Chapter 67: Progress

The quilt in the Wang Mansion was fluffy and light, emitting a fragrance Zhu Yi had never encountered before. The incense burner in the room continuously released wisps of another scent, a new experience for her.

Surveying the room, even as just a guest chamber's side room, it had everything she might need, all far superior to her previous accommodations. Late at night, after exploring the room and checking the doors and windows, Zhu Yi placed her clothes by the bed, moved a candlestick to the bedside, gave the room one last look, and blew out the light to sleep.

Accustomed to simplicity, she could sleep on straw or an embroidered bed alike. With cases still unclear, she surprisingly fell straight into a deep sleep.

Awakened by noises outside while still groggy, Zhu Yi opened her eyes to darkness—it was still before dawn. She quickly got up, lit the lamp, dressed hastily, and opened the door.

The quiet "squeak" of the door didn't disturb many, as most servants had gone to attend to Zheng Xi. The servants from Zheng's household, familiar with Zhu Yi, were busy with Zheng first before they could remind her. Eventually, finding a moment, a young servant rushed to Zhu Yi but found her already dressed.

The servant smiled, "Up already, Zhu Yi? Ah, your hair's a mess; let me comb it before you see Zheng."

Touching her hair, Zhu Yi said, "I can manage."

"How could that do? People would laugh. Don't worry, though I'm not Zheng's hairdresser, my skills are decent."

Zhu Yi, amused by his enthusiasm, thought to herself that this was an opportunity to experience the life of the wealthy.

After her hair was combed and she was assisted with water and such, Zhu Yi began to feel less out of place, thinking, "So this is what life is like in a wealthy household! If it's like this for me now, it must be even more so for Zheng and the Empress Dowager. Being served is indeed different."

Once ready, Zheng had just finished his elaborate preparations. Zhu Yi and the servant hurried to meet him. Zheng commented, "Up early, aren't we? Not tired?"

"A bit, but I've pulled all-nighters before; this isn't too bad. If you're asking about the case, I need to think it over some more."

"Let's not talk business this early," Zheng said, arranging for Zhu Yi's breakfast before heading to the palace together.

"I have an appointment with the chief secretary to take another look at the suspects before I leave. You can't delay the morning court, but I'll head out after reviewing the suspects."

Zheng Xi slightly frowned, "Well then." He went off to have breakfast at his uncle's, but unexpectedly, the Empress Dowager, concerned for her grandson, had also risen early and summoned them to her room to watch them eat. Not feeling well and unable to eat much herself, she drank some ginseng tea while watching her children and grandchildren dine.

Zheng Xi mentioned, "I brought that child over. After he has eaten, I've arranged for him to meet with the chief secretary as they have an agreement. Once he's done, he'll return to the Dali Temple on his own."

The Empress Dowager responded, "Once he's at our home, there's no need for further worry on your part." Hearing this, the servants promptly made arrangements for Zhu Yi.

Soon, Zhu Yi received two boxes of food, the second serving from the Empress Dowager's own provision, significantly better than the first. Zhu Yi didn't hesitate to enjoy it, thinking it a shame not to share these leftovers with her parents back home, if only she wasn't in the royal household, where such requests might seem unseemly.

Being cautious, she did not express her regrets openly. After finishing her meal and rinsing her mouth, she inquired in the still-dark morning, "Has Master Zheng left yet?"

Learning he had not, she requested a mansion servant to guide her to the entrance to bid Zheng Xi farewell. Upon seeing her, Zheng Xi playfully chided, "Weren't you supposed to meet with the steward? Why are you here so hastily?"

High Yang Marquis hardly gave Zhu Yan another glance before noting, "She's a sensible child. Jingwen, since you have an arrangement, please take good care of her."

Zhu Yan looked at the "Jingwen" who responded, realizing it was the steward's courtesy name, and respectfully bowed to him. After the Marquis spoke, the steward nodded in acknowledgment towards Zhu Yan.

Meanwhile, Zheng Xi commented, "She can be a headache sometimes." After helping his uncle onto his horse, he too mounted and departed.

The steward and Zhu Yan watched them leave before he asked, "Did you sleep well? Have you had breakfast?"

Zhu Yan replied, "All is well. The mansion is very comfortable."

Making a welcoming gesture, the steward walked with Zhu Yan back inside the mansion, where she then produced the confessions he had given her the day before, saying, "Thank you, I have finished reading them."

The steward inquired, "And? What do you think?"

Zhu Yan responded, "It's too soon to say. In your opinion, is there anything unusual within the mansion?"

The steward said, "If there were any abnormalities, wouldn't we have pursued them by now?"

They chatted briefly about the case, and Zhu Yan, noting the steward's reluctance to divulge more, cautiously said, "For such a large sum of wealth, they really did have audacity."

"Indeed," the steward agreed.

