Just after the hour of the Snake, the sky, which had been clear for several days, turned overcast once more. A surging dampness filled the air as muggy vapor condensed in every corner, brewing the start of a long rainy season.
The weather in Jiugao was fickle. The street vendors and peddlers were long accustomed to it; they rolled out straw mats, wrapped their goods in oilcloth, and hitched up their trouser legs in preparation for a muddy day.
The third day of the Sword Appreciation Assembly arrived as scheduled. The bold had already moved to the lakeside outside the city to wait for an opportunity, while the timid huddled within the city walls, counting their earnings from the past few days. They grumbled about the weather, predicting that the winds would surely rise on Lixin Lake—their words tinged with a hint of bitterness, as if they hoped the "pirate ships" seeking gold amidst the waves would capsize.
Deep within the bustling market of the city’s eastern district, in Dried Fish Alley, a popular noodle stall was shrouded in curling steam. Diners came and went in a noisy clamor, and no one paid any mind to the group of dusty, travel-worn men sitting in the corner. They were taken for mere laborers of some merchant caravan that had just entered the city after days on the road, looking for a place to eat and rest.
Lu Zican wove through the tables carrying bowls of noodles, calling out to the assistants to add more firewood. He had only recently returned to the stall himself. Despite his exhaustion, he had found the time between boiling pots to tie a snow-white cloth around his waist, instantly immersing himself in his role.
Several large bowls of plain noodles were set on the table. The men immediately lowered their heads to eat, clearly accustomed to this life of inverted days and nights and constant setbacks in their investigations. Only the young Duan Xiaozhou remained troubled; he didn't move his chopsticks, instead nursing a grudge with dark circles under his eyes.
"Even if that Ciyi Needle has incredible skill, surely he hasn't mastered some divine art of teleportation? How could he make an entire boat of cargo vanish into thin air on that lake?"
While he was sulking, Zheng Peiyu had already finished his bowl. Hearing this, he couldn't help but feel a seed of doubt.
"Could we have been looking in the wrong direction entirely? Perhaps the enemy was just feinting, and nothing actually happened on Lixin Lake last night."
A silence fell over the table. After a long moment, the weary-faced young Protector finally spoke.
"The enemy is in the shadows while we are in the light. If we hadn't caught their tail, they could have stayed still. There would have been no need to act in such haste last night, risking exposure to snatch the Ciyi Needle from right under our noses."
His words were simple but carried the weight of a thousand catties, instantly dispelling the frustration the men felt after a night of fruitless labor.
They had indeed grasped the hand that was stirring the storm; they simply hadn't yet pinched the right pulse or found the true crux of the matter.
At this thought, Lu Zican took the lead in boosting morale. "The Protector is right. Perhaps the two leads—the south of the city and the lake—are different paths to the same truth. What we need to do is calm down and comb through the clues we have once more."
Zheng Peiyu nodded in agreement. "The Protector has already sent men to blockade the nearby waterways. We are certain the goods haven't been moved out of Jiugao yet, and they are likely still near Lixin Lake. But we've searched every wharf. Unless we board and search every single vessel, it will be hard to find results."
The excitement of the previous night had settled. Everyone knew that their movements were difficult to hide now. Even if they ignored the lingering nuisance of Lord Fan and conducted a massive search of the ships, Lixin Lake was no village pond. Without a target, how could they search it all? They feared they would scare off the cunning fish before they even cast the right hook.
Duan Xiaozhou pondered deeply for a moment, then seemed to remember something and spoke up urgently. "Do you remember what happened at Xiuting Wharf? Could they be repeating the same trick? Dropping the goods in shallow water, or even scuttling the boat and marking it with a buoy, only to return and salvage it once things have calmed down?"
Zheng Peiyu shook his head. "Anything that requires a ship for transport wouldn't be small. Setting aside whether the goods could survive being soaked in lake water, even with proper treatment, salvaging them would be no easy task. Wouldn't that be inviting trouble for a small gain?"
"Actually, what Xiaozhou just said gave me an idea." Du Shaoheng shifted on his rickety stool and spoke after a moment of deliberation. "Unless it really did sink, a ship cannot vanish into thin air. But if... I say if, there was a ship wide enough and large enough to contain another ship entirely—like a big fish swallowing a small fish—using a sort of blind-stitch trick... do you think that's possible?"
