In the Shicui Hall of the Grand Ming Palace, joy permeated the atmosphere. The Empress and the Imperial Kitchen had spent several days preparing for this family feast. Considering that Daoist Master Qingxu’s teeth weren’t as strong as the younger generation’s, the table was laid almost entirely with soft and light vegetarian dishes.

The dining tables were arranged in the outer hall. His Majesty and the Empress sat at the head, while Daoist Master Qingxu occupied the first position on the east side. The Crown Prince, Lin Chengyou, Prince of Chun’an, Chang Yi, A’Zhi, and other younger members were seated according to their age order.

This was an intimate family feast without outsiders—not even palace servants were present. The atmosphere was relaxed and harmonious, making for a thoroughly enjoyable meal.

After the meal, the hall remained warm with activity. Chang Yi and A’Zhi surrounded Master Qingxu, playfully tugging at his beard while pestering their grandmother to tell them stories.

Though Master Qingxu was typically stern, he had a particular fondness for children. The wrinkles on his face creased with joy as he looked at their chubby, rosy faces.

The Crown Prince, who regarded Master Qingxu as close as his flesh and blood, personally served him tea before sitting beside him, eagerly asking various questions.

The Emperor, preoccupied with the Haoyue Hermit case, summoned Lin Chengyou to the inner sleeping chamber after the meal for a private discussion.

Lin Chengyou detailed all the current leads they had gathered.

“Before his death, Song Jian mentioned witnessing Haoyue Hermit entertaining a guest in her chamber, though the person had left before he could enter. In recent days, my colleagues at the Court of Judicial Review discovered that during the past decade, while Haoyue Hermit was impersonating Master Jingchen, she had secretly dug a tunnel from her chambers leading outside the ward. If Song Jian’s account is accurate about that person being Haoyue Hermit’s true master, it seems they conducted their business through this secret passage.”

The Emperor nodded. “Regarding the identity of this behind-the-scenes master, do you have any leads?”

Lin Chengyou replied: “We currently have three leads. That night, the black-robed figures sacrificed thirty-three lives trying to seize Haoyue Hermit’s soul, suggesting a deep bond between the master and Haoyue Hermit. Based on this, I suspect Wenqing Hermit is still alive. Not only were they master and disciple siblings, but they shared a common desire for revenge. Wenqing Hermit may be the true mastermind or at least a powerful assistant to the real master. Of course, there’s an opposite theory: this matter has nothing to do with Wenqing Hermit, and the master himself has a personal connection with Haoyue Hermit. If this theory holds, then Wenqing Hermit might be serving under another master entirely.

“Besides these two major leads, Haoyue Hermit left another significant oversight—the fake Madam E at Caifeng House. In my view, while Haoyue Hermit and Wenqing Hermit learned most of Qiankun Hermit’s skills, their abilities weren’t fully mastered, leading to repeated mishaps when controlling major evil spirits. For instance, when Naizhong manifested at the Yuzhen Taoist Nunnery, even Haoyue Hermit herself hadn’t anticipated it. A black-robed figure sneaked into the nunnery that day, presumably to warn Haoyue Hermit to prepare.”

At this point, Lin Chengyou suddenly recalled that Teng Yu’yi had also dreamed of a black-robed figure who would harm her, wondering if this was too much of a coincidence.

After a moment’s pause, he continued: “It wasn’t just Naizhong—Haoyue Hermit struggled to control the Twin Evils as well. The Twin Evils emerged earlier than they had anticipated. I once suspected Peng Yugui was helping conceal the demonic aura in the house, but my investigation revealed that Peng Yugui didn’t even know about the great evil sealed in the back courtyard. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have used the Seven-pointed Guiding Seal at the formation’s focal point to torment the ghosts of the Tian couple, leaving behind crucial evidence that led to solving the case.

“The fake Madam E at Caifeng House is different. She’s a long-time resident of Pingkang Ward who voluntarily mentioned the craftsmen damaging the foundation to clear her suspicions. The night we confronted the Twin Evils in the front building, she also went there under the pretense of helping us, but who knows if she wasn’t secretly assisting the Corpse Evil and the Golden-robed Young Master. Later, when the Golden-robed Young Master failed, she feared it would reveal who had helped them emerge, and in her panic, showed her true colors. Unfortunately, despite having people monitor her all this time, she hasn’t revealed her hand. I believe she must be an important piece planted in Pingkang Ward by Haoyue Hermit’s group, one they won’t use until necessary.”

