Chongming Hall blazed with light as Third Prince Zhao Jingran, Minister Landi Wenhan, and the newly arrived Bianjing Prefect jointly interrogated Zhang Song. Lu Chang, Song Qingzhao, and Mingshu stood by to answer questions.
Caught red-handed, Zhang Song slumped on the ground, shivering in his thin, blood-stained undergarments as he answered their questions through chattering teeth.
The crime unfolded much as the three had guessed. Zhang Song had tricked Yang Zishu into hiding in Huantao Pavilion before dawn, promising to help him present a poem to the Third Prince. Zhang Song then joined the others to greet the prince. When the group reached Thousand Books Tower, his moment came.
“They stopped outside the tower, focused on His Highness,” Zhang Song recounted dully. “I pretended to have stomach pains and sat on a nearby rock, creating the illusion that I was still present. When no one was looking, I slipped into the alley between Thousand Books Tower and Tingyue Pavilion.”
There, he stripped to his undergarments, hid his outer clothes, and climbed through a window into Huantao Pavilion, armed with a stolen sleeve arrow.
“I took the sleeve arrow the night before, when Yang Zishu, Peng Guo, and I visited Tang Li. I separated the quiver and arrow, planting the quiver in the bamboo grove to frame Xie Xi. Then I stabbed Yang Zishu’s neck… once… twice… Blood sprayed everywhere.”
As he spoke, Zhang Song’s eyes grew dark and frenzied. He raised and lowered his hand, reliving the moment he pinned Yang Zishu to the table and plunged the arrow into his neck. He had never felt so strong or so satisfied.
After the murder, he wiped his hands and face on a nearby manuscript, carefully climbed out the window, redressed, and rushed back to Thousand Books Tower.
The early spring chill had prompted him to dress more warmly than others. The mountain wind dispersed any blood scent, and standing at the back, ignored by all, no one noticed anything amiss. When he returned, even the person in front of him hadn’t realized he’d left.
“They all ignore me… because I’m Yang Zishu’s lackey… helping him bully them. But I didn’t want to. Yang Zishu forced me,” Zhang Song sobbed.
He explained how he’d entered the academy on merit, only to fall victim to Yang Zishu’s bullying. To escape, he’d become Yang Zishu’s accomplice, earning the hatred of his peers. His resentment had grown over time.
After Zhang Song’s confession, Lu Wenhan asked why they hadn’t reported Yang Zishu to the academy’s teachers.
“We tried, but it was useless. Yang Zishu’s family is wealthy. They bribed our teachers to turn a blind eye. We’re poor students relying on the academy’s support. How could we offend them?” Zhang Song replied head bowed.
Zhao Jingran, after a long silence, declared he would report the case and the academy’s corruption to the Emperor. He reminded everyone that the law must be upheld, regardless of circumstances, and left the rest to the Bianjing authorities.
As Mingshu prepared to leave with Lu Chang, he suddenly asked Zhang Song, “This wasn’t your first attempt to kill Yang Zishu, was it?”
Confused at first, Zhang Song eventually admitted, “Yes, at Mingli Hall. I could have killed him with the falling plaque, but you ruined it.”
Lu Chang explained to Mingshu that he’d first suspected Zhang Song because he had called out to Yang Zishu just before the plaque fell.
“I see,” Mingshu nodded, then asked Zhang Song, “But how did you know the plaque would fall?”
Zhang Song hesitated, then smiled strangely. “I… overheard someone mention it.”
His pronunciation of “someone” was odd.
“Who?” Mingshu asked instinctively.
“I forgot,” Zhang Song replied quickly, then closed his eyes, refusing to answer any more questions.
Mingshu frowned, sensing something amiss, but the Bianjing guards were already taking Zhang Song away. Lu Chang urged her to leave.
“Can I see Xie Xi and Tang Li alone?” Mingshu asked Song Qingzhao, hoping he could help given his familiarity with the Third Prince.
Before Song Qingzhao could answer, Lu Wenhan, emerging with the Bianjing Prefect, asked, “Why do you want to see them?”
“Lord Lu, I wish to ask them a few questions unrelated to this case, on someone else’s behalf,” Mingshu explained.
Xie Xi and Tang Li were being held separately in Chongming Hall for giving false testimony.
