In just a few days, Song Jian had grown noticeably thinner, his voice hoarse and rough when he spoke.

“Young Master Lin, what brings you here? Please, come in.”

Lin Chengyou cupped his hands in greeting: “Pardon my sudden visit, Brother Song. My condolences for your loss.”

Yan Shizhi bowed apologetically: “I apologize for disturbing you, Young Master Song.”

Song Jian served in the Imperial Guards, and while on duty, he often encountered Lin Chengyou in and around the palace. Though they weren’t close friends, they were familiar enough. He led the two to the outer study and ordered servants to bring tea.

Lin Chengyou also requested writing materials for Yan Shizhi. Once host and guests were seated, Song Jian dismissed the servants: “Has there been progress in Yue’s case?”

Lin Chengyou spoke seriously: “Indeed, that’s why we’re here. I wanted to ask if your wife showed any unusual behavior before the incident?”

Song Jian thought for a moment, his face pale, then shook his head: “Nothing different from usual. She was cheerful every day, and her appetite had improved since the early stages of her pregnancy.”

“Then—” Yan Shizhi glanced at Lin Chengyou, “Where did your wife go this past month?”

Song Jian’s face showed contemplation: “Yue managed the household affairs daily… She would usually be busy in the manor until noon, sometimes going out after lunch. But I wouldn’t return until around the Hour of Hai, so I’m not entirely sure where she went during the day. I assume she was either visiting her close friends among the noble ladies or shopping at familiar stores.”

Yan Shizhi wrote these details in his record book, then asked: “Did your wife mention any acquaintances recently?”

Song Jian looked slightly surprised: “Acquaintances?”

“Such as her old friends, neighbors, relatives—”

Song Jian shook his head.

Lin Chengyou tried a different approach: “Brother Song, do you know if your wife had any past grievances with anyone?”

Song Jian paused, pondering for a moment before saying: “Yue had a fierier temperament than her sister. When Zhen was still alive—”

A flash of grief crossed his eyes, and he fell silent.

Lin Chengyou lowered his gaze, remembering when the elder Lady Jiang passed away. His mother had personally gone to pay respects at the Rong’an Earl’s manor. Upon returning, she had spoken to his royal aunt, expressing great regret over the elder Lady Jiang’s sudden departure. Given his mother’s excellent judgment of character, such praise suggested that the elder Lady Jiang had been a woman of exceptional virtue.

After a long moment of sorrow, Song Jian spoke again: “Zhen used to say that her sister was perfect in every way, except for being too competitive. When socializing with other young ladies, she would often get into verbal spats. That’s why Zhen would return to her maiden home each year, saying that as the elder sister, she should guide her younger sibling. But Yue was still an unmarried lady then, so even if there were disagreements, they never escalated to true enmity. As for after she married me—”

He slowly shook his head: “Yue’s temperament mellowed considerably. She served my father with utmost filial piety, treated the servants with great kindness, and never had any unpleasant encounters with the ladies of other households.”

Lin Chengyou remained silent. That day in the West Market, Teng Yuyi voluntarily shared his observations from the spice shop to help solve the case. The younger Lady Jiang had brought eight or nine maids and servants just for a trip to the West Market, and out of fear of encountering Teng Yuyi, had ordered her servants to rebuke him even from a distance.

Such frivolous behavior was far from “kind and respectful.”

Song Jian couldn’t have been completely unaware of his wife’s various actions outside the manor, yet he still defended her at every turn, showing how deeply he cherished this newly-wed wife.

Realizing this, Lin Chengyou nodded and said: “Could you summon the servants who attended to your wife? We’d like to ask them a few questions.”

Soon, several maids and servants arrived, waiting silently in the corridor. Song Jian looked from behind his desk and pointed to the lead matron: “Chen San’gu, come in and answer some questions.”

Chen San’gu entered with a curtsy, kneeling and trembling.

Song Jian said: “There’s no need to be so frightened. Tell us in detail where the Madam went this past month and whom she met.”

Chen San’gu started, quickly kowtowing: “This old servant has forgotten much. Please allow me to verify with Xiuyun and the other senior maids before reporting back.”

Song Jian waved for her to withdraw, but Lin Chengyou interjected: “No matter, just tell us what you know, and we’ll question the other maids later.”

Shortly after, Song Jian ordered the doors closed, and Chen San’gu wracked her brains to recall: “This past month, Madam often went out, most frequently to two shops. One was the ‘Jinyun Pu’ silk shop in the East Market, where Madam had most of her clothes made. The other was Nianzilou in Fu’an Lane, where she loved their grilled fish. As for the Powder Butterfly House in the West Market where the incident occurred… she hadn’t visited much.”

