"Aunt! Are you saying... that was... that was Princess Consort Rui?!" Lu Jingxiu gasped sharply, "Aunt must know that Prince Rui has committed treason, and the Emperor has publicly issued a proclamation announcing it to the world! Prince Rui and all his relatives from the royal residence are now fugitives and rebels!"
Lu You Xin's expression remained calm, showing no surprise at all. Seeing this, Lu Jingxiu understood everything and widened his eyes even further. "Aunt, you... you knew all along?! Prince Rui... the current Prince Rui is... is the son of our eldest aunt... Are you trying to..."
Lu Jingxiu's chest heaved violently twice. "Do you know that if this news leaks out, the Lu clan will be implicated! It could lead to the extermination of our entire clan! How could you—"
Lu You Xin let out a cold laugh. "Speaking of which, Prince Rui also has the blood of the Lu clan. Since you understand the severity of this matter, you should know what to do next. Although you haven't made much progress in your daily life, I know your loyalty to the Lu clan and your sense of priority. That's why I told you the truth. If you insist on believing that I intend to harm the Lu clan, you can go out and spread the word. In any case, I have a clear conscience toward the Lu clan!"
Lu Jingxiu took a deep breath. "Aunt, you... you're being unreasonable..."
Lu You Xin looked at the bruises on Lu Jingxiu's face with a mocking smile. "I'm being unreasonable? I've shouldered the responsibility for the Lu clan for twenty years, unlike you, who can't even defeat a young girl. So? How many more rounds do you plan to fight with others? Should I call everyone in the residence to come and admire your appearance?"
When Lu You Xin arrived at the Plum Garden, she happened to see Lu Jingxiu blocking Baiying from leaving. Seeing him in such a state, even Lu You Xin felt utterly ashamed.
At her words, the flush that had just faded from Lu Jingxiu's face returned, and even his neck turned bright red!
Seeing that he had nothing more to say, Lu You Xin coldly snorted and waved her hand. "Enough! By rights, Prince Rui is your cousin, and the person you met today can be considered your cousin-in-law. I believe she won't hold it against you too much. You and Jingyun, go back and don't say a single word to your father. If what I just said leaks out, I'll make sure you both regret it! Now get out—"
With a stern reprimand from Lu You Xin, Lu Jingxiu stood stiffly for a moment before bowing and taking his leave.
Seeing Lu Jingxiu walking out, Lu Jingyun also bowed and followed. As the two left, Lu You Xin let out a long sigh.
Huang Momo approached Lu You Xin and asked softly, "Miss, will Fifth Young Master and Sixth Young Master possibly..."
Lu You Xin shook her head. "Of course not. Although none of the children are particularly accomplished, they aren't without their merits. Jingcheng is quite filial to his parents and never disobeys them. Jingxiu, though somewhat arrogant and reckless, is fiercely protective of his own. As for Jingyun, he has a gentle nature, harbors no ill intentions, and prefers to mediate in conflicts. And Jinghe—well, there's no need to even mention her; she's very clever. While it's not appropriate to tell Jingcheng about Yan Chi's arrival, we can tell Jingxiu and Jingyun. They understand the distinction between major and minor issues."
Huang Momo nodded and asked, "Should we go check on the princess consort?"
Lu You Xin smiled wryly. "Of course we should. This matter is truly a discourtesy on the Lu clan's part."
With that, Lu You Xin ordered someone to prepare pastries and headed toward the Lotus Pavilion.Lu Jingxiu strode swiftly out of the main gate of Wutong Courtyard, with Lu Jingyun chasing frantically after him once again.
As Lu Jingxiu walked, the cold wind blew relentlessly. By the time he reached the entrance of Lanxiang Courtyard, he had calmed down somewhat. Seeing the familiar, lit-up courtyard, he turned around and headed back out. At the moment, he had no intention of returning. Instead, he walked all the way to the edge of Deer Pond. Reflecting on what he had witnessed over the past few days and Lu Youxin's words, he gradually settled his thoughts.
"Do you think what Aunt said is true?"
