The Golden Hairpin

They left Yongchun Hall, mounted their horses, and exited the Daming Palace through a side gate. As they approached the Kui Prince's residence, Li Shubai suddenly asked, "So, can we confirm that the body in Yongchun Hall was indeed Jinnu?"

Her voice was light: "Yes, it's confirmed."

"And the newly discovered body?"

"I have a good idea about that too." Confident, she turned to look at him and said, "The root of all this lies in the two girls you saved in Xuzhou three years ago."

Li Shubai reined in his horse, Di'e, and stood still in the early summer weather, lost in thought for a long while without speaking.

After a long pause, he finally raised his eyebrows slightly and turned his deep, distant eyes toward Huang Zixiao, asking quietly, "Could it possibly be... that person?"

Huang Zixiao nodded and said, "Apart from them, no one else had the opportunity."

Li Shubai frowned slightly and said, "If that's truly the case, it will undoubtedly stir another storm in the Tang court."

"It's nothing. Our dynasty has always been tolerant, hasn't it?" Huang Zixiao sighed deeply and murmured.

After a long silence, Li Shubai said, "What if I advised you to give up? What would you think?"

Huang Zixiao remained silent, biting her lower lip as she looked at him. "This matter began because of you. If you wish to abandon it, I have nothing to say."

"But... should we really let it go just like that?" He sat atop Di'e, gazing at the unreachable sky and exhaling deeply. His eyes were profound and distant, as if trying to pierce the farthest reaches of the heavens to glimpse the deepest truths. "Wouldn't you feel resentful burying such a secret?"

"It's not about the secret." Huang Zixiao followed his gaze, quietly watching the sky. "I only want to speak the truth and seek justice for the wronged Feng Yiniang, Jinnu, and those beggars who died silently in Chongren Lane."

Li Shubai looked up without speaking, observing the shifting light filtering through the leaves as dusk approached once more.

He spoke slowly, "In fact, if the mastermind behind this is that person, exposing them might be a great opportunity for you."

Huang Zixiao widened her eyes in surprise. He turned to her, his expression softening slightly. "I will help you see this through. You only need to speak the truth as you know it—no matter what, I will protect your life."

She tilted her head slightly to look at him. The setting sun cast long shadows as Di'e and Nafusha returned to the familiar Kui Prince's residence, nuzzling each other joyfully. The riders on their horses unconsciously drew closer, so near they could almost feel each other's breath.

Huang Zixiao instinctively guided Nafusha away, putting half a foot of distance between them, and whispered, "Thank you, Your Highness."

Under the sunset, their shadows stretched long and thin, so close yet always separated by an unfilled gap.

White mourning banners swayed gently in the overcast sky, paper money fluttering like snowflakes across the courtyard. Taoist priests softly chanted the Supreme Salvation Mantra, mingling with the mournful cries of Xianyun and others, enveloping the Wang family in an air of solemn grief.

By the time Li Shubai arrived with Huang Zixiao, the mourning rites of the Langya Wang family had already begun.Wang Ruo's memorial tablet was placed in the center of the mourning hall, with incense, candles, and offerings arranged before it. Although her death had been sudden, Wang Yun was an exceptionally capable man who handled everything methodically. Even in haste, all funeral rites were meticulously arranged.

Li Shubai and Huang Zixiang finished paying their respects with incense before the tablet, after which the Wang family members bowed in gratitude. Returning the courtesy, Li Shubai said to Wang Yun, "This happened so abruptly—you must have had a taxing few days."

Wang Yun wore a plain silk robe covered with hemp mourning garments. Since the deceased was merely a distant cousin with whom he'd had little contact since childhood, his expression showed only subdued concern rather than deep grief. "It is my duty," he replied.

Inside the hall, maidservants wept, creating a heavy atmosphere. Li Shubai and Wang Yun stepped outside, standing beneath the eaves on the stone steps. "Have her parents and siblings not arrived yet?" Li Shubai asked.

