Pei Yan stepped in from the outer circle, his gaze falling quietly on Jiang Li.
A middle-aged man nearby came forward to bow. “Commoner Kang Long greets Lord Pei. What brings you here today?”
As he spoke, Kang Long winked and gestured. Several guards quickly released the servant boy. Kang Jingming, still brimming with resentment, turned to salute. Pei Yan said nothing, his eyes still fixed on Jiang Li. “Why is Miss Xue here?”
The accompanying guards had already dispersed the crowd. Jiang Li took two steps forward. “I came to buy rouge.”
Fang Xuan smiled as well. “Lord Pei, it has been a long time.”
Pei Yan inclined his head politely. “Madam Jian.” Then his gaze shifted to Kang Long. “In broad daylight—what is this commotion?”
Kang Long forced a flattering smile. “My lord, forgive this fool. I was merely disciplining a disobedient servant. Talk of beating him to death was only to frighten him.”
Pei Yan’s eyes swept once more over the still-angry Kang Jingming. “I recall this shop belongs to the Kang family’s second branch. Why bar him from entering?”
Realizing he could not bluff, Kang Long sighed. “You may not know—the shop did belong to the second branch, but now that branch has no one left. Jingming grew up there, but he was never entered into the family register. These past years, the shop survived only thanks to Yun’er. Since Yun’er’s misfortune, Jingming has sunk in grief, and the business has steadily declined. As head of the main branch, I cannot simply stand by, can I?”
Fearing Pei Yan’s displeasure, he quickly produced a document from his sleeve. “Look, this is the paper I filed at the yamen just days ago. According to regulation, the shop is now under the main branch. It has nothing to do with Kang Jingming…”
Pei Yan looked at Kang Jingming. The young man’s voice was bitter. “If you hadn’t forced my sister into marriage, she would never have fallen victim to that Bride Butcher. This shop was her dowry, filled with her belongings. She has not yet been laid to rest, and already you seize it. Have you no thought for the dead?”
Kang Long retorted angrily. “Yun’er has been gone for four months. We have shown more than enough forbearance. That marriage was arranged long ago—what does it have to do with me? You blame us for everything, as if you wish us to be buried with her! Yes, the shop was her dowry, but she is gone, the marriage annulled. Should I let you ruin the family estate?”
Kang Jingming’s face darkened further, his hand clenched tight at his side.
Kang Long pressed on. “By rights, even your residence should be reclaimed. But for Yun’er’s sake, I’ve left you a shred of leeway. Do as you please, but keep away from the Kang family property. Have you even looked at the accounts these past months? The business is so poor it can’t match three days’ takings at Fuxiang House!”
His anger mounted, but remembering Pei Yan’s presence, he coughed lightly. “As for her belongings, take them if you must. My lord, all is done according to proper rules. I am not bullying anyone.”
When Pei Yan took charge of the case, he met all the victims’ families. He knew this young man from the Kang family’s second branch was of illegitimate birth. Pei Yan had no authority to settle their household disputes. He said only: “The yamen will re-examine Kang Yun’s case. Since you are all here, prepare to give testimony.”
Kang Long looked slightly startled. “Why must there be another round of questioning?”
Lu Zhuo, who had accompanied them, stepped forward. “Master Kang, simply answer. Young Master Kang, please cooperate as well—let’s move inside the shop.”
Kang Long dared not disobey and quickly said, “My lord, please come inside to speak. Madam, you too—”
The busy street was indeed inconvenient. Pei Yan strolled through the doorway, with Fang Xuan leading Jiang Li and the others behind. Inside, the shop was spacious, lined with cabinets and shelves, dazzling with rouge, powders, fragrant balms, and jewelry.
Remembering Jiang Li’s purpose, Kang Long ordered the clerks, “Why aren’t you properly attending to Madam and Miss?”
The clerks hurried forward. “Madam, Miss, please come this way to look…”
While Lu Zhuo questioned Kang Long on the east side, the clerks deliberately guided Fang Xuan and Jiang Li toward the western counters of rouge. But then, standing in the center of the hall, Pei Yan suddenly spoke: “Miss Xue, may I have a word?”
Jiang Li was taken aback. Fang Xuan and Jian Siqin also looked surprised. Soon, Fang Xuan said, “Go on, Ah-Ling. I’ll look at the powders.”
Reluctantly, Jiang Li turned back. “What instruction do you have?”
Pei Yan’s gaze swept over her injured hand; his voice was low. “Miss Xue, though wounded, you still come to buy rouge—and just happen to arrive at Ningxiang Pavilion. If you intend to help Miss Fu investigate the true culprit, why did you not ask me back at the mortuary?”