Though Lu Jingxiu asked this, he already believed Lu Youxin deep down. Beside him, Lu Jingyun nodded and said, "I think it's true. Otherwise... why would she suddenly bring up the matter of Prince Rui? Good heavens, I never expected it to be the princess consort of Prince Rui, the Yongci County Princess. No wonder she is so breathtakingly beautiful..."
Lu Jingyun's tone carried a lingering awe. Lu Jingxiu gave him a strange look and asked, "Is she really that beautiful?"
It was already late at night, and only two dim lanterns hung by Deer Pond, casting a yellowish glow that reflected off the icy surface in a series of surreal, shimmering lights. Lu Jingxiu stared absently at those faint glimmers, and in a daze, he recalled Qin Guan's appearance.
"What is her name?" Lu Jingxiu suddenly asked softly.
Compared to Lu Jingxiu, Lu Jingyun was more scholarly by nature. He usually enjoyed reading and had aspirations of taking the imperial examinations, but his clan forbade it. Nevertheless, he paid close attention to matters in the capital, so he knew much more about the Yongci County Princess than Lu Jingxiu did.
"She is from the Qin family in the capital, and her given name is 'Guan.' Yes, that's the name. It was clearly written in the edict that conferred her title."
As he spoke, Lu Jingyun stepped forward to answer Lu Jingxiu's earlier question. "Isn't she beautiful? I've never seen a woman like her before. Logically, she should be around our age, but her presence is so commanding. Honestly, I found her quite intimidating."
Lu Jingxiu's mind was filled with images of Qin Guan, but he snorted dismissively. "To me, she just seems like a young girl."
Lu Jingyun glanced at him. "Fifth Brother, you're usually quite imposing, but today, in front of her, I felt even you seemed... well, a bit subdued..."
"What?! How could I be less imposing than her?!"
Lu Jingxiu raised his hand as if to strike him, and Lu Jingyun quickly jumped back. Lu Jingxiu snorted again and said, "Prince Rui committed treason and has long since fled the capital. Haven't you heard what people are saying? They say no one knows where Prince Rui has gone, and the Emperor is sending people to capture him. Now that the princess consort is here with us, but Aunt didn't mention Prince Rui... does that mean... she's alone here, and Prince Rui isn't with her?"
Lu Jingyun nodded. "Exactly. But where could Prince Rui have gone?"
Lu Jingxiu frowned slightly. "Could he have gone to the Northwest Frontier? Prince Rui was originally a young general in the Northwest Frontier Army. Given the current situation, the Northwest Frontier is the only place he could go. The Northwest Frontier Army has always been loyal to Prince Rui's household. Perhaps... perhaps he went to the Northwest Frontier and sent his wife to Jianzhou for refuge?"
Lu Jingyun always agreed with whatever Lu Jingxiu said, and he nodded again. "Yes, Fifth Brother, you're right."At these words, a hint of disapproval surfaced in Lu Jingxiu's eyes. "They are newlyweds, yet he actually left her alone in Jianzhou. Jianzhou is quite far from the west—could she possibly live here indefinitely?"
Lu Jingyun frowned. "Not necessarily. He might come to fetch her in a few days."
Lu Jingxiu curled his lips. "That would be utterly irresponsible."
Lu Jingyun sensed something amiss in his words and gave him a complicated look, but Lu Jingxiu merely stood by the deer pond, lost in thought.
After a while, Lu Jingxiu suddenly snapped out of his reverie, touched his bruised cheek, and murmured, "That little girl is quite sharp... I should have guessed her identity earlier. With such formidable maidservants, she’s clearly no ordinary noble lady..."
Lu Jingyun felt a pang of sympathy seeing Jingxiu so badly beaten. "Aunt said she’s invited Princess Consort Rui to investigate Fourth Brother’s case. Do you think it’s reliable?"
Jingxiu came back to himself and frowned. "I’ve heard that Yongci County Princess is skilled in criminal investigations, though I’m not sure if it’s true."
Jingyun muttered under her breath, "How could a woman excel in such matters? It seems implausible. The royal family has all sorts of strange claims..."
Jingxiu didn’t respond immediately, his mind still haunted by that exquisite, cool beauty amid the faint fragrance. Perhaps because all the young ladies he’d met before had greeted him with smiles, the more he recalled Qin Guan’s aloof demeanor, the more captivated he became. He stood there entranced, even imagining he could see her reflection in the shimmering ice, oblivious to Jingyun tugging at his sleeve.