"It was too sudden—how could they react in time? We could only send word home first, asking her family to meet the procession from Langya."

Li Shubai pressed further, "Was a burial site arranged so hastily?"

"An elderly aunt from our clan had previously selected and prepared a gravesite for herself. For now, we've yielded it to her."

Li Shubai fell silent, his gaze shifting toward the coffin placed behind the memorial hall. The black-lacquered coffin, its lid already sealed, revealed only a corner—clearly not meant for viewing the remains. That face, after all, hardly warranted it.

Huang Zixiang, standing behind Li Shubai, distinctly sensed that both were contemplating how to reasonably intervene and halt the transportation of this body, soon to depart the capital.

Just as the two prepared to speak, a gatekeeper rushed in, breathless, and managed to stammer before Wang Yun, "Y-Young Master! The Emperor and Empress have come to pay their respects."

At this news, even Li Shubai was taken aback, let alone Huang Zixiang. While Empress Wang, being of the Wang family, might have reason to mourn her cousin, what purpose did the Emperor's visit serve?

Only Wang Yun remained composed—evidently, the palace had already informed his household in advance.

However, when Huang Zixiang saw the entire Wang family momentarily forget their grief, hastily straightening their attire to welcome the imperial carriage, with even some younger clansmen unable to suppress their delight, she understood immediately.

No wonder palace rumors described the Emperor as gentle and accommodating, while Empress Wang carried greater authority. Whatever she requested, he granted without refusal. For instance, when she once demanded two hundred guards from both the Palace Defense Bureau and Prince Kui's household to protect Wang Ruo at Yongchun Hall, the Emperor had consented with a single word. The capital's jesting whispers went: "The Sovereign is lofty, the Empress martial"—their dynamic eerily mirrored Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu.

Thus, if Empress Wang had asked the Emperor to accompany her to the Wang residence to bolster her family's prestige, it would have been no trouble—likely just a casual remark.

The imperial couple arrived incognito, accompanied by only a few dozen attendants. Both wore plain white kesi robes—the Emperor in a white gauze hat, the Empress adorned with pale pink pearl hairpins and swaying stephanotis. The simplicity of their attire accentuated her ink-black hair, jet-like eyes, and faintly rouged lips, rendering her ethereal as a celestial being from a painting—so breathtakingly beautiful that it blurred the details of her presence.The Emperor and Empress arrived at the mourning hall together. The Empress lit an incense stick for Wang Ruo, while the Emperor inquired about the progress of the case with Wang Lin, the Minister of Justice. Upon learning that there were still no leads, he said displeasedly, "Such an incident occurring in the Daming Palace is truly unprecedented. As the Minister of Justice and a pillar of the Wang family, I trust you will devote more attention to this case, lest it drag on for years unresolved."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I have been in constant contact with Minister Cui of the Dali Temple, but currently, he is also at a loss," Wang Lin replied. As a relative of the deceased, he was legally barred from presiding over the case, making Cui Chunzhan the official in charge.

The Emperor waved his hand dismissively, signaling Wang Lin to withdraw. Spotting Li Shubai, he smiled and gestured for him to follow outside.

Huang Zixiang trailed behind Li Shubai as the two stepped out of the mourning hall, leaving behind the haze of incense smoke. The fresh air was a welcome relief.

The Emperor asked, "Fourth Brother, what are your thoughts on the matter of the Wang family's daughter?"

Li Shubai replied, "Fate is unpredictable, and Heaven's will often defies expectations."

The Emperor glanced at him and said, "In the palace, I've heard many rumors linking this to Pang Xun. What do you think?"

Li Shubai shook his head. "I doubt it."

"Oh? Does Fourth Brother already have a grasp on this case?"

"I've been preoccupied with daily affairs and haven't made any discoveries. However, my attendant, Yang Chonggu, has some insights." Li Shubai turned and signaled, prompting Huang Zixiang to bow respectfully.

"Yang Chonggu—wasn't he the young eunuch who solved the Four Directions case in the capital last time? To deduce such a perplexing case from just a few words—that's real talent!" The Emperor remembered him vividly. "What has he uncovered this time?"

