Investigating and interrogating day and night had caused the stubble on Lu Zican’s face to grow thick and dense, yet even the heaviest beard could not mask the bewilderment currently etched across his features.
"You... you really want to stay?"
Qin Jiuye nodded, seemingly finding his reaction a bit strange. "Back at the gates of the Su Manor, didn't Lieutenant Lu say himself that you sometimes interrogate suspects through the night?"
Lu Zican looked troubled. "That is true, but..."
True as it was, he had only said it at the time to provoke Li Qiao. Now that the true culprit was behind bars, there was really no need for a newly appointed consultant to join them for an overnight session. Besides, the Commander had originally only asked her to help look into the matter of He Yuanzhou...
Qin Jiuye read the expression on his face and offered a considerate explanation. "You needn't worry. I’m not actually going to join the interrogation like you all. I simply want to carefully review the medical records and prescriptions related to He Yuanzhou to see if anything was overlooked. It’s best to clear my head as soon as possible."
Lu Zican nodded hesitantly, but his brow soon furrowed again. "I am naturally pleased that Miss Qin is so dedicated. However, the Prefectural Office has its rules; outsiders are generally not permitted to stay overnight. If you wish to stay, I’m afraid you won't get past Master Fan."
Heaven be her witness, she only wanted to speed up the progress, not burn the midnight oil alongside that Fan Tong.
Qin Jiuye pondered for a moment, observing Lu Zican’s expression before carefully testing the waters. "Perhaps on the Commander’s side...?"
Lu Zican fell into his subconscious hesitation again. "On the Commander’s side..."
He had barely uttered a few words before his voice came to an abrupt halt.
In truth, the Commander’s residence had never allowed outsiders to stay the night either. Yet, for some reason, thinking of his Commander’s solitary lamp that burned through the night, Lu Zican felt his stance shift from a law-abiding lieutenant to a somewhat meddlesome friend.
It was just one night, wasn't it? It wouldn't even be more than a few hours in total.
At this thought, a friendly smile broke across Lu Zican’s face. "The Commander’s side isn't out of the question. He often spends the night in his own courtyard studying case files. If Miss Qin doesn't mind the toil, it’s merely a matter of adding a bit more lamp oil."
Strictly speaking, Qin Jiuye was now a consultant—one of their own—so this wouldn't exactly be breaking the rules. If the Commander disliked the arrangement, Lu Zican would simply take responsibility for escorting her back later. At most, he’d endure a few scoldings; it wasn't as if he’d lose a limb over it. But if the Commander found it agreeable, wouldn't he have conveniently facilitated a pleasant turn of events?
As it turned out, his hunch was finally right for once.
Qiu Ling didn't even ask questions before handing over the keys to several empty rooms in the side courtyard.
In high spirits, Lu Zican began to chatter incessantly again. From the orientation of the rooms to the interior furnishings, and even the distance from these rooms to the Commander’s own quarters—he introduced every detail without missing a single point.
Qin Jiuye felt less like she was there to work and more like she was scouting land to buy a house.
Finally, he finished his introduction and looked at her with expectant eyes. "Which room would Miss Qin like?"
Qin Jiuye shot him a quick glance, still not quite understanding why this man had suddenly become so enthusiastic about introducing his Commander’s residence. One had to remember that the first time she came here, Lu Zican had spent a long time lecturing her on the rules, not even letting her touch a table or enter a room.
Perhaps he was just being polite; after all, laborers who actively requested overtime were rare these days.
Thinking this, Qin Jiuye replied with perfect decorum, "I’ll take the one furthest away in the side courtyard. That way, I won't disturb the Commander or the rest of you."
Qin Jiuye felt her choice was beyond reproach, but the moment the words left her mouth, she sensed an immediate wave of disappointment from the man before her.
Lu Zican seemed unwilling to give up and asked again, "Actually, I’ve always wondered—Miss Qin has been running about all day and must be exhausted. Why not return to your lodgings for a night’s rest instead of insisting on coming to the Commander’s residence?"
