All the way northward, to avoid arousing Zhou Lin’s suspicion, Luo Xinci would occasionally step out of the carriage with her veiled hat to take in some air. A few times she even summoned Zhou Lin to her side, using hand gestures to ask about the road ahead.
Fortunately, since Ming Niansheng had already shown her face earlier, and with Lianxing’s cooperation, no doubts were raised throughout the journey.
As they neared the capital, the lingering chill of spring returned with the rain. Several of the maids fell ill, which gave Luo Xinci’s long-unhealed cold an even better excuse. Just as her nerves began to ease, someone came out from the city to greet them.
Lianxing lifted the curtain for a glance, then quickly turned back, tense: “It’s Steward Tang!”
Before entering the capital, Luo Xinci had prepared thoroughly. She knew that four years ago, during the Old Madam’s birthday, Steward Tang had been sent to Linzhou with congratulations and had met Ming Niansheng in person. He was the only one in recent years from the capital who had seen Ming Niansheng up close.
Encountering Steward Tang was expected. Luo Xinci kept calm and whispered: “Don’t panic. Four years have passed—girls grow and change, that’s natural. Bring out the bracelets…”
Lianxing nodded, fumbling in her pouch to retrieve two jade bangles.
These were gifts Steward Tang had delivered to Ming Niansheng during that birthday visit.
With the bangles on her wrist, Luo Xinci felt steadier. She quietly confirmed with Lianxing: “That year, the gifts included twenty bolts of Shu and Yun brocade, three glazed folding screens, three chests of jewels and jade… and a set of green-stone inlaid agate hair ornaments from Silla, which Father had specially made into jewelry for Grandmother.”
Lianxing nodded repeatedly.
Luo Xinci then reviewed the recent exchanges between Linzhou and the capital. Just as she finished, footsteps approached outside, and both fell silent.
“Miss, Steward Tang has come to escort you.”
Luo Xinci quickly lowered the veil of her hat, ensuring her face was hidden. Lianxing carefully opened the carriage door.
Outside, Steward Tang greeted them with a smile, but when he saw Luo Xinci’s face concealed so tightly, he paused in surprise.
Zhou Lin, waiting nearby, hurried to explain: “Before departure, Miss caught a chill. She has yet to recover, and often cannot speak. Please forgive her, Steward Tang.”
Luo Xinci inclined her head politely, then covered her lips to cough lightly. As she lowered her hand, she deliberately shook her sleeve so the jade bangles glinted in view.
Steward Tang’s gaze flicked down, then back to her veiled face. With concern, he said: “Since you are ill, why not rest more? There is no need to rush.”
Zhou Lin smiled: “The Old Madam said the same, but Miss is anxious to see the Marquis and the Princess, unwilling to delay even a moment.”
Steward Tang chuckled in agreement: “Such filial devotion is admirable.” His eyes shifted to Lianxing.
Lianxing knelt inside the carriage, bowing quickly.
“With so many attendants, yet only this one maid serving closely, no wonder Miss’s cold lingers.”
Hearing the hint of reproach, Luo Xinci’s heart tightened. She raised her hands and shook them firmly.
Having traveled with her for days, Zhou Lin had learned to interpret her gestures. Fearing blame himself, he quickly added with a smile: “Miss has never liked being followed closely, even back in Linzhou. On this journey, feeling unwell, she dislikes noise even more. Besides, the long travel has worn everyone down—two of the guards have fallen ill as well…”
Steward Tang seemed about to say more when—“rumble!”—a spring thunder rolled across the sky, cutting him off.
At that moment, Luo Xinci clutched her chest and broke into a fit of violent coughing.
Two groups met on the outskirts of the capital, beneath a sky heavy with dark clouds. Inside the carriage sat the frail young lady, her body weakened by illness, while muffled thunder warned that rain could break at any moment.
In such a scene, Steward Tang could hardly press further. After a few words of concern, he ordered Zhou Lin to continue the journey.
With the carriage doors and windows shut tight, the alternating rhythm of hooves and wheels dulled the pounding of Luo Xinci’s heart. She helped Lianxing back onto the cushions. The two exchanged glances, frozen in silence, neither daring to move.
