“I already know who that person is…”
The guards at Shunyi Gate stood watch with strict vigilance. As Jiang Li stepped down from the carriage, wondering how she should announce herself, one of the guards glanced over, recognized her at once, and quickly approached.
“Miss, are you here to visit the Court of Judicial Review?”
Jiang Li nodded. “How did you know?”
The guard bowed respectfully. “Assistant Minister Pei gave orders—if you come, you may enter directly without reporting. Please, this way.”
A faint unease brushed Jiang Li’s heart, but she had no time to dwell on it. She hurried through the gate toward the Court’s offices. At the entrance, another guard saluted her: “Miss, please proceed. Our lord instructed that you need not be announced.”
Unhindered, she entered the compound. A guard led her toward the eastern courtyard where Pei Yan handled affairs. Before they reached the door, Jiu Si came out quickly. “Miss, you’re here. Our lord is meeting with several victims’ families.”
Jiang Li looked past him. “Who are they?”
“Master Kang, Lord Qian, and Young Master Jin,” Jiu Si replied. “After you left yesterday, our lord personally visited several theater troupes. This morning he summoned some victims’ relatives for questioning. Lord Zheng and Young Master Wang have already finished and departed.” He gestured lightly with his chin. “You may wait in the corridor.”
From there, one could hear the voices inside. Though it was somewhat improper, this was the suggestion of Pei Yan’s most trusted servant, so Jiang Li walked openly to the west window of the corridor.
Inside, Kang Long was speaking: “We invited the Sanqing troupe in April, for Yun’er’s twenty-second birthday—the last she spent in the Kang household. We arranged a grand celebration. As Lord Qian said, it was those same plays, and nothing went wrong. The troupe members were well-behaved…”
He continued bitterly: “Yun’er sacrificed herself for the family business, delaying marriage until twenty-two. Only this March did the Yang family of Guangling press us to finalize the betrothal. I wanted to show my care as her uncle, so I invited the troupe and held the banquet next door. Yun’er loved lively occasions. As for Kang Jingming—hmph! He opposed his sister’s marriage, treating us who urged it as enemies. Yun’er doted on him. After the wedding was set, she withdrew a large sum from the shop, and its whereabouts remain unknown. I suspect she gave it to Jingming. At her birthday banquet, he appeared only briefly; the troupe had no chance to speak with him.”
Kang Long then asked: “My lord, why investigate the troupes’ ties with our families? Could the killer be someone from the troupe?”
Pei Yan replied calmly: “The details cannot be disclosed. And Young Master Jin?”
Jin Congshan spoke in a gentle voice: “The Wu family is not fond of amusements. Ruohan has only attended the theater twice—once at the Zhengs’ and once at our residence. On both occasions, she was merely a guest, hardly interacting with the troupe. In daily life, she would never go to teahouses or taverns to listen to music. As for me, I have no taste for such things either. The troupe was invited solely for my father’s sake. He has listened to opera for many years and is a close friend of Master Mingqiu of the Yongchun troupe, having even studied a few skills under him.”
Pei Yan gave a brief acknowledgment, his gaze sweeping toward the window lattice. Seeing that the others had nothing more to add, he did not detain them further. After a few words of reassurance, he ordered Shi’an to escort them out.
Soon, the curtain lifted, and Jin Congshan emerged first. Catching sight of Jiang Li, he looked somewhat surprised. When Kang Long and Qian Yongzhi followed, Kang Long immediately recognized her. “Miss Xue, what brings you here?”
Jiang Li stepped forward. “I have business with Lord Pei.”
Kang Long’s eyes flickered with understanding. Just then, the curtain parted again, and Pei Yan himself came out to meet them. The group exchanged glances before filing out of the courtyard.
As soon as they left, Jiang Li said urgently: “I know what stained that dress!”
Pei Yan’s gaze deepened. “Come inside and speak.”
Once indoors, Jiang Li explained: “Yesterday I suspected it was medicine. After returning home, I filtered out the sediment. But only this afternoon did I realize what it truly was. It is medicine, yes—but not ordinary medicine. It is *fragrant medicine*.”
Pei Yan frowned slightly. “Fragrant medicine? What is that?”
Jiang Li spoke quickly: “It is the practice of using aromatics in prescriptions. Beyond licorice, cinnamon, zedoary, and tangerine peel, I found clove and patchouli in the powder—possibly also sweet pine and green musk. This formula can regulate the spleen and stomach, but rumor has it that prolonged use can cause the body to emit fragrance. Some use it as a decoction; others refine it with honey into pills called *Fragrant Body Pills*. They are mostly taken by women, though men who use them are often actors or courtesans.”
Pei Yan nodded. “Actors—that fits with the earlier clues.” His eyes shifted thoughtfully. “Besides pharmacies, shops that sell rouge and powders may also carry this medicine.”
