They had overlooked a crucial issue from the start.
Liu Wan’er had used the longevity lock and silk handkerchief to search for her family. Everyone had followed the clues provided by these two items, starting with the truth of the baby swap seventeen years ago. According to Ming Shu and Ying Xun’s plan, they weren’t supposed to reveal the truth about the Lu family’s baby swap so quickly. They needed to find the whereabouts of the stolen infant to ultimately confirm Liu Wan’er’s identity.
This plan would have been fine, but no one anticipated Cai Shi’s attempt to silence Liu Wan’er, resulting in her accidental death. Cai Shi’s death led everyone to naturally connect Liu Wan’er with the Lu family’s stolen infant, simultaneously cutting off the path to finding the true whereabouts of the baby.
Now, looking back carefully, Ming Shu realized they had never investigated Liu Wan’er, the alleged victim.
They had been led by the nose, either by the child theft case or by Liu Wan’er herself, willingly investigating and discovering that Lu Ruishan, who had lived with the Lu family for seventeen years, was the daughter of kidnappers. But this Liu Wan’er… was she truly the real Lu San Niang?
No one could prove this point; everything was based on subjective speculation, wasn’t it?
“Brother, if Liu Wan’er isn’t real either…” Ming Shu felt a sudden chill run down her spine due to her deduction.
That would mean she had sent away one fake Lu San Niang, only to send another fake one into the Lu household. For Madam Feng, how devastating would that be?
And if Liu Wan’er was fake, then from the beginning, the longevity lock and silk handkerchief were all part of a trap set for her, exploiting her sympathy to ultimately use her to send a fake Liu Wan’er into the Lu family.
Why would Liu Wan’er want to enter the Lu family? Was it simply to covet wealth and become the daughter of a high-ranking official?
The more Ming Shu thought about it, the colder she felt.
“Brother, I’m… a little scared…” She hugged herself, wrapping his outer robe tightly around her and shrinking further into the chair.
For the first time since coming to the capital, she felt apprehensive about the unknown.
Lu Chang listened very seriously to her analysis.
Originally, it was just an ordinary case of an orphan girl searching for her family. When Ming Shu first took on the case, he hadn’t even imagined it would be connected to the Lu family of the Ministry of Works. Later, he didn’t pay much attention to it, only occasionally hearing some details during casual conversations with Ming Shu, not taking them to heart.
Now, hearing this, he realized he had been negligent too.
“Ming Shu, look at me,” Lu Chang crouched in front of her, his gaze level with hers. “Don’t be afraid, I’m here.”
His warm palm cupped her cheek, gently tucking stray strands of hair behind her ear. Under his calm and gentle gaze, Ming Shu gradually calmed down.
“A longevity lock and silk handkerchief alone don’t prove anything. If something feels off, investigate until you find the truth,” Lu Chang finally said. “If Liu Wan’er is indeed problematic since she got hold of the longevity lock, there must be some way she obtained it. The people involved are limited; investigate the origin of the lock, and you might find some clues.”
Ming Shu found his words reasonable and was about to nod when her nose suddenly itched. She involuntarily covered her mouth and nose, letting out a sneeze.
“Just like a child,” Lu Chang said, tightening her robe before standing up to make her some tea.
Ming Shu suddenly realized that Lu Chang was also in his sleeping attire—the thin middle garment accentuated his straight back and defined lines.
Her breath caught slightly, and she quickly lowered her head to look at her feet. She was wearing Lu Chang’s soft-soled cloth shoes that he often wore at home, made by Madam Zeng. He took good care of them, keeping the shoe uppers very clean. Now they dangled on her feet, swinging like little boats.
Lu Chang poured the hot tea and turned to see Ming Shu with her head lowered, swinging her feet. She was wrapped in his large outer robe, wearing his shoes, her long hair cascading down like a waterfall, half-concealing her beautiful face. Though her features were not visible, it made her all the more alluring.
He gradually felt his mouth go dry and his throat tighten. At that moment, Ming Shu raised her head, looking at him with clear eyes full of innocent confusion about the world. For a normal adult man, it was fatally attractive.
Lu Chang took a deep breath before walking to her side and handing her the tea. “Drink some hot tea and then go back to your room. It’s very late, you should sleep.”
Ming Shu, oblivious to his inner turmoil, only felt that she had indeed disturbed Lu Chang. She took a few sips of hot tea and then stopped, standing up. “Then I’ll go back to my room now. Brother, you should rest early too.”
After speaking, she walked to the door, about to take off the outer robe to return it to Lu Chang.
“Keep it on,” Lu Chang stopped her, watching her leave the room and run back to her own, disappearing from his sight in a moment.
