On March 25th, the Xiang Xiang Academy began its academic year.

Just as dawn broke, the street in front of the academy was filled with carriages from various noble houses. The families had been preparing for this day for some time. As soon as the gates opened at daybreak, servants streamed in endlessly carrying luggage and boxes. Aware of the academy’s strict rules, everyone maintained careful conduct – while outside the gates was crowded with shoulders bumping and wheels clashing, inside not even conversation could be heard.

Teng Yu Yi and Du Ting Lan were among the first students to arrive at the academy. Upon entering, female officials guided them to their dormitories.

As the Empress had mentioned, the excellent names proposed that day at Le Dao Manor were indeed used throughout the academy.

The hall for teaching classics and history was named Tan Li Yuan, suggested by Wu Qi. The building for teaching music was called Dong You Lou, proposed by Zheng Shuang Yin.

The ladies dormitory was named Zi Mu Ge, contributed by Liu Si Niang, daughter of Minister Liu Gu Ying of the Ministry of Revenue.

The dormitory suites were arranged for two people each. Since most students were from noble families, each was permitted one maid, though no meals could be prepared in the rooms, and drinking or merrymaking was strictly forbidden. All students were required to take their meals in Si Shan Ge.

Morning classes were mandatory, and students were not allowed to leave the academy at night. Everyone had to retire by the hour of Hai, and even the three daily meals had specific regulations.

Teng Yu Yi and Du Ting Lan were assigned to the same suite. Du Ting Lan occupied the east wing while Teng Yu Yi took the west, with a small living room between them. Du Ting Lan kept her senior maid Hong Nu, while Teng Yu Yi hesitated long between Chun Rong and Bi Luo. Remembering that Bi Luo was quicker at hair-dressing – which meant she could sleep longer in the mornings – she painfully chose Bi Luo.

Chun Rong cried until her nose turned red, distraught at the thought of not seeing her mistress for a month, and was still wiping tears when it was time to leave.

The sisters’ quarters were situated in the middle of the east dormitory. To their right were the Peng sisters, Peng Hua Yue, and her sister. To their left were Zheng Shuang Yin and Deng Wei Li, granddaughter of Minister Deng Zhi Yao.

Beyond them were the quarters of Li Huai Gu and Liu Si Niang.

Wu Xian and Wu Qi didn’t reside in the same row, but rather in the dormitory across from them.

When Li Huai Gu emerged, Teng Yu Yi observed her. Though still recovering from serious illness and inevitably paler than before, Li Huai Gu’s graceful bearing remained. If anything, the illness had enhanced rather than diminished her beauty, adding a touch of fragile charm.

Soon after, the Empress arrived.

The students fell silent as cicadas in winter, standing in the front courtyard with their silk handkerchiefs.

At the appointed hour, the two principals, four female officials, several great scholars invited to observe the ceremony, and the Minister of Rites performed the Drum and Book Chest Ceremony.

Following the protocol of the Imperial Academy’s entrance ceremony, the ritual lasted a full hour. The Empress, to encourage this first batch of students she had personally selected, delivered many words of inspiration.

During her address, the Empress’s gaze fell casually upon Du Ting Lan. This child’s composure differed from others – it wasn’t affected but genuine, like a graceful and dignified Buddhist statue. Her mature demeanor was increasingly endearing.

Only after the Empress finished speaking did Teng Yu Yi dare to look straight ahead. As expected, she saw Simple Official Jian Ming Xiu beside the Empress, just as Lin Chengyou had mentioned.

Jian Ming Xiu was the daughter of Luoyang’s great scholar Jian Wen Qing and the youngest of the four female officials at just over twenty years old. She was said to be as literary and talented as her father and had vowed to remain unmarried to inherit her father’s academy.

During the ceremony, Official Jian never once looked at those below. As the Academic Official, she was responsible for overseeing the students’ studies.

After the students paid their entrance fees in succession, the ceremony concluded. The Empress departed for the palace while Vice Principal Liu led the students in bowing to see her off.

Teng Yu Yi had assumed today would only be the entrance ceremony, after which they would return to their dormitories to unpack. However, the female officials immediately led them to Tan Li Yuan for class. The first lesson was on the opening volume of the Book of Rites, taught by Vice Principal Lady Liu herself.

Lady Liu was known for her stern demeanor, and while teaching she commanded authority without raising her voice. The students sat rigidly on their mats, not daring to make a sound.

