After the morning meal, Teng Yu’yi busied herself with inspecting every corner. Seeing talismans buried both inside and outside the walls gave her heart steadfast reassurance, like taking a calming pill. With Lin Chengyou’s protective formation in place, there would be no need to worry about ghosts and demons disturbing them at night.

She wondered if this formation could repel that strange person’s dark arts. If it could, she and Duan Fu wouldn’t have died so tragically in her previous life.

As she wandered about, Steward Cheng approached and said, “The craftsmen have arrived to fill in the pond. Ladies, please return to Tanshang Yue first.”

Du Tinglan, who had been reading in a nearby pavilion, heard this and asked in surprise, “Fill in the pond?”

The garden had only one pond, its banks lined with willows that created an enchanting scene in spring. It seemed wasteful to fill in such a lovely feature.

“Didn’t you used to love that pond? Every time you returned to Chang’an in your youth, you would sit by it fishing. What a pity to fill it in.”

Teng Yu’yi coughed lightly. The pleasures of childhood fishing had long faded from her memory, but the despair of struggling to death in icy water remained carved into her bones. She had to eliminate all potential dangers, starting with this pond. If not for the delay caused by avoiding the corpse demons these past few days, she would have ordered this work done earlier.

“Just looking at the pond water gives me a headache. I’ve been wanting to turn it into a cuju field.” Suddenly noticing Steward Cheng giving her meaningful looks, Teng Yu’yi knew he had important matters to report. She had to pull Du Tinglan away, saying, “Sister, the craftsmen are coming in. Let’s continue our conversation in the inner courtyard.”

After the sisters returned to Tanshang Yue, Du Tinglan went to her room to pick out embroidered handkerchiefs for Nurse Gui, while Teng Yu’yi changed into men’s clothes and practiced swordplay in the courtyard.

With Huo Qiu assigned to follow Du Shaotang, Duan Fu officially took over the task of teaching Teng Yu’yi martial arts. They had barely gone through a few moves when Steward Cheng arrived. Eager to hear what he had found out, Teng Yu’yi quickly invited him to her small study: “Has there been movement in the West Market?”

Steward Cheng nodded: “The iron shop Peng Yugui mentioned has opened, and that ruffian called Zhuang Mu is also there.”

Teng Yu’yi’s heart began racing. Peng Yugui had said before his death that the silver thread came from Zhuang Mu. If they could keep a close watch on this Zhuang Mu, they would surely be able to trace back the identity of the man in black.

She had died tragically at this person’s hands in her previous life. This time, she would strike first.

She paced a few steps with her hands behind her back: “Have you uncovered everything about Zhuang Mu’s background? Is he in league with the iron shop’s owners?”

Steward Cheng said: “The iron shop’s owner is named You Migui Azan, a Sogdian merchant. He fell ill a month ago and only returned last night after recovering. The You Migui clan has been trading in Chang’an for thirty years, and Azan’s iron shop has been operating for nearly ten years. On the surface, there’s nothing suspicious.

“As for this ruffian Zhuang Mu, he came to Chang’an two years ago, claiming to be Uyghur, though his Chinese is quite good. He has excellent iron-forging skills, so he never lacks for work. He originally worked at an iron shop in the East Market, but when the elderly owner decided to close the shop, he came to the West Market seeking employment. It happened that You Migui needed help then, so Zhuang Mu has worked at You Migui’s ever since. The man has no wife or children and has a volatile temper. He loves drinking and gambling, and whenever he loses, he inevitably gets into arguments and fights. Many in the ward know him, but none are close to him.”

Teng Yu’yi asked: “Where was Zhuang Mu during the month You Migui’s shop was closed?”

“Zhuang Mu usually lives at the shop, but when your servant had someone secretly climb over the wall to check, Zhuang Mu hadn’t been back to the iron shop that whole month. We checked the gambling houses and fighting arenas he frequents, but saw no trace of him. With so many eyes in the ward, further investigation risked alerting our quarry, so your servant had to stop. But your servant can say with certainty that Zhuang Mu hasn’t appeared in either the East or West Markets during this time.”

Teng Yu’yi pondered: “A month isn’t short, he must have had somewhere to stay. Does this man have any relatives in Chang’an?”

Steward Cheng shook his head.

Teng Yu’yi: “Without relatives, where could a market ruffian hide that even you couldn’t find him, Steward Cheng? Could he have left Chang’an during this time?”

“Your servant was just investigating this point. If Zhuang Mu stayed in Chang’an, whether at an inn or in the pleasure quarters, it would require considerable expense. A worker at an iron shop couldn’t possibly afford such costs. However, after he appeared this morning, your servant had people trace his movements, and we discovered that Zhuang Mu seemed to emerge from Spring Peace Lane in Chongzheng Ward.”

“Spring Peace Lane in Chongzheng Ward? What kind of place is that?”