Without waiting for Jiang Li’s reply, he summoned Shi’an. “Bring Lu Zhuo here.”
Shi’an departed at once. Meanwhile, Pei Yan picked up his brush, writing down the formula as he asked gently: “How did you discover the latter ingredients?”
Jiang Li answered: “Last night, after returning home, Old Madam Xu sent a post inviting me to her residence for a consultation. Only today, while there, did I catch a peculiar fragrance. That was when I realized what I had overlooked.” She then asked: “Has there been any progress on the rumors about Miss Fu?”
Pei Yan finished the formula and replied gravely: “In the Eastern Market, we traced a young man suspected of spreading the gossip. At Yuzhen Temple, we also identified someone who inquired about Fu Yunci’s disappearance. I have already summoned witnesses to draw portraits, but their memories were vague, so the likenesses are imprecise. We have yet to locate either man.”
Jiang Li hesitated, but before she could speak, Lu Zhuo hurried in. “My lord, what are your orders?”
Pei Yan handed him the formula. “Go at once to the major pharmacies. See which have sold fragrant medicines prepared from this recipe—especially those that have dispensed it frequently since June. A difference of one or two ingredients is acceptable. Then have Feng Ji take men to Ningxiang Pavilion, Fuxiang Studio, and Linxia Spring Hall, the larger cosmetics and fragrance shops. Check whether they sell similar *Fragrant Body Pills*. If they do, buy samples of each and bring them back. Also send men to the pleasure quarters in both the eastern and western markets to learn which establishments favor this medicine.”
Lu Zhuo acknowledged the command and rushed off to gather manpower from the front office.
Jiang Li, thoughtful, said: “The herbs used in these pills are fairly common, but the aromatics are costly. The two victims were killed three months apart. For an ordinary household, sustaining such an expense over that time would be difficult. It seems unlikely the pills were scattered casually. The killer must not be short of silver…”
Pei Yan added, “More than that—the murderer may well be the one selling the medicine.”
The words tightened Jiang Li’s chest. “You mean the pharmacies and fragrance shops?”
Pei Yan nodded. “The killer is cunning, leaving almost no trace. To have the drug appear at the site of dismemberment shows only that he was so accustomed to it that he overlooked the scent clinging to the victim’s clothing.”
“You are right, my lord,” Jiang Li agreed. “That rules out low-ranking actors in the troupes. First, they could hardly afford it. Second, taking such medicine would be of no benefit to them.”
Pei Yan picked up a list from his desk. “In recent days we’ve investigated troupes and entertainers across the city. Many know the art of disguise, but few can perfectly mimic another’s voice. Aside from the two major troupes mentioned earlier, the Court and the Imperial Guards visited more than ten taverns and theaters, questioning over a hundred performers. Only five names remain, but each has an alibi. Considering there are two killers, from today we will focus on whether these five have any true suspicion.”
Jiang Li glanced at the list. “Cheng Fangxun…”
The moment the name left her lips, she cursed herself. Sure enough, Pei Yan looked surprised. “You know this man?”
Cheng Fangxun was the master of Tianyin Hall. Years ago, Li Ce had insisted on apprenticing under him to learn opera. Jiang Li knew little of others, but she remembered him clearly. So absorbed was she in the case that she forgot she should not reveal such knowledge. Her lips pressed tight. “I’ve heard of him.”
Pei Yan studied her deeply but did not press further. “Cheng Fangxun is over fifty and gravely ill. His chance of committing the crimes is slim. But he has several disciples who have learned some of his skill in imitating voices.”
Jiang Li’s fingers tightened around the list. “His disciples…”
Pei Yan said, “There are still four or five people under investigation.”
The image of Li Ce rose in Jiang Li’s mind. She spoke lightly: “There are five victims. Determining whether the suspects have alibis should be straightforward. The key is whether the clues from the fragrant medicine can be matched to them.”
As she spoke, Jiu Si entered carrying two cups of hot tea. “Miss, please have some tea. Today we have fresh Huangshan Yellow Buds. I just brewed them—please try.”
Jiang Li accepted the cup. Her gaze swept sideways and saw Pei Yan drinking calmly, as though long accustomed to it. Stirring the foam on the surface, she could not help but ask: “Of the Eight Famous Teas of Chang’an, Huangshan Yellow Buds are not included. Moreover, their aftertaste is rather astringent. Why does my lord favor this tea?”
Pei Yan replied evenly, “A certain old friend once favored it.”
Jiang Li’s fingers tightened, the lid scraping faintly against the cup. She did not know how to respond when footsteps sounded outside. The curtain lifted, and Fu Yunheng entered— “Brother Hechen, is there new progress?”
Seeing Jiang Li there, his face lit up. “Miss Xue.”
