When Qin Guan arrived at the prefect's office, Wu Yu was storming out in a huff. Naturally, they crossed paths. Upon seeing Qin Guan, Wu Yu offered a slight cupped-hand salute without a word before striding away briskly. Frowning, Qin Guan proceeded inside, where she found Zhan Yang standing with Qin Ye, both wearing deeply troubled expressions.
Since Qin Ye and Zhan Yang had led the surveillance team together the previous night, Qin Ye had also come to the prefect's office. Seeing Qin Guan arrive, Qin Ye approached her. Qin Guan promptly said, "Fourth Brother, why haven't you returned to rest?"
Qin Ye shook his head with a faint smile. "It's nothing. I just didn't manage to be of much help."
Zhan Yang also stepped forward to salute. Noticing his grave expression, Qin Guan smiled slightly. "What's the matter? Why was the Third Young Master of the Wu family here? He looked quite upset when he left just now."
Zhan Yang frowned, unwilling to speak. Qin Ye explained, "The person attacked last night was Feng Zhang. He was injured at the Drunken Charm Pavilion—someone had tied a sharp blade to the flower trellis, clearly intending to kill him."
Qin Guan's brow furrowed. Qin Ye continued, "After we sealed off the Drunken Charm Pavilion, one of its employees jumped out a window and fled. Our men gave chase but ended up in a dead-end alley surrounded by six households. We kept watch until dawn, but no one emerged from any of them. Five of the households were ordinary commoners we questioned—they all reported a peaceful night. Guess who lived in the remaining one?"
Qin Guan raised an eyebrow. "The Third Young Master of the Wu family?"
Qin Ye nodded. "He walked out of that house alone and seemed surprised to see us, as if unaware of our purpose. We inspected his courtyard—only three main rooms were habitable; the others were thick with dust. The entire compound showed little signs of regular occupancy. Yet he claimed he was accustomed to living at the Marquis of Weiyuan's residence and occasionally stayed outside for a few days... Alone, without a single servant. Ninth Sister, do you believe that?"
Qin Guan nodded. "So you brought him in for questioning?"
Zhan Yang interjected, "It wasn't exactly an interrogation, just routine inquiries. But the Third Young Master flew into a rage, insisting we had no right to suspect him. He fails to see we have every reason to consider him the perpetrator."
Qin Guan nodded again. "But was any evidence found?"
Zhan Yang shook his head. "None. However, I just sent Tong Yu to the Marquis of Weiyuan's residence to investigate. The household only knew Wu Yu hadn't returned but not why. He didn't bring any servants. Moreover, over the past two months, he's frequently stayed out overnight. We checked the dates of previous incidents—he was away those nights too. Yet when we questioned him, he insisted he was merely lodging outside casually and couldn't understand why he was under suspicion."
Zhan Yang remained highly skeptical of Wu Yu. "Your Highness, I suggest we investigate Wu Yu thoroughly from now on."
Qin Guan nodded noncommittally. "Since circumstances point to him, we naturally should. How severe are Feng Zhang's injuries?"
"His arm was wounded. He'll suffer for a while, but his life isn't in danger."
Qin Ye remarked with a hint of sarcasm. Qin Guan felt no sympathy for Feng Zhang either. "Since the incident occurred at the Drunken Charm Pavilion, its staff should be questioned rigorously as well."Zhan Yang promptly replied, "We've already clarified everything. Xiu Yun from the Drunken Charm Tower, knowing Feng Zhang was coming today, had people prepare flower lanterns in advance. It's a custom at the Drunken Charm Tower to release flower lanterns during festivals to earn rewards from patrons. Because Feng Zhang was expected, no other guests were allowed on the rooftop after noon—only Xiu Yun's maid was there making preparations. The lantern frame was already in place, but after noon, Xiu Yun had a few people carry a daybed up to the rooftop and set up drinks and dishes, so several workers from the Drunken Charm Tower went up there. When we questioned the maid, she confirmed that an unfamiliar worker lingered on the rooftop, but since the tower had recently hired new attendants, she didn't pay it much mind. The blades were likely tied up during that time—five short blades in total. There were many lanterns up there, but everyone knows which ones Xiu Yun prefers, so the killer tied the blades to the side where her favorite lanterns hung..."
