Lin Chengyou remained in the Treasure Pavilion for a full hour before emerging.

He wrote and discarded the letter multiple times, but ultimately never sent it.

Once the seed of doubt takes root in one’s heart, it seems no amount of rationalization can dispel it.

He was now deeply confused, even somewhat bewildered.

Earlier, Juesheng and Qizhi’s questions had left him speechless.

Not only did he remember what clothes Teng Yuyi wore that morning, he could even recall precisely what she had worn in the previous days.

Like that time at the Yuzhen Daoist Temple – though the light was dim in the underground palace, he had seen her wearing a moon-white single-layer silk gauze dress with lotus patterns. When she moved, the lotus buds on the dress swayed gracefully, reminding him of lotus flowers dancing on summer waters.

Then there was that evening at Leibai Pavilion when she worried about her dream of his assassination and specially prepared a feast for him. If he remembered correctly, she wore a scarlet ensemble that night.

Two nights ago, when he went to seek information about Lady Jiang’s case, Teng Yuyi wore a smoky purple dress with matching pearl hairpins.

Even after several days, every detail of Teng Yuyi’s attire remained crystal clear in his mind… He shook his head trying to clear his thoughts, but suddenly remembered teaching her lightness skills that night.

He couldn’t fathom his reasoning – there were countless ways to repay a favor, yet he chose to teach Teng Yuyi lightness skills, spending one or two hours until she grasped the basics.

Thinking back, except for Azhi, Ashuang, and his two junior disciples, he had never been so patient.

No, it wasn’t just about teaching lightness skills recently. Looking back, he had been particularly patient with Teng Yuyi at Ledao Manor as well.

Knowing her sword needed a bath, he rushed back to his room to bathe despite his irritation.

Seeing she liked the Flame Steed, he found ways to gift it to her.

Even knowing “Little Ya’s predictions” were false, he patiently listened to her lies…

He suddenly froze – wait, had he fallen for Teng Yuyi even before she fell for him?

He fell silent, realizing it seemed to be true.

Like earlier, though Juesheng and Qizhi were annoying, they weren’t wrong. He had indeed stopped when hearing the Teng family sent gifts to the temple, and he had genuinely been happy about Teng Yuyi’s bone-transforming wine.

Would he have been this happy if someone else had sent the gift?

He remained silent, knowing he wouldn’t. He probably wouldn’t have even bothered to look at it.

What made him happy wasn’t the two jars of fine wine, but the person who sent them.

As his thoughts grew more chaotic, he decided to leave the room and stand in the corridor, hoping a change of scenery might help clear his mind.

Spring rain continued falling, bringing a coolness to the air. The fine misty droplets silently sprinkled on his face, slightly calming the burning sensation in his heart.

By now, he had mostly sorted through his confused thoughts. He was certain the love poison was fake – he had likely fallen for Teng Yuyi long ago.

So when exactly did he fall for her?

He couldn’t remember; it seemed like an unsolvable puzzle.

Then what exactly did he like about Teng Yuyi?

This he knew clearly – he seemed to like everything about her.

For instance, just thinking about her smile made his heart feel as refreshed as sweet spring water flowing through it. Her stubborn protectiveness of her people was ineffably endearing, and even her angry outbursts and scheming ways were interesting to him.

In all his years, he had never met a young lady more fascinating than Teng Yuyi.

Well, so what if he liked Teng Yuyi? There was nothing wrong with admitting it.

Besides, they were now mutually attracted. This morning, as soon as she settled in, she hurried to send him gifts. Last night, seeing him in danger, she didn’t hesitate to send Duan Fu to help.

She liked him – this was an undeniable fact.

Thinking of the two jars of fine wine in the brocade box, the smile in his heart reached his eyes.

Then he wondered if he should send something even more precious in return.

What do young ladies like… treasures? Jewelry?

Aunt would probably know about this, but first, he needed to return to the Grand Court of Justice.

Having made up his mind, Lin Chengyou looked up at the sky, startled to find it was getting late. He descended the steps and walked outward. Passing a peach tree, he had already walked past when he suddenly stepped back, smiling as he gazed at the treetop. He lifted his robes and leaped up, found a branch with peaches, casually broke it off, and jumped down. The action was completely inexplicable, but it seemed the only way to release that light, warm energy within him.