The Emperor looked at his nephew with approval. In just a few words, he had connected several major cases. After some thought, he suddenly asked, “What about Zhuang Mu in prison? He’s short in stature and a key witness in this case. Could he be Wenqing Hermit, deliberately creating this scenario with Haoyue Hermit to mislead us?”

Lin Chengyou replied, “I considered that possibility, but Zhuang Mu is of foreign descent. I carefully examined his eyes—they were light brown, almost golden. No matter how skilled one is at disguise, they can’t change their eye color. Wenqing Hermit is distinctly of Central Plains origin, so this alone proves Zhuang Mu isn’t Wenqing Hermit. However, regarding Zhuang Mu’s behind-the-scenes master, I do have some theories, though I lack crucial evidence—it’s all speculation at this point.”

The Emperor said, “No matter. Share your theories with your uncle.”

Lin Chengyou pondered for a moment, then smiled, “I’ll make some guesses, Uncle, please forgive me if I’m wrong. Let’s start with these cases of murdering women for their unborn children. While the victims seem unconnected, interestingly, several key figures related to the victims hold positions in various important departments.

“Victim Young Lady Jiang’s husband, Song Jian, served in the Northern Palace Guard.

“Victim Shu Liniang’s cousin, Shu Wenling, worked in the Capital Prefecture.

“Shu Liniang was also the kept woman in Minister Zheng’s private residence—Minister Zheng being the current Prime Minister.”

The Emperor’s expression grew serious. The Northern Palace Guard, Capital Prefecture, and Prime Minister respectively represented palace security, metropolitan administration, and court affairs.

Could this be a mere coincidence?

Lin Chengyou continued: “Let me elaborate on Song Jian.

“Song Jian and Jiang Zhenniang came from vastly different social backgrounds. Initially, my lord’s father and lady mother strongly opposed the marriage. Coincidentally, Lady Peng, wife of Huaixi Military Commissioner Peng Zhen, was in the capital with her husband and specifically visited my father and mother about this matter. She explained that Jiang Zhenniang’s mother had once saved her life, making Jiang Zhenniang her niece. It was Lady Peng’s vouching that convinced my parents to consider Jiang Zhenniang, and after meeting her, they finally agreed to the marriage. Thus, Lady Peng deserves great credit for Song Jian’s marriage to Jiang Zhenniang. While this was handled very discreetly, I suspect Song Jian would never refuse if the Peng family needed his help, given this debt of gratitude for matchmaking.

“As for Shu Wenling, after failing the imperial examinations, he became an advisor under General Peng in Huaixi. Shortly after returning to the capital, Shu Wenling was appointed to the Capital Prefecture on General Peng’s recommendation. Not long after, he presented his beautiful hometown niece, Shu Liniang, to Minister Zheng…”

Lin Chengyou went on to explain how Minister Zheng had “coincidentally” met Shu Liniang at the Mid-Autumn Festival.

“Thus, the Northern Palace Guard, Capital Prefecture, and even a court minister all became connected to the Peng family.”

The Emperor sat stunned for a while before slowly settling onto the gold-lacquered couch: “Good child, continue.”

“Besides these three in the court, Zhuang Mu’s role in this case is also crucial. He deliberately sold those silver weapons commonly used by the black-robed figures in the Western Market, likely trying to draw out their master, but instead aroused the suspicion of Haoyue Hermit’s group.

“Haoyue first framed Zhuang Mu, then falsely accused Shu Wenling of being Wenqing Hermit. This was done to target the masters behind these two. Given Shu Wenling’s background and his actions after returning to Chang’an, if he truly has a master, it’s most likely General Peng. If Zhuang Mu and Shu Wenling are connected, then Zhuang Mu’s master becomes easy to guess—one placed in the Capital Prefecture, the other in the bustling Western Market.”

