Chapter 99: Uncle

When Ma Bing returned to the Kaifeng Prefecture in a distracted state, she ran into Fang Bao, who was coming back with his men.

“Oh, Miss Ma, out for a walk?” Fang Bao dismounted and greeted her.

Ma Bing responded absentmindedly and asked casually, “Any progress on the case?”

Had Uncle Pei recognized her?

So much time had passed, and back then, she had been so young…

But if he hadn’t, why had he looked that way?

Ma Bing’s heart was in turmoil, filled with both anticipation and fear.

She desperately wanted a relative, but if he did recognize her, should she acknowledge him?

Could she acknowledge him? Ma Bing kept asking herself.

Could the things she was doing now be told to outsiders?

If she did, Uncle Pei would surely not remain indifferent, and thus the entire Pei family could be dragged into it.

Although the emperor had allowed Xie Yu to investigate, the final outcome was still unknown. If it involved the late emperor and the emperor changed his mind…

The emperor’s words are final, but such sayings are merely jokes. History is full of emperors who went back on their words!

“…Miss Ma?” Fang Bao had been talking for a while, but saw her eyes wandering, clearly lost in thought.

“Eh?” Ma Bing snapped back to reality and apologized, “Ah, sorry, what did you just say?”

Fang Bao scratched his head and yawned, “I asked if there were any more mint mustard pills?”

Ma Bing paused, her expression quickly becoming complex.

What, are you actually getting fond of it?

Fang Bao rubbed his nose, “Actually, at first when I ate it, I thought it was absolutely inedible!”

Ma Bing: “…”

Then why did you eat it!

“But after the initial intensity passed,” Fang Bao suddenly showed an indescribable subtle expression, struggling for a while before finally blurting out, “It’s amazing!”

Ma Bing was somewhat helpless. She rummaged through her small pouch and simply took it off to toss over, “There aren’t many left.”

Fang Bao caught it happily and popped one into his mouth, causing Ma Bing and the other officers who had tasted it to simultaneously show pained expressions.

“Mm…”

It kicked in!

Fang Bao groaned while pinching his nose, his face turning red.

However, after a few seconds, he deeply inhaled, then slowly exhaled, looking satisfied and refreshed as he said, “It’s amazing!”

Distracted by him, Ma Bing no longer felt so anxious.

Fang Bao happily threw a few punches into the air, “Miss Ma, I see your complexion isn’t too good. Don’t let the doctor’s neglect become your own ailment.”

With his own people, Fang Bao was straightforward, and although his words were occasionally blunt, they were comforting.

Ma Bing smiled, “Alright.”

After someone came to take the horse, Fang Bao headed inside, asking Ma Bing as he walked, “Are Master Tu and Zi Zhi here?”

Ma Bing nodded, “I saw them looking through the case files in the back when I left this morning. They should still be there.”

After a pause, she asked, “Has there been any progress on the case?”

Because Ma Bing often participated in solving cases before, everyone in the Kaifeng Prefecture, including Fang Bao, respected her. Besides, the previous avoidance was merely for show to outsiders, and everyone knew that this matter definitely had nothing to do with Ma Bing and the young marquis.

Therefore, after a slight hesitation, Fang Bao told her, “Shen Xuan hasn’t loosened up yet, but a lady told me yesterday that while taking a walk on the evening of the incident, she happened to notice a man lingering nearby…”

Identifying a murder suspect is something few people are willing to do unless there’s solid evidence.

What if the accused or their family seeks revenge after a correct identification?

And if it’s a mistake, that’s even worse.

So when Fang Bao first questioned everyone, he got nothing.

But people who feel guilty often can’t withstand pressure.

Thus, when Fang Bao forcibly extended the detention time, many panicked and began secretly approaching him to explain the situation.

The lady had initially been reluctant to speak out, fearing the emperor might show leniency toward his sister.

But seeing that Fang Bao wouldn’t give up and that those without suspicion had already been released, if she couldn’t return home, rumors might paint her as a suspect too.

After weighing her options, she decided to protect herself.

Unless one is truly devoted to Buddhism, it’s hard for an ordinary person to continuously eat vegetarian meals for several days.

This lady was no exception.

After several days without any meat at Foguang Temple, she had become somewhat restless. That evening, she was too lazy to attend the vegetarian meal and wandered around the temple.

While wandering near the hall where Tian Shu often went, she faintly heard someone speaking and saw a young man’s back from afar.

She spoke cautiously, “The lighting in the hall was poor, and I was far away, so I can’t be sure who it was, but I’m certain it was a young man. As for who was speaking to him, it seemed like a woman, but her figure was completely blocked by the pillar. I only saw the tip of an embroidered shoe, which looked very similar to Miss Tian’s.”

After spending most of the day reviewing case files with Magistrate Song and Xie Yu, Master Tu was feeling dizzy when he heard Fang Bao had returned and immediately called him in for details.

