“This is your sister’s own handwriting, hidden inside the secret compartment of her dressing case. She must have written it and concealed it, intending to find a safe way to withdraw from the marriage. But alas, before she could send it out, she died beneath your blade.”
Pei Yan’s eyes were cold as a sword. Kang Jingming wept bitterly: “No, I didn’t mean it! It was her—she discovered my fragrance manual and accused me of dabbling in demonic arts. In the past, how could I ever quarrel with her over a mere manual? But she was about to leave me. Even the Fuxiang Studio was built by her hand—once she left, what support would I have? I refused to give her the manual; I even threatened my own life. That knife was meant for me; how could I bear to harm her…”
His grief was unbearable. Pei Yan pressed, “What manual?”
“It was a fragrance manual I had sent men to fetch from Xiliang. But… but rumor said much of it recorded the evil practices of the Demon Sect a hundred years ago, leading one astray. That was why my sister flew into such a rage…”
Kang Jingming choked, unable to continue. Pei Yan asked, “Where is the manual now? So your sister was killed by accident?”
Kang Jingming nodded: “We struggled over it, tripped against the brazier, and before I realized it, the incense knife in my hand had pierced her chest. The manual fell into the fire and was half burned. She breathed her last there. I regretted it instantly, but dared not let anyone know. I hid her body. Others could be deceived, but Cuizhu saw through me. The next day, she found the flaw, so I had no choice but to silence her…”
“After Cuizhu’s death, I was lost. Kang Qing saved me, loyal without question. Only he knew of my forbidden longing for my sister. Later he said—why not let her truly die, and replace her with another corpse? Then I recalled the manual’s words: that using the heart of a loving maiden in fragrance could grant eternal beauty, even win back the affection of one who did not love you. Though my sister was gone, I wished to keep her with me longer. Building on Kang Qing’s idea, I conceived the plan of taking hearts from brides-to-be. I knew the family of the first victim would be most suspicious, and the corpses would decay at different rates. So my sister had to be the second victim. Kang Qing, trained in the opera troupe, could mimic voices since childhood. Together we used that skill to kill.”
Kang Jingming’s defenses collapsed; he answered every question.
Pei Yan asked again: “How did you use the hearts in fragrance?”
Kang Jingming’s eyes were vacant: “In the final two steps of blending, I added ground human hearts. A single heart produced little, so I devised the limited-release scheme. I never imagined this would make Fuxiang Studio’s fame spread like wildfire…”
Pei Yan glanced outward. “So you mean every limited-edition fragrance contained human hearts?”
Kang Jingming nodded woodenly, staring at the letter in Pei Yan’s hand.
Pei Yan then passed the letter to Lu Zhuo and stepped out of the Xi Pavilion: “Your Highness, ladies, your doubts are resolved? It is late, and further questioning cannot be made public tonight. Please, return to your residences and rest.”
By now, it was well past midnight. The ladies present cared most about which cosmetics contained human hearts. With the truth revealed, some sighed in relief, but most recoiled in horror and nausea.
Princess Qingyang, her face pale, said: “Very well. There is no need to linger. But if any further trouble arises connected to these balms, Hechen, you must inform me at once. I will not be deceived again in ignorance.”
Pei Yan assented, and only then did Princess Qingyang take the lead in departing. Once she left, the others naturally followed.
Xue Qin had intended to wait for Jiang Li, but seeing her standing together with Fu Yunci and a few others, Pei Yan spoke: “Miss Fu, please stay.”
At his words, everyone assumed it concerned the case of Yu Miaofu’s slander and paid it no mind. Xue Qin noticed Fu Yunci pause, while Yu Zitong and Jiang Li also remained still. With a faint snort, she turned and left first.
When the others had gone far enough, Pei Yan said, “If the interrogation continues, Kang Jingming will surely confess to his visit to Yuzhen Monastery. In accordance with my prior promise to Earl Shou’an, I will not record this matter in the official report. You may rest assured—the Court of Judicial Review will handle the case against Yu Miaofu according to procedure. Yet once it is presented before His Majesty, what judgment may follow is still uncertain.”
Fu Yunheng immediately understood. “Brother Hechen, don’t worry. Though our household may not enjoy the favor of the throne as the Xu family does, submitting a few memorials of impeachment is no difficult task.”
Pei Yan nodded, his gaze shifting to Jiang Li. “This time, it was thanks to your assistance. Once the case reaches its first conclusion, I shall call upon you to express my gratitude.”
Jiang Li lowered her eyes. “It was but a small effort, my lord. You need not give it weight.”
Pei Yan’s eyes lingered on her, about to speak further, when Fu Yunheng interjected: “Sister, return to the manor first. Later I’ll come back and tell you how that scoundrel confesses.”
Fu Yunci replied, “My thanks to Lord Pei for this matter. We shall take our leave now.”
Pei Yan acknowledged, and Fu Yunci departed with her companions toward Fuxiang Studio. As they walked, Yu Zitong sighed, “Who would have thought it was that shameless pair plotting against you? Fortunately, the betrothal was dissolved, and today their disgrace was laid bare before all. From now on, no one will dare use this matter to bully you. I’m eager to see how they end up.”