Lu Wenhan, seemingly lenient towards her, spoke briefly with the Bianjing Prefect. A bailiff was sent to escort Mingshu to see the two. Knowing her intentions, Lu Chang waited in Chongming Hall and engaged in conversation with Lu Wenhan.
Mingshu first met with Xie Xi.
He was confined in a small, quiet room with only a simple table and chair. A lamp flickered on the table as he sat, lost in thought.
Mingshu thanked the guard who opened the door before entering.
Hearing her, Xie Xi knew who had come. He had calmed down and heard that Lu Chang, Song Qingzhao, and Lu Mingshu had caught the real culprit, clearing him and Tang Li of suspicion.
“Thank you,” he said quietly.
Mingshu noticed that as long as Tang Li wasn’t involved, he still behaved like a gentleman.
“No need to thank me. I didn’t investigate to help you,” Mingshu said, standing by the door.
“It’s all the same. You’ve cleared our names,” Xie Xi rose slowly, bowing expressionlessly. “Thank you.”
Mingshu returned the gesture and asked directly, “Do you love Tang Li?”
Xie Xi paused, his gaze falling on the light pattern on the table.
“Yes,” he finally admitted.
He explained how he and Tang Li (referred to as “A Li”) had known each other since childhood. If the Su family hadn’t fallen, Tang Li would have been his betrothed. After the Su family’s downfall, Tang Li was sold. Xie Xi thought he’d never see her again until they met at Songlin Academy.
As a criminal’s daughter, Su Tangli was sentenced to be sold. Thanks to her father’s friendship with Principal Xu, she was secretly bought and disguised as a boy to avoid scandal. The childless Principal and his wife, moved by the young girl’s plight, raised her for ten years, giving Xie Xi the chance to reunite with her.
“I recognized her immediately. Because of her background, I kept her secret and helped when I could. That’s how we became close,” Xie Xi explained.
Initially just friends, Xie Xi didn’t realize when his feelings changed.
“But you’ve been engaged to the County Princess for a long time,” Mingshu pointed out.
“I know. A Li and I can never be together. Being friends is enough for me,” he replied.
“Friends? Your heart has already strayed. How can you call that innocent?” Mingshu smiled sarcastically. “Can you distinguish between friendship and love?”
“What do you want me to do? I’ll marry Wen’an and respect her for life. Isn’t that enough? This marriage was arranged by our families. Wen’an and I have no feelings for each other. Some things I can’t control,” Xie Xi said.
“You not only lack feelings for the County Princess, but I doubt you can even manage basic respect for her. If you had thought of Wen’an or your family for even a moment, you wouldn’t have done something as foolish as taking the blame for Tang Li. Yet you still claim you’ll respect her for life?” Mingshu challenged him methodically, each word clear and cutting.
Xie Xi had no reply. He admitted his actions were impulsive, driven by suspicion and a desire to protect Tang Li.
“Xie Xi, you know the County Princess wants to marry you not just because of family ties, but because she’s loved you for ten years. You can’t decisively end things with Tang Li, nor can you overcome obstacles to be with her. Instead, you trample on the County Princess’s feelings, deceiving her with empty promises of respect. I… despise you for this,” Mingshu concluded, turning to leave.
She had come on behalf of the County Princess, hoping to give Xie Xi one last chance to explain himself. But there was nothing more to say.
Tang Li was confined in the room opposite Xie Xi’s, similarly furnished with a table, chair, and lamp.
The dim light illuminated her delicate face as Mingshu entered. Tang Li was staring at the lamp, her furrowed brows betraying her worries.
“Tang… Miss Su,” Mingshu began, quickly correcting herself.
“Call me Tang Li. I’ve been used to this name for ten years,” Tang Li replied, turning her head with masculine mannerisms. Except when facing Xie Xi, she rarely showed her feminine side.
Mingshu’s first impression was of an introverted, cautious young man.
“Do you know Xie Xi is engaged to the County Princess?” Mingshu asked.
“I do,” Tang Li nodded, explaining with a bitter smile, “There’s nothing between the Young Master and me. You’ve misunderstood.”
“But everyone saw Xie Xi take the blame for you. He beat Yang Zishu for you. How is that nothing? Don’t tell me you’re unaware of his feelings,” Mingshu pressed.
After a long silence, Tang Li replied, “What difference does it make if there are feelings or not? We can never be together. What’s the point of discussing this?”
She looked up, her eyes red and brimming with tears, appearing utterly pitiful.