...
When Lu You Xin arrived at the Lotus Pavilion, Qin Guan was already bathed and reading. Sensing Lu You Xin’s purpose, Qin Guan spoke first.
"Did my two foolish nephews frighten you?"
Qin Guan smiled. "Not frightened, just surprised. Aunt, after this incident, they’re no longer suspects."
If they were the culprits, why would they act so recklessly?
Lu You Xin was both amused and exasperated that Qin Guan, far from being upset, had immediately focused on the case.
"I was afraid you’d be angry, but you don’t seem bothered at all."
Fuling, standing nearby, chuckled. "Madam, our princess consort pays no mind to such things. She’s faced far greater dangers before."
Having learned the truth of those rumors, Lu You Xin sighed. "My nephews are barely older than you, yet they’re not fit to hold a candle to you. Who was it that struck my foolish nephew earlier?"
Baiying, who had returned earlier, stepped forward and bowed. "Madam, it was this servant. I acted rashly and beg your—"Lu Youxin didn't wait for Baiying to finish apologizing before bursting into hearty laughter. Though she was dressed in lavish attire with dignified makeup and had always maintained restrained composure, she now laughed without any regard for her image. She looked Baiying up and down for a moment with an incredulous expression. "Oh right, it's you! Usually you appear so quiet and reserved, hardly speaking—I never expected you to be this formidable. That nephew of mine has been learning martial arts from a master since childhood. With just a bit of skill, he thought he was invincible. And now, he's been bested by a young girl like you! You should have seen the look on his face when I teased him earlier... Hahaha, it was absolutely priceless! I'll never forget it!"
Lu Youxin was clearly delighted, which left Baiying momentarily stunned. After a brief pause, Qin Guan and Fuling joined in the laughter. The room filled with a warm, cheerful atmosphere, and no one took the matter seriously. Lu Youxin stayed a while longer, only rising to leave when the night grew deeper.
Qin Guan slept soundly through the night and waited the next day for news from the person Lu Youxin had sent out.
However, Hu Guangde proved difficult to locate. The entire second day passed without any sign of the dispatched person returning. With no other option, Qin Guan remained in the Han Dan Hall, studying the clothing.
A garment soaked in water for a long time, even after drying, offered little concrete evidence. Compounded with newly stained mud, Qin Guan examined it for a long while without making any discoveries. Fuling assisted in the inspection and soon muttered, "I wonder if these mud stains can be washed out. Bloodstains are extremely hard to remove, but is there a way for mud? Should I test it with these marks on the sleeve?"
As Fuling fiddled with it, Qin Guan suddenly noticed a fleeting stain on the sleeve. She immediately straightened up. "Wait, bring the outer robe over for me to see..."
Puzzled, Fuling brought the robe to Qin Guan. Upon closer inspection, Qin Guan spotted the mark on the cuff.
She held it up to the daylight outside and, after a moment, realized that the stain was actually a combination of blood and mud. Qin Guan's brow furrowed instantly. She remembered clearly that Lu Jingcheng's wrist had only bruises, no wounds. If that were the case, how could there be bloodstains on the sleeve at the wrist?!
Due to the additional stains, Qin Guan hadn't noticed the blood at first. But when Fuling held it, the changing light revealed the anomaly, alerting her to something amiss. Qin Guan frowned and said, "I overlooked this. The murderer's hand must have been injured."
Fuling's eyes widened. "Was it wounded by the Fourth Young Master?"
Qin Guan shook her head. "No, it was likely cut by sharp stones on the ground while subduing Lu Jingcheng."
Fuling immediately suggested, "If that's the case, shouldn't we check now to see who has injuries on their hands?"
Qin Guan gripped the sleeve and shook her head. "No, if we ask now, the murderer would surely come up with numerous excuses. Under normal circumstances, it's easy to explain away a hand injury."
Fuling nodded. "True, they could just say it was an accidental scratch, and we'd have no way to prove they're lying."
Qin Guan glanced at the bloodstain on the sleeve once more. "We'll wait until the person returns from Jianzhou City."
