Her words sounded deliberately provocative.

Teng Yuyi straightened up casually. “I noticed Young Master’s complexion doesn’t look well, so I thought I’d ask.”

“Thank you for your ‘casual’ concern, Lady Teng. I’m perfectly fine,” Ling Chengyou replied. However, he suddenly broke into a violent coughing fit as he walked straight toward the eastern corridor’s depths. When passing by Teng Yuyi, he didn’t pause for even a moment, clearly intending to return directly to the rear courtyard.

Juesheng and Qizhi became worried – their Senior Brother had only been feverish before, how did his cough suddenly become so severe?

“Senior Brother, maybe you shouldn’t go out to investigate cases. Look at you, you’re coughing again. Master said that even a common cold shouldn’t be taken lightly.”

“It’s nothing, I won’t die from it,” Ling Chengyou said dismissively. But he was forcing himself, as before he could finish speaking, he broke into another bout of heavy coughing.

Teng Yuyi’s eyes were on Juesheng and Qizhi, but her ears were filled with Ling Chengyou’s coughing. Fever plus coughing – this was not a simple cold. If treated carelessly, it could leave lasting damage to his lungs.

Seeing Ling Chengyou about to walk away, Teng Yuyi suddenly called out: “I have a prescription for treating colds—”

Ling Chengyou’s steps faltered slightly.

“When brewed into a decoction, it works quickly. I used this prescription whenever I had colds and coughs as a child. It works almost every time.” Teng Yuyi gazed at Ling Chengyou’s back. “Young Master, why don’t you try it?”

Without turning around, Ling Chengyou asked, “Is it really that effective?”

Before he could finish speaking, he started coughing again. This time, there was a hint of wheezing in his breath.

Teng Yuyi quickly asked Duanfu to fetch the medicine.

“Whether it works or not, the herbs are mild. If it suits your condition, one dose should do the trick,” Teng Yuyi said. “It’s just that brewing it is a bit troublesome. Juesheng and Qizhi will need to watch it the entire time.”

Ling Chengyou deliberately furrowed his brows. “If it’s too troublesome, don’t bother. They’re careless – no need to waste Lady Teng’s prescription. My constitution is strong enough; I’ll just cough for a few more days.”

He continued walking as he spoke, but he was weak and exhausted, his steps lacking their usual wind-like grace.

This was more than just a cold – it seemed his vital energy had been damaged as well.

Teng Yuyi quickly said to Juesheng and Qizhi: “I’ll teach you how to brew the medicine.”

***

A red clay stove was set up under the corridor, with medicine bubbling and simmering atop it, steam rising in swirls.

Teng Yuyi sat with Juesheng and Qizhi around the stove, watching the fire intently.

Several herbs in this prescription were extremely delicate – the wind strength, charcoal heat, water amount… everything had to be precise.

It wouldn’t do to brew it too long or too short – in short, it couldn’t be left unattended for even a moment.

Fearing Juesheng and Qizhi might get distracted, Teng Yuyi watched beside them the entire time.

Inside the room, Ling Chengyou was still coughing.

Qingxu Zi, worried about his disciple, had also come to Yunhui Hall.

While Teng Yuyi supervised Juesheng and Qizhi brewing the medicine, Qingxu Zi sat in meditation in Yunhui Hall. Although separated by a wall, with the windows wide open, he could occasionally hear the three young people’s whispered conversations.

After listening for a while, he couldn’t help but cast a meaningful glance toward his disciple by the window. Just earlier, Lady Teng had asked Juesheng and Qizhi to fetch a cloak for their Senior Brother from the back, and now Youer was wearing that cloak, occasionally coughing.

Compared to earlier in the rear courtyard, his condition seemed to have worsened considerably.

Qingxu Zi stared at his disciple in exasperation. This child wasn’t just quick-witted – he had become practically crafty.

Ling Chengyou was coughing into his fist when he unexpectedly caught his master’s gaze. He simply clutched his chest and stood up. “My chest feels so tight. Master, I need to get some fresh air outside.”

Qingxu Zi advised: “Don’t ‘cough’ your voice hoarse.”

