Yue Ning and Qin Guan exchanged a glance, neither expecting to witness such a scene. The servant had said Master Ning was upstairs, yet Ning Buyi was in the backyard making a beauty cry. They took a step back—it wouldn’t do to spy on others.
Once inside the elegant room, Yue Ning remarked, “Master Ning is no longer young. Why hasn’t he married yet?”
Qin Guan smiled. “I wouldn’t know. Perhaps he has his difficulties.”
The servant soon brought tea and apologized, “Please wait a moment, Your Highnesses. Master Ning still has some matters to attend to.”
Yue Ning and Qin Guan shared an understanding look and smiled indulgently. Naturally, neither was in a hurry—Master Ning’s priority was comforting the lady. As they thought this, Ning Buyi arrived promptly, appearing at the door of the room moments later.
“Greetings to both Your Highnesses. I didn’t know you were coming today and have kept you waiting.”
Ning Buyi was exceptionally warm upon seeing Yue Ning and Qin Guan. Before Qin Guan could finish saying, “No need for formalities,” he glanced at Yue Ning’s hand and asked, “Has the injury on Your Highness’s hand healed?”
Yue Ning smiled. “It’s long healed.”
She showed the back of her hand, and indeed, the wound had fully closed. From a distance, even the scar was barely visible. With Qin Guan by her side and the wound not being deep, it had healed quickly.
Ning Buyi sighed in relief. “That’s good. Since that day, I’ve felt deeply remorseful. I intended to visit, but as a commoner, I dared not presume.”
“Why belittle yourself, Master Ning?” Qin Guan interjected. “With your reputation, you’d be welcome at either Marquis Anyang Manor or Loyal Marquis Manor…”
Though Qin Guan spoke reassuringly, Ning Buyi gave a bitter smile. He was merely a painter; even if his works were valuable, his reputation meant little in the eyes of true official families, especially those like Marquis Anyang Manor, who were related to the imperial family. Visiting alone, he might not even be received.
Changing the subject, Ning Buyi asked their purpose, “What brings you here today, Your Highnesses? Last time, you came to purchase paintings but were interrupted. Today, I will carefully assist you.”
Seeing Ning Buyi’s lingering guilt, Yue Ning said helplessly, “Has anyone come to cause trouble since that day?”
Ning Buyi quickly shook his head. “No, not at all. It’s been completely peaceful.”
Yue Ning relaxed. “Good. I’ve already bought several paintings from downstairs to decorate the hall. Today, I wish to request a ‘Painting of Ancient Pines’ as a gift for my father. I heard you have it, but I’m not sure if you’re willing to sell it.”
Ning Buyi’s eyes brightened slightly. “That painting is indeed with me. Please wait a moment, Your Highnesses.”
Yue Ning nodded. Ning Buyi turned and left, returning shortly with a long box. “This painting was acquired three years ago from a declining noble family of the previous dynasty. It’s undoubtedly authentic.”
As he spoke, he unrolled the scroll, revealing a vibrant and vigorous depiction of ancient pines before Qin Guan and Yue Ning. Painted by Cao Dejian, the Sage Painter of the previous dynasty, the brushwork was powerful and weathered. Legend had it that this painting was a birthday gift from Cao Dejian to General Li He of the previous dynasty, symbolizing the general’s scholarly military demeanor.
For Yue Ning to buy this painting as a gift for Yue Qiong was perfectly fitting.Neither Yue Ning nor Qin Guan were skilled at appraising paintings, but when Yue Ning recalled how Ning Buyi had righteously reprimanded Feng Zhang after being harassed that day, she instinctively felt he was a man of scholarly integrity. Moreover, since they had saved Ning Buyi, she believed he wouldn’t—and wouldn’t dare—deceive them.
“If Master Ning says this painting is authentic, then I trust it is. Master Ning, please name your price.”
Yue Ning spoke with straightforward decisiveness. As soon as her words fell, Ning Buyi began rolling up the scroll while saying, “When I obtained this painting, I didn’t pay a single coin—”
Qin Guan and Yue Ning looked slightly surprised. Ning Buyi smiled and explained, “At that time, an elderly gentleman had a treasured family heirloom—an ancient book—that was severely damaged. Knowing of this, I offered to help restore it while also expressing my desire for the painting. It took me three months to fully repair the book. The old gentleman was deeply moved by the restoration and, aware of my wish for the painting, gifted it to me directly. Thus, I spent not a single coin.”
Yue Ning sighed in admiration, “Scholars recognize and cherish talent in one another. The old gentleman must have valued your skill greatly.”
Ning Buyi smiled, “It was more about repaying kindness. Though I paid nothing in coin, the sentiment behind it is priceless. If the old gentleman could act so generously then, why shouldn’t I do the same today?”