...
...
Qin Guan resolved to wait, but this wait stretched into two days. Before they knew it, they were nearing the end of the twelfth lunar month, and the New Year was fast approaching.Despite the incident on White Deer Isle dampening the festive atmosphere, Lu Youxin still ordered the courtyards cleaned—the only gesture to welcome the New Year.
Though Lu Jingcheng had been dead for days, the murderer remained at large. The second branch of the family had initially made the most fuss, but Lu Youxin suppressed their protests. After the second madam fell ill, their uproar subsided. The third and fourth branches watched as bystanders, and with Lu Jingxiu and Lu Jingyun having learned their lesson, the estate remained unusually quiet.
Qin Guan grew increasingly anxious waiting for news from Jianzhou City. Yan Chi had sent no word since departing for Qianzhou, fueling her restlessness. To pass the time, she visited the deer park to feed the deer. It wasn’t her first time there, and since the park lay in the north—separated from the eastern quarters—she saw no need for strict guards. True to her expectations, the path to the deer park was deserted. The attendants there greeted her respectfully. Midway through feeding the deer, snow began to fall.
The heavy snow and biting cold prompted Fuling to urge Qin Guan to return. Reluctant but resigned, Qin Guan headed back.
From the elevated deer park, the descending pavilions and towers of White Deer Isle were visible. The accumulated snow, yet to melt, blanketed the isle in a pristine whiteness, more magnificent than the day she first arrived. As she descended the steps and entered the corridor, Qin Guan slowed her pace.
Multiple paths led from there to the Lotus Pavilion. Instead of taking the usual corridor, Qin Guan chose a quieter, secluded path. After a few steps, she sniffed the air. "Why do I smell medicinal herbs?"
Fuling immediately sniffed as well but exclaimed in surprise, "This servant doesn’t smell anything!"
At this, Baiying and Bai Feng also inhaled deeply, but their bewildered expressions showed they detected nothing. Just as they grew puzzled, a voice sounded from a nearby pavilion in the flower garden—
"Because the estate’s medicine workshop is close by."
The sudden voice startled them. Turning toward the source, they spotted Lu Jingxiu and Lu Jingyun standing beneath the pavilion.
Though their last encounter had been tense, the two now appeared calm. Qin Guan raised an eyebrow, glancing toward the deer park and then the Lotus Pavilion, before remarking coolly, "It seems the Fifth and Sixth Young Masters were waiting here specifically."
The bruises on Lu Jingxiu’s face had healed. Dressed in a blue robe, he cut an elegant figure amid the wind and snow.
He stepped forward quickly and gestured politely. "Please, Princess Consort, take shelter here from the storm."
Qin Guan studied him composedly before stepping into the pavilion. Lu Jingxiu and his companion followed.
Brushing the light snow from her shoulders, Qin Guan asked, "What business does the Fifth Young Master have?"
At this, Lu Jingxiu stepped back and clasped his hands in apology. "Today, we came to offer our apologies. That night, I acted rashly due to a misunderstanding. I sincerely beg your forgiveness, Princess Consort—please do not hold it against us."
Qin Guan arched a brow again. After Lu Youxin’s intervention that night, she had let the matter rest. Since Lu Youxin had mocked and reprimanded them, she assumed they wouldn’t cause further trouble. She hadn’t expected this apology.
Lu Jingxiu, who had stood sword in hand with a fierce demeanor that night, now carried himself with courtesy—a stark contrast to before.Qin Guan sized him up for a moment. "If this is to make amends, Fifth Young Master and Sixth Young Master needn’t bother. There’s no blame in ignorance."
Snowflakes drifted down thick and fast, seeming to grow heavier by the minute. Qin Guan, feeling she wasn’t well acquainted with Lu Jingxiu, said, "The snow is getting heavier. Fifth Young Master and Sixth Young Master should head back. I’ll take my leave now."
As Qin Guan made to leave, Lu Jingxiu instinctively stepped forward to block her path. His gaze fixed intently on her face, his eyes bright with an inexplicable focus. Qin Guan immediately furrowed her brow, and only then did Lu Jingxiu snap back to his senses, realizing he had overstepped. He hastily retreated.