As soon as he spoke, Gao Quan, who had been silent, chimed in. "Last night, we were indeed focused on the ships that left the shore after dark, but we didn't pay attention to the vessels that had already been wandering the lake since the day before."
Du Shaoheng pressed further. "Are you talking about the ships of the martial sects? If that's the case, then..."
The words the woman had spoken at the noodle stall flashed through Lu Zican's mind. His hand, which had been smoothing his beard, froze, and he suddenly stood up.
"Miss Qin!"
The others were startled. Before they could ask, the Protector sitting beside them spoke first.
"What about her?"
Everyone’s gaze turned toward him. Realizing he had been too agitated, Lu Zican quickly explained, "I mean, I remembered something Miss Qin told me before."
He paused to collect his thoughts, then recounted everything Qin Jiuye had seen and heard when she boarded the Fangwaiguan vessel, adding his own deductions at the end.
"If Miss Qin was not mistaken, most of the Fangwaiguan ships are empty. There might be hidden compartments beneath the decks. They would only need a secret hatch near the stern, close to the waterline, to turn the hull into a floating dry dock. In an instant, they could hide an entire transport vessel within the belly of their ship."
Zhang Min set down his chopsticks and grabbed his saber. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's just charge onto the Fangwaiguan ships and take a look!"
Lu Zican’s beard twitched as he glared, pressing Zhang Min back down. "I see you've forgotten the Protector's instructions from last night. We are investigating a case, not bandits raiding a house. Those Fangwaiguan people look like they're suffering from a deficiency of vital energy, just waiting for a chance to cry foul. Many eyes are watching. Right now, everything is just speculation. If you charge in now and find nothing, it will be difficult for the Protector to maintain his standing in both official circles and the martial world."
"This won't work, that won't work... how are we supposed to get a step ahead? In the end, we're just being led by the nose again."
Qiu Ling glanced at Zhang Min and said deeply, "What you just said might be exactly why the mastermind chose Fangwaiguan. And the reason we are always passive is perhaps because every step we take is within the enemy's expectations."
"Does the Protector remember Liang Shian, the son of the Grand Minister of Rites, Liang Bozhong, whom we noted during the Lu Manor case in the capital?" Gao Quan paused, then continued in a low voice. "While following orders to track the Second Young Master’s movements, I unexpectedly discovered that this man is also in Jiugao. He has been very close to the Second Young Master these past few days. Yesterday, they were even boating together on the lake, though I don't know if they met after dark."
"Didn't Gao Quan say that Xu Qiuchi invited Miss Qin onto a boat last night? Miss Qin is one of ours; she might have noticed something. Calling her here to ask would surely yield results." Zheng Peiyu paused perfectly, his small eyes turning toward Lu Zican. "Brother Lu, didn't the Protector ask you to keep an eye on Miss Qin last night? Have you seen her?"
Lu Zican received the signal and understood instantly. He replied in a businesslike tone, "You all know how it was last night; I really didn't have time to look after Miss Qin. However, when Gao Quan returned to the city this morning, he saw her near Huangniwan Wharf. If the Protector wants to find her, going there now might still be in time..."
As he finished, he peeked at Qiu Ling’s expression.
Not just him—everyone else was peeking too.
Countless "shifty" gazes were covertly cast toward the young Protector, accompanied by a chorus of ambiguous sighs and murmurs.
"I didn't realize it before, but looking at it today, Miss Qin is truly our Protector's lucky star."
"Exactly, exactly. If Miss Qin hadn't gone deep into the enemy camp and seen through their secrets, we might still be running around like headless flies."
"In medicine, the key is to clear the blockages; is it not the same for solving cases? I'd say they are cut from the same cloth—a perfect match, a perfect match indeed."
These men, who usually only knew how to bury their heads in work, had completely shed the reserved and distant manner they had shown when eating at the same table as Miss Qin. Their mouths were now smeared with honey, sounding even cheaper than the bowls of plain noodles.
However, no matter how hard they "hawked" their wares, the man sitting at the head of the table seemed not to have heard a single word. He merely frowned slightly in thought for a moment before giving brief arrangements.
"Today is the Opening Ceremony at Qionghu Island. Fangwaiguan will not be absent. I will personally go to the island to investigate. Zican, take men to guard the city. Gao Quan, take a few others to watch for movements outside the city. This matter must be settled tonight. I thank you all for your continued efforts."