Yue Ning and Qin Guan exchanged a glance, unsure of what Ning Buyi meant. But Ning Buyi had already placed the scroll into a box and, turning around, presented it with both hands to Yue Ning. “Today, I gift this painting to you, my lady, as a token of my gratitude.”
Yue Ning took a step back, “How can this be… This won’t do!”
She insisted firmly, “This painting is genuinely invaluable. There’s no need for such formality, Master Ning. Since I’ve come, I’m sincere in wishing to purchase it. Please just state your price. I’m no scholar—I only intend to gift it to my father…”
Ning Buyi shook his head with a light laugh, “It’s not about formality. This gesture comes from my heart. Though you may not be a scholar, this painting depicts General Li He, a renowned general from the previous dynasty. Presenting it to the Marquis is most fitting. Your filial devotion moves me deeply. By gifting you this painting, I wish to express my gratitude and also honor your intention. If you refuse, it would only distress me.”
Yue Ning raised an eyebrow, looking somewhat troubled as she glanced at Qin Guan. Noting this, Qin Guan suggested, “In that case, why not accept it for now and select a gift in return tomorrow?”
Hearing this, Ning Buyi quickly waved his hands, “No, no! That would only trouble you further, my lady, and I’d feel at fault.”
Yue Ning’s eyes sparkled with a sudden idea, “Very well, then. I’ll accept this painting for now. Thank you, Master Ning.”
As Yue Ning took the box, Ning Buyi finally relaxed, “I hope the Marquis will appreciate this painting.”
Yue Ning smiled and exchanged a few more words before preparing to leave. Ning Buyi offered to serve them tea, but Yue Ning declined, “There’s been an incident in the East Market. She needs to head over shortly.”
Ning Buyi frowned slightly, “An incident in the East Market?”
Qin Guan explained, “A fire broke out. One person died in the blaze.”
Ning Buyi’s face clouded with sorrow, “How tragic… By the way, there have been several cases in the city recently. Has the magistrate’s office made any progress?”
Qin Guan replied, “They’re still investigating. I believe there will be results soon.”Ning Buyi sighed, "From the end of last year until now, the capital has truly been unsettled."
As Ning Buyi escorted the two downstairs, Yue Ning immediately spotted the delicate woman from earlier waiting in the main hall. Both Yue Ning and Qin Guan paused their steps. Seeing the woman, Ning Buyi's expression darkened instantly. "Why haven't you left yet?"
Seeming to remember that Yue Ning and Qin Guan's presence made the situation awkward, Ning Buyi stepped forward and whispered something to the woman. Tear-streaked, she gazed at him and said, "I just wanted to see you one more time. I'll leave now.Ning Buyi watched her without the slightest hint of retention. The woman's expression shifted from hope to disappointment before she took a step back, curtsied, and turned to leave. Only then did Ning Buyi snap out of his daze and apologize, "My apologies for making you witness such an embarrassing scene."
Yue Ning asked curiously, "This young lady is Master Ning's..."
Ning Buyi smiled wryly, "She's the daughter of my father's friend."
The daughter of his father's friend...
Hearing this, Yue Ning and Qin Guan immediately sensed there was more to the story. The woman's tearful demeanor clearly indicated affection for Ning Buyi, while he remained cold and devoid of tenderness.
Unrequited love was all too common in this world. As unmarried young women, Yue Ning and Qin Guan naturally couldn't comment further. They bid Ning Buyi farewell without another word and left the painting studio for their carriage.
Inside the carriage, Yue Ning remarked, "Master Ning really does wear makeup on his face..."
Qin Guan chuckled at this. "You observed quite carefully."
Yue Ning shook her head. "I just found it strange and took another look today. After all, even I, as a woman, don't care for such things."
This comment sparked Qin Guan's contemplation. While Feng Zhang's previous harassment of Ning Buyi wasn't something to discuss openly, his words had caught both Yue Ning and Qin Guan's attention. Today, observing Ning Buyi, Qin Guan noticed his complexion appeared smooth as jade, yet upon closer inspection, it was indeed powdered.
Qin Guan shook her head. "Perhaps he simply pays attention to his appearance... I need to return to the fire scene. You should head back to the Marquis residence early."
Though Yue Ning had intended to accompany Qin Guan back to the East Market, she now asked, "This is the fourth death, isn't it?"
Qin Guan sighed. "Indeed, the fourth one."
Yue Ning frowned. "Why has there been no progress in the investigation for so long? And each victim died differently."
Qin Guan considered telling Yue Ning that the killer's methods derived from Moon Worship Sect doctrines but decided against it. With the case still unresolved, it was better not to involve Yue Ning too deeply.
