“Peony, love‑seed, silk tree, spikenard, musk, and costus—these are the ingredients of our fragrance balm called *Everlasting Longing*. It comes as a set of five boxes: face balm, lip balm, pearl powder, scented ointment, and black stone dye. All for just twenty taels of silver. Released in mid‑April, it is our finest product to date and remains the best‑seller in our shop.”
Fuxiang Studio stood in Chongye Ward in the southwest of the city. Though not as bustling as the eastern and western markets, its proximity to Zhuque Street ensured a steady stream of customers. By midday, the spacious front hall was already filled with rustling silks and elegant chatter. The rotund shopkeeper, Chen An, ushered Pei Yan and Jiang Li into a side chamber for questioning. Though he knew this was an inquiry from the Court of Judicial Review, he could not quite hide his pride.
Chen An’s eyes sparkled as he continued: “Besides those herbs you mentioned, this balm also uses rare Western incense wood. Many young ladies who used it won the hearts of their beloved, so people call it the *Fragrance of Matrimony*. When it first launched in April, few knew of it. By June, we limited sales to fifty sets per month. But in a city like Chang’an, with so many noblewomen, fifty sets were far from enough. So we set a threshold—only patrons spending over two hundred taels could purchase *Everlasting Longing*. Even then, demand still exceeded supply…”
Chen An folded his hands with delight. As the most successful shopkeeper in Chang’an these past six months, he knew no worry. The Court had come several times to investigate, yet he showed no hint of guilt.
Pei Yan asked, “This balm began selling in mid‑April. Do you recall the exact day? And who purchased it in the past few days?”
Chen An replied at once: “I’ll never forget—it was April 13. At that time, we hadn’t set any threshold yet. I remember the familiar faces, but if noble ladies sent their maids or came only once, we wouldn’t know who they were, nor did we ever require names.”
Pei Yan said, “Write down the names you do remember.”
Chen An hurried to the back room. Meanwhile, Jiang Li examined the shop. True to its name, Floating Fragrance Pavilion was steeped in drifting scents. The main hall occupied the ground floor of a two‑story building, with guest rooms upstairs and a small courtyard behind serving as the workshop. Though still early in the day, both front and back bustled with activity.
After half an hour, Chen An returned with a list. “My lord—”
Pei Yan glanced at it. “Only seven names?”
Chen An smiled apologetically: “Our shop only opened this February. In April, we hadn’t yet made a name for ourselves, so daily visitors were fewer than now. I checked the records and asked the clerks—only these seven were remembered. There were perhaps another dozen or so unknown ladies, but most never returned. I have no way to trace them.”
His words rang sincere, and Pei Yan accepted them. Handing the list to Jiang Li, he remarked, “Your accent doesn’t sound local.”
Chen An laughed: “Indeed, I’m from Tongzhou. I used to run a cosmetics shop there. Around New Year, my old employer closed down, and my current master recruited me. I came to Chang’an, and in half a year we’ve built a reputation. I’d say I haven’t let my master down.”
Pei Yan asked at this point, “And who exactly is your master?”
Chen An gave a mysterious smile. “It’s not that I refuse to answer, but I truly don’t know. All I know is that the master is a Westerner. He came to Chang’an to do business but prefers not to draw attention. Aside from a few fragrances he makes himself, everything else—the public dealings—are handled by me. He rarely comes to the shop at all. Even the decoration of the premises and the hiring of clerks and workers were all my decisions.”
Meanwhile, Jiang Li frowned over the list. Chen An had written down seven names, all from wealthy or noble households—families far too prominent for a disappearance to go unreported.
Pei Yan waved Chen An away and said after a moment, “For now, we must investigate these seven. See if any purchased the balm to gift to others, or perhaps bestowed it upon their servants. In the grand households of this city, even maids are dressed in silks. And since the clinic she visited was in the southern quarter, we can roughly narrow down the area.”
Jiang Li agreed. “When one falls ill, one usually chooses the nearest clinic.”
Pei Yan summoned Shi’an to give instructions. Turning back, he noticed Jiang Li had left the side chamber and gone into the main hall to examine the fragrances. Her attire was elegant, and since she had come with Pei Yan, the clerks treated her with great warmth, though they did not know who she was. “Miss, please look around freely. In my humble opinion, your grace and refinement would be best matched by this *Autumn Water White Dew* fragrance…”
Jiang Li smiled faintly. “Is that so? Then tell me about them all.”
The clerk eagerly began describing each balm in detail. Jiang Li listened attentively, her eyes glinting now and then. From the doorway of the side chamber, Pei Yan’s gaze lingered on her.
