The next morning at the Protectorate Mansion, everyone was eating porridge.
A bowl of plain congee paired with cold-dressed agastache leaves was the best remedy for a hangover. Followed by a cup of cooling tea to settle the stomach, one would immediately feel refreshed and alert.
The matter of the Listening Wind Hall had only reached a temporary pause. The burned courtyard had not yet been cleared, and the interrogation of the water gate guards was proceeding in secret. Everyone was attending to their duties, hurrying about, their conversations peppered with discussions of the case. It seemed as normal as any other day.
Qin Jiuye secretly observed everyone’s expressions but could discern nothing. Occasionally, she felt someone watching her from the shadows, but whenever she turned to look, everyone appeared as if nothing had happened, making her wonder if it was merely her imagination.
However, she remembered clearly that when she pushed open her door this morning, the bag of sesame cakes she had hung on the tree branch yesterday was gone. Li Qiao also claimed to know nothing about it.
The cakes had been placed in a very tricky spot; an ordinary person would never have seen them, let alone picked them up by mistake.
In the safest, most serious, and most sacredly inviolable Protectorate Mansion in all of Jiugao City, she had fallen victim to a theft. The stolen item was a bag of sesame cakes, and the "suspect" was right here in this courtyard.
The situation was somewhat absurd, and beneath that absurdity, there was a sense of undercurrents swirling.
She did not know how many people in this yard were truly drunk and forgetful, and how many were feigning ignorance through intoxication. Since everyone remained silent, she followed suit and acted as if nothing had happened.
Situ Jinbao had not been into the city for a long time, and this was his first time staying in the Protectorate Mansion. Though he didn't say it, his face was written with the words "I don't want to leave." Even when Qin Jiuye told him about Zhu Fuxue, who liked to gouge out eyes; about Yuan Qi, hidden in the dark hold of a ship; and about the Manor Head Di Mo, who committed every evil imaginable yet remained unopposed—she still couldn't scare him off. He listened to it all like a play, his eyes shining brighter with every word.
To Situ Jinbao, the "Jianghu" was that jade scabbard slide Li Qiao had given him. He wore it around his neck every day, not even knowing what it was actually used for.
In the end, Qin Jiuye had to bring him back to reality, asking if he had received the ginseng and lingzhi from Xu Qiuchi.
Situ Jinbao instantly fell silent. He transformed back into the little medical apprentice of Guoran Hall, dejectedly carrying his shopkeeper’s "instructions" as he began his journey home, though he managed to swipe some snacks before leaving.
As for Qiu Ling, she hadn't seen him all morning.
It wasn't until after noon, when the sun began to slant westward, that she spotted his hurried figure in the backyard.
"Protector-General."
She called out. The figure paused but did not stop.
She refused to give up easily and followed him for a few steps.
"Is the Protector-General well?"
This time, he could no longer pretend not to hear. He had to stop and turn around. The moment he saw her, before he could even speak, the tips of his ears turned red involuntarily.
In truth, last night was not the first time he had been drunk.
The wine in the military camps was often strong; they drank whatever was available wherever they went, without much refinement. Whether it was smooth didn't matter, as long as it could make a man burn. In his early years in the army, he was a youth with a shallow tolerance for alcohol. Not knowing his limits, he had often gotten drunk after great victories. What ridiculous things had he not done while intoxicated? When had he ever become so bashful because of it?
He felt ashamed and unable to face himself, simply because the person before him was her.
"Last night..." He struggled to force out two words, then said in a low voice after a long pause, "...I lost my composure last night. I made a fool of myself before you."
Qin Jiuye waved it off and pulled out a small box carved from a walnut, pressing it into his hand.
"This is a peppermint balm I prepared this morning. It’s most effective for clearing the mind. If the Protector-General doesn't mind, please accept it." She paused here, deciding to keep it brief so as not to delay him. "I came to find you for another matter. That day when we took the boat to the island, you asked a favor of me. I wonder if you still remember?"
She was referring to Qiu Ling’s request for her to perform a medical consultation. Of course, Qiu Ling remembered; she only asked this way to avoid mentioning it directly. After all, the illness of the Water-Suppressing Commandant was a grave matter. Seeing Qiu Ling’s expression that day, she knew few people were aware of it. Moreover, it was a family matter, and it wasn't appropriate for her to bring it up openly, so she could only ask him in person.