"I... I came for another reason as well..."
Qin Guan found Lu Jingxiu somewhat peculiar, though she couldn’t quite pinpoint why. She replied, "Go on."
Lu Jingxiu straightened his posture. "That night, Aunt mentioned that the Junzhu was assisting in the investigation of Fourth Brother’s case. We came to ask if there have been any developments. The New Year is just a few days away, and not only are Fourth Brother’s remains not yet laid to rest, but we still don’t know who harmed him. It’s deeply unsettling."
Qin Guan’s brow tightened slightly. "If you wish to know the details of this matter, you may ask Aunt directly. She knows what should and should not be shared with you."
Though Lu Jingxiu had stepped back twice, he still blocked the pavilion’s exit. Hearing this, he spoke with earnest conviction, "Aunt doesn’t trust us, so I can’t offer any help. The Junzhu is renowned for her expertise in criminal investigations. If there’s anything you need, just give the order."
Lu Jingxiu’s words were resolute, his gaze bright and fixed on Qin Guan. He repeatedly addressed her as "Junzhu," clearly aware of her identity. Though Qin Guan was now the princess consort of Prince Rui and those around her addressed her as such, Lu Jingxiu, being less familiar, used the title without issue.
Qin Guan felt somewhat helpless at Lu Jingxiu’s demeanor. "The cause of this case hasn’t been clarified yet, so there’s no need for Fifth Young Master’s assistance at the moment. With the New Year approaching, Aunt is extremely busy. If you’re sincere, you could help her manage some clan affairs."
In recent days, Lu You Xin had visited the Han Dan Pavilion only briefly each time, as she was overwhelmed with clan responsibilities. Qin Guan’s suggestion was not without reason.
Lu Jingxiu quickly replied, "Of course, I’ll help Aunt, but... but Fourth Brother’s matter is more urgent right now."
Seeing his persistence, Qin Guan was both amused and exasperated. "Investigating a case isn’t about having more people. If Fifth Young Master interferes rashly, it might complicate matters. If your help is truly needed, I’ll let you know."
Pausing briefly before Lu Jingxiu could respond, Qin Guan said calmly, "You’re blocking my way."
Her tone carried a hint of impatience. Lu Jingxiu hesitated for a moment but finally stepped aside. "Then... if there’s anything you need, just send someone to the Lan Xiang Courtyard to find me. I’ll be ready at any time..."
His voice was urgent. Qin Guan nodded and walked out of the pavilion.
Lu Jingxiu craned his neck, watching Qin Guan’s retreating figure until it disappeared from sight, never looking away. Beside him, Lu Jingyun was the first to snap out of it. Glancing in the direction Qin Guan had left and then at Lu Jingxiu, he asked curiously, "Fifth Brother, why are you acting so strange all of a sudden?"
Lu Jingxiu jolted back to reality, cleared his throat, and said, "What’s strange? I’m just trying to help."Lu Jingyun let out an "oh," then said, "But it seems she doesn't need our help..."
Lu Jingxiu remained silent, though a trace of disappointment flickered in his eyes. He lingered in the pavilion for a long while before finally leaving.
...
On their way back, Fuling wondered aloud, "Wasn't he supposed to be in the East Courtyard? How did he get here? The guards are becoming increasingly lax!"
Qin Guan chuckled, "He is the master. If he truly wishes to come, he'll find a way. Still, his transformation is quite remarkable."
Fuling snorted, "Indeed. That night was utterly terrifying, yet now he's as docile as a kitten. Madam Lu truly is formidable."
Qin Guan shook her head, "He isn't a bad person, really... I just wish he could truly be of help to my aunt."
Qin Guan said no more as she turned back, but Bai Feng, walking at the rear, glanced back twice. Although Lu Jingxiu had come under the pretext of apologizing earlier, the way he looked at Qin Guan was rather peculiar. Though Bai Feng had no sweetheart of his own, he was still a man, and he couldn't help feeling that Lu Jingxiu's gaze held something inappropriate.
Once this thought surfaced, he felt an intense dislike for Lu Jingxiu and grew anxious, wondering why his master had not yet returned.
