Hongying acknowledged and withdrew, returning shortly with a man of ordinary appearance and average build, dressed similarly to the earlier Dongsheng—likely one of Xiao Jingxi’s attendants.
Tongde bowed respectfully and stood to the side, so unobtrusive that most people wouldn’t give him a second glance unless they made a deliberate effort. His presence was minimal, yet Ren Yaoqi sensed a peculiar aura about him. She couldn’t quite describe it, but she felt that underestimating someone like him based on appearance alone would have serious consequences.
“If you have any questions, ask him,” Xiao Jingxi said to Ren Yaoqi.
His words confirmed Ren Yaoqi’s judgment, but she couldn’t help feeling surprised. Could this subordinate of his truly know everything?
Xiao Jingxi seemed to read her thoughts, offering only a faint smile without a word.
Seeing this, Ren Yaoqi asked, “When will the Liu family, Madam Lei’s maternal relatives, arrive in Yunyang City?”
Tongde lowered his head and replied, “Miss, they will arrive before the hour of you tomorrow.”
Ren Yaoqi glanced at Xiao Jingxi, who smiled as he poured tea, not interfering in their conversation.
After a moment’s thought, Ren Yaoqi asked another question: “How long does the Lei Family plan to keep Madam Lei’s coffin?”
“Seven days.”
In the funeral customs of Great Zhou, it was common to keep the coffin for seven days when circumstances allowed, though some kept it for over ten days or even months—though such cases were rare. Especially in summer, seven days was the standard.
Ren Yaoqi nodded, then looked up at Xiao Jingxi and asked, “How did Madam Lei die?”
“Why do you ask?” Ren Yaoqi already knew Madam Lei had taken her own life; what she wanted to know was the method.
After a brief pause, Ren Yaoqi said softly, “I suspect there are no obvious wounds or signs of poisoning on Madam Lei’s body.”
Xiao Jingxi looked surprised. “How did you guess?”
Ren Yaoqi tilted her head slightly. Though unintentional, Xiao Jingxi caught a glimmer of intelligence and certainty in her bright eyes. “Isn’t it obvious? The Liu family is coming to identify her, and they’ll arrive tomorrow. Even though Madam Lei has passed, who knows if they’ll want to see her remains? Knowing the visitors may have ill intentions, the Lei Family still dares to keep her coffin at home for a full seven days before burial. This suggests there’s nothing on her body to indicate she died by suicide.”
Xiao Jingxi looked at Ren Yaoqi and suddenly laughed, resting his chin on his hand. “That makes sense, and you guessed correctly.”
He sighed. “Though Madam Lei came from humble origins, she was indeed a remarkable figure. My investigation concluded that she died from a ruptured heart meridian. Whether due to illness or external force, a ruptured heart meridian leaves no visible traces on the surface.”
Ren Yaoqi knew that some elderly people could die from a ruptured heart meridian due to accidents, but from Xiao Jingxi’s tone, it seemed Madam Lei’s might have been caused by external force. As for how this was determined, Ren Yaoqi didn’t know, but it wasn’t the main point.
“I have no more questions,” Ren Yaoqi said, nodding and thanking Tongde.
Though Xiao Jingxi was somewhat surprised she had only asked these two seemingly minor questions, he said nothing and dismissed Tongde.
“If you’re in a difficult position, we could decide the outcome with a game of chess.”Xiao Jingxi suggested, "How about I give you a five-stone handicap?"
Xiao Jingxi knew Ren Yaoqi's strength. If he gave her a few stones, she would have a chance to win.
Ren Yaoqi was deep in thought and snapped back to reality upon hearing this, still shaking her head. "Let's stick to the original bet."
Even someone as composed as Xiao Jingxi couldn't help but feel curious now. "How do you plan to help the Lei Family?"
Ren Yaoqi blinked, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "If I have Lei Ting arrange for Madam Lei to be buried early tomorrow morning, what do you think his reaction would be?"
In truth, it was common among ordinary folk to keep a coffin for three days, but prominent families would not do so.
Xiao Jingxi remained silent, but Xiao Jinglin, who had been watching the exchange with interest, frowned and said, "You want the Lei Family to bury Madam Lei before the Liu family arrives? That would indeed temporarily avoid trouble with the Liu family, but... would the Han Family allow it?"
Xiao Jingxi had initially thought the same, but seeing the sly smile at the corner of Ren Yaoqi's lips, he felt a sudden insight. After pondering for a moment, he began to understand.
When he looked up again, his gaze toward Ren Yaoqi was somewhat complex. "Truly a clever move."
Seeing that he had grasped her plan in just an instant, Ren Yaoqi couldn't help but feel a bit defeated. What if her enemies were as sharp-minded as Xiao Jingxi? Would she be left with no choice but to surrender?
"With you saying that, I'm starting to doubt myself," Ren Yaoqi said, half-jokingly.
Xiao Jingxi smiled reassuringly. "Those involved are often blinded, while onlookers see clearly."
Xiao Jinglin shot Xiao Jingxi a glance before turning to Hongying. "It's time for his medicine. Bring it up."
Xiao Jingxi: "..."
