With only half an hour left until midnight, Zhan Yang didn’t dare relax in the slightest.
Qin Ye remarked, “Don’t worry, Zhan Butou. With so many people guarding the area, the murderer wouldn’t dare show up.”
Zhan Yang shook his head. “Although we have more people this time, the murderer is far more familiar with these locations than we are. He likely knows of some small paths we haven’t secured. We had guards stationed here the past two days, but it was useless. That’s why I can’t help but worry.”
Qin Ye had also heard about this series of cases and asked, “How is this murderer so formidable?”
Zhan Yang shook his head wryly. “He knows martial arts, and he’s quite skilled. He’s aware of the authorities’ movements and takes precautions accordingly. We’re in the open, while he operates in the shadows, making it easy for him to act.”
Just as Qin Ye furrowed his brow to speak, a commotion erupted not far away.
This was the border between the southern and western parts of the city. Zhang Daoshi had calculated that this street and the adjacent alley were the most likely locations for the murderer to strike tonight. However, this particular street was lined with brothels and pleasure houses, which meant that even as midnight approached, it remained bustling with activity. The other two locations were in the southern part of the city—one in a residential area and the other in the southern market. Compared to those, Zhan Yang believed this place was the most chaotic. If disorder broke out, it would be the easiest for the murderer to act. That was why he and Qin Ye were stationed here tonight.
The presence of the Garrison Battalion had drawn curious stares from locals and patrons visiting the brothels and taverns. At first, many had gathered to watch. The Garrison Battalion was responsible for the capital’s daily patrols and security, so it wasn’t unusual for them to guard certain areas occasionally. Most assumed there was trouble nearby or that some important figure was expected. As night fell, people returned to their drinking and revelry, and the crowds dispersed. So, what was the cause of this sudden disturbance?
Gripping their sabers, Zhan Yang and Qin Ye hurried toward the source of the noise.
As they approached, they recognized a familiar face.
“Heir Apparent Feng, no one entering or leaving this street tonight is permitted to carry weapons. Please have your guards disarm.”
Upon hearing the deputy commander of the Garrison Battalion’s words, Feng Zhang, seated on his horse, lashed out with his whip. “Open your eyes and see who you’re speaking to! Whose guards do you think you’re ordering to disarm?”
The whip struck the deputy commander mercilessly. Though furious, the deputy commander dared not say another word. As the standoff continued, Qin Ye and Zhan Yang arrived.
At the sight of Qin Ye, Feng Zhang was reminded of the incident outside the Ink-Stained Painting House.
That incident had led to another reprimand from Consort Feng’s envoy and even caused Prince Cheng to distance himself from the Feng family. His sister, Feng Chenbi, who was soon to marry into Prince Cheng’s household, had also blamed him. What had started as a trivial matter had somehow made him seem like a villain in the eyes of everyone. The Duke of Zhongguo had confined him to the estate for half a month, depriving him of any entertainment. It was only in the last couple of days that the restrictions had eased. Now that he had some freedom, he naturally sought to indulge in some revelry to lift his spirits.
Narrowing his eyes, Feng Zhang watched as Zhan Yang and Qin Ye stepped forward to pay their respects. “Why are you blocking the way here?” he demanded.Qin Ye said, "Crown Prince, there may be danger in this area tonight. Those entering these two main streets must not carry weapons. We hope Your Highness will cooperate with us."
Feng Zhang frowned and sneered, "If there's danger, that's all the more reason for my guards to carry weapons! How else will we handle any threats?!"
Though he said this, the identity of the murderer remained unknown. Particularly tonight when the killer intended to implement the Hell of blades and saws, these long and short blades posed the greatest danger and might even be exploited by the perpetrator.
Exchanging glances with Zhan Yang, Qin Ye remained silent as Zhan Yang spoke, "Crown Prince, if danger arises inside, armed individuals will be the primary suspects. You and your attendants might then face suspicion from the authorities."
Feng Zhang laughed, "If I wished to do something, I'd do it openly and aboveboard. Why would I care about your suspicions? Let me be clear - even your Lord Zheng might not be able to disarm me, let alone you."
Zhan Yang frowned and prepared to argue further, but Qin Ye pulled him back. "Since that's the case, Crown Prince, please...Seeing that Qin Ye intended to stop, Feng Zhang no longer did so, and Zhan Yang immediately objected. Qin Ye tugged at him again, "The hour of zi approaches soon. Don't let him delay our schedule."
Hearing this, Zhan Yang finally relented. Feng Zhang snorted arrogantly and rode his horse forward triumphantly.
Feng Zhang's followers laughed heartily, one murmuring quietly, "These people truly lack discernment! You've been anticipating tonight for so long - they nearly ruined your mood!"
Feng Zhang snorted, "When I see Yunxiu later, she'll have to properly cleanse this bad luck for me."
