Early the next morning, Bai Feng came to escort Qin Wan to the Prefecture Office. Upon seeing him, Qin Wan knew Yan Chi would indeed be at the office. Bai Feng said, “Princess, His Highness has already gone to the Prefecture Office. I’m here to escort you.”
Once in the carriage, Qin Wan lifted the curtain to look at Bai Feng riding alongside. “How has His Highness been these past few days?”
Though she had seen Yan Chi yesterday, their time together was brief, and the carriage’s darkness had obscured much. Given the gravity of the current situation, Qin Wan remained quite concerned. Bai Feng rode closer, shaking his head, “His Highness has been exchanging messages with the West these days, but with such distance, communication is slow. His Highness can only wait anxiously. The court’s attitude is becoming increasingly unfavorable toward the Shuo Xi Army.”
Though expected, Qin Wan’s heart still sank. Bai Feng continued, “His Highness hasn’t slept well for over ten days. He’s just waiting for news from the Prince.”
Waiting was most torturous, especially with Shuo Xi being a thousand li from the capital.
Qin Wan said, “Since you attend His Highness, do remind him to take care.”
Bai Feng nodded but added hesitantly, “I naturally do my best, but His Highness is resolute in his decisions. Sometimes my words have little effect…” He looked at Qin Wan expectantly.
Qin Wan understood his meaning. “Very well, I’ll try—”
Bai Feng smiled slightly, and Qin Wan lowered the curtain without further comment. After about two incense sticks’ time, they neared the Prefecture Office. At the entrance, Zhan Yang was waiting. Seeing Qin Wan arrive, he quickly came forward to bow.
Qin Wan waved her hand, and they walked into the office together.
“His Highness has already arrived. Master Zhang has calculated the time and location for the next incident. They’re discussing it inside. Knowing you were coming, I came out to receive you…”
Qin Wan nodded. “Has anything been discovered about that Hui Xin?”
Zhan Yang replied, “We found something. We inquired at Hua Yan Temple outside the city. They said that over two months ago, someone came asking about disciples who had been expelled from the temple in recent years. Generally, few who enter monastic life are expelled, and those who are usually break their vows by not following temple rules. The monk who was asked named three people, two of whom are no longer in the capital. Only this Wang Xin remains in the city.”
Qin Wan frowned. “The killer had to work to find the right target. Asking like this was the easiest way.”
Zhan Yang sighed. “Unfortunately, the monk who was questioned was blind, so he couldn’t identify what the person looked like.”
A blind monk?! Qin Wan’s eyes narrowed. This killer was truly meticulous.
Reaching the rear hall, they saw Yan Chi speaking with Zheng Bai Shi while Master Zhang stood aside, his gaze fixed on Yan Chi with an appraising look. Hearing footsteps, they all turned to look at Qin Wan.
Zheng Bai Shi stood up. “The Princess has arrived—”
Qin Wan nodded and spoke directly. “I heard the time and location have been determined.”
Master Zhang said, “Yes, Princess, please come this way—”
On a desk against the wall lay a map of the capital. Master Zhang walked over, picked up a brush, and lightly marked three spots. “The night after tomorrow, any of these three locations is possible.”
Looking closely, Qin Wan saw that all three locations were quite close to the Imperial City, all in the northern quarter.
“These are three locations in the north, corresponding to the Northern Celestial Mansions of Xuanwu: Dou, Niu, and Xu.”
Zhan Yang stepped forward. “Of these three locations, one is at the northernmost part of Xingle Ward outside the Imperial City, another is at the Ministry of Justice outside the Imperial City, and the third, here, is the only place where the killer might strike. This area has two streets of markets, mostly comprising reputable music houses and taverns. Compared to the other two locations, this is most suitable for the killer to act.”
Qin Wan turned to look at Yan Chi, who said, “The killer cannot possibly act at the Ministry of Justice. The residential area is mostly occupied by princes’ and marquises’ mansions, each heavily guarded with numerous servants. The killer has no reason to go there.”
Qin Wan nodded. “But now that the killer knows we’re on high alert, will they still act?”
Master Zhang stepped forward. “I believe the killer will act. Not just for any reason—there aren’t many chances left for the seventh killing. If they miss this time, they must either give up or become trapped by the authorities. Given that the killer has murdered so many, they must be deranged and certainly won’t stop here.”
Zhan Yang said, “Yes, with limited opportunities, they won’t simply give up.”
Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi. “Should we deploy the patrol forces this time?”
Yan Chi shook his head. “Not yet. This time we’ll use my men. Deploying the patrol forces would create too much commotion and might make the killer especially cautious. This time, Zhan Yang and I will make the arrangements.”