Ren Yaoqi glanced at Xiao Jinglin and couldn't help but smile. She knew Xiao Jinglin might be sulking, though she wasn't sure whether it was because Xiao Jingxi had reacted faster than her or because they had been too engrossed in their conversation and ignored her.
Still, at this moment, Xiao Jinglin finally seemed a bit more like a girl close to her own age. Even when sulking, Commandery Princess Xiao remained expressionless, calm, and composed.
Hongying immediately brought over a bowl of medicine, and the speed at which she did so made Ren Yaoqi feel as though they had been waiting for this opportunity for a long time.
Xiao Jingxi silently stared at the medicine bowl for a moment before calmly drinking it all in one go, choosing not to argue with Xiao Jinglin.
While he was drinking the medicine, Ren Yaoqi took the opportunity to explain a few things to Xiao Jinglin.
After Hongying cleared away the medicine bowl, she returned and said that the shopkeeper had just come up to ask if they could start serving the dishes.
Their conversation had taken up quite some time, and it was now just the right hour for a meal.
Xiao Jingxi nodded and instructed, "Let them serve."
At the mention of food, Xiao Jinglin immediately perked up and said to Ren Yaoqi, "I mentioned last time that I wanted to have roast duck with you, but things kept getting in the way. Tanji's roast duck is quite famous—they even have a branch in the capital—but Xiao Jingxi says the one in the capital isn't as authentic as the one here in Yunyang City."
Ren Yaoqi had never tried Tanji's roast duck in Yunyang City, but she had eaten at the one in the capital. Mr. Pei was particularly fond of Tanji's duck necks. Whenever he had a drink at home, he never forgot to have her order a servant to buy some for him as a snack.Recalling these past events, Ren Yaoqi's expression grew somewhat distant. Compared to the over ten years in Yanbei, her life in the capital and the following years spent traveling outside with Mr. Pei left a deeper impression.
Xiao Jingxi noticed Ren Yaoqi's momentary distraction and raised an eyebrow slightly.
The dishes were soon served. Hongying and another maid of Xiao Jinglin went to the outer room to set the table, not leaving it to the restaurant staff. Ren Yaoqi believed there must have been someone keeping an eye on the kitchen as well.
During previous meals with Xiao Jinglin, there hadn’t been so much fuss. Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but glance at Xiao Jingxi, then suddenly understood, sighing inwardly at how strange the Yanbei Prince's Mansion was—raising sons seemed far more meticulous than raising daughters.
Xiao Jingxi was extremely perceptive, immediately catching Ren Yaoqi’s glance and feeling somewhat puzzled.
Seeing that the arrangements outside were nearly complete, Xiao Jinglin pulled Ren Yaoqi to her feet and said expressionlessly to Xiao Jingxi, "She just thinks you’re too delicate, not as easy to get along with as I am. There’s no other meaning."
Ren Yaoqi silently turned her head away.
Commandery Princess, are you really trying to help me explain things kindly?
Ren Yaoqi wasn’t sure if her eyes were playing tricks on her, but she thought she saw a vein twitch at Xiao Jingxi’s temple beneath his perfect smile.
Ren Yaoqi cleared her throat softly, feeling she should say something to ease the atmosphere: "I wanted to thank Young Master Xiao for taking the trouble because of an extra female guest like me." She admitted it was she who was delicate, not that unapproachable young master.
However, Xiao Jinglin wasn’t having it and opened her mouth to say more. Afraid she might list some of Xiao Jingxi’s "delicate" traits, Ren Yaoqi quickly pulled her along, walking a few steps faster while interrupting with a smile, "I rarely dine at restaurants outside. Come to think of it, both times I’ve been out were with you, Commandery Princess."
Xiao Jinglin didn’t press further, simply following her lead: "There aren’t many decent restaurants in Yunyang City, just two or three. We’ll try them all in the future."
Xiao Jingxi walked out slowly, no trace of embarrassment left on his face.
Since their group included both men and women who weren’t all close blood relatives, it wasn’t appropriate to share a single table. The maids brought three small tables instead. Ren Yaoqi’s and Xiao Jinglin’s tables were placed side by side, with Xiao Jingxi seated opposite them, similar to arrangements at some banquets.
Xiao Jinglin probably disliked eating this way, which was why she had criticized Xiao Jingxi’s arrangements.
However, Ren Yaoqi also felt that although there were no outsiders present besides the three of them and a few maids, it was still proper to observe some decorum. She didn’t find Xiao Jingxi’s arrangements inappropriate. After all, she was generally someone who followed the rules.
Tanji’s signature dish was roast duck, served with crispy baked naan slices that looked mouthwatering at first glance.
On her and Xiao Jinglin’s low tables, besides a plate of sliced roast duck, there were several other hot dishes, both meat and vegetables, all beautifully presented.
In contrast, the dishes on Xiao Jingxi’s table were extremely light. At a glance, there were no vibrant colors—just clear soups and plain dishes, mostly vegetarian.
Ren Yaoqi remembered that Xiao Jingxi was in poor health and likely had dietary restrictions.
The meal wasn’t unpleasant, even with Xiao Jingxi present.From beginning to end, Xiao Jingxi sat quietly there, eating with his head down, serving himself without having anyone attend to him, perhaps due to what Xiao Jinglin had said earlier.
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