Jiu Si, standing beside him, whispered, “Miss Xue never wears cosmetics. Is she truly buying, or just asking?”
Pei Yan replied, “She won’t buy.”
Sure enough, after thanking the enthusiastic clerk with a polite “You’ve worked hard,” Jiang Li walked back toward them. The clerk, having busied himself for nothing, looked after her with some regret.
Jiang Li said to Pei Yan, “That Master Kang wasn’t wrong. The balms here do resemble those of the Ningxiang Pavilion, though they are more ornate and elaborate.”
Jiusi chuckled. “These days, people like things ornate.”
Just then, a guard entered. “My lord, the Jinwu Guard reports that the theater troupe has yielded a lead. Two witnesses have been found and sent to the Court of Judicial Review.”
Pei Yan nodded. “I’ll return to the Court with Miss Xue at once.”
Jiang Li, listening nearby, fell silent. She hadn’t said she would go to the Court—but the clue was important, especially since the killer could mimic voices. She felt compelled. Seeing Pei Yan mount his horse, she followed.
Inside the carriage, Huai Xi murmured, “Lord Pei truly trusts you, miss. If you were a man, he would surely keep you at the Court itself.”
The carriage rattled forward. Though anxious to pursue the lead, Pei Yan only followed behind. Jiang Li tapped the carriage wall. “Chang Gong, faster—”
The whip cracked, and the carriage sped down the long street. Huai Xi added, “If the missing girl were truly a noble’s daughter, why would she go alone to a clinic? I think Lord Pei is right—it must have been a favored servant. But even so, if such a servant vanished, surely the household would have reported it.”
Jiang Li’s gaze grew intent. “Fuxiang Studio began selling *Everlasting Longing* on April 13. That old gentleman may not recall the exact day she went to the clinic, but he did say it was mid‑April. She bought it as soon as it was released. This young lady must be a true devotee of fragrance.”
Huai Xi added, “And her scent was overpowering. Last night, Third Miss’s perfume was also strong, but she knew how to restrain it when going out. I heard from Sister Jixiang that at home, Third Miss often nourishes herself with scented balms and baths, achieving a state of natural fragrance without adornment. Last night she may well have applied three catties of balm.”
At this, Jiang Li’s brows knitted slightly. “Fuxiang Studio… a young woman fond of perfume… why does something about this feel strange?”
She pondered all the way to Shunyi Gate. Alighting from the carriage, she asked, “My lord, when you investigated Fuxiang Studio before, has any female worker gone missing in the past six months?”
Pei Yan frowned. “None. The shop has twelve clerks and fifteen workers in the fragrance workshop. All were carefully chosen by Chen An. Since opening, there’s been no turnover. Why do you ask?”
Jiang Li shook her head. “I only find this young lady peculiar. For a physician to immediately detect the balm’s ingredients, she must have worn it in excess. Yet anyone mindful of propriety would never flaunt such a heavy scent in public. And since Fuxiang Studio lies southwest of the city, not far from Renfeng Clinic, I wonder—was her overwhelming fragrance not because she loved perfume, but because she was herself a maker of it, steeped in the scent from her work?”
Pei Yan’s eyes lit up. “That thought is indeed reasonable. But the killer’s targets have all been brides‑to‑be. Even if Fuxiang Studio had such workers, they would hardly fit that pattern.”
Jiang Li inclined her head. “True. Then we must focus on the customers.”
Pei Yan said, “The investigation is already underway. We should have news by this afternoon.”
Together, they entered the Court of Judicial Review. The guards on duty, seeing them arrive side by side, exchanged knowing looks. Once they had passed, one guard murmured, “If I’m not mistaken, the Assistant Minister is already twenty‑three, isn’t he?”
…
Fu Yunheng was waiting in the courtyard. When he saw them appear together, his eyes lit up. “Brother Hechen, Miss Xue—why are you together?”
Pei Yan replied crisply, “Yesterday we discovered the first body was not Wang Yan. We are now investigating this person’s identity.”
His words were brief, leaving Fu Yunheng bewildered. “What? Not Wang Yan? And you asked Miss Xue to help?”
Jiu Si explained from the side, “Several clinics must be checked. Normally, subordinates could handle it, but since it was still early, the young master went himself—and happened to meet Miss Xue.”
Fu Yunheng gave an “oh” of acknowledgment, then added, “By the way, we’ve tracked down two people who can provide clues. According to them, while the rest of the troupe may not be suspects, they once encountered others with such skills.”
