When Qin Wan was summoned to the palace again, Tuoba Hong had already recovered enough to walk, though in mid-spring he still wore a thick cloak and remained somewhat frail.
“The previous prescription focused on warming and nourishing. Today I’ll write another prescription for Your Highness,” Qin Wan said.
After she finished writing the prescription, Tuoba Hong expressed his profound gratitude. “I’ve been recuperating for quite some time now and feel much better, though the wound in my chest still troubles me. I’m truly grateful for the Princess’s care. The Third Prince of Xi Liang is preparing to return home, and we cannot delay much longer. Once I finish the medicine from this prescription, we must head back.”
Qin Wan showed slight surprise. “Your Highness’s wound would benefit from more rest before departing. The journey to Northern Wei takes a month, and the strain of travel might cause your injury to relapse or leave lasting effects.”
Tuoba Hong smiled bitterly. “We’ve been away for nearly three months. We truly cannot stay much longer.”
As Crown Prince of Northern Wei, Tuoba Hong naturally couldn’t act as freely as others. Understanding this, Qin Wan didn’t press further. Tuoba Mo then said, “So, Qin Wan, we’ll need to trouble you to prepare several prescriptions for us to take on our journey. My brother now trusts only you. If not for your special status, he would want to take you back to Northern Wei.”
Qin Wan laughed at this. “For prescriptions, I can only provide some for dietary supplements. I won’t know the Crown Prince’s condition during the journey, and prescriptions shouldn’t be used carelessly.”
Tuoba Mo nodded. “That would be fine. Thank you for your trouble.”
Hearing this, Tuoba Hong asked, “Has the Princess considered visiting other places?”
Qin Wan didn’t immediately understand. “Other places?”
Tuoba Hong continued, “Northern Wei has several highly respected medical practitioners. Meeting them would surely benefit your medical skills greatly. It would be wonderful to see you become a master physician of your generation.”
Qin Wan’s smile deepened. “Northern Wei is too far. If they were in Great Zhou, I might visit them.”
Tuoba Hong let the matter drop and didn’t pursue it further. Tuoba Mo took Qin Wan to write the prescriptions.
After completing the prescriptions, Qin Wan took her leave. Tuoba Mo supported Tuoba Hong as they walked to the door to see her off. After Qin Wan left, Tuoba Hong pointed to the flower garden outside and said, “Let’s take a walk.”
As Tuoba Mo helped Tuoba Hong toward the corridor, after just a few steps, Tuoba Hong asked, “What do you think of Princess Yongci?”
Tuoba Mo’s steps faltered, her expression complex. “Crown Prince Brother, though Princess Yongci is excellent, she isn’t a member of the imperial family…”
Tuoba Hong’s lips curved slightly. “But she holds the title of Princess, and in the past, noble ladies who received titles have married into other countries. Moreover, she’s so favored by the Empress Dowager and Grand Princess that she might as well be imperial family.”
Tuoba Mo’s smile grew more bitter. If she didn’t know about Qin Wan and Yan Chi, it would be different, but she did know. How could she let her brother pursue Qin Wan and separate her from Yan Chi?
She couldn’t do such a thing…
“Brother, even so, Qin Wan herself wouldn’t want to go to Northern Wei. Even to become Crown Princess, she wouldn’t agree. She’s taken a nominal position with Great Zhou’s Ministry of Justice and now helps the Linan Prefecture examine corpses. Do you think she’s the type to disregard everything for fame and fortune?”
Tuoba Hong sighed. “That’s why I find it such a pity.”
Tuoba Mo glanced at Tuoba Hong. “Crown Prince Brother, don’t tell me you’ve already developed feelings for her.”
Tuoba Hong smiled. “Not exactly. I just find the Princess’s temperament very appealing.”
Tuoba Mo also sighed. “While there’s still nothing between you, you should abandon this idea. If it’s truly for state affairs, then seek to marry Princess Yan Zhen. If it’s for yourself, return to Northern Wei and marry someone you like. We don’t need to rely on a marriage alliance with Great Zhou to maintain national strength anymore. Today’s Great Zhou won’t wage war against us just because we don’t form a marriage alliance. I heard that Liu Yun of Xi Liang requested some military equipment from Great Zhou and promised them several border mines in return. If necessary, we could do like Xi Liang, or open our southern borders for trade between our nations. Wouldn’t that also build friendship between our countries?”