“It’s where nobles reside, quiet despite being in the city center. Property prices are extremely high, and many officials in the capital rent residences there. The residents are all prominent figures. Your servant can’t be certain whether Zhuang Mu was just passing through or if he had been staying in Spring Peace Lane this past month. If he was staying there, who would take in someone like Zhuang Mu? Also, I heard someone died in Spring Peace Lane last night. When your servant sent people to investigate, they happened to encounter Ministry of Justice officials investigating the case.”

“Someone died?” Teng Yu’yi’s expression grew serious. “Murder? Otherwise, why would the Ministry of Justice be involved…”

“Your servant’s people didn’t ask for details. It may not be related to Zhuang Mu, but your servant feels it’s quite a coincidence.”

Teng Yu’yi gave a cold smile: “Since the silver thread came from Zhuang Mu, I expect his martial skills aren’t ordinary. Killing someone would be as easy as turning his palm on him. But let’s not dwell on that – now that he’s shown himself, things are simpler. He’s in the open while I remain hidden. I’ll go see what he looks like first. Steward Cheng, please prepare a carriage and horses.”

She tried hard to recall the builds and attire of those murderers. Since Zhuang Mu could provide the deadly silver thread weapon, he might have been among the killers that night. Perhaps seeing him would trigger some important memories.

“This man is dangerous. Let your servant finish arranging household matters and accompany you, young mistress.”

“You are the Teng household steward; going out would draw attention.” Teng Yu’yi said, “Let Duan Fu accompany me, along with several skilled guards. By the way, will Father return today? I have important matters to discuss with him.”

Steward Cheng remained worried: “The army urgently needs provisions, and yesterday the master was personally overseeing grain shipments at Weihe Ferry. I don’t know if he can return today, and even if he does, it will likely be late at night.”

“No matter how late, I’ll wait for Father.” She had recalled many things from her previous life these past few days, and needed to quickly tell her father about Peng Zhen’s possible collusion with neighboring military governors to stage an uprising.

Before departing, Teng Yu’yi specially went to the stables to fetch her small red horse. The red horse was prancing about in the stable, even more spirited than yesterday, but showed little interest in people, merely glancing at Teng Yu’yi with one eye. Before Teng Yu’yi could approach to show affection, it galloped away.

“Don’t run.” Teng Yu’yi casually waved at it. “Come with me to the West Market.”

The red horse slowly paced around the stable, refusing to acknowledge Teng Yu’yi.

“Hey, weren’t you very affectionate with me yesterday? Are you unhappy with the food or accommodations? Come tell me – I refuse to believe my stables can’t compare to Lin Chengyou’s.”

She instructed the stable master: “It’s getting late. Please bring it out – I need to depart.”

“Absolutely not!” The stable master hurriedly said, “This precious steed has a fierce temperament and likes to test newcomers. Young mistress isn’t familiar enough with it yet – be careful it doesn’t throw you off.”

Teng Yu’yi waved her hand: “My riding skills are excellent. I won’t get hurt from falling.”

The stable master refused, and the red horse just kept pacing back and forth.

Teng Yu’yi looked down at herself and suddenly smiled: “Could it be you don’t recognize me because I changed into men’s clothes?”

For convenience in going out, she had not only changed into men’s attire but also removed all her usual sachets and perfumed accessories.

The red horse let out a neigh and simply turned around, presenting its rear to Teng Yu’yi.

Teng Yu’yi touched the false beard on her face. There was no time to change back into women’s clothes, so it seemed she couldn’t ride her beloved red horse today. She had to let the stable master give her a smaller chestnut horse instead. Mounting up outside the manor, she set off toward the West Market with Duan Fu and their party in a grand procession.

Arriving at the West Market gate just as it opened, Teng Yu’yi dismissed the other guards early, having them deliberately fall behind while she and Duan Fu led their horses into the marketplace.

You Migui’s iron shop sat among the busiest row of shops in the West Market. The shop displayed various high-quality weapons with snow-bright, intimidating blades – swords, sabers, halberds… every type imaginable. They reportedly used only the finest cold iron, with prices several times higher than other iron shops. Even so, numerous fine horses stood outside, with young nobles constantly coming and going, drawn by its reputation for selecting weapons.

Teng Yu’yi circled the area once, then slipped into a Sogdian fabric shop across the way. She found a window seat on the second floor and ordered the shopkeeper to bring out their softest materials.

While waiting, her gaze remained fixed on the shop opposite. Suddenly she heard someone call out in a rough voice: “Zhuang Mu!”

Teng Yu’yi looked intently and saw an exceptionally short, thin, dark-skinned man emerge: “What is it?”

***

In the main hall of the Ministry of Justice, numerous officials and runners had gathered, all covering their sleeves over their noses.

Two corpses lay side by side on the ground the husband and wife were sent from Tongzhou Prefecture. They must have been dead for quite some time, as even thick burial cloths couldn’t contain the sharp stench of decay.

