The day was still young.
The nearby villages, fields, and orchards were still shrouded in a light mist, as if they had not yet awakened. The air was filled with the crisp freshness unique to the aftermath of a snowfall.
All around was silence.
The old steward of the orchard was waiting at the entrance of the small courtyard. Seeing us approach, he let out a sigh. "When the house was first built, the elders in the village said the feng shui here was poor and unsuitable for a residence. But the Young Master wouldn't listen..."
I had always been indifferent to such talk of feng shui, but Chen Zhan asked quite seriously, "Why wouldn't he listen?"
The old steward sighed again. "Because the Young Mistress loved to see the blossoms of the purple-heart trees. This is the center of the orchard; when the fruit trees bloom in the spring, the scenery is beautiful."
A sudden wave of emotion touched my heart. I hadn't realized Li Qiao was such a romantic...
Because of the murder, Zhang-momo and Xiao Zhu had moved to the servants' quarters. The entire courtyard was empty, devoid of any signs of life. The snow on the ground had not been cleared, trampled into a mess by the coming and going of various people.
The bedroom door opened with a light push. Although the bodies had been removed, a lingering, unpleasant scent remained in the air. Looking at the layout again, it felt similar to the bedroom in Zhongjing—only it lacked that warm, delicate atmosphere.
Even though the style and placement of the furniture were almost identical.
Even the cosmetics on the ebony dressing table were nearly the same as those in the Zhongjing bedroom. However, they were arranged in a somewhat messy, disordered fashion; two carved flat bronze boxes were even stacked askew. Was it because Xiao Zhu had just arrived and didn't yet understand Li Wu-shi's daily habits?
I stared at the pile of cluttered cosmetics, feeling as though I had grasped a thought, yet it remained elusive and disorganized upon closer reflection.
After staring at the bottles and jars for a while to no avail, I decided to abandon that tangled thread for the moment and continue searching further inside.
Further past the dressing table, several rosewood trunks with brass-reinforced corners were lined up against the wall. I pulled one open; inside were quilted jackets for spring and autumn, all folded neatly. I pushed open the second trunk, which contained winter clothes: short jackets, long skirts, and two cloud-beast fur capes. They were finely crafted and sophisticated. Just as I was about to close the lid, I suddenly saw a corner of deep blue cotton peeking out from under a violet brocade jacket.
While deep blue cotton was nothing extraordinary, the sudden appearance of such coarse cloth amidst a pile of exquisite winter garments was somewhat jarring. It felt as discordant as a ragged old beggar suddenly appearing in a crowd of brightly dressed young girls. I reached out and pulled it; it was a flat blue cloth bundle. Opening it, I found a dark red silk scarf wrapping a finely crafted pure gold "eight-treasure coiled-wire" yingluo collar. The silk scarf looked half-new, half-old, as if it had seen many years. But the collar still shone brilliantly, especially the various precious gemstones inlaid upon it, which shimmered with shifting light. One could tell at a glance it was an extremely valuable item.
I took out a cloth bag and stuffed these items inside, unable to say why. I simply felt that the presence of this blue bundle in the trunk was somewhat strange.
I turned to look for Chen Zhan. He was lying prone on the floor by the bed, arm stretched out as he reached for something underneath, a peculiar expression on his face.
"What is it?" I walked over and bent down to look. On the gray brick floor before him lay several round white pearls. They were likely the pearls that had fallen off Li Wu-shi’s phoenix-headed gold hairpin.
"Eh?" Chen Zhan cried out in surprise. "What’s this?"
He was holding a small, celadon-gray porcelain bottle, about the size of a palm. The color and texture of the porcelain looked ordinary, nothing special. Chen Zhan pulled out the stopper, peered inside, and then handed it to me with a look of confusion. I reached out to take it; inside was a powder with a slightly reddish tint. Even without bringing it close, I could smell a sweet fragrance like sugar cakes.