He closed the door heavily, pressing one hand against the doorframe and leaning forward slightly, trying to calm his emotions.
After standing like this for a while, he walked to the washbasin, plunged both hands into the cool water, and splashed it on his face.
The clear water dampened his temples, and droplets slid down his cheeks and neck, rolling into his collar, and bringing a slight coolness.
He closed his eyes and let out a long sigh.
Days like this were extremely difficult to endure.
The next day, Ming Shu set out early with her people, not waiting for the messenger sent to inform Ying Xun to return. She headed straight for North Slant Street.
With Cai Shi dead, only Madam Peng remained. If the longevity lock and silk handkerchief were indeed stolen along with the infant, Madam Peng was likely to have seen both items.
Ming Shu planned to question Madam Peng again about the lock and handkerchief.
By the time they reached North Slant Street, it was no longer early. The streets were bustling with people, and households had started their day, with smoke rising from chimneys and doors wide open as people began their daily tasks. Only Madam Peng’s house remained tightly shut, with no sign of activity, and even the windows closed.
Ming Shu nodded to Qiu Ming, who stepped forward to knock on the door.
“Madam Peng?” Qiu Ming called out after knocking three times.
There was no response from inside.
Qiu Ming knocked harder a few more times: “Madam Peng! Someone’s here for a fortune-telling! Open up quickly!”
Still, no one answered or opened the door.
Qiu Ming turned back: “Maybe she’s not home?”
Ming Shu stared at the dark house for a moment before decisively ordering: “Break down the door.”
Qiu Ming hesitated: “Forcibly entering a private residence isn’t appropriate.”
“I’ll take responsibility,” Ming Shu said without hesitation. “Break it down!”
Qiu Ming didn’t question further. He positioned himself sideways, aiming his shoulder at the wooden door, and charged forward with all his might. The flimsy door gave way immediately. Ming Shu lifted her skirts and entered the cramped little house, surveying the scene.
The single-room dwelling was in complete disarray.
It wasn’t the chaos of a struggle, but rather the mess left behind after hurriedly packing and searching.
Dishes on the table were left unwashed, dresser drawers were pulled out and not replaced, and their contents were strewn across the floor. Behind the curtain, the bedding was in disarray. All the chests in the house were open, with half the clothes missing, and the remaining items in complete disorder.
After checking every corner of the house, Ming Shu clenched her fists and sat down in the main room, her face frosty and lips tightly pressed together in silence.
When the notified Ying Xun hurriedly arrived, he found Ming Shu’s people guarding the door of Madam Peng and Yu Lian’s house. He entered the house suspiciously, looking around while asking, “What’s going on? Ming Shu, what are you…”
“Master, Madam Peng and her son have fled,” Ming Shu said coldly.
What?
Ying Xun was shocked by this news. He rushed to check every room like Ming Shu had done, coming to the same conclusion.
The house showed signs of hasty packing everywhere. All valuable items were gone, and half the clothes were missing. It seemed Madam Peng and Yu Lian had hurriedly packed their belongings and left in the night after returning from court.
This was Ming Shu’s most optimistic guess—if they had fled for some reason, that was still manageable. But if they had fallen into another trap, their safety couldn’t be guaranteed.
“Why would they run?” Ying Xun was puzzled.
The case had been closed, and the authorities hadn’t shown any intention of pursuing Madam Peng. Their overnight departure made no sense.
“That’s what we need to ask them,” Ming Shu said, still cold, with a hint of anger in her icy tone.
Cai Shi was dead, leaving no one to know the whereabouts of the Lu family’s stolen infant. With Madam Peng gone, the origin of the golden longevity lock remained a mystery.
All their leads had been cut off.
The speculation based solely on the longevity lock was insufficient to prove anything to the world.
After a brief moment of frustration and anger, Ming Shu regained her composure and shared her suspicions with Ying Xun.
Hearing her analysis, Ying Xun also furrowed his brow, deep in thought.
Ming Shu’s fighting spirit had been ignited the instant she learned of Madam Peng and Yu Lian’s disappearance. Her usual smile vanished as she sat with Ying Xun in Madam Peng’s cramped little house, discussing strategies after a moment of silence.
“Leave Madam Peng’s whereabouts to me. We’ll first check if they’ve left the city. Whether they’re still in Bianjing or have fled, there will be traces to follow,” Ying Xun said.
Ming Shu nodded. “Master, we should also investigate the people Madam Peng and her son have been in contact with recently. Yu Lian frequented gambling dens and taverns; we might learn something from his usual haunts.”
