Huai Qing’s delicate brows furrowed slightly. Following Xu Qi An’s gesture, she looked at the dull yellow silk. Her cool, clear voice held a hint of urgency: “What have you discovered?”
Xu Qi An shrugged: “I suspect the key lies within this piece of fabric, but I’m not sure what secret it holds.”
A “?” flashed in Huai Qing’s beautiful eyes, not understanding why he had spoken so confidently earlier.
Wei Yuan’s gaze fell on the yellow silk as he said, “This is a fabric reserved for consorts of the third rank and above in the palace.”
The imperial harem also had its own ranking system. At the top were the Empress, Imperial Noble Consort, and Noble Consorts. Consort Fu, with her fixed title, was of the first rank.
Below that were Ladies, Noble Concubines, Consorts of Brightness, and so on, all within the third rank.
The classification of the harem beauties touched upon Xu Qi An’s knowledge blind spot, but it wasn’t a major issue. He asked, “So, how would a palace maid come to possess such fabric?”
The Fourth Prince answered, “Either it was bestowed by a noble, or it was stolen.”
Xu Qi An nodded.
Wei Yuan took the aged, dull yellow silk and examined it closely: “Spring of the 31st year of Yuan Jing’s reign…”
“Did anything significant happen that year, I mean, within the palace?” Xu Qi An had a sudden inspiration and directly inquired about any major events from that time.
This insight came from his previous experience with the Empress’s demotion.
In the 13th year of Yuan Jing’s reign, the Empress was banished to the Cold Palace.
The following year, Wei Yuan led a military campaign, decisively defeating the northern barbarians and returning triumphant. The Empress emerged from the Cold Palace. If Xu Qi An hadn’t learned about this, he would have racked his brains only to guess that Emperor Yuan Jing had pardoned the Empress out of lingering affection.
So, the fabric left by palace maid Huang Xiaorou, embroidered with “31st year of Yuan Jing’s reign,” might provide clues through major events of that year.
Wei Yuan and Huai Qing both shook their heads.
“Think harder?” Xu Qi An persisted.
They still shook their heads.
Well, with two top scholars jointly dismissing the idea, there was likely no hope… Indeed, how could a mere palace maid be connected to any major event?
Xu Qi An licked his lips, feeling somewhat excited.
The Consort Fu case had finally entered a challenging phase. Up until now, all the clues had been deliberately planted by the mastermind, making the case itself not particularly difficult.
In other words, even if he hadn’t taken on the case, others could have solved it too, with the only difference being the time it took.
But now, having broken free from the mastermind’s guidance, it was finally time for him, Xu Bai Piao, to shine.
Wait a minute…
Suddenly, a lightning bolt of realization struck Xu Qi An’s mind as he recalled a detail he had overlooked.
He straightened his back, his expression serious, and said, “Duke Wei, I have something to ask.”
Seeing his favored junior officer looking so solemn, Wei Yuan put down his teacup and said gently, “Go ahead.”
“Before I returned to the capital, the Consort Fu case had been delayed, with the Three Departments passing the buck, unwilling to investigate. If I had truly died, would this case have been pinned on the Crown Prince?”
Initially, Xu Qi An had thought the case was too sensitive, causing the Three Departments to avoid it, until he was revived and coincidentally took on this hot potato.
When he met the Crown Prince that day, the Chief Minister of the Court of Judicature and Revision had also hinted that he was just a pawn.
Wei Yuan picked up his teacup again and took an unhurried sip of tea before speaking: “Today, when His Majesty proposed to depose the Empress, the Three Departments and various ministers disagreed. They believe the Three Departments should first confirm the facts before discussing the Empress’s removal. It shouldn’t be that the Emperor can depose her on a whim.
“The ministers’ thoughts likely revolve around three points: First, deposing the Empress is a significant matter that must follow proper procedures and cannot be done hastily. Second, the ministers dislike such sudden incidents, as it makes them feel they lack control over court affairs. Third, they need time to consider the implications of deposing the Empress.”
So, the relationship between ruler and ministers has always been one of strategy and counter-strategy… Xu Qi An understood and asked, “So, the Crown Prince’s matter is similar?”
