“Miss, Lord Pei has arrived—”
Before dawn had fully broken, Jiang Li’s carriage stopped outside Shunyi Gate. After waiting the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, she heard Huai Xi call out softly. Lifting the curtain, Jiang Li saw Pei Yan riding through the snowy expanse, clad in a moon‑white martial robe embroidered with silver patterns. Though his bearing was as refined as jade, his brows were sharp and severe, his posture straight as a sword—radiating a martial aura that commanded respect.
Jiang Li narrowed her eyes. In the past, Pei Yan had been the very image of restraint and propriety, like a sage—so much so that people forgot his hands could wield a blade as well as a brush. But times had changed, and more and more facets of him seemed unfamiliar now.
From afar, Pei Yan had already spotted the Xue family carriage. He cracked his whip several times, the horse’s hooves kicking up clouds of snow. Drawing rein before her, he said over the horse’s neigh: “Miss, you’ve come so early—it must be something urgent. Let’s speak at the yamen.”
He dismounted, tossing the reins to Jiu Si, who had followed close behind. Jiang Li hesitated briefly, then stepped down from the carriage. Together they entered Shunyi Gate. Pei Yan glanced sideways at her.
“Is this about Miss Fu?”
Jiang Li nodded. “Indeed.”
Pei Yan had expected as much, yet suspicion lingered. “You’ve known Miss Fu for less than half a month. Why go to such lengths for her?”
Jiang Li’s expression remained calm. “Perhaps we are kindred spirits.”
Pei Yan neither confirmed nor denied. When they reached the yamen, the guards looked startled to see the two arriving together so early. Once inside Pei Yan’s eastern courtyard, Jiang Li finally spoke: “Yesterday, when I visited Madam Xu’s residence, I noticed something unusual. Later, I sent someone to investigate further, and now I know where your portrait should be sought.”
Jiu Si lifted the curtain for them. As they entered, Pei Yan asked: “Is it Earl Qing’an’s estate?”
Jiang Li was surprised. “How did you know, my lord?”
Pei Yan replied: “The day Miss Fu went missing at Yuzhen Temple, the search caused quite a stir. Normally, few would pay attention. But that very evening, an elder Daoist—close to Madam Xu—sent word to the Xu household. This means that aside from Earl Shou’an’s family and the Xu clan, no one else knew the details. Yet by midnight, rumors were already spreading in the Eastern Market. Where could such news have leaked from?”
Jiang Li’s gaze sharpened. “The Xu family—”
Pei Yan continued: “The Xu family is betrothed to the Earl’s daughter, with the wedding near at hand. At first, I suspected nothing. But in tracing the source of the rumors these past days, I found the instigator exceedingly cautious—even returning to Yuzhen Temple the next day to probe further. So I ordered a thorough check of the Xu household. Later, I learned that since the Daoist had already reported back, the Xu family sent no one else. And just yesterday I discovered—on the very night of the incident—a young lady was visiting the Xu residence…”
Jiang Li said, “The fourth young lady of Earl Qing’an’s household.”
Pei Yan nodded. “I did suspect her, but Yu Miaofu is still an unmarried girl. Without evidence, it would be improper to speak plainly. So yesterday I only said her whereabouts were yet unknown. But late last night, men investigating the Earl’s estate reported that two unruly servants had been sent off to a country manor outside the city two days ago, forbidden to return for half a year. Early this morning, I already dispatched men with the portrait to search beyond the city. Once those two are found, we’ll know whether our suspicions are correct.”
Hearing that he had already arranged everything, Jiang Li felt her trip had been in vain. “Yesterday I mentioned visiting Madam Xu to give a diagnosis, and today I came so early again. My lord, before even entering the yamen, you must have guessed what I was going to say?”
Pei Yan replied, “Guessing is not the same as hearing it from your own lips.”
His expression was calm, but Jiang Li felt a strange unease stir within her. She said firmly, “Since you already have matters in hand, there’s no need for me to add more. You have official duties, so I’ll take my leave.”
She had just turned to go when Pei Yan quickly said, “Wait—”
He glanced out the window. “The people from Ningxiang Pavilion will arrive shortly. Last night’s search of two shops found nothing unusual, but Kang Long only recently took over the business and lacks customer records for the past six months. So I ordered him and Kang Jingming to compile a list. This morning they’ll come to the Court, and we can hear what Kang Jingming has to say.”
His tone was earnest. Thinking of how hard‑won the clue about the fragrant medicine had been, Jiang Li hesitated, then stopped.