The road stretched on in quiet. After an indeterminate time, the sounds outside grew louder, bustling—signs they were nearing the city. Entering the city meant the Marquis’s residence was close at hand.
Luo Xinci began to wonder if she was dreaming. How had she truly come to impersonate Ming Niansheng and enter the capital? This was the Marquis Wuling’s household!
The old Marquis had earned his title through loyal service to the founding emperor. After the empire was secured, several other noble houses of foreign surnames were destroyed under various charges, yet the Wuling Marquisate alone remained unshaken. When the old Marquis passed, his heir proved no less capable, still standing shoulder to shoulder with the sovereign.
Luo Xinci had lived scarcely seventeen years—how could she dare deceive Marquis Wuling? Her chest tightened with unease. The cramped carriage became a sealed cage, suffocating her. But when she saw Lianxing’s frightened eyes, Luo Xinci forced down her urge to retreat.
Once the bow is drawn, there is no turning back. Steady yourself!
“Miss.” Steward Tang’s voice suddenly sounded outside the window, startling Luo Xinci.
“We’ve reached the city gates.”
Since joining Steward Tang, Luo Xinci had not dared speak, listening only to the noises beyond. She was certain that when the carriage halted, no footsteps approached—meaning Steward Tang had stayed close by her side the entire way.
Perhaps it was guilt, but Luo Xinci felt sure he suspected her. Her impersonation of Ming Niansheng was a secret even from her own family. She had only told her uncle she wished to go to the capital to investigate, and he had flatly refused.
“You know well the culprit is most likely your father or someone from the Zhou clan. If they want to chase fame and fortune in the capital, they could simply send a letter. Our Luo family may be commoners, but we are not shameless clingers. A clean break would suffice! But look at what the murderer did—silent tricks, plotting to wipe out our entire household!”
“If it were Zhou Yi, so be it. After all, you two share only a betrothal without affection. He sees us as hindering his prospects, so he schemes to remove us—that is his cold calculation. But have you considered what if the killer is your father?”
“Your father—he is your father! Even a tiger does not eat its cubs!”
At this point, her uncle seemed to have countless curses on his tongue, but when he looked at Luo Xinci, he turned away in sullen silence. After a long pause, he continued: “Such ruthless, heartless men are not for an inexperienced girl to provoke. You must not go! Even if I am crippled, you still have your elder brother. Once he recovers, he will resolve this matter. You must stay home quietly—you are not to go anywhere!”
Her uncle’s “elder brother” referred to Luo Xinci’s cousin, who had suffered greatly in prison and was gravely injured. In truth, the string of disasters that had befallen the family all stemmed from Luo Xinci and her mother. She could not bear to see her uncle’s household dragged down further. When she tried to argue again, her uncle said: “If you insist on going, I won’t stop you—so long as you can answer this question.”
He asked: “Suppose your cousin fell into gambling debts and squandered the family fortune. To repay them, I decide to sell you to a brothel. What would you do?”
Luo Xinci froze. Since birth, she had been sheltered by her uncle, given her mother’s surname, and raised as a Luo. She could not imagine her uncle ever doing such a thing. After struggling to think, she said: “I would take Mother and flee far away.”
Her uncle laughed bitterly. “Even if you could escape, what if I accused you of stealing the family’s silver and eloping? Once the officials caught you, your reputation would be ruined. You could be beaten to death, and no one would speak a word in your defense.”
Luo Xinci faltered, unable to reply.
Her uncle’s voice hardened: “You cannot be ruthless with me, your uncle. If the culprit truly is your powerful, heartless father, then you will only meet a miserable death! From today, you will stay obediently at home, teaching your younger sister her letters. You are not to leave the house!”
Luo Xinci lowered her head, ashamed. She dared not say that she could not believe her uncle would ever do such a thing—that she had only imagined her father in that role to find an answer. She knew her uncle was right, yet she had no idea what solution would satisfy him.
Instead of answering directly, he asked: “Do you remember Miss Sun from the west of the city?”
“I remember.”
In Linzhou’s western district, in Yuhua Alley, lived Miss Sun. After her mother’s death, she took on all household chores—washing, cooking, sewing, embroidery—skilled in everything. Gentle in nature, pretty in looks, from the age of fourteen matchmakers had come knocking again and again. Yet this very girl, two years ago, in the dead of night, hacked her father and brother to death, took all the family’s silver, and fled. The authorities have never caught her. She became infamous throughout Jiangbei as unfilial, cruel, and vicious.