Qiu Ling understood her intentions. He gripped the box of peppermint balm tightly and said softly, "This matter might have to wait a while."
"Does the Protector-General have concerns?" Qin Jiuye’s voice was even lower, but her tone was very sincere. "Though this 'dementia' is not an acute illness, early intervention is always better than letting it go. I know you are busy with many affairs right now..."
"I am not concerned about other things; I am concerned for you," Qiu Ling finally said, a faint sigh in his voice. "In my father's current state, he is not fit for a consultation. He is a martial artist, different from other patients you've encountered, or even from Yuan Zhou. I fear he might hurt you."
Qin Jiuye fell silent, her silence tinged with a bit of unease.
It seemed Qiu Yan was indeed very ill, and likely had been for some time. Qiu Ling was probably seeing his father's episodes for the first time, but before this, Xu Qiuchi must have experienced them countless times.
She suddenly remembered the situation when she was trapped on the boat with that playboy. At that time, although he was as frightened and anxious as she was, he had appeared much more composed compared to the runners who first saw Yuan Zhou on the Su family's cargo ship that night.
Thinking about it now, perhaps it was because he had long ago faced a difficult, irrational patient—and that patient was his own kin...
"It’s no matter. If now is not the time, there will be an opportunity later. Since I promised the Protector-General, I will keep my word. When you find a suitable time, send someone to tell me, and I will fully cooperate."
Her gaze was so firm that as Qiu Ling looked into her eyes, he felt the heat he had finally suppressed last night begin to surge within him again.
"I..."
"Miss Qin!"
Lu Zican’s voice suddenly rang out from behind them, startlingly loud.
Qin Jiuye jumped. Then, in a blur, Lu Zican’s burly frame charged before her.
"So Miss Qin is here. You’ve truly made me search far and wide."
She hadn't left the courtyard all day and had passed him just fifteen minutes ago. How could she be hard to find?
Qin Jiuye blinked, somewhat confused. The next moment, he pulled out two familiar jars and stuffed them into her hands without explanation.
"These are the items you entrusted to my care earlier. It is time they were returned to their rightful owner."
Qin Jiuye held the two jars, speaking with some hesitation.
"Didn't Commander Lu say these were closely related to the case, and fearing they might be mishandled, they needed to be hidden for a while?"
Lu Zican blinked.
"Is that so? Well, perhaps the time has come. It just so happens your apprentice left just now. I know you worry about him being unreliable, so why not return to Dingwong Village with him and check on your home?"
Lu Zican continued with his nonsensical chatter, while Qin Jiuye stared at him without blinking.
She wasn't sure if her eyes were playing tricks on her, but she thought she saw a sesame seed hidden within the commander's thick beard...
"Commander Lu, did you happen to see the sesame cakes I hung in the courtyard last night?"
Lu Zican’s voice cut off abruptly. His exposed skin turned red rapidly, and after a long pause, he shouted, "Didn't see them!"
Just as Qin Jiuye was about to press further, Qiu Ling spoke up at the right moment.
"A letter has arrived from Lord Song. We are going to Xiuting Wharf shortly. We can study the contents of those jars together there. Go and have everyone get ready."
Lu Zican was finally saved. He didn't dare stay a moment longer and fled immediately.
However, the moment he left, a youth dressed in black stepped out from the other side.
"What are you going to Xiuting Wharf for? How many people are going? How long will you be gone?"
Qin Jiuye’s heart hammered. She stepped forward, trying to push Li Qiao back the way he came, but it was too late. Qiu Ling had already stepped in front of her.
"In what capacity are you asking? And why should I answer you?"
"You don't have to answer," Li Qiao said, his face slightly turned away, but his voice was unmistakable. "I am going too."
Thinking of everything that had happened recently, Qin Jiuye felt that if these two met again, she would lose years off her life. She tried to persuade him earnestly.
"This is to investigate a case. Why are you following? Besides, your injuries haven't healed..."
"My injuries are no longer a problem. Didn't Sister check them last night?" Li Qiao’s voice was low and soft, but he wouldn't yield an inch. "In what capacity is Sister helping him investigate the case? If you can go, why can't I?"
Qiu Ling couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.
"Miss Qin has outstanding medical skills. What strengths do you have? A strength for killing?"
"Didn't you say those ships were moved with the assistance of the Fangwai Sect? I am from the World's First Manor; I am more than familiar with their methods." Li Qiao finished speaking and suddenly turned to Qin Jiuye. "As long as you are willing to let me go along, I promise I can prove my usefulness. I will never make things difficult for you."