Unexpectedly, his disciple’s face was thicker than he’d imagined – he responded with an “eh” from outside.

Teng Yuyi stood guard by the medicine stove. After brewing for so long without improvement, little Xiya in her sleeve suddenly became restless. She frowned – with Juesheng and Qizhi busy brewing medicine for their Senior Brother, she couldn’t very well force them to take a bath right now. She could only focus on fanning the flames with a palm-leaf fan.

But Xiya seemed unable to wait even a moment longer, actually crawling out from the sword’s body. Teng Yuyi handed the fan to Juesheng and stood up, walking to one side. Just as she was about to quietly scold Xiya, Ling Chengyou pulled her aside: “What do you need Juesheng and Qizhi for?”

After speaking, he immediately stepped back several paces, as if afraid of passing his illness to Teng Yuyi, turning his head aside whenever he coughed.

Teng Yuyi studied Ling Chengyou – his face was flushed and sweating, clearly signs of lung heat. Looking at the stove, fortunately, the medicine was almost ready.

She pointed at her sleeve and reluctantly said in a low voice: “Xiya is at his limit.”

Ling Chengyou forgot to cough – was this another request for bath water?

“Once the medicine is done brewing, we can ask one of the young Daoists to take a bath.”

“No need.”

Teng Yuyi was taken aback.

Ling Chengyou thought to himself, with Juesheng and Qizhi rarely bathing, wouldn’t use their bath water damage the sword’s spiritual power?

Over there, Juesheng and Qizhi inexplicably sneezed.

Ling Chengyou said between coughs: “They’re busy brewing medicine. How about I help instead? I need to go back to take a bath anyway since I’ve sweated so much. Give me the sword, I’ll help you tend to it.”

Teng Yuyi’s face heated up. Thinking about it, Xiya had used Ling Chengyou’s bath water before, so doing it again didn’t seem quite as embarrassing.

She responded with an “oh” and handed the sword to Ling Chengyou.

Back in the rear courtyard, Ling Chengyou immediately pulled off the cloak – wearing such a thing in this heat was practically suffocating.

After drawing water and taking a bath, he felt refreshed all over. Changing into clean robes, Ling Chengyou scooped some bath water into a small vat and placed the Xiya sword inside, then sat to the side, quietly waiting for the spirit to appear.

As soon as the sword touched the water, Xiya joyfully emerged.

“Hello, we meet again.” The little old man floated in the water, resting his head on his arm, not forgetting to greet Ling Chengyou.

Ling Chengyou let out a laugh.

Xiya squinted his bean-sized green eyes and said enthusiastically: “I know Young Master’s illness was long cured. Don’t worry, given Young Master’s kindness in repeatedly offering bath water of your own accord, I absolutely won’t tell anyone.”

Repeatedly? Of his own accord? Ling Chengyou looked at Xiya with an ambiguous smile. He’d never seen such a talkative sword spirit before.

He sneered: “Say whatever you want. I know what happens to overly talkative sword spirits – they inadvertently leak heaven’s secrets and end up with both sword and person destroyed.”

Xiya’s face turned green, and he dove into the water without daring to say another word.

***

Teng Yuyi carefully poured the medicine into a bowl, asking Juesheng and Qizhi to carry it inside. Just as she was about to stand up, she looked up to see Ling Chengyou had returned.

Ling Chengyou had changed clothes but still wore the cloak. He approached without a word, directly handing the sword back to Teng Yuyi.

Though her face was hot, Teng Yuyi didn’t forget to feel the sword’s body. Upon touching its smooth surface, her worried heart finally settled.

Ling Chengyou glanced at her, coughing as he walked toward the hall: “My head hurts terribly, I need to rest inside.”

Teng Yuyi’s heart trembled – surely his condition hadn’t worsened from catching a chill during the bath? She hurriedly followed: “The medicine is ready, Young Master should drink it first.”

The corners of Ling Chengyou’s mouth curved upward as he walked ahead: “Very well, I’ll drink the medicine then.”

Entering Yunhui Hall, Teng Yuyi once again bowed to Daoist Qingxu Zi. Juesheng and Qizhi brought the medicine bowl to Ling Chengyou: “Senior Brother, the medicine is ready.”

