Chapter 89: Direction

The young leader was whimsical with his payments for the carriage—sometimes paying the asking price, sometimes more, and sometimes not at all. With Zhu Ying present, known for handling matters properly, he paid the exact amount.

Indeed, after negotiating the price and helping wrap Yingying in a blanket to load her onto the carriage, Zhu Ying paid him.

The young leader protested, "How could I take your money?" Pushing away with two fingers and pulling with three, he eventually accepted the money, grinning at the extra he earned and cheerfully sent them off. Turning to Xiao Jiang, he said, "You should tidy up this house for another rental. You've made a profit, considering the rent for these few days."

Renting was usually for a minimum of three months. With the tenant taken away by the authorities and unlikely to return, the rent wasn't refunded, allowing for re-rental and three months of profit. The young leader congratulated Xiao Jiang. Xiao Jiang sternly instructed the girl who brought the shoes back, "Take them back. Later, come to pack her belongings. If anyone comes looking for her things, hand them over."

Unperturbed, the young leader cast another couple of glances at Xiao Jiang and left smiling.

Xiao Jiang, lips pursed and without changing her shoes, strode back.

The little girl tucked the clean shoes away and began packing up the room, quickly assembling two large bundles at the doorstep, then locking up the bedding and closing the room door. Carrying the bundles back, she stored them in the storeroom. Returning, she saw Xiao Jiang in fresh clothes and took the old ones to wash.

……——

Meanwhile, Zhu Ying sat atop the carriage, her expression stern, silencing the chatty coachman who swiftly drove them to the gates of Jingzhou Prefecture. Jumping down, she respectfully announced, "Young official, we've arrived at Jingzhou Prefecture," offering to bring a stool for Zhu Ying to alight. Zhu Ying, with a slight effort, leapt down, instructing the gatekeeper Li Bantou, "Call some people to receive her."

Li Bantou inquired, "Who needs your personal delivery?"

Zhu Ying responded, "If you won't take her, I'll find someone else who will."

Li Bantou was about to argue further when he suddenly remembered something: "Oh! Have you found her?!"

Zhu Ying responded, "Most likely, have someone inform Jingzhou and our Vice Minister."

Li Bantou kicked two bailiffs: "Did you hear that? Hurry up!"

"Get a stretcher to bring her in, and prepare a quiet room as well, she's in bad shape."

"Right away!" Li Bantou agreed, stepping forward personally, "Impressive, Young Master Zhu."

Zhu Ying modestly said, "Just luck."

A group rushed out, clumsily arranging for a stretcher. Eventually, settling for a long bench, they carried her in shakily. Zhu Ying followed them into the prefecture, attracting many onlookers. Li Bantou stood tall, scolding, "What are you looking at? Get back to work!"

Pei Qing was playing chess with Fan Shaoki when he heard the news. After a thoughtful move, he said, "Shengde, shall we take a look?"

Fan Shaoki remarked, "The Ministry of Justice is full of talent."

Pei Qing humbly replied, "Just a kid with nimble feet."

As they walked, they questioned the reporting bailiff, "How was she found?"

"Don't know. Young Master Zhu brought her back, she looks unwell, had to be carried. They're calling for a physician."

Fan Shaoki urged, "Then hurry up and go!"

By the time the two arrived at the door to the room where Yingying was placed, He Jing had already arrived, bowing, "Sirs, a physician has been summoned."

Pei Qing patted Zhu Ying's shoulder, loudly praising, "Well done, but don't be arrogant."

"Yes."

Peering inside from the doorway, they could see the entire room at a glance: a small bed with an unmoving person on it. Pei Qing inquired, "What happened to her?"

Zhu Ying explained, "She was injured that day. Xiao Fan arranged for her care, but after Xiao Fan was arrested, she lacked proper care, leading to her current state. She's running a fever now, so we need a physician."

Soon, a physician arrived and after checking her pulse exclaimed, "Why has it taken so long to seek medical attention? In this weather, covering the wound is absurd!" He prescribed broth and ointments, insisting on cleaning and re-dressing the wound. He boldly accused Li Bantou, "Hasn't Jingzhou Prefecture ceased using severe torture, especially on a young woman?"

