Ning Bu Yi laughed continuously. “You have so many theories. You have old connections with Jin Zhou and An Yang Marquis’s mansion, but what if it were a completely unrelated lady?”
Wei Qi Zhi smiled slightly at these words, not finding Ning Bu Yi’s question challenging at all.
“What’s difficult about that? With the Wei family’s connections, whether it’s noble young ladies, merchant daughters, or common folk if I want to meet someone, I always have ways. Meeting and making first impressions is step one. Step two is having them do me a favor.”
Ning Bu Yi raised an eyebrow in confusion, and Wei Qi Zhi explained with a smile, “Women have many temperaments. Whether they’re headstrong or gentle, if you understand their nature and cater to their preferences, you can always get them to help with something. Take the Princess, for instance. If we had no connection and I was interested in her, I’d only need to know what she wanted to do recently. Hasn’t she been buying paintings often? I could arrange a few chance encounters, and buy paintings to give her. No, that would only make her think I’m targeting her status with ulterior motives. Instead, I should set my sights on paintings she wants, then let her yield them to me—”
Ning Bu Yi’s eyes brightened as he understood. “Thus, she becomes indebted to you, giving you reason to treat her well without seeming strange!”
Wei Qi Zhi nodded with satisfaction. “Exactly. In relationships, there must be give and take, back and forth. In these exchanges, feelings and interests naturally develop. This step is crucial. If I simply showed kindness to the Princess, she would either reject me outright or accept without care. Though it seems she made the first move, I hold the initiative. Many things aren’t what they appear on the surface.”
Thinking of Wei Qi Zhi’s attentiveness to Yue Ning, Ning Bu Yi said, “So you’re saying a man must lower his pride.”
Wei Qi Zhi laughed heartily. “Exactly! At least at first! Brother Ning, you learn quickly. Truly cold-hearted women are rare in this world. If a man puts in just a little effort, winning a woman’s heart isn’t difficult. The difficulty is that many men disdain putting effort into women, but I’m different. I’m willing to make the effort. At least in this aspect, I haven’t wronged her, wouldn’t you say?”
Ning Bu Yi smiled wryly. “How many women have you pleased with such tricks?”
Wei Qi Zhi just smiled without answering, then changed the subject. “Never mind how many girls I’ve charmed, Brother Ning. What matters is I’ve never failed! With someone like the Princess, of high birth and wide experience, and not one to dwell on romance, I must be more careful and put in more effort. But the effort is worth it!”
Ning Bu Yi sighed helplessly. “I never imagined Brother Wei was so skilled in this art—”
Wei Qi Zhi showed no shame, but rather pride. “Don’t think me heartless, Brother Ning. Compared to those who take wives but show no affection and only complain, I invest true feelings. Look at my actions these past days—don’t you find them tiring? Yet I’m willing. After this, the Princess will surely be more satisfied with me. To be frank, the Marquis’s wife and the Grand Princess are quite fond of me now. If the Princess develops feelings, this marriage is assured.”
Ning Bu Yi found it both amusing and helpless. While others might view Wei Qi Zhi’s marriage to Yue Ning as marrying above his station, his careful calculations had brought success within reach.
“Could you let the Princess hear these words, Brother Wei?”
Wei Qi Zhi’s expression changed slightly. “Brother Ning wouldn’t betray me, would you? These words are only for men’s ears. Men understand, but if the Princess knew, she might misunderstand me…”
This wasn’t a misunderstanding—Wei Qi Zhi’s intentions weren’t pure. Though he might have some affection for Yue Ning, it was different from what she might imagine. Ning Bu Yi understood this but couldn’t say much, so he smiled and nodded. “I hope Brother Wei continues his success. If you’ve discovered later, I can only say ‘Amitabha.'”
Wei Qi Zhi laughed. “Don’t worry, Brother Ning. As they say, all men are liars. Unfortunate women find husbands willing to deceive them briefly, while fortunate women find husbands who can deceive them for life. If I can please the Princess for life, that’s true love too.”
Ning Bu Yi shook his head repeatedly. “Everything sounds reasonable from your mouth. With your silver tongue, you could make any woman dizzy—”
Wei Qi Zhi bowed. “I’ll take that as a compliment! Brother Ning, you flatter me!”