The two witnesses were waiting inside. After the formal greetings, one stepped forward first. “I am Zhong Chun, currently performing with the Sanqing Troupe. The person you seek is highly skilled in vocal mimicry. Though our troupe is small, ten years ago, when I was still training with a variety troupe, I met two boys five or six years younger than me. Their talent was extraordinary—their vocal mimicry flawless. They could imitate human voices, bird calls, even dogs barking, all with ease. Later, that troupe left Chang’an. I was fortunate to join Sanqing, but I never learned where those two went. I haven’t seen them since.”
Pei Yan asked, “What were their names? How old would they be now? What did they look like?”
Zhong Chun thought carefully. “One was called Su Heng, the other Zhou Yu. They should be around twenty now. One had a long, thin face with a red mole at the corner of his mouth; the other had a square face, with striking, spirited eyes. Besides mimicry, they were also trained in martial arts. That’s all I recall. At the time, they were just ten or eleven, but their gift for mimicry left a deep impression. Ten years have passed—their looks must have changed.”
Pei Yan turned to the other witness. The man said, “I am Xu Yun, currently working at the Dengxian Jile Pavilion—”
At the mention of Dengxian Jile Pavilion, Jiang Li’s eyelids twitched, but she listened as he continued: “Back when I was with the Changfu Troupe, about seven years ago, I also met a boy with such talent. He stayed only half a month before being caught stealing money from the master. In anger, the master sold him off. I don’t know where he went. Changfu Troupe moved south five years ago, so it’s hard to inquire further.”
Before Pei Yan could ask, Xu Yun added, “That boy was called Dong Qing. He was only eleven, ordinary in looks but with an excellent build. Boys like him are often sold either as servants to wealthy households, or else…”
Seeing a young lady present, Xu Yun hesitated. Pei Yan said bluntly, “To brothels?”
Xu Yun nodded. “Exactly. Some establishments in Chang’an especially like to keep handsome, well‑built youths.”
Pei Yan asked, “Do you recall when he was sold?”
Xu Yun thought hard. “It was around Mid‑Autumn in the thirty‑second year of Jingde.”
Pei Yan nodded slightly. Xu Yun went on, “Those who’ve been in troupes are always looked down upon as lowly. No matter how clever, most respectable families avoid them. I suspect that boy had no good prospects. And if he relied on mimicry to make a living, he couldn’t have remained hidden all these years.”
Pei Yan understood. “So either he is no longer in Chang’an, or he never relied on mimicry for his livelihood.”
Seeing that the witnesses had told all they knew, Pei Yan dismissed them. Zhong Chun and Xu Yun, hearts pounding, breathed sighs of relief. They bowed deeply as they departed. From nearby, Jiang Li’s gaze flickered—she had noticed a tattoo at the back of Xu Yun’s neck. “Master Xu, what is that mark?”
Xu Yun rubbed his neck. “Oh, it’s the apprenticeship mark of the Changfu Troupe.”
Pei Yan quickly asked, “Did that boy bear such a mark?”
Xu Yun hesitated. “I don’t recall if he formally apprenticed. Only those who did received the mark—a stylized ancient character for ‘Fu.’”
Pei Yan nodded and ordered Jiu Si to escort them out. Once they were gone, Fu Yunheng said, “The first two will be hard to trace. But this third one might be worth pursuing. I’ve already asked about the establishments he mentioned—we can finish visiting them today.”
Pei Yan looked satisfied. “Investigate. The killer has two accomplices. Our clues are still far too few. We must not let up.”
Fu Yunheng nodded in agreement, then added, “By the way, last night my sister recalled something. She said that when she fought with the killer, one of her nails broke. She thinks it caught on the killer’s body, though she isn’t sure whether it was on the face or the arm. Everything was too chaotic at the time…”
Jiang Li’s voice tightened. “You mean she may have left a mark on the killer?”
Fu Yunheng nodded. “She said it’s possible, but she isn’t certain. If it was only a slight scratch, it may already have vanished.”
At that, Jiang Li’s tension eased. “Indeed. It’s already been eight days since the incident—any trace would likely be gone. Tell her not to dwell on it. We have new leads now; we only need to wait for the Court’s findings.”
Fu Yunheng agreed, then sighed. “Her injuries have healed considerably, but the broken engagement has struck her hard. It’s been two days, and the Xu family has given no word. The annulment is all but certain. My father has even feigned illness to take leave. When my sister learned of it, she blamed herself for going to burn incense that day, saying it was her own reckless hope.”