Along the way, not only did his hands accumulate various random branches, but he had also worked up quite a sweat. Only after this release did the inexplicable excitement in his body somewhat subside.

Returning to the main hall, he found Juesheng and Qizhi absent, presumably having gone to the kitchen to make Three Purities Cake. Lin Chengyou ate something quickly, then rode his horse toward the Grand Court of Justice.

***

The bodies of Song Jian and Abbess Jingchen were kept in the examination room of the Grand Court of Justice.

The coroner had examined the bodies this morning.

The poisoned arrow that killed Song Jian and the poison pill taken by Abbess Jingchen were different poisons, but coincidentally, both needed to be freshly prepared, and both required ingredients purchased from Brahmin merchants, just like Tianshui Shiluo.

Looking at the bodies of Shu Wenliang’s family of three, they had taken common hemlock that could be bought in any market.

Magistrate Yan sighed in amazement: “This Moon-Scattered Immortal truly exhausted all possibilities. To frame the entire case on Shu Wenliang, they didn’t miss a single detail.”

Lin Chengyou gazed at Shu Wenliang’s body, but his mind wandered to another matter. If this person wasn’t Scholar Wenqing but the real Shu Wenliang, had Abbess Jingchen chosen him merely because he was Shu Liangniang’s relative?

Had Abbess Jingchen first targeted Shu Liangniang who had done evil deeds, then coincidentally discovered Shu Wenliang was similarly short in stature, feeling he would make a perfect scapegoat, leading to the subsequent plot?

Magistrate Yan’s voice reached his ears again: “By the way, Minister Zheng visited this morning, seemingly shocked to hear that Shu Liangniang had harmed her sister-in-law in her hometown. He asked me how could we determine the truth of this matter based solely on Abbess Jingchen’s word. I had to honestly tell Minister Zheng that we searched the Yuzhen Daoist Temple all night but couldn’t find the register recording these victims’ evil deeds. It seems Abbess Jingchen, to avoid leaving traces, only eavesdropped from the side. Therefore, whether Lady Bai and Shu Liangniang committed these crimes still needs careful investigation. I didn’t have the heart to tell the old gentleman that Shu Liangniang’s discord with her in-laws was true, her being chosen as a target by Abbess Jingchen was also true. Among so many pregnant women in Chang’an and Tongzhou, it took Abbess Jingchen so long to choose just three, showing she carefully considered before acting. From this point, Shu Liangniang probably—”

At this point, Magistrate Yan smiled bitterly: “Minister Zheng certainly cares deeply about this concubine of his.”

Lin Chengyou’s eye twitched – right, how could he have forgotten about Minister Zheng? Shu Liangniang came to seek refuge with Shu Wenliang last July and met Minister Zheng on Mid-Autumn night. She had bumped into Minister Zheng’s embrace while carrying a poetry book, seeming pre-arranged, but how could a common citizen know the Chancellor’s whereabouts that night?

Could all this have been arranged by Shu Wenliang?

It was possible – as an official in the Capital Prefecture, it wouldn’t have been difficult for Shu Wenliang to learn Minister Zheng’s movements.

Looking at Shu Wenliang’s earlier experiences in Huazhou, he had severed ties with his cousin and cousin-in-law long ago, yet when Shu Liangniang fled to Chang’an because she couldn’t stay with her in-laws, Shu Wenliang took her in despite past grievances.

Thinking about it now, perhaps Shu Wenliang saw that this niece was not only beautiful but also quite versed in poetry, knowing Minister Zheng would fancy such a woman. He then deliberately took in Shu Liangniang, arranged the encounter, and naturally delivered her to Minister Zheng.

It seemed this “moonlit encounter” was arranged very successfully, which was why Shu Liangniang managed to catch Minister Zheng’s attention just one month after arriving in Chang’an.

Lin Chengyou thought darkly, would a minor Capital Prefecture official use a woman to connect with a Chancellor just for promotion? Could there be other motives?

This thought brought back his earlier suspicion – Shu Wenliang had previously served as an adviser under Peng Zhen in Huaixi Circuit, and it was through Peng Zhen’s recommendation that he entered the Capital Prefecture.