His tone was gentle, but his eyes were unreadable. Jiang Li froze. “You misunderstand…”
Pei Yan’s expression did not change, as though seeing through her.
“You care about this case—whether for Miss Fu or for the five victims earlier. If you ask, I will not conceal. But alas, you seem not to trust me enough.”
Jiang Li hesitated. Pei Yan continued: “This case began in June, and now five months have passed. The victims’ social ties, habits, and circumstances of death are exceedingly complex. The Court of Judicial Review already holds dozens of volumes of official records. For you to trace clues alone would be most difficult.”
A strange unease stirred in Jiang Li’s heart. “Investigating murder is the Court’s grave duty. You and I have met only twice. If I ask, you say you will not hide anything. Why should you trust me?”
Pei Yan answered calmly: “You saved the sixth victim’s life—examining wounds before examining corpses. On that basis alone, there is no reason not to trust you.”
Jiang Li looked at him deeply, then said, “Unfortunately, I am a physician. I do not care for the case as you imagine. Thank you for your kindness.”
With that, she turned away. Returning to Fang Xuan’s side, she found her choosing a fashionable set of peony-scented powder. As a dignified official’s wife, Fang Xuan would not truly accept Jiang Li’s gift, but she picked out two sets for her as well.
Though the snow had stopped, the sky was overcast, and winter nights fell early. The three took their leave of Pei Yan and departed Ningxiang Pavilion.
Once in the carriage, Jian Siqin quickly asked, “Sister, what did Lord Pei say to you just now?”
Jiang Li replied calmly, “He only asked about Miss Fu’s illness.”
The carriage rattled on toward Jian Mansion in Tongyi Ward. Evening had come, and taverns and teahouses along the road lit their lanterns, glowing brilliantly. Jian Siqin pointed outside. “Sister, look—”
Jiang Li leaned out, and in the next instant, her clear eyes trembled violently.
Unaware, Jian Siqin asked, “Have you heard the verse, ‘Drunk on Immortal Ascent, longing for Zhuang Zhou’s butterfly dream—who dreams of bliss in Chang’an’? It was written about this Dengxian Jile Pavilion. The building belongs to the Su family of Guangling. Five years ago, it burned down, rebuilt only this spring. Now, after half a year, it has already become Chang’an’s nightly den of revelry and squandered gold.”
Jiang Li’s gaze fell upon a dazzling tower standing at the end of the long street. Its main hall rose five stories high, with carved eaves and painted arches, vermilion railings and brightly colored balustrades. Pavilions and bridges curved and intertwined like a rainbow suspended in the air. Brilliant banners and embroidered pennants shimmered in gold and jade, making it seem like a dreamlike palace. From within drifted the melodious sounds of strings, flutes, and drums—truly a paradise on earth. Jiang Li narrowed her eyes, her chest tightening, her skin prickling as though scorched. She lowered the curtain and sat back stiffly, her breath caught.
Jian Siqin said, “Though this is a place of pleasure, there is much to enjoy. Many young ladies disguise themselves as men to come here for amusement. When you feel inclined, cousin, I’ll take you to see it for yourself.”
Jiang Li forced a faint smile. “Very well. Thank you, cousin.”
…
The Jian family residence was spacious and refined, with elegant pavilions and poetic gardens. Fang Xuan had even prepared a splendid boudoir for Jiang Li, so she might stay whenever she wished. Just as they finished viewing the room, Jian Bocheng returned from his official duties.
Over forty, he carried himself with scholarly grace. Having not seen his niece for several days, he fussed over her with warm concern. At supper, he too spoke of the Bride Butcher case, lamenting bitterly for Qian Gantang.
When Jian Siqin mentioned Pei Yan’s investigation, Jian Bocheng sighed. “That young man has had a hard path. His father died when he was only five, and the old Duke was in poor health. Many said the Pei household had no heir to carry on. Yet he surpassed expectations. Today, while chatting with Minister Feng of Works, I heard that four years ago, Pei Yan wished to serve in the Ministry of Works or the Ministry of Justice, but His Majesty refused. After years of training, he was instead sent to the Court of Judicial Review—quite unexpected…”
Listening, Jiang Li grew momentarily dazed.
Pei Yan’s father, Pei Su, had been the top scholar of Jingde’s twelfth year. He entered the Ministry of Personnel and, within three short years, rose to Vice Minister. That same year, he married Princess Gaoyang, to whom he had long been betrothed. The next year, their son Pei Yan was born. His given name “Yan” came from the phrase *haiyan heqing*—peace and prosperity—reflecting Pei Su’s devotion to the ruler and the people. Later, Emperor Jingde intended to send him to gain experience in the provinces, but during a famine relief effort, he contracted the plague and died at twenty-eight.