"From her perspective, this matter spans a vast scope—sixteen years in time and stretches from Chang'an to Yangzhou in location. It cannot be summarized in just a few words."

The Emperor looked slightly surprised. "Earlier, I heard it might be revenge from Pang Xun's remnants, which already shocked me. Now, it seems the implications run even deeper?"

"Indeed. Moreover, the mastermind behind this could potentially affect the court and the imperial family, involving centuries-old aristocratic families."

The Emperor gazed back at the mourning hall, lost in thought, and said slowly, "The death of a single woman could have such far-reaching consequences? We must not misjudge this."

"Your younger brother wouldn't dare," Li Shubai assured.

The Emperor turned and gave Huang Zixiang a meaningful look.

Inside the mourning hall, incense smoke swirled, and sorrow hung heavy in the air.

The twenty-four Taoist priests had just finished reciting the 108 verses of the Supreme Rebirth Mantra. The head priest, holding a peachwood sword in his right hand and a golden bell in his left, chanted solemnly, "Dark earth and gloomy heavens, by the decree of the Five Emperors, summon rain and thunder, spirits and ghosts obey. Begin the journey now, traverse the homeland, dissolve all grievances, dispel bloodshed, let the blue lotus bring wisdom, and the soul find eternal peace. By the urgent command of the law."

Eight strong servants waiting nearby responded and stepped forward with hemp ropes to bind the coffin and carry it out of the main gate.

"Wait."

A voice rang out in the hall. Though not loud, everyone recognized its source. In the ensuing silence, all eyes turned to Li Shubai. Out of reverence for him, the scattered murmurs instantly ceased.He stepped into the mourning hall, gently stroked the coffin twice, then took out a white jade bracelet inlaid with gold from his sleeve and said, "This was originally prepared as part of the dowry for my wedding day with the princess consort. Who would have thought that Wang Ruo would be envied by others, leading to her untimely death despite heavy security. This matter is extremely bizarre and certainly beyond human capability. I deeply understand that Wang Ruo was implicated because of me, harmed by the ghost of Pang Xun. Therefore, this bracelet must still accompany her to the underworld, letting the world know that although Wang Ruo never became my wife in life, I am willing to give her a promise even in death!"

Everyone present was stunned. No one expected that Li Shubai, the Prince of Kui, who was rumored in the capital to be cold and unfeeling, would have such profound affection for his deceased betrothed.

Wang Lin quickly said, "Thank you for your deep affection, Prince of Kui. The Langya Wang family is immensely grateful! We will open the coffin now..."

"Prince of Kui's heartfelt sentiment is truly moving," another voice gently interrupted Wang Lin. The voice was warm and mellow, as soothing as its owner's demeanor. Wang Yun stepped out from the crowd, bowed to Li Shubai, and said, "However, Ah Ruo's body is now in an unbearable state and may not be able to wear your golden jade bracelet."

Li Shubai replied indifferently, "That's why I chose this piece from the batch of jewelry. The gold clasp can be unfastened, so it should be wearable."

He separated the bracelet into three segments and handed them to Huang Zixiao: "The Wang Ruo I remember was a beauty as radiant as peach blossoms. I do not wish to see her current appearance."

The corner of Huang Zixiao's mouth twitched slightly. It seemed the heavy responsibility of touching the female corpse's hand had ultimately fallen to her.

The hall was silent, and Wang Yun no longer stubbornly objected. Several servants lifted the coffin lid, opening a gap about a foot long to allow Huang Zixiao to reach inside.

Holding the gold-inlaid jade bracelet, Huang Zixiao held her breath and reached in, then grasped the hand of the corpse, which was already severely decomposed.

It was early summer, and the body had begun to decay slightly, feeling like mud to the touch. Gritting her teeth, she grabbed the sticky, half-rotted wrist and turned to Li Shubai, saying, "Your Highness, this servant has something to say."