After leaving Xie Yu’s residence, Fang Bao immediately set out with his men that very night to begin the long and tedious process of questioning everyone involved.
Although it was admittedly somewhat prejudiced, he still decided to personally question Shen Xuan.
He feared that others might not be able to intimidate the suspects sufficiently.
It seemed the other party had anticipated his arrival. Despite the late hour, the lamp in the inner room was still lit.
No sooner had he knocked than the door was opened without inquiry, and he was promptly led inside with the words, “The consort is expecting you within.”
Fang Bao raised his eyebrows slightly, “Hmph!”
Trying to take the initiative, huh?
Too bad! This is my territory—Kaifeng Prefecture. You won’t be able to turn the tables here!
Since Fang Bao had specified he would only question male guests, Princess Shouyang remained in the inner room without coming out. Still, he bowed respectfully through the curtain to avoid future trouble from the couple.
Shen Xuan watched him with a smiling face and personally poured tea, saying, “It’s such an honor to have you, Director Fang, come in person.”
Fang Bao ignored the gesture and said, “The status of the imperial son-in-law is noble, so naturally I must show proper respect. After leaving the young marquis, who is the most suspicious, I came directly here. The sooner we finish, the less I’ll disturb your rest.”
Shen Xuan looked at him with slight surprise, “Please, have some tea.”
He appeared rough, but his words were carefully chosen.
Seemingly simple words carried multiple meanings:
First, among those from the Kaifeng Prefecture, no one has higher rank than me. My personal visit shows full respect, and no one can find fault with it.
Second, whether real or feigned, I’ve already started with the young marquis who is close to the emperor. You have no reason not to cooperate.
Third, the order of questioning is based on urgency and importance. Later, you won’t be able to argue about hierarchy and status.
Fang Bao raised his hand and said, “I’ve just had my fill of water from the young marquis, so tea won’t be necessary. May I ask, Consort, where were you and what were you doing around the time of the incident yesterday? Do you have any witnesses?”
Shen Xuan replied calmly, “I was practicing calligraphy in my study. No witnesses.”
Fang Bao asked, “Where are the servant boys and attendants who usually accompany you?”
Shen Xuan smiled slightly, exuding a noble and serene aura, “I usually do not eat after noon. Practicing calligraphy doesn’t require anyone’s company. Why should I keep them waiting? I sent them off to have their meal.”
Fang Bao nodded, “Has this been the case for the past few days?”
Shen Xuan replied, “Since I began my studies, I’ve never missed a day, rain or shine.”
After a pause, he added, “Would Director Fang like to see the calligraphy I’ve practiced these past few days?”
Fang Bao said, “No need.”
“Still practicing calligraphy since your studies began without fail, huh? What about when you were partying on pleasure boats with officials and courtesans back then? Were you practicing calligraphy while hugging dancers?”
As for the calligraphy itself, no need to see it.
What would seeing it prove anyway?
Could it really show the exact day and time it was written?
Instinctively, he glanced at Shen Xuan and noticed the same faint smile on his face, not reaching his eyes.
Shen Xuan was confident that Fang Bao would find no other evidence, so he was brazen enough not even to bother fabricating alibis or false testimony.
If he were indeed the murderer, this was a silent mockery, a blatant provocation.
Seeing Fang Bao remain silent, Shen Xuan countered, “So Director Fang suspects me?”
This was a move of advancing by retreating, and most people would feel uneasy upon hearing such words.
But Fang Bao, being personally recruited by Tu Yao, clearly had his own strengths—he was bold and fearless.
Fang Bao showed no courtesy and solemnly nodded directly in front of him, “Yes.”
Shen Xuan’s smile instantly froze on his face.
Even the servant boy standing nearby pretending to be a wooden post couldn’t help but look over, his eyes wide like copper bells.
Could such words really be said to someone’s face?!
Fang Bao sneered inwardly before continuing, “You must have heard this saying, Consort? Before the truth comes to light, everyone is a suspect.”
So, he didn’t hate scholars—he just hated these insufferable, two-faced scholars.
Shen Xuan slowly blinked, then smiled again, “Indeed.”
Fang Bao rose decisively, “In that case, I still need to question the next person. I won’t disturb you any further.”
Shen Xuan seemed unprepared for Fang Bao to leave so promptly and decisively, so much so that he sat there stunned for a moment before rising to see him off.
After walking a few steps, Fang Bao turned and bowed, “No need to see me out.”
Once outside, one of the constables accompanying Fang Bao whispered, “Chief, are we really just letting it go like that?”
Setting everything else aside, that consort’s smug and ambiguous smile was truly infuriating!
It was… the kind that made you want to punch him!
“Damn it!” Fang Bao slapped his head, “Of course not! But he’s well-prepared. Continuing questioning like this won’t help.”
The constable nodded, “That’s true.”
So, it’s not the criminals we fear, but the educated ones, making interrogations particularly challenging.
After walking a bit further, Fang Bao gestured for the constable to come closer and whispered, “Did you notice his walking posture?”
The constable whispered back, “His walking posture seems normal. Either he has no injury, or it’s not serious enough to affect his movement.”
