“Master, we haven’t found anyone—”
At the first quarter past noon, the courtyard lay cloaked in silver frost. Jiang Li stood side by side with Pei Yan, while Lu Zhuo and Feng Ji led the officers in a thorough search of the grounds.
Lu Zhuo reported, “The household servants said that last night both master and servant failed to return home. They claimed this had been common these past few months, so they paid it no mind. They don’t know where they went. And ever since the incident, many retainers have been dismissed. With the recent disputes over the estate, only a few who arrived three months ago remain.”
Jiang Li and Pei Yan’s expressions darkened. Pei Yan asked, “The master and servant often spend entire nights away together?”
Lu Zhuo nodded. “That is what the servants said.”
A cold gleam flickered in Pei Yan’s eyes. “Search. Comb through every corner of the residence—see if any clue can be found.”
Lu Zhuo accepted the order and departed. Pei Yan then called, “Feng Ji, send men to the Imperial Guards. Order a citywide search. You yourself take men to several city gates—see if they sense danger and flee beyond the walls.”
Feng Ji bowed. “Yes, I’ll lead men to the gates at once.”
As Feng Ji turned away, Pei Yan’s expression grew more severe. Jiang Li frowned, saying, “These past days we’ve summoned the victims’ families for questioning. They know what the Court of Judicial Review has uncovered, and they understand his methods of killing have been exposed. Yet we still don’t grasp the mystery of the nameless corpse. Would they truly flee?”
A chill unease stirred in Jiang Li’s heart. Her gaze swept over the layered eaves as she murmured, “Another nameless woman’s body appears, yet Wang Yan’s corpse is missing. But in the Wang family’s testimony, not a single word hinted at this. Wang Yan was deeply cherished at home and content with her betrothal to the Feng family. There was no reason for entanglement. Why then would he hide Wang Yan’s body?” Her doubts deepened.
Soon, Lu Zhuo returned. “Master, we searched everywhere. This residence has only three courtyards, none of which are large. Nothing unusual was found, nor any hidden chamber.”
This pronouncement left them all unsettled. Pei Yan said, “If this were the murder site, it could not be without trace—unless he has another estate.”
Lu Zhuo shook his head. “We asked his steward, but he claimed ignorance of any other property.”
Pei Yan’s eyes narrowed. Just then, Jiu Si hurried in from outside. “Master, here are the reports from the past two days’ investigation of Ningxiang Pavilion and Fuxiang Studio—”
Pei Yan took the papers. Jiu Si explained, “Fuxiang Studio has been preparing for a refined incense gathering. Besides rare spices, they’ve purchased many items for entertaining guests. It’s said there will be fireworks tonight, and they bought large quantities of firecrackers from the Lin family workshop in the southern city. Ningxiang Pavilion has been quiet these days; only some minor purchases from previous months are recorded here.”
The list of documents was long. Pei Yan skimmed through them at lightning speed, then handed the papers to Jiang Li. She opened them and found the entries overwhelming, but her thoughts were fixed on the matter at hand, so she paid them less heed than before.
Pei Yan then ordered, “Leave men here to keep watch. Bring the other servants back for thorough questioning.”
Once outside the gates, Pei Yan rode ahead with his men, while Jiang Li boarded the Xue family carriage. They were in Yongda Ward in the southern city, and to return to the Court, they first had to pass through Zhuque Street. When they reached it, Jiang Li heard hawkers’ cries outside. She lifted the curtain, glanced eastward, and soon fell into deep thought.
Huai Xi, seated nearby, asked, “What is it, Miss?”
Jiang Li replied, “This place is very close to Anshan Ward.”
Huai Xi raised his brows. “You mean Renfeng Hall?”
Jiang Li nodded. Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, she called to Pei Yan riding ahead: “Lord Pei, I may have a lead, though I’m far from certain. I’d like to investigate it. You go on ahead—I’ll follow shortly.”
Pei Yan hesitated briefly, then said, “Jiu Si.”
Jiu Si’s eyes flickered, and he quickly responded, “I’ll accompany Miss Xue.”
“No need—”
Before she could finish, Pei Yan had already spurred his horse forward. Jiu Si said, “Miss, you are aiding the Court. You needn’t stand on ceremony with the young master.”
Jiang Li fell silent, then instructed Chang Gong, “Go to Liao’s Pawnshop in Jingshan Ward.”
Jiu Si followed on horseback. Hearing the name, he felt a jolt of recognition, then realized, “Isn’t that the pawnshop a maid once visited…?”
