Seeing the sudden blaze, everyone finally understood Kang Jingming’s intent. Kang Long was horrified: “You beast! Do you mean to kill us all?!”
Inside the bridal chamber, Kang Jingming laughed slowly: “Uncle, wasn’t it you who said you should accompany my sister in death? Once we reach the underworld, she will surely appreciate your kindness—”
As he spoke, Kang Jingming cupped Kang Yun’s lifeless cheeks. “Sister, do you see? Even the Princess will be buried with you. Sister, I’m so happy. I’ll come to you right away…”
Kang Long’s heart nearly burst. He had once scolded Kang Jingming for his despair after Kang Yun’s death, often shouting that he should go join her in the grave. He never imagined Jingming would take those words to heart—now he truly meant to drag so many nobles and dignitaries down with her.
On the terrace, shrieks rang out. The fire surged from the east, and the panicked ladies fled westward without direction. But dozens crowded together, shoving and stumbling—someone fell hard to the ground in the chaos.
Pei Yan stood at the front and barked: “Lu Zhuo—!”
Lu Zhuo obeyed, leading several guards to scatter the crowd. He shouted back: “Everyone retreat! Get back inside the hall, into the secret passage! Don’t panic—the fire won’t spread this far—”
Yet the flames seemed alive, leaping onto the terrace railings in an instant. A wave of heat swept over them. The ladies’ elaborate gowns slowed their steps, clogging the passage entrance. Those who had stood at the front now found themselves at the rear—most exposed to the fire.
Pei Yan’s eyes swept the scene: “Protect the Princess.”
At once, Jiu Si shielded Princess Qingyang, pushing her toward the hall.
Jiang Li, at the rear, shoved Fu Yunci and Yu Zitong inside first. Just as she was about to follow, a pungent stench drifted over. Her pupils contracted—ignoring the flames, she spun toward the fiercest blaze.
The terrace had only the covered corridor as an exit. Now fire raged inside and out, flames like serpents climbing beams and rails, spreading to the terrace and eastern windows. Amid the smoke, flashes of eerie light flickered. Jiang Li’s heart pounded—through the demonic tongues of fire, she seemed to glimpse an even greater inferno, one that could consume everything. She cried out: “it’s saltpeter—it’s Kang Qing setting the fire, northeast side—!”
Through the flames, a gaunt figure in black appeared half-hidden behind a garden wall. Terrifyingly, he held a bow—its flaming arrow aimed straight at the hall.
Only then did everyone notice the long tables lining the walls, draped in heavy cloth. Beneath them sat sealed bamboo baskets—contents unknown.
Her shout startled Kang Qing. Guards lunged with drawn blades. He shifted his aim—*whoosh!*—an arrow streaked toward Jiang Li. She felt the searing heat, certain it would strike. At the last instant, a figure stepped before her. A flash of steel rang out—*ding!*—and the oil-soaked arrow dropped to the ground.
Another arrow flew, then another. But Pei Yan’s sword danced like lightning, deflecting each shot. Even the finest archer could not break through. Before the third arrow loosed, two guards had already tackled Kang Qing. At that moment, from the alley beyond the wall came the clatter of hooves and wheels. Seconds later, torrents of water poured down from outside!
More figures vaulted onto the western wall—Feng Ji with three guards. He landed lightly, bowed low: “My lord, the patrol camp and Wuhou station have arrived. Water carts and pumps are ready—the fire won’t spread. Other brothers have stormed the front gate. Also, word just came: the men you sent outside the city have returned, bringing two witnesses. How shall we proceed?”
Beside him, Fu Yunheng was overjoyed. Pei Yan instinctively met Jiang Li’s gaze, then ordered: “Tonight will take some effort. Bring them here for interrogation.”
Feng Ji acknowledged. Lu Zhuo called out: “Do not fear! The fire will be out soon!”
Most of the crowd still huddled inside the hall. Hearing this, they felt the relief of survivors. The faint-hearted collapsed in trembling exhaustion.