Since the boss didn't want to mention the topic, the subordinates couldn't keep gossiping.
The young officers rose to accept their orders. Since they were in a public market, it was inconvenient to perform formal salutes, so they simply finished their noodles, grabbed their sabers, and dispersed. Only the bearded Lu Zican and the young Protector remained at the stall.
Lu Zican silently cleared the bowls and chopsticks, his small eyes constantly peeking at the young Protector, who showed no sign of leaving.
The man was still wearing the plain clothes he had worn to board the ship last night. His face bore the exhaustion of several days, looking more weathered and silent than the old locust tree at the alley entrance.
After wiping the table for the third time, Lu Zican finally couldn't help himself. He leaned in and asked carefully, "Is the Protector well? Are there further instructions?"
Qiu Ling paused, not answering immediately.
He wanted to say he was fine, but he truly couldn't bring himself to say it.
The man before him was a general who had followed him for years. If he had to maintain an indestructible, impenetrable facade even before him every moment of the day, his long and tedious life would only become more unbearable.
But he also couldn't confide without reservation. Some things could not be shared; even if he spoke of them a hundred or a thousand times, he would only receive verbal comfort without any practical help. It would be a burden to both himself and others.
Thinking of this, he lightly rubbed his brow and asked, "Miss Qin... what do you think of her?"
Lu Zican froze, then couldn't hide the curve of his lips. The rag in his hand danced even more vigorously.
His Protector was truly awkward. Just a moment ago, he had acted all business, and now he was bringing it up himself. If it wasn't because he found Old Zheng and the others too gossipy, then he must have taken Lu as a confidant and was now "consulting" him privately. Naturally, Lu had to shoulder this heavy responsibility and serve him well.
At this thought, he replied with a steady, airtight expression, "When Gao Quan mentioned Miss Qin and the Second Young Master boating together just now, the Protector didn't respond. I thought the Protector was intentionally avoiding the subject."
Qiu Ling pursed his lips and lowered his head slightly. "It was because we spoke of some family matters last night, and my thoughts were unsettled. Since it was a family matter, it was naturally inconvenient to mention it just now."
*Family matters? What family matters?*
Lu Zican was stunned, momentarily confused by the answer. But then he remembered where the Protector had gone after they parted at the clothing shop yesterday, and it was like a divine light hitting him.
Previously, the Protector had personally gone to the Su Manor to break the engagement. Last night, he had a long talk by candlelight with Qiu Er that ended poorly. Could it be because of Miss Qin, who was wandering between the two brothers?
And this family matter... could it be a marriage matter!
It was no wonder. Now that the Qiu and Su families had reached this point, the marriage was certainly off. Both sides were just waiting for this matter to be fully settled before seeking another match. It was just that his Protector understood how to use indirect routes and strategic retreats in war, but when it came to feelings, he only knew how to work silently and follow one path to the end. It was only natural if he met with setbacks.
The Su family engagement had just ended, and he was already looking for the next one. To anyone else's ears, it would seem overly hasty, as if he were just looking for someone to settle down with. And the investigation into the secret formula was at a critical juncture. Miss Qin was a sharp woman; if she questioned the Protector's intentions because of this and misunderstood him as a cold and fickle man using romance as a pretext to use her for the case, what then?
After all, looking back, the Protector had schemed against Miss Qin more than a few times during the Su Manor case.
In business, one can learn through trial and error; in work, one can cross the river by feeling the stones. But a lifelong commitment cannot withstand such tests! If his Protector was eager for quick success in this matter, he would surely suffer and regret it later.
Lu Zican’s deep sense of mission rose again. He pondered for a moment, then cupped his fists and advised, "I believe this family matter cannot be rushed. It is better to plan slowly."
Now it was Qiu Ling's turn to be silent. He looked at Lu Zican’s solemn face, feeling a mix of surprise and regret.
After meeting Xu Qiuchi last night, he had forced himself to suppress his heavy emotions and continue working. But it turned out that even his general had guessed that his father was ill. As the eldest son, he had been so dull, truly throwing "loyalty and filial piety" to the winds. His title as the "Jade-Breaking Gentleman" had become a joke...