Teng Yu Yi, afraid she might yawn, had to clench her jaw tightly. Having returned late last night after catching ghosts, and then rising before dawn, she was already exhausted. If the material had been new, she might not have felt so drowsy, but she had memorized these classics before age ten, making it particularly difficult to stay alert.

To distract herself, she secretly observed those around her. Peng Hua Yue’s eyes were wide open, but her sister Peng Jin Xiu’s head was already nodding. When Official Bai, in charge of discipline, passed by during her rounds, she lightly tapped Peng Jin Xiu’s desk with her ruler.

Peng Jin Xiu jerked awake. According to academy rules, students caught being lazy in class by the Disciplinary Official had to hand-copy that day’s lesson twenty times after class. Now she didn’t dare doze off again and could only stare at her desk, fighting back tears. Meanwhile, Peng Hua Yue, seemingly disappointed in her sister’s lack of discipline, couldn’t help but roll her eyes dramatically.

Soon after, Principal Liu began asking questions. The questions were profound and open-ended, met initially with silence.

Those who didn’t understand naturally dared not answer randomly.

Those who did understand, like Du Ting Lan who was steady and modest, preferred not to show off;

Zheng Shuang Yin, proud and aloof, found the questions too simple to bother with;

Teng Yu Yi, who had entered the academy to find a murderer rather than to excel and marry into the imperial clan, couldn’t be bothered to answer.

After waiting a while without response, Principal Liu simply pointed: “Wu Xian, you answer.”

Wu Xian answered perfectly, even adding some insightful commentary at the end.

Principal Liu nodded as she listened, while Teng Yu Yi regarded Wu Xian with surprise. Though the question wasn’t difficult to answer, Elder Miss Wu’s perspective was truly impressive.

It required not only a thorough knowledge of the classics but also a high level of comprehension.

Then again, she realized, that Minister Wu’s reputation for scholarship rivaled that of Minister Zheng, and Wu’s eldest son Wu Yuan Luo was known as a prodigy. With the entire Wu family being scholars of merit, it wasn’t surprising that Elder Miss Wu possessed such learning.

She studied Wu Xian carefully. Though more graceful in appearance than her sister Wu Qi, she was less lively in temperament. While Teng Yu Yi had become quite familiar with Second Miss Wu, she had only exchanged a few words with Elder Miss Wu, assuming she was naturally shy. She hadn’t realized Wu Xian was simply skilled at concealing her talents.

Thinking back, Wu Xian had only begun appearing frequently in social circles after her engagement was broken. In Teng Yu Yi’s view, Duan Qing Ying was inferior to Wu Xian in every way – Elder Young Master Zheng must have been blinded to develop relations with Duan Qing Ying before their engagement.

Then she remembered how she had been deceived by Duan Ning Yuan. Teng Yu Yi laughed coldly inside – all men were fickle, even betrothal couldn’t stop them when their heads were turned.

Suddenly she thought of her father and mother. Once so loving, yet when her mother passed, only she was at her side. As for her father—

As she pondered, her heart seemed to freeze over, leaving only a cold emptiness.

Principal Liu indeed praised Wu Xian highly, instructing Official Jian to record Wu Xian’s answer and send it to the palace for the Empress’s review. She then announced: “From now on, all excellent answers will be recorded in each student’s conduct book for future evaluation. Particularly outstanding answers will be sent immediately to the Empress.”

The implication was clear – the students’ words and actions would be promptly reported to the palace, requiring constant diligence and self-reflection.

Everyone responded nervously.

By the time this class ended, it was noon.

After seeing Principal Liu off, the students, feeling exhausted, went together to Si Shan Ge for lunch.

Fortunately, no female officials supervised during meals, allowing everyone to relax somewhat.

After lunch, back at Zi Mu Ge, Liu Si Niang took the lead in distributing welcome gifts to her classmates, followed by Zheng Shuang Yin and Deng Wei Li with their food boxes.

Teng Yu Yi and Du Ting Lan had also prepared gifts. Once they started, Zi Mu Ge became lively, with young ladies exchanging presents merrily in the corridors.

Deng Wei Li seemed particularly curious about Teng Yu Yi, glancing at her several times while giving gifts.

Teng Yu Yi couldn’t help but study Deng Wei Li in return.

Deng Wei Li’s grandfather was Minister Deng Zhi Yao, and her maternal grandfather was the Duke of Wei – truly from the most noble family, one of Chang’an’s premier noble ladies.

