Lin Sui’an was taken aback. “Does that mean that foreign nationals in the Tang Kingdom, like Tatargan, have a form of diplomatic immunity?”

Hua Yitang: “Tang law stipulates that when foreigners commit crimes against one another — provided the matter is not of grave severity — due consideration must be given to the differences in the customs and laws of their homeland, and the case must be adjudicated according to the laws and customs of the defendant’s country of origin. For cases of grave severity, each case is examined and judged individually.”

In short: foreign nationals who committed crimes needed only to be tried according to the laws of their own countries, provided the offense was not serious. Major cases, however, were handled on a case-by-case basis.

Lin Sui’an: “Does smuggling contraband salt, trafficking human beings, and levying unauthorized taxes count as a serious crime?”

Hua Yitang: “Old Chen said it was enough to have him executed eight times.”

In that case, what grounds did the Persian Ambassador Sha Shamu have for being so confident the Court of Judicial Review could not convict Tatargan?

Sha Shamu produced from within his robes a scroll mounted on silk brocade, embroidered with the golden lion-head insignia unique to the Persian royal house. Half the scroll’s contents were written in Tang Chinese, the other half in Persian. Chen Yanfan skimmed through it quickly — and his face went dark.

Sha Shamu made a slight bow, then summarized the document’s contents in a calm, unhurried manner. His accent lacked the precision of Tatargan’s, carrying a heavy nasal quality that made him sound as though he were suffering from a severe head cold. “His Majesty the King has appointed Tatargan as Emissary of Expansion to the Tang Kingdom, bearing the title of Asas. This is his official appointment letter and letter of credentials.”

The faces of Deputy Court President Zhang and Investigator Ling darkened in turn. Hua Yitang clicked his tongue once.

Lin Sui’an was completely at a loss. She turned to Jin Ruo, who returned the look blankly.

Hua Yitang: “In the Persian language, Asas means supreme glory — it is a title granted by the Persian king to members of the Persian nobility. When Persia and the Tang Kingdom established diplomatic relations fifty years ago, an agreement was made: owing to the special status of Persian nobles, even if they commit grave offenses, only the Persian royal house has the authority to punish or pardon them. The Tang Kingdom has no right to intervene.”

Jin Ruo: “What kind of agreement is this?! So Persian nobles can do whatever they please on our Tang soil?”

Lin Sui’an: “……”

This is a massive legal loophole!

Hua Yitang: “The Persian nobility places enormous importance on bloodlines — titles can only be inherited by direct blood relations — and their lineages have always been exceedingly thin. In the past, even in Persia itself, let alone in the Tang Kingdom, there were precious few legitimate nobles to be found. But in recent years, for reasons unknown, the new Persian king seems to have taken leave of his senses, periodically ennobling all manner of incongruous individuals. And so the problem arose. In truth, both official circles and the common people have been dissatisfied with this state of affairs for some time.”

A suspicion surfaced in Lin Sui’an’s mind. “Could it be that even the Hua Family has been wronged by these Persian nobles in the past?”

Hua Yitang’s expression was the picture of earnestness. “Persian trading caravans are among the most important commercial partners of the Hua Family. As a member of the Hua Family, I naturally cannot stand by and watch our partners fall into the fire.”

Lin Sui’an: “……”

She would stake Qian Jing itself on a bet that this man had already thought of some devious scheme!

Luo Shaoqing pulled Chen Yanfan aside for a whispered conference. “Court President Chen, this Asas holds a most distinguished status — our Court of Foreign Affairs is also in a very difficult position. How about we take the prisoner first, and then discuss the matter further from there?”

Chen Yanfan exploded in fury. “Out of the question, Luo boy! That golden-haired scoundrel has harmed so many people — and now he thinks some ridiculous title is going to save him? In his dreams!”