Jiang Li’s expression cooled at this, and Pei Yan said, “The witnesses have not yet been found. Once the truth is clear, everything will be resolved.”
Fu Yunheng nodded. “Very well. I’ll return to the Court first.” He took his leave. As he stepped out, he met Shi’an hurrying in.
“My lord,” Shi’an reported, “we’ve questioned the seven households. All said they kept the *Everlasting Longing* balm for themselves. None gave it away or rewarded their servants with it.”
Both Jiang Li and Pei Yan felt a pang of disappointment. The trail of the unidentified corpse had gone cold.
Pei Yan said, “Yesterday, the capital yamen also reported no missing persons matching the conditions. Since this lead is difficult to pursue, we must return to Wang Yan. The killer did not discard her body—she must have been different to him. Has the Wang family any new developments?”
Shi’an replied firmly, “This morning we heard that the Wang family closed the dye workshop beneath their silk shop. Wang Gan has no heart to continue dyeing *Sky‑Cloud Blue*. As for new clues related to Wang Yan, there are none. We also investigated the Feng family. The findings are the same as before—no opportunity to commit the crime, no sufficient motive. In fact, the Fengs have been arranging a marriage for their son with Ji Xingjian’s second daughter. It’s said Ji Xingjian will return soon, and Madam Feng has been visiting the Ji household frequently.”
Shi’an finished, but Pei Yan gave no reply. Jiang Li looked at him in puzzlement and saw his expression darken as though struck by some thought. After a moment, he said evenly, “Continue investigating Wang Yan.”
Shi’an accepted the order and withdrew. Pei Yan then asked Jiang Li, “About that tattoo on Xu Yun’s neck—did you have any doubts?”
Jiang Li was not one to ask idly. Since she had spoken, there must have been something troubling her. Hearing his question now, she felt a touch of helplessness. She had spoken so casually earlier, thinking Pei Yan would not notice. She said, “Just now, when I glanced at it, I felt a strange sense of familiarity—but I can’t recall where I’ve seen it before.”
Pei Yan was puzzled. “Was it something you saw recently?”
Jiang Li shook her head. “I can’t remember.”
Pei Yan replied, “That tattoo was a character. Perhaps you’ve seen the character somewhere? Or maybe you once heard a performance by the Changfu Troupe?”
Jiang Li’s heart gave a jolt. “No, I haven’t. Perhaps I really did just see that ancient character somewhere…”
Knowing that news would not arrive quickly and remembering she hadn’t visited Fu Yunci for a follow‑up in two days, Jiang Li rose. “Since it’s still early, I’ll go to Shou’an’s residence to check on Miss Fu.”
Pei Yan nodded. “Good. If there are new leads, I’ll inform you.”
Jiang Li took her leave. Once aboard the carriage, she ordered Chang Gong to head straight for Guanghua Ward, where Shou’an’s estate lay. As the carriage rolled forward, she murmured, “Ji Xingjian… that name isn’t familiar…”
She had lived in Chang’an for eight years. Whether princes, nobles, or court officials, anyone of rank she had at least heard of, if not met. But this name she could not match to any of the ministers or generals of those years.
After a moment, she shook her head. When she arrived at Shou’an’s estate, the festive silks and lanterns had already been removed. No one would have imagined that a household bustling with wedding preparations half a month ago could now be so desolate. Entering the courtyard, Jiang Li saw Fu Yunci walking under the veranda in a cloak. Her health looked much improved, but up close her cheeks had grown noticeably thinner.
Jiang Li supported her back inside. Fu Yunci said, “Aheng told me you’ve been helping Assistant Minister Pei investigate the killer these past days. In this bitter cold, you’ve worked so hard. I don’t know how to thank you.”
Jiang Li replied, “Your safety is thanks enough.”
Fu Yunci understood it was meant to comfort her and gave a bitter smile. “I know. Our household has already become a laughingstock in Chang’an. If I falter again, my parents will have no face left. Aheng says you’re close to finding a key witness. I’ll wait for your good news.”
Back in her chamber, half‑reclining, Jiang Li first took her pulse, then examined her wound. Seeing the pink flesh growing around the edges, she breathed a deep sigh of relief. “The healing is good. From today I’ll change the prescription and prepare a salve to nourish the wound. Apply it once a day. When it heals, there will be no scar.”
Fu Yunci smiled. “I truly owe you my life. I can only repay such kindness with a lifetime of gratitude.”
Jiang Li’s lips curved. “That would be best of all.”
As Jiang Li wrote out the prescription, Fu Yunci asked with some concern, “You’ve been seeing Lord Pei often these days. Has his conduct displeased you in any way?”