Soon, they arrived at the place where the suspects were held, a dimly lit space resembling a dungeon, with extinguished torches. The steward ordered the torches to be lit and, covering his nose with a handkerchief, entered. Zhu Yan, familiar with the smell of dungeons, adapted well.

The suspects, having endured some hardships, looked groggy and protested their innocence upon their arrival. The steward turned to Zhu Yan, "Aren't you going to ask anything?"

"I'd rather not show weakness here," Zhu Yan replied. "Showing weakness only emboldens the accused. If you question them again after this, they might resist even more due to the courage they've gained from seeing me hesitate. I'll just take a look."

She toured the dungeon, noting its strict security. The suspects ranged in age from middle-aged to young, all dressed decently, some even in clothes provided by the mansion. Compared to rural farmers, they appeared relatively well-cared for, yet their appearance suggested they had done manual labor, unlike the truly delicate Zheng Xi or Chen Meng.

After her inspection, Zhu Yan concluded, "All right, I've seen enough, thank you for the inconvenience."

The steward responded, "It was our affair that brought you here; allow me to escort you out."

Before Zhu Yan could leave the mansion, someone intercepted her, "By the command of the Princess, I've come to inquire with the evaluator."

"Is it the Princess or the Dowager Princess?" the steward inquired. "Or was there a directive from His Highness before departing?"

The clever little eunuch said, "The Princess wishes to reply to the Dowager Princess by first making an inquiry."

Zhu Yan, calculating the time to report to the Dali Temple and sensing something off in the eunuch's words, replied, "If it's about the case, there's nothing to discuss yet as we have no leads. Once there's any development, I will report it immediately."

The steward then said, "In that case, you should head to the palace for your duties. As an external male, it's inappropriate for you to meet the Princess directly; they can convey the message on your behalf."

Zhu Yan smiled at the steward and bowed to the little eunuch, "I'll take my leave now."

…………——

When Zhu Yan arrived at the palace gate, she joined other minor officials of similar rank entering the palace, exchanging greetings with acquaintances. A few colleagues from the Dali Temple also reached the gate around the same time, all undergoing identity verification.

The Deputy Judge laughed, "I didn't see you bring any meat pies today."

Zhu Yan replied, "I had a bit more for breakfast today and didn't feel hungry, so I didn't bring any."

Su Kuang came up from behind, sniffing the air, "Smells good! Zhu Yan, which young lady has been treating you?"

The Deputy Judge frowned slightly, "We shouldn't speak so frivolously at the palace gate. If the imperial censors hear us, they'll say we from the Dali Temple are not serious, always engaging in flippant talk."

"There might not be a young lady, but there is a Dowager Princess."

Zhu Yan also sniffed her sleeve, saying, "Is there a fragrance? I haven't met any young ladies though."

Deputy Judge said, "There are many talented and unusual people in the capital, and plenty of fine things too. The exotic fragrances from the Persian merchants can make a handkerchief smell good for three days. You two being young should not be so easily amazed, lest others laugh at our Dali Temple. A word from the imperial censors, and Lord Zheng and the rest of us would have to explain ourselves, leading to us all being reprimanded together back at the Dali Temple."

Zhu Yan said, "Oh, so Deputy Judge, you've seen a lot of exotic treasures and tales, haven't you? Tell me about them."

Deputy Judge said, "You heartless little thing. Now hurry up and report for duty!"

The three returned to the Dali Temple, signed in, and Zhu Yan persisted in asking Deputy Judge, "Tell me about it before they return from the court!"

But the Deputy Judge wouldn't speak anymore, "What's the fuss? Aren't you going to see Lord Hu?"

Zhu Yan stuck her tongue out at Su Kuang and ran off with her stationery. Deputy Judge mockingly said to Su Kuang, "Why provoke her, Su? I hear you've been stuck as a registrar for a year or two now. When's the good news coming? Don't forget about us."

Su Kuang, both modest and slightly proud, said, "It's not decided yet. The biggest issue right now is the Gong Jie case, which I wasn't heavily involved in, so it might be difficult."

Deputy Judge said, "That's hard to say. The new officials always need people they can rely on, right?"

After a brief chat, Deputy Judge said, "Ah, it's always the young people like you who have bright futures ahead. Us oldies? Just getting by day by day. Off I go to continue my duties."

Knowing Deputy Judge didn't truly care for him, Su Kuang still responded with a smile. With Deputy Judge busy, Su Kuang went off to his own tasks, but his mind was unsettled, pondering, "I've exerted much effort for Lord Zheng; I should be up for promotion to registrar by now, considering Lord Zheng seems satisfied with my work. With winter approaching, the official appointment should come soon... The sooner the better, lest I end up like Deputy Judge and Wang, stuck at the same rank for life."

The thought of upgrading his wardrobe crossed his mind with the promotion to registrar, a seventh-grade official rank.