But Ling Chengyou wouldn’t take it: “You don’t understand, Lady Teng said there are specific requirements for drinking this medicine too.”

Teng Yuyi had already sat down opposite him, but hearing this, she stood up and walked closer: “That’s right, this medicine is extremely bitter. Few can avoid retching when drinking it, and retching makes it pointless. We need preserved fruits ready before drinking the medicine.”

“We have some in our quarters,” Juesheng and Qizhi were about to go to the back to fetch preserved fruits.

The medicine would get cold after all this trouble. Teng Yuyi stopped Qizhi and had Duanfu bring over a small lacquer box.

Opening the lid revealed a box of preserved fruits – these were what she usually ate while traveling in her carriage. She took one out and indicated for Duanfu to give it to Ling Chengyou.

“These are made by my household’s cook. If Young Master doesn’t mind, please have these.”

Ling Chengyou’s heart filled with sweetness as he coughed and weakly accepted the medicine bowl.

Qingxu Zi closed his eyes briefly – he couldn’t bear to watch, absolutely couldn’t bear to watch.

He had already seen the prescription earlier. It was indeed suitable for the condition – Youer did have a slight cold, so drinking it wouldn’t cause any major problems. Therefore, even knowing his disciple’s fever had long since subsided, he didn’t stop him.

Ling Chengyou finished the medicine and then ate the preserved fruit.

Teng Yuyi returned to her seat, watching Ling Chengyou without blinking.

After waiting for a while, Juesheng and Qizhi couldn’t help asking: “Senior Brother, are you feeling better?”

Ling Chengyou replied in a somewhat “weak” voice: “My head still hurts terribly.”

Qingxu Zi’s beard quivered. If he stayed any longer, he feared he might jump up and give his disciple a beating. Suppressing the urge to blow his beard and glare, he stroked his beard kindly and stood up: “This old master will go meditate inside. Take good care of Lady Teng.”

With the Daoist’s departure, Teng Yuyi felt it inappropriate to stay longer. She respectfully watched Qingxu Zi’s retreating figure: “Walk slowly, Venerable One. We should take our leave as well.”

Then she said to Ling Chengyou: “The medicine doesn’t work that quickly – you’ll feel better after sweating a bit. Young Master, please take good care of yourself. We’ll be going now.”

With that, she and Duanfu rose to leave.

Ling Chengyou looked at the sky – it had already grown dark. Teng Yuyi had always attracted evil spirits; who knew what she might encounter on her way back alone?

But if he accompanied Teng Yuyi home, he wouldn’t be able to verify things at the Li residence.

He quickly made up his mind – Commander Li was investigating the evidence there, so tomorrow would do just as well.

“My headache is a bit better, but I’m hungry,” Ling Chengyou said lazily as he stood up. “Strange, I’m craving the apricot milk porridge that Nanny Chang makes at our manor. I should head home. Juesheng, Qizhi, Senior Brother is leaving – take good care of Master.”

Before getting into her carriage, Teng Yuyi thought to herself that although Ling Chengyou looked much better than before, riding horseback would inevitably mean exposure to wind. Riding back to Prince Cheng’s manor like that would worsen his condition.

But Ling Chengyou showed no intention of resting, and stranger still, Daoist Qingxu Zi wasn’t stopping his disciple. Could it be… that Ling Chengyou was already better? But even if the medicine was effective, he’d need at least one good sleep before improving. Wasn’t Ling Chengyou recovering too quickly?

Just then, Ling Chengyou said he couldn’t ride horseback and asked for the temple’s cart to be brought around. Teng Yuyi’s suspicion immediately turned to worry. Since knowing Ling Chengyou, she’d never seen him ride in a cart. If he couldn’t even ride a horse, he must truly be unwell.

Seeing Ling Chengyou about to lift the curtain and enter the cart, Teng Yuyi walked over and handed him the entire box of preserved fruits: “That medicine tends to leave a bitter taste. With the bumping of the road, be careful not to get nauseous. Young Master should eat these along the way.”