The Emperor was deeply shocked. These matters had been handled with such secrecy that if Young Lady Jiang’s case hadn’t been accidentally witnessed, even with the Peng family having planted numerous people in various Chang’an offices and wards, it would have been difficult for the court to become suspicious in such a short time.

Could someone be framing Peng Zhen? He quickly dismissed this thought—the matter of arranging Song Jian’s marriage was personally handled by Lady Peng and Shu Wenling’s years as an advisor in Huaixi weren’t enough to qualify him for the Capital Prefecture position. His immediate appointment upon returning to the capital must have involved Peng Zhen’s behind-the-scenes influence.

“I’ll have Director Yan’s case files sent to the palace for your review shortly,” Lin Chengyou said. “In our investigation so far, the cunning of Haoyue Hermit’s master has exceeded my expectations.”

The Emperor was moved: “Oh? Please elaborate.”

“This person pushed Zhuang Mu and Shu Wenling before the Court of Judicial Review, wanting us to investigate further. If we discover that Peng Zhen truly harbors rebellious intentions, the court’s actions cannot be hidden from the Peng family, and they will surely retaliate when the court makes its move.

“If Peng Zhen has no rebellious intentions, such covert investigations by the court will undoubtedly create a rift between the Peng family and the court. So regardless of what the court does next, this will plant seeds of future trouble. In all my cases at the Court of Judicial Review, I’ve never encountered someone with such calculating schemes.”

The Emperor remained silent for a long while before nodding: “So after successfully using Zhuang Mu’s ‘escape’ to draw out Song Jian, you’ve kept Zhuang Mu in prison, knowing that moving him would mean falling into their trap?”

“Yes,” Lin Chengyou said. “I can use Zhuang Mu to set a trap and ensure it forces the Peng family to show their hand, but we shouldn’t expect any moves from Haoyue Hermit’s master. Whether the Peng family chooses to rebel or takes other covert actions, it will only result in a game of chess between the court and the Peng family. Haoyue Hermit’s faction can observe the tiger fight from the mountain without lifting a finger. I believe that rather than rushing to force the Peng family’s hand, we should first investigate who exactly is behind Haoyue Hermit.”

The Emperor couldn’t help but pace as he slowly organized his thoughts. Finally, he said gravely: “Good child, you’ve thought this through thoroughly. If this matter truly involves the Peng family, the reason isn’t hard to guess. In recent years, the court has repeatedly suppressed regional military powers to strengthen central authority. The Peng father and son likely resisted surrendering their military power to the court, hence their rebellious intentions. Huaixi Command now has over a hundred thousand troops and mutual support with Shannan East and Ziqing. If they’ve secretly placed forces in Chang’an as well, once they raise the banner of rebellion, it would take the court at least two or three years to suppress it.

“The other mastermind’s eagerness to force the Peng family into rebellion suggests they too have ulterior motives. Once the court engages in war with Huaixi Command, this person might seize the opportunity to usurp power. With the capital’s forces depleted, their chances of success would greatly increase. So your concerns are valid—rather than rushing to deal with the obvious threat of the Peng family, we should first expose the hidden player. However, if Zhuang Mu is indeed the Peng family’s piece, keeping him in the Court of Judicial Review’s prison will surely keep them anxious. Your uncle thinks that even if we don’t use Zhuang Mu in a trap, we should quickly find an excuse to release him from prison.”

Lin Chengyou earnestly replied: “That’s exactly what I was thinking—”

He then explained his plan to arrange Zhuang Mu’s “release” in a natural manner.

Uncle and nephew carefully discussed their next moves. When they had mostly settled on a plan, they heard Chang Yi and A’Zhi’s giggles from outside. The Emperor then remembered his master had something to tell him, and gently said to Lin Chengyou: “Let’s leave it at that for now. Let’s go find your grandmother.”

Soon they found Master Qingxu by the fish pond outside. The Emperor went over to support his master’s arm: “You wanted to speak with Ahan?”

Master Qingxu glanced sideways at Lin Chengyou: “Let’s talk inside.”

Lin Chengyou stroked his chin, wondering if his grandmother was going to discuss his matter with his uncle. Suddenly, he heard the Empress calling from the pavilion: “A’Da, come here, your aunt has something to ask you.”