The look in his eyes was impossible to avoid. Qin Jiuye felt the pressure mounting and managed to squeeze out a smile that looked worse than crying.
"Why are you looking at me? This isn't something I can—"
"Since Li Qiao is still a member of Guoran Hall, whether he stays or goes is for Miss Qin to decide."
Qiu Ling dropped these words and actually turned away with his arms crossed.
Caught in the middle, Qin Jiuye found it hard to breathe. After several such instances, she also grew frustrated.
"One of you is an investigating Protector-General, the other is a martial arts expert. Why do you push everything onto me the moment something happens? Decide your own affairs, and if something goes wrong, take responsibility yourselves!"
The courtyard fell silent for a moment. Qiu Ling finally turned back. His expression had returned to calm, though his tone remained cold.
"Do you know why I have refused to let him leave this courtyard all these days? To build a camp and defend the ground. Right now, this mansion is our camp. My men have the ability to protect this place. Once he steps out of this yard, he enters the larger camp of Jiugao City. My manpower is limited, but I can still manage to look after him. But if he steps out of this city, he is completely exposed in the wilderness. Whether it is the people from the World's First Manor or that Mr. Ding’s people, they can find him in the blink of an eye."
As soon as Qiu Ling finished, Lu Zican’s voice suddenly rang out from atop the wall.
"The Protector-General means that regardless of Li Qiao’s fate after being exposed, the people around him would likely suffer as well."
Qin Jiuye was startled, not knowing when he had started eavesdropping.
Li Qiao didn't even turn his head, clearly having sensed Lu Zican’s presence long ago. He immediately retorted.
"I only know that whether it is this courtyard or Jiugao City, they are merely bags with their openings tied shut. If the bag has already been spotted, the things inside will be found sooner or later. Waiting for death is the worst strategy. The urgent task is to strike while the opponent is still searching. Uprooting the threat at its source is the only way out."
Before Li Qiao’s voice could fade, another figure dropped down from the side—it was Zheng Peiyu.
"Uprooting the threat? Do you actually dare to rebel against the World's First Manor?"
Before that voice settled, another rose. Du Shaoheng crawled out from some corner.
"Besides, we are only investigating a case. Why should we be dragged into the conflicts of the Jianghu because of you?"
Li Qiao coldly swept his gaze over these "manifesting" young officers.
"Is the Ciyi Needle not of the Jianghu? Did the secret formula not flow out from Jianghu territory? Is the Listening Wind Hall not related to Jianghu powers? You want to catch the fish without getting your shoes wet—isn't that a bit too much to hope for?"
What a sight—one against many, taking them all on. It was as if the scene of him repelling enemies with an umbrella had repeated itself, only the blades and spears had turned into a battle of words.
Everyone crowded forward, looking ready to go another three hundred rounds, until Qin Jiuye could finally bear it no longer.
"The so-called Jianghu is just a place with many people." She paused, then continued boldly, "I don't believe there are so many coincidences in this world. Whether it is that Mr. Ding, the World's First Manor, or the Chuanliu Academy, they must be connected to this secret formula case. Since we have to face it sooner or later, it’s better to plan and act early."
As soon as she spoke, a sudden burst of clapping came from behind her.
"Our Shopkeeper Qin is the one who sees things clearly after all."
Xu Qiuchi had appeared outside the courtyard gate at some unknown time, smiling broadly, looking like someone who enjoyed watching a good commotion.
It was one thing for their own people to join the fray inside the walls, but for someone outside to eavesdrop was unacceptable.
Qiu Ling’s brow furrowed instantly.
"What are you doing here now?"
"Naturally, to solve my brother's problems. In my view, leaving this mansion isn't that much of a hassle."
Having said that, Xu Qiuchi stepped aside gracefully, revealing the Qiu family carriage behind him.
The moment Qin Jiuye saw the carriage, she shook her head.
"Who doesn't know this is the carriage of the Second Young Master of the Qiu family? If we actually get on your carriage, we’ll become the most conspicuous people in the city. We’d be better off riding horses."
The next moment, the carriage curtain moved slightly, and a woman in green poked her head out, nodding gently to Qin Jiuye.
"Shopkeeper Qin, I hope you have been well."