While Qiu Ling’s heart was heavy with complex emotions, Lu Zican continued, "Miss Qin and the Protector are at a critical moment where the battle lines are unclear and the path forward is uncertain. The Protector’s intentions are good, but choosing to advance now will instead make one seem frivolous, as if there is no sincerity at all. I believe that in this world, only sincerity is most precious; sincerity can rival the light of the sun, moon, and stars..."
The heavy emotion in his eyes slowly dissipated as the young Protector interrupted dryly, "I was asking what you think of her medical skills."
Lu Zican’s voice stopped abruptly. Realizing he had misunderstood something, his face turned from white to red, a flush that even his thick beard couldn't hide. After a long while, he responded weakly, "Miss Qin’s medical skills... are naturally excellent."
The answer was as good as no answer at all.
Lu Zican lowered his head further, trying to think of how to recover, when he heard the other man speak again.
"Very well. I am going to the wharf to take a boat shortly. If she is still there, I will invite her to Qionghu Island. We can discuss specific strategies after boarding. It will be more private on the ship. If the opportunity allows, I will mention this matter to her. As you said, some things cannot be rushed; they must be approached slowly."
Hearing this, Lu Zican’s lowered head snapped back up.
The meaning behind those words carried two layers of information. First, the Protector indeed intended to act with Miss Qin and go to Qionghu Island together. Second, the Protector was going to tell her about the Qiu family’s private matters.
If the former could be called "official business," the latter was quite intriguing.
He had heard rumors of the Qiu family’s past since he first joined the army. Although he didn't know all the details, he could feel the heavy shackles of the past. Especially the head of the Qiu family, Qiu Yan, who had been a commander of the Black Moon Army; his prestige in Jiugao was extraordinary, and his status was sensitive. The Protector was upright and honest, but he was not an easy man to get close to. He rarely mentioned family matters to anyone, and he had kept the Su family at a respectful distance despite the long-standing engagement. Now, he had only known Miss Qin for a month, yet he was willing to reveal these internal family matters and expose the family’s hidden pain. Did that not explain everything?
What a glorious day! Hmm? His Protector had finally seen the light!
Lu Zican was incredibly excited, his voice much more cheerful. "You’ve finally taken my previous words to heart. Don't worry, if Miss Qin is unwilling to go, I will personally help persuade her. If necessary, I can assist from the sidelines..."
"Why would she be unwilling?" Qiu Ling glanced at Lu Zican and asked in return, "We agreed to work together from the start. Isn't it only natural to act together today?"
*That’s not necessarily true.*
That pretty boy surnamed Li was from the martial world, and Qin Jiuye had been with him every day recently. Lu Zican had thought Qiu Ling had already lost this round, but who knew what problem had arisen between those two, giving his Protector an opening. *Pah, pah, pah,* what "opening"? In any case, the heavens had opened their eyes, and his Protector could finally win a round back.
Lu Zican nodded repeatedly as he thought, nearly offering a "congratulations on the happy occasion."
Regardless, being together meant progress. It was better than letting Qin Jiuye stay with that gloomy boy.
He always felt that when Qin Jiuye came to the noodle stall to find him yesterday, her expression was strangely off. He only hoped he was overthinking things. His Protector would carry the light of righteousness to illuminate the future with Miss Qin, and he only needed to be the guide who hid his merit and fame.
At this thought, he couldn't help but adopt an earnest, well-meaning tone again. "The Protector must seize this golden opportunity. There are some words I feel are very necessary to caution the Protector about in advance."
"What words? If it’s about going to the island, you needn't worry. I’ve had Gao Quan make all the arrangements. Even if things change, we can retreat safely..."
Lu Zican shook his head, instinctively looking around before lowering his voice. "The Protector’s strategies are unmatched; how would I dare speak of them? What I want to say is about Miss Qin."
He intentionally paused, watching his Protector’s face.
As expected, Qiu Ling instinctively frowned. But this time, he didn't refute him. Instead, after a moment, he said softly, "Say what you have to say quickly. If I go too late, she might already be gone."
Lu Zican instantly ducked into the back of the noodle stall and emerged a moment later holding a cloth bundle, which he shoved into the other man’s arms. "First, before a general goes to the battlefield, he must sharpen his weapons and don his armor."
Qiu Ling looked down at the heavy bundle in his arms, his eyes filled with confusion. "Is this a sword or armor?"
