The stone mill appeared more desolate and disheveled than before due to the recent homicide. Burnt joss paper ashes remained at the dilapidated entrance, presumably left by residents paying their respects.

Qin Wan approached cautiously with Bai Ying and two attendants in tow, noting the trampled grass beneath their feet. Knowing the crime scene wasn’t in the main hall, she followed the overgrown path toward the back. Soon, she came upon three low-lying rooms. These chambers were small, with the middle room’s door standing open.

After surveying the surroundings, Qin Wan stepped toward the central room. Upon entering, she immediately noticed the uncleaned bloodstains on the floor. The extent of the blood indicated the victim had lost a considerable amount. The room was in complete disarray, with millstones stacked against the wall in one corner. The murder weapon – the millstone – had been set aside, its bottom edge stained with blood that had turned a dirty black.

Qin Wan’s brow furrowed as she looked up at the beam directly above the bloodstain. Zhan Yang had mentioned the millstone was suspended from this beam before it fell. Though she examined the beam carefully, she found no suspicious marks. Unlike the previous incident where the rope was cut with throwing knives, how did the perpetrator escape this time?

Besides the main door, the room had only two high windows, both too narrow for someone to climb through. The walls extended straight up to meet the beam. Stepping back, Qin Wan could see the gap between the walls and the beam. Even before its deterioration, this building had been quite modest.

As she surveyed the room, feeling she hadn’t discovered anything significant, her gaze fixed on the flagstones. Years of neglect had left the floor uneven. Like in the main hall where a stone had been forcibly cracked, here too was a depression – but oddly, it wasn’t level, being higher on one side than the other.

Qin Wan recalled the corpse she’d seen that day. When she viewed it after a night had passed, it was badly mangled. Thinking back, the abdomen seemed particularly crushed, and while half the face was destroyed, the undamaged portions showed numerous scrapes. What could this mean?

Had the millstone fallen at an angle?

With this thought, Qin Wan turned and headed outside. “Let’s check the back.”

The location was extremely remote, making Bai Ying very uneasy. She hurried to keep close to Qin Wan. Behind the building, they found an empty, overgrown yard that appeared to have once been a workspace. At the high windows, they found them tightly shut and covered in cobwebs, clearly unopened recently.

Qin Wan’s frown deepened, sensing something amiss.

“Young Miss, what’s wrong? Did you notice something?” Bai Ying asked.

Qin Wan picked up a stone and dropped it straight down. “Look at this stone – when it falls, the impact force should be fairly uniform. There’s no reason for the depression we saw to be higher on one side than the other.”

“Could it be that the millstone happened to fall on its edge?” Bai Ying suggested.

While possible if it fell sideways, Qin Wan replied, “But the blood on the millstone is on its entire bottom surface, showing the killer tied it very carefully. They feared the curved edge might not be fatal, so they used the flat bottom surface to be sure. Let’s look again.”

They returned to the front room. Though it was daytime, the narrow space remained dim. Shen Qingxi stepped over the bloodstained area to examine the right wall. This time, the killer hadn’t suspended the millstone in the center but toward the right side. Qin Wan studied the wall, finding nothing unusual at first. Then she looked at where it met the beam above. In such a simple building, the space above the beams was open, connecting all three rooms. After observing for a moment, Qin Wan suddenly moved to examine the room on the right.

The side rooms had been searched by yamen runners, and fresh dust covered their footprints on the grimy floor. The right room was packed with old timber, thick with dust and cobwebs, appearing completely chaotic. The extreme disorder made it difficult to notice anything at first glance.

But Qin Wan’s attention was drawn to the top of the middle wall. Earlier, she’d noticed the left wall of the center room was covered in cobwebs where it met the roof, but this right wall had none. Though a small detail, Qin Wan found it strange. She pointed to that beam, “Let’s check up there.”

The two attendants immediately began climbing the old wood pile, one ascending while the other provided support. Soon, one reached the top. Being tall, he could easily examine the beam area for irregularities. “Princess, there’s something here!”

Qin Wan’s eyes brightened. “What is it?”

The attendant reached up to feel the beam, then frowned. “Princess, it seems to be wax.”

Wax? How could there be wax on such a high beam?

Qin Wan furrowed her brow in thought, then her eyes suddenly lit up as something occurred to her.

Meanwhile, Qin Shuang opened her eyes to find Xue Qingshan’s face close by. Before she could feel shy, she noticed the bright daylight outside. Alarmed, she sat up abruptly, startling Xue Qingshan awake. Seeing her agitated state, he asked, “What’s wrong?”

Blushing deeply, Qin Shuang nearly cried, “It’s bright outside already, and I still need to serve tea to Father and Mother!”

