As the voice sounded, a man dressed in a dark‑blue round‑collared robe patterned with floral medallions entered slowly, followed by a black‑clad attendant.
Su Liuyue turned her gaze toward him and was slightly taken aback.
The man was tall and upright, his face handsome as jade, his features sharp and refined. His phoenix‑shaped eyes were lowered slightly, staring straight at her. Though his thin lips curved faintly, the cold sharpness in his eyes could not be concealed.
Aside from a white jade pendant at his waist and the silver fish pouch worn by officials of fifth rank and above, he bore no other adornments. Yet the calm authority and composed restraint of one long accustomed to power made it clear at first glance—this man was no ordinary figure.
Su Liuyue studied him quietly, then rose and bowed. “I am a guest invited here by Assistant Prefect Lu. May I ask who you are, sir?”
The man naturally walked to the main seat and sat down. “Before leaving, Assistant Prefect Lu asked me to receive you. He often spoke of how you helped him solve a case, so I have long heard of your name. Fengyang, brew some good tea.”
The black‑clad attendant answered and left the room.
The man sat straight and poised. “May I ask how I should address you?”
“My surname is Su.”
Su Liuyue lifted her eyes to him. “Sir, are you from the Prefect’s Office? Most of the officials I’ve seen here wear official robes. Few dress in ordinary attire as you do.”
The man raised his brows slightly. “I am a newly appointed Assistant Prefect. Because I was transferred here in haste, my new official robes have not yet been issued. You may call me Assistant Prefect Ping. To be honest, I’ve always been curious about your investigative skills. As it happens, I have a difficult case on hand—the first I’ve been assigned since arriving at the Prefect’s Office. Would you be willing to assist me in investigating it?”
This sudden request surprised Su Liuyue. Her eyes narrowed slightly in scrutiny. “Your Prefect’s Office seems rather open‑minded to invite outsiders to help investigate cases so freely?”
“How could inviting you be considered casual? Many citizens of the capital witnessed you assisting Assistant Prefect Lu in solving that case.”
Assistant Prefect Ping spoke unhurriedly: “Miss Su, you may not know—Assistant Prefect Lu reported the matter to His Highness the Crown Prince, and His Highness expressed great interest in you. With the reshuffling of officials in the new dynasty, the Prefect’s Office is short‑staffed, yet the daily workload only grows heavier. If someone can help, does it matter whether they are officially part of the Prefect’s Office? You can hear the details of the case first, then decide whether to assist me. The case I wish your help with is the recent string of murders of young women.”
Su Liuyue’s eyes widened slightly.
This man…
She was silent for a moment, then said: “Did Assistant Prefect Lu also tell you that the suspect you just arrested today is my cousin? Even so, you still want me to help investigate?”
Ordinarily, when family members are involved, one must avoid suspicion.
Assistant Prefect Ping gave a soft laugh, his dark eyes fixed intently on her. “I will be leading the investigation. You would only be assisting. Why should I refuse?”
Su Liuyue held his gaze quietly for a moment, then her lips curved faintly.
“This case concerns my cousin’s innocence. Naturally, I have no reason to refuse. Since you are willing to let me assist, I couldn’t ask for more. I imagine that’s why you’ve been so confident from the start, isn’t it?”
Assistant Prefect Ping was momentarily taken aback.
But Su Liuyue had already risen, looking at him with a half‑smile. “Since we’ve agreed, let’s not waste time. I want to see my cousin first to understand the situation. Will you permit it?”
Just then, Fengyang entered carrying a pot of hot tea: “…”
Was he seeing things? He could swear he caught a hint of arrogance and provocation from this young woman.
Assistant Prefect Ping gave Su Liuyue a thoughtful glance, then stood as well. “Of course. Let’s go. I’ll take you to him.”
And so, before the stunned Fengyang, the two walked out one after the other.
Outside, Assistant Prefect Ping walked ahead while Su Liuyue followed three steps behind, boldly observing him. “This case—I’ve only heard some rumors among the people. Would Assistant Prefect Ping be willing to explain it to me in detail?”
The man ahead gave a soft chuckle. “I thought you would first want to understand the case thoroughly before seeing your cousin.”
Was that a rebuke for being too hasty?
Su Liuyue pursed her lips slightly. “But he is my cousin. Being dragged in without cause, of course, I’m anxious. Surely Assistant Prefect Ping can understand such feelings.”
Assistant Prefect Ping suddenly halted, turning to look at her with deep eyes. “Without cause?”
Was that sarcasm? But after only a moment, he gave a soft laugh, withdrew his gaze, and continued walking forward at an unhurried pace. “Miss Su, the Prefect’s Office did not arrest your cousin without reason. So far, there have been three victims in this case. The killer is extremely cautious and cunning. The first two victims were taken when they were alone—no one knew who they had met or what had happened before. The victims did not know each other and had no connection. Only the third victim had witnesses who could testify that she had seen your cousin before her disappearance. All three victims were young women. The first, surnamed Huang, was fifteen. Her parents sold tofu at the market, and she usually brought them lunch at noon. About three months ago, she disappeared while delivering food. The second victim, surnamed Xu, was sixteen, the daughter of a farmer outside the city. About two months ago, she accompanied her mother into town to shop. While waiting outside a shop, she vanished. The third victim was the girl who had contact with your cousin. Her surname was Fang, she was fifteen years old, the daughter of a small merchant from another region who had come to the capital to visit relatives. Seven days ago, your cousin escorted her home. But her family said she never returned that day. In other words, she disappeared while your cousin was taking her back.”
Su Liuyue’s eyes darkened. “The victims were of similar age, all from modest families, all female, and all killed after disappearing. But based on those points alone, you can’t be one hundred percent certain they belong to the same case, can you?”
Assistant Prefect Ping’s lips curved slightly. “As expected of Miss Su. From just my brief words, you’ve already summarized the similarities among the victims. And the similarities go beyond those. Each victim was killed after being missing for some time, their bodies discarded afterward. The coroner’s examinations revealed they had all been beaten and abused before death, their bodies covered in wounds. And…”
He paused subtly before continuing: “They had all suffered severe violation.”