Li Bantou retorted, "Do you think we caused those injuries?"

"Oh, the person who did this really didn't know when to stop. Make sure he doesn't get another chance," the physician, unaware of the case's details and assuming it to be a domestic dispute, commented.

Li Bantou assured, "He's already dead, no need to worry."

The statement shocked the physician, who briskly went to write a prescription.

Pei Qing and the others stepped back to give the physician space to work without formalities.

He Jing peeked in briefly then quietly ordered, "Go, bring some people to identify her, see if it's Yingying."

Pei and Fan were about to leave but paused, waiting as Wuniang, Lingling, and others were brought in. They immediately confirmed, "It's Yingying." Wuniang cried out in anger, "You little wretch, your escape has brought misery to the whole family!" He Jing waved them off, then had two strong bailiffs bring in Xiao Fan.

Li Bantou said, "Take a look, who is this?!"

Xiao Fan, initially listless, did not recognize the person lying on the bed from the doorway. Only after taking a few steps closer and seeing her figure did he become agitated. Two bailiffs firmly held him down.

He Jing waved his hand, "Take him away!"

Pei Qing and Fan Shaoji exchanged a glance, nodding in agreement. They all went to see Wang Yunhe and reported finding Yingying, the identification by Wuniang and others, and Xiao Fan's reaction.

Wang Yunhe first praised Pei Qing, "Dali Temple indeed harbors talented individuals." After Pei Qing modestly demurred, he suggested, "Shall we interrogate Xiao Fan first? As for Yingying, let her recover for a few days until she can speak and walk before we question her."

Yingying's survival makes her a key figure, but given her condition, it's prudent to wait. Xiao Fan's reaction indicates his involvement, warranting immediate interrogation. As for the delay in questioning, it's left to fate, especially since the search for evidence against Zhou and Ma hasn't yielded substantial proof. Having found Yingying provides a reportable progress for tomorrow's audience with the Emperor.

Wang Yunhe, a man well-versed in worldly affairs, asked Zhu Ying, "Did we only find her? How is her situation?"

Zhu Ying replied, "She rented a single room in a house by the river, arranged by Xiao Fan."

Wang Yunhe further inquired, "Did she have any possessions with her?"

Zhu Ying answered, "Just a simple room."

Wang Yunhe directed, "Send someone to gather all her belongings and bring them here; there might be evidence among them."

Pei Qing laughed, "Jingzhao is meticulous. Zhu, you're still inexperienced, learn from this." He thought, Zhu isn't usually careless; why didn't she bring the luggage with her?

Meanwhile, Captain Li requested Zhu Ying's address to retrieve some items, while here, the interrogation of Xiao Fan began.

Since He Jing was experienced, he took charge of the interrogation, with Zhu Ying and Official Bao accompanying. Pei Qing advised Zhu Ying, "Learn as much as you can."

He Jing's method was direct; he would start with a beating before questioning. Xiao Fan insisted, "That was just a commoner's house, accessible to anyone. I recognized Yingying and was naturally excited to see her."

Convinced of his guilt yet lacking further evidence, He Jing glanced at Zhu Ying, thinking: It would be great if you could find some physical evidence from Yingying when you found her!

He Jing also considered another angle: "What about Yanyan?!"

Indeed, while Yingying was alive, what happened to Yanyan, who had been tied to the bedpost even when alive? Xiao Fan, who sold the body, gave the money to Fifth Mother! Moreover, it was Xiao Fan who rented the house!

Xiao Fan claimed, "I really don't know! I did sell something and gave the money to my mother! That day, worried about Yingying, I sneaked in under the guise of preparing something and didn't leave. Later, when the noise inside stopped, out of concern, I quietly peeked through the window and saw General Ma already dead. I entered and rescued Yingying, but what happened after, I don't know."

Hearing Xiao Fan's varying accounts, He Jing knew he probably wasn't being truthful and thought to himself: Just wait and see how I'll deal with you!

