The Chong Ming Hall was brightly lit as Third Prince Zhao Jingran, Chancellor Lu Wenhan, and the newly arrived Kaifeng Prefecture Magistrate jointly conducted a night interrogation of Zhang Song, while Lu Chang, Song Qingzhao, and Ming Shu stood in attendance.

Caught red-handed, Zhang Song had no defense. He slumped to the ground, shivering and chattering his teeth as he answered questions from the three officials. He wore only a thin, blood-stained undergarment after being stripped of his outer clothes.

The criminal process matched what Lu Chang and the others had surmised. Zhang Song had first deceived Yang Zishu under the pretense of presenting a poem to the Third Prince. Yang Zishu fell for it and agreed to his plan. Before dawn today, Yang Zishu had secretly entered the Huan Tao Pavilion while no one was around, closing all doors and windows before hiding inside to wait. Meanwhile, Zhang Song joined the others at the mountain gate to welcome the Third Prince and his party. Their moment to strike came when the Third Prince left Chong Ming Hall and led the students to the Thousand Books Tower.

“They were all focused on the Third Prince outside the tower. I first pretended to have stomach pains and sat down on a rock outside, creating the illusion that I was still present, just not standing directly behind them. Then when they weren’t paying attention, I slipped into the dark alley between the Thousand Books Tower and Listening Moon Pavilion,” Zhang Song recounted mechanically.

Once in the alley, he began stripping off his outer and middle robes, hiding them outside the window before climbing into the Huan Tao Pavilion with the stolen sleeve arrow cartridge he had prepared.

“I stole the sleeve arrow the night before when Peng Guo and I went with Yang Zishu to find Tang Li. I took it while they were arguing. I separated the cartridge from the arrow and threw the cartridge into the bamboo forest first to create false evidence that the killer had fled there, framing Xie Xi. Then I stabbed Yang Zishu in the neck with the arrow… once… twice… blood sprayed everywhere.” As Zhang Song spoke, his eyes grew dark with madness, as if the dried blood had stained his vision. His hands rose and fell, reenacting the scene in the pavilion where he had pressed Yang Zishu against the table with one hand over his mouth while viciously stabbing his neck with the arrow in the other. He had never felt such strength before, nor such savage satisfaction.

After the killing, he grabbed some manuscripts from the desk to wipe the blood from his hands and face, then carefully climbed back out the window. He quickly put his discarded clothes back on while running back to the Thousand Books Tower along his original route.

The early spring was still cold, and he had deliberately dressed more thickly than others with two padded middle robes and a thick outer robe. The mountain winds were strong, quickly dispersing any blood scent. Standing at the back where no one paid him attention, his unusual state went unnoticed. When he returned to the Thousand Books Tower, those in front hadn’t even realized he had disappeared.

“They all ignored me… because I was Yang Zishu’s lackey… helping him bully them. But I didn’t want to be like that – Yang Zishu forced me,” Zhang Song said, breaking into sobs.

He had been just an ordinary student at the Shuanglin Academy, from a modest background. His parents had sold everything they could to support his education. Fortunately, he proved capable, studying hard for years to enter the academy. He thought his hardships were finally over, expecting that in two more years, he could take the imperial examinations and achieve success. But then he encountered Yang Zishu, who was arrogant and tyrannical, particularly targeting students from poor backgrounds. Yang Zishu had beaten, cursed, and humiliated Zhang Song. At first, others sympathized with him, but later, to escape Yang Zishu’s bullying, Zhang Song chose to become his lackey in exchange for peace.

Yet even then, Yang Zishu still frequently beat and berated him. Meanwhile, the other students’ sympathy gradually turned to hatred, and they all distanced themselves from him. He became isolated and suffered greatly.

Hatred gradually grew during those days.

After confessing everything, Zhang Song covered his face and wept on the ground.

“If he was so evil, why didn’t you report it to the academy masters?” Lu Wenhan asked once Zhang Song had calmed somewhat.