Years ago, when Lady Deng passed away, her maternal grandmother, cherishing her granddaughter, often hosted her in Luoyang. Though Deng Wei Li spent most of the year away from Chang’an, her witty and lovable nature always drew a crowd of girls wherever she went.

In her previous life, Teng Yu Yi had glimpsed Deng Wei Li once during an audience at Da Ming Palace, but proper etiquette before the Empress had prevented her from looking around, leaving only a vague impression of Deng Wei Li’s striking beauty.

Now, examining her closely, she realized Deng Wei Li somewhat resembled herself.

Liu Si Niang immediately noticed this too, looking between Teng Yu Yi and Deng Wei Li, exclaiming with surprise: “Miss Teng and Miss Deng look somewhat alike, don’t you think so, Miss Du?”

They do look somewhat similar, Du Ting Lan thought to herself. Both had bright eyes and flower-like faces, but looking closer, the similarities faded – Miss Deng’s eyes were longer and narrower, while her sister had round, dark almond eyes. Rather than physical resemblance, their bearing was similar – both had a smile playing about their lips before speaking, with the air of pampered nobles who took nothing too seriously.

Deng Wei Li nodded with an innocent laugh: “That’s why I felt such an immediate connection to Miss Teng – we look alike! Don’t you remember me? I remember you though – when we were little, we played chess, and of all the children, only you beat me. Unfortunately, I was at my maternal grandfather’s home in Luoyang these past two months and didn’t know you’d come to Chang’an.”

Teng Yu Yi was startled – she had met Deng Wei Li in childhood. Which year was that? She had no memory of it at all.

She smiled and asked: “Where did I beat you?”

“At our manor. During my grandfather’s birthday celebration, your family’s steward brought you to deliver gifts. You played with us all afternoon. You were only five or six then, the same age as me.”

Du Ting Lan listened with a smile nearby. Though their appearances weren’t that similar, their quick-witted expressions while speaking did somewhat match.

As they talked, Deng Wei Li linked arms with Teng Yu Yi and had her maid deliver prepared gifts to both of them.

The Peng sisters were most generous, preparing a complete set of brush, ink, paper, and inkstone for each classmate. The paper was from Yanxi, the inkstone was Dragon Whisker style, and both the ink and brushes were rare premium items. When word spread, other classmates flocked to the Peng sisters’ room, quickly gathering over ten young ladies.

After finishing there, everyone went together to Liu Si Niang and Li Huai Gu’s room. Li Huai Gu was extremely thoughtful in her interactions with others. For this first meeting of classmates, one might expect unique gifts, but perhaps due to her recent illness, she only offered some confections made at her family’s manor.

Teng Yu Yi immediately saw Li Huai Gu in a new light. One shouldn’t fear making mistakes, but rather failing to recognize the root cause afterward. After being harmed by the curse, Li Huai Gu quickly realized her previous behavior had been too conspicuous and seemed to have decided to maintain a low profile.

Sure enough, when visiting other rooms to exchange gifts, Li Huai Gu only smiled and followed along. Even when Deng Wei Li and Zheng Shuang Yin engaged in an extensive discussion about music, she no longer subtly inserted comments as she used to.

After the gift-giving, female officials arrived with serving maids to announce the afternoon rest period, and the girls reluctantly returned to their rooms.

Bi Luo and Hong Nu agreed to fetch water from the kitchen together, while Teng Yu Yi busied herself in the west room for a while before running to the east room with her small cloth doll, saying she wanted to sleep in the same bed as her elder sister.

Du Ting Lan good-naturedly pushed her pillow to Teng Yu Yi and moved inward, taking the opportunity to glance at the room across, whispering: “You hung the Hundred Flowers Remain in front of your bed again?”

Teng Yu Yi pulled the quilt up to her chin: “I hung it by the window too. The afternoon rest is over an hour long, and I sleep deeply. Right now, Duan Fu isn’t by my side either, who knows if that person might try something strange.”

“It’s good to be cautious,” said Du Ting Lan. “Did you rest very late yesterday? You looked sleepy during class. Take this chance to sleep quickly, elder sister will keep watch for you.”

Teng Yu Yi yawned, burying her head in her small cloth doll’s embrace: “Elder sister, you should sleep too. The mechanism is set up without any trace. If anyone dares to come over, they won’t escape it.”

The students seemed to have all settled down, and the corridor outside gradually grew quiet. After a while, all that could be heard throughout Zi Mu Ge was the sound of flowers and grass swaying in the wind.