Wei Yuan nodded: “The Crown Prince is crucial to the nation’s foundation. How could it be settled in just three days as His Majesty declared? The Three Departments aren’t refusing to investigate; they’re telling His Majesty they need time.”
“…So, they didn’t actually need me at all. Even if I hadn’t returned, after a few more days, someone else would have taken on this case. Then, following the clues left by the true culprit, they would have traced it step by step back to the Empress.”
Xu Qi An’s words made the Fourth Prince’s eyes widen in surprise.
Wei Yuan seemed lost in thought.
“So, you were attacked last night because the mastermind didn’t want you to investigate further. They became afraid,” Princess Huai Qing hit the nail on the head, voicing Xu Qi An’s suspicions.
“Afraid?” The Fourth Prince didn’t understand.
“Lord Xu’s revival was beyond the mastermind’s expectations, and his reputation is too prominent. The mastermind didn’t dare let him continue the investigation. Therefore, once the clues pointed to Mother, the mastermind immediately sent assassins, intending to eliminate Lord Xu.”
Huai Qing explained to her brother.
“I see.”
The Fourth Prince asked, “So how do we investigate now?”
Wei Yuan and Huai Qing remained silent, looking towards Xu Qi An.
They were all extremely intelligent people, but for detective work, they needed a professional.
Just as Xu Qi An often felt his intelligence rivaled Einstein’s, he had to admit that when it came to small matters like building atomic bombs, he was still a billion steps behind and would need to rely on professional scientists.
Meeting the gazes of the three, Detective Xu Ning Yan said solemnly, “This official needs to exhume the body for examination.”
…
Imperial Palace.
The Fourth Prince and Princess Huai Qing brought Xu Qi An into the palace. As the carriage passed through the palace gates, Xu Qi An lifted the curtain and suggested:
“We should still notify that little eunuch. After all, it’s the rule His Majesty set for me.”
The Fourth Prince thought for a moment, then nodded: “Indeed. Lord Xu is truly a law-abiding person, loyal to Great Shang and to Father.”
You’re thinking too much, I’m just being cautious… Xu Qi An said emotionally, “The Fourth Prince has a keen eye for talent.”
Huai Qing was in another carriage. An unmarried princess sharing a carriage with a young man was certainly not allowed.
If it weren’t for the Fourth Prince, this annoying brother-in-law, Xu Qi An might have had the audacity to test the waters and request to share a carriage with the Princess.
The Fourth Prince immediately sent someone to notify the eunuch. A quarter of an hour later, the little eunuch in a light blue flying fish robe came running.
He looked at Xu Qi An in confusion and said, “Lord Xu, hasn’t the case been closed?”
Xu Qi An replied, “As long as His Majesty hasn’t recalled the golden token, this official will continue to investigate.”
“Alright, alright then…”
The little eunuch actually didn’t want to take on this task again, hoping to live a few more years.
But with Huai Qing and the Fourth Prince present, he didn’t dare refuse. He reluctantly followed behind Xu Qi An as they headed to the ice house.
As they approached the ice house, Xu Qi An suddenly ordered, “Go and fetch an old palace maid.”
After sending the little eunuch away, Xu Qi An, Princess Huai Qing, and the Fourth Prince entered the ice house, where they saw the body of palace maid Huang Xiaorou.
The incisions on her neck and chest had already been sutured.
“His Majesty had the body re-examined,” Xu Qi An said, staring at Huang Xiaorou’s corpse.
Seeing the swollen, pale body, the Fourth Prince frowned repeatedly and averted his gaze.
“What else do you need to examine?” Huai Qing asked, her expression unchanged.
“Do you remember the ‘rule’ I mentioned to Your Highness during yesterday’s autopsy?” Xu Qi An called over the eunuch managing the ice house and said, “Take her out to the courtyard. The light is too dim here.”
Huai Qing was stunned for a moment, then understood Xu Qi An’s meaning. A faint blush crept onto her fair cheeks.
She knew what Xu Qi An was about to do.
Two eunuchs came in from outside, carrying a simple wooden board. They left the ice house and placed the body in the courtyard, exposing it to the sunlight.
Xu Qi An let the body rest in the sunlight for a moment, until the little eunuch returned with an old palace maid. Xu Qi An saw her and grinned. It was the old maid whose carriage-driving skills surpassed his own.