At this point, Chen San’gu wiped away nervous sweat: “Madam had always liked buying things from this spice shop, purchasing countless precious spices over time. The shop owner and clerks considered her an honored guest, always clearing out the downstairs private room whenever they saw her coming. After she became pregnant, though she didn’t visit as frequently, she would still spend an hour or two there whenever she did go.”

An hour or two… enough time for the killer to commit murder and frame Zhuang Mu.

Lin Chengyou asked: “How many people knew about this?”

Chen San’gu was startled: “Madam often met acquaintances in the West Market, so quite a few people probably knew.”

“Who did she meet in the West Market recently?”

“Madam hasn’t been to the West Market for over a month.”

Lin Chengyou: “Then why did your Madam suddenly decide to visit the spice shop that day?”

Chen San’gu’s expression showed confusion. After a pause, she said: “This servant doesn’t know. After lunch, Madam said she wanted to go to Powder Butterfly House to buy something, so the steward began preparing the carriage. We servants didn’t think to ask more.”

“Besides these shops, where else did your Madam go this month, and whom did she meet?”

“On the fifth, the Grand Madam of the Zhenguo Manor celebrated her birthday, and Madam went to offer congratulations. On the seventh, Minister Zheng’s wife hosted a banquet at their home. Later, after receiving an invitation from Minister Wang of the Ministry of Revenue’s daughter-in-law, Madam went to view flowers at the Yuzhen Daoist Temple. A few days ago, during the National Uncle’s birthday, Madam took the young master and young miss to stay at Le Dao Mountain Villa for several days. As for the rest… this servant truly cannot remember.”

“Did your Madam show any unusual behavior while out recently? For instance, did she suddenly appear frightened upon seeing someone, or did she fear seeing certain things?”

Chen San’gu paused as if recalling something, a strange expression crossing her face before she shook her head: “I didn’t notice anything wrong with Madam. Whether managing household affairs or attending banquets, she was always cheerful, at most fretting over which jewelry to wear.”

Lin Chengyou sensed something amiss. After Chen San’gu withdrew, Song Jian called in two of the younger Lady Jiang’s maids to answer questions. Their accounts matched Chen San’gu’s.

Seeing it was getting late, Lin Chengyou and Yan Shizhi took their leave. Passing the group of servants in the corridor, Lin Chengyou suddenly said to Song Jian: “We had hoped your household servants might provide crucial clues to help us capture the culprit sooner. Who knew they would be equally uninformed… They were your wife’s attendants and were present at the scene. The killer might fear exposure and strike again. This criminal is extremely brutal—they should take extra precautions until the culprit is caught.”

Chen San’gu squeezed into the crowd and shuddered at these words.

Song Jian personally escorted Lin Chengyou and Yan Shizhi out of the manor. When they reached a rockery, sudden commotion from servants mixed with children’s joyful laughter as two small figures ran toward them.

One, running too fast, bumped into Lin Chengyou’s knee. Song Jian’s brow furrowed as he reached to lift the child, but Lin Chengyou held the child’s shoulders and crouched down to look at both children. One boy, and one girl, about five or six years old, dressed in fine silk, both with lovely features. Knowing they were the twins born to Song Jian and the elder Lady Jiang, he smiled: “You must be Brother Song’s eldest son.”

Young Master Song, eager to throw himself into his father’s arms but finding himself held by Lin Chengyou, struggled to break free, twisting while complaining: “Let me go, I want my father.”

Song Jian sternly rebuked from the side: “How dare you—”

“It’s fine.” Lin Chengyou smiled, taking out a small package of plum candy from his robes. His sister Zhi loved these sweets, and he had bought a package while investigating in the West Market, intending to bring them back to the palace for her. Taking this opportunity, he offered the candy to the children, “My visit tonight was sudden, and I didn’t bring any gifts for my nephew and niece. These candies are quite good—share them with your sister.”

He patted young Song’s head as he spoke.

The siblings tilted their heads to look at Lin Chengyou, remembering this handsome youth with his warm smile whom they had seen before. Suddenly feeling at ease, they glanced at their father, and seeing no objection, politely thanked him and happily accepted the candy.

They then ran to Song Jian, hugging his legs: “Father, are you finished with your work? Take us to bed.”

The little girl also reached up to Song Jian: “Father, carry me.”

Caught off guard by his children’s embrace, Song Jian had no choice but to bend down and pick up his daughter while holding his son’s hand. He smiled wryly at Lin Chengyou: “My apologies for this display, Young Master Lin.”