As they spoke, they reached the main house in the back courtyard. Ning Bu Yi retrieved the painting, and they walked back. Wei Qi Zhi glanced at the painting in Ning Bu Yi’s hands. “Is this painting worth ten thousand gold?”
Ning Bu Yi nodded. “Indeed, it’s invaluable. Qi Qian Shan’s paintings are rare now.”
Wei Qi Zhi stroked his chin. “This painting must be more precious than yesterday’s two. Well then, let’s give this one to Princess Yong Ci, and I’ll keep one of yesterday’s for Ning’er—”
He had switched from calling her “Princess” to “Ning’er.” Seeing Wei Qi Zhi’s determined expression, Ning Bu Yi asked helplessly, “Why not give this one to Princess Yong Ning?”
Wei Qi Zhi smiled. “As you said, Princess Yong Ci has shown me great kindness. Now that Ning’er has begun to care for me, I naturally must consider how to handle things with Princess Yong Ci.”
Ning Bu Yi was surprised. “You haven’t set your sights on Princess Yong Ci too, have you?”
Wei Qi Zhi winked but didn’t answer. “Don’t worry about that, Brother Ning. While enjoying the favor of both would be nice, they’re too close. I can only choose the one more advantageous to me. Princess Yong Ci… her temperament is far more formidable than Ning’er’s. If I wanted to win her over, it would require much more effort. Too exhausting. For now, I just need to repay her kindness, maintain good relations, and have her help when needed in the future.”
Ning Bu Yi sighed. “Brother Wei certainly has many schemes.”
Wei Qi Zhi said casually, “Don’t laugh, but as a businessman, one mind isn’t enough. Unlike you, Brother Ning, though you’re also in business, you deal in refined matters where profit might not be the priority. But for me, I must uphold the Wei family name. How can I be slack? Besides, I was born suited for this path. Since Heaven gave me such wit, how could I waste it?”
Ning Bu Yi was thoroughly impressed. “Few in this world can make twisted logic sound so convincing. Just for this, Brother Wei is exceptional.”
Wei Qi Zhi smiled brightly. When they reached the front hall, his smugness disappeared, and he became bright and friendly. As they climbed the stairs, his smile grew gentler, and when they entered the reception room, his expression became tender and earnest. Watching this transformation, Ning Bu Yi truly felt Wei Qi Zhi was talented indeed.
Though Wei Qi Zhi said he couldn’t declare his intentions, how could Yue Ning not notice such attentiveness?
If he were Yue Ning, he would surely develop some suspicions. Romance often begins with subtle affection. Since Yue Ning didn’t dislike Wei Qi Zhi, even upon discovering his special treatment, she likely wouldn’t strongly reject or resist it. Over time, as she grew accustomed to his kindness, she would develop feelings naturally. But she didn’t know that each step was within Wei Qi Zhi’s calculations—he was waiting for her to fall completely.
“What does the Princess think of this painting?”
Ning Bu Yi unrolled the painting for Yue Ning, who was satisfied. “This painting is excellent. Princess Yong Ci will surely like it. I’ll have her come look tomorrow. If she likes it, we’ll buy it. Many thanks to Master Ning.”
Seeing Wei Qi Zhi standing aside looking satisfied, Yue Ning added, “Thanks to you too.”
This “you” rather than “Master Wei” showed increased familiarity. Wei Qi Zhi smiled. “It’s nothing. With Princess Yong Ci so busy, I couldn’t let you worry about these matters alone.”
Yue Ning’s face reddened slightly. After a few more words with Ning Bu Yi, she prepared to leave.
Yue Ning walked ahead, occasionally glancing back at Wei Qi Zhi, who followed behind, pretending to discuss paintings with Ning Bu Yi while saying softly, “See? My method never fails.”
Ning Bu Yi smiled faintly. “Brother Wei is skilled indeed. The Princess is straightforward—do treat her sincerely—”
Wei Qi Zhi put his arm around Ning Bu Yi’s shoulders. “Don’t worry. Though men stop treasuring what they’ve obtained, the Princess is different. I have a tender heart for all women.”
Unable to comment on Wei Qi Zhi’s supposed tender heart, Ning Bu Yi escorted them to their carriage. Just as he was about to bid farewell to Yue Ning, a servant approached him. “Master Ning, our Third Young Master asks you to deliver the painting tomorrow, preferably in person. He has several questions he’d like to ask you directly.”