After a brief pause, Zhan Yang added, "The killer infiltrated the Drunken Charm Tower no later than yesterday afternoon. He was already aware of their custom and likely possesses some basic skills in disguise."
Qin Guan frowned slightly. Another brothel—previously, Wu Qian frequented the Phoenix Perch Tower, Zhao Jiaxu's kept mistress was redeemed from a brothel, and Hu Dequan had even sold his own daughter to one.
Qin Guan nodded. "It seems there's nothing I can assist with here."
Zhan Yang waved his hand. "This time, the killer failed to murder anyone, so he couldn't complete his altar. I wonder if he'll attempt a seventh victim."
Qin Guan urgently responded, "Zhan Butou, you mustn't let your guard down. I consulted Zhang Daoshi about this, and he said even if the killer can't reach seven victims, he won't give up his final opportunity. The more people he kills, the greater the power of the altar."
Zhan Yang frowned. "In that case, we must remain vigilant for the next incident."
Qin Guan nodded in agreement. Zhan Yang then said, "Alright, I'll have Zhang Daoshi calculate the next auspicious time and location." Later, I'll visit the Drunken Charm Tower again. Since the killer is so familiar with the place, he's likely a regular patron."
Qin Guan acknowledged this and went to find Zhang Daoshi herself. The priest was already aware of the previous night's events and had begun to calculate the next auspicious moment. After speaking with him for the time it takes an incense stick to burn, Qin Guan took her leave from the magistrate's office.
...
...
Since receiving Qin Guan's instructions, Wei Qizhi had visited the Ink-Stained Painting House for two consecutive days. First, he carefully appraised several authentic works in Ning Buyi's possession, then urged him to locate other famous paintings.
Ning Buyi, who had been ill and looked pale, was dragged around by Wei Qizhi asking endless questions, feeling quite exasperated. "Why are you so invested in Yongci County Princess's affairs?!"
Wei Qizhi briefly recounted the events in Jinzhou. "If it weren't for Yongci County Princess, I might have lost my leg."
Ning Buyi was surprised, unaware that Qin Guan had done him such a great favor. "No wonder you're so eager. What about Yongning County Princess?"
Wei Qizhi's smile deepened. "Back in Jinzhou, I stayed at the Marquis Anyang Manor. The entire household showed me great kindness, especially Yongning County Princess, who took particular care of me."
Noticing something different in Wei Qizhi's tone when he mentioned Yue Ning, Ning Buyi asked, "That 'Eight Steeds' painting you asked me to find—who is it for?"Most of the paintings Wei Qizhi had Ning Buyi search for were famous works suitable for gifting to elders, yet this "Steed Gallantry Scroll" was not particularly renowned. However, if presented to a horse enthusiast, its significance would naturally differ.
When Ning Buyi posed this question, Wei Qizhi cleared his throat lightly and said, "I intended to keep it for myself..."
Ning Buyi raised an eyebrow. "You've visited me more than once. If you wanted this painting, you would have asked long ago—not waited until today, and certainly not brought it up alongside the scroll for Yongci County Princess."
Wei Qizhi chuckled awkwardly. "Well... alright, the truth is, it's for Yongning County Princess. I previously sought out a Cheng Ying Sword and gifted it as a simple holiday present yesterday. But then I couldn't decide what to give next. Suddenly, I recalled that I had already given her a young foal, so why not pair it with this 'Steed Gallantry Scroll'? Wouldn't that be perfect?"
Ning Buyi frowned slightly. "You've given her so many gifts, one after another?"
Wei Qizhi smiled again. "I've been sending her presents ever since she returned to the capital."
Ning Buyi nodded. "Then what did you give Yongci County Princess?"
Wei Qizhi's expression shifted, revealing a hint of embarrassment at being exposed. "Well... for this painting, let's not trouble the County Princess for payment..."