On the carriage ride back to the Xue residence, Jiang Li recalled Pei Yan’s words that afternoon. He had not been wrong: if she truly wished to uncover the culprit who harmed Fu Yunci, she could only rely on official power. Yet given Pei Yan’s cautious, meticulous nature, why would he disregard protocol to trust someone he had known for only two days?
Jiang Li could not fathom it, and unease lingered in her heart. Upon returning to the Xue estate, she thought of how she had not seen Xue Qi all day and went first to the main hall to pay respects. Though she was living under another’s name, her manners were flawless. There she found Xue Qin and Madam Yao present as well.
Seeing Huai Xi carrying a box of incense from Ningxiang Pavilion, Xue Qin remarked, “Why is elder sister buying things from Ningxiang Pavilion? That shop has declined these past six months. Nowadays, Fuxiang House’s rouge and balms are in fashion—though the most popular items are hard to obtain.”
Jiang Li had already heard of Fuxiang House earlier that day. She replied casually, “As long as they are usable, it is fine.”
Xue Qin smiled faintly and said no more. Xue Qi looked at her hand. “They say you were injured. How did you hurt yourself while treating others? The Crown Princess may summon you in a few days—heal quickly, lest you lose propriety. The day after tomorrow, you must attend the banquet at the Princess’s residence. Stay close to Qin’er. Now that you are back in Chang’an, you must carry yourself as a lady of a noble house. Your bearing is fine, but you lack knowledge of high-born etiquette. Let Qin’er guide you.”
Jiang Li answered respectfully, and Xue Qi, satisfied, dismissed her to rest.
The next morning, after several days of gloom, the sky finally cleared. When Jiang Li’s carriage stopped before Shou’an’s residence, the rising sun cast a crystalline glow on the snow-covered eaves.
The gatekeeper greeted her warmly and respectfully, leading her straight to Fu Yunci’s courtyard. Nanny Cui was already waiting at the door.
As Jiang Li entered, Madam Liu came out from the back chamber. “Thank you, Miss Xue, for coming so early. Last night, Ah-Ci finally slept better. She has just taken her medicine and is eagerly awaiting you.”
Hearing this, Jiang Li felt a slight easing in her heart. Entering the inner room, she saw Fu Yunci reclining against the bed, her complexion indeed much rosier.
Jiang Li sat by the bed, rolled up her sleeves, and took her pulse. After a moment, she smiled. “The pulse is much steadier. Today, the prescription remains unchanged. In two days, we’ll adjust it. For the wounds, I’ll add one more ingredient—three qian of chicken-blood vine, ground into powder and applied externally.”
Nanny Cui obeyed and went to prepare the medicine. Fu Yunci then looked at her weary mother. “Mother, please go rest awhile. I’d like to speak with Miss Xue.”
Madam Liu agreed with a smile and withdrew. Fu Yunci also dismissed Dan Feng and the others. “Miss Xue, yesterday Ah-Heng returned and said you examined the other victims’ bodies at the mortuary. Do you believe they were not violated when they were killed?”
At the mention, Fu Yunci shivered, instinctively hunching her shoulders. Jiang Li nodded gravely. “Exactly. I also found it very strange. If the killer is the same person, he should not treat them differently.”
Fu Yunci whispered uneasily, “Could it be… not the same person?”
Jiang Li shook her head. “But the weapon, the drug, the neck wounds, and the method of abduction are all very similar. These details are known only to the authorities and are rarely shared with the public. I also heard of three other young ladies who disappeared—each vanished in broad daylight after being separated from their maids. One even wandered inexplicably into the back mountain of Xiangguo Temple, very much like what happened to you that day.”
Fu Yunci’s face grew anxious. “Similar to me… But at that time, I was only thinking of escape. I remember little, and now my mind is all confusion.”
Jiang Li reassured her. “The fact that you survived is what matters most.”
Fu Yunci sighed, gazing out the window. “I wonder how Lord Pei’s investigation is going. Yunheng went to the Court early this morning. If there is any news, he will bring it back. But I fear it will be difficult. The five victims before me yielded no capture, and I may be of little use…”
Hearing this, Jiang Li did not hurry to take her leave. Fu Yunci, wanting to speak privately with her, said, “You are nothing like what I imagined. I heard you were abducted at the age of three and taken to some remote corner of Xuzhou. Yet looking at you now, you show no trace of rusticity or the ways of the jianghu—you seem as though you grew up in Chang’an itself.”