Jiang Li nodded. “There’s something I must ask.”
Jiu Si said no more. Before long, the carriage arrived at Liao’s. Jiang Li dismounted and entered personally, summoned the shopkeeper, and questioned him. Within a quarter hour, she emerged, her face grave. “Now to Wanbao Hall in Xuanyi Ward.”
Chang Gong obeyed, cracked the whip, and the carriage sped toward Xuanyi Ward. Jiu Si rode alongside, unable to resist asking through the curtain, “Miss, you’ve only just returned to Chang’an, yet you seem remarkably familiar with the locations of these pawnshops…”
Jiang Li had only learned of the pawnshops from the official documents, yet to recall their locations so clearly was no small feat. Inside the carriage, she exchanged a glance with Huai Xi.
Huai Xi spoke up: “Our young lady has the gift of perfect memory.”
Jiu Si rubbed the bridge of his nose, uncertain whether to believe it.
When the carriage reached Wanbao Hall, Jiang Li once again alighted to make inquiries. A quarter hour later, she returned, her expression darker still. “To Yang’s Pawnshop in Kaiming Ward—”
As the carriage rolled on, Huai Xi asked, “Miss, what are you suspecting?”
Jiang Li narrowed her eyes. Suddenly the image of last night’s autumn pears surfaced in her mind. Her voice turned cool: “If I recall correctly, Mizhou is famed for its fruits. Each year in April and May, loquats and apricots are especially abundant.”
Huai Xi, well-versed in food, nodded eagerly. “Yes, yes, Mizhou’s location is excellent, not far from anywhere. Didn’t we eat loquats in Xuzhou that spring? But what does this have to do with our case?”
Jiang Li slowly shook her head, as though grappling with a thorny puzzle. She murmured, “But why…”
Huai Xi dared not disturb her. Two quarters of an hour later, the carriage arrived at Yang’s Pawnshop. Jiang Li entered to question the shopkeeper. Soon she emerged, her face as cold as water. By now it was past mid‑afternoon; the gloomy sky had already dimmed. Jiang Li climbed back into the carriage but gave no order, leaning against the wall in deep thought.
Outside, Jiu Si waited on horseback. He heard Jiang Li muttering to herself within:
“Wang Yan vanished on the seventh day of the sixth month…”
“The first pawn was on the fourth day of the sixth month…”
“Chang Xiangsi was released on the thirteenth day of the fourth month…”
“Fuxiang Studio’s incense pills…”
Her murmurs continued, her hand on her knee tightening and loosening, tightening and loosening again. Then, all at once, she sat upright, her gaze turning icy. She flung open the curtain. “Jiu Si, hurry back to the Court and report to your master—I know where to find them!”
Jiu Si was stunned. “I return to the Court… and you, Miss?”
Jiang Li’s voice was cold as steel. “I am going to the public mortuary.”
…
By the time Pei Yan emerged from the Court prison, it was nearly dusk. Feng Ji and Fu Yunheng were waiting outside. Feng Ji said, “Master, we questioned all six city gates—none had seen them.”
Fu Yunheng stepped forward. “Brother Hechen, how did you suddenly confirm the culprits?”
Pei Yan handed him the testimony. Fu Yunheng read it, then drew a sharp breath. “During each incident, they truly weren’t at home! Alas, we only focused on calming their emotions at the time, never suspected them. These servants had only been in the household two or three months—it was premeditated! Yet we searched half a day and found no trace. Could they be hiding in some private residence we’ve yet to uncover?”
Back in the Court, Pei Yan studied the new testimony in silence. At length his gaze shifted toward the hall, and he murmured softly: “Opened at the year’s start… silver paid at the year’s start… incense formulas concealed… the master nowhere to be found…”
Fu Yunheng was baffled. “Brother Hechen, what are you saying?”
Pei Yan’s gaze shifted several times. “How could this be possible…”
Fu Yunheng looked toward Lu Zhuo and Feng Ji, but they were at a loss. Just then, Jiu Si hurried in from outside. “Master, I’ve returned—”
He rushed straight through the doors. Pei Yan looked past him. “Where is Miss Xue?”
Jiu Si quickly replied, “Miss Xue said she must go to the public mortuary. She asked me to come back to you first. She said the people we seek are at Fuxiang Studio—”
Pei Yan’s brow twitched. He rose at once. Before he could speak, Fu Yunheng’s eyes widened. “Fuxiang Studio? Isn’t there an incense gathering tonight? Didn’t they invite the daughters of noble families? My sister went too—Yu Zitong took her along!”