Ning Buyi gave a knowing, half-smile, causing Wei Qizhi to cough uncomfortably, his face growing even more uneasy. Truth be told, Qin Guan had shown him greater kindness, yet since her return, Wei Qizhi had hardly given her any gifts. In contrast, his continuous presents to Yue Ning—first the foal, then a series of others—made his intentions quite obvious.
"Has the Wei family started planning your marriage?"
At this, Wei Qizhi's expression turned even more peculiar. Ning Buyi shook his head. "I haven't heard of you being this attentive to anyone else in the capital. It seems the Wei family intends for you to marry a County Princess?"
Although the Wei family were merchants, they relied on Duke Song and the imperial consort Wan Fei. Yet, the status of Marquis Anyang Manor was even higher. Frankly speaking, Wei Qizhi's standing was slightly inferior for such a match.
Wei Qizhi snorted lightly upon hearing this. "My father has his eye on my cousin's daughter."
Ning Buyi raised an eyebrow. "So, she's not the one you fancy. What will you do then?"
Wei Qizhi leaned against the windowsill with a sigh. "It's strange. My cousin seemed perfectly fine before—we grew up together, and I used to like her well enough. But after meeting Yongning County Princess, I realized there are women like her in this world..."
Thinking of Yue Ning, Ning Buyi also nodded. "She is indeed different."
Yue Ning practiced martial arts and had effortlessly beaten Feng Zhang that day—heroic, clear-minded, and truly admirable. Ning Buyi smiled. "I always thought you preferred delicate, gentle young ladies..."
Wei Qizhi laughed. "I thought so too. But when the right person appears, you realize it's not what you imagined. Alas, my father had this planned long ago—he's mentioned it countless times, almost to the point of arranging a childhood betrothal. And now..."
"So what will you do? If this isn't handled properly, Marquis Anyang Manor will surely be furious."
The previous incident with Song Rou had already ruined a marriage prospect with the Marquis's family. If they now offended Yue Ning, Wei Qizhi and the Wei family would face severe consequences—a fact Wei Qizhi understood all too well!"Of course I wouldn't make Marquis Anyang Manor unhappy. My cousin is rather fickle—I'll just find an opportunity to make things clear with her. At worst, she'll throw a crying fit, but if I refuse to marry her, would she really force herself upon me?"
Ning Buyi chuckled. Wei Qizhi made a shushing gesture. "You know both princesses too, so you must never let them know about this..."
Ning Buyi quickly replied, "That goes without saying—"
Wei Qizhi slung an arm around Ning Buyi's shoulder. "Alright, let's go look at the paintings."
......
......
When Yan Li exited the palace, he saw Qin Guan's carriage waiting outside the palace gates.
Suspicious, Yan Li approached. Just as he reached it, Qin Guan lifted the carriage curtain. "Does Your Highness have any plans today?"
Yan Li smiled. "If anyone else asked, I'd be far too busy. But when a beauty invites me, I'd gladly risk my life to accompany her. Tell me, why have you specially waited here for me?"
Qin Guan laughed. "Please get in the carriage, Your Highness—we can discuss it in detail."
Yan Li raised an eyebrow, then tossed his horsewhip to a subordinate and climbed into the carriage. Once inside, he noticed Qin Guan was dressed in men's clothing today. Surprised, he asked, "I heard you've been busy investigating cases while Seventh Brother assists the Northwest Frontier Army. Why are you wearing men's clothes today?"
Qin Guan smiled. "If I hadn't been waiting here for you, would Your Highness have been heading to Phoenix Perch Tower?"
Yan Li lifted his chin. "Oh? So you want me to lead you into mischief!"
Yan Li was too clever—he understood immediately. Qin Guan gazed at him with a smile. Yan Li frowned with concern. "Helping you isn't the issue. I'm just afraid of Seventh Brother. He never goes to such places himself, yet I'd be taking you there—I'm not sure that's appropriate."
Qin Guan blinked. "I'm not going to fool around. Baiying is coming too."
Yan Li lifted the curtain and glanced outside. He had noticed Baiying in men's clothing earlier but hadn't realized this was Qin Guan's plan. After a moment's thought, Yan Li's expression turned serious. "Is this related to the recent cases?"
