Feng Zhang stood frozen like a wooden chicken by the street, large drops of cold sweat falling down his face.
Yue Ning raised her hand slightly, “Young Master Qin, please rise—”
After Yue Ning spoke, Qin Wan stepped forward, “Fourth Brother, why are you here?”
Qin Yi smiled as he glanced at Qin Wan, “I’m on patrol duty today. I was patrolling the next street over when Young Master Feng came over saying that thugs had beaten him.”
Yue Ning gave a cold laugh, “Thugs? Young Master Qin, I am that thug. Please arrest me and let’s go to the Patrol Division’s office to sort this out—”
Qin Yi’s smile faded halfway as he glanced at Feng Zhang standing to the side. Feng Zhang was already dumbstruck, both angry and fearful. He had never seen the Young Master Feng in such a pathetic state before. Qin Yi then said, “Young Master Feng, what do you think?”
Since Young Master Feng had called them to catch the thug, Qin Yi naturally had to ask him. However, when this question was asked, Feng Zhang gave a forced laugh, “Hehe, this is all a misunderstanding… all a misunderstanding… I mistook someone else…”
Qin Yi found it somewhat amusing inside, “Oh? Then where did Young Master Feng’s injuries come from?”
Feng Zhang was furious inside. He looked carefully at Qin Yi, only now belatedly remembering that the Zhongyong Marquis’s Manor had a second young master born of a concubine. Seeing that Qin Yi had already become a minor lieutenant in the Patrol Division, he felt even more uncomfortable. Even a son of a concubine had started serving as an official, while he, the dignified heir apparent, had been confined for these past few months!
Feng Zhang gritted his teeth, “These injuries were from someone else, they have nothing to do with the Princess…”
Qin Yi nodded, “In that case, I hope Young Master Feng won’t blame our Patrol Division for inaction in the future.”
Feng Zhang gave another forced laugh, “Of course not, of course not.”
Feng Zhang was accompanied by only one servant boy, who was also frightened stiff at the scene. His master had always been prone to causing trouble, but how had he managed to provoke Princess Yongning today? Princess Yongci was there too. With these two together, what good could come to their young master?!
Seeing that Feng Zhang didn’t dare arrest her, Yue Ning gave a cold smile, “Young Master Feng truly won’t pursue this matter?”
Feng Zhang wiped away the nosebleed that had dripped down, “I didn’t know it was the Princess’s grand presence, otherwise today’s misunderstanding wouldn’t have happened, hehe, it’s all a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding…”
Yue Ning lifted her chin, “Young Master Feng thinks it’s a misunderstanding, but I don’t.”
After speaking, Yue Ning turned to look at Qin Wan, “Let’s go pay our respects at the palace—”
The Zhongguo Duke’s Manor had long had a bad reputation in the capital, relying on Feng Lingsu. Yue Ning knew this as soon as she returned. Yue Ning didn’t want to give Feng Zhang any face at all. Seeing Yue Ning’s determination, Qin Wan quickly nodded and turned to look at Meng Yao, “Meng Yao, you return to the manor first. We’ll come find you tomorrow to buy paintings. Don’t worry, we’ll be fine.”
Meng Yao nodded. With the status of Qin Wan and Yue Ning, it was now up to them to punish Feng Zhang.
Ning Buyi looked apologetically at everyone, “Princess, this all happened because of me…”
Qin Wan spoke softly, “Master Ning, don’t worry. After today’s matter, Feng Zhang certainly won’t dare to come cause trouble here again.”
Ning Buyi quickly made a deep bow, “Thank you, Princess. Thank you, both Princesses.”
After a few words, Yue Ning pulled Qin Wan into the carriage. Seeing the situation wasn’t good, Feng Zhang hurriedly walked to the side of the carriage, “Princess, both Princesses, Feng was wrong today. May the two Princesses show great magnanimity…”
Feng Zhang stood beside the carriage calling out with his face bruised and swollen, but Yue Ning got in the carriage and dropped the curtain, “Go, to the palace!”