Ning Bu Yi smiled. “Very well, I’ll deliver it personally tomorrow.”
After the servant left, Yue Ning asked from inside the carriage, “Master Ning has business tomorrow?”
Ning Bu Yi nodded. “Yes, Wei Yuan Marquis’s Third Young Master previously ordered a painting. I’ll deliver it tomorrow. But don’t worry, Princess. The Third Young Master won’t return from his duties until late, so I’ll be at the gallery during the day.”
Yue Ning nodded. “Good. I’ll see if Qin Wan has time tomorrow, though we might not come.”
“I understand. Whether you come or not, the painting will be held for you.”
Yue Ning nodded and lowered the curtain as the carriage departed. Wei Qi Zhi rode alongside on horseback, saying, “No rush to return to the mansion. There’s an interesting place ahead—let me show you—”
Ning Bu Yi shook his head with a sigh and smile, turning back into the gallery.
……
……
Naturally, Qin Wan didn’t go to the gallery with Yue Ning the next day, as it was when the killer would strike. Since Yan Chi was arranging the personnel this time, Qin Wan also arrived at the office early.
In the rear hall, Zhan Yang was discussing Wu Yu’s situation. “This Third Young Master Wu has several shops under his name. They appear to belong to the Wei Yuan Marquis’s household, but in reality, they’re his private establishments. This shows he’s not as filial and virtuous as he appears. He lost his father young, and his father’s family treated him and his mother poorly. His mother protected him, insisted on leaving, and remarried. He fared well with his mother, but at the Wei Yuan Marquis’s mansion, he inevitably faced bullying. Thus, his nature might be very complex.”
Beside him, Zheng Bai Shi nodded. “Many killers we’ve caught suffered in childhood. When such people develop thoughts of revenge or hatred, they’re often more ruthless than others.”
At this moment, Yan Chi was the first to see Qin Wan arrive. “You’re here—”
Zheng Bai Shi and Zhan Yang turned to bow. Qin Wan asked, “Captain Zhan suspects the Third Young Master?”
Zhan Yang nodded. “Yes, because the Third Young Master is too strange, especially that night’s coincidence.”
Qin Wan said, “I’ve learned some things about Feng Qi Tower. What has been discovered about Zui Yun Tower?”
Zhan Yang quickly said, “I was just about to tell the Princess. We investigated Zui Yun Tower. Third Young Master Wu is a regular there, starting about a month ago. He often requests a lady called Xiang He. Also, this Third Young Master Wu is quite skilled in martial arts. These past days, I’ve had people watching him. While he hasn’t shown any suspicious movements, he did go to his western residence again, alone, living there by himself. It’s quite strange.”
“He’s also visited Feng Qi Tower many times. However, besides Third Young Master Wu, I have another suspect—”
Zhan Yang and Zheng Bai Shi looked eagerly at Qin Wan. Zheng Bai Shi asked, “Who does the Princess suspect?”
Qin Wan exchanged glances with Yan Chi before saying, “I somewhat suspect Master Ning from Ran Mo Gallery—”
Zhan Yang and Zheng Bai Shi were both stunned. Zhan Yang smiled, “Princess, why is that?”
Qin Wan explained, “I inquired at Feng Qi Tower. Master Ning frequents there. Wu Qian, Hu De Quan, and Zhao Jia Xu—all have connections to Feng Qi Tower. Zhao Jia Xu’s concubine is very close to one of the ladies there, who happens to be good friends with the lady Master Ning often requests. Though I can’t confirm what they might have discussed, this connection creates a possibility for how the three victims’ sins became known. Additionally, that day Master Ning drew Wang Xin’s likeness. I suspect Master Ning must have seen Wang Xin before—the real, living Wang Xin.”
Zhan Yang found this increasingly surprising. Ning Bu Yi had helped them many times, and he had unconsciously considered him a familiar friend, never suspecting any connection to these matters.
Qin Wan continued, “Since Wang Xin’s face was smashed, even the most skilled artist in the world needs to carefully study when drawing portraits. No one can see half a face and draw the other half. That day, Master Ning’s drawing was remarkably lifelike, which raised my suspicions then.”