Ma Bing was about to excuse herself when Master Tu called her back.

“Miss Ma,” he said kindly, “you’re a woman, and you might view things differently from us. Please stay and listen too; perhaps you’ll gain some new insights.”

Ma Bing was somewhat surprised and instinctively looked at Xie Yu, who smiled and gave a slight nod.

Ma Bing felt unusually shy and obediently went to find a chair in the corner to prepare to listen attentively.

Originally, Master Tu was seated behind the desk, while Magistrate Song and Xie Yu occupied seats on either side below, with small tables piled with case files beside them.

Fang Bao, as was his habit, sat at the lower end next to Magistrate Song. Ma Bing looked at them and felt that it would be better if it were symmetrical, so she went and sat next to Xie Yu.

From the moment she entered, Xie Yu had been watching her openly. When Master Tu asked her to stay and discuss the case, he couldn’t help but feel pleased. He even proactively gathered the case files closer to himself and prepared a cup of hot tea in advance.

As Ma Bing sat down, Xie Yu quietly asked, “Did something happen?”

Ma Bing froze mid-motion of lifting her teacup. Before she could speak, he added, “Don’t say nothing.”

Ma Bing: “…”

Where did I slip up?

As if reading her mind, Xie Yu quickly tapped his own forehead while pretending to organize the files, “The width here is slightly narrower than when you left this morning.”

Who would furrow their brows for no reason?

Ma Bing’s eyes widened in surprise.

You noticed that much?!

“Hmph!” Master Tu suddenly cleared his throat from above.

The two immediately sat up straight. When they looked up, they saw Magistrate Song and Fang Bao winking at them with suppressed laughter.

Hmph, these days, anyone with eyes can see that these two have something going on!

Both Xie Yu and Ma Bing felt embarrassed and quickly lowered their heads pretending to read the case files.

The other three couldn’t help but feel a sense of “Ah, youth is truly wonderful.”

After exchanging some teasing remarks, they finally returned to the serious discussion.

Fang Bao said, “The lady didn’t see much. She couldn’t tell the color or style of the clothes, only that the light suggested it must be high-quality fabric. However, I compared the physical description with Shen Xuan’s, and they matched pretty well.”

Magistrate Song nodded but asked, “Did you compare it with anyone else?”

Fang Bao was momentarily stunned and then shook his head with some shame, “I acted too hastily.”

It’s difficult for untrained civilians to judge anything from just a brief glance. The information was already vague and couldn’t be considered solid evidence.

The fact that Fang Bao said it matched Shen Xuan might be because the lady had only heard about Shen Xuan’s features.

If he compared it with others, the lady might have thought it matched those too.

Master Tu said, “I know you had good intentions, but Shen Xuan’s position is special. He’s not only the imperial son-in-law but also from the prestigious Shen family of Lüdong. There are many implications involved. Without solid evidence, even more suspicions won’t be useful.”

Fang Bao stood up and bowed, “Yes, I accept your guidance.”

Master Tu nodded and gestured for him to sit down, then added, “However, it’s not entirely useless. At least judging from the time of Tian Shu’s death, we can basically determine that person was the murderer. Although the appearance isn’t clear, we can completely rule out the possibility of monks and elderly people. Thus, the number of suspects is reduced again.”

The only thing the lady was certain about was the age, “Although it was just a back view, the person couldn’t be older than forty! Besides, his demeanor was excellent, something that couldn’t be imitated by someone who learned it later in life. He must be from a noble family.”

Fang Bao was somewhat surprised at the time, “So sure?”

He had been investigating cases for many years and would never dare to make such a statement!

But the lady first showed pride, then slightly shyly looked at him, “I love mature men the most, and I’ve seen countless ones. Nothing can escape my notice! The older ones are too old, the younger ones are too tender and lack sophistication… An adult like you would be perfect.”

Fang Bao: “…”

Only then did he remember that this lady had lost her husband a few years ago and had inherited a vast fortune, making her a famously wealthy single woman!

Seeing Fang Bao suddenly change expressions, everyone couldn’t help but feel curious, “What’s wrong?”

Fang Bao shuddered violently, snapping out of his memories, “Nothing, nothing.”

Could he tell others about this?

Never, under any circumstances!

Master Tu tapped the case files, “These files have been repeatedly polished, and the Ministry of Justice didn’t find anything wrong. It’ll be hard to find flaws here.”

Xie Yu lifted the one in his hand, “This chief judge was transferred to the capital three years ago. Deception in war is acceptable; perhaps we should focus on him.”

Magistrate Song and Fang Bao narrowed their eyes.

Hmm, so devious—I like it!

They discussed the details thoroughly. By the time they finalized all aspects, it was already late at night, and everyone was exhausted.