Meanwhile, the Emperor supported Master Qingxu into the inner hall, waving once again to dismiss the palace servants: “Is this about You’er? Yesterday when you sent word that this child had found a young lady he admired, I was elated half the night, but this morning when I visited the temple, I saw the Gu insect mark on his neck hasn’t faded.”

Master Qingxu’s expression grew solemn: “That’s why this matter is strange. Do you remember the evil cultivator who created this Loveless Gu a hundred years ago was called Buzheng Hermit?”

Ahan nodded: “That name probably comes from ‘the virtue of non-contention.'”

Master Qingxu snorted coldly: “Named for ‘non-contention,’ yet all he did was commit vile acts that harmed others. Much of Qiankun Hermit’s despicable skills from the Wuji Sect were inherited from Buzheng Hermit’s lineage. That scoundrel created this curse talisman because he couldn’t have the woman he desired, and wrote it into a secret manual so future generations would suffer from matters of the heart just as he did. Since You’er was afflicted by the Gu, he’s had annual headaches, but upon reaching the age of understanding, he still developed feelings for a young lady. Since learning that this child has fallen for Miss Teng, these past few days I’ve felt both joy and worry—joy that even the strongest Gu arts cannot suppress one’s heart, worry that the Gu insect remains in his body. As long as the Gu isn’t removed, we cannot predict what might happen. This year is again this child’s trial of love, ah—”

Ahan: “Are you worried this child will suffer greatly?”

Master Qingxu: “Buzheng Hermit was utterly without virtue. Your master fears this Gu poison isn’t so simple.”

Ahan thought for a moment, then said optimistically: “I feel you needn’t worry too much. Didn’t you divine his fortune? This child will have a smooth life—even if he stumbles along the way, he’ll ultimately turn misfortune into fortune. We used to worry he’d never be able to feel love his whole life, but now he has found a young lady he likes, so our biggest concern is gone. What does it matter if the Gu can’t be removed? Perhaps it will only cause an annual headache. Rather than being so worried, you should ease your mind. This child might have some encounters in the future—let’s take it one step at a time.”

As they spoke, children’s joyful laughter drifted in from the outer hall. The laughter was so infectious that even Master Qingxu’s expression softened somewhat. After a long silence, he sighed deeply: “Let’s wait and see then. I hear Miss Teng’s name is also on the Xiangxiang Academy’s student list? Give me her birth date and time, let me divine her fortune.”

Ahan, seeing his master’s expression change, felt relieved and hurried to help him up: “Alright.”

The Empress smiled at Lin Chengyou: “You’ve taken a liking to Miss Teng?”

Though Lin Chengyou was typically thick-skinned, being asked so directly by an elder still made him somewhat embarrassed. Fortunately, there was no one else in the pavilion—even the A’Zhi sisters were outside playing with the Crown Prince and Imperial Uncle.

“Yes,” Lin Chengyou nodded and smiled, pouring himself tea as he spoke.

Liu Bingyu had been waiting for her nephew to admit it, and upon hearing this, she was overjoyed, clapping her hands in delight: “This is wonderful news! Do you want your aunt to arrange the marriage? Don’t worry, I’ll arrange it right away between you and Miss Teng.”

Lin Chengyou had just raised the teacup to his lips and nearly spat out his tea upon hearing this. He quickly set down the cup and cleared his throat: “Wait, wait, Aunt, don’t be hasty. I may have taken a liking to her, but she hasn’t taken a liking to me yet.”

Liu Bingyu was startled, only now noticing Lin Chengyou’s reddened face. Her smile deepened as she tried to suppress her laughter: “I understand now—currently it’s just you, child, with one-sided feelings?”

Even though Lin Chengyou didn’t want to admit it, he had to nod. Looking up after nodding, he saw his aunt seemed to be holding back laughter, making him feel somewhat awkward: “Aunt, don’t just laugh at me. You understand young ladies’ hearts best. I came to the palace today specifically to ask for your advice on how to make Miss Teng like me too.”

Liu Bingyu asked with great interest: “Does Miss Teng have someone she likes now?”