Ling Chengyou’s heart bloomed with spring-like radiance, but he coughed twice and wearily accepted the small lacquer box: “More than these, I rather miss those flower cakes from before… Ah, don’t look at me like that… The sick often have strange cravings, I don’t want to be like this either… *cough cough*… My head hurts, and my chest too. Never mind, if you’re willing to make some for me that would be nice, but if not, I won’t insist.”

With that, he got into the cart and lowered the curtain.

Teng Yuyi stood rooted to the spot.

She reasonably suspected Ling Chengyou was using his illness to act spoiled.

But he was indeed sick.

When a sick person makes a request, as long as it’s not too unreasonable, fulfilling it seems harmless enough.

“What flavor would you like?”

In the cart, Ling Chengyou leaned against the wall and popped a preserved fruit into his mouth. Hearing her words, joy surged in his heart, but afraid she would hear it in his voice, he deliberately said in a deep tone: “Whatever is fine. The rose cakes from last time were delicious.”

“Roses aren’t as fresh as they were before. If I make them, it would have to be with different flowers.”

“That’s fine too. I’m not picky.”

Teng Yuyi inwardly twisted her mouth – this was what he called not being picky? If Ling Chengyou hadn’t saved her so many times, she wouldn’t have this patience.

“Just wait. I’ll make them tomorrow and send them to the temple.”

Ling Chengyou smiled as he leaned against the cart wall, then suddenly remembered something and asked: “By the way, didn’t you often make flower cakes at home before? How many people have tried these pastries?”

Teng Yuyi paused – why was he asking about this?

“I made them often in Yangzhou, but haven’t since coming to Chang’an.”

“So by that logic, anyone who frequently visited your manor in Yangzhou would have seen your household’s flower cakes?”

“Of course. Why does Young Master ask?”

“Of those people you knew in Yangzhou, have any come to Chang’an recently?”

Teng Yuyi said: “There are quite a few. In recent years, almost all the military officers from Huainan Circuit served under my father. When in Yangzhou, their womenfolk all visited our home. During a period when I felt bored, I often made flower cakes to entertain the ladies. As it happens, with the triennial duty reports, many of my father’s former subordinates have come to Chang’an with their families. You know one of my acquaintances from Yangzhou – General Li Guangyuan’s daughter. She used to visit our manor frequently.”

Her?

Ling Chengyou said: “Later, make me a list of these ladies’ names.”

Teng Yuyi was full of questions.

Ling Chengyou fell silent. He would die before letting Teng Yuyi know he had once been jealous of her and the Imperial Uncle over a pear blossom cake.

“*cough cough* It’s related to an important case. Don’t forget to give it to me.”

When they reached the street before the Teng manor gates, Teng Yuyi suddenly remembered the items in Commander Yan’s bundle. With so many people on the street, it wasn’t appropriate to get out and ask Ling Chengyou personally, so she had Duanfu check if he had left yet.

The temple’s cart driver was about to turn around to head back to Prince Cheng’s manor when Duanfu unexpectedly stopped him.

Ling Chengyou asked from inside the cart: “What is it?”

Duanfu said: “My lady wishes to ask Young Master something – where did Commander Yan’s bundle come from?”

“There’s been a case. That bundle contains evidence. Why do you ask?”

“My lady says some items in the bundle look familiar. She wonders where Commander Yan obtained them.”

Ling Chengyou’s heart stirred: “What items look familiar to her?”

Duanfu said: “My lady only said they looked familiar, not which items specifically.”

Ling Chengyou thought for a moment. Since Teng Yuyi knew Third Lady Li, she must have seen the items in Third Lady Li’s room, so there was no harm in telling her. He said: “The items were taken from a witness’s home. As it happens, your lady knows this person – it’s Li Guangyuan’s daughter.”

Duanfu acknowledged this and returned to continue driving the carriage, relating what he’d learned to Teng Yuyi.

Teng Yuyi started – Li Huigu?

If it had been someone she didn’t know, she would have suspected she was seeing things wrong, but those were Li Huigu’s belongings.

This was too much of a coincidence. That doll’s fabric was truly rare, especially being so old—

Startled, she urged Duanfu to speed up: “Quickly, quickly, I need to get home.”

