“Ah Ci, what’s wrong?”
Fu Yunci’s sudden state startled everyone. Madam Liu quickly leaned forward to ask.
Jiang Li said gravely, “Did the young lady recall what happened last night?”
At this, Fu Sheng stepped closer. “Ah Ci, when your brother and Young Master Pei heard of your attack, they suspected it was the so‑called ‘Bride Butcher’—the killer who has preyed on betrothed brides these past six months. Did you see the culprit’s face?”
Fu Yunci’s fear deepened. “The… the Bride Butcher?”
Having barely escaped with her life, she had not yet fully regained her composure. Now, as the memories of last night returned, Madam Liu’s heart ached even more, yet she pressed on, desperate to uncover the culprit who had tried to murder her daughter. “After your accident yesterday, we chose not to report to the authorities. Your brother sought help from Heir Pei, who began investigating under his own name. After midnight, he and your brother went to Yuzhen Temple to search for clues. Ah Ci, how exactly were you attacked yesterday? Why did you end up in the bamboo grove outside the temple? Do you remember the assailant’s face?”
The barrage of questions brought tears to Fu Yunci’s eyes. Clutching the brocade quilt nervously, she shook her head. “I… I cannot remember…”
Dan Feng choked out, “Miss, have you forgotten? Yesterday, we split up to make rubbings of the stone inscriptions at Yuzhen Temple. Mo Mei and I wrote for a while, then went to find you—but you had vanished. Please, try to recall. We cannot let the one who harmed you escape!”
Tears welled up, spilling over. Fu Yunci suddenly turned to Madam Liu. “Nanny just said… the Xu family…”
Madam Liu explained gently, “When you disappeared yesterday, perhaps word spread. The Xu family’s old madam sent Nanny Wang to inquire after you, worried for your safety. I had meant to brush her off.”
Fu Yunci sobbed, clutching Madam Liu’s hand tightly. “Mother, don’t leave me…”
Madam Liu soothed her, “All right, all right, Mother will stay. Let Cui Yun go meet Nanny Wang and say you merely got separated from the servants yesterday.”
Obeying the order, Nanny Cui left. Madam Liu asked again, “Ah Ci, do you truly remember nothing of the attack? Your neck was injured, you were drugged—was it in the stone forest? Do you recall how you escaped?”
Fu Yunci’s tears fell like rain, her gaze flickering with anguish. Suddenly, she strained to glance at her wound. From her angle, she could see the white bandages and the dark bruises where fingers had gripped her neck. Her face changed drastically. She clutched her collar and turned aside. “I… I really don’t remember. Don’t ask me anymore, Mother. Leave. Make them all leave. Don’t ask me again…”
Madam Liu tried to stop her. “Ah Ci, you mustn’t move—”
“Don’t touch me! Out, all of you, out…”
Her hoarse cries were filled with pain. Madam Liu, watching her daughter’s trembling back, looked helplessly toward Jiang Li. “Miss Xue, what should we do…”
Jiang Li’s heart twisted. “Miss Fu, your pulse has improved greatly. The danger of last night has passed, but your emotions must not be stirred too violently. I will add a few herbs to your prescription. From now on, you need only rest quietly until the wound heals. Let Madam stay with you. We will wait outside.”
She led the way out, Huai Xi following close behind. Soon, Fu Sheng, Dan Feng, and the others also withdrew. Only a wall separated the inner and outer chambers, and from the doorway they could still hear Fu Yunci’s muffled sobs.
Fu Sheng lingered at the door, sighing bitterly before sitting in the front hall. Dan Feng and Mo Mei wiped their tears in silence.
As they fretted, Nanny Cui returned. Surprised to find everyone outside, she asked what had happened. Mo Mei, eyes red, explained, “Miss recalled last night and grew distraught. She would not let us stay with her.”
Nanny Cui sighed, then whispered, “Master, Old Madam Xu is Yuzhen Temple’s greatest patron. Though she did not attend yesterday’s ritual, someone there reported to her. I told Nanny Wang that Miss had merely gotten separated from the servants. She did not press further, but clearly did not believe me. She has gone back now, though I cannot say if she will return.”
Fu Sheng waved his hand. “Enough. We cannot worry about that now.”
At this moment, Jiang Li stepped forward. “Nanny, Miss Fu’s emotions are unstable. Last night’s prescription must be altered. Add three qian of pinellia, two qian of white atractylodes, and twelve jujubes. Boil and administer every three hours. The wound’s hemostatic formula remains unchanged. Since you understand medicine, later you may change her dressing yourself.”
