When Liu Yun received the news, Xu Chang had already undergone the Corpse Examination. Upon hearing that the culprit had been caught and that it was Xu Chang, a warrior from Northern Wei, Liu Yun immediately changed his clothes and hurried toward Yan Huai's tent!
Rushing to the entrance of the tent, he found Yuan Qing waiting outside. It seemed Yuan Qing had anticipated Liu Yun's arrival, showing no surprise at his appearance. He simply lifted the tent flap and said, "Third Prince, please—"
Liu Yun straightened his collar and stepped inside. As soon as he entered, he noticed Yan Chi, Yan Che, and others gathered in the tent. Even Yan Li, who had been absent from the main tent for several days, was present.
Liu Yun stepped forward and bowed, then asked, "Your Majesty, I heard the culprit has been caught—is it truly a warrior from Northern Wei?"
Tuoba Wu and Tuoba Rui were both in the tent. Upon hearing Liu Yun's words, they inwardly cursed their misfortune.
Yan Huai nodded. "Indeed. Ninth Girl has already examined Xu Chang's injuries and confirmed that he was the one who encountered General Fu that night."
Liu Yun took a deep breath and turned to face Tuoba Wu and Tuoba Rui. "Princess, Fifth Prince, what do you have to say?! Your Xu Chang killed our Great General of Western Liang! You must give me an explanation!"
Neither Tuoba Wu nor Tuoba Rui liked Liu Yun, but given the circumstances, they had to consider the diplomatic relations between Northern Wei and Western Liang. Moreover, since Xu Chang had committed murder, Northern Wei was clearly in the wrong. Tuoba Rui turned to look at Tuoba Wu, who cleared her throat and said, "Third Prince, Xu Chang is a criminal of Northern Wei. His actions were not our wish. We deeply regret what happened to General Fu. Later, we can have our father send an official letter of apology and offer gifts to express our remorse."
Liu Yun sneered. "Oh? An apology is enough?! That was our Grand Marshal of Western Liang's military forces! Do you think Western Liang covets your paltry gifts?!"
Suppressing her anger, Tuoba Wu pressed her lips together. "Then what do you want?!"
Liu Yun narrowed his eyes. Though he hadn't fully thought it through, an idea quickly came to him. He declared firmly, "You want to express remorse? Fine—100,000 warhorses from Southern Northern Wei!"
At these words, Tuoba Wu gasped sharply. Southern Northern Wei bordered Northern Great Zhou, a highland region with vast grasslands and abundant rainfall. The horses bred there were large, robust, and ideal as warhorses. However, Northern Wei's treasury was depleted, and funds for breeding warhorses were limited—they could barely meet their own military needs. Yet Liu Yun had the audacity to demand 100,000 horses! How could Qin Guan possibly agree to such an outrageous request?!
"Does the Third Prince think 100,000 warhorses is a joke?! Does the Third Prince not want Northern Wei's compensation at all?!"
Seeing that Tuoba Wu, despite being in the wrong, could still act so arrogantly, Liu Yun flew into a rage. He smirked coldly. "It seems the Princess does not believe Northern Wei has done anything wrong! Northern Wei's envoy to Great Zhou first caused such chaos that Great Zhou's biennial grand hunt was ruined, and then one of your people killed our Grand Marshal of Western Liang! Northern Wei should apologize to both Great Zhou and Western Liang and pay the price! With such insolent words, Princess, it seems you hold neither Great Zhou nor Western Liang in any regard!"Liu Yun's harsh words deliberately dragged the Great Zhou into the matter. Just as Tuoba Wu was about to retort, Tuoba Rui pulled her back. Shaking off his hand, Tuoba Wu glared as Tuoba Rui sighed helplessly, "Third Prince, please calm your anger. This matter is indeed Northern Wei's responsibility, but your demand for one hundred thousand warhorses is an overestimation of our capabilities. You know full well Northern Wei cannot meet such a request—why create difficulties for both sides? Does the Third Prince truly wish to resort to arms and drain both nations' resources?!"