Reaching Tanshang Yue, Teng Yuyi went straight to her room and bent down to frantically search under her pillow. She quickly felt the familiar thick, soft object and pulled it out. Teng Yuyi let out a great sigh of relief.

The doll was still there.

How strange that Li Huigu would have the same fabric. She wondered what Li Huigu had made with it. Given how old it was, perhaps it was also made during the Yangzhou period.

Teng Yuyi hugged the doll and paced around the room. Since Wu Qi’s imprisonment, her mind had been less preoccupied. Finally, she had time to properly think through recent events.

Thinking back to that night at the feast in Prince Cheng’s manor, someone had almost stolen her sachet, and sitting to her left had been Wu Qi, Li Huigu, and Liu Siniang.

Wu Qi in prison steadfastly denied doing this, which left only Li and Liu.

She had no previous connection with Liu Siniang, and Liu Siniang’s character didn’t seem the type to do such a thing…

Add to that the items in today’s bundle.

Her lips curved slightly. It seemed it was time to have a meeting with Li Huigu.

After pacing a small circle in the room, she quickly made up her mind. She stuffed the doll back under her pillow and called out to Chunrong and Biluo: “Prepare invitation cards. Tomorrow I want to invite my academy classmates to visit Third Lady Li.”

***

Not long after Duanfu left, Ling Chengyou suddenly ordered the driver to turn around and drive back to the Teng manor gates. Teng Yuyi was already nowhere to be seen; only Old Man Cheng and others stood at the entrance, all startled at the sight of Ling Chengyou.

Ling Chengyou’s chest was in turmoil, and he no longer bothered to pretend to be ill. He got down and called Old Man Cheng over: “Uncle Cheng, pardon my boldness, but may I ask something – what is your lady’s childhood name?”

Old Man Cheng was first startled, then eyed Ling Chengyou warily. What outsider would ask about a lady’s intimate name? To suddenly ask this – could he be thinking of proposing marriage?

Hah, he knew it – the Prince Cheng’s Young Master had taken a fancy to his lady.

As a loyal servant of the Teng household, he should say “I don’t know,” but he feared… his lady might be willing herself.

Old Man Cheng’s mind turned this over, and he smiled tactfully: “My lady’s childhood name is part of her intimate name, and Young Master surely already knows her intimate name.”

“A’Yu? A’Yi?”

Old Man Cheng continued smiling.

“Was she never called ‘A’Gu’?”

Old Man Cheng froze: “A’Gu? What family would give such an inauspicious childhood name? My lady was never called that.”

Ling Chengyou felt deeply disappointed. Old Man Cheng was always experienced and composed – for such a shocked expression to appear on his face meant this was also his first time hearing such a name.

Old Man Cheng was the most senior servant in the Teng household – if even he hadn’t heard of it—

Ling Chengyou still wouldn’t give up: “Were there no similar childhood names? When Lady Teng was alive, how did she address her daughter?”

Old Man Cheng studied his expression carefully, noticing an anxious look in Ling Chengyou’s eyes. After hesitating for a moment, he had no choice but to answer seriously: “The Master and Lady have always called my lady ‘A’Yu’ or ‘Yu’er.’ Since my lady’s birth, this name has never changed.”

“What about Lady Du?”

“The same.”

Ling Chengyou couldn’t hide his disappointment. Months ago when he first crossed paths with Teng Yuyi over a package of insects, he had already had people secretly investigate her background, roughly piecing together her past in Yangzhou. No one had ever heard of General Teng’s daughter being called anything similar to that name.

Moreover, if that child from back then was truly Teng Yuyi, she had been in Chang’an for so long, knowing he was searching for his childhood savior – it would be impossible for her to never mention it.

It seemed he had overthought things.

If Duanfu hadn’t said his lady found items in the bundle familiar, he wouldn’t have suddenly asked about this.

***

Early the next morning, Ling Chengyou and Commander Yan went together to the Li residence to investigate the case.

Li Guangyuan led his entire household to receive them in the main hall. After brief pleasantries, he led Ling Chengyou and Commander Yan toward the rear courtyard.