At those words, Pei Yan’s expression hardened. “Continue the interrogation in the prison. Lu Zhuo, muster the guards—we must move at once. Something is about to happen at Fuxiang Studio—”
…
By mid‑evening, Chen An welcomed the last guest into the temporary flower hall in the rear courtyard. Though hastily erected, it was adorned with jeweled curtains and embroidered drapes, splendid and resplendent. Amidst the blaze of lanterns, more than thirty ladies and young masters sat in their places, with Princess Qingyang, Li Ying, presiding. Even Kang Long, the current master of Ningxiang Pavilion, was present. All eyes turned expectantly to Chen An, the host.
Chen An straightened his chest, his face radiant with pride. Barely half a year ago, he had been bowing and scraping in a humble incense shop in Tongzhou. Yet in ten short months he now stood among princesses, noble ladies, heirs, and titled sons and daughters—without flattery, for even these lofty figures greeted him with smiles.
Clearing his throat, Chen An raised his hand toward the rear chamber. To the sound of graceful music, he stepped onto the brocade‑covered dais and said with a beaming smile: “Today, honored guests, I will not keep you in suspense. Besides our treasured limited‑edition balm already released and the five new fragrances to be launched next month, our master has prepared three new blends for your appreciation. These will not be sold publicly but gifted only to those present tonight, as thanks for your favor throughout the year.”
Cheers rippled through the hall. Chen An clapped his hands, and from behind gauzy curtains emerged seven or eight graceful maids, each bearing a delicate incense box, which they presented to the guests.
Chen An announced: “The first fragrance is called *Spring’s Message in Snow*. As winter reigns, our master has crafted this subtle blend with red plum as its base—bright in color, refined in spirit. Whether for Her Highness the Princess, the noble ladies, or the young gentlemen, it is elegant without vulgarity…”
As he spoke, the guests opened their boxes and sampled the scent. In moments, praise filled the hall.
Chen An’s smile deepened. After a pause, he clapped again. As the maids brought forth the second fragrance, he said: “This one is called *Dreams United*. Crabapple before rain, pear blossom before snow, longing upon the lilac branch, spice at the cardamom tip—this is the continuation of our *Everlasting Longing*. In addition to crabapple, pear blossom, lilac, and cardamom, it contains agarwood and our rare Western divine wood. It is especially suited for young ladies.”
Most of those present were young women. Hearing this, they eagerly tried the fragrance. Xue Qin, who had arrived early, had been waiting for this very blend. She quickly applied rouge and balm in front of her bronze mirror. Others too were delighted, and soon the hall was filled with drifting perfume.
Princess Li Ying laughed. “This fragrance I need not try. My consort prefers light and refreshing scents—*Spring’s Message in Snow* is quite perfect.”
Chen An bowed respectfully, then presented the third fragrance. “This one is called *Graceful Times*. Please sample it. Within are hibiscus and peony, and other rare ingredients—”
Xue Qin spoke first: “Lily, clove—”
Chen An smiled in agreement. At that moment, another voice interjected: “*Graceful Times*—such a name speaks of love and union, of an auspicious marriage. Is this fragrance meant only for new brides? Then those who have been rejected in marriage would be forbidden to use it?”
At those words, all eyes turned toward the southwest seats, where sat Yu Zitong, daughter of the Vice Minister of War, beside Fu Yunci, the young lady of the Shou’an household, lately much in the spotlight in Chang’an.
Yu Zitong’s phoenix eyes flared. “Jiang Peizhu, what nonsense are you spouting?”
The speaker was Jiang Peizhu, daughter of Prefect Qizhou. She laughed lightly. “Nonsense? I say, had we known shameless people would attend today, the rest of us need not have come—why invite misfortune?”
Fu Yunci’s face drained of color at once. Yu Zitong seized her hand. “I would hear you say, who is shameless? The Princess herself is present—do you dare such insolence?”
Jiang Peizhu turned immediately to Princess Qingyang. “Your Highness, I mean no disrespect. But I cannot bear to associate with those of tainted virtue. Were I to suffer such disgrace, I would rather die than show my face outside.”
Yu Zitong sneered. “The Shou’an case is under investigation by the Court of Judicial Review. Yet you dare to spread rumors here? Where is your virtue? Ah, but of course—how can we demand of her what she does not possess?”