He Jing looked at Zhu Ying and Official Bao, holding back for the moment, instructing the confession to be recorded. He then asked Xiao Fan to describe the person who bought the body. Xiao Fan said, "It was an old man, buying for his son. That's all I know, he had a local accent."

Further interrogation would only lead to, "Even if you beat me to death, I can't tell you anything, because I genuinely don't know."

He Jing did beat him again, breaking both his legs, but Xiao Fan stubbornly resisted. Official Bao whispered, "Commander, it seems this thief's resolve is strong; beating won't subdue him. We might need to find another way." He Jing then ordered Xiao Fan to be taken away and the confession to be reported.

This confession was much more coherent than the previous ones. Yet, as Zhu Ying read through, something felt amiss. Only Wang Yunhe said, "No more interrogations!"

Fan Shaoki asked, "And why is that?"

Wang Yunhe explained, "Every time he's given a bit of information, his lies become more elaborate!" He ordered two actions: treat Yingying, as women can often reveal vulnerabilities, and continue the search for solid evidence.

Pei Qing mentioned, "Yanyan..."

Zhu Ying added, "We've questioned everyone at Wuniang's. At the time of Yanyan's death, she was alone. No one can confirm whether her body was sold by him or if she was hidden away alive."

Wang Yunhe remained patient, stating, "Keep investigating."

Everyone almost concluded Xiao Fan was guilty. His acknowledgment wasn't crucial. The act of swapping identities made Xiao Fan and Yingying prime suspects, awaiting their own confessions. Yet, this provided a reason to delay and further investigate Old Ma and Zhou You.

As officials prepared to tackle new tasks, Li Bantou retrieved a bundle from Xiao Jiang, prepared for Yingying, intended for use after her case concluded but now seized as evidence by Jingzhao Prefecture. Moreover, Li Bantou's search of the premises found nothing of value, lamenting its cleanliness.

The bundle, spread out at Jingzhao Prefecture, contained clothes for Yingying and Xiao Fan, some broken silver, and copper coins. As they scrutinized these items, Pei Qing cautioned Zhu Ying to be thorough, ensuring nothing was missed.

Zhu Ying, after ensuring everything was examined, fiddled with the money pouch and counted the coins, remarking on the meagerness of their belongings.

He Jing noted, "He had to compensate for a woman's corpse."

Pei Qing shook his head, "Even scapegoats were arranged; wouldn't money and escape plans be ready too? Unless there's someone else involved, there should be more preparations. Best to search again."

Wang Yunhe concurred, "Search again! Check the house he rented! Investigate Wuniang's house further!"

Pei Qing to Zhu Ying: "You should go too. This time, be extra thorough." He whispered further instructions: "First investigate, then decide how to report."

Zhu Ying managed a wry smile.

…………——

By late afternoon, the group split into two teams, with Zhu Ying heading back to Wu Niang's place. The house, now sealed, stood in stark contrast to its bustling surroundings, eerily silent. Upon breaking the seal, Zhu Ying and He Jing's team entered, starting their search from the main hall. Zhu Ying cautioned: "Let's not trample or toss everything just yet."

The bailiffs reassured: "We've got it, clear and careful!" Mimicking Zhu Ying's previous caution, they delicately prodded with their canes, touching as little as possible.

Bao Ping, chuckling, remarked on their imitation: "Form without substance." He employed his own thorough methods, uncovering hidden funds beneath floor tiles and letters of liaison between courtesans and clients from dressing tables, revealing involvements of well-known figures and nobility, eliciting knowing looks among the group.

As each item was cataloged, comments emerged: "These women sure know how to hide things. Zhu Ying was right about Yingying's money being short."

Zhu Ying felt a pang of discomfort.

Deciding to search Wu Niang's quarters directly, Zhu Ying uncovered her assets. Xiao Fan's quarters within Wu Niang's courtyard appeared starkly modest compared to the courtesans'. Zhu Ying's search there was more decisive, finding some money and notably two ingots of gold, which was a significant find.

Mimicking Zhu Ying, the bailiffs found a paper bag under a drawer-affixed tabletop, containing sets of male and female identities and travel permits.

Zhu Ying commended Zhang Bantou: "Impressive!"