The barren plains between Western Liang and Northern Wei had long been occupied by nomadic tribes, serving as a natural base for their harassment of Western Liang, Northern Wei, and Great Zhou. Though territorial disputes existed between Western Liang and Northern Wei in earlier years, decades of separation by these tribes made military confrontation virtually impossible. If Liu Yun pushed Northern Wei too hard, he would receive no compensation and would have to swallow his resentment. Cornered by Tuoba Rui's reasoning, Liu Yun could only snort, "The Fifth Prince speaks more reasonably. There is merit in your words. In that case, I shall reconsider."
Tuoba Rui nodded, "So long as the Third Prince accepts our apology, all can be negotiated. Northern Wei is not an unreasonable nation."
With Fu Desheng dead, Liu Yun naturally sought tangible compensation, though he needed time to determine what exactly. Having settled on this, he added, "Where is Xu Chang's body?"
Tuoba Rui replied, "In the outer tent—"
Liu Yun sneered, "Good! Surely you won't shield such a criminal anymore?! I demand his corpse!"
Tuoba Wu frowned, "What do you want with Xu Chang's body?!"
Liu Yun grinned viciously, "To honor General Fu!"
Clenching her fists, Tuoba Wu glanced at Tuoba Rui. She was unwilling—even in death, Xu Chang remained Northern Wei's criminal. Handing him over to Liu Yun was unacceptable; she intended to bring Xu Chang back to show Tuoba Qi the traitor's fate!
Tuoba Rui also hesitated, "Elder Sister... perhaps... perhaps we should give him the body..."
Tuoba Wu raised her brows, "Xu Chang is Northern Wei's criminal. When Crown Prince awakens, he must see the culprit. The investigation must continue—no, Xu Chang must be returned to Northern Wei—"
Tuoba Rui sighed, "Transporting a corpse? Over such distance..."
Pursing her lips, Tuoba Wu wavered momentarily. Liu Yun watched her with a mocking smile, "Is the Princess so reluctant to part with a dead man? Truly a testament to Northern Wei's guilt!"
Flustered, Tuoba Wu thought of Tuoba Hong still unconscious and felt isolated. Seeing the ruthlessness in Liu Yun's eyes, she finally gritted her teeth, "Fine, take him! After the heir apparent finishes his investigation!"
Liu Yun looked to Yan Chi, who stated, "Though we know he is the murderer, many pieces of evidence remain undiscovered."
Liu Yun chuckled, "Very well, I shall grant the heir apparent this courtesy. Once the case is closed, Liu Yun's body belongs to Western Liang!"
As these words fell, Yan Huai spoke calmly, "The case was resolved before the three-day deadline—surely the Third Prince is satisfied? Both Northern Wei and Great Zhou share responsibility in this matter. Should the Third Prince wish to pursue it further, Great Zhou will naturally cooperate."Liu Yun's attitude towards Yan Huai was naturally different from that towards Tuoba Wu. Hearing Yan Huai's words, Liu Yun became somewhat more amiable. "The Crown Prince found the culprit within three days, which shows how seriously Great Zhou regards this matter. Now that Xu Chang is dead, I believe General Fu can rest in peace. As for pursuing further accountability, I have no such intention."
Yan Huai curved his lips slightly, but Liu Yun continued, "However, this incident did occur in Great Zhou. If I show complete indifference, I won't be able to explain myself when I return to Western Liang. I need some time to consider this matter before discussing it with the Emperor."
"Of course, take your time," Yan Huai replied equally amiably. With Northern Wei bearing the greatest blame now, he could simply observe from the sidelines. "Now that both Crown Prince Tuoba and General Fu's cases have been clarified, we can all rest assured. There are still a few days left of the grand hunt. Starting tomorrow, the camp's officers and soldiers will hold a farewell ceremony for General Fu, then continue hunting for a couple more days before returning. I heard from Ninth Girl that the Crown Prince's condition has improved significantly. It would be best if he wakes up in the next couple of days. This grand hunt has been quite eventful. The remaining envoys from Northern Wei and Western Liang still need Your Highness and the two other princes to reassure them."