After Lin Chengyou and Yan Shizhi left the manor, Yan Shizhi puzzled: “Children usually seek their mother before bed. The younger Lady Jiang was technically these children’s aunt—why don’t they mention their aunt now that she’s dead?”

Lin Chengyou mounted his horse, considering before saying: “Children don’t put on pretenses like adults. If they’re not seeking the younger Lady Jiang, either they’ve momentarily forgotten her, or they never liked her to begin with. Without attachment, naturally, they won’t miss or seek her out.”

Yan Shizhi continued: “During questioning, Chen San’gu clearly remembered something, yet she claimed ignorance. I wonder what concerns held her back.”

Lin Chengyou replied: “She was the younger Lady Jiang’s servant, spending more time with her daily than Song Jian did. She would know things about the younger Lady Jiang that others wouldn’t. Those words earlier should be enough to keep her worried all night. No rush—let her think it over. I bet by tomorrow morning, she’ll find a way to seek me out at the Court of Judicial Review.”

Yan Shizhi’s brow relaxed as he smiled and sighed: “Inspector Lin always has a plan. It’s quite late now, we still need to visit—”

Before he could finish, Lin Chengyou cracked his whip, and his horse shot forward like an arrow into the night.

“Of course, we must go—time waits for no one.”

***

At the Zheng Manor.

Hearing that Lin Chengyou had arrived, the head steward hurriedly came out to welcome him, personally serving tea with a pleasant expression: “Young Master Lin’s timing is unfortunate. The Master has been busy with both court affairs and arranging the eldest young master’s betrothal to Miss Wu. He’s caught a cold and cannot receive guests tonight.”

Lin Chengyou smiled, setting down his teacup: “As it happens, I know something about medicine. Why don’t I check Minister Zheng’s pulse? If that’s not enough, I can personally visit the Imperial Dispensary to find Imperial Physician Yu for him.”

As he spoke, he walked straight through the main hall toward the inner chambers.

The head steward panicked—if the young master wished, he could turn the Zheng Manor upside down at any moment.

He hurriedly followed, simultaneously signaling servants to notify Minister Zheng. Lin Chengyou paid no attention to the steward’s flustering, walking through the corridor with his hands behind his back as if no one else existed.

Yan Shizhi had barely taken a sip of tea when he saw this and had no choice but to lift his robes and follow.

At the outer study’s entrance, they saw Minister Zheng emerging from the courtyard.

Minister Zheng adjusted his clothes as he walked, appearing somewhat disheveled. Upon seeing Lin Chengyou, he coughed twice and said sternly: “What brings Young Master Lin here so late?”

Lin Chengyou respectfully bowed: “Pardon my abrupt visit, Minister Zheng. Please don’t take offense. Firstly, I came to pay my respects, and secondly, to inquire about a few matters. If you won’t let us in, we’ll have to discuss them here.”

Minister Zheng scrutinized Lin Chengyou, neither speaking nor moving. After a moment of standoff, he finally yielded with a heavy sigh, turning to lead the way inside: “Come in and speak.”

Once inside, Lin Chengyou remained characteristically casual, but Yan Shizhi couldn’t help feeling somewhat tense. Minister Zheng was not only a current minister of state but also a descendant of the prestigious Zheng clan of Xingyang. He had passed the imperial examinations in his youth, achieving the highest score in the nation, and was renowned for his literary works, with disciples spread throughout the realm.

Even past fifty, Minister Zheng maintained an upright posture, spoke with refined elegance, and carried himself with dignity. Having such a person seated before them naturally made others feel uncomfortable.

After the steward withdrew, Lin Chengyou went straight to the point: “There might be hidden circumstances behind Shu Liniang’s death. We’ve disturbed Minister Du so late to inquire if Shu Liniang showed any unusual behavior recently.”

Minister Zheng’s face reddened, and he instinctively glanced toward the corridor. Seeing that the steward had cleared away all the servants, ensuring these words wouldn’t reach his wife’s ears, he quickly feigned composure: “She…”

He couldn’t help clearing his throat, and after pondering for a while, a trace of sorrow gradually appeared on his face: “I didn’t notice anything unusual recently. Have you found new clues? Why do you ask this?”

Lin Chengyou glanced at Minister Zheng and decided to speak directly: “We now suspect the killer might have known Shu Liniang from before. I wanted to ask if Shu Liniang had any past grievances while in Huazhou, where she went this past month, and whom she might have encountered?”