“We did, but it was useless. Yang Zishu’s family had money and bribed several teachers who supervised us. They turned a blind eye to his misdeeds. We were from poor backgrounds, studying here on academy aid – how could we dare offend them?” Zhang Song answered, hanging his head.

Shuanglin Academy wasn’t an official school. Most students who passed the entrance examination relied on merit, and many came from humble origins. Those like Song Qingzhao who came from prominent families but still earned admission through genuine ability were extremely rare.

After hearing the full story, Zhao Jingran remained silent for a long while before speaking: “I will report this case truthfully to the Emperor, including the private corruption within the academy. It will all be thoroughly investigated. The century-old Shuanglin Academy, which cultivates talent for the nation, should be pure land, not hell. As for you, Zhang Song, though you had a thousand grievances, that’s no excuse for murder and false accusations. Families have rules, nations have laws, and the law shows no mercy. Whether murder or perjury, both violate national law. Let this be a warning to all.”

With these final words, he swept out of Chong Ming Hall, leaving the rest to the Kaifeng Prefecture authorities.

Ming Shu felt conflicted after hearing Zhang Song’s account. She was about to call Lu Chang to leave when he suddenly spoke again: “Zhang Song, this wasn’t your first attempt to kill Yang Zishu, was it?”

Zhang Song slowly raised his head, showing confusion.

“The Ming Li Hall,” Lu Chang reminded him.

Understanding dawned in his confused gaze: “Yes, the plaque at Ming Li Hall could have killed Yang Zishu without anyone knowing, but unfortunately, you ruined it.”

Ming Shu turned to Lu Chang in surprise.

Lu Chang explained to her: “That day, he called out to Yang Zishu just as he was passing under the plaque.” This was the initial reason he had suspected Zhang Song.

“I see,” Ming Shu said in sudden understanding, then casually asked Zhang Song, “But how did you know the plaque would fall?”

Zhang Song closed his mouth, his eyes showing confusion before he suddenly smiled: “I… happened to hear someone mention it.”

He pronounced “someone” strangely.

Ming Shu instinctively asked: “Who?”

“Forgot,” Zhang Song answered without hesitation this time, then closed his eyes, refusing to answer any more questions.

Ming Shu frowned, feeling something was oddly wrong, but the Kaifeng guards were already taking him away, and Lu Chang was urging her to leave.

“May I see Xie Xi and Tang Li alone?” Ming Shu asked Song Qingzhao, hoping he might help since he was close to the Third Prince.

Before Song Qingzhao could answer, Lu Wenhan, who was walking alongside the Kaifeng Prefect, spoke up: “What do you want to see them for?”

“Lord Lu, this humble girl wishes to ask them a few questions on someone’s behalf, unrelated to this case,” Ming Shu replied.

Due to their false testimony, Tang Li and Xie Xi were being held separately in rooms within Chong Ming Hall.

Lu Wenhan seemed particularly lenient and gentle with her, and without inquiring further, he spoke briefly to the Prefect. Soon, a guard came to escort Ming Shu to see the two. Lu Chang, knowing what she intended to do, waited in the main hall, where Lu Wenhan detained him in conversation.

—

Ming Shu met with Xie Xi first.

He was confined in a small meditation room with only simple furniture – a table and chairs, no bed. A lamp burned on the table as he sat staring into space.

Ming Shu thanked the guard who opened the door before entering.

Hearing the movement, Xie Xi already knew who had come. He had calmed down and heard that Lu Chang, Song Qingzhao, and Lu Ming Shu had caught the real killer, clearing both his and Tang Li’s names.

“Thank you,” he said quietly.

Ming Shu noticed that as long as Tang Li wasn’t involved, he still behaved like a proper gentleman.

“No need for thanks. I didn’t investigate the case to help you,” Ming Shu said, standing by the door without entering further.

“It’s all the same. You ultimately cleared both Ali and me of suspicion.” Xie Xi slowly stood and bowed expressionlessly, “Thank you.”

Ming Shu returned his courtesy and asked directly: “Do you love Tang Li?”

Xie Xi paused, his gaze falling on the light patterns on the table.