Tuoba Hong smiled appreciatively at her words. “You’ve thought of all this. What you suggest could work, but what could bring two nations closer than a marriage alliance? Though asking for Princess Yan Zhen’s hand isn’t guaranteed to succeed.”
Tuoba Mo shook her head. “Not necessarily. I find the Great Zhou Empress’s attitude quite strange. She seems to approve of this matter. Isn’t it by the Empress’s wishes that Princess Yan Zhen visits you every few days?”
Tuoba Hong fell silent for a moment before finally saying, “If that’s the case, I’ll try.”
Tuoba Mo could see that Tuoba Hong didn’t truly care for Yan Zhen; this was all for Northern Wei’s sake. She felt somewhat sorry for him, but as Crown Prince of Northern Wei, state affairs naturally came first.
Thinking about Tuoba Hong’s intention to seek Yan Zhen’s hand, Tuoba Mo decided to seek out Yan Zhen to gauge her feelings. From what she could tell, Yan Zhen’s thoughts were extremely pure. Having such a person marry into Northern Wei would be better than someone with ulterior motives.
As Tuoba Mo left their palace quarters and walked a few steps, she suddenly felt something amiss. Looking up, she saw someone sitting on the corridor roof not far away. Twilight had begun to fall, darkening the entire sky, and the person sitting on the roof wore a red robe that fluttered in the wind, cutting quite a dashing figure.
Tuoba Mo frowned. That spot was right above where she and Tuoba Hong had just been talking!
Tuoba Mo gathered her qi and climbed onto the roof via the nearby wall and fake mountain, then walked to Yan Li’s side. “Young Master, what are you doing sitting here? And when did you arrive?”
The palace where Tuoba Mo and Tuoba Hong stayed was in the northwest inner palace. Though remote, it stood higher than the palaces of other consorts. No one knew how long Yan Li had been there. Though his figure appeared carefree, his expression held some melancholy. The twilight falling on his profile gave him an air of loneliness.
When Tuoba Mo asked this, Yan Li leaned back to look at the last light on the horizon. Tuoba Mo followed his gaze and felt her heart tremble. She had reason to believe Yan Li hadn’t deliberately sat here to spy on them or eavesdrop, because the scene before them was truly breathtaking.
The final rays of light hung just above the horizon, casting a gauzy radiance over the thousand palace halls. Great Zhou’s national strength was mighty, and its palace was more magnificent and imposing than Northern Wei’s. The endless swooping eaves stretched from beneath their feet toward the horizon as if without end. Seeing this, Tuoba Mo’s heart opened up – she saw Great Zhou’s prosperity, the succession of imperial power, and in an instant understood her own insignificance…
Tuoba Mo suddenly thought of her longing for Yan Chi these past two years, and his coldness toward her. She laughed briefly, then let out a breath, exhaling all her unrequited feelings of the past two years.
She was no longer in a hurry to find Yan Zhen. Lifting her skirts, she sat down beside Yan Li.
“This is quite a spot. If my brother and I weren’t staying here, probably no one would find you.”
This palace had been specially opened for the Northern Wei delegation. Once they left, it would stand empty. Then Yan Li could be even more free and unfettered here alone!
When Yan Li remained silent, Tuoba Mo continued talking to herself. “Your Great Zhou is truly prosperous, with palace halls stretching beyond sight. Northern Wei’s palace is maybe half the size of yours, no, perhaps not even that.”
Seeing Yan Li’s continued silence, Tuoba Mo turned to look at him. After a few moments, she smiled. “So you too carry heavy thoughts. I thought the Young Master was truly as carefree and cheerful as he appears. But what do you have to be unhappy about? I know about your family’s situation. Setting everything else aside, you’re still alive and well – isn’t that enough?”
Yan Li’s lips curved upward. “Do you know what that place is?”