Lu Zican patted the bundle mysteriously. "After leaving the Chunshan Pavilion yesterday, I kept it in mind and specifically had someone buy this. I’ve mended your cloth armor before, so I know your measurements best. Although this is ready-made, the size should be about right. You must change into this before you go to see her."
Qiu Ling paused, opening a corner of the bundle to reveal a pale green fabric beneath, which wasn't too conspicuous.
He thought about it, then nodded. "Fine."
Having received approval, Lu Zican’s confidence soared. He pulled out a small notebook he carried, flipped through the notes he had made in his spare time, and began to recite them one by one.
"Second, Miss Qin is hardworking and diligent. She looks frail, but she is actually very stubborn and hates to lose. Protector, do not hurt her self-esteem because you are always so rigid and formal."
Qiu Ling didn't speak, but his mind recalled the words Xu Qiuchi had said after taking out the golden gourd last night. The last bit of resistance in his heart faded, and he rarely remained silent.
Seeing this, Lu Zican knew the other man was listening. He struck while the iron was hot. "Third, the Protector should know that whether it’s a game of chess or a battle, the principle is the same. Most of the time, you don't need to be the best; you only need to be a bit better than your opponent to win."
*A bit better than the opponent? The opponent is...*
A fair, young face involuntarily flashed before his eyes. The corners of Qiu Ling’s mouth sank, and he asked coldly, "For example?"
Lu Zican’s lips curled up as he skimmed his notes, speaking volubly. "The Protector must show his best side as much as possible. For instance, your stable and respectable job and official rank, your clean and respected family background, and in character, you must amplify your magnanimity, integrity, reliability, and loyalty... In short, be as different as clouds and mud from that dark, jealous, and selfish petty person."
Qiu Ling nodded.
That wasn't hard, because that was exactly the kind of person he was.
"What else?"
"Also, Miss Qin comes from the countryside. The Protector must never appear too arrogant and should try to be as friendly as possible to the people around her. Even if you are dissatisfied with someone, you must try your best to endure. You must know that a man needs to know how to show weakness. The more fragile and enduring you appear, the more you can arouse her desire to protect you, which actually wins more favor from women."
*Show weakness?* That was certainly not something he was good at. However, he had always known how to practice hard; nothing could stump him. Except...
Qiu Ling pondered for a moment, then questioned without concealment, "What you say only applies to those who already have feelings. If there is no such intent between two people, I fear it will only result in a joke."
After he spoke, it was Lu Zican’s turn to fall silent.
In truth, his Protector wasn't truly dull; he just held his self-respect and social etiquette too highly. His joys and sorrows were suppressed deep in his heart, making him unable to fully express the feelings within. Especially when facing someone he liked. But the more it was so, the more he would lose out—especially before that bold and unscrupulous petty person.
Lu Zican gritted his teeth, determined to give a strong push. "If the Protector wants to know Miss Qin’s heart, you only need to ask her if her willingness to go to Qionghu Island with you this time is solely for the sake of the secret formula."
Qiu Ling paused as expected, then asked somewhat insincerely, "If not for that, what else would it be for?"
Lu Zican heard the duplicity in his tone and smiled meaningfully. "That, the Protector will have to ask Miss Qin himself."
As he finished, the large pot of noodles behind him began to boil again.
Lu Zican turned to scoop the noodles. When he looked back, Qiu Ling had already taken the reins of his white-foreheaded grey horse. While patting the horse’s head, he said in a low voice, "Do not discuss what was just said behind my back with Xiaozhou and the others, and certainly do not bet money on my private affairs. If I find out, I will punish you by sending you back to Hongcaoliang to raise horses."
Lu Zican, who had chased him out of the stall, stood frozen as if struck by lightning. After a long while, he stammered, "Pro... Protector, when did you..."
"You were all too careless. Your subject is so sharp, yet you didn't even try to be discreet. Who else can you blame?"
The young Protector said this, and for some reason, a trace of a smile appeared in his eyes. But the smile was fleeting; the next moment, he flipped onto his horse. The grey horse neighed and set off, disappearing around the alley corner in the blink of an eye.
As if released from a binding spell, Lu Zican quickly rubbed his eyes and shouted at the departing figure, "The Protector should smile more..."
The sound of hooves had already faded; it was unknown if the man on the horse heard him.