Upon seeing Liu Caiwu, Qin Jiuye instantly understood the intention of "making a feint to the east while attacking in the west."
The next moment, accompanied by a loud bray, a donkey cart wobbled into the alleyway. It looked as if it might fall apart at any second. It finally creaked to a halt, and the driver climbed down clumsily. His head was bound with a cloth wrap, his hands were empty, and his clothes were a dusty grey. Looking closer, he was actually wearing his official uniform inside out.
He brushed the dust off his clothes, gave a solemn bow, and as he lifted his head, a clever young face was revealed beneath the wrap.
"The Second Young Master made an appointment to drink with me on Sunshi Street. The two of us entered through the front door but came out through the back alley. No one noticed us along the way. Please rest easy, Protector-General."
Xu Qiuchi stepped forward and hooked his arm around Lin Fang’s shoulder, smiling at Qiu Ling.
"It just so happens I also have something for my brother to see. The matter of leaving the city will be handled by Manager Liu, and with my brother's men providing cover, it will be enough to deal with the eyes and ears in the city. As for us, let’s catch up with Lord Lin."
****** ****** ******
By the time the donkey cart rumbled northward toward the Beilou Gate along the small city paths, the sky was already approaching dusk.
The lamps on both sides of the street had not yet been lit. In the gloom, only the oil lamp in front of the donkey cart flickered behind a piece of coarse indigo cloth.
The donkey cart was not as spacious as a carriage; four people were its limit. No one spoke, making the air feel even more stifling.
Qin Jiuye felt that the only reason she had been invited onto this cart half an hour ago was because no one else could fit. She also didn't think Qiu Ling truly approved of Xu Qiuchi’s "rotten idea"; he just knew that if he didn't agree, the other would not let it go easily and might cause even more trouble. It was better to keep him close.
Finally, Lin Fang cleared his throat and apologized in a low voice.
"I should have reported earlier, but my donkey is getting on in years and its pace really can't keep up. Although I rushed over immediately after finishing the task, it still took half an hour to arrive. I hope the Protector-General will forgive me."
Qiu Ling nodded. "Next time you can take a boat. The water route is more convenient and secure."
Lin Fang pulled out a handkerchief to wipe his sweat and said sincerely, "I get seasick. I truly cannot ride a boat."
Silence fell over the cart again.
The Chief of River Transport getting seasick—how was that different from a Great General fainting at the sight of blood?
Qin Jiuye wanted to laugh but didn't dare, struggling hard to contain it.
After a long while, Xu Qiuchi spoke up leisurely.
"Lord Lin has worked hard. This matter is of great importance and must not be leaked; that is why you were called."
"I understand, I understand. I have always been known for my low profile in officialdom; these principles are ingrained in my heart. For this interrogation, I handled the records personally without any outside help. They are all here."
As Lin Fang spoke, he took a sealed document from his cloth bag and handed it forward. Upon seeing this, Qiu Ling and Xu Qiuchi almost simultaneously moved to take it, then stopped at the same time as they noticed each other's movement. A subtle atmosphere diffused once more.
"I had plenty of ink and paper, so I made two copies. The Protector-General and the Second Young Master can each take one. They are identical."
Lin Fang finished speaking and flicked his fingers; the document split into two. There were indeed two copies.
Qin Jiuye watched from the side, marveling. This Lin Fang looked like a delicate scholar, but his skin was as thick as a city wall. Despite his youth, he had a slippery manner. She had been mistaken earlier, thinking he had been led astray by Xu Qiuchi; looking at him now, they were clearly birds of a feather.
As she was thinking this, Xu Qiuchi also saw through it and couldn't help but laugh.
"If Lord Lin hadn't spent the time making an extra copy, perhaps he could have arrived half an hour earlier."
Lin Fang smiled and waved his hand with a humble air.
"Running errands for the Protector-General is my duty. Between me and the Second Young Master, it is a matter of friendship and financial dealings. By all rights and reason, I should make this trip."
What a man—clearly distinguishing between public and private, playing both sides. He handled one task two ways and offended neither party.
Qiu Ling had already opened the document and was skimming through it. Seeing this, Lin Fang immediately began his report.
"I interrogated nine people in total, with Pan Yi, the guard of the Beilou Gate, being the most important. The person Pan Yi let out of the city that day was indeed Liang Shi'an. At first, he naturally refused to confess, thinking the Protector-General only sent me to interrogate him because of our years of acquaintance and because I have no roots or backing in this city..."