Yan Huai spoke gently, and Liu Yun naturally agreed. Tuoba Wu and Tuoba Rui had even less reason to make a scene. Their Northern Wei conflict had spilled into Great Zhou's territory, not only disrupting Great Zhou's spring hunt but also causing them to lose face. Tuoba Wu's anger was completely unjustified, so upon hearing Yan Huai's words, she repeatedly expressed agreement.
After a few more words, Tuoba Wu and the other two took their leave first. Once they departed, the smile on Yan Huai's face faded slightly. Yan Qi complained, "Really, we should be holding Northern Wei accountable! Our perfectly good spring hunt was ruined by their internal strife!"
Yan Che, recalling Zhao Shuhua's words, said, "Ultimately, it's still about the struggle for the throne. If the Fourth Prince of Northern Wei had no ambition to contend for power, this tragedy wouldn't have occurred. Now that Princess Tuoba remains in Great Zhou, who knows what bloodshed will unfold in Northern Wei once they all return."
Yan Huai seemed moved by these words, his expression turning solemn. Yan Qi narrowed his eyes slightly, his face cold.
It was already late at night. Since the culprit had been caught, there was no need for further discussion. Yan Huai didn't ask more questions and directly dismissed everyone to rest. Meanwhile, Yan Chi led people to search Xu Chang's residence and indeed found a bloodstained garment under Xu Chang's bed, providing sufficient evidence for Xu Chang's conviction. As for the matter of the Fourth Prince of Northern Wei's instigation, that was beyond his jurisdiction.
At the same time, Wei Chan and Xiao Yu, who had fled the camp, were found not far away. The camp was set up on the flat banks of the Wei River - even reaching Mount Wei would require nearly half an hour's walk. These two had indeed planned to escape through the mountains but were caught by the imperial guards just five li away.
When the imperial guards came to arrest them, Wei Chan and Xiao Yu put up some resistance. However, with hundreds of imperial guards present, how could two men possibly resist? They were captured and brought back to camp, fully expecting to face immediate execution upon return. When brought before Zhao Yu, they knelt and immediately began pleading their innocence—
"We're innocent! We would never harm the Crown Prince, nor would we ever harm General Fu!"
"Where is the heir apparent? Are you going to execute us immediately?!"
"No! We demand to see Her Highness the Princess and His Highness the Fifth Prince—"Xiao Yu shouted, then suddenly remembered that Tuoba Rui hadn't actually helped them, so he changed his tone, "We're innocent! We demand to see the Crown Princess! We demand to see the Crown Princess!"
Zhao Yu listened impatiently to their shouting, finding it somewhat amusing that these two had been used by Yan Chi. He watched them calmly as they yelled themselves hoarse, only smiling when their voices grew strained. "Guards, untie them!"
At his command, two guards immediately stepped forward to release them. Xiao Yu and Wei Chan stared blankly at Zhao Yu, unable to comprehend why they were being freed after being captured without seeing Yan Chi present. They had assumed they would be executed immediately, never expecting to be released! What did this mean?!
"Alright, we know you two aren't the murderers. This was just the Crown Prince's strategy to solve the case. The real culprit has been caught now, so you can rest easy. Consider this hardship as your loyalty to your Crown Prince." Zhao Yu chuckled again, "You've actually contributed to solving the case. Get up and go rest, it's over now..."
Xiao Yu and Wei Chan's eyes widened in shock. After all their fear and anxiety, fleeing and being captured, even getting beaten when they were caught - and now they were told they had merely been used as decoys by Yan Chi?!
First came the relief of surviving a near-death experience, followed by waves of anger and bitterness.
They were completely innocent, yet had endured such terror for nothing. And Zhao Yu's casual remark about "showing loyalty to the Crown Prince" felt particularly disrespectful.