"Xiangcao powder," I said, frowning.
"What is it? Poison?" Chen Zhan went back to lying on the floor to reach for the remaining pearls, his furrowed brow looking somewhat comical.
I shook my head. "It's a sedative. People who don't sleep well usually take it in small doses."
"Why hide a sedative under the bed?" Chen Zhan climbed up from the floor in confusion, carefully placing the pearls into a cloth bag. He asked me in return, "Are you sure it's a sedative?"
I nodded. "It is indeed a sedative. However, if the dose is very large, it could damage the brain..."
Unable to make sense of it for the moment, I simply tucked it into the bag.
Just then, the door thudded, and the sound of children playing came from outside. This was followed by the old steward’s raspy voice, seemingly scolding them.
Opening the door, I saw four or five children gathered outside the courtyard gate, peeking in curiously. These children ranged from four or five to about ten years old, likely the children of the orchard's servants.
I caught a teenage boy who was about to slip away and asked him, "Do you live here?"
The boy looked at the black uniforms Chen Zhan and I wore with a mix of curiosity and fear. He hesitated for a moment before nodding.
I asked again, "Are you familiar with the people in this courtyard?" I pointed to the small courtyard where the Li couple had stayed.
The boy nodded, then shook his head.
I looked at Chen Zhan, who was equally baffled. "What does that mean?"
The boy, finding he couldn't pull his hand away from my grip, actually relaxed. His round eyes scanned me up and down as he spoke. "Before, every time the Young Mistress came back, she would kick shuttlecocks with us and give us candy. Now she doesn't care about us anymore. Whenever we wanted to enter the courtyard, she’d have that old woman chase us out. She even killed Xiao Chou."
"Xiao Chou?" I frowned. What was this child talking about?
"Xiao Chou was a wild puppy the children picked up outside the village the spring before last," the old steward explained. "The Young Mistress used to be very fond of it. When she stayed here, she kept Xiao Chou in the courtyard. This time, when the Young Mistress arrived, she complained it was too noisy and had someone take it out to be slaughtered."
Hearing it was a dog, my nerves relaxed slightly. With the addition of strangers like Zhang-momo and Xiao Zhu in the courtyard, a dog would naturally bark. As for Li Wu-shi ignoring the children, perhaps it was because she had things on her mind.
At that thought, my mind drifted back to Chenjia Bridge.
I wondered what clues Luo Guang and Zeng Ping would bring back.
***
The gray-haired old proprietor looked up from a thick stack of ledgers and said in a certain tone, "Indeed, this item came from our Longji Jewelry Store. A pure gold eight-treasure coiled-wire yingluo collar. In addition to sixteen high-quality South Sea pearls, it features sixteen high-quality blue crystals, sixteen high-quality purple-red rubies, and sixteen top-grade emeralds."
His finger lightly brushed over the collar resting on a velvet cushion. He nodded twice, flipped a page, and continued, "This item was sold three years ago. The buyer was Fengyun Fort of Wuzhou."
"Fengyun Fort of Wuzhou, Fengyun Fort of Wuzhou..." Luo Jin murmured the name, his brows knitting into a tight knot. "How did they get involved in this?!"
Seeing the confused look on Zeng Ping’s face, Chen Zhan explained, "Fengyun Fort of Wuzhou is publicly known as a powerful financial magnate. It is said they not only control the commercial veins of several northern provinces but also exert great influence over north-south transportation and trade between the Flame Heaven Kingdom and nations like Tielong and Great Chu."
Luo Guang added, "It is said they started as a security bureau in the early years. The fort not only employs many martial arts experts, but the Fort Master himself possesses extraordinary martial skills. In the martial world, there is a saying: 'Fengyun Fort in the North, Wudi Manor in the South.' They are the two greatest powers in the Jianghu."
Zeng Ping nodded, seemingly understanding.