Qin Guan had expected another day of waiting in vain, but to her surprise, in the afternoon, the men sent to Jianzhou City finally returned. Not only had the Lu family's people come back, but Hu Guangde had also returned with them. Lu Youxin sent for Qin Guan to come to Wutong Garden and had Hu Guangde bound and brought to the main hall for interrogation.
When Qin Guan arrived at Wutong Garden, she took her place behind the screen as before. After exchanging a few words with her, Lu Youxin had the outsiders brought in and then went to the front hall to conduct the interrogation.
Hu Guangde, dressed in a disheveled indigo cotton robe, was pushed into the room by the Lu family's guards, looking rather wretched.
The moment he saw Lu Youxin, Hu Guangde's face instantly changed, and he knelt on the floor. "Second Miss, it's you who has come to Jianzhou! This humble servant pays his respects to Second Miss—"
Hu Guangde was over forty, with graying temples and a sallow complexion from years of indulgence. His kneeling salute was performed without hesitation, his eyes full of flattery. Yet, as Qin Guan observed him through the screen, she faintly detected a hint of wariness in his gaze.
Lu Youxin smiled faintly, betraying no emotion. "Since you've met Jingcheng, how could you not know I was in Jianzhou?"
At these words, Hu Guangde's expression shifted, though he forced a smile. "Heh heh, well... Fourth Young Master and I happened to run into each other. I often visit the Flower-Full Tower, and that day I happened to see Fourth Young Master, so I just paid my respects. Ah, why isn't Fourth Young Master here today?"
The Lu family's guards had clearly been reliable, not revealing a single word along the way.
When Lu Youxin heard Hu Guangde inquire about Lu Jingcheng, her smile deepened for a moment. "You wish to see Jingcheng?"
Hu Guangde found Lu Youxin's smile odd and shivered before replying with a grin, "Since I've come to the estate, it's only proper to pay respects to all the masters and young masters."
Lu Youxin's face had been smiling, but suddenly, her expression hardened. She slammed her palm on the armrest of her chair and shouted sharply, "You still dare to see Jingcheng?! Jingcheng has confessed everything! How dare you, Hu Guangde! Did you think that just because you left the Lu family, we could no longer deal with you?!"
This sudden change in demeanor even startled Fuling in the inner room. Hu Guangde, watching Lu Youxin's smile turn cold and stern, trembled in fear. But what terrified him even more were her words. "Wh-what? Confessed? Fourth Young Master, he..."
Lu Youxin narrowed her eyes and sneered. "Still unwilling to talk? I have no desire to air the Lu family's dirty laundry in court, but on this vast White Deer Isle, I could end your wretched life right now. Just toss you into Wangyue Lake—who would know whose hand killed you?! Hu Guangde! Do you think I became the head of the Lu family for nothing?!"Hu Guangde instantly broke into a cold sweat, his conscience already burdened with guilt. Lu Youxin's sharp, imposing shouts terrified him to the core, and coupled with her ambiguous words, he could no longer maintain his kneeling posture. "Second Miss... I... I truly don't know... Fourth Young Master, he..."
"What you discussed at Huamanlou, Jingcheng recounted every word clearly. Now, I'm giving you one last chance."
Lu Youxin lifted her chin slightly, her gaze cold and merciless as she stared at Hu Guangde, each word piercing his heart like icy needles. Hu Guangde's sweat grew profusely. "This lowly one... this lowly one and Fourth Young Master..."
Hu Guangde never expected Lu Youxin to even know about their discussion at Huamanlou. Hearing her words, he assumed Lu Jingcheng had truly confessed!
Trembling, he crawled forward two steps and suddenly wailed, "Second Miss! It was Fourth Young Master! It was all Fourth Young Master who ordered this lowly one to do it! Although I left Xiushan, the managers there were all trained by me, and only I could easily contact them! Fourth Young Master... Fourth Young Master said I only needed to pass on a message, nothing more, and he would give me two thousand taels of silver. I... I was just trying to make a living..."
As Hu Guangde finished wailing, Lu Youxin's originally stern expression shifted slightly. "Xiushan?"
Xiushan was where the Lu family's mining industry was located in the western part of Jianzhou. At her question, Hu Guangde nodded. "It was all Fourth Young Master who made me do it. Fourth Young Master said the Fifth Branch, under your care, is gaining more influence and that they must be tripped up badly..."