"Rest assured, Miss Yunxiu has already made all the arrangements for you!"
Hearing these words, Zhan Yang frowned deeply with a stern expression. Qin Ye shook his head and pulled Zhan Yang back to their previous position. "Don't you know Feng Zhang by now? We can't stop him. If we fight and cause a disturbance over this, we'll only hinder our main purpose."
Zhan Yang nodded, "Fourth Young Master considers matters thoroughly."
Qin Ye smiled without responding, then turned to look in the direction Feng Zhang had departed. This notorious second-generation noble in the capital had committed numerous outrageous deeds yet remained unscathed - all thanks to Consort Feng and Prince Cheng! Confronting such people head-on would bring no benefit, especially given his and Zhan Yang's relatively low status...
Though the hour of zi was approaching, the long street remained brilliantly lit. Brothels and pleasure houses thrived on nighttime business. Observing this liveliness, Qin Ye's heart remained profoundly calm.
Feng Zhang arrived at the most renowned establishment on the street - the Drunken Charm Tower.
The courtesan Yunxiu here, along with the four top courtesans of Phoenix Perch Tower, were the most famous beauties in the capital. While Phoenix Perch Tower in the west city had a superior location to Drunken Charm Tower, Feng Zhang had chosen the latter precisely because visiting Phoenix Perch Tower would attract too much attention.
As soon as he arrived beneath the Drunken Charm Tower, the manager hurried out to greet him. Bowing respectfully, the manager ushered Feng Zhang inside. Returning to this familiar place, Feng Zhang immediately felt refreshed and invigorated. When he reached Yunxiu's chamber, his comfort peaked. The door opened to reveal Yunxiu's warm, fragrant embrace, and without a word, Feng Zhang swept her into his arms and carried her toward the bed.Xiu Yun playfully patted Feng Zhang’s chest, “Heir Apparent, you haven’t come for days, and as soon as you arrive, you’re rolling onto the bed—what kind of behavior is that? It’s the festival season now. Today, all the girls in the tower are going to the rooftop to release flower lanterns. Won’t you release one for Xiu Yun?”
The so-called releasing of flower lanterns was just another way to ask for rewards—one lantern cost at least ten taels of silver, something Feng Zhang knew all too well. Feng Zhang wasn’t so impatient that he couldn’t wait a little longer. Since the lady wanted both romance and his attentiveness, why shouldn’t he play along?
Feng Zhang planted a few fervent kisses on Xiu Yun’s face and carried her straight to the rooftop of Zuiyun Tower.
Xiu Yun’s room was already on the third floor. Stepping out and walking to the end of the corridor led to the stairs ascending to the rooftop terrace. As Feng Zhang carried her, Xiu Yun giggled, “Heir Apparent, the rooftop is empty now. I’ve already had servants prepare drinks up there, and the cushions in the rooftop flower hall have been replaced with new ones.”
Feng Zhang’s eyes lit up instantly. The flower hall on Zuiyun Tower’s rooftop usually opened only in the summer. Renting it cost a hundred taels per night, and since it connected to the terrace, one could move the seating couches outside. Embracing a beauty under the moonlight, indulging in romance—what sheer bliss!
By saying this, Xiu Yun was clearly planning to spend the night with him in the flower hall.
Feng Zhang felt she was incredibly considerate and quickened his pace up the stairs.
Upon reaching the rooftop, they found maids and servants already present. The rooftop was a large terrace, with only a single flower hall in the center, open on all sides with windows. At that moment, two rows of lantern racks were set up on the terrace, each adorned with brilliantly lit flower lanterns painted with scenes of romantic tales between scholars and beauties. Xiu Yun coyly pointed out two of her favorites. Feng Zhang carried her to the racks to retrieve them, but the ones she indicated were placed quite high. He set her down first before reaching for the lanterns. Xiu Yun praised his tall, sturdy figure with a coquettish smile, but as she spoke, a sudden eerie gust of wind swept through…
No matter how tall Feng Zhang was, the rack’s height made it challenging. Standing on his toes, he struggled as the lanterns swayed wildly in the wind, blurring his vision. Just then, a glint of cold steel caught his eye—aside from the lanterns, a sharp dagger was tied to the rack. As a chill ran down his spine at the sight, the lantern rack suddenly toppled toward him. Xiu Yun screamed. Every hair on Feng Zhang’s body stood on end. He shoved Xiu Yun aside, but the rack crashed down on him, and the dagger grazed his arm as it fell.
A sharp pain shot through Feng Zhang’s arm. Before he could react, sparks ignited his clothing. In an instant, chaos erupted on the terrace.