Minister Zheng’s expression grew more serious: “Liniang had a gentle nature and I never heard of her having grievances with anyone. After becoming pregnant, she rarely went out. This past month, I’ve been busy with official duties and… rarely visited her. I only know she went to the Qujiang Pool for the Purification Festival on the third day of the third month to pray for blessings. She only said it was enjoyable when she returned, and I don’t think she went out after that.”

Lin Chengyou was unsatisfied with this answer and smiled: “Please think harder, sir.”

Minister Zheng nervously stroked his beard, pondering for a moment before suddenly saying: “Ah yes, one day when I was in Chun’an Lane, I heard Liniang complaining to the servants that her waist was growing thick and her dresses barely fit. She wasn’t satisfied with the fabric the tailor brought and wanted to go to the West Market to select better material for new clothes.”

Yan Shizhi started—the West Market.

Lin Chengyou asked: “Which shop? Did Shu Liniang go that day?”

Minister Zheng: “I didn’t ask afterward.”

“When was this?”

“Early in the month, around the time of the Purification Festival.”

It seemed they would need to question Shu Liniang’s servants again.

“Besides these places, did Shu Liniang go anywhere else, or mention seeing any old acquaintances?”

“This past month…” Minister Zheng pondered at length, “I really can’t remember anything else, except last month she mentioned some flowers blooming beautifully somewhere and seemed to want to go view them, though I don’t think she went as she never mentioned it again. As for acquaintances, Liniang had no old friends in Chang’an, only one cousin—the Administrative Assistant Shu of the Capital Prefecture—”

He paused, saying wistfully: “Liniang was gentle and honest by nature, she only came to seek refuge with Assistant Shu because her in-laws wouldn’t accept her.”

Lin Chengyou asked abruptly: “Did Minister Zheng verify this matter with Shu Liniang’s former in-laws? What caused the discord between her and them?”

Minister Zheng started: “This—”

He hadn’t verified.

After waiting a while with no further response, Lin Chengyou had to ask: “How did Minister Zheng meet Shu Liniang?”

Minister Zheng’s face showed some discomfort, and after a long while, he spoke: “Last Mid-Autumn Festival, I was in the palace accompanying His Majesty and the Empress for moon-viewing and drinking. After the gathering, I left the palace and saw the beautiful lanterns in the streets. Feeling stuffy, I got down from my carriage to walk through the market. At that time, Liniang was dressed as a page boy, accompanied by a maid, enjoying the lanterns. When she bumped into me, a book of poetry accidentally fell from her bosom. I picked it up and leafed through it, seeing it was full of beautiful verses. Upon asking, I learned they were written by this young lady herself…”

Lin Chengyou listened seriously—despite his age, Minister Zheng’s romantic sentiments were no less than a young man’s.

So it began with a Mid-Autumn Festival lantern meeting.

He thought for a moment and asked: “Besides that maid, did Shu Liniang have any other companions at the time?”

Minister Zheng shook his head.

“Not even the Shu family’s daughters?”

“Only Liniang and her maid.”

When Lin Chengyou and Yan Shizhi took their leave, Yan Shizhi was puzzled: “Strange, doesn’t Administrative Assistant Shu have any children? Since Shu Liniang was a Shu family relative, shouldn’t she have had some female cousins accompanying her to the lantern festival?”

Lin Chengyou was also pondering this. Either Administrative Assistant Shu had no unmarried daughters, or the Shu family didn’t particularly like Shu Liniang—though they took her in out of family obligation, they didn’t want their children associating with her. Or there might be other possibilities, but they’d only know by asking directly.

Suddenly, a man walked toward them, almost colliding with them. Upon recognizing Lin Chengyou, he quickly halted: “Young Master Lin.”

Lin Chengyou started: “Elder Young Master Zheng?”

Zheng Yanrang was cast from the same mold as Minister Zheng—tall, slim, fair-skinned, with a refined and romantic air.

Zheng Yanrang was somewhat distracted: “I was just at a friend’s banquet. When did Young Master Lin arrive?”

Yan Shizhi discreetly sniffed the air, detecting a subtle fragrance wafting from Elder Young Master Zheng’s clothes. Yan Shizhi himself didn’t use perfume, and while Lin Chengyou carried a subtle scent, his was cool and proper, unlike the romantic, lingering fragrance on Elder Young Master Zheng—clearly a woman’s perfume.