He contemplated much, including Zhu Yan, envious of her good fortune. After enduring five years at the Dali Temple and just when promotion seemed within reach, the temple's scandal hit, demoting him. Luckily, he wisely aligned himself with Lord Zheng, seizing the opportunity of case reviews and audits for this chance at advancement. Zhu Yan, however, had no need to navigate past scandals, having arrived at a time favorable under Lord Zheng.

Lost in thought, Su Kuang was called over by Lord Zheng as he and others returned from court, discussing the day's plans before going about their separate tasks. Eager to find a reason to speak with Lord Zheng and further their acquaintance, Su Kuang hadn't yet come up with a suitable excuse when Lord Zheng already summoned him.

Su Kuang straightened his clothes and hurried over, greeted with encouraging news: "You've been back a while now; it's time to resume your duties."

"Yes! At your command, my lord."

Lord Zheng mentioned casually, "The Gong Jie case isn't closed yet. You're young and strong, start by sorting out the case files."

Su Kuang couldn't completely hide his elation, a hint of excitement breaking through: "I will follow your orders!"

Lord Zheng said, "Off you go."

With a spring in his step, Su Kuang pondered the Gong Jie case as a golden opportunity. Securing the registrar position was a certainty with this case in hand, and even the position of Director or Deputy Minister of the Dali Temple was within reach. He wondered whether to propose marriage next year or seize the momentum of serving under Lord Zheng to make a significant career leap in three to five years before seeking a virtuous lady's hand in marriage?

Just as he crossed the threshold, he heard Lord Zheng instructing a clerk, "Call Zhu Yan here."

Su Kuang's soaring spirits plummeted back to earth, steadying himself.

…………

By the time Zhu Yan appeared before Lord Zheng, Su Kuang had already left.

After Zhu Yan bowed, Lord Zheng leaned back in his chair, "You're still energetic! Born from a monkey, were you?"

Zhu Yan responded, "Probably not. Monkeys are too clever to choose to be reborn as me."

Lord Zheng chuckled at her joke: "Sit."

After Zhu Yan took a sip of tea, he asked, "How's it going?"

Zhu Yan straightened up and said, "Are you asking about the theft case? Well, that depends on you. How deeply involved do you wish to be?"

Zheng Xi cursed, "Little rascal, you're always as cunning as a monkey, knowing you're looking out for me."

Zhu Yan smiled shyly, "The case is indeed challenging. Investigating it will take some time, and I'm only about fifty to sixty percent confident. You were right; I might have been overconfident. Simple disputes in poor or modest households, I can resolve at a glance, identifying right from wrong without letting it drag overnight. But a grand household like the Wang Mansion is beyond my limited experience, yet I still have some confidence and am not ready to concede."

"Understood. Go on."

Zhu Yan earnestly said, "Everyone knows it's an inside job, but with such a significant theft, I fear the waters may be too deep, potentially complicating relations with your relatives."

Zheng Xi responded, "Don't worry about that; just focus on uncovering the truth."

Zhu Yan added, "There are many secrets within the mansion. I'm unaware of what is taboo or what might be relevant to the case. Trying to uncover these secrets myself would not only be challenging but also time-consuming."

Zheng Xi remarked, "You're bold, thinking you can probe into the Wang Mansion's affairs?"

Zhu Yan replied, "Then at least give me some useful information, like which of your relatives might be short on cash?"

Zheng Xi exclaimed, "Audacious!" but then softened, "Do you think I haven't considered that?"

"So, have you?" Zhu Yan asked.

After a moment, Zheng Xi said, "The Dai Wang Mansion has always been wealthy."

Zhu Yan realized Zheng Xi wouldn't share his uncle's secrets with a junior official picked up halfway to the capital, understanding their relationship wasn't that close. She decided: I'll just investigate and report what I think is appropriate. How much you tell your uncle is up to you.

She asked, "Do you have a deadline for me? Give me two more days, and I'll make a concerted effort!"

Zheng Xi sighed, "I was hoping to leverage your talent for tracking clues, but don't overexert yourself."

Zhu Yan reassured, "Just think of me as having too much idle time, looking for something to do. Don't worry, I won't cause you any trouble."

Zheng Xi instructed, "Don't let it distract from your main duties. Work hard! You could, like Su Kang, help me with the Gong Jue case."

"Understood."

Zhu Yan wasn't in a hurry. The Gong Jue case? Not just for her, even Su Kang's involvement was minor. The Gong Jue case involved a network of accomplices, each with their friends and family. Every other week, an associate of Gong Jue would be exiled or demoted. Despite the ongoing efforts, the case series was far from concluded.

As Zhu Yan left Zheng Xi's room heading to Hu Lian's, someone suddenly blocked her path. Tilting her head, she asked, "Su Brother?"

Su Kang, having waited with a stack of case files, pretended to bump into her by chance, cautioning, "Watch where you're going. It wouldn't be good to run into a superior."

