“Miss, Miss Xue has arrived—”
Dawn had only just broken when Jiang Li, wrapped in her cloak, hurried into Fu Yunci’s boudoir.
Fu Yunci, who had only recently awakened, looked startled. “So early?”
Jiang Li’s brows were grave. “Yesterday I stumbled upon something strange. I brooded over it all night, and the more I thought, the more likely it seemed. I couldn’t wait until morning to ask you…”
Fu Yunci immediately sensed it was about the case. She turned to Dan Feng: “You all may withdraw.”
Once the attendants had left, Jiang Li’s expression darkened. She shifted slightly, lifted the dark hair at her neck, and said, “Look—”
Fu Yunci was puzzled, but her gaze fell on a faint red mark on Jiang Li’s throat. She gasped. “What happened?”
Jiang Li asked quietly, “Does it make you think otherwise?”
Fu Yunci hesitated. “It looks… deliberate.”
Jiang Li nodded. “That is why I came today. When I examined the bodies at the mortuary, I found no conclusive evidence that the other young women had been violated. But you truly were assaulted. I could not reconcile this—until yesterday, at Princess Qingyang’s banquet…”
“I saw Lu Xian and Young Prince Jiangling standing together. The prince was held still while Lu Xian’s hand moved oddly over him. In broad daylight, the scene looked… improper.”
Fu Yunci frowned. “You don’t mean—”
Jiang Li gave a rueful smile. “I wasn’t thinking anything indecent, only that it was strange. But when I drew closer, I realized Lu Xian was sketching. The prince wore an unusually wide robe, and Lu Xian couldn’t capture his posture, so in his urgency he traced the movements directly on him.”
Fu Yunci let out a half‑laugh. “That explains it. But… what does this have to do with the case?”
Jiang Li’s gaze grew solemn. “The mark on my neck was also an accident yesterday. Yet to an outsider, it might suggest something else. So I wondered—when you thought you were molested in the carriage, could it have been a misunderstanding?”
Fu Yunci stiffened. “That’s not the same. As a bystander, you might misinterpret Lu Xian and the prince. But the prince knew exactly what he was doing, just as you know the cause of your own mark. And I—though barely awake—I heard the killer’s breath, felt his movements—” Her voice caught, shame tinging her words. “He left traces on me. You saw them yourself. They cannot lie.”
Jiang Li said softly, “I know. I saw. But…”
Fu Yunci pressed her lips tight. “But it isn’t enough, is it? Must it go further before you’ll believe he intended violence?”
Jiang Li shook her head quickly. “No, of course not. I only thought—you escaped with your life, but the five victims did not. They bore similar marks, but only a few. The killer did not act like a typical rapist. It is… deeply strange.”
Fu Yunci’s eyes glistened. “I know you mean well, but my feelings are not mistaken. That night I could forget everything else—but the humiliation, never.”
Jiang Li’s heart ached. “You’re right. I was grasping at straws. Enough of that. Today I’ll change your prescription. Give me your hand so I may take your pulse—”
Fu Yunci, who had been tense, suddenly let out a small laugh. Jiang Li blinked. “What’s funny?”
Fu Yunci smiled. “Hearing ‘grasping at straws’ from you has its own charm. By the way, did Princess Qingyang ask you to treat her?”
Jiang Li shook her head. “No—”
Fu Yunci sighed. “Her Highness has been childless for years. Once she sought remedies eagerly, but lately she seems resigned. I’ve heard of no new physicians. Yet you’ve just returned, and your reputation precedes you. Surely she won’t remain unmoved.”
Jiang Li feigned ignorance of the matter. “Do you know what illness it is? Even the imperial physicians have no remedy?”
Fu Yunci sighed faintly. “No one knows. The palace physicians have all tried. Five years ago, the Princess had a female physician to regulate her health, and during that time she even conceived a child—but it could not be carried to term. Sadly, that physician later met with misfortune, and in recent years there have been few doctors skilled in treating women’s fertility.”
She was speaking of Yu Qingling—hence why Huai Xi had brought the needle case yesterday. But the accident disrupted everything, and Jiang Li could not quite discern Princess Qingyang’s intentions.
As she was drafting a new prescription, Mo Mei hurried in from outside. “Miss, Miss Yu has sent gifts.”
Jiang Li’s brush paused. Mo Mei entered carrying several brocade boxes, smiling. “See, Miss Yu was thoughtful—it’s a complete set of rouge and powders, said to be the favorites of newlyweds in the capital.”
Fu Yunci had Mo Mei bring them closer, opening each box one by one. At last she said to Jiang Li, “This is Yu Zitong, daughter of Minister Yu of the Ministry of War. I am very close to her. She visited me once the other day, but I was too weak to speak much. Now that she has returned to Chang’an, it is far more convenient.”
Jiang Li’s gaze fell on the paper before her, but her thoughts drifted back thirteen years.