There were many more subtle details, but Qin Wan only intended to mention these two points for now.
Zhan Yang’s frown deepened. Zheng Bai Shi said, “Princess, I’ve known Master Ning for a long time. He’s very helpful, having drawn many portraits for the authorities. He couldn’t be the killer…”
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly. “Sir, you’ve handled many cases. Surely you’ve seen instances where someone everyone praised as kind turned out to be harmful?”
At these words, Zheng Bai Shi’s expression changed. Indeed, he had seen such cases.
Zheng Bai Shi smiled bitterly. “I was prejudiced. The Princess is right—these two points are indeed suspicious.”
Zhan Yang said, “About the portrait the Princess mentioned, could it be coincidence? And regarding Feng Qi Tower, Master Ning appreciates refinement. It’s not unusual for him to have a romantic connection or two in such places.”
Qin Wan nodded. “Coincidences certainly exist. However, when several such points converge on one person, the coincidences seem somewhat deliberate. This is just my speculation. I still haven’t figured out why Master Ning would set up this ritual if he’s the killer. So this theory still lacks solid evidence. If we’re lucky tonight, perhaps we can prove whether my speculation is correct.”
The sudden emergence of an unexpected suspect made Zhan Yang and Zheng Bai Shi’s expressions grave. Following Qin Wan’s logic, Ning Bu Yi was indeed possible—quite possible. But what would be his motive?
Yan Chi said, “If we can catch the killer tonight, everything will become clear. Whether it’s Wu Yu, Ning Bu Yi, or someone we haven’t considered, let’s try not to let them escape! As for the motive, we’ll learn that during questioning.”
Zhan Yang nodded. “If it’s Wu Yu, it’s likely because of his mother’s illness. But with Master Ning, we don’t know. Your Highness, perhaps you could detail tonight’s arrangements again.”
Yan Chi stood and walked to the map. “My men have surveyed the market. I’ll position them at these points to act when needed: the northeast and northwest street corners, the rooftop to the south, and here—this is the highest point in the market, offering a view of the entire area. If there’s another sudden fire or similar incident, it can be spotted immediately.”
As Yan Chi and Zhan Yang discussed the evening’s arrangements in detail, Qin Wan looked around the room but didn’t see Master Zhang. Zheng Bai Shi approached and asked, “Princess, do you truly suspect Ning Bu Yi?”
Qin Wan quickly replied, “I have suspicions, but I can’t be entirely certain right now. After all, we still lack evidence, and I don’t even know his motive. Perhaps he’s drawn so many people that he could roughly sketch Wang Xin’s appearance, and it just happened to be very similar by coincidence.”
Zheng Bai Shi pondered for a moment. “Well, coincidences aren’t common. We’ll see how things unfold tonight.”
Qin Wan nodded, and Zheng Bai Shi said no more, turning instead to join Yan Chi in reviewing the personnel arrangements.
Not wanting to delve into every detail, Qin Wan went to the back courtyard. Master Zhang wasn’t in the hall, and she wondered what he was doing. When she reached his private quarters, she found him standing in the courtyard with disheveled hair, drawing something on the stone ground while muttering to himself, scratching his head and ears, apparently struggling with some problem…
“What troubles the Master?”
After watching for a moment, Qin Wan spoke. Master Zhang turned to see Qin Wan and quickly smiled, bowing. “Princess has come—”
Qin Wan glanced at what Master Zhang had been drawing on the ground, but couldn’t understand it. Master Zhang said, “It’s nothing, just some casual calculations. What brings the Princess here?”
Qin Wan said, “The same question I asked Master before.”
Master Zhang thought for a moment. “Each additional kill adds more Yin Sha energy to the killer and the celestial fate trajectories gain more power to drive forward. So the killer won’t give up this chance. If this attempt fails, the next opportunity comes three days later, and the killer surely won’t give up then either.”
Qin Wan frowned again. “Then why did the killer only kill three people six years ago?”
Master Zhang frowned. “First possibility: six years ago, the killer’s powers were limited and couldn’t continue. Another possibility: something interrupted the killer—either suitable targets couldn’t be found, or the timing was disrupted. The authorities arrived shortly after the deaths. Guan Yin Town was small—truthfully, investigating there would have been much easier than in the capital now.”