The sisters fell asleep without realizing it. Sometime later, they heard Bi Luo and Hong Nu calling softly by the bedside: “Young Miss, it’s time to get up.”

Du Ting Lan, naturally alert, quickly opened her eyes. When Teng Yu Yi got out of bed, she looked at the room across – the bed curtains were undisturbed, showing no signs that anyone had been there.

While helping Teng Yu Yi with her toilette, Bi Luo whispered: “Not wanting to disturb the young ladies’ rest, after fetching water, your servant and Hong Nu went for a walk in the garden. We had just sat down under the banana trees when Elder Miss Peng and others came by.”

Teng Yu Yi immediately perked up: “They didn’t return to their rooms for the afternoon rest?”

Hong Nu, helping Du Ting Lan with her toilette on the other side, shook her head: “They seemed to be arranging to send a message. They appeared to have come around from the front courtyard. Passing by, they probably thought the garden was empty and stopped to talk. Elder Miss Peng seemed quite unhappy, sighing as soon as she arrived, saying she had miscalculated – that falling peasant woman at Li Mountain was arranged by the Empress herself. Now they had lost the initial advantage, and it would be difficult to remedy later.”

Du Ting Lan and Teng Yu Yi were both shocked – that the incident had been orchestrated by the Empress.

What surprised Teng Yu Yi, even more, was another aspect: this matter shouldn’t have been known to many in the court, yet the Peng family had received the news so quickly.

Bi Luo also whispered: “Elder Miss Peng also said that although only four young ladies helped the peasant woman that day, the Empress seemed to favor the Wu family most. Elder Miss Wu, perhaps still bitter about Young Master Zheng breaking their engagement, was determined to compete for the position of Crown Princess. Though she rarely went out before, she’s been prominently showing herself lately. Combined with Minister Wu’s influence at court, it’s very likely that Elder Miss Wu will be chosen.”

Teng Yu Yi asked: “What did Peng Jin Xiu say?”

“Second Miss Peng said: ‘That’s not necessarily true, aren’t there still Teng Yu Yi, Du Ting Lan, and Zheng Shuang Yin? And Deng Wei Li – she was in Luoyang and wasn’t at Li Mountain that day, the Empress might favor her too.'”

“Elder Miss Peng scolded her sister: ‘You only know about eating and drinking, never using your brain. Didn’t you see how the Principal specifically called on Elder Miss Wu to answer in class and immediately sent her response to the palace? This was an excellent opportunity for recognition – if they hadn’t already intended to favor Elder Miss Wu, why would they do this? I say Principal Liu has already coordinated with the Wu family, and this might even have the Empress’s tacit approval. Just watch, Elder Miss Wu will almost certainly become the Crown Princess.'”

Bi Luo vividly recounted their conversation.

Du Ting Lan listened in stunned silence.

Teng Yu Yi smiled slightly – interesting. The selection of the Crown Princess concerned matters of state, and as soon as the academy opened, various court factions had begun maneuvering. This was only the first day; there would likely be more intrigue to come.

If Principal Liu was aligned with the Wu family, under the Principal’s frequent attention, Elder Miss Wu indeed had a better chance of gaining the Empress’s favor.

One wondered which families the four female officials had connections with.

Moreover, with the academy’s strict management, for the Peng sisters to slip out during rest time to send messages, they must have had inside help at the academy. Who could it be? Hmm, perhaps one of the female officials.

Hong Nu continued in a low voice: “Besides this, Elder Miss Peng also scolded her sister, saying she had intercepted her sister’s letter and told her to give up hope. Not only might the academy not give a holiday for the Buddha Bathing Festival, but even if they did, she shouldn’t think about having servants create opportunities for a chance encounter with His Highness the Prince.”

Teng Yu Yi was startled – the eighth day of the fourth month was the Buddha Bathing Festival (Note 1). Chang’an citizens would go out together, Buddhist lectures would be held throughout the city, and the night curfew would be lifted, making it one of the year’s liveliest festivals. Today was the twenty-fifth, so it wasn’t far off.

Du Ting Lan nearly dropped her hairpin – Peng Jin Xiu was in love with the Prince of Chun’an.

She listened carefully to the corridor’s sounds, then seriously instructed the two maids: “Such matters may seem like mere boudoir gossip, but they have far-reaching implications. If the other party discovered you were eavesdropping, it would bring endless trouble. Remember, this is the only time – you must never eavesdrop again!”