Fu Yunci tugged at Yu Zitong’s hand, but Yu Zitong grew sharper still. Jiang Peizhu’s face turned pale with fury, but before she could retort, Yu Miaofu beside her pulled her back. “Enough, Peizhu. Miss Yu is right—let us await the Court’s findings.”
Jiang Peizhu snorted. “So many days have passed, and still people believe such excuses…”
Princess Li Ying raised her hand to her brow. “Enough, enough. We came today for elegance and beauty, not quarrels. I have not seen Yunci in some time—it is good she is out among us.”
Fu Yunci bowed in thanks. At that moment, the Princess lifted her incense box. “Shopkeeper Chen, I have a question. In half a year, Fuxiang Studio has risen to great fame, yet I have never seen your master, the famed perfumer. Is he some three‑headed, six‑armed being? How is it I have never heard his likeness?”
Chen An smiled mysteriously. “Your Highness, that is one reason for today’s gathering. For half a year, countless guests have wished to know who our master truly is. Tonight, you shall see.”
As he spoke, lamps flared in the upper windows. Behind them appeared a tall, elegant figure—slender, with half‑bound dark hair, clad in a robe of bamboo‑green silk patterned with silver. His bearing was refined and handsome. Yet his face was half‑hidden by a silver mask, concealing most of his features. Even so, from his jawline and form, it was clear he was a young and striking man.
Whispers rippled through the hall. Princess Li Ying looked first surprised, then displeased. “He is here, yet still masked? Let me see what manner of perfumer this is—”
“He dares not remove it.”
The Princess’s words had scarcely fallen when a clear voice rang out. All turned toward it—and gasped.
Princess Li Ying’s face lit with joy. “Hechen? You are here?”
Pei Yan strode into the flower hall. Chen An hurried forward. “Lord Pei, why have you come?”
Pei Yan halted in the center, his gaze fixed on the masked figure above. “Remove the mask, and all will know: the illegitimate son whose sister died tragically, who was long oppressed, secretly commands such wealth. They will know how he profited from Ningxiang Pavilion’s incense formulas. And worse, the image he so carefully crafted—of deep affection for his sister, of living hand‑in‑hand—will collapse in an instant. Then all will see he is the Bride Butcher.”
He paused, then asked coldly: “Am I right, Kang Jingming—?”
Pei Yan’s words grew more terrifying with each sentence. When the phrase *Bride Butcher* fell, the young ladies blanched in horror. And when the name *Kang Jingming* was spoken, most remained bewildered—but in the corner, Kang Long nearly leaped from his seat.
“Lord Pei, what did you just call him?”
Pei Yan gave no reply, his gaze locked on the figure above. The man on the second floor seemed to realize there was no escape. Slowly, he raised his hand and removed the mask.
Kang Long’s eyes nearly fell from their sockets. “You—you truly are… Kang Jingming! I knew Fuxiang Studio rose by imitating Ningxiang Pavilion. You ungrateful wretch! Such a vast enterprise—where did you get the money? Your sister’s body is scarcely cold, and you dare? Wait—Bride Butcher… was it you who harmed your sister?!”
Kang Long staggered, unable to believe. On the balcony, Kang Jingming’s face flickered with confusion. “Lord Pei, are you saying I killed my sister, then dismembered and scattered her remains?”
Before Pei Yan could answer, Kang Jingming cried out bitterly: “Do you know how much my sister loved me? She was the one who loved me most in this world—and I loved her most as well. How could I ever bear to chop her body into pieces like butchered pork?”
His voice fell, and he turned to Kang Long. “Why should I not have such a business? I want Chang’an to know that without the Kang family, I can still create the finest incense in the city. That single character ‘Kang’—if you will not give it to me, I have no need of it. Now, are you satisfied?”
Kang Long’s beard trembled with fury. “Your sister raised you—how dare you…”
Kang Jingming shrugged. “Indeed, I dare not. Perhaps you should ask Lord Pei whether he has misunderstood. My sister still lies in the public mortuary…”
“She does not lie in the mortuary.”
Before his words were finished, a woman’s voice rang out. All turned toward the doorway—Jiang Li had arrived. Her face was grave. She met Pei Yan’s eyes for an instant, then looked up at the man above. “You used a double deception to exchange corpses—substituting Cuizhu for Wang Yan, and Wang Yan for your sister. Kang Jingming, what have you truly done with her?”