“Yes.”

Finally, there was no need to hide anymore.

“Ali and I have known each other since we were very young. If the Su family hadn’t fallen, she would have been my betrothed. When the Su family was seized and Ali was sold by official slave traders, I thought I’d never see her again. Who would have thought we’d meet at Shuanglin Academy?”

Xie Xi slowly began speaking.

As a criminal official’s daughter, Su Tangli had been sentenced to be sold by slave traders. Before his exile, Su’s father had pleaded with Principal Xu, with whom he had a close private friendship, to save his daughter. Principal Xu had arranged for someone to secretly buy Su Tangli, and fearing discovery and criticism, had her dress as a male and adopted her as a boy.

The Principal and his wife had once had a son who unfortunately died around age six, and they never had another child. When the Principal’s wife saw the disguised young Tangli, she was moved to compassion. Young Tangli was also obedient and pitiful, earning the Principal’s wife’s great affection. Thus, the couple concealed her identity and kept her by their side to raise and educate for ten years, which gave Xie Xi the chance to meet her again.

“I recognized her at first glance. Because of her background, I helped her keep the secret from others. When she occasionally encountered difficulties, I helped when I could, and that’s how we became close.”

Initially, they were just friends, but as time passed imperceptibly, Xie Xi himself didn’t know when his feelings had changed. By the time he realized it, it was too late.

“But you were already betrothed to the County Princess for a long time,” Ming Shu questioned.

“I know. Ali and I can never be together. We remain pure friends, and being able to associate with her like this is enough for me.”

“Pure? Friends?” Ming Shu smiled mockingly, “Your heart has already strayed – how can you speak of purity? Besides, can you distinguish between friendship and love?”

Using friendship as a cover while acting on romantic feelings – where was the purity in that?

“Then what would you have me do? I will marry Wen’an and respect her all my life – isn’t that enough? This marriage was arranged by both families’ elders. Wen’an and I have no feelings for each other. Some things I cannot control,” Xie Xi said.

“Not only do you lack feelings for the County Princess, I fear you can’t even manage basic respect for her. If you had spared even half a thought for Wen’an or your parents and family, you would never have done something as absurd as taking the blame for Tang Li. Yet now you tell me you’ll respect her for life?”

Ming Shu spoke slowly and deliberately, each word of her questioning falling clearly into his ears.

Xie Xi had no response. Taking the blame had indeed been impulsive. That morning he hadn’t met with Tang Li, but due to various prior conflicts with Yang Zishu, plus the sleeve arrow, he had suspected Tang Li was responsible. When Lord Lu suggested torture, he lost his composure.

“Xie Xi, you know well that the County Princess’s willingness to marry you isn’t just because of the two families’ relationship – she has loved you for ten years. Since you can neither cleanly sever your feelings for Tang Li nor overcome all obstacles to pursue marriage with her, you can only trample on the County Princess’s love, using the ridiculous lie of respecting her to deceive her of a lifetime’s happiness. I… despise you.”

Ming Shu said all she needed to say and turned to leave.

She had come to see Xie Xi to ask one last time on the County Princess’s behalf if he had any legitimate difficulties, but there were none.

—

Tang Li’s room was directly opposite Xie Xi’s, similarly furnished with a table, chair, and lamp.

The weak lamplight illuminated the delicate face at the table.

When Ming Shu entered, Tang Li was also staring at the lamp, brows slightly furrowed as if lost in worried thoughts.

“Tang… Miss Su,” Ming Shu caught herself and changed the address as she began speaking.

“Just call me Tang Li. I’ve heard this name for ten years and am used to it.” Tang Li turned her head, still carrying herself with masculine mannerisms. Except when facing Xie Xi, she rarely showed her feminine side.

Ming Shu’s first impression of her had been of an introverted, cautious young man.

“Do you know Xie Xi is betrothed to the County Princess?” Ming Shu asked.

“I know.” Tang Li nodded, explaining with a bitter smile, “There is nothing improper between the Young Master and me. You all misunderstand.”