Speaking of this, Master Zhang showed some dissatisfaction, snorting, “Back then, the capital’s prefecture officials wanted to close the case quickly and made a careless judgment, wrongly accusing me!”
Qin Wan sighed. “Master has indeed suffered these years. Once this case is resolved, you’ll be free.”
Master Zhang stroked his beard and asked, “Did the Princess come just for this?”
Qin Wan’s eyes shifted slightly, a fleeting light passing through them. “Yes, just to ask about this.”
Master Zhang blinked, looking at Qin Wan for a while before smiling. “Very well. If the Princess has other questions for this old man, I’ll certainly answer truthfully—”
Qin Wan smiled slightly. “Now that Captain Zhan and I both have suspected, what are Master’s plans?”
Master Zhang smiled, looking up at the sky. “If this case is solved, I’ll be free. After so many years confined in prison, it would be nice to travel and see the Great Zhou’s landscapes. I haven’t made other plans.”
Qin Wan nodded. “That sounds wonderful.” Then she added, “I’ve been calling you Master all this time, but don’t know your full name.”
Master Zhang smiled casually. “This old man is called Zhang Dong Xuan, with the Taoist title Xuan Qing Zi. Later, when I founded the Great Zhou Moon Worship Sect, my title remained unchanged!”
Qin Wan’s eyes turned. “Dong Xuan—Master’s name carries Taoist character from birth. But why did you decide to establish the Moon Worship Sect?”
Zhang Dong Xuan smiled embarrassedly. “I followed Taoism before, but later felt the Moon Worship teachings surpassed Taoist methods. In a moment of impulse, I thought to establish my school, becoming a respected figure.”
“Does Master still have such thoughts?”
Zhang Dong Xuan waved his hands repeatedly. “No, no. The Moon Worship Sect’s evil arts are so harmful—I’m terrified now. Whether it’s Taoism or Moon Worship, what matters is helping people find the Great Way. Why worry about whom we serve?”
Qin Wan nodded repeatedly. Looking at the marks on the ground, she didn’t want to disturb Zhang Dong Xuan further and took her leave, returning to the rear hall.
Watching Qin Wan’s departing figure, Zhang Dong Xuan’s eyes showed deep thought.
In the rear hall, Zhan Yang and Yan Chi had finished their arrangements. Though it was still early, Yan Chi had already positioned his men. When it was time to leave, Yan Chi led Qin Wan toward the northern market. The northern city near the Imperial City lacked large markets like the east and west, but with many residential areas, smaller markets had sprung up so people wouldn’t have to go to the East Market for everything. Yan Chi took his time, leading Qin Wan and others to the second floor of a restaurant.
As the sun set, the restaurant’s second-floor windows opened to reveal an entire market street below.
Yan Chi ordered tea and snacks as everyone waited for news.
By nightfall, pedestrian traffic had decreased, while surrounding taverns and teahouses were bustling. However, it was still long before the Hour of Zi. As people sat bored in the teahouse, Zheng Bai Shi suggested a game of chess with Yan Chi. As their match grew intense, Bai Feng suddenly entered from outside. “Your Highness, someone just reported seeing Master Ning from Ran Mo Gallery heading toward the east street. He was carrying a box, seemingly delivering a painting.”
Qin Wan immediately frowned. She suspected Ning Bu Yi, but his open appearance seemed unusual…
Yan Chi remained unmoved. “Keep watching him. See when he leaves.”
The night deepened gradually, and surrounding shops became quiet. One by one, the shops on the street extinguished their lights and closed their doors, just as Yan Chi and Zheng Bai Shi’s chess match concluded.
Zheng Bai Shi wiped the sweat from his brow. “Your Highness’s chess skills are remarkable, winning so many pieces without showing your hand.”
Zheng Bai Shi looked tired, while Yan Chi appeared normal. “Minister Zheng is too kind.”
As they spoke, both looked at the dark sky outside. The Hour of Zi approached.
Yan Chi recalled Bai Feng’s earlier report and immediately summoned him. “Has Ning Bu Yi left?”
Bai Feng shook his head. “No, he hasn’t. He entered the house at the east end of the street and hasn’t come out.”
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, instinctively looking at Qin Wan. Sure enough, her expression had also changed slightly.