Zhang Bantou inadvertently boasted: "Of course, hiding money behind one's spouse's back is a craft..."

The room buzzed with laughter.

The team returned, laden with evidence.

Back at Jingzhao Mansion, another day concluded. Wang Yunhe was pleased with the day's haul, surmising: "This was premeditated. Stealing Zhou's sword to frame him was planned in advance."

Zhu Ying pondered: "If the intent was merely escape, why involve Zhou at all?"

Fan Shaoji chuckled, "No criminal is ever flawless."

Wang Yunhe instructed, "Wait until Yingying can speak to continue the interrogation. No one is to talk to Xiao Fan, keep him in solitary confinement."

After leaving Jingzhao Mansion, Pei Qing, accompanied by two others, went to Zheng Xi's home. Zheng Xi, busy juggling inquiries from the emperor, pressure from Zhong Yi and others, and obligations at home, asked upon seeing Pei Qing, "How did it go?"

Pei Qing smiled, "Zhu Ying made a significant discovery by finding Yingying. He smartly left something for Jingzhao's officials to pick up."

Zheng Xi cautioned, "Let's not be overconfident."

Zhu Ying earnestly replied, "Yes," and mentioned Bao Ping's findings at Wu Niang's place were substantial too. Bao Ping credited Zhu Ying's discovery as more critical.

After mutual praise, Zheng Xi emphasized the need for swift, solid evidence to build an ironclad case.

Zhu Ying mentioned, "We're close to having enough evidence, but it's unclear who the mastermind is. Xiao Fan must pay for Yan Yan's life. As for Ma's case, his confession isn't crucial."

Zheng Xi added, "That's just incidental. We need a reasonable explanation for the emperor."

Zhu Ying noted, "If the murderer isn't Zhou You, many might be disappointed..."

Zheng Xi cut her off, "Don't worry about that. I have plans."

Zhu Ying fell silent.

Pei Qing revealed some of Zhou You's misdeeds were uncovered. Jingzhao Mansion focused more on investigating Zhou You, expressing regret over the wasted potential given his father's reputation.

Zheng Xi acknowledged, "Understood. Hang in there a bit longer."

Unbeknownst to them, Zheng Xi and Wang Yunhe had an understanding; it was almost certain Xiao Fan, possibly with Yingying, were the culprits. Crafting a satisfying conclusion for all was the real challenge.

Wang Yunhe saw this as an opportunity to further clean up the capital's morals, a move Zheng Xi supported. Starting with Zhou You and airing his dirty laundry was agreed upon, as was highlighting Ma's imperfections. The aim was to create a narrative of mutual guilt before revealing Xiao Fan as the murderer, mitigating backlash by setting up a stark contrast in public perception.

Both superiors and subordinates have been taken care of. As for peers, mainly Zhou You's relatives and friends, clearing him of charges placated most. Zheng Xi mentally sifts through, deciding to later reveal a few of Zhou You's lesser-known scandals as a favor.

For Ma's case, the punishment shouldn't be too severe or too lenient, also retaining a bit of dignity for the Southern Army by passing some information to Jin Liang. As for the Imperial Army, Zheng Xi has his strategies.

Thus, he instructed, "Quietly leak a few matters..."

…………

Zhu Ying, burdened with Zheng Xi's instructions, felt uneasy. Beneath the glitz of the Flower Streets and the poverty of Riverside Lane, she, from humble and impoverished beginnings, had grown accustomed to life's sorrows. But since becoming an official, she was nearly blinded by the gentleness and prosperity around her, almost forgetting the sorrows and her own roots. Memories surged back all at once.

She wondered, "Am I becoming someone like Zhou You? Believing myself to be a carefree noble, capable of affording leisure and study with money?"

Then, her thoughts returned to the case. In her view, Xiao Fan undoubtedly caused Yan Yan's death, but Zhou and Ma were not innocent either, especially Ma, with Yingying's fate also hanging by a thread. Yet, she knew even if Yingying died, Ma wouldn't be held accountable for her life.

Not a single good person involved. Once the case concludes, it would be like Cousin Ganzhe's situation: clear in fact, but murkier in human sentiments.