As the carriage slowly moved forward, Feng Zhang saw things weren’t good and hurriedly ran after the carriage, begging for mercy as he ran. But how could Yue Ning pay him any attention? After running for a while, Feng Zhang was panting heavily, and with his facial injuries, he looked particularly pathetic. Watching the carriage disappear into the distance, Feng Zhang’s heart grew even more panicked, “Quick! Back to the manor!”
The servant boy was also stunned, “Young Master, what for?!”
Feng Zhang closed his eyes and then opened them again, “What for?! Of course to pretend to be sick!”
……
……
News of Feng Zhang’s thuggish behavior quickly reached Chongzheng Hall.
Yuan Qing smiled bitterly, “Young Master Feng has gone too far this time, actually having that intention… ah, more importantly, the Princess was injured. The Empress Dowager is furious. What should we do?”
Yan Huai’s brows were tightly knitted, his face covered with deep anger, “This Feng Zhang! He suffered at Yan Chi’s hands last time but still hasn’t had enough. Now he’s still showing no signs of improvement!”
Yuan Qing sighed, “I heard Young Master Feng had been confined these past six months, and he was only let out a few days ago. Who knew that as soon as he was released, trouble would happen again.”
Yan Huai gave a cold laugh, “Go to the Noble Consort’s palace and tell her that someone with Feng Zhang’s temperament should be confined! Next time if I hear that Feng Zhang has caused trouble outside again, I absolutely won’t be lenient!”
Yuan Qing knew Yan Huai was truly angry and responded with a sound, hurrying to go deliver the imperial edict to Feng Lingsu’s palace.
When Yuan Qing arrived at Changxin Palace, Yan Qi was also there talking with Feng Lingsu.
After Yuan Qing delivered the imperial edict, both Feng Lingsu and Yan Qi’s expressions changed.
Feng Lingsu harbored hatred in her heart but maintained a very respectful exterior. After Yuan Qing left, Feng Lingsu scolded, “That good-for-nothing Feng Zhang! The Duke’s Manor has only this one seedling, yet not only can he not help at all, but he keeps causing trouble for us!”
Yan Qi frowned as he sat down, and after a moment said, “Mother Consort should send someone to the Duke’s Manor to tell him to stay properly in the manor from now on and not embarrass himself. Right now I’m busy with other matters and have no time to clean up his mess.”
Feng Lingsu quickly nodded. She trusted her son the most, “You say you’re busy with other matters, is it about the Northwest?”
Yan Qi nodded but didn’t intend to say more. Feng Lingsu was after all just a woman of the inner palace. Some things would not only do her no good to know but would hinder him.
Seeing Yan Qi not speaking, Feng Lingsu understood his thoughts, “The Shuoxi Army is surrounded inside and out like an iron bucket, and General Zheng can’t advance at all. Are you planning to take advantage of this opportunity?”
Yan Qi nodded noncommittally, “Mother Consort need not worry, I have my plans.”
Feng Lingsu sighed, “Mother knows what you want. If we can get control of the Shuoxi Army’s military power, then we won’t have to worry about achieving great things. But this time the one who committed the crime was the Transport Commissioner on the Northwest Road, it has nothing to do with the Shuoxi Army itself. I’m afraid that after investigation, Prince Rui will take the chance to clear out our people.”
Hearing this, Yan Qi smiled slightly, “This matter won’t be resolved so easily this time. Prince Rui has stayed in the Shuoxi Army too long. He’s good at fighting but has forgotten what kind of schemes exist in the capital. Mother Consort, don’t worry. I have already made arrangements. When the time comes, I will naturally give Prince Rui a surprise.”
……
……
Coming out of the palace, Qin Wan first sent Yue Ning back to the Anyang Marquis Manor. When Princess Taiping and Lady Jiang saw that Yue Ning was injured, they immediately became furious and sent someone to the palace. After accompanying Yue Ning for a moment at the marquis manor and leaving a prescription for removing scars, Qin Wan thought that there might be some news from Daoist Zhang’s place today, so she bid farewell early and headed towards the Prefecture Office.