Pei Yan’s voice grew clearer. “Yesterday Lu Zhuo’s search of the pharmacies yielded little. Most shops don’t sell ready‑made Fragrant Body Pills; customers usually take prescriptions to be filled. Some bought similar decoctions, but none purchased them month after month. And considering the stains on the clothing were powder granules, the pharmacy trail can be set aside.”
Jiang Li nodded. “It does resemble pills more than decoctions. What of other places?”
Pei Yan said, “Brothels and opera houses use such medicine, but aside from the most famous performers, others cannot afford Fragrant Body Pills. And those prominent ones mostly have alibis. No suspicious person has yet been found.”
As they spoke, Jiu Si came in with tea and stoked the brazier. Once the room grew warm, Kang Long and Kang Jingming arrived.
The two entered one after the other. Seeing Jiang Li present, both looked slightly unsettled. After offering greetings, Kang Long cheerfully produced a list. “My lord, this is the roster Jingming and I compiled last night. Before June, our customers were many, but starting in July, quite a few regulars stopped coming. Those who bought Fragrant Body Pills became fewer.”
Kang Long was dressed in fine clothes, smiling. Behind him, Kang Jingming looked even more haggard than before—sunken eyes, sallow complexion, stubble covering his chin, clearly neglecting his appearance for days.
Pei Yan, after reading the list, handed it to Jiang Li and asked Kang Jingming, “No men ever came to buy the pills?”
Kang Jingming shook his head, listless. “This medicine is blended specifically for women. The recipe is not shared outside.”
Pei Yan frowned. “A recipe not shared outside?”
Seeing Kang Jingming speak so sluggishly, Kang Long quickly explained: “My lord, you may not know—though each shop’s formula for Fragrant Body Pills is similar, the proportions differ greatly. Ours uses only the finest ingredients, with precise ratios, and was once the most highly praised. I hear you also investigated Fuxiang Studio—but you may not know that their formula is actually an imitation of ours!
Pei Yan had not known of this matter. “What do you mean?”
Kang Long snorted. “They only changed two ingredients, merely substituting with others. If I’m not mistaken, they bought our pills and had someone knowledgeable copy them. Not just the Fragrant Body Pills—their rouge powders are imitations of ours too. If this fragrant medicine is tied to the case, then I suggest you investigate Fuxiang Studio thoroughly. They must be involved. Ever since Yun’er’s death, our business has plummeted, and no one has been happier about it than they are.”
Rival merchants slandering and imitating each other were nothing new. Pei Yan listened, half‑convinced, and asked, “Did anyone from Fuxiang Studio ever have contact with Kang Yun?”
Kang Long looked at Kang Jingming, who sat absent‑minded. He shoved him lightly. “Jingming, answer!”
Kang Jingming shook his head. “No contact. But my sister once said Fuxiang Studio had a few ointments blended quite well. She bought some to study. One could distinguish the ingredients, but the proportions were hard to replicate.”
Kang Long sneered. “Blended well? You’ve never learned properly. Fuxiang Studio merely copied us and added cheap gimmicks. Now that your sister is gone, they’ve seized the chance to dominate. I’m certain whoever is behind this bears us deep malice—”
Jiang Li couldn’t help asking, “What makes you so sure?”
Kang Long ground his teeth. “Fuxiang Studio is flaunting themselves these days. They’re even hosting a fragrance gathering the day after tomorrow, claiming to unveil a new scent, inviting only wealthy patrons. And can you believe it—they sent invitations to me and Jingming, asking us to attend. Isn’t that a blatant slap in the face?”
It was indeed provocation. Jiang Li and Pei Yan both darkened at the thought.
Kang Long went on bitterly. “Tell me, is that not hateful? If we go, it looks bad; if we don’t, it looks worse—as if we’re afraid. If Yun’er were still alive, would she ever have allowed them such arrogance?”
Such merchant rivalries were not matters for the yamen. Pei Yan glanced again at the list, finding nothing more to ask. Kang Jingming remained sunk in despair, so he dismissed the two to await further news at home.
Once they had left, Jiang Li walked to the window—just in time to hear Kang Long hiss in disgust: “Look at you, a disgrace before the magistrate, making the Kang family lose face. You act like everyone is against you. Why don’t you just go join your sister in the grave…”
Kang Jingming’s fist clenched and loosened at his side, but he did not argue.
Pei Yan came to stand beside Jiang Li. “Kang Long intends to reclaim the second branch’s residence. Jingming’s situation is dire. He was brought home by his father at age four, but no one knows who his mother was. The main wife refused to acknowledge him, so he lived as a dependent in the Kang household. Later, when Master Kang and his wife both died, the other branches fought over the estate and treated him and his sister harshly. Kang Yun, three years his elder, practically raised him. They grew up relying on each other.”