He pointed to a spot, and Tuoba Mo looked over to see the outer court, where the most imposing palace on the central axis stood. Tuoba Mo smiled. “Isn’t that the Emperor’s Chongzheng Hall?”
Yan Li suddenly narrowed his eyes. “Tell me, what kind of person sits in there?”
Tuoba Mo raised an eyebrow, unsure why Yan Li asked this. The one in that hall was the Emperor of Great Zhou, the Emperor of Great Zhou… Unfathomable, a master of imperial power and strategy. “Naturally someone who can be Emperor. Why do you ask?”
Yan Li’s expression grew more profound. “And what kind of person can be Emperor?”
Tuoba Mo laughed at this. “Naturally… someone who can endure everything. Crown Prince Brother is loyal, diligent, virtuous, and talented, yet he still nearly falls victim to the others this time. To sit in that position, unless one has extremely good luck, one must cut through thorns and brambles. Or perhaps one must be ruthless. Like my Fourth and Fifth Imperial Brothers – if Crown Prince Brother had died in Great Zhou, one of them would certainly have taken the throne.”
Night had fallen, and though the evening wind carried a slight chill, it felt refreshing on their faces. Tuoba Mo turned to look at Yan Li. “You’re a Prince’s heir, why think about such things? Surely you don’t want to sit on the throne yourself?”
Tuoba Mo spoke very directly, so directly that Yan Li let out a soft, scornful laugh. “It’s not impossible.”
Tuoba Mo was shocked. The two of them spoke here with no one around, so she had been somewhat unrestrained, speaking of Great Zhou’s affairs which had nothing to do with Northern Wei. But she hadn’t expected Yan Li to respond like this!
To speak such words in the palace – the Emperor of Great Zhou could have him executed for this! He was already the son of a convicted official!
Seeing Tuoba Mo’s shock, Yan Li suddenly burst into loud laughter. “Hahaha, scared you, didn’t I?”
Tuoba Mo stared at Yan Li blankly before finally pulling her lips into a helpless smile. “You’re quite bold to say such things. Aren’t you afraid I’ll tell the Great Zhou Emperor? Rather than dreaming about the throne, you’d be better off finding something productive to do. I’ve heard that you, Young Master, have drawn quite a few impeachment memorials from the censors…”
Ever since Yan Li had flirted with her at Mount Wei, Tuoba Mo had inquired about him. Only then did she learn what a wastrel he truly was!
A misty smile played on Yan Li’s face. He leaned back, stretching his long legs straight out in front of him. With one hand behind his head, his pitch-black eyes gazed at the now-darkened sky. Suddenly he said, “Lie down.”
Tuoba Mo raised an eyebrow, thinking it was already quite generous of her to sit here and chat with him – and now he wanted her to lie down?! Though she wasn’t overly formal, she was still a woman, and her attendants were waiting below.
Seeing Tuoba Mo not moving, Yan Li suddenly reached out and impatiently pulled her down.
Tuoba Mo fell back, her back hitting the glazed tiles painfully. She was about to curse when her eyes caught the vast expanse of sky, and her breath caught. The sky was boundless, the Milky Way dazzling, with countless stars twinkling like blinking eyes. Tuoba Mo felt dazed as if suddenly transported back to the snowy plateau of Northern Wei.
She no longer wanted to curse. Instead, she suddenly felt there was something special about Yan Li – special and extremely complex, so complex she couldn’t see or understand clearly. What exactly lay beneath his seemingly unrestrained and carefree exterior?
This was the best spot to view both the Chongzheng Hall and the stars. So what truly occupied his heart – the Chongzheng Hall, or this vast, boundless river of stars?
Though the glazed tiles beneath were uncomfortable, Tuoba Mo soon relaxed. The fresh breeze swept across the roof, and the vast starry sky washed away all the complicated thoughts in her heart. As she relaxed, she watched the sky, seeing more and more stars emerge. The previously dim sky became brilliantly illuminated. Remembering how Tuoba Hong had taught her to identify constellations when she was young, she carefully examined each star. Yan Li lay beside her without moving or speaking. Tuoba Mo paid him no mind, and when her eyes grew tired from watching, she closed them.