Qin Guan wouldn't want to visit a brothel merely out of curiosity.
Qin Guan nodded. Yan Li pondered, then suddenly smiled. "Very well, then. But Seventh Brother mustn't know about this."
Qin Guan shook her head with a wry laugh. "Don't worry, I'm concerned about worrying him too."
They reached an immediate agreement. Qin Guan instructed Baiying outside to drive the carriage.
As the carriage moved, Qin Guan asked, "Did you visit the palace to pay respects to the Empress Dowager?"
Yan Li nodded. "The Empress Dowager asked about you. Knowing you must be busy investigating cases, she didn't say much. The palace hasn't been peaceful these days—"
Qin Guan frowned slightly. "Last time, Princess Tuoba said they'd depart soon, but it's been nearly half a month and they still haven't left. Is it because of the Fifth Princess?"
Yan Li hummed in agreement. "Yes. The Fifth Princess refuses to marry into Northern Wei, and her protests have grown more intense lately. Previously, the Empress placed her under house arrest, but she escaped recently. She hid in an abandoned palace in the Western Garden, making everyone think something had happened to her. The Emperor and Empress were terrified. The next day, she emerged only when she couldn't bear the hunger anymore. The Emperor was greatly relieved, but the Empress, in her anger, had two of her palace maids beaten to death. The Fifth Princess fell ill because of it."
Qin Guan's brow furrowed deeper. "Is Her Majesty the Empress determined to make the Fifth Princess marry into Northern Wei?"Yan Li said helplessly, "It appears so. The Emperor has already relented, yet the Empress insists... However, the Emperor naturally prioritizes state affairs. If the Empress truly persuades Fifth Princess, the Emperor likely won't object. When I entered the palace earlier, I overheard some rumors—Fifth Princess told the Empress she has someone she favors to avoid marrying into Northern Wei..."
Qin Guan sighed, thinking of Yan Zhen's originally innocent and lively demeanor, momentarily puzzled why the Empress insisted on this. Could it be solely for the Crown Prince?! Qin Guan hadn't entered the palace for days, and these two days were critical for the case. She could only wait until the case was solved. As for the matters of the Empress and Fifth Princess, she could merely listen and let it be.
Dusk had already fallen. The setting sun dipped below the horizon, its last rays vanishing. The closer they got to the West Market, the more bustling the crowds became. Soon, the carriage stopped before Phoenix Perch Tower.
Yan Li was a regular here and had a dedicated room. Sometimes, he would stay for several days. Seeing Yan Li arrive, the manager personally came out to greet him, "Crown Prince, you're here! Yunyan is waiting for you!"
Yan Li waved his hand, "Later. I've brought a friend today. Serve food and wine first." After taking two steps, he added, "And bring a pot of good tea. Summon whoever is needed later."
The manager's eyes shifted to Qin Guan. Though she appeared young, her features were exquisitely delicate. The manager grew cautious, initially assuming she was a young nobleman, but upon closer look, he noticed her exceptionally graceful figure. Smiling slightly, he immediately recognized Qin Guan as a woman and acknowledged the order before retreating to arrange things.
Yan Li led Qin Guan to his room. Along the way, Qin Guan observed Phoenix Perch Tower's resplendent decor: ceremonial fabrics embroidered with competing blossoms, vermilion lacquer gleaming in the corridors, and vividly painted ceilings and beams. Draperies hung on all sides, accompanied by melodious strings and flutes. From an eight-panel rosewood screen to a small blue-and-white porcelain vase holding a blooming peony, every detail radiated brilliance and elegance. Though guests already filled the main hall on the first floor, only the sounds of drinking and cheerful laughter could be heard—none of the vulgar scenes Qin Guan had imagined.
Though it was still daytime, crystal bright lamps already illuminated the tower. Step by step up the stairs, Qin Guan ventured deeper into the light, feeling as if she had entered another world.
Regardless of the harsh winds, swords, summer heat, or winter cold outside, this place remained eternally adorned and magnificent. Those who came here seemed to instantly forget their external worries. Beautiful women, fine wine, music, and dance—what man wouldn't be captivated?
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