Du Ting Lan usually spoke gently; this was her first time being so serious. The two maids, realizing the gravity of the situation, repeatedly assured: “Your servants would never dare again.”

Du Ting Lan continued: “When we go to class during the day, you must stay in these rooms without leaving a step. Our personal ornaments and small items must not be stolen – you should know the consequences of losing such things. Don’t be careless.”

The two maids nodded solemnly.

After the evening meal, once the young ladies had completed their studies since it wasn’t yet bedtime, they happily visited each other’s rooms.

Compared to noble ladies like Zheng Shuang Yin, Deng Wei Li was more lively and lovable. Most of these girls who had grown up in Chang’an were close to her.

When Deng Wei Li’s maid invited Teng Yu Yi and Du Ting Lan over, the room was already full of people.

Everyone was discussing plans for the Buddha Bathing Festival.

Deng Wei Li said: “I asked the Principal herself, and she said that day we’ll only have one-morning classics class, then we’ll be dismissed at noon. All the major temples will have performances that day, with Ci’en Temple (Note 2) being the most lively. Why don’t we all go out together?”

Someone pulled Teng Yu Yi over: “Miss Teng, in previous years you were in Yangzhou and we weren’t familiar, but now that you’re in Chang’an, you must join us for a thoroughly enjoyable outing.”

Zheng Shuang Yin asked Teng Yu Yi: “Yu Yi, where would you like to go that day?”

Teng Yu Yi sat down beside her elder sister: “Ci’en Temple is quite far from the academy, and we still have classes the next day. We could go to Qinglong Temple instead. Those scholars who pass the imperial examinations have their ‘Ci’en Temple Inscription’ – we talented ladies might as well have our ‘Qinglong Temple Inscription.'”

The girls’ eyes lit up, all saying this was an interesting idea.

Wu Qi, who had been playing chess with Liu Si Niang, smiled and pointed at Teng Yu Yi: “I always said Miss Teng was fun, but you didn’t believe me. Just watch, she’ll have even more good ideas in a moment.”

After being restrained all day, the girls were particularly unrestrained in their laughter and conversation, and when bedtime came, everyone still wore smiles on their faces.

Just as Teng Yu Yi and Du Ting Lan returned to their room, the four female officials came together to inspect.

Official Jian seemed responsible for the east corridor. When she reached Teng Yu Yi and Du Ting Lan’s room, she first looked around casually, then said softly: “This is your first day at the academy – have you adjusted well?”

Her gaze lingered on Teng Yu Yi for a moment.

These words were subtle, but Teng Yu Yi knew that if Official Jian hadn’t been asked by Lin Chengyou, she would never have asked such a question.

She quickly replied: “Thank you for your concern, Official Jian. Everything is fine.”

Official Jian: “You two are doing well in your studies. As the Academic Official, if you encounter anything you don’t understand in your studies later, you can always come to me with questions.”

Du Ting Lan and Teng Yu Yi lowered their heads and curtsied: “Yes.”

Official Jian had a serving maid hand the two a basket: “The Principal has ordered that students must cherish paper with writing on it. From now on, you may not use the peach blossom or green-gold paper you brought from home but must use the paper and ink distributed by the academy. These will be distributed every half month – if you run out, you can tell your teacher.”

The sisters accepted the basket and respectfully saw Official Jian out.

After closing the doors and windows, Du Ting Lan saw it was getting late and returned to her room to change clothes. Teng Yu Yi naturally took the basket back to the west wing room, feeling it – writing materials were on top, but underneath was hidden a small lacquer box.

Opening it, she found a box of Three Pure Cakes, with a letter attached. On it were several crooked lines of writing:

Miss Teng, how are you at the academy? Surely not as comfortable as at home. We probably can’t invite you out for demon hunting this month, so we made you Three Purecakes – eat them and focus on your studies with peace of mind.

Signed: Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi

Teng Yu Yi smiled at the crude letter. Though rambling and full of errors, reading each character revealed the precious sentiment within. Unfortunately, she couldn’t reply, only able to send back a simple “All is well” through Official Jian.

She then checked the bottom and back of the letter – Lin Chengyou had likely left no words to avoid suspicion.

Teng Yu Yi burned the letter with a candle, patiently waiting for the ashes to burn completely, then set up mechanisms by the window and bed before going to squeeze into bed with her elder sister in the other room.