Tuoba Mo had no idea when she fell asleep. When she awoke feeling cold, there was no one beside her. She quickly propped herself up against the tiles and found Yan Li’s robe draped over her. The robe had grown cool in the night wind but retained some of her body heat. Tuoba Mo clutched the robe, feeling momentarily dazed.
When had Yan Li left?
Jumping down from the roof, Tuoba Mo asked the attendants who had waited so long, “Did you see when the Young Master left?”
The attendants below looked completely confused. “Your Highness, what Young Master?”
Tuoba Mo was slightly surprised – Yan Li had left without being seen. The attendants noticed the robe in her hands and were quite startled. “Your Highness, this is…”
Tuoba Mo glanced at Yan Li’s robe, shook her head, and turned to go inside. By this time, she naturally had no desire to go elsewhere.
…
When Qin Wan left the palace, it was already quite late. After examining Tuoba Hong and visiting the Empress Dowager’s palace, where she had been kept talking, she was delayed in leaving.
Returning to the Marquis’s mansion, Qin Wan noticed a carriage already waiting outside. Fu Ling, who followed her, asked, “Miss, do we have guests?”
Qin Wan shook her head but didn’t concern herself with it, heading straight through the gate.
Though Qin Wan intended to return to Pine Wind Court, just as she reached the main courtyard, Qin Yan’s voice came from behind.
“Ninth Sister, you’re back!”
Qin Wan turned around. “Third Brother, I just returned from the palace. What is it?”
Qin Yan smiled. “We’ve been waiting for you for quite a while. Please come to the study.”
Qin Wan, thinking of the carriage outside, asked, “Has someone come?”
Qin Yan smiled. “Crown Prince and Official Zheng have come about the case.”
Qin Wan’s heart tightened, and her expression grew solemn. Seeing this, Qin Yan couldn’t help but smile. Since returning from the Mount Wei hunting grounds, his sister had become another legend in the capital. People spoke of how she solved the Northern Wei delegation’s mysterious case, how she was granted the title of Princess – though the common people hadn’t witnessed it themselves, they described it as if they had seen it with their own eyes. There were naturally some unfavorable voices as well; Qin Yan had heard them even among the Imperial Guard. At the time, he had been quite angry and nearly gotten into disputes. However, looking at Qin Wan now, he knew that whether good or bad, she wouldn’t care about any of it.
Following Qin Yan in the study, they found Crown Prince Yan Che and Zheng Baishi indeed inside. The Crown Prince sat in the main seat, with Qin Shu and Zheng Baishi seated on either side. Seeing Qin Wan enter, their smiles brightened.
After Qin Wan had paid her respects to each of them, Zheng Baishi said, “We’ve been waiting for the Princess for quite a while. His Highness the Crown Prince has come to inquire about the case. Today he accompanied me to visit the Marquis’s mansion, and knowing the Princess conducted the autopsy, we thought you should hear this as well.”
Only one day had passed since Yan Che visited the office, and Zheng Baishi hadn’t expected him to inquire again. However, since the Emperor had rebuked Yan Che, it was appropriate for him to take these matters seriously. Coming to the Marquis’s mansion was Yan Che’s instruction, and thinking of Qin Zhouyu becoming the Crown Princess, Zheng Baishi wasn’t surprised, though technically, at this time, Yan Che should have maintained some distance for propriety’s sake.
Qin Wan naturally knew Yan Che had come for the case and asked, “Have there been new leads?”
Zheng Baishi nodded. “We’ve found a suspicious person.”
Seeing Qin Wan standing in a lower position, Yan Che said, “Princess, please sit and listen.”
After Qin Wan curtsied and sat down, Zheng Baishi continued, “It’s an apprentice from a painting shop, mainly responsible for carving seals. A few days ago, he argued with Wu Qian. Wu Qian had him carve a personal seal and promised twenty taels of silver, but though Wu Qian had been using the seal for several days, he hadn’t paid. The apprentice went to demand payment and confronted him at Phoenix Rest Tower. We learned this from the people at Phoenix Rest Tower. This person can’t account for his whereabouts that night. Now Zhan Yang has taken him back for questioning, and we should have news within the day.”