Looking at it this way, could Shu Wenliang’s use of his niece to connect with Minister Zheng have been under Peng Zhen’s instructions?

As a Military Governor, if Peng Zhen directly sent women to Minister Zheng, anyone could see his ulterior motives. But arranging women through his subordinates was much more subtle and clever…

After careful consideration, Lin Chengyou turned to look at Moon Scattered Immortal’s body. So when she and her backers chose Shu Wenliang as a scapegoat, it wasn’t just because he had a pregnant niece who had done evil deeds, nor was it because Shu Wenliang was short in stature.

Perhaps the real reason was to deal with Peng Zhen behind Shu Wenliang.

But… this point confused him. Moon Scattered Immortal was bent on harming the Emperor – what benefit would dealing with Peng Zhen bring?

After all, Peng Zhen was the Military Governor of Huaixi, commanding an army of 100,000 with strict discipline, outwardly loyal to the court with impeccable conduct. Rashly confronting such a powerful vassal trusted by the court would only bring enormous trouble.

Yet Moon Scattered Immortal not only uncovered Peng Zhen’s secret arrangement of sending women to the Chancellor but also leveraged this inconspicuous “pawn” Shu Wenliang as a scapegoat.

What was the significance of doing this?

With Shu Wenliang’s death, Peng Zhen would surely know, and given his thunderous methods, he wouldn’t allow anyone to plot against him like this.

Yet Abbess Jingchen still did it.

Thinking it through, Lin Chengyou’s heart suddenly jumped – could they have done this to make the court investigate the trial of Shu Wenliang?

Only by investigating would the court discover Peng Zhen’s plot to secretly win over court officials, and if Peng Zhen truly harbored treasonous intentions, knowing the court was secretly investigating him, he certainly wouldn’t sit idle.

Lin Chengyou’s expression darkened. So Abbess Jingchen and her backers did this… to force Peng Zhen into rebellion?

Suddenly he heard Magistrate Yan speaking with another yamen runner: “Young Master Song’s body has been examined. It should be sent to Qingyun Temple later.”

Lin Chengyou came back to his senses. With matters at the Grand Court of Justice concluded, he needed to enter the palace immediately – not only to report this case to his uncle but also to discuss helping Zhenniang’s soul-summoning with his imperial uncle.

He walked to Song Jian’s body. Song Jian’s face was peaceful, but his eyes remained open.

Lin Chengyou stood in silence for a long while, trying to close Song Jian’s eyes, but after several attempts failed. It seemed that without Zhenniang’s soul returning, Song Jian couldn’t let go of his final obsession.

Magistrate Yan stood quietly beside him for a moment before sighing: “How unpredictable life is – such a loving couple, to meet such an end.”

***

Teng Yuyi practiced sword in the courtyard until finally, Program Bei returned with news.

Program Bei said Qingyun Temple had accepted the pastries and wine when they heard it was sent by General Teng.

Teng Yuyi felt relieved.

Those two jars of bone-transforming wine were treasures she had cherished for a long time. If she hadn’t wanted to properly express her gratitude to Lin Chengyou, she wouldn’t have been willing to part with them.

If Lin Chengyou didn’t appreciate even these, she would be at a loss, as she couldn’t find anything better.

“How is the purple jade saddle coming along? The Crown Prince’s birthday is on the seventh,” Teng Yuyi asked Program Bei while busy learning swordplay from Duan Fu.

Program Bei’s eyes flickered – since the young miss returned from Dayin Temple, she had been sending wine and rushing the purple jade saddle for the Crown Prince. Could it be…

Come to think of it, the young miss was of marriageable age now and had been in frequent contact with the Crown Prince lately while avoiding disaster. Given the Crown Prince’s fine appearance, it wouldn’t be surprising if she developed feelings.

Ah, he needed to inform the master about these matters quickly.

“Program Bei?” Teng Yuyi waited a while without a response, finding it strange that even Program Bei could be lost in thought.

Program Bei smiled wryly: “We’re hurrying it. It’s already done, and the craftsmen will deliver it to the mansion today. Young Miss can inspect it personally then. If any changes are needed, we can order them immediately. Don’t worry, it will be ready before the seventh.”