After lying down, Du Ting Lan tucked in Teng Yu Yi’s corners of the quilt. Reflecting on the day, she felt utterly exhausted and sighed while staring at the canopy: “The first day at the academy has passed just like this.”

Teng Yu Yi counted on her fingers: “The eighth of the fourth month – still half a month before we can go out to play.”

“Soon, soon,” Bi Luo and Hong Nu, sleeping on the couch by the bed, got up to blow out the lamps and smiled, “You need to rise early tomorrow, Young Ladies should sleep soon.”

***

The next day, at the Cheng Wang Manor.

Lin Chengyou dressed and prepared to go out when Kuan Nu came to report: “Young Master, nothing happened again this morning.”

Lin Chengyou fell silent. Yesterday was Teng Yu Yi’s first day at school, and he had stayed up late waiting for news. According to Official Jian’s report, nothing had happened during the day.

It seemed nothing had happened at night either.

He looked at Kuan Nu’s empty hands: “Just this? Nothing else?”

Kuan Nu looked down at his own hands following his master’s gaze, confused: “Just this.”

The academy was so strict – surely the Young Master wasn’t expecting Miss Teng to send out another box of fresh flower cakes?

Lin Chengyou thought silently – the academy’s meals were standardized, and students were strictly forbidden from drinking and merrymaking. While Teng Yu Yi might endure her craving for wine, Old Master Xiao Ye might not be able to resist. He had thought Teng Yu Yi would ask him to bring her wine – it wouldn’t be difficult for him, as no matter how strict the academy was, they couldn’t stop him if he wanted to find her.

Unfortunately, Teng Yu Yi hadn’t mentioned it at all, probably not wanting to trouble him too much. He could only change the subject: “Specifically assign someone to wait near the academy for Official Jian’s messages, keep watch all day, and don’t leave for a moment, understand?”

Kuan Nu quickly said: “We’ve already sent someone over. Oh yes, they say the academy will have a holiday on the Buddha Bathing Festival.”

Lin Chengyou’s face finally showed some happiness. After pondering, he said: “I see.”

As they spoke, he casually glanced at the street corner, mounted his horse, and while looking straight ahead said: “This ‘tail’ has been following me long enough – haven’t you figured out who’s behind it yet?”

“We’ve almost figured it out.”

“Then catch them. I want them alive, don’t let them die during the capture.”

Kuan Nu nodded silently.

Lin Chengyou rode to the Court of Judicial Review, first visiting the morgue to find Coroner Chen, then going to the office to seek Official Yan.

Official Yan was carefully comparing the case files of Hu Ji Zhen and Li Ying Er when he looked up to see Lin Chengyou and quickly said: “Inspector Lin, I’ve compiled all the similarities between the two cases.”

Lin Chengyou sat down to look – there were three points:

First, both victims had their souls taken by evil arts. This was an extremely rare method of murder, essentially confirming it was done by the same person.

Second, both victims lived in Yi Ning Ward.

Third, both had been to De Shan Street before their deaths. Hu Ji Zhen had to pass through De Shan Street on his way home, while Li Ying Er fell into the well at Chu Guo Temple, which was opposite De Shan Street.

“Looking at these points, it’s hard not to suspect the murderer is the same person,” Official Yan said. “Moreover, the killer likely lives near De Shan Street. Unfortunately, the killer left too few clues in Hu Ji Zhen’s case, otherwise, we could have found more commonalities.”

Lin Chengyou placed what he was holding onto the desk: “Brother Yan, first look at Coroner Chen’s autopsy report. Li Ying Er’s shoes had quite a bit of oil on them, identified as pork or similar animal fat. When I inspected the well at Chu Guo Temple where Li Ying Er fell, I also found a handprint on the well’s edge covered in flies, likely from animal fat. Checking again yesterday, I found the handprint matched the size of Li Ying Er’s right hand, indicating she left it before falling in. Putting this together, I suspect she fell before the incident, pressing her hand on some meat or similar on the ground, which didn’t hurt her but left her hand covered in oil.”

Official Yan turned to the autopsy report in surprise: “Oil on her hands, oil on her feet – could Li Ying Er have visited a butcher’s shop or similar place before the incident?”