When Qin Wan arrived at the Prefecture Office, Zheng Baishi wasn’t there. Upon hearing of Qin Wan’s arrival, Zhan Yang hurriedly came out to receive her, leading her to the back hall, and said, “Did Daoist Zhang reveal anything today?”
Zhan Yang shook his head, “After returning yesterday, he didn’t sleep all night. The light in his room stayed on. Today, his door has remained closed. When we sent a servant to ask if he wanted food, he wouldn’t even open the door. Who knows what he’s doing.”
Qin Wan was aware of Daoist Zhang’s peculiarities, but perhaps it was precisely such people who possessed extraordinary talent.
Qin Wan said, “There’s no hurry. As long as he can help, it doesn’t matter how strange he is. Waiting a day isn’t an issue. Captain Zhan, have you made any discoveries today?”
Zhan Yang, who had been following the case most closely, sighed when he heard this, “We investigated the Zuixian Tower. After Hu Dequan became the ice cellar guard, there were indeed two people who maintained contact with him. One was Hu Dequan’s fellow townsman who occasionally visited him out of pity for his solitude. The other was someone who used to drink with Hu Dequan regularly. Later, when Hu Dequan became the ice cellar guard and had less money, only his fellow townsman continued to visit him.”
“When we asked around, people said many knew about Hu Dequan selling his daughter. He revealed it himself once when drunk. Everyone knew about it, and many already despised Hu Dequan. After learning this, they found him even more contemptible. That person only visited occasionally out of hometown friendship.”
“We also investigated his daughter Hongxiu’s situation. She truly hates her father. Initially, when she was sold to Fengqi House, she tried to escape. Once she managed to run away and found Hu Dequan, but he beat her severely and sent her back. After that, she lost all hope and began seriously learning the arts. She started receiving guests three years ago. Though not a high-ranking courtesan, she has gained some fame in the capital for her talents. Many people know her story, including the madam of Fengqi House and some of the senior courtesans…”
“After running around all day, it still feels like we’re getting nowhere,” Zhan Yang sighed. “These three cases have few similarities, and the victims’ backgrounds are quite different.”
Qin Wan’s brows were tightly knitted, feeling she had missed something but unable to pinpoint what.
Suddenly, Qin Wan said, “Wasn’t Miss Zhong bought from a pleasure house by Zhao Jiaxu? Which pleasure house was Miss Zhong from?”
At this, Zhan Yang frowned and said, “It seems… it seems it was also Fengqi House.”
Qin Wan’s heart tightened, “I remember Wu Qian enjoyed visiting courtesans. On the night of his incident, hadn’t he just left Fengqi House after drinking?”
Zhan Yang nodded, “That’s correct…”
Qin Wan then said, “This means all three cases are connected to Fengqi House!”
Zhan Yang thought about it and realized she was right. Qin Wan continued, “We don’t know how Zhao Jiaxu’s matter was exposed, yet it somehow involved Miss Zhong from Fengqi House. Could it be that the killer learned something from Miss Zhong, or through her, took notice of Zhao Jiaxu? The killer couldn’t have learned about the targets through completely unrelated channels. He might be a regular patron of Fengqi House, or perhaps someone who works there…”
Zhan Yang’s expression grew serious, “I understand what Princess means. I’ll send people to Fengqi House again to investigate who Miss Zhong was close to during her time there, and which courtesans Wu Qian frequently visited.”
Qin Wan nodded, “Since we have no other leads right now, this direction is worth trying.”
After speaking, Qin Wan glanced toward the back courtyard. Since Daoist Zhang hadn’t emerged yet, she had to take her leave. In the carriage returning to the Marquis Manor, while Qin Wan was thinking about today’s case, Bai Ying asked, “Young Miss, will Feng Zhang be punished today?”
Qin Wan sighed, “Substantial punishment will be difficult. The Emperor will likely just reprimand him.”
Bai Ying raised her eyebrows without speaking. Qin Wan continued, “However, he’ll have to be more careful now. The Emperor has added another black mark against him, and he certainly won’t dare cause trouble at the painting gallery again.”