Across the way, in the bridal chamber, Kang Jingming clutched Kang Yun’s corpse. He had wanted to savor the spectacle—so many people trapped, even if the guards escaped, surely some ladies would perish. But he never imagined the fire would rise so quickly—and be extinguished even faster.
“How… how is this possible?! I planned everything so carefully. No outsider could know. Kang Qing would never betray me…”
Pei Yan sheathed his sword. “Three days ago, Fuxiang Studio purchased a large quantity of fireworks. At year’s end, fireworks are costly—why would a mere incense gathering require such extravagant expense? Coincidentally, the day before, you and Kang Long were summoned to the Court of Judicial Review. As you left, Kang Long’s words about ‘accompanying in death’ rang especially harsh. And today, with the city’s guards scouring the streets, you surely knew of it—yet you did not hide. Instead, you insisted on holding this gathering, inviting nearly all of Chang’an’s wealthy and noble guests. Your purpose could not be clearer.”
He gestured toward the hall connected to the terrace. “At present, saltpeter and tung oil are strictly controlled. To murder so many, you could only dismantle the fireworks for their saltpeter powder to set the blaze. This hall lies in the rear courtyard—narrow and confined. If the fire spread swiftly, even the secret passage would not guarantee escape. But anticipating your method, Lu Zhuo and his men arrived first and destroyed all the hidden niter and charcoal inside.”
As he finished, Lu Zhuo pulled out a small empty water pouch from his chest. Only then did the crowd notice that all the guards’ chests bulged slightly—hidden beneath winter clothing. Someone lifted a tablecloth, revealing bamboo baskets filled with saltpeter and charcoal powder, now soaked through. Not only could the fire not reach them—even if it did, they would not ignite.
Jiang Li did not know that Pei Yan had arranged this. Watching his profile, she wiped the cold sweat from her palms, her pounding heart slowly calming.
Meanwhile, the flames in the corridor had been extinguished. Pei Yan led the guards across the wet, ashen floor into the bridal chamber. Behind the flower wall, Kang Qing had already been captured. Other guards surrounded Kang Jingming inside. With no escape, master and servant were cornered.
Kang Qing’s eyes burned with hatred, but Kang Jingming remained calm, neither angry nor afraid. He pressed his forehead to Kang Yun’s. “Sister, I’ve disappointed you again. But it doesn’t matter—today is our wedding day. I know you’re waiting for me. Don’t be afraid, Sister, I’ll—”
Before he could finish, two guards rushed forward, wrenching his arms and jaw. A short blade slipped from his sleeve—a three-inch single-edged incense knife, gleaming coldly in the candlelight.
They forced Kang Jingming to his knees and handed the knife to Pei Yan. He ordered: “First, move the deceased’s body to another room. Search the entire residence, then we will interrogate.”
Feng Ji obeyed. As Kang Yun’s body was carried away, Kang Jingming could not speak, but a strangled wail rose from his throat; his eyes reddened. Watching his lovesick expression, everyone felt only revulsion.
Princess Qingyang, still shaken, stood on the terrace. “Hechen, this man is the Bride Butcher. Fuxiang Studio must not remain either, must it?”
Pei Yan agreed, then glanced at the sky. “It grows late. This case has nothing to do with the rest of you, though you have all been frightened. Your Highness, perhaps you should lead everyone back to their homes to rest.”
Tonight had been truly harrowing. Princess Qingyang’s towering coiffure was already disheveled. By rights, she should have returned to her residence to rest, but her nature was always proud and headstrong. Now that matters had reached their conclusion, she refused to leave.
“Do not drive me away. Tonight I have suffered an indignity I haven’t endured in years. I must stay and see what other face this man shows beyond his scandalous deeds. Rest assured, I am only here to seek clarity—I will not hinder your investigation.”
Pei Yan hesitated to speak, but at that moment, a group from the patrol camp and Wuhou station approached from the front courtyard. Across the frozen inner lake, Jiang Li glimpsed a familiar figure.