The next day, she rose exceptionally early, before anyone else was awake, skipping breakfast and announcing her departure. Zhang Xian Gu chased after her, "What's the rush? It's not even time yet! This is the time for their lordships to go to court, not yours!"

But Zhu Ying was already long gone.

She managed to intercept Wang Yunhe before he set off for court, startling him as he was preparing to catch up on sleep during the commute. Recognizing her, he relaxed, "It's you? What's the matter?"

Zhu Ying, deeply troubled, sought advice, "I have something I need to consult about."

Wang Yunhe, sensing Zhu Ying's reluctance to discuss in the presence of others and checking the time, said, "Speak, we have just enough time if we hurry."

"That case. About Ma and Zhou..."

Wang Yunhe guessed what Zhu Ying wanted to ask from her opening words. He was lenient with Zhu Ying because he had been through similar experiences himself. Who doesn't want to see things as black and white in their youth? As one grows, reality teaches the necessity of blending in, yet a sliver of conscience prevents total assimilation, causing pain. The more intelligent one is, the more they encounter situations beyond their control. Struggling to emerge from these situations, one must wring their brains for a semblance of "justice" they can carve out from the crevices.

He said, "They will face their karma, but not for things they haven't done."

Zhu Ying responded, "I fear karma might also... Sir, justice must be based on law. What if the law is unjust?"

"Then change the law."

Zhu Ying paused, surprised. Wang Yunhe patted her shoulder, "Alright, I need to attend court now. You’re not in a rush. Go, have breakfast at the Dali Temple after you're done eating here."

After stuffing herself with the Metropolitan Prefecture’s food and taking away a pack of fried buns in oil paper, leaving the onlookers dumbfounded, someone commented, “Truly a gesture of an elegant scholar!” While the servants more bluntly remarked, “She really doesn’t see herself as an outsider…”

"Not an outsider," having eaten her fill and even taking away their fried buns, Zhu Ying felt reenergized. Mulling over the situation again, she thought: Whatever! Clarity on the facts is paramount before moving to the next step. I can turn a blind eye here and there, but I won’t be made a fool of. My job is to clarify the facts. First, identify the culprit; then we'll see how the case is adjudicated.

Today, her task remains working on the case with Pei Qing, with time running critically short. The Emperor has begun counting down, yet Zheng Xi remains composed, and Pei Qing seems rather relaxed. Pei Qing, a man of integrity who disdains Zhou’s dissolute lifestyle, is willing to work within Zheng Xi's plans.

Meanwhile, Wang Yunhe didn’t impose a gag order on the yamen runners; the misconduct they uncovered was also made public. Despite slight differences in public opinion, both Zheng Xi and Wang Yunhe are shrewd operators in the bureaucratic field. With their tacit cooperation, the city's sentiment began to shift within two days.

In the morning, there was sympathy for Ma, but by evening, people lamented, "Who would have thought such a daughter had such a father? His death is not a big deal, but what about his family's livelihood?"

One day they say, "A child raised without a father's guidance did well to turn out like that," but the next day, they criticize, "Spending days with friends, indulging in pleasures, and learning nothing good from a gang of bad influences deserve a lesson. Let's see if it makes him a better person!"

Zhu Ying, following Zheng Xi's instructions, leaked some of Ma's misconduct to Jin Liang. After all, this didn't conflict with her investigation of the real culprit, right?

Zheng Xi himself showed a page of confession to his mother-in-law, coincidentally about Zhou You admitting to "casually taking" some jewelry from the dresser to give to Lingling, infuriating her on the spot. She came to ask Zheng Xi about the source of unfavorable rumors, to which he replied, "I've done my best to withhold the uglier details." Then he quickly put away the confession to prevent his aunt from tearing it up.

Zhu Ying visited Wu Niang's house again, turning it upside down for an entire day. Alone, without colleagues or yamen runners, she felt more at peace and discovered a hidden cabin by the artificial hill next to a small pond in the backyard. The cabin was discreet with a brass lock, which Zhu Ying opened.