Qin Wan showed slight surprise. “If that’s the case, then this case might be simple.”
Zheng Baishi nodded. “Someone who carves seals must be skilled with a knife. This person is also a Taoist practitioner – young as he is, he has an altar set up at home. Until now, Wu Qian’s silver hasn’t been paid, and when Zhan Yang brought people to find him, he was still cursing Wu Qian. Though he denies involvement in Wu Qian’s death, his hatred for Wu Qian is genuine.”
A spark of hope rose in Qin Wan’s heart. If Wu Qian’s killer was truly this seal carver, it would be much simpler to handle, and there wouldn’t be other victims…
Qin Shu also said, “I had heard from my subordinates that this case was very complex and involved some old cases. I spent all day in the Ministry of Revenue, but I heard you even went to the Ministry of Justice prison. If this person is the killer, then the case is solved!”
Zheng Baishi sighed. “I hope this person is the killer, but we can’t be certain.”
Qin Wan nodded. “Though he’s skilled with a knife, we need to clarify the details of how he attacked Wu Qian and where he killed him.”
Qin Shu then said, “Since this person can’t account for his whereabouts at the time of the incident, that makes him highly suspicious.”
Zheng Baishi smiled and said, “Criminal matters are unpredictable. Sometimes these people simply can’t explain their affairs clearly, which can mislead the authorities. Zhan Yang sent people to investigate, and Wu’s Third Young Master was also alone in his mansion that night, with no one to verify his whereabouts. Princess, you should remember, that when we went to Viscount Weiyuan’s mansion that day, the Third Young Master was very grieved over his brother’s death, but later when we sent people to investigate, we learned this Third Young Master had once beaten Wu Qian severely – there was indeed enmity between the brothers.”
Qin Wan asked, “Why did they fight? Does this Third Young Master follow the Dao?”
Zheng Baishi smiled bitterly. “When questioned, the Third Young Master brushed it off and wouldn’t answer. As for following the Dao, it’s not apparent, so we can’t do anything about him at this point.”
One death had revealed many grudges, but who was the real killer?
Yan Che had visited the Marquis’s mansion during the New Year, so naturally, he couldn’t just discuss the case now. Soon, the conversation turned to other topics. While Zheng Baishi was talking about the tea the Marquis’s household had given him during New Year’s, Yan Che suddenly asked Qin Wan, “Princess, you brought back the Ninth Prince’s bird. How is it faring?”
Qin Wan hadn’t expected him to remember this detail and answered honestly, “Not well. After bringing it out, it seems to dislike the food here. These past few days it barely eats and appears quite listless.”
Yan Che’s expression remained unchanged as he said, “You could try yellow bean powder and mung bean powder mixed with minced fresh shrimp.”
Qin Wan was slightly surprised, and she wasn’t alone – nearby, Zheng Baishi, Qin Shu, and Qin Yan were all stunned. The Crown Prince, who stood high above others and devoted himself to state affairs – how could such things as yellow bean powder and mung bean powder come from his mouth?
After speaking, Yan Che seemed to realize something was amiss and added, “There are birds kept in the palace. I happened to see it once.”
Qin Wan quickly composed herself. “Thank you, Your Highness. I’ll have the servants try it when I return.”
Yan Che nodded and turned to ask Qin Shu about other matters in the Ministry of Revenue. When Qin Wan heard them turn to state affairs, she rose to take her leave – it wasn’t proper for a young lady to remain in such company. Qin Shu let her go back first.
Returning to Pine Wind Court with Fu Ling, Qin Wan instructed, “Go find some yellow bean powder and mung bean powder, then get some fresh shrimp. Mince the shrimp and mix it with the powders to feed the golden bird.”
Fu Ling was surprised that Qin Wan had such a recipe but quickly went to follow her instructions.
