Ming Shu never imagined that her first Double Seventh Festival in Bianjing would end with witnessing a fight between Song Qingzhao and Lu Chang.
The whole thing was both laughable and frustrating. Ming Shu had agreed to help Lu Chang act out a scene to lower their opponent’s guard. When Lu Chang took the opportunity to scold her yesterday, she played along, but the developments were completely unexpected. According to Lu Chang, his strikes at Song Qingzhao were just for show—he barely touched him and had even whispered an explanation in his ear. What should have been mere pretense turned real when Song Qingzhao unexpectedly took it seriously.
When men foolishly fight, there’s no real winner or loser—both end up with injuries, making quite an unsightly scene.
“I don’t care, it was your fault! You dragged Song Qingzhao into this without warning him, then beat him up like that. It’s your problem, and you need to apologize to him!”
Once behind closed doors with just Lu Chang, Ming Shu dropped her act, placing her hands on her hips in anger.
“How badly did I beat him?” Lu Chang held an egg to his forehead, rolling it around as he countered, “Who’s more injured, him or me?”
Knowing Song Qingzhao’s martial arts weren’t as good as his, he had held back, but Song Qingzhao’s strikes were all real. When Lu Chang couldn’t dodge, he took several solid hits. Though all superficial injuries, if comparing severity, his were worse.
“Also, what was wrong with him today?” Lu Chang suddenly stopped rolling the egg.
Song Qingzhao was typically a calm and dignified gentleman who never engaged in brawls. Even without hearing Lu Chang’s explanation, it was unusual for him to react so violently.
“What did you all do today? Did something upset him?” Lu Chang stared at Ming Shu, sensing something was off.
Ming Shu froze, looking away guiltily. “Anyway, it’s your fault. You need to apologize to him, that’s final.”
With that, she ran out of the room to get some air.
Never mind, no matter what, it was all Lu Chang’s fault.
The fight between Lu Chang and Song Qingzhao at Wei Manor couldn’t be kept secret and quickly spread. Combined with his recent behavior, it made Madam Zeng extremely worried. Ming Shu couldn’t explain the truth and had to pretend she was at odds with her brother, causing even more concern. Fortunately, Wei Zhuo came to both comfort Madam Zeng and advise Ming Shu.
“Ming Shu, your brother has been under great pressure lately. Please be more understanding—he’s only concerned for your safety. Don’t keep arguing with him. As for the matter with Young Master Song, I’ve already sent people to his mansion to apologize. You needn’t worry too much.”
“Thank you, Uncle Wei. I understand.” Ming Shu replied coolly, appearing not to take Wei Zhuo’s words to heart. Internally, she thought Lu Chang’s acting was too convincing—now everyone thought something was wrong with him. That was half successful, wasn’t it? Though it was hard on Madam Zeng and Wei Zhuo, one worried while the other had to mediate…
Shortly after the Double Seventh Festival, Ying Xun brought Ming Shu news about Qing’an Hall.
He had gone back to investigate everything related to “Liu Wan’er,” but unfortunately, besides the deceased physician, even the medicine boy who delivered her food and medicine had returned to his hometown, making the investigation quite difficult.
“I’ve gone through Qing’an Hall’s death records for the past year and found no record of Liu Wan’er’s death,” Ying Xun said urgently, accepting tea from Ming Shu and drinking it down.
“No death record means no body disposal record either.” Ming Shu sighed.
Record-keeping was the physician’s responsibility, and Qing’an Hall, being just a facility for epidemic patients and the mentally ill, was typically neglected and poorly managed. Altering records wouldn’t have been difficult.
If someone could alter “Liu Wan’er’s” medical records at Qing’an Hall, they could also ensure no written records remained.
“Yes, all the records appear fine, but…” Ying Xun set down his cup after quenching his thirst and continued gravely, “I found the corpse handler from Qing’an Hall.”
Ming Shu’s eyes lit up: “Did you find out what happened to the body?”
If they could prove Liu Wan’er’s death, then the woman currently in the Lu household couldn’t be Liu Wan’er.
“We both found it and didn’t find it,” Ying Xun replied.
The body of the gravely ill “Liu Wan’er” could be said to be both found and not found. Patients at Qing’an Hall, especially those with contagious diseases, couldn’t be buried when they died. To prevent disease spread, the bodies were cremated, so “Liu Wan’er’s” remains weren’t preserved.