Teng Yuyi nodded with satisfaction: “That’s more like it.”

Program Bei also told Teng Yuyi news he had just learned this morning: “I hear the court will reopen the Xiangxiang Academy this month. The list is almost finalized, and young miss’s name is included.”

Teng Yuyi’s movements froze as she quickly sheathed her Little Ya sword: “Does Father know about this?”

Program Bei: “The master knows.”

Teng Yuyi said angrily: “Is father planning to let the court arrange my marriage?”

Program Bei blinked – perhaps he had overthought things. From this reaction, it seemed the young miss hadn’t considered marrying the Crown Prince.

“The master initially wanted to refuse this matter, but after being summoned to the palace by His Majesty earlier, he changed his mind. This is, after all, a means of mutual restraint between the court and various military governors. The master, as a military governor himself, likely had no choice.”

Teng Yuyi snorted coldly: “No need to say more. I’ll ask father myself later.”

Program Bei, fearing another argument between father and daughter, quickly said: “Young miss needn’t worry too much. His Majesty and the Empress are known for their kindness. Even for arranged marriages, they would first seek both parties’ opinions. Consider this opportunity at the academy as a chance to make friends with compatible young ladies. Besides, young Miss has already broken off the engagement with Young Commander Duan… Not all noble sons in the capital are dandies. For instance, the Prince of Chun’an, the several young masters of Vice Minister Wu’s family… oh right, and the Crown Prince – all of them are refined and accomplished.”

When mentioning the Crown Prince, Program Bei deliberately emphasized his words while secretly observing Teng Yuyi’s expression.

Teng Yuyi was still considering how to discuss this matter with her father when she happened to glance back, asking suspiciously: “Program Bei, why are you acting so strange today?”

Program Bei hastily withdrew his gaze. Now she didn’t seem to have feelings for the Crown Prince either, or she would have shown some shyness.

Thinking about it, it made sense. Whenever the young miss mentioned the Crown Prince, she was always candid, showing no signs of admiration, but rather treating him as a great benefactor. This wasn’t surprising – when the young miss cared for someone, she would give her heart and soul.

Though his suspicions were dispelled, new worries arose. The young miss sending such precious gifts to the Crown Prince – what he feared most was misunderstandings arising from the Crown Prince’s side. Both the master and young miss were reluctant to form marriage ties with the royal family, and Lin Chengyou was a genuine royal family member. If things progressed…

No, he still needed to inform the master about this matter.

Teng Yuyi glanced sideways at Program Bei: “Program Bei, you seem quite distracted today. Alright, go about your business. If Father returns, tell me no matter how late it is.”

“Yes.”

However, several days passed without Teng Shao returning to the mansion. Whenever she asked Program Bei, he only said the master was busy with military affairs. Fortunately, the official opening of Xiangxiang Academy was still far off, and the court had yet to formally announce the student list. Though Teng Yuyi was unwilling, she could only wait and see.

Before she knew it, the sixth day arrived. Program Bei presented the finished purple jade saddle for Teng Yuyi’s inspection. She circled it several times, expressing her satisfaction.

“Put it away. I’ll personally deliver it to the Crown Prince’s mansion tomorrow,” Teng Yuyi said. “By the way, did you find out who else will be going to the Crown Prince’s mansion tomorrow?”

“Too many people, both officials and commoners. Look, young miss, the guest register alone is several thick volumes.”

So many people? The gifts must be numerous too. Would her purple jade saddle be lost among a sea of treasures?

It seemed she needed to think of a strategy in advance.

Teng Yuyi walked slowly: “Very well, let’s pick up aunt and cousin from the Du mansion early tomorrow. Oh right, Program Bei, help me send a letter to the young Daoist at Qingyun Temple. Also, will the women from General Li Guangyuan’s family be attending?”

Program Bei was startled. Li Guangyuan had been the master’s deputy commander years ago, and after achieving great merit, had received consecutive promotions, now also a prominent military governor.

“Why does young Miss suddenly ask about General Li?”

Teng Yuyi: “Don’t ask so much, just check if they’re in the register first.”

Program Bei flipped through the register for quite a while: “Yes, General Li and his family members will attend.”

Teng Yuyi paused, then nodded: “I see.”