Mingshu frowned – she hadn’t intended to pressure Tang Li, only to meet her on Wen’an’s behalf. Given the County Princess’s temperament, she’d likely want to know about her rival. But from tonight’s encounter, Tang Li seemed merely a timid, weak woman.
Having just spoken with Xie Xi, Mingshu was frustrated and ready to leave. As she turned, she suddenly recalled Lu Chang’s question to Zhang Song about the damaged plaque.
She remembered that the plaque had been reported for repair last year but wasn’t fixed due to the winter season. If it was at risk of falling, it should have been removed as a precaution, but the academy hadn’t done so. Why?
The only possibility was an issue with the repair records. Mingshu recalled that Tang Li helped the Principal’s wife with document registration and copying. She had access to the academy’s repair records and was present when the plaque fell…
Realizing this, Mingshu frowned and turned back abruptly.
Behind her, Tang Li was half-bent over the table, pinching the candle flame between her thumb and forefinger. She wasn’t extinguishing it, but repeatedly pinching and releasing, causing the light to flicker and her face to appear and disappear in the shadows.
Her expressionless face looked relaxed, skillfully playing with fire – a stark contrast to her earlier pitiful demeanor.
“Did you tell Zhang Song about the plaque?” Mingshu asked, shocked by her sudden realization.
“What are you talking about? I don’t understand,” Tang Li turned, her lips curling into a slight, challenging smile, like a snake’s flickering tongue.
Mingshu pursued her line of thought: “The sleeve arrow… did you deliberately let Zhang Song steal it?”
Tang Li’s smile widened, revealing white teeth: “Do you have evidence? If so, you can tell the Third Prince.”
“You don’t love Xie Xi either, do you?” Mingshu continued.
Following this logic, Tang Li must have known the killer’s identity but said nothing when Xie Xi took the blame, only using him to avoid punishment. She didn’t love Xie Xi at all.
It was terrifying.
“I don’t know what you’re trying to say. If you must ask about my feelings for the Young Master, of course, I’m devoted to him,” Tang Li replied with uncharacteristic ease as if toying with Mingshu.
“Su Tangli, what are you trying to do?” Mingshu approached her coldly.
If it was just about revenge against Yang Zishu, that would make sense, but her motives seemed more complex.
“Shouldn’t I be asking you that, Miss Lu? What exactly do you want me to admit?” Tang Li countered.
Mingshu clenched her fists – it was all speculation without evidence. Even she didn’t know what she wanted Tang Li to admit.
Seeing Tang Li’s reaction, further questioning seemed pointless. As Mingshu turned to leave, Tang Li suddenly extinguished the candle, plunging the room into darkness.
From the darkness came Tang Li’s voice: “Miss Lu, have you ever experienced the taste of losing everything – your family, your home? If you were ruined like that, wouldn’t you seek revenge?”
The words “losing everything” pierced Mingshu’s heart like an arrow. She felt a sharp pain in her chest as if something had been struck. Her mind went blank as she stumbled out the door.
She didn’t hear Tang Li’s final words:
“We’ll meet again in the capital.”
Lu Chang was waiting outside for Mingshu, answering Lu Wenhan’s endless questions. Song Qingzhao lingered in Chongming Hall, unsure what he was waiting for.
When Mingshu emerged, she looked dazed, unlike when she entered. Lu Chang frowned, ignoring Lu Wenhan’s latest question.
“Enough for today. Take your sister home to rest,” Lu Wenhan said, dismissing them.
Lu Chang apologized and hurried to Mingshu’s side. Song Qingzhao approached to say goodbye.
Mingshu ignored them both, walking out of Chongming Hall in a trance.
Lu Chang, concerned, stopped her: “Mingshu? What happened?”
She finally paused, looking at Lu Chang with a distant gaze. “Brother, Tang Li asked me how I’d feel if someone ruined my family. I don’t know why, but I feel so sad…”
As she spoke, Lu Chang and Song Qingzhao saw tears falling from her eyes.
Shocked, Lu Chang wiped her tears, cupping her face. “Mingshu, don’t be sad. I’m here.”
Mingshu breathed deeply, trying to calm herself. With an unnaturally steady voice, she said, “Brother, if someone destroyed our family, I swear… I’d seek revenge at any cost!”
“Mingshu!” Lu Chang shouted, his thunderous voice finally bringing her back to reality.