The old maid, seeing Huai Qing and the Fourth Prince, hurriedly bowed.
Then, she complained quietly to Xu Qi An: “My lord, why do you keep asking this old servant to examine bodies? I’m not a coroner. Examining bodies all day, I can’t even eat properly.”
As she drew closer and saw the swollen, ugly female corpse, the old maid cried out “Ah!” and covered her eyes. “I can’t examine this, I can’t. Please don’t force this old servant, my lord.”
The Fourth Prince frowned and was about to reprimand her when Xu Qi An waved his hand. He then took out a piece of silver, about five qian, held it in his palm, and smiled, “Madam, can you examine it now?”
“This old servant would be delighted to serve you, my lord,” the old maid said pleasantly. “What would you like me to examine?”
Xu Qi An pointed at the female corpse, “Check if she’s intact.”
The old maid wrapped her hand in coarse cloth and parted the corpse’s legs…
The Fourth Prince and Huai Qing both turned away, not watching the procedure.
About ten seconds later, they heard the old maid exclaim, “Oh my! This woman was not a virgin.”
Not a virgin… Huai Qing and the Fourth Prince exchanged a glance, both shocked and horrified.
The so-called “three thousand beauties of the harem” actually included palace maids.
Throughout history, examples of emperors favoring palace maids were numerous. In the five hundred years since Great Shang’s founding, there had been many imperial consorts who started as palace maids.
Although Huang Xiaorou was an inconspicuous palace maid, she essentially belonged to the Emperor, being Emperor Yuan Jing’s private property.
All women in the harem belonged to the Emperor. Whether he favored them or not was one thing, but that was the system.
Xu Qi An’s eyes lit up, as if confirming a suspicion. He stepped forward and said, “Madam, please check if she has been pregnant before.”
“This…” the old maid looked at the swollen female corpse, her face wrinkled in concentration. “This old servant can’t tell.”
What use are you? Give me back my silver… Xu Qi An grumbled inwardly. After a moment’s hesitation, he sighed, “Forget it, you may go. I’ll do it myself.”
So he took over from the old maid and parted the corpse’s legs.
…
A quarter of an hour later, in the courtyard, Xu Qi An had his hands in a water bucket, scrubbing them repeatedly. A square piece of soap was getting smaller and smaller as he used it.
Princess Huai Qing, tall and elegant in her white palace attire, stood nearby. The cool breeze tugged at her skirt and stirred her hair, her beauty pure as ice and jade.
“How much longer are you going to wash?” Huai Qing’s voice carried a hint of exasperation.
“Until I’ve shed a layer of skin,” Xu Qi An replied irritably.
Although his middle and ring fingers had traveled muddy roads before, they should never have suffered such indignity.
“It’s all that old maid’s fault. She wasn’t much help but still took my five qian of silver. Your Highness, you should reimburse me.”
Huai Qing automatically ignored his complaints and asked, “You said she had been pregnant. What’s your basis for that?”
“There are several signs. When a woman becomes pregnant, fine spark-like lines appear on the lower abdomen and inner thighs, called stretch marks.”
“If that’s the case, why didn’t the old maid notice earlier?”
“With proper care, stretch marks can fade. Huang Xiaorou’s stretch marks were very faint, and the body’s swelling from being in water made them even harder to discern. Even I couldn’t be certain, so the old maid likely felt the same.” Xu Qi An explained while continuing to scrub his hands:
“Another point, during yesterday’s autopsy, I showed Your Highness the scar under Huang Xiaorou’s breast… Do you remember my gesture?”
Xu Qi An made a forceful upward lifting motion.
Huai Qing felt somewhat embarrassed. This man always seemed to make uncouth gestures in front of her.
No matter how open-minded she was, she was still an unmarried princess after all.
“Of course, some naturally gifted women can achieve that size, so this point is just for reference,” Xu Qi An added mentally:
Your Highness, you are one of those naturally gifted women.
“Then why did you need to examine the body yourself just now?” Huai Qing asked. If it was just these two points, Xu Qi An wouldn’t have needed to do it personally.
Xu Qi An fell silent.