On the very first day, Yu Qingling and Wei Jie brought her to Chang’an; she met Wei Yang and the Yu siblings at Earl Guang’an’s residence. Wei Yang, Yu Qingling’s only son, was three years older than she. A grave illness in childhood had damaged his mind, leaving him lucid at times and confused at others. The Yu siblings had lost their mother early, and their father, Yu Huai’an, was often away drilling troops, so they were frequently sent to stay with their aunt. When Yu Qingling brought home a young disciple of similar age, the elder brother, Yu Ziqian, was indifferent, but the younger sister, Yu Zitong, sulked for days.
Five years ago, the Wei clan fell into disgrace. Yu Huai’an, pleading on their behalf, angered the throne and was demoted to Xiangzhou. Only after he fought valiantly to quell a rebellion there two years ago was he restored to office and allowed to return to Chang’an.
“Fuxiang Studio—its name has grown quite famous lately…” Fu Yunci murmured.
Dan Feng added, “Indeed. They say the owner is a foreigner, skilled at novelty. He gives each rouge and balm a romantic name and boasts of miraculous effects—wear it, and you’ll keep your lover’s heart; wear it, and you’ll be radiant. Rumor spread until people believed it. Their finest rouges are sold in limited quantities, and they claim rarity makes them precious. This stirs everyone’s competitive spirit. Now Fuxiang’s products are symbols of wealth and status. I hear they will soon host a fragrance‑tasting for nobles and officials—quite the spectacle.”
Fu Yunci found it amusing, examining the boxes. “Peach Blossom Spring Message, Orchid Elegance—such poetic names. Put them away; I’ll use them at the wedding ceremony. Miss Xue, what are you thinking?”
Jiang Li replied, “Dan Feng just mentioned Ningxiang Pavilion. The second victim in this case was the young mistress of that shop. I visited it the other day—it now belongs to the Kang family’s eldest branch.”
Fu Yunci looked surprised. “I know of that. The Kang girl’s misfortune was tragic. Their great‑grandfather once served in the palace as master craftsman of perfumes and treasures. Later, he left and went into trade. In the previous generation, the business passed to the second son. But that master and his wife died early, leaving only a daughter and an illegitimate son—the young master of Ningxiang Pavilion.”
Jiang Li said, “His name is Kang Jingming.”
Fu Yunci nodded. “The siblings relied on each other and managed to keep the shop alive. The Kang girl’s skill in perfumery was unmatched. While she lived, Fuxiang Studio could not rise. But after her death, everyone turned to Fuxiang. Personally, I find their products too gaudy.”
Jiang Li sighed, handing over the prescription. “Take this three times daily. I’ve also changed the formula for your wounds—do not let them touch water these days. Any news about the rumors?”
Fu Yunci answered, “Last night Yunheng said that Lord Pei discovered someone had gone to Yuzhen Temple after the incident, asking about my disappearance. But they haven’t traced who sent them. Clearly, they first heard I was missing, then sought details to make mischief. I cannot imagine who hates me so deeply…”
Jiang Li had no clue either and could only pin her hopes on Pei Yan. After a few words of comfort, she glanced at the sky. “I must go east of the city today, so I won’t stay. Rest quietly. If the yamen learns anything more, send word to me.”
Fu Yunci agreed and asked Dan Feng to see her guest out. Jiang Li left the residence, boarded her carriage, and headed straight for the Jinyun Shop.
Today was the appointed day to view embroidery samples. Since Fang Xuan had arranged it with such care, Jiang Li would not treat it lightly. Moreover, with the case still unresolved, she wished to make some private inquiries. After half an hour’s ride, the carriage stopped before the silk shop.
It was nearly noon. The sky was clear after the snow, and several carriages were already waiting outside. Jiang Li stepped into the hall. The clerk who had received her a few days earlier recognized her at once. “The young lady has arrived—”
Jiang Li stated her purpose, and the clerk invited her to wait upstairs. After a short while, Master Hu entered with two embroidery samples. “Here is the magnolia pattern you requested. Please take a look.”
Jiang Li examined the work closely. The stitches were smooth, the colors gentle, and the square panel of drooping magnolia branches vivid and lifelike. She was satisfied. “Master, your embroidery is superb. You must have many disciples.”
Master Hu sighed. “I am old, my eyes failing. I no longer take pupils. In another year or two, I’ll retire to the countryside.”
Jiang Li asked, “Then in this shop, is there any apprentice who truly inherited your skill?”
Master Hu shook his head. “There were two in earlier years, but they are gone now. Those who learn prefer to set up their own shops. To speak of true inheritance—only the young mistress herself. But alas, a daughter must marry…”
Jiang Li heard the bitterness. “Miss Wang’s marriage is not a poor match. Why do you sound dissatisfied?”
Master Hu gave a short laugh. “Indeed, a merchant’s daughter marrying into a sixth‑rank official’s family is no small thing. But once wed, she must abandon her craft. For a woman to master a skill is hard enough. She had talent and perseverance—she would not put down her needle even when her hand was injured as a child. After ten years of toil, she was ready to stand on her own… and then came the accident. Had I chosen the embroidery sample myself, she might have been spared…”
His tone was cold, but his words brimmed with regret. Jiang Li wondered aloud, “Why must marriage mean abandoning her craft?”