Qin Jiuye was even more puzzled. Wasn't it because he said the Prefectural Office didn't allow outsiders to stay that she had followed him here?
But her mind whirled, and she believed she had seen through his intentions. Was this Lu Zican testing her work ethic on behalf of his Commander?
At this thought, Qin Jiuye immediately straightened her expression. "Lieutenant Lu must be joking. Since I have accepted this task, I shall not know peace until the matter is settled."
Whether it was her imagination or not, before her voice had even landed, a suppressed sigh echoed from the corner of the wall behind her.
Qin Jiuye whipped her head around, but there was no one at the base of the wall, only the faint sound of hurried, messy footsteps fading into the distance.
Had she turned back at that moment, she would have seen Lu Zican beating his chest in frustration.
He had wagered nearly half a month’s salary on the choice of rooms. Now, it was all going to that brat Gao Quan.
"Here are the keys."
Lu Zican handed the keys to Qin Jiuye listlessly, his previous energy completely vanished. After a few brief instructions, he turned and left, leaving Qin Jiuye standing there in a daze.
She had been so proactive; could she have somehow offended the people of the Commander’s residence instead? Did they think she was too eager for success and worried she might steal their jobs in the future?
Truly unable to fathom the minds of the men in this courtyard, Qin Jiuye shook her head and took the keys toward her room for the night.
***
The last rays of light before sunset slanted across the muddy country road, illuminating the small puddles trodden by livestock into patches of iridescent light, like fallen golden scales.
Two or three children were blowing whistles made from wild pea pods, jumping between the puddles. They accidentally bumped into a farmer returning from the fields with a hoe and a carrying pole, then scattered with loud shouts. An old shepherd sat dozing on the back of a donkey until something parted the flock and flashed past him, making him jerk awake.
It was a somewhat unfamiliar back, but he looked closely and recognized him—wasn't that the younger brother of Shopkeeper Qin from Guran Ju? The lad seemed to have been away from the village for some days, but he had returned today.
"Back already?"
The old shepherd greeted the youth in a raspy voice. Hearing this, the families on both sides of the muddy road who were returning late also looked over, waving to the hurried youth and calling out, "You're back."
Li Qiao nodded to each of them. He didn't say much, nor did he slow his pace, heading straight for Guran Ju.
As he passed the last cattle shed, the excited voice of a woman rang out unexpectedly.
"Little Brother Li? Is that you, Little Brother Li?" Dou Wuniang’s voice brightened, carrying a tone that seemed ready to spread through the entire village. "Haven't seen you in a while. You’re staying for good this time, right?"
The youth’s figure paused, and he turned back with a shy smile. "Hard to say."
"What’s there to be 'hard to say' about?" Dou Wuniang, overexcited, began to cough. After catching her breath, she continued, "As long as Shopkeeper Qin wants to keep the business going, you’ll have to come back to Guran Ju sooner or later."
Li Qiao nodded in agreement and continued walking without stopping.
Seeing this, Dou Wuniang moved a few steps along the wooden fence. "I still have chores to finish today, so I won't go to Guran Ju. I’ll come for the medicine tomorrow. Little Brother Li, remind Jinbao for me—tell him to get up early and not forget!"
Li Qiao smiled and nodded at her. "Alright."
Perhaps fearing he might forget, Dou Wuniang waved her hand vigorously. However, she could not see that the moment the youth turned away, his expression instantly reverted to a state of numb coldness, like a mural whose colors had been stripped away by wind and sand, leaving only hardness and ruthlessness.
This was the downside of small places—even though they were mere strangers with no relation, people always insisted on acting with great familiarity and closeness.
That was why he never stayed in one village for too long.
Now, he had indeed stayed a bit too long.
The familiar brushwood gate appeared before him. The lazy apprentice had even forgotten to drop the latch. With a push of his hand, Li Qiao entered the courtyard.
Li Qiao scanned the surroundings and was not surprised to see the courtyard in a state of chaotic mess.