Sha Shamu spoke at a leisurely pace. “In Persia there is a saying: the magnanimity of the Tang people is as vast as the Tang Kingdom’s territory. And in the Tang Kingdom, there is also a saying — Great Nation, Great Generosity—“

“I’ll show you Great Nation, Great Generosity!” Chen Yanfan’s foot swung out in a flying kick. Sha Shamu, catching not a breath of warning, went tumbling backward heels over head. Luo Shaoqing cried out in alarm and rushed to help him up. Zhang Huai and Ling Zhiyan scrambled to haul Chen Yanfan back. Chen Yanfan was lifted off the ground entirely by the effort, his hat sent flying, the tiny miniature bun on the top of his head swinging and bobbing rapidly with his movements, looking like a madly bouncing black-furred ball. He was still shouting: “Our great Tang, a nation of vast and noble tradition — how dare you foreign barbarians run wild here and tyrannize the people?! Court of Foreign Affairs, you spineless cowards — I will submit a formal memorial tomorrow at court and have all of you properly reprimanded!”

Sha Shamu scrambled to his feet and launched a counterattack. Chen Yanfan was unleashing a steady barrage of “dog’s droppings, pig manure, and turtle spawn,” while Sha Shamu bellowed back at full volume in words no one could understand — yet somehow, without a single syllable in common between them, the two managed to go back and forth with remarkable coherence, scratching, grabbing, pulling, and kicking with considerable enthusiasm. Luo Shaoqing, Zhang Huai, and Ling Zhiyan needed all three of their combined strength to keep them separated. Prison Warden Old Liang quickly dragged the dumbstruck Tatargan out of reach, lest Chen Yanfan accidentally kick him to death in the confusion. For a moment, the entire interrogation room descended into absolute pandemonium.

Jin Ruo’s jaw was somewhere on the floor. Lin Sui’an’s eyes were wide in disbelief. Hua Yitang laughed out loud with undisguised delight.

The two turned to glare at him, both of their faces twitching: Is now really the time for amusement? An international incident could be brewing!

Hua Yitang rose to his feet with a leisurely sway, wandered into the melee, stood watching with a pleasant smile on his face, and spoke over the noise: “Gentlemen — if you are tired of fighting, perhaps take a brief rest.”

Sha Shamu’s eyes had gone red — he was well past the point of hearing anything. Chen Yanfan’s forehead had erupted in a web of blue veins, and between volleys he still managed to shout at Hua Yitang: “Hua the Fourth, didn’t you say you had a plan?! Where is this plan?!”

Hua Yitang shook his head repeatedly. “Ah, the situation has taken a turn quite beyond Hua Yitang’s expectations — I am completely at a loss too!”

Chen Yanfan had no time to respond — Sha Shamu had wrenched out a clump of his hair. This was crossing a sacred line. Chen Yanfan’s fury redoubled. He raked five streaks across Sha Shamu’s face with his fingernails. Luo Shaoqing was caught in the crossfire and took a few scratches himself. Zhang Huai ended up with a blackened eye socket. Ling Zhiyan, whose martial training served him well, emerged without visible injury — though from his expression, he appeared to be on the verge of internal hemorrhage. “Hua Yitang — of all the moments — stop standing there saying nothing and help!“

Hua Yitang tutted theatrically and retreated two steps. “Hua Yitang is merely a pampered young master of no use in a physical brawl — watching over tea is about the limit of my abilities. My goodness — where is my tea? Why hasn’t it been sent yet?”

Oh! Something clicked sharply in Lin Sui’an’s head. She had completely forgotten about this.

At that precise moment, the interrogation room door creaked open, and Yita walked in carrying a tea kettle, with Mu Xia close behind, beaming the full eight-tooth standard smile at Hua Yitang. “Fourth Young Master, your tea is here.”

Jin Ruo let out a stream of exclamations and leaped to his feet, jabbing his finger at Yita with a series of unintelligible sounds. Hua Yitang beckoned cheerfully. “Gentlemen — do take a brief rest. There is plenty of time to continue fighting after some tea.”

The brawling Sha Shamu caught a glimpse from the corner of his eye — and it was as though a thunderbolt had struck him. He shot backward out of the scuffle, fumbling frantically to straighten his clothing, and performed an elaborate, multi-layered ceremonial bow toward Yita, prostrating himself fully, and called out two phrases in Persian. Luo Shaoqing only now noticed the golden-haired young man carrying the tea kettle, and was immediately struck dumb. “His Highness Prince Yita, the Eleventh Prince of Persia — how — how did you come to be here?”