And? Was that not the case?
Qin Jiuye pricked up her ears curiously. Seeing this, Xu Qiuchi sighed softly and explained in a low voice.
"Shopkeeper Qin might not know, but before Lord Lin was transferred to the Water Bureau, he served in the Pili Temple in the capital. He was young and vigorous, with a bright future ahead of him. Unfortunately, he didn't know his own strength. While investigating a murder case in a brothel, he accidentally killed the only son of a certain high official. That is why he was demoted to Jiugao City."
Qin Jiuye’s eyes widened. The bowing young man and even his donkey suddenly seemed much more formidable and terrifying.
Though she didn't know who that official was, the arrogance and protectiveness of the powerful were not hard to imagine, especially for an only son. He must have been pampered beyond measure, yet he was beaten to death by an officer. The official must have been spitting blood with rage. And the "culprit" before her had only been demoted to Jiugao—the implications behind this were even more frightening.
"...Liang Shi'an used a jade pendant from a Prince's mansion to clear the way, and Pan Yi had no choice but to bow and let him pass. At the time, besides Liang Shi'an, there was only one servant dressed as a boatman on the ship. Pan Yi did not see this person take action, so he doesn't know his skill level. However..." Lin Fang paused, deciding to share everything he had learned, "...when the boat left the city, Pan Yi said that based on the ship's draft, the cargo was not all grain as Liang Shi'an had claimed. I cannot judge if he was merely exaggerating to claim credit."
This Lord Lin was young, yet he possessed the steady slipperiness of a veteran official. In less than half an hour, he had pried out key information, yet he didn't use it to boast, nor did he waste a single word. It was truly rare.
Qiu Ling clearly knew Lin Fang’s background as well. After a moment of hesitation, he asked, "How is Pan Yi now?"
"The Protector-General need not worry. Although I have dealt with shipping every day these years, I haven't forgotten my old trade. I've also learned much about 'conduct' from the Second Young Master during my years at the Water Bureau; I won't be as 'accidental' as before. Lord Pan is of sturdy build; spending three to five days with me won't be a problem. He is resting well right now."
Once he said this, Qiu Ling finally relaxed slightly, but he still cautioned, "Pan Yi is close with Fan Tong. Now that he’s in trouble, the Prefect’s office will surely send someone to fish him out."
"Rest assured, Protector-General. After getting this confession, I immediately moved him to the South City Boat Office. Lord Fan usually likes to linger in the North City; he certainly won't deign to visit my 'stinking ditch' to find someone. As long as he doesn't come in person, I can handle the others."
Qiu Ling closed the document. After a moment of thought, he asked, "Did Pan Yi see the specific appearance of that jade pendant?"
Lin Fang had clearly anticipated this question. He pulled a thin piece of paper from his person.
"Because it was only a fleeting glance, he could only be certain it was a heart-shaped pendant with a chi-dragon pattern. He didn't remember much else. I drew a sketch based on what he said. Whether it is true or false, I leave it to the Protector-General to judge."
He held the paper before Qiu Ling and Xu Qiuchi for a moment, then immediately held it over the oil lamp and burned it to ash.
Qin Jiuye caught a glimpse from a distance. The drawing was indeed a bit crude. It seemed impossible to pinpoint which Prince's mansion it belonged to based on a blurry pattern alone.
But if there was a suspect, it was a different story.
"Prince Xiaoning’s mansion again."
Xu Qiuchi reached a conclusion quickly, clearly not caring about discussing the royalty far away in the capital.
Seeing the conspiracy escalate and the sense of taboo in the conversation grow heavier, Qin Jiuye suddenly regretted taking that peek. However, before she could think of how to excuse herself, she felt the space beside her empty. Lin Fang had actually jumped off the back of the cart to flee.
"I’ve said all that needs to be said. I must rush back to my post; I’ll be fined if I’m late. I’ll come to apologize to you both another day!"
His voice still lingered behind the cart, but the man was already gone. With that kind of leg strength, why did he even need a donkey cart?
The three in the cart fell into silence. After a long while, Xu Qiuchi sighed from the bottom of his heart.
"Our Lord Lin is truly nimble. It’s a waste for him to be just a Chief of River Transport."
Qiu Ling ignored the teasing in his words and said coldly, "Discussing the royal family and even fabricating charges—at best, it’s one head rolling; at worst, it’s the execution of an entire clan. You should indeed think twice before you speak."