Yan Chi’s expression was composed, his eyes dark yet bright, somehow making people feel inexplicably reassured. Looking at him like this, who would know he was worried and troubled about the Shuo Xi Army?
……
……
When Wu Yu left the office, it was already late. His position in the office wasn’t high, and though the Wei Yuan Marquis’s noble title still existed, it held no real power. Especially since everyone knew he wasn’t the Marquis’s biological son, his colleagues’ gazes carried deep meaning.
Wu Yu felt stifled, and thinking of his mother’s illness made him feel anxious and irritable.
Reaching his carriage, Wu Yu initially planned to return home but changed his mind. “Go to the western residence.”
The driver outside acknowledged and slowly drove westward.
As evening approached, Wu Yu watched the bustling street lights through the window, his frown deepening. His usually steady and composed expression took on a sinister cast. He dropped the curtain abruptly, seeming to merge with the darkness.
After a long while, the carriage stopped before the western residence. Wu Yu alighted and dismissed the driver, telling him to return to the Wei Yuan Marquis’s mansion. Soon, only Wu Yu remained at the entrance.
Wu Yu stood at the door, vigilantly looking left and right before unlocking it and entering.
He went straight to the main room and lit a lamp. As the light spread, the desolation of the courtyard and room became particularly apparent. Wu Yu sat in a chair, his entire being seemingly in meditation, dark-eyed and silent.
After another half hour, footsteps finally sounded outside. As the door opened, Wu Yu composed his expression and sat up. The arrival approached Wu Yu respectfully. “Young Master, everything has been arranged.”
……
……
Wei Qi Zhi had been visiting the city’s painting galleries daily these past few days. After inquiring about paintings and calligraphy, instead of seeking out Qin Wan, he went to find Yue Ning. On this day, Yue Ning had nothing to do and accompanied Wei Qi Zhi to view paintings at the gallery.
Ning Bu Yi had learned of Wei Qi Zhi’s intended visit and stayed at the gallery to receive them personally.
As soon as Wei Qi Zhi entered the gallery, he winked at Ning Bu Yi, who laughed, bowed, and said, “Princess, Wei Gong Zi has been coming to the gallery daily to inquire about paintings. I didn’t realize it was for the Princess.”
Yue Ning raised an eyebrow. “It’s not for me, it’s for Princess Yong Ci.”
Ning Bu Yi smiled. “Then why are you two here today?”
Yue Ning looked somewhat uncomfortable and glanced at Wei Qi Zhi, who only smiled without speaking. Yue Ning said, “Qin Wan is helping the authorities investigate a case these days. I’m free, so I’m just helping her.”
Ning Bu Yi smiled meaningfully but didn’t expose anything. Wei Qi Zhi said, “Even if Princess Yong Ci isn’t here, it’s just as well that you came, Princess. Let’s look at the paintings first. You bought the Pine in Snow painting last time, so you must know about Master Ning’s works.”
Yue Ning nodded. “When the gallery’s masters came to paint at the Marquis’s mansion last time, both Grandmother and Mother were very pleased.”
As they spoke, they went up to the second-floor reception room. While Ning Bu Yi went to fetch paintings, only Wei Qi Zhi and Yue Ning remained. Wei Qi Zhi smiled as he poured tea for Yue Ning, very attentive. Yue Ning raised an eyebrow at his behavior but said nothing. When Ning Bu Yi returned with the paintings, he saw Wei Qi Zhi smiling and chatting with Yue Ning. Though Wei Qi Zhi wasn’t from a noble family, his background in the capital wasn’t low. This was the first time Ning Bu Yi had seen him act this way.
“These are two authentic works by Master Xu Dao Zi. Please take a look…”
Hearing this, Wei Qi Zhi quickly unrolled the scrolls for Yue Ning to see. After looking, Yue Ning said, “I quite like them, but Qin Wan might not. She prefers the gentle, elegant style, and so does the Grand Princess.”
Wei Qi Zhi smiled. “No matter. It’s good that you like them. Let’s wait until tomorrow. Master Ning will have another painting arriving from elsewhere. We can continue looking tomorrow.”
Ning Bu Yi couldn’t help smiling. “Don’t worry, these two authentic works aren’t being sought by others, they won’t be taken. Princess, let Wei Gong Zi accompany you to look around more. Tomorrow’s painting is Qi Qian Shan’s landscape.”
Wei Qi Zhi immediately said, “Excellent, then it’s settled. We’ll come again tomorrow.”