Perhaps the lighting in the interrogation room was poor, or perhaps it only seemed that way — but Yita’s complexion looked somewhat paler than usual, like a handsome and cold statue of a Greek deity. Then those vast blue eyes, deep as a sea, shifted — settling first on Sha Shamu for a brief moment, then moving to rest on Tatargan. He paused. Handed his tea kettle to Mu Xia. Stepped forward. Extended his arm. And with a jeweled ring, gave Sha Shamu a light tap on the top of the head. A string of smooth, flowing Persian fell from his lips, like a chain of light-stained incantations — and Sha Shamu’s body crashed heavily to the ground, trembling uncontrollably.

Jin Ruo rested his chin on his hand. “What did Yita say?”

Lin Sui’an shook her head. “I couldn’t follow it.”

Hua Yitang: “Translated — it means: go eat dog droppings.“

Both of them: “……”

Ling Zhiyan, Chen Yanfan, and Zhang Huai were left equally speechless. They had all seen Yita before — they knew him as Lin Sui’an’s attendant, someone whose Tang Chinese came out in stumbling fits and starts and was forever causing laughable mix-ups, most memorably famous for having mastered the inexplicable art of brewing tea. It had not occurred to any of them that he was Persian royalty.

Yita approached Luo Shaoqing and held out a hand. “Give it here. I want to read it.”

Luo Shaoqing blinked, then realized Yita was asking for the letter of appointment conferring Tatargan’s title — and presented it with both hands. Yita read it through, let out a sound through his nose, and held out his hand again. “Brush.”

Luo Shaoqing searched all around him and could only grab the brush used for recording the testimony. Yita quickly wrote two lines of Persian, smeared one of his rings with ink, and stamped a solid black impression onto the document. He tossed the scroll back to Luo Shaoqing, tilted his chin upward, and said: “Tatargan has harmed not only Tang people — he has harmed Persians too. He is a scoundrel of the worst kind. I, Yita, strip Tatargan of his Asas title and reduce him to the status of a commoner. Tang law may judge him however Tang law sees fit.”

Luo Shaoqing’s mouth opened wide enough to fit three whole eggs. “Your Highness Prince Yita — is — is this… appropriate?”

Yita pointed at Sha Shamu. “Ask him.”

Sha Shamu kowtowed repeatedly. “His Majesty the King has decreed — within the Tang Kingdom, the word of the Eleventh Prince Yita is the word of the King of Persia.”

Luo Shaoqing had nothing left to say. Yita removed the ink-covered ring and tossed it to Sha Shamu. “Bring this to the King of Persia. He will understand.”

“Yes, yes, of course!”

Jin Ruo was practically vibrating with excitement, hands clamped over his mouth in a series of muffled gasps of awe. Lin Sui’an looked at Hua Yitang’s expression — a glow of deep, satisfied pride — and felt a complex stirring of emotion.

Using magic to defeat magic — a scheme this underhanded could only have been conceived by Hua Yitang.

Tatargan, reduced to a boneless heap on the ground, looked up at Yita looming over him from above, then slowly collapsed back down. Yita folded his hands behind his back, looked down at him with unhurried composure, and said: “Do you dare swear before the all-powerful Hehelaya that you have not killed those fifteen women?”

Tatargan struggled to his knees, pressed his forehead to the ground, shaking from head to foot. “By the name of the all-powerful Hehelaya, I swear — the deaths of those fifteen women have nothing to do with me!”

“Those who lie — go to hell.”

“Those who lie — go to hell!”

Yita nodded, then turned and walked to Hua Yitang, bowing respectfully. “Fourth Young Master — the question has been asked.”

Hua Yitang patted Yita on the shoulder. “My Yita is truly magnificent!”

Yita smiled. His golden fringe fell across his forehead like a soft cascade of sunlight, and his great blue eyes blinked. He reached back for the tea kettle from Mu Xia’s hands, stirred it once, poured a cup, and brought it to Lin Sui’an. “Pig person. Tea.”