If he had truly sustained a serious injury, Master Zhang would have already found blood traces in the victim’s mouth and teeth.
Fang Bao had expected this result but still felt a twinge of disappointment after confirming it firsthand.
“Damn it! I wish we could just pull down his pants and check…”
The constable: “…”
Even if he wasn’t favored, he was still the imperial son-in-law. If we did that, not even Director Tu could save you!
After Fang Bao left, Shen Xuan’s smile quickly vanished, replaced by a fierce glint in his eyes.
A maid lifted the curtain, and Princess Shouyang, who had remained silent in the inner room, stepped out. Looking at his retreating figure, she suddenly asked, “Was it you?”
Shen Xuan turned around, his face once again wearing that ever-present, false smile.
He slowly approached and gently said, “What silly words, Princess?”
As he reached out to touch her face—
“Don’t touch me!” Princess Shouyang, seemingly startled, suddenly raised her arm and slapped his wrist.
Neither expected this sudden outburst, and both froze momentarily.
After a long silence, Shen Xuan sneered, “Fine. Her Highness is so noble. Naturally, I am unworthy.”
Princess Shouyang opened her mouth, her lips trembling violently. Upon closer look, one could see her hand gripping the doorframe was also shaking.
Shen Xuan gazed at her deeply, then bowed respectfully, “Princess, please rest assured. I’ll sleep in the study again tonight.”
With that, he didn’t look back and walked away without hesitation.
Princess Shouyang instinctively took half a step forward to follow, then abruptly stopped herself. Standing still, she watched his figure quickly disappear into the endless darkness.
“Princess…”
A maid approached to support her, clearly worried.
“Was I wrong…” Princess Shouyang’s eyes became unfocused, as if she had suddenly lost all strength, nearly collapsing into the maid’s arms.
Was I wrong?
Perhaps I was.
Perhaps this question should have been asked long ago…
****
After being trapped at Fuyun Temple, Ma Bing’s access to information came to a halt.
Up to now, she still didn’t know that the letter she sent had achieved a double effect.
At night, when she couldn’t sleep, she kept thinking: if Tian Song hadn’t exposed himself, who would she target next—Prince Suyi or someone else?
But Prince Suyi had been reclusive for years, and the palace was heavily guarded. How could she even begin?
Moreover, if Tian Song did expose himself but the court still handled it secretly, as they had done with Xu Maocai, what then?
Ma Bing stared at the dark ceiling and slowly exhaled.
Hadn’t she been prepared for this?
Both mentally and practically.
Regardless of success or failure, everything she had prepared over the years would come into play!
At that time, it would truly shock the entire court.
A genuine shock.
Outside, it had started drizzling again at some point, making the night restless.
Ma Bing turned over on the kang (a traditional Chinese bed), and a thought popped into her mind:
Come to think of it, who exactly harmed Tian Shu?
She didn’t know much about that girl. Her only impression was of a beautiful but naive and somewhat spoiled young woman…
Thinking of this, Ma Bing unexpectedly recalled Yuan Yuan.
Sigh, I wonder where she is now. Has her journey been smooth?
With the sound of rain, chaotic thoughts swirled in Ma Bing’s mind, eventually merging into a big mess, and she unknowingly drifted into sleep.
The next morning, a constable arrived with news that they could descend the mountain.
Ma Bing, who had prepared for a long stay, was taken aback, “So soon?”
The maidservants of Lady Zhao were already packing their belongings and smiled at her words, “Young Lady, haven’t you stayed enough?”
Ma Bing was still a bit dazed, “But the murderer hasn’t been found yet, right?”
“Well, these are all people of status. They can’t be trapped here indefinitely just because the case hasn’t been solved yet.”
Just then, Fang Bao arrived with his men to see them off and paid respects to Lady Zhao.
Seeing the bloodshot eyes and emerging beard stubble, Ma Bing knew he hadn’t slept all night.
“That’s true.”
“Don’t forget anything,” Fang Bao yawned while rubbing his eyes, “I’ll send someone to escort you down the mountain. Oh, and Zizhi will go with you as well, for mutual support.”
The rain had only stopped that morning, and the mountain path was slippery. Xie Yu would feel more at ease this way.
“Can Lord Xie go too?” Ma Bing asked with growing astonishment.
Wasn’t he the top suspect?
“Mm,” Fang Bao yawned again, “We stayed up all night questioning nearly two hundred people. Fortunately, around the time Tian Shu disappeared, it was mealtime. More than half were in and out of the kitchen, providing mutual alibis…”
As for the monks, some were attending evening services, some cooking, and some tending the vegetable garden. Their suspicions had mostly been cleared.
With no further suspicion, there was no point in keeping them.
The remaining twenty or thirty people, who had neither alibis nor evidence against them, were temporarily detained.
But not for long. If there was still no progress, they would likely rebel by tomorrow night at the latest.
So, they would release a batch first and use the next day to pressure the rest. Perhaps some who had held back information would finally speak up.
Seeing how exhausted Fang Bao and his men were, their tears practically flowing, Ma Bing took out several pills from her pouch, “Here, these will help you stay alert and refreshed.”