“I’ll arrange for people to investigate.”
“Also, Liu Wan’er’s background is suspicious. We should find time to question her neighbors about her,” Ming Shu added.
Ying Xun agreed to everything and quickly took his leave to arrange the search for Madam Peng with his colleagues.
Ming Shu remained seated, motionless.
With all leads cut off, it was time to cast a wide net. Even if it meant searching for a needle in a haystack, she was determined to find new clues!
————
As dusk fell, a chestnut stallion galloped past, heading towards the Wei mansion.
Madam Zeng had prepared some food at noon. To thank Wei Zhuo for his recent care, she brought Lu Chang and Ming Shu to personally deliver a portion, expressing their gratitude. Wei Zhuo was somewhat flustered by the honor, quickly welcoming the three into the hall, offering seats, and ordering tea to be served.
“My mother’s dumplings are the most delicious. Uncle Wei, please try them,” Ming Shu smiled, helping Madam Zeng unpack the food box and placing the dishes on Wei Zhuo’s table.
Wei Zhuo looked down to see steaming dumplings, green and white. The green ones were vegetarian, while the white ones had meat filling. The broth had a slight sheen of oil, made from chicken stock, with sprinklings of scallions, dried shrimp, and other condiments on top, giving off a savory aroma. Besides the dumplings, there was a plate of jade-green cabbage rolls, a bowl of tender braised pork knuckle with rock sugar, and a plate of lamb flatbread.
These were all homestyle dishes, not particularly fancy, but they looked incredibly appetizing. Wei Zhuo had lived alone for many years. Although his mansion had a kitchen, the cook was a former army cook who only made large batches of simple food. He had grown accustomed to it and hadn’t thought much of it, but seeing the food Madam Zeng had brought, he suddenly realized how unpalatable his usual fare was in comparison.
Madam Zeng’s cooking, like her personality, exuded a warmth and gentleness that comforted the heart.
“Thank you, Madam Zeng,” Wei Zhuo expressed his gratitude.
Madam Zeng replied, “We’ve imposed on you for many days, and you’ve been so kind to us. We have no other way to thank you except by preparing some food to show our appreciation.”
“You’re too kind, Madam Zeng,” Wei Zhuo hurriedly said. “It was no trouble at all. Please don’t think anything of it.”
Madam Zeng smiled softly and glanced at Lu Chang, who then said, “Uncle Wei, the food should be eaten while it’s hot. We won’t disturb your meal any further.”
Ming Shu, having set out the bowls and chopsticks, came over to support Madam Zeng. Just as she was about to bid farewell with a smile, they heard urgent footsteps outside the hall.
“Reporting to the Commander, Cao Hai, the Military Commander of Jiangning Garrison, requests an audience!”
Everyone’s gaze turned towards the entrance. Wei Zhuo and Lu Chang exchanged a glance, their expressions growing serious.
Cao Hai had arrived in Bianjing much earlier than they had estimated.
Following the announcement, a man walked into the spacious courtyard outside the hall.
The man was over forty, with a square face and broad ears. He wore shining armor, carried a military helmet in his hand, and had a sword at his waist. He strode in with a commanding presence. Wei Zhuo hurried out to greet him, with Lu Chang following, leaving Ming Shu supporting Madam Zeng in the hall.
“This subordinate, Cao Hai, pays respects to the Commander!” Cao Hai dropped to one knee in salute as soon as he saw Wei Zhuo.
Wei Zhuo stepped forward to help him up. “Brother, we haven’t seen each other in years. There’s no need for such formality. Please, stand up!” As he spoke, he glanced outside, puzzled. “Are you alone?”
However, Cao Hai refused to rise, still kneeling with his fist raised. He lowered his head and said, “Commander, this subordinate has failed in his mission. I was unable to escort the criminal official Gao Shicai to the capital. I’ve come to beg for punishment.”
Upon hearing this, Lu Chang’s expression changed. “Gao Shicai escaped?”
Cao Hai glanced at Lu Chang, then looked back at Wei Zhuo, who was also greatly surprised. Wei Zhuo simply said, “Speak freely, we’re all our people here.”
Cao Hai continued, “On the way to the capital, he committed suicide out of fear of punishment, dying in an inn. His body, along with the other suspects involved in the case, is currently being escorted to the capital. They should be nearing Bianjing by now. Fearing that the Commander had been waiting long, I rode ahead to report.”
Lu Chang’s first reaction was to turn and look at Ming Shu. Ming Shu, still supporting Madam Zeng in the hall, was also looking his way. Their eyes met silently.
The prime suspect in the Simple family massacre case was dead?!