Xue Qingshan laughed, reaching out to pull her back. “I already arranged for us to serve tea at lunch. You were exhausted yesterday – sleep a bit more.”

Qin Shuang blinked as she was drawn into his embrace. Xue Qingshan’s upper body was bare, and as soon as she touched him, her heart began racing. Remembering the previous night, her face flushed crimson. This was her first marriage, and she’d had many worries about this union. The wedding day had been particularly nerve-wracking, but she hadn’t expected Xue Qingshan, despite his rough appearance, to be so gentle and considerate. He hadn’t allowed any rowdy celebration in the bridal chamber, hadn’t returned drunk, had helped remove her ornaments, and made sure she ate before retiring. When they finally retired, he’d been incredibly tender.

Qin Shuang’s cheeks burned as she watched his closed eyes, feeling utterly content. Despite her initial concerns, she now felt certain they could build a good life together.

Perhaps she stared too long, for Xue Qingshan suddenly opened his eyes. Seeing her intent gaze, he smiled, “Why are you staring at me?”

Qin Shuang shyly lowered her eyes as Xue Qingshan held her closer.

Closing his eyes again, he asked, “What are you thinking? Tell me.”

Qin Shuang hesitated, still feeling somewhat strange with him.

“This marriage was originally arranged for your sister, though I’d never met her,” he continued. “At the time, I thought any daughter from the Qin family would be fine. After that incident, I remembered there was still a cousin at the Marquis’s mansion. You know my intentions – marrying into the Marquis’s family would benefit me greatly.”

This was obvious to anyone with sense, and Qin Shuang understood, but she hadn’t expected him to address it directly.

“The Xue family isn’t from noble stock, and I’m just a rough man with some fighting skills, not like those refined young lords. But when I asked to marry you, I was completely sincere. Since you weren’t the original intended bride, you might have some doubts. But Shuang’er, I don’t care who was chosen first – I only care whose dowry I accepted and who I brought home in the wedding sedan. When I saw you at the Marquis’s mansion, you were staring at me in a daze, and I knew right then you were exactly the kind of woman I wanted, sure to be a good wife.”

Xue Qingshan’s words carried a hint of laughter, making Qin Shuang even more bashful. She had indeed been stunned that day, not expecting his visit to the mansion.

“Now that we’re husband and wife, we should be of one heart. Previously, Mother ran the household, but now you’ll be in charge. My parents are elderly and won’t make many demands of you. If you’re unsure about anything, just ask me. Even if you make mistakes, I’ll protect you. From now on, you’re the Madam of the Xue family. I’ll do everything in my power to ensure you live in comfort. Though our family’s status is modest and our home small, I’m not a fickle man. In the future, you’ll be the only woman in this household – I won’t let any other women trouble you.”

Qin Shuang’s heart warmed at his words. Lying in his strong embrace, feeling his powerful heartbeat, she was deeply moved by his sincere and practical promises. These words addressed most of her concerns as if he could read her mind.

As a concubine’s daughter, she’d previously relied on pleasing Qin Xiang and Lady Lin for a comfortable life. Later in the capital, though protected by Qin Wan, it wasn’t the same as having a husband. Each of Xue Qingshan’s words touched her heart, and when he promised she’d be the only woman in the household, her eyes welled with tears.

Gathering her courage, Qin Shuang hugged Xue Qingshan back. “I understand. From now on, you focus on building your career outside. I’ll take good care of your parents and ensure you have no worries at home. Though I’m not very educated, I want us to have a good life together. There’s much I don’t know, so please be patient with me.”

Xue Qingshan laughed heartily, embracing her tightly. “I’m quite rough around the edges – I’m the one who’ll need your patience.” As he finished speaking, his hands began to wander. Qin Shuang let out a soft sound, half-resisting as they engaged in another passionate encounter. Only when the sun was high did they rise, get dressed, and have a light meal before Xue Qingshan showed her around the estate.

Though the Xue residence couldn’t compare to the Marquis’s mansion in grandeur, it was neat. As they walked, Qin Shuang spoke of planting flowers here and adding potted landscapes there, and Xue Qingshan agreed to everything she suggested.

Though Qin Shuang was raised in a noble family, Lady Lin hadn’t properly educated her. However, through exposure to the Qin family’s refinement, while she might not handle truly aristocratic affairs well, there was nothing in the Xue household she hadn’t seen before. Xue Qingshan’s father was a military officer, Xue Qingshan himself was trained in martial arts, and his mother wasn’t particularly versed in poetry and literature. Therefore, even Qin Shuang’s moderate education allowed her to manage well, and unlike Qin Xiang, she wasn’t proud or aloof.

Xue Qingshan’s masculine straightforwardness complemented Qin Shuang’s sweet liveliness perfectly. Though newly married, they were remarkably compatible.