Inside, despite some dampness, there was a bed, a table, chairs, a makeup box, bedding, and several provocative paintings on the walls, likely a romantic spot of Wu Niang's household. The path leading to the grotto was swept clean, revealing very distinct footprints: one set belonged to Xiao Fan, another to Yan Yan, and a third to Ying Ying. The three of them had been here together, and the footprints were relatively fresh.

After searching inside, she was satisfied to find traces left by Yan Yan. Indeed, she suspected that if Yan Yan hadn't died initially, she must have been hidden somewhere. Now, she had found that place.

Carefully packing everything, she extinguished the lamp, locked the cabin as it was, left Wu Niang's house, and dashed to the Dali Temple.

…………

Meanwhile, Ying Ying's condition finally stabilized, and she became lucid.

The chief investigator remained He Jing.

Instead of directly questioning Ying Ying, He Jing had her taken back to prison. He then had the yamen runners parade her in front of everyone from Wu Niang's household, particularly instructing them to allow her and Xiao Fan to glimpse each other "from a distance" to prevent any secret signals or collusion.

Next came Ying Ying's interrogation.

Despite her frail state, with a dazed look and slow response, Ying Ying managed a bitter smile upon hearing He Jing's questions, "Your Honor, as you can see my condition. Whatever General Ma did, I can't hide it. Perhaps I did wrong in a past life and am punished in this one. Dying would end my sins, and I could be clear of guilt in my next life. If I miraculously survive, living on is just clinging to life without any undue aspirations. As for Xiao Fan, I truly never conspired with him."

Being too weak, she fainted when faced with interrogation, rendering it impossible to extract information from her.

He Jing ordered her to be awakened with water and declared, "Yan Yan died in your place."

Ying Ying's face turned deathly pale, struggling to speak, "She? I thought she was already... dead..."

Sensing something from Ying Ying's reaction, He Jing altered his approach, "Guess how we found you?"

Her changing expression gave He Jing clues, and learning from experience, he ordered Ying Ying to be removed. An old jailer led her away, lamenting, "Miss, have you ever met a trustworthy man?"

Ying Ying felt a surge of sorrow.

He Jing then continued with Xiao Fan's interrogation.

Xiao Fan revised his statement, claiming he witnessed the murderer, "a ghost with a green face, long hair, and green clothes! A female ghost! I was too scared to say it's her! She killed General Ma! I know her; she's from the neighboring Qi Gu's house, Ah Le, who served General Ma for a few days before dying! I told Ah Le not to harm us, as we were also victims. She let me go! I took Ying Ying and left! I don't know what happened after that! I was afraid she'd come for me if I spoke up!"

He Jing couldn't help but laugh, being somewhat superstitious due to his family's beliefs. However, having heard many ghost stories from criminals over the years, he placed little stock in such tales during investigations. He occasionally used supernatural elements in his interrogations, but the evidence Zhu Ying found in the grotto cabin was enough to prove Xiao Fan was fabricating ghost stories.

He Jing once again beat Xiao Fan and lamented that the Jingzhao Mansion did not permit the use of some unique punishments.

After the beating, he threw the prepared escape plans onto the court floor, questioning how such items could exist if there wasn’t premeditation.

Xiao Fan claimed, "I wanted to elope with Ying Ying, never intending to harm anyone."

He Jing then threw down a handkerchief found by Zhu Ying in the grotto, embroidered with Yan Yan's name and stained with blood. Xiao Fan’s facade finally faltered, yet he persisted in denial. Next, He Jing tossed a piece of silk flower resembling one on the female corpse's head, originally worn by Yan Yan, causing Xiao Fan's breathing to hasten.

Lastly, He Jing displayed half a white silk skirt with a prayer written on it by eyebrow pencil, showing Yan Yan's hope of escaping her fate and her vow to become a vegetarian and erect a longevity tablet for Xiao Fan if she survived.

At this moment, a head officer entered, announcing, "The woman has confessed."

Xiao Fan’s expression then settled into a cold, disdainful sneer. Unperturbed, He Jing inquired, "Confessed to what?"

"That on the day of the incident, this man hid her in the grotto, taking away the person who was originally hidden there..."