The carriage moved steadily onward, soon arriving at the East Market.
Leaving the Pine Tree painting in the carriage, Yue Ning accompanied Qin Guan to Suyu Workshop.
The elderly madam and other women who had come weeping earlier were gone, leaving only Zhan Yang directing constables searching through the fire scene. Seeing Qin Guan and Yue Ning approach, Zhan Yang promptly bowed in greeting.
Zhang Daoshi emerged from the backyard and hurried over to pay his respects upon their return.
After a moment's thought, Qin Guan asked, "Master Zhang, with four deaths now from the first victim to the present, is there any discernible pattern? If the first victim corresponded to Skin-Peeling Hell, does Moon Worship Sect doctrine list Skin-Peeling as the first hell? Is Tongue-Pulling the second? And would the fourth be Blazing Fire Hell?"
Zhang Daoshi nodded. "That is indeed the case—"After a pause, Zhang Daoshi continued, "I know what the princess wishes to ask. The fifth level of hell is called the Stone Mill Hell, meant to punish those who waste grains and violate religious precepts. Wasting food is self-explanatory, while 'violating precepts' refers to punishing monks, Taoists, or other believers who break their religious doctrines."
Qin Guan looked at Zhang Daoshi. "Those who violate precepts?"
Zhang Daoshi chuckled. "Indeed. By that measure, I too am one who has broken precepts."
As a Taoist who indulged in meat and wine, Zhang Daoshi made Qin Guan feel utterly helpless. "Can you deduce the time and location of the killer's next crime?"
Zhang Daoshi nodded. "I shall return to the magistrate's office, but it will take two days to determine."
Qin Guan nodded and turned to Zhan Yang. "Those women earlier were..."
"Wang Shouchang's mother, his wife, and his concubine. The entire Wang family relied solely on Wang Shouchang and this shop for support. Now that he's dead, they've lost their pillar."
Qin Guan asked further, "What about the arson incident..."
Zhan Yang's expression darkened. "I inquired. Initially, the Old Madam refused to speak, so I questioned an elderly servant by her side. The servant said that in his childhood, Wang Shouchang accidentally caused a fire that killed a maidservant while playing with flames. At that time, Wang was preparing for the imperial examinations to enter officialdom, so they dared not publicize it. Officially, they claimed the maid carelessly started the fire herself. This happened nearly thirty years ago."
Qin Guan frowned. Thirty years? How many people could have known about something from three decades ago?
As expected, Zhan Yang continued, "Logically, very few knew of this—even Wang Shouchang's wife and concubine were unaware. Yet the killer somehow discovered it..."
After a moment's thought, Qin Guan said, "The deceased was a merchant who undoubtedly had complex social connections. Someone might have learned of it."
Zhan Yang nodded. "This subordinate will continue investigating. Princess, this place is filthy and chaotic. You should return to the Marquis Manor first. If there's any news, I'll naturally send word."
Qin Guan had no choice but to agree. Yue Ning, who had been listening nearby, remained silent until they stepped outside. "Is the killer a follower of the Moon Worship Sect?"
Qin Guan quickly asked, "You've heard of the Moon Worship Sect?"
Yue Ning looked puzzled. "I have, but I can't recall where I heard it. What were you discussing earlier about different hells? What is this person trying to achieve?"
Though Qin Guan hadn't planned to tell Yue Ning, she saw no reason to hide it. "According to Zhang Daoshi, this person might be attempting to fulfill some kind of wish. However, they belong to the most sinister branch of the Moon Worship Sect, one that uses live human sacrifices."
Yue Ning's heart skipped a beat. Seeing Qin Guan's grave expression, she asked no further. "This killer commits such heinous acts—they must be utterly vicious. Since you're assisting the magistrate's office, you must be careful."
Qin Guan nodded. "Don't worry, I understand."
After repeated admonitions, Yue Ning finally boarded her carriage and departed. Qin Guan stood still for a moment before also entering her carriage bound for the Marquis Manor. The carriage traveled north, soon entering Xingle Ward. Before long, it arrived at the manor's gates. But as Qin Guan alighted, she spotted a figure waiting on horseback before the entrance. Her brow furrowed. "Princess Tuoba?!"
Tuoba Wu, seated high on her horse, turned at the sound. Seeing Qin Guan finally return, she brightened. "You're back!"Qin Guan walked over, "Why has the Princess come?"
Tuoba Wu then said with a joyful expression, "The Empress intends for the Fifth Princess to marry into Northern Wei. We've been preparing for our return to Northern Wei these past two days, and we'll depart in three days..."
Qin Guan was startled upon hearing this—the Empress wanted Yan Zhen to marry into Northern Wei?
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