In the waterlogged yard, several wicker trays for drying herbs lay scattered haphazardly. Overgrown weeds had upturned the stone bricks at the corners. The pile of firewood in the corner was nearly gone, and the oilcloth on top only covered half of it in a sloppy manner.
The firewood was of uneven lengths and crooked; half of it was damp, and the other half was soaked through. Such wood, even if dried in the shade, would produce nothing but thick green smoke when burned.
Li Qiao silently set his belongings aside. In a few swift motions, he cleared out the mess of firewood, then picked up the wood-chopping blade from the corner and walked out.
By the last light of the sky after nightfall, Situ Jinbao walked into the courtyard humming a little tune. He was about to enter the house when his peripheral vision caught the sight of a neatly stacked pile of firewood in the yard, and his footsteps suddenly halted.
After a moment of hesitation, Jinbao walked toward the east room.
Inside the dim pharmacy, the youth’s lean figure was busy in an orderly fashion. The ashes in the stove had been cleared, the water vat was filled, and dozens of accumulated medicine jars had been scrubbed until they shone, neatly arranged on the shelves according to their use and size. Even the newly dried medicinal herbs had been sorted one by one by category.
How could someone be born liking work? And not just liking it, but doing it so efficiently?
Jinbao muttered inwardly, his voice tinged with bitterness. "You certainly are diligent. But she isn't even here; who are you doing this for?"
He was not diligent.
He could stand by and watch a dying person struggle until their last breath; there was no one in this world lazier than him. If she hadn't asked him to do these things, he wouldn't be so "diligent."
Li Qiao had no intention of entertaining Jinbao. He turned and placed the last washed medicine jar by the window, giving instructions in a flat, emotionless voice.
"There are still matters unsettled in the city; she will be delayed for a while longer. She listed the herbs that need restocking on a sheet of paper; it’s pressed under the stone mortar by the door. Regardless of the price, the herbs must be strictly screened—no laziness, no cutting corners. Even if the pharmacy has no business all day, the accounts must not fall behind. If you see someone who owes money passing by, remind them; don't wait for her to return to collect every single debt. If Qin Sanyou is going out with the boats, she instructed you to give him the dampness-dispelling pouches and the knee guards she just finished. The items are under the folded quilt at the head of her bed. After taking them, fold the quilt back; don't leave it in a mess." After a pause, he quickly added, "Dou Wuniang is coming for her medicine tomorrow morning. Remember to answer the door."
Having finished, Li Qiao arranged the last jar and prepared to walk out.
He did not like this lazy, simple-minded waste of space. If it weren't for the necessity of relaying her instructions, he wouldn't want to say a single word to the fellow.
"Hey."
Jinbao’s voice rang out. Li Qiao’s figure walked a few more steps before stopping. After a long silence, he muttered two words. "What is it?"
Jinbao hesitated before asking, "Are you really only going to work at Guran Ju for three months?"
Li Qiao finally turned around. He studied Jinbao quietly, staring until the other felt his skin crawl.
"What are you looking at me for? Is... is a question that hard to answer?"
Li Qiao withdrew his gaze and eventually uttered three words. "Hard to say."
It had only been a few days; how had his tune changed?
Jinbao’s face instantly fell. He seemed to be overcome with a mix of sudden anger and disbelief, finally sinking into a state of bewilderment.
Li Qiao glanced at him and continued walking toward the courtyard.
Jinbao finally snapped out of it and called out urgently, "If you’re going to stay and keep working, can you please stop avoiding the Second Miss of the Fang family?"
The person who had reached the center of the courtyard stopped and turned around. "Who is the Second Miss of the Fang family?"
Jinbao’s face turned red instantly, but his voice became gruff. "Don't... don't play dumb. The one who often wears a braid, likes to pin flowers in her hair, and is the prettiest."
Li Qiao blinked. Countless blurred faces flashed through his mind, yet he still had no impression whatsoever.
In the past, he wouldn't have bothered with such trivial matters. But today, for some reason, seeing the expression on that useless fellow’s face through the night, he suddenly felt a spark of curiosity and a desire to probe.