Fu Yunci gave a bitter smile. “After all these years, I misjudged them completely.” She then clasped Jiang Li’s cold hand. “Miss Xue, the one I ought to thank most is you. I know you’ve been running about tirelessly these past days. Now that the case has been settled, I shall host a banquet at our manor to formally express my gratitude.”
Jiang Li laughed softly. “There’s no need for such formality. As a physician, it is my duty to heal and save lives.”
Fu Yunci shook her head. “Healing is indeed your calling. But helping me investigate a case?”
At this, Jiang Li’s voice grew more solemn. “Though the authorities have conducted their inquiry, I am, after all, from the jianghu and do not place blind faith in officialdom. Justice and truth are rare in this world. The rarer they are, the more I rely on myself to seek them out. Fortunately, Lord Pei is upright and impartial. Now everything has been settled, and your innocence restored.”
Yu Zitong nodded repeatedly. “Miss Xue speaks rightly. Still, I hadn’t expected Pei Hechen to interrogate those two in public. The matter involves both the Qing’an household and the Xu family. Anyone else would have tried to hush it up to avoid trouble. He has always been strict in following procedure—today he truly broke precedent.”
Jiang Li seemed thoughtful at this. Fu Yunci said, “You’ve only just returned to Chang’an and have had little contact with him. You don’t know—Lord Pei has changed greatly these past years. He is no longer the man of Bailu Academy he once was.”
Yu Zitong shrugged, her tone indifferent. “Is that so? No matter how much he’s changed, I won’t forget that he still owes Wei Yang.”
Fu Yunci wanted to say more, but after glancing at Jiang Li, she held her tongue. “Enough. I’ll host that banquet to thank Miss Xue, and you must come too. She’s just returned to Chang’an—henceforth, we’ll be her support here.”
Yu Zitong smiled. “Naturally! I’ve said it already—anyone who saves you is my benefactor as well.”
The three of them chatted as they found their respective carriages. After bidding farewell, Jiang Li boarded the Xue family carriage. Inside, the cabin was pitch dark; pressed against the wall, the calm she had maintained began to feel stifled once more. Outside, Chang Gong was about to raise his whip when suddenly a figure ran out from Fuxiang Studio—it was Jiu Si.
Jiu Si jogged up quickly. “Miss Xue, the young master instructed me to bring you this lantern. He said you went to the charnel house this afternoon, and you might be frightened on the way back. This lamp will light your path.”
Jiang Li lifted the curtain and indeed saw Jiusi holding an oil lamp. She was momentarily taken aback, but Huai Xi leaned forward at once to receive it. “Thank Lord Pei—having a lamp is truly a blessing!”
Jiu Si smiled. “Be careful on your way home, miss.”
Jiang Li nodded. “My thanks.”
As the carriage rolled forward, the cabin filled with a warm, amber glow.
Huai Xi glanced at Jiang Li, then at the lamp in her hands, and whispered, “You fear neither charnel houses nor the dead, but today’s fire left even servants shaken. Lord Pei’s lamp came at just the right time.”
Jiang Li fixed her gaze on the lamp. In her dark eyes, the flickering flame was reflected like specks of lacquer. The suffocating weight in her chest eased a little, yet as she watched, her brows knit—the familiar, unsettling feeling rose again.
By the time they returned to the Xue estate, it was nearly midnight. Steward Xue Tai was waiting at the gate. “Miss, the master is in his study awaiting you.”
Jiang Li had already expected this. She drew her cloak tighter and made her way to Xue Qi’s study. Passing through two winding corridors, she arrived at Mingli Hall. Inside, she found Xue Qin and Madam Yao present. At her entrance, Madam Yao rose to salute, while Xue Qin’s eyes were red, her hair half-loosened, dressed in fresh clothes—clearly bathed and just recently in tears.
Jiang Li bowed. “Your daughter greets Father.”
Xue Qi’s face was stern as water. “Ling’er, these past days you’ve gone out early and returned late. I thought you were at Shou’an manor treating that young lady’s illness. Yet it turns out you’ve been helping the Court of Judicial Review investigate the Bride Butcher case?!”
Jiang Li nodded, speaking with a blend of truth and concealment. “While attending Miss Fu at Shou’an manor, I encountered Lord Pei. He asked me to identify a certain medicinal incense, and later I assisted him in examining two corpses.”
Xue Qi was taken aback. “Corpses? The Court has its own coroners—why would they need you? Coroners belong to the lowest ranks. You are the eldest daughter of the Xue family; how could you stoop to such work? Worse still, it brings ill fortune, disturbing the household’s peace.”
Jiang Li answered calmly, “Father is head of the Censorate, a close minister to the Son of Heaven. What ill fortune could unsettle the Xue family? Though I am not a coroner, I am of the medical profession. Physicians heal the living, but we can also read the dead. It was but a small effort. I thought, since Father often deals with the Court, I might lend a hand. I did not consider it further.”