Beside the corpses, an official from outside the capital was busy presenting the case: “The man is Wang Cangbao, twenty-five years old, and the woman is née Bai, twenty-two years old. Both were from Tongzhou and made their living selling cooked food. Wang Cangbao’s culinary skills were inherited from his ancestors, and their shop had been doing quite well. Unfortunately, last year he developed a cockfighting gambling habit and lost considerable money. Early this year he also offended some local ruffians through cockfighting, bringing much trouble upon himself. Unable to bear the harassment and wanting to break his gambling habit, Wang Cangbao sold their shop and brought his wife to Chang’an to seek their fortune. Who knew they would be murdered while still on the road? What a tragedy – Madam Bai was five months pregnant—”

As he spoke, someone noticed Lin Chengyou and Yan Shizhi and quickly said: “Judge Yan, Evaluator Lin. This is Legal Officer Liu from Tongzhou Prefecture.”

Legal Officer Liu had long heard of Lin Chengyou’s reputation and took the initiative to step forward: “Evaluator Lin, Judge Yan, this humble official is Liu. I have long admired your reputation.”

“Legal Officer Liu, you’ve had a difficult journey.” Lin Chengyou clasped his hands in greeting, then turned to look at the corpses on the ground. Murderous qi lingered above the bodies – the couple had been fierce ghosts for some time.

He walked several steps to the corpses and crouched down to lift the burial cloth. Even though he had held his breath in advance, the stench of decay still made him turn his head away.

Someone in the hall began to vomit, and several runners held their noses while offering their handkerchiefs to Lin Chengyou.

Lin Chengyou waved them away, saying it wasn’t necessary, and turned back to examine the bodies closely. This was the corpse of a young, strong man, his face already showing signs of decay, with a bowl-sized wound in his chest as if pierced by a sharp weapon.

“Where were they murdered?” Lin Chengyou asked.

Legal Officer Liu quickly answered: “They died at an inn called Ju’an on the road from Tongzhou to Chang’an.”

This matched the story told by Chen Er’niang. Lin Chengyou examined the corpse: “What was the cause of Wang Cangbao’s death?”

“His heart vessels were severed. The murder weapon was likely a butcher’s knife that went straight through his chest, killing him instantly. Besides this, Wang Cangbao had no other wounds.”

After examining Wang Cangbao’s corpse, Lin Chengyou lifted the cloth on the other body.

It was a young woman, with a horrifying umbrella-shaped wound on her abdomen that made one’s blood run cold.

Lin Chengyou’s gaze fixed on the edges of the wound. He wasn’t mistaken – like Young Madam Li Niang in the morgue, Madam Bai’s wound had been torn open by bare hands.

This was worth pondering. The killer had a knife when murdering Wang Cangbao, so why switch to using bare hands to remove the fetus?

If these two cases were committed by the same killer—

“Legal Officer Liu, on which day were the Wang couple murdered?”

“On the evening of the third month’s fifth day.”

“A full twenty days ago.” Tongzhou wasn’t far from Chang’an – by fast horse it only took five or six days. The killer could have easily murdered in Tongzhou before coming to Chang’an to kill again.

Lin Chengyou pointed at Madam Bai’s abdomen: “I heard you searched the area for several days after the incident. Did you find the fetus from Madam Bai’s womb?”

Legal Officer Liu shook his head, face pale: “This official led people to search every hilltop and question every passing vehicle. But forget finding traces of the fetus – we couldn’t even find the murder weapon. In this official’s opinion, the killer must have fled Tongzhou that very night.”

The officials showed approving expressions, yet also some confusion. Legal Officer Liu was diligent in handling cases, and solving this one seemed imminent. If so, why submit it to the Ministry of Justice?

If he solved it himself, Legal Officer Liu would surely receive top marks in next year’s evaluation.

Legal Officer Liu smiled bitterly: “To be honest, this official suspected Wang Cangbao’s enemies were responsible. Investigation revealed that the lead ruffian, Hou Er, had indeed hired a cart to leave Tongzhou. With this evidence, this official arrested Hou Er and his accomplices and interrogated them for several days. Though Hou Er and the others admitted wanting to teach Wang Cangbao a lesson, they adamantly denied killing anyone. Just then, colleagues found a butcher’s knife in Hou Er’s home. With both motive and weapon established, this official immediately imprisoned Hou Er. Who knew that very night the yamen would be haunted? Hou Er was frightened into madness. When Hou Er went mad, we thought the Wang couple’s spirits would be appeased, but the haunting grew worse. People in the yamen saw the female ghost searching everywhere all night long. The prefect said this case must have hidden complexities and ordered this official to quickly submit it to the Ministry of Justice.”

Searching? Like Li Niang last night, was she looking everywhere for her lost child? Lin Chengyou thought for a moment and asked: “When the killer snuck in and murdered two people, no matter how careful, there must have been some noise. Did the neighboring rooms at the inn hear anything that night?”

“Yes.” Legal Officer Liu said, “The night the Wang couple was murdered, two merchants from out of town were staying in the next room. In the middle of the night, they were suddenly awakened by the sound of a baby crying. They found this strange – they hadn’t heard any baby in the next room before going to bed, so why was one suddenly crying? They thought to check when suddenly they felt the room become unusually cold. Then they smelled a strange odor before losing consciousness. The next morning when they woke up, they learned the couple next door had died during the night. The coroner’s examination showed the time of the Wang couple’s death was around when the merchants heard the baby crying.”