Before the word "badly" could fully leave his lips, Hu Guangde suddenly froze. He stared fixedly at Lu Youxin, sensing something amiss. If Lu Jingcheng had confessed, why did Lu Youxin seem so surprised upon hearing about Xiushan? In an instant, Hu Guangde realized he had fallen into a trap!
He abruptly straightened up. "This lowly one... this lowly one meant... this lowly one meant Fourth Young Master, he..."
Hu Guangde tried to backtrack, but Lu Youxin would never give him the chance. She had long suspected Lu Jingcheng and Hu Guangde of plotting something illicit. Now, hearing "Xiushan" and that Lu Jingcheng wanted to trip up the Fifth Branch, she instantly thought of the mine disaster at the mines!
A chill ran down her spine, and an unbelievable thought surfaced in her mind. "This... this mine disaster—was it his doing? Did he order you to orchestrate it?!"
Hu Guangde's eyes flickered rapidly, and he hastily waved his hands. "No, no... that's not it... not at all. This lowly one meant, Fourth Young Master only wanted to make the mine disaster at Xiushan harder to resolve. The Salt and Iron Commission and the prefectural office—Fourth Young Master wanted them to make things difficult for the Fifth Branch... so..."
Hu Guangde's eyes darted about, and his words were quick-witted, but Lu Youxin was not so easily fooled!
She sneered coldly. "What? Trying to take it back now? Do you know where Lu Jingcheng, the one who gave you the orders, is?"
Hu Guangde shook his head repeatedly. "No, no, this lowly one doesn't know. I only met Fourth Young Master once. I know nothing..."
Lu Youxin narrowed her eyes, a sinister smile curling at the corners of her lips. "Aren't you eager to see him? Since you refuse to speak now, fine. I suppose you'll talk after you've met him. Guards—"Lu Youxin's smile sent chills down Hu Guangde's spine. As her command fell, several guards immediately entered through the door, seizing him by both arms.
Lu Youxin ordered sharply, "Take him to see the Fourth Young Master. Let them spend some quality time together."
The guards acknowledged and dragged Hu Guangde out of the room.
"Hey, hey! I can walk myself! Where is the Fourth Young Master—"
"Second Miss, this humble servant doesn’t want to see the Fourth Young Master! I never followed his orders—"
His protests faded into the distance as he was hauled away. Inside the room, Lu Youxin’s hand, resting on the arm of her chair, trembled uncontrollably.
Huang Momo, who was attending nearby, also grasped the implication in Hu Guangde’s words and was utterly horrified!
Hu Guangde’s statement clearly suggested that the mine disaster—which had claimed over twenty lives and brought calamity upon the Fifth House—was actually orchestrated by Lu Jingcheng!
His sole purpose was to make the Fifth House suffer a major setback!
Lu Youxin’s chest heaved violently. After a long moment, she slammed her palm onto the armrest. "So that’s it! That’s it! I wondered how two mine shafts could collapse so abruptly, and how the culprits vanished right after it happened. It was all premeditated! That beast! That beast!"
As Lu Youxin cursed vehemently, Qin Guan, who had been in the inner chamber, couldn’t help but step out. Having overheard everything clearly, she instantly understood the cause of the mine disaster and was equally stunned!
The Xiushan Mine was managed by the Fifth House and had bolstered their influence. To undermine them, Lu Jingcheng had engineered such a catastrophic disaster—snuffing out over twenty lives with a single, casual command from the comfort of his luxurious mansion!
Qin Guan had witnessed many chilling cases, but few matched the cold-bloodedness of Lu Jingcheng’s actions.
Seeing Lu Youxin consumed by fury, Qin Guan struggled to find words of comfort. "Aunt, we still need to hear Hu Guangde’s full confession."
Lu Youxin nodded. Huang Momo, fearing she might collapse from rage, hastily poured tea and patted her back. Lu Youxin’s hands shook as she clutched the teacup, but she did not drink. After a long pause, she exhaled deeply, her face pale. "I even suspected sabotage by other prominent families in Jianzhou, but I never imagined the culprit would be one of our own—my own nephew! That wretched scoundrel! He truly deserves to die!"