Jiang Li nodded. Pei Yan added, “Miss Xue has just brought a new discovery. The stain was fragrant medicine. I have already sent Lu Zhuo and others to trace its possible sources.”
Jiang Li asked, “How is your sister?”
Fu Yunheng’s anger had not abated. “After you left yesterday, she showed nothing outwardly, but she did not speak again all night. Her nature is gentle—no matter how wronged, she only blames herself. And we are at fault, powerless against the Xu family.”
Jiang Li disagreed softly, “Who is at fault will only be clear once the origin of the rumor is found.”
Fu Yunheng nodded without much thought. “When it is proven a rumor, I will see what attitude Xu Lingze takes. But Miss Xue need not worry too much. My sister continues her medicine as usual, her health is stable, and Nanny Cui cares for her diligently. When I left the house this morning, Miss Yu from the Ministry of War’s residence came to visit. She said my sister could already rise and walk, and urged her not to remain shut in, inviting her to a gathering in a few days to ease her mind.”
Jiang Li’s expression softened slightly. “After ten days of rest, walking is possible—but she must be cautious.”
Since Lu Zhuo and the others would not return quickly, Jiang Li moved to the desk where the case records lay and began reading. Yesterday she had skimmed swiftly; today she focused only on Wang Yan’s record. Fu Yunheng asked, “Do you have any doubts, Miss?”
Jiang Li shook her head. “I was only wondering why the killer chose Wang Yan first.”
Pei Yan said, “When I first took the case, I wondered the same. I investigated the Wang household thoroughly but found no suspicious points. Wang Yan was much loved at home. After her death, her parents were stricken with grief and fell ill. Only her elder brother held the family together. You saw him at the public mortuary—he visits every few days.”
Jiang Li looked at the documents. “Wang Yan went to Ningxiang Pavilion quite often.”
Pei Yan continued, “Ningxiang Pavilion is in the Eastern Market, not far from the Wang residence. She also knew Kang Yun. Before her death, Fuxiang Studio had not yet gained its current reputation, so going to Ningxiang Pavilion was natural. But after Kang Yun’s misfortune, Kang Jingming neglected Ningxiang Pavilion, and people began frequenting Fuxiang Studio instead. Zheng Ran often visited Linxia Spring Hall and Fuxiang Studio. Wu Ruohan and Qian Gantang, during their betrothal, went only to Fuxiang Studio…”
A faint sense of strangeness brushed Jiang Li’s heart, but as she studied the case records, she could not discern where it lay. Steadying herself, she read more carefully. After half an hour, Feng Ji returned first. He entered with the chill of the outdoors clinging to him. “My lord, I have purchased the *Fragrant Body Pills*.”
In his arms were three brocade boxes. “These three shops at Ningxiang Pavilion all sell such pills, and not just one kind—the formulas differ slightly. I bought the varieties available. Other fragrance shops sell them too, but their recipes are much the same. After making the rounds, I learned that the best-selling one now is Fuxiang Studio’s *Musk Fragrant Body Pill*. They say after two months of use the whole body exudes fragrance. I asked for the names of the most frequent patrons over the past half year and had them written down.”
He set down the boxes, then drew a list from his sleeve and handed it to Pei Yan. Jiang Li stepped forward. “Bring six empty teacups.”
Jiu Si obeyed, soon returning with six white porcelain cups. Jiang Li placed one pill from each type into a cup, added a little clear water, and let them dissolve. At once, a stronger, subtler fragrance filled the room.
She examined them carefully. “Ningxiang Pavilion and Linxia Spring Hall both sell *Cardamom Fragrant Pills* and *Poria Fragrant Pills*. Their formulas differ by only one or two ingredients. Ningxiang’s cardamom pills add cyperus and angelica, but omit sweet pine. Linxia’s poria pills add cinnamon bark and musk, but omit ligusticum. Fuxiang Studio sells *Musk Fragrant Pills* and *Translucent Musk Navel Pellets*. The latter differs greatly from the stain’s formula. The musk pills, however, contain musk, sandalwood, and amomum in addition to the ingredients found in the stain.”
Jiang Li pondered. “Eliminating the least likely, only Fuxiang Studio’s musk pills and Ningxiang Pavilion’s cardamom pills remain suspicious. But since the stain has long dried, some powders are indistinguishable. It is hard to decide between the two.”
Pei Yan had already finished reading the list. He reassured her: “Identifying two shops is enough. We can begin with them. Look at this list—the name of Xue Qin appears as well—”
Jiang Li took the list, and at a glance, her face showed surprise.
Fu Yunheng stepped closer, exclaiming: “Miss Xue’s second sister is truly on it! Miss Yu bought them too, and even the daughters of noble houses like Qing’an and Anyuan. Princess Qingyang also purchased them! Fuxiang Studio’s business has flourished these past six months…”
Pei Yan decided at once: “Ningxiang Pavilion’s list must also be checked. Furthermore, both places must be searched to eliminate suspicion.”