Lin Chengyou fell silent. He had dismissed it as a child’s story before, but now he knew it was true. He had no choice but to reexamine these two strange cases.

He had previously read in the Qingyun Temple records about various demons who ate fetuses to rapidly increase their demonic power. But if the fetus was taken out and immediately eaten by the demon, how could it cry out?

Moreover, how could a five-month-old fetus wail so loudly?

If it was the evil demon itself making infant-like cries, that wasn’t impossible, but it still didn’t make sense. If it made strange cries while killing, presumably it wasn’t afraid of drawing people’s attention. So why bother knocking out the two merchants next door and fleeing Tongzhou Prefecture that night?

Looking at this series of methods, it wasn’t the work of demons, but rather some criminal. Because they didn’t want officials to trace it back to them, they went to such elaborate lengths.

Lin Chengyou rose, deep in thought. If it was done by a human, why did the killer create such elaborate misdirection?

It was still early, and the senior officials of the Ministry of Justice hadn’t appeared yet. Most in the hall were young officials below the rank of Judge. While Lin Chengyou was inquiring about the case, not a single young official came forward to handle the transfer procedures.

This case involved both Chang’an and Tongzhou – investigating it would require much back and forth travel. Even Legal Officer Liu from Tongzhou, who handled cases so efficiently, had no leads. Moving it to Chang’an would only make it more difficult – it was destined to be a thankless task. Everyone wanted to avoid taking it on.

Lin Chengyou looked around. Apart from Judge Yan carefully examining the corpses, all the other superiors kept their distance.

He smiled. No need to make it so obvious.

Glancing at those few people, he said to Legal Officer Liu: “Very well, Judge Yan and I will take this case.”

Judge Yan hurriedly stood up too, saying without hesitation: “Please transfer the case details to me, Legal Officer Liu.”

Several young officials’ eyes showed hints of anticipation for a show. Just because Lin Chengyou happened to solve a few cases, he thought himself invincible. This kid was like a newborn calf unafraid of tigers, but even Yan Wanchun was foolishly joining in. His desk was already piled high with cases, yet he dared take on such a mess. People called him “Foolish Yan” – those words weren’t wrong.

Lin Chengyou smiled: “Before the formal transfer, I have many questions to confirm with Legal Officer Liu. These details may not be recorded in the case files and will require Legal Officer Liu’s recollection. Please rest in the back courtyard while I make a trip to Spring Joy Lane in Chonghua Ward.”

“Spring Joy Lane in Chonghua Ward—” Judge Yan looked puzzled. “Isn’t that where Li Niang who was murdered last night lived?”

“Correct. Li Niang’s manner of death matches Madam Bai’s exactly. I suspect they were killed by the same person, so I need to quickly confirm something. If neighbors also heard an infant crying when Li Niang was murdered, these two cases can essentially be combined. And if so, there may likely be more victims.”

At these words, not only did Judge Yan’s expression change, but Legal Officer Liu was also shocked.

Those few officials affected an air of indifference and casually walked inside. Lin Chengyou had already reached the outer door when he suddenly stepped back: “Ah, Judge Wang, Judge Chen, please wait. As you’ve seen, this official is overwhelmed with trivial cases, and now taking on this one as well, I really can’t manage. To avoid delaying the investigation, I’ll have to entrust my miscellaneous cases to you two seniors.”

Judge Wang and Judge Chen wanted to refuse without hesitation, but meeting Lin Chengyou’s smiling eyes, they swallowed their words.

Lin Chengyou was skilled in debate – when it came to clever arguments, no one in the Ministry of Justice could match him. Besides, what did it matter if Lin Chengyou was unreasonable? For the sake of their future careers, how could they dare to openly challenge him?

Judge Wang, being somewhat quicker-witted than Judge Chen, hurriedly agreed: “What are you saying, Evaluator Lin? Just transfer all the case files over.”

Lin Chengyou smiled warmly: “Then I’ll trouble you two seniors.”

However, when the case files reached Judge Wang and Judge Chen’s hands, only one was Lin Chengyou’s case – the rest were all Yan Wanchun’s cases, adding up to about ten in total.

The two of them were used to bullying Yan Wanchun, knowing he was consistently honest and would never actively dump his cases on others. Without needing to think about it, this must have been Lin Chengyou’s idea. They only regretted being too obvious this morning and didn’t dare say more, having no choice but to accept them all.

***

When Lin Chengyou arrived at Spring Peace Lane, Legal Officer Gong from Chang’an County was directing runners to seal off Li Niang’s residence. Hearing that Lin Chengyou had arrived, Legal Officer Gong hurried out to meet him: “What brings Evaluator Lin here?”

Lin Chengyou clasped his hands in greeting to Legal Officer Gong: “Judge Yan and I have taken over this case.”

Dismounting and looking around, he saw that Shu Li Niang’s residence was situated at the end of the lane, particularly quiet and spacious. Lin Chengyou stepped up to the stairs: “Besides Li Niang, who else lived in the household?”