These ingredients weren’t hard to find. An hour later, the golden bird was eating. The little creature, who had barely eaten for days, quickly finished the small portion Fu Ling had prepared, leaving Fu Ling amazed. While having Ban Xia and others prepare more, she went to report to Qin Wan. Upon hearing this, Qin Wan first went to check on the golden bird. Seeing it was indeed as Fu Ling had said, she felt relieved. However, soon a strange feeling arose in her heart – Yan Che’s recipe was almost too effective!
Questions arose in Qin Wan’s mind. Could Yan Che have kept birds before?
Though suspicious, she had no way to ask and had to suppress these thoughts for now. Early the next morning, just as Qin Wan was preparing to visit Meng Yao at the Meng mansion, Zhan Yang arrived at the Marquis’s mansion.
Qin Yan brought Zhan Yang to Pine Wind Court. One look at Zhan Yang’s expression told Qin Wan something was wrong – his expression was too serious!
Sure enough, Zhan Yang’s first words were, “Princess, there’s been another death. The Prefect sent me to fetch you.”
Qin Wan took a deep breath. Yesterday they had thought Wu Qian’s killer had been caught and there would be no more deaths, but things weren’t so simple after all.
“Very well, wait a moment while I change clothes, then I’ll go with you!”
Qin Wan changed into a simple dress and ordered Bai Ying to prepare the autopsy tools before following Zhan Yang out. A carriage was ready outside. Qin Wan got in while Zhan Yang rode alongside.
As they traveled, Zhan Yang reported, “The body was discovered by the city moat in the western district. The victim’s tongue was extracted and all ten fingers were severed.”
Qin Wan’s heart tightened. The first was the Hell of Flaying, the second the Hell of Tongue Extraction – this was almost identical to the case from years ago. Qin Wan suddenly thought of the third victim from back then – the Hell of Ice. Whether the killer was imitating or was the original murderer from years ago, they would certainly kill again. This was more nerve-wracking for the investigators than even the Emperor’s anger!
The first victim died in the southern district, but the second was in the west. Within the imperial city, security grew stricter the closer one got to the palace, while the city moat circling the imperial city lay toward the outskirts. The carriage wound through streets and alleys toward the western moat. Before they even arrived, they could see crowds of commoners gathered around.
Zhan Yang looked troubled. Qin Wan was a Princess and a woman – how could she appear in public before so many onlookers?
Qin Wan was still in the carriage when she felt it suddenly stop. Lifting the curtain to look, she saw the road ahead was blocked by crowds of people, making it impossible for the carriage to proceed. Qin Wan made a quick decision. “Captain Zhan, lead the way. We’ll walk.”
Qin Wan’s expression was cold and solemn. Zhan Yang had been about to object but couldn’t speak after seeing her face. He only grew more respectful toward her, having two constables clear the way while he protected Qin Wan as they walked toward the scene.
“Oh, someone’s coming – why is there a young lady!”
“Could this be the famous Princess Yongci—”
“The one who knows both medicine and autopsies?”
Qin Wan was protected in the middle, clearly someone of noble status. Everyone knew of her achievements that led to her being titled Princess, and soon people guessed her identity. Discussion rose from all sides. Zhan Yang’s expression was stern, and Bai Ying didn’t dare be the least bit careless in protecting Qin Wan, fearing the excited crowd might jostle her.
“Ah, she is like an immortal physician—”
“Indeed, so the rumors were all true…”
“But why would such a proper young lady perform autopsies? Autopsy work is for lowly officials, for coroners!”
“I don’t understand. Such a heavenly maiden should just heal and save people, why must she examine corpses? Seeing dead people every day is so inauspicious. How can a young lady withstand such yin and murderous energies…”
“Haven’t you heard? This Princess Yongci is an orphan…”
Qin Wan heard all these comments but her expression remained unchanged. She had chosen this path and would have to face such things. Usually staying at home, she didn’t hear these things, but now appearing in public, it was unavoidable.
“Official business, make way, make way—”
The closer they got, the more crowded it became. Even the two constables couldn’t clear a path. Just then, someone in the crowd shouted, “Everyone makes way, Princess Yongci has come to perform the autopsy—”
This shout surprised those ahead who hadn’t known of Qin Wan’s arrival. As those in the back moved forward, those in front were pushed toward Qin Wan’s group. Soon, the crowd pressed so close that Qin Wan had to keep stepping back. As more people gathered, Bai Ying grew anxious. “Miss, we can’t get through. Let’s go back.”