“After yesterday’s events, I deeply regret my actions. If I hadn’t been so lenient, my daughter wouldn’t have been attacked by villains again yesterday. If we had reported to the Court of Judicial Review immediately last time, perhaps we would have discovered those malicious talismans in my daughter’s room earlier.”

As they spoke, they arrived at Li Huigu’s small courtyard.

Li Guangyuan pointed to the plaque above the courtyard entrance: “Third Miss is different from her brothers and sisters. Though from a military family, she loves literature and poetry. Look, she wrote this herself. Fortunately, we checked yesterday – there were no talismans hidden behind the plaque.”

Ling Chengyou looked up – three characters were written there: Haolu Pavilion.

Suddenly, the tinkling of ornaments could be heard as Li Huigu came out to greet them with her maids. Her hair was done in two buns, her attire neat. With her graceful figure, she looked like she had stepped out of a painting.

Lady Li said softly: “A’Gu, there’s no need to be afraid anymore. No one will dare harm you in the future. These two are officials from the Court of Judicial Review. Commander Yan came yesterday, and this is Assessor Lin – they’re here to investigate the case.”

A’Gu. The name struck Ling Chengyou’s ears like thunder as he turned to study Li Huigu.

Li Huigu felt Ling Chengyou’s gaze and performed a proper greeting: “Greetings, Commander Yan, Assessor Lin.”

Li Guangyuan looked at his daughter with satisfaction. This child’s manners were proper, her speech refined – even among Chang’an’s noble ladies, she was outstanding.

“Young Master, Commander Yan, please come inside with me.”

Upon entering Li Huigu’s room, Ling Chengyou was immediately stunned.

This room was far too familiar. The interior layout was almost identical to the room he had seen in his dream when he was enchanted by the corpse demon at Caifeng Tower.

Even the emerald curtains and the sachets hanging from them were the same.

Turning his head, he saw a kite hanging on the wall – its shape and pattern he had also seen in the dream.

Right, he remembered the pouch hanging by the bed in the dream had the character “Li” embroidered on it.

Lady Li held her daughter, saying with lingering fear: “That time when we were going to the Ledao Mountain Manor for the feast, we encountered evil spirits on the way. If not for Young Master’s arrival, Third Miss would likely have been taken by that female ghost. It’s truly frightening – since my daughter came to Chang’an, people have been secretly targeting her. But our Third Miss has never sought conflict with anyone; I don’t know whose eye she has caught.”

Ling Chengyou withdrew his gaze and said to Li Guangyuan: “I hear many of your daughter’s items were tampered with. Where are they kept? Could you show them to Commander Yan and me?”

Li Huigu nestled in her mother’s embrace as Lady Li gestured for the maids to bring the items over.

Ling Chengyou first looked at the doll – it was exactly like the one A’Gu had held back then. Looking at the other items, were either pouches embroidered with “A’Gu” or gold and silver pieces engraved with “A’Gu.” Judging by the signs of use, they were old items with history.

Such extensive forgery would be impossible.

He raised his eyes to study Li Huigu – could she be A’Gu from back then?

But for some inexplicable reason, he kept feeling that the person before him was different in many ways from the small, stubborn A’Gu in his memories.

Back then, A’Gu had been crying so heartbrokenly for her mother, yet upon hearing someone fall into the water, she ran over without hesitation to save him. Knowing she couldn’t pull the person from the water, she threw her kite in instead.

Only five years old, yet already so quick-witted…

Afterward, when he was fighting with a group of noble children, A’Gu was busy eating the pear blossom candy he had given her. Just because of that small connection, she jumped in to help him fight without a second thought.

This Li Huigu before him was all affected mannerisms – where was any of A’Gu’s lonely courage and sense of righteousness?

Right, that time on Mount Li, when they encountered the injured peasant woman on the way, this Li Huigu hadn’t even thought of stopping. That day when his aunt spoke to the Crown Prince about the first batch of female students to arrive, Li Huigu’s name had been prominently listed.

Speaking of seeking quick success and advantage, Li Huigu exemplified it perfectly.