Seeing Ma Bing was also drowsy, although Xie Yu wanted to ask more, he decided to temporarily suppress his curiosity.

He could ask tomorrow.

But the next morning, as everyone was having breakfast in the herb garden as usual, someone from the Pei household arrived with an invitation, saying that the matriarch was ill and wanted Doctor Ma to come and examine her.

Yuanpei laughed, “Er Liang, your reputation has spread far and wide!”

Even the Pei family has come to invite you.

Ma Bing’s heart sank, here it comes!

Seeing her expression, countless clues rapidly assembled in Xie Yu’s mind, and he instantly guessed what had happened the day before:

She had met Pei Rong!

And he had very likely recognized her!

Originally, he had wanted to find an opportunity for them to meet, but plans change. Before he could implement his plan, the two had already met.

Ma Bing’s heart was in chaos. For a moment, she both wanted to go and was afraid to go, only managing to say stiffly to the messenger, “Honored by your trust, but I’m merely an ordinary physician…”

The messenger smiled, “You’re being too modest.”

Ma Bing felt her mouth dry, her mind full of worries she didn’t know how to resolve.

Should I go?

Should I go?

What should I do after I get there?

Just as she was at a loss, she suddenly felt someone gently touch her fingertips under the table.

Xie Yu, sitting beside her, noticed her hand was cold and couldn’t help feeling a pang of heartache. Softly, he said, “It’s okay, go ahead.”

Strangely enough, Ma Bing had felt like a northwest autumn gale was blowing up a storm of dust in her mind, chaotic and directionless, like a headless fly, bouncing between two choices.

But after hearing that one sentence, the flying dust instantly settled to the ground, and everything returned to calm.

Is it okay?

Yes, then it’s okay!

She moistened her lips, slowly exhaled, and hesitantly reached her fingers toward Xie Yu’s.

Xie Yu, sensing her movement, quickly turned his hand to grasp hers and gave it a quick squeeze, “It’s okay.”

Ma Bing had thought she would lose her composure, but as she approached the Pei residence, her heart miraculously calmed down.

The sunlight was beautiful. As she looked up at the plaque above the gate inscribed with the words “Pei Residence,” she couldn’t help but squint slightly.

It’s finally here.

Perhaps deep down she had always longed for this, and now that it was here, she suddenly felt a sense of calm acceptance.

It was unclear what instructions the Pei family had given to the steward who came to deliver the invitation, but he treated her very politely, with a subtle hint of familiarity.

The Pei residence was laid out in a spacious and grand style. Unlike typical official households, there were few gardens and rockeries, but many practice grounds, including a large horse-riding area. Along both sides were neatly arranged, polished to a shine, the Eighteen Martial Arts Weapons.

As Ma Bing walked, she looked around with growing familiarity, not even noticing that the steward had deliberately taken a detour, seemingly… intentionally showing her around the garden.

Later, upon entering the main hall in the back, as soon as she stepped inside, she saw the elderly couple, Pei Rong and his wife, sitting inside. Upon seeing her, they both stood up, lips trembling, wanting to say something but unable to.

Ma Bing silently sighed, simply greeted them, and proceeded to take their pulses.

The elderly couple watched her without blinking. After a while, the old lady began to tear up, tightly grasping Ma Bing’s hand, “She looks just like her! So much like her!”

Her hand was already wrinkled, with many age spots on the skin, but her palm was dry and warm.

It was a feeling of closeness different from that of Madame Zhao, more intimate.

Ma Bing looked up and saw that Pei Rong across from her had already turned red-eyed, his tiger-like eyes filled with tears, clearly very moved.

The two brothers had been close friends despite the age difference. Pei Rong was nearly a generation older than his sworn younger brother. Now, he was already over fifty, with white hair and beard.

A proper old man.

For an old general who had fought on the battlefield and narrowly escaped death multiple times, this was already an age where he might pass away at any moment.

Suddenly, Ma Bing felt a lump in her throat. Some long-suppressed emotions rapidly accumulated and wildly expanded, almost bursting forth.

She had thought she could coldly reject all warmth, fighting alone until her death. But when that day truly arrived, all her previous assumptions crumbled instantly, utterly powerless.

Pei Rong sighed deeply, “After all this time, you still won’t acknowledge us?”

There was no need to say anything else, nor to ask any questions. Just looking at each other face-to-face, he was certain that this was the child he had once held in his arms.

Suddenly, Ma Bing felt a bit wronged, very wronged.

It wasn’t that anyone had wronged or bullied her, but rather like a homeless person who had wandered for a long time, and suddenly one day, a door filled with tenderness opened for her, and the people inside smiled and told her, “You can always come back.”

Ma Bing smiled slightly, and uncontrolled tears welled up in her eyes.

She stood up and solemnly performed the junior’s bow to the elderly couple, “Uncle, Aunt, I’m back.”