Nanny Cui, trusting Jiang Li who had saved Fu Yunci, quickly agreed.
By now, dawn had passed, yet in the depths of winter, the sky remained dark. The mournful wind outside seemed to echo the sorrow within. Jiang Li’s worry deepened.
She knew Fu Yunci well—dutiful, virtuous, delicate of heart. Though raised in luxury, she never allowed herself a single misstep, like a flawless pearl unsullied by dust. From her youth she had cherished feelings for the Xu family’s young master. Now, on the eve of her marriage, such a calamity had befallen her. How could she possibly let it go?
A mortal wound could be healed; a heart’s knot was far harder to untangle. Jiang Li paced anxiously before asking, “How many people knew of Miss Fu’s visit to Yuzhen Temple to pray?”
Dan Feng wiped her eyes. “Miss is a regular visitor. Of ten rituals, she attends nine. Besides the temple staff, the Xu family and several allied households are aware.”
Jiang Li pressed further. “Has anything unusual happened in the household lately? Yesterday at Yuzhen Temple, did you encounter anyone familiar?”
Dan Feng and Mo Mei exchanged uneasy glances.
Jiang Li said, “Miss Fu vanished from the stone forest without a sound. The killer was clearly prepared—not only did he know she would go to Yuzhen Temple, he even guessed she would visit the stone forest. That is no ordinary knowledge. Besides, who knew in advance that Miss Fu intended to copy an inscription for Old Madam Xu?”
Fu Sheng hesitated. “Ah Ci has been staying at home, awaiting her marriage. Everything in the household has been normal. As for copying the inscription for Old Madam Xu—it was because the old lady has been unwell and has not left her house for over a month. Ah Ci thought, since the stone forest was newly built and Old Madam Xu had not yet seen it, she would copy an inscription to send her. If anyone knew of this, it was only Dan Feng and a few others…”
Mo Mei added, “Miss only mentioned the inscription yesterday, on the way there.”
Jiang Li’s suspicion deepened. “Miss Fu is clearly a woman of strict propriety; she would never casually interact with strangers. The crime took place at the stone forest, but even if no one was present, if the killer had attacked her there and then carried her out of Yuzhen Temple, how could he ensure he met no one along the way? Therefore, I suspect the attack did not happen in the stone forest at all…”
“Miss Xue is most perceptive—” Suddenly, a clear voice rang out. Everyone turned to see Fu Yunheng returning, with Pei Yan beside him. The two had been out all night; their black hair was dusted with snow, their robes muddied, their appearance rather disheveled.
Fu Sheng rose to greet them. “Heir, did you discover anything?”
Pei Yan’s hairpin was frosted with snow; even his eyelashes were rimmed with ice. His breath came out in mist as he asked, “Has Miss Fu awakened?”
Fu Sheng sighed bitterly. “She has, but her emotions are very poor. Whatever we ask, she says she remembers nothing. She refused to see anyone and only calmed down after driving us out. At present, her mother is with her.”
Fu Yunheng immediately moved toward the inner chamber. “Sister—”
Fu Sheng quickly stopped him. “Do not disturb your sister. Miss Xue barely saved her life. In her current state, she cannot bear the slightest agitation. Wait until she stabilizes; then we can discuss further.”
Fu Yunheng faltered, glancing at Pei Yan. Pei Yan looked toward Jiang Li.
Jiang Li nodded. “Miss Fu’s injuries are severe. Having just awakened, she truly cannot endure any disturbance.”
The truth of Fu Yunci’s attack could only be revealed by her own account. Yet though the answer lay so close, the obstacle was Fu Yunci herself. Fu Yunheng grew anxious, then looked apologetically at Pei Yan. “Brother Hechen…”
Pei Yan stood tall and composed, showing no disappointment. “It matters not. Fortunately, we did uncover some clues last night—”
Outside, the night was just beginning to pale, the dark sky streaked with leaden gray. Pei Yan turned to Jiang Li. “As Miss Xue surmised, the killer did not strike in the stone forest.”
Jiang Li’s eyes lit faintly.
Pei Yan continued, “We went to Yuzhen Temple. Following the clue of the soapthorn thorns, we searched the back mountain outside the north gate. There we found a small dense grove. No houses stood within, and the snow had covered most traces. Yet in several places beneath thick branches, we discovered two suspicious sets of carriage tracks. Combined with the soil stains on Miss Fu’s dress, it seems she was injured in that grove…”
Jiang Li frowned. “A carriage? The killer abducted Miss Fu onto a carriage?”