Just then, Fu Yunci came forward with Yu Zitong. “Miss Xue, are you unharmed? Earlier, you pushed us ahead—I feared the flames might catch you. This is Miss Yu from the Ministry of War’s Vice Minister’s household—”
Five years had passed. Yu Zitong had grown taller; her features had matured: an oval face, willow brows, phoenix eyes slightly upturned—radiant and bold, just like her temperament. She spoke sincerely: “Miss Xue, I have long admired your name, and I know you saved Ah Ci. Since you are her lifesaver, you are mine as well. Just now you thought of us both—I am truly grateful. We…”
But as she spoke, she noticed Fu Yunci’s breathing quicken. Turning, she saw Fu Yunci staring fixedly at the waterside pavilion, her face pale as death. Following her gaze, Yu Zitong’s eyes sharpened. There, among the patrol camp men, stood none other than Xu Lingze—long unseen.
Xu Lingze, a sixth-rank captain in the patrol camp, had come personally when Pei Yan’s aide, Feng Ji, requested aid, joining forces with the Wuhou station that oversaw Chang’an’s fire control. Only upon arrival did he learn that even Princess Qingyang and so many nobles had been in peril.
At the bridal chamber door, Fu Yunheng sneered: “Brother Xu, it has been some time.”
Xu Lingze looked awkward. “Ah Heng—”
Fu Yunheng’s tone was sharp: “Are you satisfied with today’s spectacle? Perhaps you don’t know—though my sister has been smeared with vile rumors, she does not fear disgrace. She too is here tonight—”
He lifted his chin. Xu Lingze looked across the lake. His face turned ashen; his eyes flickered. “Ah Ci… no, Miss Fu. I am glad you are well. As for those slanders—if she is innocent, the truth will clear her name in time.”
“If she is innocent?!” Fu Yunheng ground his teeth. “So you never believed her. That day at our house, your words were nothing but false courtesy. The very next day, you set your mind on breaking the betrothal. Truly admirable—”
Quarreling before so many, Xu Lingze’s face burned. He turned quickly: “Lord Pei, since the fire is out and the culprit caught, we should—”
But before he could finish, commotion rose from the opposite terrace. Sensing trouble, Pei Yan and Fu Yunheng looked over.
Princess Qingyang refused to leave, and the other ladies followed her lead. Yet Yu Miaofu, standing among them, grew paler by the moment. She tugged Jiang Peizhu’s hand. “Pei’er, perhaps we should slip away first.”
Jiang Peizhu held her fast. “Leave? If we go now, it will look suspicious. We must learn whether the murderer truly used human hearts to make incense. Besides, if Her Highness stays, how can we depart first? That would make us seem odd. Look—everyone else is staying with her.”
Yu Miaofu bit her lip. “Then… then I’ll go alone—”
But Jiang Peizhu refused, gripping her tighter. “Don’t be afraid. The killer is caught. And beyond the case, there’s other amusement. Look—across the way, isn’t that the young master of General Xu’s household? I recall his grandmother is your grandaunt. Do you not often visit?”
Yu Miaofu’s lashes fluttered. She looked quickly across, and indeed, it was Xu Lingze. Her face eased slightly, though she faltered: “Yes… it’s him. But I don’t often go to the Xu residence…”
Jiang Peizhu laughed, raising her voice: “Oh! Isn’t that Young Master Xu over there!”
At her words, everyone turned to look. Seeing Xu Lingze, then glancing back at Fu Yunci—her face white as paper, brows drawn in sorrow—the whispers grew louder.