Lin Sui’an felt countless stares drilling into her like hot blades, simultaneously from all directions. She stiffened, accepted the cup with both hands, and drank it down in one go. Whatever the flavor was, she registered none of it — only that whatever had been added this time sent a scorching sensation spreading throughout her entire body the moment she swallowed.

Hua Yitang was, in the end, the more considerate of the two. He rapped his fan against his palm and smoothly rescued Lin Sui’an from the spotlight. “Ah — the matter of Tatargan has finally been resolved. Most felicitous indeed!”

Sha Shamu and Luo Shaoqing retreated with ashen faces. Chen Yanfan lingered with a complicated expression, alternating glances between Hua Yitang and the room, then finally gave a couple of dissatisfied grunts, ordered men to take Tatargan away, shook out his sleeves, and left.

Ling Zhiyan did not leave. This case had been resolved — but the other case had hit a dead end. “If it was not Tatargan — then who is the true killer?”

Jin Ruo scratched his head. “Do we have to start from scratch?”

Lin Sui’an: “On the contrary — I believe our direction was correct all along. The killer did not choose a residence in Fujiao Ward by chance. It was a deliberate, calculated decision. He has been using Tatargan as a smokescreen the entire time.”

Hua Yitang: “For most government agencies — if they uncovered a case as large as Tatargan’s, they would rush to claim credit, and would most likely pin those fifteen murders on Tatargan as well, instead of continuing to dig further.”

Ling Zhiyan: “The most pressing problem now is that Tatargan tampered with the household registration records to conceal his own crimes — which has conveniently served as a shield for the true killer’s identity as well.”

Jin Ruo: “Tch — just because the household register is gone doesn’t mean the investigation is over. The real leads are people. You government officials rely too much on those dead written records — no wonder you can’t crack the case.”

“The Young Sect Master makes an excellent point — that is, indeed, our shortcoming.” Ling Zhiyan delivered a perfectly straight-faced compliment, which startled Jin Ruo so thoroughly that he immediately began jabbing Lin Sui’an in the side. “He called me Young Sect Master!”

Lin Sui’an: “……”

This poor kid — could he really not tell?

“Oh, spare me, Sixth Brother Ling,” Hua Yitang fanned himself. “Even if the Court of Judicial Review is buying information, there are no discounts — market rate. One guan per piece of intelligence.”

Jin Ruo came to immediate understanding. “That’s right — no discounts!”

Ling Zhiyan put on a pained expression. “Can I run a tab?”

“Bill it to Old Chen as a public expense,” Hua Yitang said with a smile. “And moreover — if my estimate is correct, it should not come to more than a few guan.”

At this, everyone went still.

Lin Sui’an: “You have a lead?”

Hua Yitang shook his fan with a satisfied air. “Consider this, everyone — if you were the killer, where would you choose to locate your home?”

Ling Zhiyan: “If the authorities came to search Fujiao Ward, Tatargan would do everything in his power to divert them toward protecting his own private storehouses. So — the closer to Tatargan’s private storehouses, the safer the location would be.”

Lin Sui’an: “Tatargan also had a forward sentry point, a compound serving as the exit for a hidden passage, and a deserted garden used to imprison the women.”

Hua Yitang: “Jin Ruo — do you still remember the profile of the killer I described to you earlier?”

“Don’t worry — I’ve got it down.” Jin Ruo picked up Yita’s tea cup, drank a large mouthful, and handed it back. “Yita — today’s tea is especially good.”

He spun on his heel and was gone in a gust of wind.

Yita stood staring in the direction Jin Ruo had disappeared for a long moment, then lowered his head and looked at the empty teacup in his hand. He turned, glanced slowly around the room, and those vast blue eyes drifted into an expression of quiet disappointment and puzzlement. “Where is Doctor Fang?”

A beat of perfect silence.

Ling Zhiyan: “Right — where has Doctor Fang been? I haven’t seen him at all.”

Lin Sui’an made an awkward sound. Hua Yitang struck himself on the forehead sharply with his fan. “Oh no — we’ve left Elder Fang behind in Hongqiao Ward!”

Epilogue

Fang Ke: Achoo!

Happy National Day, everyone!