Lin Chengyou instinctively looked outside the pavilion. By the fish pond, Imperial Uncle was patiently helping A’Zhi pick flowers. That night, Miss Teng had been intent on delivering the Purple Jade Saddle to him, but before she could deliver it, how could she have arranged to meet Imperial Uncle at Zhixu Pavilion? So that scene must have been just a coincidence.

“She—probably doesn’t have anyone she likes.”

Liu Bingyu seemed unsatisfied with this answer and pressed: “Does she or doesn’t she?”

Lin Chengyou thought to himself, Teng Yu’yi was so unfortunate, busy enough just seeking refuge. During this time, he had both saved her and taught her self-defense skills—if she hadn’t taken a liking to him, she definitely wouldn’t have taken a liking to anyone else.

“No, absolutely not.” This time his tone was certain.

Liu Bingyu couldn’t help but laugh inwardly, though she maintained a serious expression: “First you must confirm whether she has someone she likes. Miss Teng has just come of age—at her age, young ladies are attracted to a young man’s talent and appearance—”

As she spoke, she made a show of examining her nephew. Logically, it would be difficult for any young lady to find fault with this child’s appearance, and as for ability and skill, that went without saying. Yet even so, he hadn’t won Miss Teng’s heart—could it be that this child’s temperament didn’t suit Miss Teng’s taste?

It seemed the crux of the matter lay in his temperament. She thought for a moment before saying diplomatically: “If Miss Teng didn’t fall for you at first sight, it shows that beyond appearance and talent, she values a man’s temperament more. To make Miss Teng develop feelings for you, you must first show sincerity. When your aunt fell in love with your uncle, it was because I felt your uncle was dependable. Listen carefully—first, you must be especially patient with Miss Teng.”

Lin Chengyou’s eyes brightened. Last night, no matter how hard he thought, he couldn’t understand why Teng Yu’yi hadn’t taken a liking to him. So this was the answer.

Previously, he probably hadn’t been patient enough with her.

He pondered this and nodded: “I understand. I must be patient with her.”

“Second,” Liu Bingyu continued, “you must let her know that you care about her.”

Ah, this was also simple—just let her know that the crimson horse was from him. That should be enough to prove he had cared about her for a while now.

Lin Chengyou nodded seriously: “Understood.”

“Third, you must learn to accommodate her.”

Tch, this was even simpler—just don’t argue back when scolded, right? Teng Yu’yi had often lost her temper with him before. As long as she wasn’t too unreasonable, he could just go along with whatever she wanted.

“Got it.”

Finally, Liu Bingyu summarized: “If you can do these three things, your aunt believes Miss Teng will change her view of you.”

Lin Chengyou said confidently: “I understand completely.”

Liu Bingyu looked at her nephew suspiciously: “You understand?”

“Understand.”

He had been careless before—who knew it would be this simple?

This wasn’t difficult at all.

He was certain that within ten days, Teng Yu’yi would fall for him.

Liu Bingyu was still worried: “Understanding in your heart isn’t enough—you must ensure you can do each of these things.”

“I can.” His tone was extremely certain.

Liu Bingyu hesitated slightly. This child had been exceptionally clever since childhood, so he probably did understand. Her face brightened further: “You and Miss Teng don’t have many chances to meet normally, but don’t worry, your aunt has a way. Your uncle has just asked me to arrange for the Xiangxiang Academy girls to go on an outing to Mount Li. The young gentlemen from various families will also be there. Don’t say your aunt didn’t remind you—think carefully about what you should do then.”

Lin Chengyou calculated in his mind before saying with a smile: “I know what to do.”

The next evening, in the prison of the Court of Judicial Review.

Lin Chengyou removed the iron chains from Zhuang Mu one by one, then opened the package beside him: “Everything you asked for is here. Besides the two hundred gold pieces and the travel permit you wanted, I’ve even prepared a fast horse for you.”

The package was filled with gleaming gold ingots. Zhuang Mu’s mouth twitched: “You do keep your word.”

Lin Chengyou drawled: “You helped catch Haoyue Hermit, so you did your part. Since we agreed beforehand, naturally we must proceed as discussed.”