One glance at his haggard face showed how hard Kang Jingming’s life had been. Jiang Li sighed. “A pity there are no new leads. Ningxiang Pavilion’s clientele is much the same as Fuxiang Studio’s, and all are—”
The word “women” had barely left her lips when her voice broke off. Pei Yan, puzzled, followed her gaze out the window. His expression shifted.
At the gate, two figures approached. On the left was Fu Yunheng; at his side walked a handsome young man in a sapphire robe patterned with cloud‑woven flowers, his stride leisurely, his eyes full of charm. It was Li Ce.
“Hechen, I hope I’m not disturbing your duties?” Li Ce’s laughter preceded him through the doorway. His father had once been Prince Jiangling, but in the fifteenth year of Jingde, the title was reduced to that of a commandery prince. After his parents’ early deaths, Li Ce inherited the rank. In Chang’an, the noble families all called him Young Prince. He swept in boldly, lifting the curtain before Pei Yan could reply, his long phoenix eyes narrowing slightly. “Miss Xue, why are you here?”
Jiang Li inclined her head slightly. “Your Highness, Young Prince.”
Fu Yunheng stepped in behind, surprised. “Eh? The Young Prince knows Miss Xue?”
Li Ce smiled and nodded. “We met the other day at my Aunt’s residence.”
Fu Yunheng recalled Jiang Li mentioning the Flower‑Viewing Banquet and suddenly understood. “Ah, so that’s it. What a coincidence. You must know, Miss Xue’s medical skill is truly remarkable.”
Li Ce’s gaze flicked between Pei Yan and Jiang Li. “The famed Magnolia Hand—I am well aware. But today, what is this about…?”
Pei Yan said, “There is a case requiring Miss Xue’s assistance. Why have you come?”
At once, Li Ce remembered his purpose. “Isn’t the Court investigating the Bride Butcher case? How did it end up involving my master? The old man is ill and weak, and your questioning frightened him badly. He sent someone to ask me what was going on. How should I know what ties there are to Tianyin Troupe? So I came straight to you for clarity.”
Realizing Li Ce had come on behalf of Cheng Fangxun, Pei Yan gestured for him to sit. “There is indeed a case involving troupe members. Questioning Tianyin Troupe was routine. Your master is gravely ill and bedridden—he cannot possibly be implicated.”
Interest lit Li Ce’s eyes. “What case? Is it the Bride Butcher?”
Pei Yan had not yet spoken when Li Ce’s eyes gleamed. “It really is?!”
Seeing Pei Yan about to answer, Li Ce raised a hand. “Don’t bother denying it. We’ve known each other for years—I know you too well. You never lie. If you must mislead someone, you first steel yourself for it. It’s hard on you, I know. To face such a major case right after taking office—well, rest assured, I won’t ask more than I should.”
Though he often acted the rake, Li Ce knew his limits. Watching Pei Yan’s helpless expression, he toyed with the jade pendant at his waist. “Just the other day I told Aunt Qingyang, ever since you joined the Court, it’s been near impossible to see you. Before, serving at court, though under His Majesty’s eye, at least you weren’t trudging through wind and rain. His Majesty cherishes you most, yet you chose the hardest post. If I had half your talent, I wouldn’t be suffering as I do now.”
Fu Yunheng laughed. “Young Prince, what hardship do you suffer at the Directorate of Works? No memorials to present at court, no debates in the hall. Architecture and carpentry are your delight, and His Majesty is pleased with you. Don’t make us envious.”
Li Ce scoffed lightly. “That’s what you don’t understand. The higher the expectations, the greater the demands. His Majesty’s only wish for me is to stay quietly at the Directorate, repairing palaces and halls each year. But your brother Hechen is different—His Majesty hopes he’ll one day enter the cabinet as prime minister, eager for him to establish merit at once. I suspect, if this case is not handled well, His Majesty may summon him back to court duties after the New Year…”
Pei Yan only shook his head faintly, while Fu Yunheng grew anxious on his behalf. “That would be far too soon.”
Li Ce’s smile was plain, his manner that of a spectator watching a distant fire, amused to see a drama unfold. But when his gaze shifted, he noticed Jiang Li was not listening to their talk at all—she was reading the official documents on Pei Yan’s desk. Beneath her moon‑white cloak, she wore a sky‑blue gown embroidered with drifting cloud patterns. The frost‑bright light from the window fell upon her, making her appear delicate and luminous.