Lu Zican sighed and was about to turn back to the stall when he stopped after a few steps. He turned back and cleared his throat loudly.
The next moment, several shifty-looking men suddenly emerged from under the eaves, from the alleys, and from behind the bushes.
They quickly gathered around Lu Zican, their curiosity impossible to hide. They all spoke at once, but they were all asking the same question.
"How did it go? What did the Protector say? What about Miss Qin?"
Lu Zican turned his head away, his mouth tightly shut under his beard. Clearly, having just been threatened, he didn't want to speak.
Du Shaoheng read the situation and understood. He placed his hands on Lu’s shoulders, making a show of massaging them. "General Lu has worked hard. The Protector has always relied on you; how could he bear to send you back home to raise horses? You’re overthinking it."
After Zheng Peiyu spoke, he quickly winked at the others. The remaining men hurriedly crowded around, echoing him with sweet talk.
Lu Zican wiped the spittle from his face, and his expression finally relaxed. After a long while, he said deeply, "The two of them are going to Qionghu Island together tonight."
Everyone was stunned, then looked at each other. Duan Xiaozhou was the first to speak hesitantly, "So that means... it’s a success?"
Before he could finish, Zheng Peiyu slapped him on the back of the head. The latter then hissed in a low voice, "Success my foot! Miss Qin doesn't even know the Protector went to the Su Manor to break the engagement. I’m afraid the window paper hasn't even been poked through yet. How can we get cocky now? We have to be careful not to let someone else take advantage of the opening."
*Someone else?*
The image of the youth who had broken into the courtyard that day flashed before everyone’s eyes. Their expressions became as grim as if facing a great enemy.
Lu Zican gritted his teeth and summarized solemnly, "Well said. Right now is the critical moment of life and death, success or failure. Everyone must give their all to do what the Protector assigned beautifully. Only then will he not be constantly distracted by the case and be able to better invest himself in the great goal of mutual understanding and heart-to-heart connection with Miss Qin."
The others nodded again and huddled together to exchange their tasks and progress. But then they saw the short general standing aside with his arms crossed, silent from beginning to end.
Lu Zican looked at Gao Quan, his tone somewhat displeased. "What? Do you not want to help achieve our Protector’s great life event?"
Gao Quan shook his head, his voice flat. "I just feel that while the Protector has the intent, Miss Qin might not have the feelings right now."
Zhang Min was unhappy to hear this. "You, the battle hasn't even begun, and you’re already boosting others' morale while dampening our own? I think Miss Qin cares more about our Protector. During the Su Manor case, she came to our door time and time again."
"That was forced by circumstances; what does it have to do with romantic feelings?" Gao Quan looked at everyone strangely and said plainly, "When I went to the flower boat last night to invite the Second Young Master for a talk, Miss Qin was also there. She clearly knew the Protector was nearby, but she didn't show the slightest intention of coming over. And after that Ciyi Needle caused such a stir, she didn't come to check on the Protector. Her mind is clearly elsewhere."
Gao Quan was a man of few words, but when he spoke, he always chilled the heart.
The fighting spirit and confidence that had just been ignited in the young officers vanished by half. Only Lu Zican refused to give up, retorting immediately, "How do you know what’s in Miss Qin’s heart? Nothing is settled until the final moment. We shall see!"
Gao Quan blinked and said nothing more.
Firstly, he never liked to go head-to-head with a stubborn, narrow-minded ox like Lu Zican. Secondly, who could say for sure when it came to the love between a man and a woman?
Clear the blockages, and the way opens.
The blockages of this case might be about to clear, but the romantic trials of this man of the Qiu family were hard to say.
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
慈衣针 | Ciyi Needle | A specific person or target involved in the mystery.
方外观 | Fangwaiguan | A martial sect or organization involved in the case.
琼壶岛 | Qionghu Island | The location of the Opening Ceremony.
开锋大典 | Opening Ceremony | Literally "Blade-Sharpening Ceremony" or "Consecration Ceremony."
黑月军 | Black Moon Army | A military unit formerly led by Qiu Yan.
邱偃 | Qiu Yan | Qiu Ling's father and former commander.
春衫阁 | Chunshan Pavilion | A high-end clothing shop.
通关窍 | Clearing the Blockage | A medical term used metaphorically for solving a case or understanding someone's heart.