Xiao Fan's lips trembled as he hoarsely said, "I did it alone."

He Jing scoffed disdainfully.

The yamen officers commanded in unison, "Confess truthfully."

Licking his lips, Xiao Fan said, "General Ma always tormented people. I’m not lying, Ah Le was tortured to death by him. My mother always praised his generosity. Ha! He fancied Ying Ying next. With Yan Yan nearing death, I thought of exchanging Yan Yan for Ying Ying. I planned it for a long time, prepared everything. Zhou You? He’s no good either, only lacks the means to do greater evil. Anyway, with people to shield him even if he commits murder or arson, why not let him take the blame?"

He Jing frowned, "Speak for yourself!"

"That day, Ma came again and got into a fight with Zhou, a real dog-eat-dog scene. That night, I thought it was time to act. Zhou was drunk, so I stole his knife. Ma was raging, and no one dared approach, much less notice me slipping through the back door. I killed him, took Yingying away. Mother had earlier ordered me to deal with Yanyan, whom I hid in a cottage by the rockery, which you later discovered. I killed Ma, took Yingying to the rockery, switched her with Yanyan, and exchanged their clothes."

"You killed Yanyan?"

Xiao Fan nodded affirmatively.

He Jing took the confession and had Xiao Fan sign it, then presented it to Wang Yunhe.

Wang Yunhe said, "Please have the colleagues from Dali join the court." It was nearly time, thirteen days in, to present the results. Bao Ping Shi was instructed to summon Zheng Xi, and while waiting, He Jing lamented over Yanyan, "A woman of gratitude, sadly fallen into destitution, her sincerity misplaced in a brute."

Zheng Xi, too, awaited news, and soon arrived at the Jingzhao Mansion.

The officials from both departments took their places at the court, with other officials seated below, and attendants aligned in two rows.

Court commenced!

Xiao Fan was first brought forward to repeat his confession. His account was consistent, with the addition that the money given to Wu Niang was actually Yanyan's personal savings. Wu Niang had instructed him to "take care of Yanyan's final affairs," from which he embezzled some, using Yanyan's savings as the price for her body's sale to Wu Niang.

Zheng Xi asked, "What grievance do you have with Zhou You to frame him and land him in jail?"

Xiao Fan stared straight at Zheng Xi and said, "Do you like hearing dogs bark? He does. When he couldn't hear it, he made me imitate it. Ha! This little beast likes to see people act like animals. He must have been an animal in his past life, and even though he's shed the animal skin this life, he's still an animal at heart."

Wang Yunhe snapped to attention, "Do not make unfounded connections! Was the female suspect Yingying a co-conspirator?"

Xiao Fan shook his head, "She didn't know."

After clearing his throat, he ordered Yingying to be brought in.

Upon hearing Ying Ying enter, Xiao Fan stiffened and watched as she knelt down in front of the court.

Ying Ying, waiting in the next room, initially puzzled over why she was summoned, realized upon kneeling she'd been deceived. Xiao Fan hadn't betrayed her, affirming at least one man could be trusted.

Looking up at the officials, dignified yet diverse in appearance, Ying Ying wanted to accuse them but couldn’t find the words. Resigned to her fate, she admitted to being delusional for thinking she could escape, suggesting they deem her an accomplice and accept her death as inevitable since she couldn’t endure until exoneration.

Wang Yunhe, with a heavy voice, lamented the tragedy of creatures of the same kind harming one another.

Xiao Fan, looking up, boldly claimed he had harmed one of their own kind too.

At this, Zhang Ban’s face turned, almost moving to strike Xiao Fan without command.

Wang Yunhe and Zheng Xi exchanged glances, calling for order with a stern “Silence!”

After making them sign their statements, Wang Yunhe decided to investigate the fake documents prepared for Xiao Fan’s escape, while Zheng Xi pondered on how to report the matter.

On the fourteenth day, they concluded the case. Xiao Fan and Yan Yan, being of low status, were held accountable for their actions, with Xiao Fan facing execution for murder. General Ma, killed by Xiao Fan, was also sentenced posthumously. Zhou was exonerated.