“Only six people including servants – besides Li Niang herself, there were two maids, an elderly doorkeeper, and two cooks.”

“Did Li Niang live here alone? What about her husband?”

Legal Officer Gong dismissed the runners behind him and lowered his voice: “She was Minister Zheng’s kept woman in an outside residence.”

Lin Chengyou looked at Legal Officer Gong.

Legal Officer Gong looked sheepish. He hadn’t believed it either, as Minister Zheng was famously henpecked, yet who knew the old man had quietly kept a mistress?

“Li Niang’s surname is Shu, she was twenty years old, and was the niece of a Director Shu from the Capital Prefecture. I heard she was quite literary and beautiful too. She married two years ago, but her husband died within a year. Having not yet borne children, her in-laws were unwelcoming, so Shu Li Niang had no choice but to come to Chang’an to seek relatives and stay at Director Shu’s residence. Later somehow Minister Zheng took a fancy to her and settled her here, visiting from time to time. Everyone in the lane knew about this, only keeping it from Minister Zheng’s wife. When Minister Zheng received the news last night, he was so shocked he nearly fell from his horse. Unable to appear in person, he urgently sent his most trusted servant to inquire about the matter and instructed the Chang’an County yamen to capture the real killer as soon as possible.”

Lin Chengyou thought to himself, no wonder Chang’an County transferred the case to the Ministry of Justice that very night – they must have feared delaying the investigation.

“How many months pregnant was Shu Li Niang?”

“They say just three months.”

Lin Chengyou was startled – Shu Li Niang’s child was even younger than Madam Bai’s.

“Was Minister Zheng here last night? Did he know about Shu Li Niang’s pregnancy?”

Legal Officer Gong: “According to Minister Zheng’s attendant, Minister Zheng already knew about Shu Li Niang’s pregnancy and had even assigned an additional cook to care for her. But recently, with officials coming to the capital to report on their duties, Minister Zheng has been busy with official matters and hasn’t visited Spring Peace Lane for about ten days.”

Lin Chengyou walked straight to the inner courtyard: “Who first discovered Shu Li Niang’s body?”

“It was Shu Li Niang’s two maids. After having dinner last night, Shu-Li Niang said she felt tired and retired early. The household servants finished their work and also went to bed earlier than usual. In the middle of the night, the maids were suddenly awakened by cold – it was the end of the Hai hour (9-11 PM). Usually, at this time, Li Niang would call them to bring tea, but Li Niang was completely silent. The two maids were worried and went to the inner chamber to check on her, only to find she had already died in bed.”

Lin Chengyou thought for a moment. Li Niang’s ghost had burst into the Teng mansion around the Zi hour (11 PM-1 AM), meaning she had become a fierce ghost immediately after death.

Even the heaviest grievance wouldn’t cause this, unless… someone had guided her. The strangest thing was that Li Niang didn’t go after the killer but went directly to the Teng mansion instead.

Lost in thought, Lin Chengyou reached the inner courtyard. A thick smell of blood hit him. Entering the inner chamber and going around the screen, the scene on the bed was horrifying – the quilts and blankets were bloodstained and rumpled as if soaked in buckets of fresh blood.

The floor was also covered in large bloodstains, interspersed with numerous messy footprints.

“Have all these footprints been checked? Were any outsiders discovered?”

“We’ve checked them all – they’re all from the maids and cooks. Though the old doorkeeper came when he heard the news, he didn’t dare enter the inner chamber. To be thorough, this official had all the servants remove their shoes for comparison on the spot.”

Lin Chengyou carefully examined the bloodstains in the room, then investigated by the window and in the courtyard, making several rounds inside and out, not even missing the dust in the corners. However, the killer had left not the slightest trace.

“Have you searched the surrounding area? Any sign of the fetus from Shu Li Niang’s womb?”

Legal Officer Gong slowly shook his head.

Lin Chengyou fell silent. Very well – like Madam Bai from Tongzhou, the fetus in Shu Li Niang’s womb had simply vanished without a trace.

“Bring all the household servants here. I need to question them one by one.”

The questioning revealed that all five servants had fallen into deep sleep last night, none hearing any disturbance during the crime.

Fortunately, after Lin Chengyou’s repeated questioning, the servants gradually recalled smelling a strange fragrance before falling asleep.

This matched the experience of the two merchants during the Tongzhou incident. Lin Chengyou asked the servants to describe the fragrance’s nature, but they couldn’t articulate it. He then asked whether Shu Li Niang had made any enemies, if she had quarreled with Minister Zheng recently, and dozens of other questions before rising to inquire at the neighboring residence.

The neighbors had clearly heard about last night’s tragedy – all doors were shut tight early in the morning. The vast Spring Peace Lane was almost deserted.

After much effort, they managed to knock open the neighboring house’s door. The porter was already terrified and, without waiting for Legal Officer Gong’s questions, shook his head like a rattle drum: “This old servant knows nothing.”

Lin Chengyou blocked the door with his hand, smiling: “Hey, don’t close the door yet – we haven’t finished talking.”