"Why must Brother play dumb with me? When you interrogated Su Lin, did you not hear the name of this Prince Xiaoning?"
"Liang Shi'an did not hesitate to expose the backing of Prince Xiaoning’s mansion, rushing out of the Beilou Gate with that jade pendant. This shows that the things on that boat were far more important than we anticipated. If it were just sick people, why would he need to escort them personally? It would be too foolish to do such a thing under the name of Prince Xiaoning’s mansion. Besides, weren't the seven ships from Lixin Lake enough?"
But if it wasn't those patients imprisoned underground, what could it be?
Illness has its logic, and people have their ways. No matter how treacherous and unpredictable the opponent was, there was always a hidden logic to their actions.
He gave the secret formula to Yuan Shuqing, perhaps to test the reaction of those with martial arts skills; he gave it to the Su family to observe the changes in those severely ill after taking it. Then, what was the purpose of mixing the formula into wine and giving it to everyone?
A gust of wind and rain blew past, making the oil lamp crackle. Qin Jiuye stared at the flickering light and suddenly asked, "Do you think the fire in the backyard of the Four-Stripes Street alley was a bit unusual?"
Xu Qiuchi didn't understand. "Wasn't it said that someone committed arson?"
"I mean, the wind and rain were so heavy that night. Even the papers stained with black powder in the Listening Wind Hall didn't burn. Why did that dilapidated courtyard burn with such a fierce blaze until dawn?"
Beside her, Qiu Ling had already caught on. He asked, "You mean there was something else in that courtyard?"
Qin Jiuye nodded silently, her expression growing more somber with thought.
But what was the thing that vanished in the flames? If it were oil to aid the fire, there should have been some lingering scent afterward; it wouldn't have gone completely unnoticed.
The scenes since the Sword Appreciation Assembly flashed through her mind, finally settling on the hand of everyone raising a cup in the Hidden Immortal Grotto.
Qin Jiuye suddenly looked up.
"How far is the largest distillery in the city from here?"
Xu Qiuchi blinked. "From here, it would take about two or three quarters of an hour to detour there. If we hurry, we might make it before leaving the city."
Qin Jiuye looked at Qiu Ling. "I have a theory. Is the Protector-General willing to go and investigate?"
****** ****** ******
The weather was poor, and few pedestrians could be seen on the street. Only the tea houses and taverns were bustling, with everyone hiding from the rain over drinks, complaining about the recent terrible weather.
The distilleries were not as lively as the taverns, but for a place like Xiaofu Residence, which boasted a centuries-old reputation, steady business was the way of trade, and a slow pace was the way of life.
The distillery shopkeeper, Hu Yunmeng, was a short, stout old man. No matter how big the matter, it sounded light when it came from his mouth. He always had a smiling face for everyone; even when ruffians or beggars came to his door, he was never seen to lose his temper.
The deep red cloth curtain at the door ruffled, and three figures walked in through the dusk. Hu Yunmeng didn't even look up before greeting them cheerfully.
"I haven't seen Manager Liu lately, but the Second Young Master visits often. My humble shop is truly graced by your presence."
Before Xu Qiuchi could speak, the woman behind him stepped forward quickly, carefully inspecting the row of wine jars on the ground by the door.
One couldn't find many tables in Xiaofu Residence, but wine jars of all shapes and sizes filled the floor. From strong distilled spirits to peach blossom brew, it was clear the owner was a true lover of wine.
However, among the many jars, Qin Jiuye could not find what she was looking for.
"Is this the young lady's first visit? As long as you want to drink it, there is no wine you cannot buy in my shop..."
Hu Yunmeng approached to solicit business. After a moment of thought, Qin Jiuye asked, "Do you have Dalu Brew?"
Hu Yunmeng paused, then rubbed his hands together.
"Oh, what a pity. The Dalu Brew was all bought up a while ago. Would the lady like to try this Qionghua Honey Brew? It’s not often available in other months..."
Beside her, Qiu Ling clearly had no interest in the merchant's pitch. He asked directly, "Was the person who bought the wine from the World's First Manor? It would have been within the last month. Does Shopkeeper Hu recall?"
Hu Yunmeng shook his head, his expression unchanged.
"The stock of Dalu Brew comes and goes frequently. People buy it in large and small quantities. Besides, my shop only cares about selling wine. Except for not selling to children, I don't investigate the identity of the buyers."
