home — what good does that do?!”

This single outburst left Bai Shun’s father’s face blazing scarlet.

Lin Sui’an glanced sideways at Hua Yitang.

Hua Yitang leaned over to supply some background. “Bai Shun’s grandfather is named Bai Fan, and his great-grandfather was named Bai Qing — a man who spent his entire life as a Collator of Texts. The Bai and Yan families have been old friends for generations. He passed away from illness five years ago. The Bai family line has dwindled — three generations of single heirs. Bai Fan is mediocre and has failed the imperial examinations multiple times. All of the Bai Family’s hopes rest on Bai Shun, but unfortunately, Bai Shun…”

Hua Yitang paused, and Lin Sui’an understood immediately.

Thinking back to the scene at Furong Tower the other day, it was clear that Bai Shun’s intellect wasn’t particularly sharp.

Hua Yitang: “I’ve heard the Bai Family planned to use the Feng Clan’s connections to secure Bai Shun an official post through hereditary privilege, which is why he followed every order from Feng Yuyi and Yan He without question.”

Lin Sui’an: Understood. Bai Shun was just the errand-running little brother.

“I have long heard that the Hua Family’s Fourth Young Master is generous and chivalrous — seeing you today confirms the reputation is well-deserved! While the Feng Clan and the Yan Family have abandoned us, it is you, Fourth Young Master, who has come to offer aid in our time of need. Our Bai Family is truly grateful beyond measure — truly, beyond measure!” Bai Fan sobbed again.

Bai Shun’s mother wailed in full lament: “The Hua Family’s connections span all of Yangdu. You must help us find Bai Shun!”

Lin Sui’an scratched her head awkwardly. Hua Yitang fanned himself awkwardly.

They’d come to investigate a case, and now they were being treated as saviors. What on earth were they supposed to do with this?

“Ahem,” Hua Yitang cleared his throat. “When did you last see Bai Shun?”

“Yesterday at the start of the Shen hour, my son came home and changed his clothes,” Bai Shun’s mother said. “His personal attendant said he had been at Furong Tower with — ahem. After that he rushed out again.”

Hua Yitang: “Did he take a carriage when he left home?”

Bai Shun’s mother thought for a moment. “He drove himself and didn’t take the coachman.”

Lin Sui’an frowned. Bai Shun had his own carriage when he left home, yet when he went to Liuyue Restaurant he arrived on foot. Why? Where had his carriage gone?

Hua Yitang: “Was there anything unusual about Bai Shun when he left?”

Bai Shun’s mother: “His complexion wasn’t good. I asked him about it and he didn’t answer me. That child was always the most courteous boy — he has never been so impolite before.”

Lin Sui’an: “He said nothing at all?”

Bai Shun’s mother: “…Not a single word.”

Hua Yitang’s brow furrowed deeply. He snapped his fan shut and tapped it lightly against his temple.

Bai Fan: “Please, Fourth Young Master of the Hua Family — help us find our son. From this day forward, our Bai Family will follow the Hua Family’s lead in all things, and sever all ties with the Feng Clan and the Yan Family!”

Hua Yitang neither agreed nor outright refused. He merely wore a profound, inscrutable expression, said, “Understood,” and walked out of the Bai Family compound with a deeply furrowed brow. Outside the door, Lin Sui’an spotted Mu Xia waiting, and beside him, the Hua Family’s ostentatiously magnificent carriage.

Throughout the ride home, Hua Yitang sat like a little chicken that had been pinched by the throat — not a single word, eyes vacant, his head swaying left and right with the motion of the carriage. Just when Lin Sui’an was beginning to think he had evolved into a bobblehead figurine, he let out a long, quiet sigh. “Bai Shun… I fear his chances of survival are slim.”

Lin Sui’an crossed her arms and watched him.

Hua Yitang: “You’d already figured that out?”

How could she not? Looking at the clues gathered so far, Bai Shun was the last person to have seen Yan He alive, and his behavior had been erratic — making him by far the most likely suspect. Yet this most likely suspect had now vanished. Following the logic of any mystery, the odds were that Bai Shun had already traveled west to meet the cranes in the afterlife.

Lin Sui’an naturally kept none of these thoughts to herself and instead raised a different question: “What is the government doing?”

The two of them were barely half-baked investigators, yet they had turned up these clues. Could the authorities really not find them?

Hua Yitang’s brow remained furrowed. He leaned back against the carriage wall and once again entered his blank-eyed state, his head swaying inside its frame like a bobblehead ornament the whole way back to the Hua compound.

That night, Lin Sui’an finally managed to eat a quiet dinner in her guest room. After eating and drinking her fill, she moved the small bedside table to the window, spread open the Ten Purity Compendium, and settled against the armrest to enjoy the moonlight.

The moon had climbed above the treetops. The night breeze grew cool. A dark shadow came swooping down outside the window with a great rushing sound — like a giant bat.

Lin Sui’an waved cheerfully. “Oh, Long Bamboo Pole — you’ve come!”

Long Bamboo Pole was still dressed in his nighttime attire. This time he didn’t bother exchanging greetings with Lin Sui’an at all. He came straight through the window and plopped himself down across from her, fixing her with a ferocious glare. “You failed to tame Qian Jing!”

Lin Sui’an narrowed her eyes.

How did he know about what had happened at the prefectural office?

Could it be —

Lin Sui’an: “So the street vendors I encountered outside Chongyan Quarter today were all your people.”

Long Bamboo Pole: “You haven’t grasped the Ten Purity Compendium at all!”

“You’ve been following me.”

“You’ve been deceiving me!”

“Qian Jing is not only a weapon — it’s also a token of recognition.”

“Do you even understand the Ten Purity Compendium?!”

Lin Sui’an: “Ten thousand mountains and rivers, all bound by sentiment.”

“A plucked flower smiles, cleansing all worldly dust —” Long Bamboo Pole blurted out, then suddenly realized what he had just said and flew into a rage. He swung a fist straight at Lin Sui’an’s face. “You tricked me again! I’ll chop you to pieces!”

Lin Sui’an snapped out a hand and caught Long Bamboo Pole’s wrist, pressing it effortlessly back down onto the table. She smiled. “We’ve been through life and death together now. Enough of the threats — it’s not good for our relationship.”

Several veins bulged visibly at Long Bamboo Pole’s temple, crackling with visible tension. His arm strained with frantic effort, joints popping and grinding — yet against Lin Sui’an’s monstrous strength, it was completely futile. He looked ready to shoot two knives from his eyes and carve the word “scram” into Lin Sui’an’s forehead.

“I’ll be straight with you,” Lin Sui’an said, turning serious. “My grandfather only passed down to me the martial techniques in the Ten Purity Compendium. He passed away without ever clearly explaining the origins of Qian Jing or the Compendium itself.”

Long Bamboo Pole froze.

Lin Sui’an released his wrist, patted his shoulder solemnly, and said, “So now, you are the only kin I have left in this world.”

Mini Skit:

Lin Sui’an: The Grand Bluffing Mode has been activated.