If those twenty-plus lives were lost because of Lu Jingcheng, then he indeed deserved death.
Though Qin Guan felt a chill, she did not share Lu Youxin’s explosive rage. Even if Lu Jingcheng deserved to die, he had still been murdered. At this point, Qin Guan couldn’t help but connect the mine disaster to Lu Jingcheng’s death. The cause of the Fifth House’s mine disaster remained unsolved, but could someone have discovered the truth and sought revenge?
Yet how to explain Lu Suiyong’s words and that erotic picture book?
Qin Guan’s mind swirled with unresolved puzzles when, shortly after, Hu Guangde was dragged back by two guards!
Qin Guan retreated into the inner chamber first. The returning Hu Guangde was deathly pale, unable to walk on his own. A closer look revealed dampness on his robe—he had been so terrified he lost control of his bladder! Lu Youxin’s pent-up rage found no outlet, and at the sight of Hu Guangde, she wished she could cut him down with a single stroke!
"Well? Have you seen your Fourth Young Master?!"Lu Youxin suppressed her fury, but her words were gritted through clenched teeth. The guards threw Hu Guangde to the ground, where he slumped, unable to even crawl. "H-how could the Fourth Young Master die... how could he die... Second Miss, how could you..."
Lu Youxin let out a cold laugh. "After committing such vile deeds, ending him with one sword was already lenient! Well? Will you speak or not? I could even lay hands on my own nephew—what makes you think I’d hesitate with you?!"
Hearing this, Hu Guangde’s mind spun into chaos, unable to discern whether Lu Youxin’s words were true or false. He had seen Lu Jingcheng’s long-dead body but hadn’t clearly understood the cause of death. Witnessing Lu Youxin’s ferocious expression and boiling rage, whether it was real or not, he was too terrified not to speak.
"It was... it was the Fourth Young Master... the Fourth Young Master who sent the letter..."
"I received the letter and instructed Liu Dacheng and Qi Ying, promising them five hundred taels of silver each upon success. They... they were men I brought up, addicted to gambling. After the Fifth House took over, the mine’s funds became untouchable, and they harbored resentment too. Now, with a chance for both revenge and money, they agreed immediately..."
"At first... at first, we only meant for one or two to die, but who could have expected... who could have expected the support pillar to break, causing both ends of the mine to collapse, burying over twenty people alive beneath. The two came to me once for the silver, then one fled south, the other north—both ran off..."
Hu Guangde knelt prostrate on the ground, his voice trembling with fear. "I had planned to leave too, but considering my family home is here, and I wasn’t in Xiushan when the incident happened, I stayed in Jianzhou. The Fourth Young Master came, saying the task was done and he’d give me silver notes, so I went to Huaman Tower..."
"That’s the whole truth. I beg Second Miss for mercy... spare me this once. I... I can reveal the whereabouts of Qi Ying and the other, let... let the authorities capture them. That way, the Fifth House can be cleared of blame. I beg you, Second Miss, I’ll burn incense and worship Buddha from now on, never doing evil again!"
Lu Youxin stared coldly at Hu Guangde. "Burn incense and worship Buddha?! Someone like you isn’t fit to seek Buddha’s forgiveness! Guards, bring paper and ink—"
Hu Guangde trembled uncontrollably, sobbing too hard to speak. Lu Youxin commanded, "Write down every detail of this incident. If you dare falsify a single word, I’ll throw you into Wangyue Lake to feed the fish!"
Hu Guangde didn’t dare argue. When the paper and brush were brought, his hands were too weak to write, so he had to recount everything again in detail while Deng Momo took notes. Once it was finished, he was made to press his fingerprint before it was done.
"Take him away! Lock him in the dungeon first! Don’t let him freeze to death!"
Hearing this, Hu Guangde pleaded for mercy repeatedly, but Lu Youxin wouldn’t listen. Several guards stepped forward and dragged him away like cargo.
Lu Youxin stared at the black ink on white paper, fury making her vision blur intermittently.
Finally, she shouted sharply, "Go! Summon those from the Second House and the Fifth House—bring them all to me!"
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