Luo Guang and Zeng Ping had not brought back many clues from Chenjia Bridge. When they found the maiden home of Li Wu-shi according to the address provided by Li Qiao’s father, the place was already deserted. The neighbors knew little about the family, so they could only contact the local county yamen to issue a search warrant for the Wu family's whereabouts.
This result had left them somewhat dejected, so hearing that we had found a lead lifted everyone's spirits.
Luo Jin was still pacing the room with a frown. After a long while, he sighed. "They are not to be trifled with. I’ve heard that even the Prefect of Wuzhou treats the Fort Master like a brother..." He paused, then added, "Fengyun Fort held a grand funeral a few days ago. It’s said the old Fort Master passed away from illness. The new Fort Master is the previous one's younger brother, named Feng Tong."
I said, "We aren't going there to offend them, just to understand the situation. Besides, if we go, we’ll likely only see someone like a steward. Even if the Fort Master finds out, he probably won't give us a second thought—it shouldn't count as a provocation."
Luo Guang chimed in, "Xi Xia is right. Moreover, we are returning their lost property. Even if they don't thank us, it can't be considered an offense."
This was the first time he had taken my side. I glanced at him with a hint of amusement; the fellow pretended not to see, though his expression became slightly unnatural.
Luo Jin looked at me, then at Luo Guang, and finally nodded. "Then when you go, you must be careful with your words. Ask what needs to be asked, and don't ask what shouldn't be asked—try not to cause unnecessary trouble. Provoking that bunch of ruffians will do us no good."
Luo Guang and I both nodded.
After nodding, I realized—wasn't I in a team with Chen Zhan? I looked at Luo Jin in surprise, but he just frowned, ignoring my gaze. Looking at Chen Zhan, he didn't seem surprised either, busy studying the yingluo collar. Then I looked at Luo Guang, who was seriously instructing Zeng Ping on something.
It seemed I was the only one shocked by Luo Jin's arrangement.
Although I had no prejudice against Luo Guang and had always hoped for a chance to communicate more with him, wouldn't it be safer to go to such a dangerous place with Chen Zhan?
I immediately realized that if I raised an objection now, I would definitely offend Luo Guang.
I sighed. Forget it, it’s all work. Better to follow the organization's arrangements.
***
In the distance, amidst the dazzling glare of the snow, a dark, imposing city appeared. Though it was still far away, it was enough to make one feel an aura of disdainful dominance. By comparison, Zhongjing exuded a sense of inclusive majesty that embraced the world, while Wuzhou radiated a domineering air that looked down upon all under heaven.
What surprised me even more was that this place, which I had assumed was the city of Wuzhou, revealed a dazzling gold plaque over its high gates as we drew closer. On it were several powerful, vigorous characters: "Fengyun Fort." Because they had recently held a funeral, the city was still draped in mourning white, which added a touch of grim austerity.
I couldn't help but gasp.
Looking at the wide moat beneath the walls and the high-hanging drawbridge, I couldn't resist turning to Luo Guang. "Does this guy have a delusion of grandeur? Does he think he's a god?"
Luo Guang chuckled and asked back, "Aren't you supposed to be fearless? Are you intimidated by this?"
This was the first time the guy had smiled at me, so I explained to him politely, "It's not that I'm scared. It's just that as a law-abiding citizen, I can't stand seeing someone challenge the limits of the law. I really don't know how this guy has survived until now. Haven't you heard? 'If this can be tolerated, what cannot?'"
Luo Guang didn't know what I was talking about, and I was too lazy to explain the *Analects* to him. My mind kept circling back to the same question: Fengyun Fort was merely a merchant entity; how could they build their own city? How was the legal definition of "exceeding one's station" interpreted here? It seemed I would have to consult the Grand Tutor when I returned.
As we drew closer, I could see the walls were built of blue stone, not only sturdy but also quite beautiful. The moat was less than ten feet wide; the water was frozen, and judging by the color, it seemed very deep.