“She planned for at least five days,” her uncle said. “First she acted meek to lower her father and brother’s guard. Then she mapped her escape route, using four constables, three neighbors, and one escort bureau. After reaching Xiangyang, she slipped into a caravan bound south, and finally vanished in Jiangbo Prefecture—never a trace since.” After recounting this, he added sternly: “Selling a daughter to pay a brother’s gambling debts is not something I invented. You cannot imagine how wicked people can be.”
Luo Xinci understood. Her uncle was right. Born and raised in Linzhou, she had studied the virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and faith. The worst thing she had ever done was, as a child, stealing jujubes with her cousin. She truly was no match for such ruthless villains.
To confront the hidden murderer, she would need a heart just as cruel, like the notorious Miss Sun—calm, decisive, merciless. Many said she was evil, that to kill even her closest kin meant she would descend to the eighteenth level of hell after death.
Just as her uncle had warned, if she failed to escape and were dragged back by her father and brother, what awaited her would be a living hell where all dignity was stripped away. It was clear: to deal with villains, one had to be more ruthless than they were. Since she was already guilty of impersonating the Marquis’s daughter, she might as well play the role of a thorough villain.
Villains never falter.
Pressing a hand against her pounding chest, Luo Xinci exhaled heavily, then turned toward the small window and opened a narrow slit. Cool air rushed into the carriage, stirring the gauzy veil before her.
She saw Steward Tang glance her way. Holding her breath, she fixed her gaze, sweeping past him to observe the others nearby. At the city gate, curious townsfolk craned their necks to look at her; ahead, guards stood stiffly at attention, while Zhou Lin was negotiating with the soldiers on duty. No one was watching her.
“I am Ming Niansheng,” Luo Xinci repeated silently to herself. Then, with sudden resolve, she lifted the veil, revealing her striking features. She clearly caught the flicker of astonishment—and faint doubt—in Steward Tang’s eyes. She forced a timid smile and whispered, “You’ve worked hard, Steward Tang.”
He recovered quickly, replying just as softly, “It is my duty, Miss. You are too kind.”
Her gaze darted around nervously; none of the escorting guards had noticed. Her heart raced with fear, yet she pressed on: “The last time I saw you, I was still a child. After four years apart, I hardly dared to greet you…”
Steward Tang chuckled. “No fault of yours, miss. When this old servant first saw you again, I too thought you had changed greatly. If not for Guard Zhou’s escort, had we met elsewhere, I might not have recognized you either.”
Luo Xinci’s smile blossomed, her eyes brimming with curiosity as she peeked outside, perfectly playing the role of a young girl entering the capital for the first time. But she had barely looked when Zhou Lin turned back. Startled, she quickly dropped the veil, hiding her face once more.
Zhou Lin, of course, had noticed Steward Tang speaking by the carriage. Whatever lingering doubts he had were erased, and he led the party straight into the capital.
Inside, Lianxing had been stunned from the moment Luo Xinci lifted the veil. Watching her converse with Steward Tang, her initial shock and unease transformed into deep admiration.
Though Luo Xinci’s heart still thudded wildly, her spirits soared.
Steward Tang had not suspected a thing—he had accepted her identity without question.
Their exchanged glance filled both with renewed confidence for the journey into the capital.
When the carriage halted, thunder rolled and rain lashed down together, a chill cutting to the bone.
Steward Tang helped Luo Xinci alight and said, “The Marquis and the Princess are both occupied. Miss, you may first wash and rest, and pay respects to your parents later.”
This suited Luo Xinci perfectly. Surrounded by attendants, she entered the Marquis’s residence. After passing through three hanging gates, the figures of Zhou Lin and the guards, along with the rough-serving maids, were no longer in sight. Just as she and Ming Niansheng had expected, the household rules were strict—those people could not enter the inner quarters. Once separated from Zhou Lin and the others, no one would discover she was not Ming Niansheng.
In two days, she planned to send Zhou Lin and his men back to Linzhou under the pretext of worrying for her grandmother. Then her assumed identity would be secure.