Seeing only a handsome youth in a low-ranking green official’s robe, the porter wasn’t particularly concerned, but still held the door firmly: “The master and mistress aren’t home. I don’t know what you officials wish to ask.”

Lin Chengyou pushed the door open without further discussion and strode in: “We’re here to inquire about last night’s events.”

The inquiry took considerable time, but finally, they learned from a kitchen helper that when he got up to relieve himself during the night, he had heard an infant crying.

“Are you certain it came from over the wall?” Lin Chengyou asked.

The helper’s face turned pale: “Yes. I thought I was hearing things at first since there are no young masters or misses in our household. I listened confusedly to the privy for a while before realizing the crying came from the neighboring house. I wondered if that lady living alone had given birth. The night was cold, and I was shivering after standing there a while, so without thinking more about it, I hurried back to my room to sleep.”

“Besides the infant’s crying, did you hear anything else? Such as calls for help, or strangers talking?”

The helper’s legs trembled: “Our Spring Peace Lane sees few carriages and horses. It’s not very noisy even during the day, and at night it’s even quieter. If there had been any strange sounds, I should have heard them immediately, but I only heard the infant crying.”

Lin Chengyou stared at the high wall between the two residences: “This place is quiet despite being in the city center. If any stranger came here, they should have drawn your attention immediately. Have you seen any strangers these past few days?”

The helper shook his head blankly, but a carriage driver spoke up: “Yes. I remember now – yesterday evening there was a short, dark man lingering at the lane’s entrance. I happened to be driving past and noticed him because he was unfamiliar, so I looked a few times. When he saw me, he quickly turned toward another entrance. Spring Peace Lane has only eight residences, and we’re familiar with all the servants in each household. I’d never seen that man before.”

Lin Chengyou: “What did this man look like?”

“Not very tall, only about up to your shoulder, sir, and dark and thin, with a large mole on his right cheek.”

Legal Officer Gong frowned as he listened. Chang’an had thousands of ruffians matching such a description – how could they find the man based on just this?

But Lin Chengyou showed endless patience: “Think carefully – was there anything distinctive about his body or hands? What clothes was he wearing?”

The driver paused: “He wore a short hemp garment, nothing special, but this man’s hands were large and red, with many scars on the backs of his hands and arms.”

Lin Chengyou stared intently at the driver: “What shape were the scars?”

“I couldn’t see clearly, just that they crisscrossed everywhere, even deforming the joints. They looked… looked a bit like burn scars. That’s why I noticed them.”

Legal Officer Gong wondered silently what kind of person would have so many scars on their hands and arms.

Then he heard Lin Chengyou muse: “A blacksmith? Or a tile maker?”

Legal Officer Gong was startled.

Lin Chengyou asked for paper and brush, drew a portrait according to the driver’s description, and had him confirm the location of the scars several times before tucking the drawing into his robe.

“Where does Evaluator Lin plan to go?” Legal Officer Gong followed Lin Chengyou out of the residence.

Lin Chengyou mounted his horse: “That’s enough questions for now. I’ll check the iron shops in the West and East Markets. Please trouble Legal Officer Gong to transfer the servants’ statements from both residences to Judge Yan at the Ministry of Justice.”

“Yes, sir.”

Lin Chengyou rode straight for the West Market, thinking to himself that before even clarifying whether Hu Jizhen was harmed by Lu Zhao’an, another major case had emerged. The circumstances were so strange that it couldn’t be explained without some demonic involvement.

Though Kuan Nu was capable, he didn’t understand spirit-recording arts. If only Juesheng and Qizhi would return – he could hand over the investigation of Hu Jizhen’s strange illness to those two rascals, giving them a chance to gain experience.

He calculated the days in his mind. The Daoist gathering at the palace had ended a few days ago – those two should return by today at the latest.

As if on cue, just as he reached the West Market gate, a calf cart brushed past his horse. The spring breeze carried a familiar young voice from inside:

“I bet this senior brother definitely won’t like it.”

A smile flickered in Lin Chengyou’s eyes as he pulled the reins, blocking the cart’s path.

The driver Ah Meng brightened: “Young Master!”

The curtain lifted, and two round heads popped out: “Senior Brother!”

It was indeed Juesheng and Qizhi, overjoyed and scrambling to jump down from the cart.

Lin Chengyou smiled as he dismounted: “When did you return?”

Juesheng said happily: “We got back last night but didn’t want to disturb Senior Brother’s rest, so we didn’t report to the Wang mansion. We went to the Ministry of Justice this morning looking for you, and Judge Yan said you’d gone out on a case. Since Qizhi and I had nothing to do, we came to browse the West Market. Why is Senior Brother here?”

Lin Chengyou patted each junior brother’s head in turn: “I should be asking you that. Instead of quickly recording your observations from the palace gathering, what are you doing here?”

Juesheng giggled, while Qizhi secretly hid his chubby hands behind his back: “Don’t worry, Senior Brother, we recorded everything on the way back. We’ll show you when we return.”