Yan Shizhi found this strange. Minister Zheng had never taken concubines and was strict in raising his children. It was said that Elder Young Master Zheng never visited courtesans, and with his betrothal approaching, one wondered where this fragrance came from. Ah, rumors couldn’t be trusted—Minister Zheng kept a separate residence for women, and the elder young master also—

Lin Chengyou had also noticed the scent but simply said: “I hear Elder Young Master Zheng’s happy occasion approach. Congratulations in advance.”

Zheng Yanrang paused, forcing a smile: “Thank you.”

He escorted Lin Chengyou and Yan Shizhi to the manor gate.

As Lin Chengyou was about to mount his horse, Zheng Yanrang suddenly said: “I heard at the banquet about the Rong’an Earl’s daughter-in-law. They say the killer only targets pregnant women. Has the culprit been caught?”

His expression was casual as if merely asking in passing.

Lin Chengyou looked at Zheng Yanrang for a moment before answering: “Oh, not yet.”

Zheng Yanrang nodded, standing by the horse to see them off.

Lin Chengyou had originally planned to visit the Shu residence, but seeing it was already the Hour of Zi, and considering what he’d learned tonight, he had enough to review the case. He escorted Yan Shizhi home before riding back to Prince Cheng’s manor.

***

Teng Yuyi had slept well the previous night. Since Du Tinglan was leaving the temple today, the sisters had risen early to pack.

Soon finished packing, Teng Yuyi was thinking of sending some treats to Juesheng and Qizhi when Venerable Mingxin arrived with several novice monks, saying a vegetarian meal was laid out in the Xixin Hall and inviting Teng Yuyi and Du Tinglan to dine.

Teng Yuyi had to abandon her thoughts of secretly eating meat in the temple. As the sisters left Libai Pavilion, they encountered Juesheng and Qizhi on the way, who ran over upon seeing Teng Yuyi: “Miss Teng…”

Teng Yuyi smiled: “I know, you were copying sutras last night.”

At least the food and wine hadn’t gone to waste—she had properly hosted Lin Chengyou.

Juesheng and Qizhi nodded vigorously; they had wanted to come, but their senior brother had adamantly prevented them.

“Did you stay in the east wing last night?” Teng Yuyi asked.

Juesheng and Qizhi shook their heads: “We stayed in the sutra library last night. After finishing copying, we learned several ladies had temporarily moved into the east wing, so we had to move our belongings to the quiet room in the sutra library.”

As they spoke, they saw several young ladies emerging from that direction. Juesheng and Qizhi looked up, their expressions turning strange.

Du Tinglan and Teng Yuyi exchanged glances: “What’s wrong?”

Juesheng lowered his voice: “Last night when Qizhi and I went to the east wing to get our belongings, we saw a lady going alone toward the peach grove in the back. It was almost midnight, and we didn’t know whom she was meeting. We were worried something might happen, so we waited there. Shortly after, we saw the lady return safely.”

Teng Yuyi coughed and also lowered her voice: “Who was it?”

Juesheng and Qizhi scratched their heads: “It was midnight, and the lady was wrapped in a large cloak. We couldn’t see clearly who it was.”

Just then, two more novice monks came to relay a message: “Several guests have arrived at the front. Two patrons surnamed Du wish to see Patron Teng, and Master Jingchen from the Yuzhen Daoist Temple has also arrived asking for Patron Teng.”

Du Tinglan and Teng Yuyi exchanged glances, smiling: “Could it be Mother and Shaotang coming to visit Yuyi?”

Teng Yuyi was naturally pleased and, after thinking for a moment, showed a delighted expression: “Could Master Jingchen have found my pearl hair ornament?”

Eager to see both her aunt and cousin, and to ask Master Jingchen about the ornament’s whereabouts, she didn’t even wait for breakfast before heading to the front courtyard.

On the way, they encountered the Peng sisters, Li Huaigu, and Duan Qingying.

Strangely, they hadn’t gone for breakfast either and seemed to be heading to the front courtyard as well.

The Peng sisters took the initiative to greet them: “Miss Teng, Miss Du.”

Teng Yuyi and Du Tinglan returned the greeting with smiles. Li Huaigu appeared to have had a poor night’s sleep, her complexion not as good as usual, though her manner remained characteristically gentle. She looked carefully at Teng Yuyi and greeted them with a smile: “Yuyi, Sister Lan.”

Seeing Monk Mingxin, Juesheng, and Qizhi respectfully asked: “Where is the Abbot now? We’d like to pay our respects.”

Mingxin said: “Prince Chun’an personally brought several sutras to the temple. The Abbot is receiving the Prince in the meditation chamber.”

Juesheng and Qizhi said cheerfully: “There are certainly many visitors to the temple this early morning.”