“Yet everyone saw Xie Xi take the blame for you. He beat Yang Zishu for your sake. Don’t tell me you know nothing of his feelings. Don’t tell me you’re completely unaware,” Ming Shu pressed.

Tang Li fell silent, finally speaking after a long while: “Whether there are feelings or not, what does it matter? The Young Master and I can never be together. What’s the point of discussing this?”

As she finished speaking, she looked up, her eyes red and tears about to fall, truly appearing pitiful to the extreme.

Ming Shu frowned – she hadn’t intended to make things difficult for Tang Li, only wanting to meet her on Wen’an’s behalf.

Given County Princess Wen’an’s temperament, she would probably want to know what kind of person her love rival was, but from tonight’s meeting, this Tang Li seemed to be just a timid, weak woman.

Having just spoken with Xie Xi, Ming Shu was troubled and unwilling to waste more words, so she shook her head and prepared to leave.

As she turned, she suddenly recalled Lu Chang’s earlier question to Zhang Song.

Who had told Zhang Song about the damaged plaque? Zhang Song hadn’t answered.

Madam Lin had mentioned that the plaque’s repair had been reported last year but was delayed due to the winter season and the lack of available craftsmen. Logically, if the plaque posed a risk of falling, even if it couldn’t be repaired immediately, it should have been taken down as a precaution. Yet Shuanglin Academy hadn’t done so.

Why was that?

There could be only one possibility – something had gone wrong with the repair registration.

Ming Shu remembered that Tang Li helped the Principal’s wife with document registration and copying work. She would have had access to the academy’s repair records for damaged items, and she had also been present when the plaque fell…

At this thought, Ming Shu’s brows furrowed deeply, and she whirled around.

Behind her, Tang Li was half-bent over the table’s candlestick, pinching the flame between her thumb and forefinger. She didn’t extinguish it directly but would pinch and release repeatedly, making the room’s light flicker, casting her face in alternating light and shadow.

Her face was expressionless, but she appeared relaxed, playing with the fire with practiced ease – completely different from her earlier pitiful demeanor.

“The plaque incident – was it you who told Zhang Song?” Ming Shu was shocked by her sudden realization.

“What are you talking about? I don’t understand.” Tang Li turned her head at Ming Shu’s voice, her lips curving into a slight smile with a hint of challenge, like a serpent’s flickering tongue.

Ming Shu followed this line of thought: “The sleeve arrow… did you deliberately let Zhang Song steal it?”

Tang Li’s smile widened, showing several white teeth: “Do you have proof? If you do, you can tell the Third Prince.”

“You don’t love Xie Xi either, do you?” Ming Shu continued questioning.

Following this logic, Tang Li had known who the killer was all along, yet said nothing when Xie Xi took the blame in court, only using him to escape punishment. She didn’t love Xie Xi at all.

This 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 was uncharacteristically relaxed as if toying with Ming Shu.

“Su Tangli, what exactly are you trying to do?” Ming Shu approached her coldly.

If it was just about having a grudge against Yang Zishu and wanting to use someone else to kill him, that would make sense, but her purpose seemed far more complex.

“I should be the one asking Miss Lu that question. What exactly do you want me to confess to?” Tang Li countered.

Ming Shu clenched her fists – everything was just her speculation, without a shred of evidence. Even she didn’t know what she wanted Tang Li to confess to.

Seeing Tang Li’s reaction, further questioning would be meaningless. Ming Shu turned to leave, but as she reached the door, Tang Li suddenly extinguished the candle. The room plunged into darkness, and she vanished into it.

Only her voice came floating from the darkness: “Miss Lu, have you ever experienced the taste of losing your family and having your home destroyed? If someone caused your family’s destruction, would you seek revenge?”

The words “losing your family and home” pierced like an arrow through the heart.

Ming Shu felt a sharp pain in her chest as if something had been struck. Her mind suddenly went blank as she woodenly stepped 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 Ming Shu while answering Lu Wenhan’s endless questions. Song Qingzhao hadn’t left either, finding excuses to stay in Chong Ming Hall, though he wasn’t sure what he was waiting for.