At noon, Xue Qingshan took Qin Shuang to pay respects to his parents. As a young lady from the Marquis’s household, the elder Xues had no reason to make things difficult for her. After simple ceremonies and generous gifts from the elders, the formalities were complete. In the afternoon, Madam Xue presented all the household servants to Qin Shuang, officially establishing her position as the new mistress of the Xue household.

Qin Wan returned from the southern city and went directly to the prefectural office. Though she’d just left that morning, neither Zheng Baishi nor Zhan Yang was present.

She wasn’t looking for them, however. She went straight to find the Daoist priest Zhang, speaking with him in the office for the time of an incense stick before heading to the An Yang Marquis’s mansion to find Yue Ning.

Upon meeting Yue Ning, Qin Wan immediately pulled her into a storage room near the stables for a private conversation. They called for ropes and several sacks of horse feed. Soon after, Yue Ning requested candles and had the sacks hung high. Qin Wan sent everyone out, and they worked on something for a while. Suddenly, a loud “bang” echoed from the storage room. Moments later, they emerged with serious expressions.

Yue Ning ordered servants to clean the storage room while she returned to the study with Qin Wan.

Dismissing Bai Ying and the others, they whispered together in the study for some time. When the sun began to set, Yue Ning emerged with a strange expression. Qin Wan held her arm saying, “You can still change your mind. If you don’t back out now, there’s no turning back later.”

Yue Ning seemed to have made up her mind, declaring, “I won’t!”

She lifted her chin and beckoned to an attendant, instructing, “Go invite Young Master Wei Qizhi from the Wei household. If he can’t come today, then tomorrow.”

As the attendant left with the message, Qin Wan said, “I hope this time he can help me buy two good paintings – one for the Princess Imperial and one for the Empress Dowager.”

Yue Ning shook her head with a smile and took Qin Wan to see the Princess Imperial. Soon, the attendant returned reporting that Wei Qizhi wasn’t at the Wei residence but left word he might visit the next day.

Unable to meet Wei Qizhi that day, Qin Wan had to wait until tomorrow. She returned to the Marquis’s mansion first, then went to the An Yang Marquis’s mansion early the next morning to wait. It was the Dragon Boat Festival, and Qin Wan brought gifts to accompany the Princess Imperial for the holiday, much to the Princess’s delight. Shortly after noon, Wei Qizhi arrived as promised. Having profited well as an imperial merchant, he brought many gifts, each perfectly suited to Yue Ning’s tastes. Seeing this, Qin Wan carefully observed Wei Qizhi for a moment.

Previously, when Wei Qizhi gave the Chengying sword, Yue Ning had declared them even. Now that he brought more gifts, she refused to accept them. However, Wei Qizhi explained, “It’s a festival day, and I wouldn’t dare visit the mansion empty-handed – it’s proper etiquette. If the Princess feels uncomfortable accepting, perhaps I could receive a few military texts the Marquis no longer needs in return.”

Yue Ning found his reasoning somewhat sensible, and since they needed his help this time, she couldn’t be too rigid. She reluctantly agreed.

Wei Qizhi didn’t know why Yue Ning had summoned him. When Qin Wan explained their purpose, he confidently declared, “That’s simple enough. I first took Princess Yongjing to the gallery, and I know Master Ning still has two treasured pieces. As for others, I can inquire further for Princess Qin.”

Qin Wan replied, “The Empress Dowager’s birthday is after the Mid-Autumn Festival, so I’d like to buy Xu Daozi’s ‘Ancient Pine of Mount Zhongnan’ for her. For the Princess Imperial, I’m undecided – what does Master Ning have?”

Wei Qizhi was indeed knowledgeable about Wei Qizhi’s collection, immediately listing several pieces. “Some are authentic, and some are copies, including copies from previous dynasties. I’m not sure if Master Ning will part with the authentic pieces, but I can help Princess Qin inquire about others for more options. As for the ‘Ancient Pine,’ I remember it’s in Master Ning’s possession.”

Qin Wan nodded eagerly, “Then I’ll leave this matter to you.”

While they talked, Yue Ning went to inform Princess Imperial of Wei Qizhi’s arrival and fetch the military texts he requested. Once she left, Qin Wan looked at Wei Qizhi and said, “Young Master Wei seems to know exactly what Yue Ning likes.”

Wei Qizhi smiled openly, “What are you suggesting, Princess?”

Qin Wan observed him for a moment, lowering her voice.

When Yue Ning returned, she found Wei Qizhi and Qin Wan had just finished speaking, with Wei Qizhi wearing an odd expression. Yue Ning pretended not to notice as she sat down, and Wei Qizhi resumed discussing paintings.