Rubbing their sore wrists and ankles, Wei Chan and Xiao Yu stood up. Though filled with resentment, they didn't dare voice their complaints. Zhao Yu watched them with his chin slightly raised. As Wei Chan turned to leave in a daze, Xiao Yu paused and asked, "May I ask Commander Zhao, who is the real murderer?"
A meaningful smile reappeared on Zhao Yu's face. "Xu Chang."
Wei Chan turned back in disbelief. "Deputy Captain Xu?! How is that possible?!"
Zhao Yu's expression turned serious as he looked at these two foolish Northern Wei men. "Xu Chang was caught red-handed trying to poison your Crown Prince at the pharmacy. He has already taken poison and killed himself."
Xiao Yu and Wei Chan stared in horror!
Xu Chang held a significant position in the Northern Wei imperial guards, and during this mission they had developed brotherly bonds. Xu Chang had even helped them escape - how could he be the murderer?!
As they thought about it, realization gradually dawned. Their escape had cut off their own retreat - once they were convicted, Xu Chang would be safe. Moreover, Xu Chang's poisoning attempt tonight was clearly taking advantage of the chaos...
Exchanging a look, both broke out in a cold sweat!
They had been feeling grateful to Xu Chang, but who would have thought they were actually being used by him?!
Watching their expressions change, Zhao Yu laughed again. This farce created by the Northern Wei had ultimately harmed their own people. Although General Fu of Western Liang had died, Liu Yun wasn't someone to be trifled with. Their Great Zhou had been involved in this commotion but fortunately suffered no substantial losses. "Enough, if you want to know more, go ask your comrades. Now leave."
Wei Chan and Xiao Yu stood completely stunned, nodding blankly and turning away mechanically, unable to recover from the shock for a long time."Your Highness, we found something else. Would you like to see it?" Bai Feng entered from outside, holding a token in his hand. "It was discovered in Xu Chang's bundle, hidden inside a hair ribbon. We almost missed it at first."
Yan Chi took the token and examined it. Crafted from bronze, it bore the engraved pattern of a blue sparrow. Yan Chi gave an ambiguous smile. "Take this to Princess Tuoba. She'll know what it is."
The blue sparrow was the royal totem of Northern Wei, indicating this was undoubtedly a royal object. Suspecting it was related to the Fourth Prince of Northern Wei, Yan Chi decided not to involve himself further. After Bai Feng left, Yan Chi stood up and walked out.
The earlier turmoil had startled everyone into waking, but now deep into the night, the camp had regained its tranquility.
Yan Chi strode toward Tuoba Hong's tent. Arriving at the entrance, he indeed saw warm lamplight glowing from within.
The guards he had assigned quickly saluted upon seeing Yan Chi. Inside, both Tuoba Wu and Qin Guan were surprised by the sounds of greeting. Tuoba Wu frowned slightly and glanced at Qin Guan. "You may go. I can watch over him alone."
Uncertain why Yan Chi had come, Qin Guan stepped out first. Outside the tent, she found Yan Chi standing with his back to the entrance, his gaze lifted slightly toward the crescent moon hanging at the horizon. The day had been overcast, with neither stars nor moon visible at night, but now this slender crescent had emerged from behind the clouds - a fitting symbol for the solved case.
"Your Highness—" Qin Guan maintained proper decorum in front of so many guards.
Yan Chi turned around, frowning. "Didn't I tell you to go back and rest?"
A slight curve touched Qin Guan's lips. "Crown Prince Tuoba's pulse seems to have improved again, so I stayed to keep company for a while."
Yan Chi's brow furrowed deeply. Though Tuoba Hong had been rescued days ago, his condition remained unpredictable, and with the investigation ongoing where the killer might strike again, Qin Guan's vigilance was understandable. But now that the culprit had been caught and Tuoba Hong had significantly improved, why did she still need to keep watch? Though Qin Guan had rarely appeared these past few days, her visible exhaustion was unmistakable.