Someone on the wall leaned out and shouted at us, "Fengyun Fort is private property. Strangers, do not approach, lest you be harmed by mistake."
Luo Guang looked up and shouted, "We are from the Ministry of Justice in Zhongjing. we wish to see your manager."
The person on the wall withdrew, likely to report. Many heads seemed to pop out from the battlements to size us up, as if we were monkeys in a zoo. As the minutes ticked by, I felt my patience beginning to erode. Estimating the height of the wall, I doubted my internal strength could carry me up in one breath; if I had to take a second breath midway, I would have to use the Yin-Yang Cord in my robes...
"Xi Xia," Luo Guang suddenly called my name. I turned and saw his solemn expression, his eyes fixed unblinkingly on me. "Don't act rashly."
I lowered my eyes, feeling a bit disgruntled: this kid had sharp eyes. How did he see what I was thinking? Besides, I was only thinking about it...
With a series of creaks and groans from the wall, the drawbridge was slowly lowered. The gates swung open, and two burly men dressed as house guards cupped their fists toward us, saying, "This way, Officers."
They were both in their thirties and clearly martial arts experts. When they saw me, their look of surprise was only momentary.
Once inside the gate, we were met with an extremely wide drill ground. In the center stood two tall flagpoles. Two black flags embroidered with red flame symbols snapped in the wind. Hardly anyone was visible here, giving the place a very desolate feel. Further in, many small courtyards appeared on both sides of the road, seemingly the residences of the outer city guards. Gradually, figures of guards began to appear on the streets, patrolling in very orderly formations.
Half an hour later, we finally saw the inner city. The scale of the inner city seemed slightly smaller than the outer city, but with its carved beams and painted rafters, it was far more exquisite. A middle-aged man in a maroon robe was waiting at the gate. A sharp light flashed in his narrow eyes as he cupped his fists and said politely, "Forgive the lack of a proper welcome. I am Chen Chuang, the manager of Fengyun Fort. Please, follow me."
Luo Guang and I dismounted. As a guard stepped forward to take the reins, *Ten Thousand Years* immediately glared and stomped its hooves in displeasure. I quickly stopped the guard. "My horse has a fierce temperament. Where will you stable them? I'll lead him there myself."
Chen Chuang looked at my horse with great admiration, clicking his tongue in praise. Luo Guang and I led the horses into the stables and quietly fed mine a handful of osmanthus sugar. To be honest, *Ten Thousand Years* was quite alert; ever since we entered the city, its ears had been pricked up. It seemed its reaction to danger was even sharper than mine.
As Chen Chuang led us inside, he gave us a detailed introduction to the structure of Fengyun Fort. It sounded like nothing more than boasting about how impregnable his master's domain was. I wondered if I was being paranoid, but it felt like he was trying to intimidate us.
Looking out from the reception hall, the inner city lacked the grim atmosphere of the outer city, instead possessing a soft, southern charm. Outside the window were several plum trees in full bloom. Whether it was the deep red Cinnabar Plum or the snow-white Snow-Rivaling Plum, they were precious varieties from the Qingcheng region. In the north, one could probably only find them in the Imperial Garden.
Fragrant tea was served. Chen Chuang’s gaze lingered on us, finally settling on me. "Fengyun Fort has always been law-abiding and has never defaulted on taxes..."
I pulled the blue cloth bundle from my robes and pushed it across the ebony-and-silver round table toward him. "There is something here that likely belongs to a lady of this fort. I would like the Head Manager to identify it."
Chen Chuang opened the bundle. A look of startled suspicion flashed in his eyes as he scanned the yingluo collar. He looked up at me. "Lady... Officer, how do you know this belongs to my fort?"
I smiled. "We had the old proprietor of Longji Jewelry Store identify it. It was indeed sold by Longji, and the buyer was Fengyun Fort."
Chen Chuang turned the collar over several times. "Could I take this into the inner chambers to have the ladies identify it?"
Luo Guang and I both nodded.