When Ming Shu emerged, Lu Wenhan had just asked another question that Lu Chang hadn’t yet answered. Seeing Ming Shu’s wooden expression, so different from when she’d entered, he frowned and couldn’t even focus on Lu Wenhan’s question.

“Enough, it’s been a long day. Take your sister back to rest,” Lu Wenhan said, seeing his distraction, and waved him away without blame.

After apologizing, Lu Chang quickly walked to Ming Shu’s side. Song Qingzhao also came over, wanting to say goodbye.

Ming Shu ignored both their calls, walking out of Chong Ming Hall in a daze.

Lu Chang sensed something was wrong and grabbed her arm: “Ming Shu? What happened?”

Ming Shu finally stopped, looking at Lu Chang with a confused expression: “Brother, Tang Li just asked me what I would do if someone destroyed my family and home… I don’t know why… but I feel so sad…”

As soon as she finished speaking, Lu Chang and Song Qingzhao saw tears falling unconsciously from her eyes.

Lu Chang was greatly shocked and, ignoring Song Qingzhao’s presence wiped her tears with his hand before pressing his palm against her cheek: “Ming Shu, don’t be sad, I’m here.”

Ming Shu breathed deeply to overcome the sudden pain, her fists still tightly clenched as she said in an unusually calm voice: “Brother if someone destroyed my family and home, I swear… I would seek revenge at any cost!”

“Ming Shu!” Lu Chang shouted.

His thunderous voice finally brought Ming Shu back to her senses. Her chaotic thoughts settled as Lu Chang’s warm palm and anxious gaze made her realize what she’d said. She quickly wiped her face – had she cried?

“Brother, I…” Ming Shu couldn’t find the reason for her tears. Could it be just because of Tang Li’s words?

“Perhaps you’re overwrought from today’s events, allowing Tang Li’s words to affect you so deeply. I have some calming medicine pills – I’ll send you some later.” Song Qingzhao finally spoke. Earlier, seeing her tears had somehow made his heartache, but with her brother present, he couldn’t offer comfort and had to wait until now.

“Thank you, Brother Song.” Lu Chang thanked him on her behalf, then added, “I’ll take her back first and get the medicine from you later – no need for you to make an extra trip.”

Song Qingzhao could only nod: “Very well.”

The two bid farewell to Song Qingzhao and left.

—

The night was deep, with mountain winds whistling into their clothes, quickly drying the tear tracks on Ming Shu’s face.

She walked silently beside Lu Chang, feeling somewhat embarrassed – crying in front of Lu Chang and Song Qingzhao had been quite shameful.

“Don’t overthink it,” Lu Chang said gravely, seeing her unusual silence. “You’ve barely eaten all day. Let’s get some food first, then you can get a good night’s sleep.”

“Mm.” She obediently agreed.

When they reached the dining hall area, which was still open due to the day’s special circumstances, some students were still getting food. Lu Chang had her wait in a windless pavilion while he jogged to the dining hall, borrowed bowls and chopsticks with a tray, and got two bowls of noodles, each topped with a poached egg, hurrying back to the pavilion.

Ming Shu was dozing against a pillar, though not fully asleep. Hearing movement, she rubbed her eyes and sat up straight, looking at Lu Chang blearily.

In the distant lamplight and faint starlight, Lu Chang’s features appeared especially gentle.

“Tired from today?” He handed the noodles to Ming Shu and ruffled her hair.

“Mm.” Ming Shu yawned, taking the noodles and sitting beside Lu Chang to eat.

Lu Chang’s mind still dwelt on Ming Shu’s tearful words earlier, his heart heavy with lingering pain. After eating a few tasteless bites of noodles, he said slowly: “Ming Shu, don’t take Tang Li’s words to heart…”

He spoke without conviction.

No one had expected Tang Li’s casual words would strike at the Jian family matter. Even with her lost memories, Ming Shu was affected – one could imagine how painful it would be when her memories returned.

Lu Chang didn’t dare think further.