“So it’s true she was cast off for illicit relations. They say it was reported to the authorities, but no verdict was ever given…”
“Yes, no matter how she protests, rumors don’t arise from nothing. Who would scheme to ruin her without cause? That would be a grave sin…”
“Indeed. The Xu and Fu families were old allies. If she were truly innocent, why would the Xu family choose to break the betrothal…”
The terrace was only three to five zhang wide; every low murmur could be heard clearly. Seeing Xu Lingze again had already unsettled Fu Yunci’s heart, and hearing those words, she could not refute; humiliation surged over her like a tide. Her voice trembled slightly: “Tong’er, let’s leave…”
Yu Zitong flared up: “You’ve done no wrong—why should you go? The fault lies with those who slander you.”
Jiang Peizhu, who had long held a grudge against Yu Zitong, sneered: “You speak as though the whole world conspires against Yunci. Why is it that no one else bears such a shameful name, yet she alone does?”
Yu Zitong had endured Jiang Peizhu’s barbs long enough. She stepped forward: “Jiang Peizhu, what has Ah Ci ever done to you that you must wound her so? Stirring strife, wagging your tongue—you are no different from the rabble of the streets.”
Tall and trained in martial arts, Yu Zitong cared nothing for propriety as she lashed out. Jiang Peizhu, though inwardly afraid, refused to show weakness before the crowd. She stepped forward: “You dare—!”
Yu Miaofu tugged at Jiang Peizhu’s sleeve. “Enough, Pei’er. Don’t quarrel with Miss Yu. This is Yunci’s private matter—it should not be paraded about…” Her words seemed conciliatory, but in truth they lent weight to Jiang Peizhu’s insinuations.
Jiang Li, listening from the side, felt her gaze grow cold upon Yu Miaofu.
Jiang Peizhu, unwilling to heed, glared at Yu Zitong and shoved backward instinctively. “Stay out of this. Today I will—”
Before the word “settle” left her lips, she realized Yu Miaofu had let go. Looking back, she saw Yu Miaofu had fallen to the ground. Her already pale face twisted in pain, as though she were suffering greatly.
Jiang Peizhu gasped: “Ah Fu, what’s wrong? I—I didn’t push hard—”
Yu Miaofu’s expression was pained, but beneath it lay panic. She shook her head repeatedly. “I’m fine, I’m fine. Help me up—I… I want to go home…”
A quarrel was one thing, but now someone seemed injured, and the matter changed. Princess Qingyang pushed through from the west, startled: “What happened? Where is she hurt?”
Yu Miaofu tried to rise, but agony like knives twisted her abdomen; she could not move. She wanted Jiang Peizhu’s help, but Jiang Peizhu was too frightened to touch her. Tears welled as she looked around desperately. At that moment, Jiang Li stepped forward from the crowd, crouched beside her, and spoke gently: “Miss Yu, what’s wrong? Let me examine you.”
Princess Qingyang added: “Yes, Miss Xue is here—she is the famed Magnolia Hand—”
The most renowned female physician in Chang’an, none would refuse her. Yet when Yu Miaofu saw Jiang Li, it was not as a savior but as a monster. Terror filled her eyes. She shook her head violently, shrinking back. “No—I don’t need a doctor—I won’t see a doctor—”
Jiang Peizhu was astonished. “Ah Fu, how can you refuse a physician when you’re hurt?”
Princess Qingyang urged: “Miaofu, you’ve met Miss Xue at my residence before. There’s no need to fear.”
Yu Miaofu was drenched in cold sweat, trembling on the verge of tears. By now, Pei Yan and others had noticed something amiss and strode over. From the crowd’s gaps, Yu Miaofu glimpsed Xu Lingze’s figure—her terror spiked. “No—take me home, I want to go home—”
Jiang Peizhu supported her, while Jiang Li stepped closer, half-embracing her. Jiang Li placed her hand on Yu Miaofu’s wrist.
Yu Miaofu struggled desperately, but somehow Jiang Li’s grip felt like iron, unyielding as a mountain. She could only watch helplessly as Jiang Li took her pulse.
Pei Yan stepped forward. “What has happened here?”