“Oh, just what we need!”
Fang Bao grinned without suspicion, took one, and popped it into his mouth.
Mm, sweet.
Ma Bing kindly reminded, “Bite it.”
Over the past few months, everyone in Kaifeng Prefecture had developed unconditional trust in her medical skills, including Fang Bao and the constables present.
Without hesitation, they bit down—and…
“Aaaaah!”
Fang Bao led the way, clutching his face with a twisted wail.
“Well?” Ma Bing smiled cheerfully, “Instantly awake, right? Pretty effective, huh?”
Now, not only tears but even snot was flowing.
Fang Bao groaned, “This… this has mustard in it! Ugh!”
Under the thin sugar coating was a thick layer of menthol ointment. When bitten open, it surprisingly released a lump of mustard!
Mustard!
“Menthol and Mustard Pills!” Ma Bing proudly patted her chest, “Double effect!”
The constables were already in tears, shakily giving a thumbs-up, “Brilliant!”
Absolutely brilliant.
Not only was the effect doubled, but one bite cleared all seven orifices, with cold wind rushing through and making one feel like their crown chakra might fly off.
Was this something a normal human would make?
Just then, Xie Yu arrived leading a horse, “…”
In the brief moment you had, what have you done now?
Fang Bao, with tears and snot streaming down his face, looked at Xie Yu and mumbled, “Xie… hnngh… Director Xie, want a pill?”
Xie Yu looked at him with clear disdain, “Stay away from me.”
Ma Bing: “… Hahaha!”
After some laughter, everyone mounted their horses and departed.
Xie Yu led the way, followed closely by Lady Zhao’s carriage, with Ma Bing riding beside to provide escort.
Behind them followed a string of “saved” nobles, making the procession long and seemingly endless.
The mountain path, still slippery from the recent rain, was difficult to navigate. Occasionally small stones rolled down from the cliffside. Xie Yu dared not be careless. Yuan Pei and Ma Bing, along with several constables, helped ensure everyone’s safety until they reached the wider, flatter path halfway up the mountain. Only then did everyone relax, and the constables returned to Fuyun Temple to report back to Fang Bao.
Ma Bing couldn’t help glancing back at Fuyun Temple once more.
“They’ll catch the murderer,” Xie Yu, who had been watching her closely, said.
But Ma Bing sighed softly, “The incident happened so suddenly, I didn’t even have time to bring some local specialties!”
Xie Yu: “…”
That’s it?!
Ma Bing gave him a look as if he wouldn’t understand, “Although the monks here are timid, they truly have a talent for cooking. Have you tried their…”
Chess piece-shaped snacks? Those made with wheat flour and sesame skin filled with hawthorn paste—sour, sweet, and fragrant. They were really delicious.
Xie Yu gave a flat, unimpressed “Hmph.”
Ma Bing tilted her head to look at him, suddenly bursting into laughter, “I’m just teasing you!”
Xie Yu: “…”
Ma Bing gently nudged her horse forward, and the big black horse trotted closer.
Looking at the morning mist drifting through the mountains, she calmly said, “I trust Director Fang. Besides, since we’re now avoiding direct involvement in the case investigation, it’s pointless to dwell on it. Better to think about something else.”
Xie Yu glanced at her and suddenly said, “Prince Suyi is ill.”
His sudden topic shift caught her off guard. It took Ma Bing a moment to realize what he meant.
Prince Suyi is ill?
What illness?
Why did he specifically tell her this?
Was it because he knew she had targeted Tian Song and was now deducing her next move? It wasn’t hard to guess.
But…
“Tian Song?” she cautiously asked.
Xie Yu nodded, “Tian Song had secret dealings with Prince Suyi. That night, after receiving the letter, he rushed to Prince Suyi’s mansion.”
Ma Bing’s eyebrows shot up, looking as if they might fly off her face.
Could it really be this way?
She had already prepared for the possibility of failure, but little did she expect that not only did Tian Song successfully tackle him, but even managed to bring down Prince Su as well?!
It seemed that as long as a person was alive, they must have some redeeming qualities.
Tian Song, what a good man!
Watching Ma Bing’s rapidly changing expressions settle into clear happiness, Xie Yu shook his head helplessly—but this helplessness was inevitably tinged with pleasure.
Clearly, this girl was becoming increasingly reluctant to hide her true feelings in front of him…
After traveling a bit further, the majestic outline of Kaifeng City came into view. Looking at the distant, faintly visible city walls, Xie Yu softly said, “For the next few days, don’t act rashly. Wait for my message.”
Ma Bing looked at him in surprise.
Xie Yu continued, “I’ll go to the palace.”
To the palace?
Ma Bing’s eyes widened gradually, a thought she had never dared to entertain before rising in her heart.
Suddenly, Xie Yu smiled at her.
The sun was rising in the east, casting an orange-red glow that slowly emerged from behind him. That smile resembled the rosy hues of dawn—warm and resilient. “Exactly as you’re thinking.”
Besides submitting a memorial to the emperor requesting access to the case files Fang Bao had mentioned, he would formally request a re-investigation into the events of that time years ago.
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