Qin Jiuye thought for a moment, her gaze sweeping over the rows of jars. A thought suddenly struck her, and she asked, "Besides Dalu Brew? Besides Dalu Brew, has anyone bought a large amount of any other wine recently?"
"My shop's wine has never lacked for buyers." Hu Yunmeng closed his eyes and began counting on his fingers as he touted his wares. "Things like Roasted Peach Spirit and Sleeping Spring Fragrance sell very quickly. For the Cloud Leaf Fresh, people wait for months even with gold and silver in hand. Even the Qihe Sacrificial Brew was sold out three months ago..."
Before he could finish, Qiu Ling sensed something and immediately pressed, "You said the Qihe Sacrificial Brew was sold out three months ago. Was it all sold at once?"
"That was around the spring months." Hu Yunmeng rubbed his shiny forehead, his eyes rolling behind his lids. "Not many people ask for that wine normally. In this whole of Jiugao City, only my shop kept some. That distinguished guest took it all and paid in cash very readily, so I remember it clearly."
"Do you remember who bought it? Someone from the city or an outsider?"
"It should have been a young man. He said he was from the capital and came specifically to find this Qihe Sacrificial Brew produced in Longshu." Hu Yunmeng’s eyes, which were narrowed into slits, finally opened, as if he had only just fully woken from a nap. "This old man is just a small shopkeeper in a remote city. The affairs of the great lords from the capital are truly beyond my right or daring to question."
The city gates were about to close. The three knew they couldn't learn more today and had to leave the shop in a hurry, returning to the donkey cart.
Qiu Ling looked back at the dimly lit distillery, already forming his next plan.
"It won't be hard to confirm if the things Ding Miao stored in the courtyard were indeed wine. Tomorrow I will send someone with the pottery shards found in that yard and have the shopkeeper identify them."
Before Qin Jiuye could speak, Xu Qiuchi sighed as he stroked the donkey’s fuzzy head.
"Of all the wines, why did it have to be Qihe Sacrificial Brew?"
Qin Jiuye also had doubts in her heart. But she knew nothing about wine, so she asked softly, "What about Qihe Sacrificial Brew?"
Xu Qiuchi looked at Qin Jiuye, then glanced at Qiu Ling’s frost-like face, and sighed as he spoke.
"If Brother frequently attended banquets and mingled with the sons of noble families, he would know that this wine is rarely sold even in the capital. Noble sons would never bring out such wine at a banquet."
"Is the wine that expensive?"
As Qin Jiuye asked, Xu Qiuchi shook his head gently.
"It is a wine used only when sacrificing to ghosts and gods. Ordinary families wouldn't use it for simple ancestral rites, and they certainly wouldn't need so much. It is only prepared in abundance when opening an altar for a ritual or a grand sacrifice to Heaven and Earth."
Qin Jiuye couldn't help but frown.
"In the current Xiangliang, would anyone still dare to open an altar for a ritual or a grand sacrifice to Heaven and Earth?"
"There is." Qiu Ling’s gaze pierced through the night, looking straight into the continuous curtain of rain. "For example, the one on the throne in the capital."
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
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藿香 | Agastache | A medicinal herb often used in TCM for digestive issues and hangovers.
薄荷膏 | Peppermint Balm | A topical ointment made from peppermint.
太舟卿 | Chief of River Transport | An official title related to water transport and vessels.
北娄门 | Beilou Gate | North Tower Gate; a specific city gate in Jiugao.
潘弋 | Pan Yi | A guard official at the Beilou Gate.
梁世安 | Liang Shi'an | A character associated with the Prince's mansion.
孝宁王 | Prince Xiaoning | A member of the royal family in the capital.
螭纹鸡心佩 | Chi-dragon heart-shaped pendant | A specific type of jade ornament.
小福居 | Xiaofu Residence | The name of a long-standing wine distillery/shop.
胡云梦 | Hu Yunmeng | The shopkeeper of the Xiaofu Residence distillery.
大庐酿 | Dalu Brew | A specific type of wine.
七合鬯 | Qihe Sacrificial Brew | A rare ritual wine used for major state or religious sacrifices.
龙枢 | Longshu | A geographical location known for producing specific wines.
襄梁 | Xiangliang | The name of the dynasty or kingdom in the story.
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Secret Recipe | Chapter 188 | Traces in the Fire | Novela.app | Novela.app