…
…
By midnight, none of the Garrison Battalion soldiers stationed at various checkpoints had spotted any suspicious individuals. Just as Zhan Yang began to think the perpetrator had been deterred by the guards from the magistrate’s office and the Garrison Battalion, commotion from Zuiyun Tower alerted nearby soldiers. Soon, someone came to report to Zhan Yang.
“Zhan Butou, there’s trouble at Zuiyun Tower.”
Frowning, Zhan Yang asked, “What happened?” Even as he spoke, he was already heading toward Zuiyun Tower.
The soldier hurriedly added, “Don’t worry, Zhan Butou. No one died—just some injuries.”Zhan Yang nodded and hurried to the Drunken Charm Pavilion with Qin Ye. Upon arrival, the establishment was in complete chaos. Zhan Yang immediately ordered guards to secure the entrance before ascending the stairs with Qin Ye. The manager dared not obstruct them, especially since the injured party was Feng Zhang, and secretly hoped for official intervention to clarify the matter and prevent the pavilion from suffering repercussions.
"Chief Constable, it happened on the rooftop—the accident occurred on the rooftop!"
Following the directions, Qin Ye and Zhan Yang rushed to the rooftop. There, they witnessed the disarray and Feng Zhang lying on a couch by the floral hall entrance, groaning incessantly.
Exchanging a glance, Qin Ye and Zhan Yang realized with surprise: So it was Feng Zhang who got injured?!
Seeing the victim was Feng Zhang and hearing the manager label it an accident, Zhan Yang suddenly felt inclined to dismiss the case. At that moment, Feng Zhang spotted them and immediately cried out, "You came just in time! Weren't you supposed to be guarding this place? How could someone still try to harm me? Summon your manager here! This pain is unbearable—how could the flower lantern frame collapse out of nowhere? All of you! Explain yourselves clearly, and you, the constable, must investigate this thoroughly. Someone must have targeted me!"
Xiu Yun wept incessantly beside Feng Zhang. Hearing Feng Zhang's imperious tone, Zhan Yang's expression turned displeased. However, his gaze soon fell upon an unusual object attached to the flower lantern frame.
Striding over, Zhan Yang pushed aside the lanterns and immediately spotted the short blade tied to the frame.
Upon closer inspection, he realized there wasn't just one short blade. The frame, already laden with lanterns, concealed several such blades. Though small compared to the lanterns, they remained hidden in plain sight. Yet if the frame toppled, the lanterns would crush while the blades would pierce anyone beneath.
"Fourth Young Master! Come look!"
At Zhan Yang's call, Qin Ye hurried to the collapsed lantern frame. Frowning at the sight, he recalled Zhan Yang's earlier briefing: most victims in this case would die by blades or saws.
With this in mind, Qin Ye turned to Feng Zhang. "Heir Apparent Feng, how did this happen just now?"
Feng Zhang, still disoriented, explained that while he was merely retrieving a lantern, the frame unexpectedly collapsed. Worse, it had been rigged with gleaming sharp blades—clearly no accident.
After Feng Zhang briefly recounted the incident, Qin Ye and Zhan Yang exchanged another meaningful glance.
Zhan Yang declared, "Whoever tampered with this must have infiltrated the Drunken Charm Pavilion." He then ordered the guards nearby, "Secure the exits downstairs. No one leaves—"
As he spoke, the manager arrived on the terrace and announced, "Heir Apparent, the physician will arrive shortly. Please bear with the wait!"
Feng Zhang immediately berated the manager, accusing the pavilion of plotting his murder. The manager protested his innocence while casting pleading looks at Zhan Yang and Qin Ye. Amid the turmoil, a guard rushed up to report, "Boss, someone jumped out a window!"
Zhan Yang's eyebrows shot up. "Who jumped?"
The guard hastily replied, "A servant—couldn't see his face clearly. When he realized we were securing the gates and conducting individual checks, he leaped from a second-floor window and fled into the back streets."At these words, Feng Zhang suddenly looked toward the terrace and immediately said, "There was a servant boy here just now! He's gone now!"
Xiu Yun exclaimed in surprise, "I didn't arrange for any servant to come up..."
Zhan Yang immediately understood that the person from earlier was likely the murderer and rushed downstairs to chase toward the back street, with Qin Ye naturally following along. Watching the two depart resolutely without a care for him, Feng Zhang launched into another furious tirade!
Zhan Yang pursued swiftly. Just as he reached the back street, he saw a figure flash past the street corner and disappear.
Zhan Yang and Qin Ye gave urgent chase, but when they rounded the corner, they saw the shadow ahead dart into another alley. Both Zhan Yang and Qin Ye possessed martial skills, making them naturally faster than ordinary people. Yet when they reached that alley, they found it was a dead end with six household back gates, all tightly shut. Not a single light shone from within the courtyards, causing both men to furrow their brows deeply.
"What should we do? Should we search?!"