In a few days would be their senior brother’s birthday. They had saved money for a long time and taken it all out this morning, planning to buy him a birthday gift in the West Market. How could they let him know before they’d chosen the present?

Lin Chengyou pretended not to notice their winks and nudges, leading them aside with his horse: “Have you eaten breakfast?”

“Yes, have you, Senior Brother?”

Lin Chengyou raised his eyebrows – he’d accidentally eaten too much at the Teng mansion this morning and still felt stuffed.

“Your return is perfect timing. Chang’an has had several strange cases recently. Neither Kuan Nu nor Judge Yan understand spiritual arts, and there’s another matter I need you to handle.”

Juesheng and Qizhi tensed: “Please tell us, Senior Brother.”

Lin Chengyou briefly explained how Hu Jizhen had suddenly lost a hun soul and a po soul, how he suspected Lu Zhao’an’s involvement, and the two similar strange cases in Tongzhou and Chang’an.

“Originally, I wanted you to help investigate Hu Jizhen’s matter, but since you’re already here in the West Market, why don’t you help me identify someone first.”

Speaking thus, he took out the portrait from his robe: “This person likely knows some evil arts. Compared to my colleagues, you have more ways to handle unexpected situations. There are too many iron shops in Chang’an’s markets – I’ll leave the West Market to you while I investigate the East Market. If you spot the man in this drawing, immediately have Ah Meng send word to me in the East Market. Remember not to arouse his suspicion, as he’s very likely the perpetrator of both murders.”

Qizhi and Juesheng looked carefully at the man’s features in the drawing and nodded seriously.

Lin Chengyou tucked the portrait back into his robe: “After finishing this task, go watch Lu Zhao’an.”

Juesheng scratched his head: “Senior Brother, why did Shu Li Niang’s fierce ghost go to the Teng mansion?”

They certainly didn’t believe Teng Yu’yi was connected to the murders, but why would a fierce ghost seek her out without reason?

Lin Chengyou had been pondering this question all morning. Last night, Teng Yu’yi had insisted confidently that this was likely Lu Zhao’an’s plot, with the obvious aim of harming Du Tinglan.

But the Tongzhou incident happened on the fifth day of the third month, and Chang’an’s Imperial Examination celebration ended only on the third. Even if Lu Zhao’an had wings, he couldn’t have reached Tongzhou to murder in just two days. If the Tongzhou case hadn’t connected to Lu Zhao’an, last night’s womb-cutting murder might not have been his work either. So how could he have immediately directed Shu Li Niang’s ghost to the Teng mansion?

Unless Lu Zhao’an had accomplices.

But what was his goal? Was it worth such elaborate measures just because he feared Du Tinglan might reveal their past romance?

Lin Chengyou’s intuition told him that Shu Li Niang had likely targeted Teng Yu’yi specifically, which confused him even more. What trouble had Teng Yu’yi stirred up to repeatedly encounter such misfortune?

He suddenly thought of the response stone in his robe. This morning he’d only told Teng Yu’yi not to leave the mansion at night, but what if she went out during the day and encountered evil spirits? Wouldn’t he be disturbed again?

Since Juesheng and Qizhi had returned, he could give them the stone, but his hand stopped as it reached for his collar.

He’d just assigned Juesheng and Qizhi to watch Lu Zhao’an – having them also look after Teng Yu’yi would be too much. Better to keep the stone with him for now.

“We’ll understand what’s happening once we solve these cases.” Lin Chengyou took some money from his sleeve and gave it to them. “Buy your lunch somewhere, and remember to be careful.”

With that, he mounted his horse and rode toward the East Market.

Juesheng and Qizhi adjusted their Daoist robes and followed the crowd into the West Market. Though Senior Brother’s portrait had only a few strokes, it captured all the man’s distinctive features.

Walking and stopping along the way, they would enter any iron shop they saw, using the excuse of wanting to forge a Daoist sword to look around.

After checking several iron shops without seeing the man from the drawing, they grew hungry and bought some hu-bing flatbread to eat.

Shortly after leaving the shop, they passed another iron shop called “You Migui.” Juesheng and Qizhi stopped to observe. This shop was crowded with customers, doing better business than others. Just as they were about to mix into the crowd, they felt a tug on their clothes. Turning around, they froze in surprise.

Uncle Duan Fu?

Duan Fu’s expression was neutral, but his tone was gentle: “My young master wishes to see the two Daoist priests.”

They hurriedly followed Duan Fu into the fabric shop across the street and up to the second floor, where they saw a bearded youth with a bright smile.

Juesheng and Qizhi nearly burst out laughing – it was indeed Miss Teng.

“Young Master Wang!!!”

Teng Yu’yi was even happier than them, quickly coming forward to greet them: “You returned last night?”

“Yes indeed.” Juesheng and Qizhi could hardly contain their joy. “Young Master Wang, why are you here?”

Teng Yu’yi invited them to sit by the window: “I’m here on some business. What about you?”

Juesheng and Qizhi were completely unguarded with Teng Yu’yi, lowering their voices: “We’re helping Senior Brother find someone.”