Her words left Xue Qi momentarily speechless. Hearing her mention the Court again, he asked, “This case is overseen by Lord Pei himself? Did he personally request your aid?”
Jiang Li thought back—Pei Yan had indeed spoken to her directly. She nodded. “Yes.”
Xue Qi gave a low hiss. “If he himself asked, then indeed it would be hard to refuse. You’ve only just returned, so you don’t yet know his influence. His current post at the Court of Judicial Review is but His Majesty’s way of granting him more achievements. In time, he will not stop here.”
Jiang Li listened intently, and Xue Qi’s vexation eased somewhat. His voice then grew more solemn: “Since the reign of Yongchang, women entangled in court affairs have easily drawn censure. It is not that I begrudge you healing the world, but families like ours must tread with utmost caution. Your younger brother will sit for the examinations next year. With his talent, he is certain to succeed. When that time comes, our household will draw even greater notice. The higher one climbs, the heavier the fall. You must remember always—act with prudence.”
He paused, then continued: “Tonight I summoned you not only to remind you of this, but also to prepare you. Tomorrow at noon, you will accompany me into the Eastern Palace to pay respects to your aunt. Her health has steadied these past days, and she has often thought of you over the years.”
Jiang Li’s heart gave a jolt. Lowering her gaze, she replied, “Yes, Father. I understand.”
Seeing her manners impeccable and her bearing extraordinary, Xue Qi found no further fault. At last, he waved his hand. “Enough, enough. It is late. Go and rest.”
Jiang Li assented, bowed once more, and withdrew.
No sooner had she left than Xue Qin muttered, “So this is Father’s lesson? I too wish to greet Aunt, yet why does Father take only Elder Sister…”
Jiang Li remained unmoved. Once she had gone far, Huai Xi whispered, “At last, you will meet the Crown Princess. Had Lord Xue not mentioned it, I would have forgotten that our Great Zhou once had a woman emperor. Women’s academies began in that era…”
Nearly eighty years ago, the dynasty passed into the Yonglong reign. Emperor Yonglong cherished his Empress deeply, yet their children were few. At his death, he passed the throne to his twenty‑year‑old daughter, Princess Pingyang, Li Jin. Ascending as Empress Yongchang, she governed diligently and ushered in a flourishing age. Customs grew enlightened, women’s learning prospered, and princesses could even attend court alongside princes. A women’s examination was nearly established—yet before it could be realized, Empress Yongchang fell gravely ill, and the throne was seized by her younger brother, Li Xiu.
Li Xiu reigned under the era name Dexing. Customs regressed to those of Yonglong’s time. Women could still enter private academies, but the women’s examination was never again possible. Now Emperor Jingde, Li Yu, has ruled for thirty‑nine years. Though a ruler of great talent, under his reign, women’s learning has waned, and only noble daughters pursue private study for the sake of reputation.
Huai Xi then asked softly, “Tonight, when Miss Yu said Lord Pei owed someone—was it the young master of the Wei clan?”
Jiang Li’s eyes darkened. “Yes.”
Seeing her face pale, Huai Xi pressed her lips tight and dared not ask further. When they returned to Yingyue Pavilion, she alone attended Jiang Li’s bath and dressing. By the time Jiang Li lay upon her couch, it was already near the fourth watch of the night.
Jiang Li was utterly exhausted; the moment her head touched the pillow, she slipped into sleep.
In her dream, snow was falling thick and fast. Hidden among the crowd, her eyes burned as she stared at the vast execution platform before the Zhuque Gate. Upon it, the forty‑three members of Earl Guang’an’s household were bound and forced to kneel.
Wei Jie and Yu Qingling were battered beyond recognition. Wei Yang dragged his crippled legs, lifting his head in bewilderment—his mind already broken, unaware of what awaited him. Yet as his gaze wandered, he suddenly caught sight of Jiang Li. From somewhere, he found strength, struggling forward, crying out with a voice that tore through the air: “Little sister, don’t come—!”
“It hurts, it hurts—run, sister, run—!”
Jiang Li’s heart twisted like a blade. His desperate cries were swallowed by the dream as she fought to reach him. But in the next instant, the scene shifted—she was racing up a narrow, pitch‑black staircase.
Ahead loomed a shadowy figure she could not discern; behind her, heavy footsteps pressed close. She could not tell whether she was pursuing or fleeing—only that fear engulfed her, prickling at her back.
Her ragged breaths echoed in her ears. The staircase twisted again and again until she seemed lost in a fog. Then came a surge of heat: tongues of fire, serpentine and gleaming, slithered upward. Scarlet railings and painted balustrades were devoured by the blaze; towering halls wavered in the smoke, ready to collapse. She halted, searching desperately for escape, but the footsteps lunged near. A brutal force struck from behind, and she stumbled headlong into the boundless sea of fire.
Outside, the snowy night around Yingyue Pavilion lay silent. Within her nightmare of burning flames, Jiang Li whimpered in anguish.