Pei Yan nodded gravely. “Most likely. The bruises from blunt impact on her body were probably left during a struggle inside the carriage. In the past, after five victims disappeared, the authorities searched widely but never found the crime scenes. We long suspected the killer abducted them first, then killed them. Now this is further confirmed.”
He paused, then added, “Later, when we returned to the north gate, we found a teahouse nearby. We knocked at midnight and questioned the owner. She said that yesterday, just after the Shen hour, she saw Miss Fu alone leaving the north gate and heading toward the bamboo grove. Few pilgrims pass through the north gate—it is mostly used by the temple’s priests—so she remembered it clearly. But she was not watching constantly, so she could not say whether anyone followed Miss Fu.”
Jiang Li’s eyes narrowed. “Miss Fu would never leave Yuzhen Temple without reason—unless she saw someone, or something, that drew her to follow…”
Fu Yunheng fixed his gaze on the inner chamber door. “But how could Sister not remember?”
Inside, silence fell; no one could answer. Just then, a servant hurried in. “Master, the carriage to fetch Miss Xue has arrived. It was sent by Minister Xue—his men are waiting outside the gate.”
Fu Sheng quickly said, “Miss Xue, you have endured hardship all night. Your father must be worried as well. Since the carriage has come, we should not detain you further. For saving Ah Ci’s life, we can never repay you. When she improves tomorrow, let her thank you herself. For now, let Yunheng escort you to the carriage—”
Jiang Li shook her head. “To save lives is a physician’s duty. Master, you need not be so formal. Miss Fu must rest and take her medicine today. My staying here is unnecessary. I will return tomorrow morning to examine her again. If anything happens, you may send for me at Pingkang Ward. There is no need for the young lord to see me off.”
Fu Yunheng insisted, “At least allow me to escort Miss Xue to the carriage.”
Pei Yan glanced at the dim sky outside and said clearly, “In that case, I too shall take my leave. I will continue investigating Miss Fu’s case privately. Once she is calmer, if she recalls anything from yesterday, let Yunheng come to me.”
Fu Sheng bowed. “Heir, we will not forget your kindness this morning.”
Thus, Fu Yunheng escorted both Jiang Li and Pei Yan out of the residence. As they left Fu Yunci’s courtyard, Jiang Li could not help but ask, “May I inquire, Heir—those five previous victims, aside from being brides-to-be like Miss Fu, did they share any other similarities?”
Fu Yunheng looked at Pei Yan. “Brother Hechen…”
This case was under the jurisdiction of the Court of Judicial Review. Though Pei Yan had only recently assumed the post of Assistant Minister, he was known for his strict governance. Fu Yunheng was unsure whether to reveal the details to Jiang Li.
But Pei Yan spoke gently. “Other than being brides-to-be, they differed in appearance, age, and family background.”
Seeing his openness, Fu Yunheng explained further. “Miss Xue, the first victim was Wang Yan, daughter of Wang Zhonglian, proprietor of Jinyun Silk Shop in the eastern quarter. The Wang family were once imperial merchants in Jiangnan, well-regarded in Chang’an. On the seventh day of the sixth month, they reported her missing. On the twentieth, her dismembered remains were found in the western moat. She was twenty years old, betrothed to the Feng family, officials of the Waterworks Bureau. At the time of her death, her wedding was twelve days away…”
“The second victim was Kang Yun, eldest daughter of the Ningxiang Pavilion, a famous cosmetics and jewelry shop in the eastern market. Her mother had died young, so she and her younger brother Kang Xu managed the business. She was twenty-two, engaged to the third son of the Yang family of Guangling. She disappeared on the second day of the seventh month, and her remains were found on the nineteenth—half a month before her wedding.”
“The third victim was Zheng Ran, daughter of Zheng Xu, a senior official in the Ministry of Rites. She vanished on the seventh day of the eighth month. On the twentieth, parts of her body were found in the wilds outside the city. She was eighteen, engaged to the second son of Lu Xun, military governor of Longyou. That young man was skilled in painting, well-known for his talent. It was an excellent match—her wedding was only seven days away.”
At this, Fu Yunheng glanced at Pei Yan. “These three cases occurred under the previous Assistant Minister, He Chong. At that time, the Court of Judicial Review and the yamen investigated jointly. But it was summer, and the remains were already decayed when found. The killer left no trace, cunning each time. When Brother Hechen took over, there was almost no progress.”