“Finding someone?” Teng Yu’yi quickly matched their hushed tones. “I brought many guards with me – do you need their help searching?”

Qizhi gratefully said: “No need, no need. This person might be the perpetrator of a murder case. We can’t alert too many people.”

Teng Yu’yi knew Lin Chengyou often had his junior disciples help him with tasks, so she didn’t ask further, instead changing the subject with a smile: “You haven’t had lunch yet, have you? Let me treat you to something good.”

Juesheng and Qizhi beamed with joy, waving their hands repeatedly: “Please don’t trouble yourself, Young Master Wang. We just had hu-bing, and Senior Brother gave us plenty of money for food – enough to eat all day.”

“He’s him, and I’m me.” Teng Yu’yi poured them each a cup of sugarcane juice. “Your Senior Brother just gives money without making arrangements. I’m different – since you’ve already had lunch, let me treat you to dinner. I guarantee you’ll taste something special today.”

As she spoke, her gaze swept across to You Migui’s shop opposite. She’d been watching for nearly half a watch period, and Zhuang Mu had been working in the shop the whole time. It seemed unlikely he’d make any moves before dark, so she could afford to be more relaxed.

Just then, the shopkeeper brought over several fabric-bearing embroiderers: “These are our finest materials, worth thousands of gold per bolt. If the young master still isn’t satisfied, we’re at a loss.”

Teng Yu’yi turned to look, immediately taking a liking to a bolt of “Buddha’s head green” brocade with auspicious cloud patterns. Such clear dyeing of the Buddha’s head green color was rare, and the embroidery work was first-rate too.

The shopkeeper was skilled at reading customers and quickly said: “Young master has a good eye. This brocade is unique – I went to great trouble to acquire it from other fabric merchants. There’s only one bolt in all of Chang’an. Miss this chance and it’s gone.”

Juesheng asked curiously: “Is Young Master Wang buying fabric?”

Teng Yu’yi’s fingers lightly stroked the brocade. She had never given her father birthday gifts in all these years. This time she wanted to personally make him a garment. Imagining how her father would look wearing these clothes, she was already seventy percent satisfied, but kept her expression neutral, saying only: “My father’s birthday is coming up, so I’m looking for some soft fabrics for him. These are all passable, but none particularly appeal to me.”

Qizhi: “What a coincidence – Senior Brother’s birthday is coming up too! Juesheng and I want to pick out a birthday gift but don’t know what to choose. Young Master Wang, could you give us some advice?”

Teng Yu’yi started slightly, wondering how the purple jade saddle was coming along. Best if it could be finished before Lin Chengyou’s birthday, saving the Teng household from preparing another gift.

“When is your Senior Brother’s birthday?”

“The seventh day of next month.”

That was soon.

She pointed at the pile of brilliant silks before them: “Why not give him some fabric for clothes?”

Qizhi said shyly: “These fabrics are too expensive – Juesheng and I don’t have that much money.”

Teng Yu’yi smiled: “Silly boys, you don’t need such expensive gifts. You could look at fan pendants or socks too. The thought is what counts – your Senior Brother cares for you deeply and will be happy with whatever you give him.”

Juesheng grinned: “We rarely go shopping and worry we won’t choose well.”

Teng Yu’yi looked at Juesheng, then at Qizhi. They were sincerely asking for her guidance. After careful consideration, she said: “I don’t have any great ideas either, since I’m not very familiar with your Senior Brother’s preferences. I heard there’s a good ink shop nearby – shall I take you there later?”

Juesheng and Qizhi nodded happily. Qizhi happened to glance out the window and his expression instantly changed. He hurriedly tugged at Juesheng’s clothes.

Teng Yu’yi followed their gaze and saw that Zhuang Mu had come out of the shop.

She looked questioningly at Juesheng and Qizhi’s expressions and lowered her voice: “Is he the one you’re looking for?”

Juesheng nodded quickly: “A pregnant woman was murdered in Spring Peace Lane last night. Senior Brother said this man might be the killer.”

Teng Yu’yi’s heart skipped a beat. She said gravely: “His name is Zhuang Mu. He works at the iron shop across the street.”

Juesheng and Qizhi were startled: “Young Master Wang knows him too?”

Teng Yu’yi made a sound of agreement: “You could say we have some unfinished business.”

After coming out, Zhuang Mu turned around at the doorway and then headed down into the depths of the market with a lowered head.

Qizhi stood up: “Not good, he’s running. I must quickly report to Senior Brother.”

Teng Yu’yi couldn’t stop Qizhi, but she leaned out and gave a signal to those below. The Teng household guards nodded and discreetly followed.

Teng Yu’yi pulled Juesheng up and headed downstairs.

The shopkeeper followed, thumping down the stairs: “Young master, you finally found a bolt you liked – are you taking it or not—”

Teng Yu’yi had no time to haggle: “Wrap it up, I’ll come back for it later.”

Looking outside, Qizhi and the driver were already gone. Teng Yu’yi simply jumped onto the Qingyun Temple’s calf cart with Juesheng and drove off in the direction Zhuang Mu had taken.