“But there are no butcher shops in that area, not even any shops at all,” Lin Chengyou pondered. “When questioning Li Ying Er’s female companion, she said they had arranged to go out together, and Li Ying Er was fine until they entered Chu Guo Temple. Looking at Li Ying Er’s appearance, she wasn’t a slovenly person – if her shoes and hands were covered in animal fat, she would certainly have cleaned them. So this must have happened in the instant before she lost consciousness. Although she lost a soul and spirit afterward, she still insisted on finding her way to the well, probably intending to wash her hands in her confused state, but accidentally fell in.”

Official Yan: “Could the killer be a butcher? I’ve seen butchers carrying unsold meat home, sometimes tied with straw rope in their hands. When chasing Li Ying Er, the meat might have fallen, and she happened to touch it when she fell. Animal fat is hard to clean off, so even though the killers knew they’d left evidence, they had to hurry away. Let me go ask around De Shan Street if any butchers live nearby.”

Lin Chengyou suddenly said: “Don’t you find something odd? Hu Ji Zhen and Li Ying Er were about the same age – one a young gentleman, one a young lady in a skirts. Hu Ji Zhen was even on horseback – who would run faster in danger? Isn’t it obvious? When the killer secretly harmed Hu Ji Zhen, they didn’t leave a single clue, so why did they become so clumsy when chasing Ying Er?”

“This—”

“Either it wasn’t the same person or the killer encountered unexpected complications while harming Li Ying Er—” A thought suddenly occurred to Lin Chengyou. “Some temple monks do secretly keep meat – I should visit Chu Guo Temple’s kitchen again.”

***

Several days passed peacefully at the academy.

Official Jian came daily to check on Teng Yu Yi, who always reported “nothing happened” each night. She never forgot to set up mechanisms before bed, but unfortunately, the culprit never appeared.

She quickly adapted to life at the academy. She could handle the coursework with her eyes closed, the food was good, and her classmates were outwardly friendly and harmonious. Except for the lack of good wine, everything was going smoothly. She thought that if Xiao Ye stayed with her in the academy for a month, he would probably go stir-crazy.

Fortunately, she had brought her father’s half-finished brocade robe, and when idle, she would make clothes with her elder sister’s help.

Soon the Buddha Bathing Festival arrived.

Early in the morning while Official Bai was still teaching, the girls were already restless, exchanging glances below. After finishing class and lunch, they hurried back to their rooms to dress up. Since they had to return to the academy to sleep that night, they needed to make the most of their time out.

The various households, having received word, came to pick them up before noon. By the time everyone was dressed and emerged from the academy, several carriages were already waiting at the gate.

Before parting, Deng Wei Li reminded her classmates: “Remember, we’ll meet outside the Qinglong Temple theater at the beginning of You Hour(5 PM – 6 PM). At Ju Shuang House – don’t leave until we’re all there.”

Teng Yu Yi shared a carriage with Du Ting Lan. After lowering the window curtain, she turned to Du Ting Lan and said: “That person hasn’t shown their hand these past days. Elder sister, do you think they might take the opportunity tonight?”

Du Ting Lan worriedly said: “I think they will. The academy has many rules, but the streets are crowded with many eyes. If I were them, I’d also think this is a good opportunity. Why don’t we just not go out tonight? Elder sister isn’t worried about anything else, just that Duan Fu might not be able to protect you adequately.”

Teng Yu Yi said: “Don’t worry, I’m waiting for her to make a move. I’m very curious about what method she’ll use against me. When we return, I’ll make arrangements – we must catch her tonight.”

As soon as Teng Yu Yi returned home, she sent a letter to Qing Yun Temple, but unfortunately hadn’t received Lin Chengyou’s reply by the time she left in the evening.

Teng Yu Yi changed into a newly made dress, put on a veiled hat, and left the manor. Following the planned arrangement, she brought Duan Fu, Chang Geng, and others, taking a carriage to the Du manor to pick up her cousin. When Du Shao Tang heard his two sisters were going to the Qinglong Temple theater, he became excited and insisted on joining the fun.

So the three siblings went together to Chong Yi Ward, the liveliest place that night.

The streets were packed with carriages and horses. Monks distributed “sweet rice” by the roadside, while drums and pipes resonated nearby. Persian dancers and singers could be seen everywhere, young men and women exchanged orchids and peonies, and laughter filled the air – a scene as bustling as the Lantern Festival.

When their carriage reached An Fu Street near Qinglong Temple, it couldn’t move any further. Teng Yu Yi and her companions had no choice but to get out. Duan Fu, Huo Qiu, Chang Geng, and others melted into the crowd, maintaining a consistent distance from Teng Yu Yi – neither too far nor too close.