Feng Ji asked, “My lord, since the public knows nothing of the case, under what pretext shall we conduct the search?”
Pei Yan turned to Fu Yunheng. “I recall that last month the Imperial Guards captured some bandits in Chang’an?”
Fu Yunheng nodded at once. “Indeed. They said four youths from Minor Demon Sect came last month and robbed a bank in the southern part of the city. The Guards caught two, but the other two escaped. Their whereabouts are still under interrogation.”
Pei Yan looked to Feng Ji, who nodded. “Understood, my lord.”
Feng Ji departed. Fu Yunheng’s eyes shifted, and he asked Jiang Li: “Miss Xue, you come from the martial world. Do you know the name of that sect?”
Jiang Li’s expression did not change. “You mean Canglang Pavilion?”
Fu Yunheng was curious. “Yes. Don’t the martial folk call them Minor Demon Sect?”
Jiang Li thought for a moment. “Some do.”
Fu Yunheng stepped closer. “Have you ever seen their master?”
Seeing her puzzled look, he explained: “Shen Shechuan!”
The Great Zhou had stood for over two centuries. When the founding emperor seized the realm, many heroes of the martial world aided him. Since then, the dynasty and the martial world have coexisted in harmony. Those famed in the jianghu were courted by noble houses, while some high officials, yearning for freedom, abandoned rank to establish sects.
The man Fu Yunheng spoke of was one such figure, unusually remarkable. His courtesy name was Shechuan; his given name was simply “Du.”
Thirteen years ago, at fifteen, Shen Shechuan was known throughout Chang’an as the son of the Vice Minister of Works. A prodigy in martial arts, he had apprenticed at age six to the Lingxiao Sword Sect. By fourteen, he ranked among the Hundred Battles list of masters. Handsome and dashing, whenever he rode down Zhuque Street, maidens showered him with flowers.
But that same year, his father, Shen Dong, was executed for corruption, and his mother, Qu Xueqing, took her own life in grief. Shen Shechuan’s pleas of innocence failed, and he fled to the martial world. Within three months, a new sect called *Canglang Pavilion* appeared. At the same time, seven or eight officials involved in Shen Dong’s case died mysteriously. Shen Shechuan issued proclamations claiming responsibility.
The court was shaken. Emperor Jingde, enraged, placed a bounty upon him. The reward was so rich that thousands of martial men hunted him. Shen Shechuan, leading Canglang Pavilion, resisted, making enemies of half the martial world, and thus earned the name “Minor Demon Sect.”
Jiang Li shook her head. “Even if I met him, I would not know if it was truly him.”
Fu Yunheng frowned. “So it’s true? They say he later fell into the hands of the Red Fire Gang, who trapped him with thunder-fire. His face was ruined, he was tortured, and though he escaped, he was left mute. He has never shown his true face again. Whether he lives or dies is unknown…”
Jiang Li gave no comment, uninterested in the tale. Seeing that night had fallen and Lu Zhuo had not yet returned, she rose. “It grows late. Matters await me at home. I must take my leave.”
Pei Yan stood to see her off. “Very well. Once there is news of the fragrant medicine, I will have Jiu Si inform you.”
Jiang Li nodded, drew her cloak close, and left the courtyard. Pei Yan and Fu Yunheng escorted her to the carriage. Only once seated did she exhale faintly.
Huai Xi’s small face was furrowed, whispering, “Why do they call it Minor Demon Sect even in Chang’an…”
Jiang Li shook her head lightly. Huai Xi pressed her lips shut.
The carriage rattled through the cold wind. By the time they returned to the Xue residence, night was deep. At the gate, Chang Gong had been waiting long. Seeing her, he hurried forward. “Miss—”
Jiang Li lifted her chin. “We’ll speak inside.”
Chang Gong followed her back to Yingyue Pavilion. As she removed her cloak, she said, “Tell me—what did you learn?”
Chang Gong answered respectfully: “I discovered that the old Madam of General Xu’s household was born of the Du clan in the capital. She had a full brother, now deceased. That brother left three sons and two daughters. The three sons all serve in the patrol battalions. Of the daughters, one married the former Prefect of Yongzhou and now lives in Qingzhou; the other married into Earl Qing’an’s household as a second wife.”
He paused, then added with frustration: “At Rongbao Studio, I asked about the coral earrings. The shopkeeper admitted they had indeed crafted such a pair last month, from a whole branch of East Sea coral into a complete set of ornaments. But he refused to reveal the customer’s name.”
Feeling he had failed, Chang Gong looked fearful. Jiang Li gave a silent, cold smile, then soothed him gently: “It doesn’t matter. I already know who it was…”