“…The Marquis is recuperating in the main hall and will not receive visitors these days. To the west of Zhaixing Pavilion lies the Buddha Hall—Her Ladyship dislikes being disturbed, so it is best not to go there. Over here is the young heir’s residence, also forbidden…” Steward Tang bowed as he led the way, explaining the layout. In short, aside from Yunshang Residence, nowhere else was accessible.
Luo Xinci was more than willing to avoid the household, obediently agreeing. She longed to ask about her father and Zhou Yi, but feared seeming too eager and betraying herself, so she forced herself to hold back. For two days she stayed in Yunshang Residence. Apart from Steward Tang, the serving maids, and the visiting physician, she saw no one. Impatience gnawed at her. She had come to the capital to uncover the murderer, yet she had not even met the master of the house. How could she investigate beyond these four walls? She had no time to waste in this courtyard.
On the third day, feigning recovery from her cold, she resolved to meet the Marquis and her stepmother. But before she could, a maid reported that the young lord of Prince Ning’s household had come to call.
Prince Ning’s manor was the Princess’s natal home. By lineage, Ming Niansheng could claim kinship with this young lord—though whether he acknowledged it was another matter. It seemed this day too would be idly consumed.
Before her disappointment could deepen, an older maid arrived with a message: “Miss, the Marquis requests your presence.”
When she had not been summoned, Luo Xinci had fretted restlessly. Now that she was, her heart shrank with hesitation. After a moment she asked, “Is Father’s health improved?”
The maid replied, “Perhaps somewhat better.”
Better was better, worse was worse—what was “perhaps somewhat better”?
Luo Xinci pressed, “Are my stepmother and elder brother with him?”
“You will know when you arrive, miss.”
Every time she asked about the household, the maids answered in this way—never false, yet never precise.
Uneasy, Luo Xinci steadied herself and finally asked, “Why have I not seen Steward Tang?”
Steward Tang was the person Luo Xinci had dealt with most in the Marquis’s household, and he had shown her respect. She would have preferred him to escort her, hoping to glean some news along the way.
“Steward Tang is busy,” the maid replied.
Luo Xinci had already sensed the strictness of the household. Since no answers could be pried from anyone, she stopped pressing. She was about to meet Marquis Wuling.
All she knew of him came from Ming Niansheng: a man of ruthless nature. He had not abandoned wife and child as her own father had, but what he had done was far more terrifying.
Yet now, the fates of Luo Xinci, Ming Niansheng, and Lianxing were bound together. She had no choice but to summon her courage and face him. Her unease appeared to the household maids as nothing more than the shyness of a country-born girl entering the capital.
So when Luo Xinci excused herself under the pretext of changing clothes, the maids exchanged glances, then respectfully withdrew.
Once certain no one else was in the room, Lianxing whispered, “Miss, this household is very strange.”
Luo Xinci felt the same, though she could not quite put her finger on what was wrong.
“Everyone says Steward Tang is the Marquis’s most trusted aide, yet whenever I see him, he’s busy with trivial tasks. Today, when Zhou Lin returned to Linzhou, it was Steward Tang himself who escorted him out of the city…” Lianxing continued. “Back in Linzhou, even Steward Yu, who served the Old Madam, would never personally send off a guard.”
If the Marquis did not care about this illegitimate daughter, why send his most trusted steward to receive her? Yet if he valued her, why delay meeting her?
Luo Xinci nodded. “Today, the young lord from Prince Ning’s household came calling, and at that very moment the Marquis summoned me. That too feels odd.”
Could it be he wanted her to meet this young lord? But what connection could a neglected girl from a remote province possibly have with a noble son of a princely household?
Lianxing speculated, “Perhaps he wants you to recognize the capital’s great personages, so you’ll know never to offend them?”
Luo Xinci shook her head. “No. I haven’t even met my stepmother or elder brother yet.”
At that, Lianxing suddenly recalled something. “Miss, this morning when I went to deliver laundry, I saw men’s garments—young men’s. It must mean the young heir has returned.”
The young heir, Ming Yuhe, was the only son of Marquis Wuling and Princess Shao’an—Ming Niansheng’s elder brother.
The two women were about to exchange more of what they knew when a maid knocked at the door, urging them on, and their conversation was cut short.