Master Hu snorted. “The Feng family despises artisans. They would never allow a daughter‑in‑law to show herself publicly after marriage. This was agreed upon at the betrothal.”
Jiang Li sighed. “And after Miss Wang’s misfortune, what did the Feng family say?”
Master Hu sneered. “They long since dissolved the engagement. No doubt they already have a new bride in mind.”
Pei Yan had said the victims’ betrothals were not recent, that both sides had affection. Yet now it seemed otherwise. Jiang Li wished to ask more, but new customers arrived downstairs. Master Hu excused himself, and she descended. She asked the clerk, “Why is your young master not in the shop?”
The clerk sighed. “He seldom comes these past months. Without his eye, even our finest Tianyun Bi silk is scarce.”
Hearing this and recalling the maid’s words at the residence, Jiang Li understood at last what Wang Gan had meant when he said business was hard. Steadying her thoughts, she returned by carriage to Pingkang Ward.
By the time she reached the Xue residence, it was late. She searched her chests for medical texts on bone injuries. By dusk, she had drafted two new prescriptions and sent them to Guo Shuyu. Though Guo Shuyu had been reserved in speech the other day, Jiang Li could not help but feel concern for the one she had saved.
…
The next morning, fine snowflakes drifted from the sky. Frost clung to the eaves, and the chill made one long to stay indoors. Yet just after breakfast, a servant from the gate came running into the courtyard—
“Miss, someone from Shou’an’s residence has arrived. Their young lady requests your presence.”
Jiang Li immediately thought Fu Yunci’s wound had worsened. She quickly donned her cloak and went out. At the gate, she saw a stranger, a young servant. She asked the reason for the summons. The boy replied, “The young lady only asked that you come. She gave no cause.”
This eased Jiang Li’s worry. She boarded the carriage. After half an hour’s slow ride through the snow, she arrived steadily at the Earl’s residence. Entering the inner court, she found Fu Yunci leaning against a pillow, lost in thought.
Jiang Li hurried forward. “What has happened?”
Fu Yunci motioned for Dan Feng and the others to withdraw. Before leaving, Dan Feng said anxiously, “Miss Xue, our mistress had a nightmare last night. Since waking this morning, she has seemed unwell. Please stay and talk with her—we were all terribly worried.”
Jiang Li agreed. Once the attendants had gone, Fu Yunci’s expression grew grave. “Miss Xue, what you said yesterday… perhaps you were right.”
Jiang Li was startled. “You mean—”
Fu Yunci clutched her brocade quilt nervously. “Last night I dreamt again of that scene. In the dream, I was terrified, but when I woke, my memory of that night seemed clearer. I recalled what you said, and suddenly remembered the sensation I had when I was half‑conscious…”
“At that time I felt a hand moving on my chest. From the moment between half‑sleep and full waking, there was a span of time. Before, I only remembered the humiliation after waking. But last night, thinking it through, I realized something was wrong. The killer’s hand did move across my chest—but… it seemed not with lewd intent. He stayed in one place, near my heart. His pressing and grasping were only there…”
Fu Yunci pressed her hand lightly to her chest, forcing herself to recall. “His movements were not lustful. They felt more like… confirmation.”
Jiang Li mirrored the gesture. “Confirmation? Of what?”
She pressed firmly against her own chest. Beneath her palm was only the strong beat of her heart. Yet suddenly she remembered what she had seen at the mortuary: the first two victims’ bodies decayed to bone, the last three still recognizable—but all five shared one detail that everyone had overlooked.
Jiang Li sprang to her feet. “So that’s it!”
Fu Yunci looked bewildered. “What is?”
Jiang Li’s heart raced. Words tumbled out. “I’m not yet completely certain. I must go to the mortuary at once—no, I should find Pei Yan first—” She strode out mid‑sentence.
Huai Xi, waiting outside, saw her rush past like the wind. “Miss—”
“Quick, to the Court!” Jiang Li plunged into the swirling snow. But just as she reached the gate, she halted abruptly. Ahead, in the covered walkway, Fu Yunheng and Pei Yan were approaching together. Her eyes lit up. She hastened toward Pei Yan. He saw her from afar, her gaze burning, and for an instant his heart tightened.
“Lord Pei, I was just about to seek you at the Court!”
Even before she reached him, Jiang Li called out. Pei Yan replied, “As it happens, I was about to ask for your help.”
Jiang Li had no time to ask what he needed. She came up to him quickly. “Please, summon the coroner to the mortuary at once. We must examine the bodies again. I’ve guessed the killer’s true motive! He did not slaughter these brides‑to‑be out of hatred. Your suspicion was correct—the dismemberment was only to conceal the motive. But the motive was not violation—”
Pei Yan’s eyes sharpened. Jiang Li declared firmly: “The killer wanted their hearts!”