At the arranged meeting place, Ju Shuang House, quite a few people were already waiting inside. Besides their academy classmates, there were also various siblings, but fortunately, all were young enough that propriety wasn’t a concern.

Zheng Shuang Yin and others personally came to receive Teng Yu Yi and her siblings. Looking out after being seated, they could see the long pier opposite Qinglong Temple. The temple had specifically dug a canal outside its gate connecting to outside the city. Strings of wish lanterns floated on the water’s surface, looking like bright pearl strands from afar. Tonight was an auspicious time to make wishes for peace, and these lanterns were spontaneously placed in the river by common folk seeking blessings.

Li Huai Gu counted the classmates at Ju Shuang House and asked puzzled: “It seems several people haven’t arrived yet.”

“Where’s Deng Wei Li? She’s tonight’s host, why hasn’t she appeared yet?”

Most classmates at the table were fond of Deng Wei Li and quickly smoothed things over with smiles: “You know her personality – both innocent and pampered, always slower than others when going out. Let’s wait a bit.”

Suddenly someone said: “Hey, have you heard? The Prince and Princess of Cheng are returning to the capital soon. They heard their son has someone he loves, and their first task upon return is to arrange his marriage.”

Teng Yu Yi, who had been drinking tea, almost choked. Who was deliberately spreading these rumors? Last time at Li Mountain Palace someone mentioned this, and now again tonight. But that day in the abandoned house, she had seen the golden curse mark on Lin Chengyou’s neck.

She instinctively looked at the person across – it was Peng Jin Xiu who had brought up the topic.

Wu Qi quickly waved her hands: “Please don’t drag me into this anymore. That day the Young Master of Prince Cheng personally brought Yu Feng Yu to confront over this matter, making my brother lose face. I was caught in the crossfire – they fought, and somehow I got dragged in. I hate my brother now, and wouldn’t forgive him even if he compensated me with a thousand-li horse.”

Another person joined in laughingly: “It’s not about you this time. I heard that the young lady is very delicate and pampered. Second Miss Wu, you’re also very beautiful, but your temperament is more spirited. I heard the Young Master of Prince Cheng deeply loves that young lady and even bought extremely precious jewelry from Zhai Xing Tower to please her.”

Even Zhai Xing Tower was mentioned? Teng Yu Yi looked at her teacup. Unless someone was secretly watching Lin Chengyou, even a rumor couldn’t be this detailed. Could Lin Chengyou have someone he loved? Impossible – how could such a curse be broken so easily?

Delicate? Jewelry? Thinking of Lin Chengyou’s fondness for his junior disciple and sister, if he developed “mortal feelings,” he might indeed do such things. She wondered who that girl could be.

Du Ting Lan pretended to casually glance at her sister beside her. She had once suspected Lin Chengyou liked her sister, only dismissing the thought when remembering his Absolute Heartbreak Curse. Could it be… but her sister hadn’t received any jewelry recently, and these days at the academy, she ate and slept well, not appearing like someone in love.

Suddenly someone exclaimed: “Oh, isn’t that Deng Wei Li?”

Li Huai Gu looked where indicated, nearly spilling her tea.

Teng Yu Yi looked up, her eyes widening. There on the nearby pier stood Deng Wei Li with two maids. The veil of her hat had been lifted by the wind, revealing a lotus-like face, her smiling expression more pure than the bright moon above.

The tall, handsome youth standing beside her was none other than Lin Chengyou. He was gazing at the river, who knows what he was looking at.

Passing pedestrians kept turning to look as if they had never seen such a well-matched beautiful couple.

Someone in the room said with a blushing smile: “Could the delicate young lady that the Young Master of Prince Cheng has taken a fancy to be Deng Wei Li?”

Teng Yu Yi turned her head aside, putting down her teacup with a smile: “Oh, isn’t that the candy seller? I haven’t been to Chang’an for years and have forgotten the taste of sugar figurines. I’ll go buy some – does anyone want any?”

Someone said: “I do! Miss Teng, please bring me a string.”

Teng Yu Yi went out smiling, finding Duan Fu at the entrance. Just as she was about to signal him with her eyes to go take a look, a finely dressed young gentleman was about to enter the building. Teng Yu Yi felt he looked familiar but had no time to look carefully at who it was. She instinctively stepped back, and when she looked again, Lin Chengyou and Deng Wei Li had vanished from the bridge.