Chen Chuang hurried away with the bundle. After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, he returned, leading a maid with her hair in twin buns. Upon entering, the maid curtsied to us and said softly, "Slave Xiao Ying greets the two Officers."
Luo Guang looked at me. I said, "Xiao Ying, do you recognize this collar?"
Xiao Ying probably hadn't expected me to be a woman; she looked up at me in great surprise for a moment before saying, "I recognize it. This is the Sixteenth Concubine's collar. She liked it very much and wore it often."
"Sixteenth Concubine?" My head suddenly felt a bit large. Just how many concubines did this wealthy Fort Master have?
Luo Guang asked her, "Are you certain?"
Xiao Ying nodded, her eyes turning slightly red. "Before her passing, I was the one who served the Sixteenth Concubine during her morning and evening toilette."
*Before her passing?*
That phrase made my heart skip a beat. "She... is deceased?"
Xiao Ying looked at Chen Chuang, a look of fear appearing on her face. I looked at Chen Chuang with displeasure. He immediately offered a fawning smile. "The Sixteenth Concubine fell ill suddenly and was buried... with our late Fort Master."
My heart gave a sudden thud. The old Fort Master dies, and she follows immediately after from illness. The story didn't sound quite so simple. I looked at the surprised Luo Guang; it seemed he was thinking the same thing, though for now, that wasn't the most important point.
I coughed twice and turned to Xiao Ying. "Since you always served the Sixteenth Concubine, do you know if she had any birthmarks or the like?"
Xiao Ying thought for a moment and said, "The Sixteenth Concubine had a butterfly-shaped birthmark on the center of her back."
I nodded. Involuntarily, the two tear tracks at the corners of Li Qiao’s eyes flashed through my mind. Suddenly, everything became clear, yet my heart felt heavy. Luo Guang and I exchanged a look; there was a hint of confusion in his eyes. He hadn't seen the coroner's report; otherwise, he would have guessed the answer by now.
I looked up at Chen Chuang, my tone becoming cold without me realizing it. "Manager Chen, we would like to ask this young lady to come to Zhongjing to assist the Ministry of Justice in identifying a body."
Chen Chuang’s eyes twitched, and his brow furrowed slightly. His gaze drifted toward Xiao Ying, appearing quite hesitant.
While Chen Chuang was hesitating, a sudden commotion erupted outside, interspersed with the shouts and cries of many people. The peaceful atmosphere between heaven and earth was suddenly shattered, as if a pot had boiled over.
Chen Chuang slammed his hand on the table and stood up, shouting angrily, "Someone, come here!"
***
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
紫心树 | Purple-heart tree | A type of fruit tree mentioned in the story.
象草粉 | Xiangcao powder | Literally "Elephant Grass powder," used as a sedative in the story.
赤金八宝盘丝璎珞项圈 | Pure gold eight-treasure coiled-wire yingluo collar | A very specific, ornate traditional Chinese necklace.
隆记珠宝店 | Longji Jewelry Store | The shop where the necklace was purchased.
吴州 | Wuzhou | A location/prefecture.
风云堡 | Fengyun Fort | A powerful commercial and martial organization.
无敌庄 | Wudi Manor | Literally "Invincible Manor," a rival power to Fengyun Fort.
焰天国 | Flame Heaven Kingdom | The name of the country where the story is set.
铁龙 | Tielong | A neighboring nation.
风瞳 | Feng Tong | The new master of Fengyun Fort.
陈闯 | Chen Chuang | The manager/steward of Fengyun Fort.
小英 | Xiao Ying | A maid at Fengyun Fort.
十六姨 | Sixteenth Concubine | Literally "Sixteenth Aunt," referring to the 16th concubine of the old master.
阴阳索 | Yin-Yang Cord | A tool or weapon used by the protagonist.
爱你一万年 | Ten Thousand Years | The name of the protagonist's horse (literally "Love You for Ten Thousand Years").
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