Surprise flickered in Li Ce’s eyes. “Miss Xue, how much help have you given Hechen? I knew of your extraordinary medical skill, but I did not know you could assist in investigations. Hechen, you are always so rigorous in your work.”
Pei Yan said, “Miss Xue’s medical insight is remarkable. She can perceive subtle clues—her aid has indeed been significant.”
Fu Yunheng added, “Young Prince, Miss Xue has just reached her twentieth year, yet her medical accomplishments are already so profound. My sister once said, upon seeing her, she was reminded of—”
He broke off, for Li Ce’s smile froze abruptly. But soon Li Ce looked Jiang Li over twice, then turned his head. “Reminded of what? That remark borders on offense to Miss Xue.”
Fu Yunheng scratched his head. “I was only speaking casually…”
Li Ce yawned and rose. “Enough. You still have pressing business, and I must show my face at the yamen, or those old fossils will complain to His Majesty. Hechen, if my master truly has any involvement, you must give me advance word for my sake.”
Pei Yan said nothing, but Li Ce did not require an answer. “I’ll take it as promised. Miss Xue, until next time. Farewell.”
Jiang Li nodded, and Li Ce sauntered out.
Fu Yunheng gazed out the window. “What a coincidence. I had just reached the yamen gate when I ran into Young Prince. Hechen, why did you send for me?”
Pei Yan replied evenly, “Miss Xue and I have uncovered the key source of your sister’s rumors. We are now waiting to secure witnesses. You need not investigate further. Once the witnesses are caught, I will explain everything to you.”
Fu Yunheng was overjoyed. “Then my sister’s name can soon be cleared? Excellent! I want to see who dared harm her. She has suffered enough from the attack, and now her marriage is gone. I will demand a heavy sentence to ease my anger!”
Pei Yan glanced at Jiang Li, but saw her face grave and silent. He asked, “Miss Xue, have you thought of something?”
Jiang Li said, “The matter may be more complicated than it seems. But let us wait until the witnesses are found. How it is handled will also depend on Miss Fu’s own wishes.”
Just then, Shi’an entered carrying a sealed document. “Master, a dispatch from the Right Guard of the Golden Palace.”
Seeing Pei Yan occupied with official business, Jiang Li said, “Since you have work, my lord, I will take my leave.”
Fu Yunheng added, “I’ll return to the yamen as well. We are still following the troupe lead. If there is news, I’ll come again.”
Pei Yan acknowledged, then turned to Jiang Li. “Though the current list of customers for the fragrant medicine shows no men, the killer has acted for half a year. Court of Judicial Review will continue its inquiries. You’ll be informed when there is news.”
Jiang Li agreed and left with Fu Yunheng.
Once outside the courtyard, Fu Yunheng said, “Miss Xue, don’t take to heart what I said just now.”
It took Jiang Li a moment to realize what he meant. She smiled faintly. “No matter. Your sister also once told me she had a dear old friend.”
Fu Yunheng gave a bitter smile. “Yes, that young lady—my sister’s closest friend, and once the Young Prince’s betrothed. But five years ago, in the chaos, her bright soul was lost forever.” He went on, “And it was connected, in some way, to your father.”
Jiang Li sighed softly. “Is that so?”
Fu Yunheng nodded. “Chang’an once had Earl Guang’an’s household. Lord Wei Jie was among the finest imperial physicians in generations. His family practiced a hereditary acupuncture art called the ‘Nine Needles of Fuxi.’ By this skill, he became Imperial Physician‑in‑Chief at a young age. But later, he erred in treatment and caused the death of the Crown Prince’s son. The entire family was executed—judged by the Three Judicial Offices under Lord Xue’s lead. And the most damning testimony came from their adopted daughter.”
“That young lady was the madam’s personal disciple. I heard of her when I was ten—a prodigy, said to be destined to inherit the Wei family’s legacy. Later, when my sister studied at Bailu Academy, she met her, and they became fast friends. The girl was of peerless beauty, sharp as ice and snow, lively and unrestrained—so different from my sister.”
“You saw the Young Prince just now. He was deeply devoted to her. He not only sought her hand, but after the Wei family’s downfall, he begged His Majesty to grant them a marriage. Because she had cared for the Empress during an epidemic, His Majesty agreed. Everyone knew the Young Prince was trying to shield her from implication. But who could have foreseen that half a month later, she would somehow end up at the Dengxian Jile Pavilion in the Eastern Market—and perish in the great fire there…”
Fu Yunheng spoke at length, but Jiang Li gave no reply. Glancing sideways, he saw her eyes lowered, long lashes casting a shadow, her expression unreadable.