But Zhuang Mu didn’t move: “Aren’t you curious about who my behind-the-scenes master is?”

Lin Chengyou smiled and wrote two characters on the ground.

Zhuang Mu’s face remained impassive, but his eyes trembled ever so slightly.

This fleeting change was immediately caught by Lin Chengyou. He thought to himself, so it is Peng Zhen. He raised his eyebrows: “Among the conditions we agreed upon beforehand, ‘revealing the behind-the-scenes master’ wasn’t one of them. Before I change my mind, you’d better leave quickly.”

Zhuang Mu was silent for a moment: “The reason I agreed to help you set this trap was only to avenge being shot with an arrow. Now that Master Jingchen who framed me is dead, my wish has been fulfilled—”

Before he could finish speaking, his face suddenly turned black. The nearby Director Yan and the yamen runners who saw this were greatly alarmed.

Lin Chengyou didn’t try to stop it, just quietly watched as Zhuang Mu fell from the poison.

“What—what should we do—” Director Yan and the others stamped their feet heavily, “He’s died from biting poison after all, how can we use him to draw out the person behind him now?”

Lin Chengyou looked at Zhuang Mu’s corpse, but his mind was on Haoyue Hermit’s behind-the-scenes master: You wanted to use the Court of Judicial Review to force Peng Zhen to rebel early? Sorry to disappoint you, but your careful calculations have failed. With Zhuang Mu’s death, Peng Zhen’s side can breathe easier, and now the Court of Judicial Review can focus on dealing with you. Don’t rush—sooner or later, we’ll tear off your false mask.

At the next morning’s court session, Zhang Tingrui, Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, once again reported the latest investigation results before the Emperor.

With Master Jingchen’s execution and Zhuang Mu’s suicide, this shocking case of women being murdered for their unborn children that had shaken Chang’an finally came to a complete close.

To celebrate this matter, that day the Emperor issued an edict: As Mount Li was currently resplendent with spring flowers, it was the perfect time for flower viewing. Court officials, their wives and children, children of officials from other regions, and female students from Xiangxiang Academy were to accompany the imperial procession to Mount Li for an outing.

That day, Teng Yu’yi shared a carriage with Du Tinglan on the way to Mount Li. Along the way, they encountered carriages from various households, and when the carriages traveled side by side, the young ladies would smile and lift their curtains in greeting.

Teng Yu’yi chatted idly with her sister while enjoying the scenery through her veiled hat.

As they were about to enter the mountain, the emerald beauty of the leaves spread across the sky, and the sound of springs trickled down from above. Noble young men on horseback occasionally passed by their carriage. While admiring the scenery, Teng Yu’yi happened to glance back and unexpectedly met a pair of dark eyes. This person was about eighteen or nineteen years old, wearing a sapphire blue-lined robe.

Someone nearby called out: “Young Master Wu.”

So this was one of the sons of Censor-in-Chief Wu Rujun, a brother to Wu Xian and Wu Qi.

Young Master Wu was also observing Teng Yu’yi, his gaze intense, as if he could see straight into one’s heart. Teng Yu’yi inwardly sneered and was about to lower the window curtain when she heard a shy exclamation from the young lady in the neighboring carriage. Looking in that direction, she saw Lin Chengyou and the Prince of Chun’an riding side by side, followed by the Crown Prince and Prince Gu Xian of Nanzhao. The group rode past laughing, causing the ladies in the carriages along the way to peek through their curtains.

The most striking among them was Lin Chengyou, wearing a crimson robe with roundel patterns of precious flowers, galloping in the spring wind, impossible to miss.

Teng Yu’yi immediately noticed the Purple Jade Saddle. Lin Chengyou, as if afraid others wouldn’t see it, had deliberately chosen a horse even whiter than his previous thousand-li steed.

Lin Chengyou rode past laughing and talking, and although he had noticed the Teng family carriage early on, he kept his eyes straight ahead. Those three points were already deeply ingrained in his mind: be patient with her, tell Teng Yu’yi the little red horse was from him, and accommodate her in everything.

Three such simple points—he would bet that by the time they came down from Mount Li, Teng Yu’yi would be smitten with him.