Jiang Li lifted her gaze. “Not at all. Why do you ask?”
Fu Yunci let out a breath of relief and laughed softly. “Lord Pei’s temperament is rather stern. Though he has changed much in recent years, I’ve always heard he is strict in his official duties. I worried he might treat you coldly. These years he has been constantly occupied—sometimes accompanying His Majesty on southern tours, sometimes serving at court, sometimes returning to his teacher’s household. Truly a busy man, too busy even to think of marriage. Ah Heng is close to him, and I’ve asked twice—he says Pei Yan has no such intentions. His mother is quite anxious, but even His Majesty cannot press him.”
Jiang Li continued writing out the prescription. “No wonder she’s anxious.”
Fu Yunci smiled. “He has rarely been close to any young lady. He is courteous in all dealings, yet so formal that it feels devoid of warmth. I used to find him intimidating. But with his status and His Majesty’s favor, sooner or later he will be granted a marriage. Princess Anyang, daughter of Prince Heng, has admired him for years. Perhaps one day she will petition for an imperial decree.”
Jiang Li focused on her writing and did not respond. Seeing her lack of interest, Fu Yunci changed the subject. “Has Assistant Minister Xue taken you to pay respects to the Crown Princess yet?”
Jiang Li finished the last stroke. “They said the Crown Princess has been unwell. I’ll go in a few days.”
Dan Feng accepted the prescription with thanks. Jiang Li instructed her on how to care for the wound, then lingered for half an hour in private conversation. When Fu Yunci began to look weary, Jiang Li finally took her leave.
By the time she returned to the Xue residence, night was falling. Entering Yingyue Pavilion, she found Ji Xiang waiting with a tray of pears.
“Miss, you’re finally back. These are *Autumn Moon Pears*, a gift from the Eastern Palace today. Steward Xue just delivered them. Though you haven’t yet met the Crown Princess since your return, she still remembers you.”
The pears were sweet and juicy, with just the right tartness. Rare in Chang’an due to the difficulty of cultivation, there were exactly four on the tray.
Jiang Li said, “Perfect for sharing. Huai Xi—”
Ji Xiang and Ru Yi dared not accept, but Huai Xi stepped forward, took one pear and placed it in Ji Xiang’s hand, another in Ru Yi’s, then kept one for herself. Under their astonished gazes, she bit into it with a loud crunch. “Do as our lady says. She never speaks falsely.”
Jiang Li laughed and shook her head, then went upstairs.
That night before bed, she sat at her desk by the window, taking out paper and brush. She wrote several ancient‑style “Fu” characters, but after pondering for some time, she still found no clue. Before lying down, she instructed, “Leave them here. I’ll think again in the morning.”
Huai Xi agreed quickly and did not move the pages.
At dawn, Jiang Li rose to find bright sunlight streaming outside. Huai Xi came to attend her. “Miss, today is a fine day. The sun is already up early. Let me open the window for fresh air.”
As Jiang Li dressed, Huai Xi pushed the shutters wide. She hadn’t realized a fierce wind was blowing outside. A sudden gust swept in, catching the pages with the “Fu” characters, sending them skimming across the inkstone before fluttering to the floor. Startled, Huai Xi hurried to close the window, while Jiang Li stooped helplessly to pick up the nearest sheet, now stained with ink.
The ink blot spread across the page, obscuring half the *Fu* character. Yet as Jiang Li stared at the half‑hidden word, her pupils contracted. A scene from recent days suddenly flashed in her mind. “How could it be…”
Her expression shifted rapidly. Sweeping her hair back in haste, she said, “Quick—we must go to the Court of Judicial Review.”
Huai Xi was bewildered. “What is it, my lady?”
Jiang Li hurried downstairs. Once in the carriage, she urged Chang Gong again and again to drive faster. The horses raced along Zhuque Street, the wheels clattering as Jiang Li clutched the ink‑stained paper, her face filled with disbelief. At Shunyi Gate, she leaped down, almost running all the way into the Court. Reaching the East Wing, she didn’t stop to speak with Jiu Si but rushed straight into the main hall.
“I remember now where I saw that tattoo!” Her words fell just as Pei Yan, holding a document, said, “I was about to send Jiu Si to find you. Look at this. After searching day and night, we’ve finally traced one of the Changfu Troupe apprentices who was sold off. And this person—you and I have both seen him.”
Jiang Li’s heartbeat quickened. She stepped forward to read the document. After only a few breaths, a chill ran down her spine. “It really is him—”