After Program Bei withdrew, Teng Yuyi pondered puzzledly for a while, then tapped her sword hilt: “Little Ya, come out. I want to ask you something.”

These past few days, Little Ya did nothing but eat and sleep. Today was no exception. Teng Yuyi had to tap several times before he lazily emerged: “What is it now?”

Teng Yuyi sat down thoughtfully: “There are some things I can’t remember clearly anymore, but someone always makes me wonder. Hey, old man, besides me, does anyone else remember things from their previous life?”

***

Lin Chengyou was dragged to the Prince of Chun’an’s mansion early in the morning by the Crown Prince. Bamboo screens hung from the corridors, with blue and purple cases arranged beneath. The three relatives sat on cushioned mats, chatting and drinking tea.

Outside the screens, bamboo swayed gracefully like a painting. The courtyard was lush with flower shadows, filled with pure fragrance. Facing such beautiful scenery, even the heaviest worries seemed to be cleansed away.

The Crown Prince used a silver strainer to scoop some tea, personally serving Lin Chengyou a cup, smiling: “Here, have some of the uncle’s personally brewed tea to relieve your fatigue. You haven’t rested since solving the case. Tomorrow’s your birthday, so stop talking about the case.”

Lin Chengyou: “Don’t worry, I won’t mention it today.”

The Crown Prince said: “Xiangxiang Academy will open soon. Yesterday, Mother told an amusing story about young ladies in Chang’an who are unwilling to marry into the royal family, all busy lately discussing marriages or sending tokens to their chosen ones.”

Lin Chengyou’s thoughts had already wandered elsewhere. Hearing this, he didn’t respond but absently asked: “By the way, isn’t Zhaixing Tower the best jewelry shop in Chang’an?”

The Prince of Chun’an showed slight surprise: “Why do you suddenly ask about this?”

Lin Chengyou made a sound: “Just asking for someone.”

Though he had grown up surrounded by precious jewels, he had never personally bought jewelry. His mother’s and Azhi’s jewelry were either custom-made by the palace or purchased by the household.

Speaking of Zhaixing Tower, he had visited several times before, but always for investigations. Perhaps besides this famous shop, Chang’an had even better jewelry stores. Afraid of going to the wrong place, he wanted to ask around.

The Crown Prince thought carefully, then shook his head: “You’d have to ask Uncle about this. I’ve never bought jewelry from the markets either.”

Just then, the steward passed through the courtyard with servants carrying various items. The Prince of Chun’an beckoned to the steward: “Come here. How is Zhaixing Tower?”

The steward bowed outside the railing and answered: “It should be the finest in Chang’an, with prices much higher than elsewhere. The name ‘Zhaixing’ (Star-plucking) implies they gather treasures from all under heaven.”

The name was quite good. Lin Chengyou pondered this, then smiled: “I see.” Teng Yuyi probably wouldn’t care for other things, and since this was the best shop, that settled it.

The Crown Prince looked at Lin Chengyou curiously: “Who are you asking for?”

“A colleague,” Lin Chengyou said vaguely.

The Crown Prince was about to inquire further when a maidservant behind the steward suddenly dropped a box from her bosom.

Lin Chengyou happened to glance over, and his smile froze.

The brocade box was identical to the one sent to Qingyun Temple. Looking at the maid’s feet, about half the contents had spilled out – they were pastries.

The steward scolded the maid a few times, then turned to apologize to the princes: “The servant was careless and disturbed your highnesses.”

Lin Chengyou’s heart filled with doubt. After a moment’s pause, he casually smiled and asked: “What are all those things?”

The steward smiled: “They’re all gifts sent by young ladies who admire his highness – pastries, sachets, and some items whose origins we couldn’t trace, so we couldn’t even return them.”

Lin Chengyou’s heart began racing. He suddenly turned and smiled: “Uncle, those pastries are already spilled. It would be a waste to throw them away. Why don’t we have them brought over for us?”

The Crown Prince also beckoned to the steward: “Bring them here. Father hates when we waste food.”

The steward brought over the brocade box, and Lin Chengyou’s expression changed upon seeing its contents – the box was neatly packed with over twenty pastries, white and soft, decorated with delicate white pear blossom petals, as exquisite as could be.