Could a person’s nature change so dramatically?

Ling Chengyou looked at Li Huigu with complex emotions. Well, in the blink of an eye, so many years had passed – perhaps a person really could change this much. If Li Huigu truly was A’Gu from back then, debts of gratitude still needed to be repaid. Silk, jewels, treasures – whatever the Li family asked for. He could also help with Li Guangyuan’s promotion through Prince Cheng’s manor. The rest need not be discussed.

All these matters could be handled by Commander Chang negotiating with the Li family; he couldn’t be bothered to deal with the Li family anymore. To be safe, he decided to ask about a few more details: “General Li, in the eighth year of Longyuan, did your daughter ever come to Chang’an?”

Li Guangyuan and his wife looked at each other in surprise: “She did. Why does Young Master ask?”

Just then, a maid came in to report: “Master, Madam, many of Third Miss’s classmates have arrived. They say they heard about Third Miss being attacked yesterday and came specially to visit.”

Li Huigu started.

Lady Li asked eagerly: “Which families’ children?”

“General Teng’s daughter, Vice Director Zheng’s lady, Minister Deng’s granddaughter, Secretary Liu’s Fourth Miss… They’re all waiting outside the courtyard now.”

Lady Li was proud – so many of Chang’an’s finest young ladies coming together to visit her daughter showed how well she maintained friendships. She quickly said: “Hurry and invite these children in.”

Soon, the sound of girls talking could be heard outside.

When Ling Chengyou heard that Teng Yuyi had come too, his heart flew outside, but when he looked back, he saw Li Huigu secretly signaling to her maid. The maid hurriedly started gathering up the items on the table, her movements extremely rushed.

Suspicion arose in Ling Chengyou’s heart – why did they act as if they’d seen a ghost?

“Wait.”

The Li family members froze.

Ling Chengyou smiled: “There’s something I’d like to verify with your daughter. Could these items remain out a bit longer?”

Li Huigu said properly: “I hope Young Master will forgive me. My classmates are coming to visit – having these items scattered about looks too messy. Let’s put them away for now. Whatever Young Master needs to check, we can bring them out again later.”

It made some sense, but the maid’s earlier panic was truly suspicious. Ling Chengyou curiously looked at the items on the table – could there be something unsavory hidden among them?

As he pondered this, before he could speak, footsteps could be heard approaching in the corridor. The maid suddenly gathered all the items into her arms – her movements weren’t just panicked, they were extremely rough.

Ling Chengyou grew increasingly surprised. His left hand, hanging at his side, moved slightly, imperceptibly flicking something out. The maid’s foot twisted, and she fell head over heels.

With her fall, the items in her arms scattered across the floor, just as the servant was leading Teng Yuyi and the others inside. Seeing this, they stopped in their tracks, startled.

Deng Weili and Zheng Shuangyin looked at each other in confusion, but Teng Yuyi’s eyes immediately fell on the doll on the ground.

Her expression turned cold. She had considered various possibilities before coming, but never imagined Li Huigu would actually have an identical doll. Li Huigu wouldn’t do this without reason – what exactly was she up to?

Du Tinglan was also startled, then asked in confusion: “A’Yu, have you visited Third Miss before? Why is your doll in Third Miss’s room?”

A lightning bolt seemed to strike through Ling Chengyou’s mind.

Only then did Teng Yuyi notice Ling Chengyou in the room, growing even more puzzled – wasn’t he investigating a case? Why had he come to Li Huigu’s room?

Wait, she thought she might understand. Just then, she heard Ling Chengyou say: “Lady Du, did you just say Lady Teng and Third Lady Li have the same doll?”

Du Tinglan, caught off guard by the others in the room, was stunned for a moment. As she nodded and was about to speak, Li Huigu suddenly said to Lady Li: “Mother, I’ll go attend to my classmates. Please tell the two officials about how your daughter has been repeatedly targeted these past months. Someone has been trying to steal my things, but fortunately, these are all items I’ve had since childhood – each has its history. Today is a good chance to investigate thoroughly.”

But Ling Chengyou said coldly: “Wait. Clarify things before you leave.”