“I asked the corpse handler. Last July, he did remove a body from ‘Liu Wan’er’s’ room, but he only followed the physician’s instructions. His job was to handle and cremate deceased patients from Qing’an Hall. He didn’t verify the identities of the dead, so he doesn’t know whose body it was.”
“But if Liu Wan’er died, that room should have been either empty or occupied by someone new. Didn’t anyone notice?” Ming Shu asked.
“She stayed in the epidemic ward. Nobody dared go there except the physician and the medicine boy who delivered food and water. Not even the cleaners went there. Now that the physician has passed away and the medicine boy has left, we can’t learn anything more.” Ying Xun explained.
“But at least we know someone died in July last year, and that person was likely Liu Wan’er. Compared to being led by the nose from the start, we’ve taken a big step forward.”
The suspicious points were mounting. Though they couldn’t directly prove “Liu Wan’er” was problematic, clues were gradually emerging. As long as they kept investigating, more holes would appear.
“You’re quite optimistic.” Ying Xun looked at her. Perhaps he should consider taking her as his disciple.
“This isn’t optimism—it’s patience.” Ming Shu opened a drawer and took out some drawings.
“True, impatience is the enemy of investigation.” Ying Xun adjusted his sitting position and continued, “By the way, this matter doesn’t concern you anymore. Your client was Liu Wan’er, and for her, the case is closed. Why do you want to continue investigating?”
The case had been taken over by officials, and as a constable, uncovering the truth was his duty. But what about Ming Shu? Why was she so persistent?
“I don’t think I found the real truth for her. When you take someone’s money, you should resolve their concerns and eliminate their troubles. So I want to keep investigating. Is there a problem?” Ming Shu said while pushing the drawings toward Ying Xun.
The result Liu Wan’er wanted to see might not necessarily be the truth.
“What’s this?” Ying Xun looked down and asked.
The papers showed designs of a longevity lock and an embroidered handkerchief.
“Liu Wan’er’s personal effects?” Ying Xun recognized them immediately.
The two items had been evidence but were returned to their owner after the case closed.
“Yes.” Ming Shu nodded. “I’ve been thinking. Although we can’t find Madam Peng and Yu Lian right now, these two items couldn’t have appeared from nowhere. They’re connected to Madam Cai and Madam Peng. Perhaps if we take these drawings to places they frequented or shops in the city, we might learn something.”
“That makes sense.” Ying Xun took the drawings and tucked them into his sleeve. “I’ll also investigate the physician’s home. If he altered records, he must have been either bribed or threatened—there must be a reason.”
Though the person was dead, their family remained.
“Then I’ll trouble you, Master. It’s not convenient for me to go out much lately, so I’m afraid I can’t help much.” Ming Shu poured him another cup of tea in respect.
After noon, Ming Shu brought two boxes of pastries to the Duke’s mansion.
Though she had insisted Lu Chang should apologize, she hadn’t expected much from him.
Madam Xu was receiving guests and couldn’t see her, but as Song Qingzhao was home today, she was invited into the flower hall.
“Lu Chang came this morning. Why did you come again?” Seeing her carrying gifts, Song Qingzhao knew why she was there.
His demeanor had returned to normal, but his gaze was cold as it swept over the gifts she placed on the table—her gesture was too formal and polite.
“After all, this happened because of me. My brother struck first and injured you, I…”
“Ming Shu, I told you my business with him has nothing to do with you. You don’t need to do this for him. Besides, he apologized this morning. Last night’s incident wasn’t his fault—neither of you needs to take the blame. I told my family it was my impulsive behavior, nothing to do with you two. You don’t need to worry about my family holding a grudge against Lu Chang.” Song Qingzhao interrupted her.
Ming Shu frowned: “That’s not what I meant.” She wanted to explain but didn’t know where to begin, and after a moment’s silence, she stood up.
“Thank you anyway. I won’t disturb your rest. Farewell.”
Song Qingzhao also stood, suddenly reaching out to stop her: “Ming Shu, I’m sorry.” He hadn’t meant to speak to her in such a tone, but seeing those pastries and her formal behavior had pained his heart.
Ming Shu nodded, pressing his hand until he gradually let go.
“Don’t apologize, and don’t be like this.” She said.
“Let me see you out.” Song Qingzhao was calm again and didn’t try to keep her.