Jiang Li’s expression did not change. “My foster parents passed away early. Before their deaths, they entrusted me to my master. My master came from a renowned martial family. He taught me medicine, but also poetry, etiquette, and the classics.”
Fu Yunci listened intently and asked how she had grown up in Xuzhou. Jiang Li smiled bitterly to herself, fabricating small details to get by, all the while glancing toward the outer room. After enduring two long quarters of an hour, she finally heard Fu Yunheng’s voice.
“Elder Sister, I’m back…” Fu Yunheng strode into the inner chamber, nodded to Jiang Li, and said, “Brother Hechen has come too. He’s found some news about Brother Xu.”
Fu Yunci, neatly dressed, immediately said, “Quickly, invite him in.”
Pei Yan entered and, seeing Jiang Li, showed no surprise. He spoke directly: “Miss Fu, the matter of the rumors is not yet settled, but Xu Lingze’s earlier suspicions have been cleared.”
Fu Yunci clutched her sleeve nervously. Pei Yan continued, “Yesterday, we investigated his whereabouts during the earlier cases. We discovered that when the first, second, and fourth victims were attacked, he was not in Chang’an. At those times, the garrison was drilling outside the city, and he accompanied his father out of town for three days. Many witnesses confirm this. Even if he had slipped back into Chang’an at midnight, the timing does not match the incidents.”
Fu Yunci let out a long breath of relief. “So that means he cannot be the Bride Butcher?”
Pei Yan nodded. “Correct. Moreover, on the day you were attacked, he remained in the garrison and never left. We questioned many people—there is no mistake.”
Fu Yunci’s face lit with both shock and joy. “Then the voice I heard that day could not have been his?”
Pei Yan nodded again. Fu Yunci calmed herself somewhat. “But… but I am certain I did not mishear. If it wasn’t him, then who? I distinctly saw a woman in purple robes. Surely no one’s voice could be identical to his?”
Pei Yan said, “If I am not mistaken, someone deliberately imitated his voice.”
Fu Yunci was stunned. “Imitated? Could anyone mimic it so perfectly? And who was that woman?”
Jiang Li mused, “Perhaps it was the woman herself who imitated his voice.”
She turned to Pei Yan. “I heard that the fifth victim, Qian Gantang, vanished while praying for her mother. Her maid clearly saw her leave the Buddha hall and followed, but once outside the temple gates, Miss Qian was nowhere to be found. If the person she saw was not Qian at all, then everything makes sense.”
Fu Yunheng asked, “So is the killer a man or a woman? If a woman, then it was a man who abducted my sister. If a man, how could he disguise himself so perfectly as Miss Qian? He can cross-dress and change his voice? That is no easy feat. What kind of person could do such things?”
Jiang Li’s eyes flickered. “Actors can. Performers of variety plays might also. The killer may have learned such skills—or may even belong to a troupe. Such a person would have opportunities to approach the victims and those close to them. The earlier victims may well have been lured away by such tricks.”
Pei Yan, clearly having thought of this, nodded. “I have already ordered Lu Zhuo to investigate the troupes and performers who had contact with the victims’ households, to see if we can find a lead.”
Fu Yunci murmured assent, still dazed. Fu Yunheng stepped forward. “Elder Sister, now you can be at ease. Brother Xu grew up with us—he is no serial killer, nor has he wronged you. Cheer up, recover well. Next month, on the first day, you’ll be wearing your bridal gown.”
Fu Yunci drew a deep breath. “So I truly misjudged him…”
Fu Yunheng quickly said, “It was the killer’s cunning methods. Brother Hechen investigated thoroughly. These past two months, Brother Xu has been either on duty at the garrison or busy preparing for the wedding. Just days ago, he ordered jewelry from Rongbao Hall and even had a full set of headpieces made from East Sea blood coral—you love coral most. He also had an eight-panel sandalwood screen carved with landscapes, another of your favorites.”
Fu Yunci’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Fortunately, I never told Father and Mother—spared us a storm.”
Pei Yan then asked, “Miss Fu, now that your health is stabilizing, might you recall more details from that night?”
Fu Yunci’s face stiffened. “I…” Her shoulders hunched in tension.
Jiang Li was about to comfort her when Fu Yunci suddenly lifted her gaze in terror, first at Jiang Li, then at Fu Yunheng, back and forth three times. Shuddering, she whispered, “I think I do remember something strange. That night, as I ran desperately back, at one moment I felt… as though two people were chasing me…”