He continued, “My sister was heartbroken. As for the Young Prince—no words suffice. Later, they salvaged a few belongings from the fire and raised a memorial tomb, so she would not wander as a lonely ghost.”
The snow had cleared, and the pale winter sun shone on Jiang Li. She exhaled a misty breath and said with feeling, “For the Young Prince to do so much—if that young lady knows in the afterlife, she must be grateful.”
Fu Yunheng’s voice grew wistful. “That fire has never been explained. My sister still broods over it. And the Young Prince, as you saw, has not let go either. It was my fault, speaking rashly—I should not have brought it up.”
By then, the two had passed through Shunyi Gate. Jiang Li said, “The Young Prince seems a carefree soul. He won’t take it to heart.”
Fu Yunheng laughed. “That’s true—he’s the most carefree, unrestrained man I’ve ever met.”
The Xue family’s carriage was waiting outside. Jiang Li bid him farewell, then boarded. She instructed the driver, Chang Gong, to head east to the Jinyun Shop, for today was the day she was to collect her custom gown.
Huai Xi, who had followed along earlier, had overheard Fu Yunheng’s words and now looked worried. “Miss…”
Jiang Li blinked playfully. “Do you want to try *flower‑revealed rice cakes*?”
Huai Xi was startled. “What’s that?”
Jiang Li’s smile deepened. She tapped the carriage wall. “Chang Gong, detour to Yongfu Lane.”
Chang Gong obeyed, turning west. After passing Zhuque Street, they sped toward Yongle Ward. Two quarters of an hour later, the street outside grew lively with voices. Jiang Li lifted the curtain, sniffed the air, and called, “Stop—”
The carriage halted before a pastry shop called *Zhong’s*. Near midday, three or five people queued outside. Jiang Li handed Chang Gong a piece of silver. “Three boxes of flower‑revealed cakes.”
He returned with three paper‑wrapped parcels. Jiang Li gave one each to her two companions. As the carriage rolled on, the cabin filled with a sweet fragrance.
Huai Xi stared wide‑eyed at the soft white cakes, within which faint flower shapes appeared. “It really lives up to its name!”
The *flower‑revealed cake* was a specialty of Chang’an: fine glutinous rice pounded into cakes, filled with red bean paste shaped into blossoms. Because the flowers showed faintly through the rice, the cakes earned their name. Watching Huai Xi’s delight, Jiang Li recalled her own first taste years ago, when Yu Qingling had bought them. She bit into one—the rice and bean paste melted together; the long‑lost sweetness and warmth seemed to drive away all winter chill. Mistress and maid both closed their eyes in contentment.
By the time the carriage reached Jinyun Shop, it was just past noon. Jiang Li entered with Huai Xi. The clerk behind the counter recognized her at once. “Miss Xue, here to collect your gown?”
Jiang Li confirmed and followed him upstairs to a private room. “It’s ready,” he said. “Once you’ve checked it, you may take it away. Please wait a moment.”
Soon, the seamstress Jiang Li, whom she had met before, arrived carrying a bundle. Jiang Li instinctively looked behind her. “Where is Master Hu?”
The seamstress replied, “Master Hu’s old injury flared up these past two days. He’s not at the shop.”
She laid out the gown for inspection. Jiang Li asked, “What injury?”
The seamstress sighed. “His leg. About seven years ago, Master Hu and the young lady’s carriage overturned outside the city. He broke his leg, and the young lady fractured her right hand. She was young and healed fully, but Master Hu was left with lasting pain. Every winter, it troubles him for days. Many doctors have tried, but none have cured it.”
Jiang Li frowned. “Your young lady fractured her hand?”
The seamstress nodded. “Yes. It took over two months to heal.”
Jiang Li’s brows knit tighter. She recalled Master Hu mentioning that Miss Wang Yan had studied embroidery diligently, but he hadn’t given any details. She had assumed it was a minor injury. Yet how could a simple fall take months to heal? She pressed, “Was the bone broken?”
The seamstress nodded. “Yes. Doctors said she’d never hold a needle again. She was terrified. Luckily, a physician skilled in bone injuries treated her for over a month, and she recovered.”
Jiang Li’s mind raced. She remembered Wang Yan’s corpse, bones exposed, and carefully recalled Song Yi’an’s autopsy reports. She had read Wang Yan’s only once before leaving, but she remembered every word. Her face grew grim. “Seven years ago, your young lady was already thirteen. If her bone had broken, there should be traces. No… something is wrong here…”
Without even checking the gown, she seized the bundle and turned. “Back to the Court—”