He only felt that he needed to avenge the Jian family before her memories returned.

Ming Shu didn’t respond.

“Ming Shu?” Lu Chang called again.

The response was a weight on his shoulder.

He turned to look – Ming Shu had barely eaten a third of her noodles before setting them aside, already falling asleep against his shoulder.

He looked at her – in the dim light, only her profile was visible, her large eyes closed, her straight nose breathing evenly, her lips slightly pursed… He lost focus, and when he came back to himself, his fingertips had already traced along her eyebrows, eyes, and nose, coming to rest on her lips.

Lu Chang suddenly startled, quickly withdrawing his hand.

The mountain wind blew in from outside the pavilion, bringing clarity.

—

Ming Shu slept unusually deeply and sweetly. When she woke the next day, it was nearly noon, and the room was quiet except for sunlight streaming through the windows.

She had no memory of how she’d fallen asleep or returned to her room, only knowing that she had slept through the night fully clothed, completely unaware.

Third Prince Zhao Jingran, Chancellor Lu Wenhan, and the Kaifeng Prefect had all left the academy to return to the city. Zhang Song, Tang Li, Xie Xi, and the others had been taken to the city, and even Principal Xu and his wife had gone along.

With the academy matter concluded and having found what she needed to investigate, it was time to say goodbye.

Ming Shu hurriedly packed her things, changed back into her clothes, and folded the page boy’s clothes to return to Madam Lin. When Madam Lin accepted the clothes, she only responded with a long sigh. Ming Shu had wanted to see Madam He, but since she had gone to the capital with the Prince, that wasn’t possible.

After completing the handover, she picked up her small bundle and walked toward the academy gates. Lu Chang had already hired a carriage for her and was waiting outside.

“Brother!” She waved to him from far away.

After a night’s rest, she seemed to have recovered her usual spirit. Lu Chang felt somewhat relieved as he took her bundle and placed it in the carriage, saying to her: “Go home and rest well, don’t take on any more troublesome matters. I’ll be home in a few days and should stay until the spring examinations.”

“Ah?!” Ming Shu was shocked.

“What? Don’t want me to come home?” Lu Chang tapped her forehead.

“How could that be? Mother and I couldn’t wish for anything better than having you home. But don’t you need to study?”

“The spring examinations are near, and there’s no need to stay at the academy. Besides, with the murder case causing such a commotion, the academy students are all affected to some degree. It’s better to study quietly at home,” Lu Chang explained.

Ming Shu made an “oh” sound, then asked: “Brother, you’re not coming back just to keep an eye on me, are you?”

“What do you think?” Lu Chang asked irritably.

Ming Shu just giggled, and Lu Chang urged her: “Get going now, so you don’t get home too late.”

“Mm.” Ming Shu nodded while climbing into the carriage. Just as she was about to lift the curtain to enter, she heard a clear voice calling from afar.

“Ming Shu!”

A figure in green robes walked quickly under the pine trees by the mountain gate, stepping through scattered patches of sunlight, and approaching her.

Ming Shu felt slightly dazed again.

It was Song Qingzhao.

“Brother Lu.” He also greeted Lu Chang before handing Ming Shu a porcelain bottle: “These are the calming medicine pills I mentioned yesterday. Please take them.” Since they hadn’t come to get them yesterday and he couldn’t appropriately visit Ming Shu, he had hurried over this morning upon hearing she was leaving, bringing the medicine as a parting gift.

Ming Shu looked at him, then at Lu Chang, and didn’t refuse Song Qingzhao’s kindness. She accepted the bottle and smiled: “Thank you, Young Master Song. I’ll be going now, farewell!”

She retreated into the carriage as she spoke. As the carriage slowly started moving, Song Qingzhao watched it with a sense of loss, until suddenly a head popped out of the carriage window. Ming Shu stretched out her arm to wave at them: “Brother, Song Qingzhao, goodbye!”

Song Qingzhao smiled unconsciously.

Lu Chang just silently watched the gradually departing carriage, his expression slightly heavy.