The crowd parted. Jiang Peizhu hurriedly explained: “Lord Pei, it truly wasn’t my fault. Yu Zitong insisted on arguing with me over whether the rumors of Yunci’s illicit affair were true and even cursed me. Ah Fu tried to intervene, and when I gave her the lightest push, she fell. I don’t know where she’s hurt, but the pain seems severe—”
Yu Zitong sneered: “The magistrates are still investigating, yet Jiang Peizhu has insulted Ah Ci with slander again and again. Lord Pei, Ah Heng—you’ve been investigating for days. Is there still no result? When will Ah Ci’s name be cleared?!”
Fu Yunci had not expected matters to spiral so wildly. Seeing Yu Miaofu gravely injured, her own humiliation gave way to tears of worry.
Fu Yunheng looked at his sister, bullied yet again, then at the faces around them watching like it was theater. Grinding his teeth, he said: “Lord Pei, since witnesses have been found, the best way to restore my sister’s honor is to interrogate them immediately—”
Pei Yan turned to Fu Yunci. She started in surprise. “You’ve found witnesses?”
Pei Yan nodded. Fu Yunci steadied herself and pleaded earnestly: “Then, my lord, please judge rightly and return me my innocence—”
The sudden mention of witnesses left others confused, though suspicion lingered on their faces. Pei Yan swept his gaze around and nodded. “Very well. Feng Ji, bring them in—”
Yet witnesses were not the most pressing matter, for Yu Miaofu was already groaning in pain. Princess Qingyang saw something was wrong and cried: “Miss Xue, what is it with Miaofu? Could she have broken a bone in the fall?”
Jiang Li’s brows knit tight, her eyes wide with shock, as though she had discovered something grave. “Your Highness… I cannot speak plainly… Miss Yu is not injured from the fall. She is—”
Her reputation made her words all the more alarming. Princess Qingyang pressed: “What illness cannot be named? She is in agony—saving her is most important!”
Jiang Li still hesitated. But then Jiang Peizhu, supporting Yu Miaofu, suddenly felt warmth on her fingertips. She drew back her hand and saw blood staining it. “Blood! She’s bleeding—!”
Jiang Peizhu fell back in fright. Fortunately, Jiang Li held Yu Miaofu upright. Gasps rose from those nearby, for crimson was seeping beneath Miaofu’s skirts. In an instant, Princess Qingyang and the older ladies understood.
Princess Qingyang exclaimed in disbelief: “Miaofu! You are with child?!”
Yu Miaofu curled up, teeth clenched, too terrified to answer. But the truth was plain without her nod. The crowd erupted. Behind Pei Yan, Xu Lingze’s face drained of all color.
Princess Qingyang’s anger flared: “Miaofu, you are an unmarried girl—how could you…”
Unwed pregnancy was undeniable proof of illicit relations. Everyone stared at Yu Miaofu, stunned that this delicate, gentle young lady could commit such shameless acts.
Yu Miaofu wished she could faint. At that moment, Feng Ji arrived with two battered young servants. Both looked terrified, trembling as they were brought forward. Feng Ji announced: “My lord, the witnesses are here.”
All eyes turned. The two servants, seeing Pei Yan, then catching sight of the richly dressed woman on the ground, turned pale. With a thud, they knelt. “Miss, we beg your forgiveness—”
Silence fell, then the crowd erupted again. Princess Qingyang was aghast: “You are supposed to be witnesses to the rumors! Yet you call her ‘Miss Miaofu’? You are her servants?!”
The two cowered, unable to answer. Their silence spoke volumes. Princess Qingyang turned back, incredulous: “Yu Miaofu, the rumors slandering Yunci—were they spread by you?!”
She was at a loss for words. Others were also stunned. Amid the uproar, Jiang Li, still supporting Yu Miaofu, bent close and whispered something only the two could hear.
Yu Miaofu’s body jolted, terror overwhelming her. But moments later, she seemed to steel herself. She opened her eyes wide, staring past Pei Yan at Xu Lingze, and cried out in anguish: “Cousin, do you truly not want Fu’er anymore…”