They left the flower hall together, walking toward the entrance in silence. As they turned down a corridor, they encountered people approaching from the opposite direction.
“Liu Wan’er?” Ming Shu’s steps faltered.
The approaching people were Madam Feng and Liu Wan’er, apparently also leaving, accompanied by Song Qingzhao’s sister-in-law.
“The lady from the Lu family is here to see my mother,” Song Qingzhao replied.
So they were who Madam Xu was meeting this morning.
“Here to persuade Aunt Xu to participate in the charitable activities at the Ghost Festival?”
“Yes, it’s their second visit. They want to set up relief stalls near the ceremony and are trying to persuade my mother to lead an initiative among the capital’s nobility to distribute porridge, donate clothes, and provide medicine to help poor families. They’re also planning to raise funds to build a charitable hall for abandoned infants and elderly widows.” Song Qingzhao explained.
“And what does Aunt Xu think…”
“Mother is somewhat moved but still hesitant.” Song Qingzhao answered, then added, “Actually, if it’s truly a charitable act benefiting the common people, I would support it too. The worry is that they might have ulterior motives, using this for fame while avoiding real responsibility.”
Ming Shu made a sound of agreement—this was most people’s concern.
“Lady Lu?” Someone from the opposite side recognized her and greeted them with a smile.
Ming Shu and Song Qingzhao’s conversation was interrupted as she stepped forward to exchange greetings. Liu Wan’er was arm in-arm with Madam Feng, mother, and daughter appearing very close, both smiling at Ming Shu. After exchanging pleasantries in the corridor, Madam Feng walked ahead with Song Qingzhao’s sister-in-law, while Ming Shu and Liu Wan’er walked side by side, with Song Qingzhao bringing up the rear.
“Miss Lu still wears this longevity lock? You truly value old things.” Ming Shu said softly as they walked.
Her gaze fell on the ornament worn at Liu Wan’er’s chest.
Liu Wan’er was no longer the lonely girl of the past. Though not dressed extravagantly, her clothes and accessories were all of the finest quality. She was gentle and composed, carrying a convincing air of nobility, completely different from before. Only the item hanging at her chest reminded Ming Shu of the timid young lady who had entered Mantang Hui seeking help.
The longevity lock had been reforged, gleaming golden, and redesigned as an ornamental chain with precious stones—quite beautiful.
Hearing this, she touched the lock and said with emotion: “This was placed around my neck by my mother herself, and has been with me for many years. I wear it always.” She then thanked Ming Shu, “I haven’t properly thanked Lady Lu yet. Without you, I might still be living alone on Ma Hang Street as an orphan of unknown parentage.”
“You’re too kind, Miss Lu. I didn’t help much—the Kaifeng Prefecture resolved the case.” Ming Shu smiled, then casually asked, “I am curious though—when those kidnappers took you away for half a year as an infant, how did they leave this pure gold longevity lock with you?”
Liu Wan’er smiled as well, as if she had expected this question, and replied calmly: “It is indeed strange. I’m quite curious myself—I suppose I should ask those kidnappers.”
Ming Shu didn’t respond, only meeting her gaze with a smile.
Liu Wan’er’s composure seemed like a provocation.
Peng Qing was exiled, Madam Cai was dead, Madam Peng had disappeared…
She felt untouchable.
That night, in Prince Yu’s private residence in the southern part of the city, only one room still had a light burning.
The candle wick sputtered twice, and the person sitting at the desk removed the sheepskin lampshade and picked up bronze scissors to trim the wick. After trimming half an inch, the candlelight dimmed and then brightened, shining even stronger than before. Just as they were about to replace the sheepskin shade, the door was violently pushed open with a “bang.” The sudden gust of wind reduced the flame to the size of a mung bean, nearly extinguishing it.
She quickly shielded it with her hand and quickly replaced the sheepskin shade before looking up, satisfied to see Lu Chang in a state of complete loss of composure.
“What exactly do you want me to do?” Lu Chang stood by the door, his brow furrowed deeply, hints of red in his eyes, his gaze fierce and savage like a wild beast.
Tang Li loved such looks—the gaze of someone who wanted to tear her apart but was powerless and had to compromise.
“It seems Master Yin has truly come to understand this time.” Compared to Lu Chang’s agitation, Tang Li spoke casually, “It’s not anything difficult, just need you to help me with something.”
“Speak.”