Speaking of this, Qin Wan thought of Ning Buyi. When Feng Zhang said Ning Buyi wore rouge and powder, she hadn’t paid much attention before, but today seeing Ning Buyi’s flushed face and light sweat, it did seem like traces of makeup…
Although applying rouge and powder was typically a woman’s practice, it wasn’t forbidden for men. Ning Buyi was a master painter, and having one or two unconventional habits wasn’t strange. That Feng Zhang would develop improper intentions upon seeing Ning Buyi wearing makeup was truly despicable. Qin Wan shook her head and temporarily put aside today’s events.
Returning to the Marquis Manor, it was already late. Because Qin Shuang and Xue Qingshan’s wedding was approaching, the entire manor had been newly decorated. Qin Wan first went to the main courtyard to see Lady Hu, then visited Qin Shuang.
Qin Shuang’s chambers were filled with items needed for the wedding day. In the inner room, the red wedding dress had been delivered. When Qin Shuang pulled Qin Wan into the inner room to look, her face was full of blushes, “I tried it on this afternoon, it fits perfectly. I wanted you to see it, but you weren’t in the manor. Now only the wedding veil remains, I’m almost finished embroidering it.”
Seeing Qin Shuang’s shy demeanor, Qin Wan was also delighted. After chatting for a while holding hands, Qin Wan returned to Songfeng Court. Upon returning, she immediately ordered the storeroom opened and personally selected several items as wedding gifts for Qin Shuang. Just as she emerged from the storeroom, she heard the golden oriole calling incessantly in the courtyard.
Remembering that the Ninth Prince had asked about this bird today in the palace, Qin Wan walked over to the cage.
Seeing this, Fu Ling brought bird feed for Qin Wan to feed it, smiling as she said, “This bird is getting more and more lively, its spirit seems better by the day. Does Young Miss find it noisy?”
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly downward. If it weren’t the Ninth Prince’s bird, she definitely wouldn’t have chosen to keep it. Though bird songs had their charm, she preferred quiet. These days she was often out, but if she stayed in the courtyard all day, the bird’s constant chirping might indeed make her uncomfortable. “It’s fine for now, but during the day you can take it to the garden. It’s early summer, and the garden is full of blooming flowers. I’m sure it will enjoy itself there.”
Hearing this, Fu Ling quickly agreed with a smile.
Early the next morning, seeing the weather was clear, Fu Ling took the bird cage along with water and feed to the garden. She hung it on a lush green tree, and the bird indeed chirped more excitedly. This spot wasn’t far from Songfeng Court. Fu Ling watched for a while before returning to the courtyard. As soon as she left, Qin Zhaoyu arrived at the flower bed.
Mo Yi immediately spotted the bird cage hanging under the green tree and frowned, “How did the craftsman’s bird end up hanging here?! So noisy and annoying.”
Hearing this, the little maid behind her immediately said, “Sister Mo Yi, this isn’t the craftsman’s bird. This is Ninth Young Miss’s bird, I heard it was brought from the palace and is very precious.”
Mo Yi frowned, her expression turning unpleasant as she fell silent.
The last time her Young Miss was reprimanded by the Crown Prince because of Qin Wan, Mo Yi had been holding onto that grudge.
Qin Zhaoyu had originally come out for a walk, but upon seeing the bird cage, she naturally remembered this golden oriole seemed to be the Ninth Prince’s possession. She narrowed her eyes, staring at the cage with ill intent. Beside her, Mo Yi, seeing her expression, thought she disliked the bird and was about to step forward when Qin Zhaoyu took a deep breath and suddenly turned back toward where she came from.
Mo Yi hurriedly called out, “Young Miss, Young Miss, where are you going—”
Qin Zhaoyu walked back without turning her head, her good mood for garden strolling completely ruined!
Mo Yi chased a few steps but couldn’t catch up. She stopped, turned back, and stared intently at the birdcage. The little maid didn’t know what Mo Yi intended to do and was frightened into stopping as well. Mo Yi’s eyes flashed with hatred as she waved for the little maid to leave first, while she remained vigilantly watching the surroundings.
Seeing no one around, Mo Yi stealthily approached the birdcage.