If the murderer had truly infiltrated these households, conducting a conspicuous search might cause additional casualties. Considering this, Zhan Yang immediately said, "Seal off these two streets. Even if the murderer entered these homes, he won't stay hidden forever. We'll wait for him to emerge."
Qin Ye promptly went to mobilize personnel while Zhan Yang stared intently at these back gates, his brow tightly knit.
Despite their substantial guard presence, the murderer still dared to come, and the target remained Feng Zhang!
Feng Zhang had long been notorious for his debauchery in brothels and pleasure houses, engaging in all manner of depravities. Rumors said he'd even caused deaths in brothels before. Such wickedness was widely known, making him an unsurprising target for the murderer. But when had the killer disguised himself as a Drunken Charm Pavilion servant to infiltrate? And when had the blade been concealed?
Zhan Yang couldn't puzzle it out, but clearly the murderer was unwilling to abandon this opportunity, risking everything despite the danger.
The hour of Zi had long passed; it was now the late night watch. These households lay in complete darkness, undoubtedly all asleep. Zhan Yang knew the murderer would surely attempt escape before daybreak.
After nearly half an hour, Qin Ye returned. "Could the murderer have already escaped?"
Zhan Yang shook his head. "Impossible. Unless he fled across the rooftops, but he couldn't move that fast. Our people surround the area - any movement would likely expose him. His only option was to hide inside, but our forces will only keep increasing."
Qin Ye nodded, agreeing with Zhan Yang's assessment, and joined him guarding the fronts and backs of these residences. The dark alley was extremely narrow, with the six households' main gates facing two different streets to the left and right. For the murderer to slip away silently would be truly difficult.
Yet the night deepened gradually, and during the darkest hour before dawn, no abnormalities occurred. When the horizon began showing the first light of morning, the households remained completely still. Soon, servants arose from five homes in succession, leaving only one courtyard without movement. By full daylight, with pedestrians coming and going on the streets, no suspicious figures had emerged from the buildings. Zhan Yang sent people to question each household one by one, and every family reported their night had been perfectly peaceful.Zhan Yang was at a loss, so he sent someone to knock on the door of the remaining courtyard. After several knocks went unanswered, just as he grew uneasy and prepared to break the door down, it swung open from the inside. Standing in the doorway was a familiar figure.
Staring at that familiar face, Zhan Yang never expected to see Wu Yu here.
Wu Yu was equally surprised to see Zhan Yang and remarked with slight astonishment, "Why is Zhan Butou here?"
Zhan Yang looked at Wu Yu with a faint, ambiguous smile. "I was about to ask the Third Young Master the same question..."
Wu Yu sighed helplessly. "This... is my own residence. Is there any reason I shouldn't be here?"
There was a hint of unease in Wu Yu's tone. Zhan Yang lifted his chin slightly. "The Third Young Master stays at the Weiyuan Earl's mansion every day. Why did you stay here last night? Did you meet someone here? Or is there some other matter?"
Wu Yu chuckled. "I didn't meet anyone, and there's no other matter. I've just been staying at the main residence for a long time and occasionally come to my small courtyard for a change. Zhan Butou, what's the matter? Surely there's nothing wrong with me staying in my own courtyard?"
Zhan Yang smirked coldly. "Last night, we chased a murderer to the alley behind your house, and then he disappeared. We've questioned all the other households, and they all said last night was peaceful. Only the Third Young Master's place remains uninvestigated."
Wu Yu wasn't surprised; after all, this was Zhan Yang's job. "I see. I slept very soundly last night and didn't hear any noise, Zhan Butou. That person must have escaped."
"The area is surrounded by our yamen and Garrison Battalion personnel. It's impossible for him to slip away without a trace. Third Young Master, may we search the courtyard? It would be unfortunate if the culprit were hiding here."
Wu Yu seemed hesitant for a moment but soon nodded. "Very well."
With a wave of his hand, Zhan Yang led the yamen officers into the courtyard. It was a modest two-courtyard residence, simply furnished, with many rooms appearing uninhabited. Why would Wu Yu choose to stay in such a plain, almost crude, house?
After a thorough search, Zhan Yang found no one. Only three main rooms in the residence appeared livable; the others were covered in dust, clearly indicating the owner had no intention of residing here permanently.
Wu Yu followed Zhan Yang and said, "It seems the murderer isn't hiding here—"
Zhan Yang glanced toward Wu Yu's three rooms. "We haven't searched the Third Young Master's quarters yet."
Wu Yu smiled wryly. "I just came from there. I would know if anyone else was inside. Zhan Butou, it's getting late. You should hurry and search elsewhere to avoid missing the opportunity. I also need to go to the yamen for work."
Zhan Yang looked directly at Wu Yu. "I think the Third Young Master should come with me first."
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