After a while, the Princess Imperial summoned Wei Qizhi, and they all accompanied him. The Princess kept him for dinner, and by the time they finished, the sun was setting. Wei Qizhi bid farewell and headed straight for the Ranmo Gallery. Upon entering, he immediately asked for Ning Buyi, but when the servant merely said “Master Ning is resting in the back courtyard,” Wei Qizhi rushed there without hesitation.

Though Wei Qizhi and Ning Buyi were indeed acquainted, his behavior alarmed the servant. Knowing where Ning Buyi stayed, Wei Qizhi went directly to his courtyard.

Upon entering, he smelled medicine. “What’s wrong? Is Master Ning ill?”

The servant’s face fell. “Master Ning was invited to paint at the Duke Zhongguo’s mansion last night. Young Master Feng deliberately made things difficult, forcing Master Ning to stand by the lake all night. He returned in poor condition after midnight.”

Though it was early summer, the nights were still chilly – making someone stand by the lake all night was torture. Though Feng Zhang had been taught a lesson by Yue Ning before, he hadn’t accepted it.

Wei Qizhi frowned at this news. “In that case, I shouldn’t disturb him.”

The servant was relieved, but as Wei Qizhi turned to leave, the door creaked open. Ning Buyi stood there in a robe, smiling wryly. “Since you’re here, come in.”

Wei Qizhi smiled, “I was just about to leave!”

Ning Buyi looked ill – his face was pale, with dark circles under his eyes and purplish lips. Seeing him in such a state, Wei Qizhi’s playful mood vanished, replaced by concern. “You look seriously ill! How could Feng Zhang bully you like this?”

Ning Buyi smiled bitterly, “When Duke Zhongguo’s household requests something, one dares not refuse.”

Wei Qizhi frowned, clearly disliking the duke’s name. “Ah, I heard from Princess Yongci that Feng Zhang caused trouble here before?”

Ning Buyi’s bitter smile deepened. “Yes, thankfully the princesses helped me.”

He then asked, “You’re familiar with Princess Yongci?”

Wei Qizhi nodded, “I knew them in Jinzhou – both Princess Yongci and Princess Yongning. I first brought Princess Yongning here to buy paintings. She bought that ‘Ancient Pine’ painting, right?”

Ning Buyi had heard from servants about this but hadn’t seen Wei Qizhi when Yue Ning came to buy the painting. Yet Wei Qizhi knew about it, indicating significant private contact with Yue Ning. “Yes, that’s the one.”

Wei Qizhi’s lips curved upward. “I saw it at the mansion and asked about it. Indeed, it came from here. She didn’t even ask me to come along! But buying from you is always reliable.”

Looking worriedly at Ning Buyi’s complexion, Wei Qizhi said, “Are you really alright? I’ve come today to buy paintings again – Princess Yongci wants gifts for the Empress Dowager and Princess Imperial. They must be authentic pieces.”

Ning Buyi coughed lightly. “Let me change clothes and show you the paintings. If what you want isn’t here, I can ask others.”

He went to the inner room to change while Wei Qizhi walked around the outer room. His eyes swept the area and caught sight of a newly carved seal on the window-side desk bearing Ning Buyi’s name.

Wei Qizhi looked at it briefly before Ning Buyi emerged, and they headed to the painting storage room together.

As night fell, Zhan Yang led yamen runners and City Guard soldiers to the three locations where murders might occur. No matter how cunning the killer was, with sufficient force, they couldn’t carry out their plans. The killer could only perform their ritual sacrifices at specific locations.

Previously, Zhan Yang had wanted to catch the killer but feared too many troops would cause panic among the capital’s residents. However, after several attempts, he realized too few men couldn’t stop the killer. The killer must have planned long in advance, thoroughly studying each murder site. These locations were more familiar to the killer than to them – temporarily posting a few dozen men for surveillance couldn’t catch the killer’s mistakes. So this time, Zhan Yang brought in the City Guard.

At each location, the combination of yamen runners and City Guard troops should be enough to stop the killer. Though this might scare the killer away and reduce the chances of capture, the killer needed specific times and places for their rituals. Zhan Yang only needed to prevent more murders while slowly investigating the case.

Five people had died, and with each death, Zhan Yang had to reinvestigate the victim’s background. But the killer wouldn’t give him that much time, making him increasingly anxious as useful clues became scarcer.

Now, this was the only way to obstruct the killer.

The City Guard deployed three hundred troops, one hundred at each location, not only securing the potential crime scenes but also patrolling surrounding streets and alleys. This naturally caused anxiety among citizens, but the serial killings had already caused upheaval in the capital. Now, the authorities had no choice but to confront the killer directly.

As the night deepened, despite their preparations, Zhan Yang and Qin Yi waited in the ink-black shadows, uncertain whether they could prevent the killer from claiming another victim tonight.