Ning Bu Yi smiled in agreement. Wei Qi Zhi then said to Yue Ning, “Princess, there’s another painting gallery in the western city. Shall we go look?”
Yue Ning said coolly, “Very well. Have you already made arrangements there too?”
“Of course. How could I bring you out without making proper arrangements?”
Yue Ning seemed somewhat satisfied. “In that case, let’s make another trip.”
They talked as they walked out, with Ning Bu Yi following behind, escorting them to the gallery entrance. Wei Qi Zhi accompanied Yue Ning to her carriage, even lifting the curtain and helping her up. This attentiveness might have gone unnoticed by the straightforward Yue Ning, but Ning Bu Yi saw it clearly and shook his head with a somewhat helpless smile.
……
……
Early the next morning, Wei Qi Zhi indeed brought Yue Ning to the gallery early. Ning Bu Yi had been waiting and smiled upon seeing them arrive as promised. “I thought you might come later. Didn’t expect you so early.”
Wei Qi Zhi smiled. “I went to pick her up early today, so naturally we arrived early.”
Yue Ning’s expression remained cool, contrasting with Wei Qi Zhi’s warmth. Ning Bu Yi first invited Yue Ning to sit in the reception room. Wei Qi Zhi said he would help Ning Bu Yi fetch the paintings, so they went to the back courtyard together. Ning Bu Yi said, “Judging by the Princess’s attitude, it seems you haven’t declared your intentions?”
Wei Qi Zhi waved his hand. “Brother Ning, in this aspect, you’re not as experienced as I am. With young ladies like the Princess, if you declare your intentions right away, the Princess will weigh things and not only refuse to respond but might even drive you away. Then you won’t even have a chance to get close to her—”
Ning Bu Yi found it somewhat amusing. “Then what do you plan to do?”
Wei Qi Zhi said mysteriously, “The Princess has a pure nature and clear likes and dislikes. Using the previous incident where the Marquis’s family showed me kindness, I first presented gifts with gratitude. Seeing this, the Princess will know I’m someone who remembers kindness, and she’ll develop a good impression. Giving gifts once certainly isn’t enough, so naturally I must give a second time. The Princess won’t casually accept so many gifts from me and will surely feel some gratitude. If I give a third time, guess what happens?”
Ning Bu Yi looked at Wei Qi Zhi. “What happens?”
“The third time, the Princess will give me gifts in return!” Wei Qi Zhi said very proudly. “For instance, the Princess previously gave me several military strategy books. There’s another aspect to this—the An Yang Marquis built his career on military prowess, and the Princess is very fond of this subject. When I show interest in it, the Princess naturally feels we have common interests and becomes more cordial toward me. As I talk more with the Princess and treat her matters as my own, being attentive in everything big and small, though she may be simple-minded, she’s not unfeeling. Gradually, her gratitude will turn to being touched, and then naturally to being moved…”
“Then you’ll declare your intentions to the Princess at that time?” Ning Bu Yi couldn’t wait and quickly asked.
Unexpectedly, Wei Qi Zhi shook his head mysteriously again. “No, no, no, even then, I won’t say anything…”
Ning Bu Yi smiled wryly. “You’ve put in so much effort, and the Princess has feelings for you, why won’t you speak? When will you wait until?”
Wei Qi Zhi’s lips curved upward. “Naturally, I’ll wait for her to speak first.”
Ning Bu Yi raised an eyebrow. “You say wait for the Princess to speak first? How is that possible?”
Wei Qi Zhi chuckled, “When I say speak, I naturally don’t mean verbal expression. I mean waiting until her actions begin to speak when she’s deeply in love with me. Only then will I make things clear. You must know, that women in this world easily become spoiled when favored. If I’m always enthusiastic and proactive, I fear she’ll become so spoiled she loses her way. Then what leverage would I have? I must act without speaking, make her touched, make her moved, yet leave her uncertain. When she’s in too deep, I can watch from the sidelines. By then, she’ll be infatuated with me, and whatever I want her to do for me, she’ll do!”
Ning Bu Yi’s expression changed slightly as he listened. He turned to look back, fortunately finding no one there, then smiled wryly. “Brother Wei, the way you speak—are your feelings for the Princess not genuine? Why so many twists and turns?”
Wei Qi Zhi laughed freely. “Genuine feelings? My feelings for her are genuine now, but… I have many genuine feelings, and I don’t know who will next receive my genuine attention. However, whether in terms of background or character, the Princess is most suitable to be my wife.” He winked at Ning Bu Yi. “Brother Ning, this method works on any young lady in the world, provided she has a decent first impression of you…”