Besides stretch marks, whether a woman has given birth can also be determined by the shape of the cervix.
This question was difficult to answer. It was too academic, like when he had taught Xu Ling Yin the differences between boys and girls growing up, using simple, family-friendly terms.
“Before a woman gives birth, she’s like a fledgling bird with its mouth open, waiting to be fed. After giving birth, she’s satisfied, so her mouth is closed,” Xu Qi An said carefully.
“???” Huai Qing looked at him in confusion.
Xu Qi An scratched his head, “Princess, have you read medical books?”
Huai Qing looked at him coldly, “Yesterday during the autopsy, when you suddenly had a splitting headache and I checked your pulse, I mentioned that I had some knowledge of medicine.”
“Oh, right, then it’s simple,” Xu Qi An clapped his hands together, smiling. “For women who haven’t given birth, the cervical opening is ‘O’-shaped. After childbirth, it becomes ‘-‘-shaped.”
The intelligent Princess Huai Qing understood immediately, but recalling his earlier crude words, she didn’t want to engage with him further.
The Fourth Prince, unfamiliar with medical knowledge, seemed to half-understand and remarked admiringly, “Lord Xu is truly knowledgeable and talented.”
This piece of information came from a crime of passion Xu Qi An had encountered in his previous life, where the victim was a woman who, like Brother Cheng, had been involved with two men simultaneously.
When the old forensic doctor was performing the autopsy, he had said, “Don’t be fooled by her unmarried status; this house has seen traffic.”
Xu Qi An, who was assisting at the time, had said, “Teach me, old master.”
And so he learned this piece of knowledge.
“I had someone look into Huang Xiaorou’s background. She entered the palace in the 28th year of Yuan Jing’s reign…” Xu Qi An glanced at the two royal siblings.
The implication was that someone had stolen from Emperor Yuan Jing’s backyard.
By the 28th year of Yuan Jing’s reign, the old Emperor had long since abstained from sex to practice Taoism. If he wouldn’t touch the stunning Empress or the incomparably beautiful Noble Consort Chen, how could he possibly touch a lowly palace maid?
“Who could it be?” The Fourth Prince fell into deep thought.
Xu Qi An silently looked at him.
“Why are you looking at me?” The Fourth Prince felt offended.
Xu Qi An shifted his gaze and analyzed, “This person should be easy to find. He must meet two conditions: First, he can enter and exit the harem relatively freely. Members of the imperial clan fit this criterion.
“Second, he must be very bold and fearless, otherwise he wouldn’t dare to lay hands on a palace maid.”
At this moment, Huai Qing suddenly said, “Brother, I have something I wish to discuss with Lord Xu in private.”
The Fourth Prince frowned slightly, glanced at his sister, and slowly nodded, “I’ll take my leave then.”
Watching the Fourth Prince leave, Huai Qing coldly glanced at Emperor Yuan Jing’s eyes and ears—the little eunuch.
“Get out.”
The little eunuch lowered his head and left without a word.
Having dismissed everyone, Huai Qing stared at Xu Qi An, her expression solemn: “Lord Xu, Huang Xiaorou’s suicide and Mother’s confession are likely related to this man.”
Xu Qi An stirred the water in the bucket, his pupils dilated and unfocused. “Your Highness is being too subjective. In investigating a case, one must remain calm and form hypotheses based on evidence. We’ve now discovered that Huang Xiaorou had been pregnant before. Let’s assume that man wasn’t His Majesty, but someone else.
“Let’s hypothesize that Huang Xiaorou’s suicide, the Empress saving her, and her confession are all because of that man. Then, he needs to meet another condition:
“This man must have a close relationship with the Empress, but not much connection to His Majesty. This allows him to enter and exit the harem, but if he were to cause trouble in the harem, His Majesty would execute him without hesitation.
“The Fourth Prince is His Majesty’s legitimate son. Even if he bullied a palace maid, no matter how angry His Majesty might be, he wouldn’t kill him. Naturally, the Empress would have no reason to ‘confess,’ as it would be unnecessary.”
At this point, he looked up, his eyes meeting Huai Qing’s clear autumn-water gaze: “Does Your Highness have anyone in mind?”
Huai Qing’s face darkened, her tone icy: “I can think of one person.”