Realizing what she’d said, Mingshu quickly wiped her face, surprised she’d cried.
“Brother, I…” Mingshu couldn’t explain her tears, wondering if Tang Li’s words alone had affected her so much.
“Perhaps you’re overwrought from today’s events,” Song Qingzhao interjected. “I have some calming pills. I’ll send you some later.”
“Thank you, Brother Song,” Lu Chang replied. “I’ll take her home now and get the medicine from you later.”
Song Qingzhao nodded, and the siblings bid him farewell.
As they walked in the deep night, the mountain wind dried Mingshu’s tears. She felt embarrassed for crying in front of Lu Chang and Song Qingzhao.
“Don’t overthink it,” Lu Chang said, noticing her unusual silence. “You haven’t eaten much today. Let’s get some food, then you can rest.”
“Mm,” she agreed obediently.
Near the dining hall, which was still open due to the day’s events, Lu Chang left Mingshu in a windless pavilion while he fetched two bowls of noodles topped with poached eggs.
Mingshu was dozing against a pillar when he returned. She rubbed her eyes and sat up, looking at Lu Chang sleepily.
In the faint light, Lu Chang’s features seemed especially gentle. “Tired?” he asked, handing her the noodles and ruffling her hair.
“Mm,” Mingshu yawned, eating alongside Lu Chang.
Lu Chang, still troubled by Mingshu’s earlier words, ate without tasting. “Mingshu, don’t take Tang Li’s words to heart…” he said, his voice lacking conviction.
No one had anticipated Tang Li’s casual words would touch on the Jian family’s tragedy. Even with her lost memories, Mingshu was affected. Lu Chang dreaded to think how painful it would be if her memories returned.
He resolved to avenge the Jian family before Mingshu’s memories resurfaced.
Mingshu didn’t respond.
“Mingshu?” Lu Chang called again.
His only answer was her head falling onto his shoulder.
Turning, he saw Mingshu had barely eaten a third of her noodles before falling asleep against him. In the dim light, he could only make out her silhouette – her closed eyes, her straight nose breathing evenly, her slightly pursed lips… He lost himself for a moment, his fingertips tracing her features down to her lips.
Startled by his actions, Lu Chang quickly withdrew his hand.
The mountain wind blew, clearing his mind.
The next day, Mingshu woke near noon, having slept deeply. She had no memory of how she’d gotten to bed, only that she’d slept in her clothes all night.
Third Prince Zhao Jingran, Minister Lu Wenhan, and the Bianjing Prefect had left for the city, taking Zhang Song, Tang Li, Xie Xi, and even Principal Xu and his wife with them.
With academy matters concluded and her investigation ideas in mind, it was time for Mingshu to leave. She packed quickly, changed back into her clothes, and returned the page boy’s outfit to Madam Lin, who sighed deeply upon receiving it.
Lu Chang had hired a carriage and was waiting outside for her.
“Brother!” she called, waving from afar.
Seeming to have recovered her usual spirit overnight, Lu Chang felt relieved. He loaded her bag into the carriage and said, “Rest well at home. Don’t take on any more troublesome tasks. I’ll be home in a few days and should stay until the spring exams.”
“What?!” Mingshu exclaimed in surprise.
“Don’t you want me home?” Lu Chang tapped her forehead.
“Of course we do! But don’t you need to study?”
“The exams are near. With the recent murder causing such a stir, it’s better to study at home in peace,” Lu Chang explained.
“Oh,” Mingshu replied, then asked, “Brother, you’re not coming home just to watch over me, are you?”
“What do you think?” Lu Chang retorted.
Mingshu giggled, and Lu Chang urged her to depart.
As she was about to enter the carriage, a clear voice called out.
“Mingshu!”
Song Qingzhao approached from under the pines by the gate, his green robes fluttering over dappled sunlight.
Mingshu felt dazed again.
After greeting Lu Chang, Song Qingzhao handed Mingshu a porcelain bottle. “These are the calming pills I mentioned yesterday. Please take them.”
Mingshu looked at him, then at Lu Chang, before accepting the bottle with thanks.
As the carriage began to move, Song Qingzhao watched it leave with a sense of loss. Suddenly, Mingshu’s head popped out of the window, waving: “Brother, Song Qingzhao, goodbye!”
Song Qingzhao smiled involuntarily.
Lu Chang silently watched the departing carriage, his expression somber.