Seeing Yan Chi's apparent displeasure, Qin Guan glanced back and said, "Very well, I'll go rest now."
After giving instructions to the guards and bidding farewell to Tuoba Wu inside, she reemerged. Tuoba Wu had faintly overheard the conversation outside and couldn't help but snort softly.
"Is this satisfactory now? Your Highness has also been quite exhausted these past few days. You should return and rest early too."
With the case solved and Tuoba Hong's pulse growing stronger each day, Qin Guan felt remarkably at ease.
Hearing this, Yan Chi's expression finally softened slightly as he nodded. "I'll escort you back—"
Though the distance to the Empress Dowager's tent wasn't far, this would allow her some time alone with Yan Chi. Qin Guan naturally agreed readily. "The case is solved, so why do you still look so serious?"
Yan Chi glanced at her, his expression somewhat grave. Standing considerably taller, his gaze slanted downward toward her. "With the case resolved, His Majesty will likely summon us tomorrow. Have you thought about what reward you want?"
So... that was what this was about!
Understanding Yan Chi's concern, Qin Guan slowed her pace slightly. "Tell me, is it possible for a woman to hold an official position?"
Yan Chi stopped abruptly. "Are you thinking of joining the Ministry of Justice?"Qin Guan blinked, a faint smile surfacing on her face due to Yan Chi's unusually stern expression. Though she wore a smile, countless helpless thoughts churned within her heart. Yan Chi must have been unable to fathom her intentions these past few days, and the resulting worry must have tormented him greatly. Yet, how could she possibly explain?
"I... I wish for women to openly investigate cases. Do you think it's feasible?"
Yan Chi looked at Qin Guan, the tension in his eyes easing slightly. It was just as he had suspected—Qin Guan's dedication to solving crimes ran deeper than he had imagined. Previously, she had assisted out of necessity, but now she genuinely desired to use her forensic techniques to make a difference.
"In over two hundred years of the Great Zhou dynasty, there has never been a female official."
Yan Chi had no choice but to relay this reality to Qin Guan, yet the corners of her lips curved upward. "I know, but I still wish to try."
Meeting Qin Guan's clear, determined gaze, Yan Chi asked, "Is your unfulfilled aspiration to set a precedent for women to serve as officials, using your forensic skills to plead for the people?"
Qin Guan pressed her lips together slightly. "It's not exactly about pleading for the people..."
Yan Chi recalled her words from that day—how scholars and court officials should establish moral integrity for heaven and earth, secure livelihoods for the populace, carry on the wisdom of past sages, and pave the way for eternal peace. She had said that even as a woman, she possessed a heart as steadfast as the heavens. Remembering this now, Yan Chi still felt a stir of emotion. Qin Guan clearly intended to enter court service.
With this in mind, her words struck him as modest. The sternness on Yan Chi's face softened by a fraction. "If it's such a matter, why keep it from me? I always feared you were embarking on something perilous."
Qin Guan knew Yan Chi had oversimplified things. She gave a bitter smile and said, "Speaking of it, this matter is dangerous in its own way."
"The safest path in life is to remain confined to the inner quarters. But you are no ordinary woman. What you wish to do naturally carries some risk, though it is far simpler than what I had imagined. Since the Emperor has tacitly allowed you to assist in corpse examinations and your reputation for solving cases has already spread, you may find people seeking your help even if you later wish to decline."
Seeing the relief evident in Yan Chi's expression, Qin Guan could not bring herself to reveal that her ultimate goal was far more complex. She could not fully disclose her plans to him, so why trouble him with worry now?
A slight smile touched Qin Guan's lips. "In that case, I should ask for something more practical!"
Noticing no one was around, Yan Chi reached out and briefly held her hand. Qin Guan's heart skipped a beat, and a faint warmth rose to her cheeks. Fortunately, he only gave her palm a gentle squeeze before releasing it. "Whatever you desire, the Empress Dowager will surely grant it. But tell me, what should I ask for this time?"
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