Qin Wan hadn’t expected things to turn out like this and had to step back.
“Where is Princess Yongci?! They say her medical skills are divine, and her autopsy skills surpass even the most skilled coroners. Has she come to help solve the case—”
“Where is Princess Yongci—”
The title of Princess Yongci had circulated in the capital for many days, but the common people hadn’t seen her. Hearing she had arrived, the crowd grew excited. Qin Wan kept backing up, but now people behind them were also surging forward. They found themselves surrounded halfway, unable to advance or retreat…
Just as they were caught between both sides, suddenly a loud announcement came from the direction Qin Wan had come from!
“The Heir of Prince Rui arrives—”
This shout carried far, immediately silencing the clamorous crowd.
“Who is the Heir of Prince Rui?”
“It’s that demon king who used to fight in the Northwest Army—”
Someone in the crowd whispered, and instantly, the crowd surging toward Qin Wan began to retreat. In the direction Qin Wan had come from, the commoners moved to both sides, creating a direct path. At the end of this path, Yan Chi and his mounted escort sat on horseback. As soon as the crowd cleared, Yan Chi’s eyes found Qin Wan.
He cracked his whip and spurred his horse forward. Seeing this, the surrounding commoners retreated further to the sides, as if afraid of being struck by his whip. Qin Wan watched as Yan Chi galloped up to her. Before she could react, she felt him suddenly lean down, felt a firm grip around her waist, and in the next moment found herself lifted into the air and placed before him on the horse.
He had swept her onto horseback in one motion—
Sitting before Yan Chi, with him holding the whip in one hand and reins in the other, Qin Wan instinctively gripped his arm. Though this scene fell under the commoners’ gaze, they had no time to consider the impropriety between man and woman.
Yan Chi’s reputation as the Demon King had long since risen in the capital. Dressed in a striking black formal robe and sitting imposingly on horseback, his presence naturally intimidated the common people, leaving them too afraid to think of anything else. Yan Chi gave them no chance to gossip either, cracking his whip and galloping forward with Qin Wan!
His horse moved at tremendous speed, showing no consideration for the pedestrians – as if their lives meant nothing to him. The commoners quickly cleared the way, no longer daring to shout or block the path.
The commotion happened suddenly. Zheng Baishi had been worried about Qin Wan when unexpectedly Yan Chi burst through the crowd with her. Seeing Qin Wan safe, Zheng Baishi felt relieved, but quickly found the image of Yan Chi holding Qin Wan rather intimate—
Fortunately, Yan Chi dismounted as soon as they arrived.
He reached out as if to lift Qin Wan down, but she quickly grabbed his wrist, turning it into her using his arm for support to dismount herself.
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, reaching back to steady her, only letting go once she was firmly on her feet.
Zheng Baishi watched this scene, his gaze growing particularly meaningful as he observed Yan Chi’s expression…
“Young Master, Princess—” Zheng Baishi came forward to bow.
Yan Chi nodded. “Where is the deceased?”
Yan Chi had been at the Ministry of Justice when he received the news and rushed over. The Ministry was further away, which was why he arrived after Qin Wan, only to find her trapped by the crowd!
Fortunately, nothing had happened to Qin Wan today. If something had, would he have been so easy to deal with?
The case was now the most crucial matter. Zheng Baishi turned and said, “This way. Please follow me, Young Master and Princess!”
This was a residential area near the city moat, naturally better than the southern district. The body lay by the moat’s edge. Zheng Baishi led them along the stone path for a moment before they saw steps leading down to the moat. In this season, the moat wasn’t deep, with large patches of mud along the bank. The body lay below the embankment – unless someone stood on the opposite bank, it would have been hard to spot.