He didn't know which one was the Second Miss Fang, but he knew why Jinbao was asking about her.
"Don't you dislike me seeing her?"
The red drained from Jinbao’s face, leaving him more despondent than ever before. His slumped body looked like a frost-bitten vegetable seedling in a field.
"When I passed through Bobo Street on my way out of the city the other day, I went to see her. She said that during the days we were away, she came looking for you every day. When she found you weren't there, she could only leave in sadness. She said she didn't mean anything else; she just wanted to see you, to talk to you..."
Li Qiao interrupted coldly, "What does that have to do with me?"
Rebutted, Jinbao’s already fragmented mood shattered further. But he forced himself not to collapse, his lips trembling as he spoke. "She likes seeing you. If she can't see you, she’ll be sad. I don't want her to be sad. So... so can you please see her more? Even just saying a few words to her would be fine..."
Jinbao’s voice grew lower and lower. By the time he felt the surroundings were far too quiet and looked up, he found that the impatient youth had long since left the courtyard.
***
The moon rose as usual, and the small village by the Daixiao River drifted into sleep as usual.
Under the moonlight, a black shadow leaped from a large tree by the river. It was so fast that it drew a straight line across the night sky, nearly slicing the moon in half, before landing on another tree on the opposite bank.
The youth’s shadow was reflected in the slowly flowing river water, a blurred mass.
His movements were light; not even a single leaf was disturbed when he landed.
But in the next moment, he drew the blade from his waist and sliced through the branch in front of him.
The branch, as thick as an arm, fell into the river with a splash. Birds resting in the woods flew up in alarm. The river water churned white, unable to settle for a long time.
Li Qiao watched coldly until the last bird disappeared into the night and the last ripple faded with the current.
Water becomes turbid when stirred; birds and beasts flee when startled; humans retreat due to fear; order collapses due to selfish desire—these were the rules of the world he was familiar with.
He believed he had long seen through it all and understood the ways of the world people spoke of. Yet, for some reason, the words that useless fellow had spoken today left him somewhat unable to understand.
Situ Jinbao wanted to be with the Fang family’s second daughter; why would he turn around and ask another man to see her? Since he loathed him, why would he reveal his heart and beg him with such a pathetic, half-dead appearance?
Why? Why? Why...?
The youth leaped into the air, moving even faster through the woods. A hunting owl approached silently from behind him; he flipped in mid-air, stepping off its back, his body like an arrow piercing the boundless night sky, heading toward the highest branch of the tallest tree.
He looked down at the village with its sparse lights, thinking of the faces he had seen along the way while passing through it. The sense of strangeness spread like ink spilled on Xuan paper, impossible to disperse.
Why had such strange confusion been arising in him so often lately? It all seemed to have started with her questioning him after she slapped him that day. She had described something he had never seen, something invisible, and had told him with absolute certainty how precious it was.
She hadn't taught him yet, so he could only search for the answer himself. But how could there be an answer for something that words could not even clearly describe? Perhaps everything she spoke of had no answer to begin with.
The rusted blade in his hand swung out horizontally. The canopy within a dozen paces was instantly shorn into a neat plane. The birds nesting in the woods were startled once more, fluttering into the night sky, not daring to land until they had fled for miles.
Li Qiao watched the direction the birds fled, his left hand still holding the blade. But in the next moment, his whole body shuddered, and his torso hunched over.
He slowly sheathed his blade and scanned his surroundings. Then, he leaped down from the treetop and vanished into the dense forest.
***
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
--- | --- | ---
和沅舟 | He Yuanzhou | The victim/patient in the case.
高全 | Gao Quan | A subordinate of Lu Zican.
窦五娘 | Dou Wuniang | Auntie Dou, a villager.
秦三友 | Qin Sanyou | Qin Jiuye's relative (likely father).
方家二小姐 | Second Miss Fang | A local girl interested in Li Qiao.
钵钵街 | Bobo Street | A street in the city.
黛绡河 | Daixiao River | The river near the village.