Seeing that Pei Yan did not object, he continued. “The fourth victim was Wu Ruohan, daughter of Wu Yaoqing, registrar of the Court of Imperial Banquets. She disappeared on the ninth day of the ninth month. On the twenty-seventh, parts of her body were discovered. The killer had dumped them in several sewage ditches south of the city—too gruesome to behold. Her fiancé was the eldest son of Jin Yongren, Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau. Her wedding was but ten days away.”
At this, Jiang Li’s steps faltered slightly. “Jin Yongren…”
Fu Yunheng nodded. “Yes… do you know him? His eldest son has inherited his mantle and now serves at the Imperial Medical Bureau. After the incident, that young man fell gravely ill himself. He and Miss Wu were childhood sweethearts—he was devastated.”
The winter wind cut sharply through the corridor, tugging at Jiang Li’s skirts. She drew her cloak tighter. “I have only heard that in Chang’an, the finest physician is this Lord Jin…”
Fu Yunheng shrugged. “Perhaps. Otherwise, he would not hold the title of Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau.”
He continued, “The fifth victim was Qian Gantang, daughter of Qian Yongzhi, Prefect of Fuzhou. She was seventeen this year. She disappeared on the sixteenth day of the tenth month, and only four days ago—on the seventh of the eleventh month—her remains began to be found, piece by piece. Her head has yet to be recovered. I never imagined the killer would target my sister so soon after…”
Jiang Li asked, “To which family was Miss Qian betrothed?”
Fu Yunheng replied, “To Yuan Hang, second son of General Yuan of the Shence Army. Their wedding was set for the sixth day of the month. At the time, the killer had not yet discarded her body, so everyone still clung to a final shred of hope. Alas…”
When he finished, Jiang Li felt a chill in her heart. “One case each month, and the victims came from entirely different families. For the killer to strike, he must at least have had some way to approach these women.”
Pei Yan said, “You are correct. Before their deaths, all of these young ladies were engaged in the same matter.”
Jiang Li’s thoughts stirred. “Preparing for marriage, arranging the wedding rites?”
As she spoke, the group walked along a corridor hung with bright red wedding silks. The dim morning light fell upon the vivid decorations, casting a sinister blue shadow over their brilliance. Even the rows of lanterns inscribed with the character for ‘joy,’ swaying faintly under the eaves, seemed tinged with eerie sorrow.
“If there is another similarity,” Pei Yan’s clear voice broke through the gloom, “it is that all these betrothals had lasted more than three years. Their families knew the couples were deeply devoted, with genuine affection between them.”
Jiang Li pondered his words, unease flickering in her heart. “Miss Fu and Young Master Xu are the same.”
Fu Yunheng’s expression grew strange. “This man must be one who loves but cannot obtain. Yet he seeks to break apart lovers, and only dares to strike at women. Truly, the most cowardly of cowards!”
They walked southwest, the main gate now in sight. Suddenly Pei Yan asked, “May I ask, Miss—could Miss Fu’s neck wound and fright alone cause her to forget yesterday’s events?”
Jiang Li slowed her steps. “When she first awoke, her mind was indeed clouded. But later her words were clear, with no sign of brain injury. Fear is possible—last night was a nightmare for her. Each recollection is like reliving it anew. The avoidance, grief, terror, and anger are beyond her control.”
Pei Yan’s gaze darkened. “But even the events before the attack—would they cause such a state?”
Jiang Li’s heart gave a jolt. Fu Yunheng asked in confusion, “Brother Hechen, what do you mean?”
Pei Yan replied calmly, “As Miss Xue said, your sister was likely lured out by someone or something. From the moment she left the stone forest until she passed through the north gate to the bamboo grove, the attack had not yet occurred. She should at least remember what happened during that time.”
Fu Yunheng was startled. “Brother Hechen, are you saying my sister is lying?”
As they spoke, the three rounded the screen wall and reached the gate. In the snowy courtyard, the Xue family’s carriage awaited. Steward Xue Tai held a lantern and personally came to fetch her.
Pei Yan shook his head. “I did not see her upon waking. I cannot say for certain.”
He had not seen—but Jiang Li had. She had been at Fu Yunci’s side when she awoke. A thought flashed through her mind, growing clearer, though she hesitated to voice it. At the gate, the cold wind swept in from the long street. Her lowered gaze fell upon Pei Yan’s mud-stained robe hem. In that instant, he seemed far removed from the immaculate, flawless heir of the Pei family she once knew.
She looked at him intently and said, “Miss Fu has always been cautious. With her wedding so near, only family matters could move her to take such a risk. Beyond her own household, there seems no other possibility—”
Pei Yan’s eyes narrowed. “You mean… the Xu family?”