Guards surrounded the corpse, but being near residential areas, crowds had gathered on both sides of the moat. Ignoring the onlookers, Zheng Baishi explained, “Someone walking on the opposite bank discovered it this morning. At first, they thought it was a drunk who had fallen, but it turned out to be a corpse. After discovery, crowds gathered to look. Since the body was closest to a teahouse on this side, the teahouse owner sent a worker to report it to the authorities.”
As he spoke, they reached the body, which appeared undisturbed.
The deceased was a tall, thin man who appeared to be in his thirties. He lay face-up, his mouth twisted open and full of bloody foam. Dried blood covered his lips, chin, and chest. His clothes were ordinary, suggesting a common background. His hands lay oddly bent at his sides, all ten fingers severed and scattered on the ground, so bloody they barely looked like human digits—
Though less horrific than the first flayed victim, the blood-covered body with its severed fingers was still a shocking sight. While the gathered crowds were mostly there for the spectacle, only men dared look directly at the corpse. Qin Wan examined the body for several moments before scanning the surroundings, her gaze severe, as if searching for someone.
Yan Chi asked, “What are you looking for?”
Qin Wan spoke softly, “Some killers like to return to the scene afterward. First, to check if they’ve left any incriminating evidence, and second, watching the officials investigate satisfies their twisted psychology. Usually, it gives them a sense of achievement and satisfaction.”
After she spoke, Yan Chi’s eyes also swept the crowd. However, much time had passed – even Zheng Baishi had been here for nearly half a watch. With so many onlookers showing various expressions, it was impossible to distinguish anyone suspicious.
Finding nothing, Qin Wan crouched to examine the body. Putting on protective gloves, she first checked the victim’s jaw, confirming the missing tongue. The victim’s face was purple-blue, his mouth full of thick bloody foam. After some thought, she checked his eyelids, finding scattered hemorrhage points on the membranes.
Qin Wan frowned, “The victim died from bleeding and suffocation after his tongue was extracted.”
In broad daylight, Qin Wan couldn’t remove the victim’s clothes, let alone perform a full autopsy. She examined his limbs and clothing generally, saying, “There are friction marks on the victim’s calves and heel areas, suggesting he was dragged.” She glanced at the descending steps. “Check the stairs, there might be traces.”
After she spoke, Zheng Baishi immediately ordered a constable to look. By then, Zhan Yang and Bai Ying had arrived. Zheng Baishi repeated what Qin Wan had said. Zhan Yang nodded, and Qin Wan continued, “The time of death was after midnight last night, about four hours ago. Rigor mortis has begun in the limbs, and lividity appears mainly on the back. This is likely where the victim was killed.” She picked up the severed fingers to examine them. “The victim’s nails are very clean and neat.”
Qin Wan gathered the fingers and handed them to a constable. Though elderly, his hands shook as he took them. Qin Wan glanced at him before examining the victim’s clothes further. “The victim has calluses on his index and ring fingers, likely from long-term pen use. There are ink stains on his sleeves. He either worked with documents and accounts, was a scholar, or perhaps a teacher. And very likely lived nearby…”
Yan Chi said, “This is a residential area. The night patrol passes through here. If he wasn’t local, the killer wouldn’t have specifically brought him here to kill.”
Qin Wan nodded, sharing this reasoning.
Zheng Baishi said, “We’ve sent people to inquire, but haven’t learned anything yet.”
Just as he finished speaking, a loud wail suddenly rang out from the embankment!
“Husband— My husband—”
Qin Wan immediately looked up to see a simply dressed woman walking down toward them, her face covered in tears. She ran down the steps, but upon seeing the body on the ground, her steps faltered and she stumbled. A nearby constable rushed to help her up, but she crawled on hands and knees toward the deceased. Reaching him, her grief became even more apparent as she threw herself on the body, wailing loudly!
Qin Wan and Yan Chi exchanged glances as Zheng Baishi hurried forward asking, “You are his…”
The woman, crying with reddened eyes, looked up at Zheng Baishi before continuing to wail and clutch the victim’s arm. A constable rushed up from behind, reporting breathlessly, “Sir, when we were going door to door asking if anyone was missing, this lady heard and ran here, saying her husband hadn’t returned all night and she was worried…”