Wu Niang, implicated in the trade of corpses, was stripped of her authority, with a call for law-abiding successors for her “daughters”. Ying Ying, having fled but recaptured, saw her confiscated possessions returned.

Furthermore, during the investigation, illegal activities by Ma and Zhou were uncovered. Though Ma was deceased, his illicit gains were to be confiscated and returned to the victims. Wang Yunhe initiated a separate indictment against Zhou, criticizing his failure to manage his household, leading to transgressions that warranted his exile, branding him as dishonorable.

Both the Ministry of Justice and Jingzhao Mansion, disapproving of Zhou, diligently searched for his misdemeanors. Zheng Xi, knowing his emperor uncle well, subtly advised that considering his father’s merits, Zhou should be spared severe punishment. He highlighted Zhou’s recklessness, even taking military tokens to brothels, which could pose a security threat.

Wang Yunhe suggested to the emperor that too cozy relations between the Southern and Northern Armies were detrimental. Proposing tasks to occupy them might prevent further discord stemming from personal vendettas.

Both addressed the emperor’s paramount concern: his security.

Consequently, the emperor stripped Zhou of his official duties, instructing him to reflect in seclusion. Zhou’s stewards faced death or exile, with their families reduced to servitude. Simultaneously, he ordered intensified drills for the Southern and Northern Armies, leading to widespread lamentation among them, as personal grievances were momentarily set aside for collective discipline, all cursing Zhou and Ma for their follies.

The Emperor's dignity was preserved, but his mood remained sour. Neither the Dali Temple nor Jingzhao Prefecture received rewards or punishments, and the matter was left at that.

Upon returning to the Dali Temple, Zheng Xi had Zhu Ying resume her studies as before. She couldn't help but find the situation ironic: Zhou You still retained his inherited title, collected his salary as usual, and lived in a grand mansion. Wasn't this just like her past two years? Studying, receiving money, utterly relaxed!

"I worked like a dog to get you out of jail, while you enjoy your life and create more trouble. After all this, we're the same? Oh, except your rank is still higher than mine!"

Yet, after scouring through the laws, she found no clause that could impose further punishment on Zhou You, eventually collapsing to the ground in frustration.

She pondered and then, holding the law codes, asked Zheng Xi, "Sir, can these clauses be changed?"

Zheng Xi laughed upon seeing her point to the Eight Deliberations, "Don't talk nonsense! How can these be changed? Stop thinking about Zhou You. He's just a minor irritation. You should focus on learning to write poetry."

Zhu Ying looked at him steadily before lowering her gaze, "Oh..." She remembered that Zheng Xi's initial examination of her involved the Ten Abominations and the Eight Deliberations.

Zheng Xi chuckled and shook his head, "One must learn to be tolerant."

"He counts as a person?"

"Hmm?"

"Oh…" Zhu Ying thought, what kind of flawed law is this that can't be changed? What's to be done then? Wait for Zhou You to rebel?!

Feeling indignant, she pondered and then decided to ask Wang Yunhe. Just as she reached Jingzhao Mansion, she saw a group emerging, chattering away—it was the daughters of Wu Niang, who had been released.

Zhu Ying watched them from a distance, wondering, what does this all mean?

A girl said, "Yingying, what’s wrong with you? Let’s hire a carriage, I've got my money back."

Zhu Ying waved down several carriages, paid the drivers, and as the coins clinked in the rough palms of the drivers, she suddenly thought: Where am I sending them off to with this money?!

The drivers thanked her profusely, heading over to pick up the girls who chatted away with them. The drivers pointed in her direction, and the girls all looked over, their chatter sounding quite pleasant.

Zhu Ying stood watching them for a while, and to her surprise, they lifted the curtains of the carriage to wave at her.

Suddenly, someone approached. Zhu Ying looked over alertly and saw it was Chen Meng; they hadn't seen each other for a long time.

Chen Meng said, "I thought it was you from afar, and indeed it is."

Zhu Ying, noticing the white band at his waist, questioned it. Chen Meng replied, "It's because of this that my aunt passed away."