Zhu Yan laughed innocently, "Right! Thanks for the reminder, Su Brother."

"What's on your mind, walking so distractedly?"

Internally, Zhu Yan scoffed: I was walking just fine until you jumped in front of me!

Yet, she voiced, "Strange, I've been serious about my tasks. Why did Zheng Xi emphasize focusing on the main job?"

Smiling, Su Kang, unable to physically reassure due to holding the files, offered verbal comfort, "Zheng Xi is just looking out for you because you're young. Here, being young means showing some vitality, not always fretting over superiors' intentions. If you've figured out your superior's every move, are they still your superior?"

"Right, Su Brother. Since I can't figure it out, might as well do my own thing."

"Exactly. Overthinking, especially about the incomprehensible, drains one's spirit, leading to paranoia and madness. Being straightforward, with a clear vision and demeanor, makes one more likable," Su Kang straightened up as he spoke.

Zhu Yan also straightened up, "Alright, off I go! Don't just stand there; what are you holding? It looks heavy."

"Just some files. Off you go."

Zhu Yan spent the morning earnestly observing at Hu Lian's, preparing necessary documents, confessions, and archival references for the case. Disappointingly, it was a case of an official's manslaughter, unrelated to the Wang Mansion theft case she aimed to solve, offering no insights for her current investigation.

…………

In the afternoon, after leaving the palace, Zhu Yan went to look for Old Ma.

Zhu Yan's thinking was simple: Where would the stolen items be?

Gold and silver could be spent, and even if marked, it wasn't a problem since they could be melted down to erase the marks. What about precious items and spices? Though not familiar with spices, Zhu Yan knew many were expensive, far beyond her means. The items from the mansion were unaffordable not just for the poor but for average families too; using them would immediately give the game away.

As Left Censor had mentioned, there was a type of exotic fragrance that could make a handkerchief smell for days. Even if not entirely true, the mere hint of such items would make them identifiable among common folk — unless they weren't used at all.

Not using them meant either giving them to someone who wouldn't raise suspicion or — fencing the goods!

Old Ma was a veteran thief of the capital; naturally, fencing was part of the trade.

Despite being a thief, Old Ma had a streak of honesty with acquaintances. He told Zhu Yan where he was staying, and indeed, she found him there.

Seeing her, Old Ma chuckled, "Third Lord, gracing us with your esteemed presence."

Zhu Yan unceremoniously sat across from him, selected a string of coins, ordered a variety of snacks and a pot of fine tea from the menu, inviting Old Ma to join her. "One does not visit a temple without a cause."

Old Ma said, "You're someone who knows the score, coming to me because you need my help. Just speak up."

Zhu Yan asked, "If I had some items I couldn't easily dispose of and wanted to turn into cash, what channels would you suggest?"

Old Ma's gaze flickered briefly before returning to calm, "If Third Lord is in urgent need, why not just pawn them? Or is their provenance... questionable?"

Zhu Yan nodded.

Old Ma thought to himself: This lad, an official from the Dali Temple, coming to me, a thief, to inquire about such matters must be probing into fencing. But I can't betray my colleagues from the underworld.

Yet, considering Zhu Yan was not only an official but also a former prison mate, he qualified as a half-associate of the underworld.

Leaning in, Old Ma whispered, "Third Lord, ever since Prince Wang took office, the capital has seen few major crimes. This is..."

Zhu Yan implied, "It's unrelated to the underworld. It's on behalf of someone, a domestic issue."

"Ah," Old Ma realized, "Some unfilial offspring pilfering from their family? Or is it a servant up to mischief?"

"You're a smart one."

Old Ma explained, "There used to be several routes, but since Prince Wang's crackdown, only a few remain," as he sketched a simple map with his finger dipped in tea on the table, "Here, go this way, this pawnshop takes clothes and jewelry, pawning them as dead pledges. They'll sort through them, either dismantling the pearls and gems for other uses or melting down the gold and silver to make new jewelry or utensils."

He pointed to another place, a gold and silver shop that charges a fee to erase marks or recast the items.

There's also a place for exchanging money; you bring gold and silver there, and they'll convert it for you. The acquired gold and silver are either melted down by them or spent elsewhere.

Another pawnshop specializes in collecting antiques and calligraphy paintings.

The intermediary fees are substantial, and the valuation will be relatively low—after all, these are stolen goods!

Zhu Yan remarked, "Sounds troublesome. Isn't there one place that can take all these items?"

Old Ma laughed, "Sure, but that would be on a grand scale! The protruding nail gets hammered down. In the capital, it doesn't even get to rot before Prince Wang saws it off. As for others, they're pawnshops run by various households, protected by officials in the background. They don't rely on these shady dealings to make a living; taking in items is just opportunistic."

Zhu Yan thanked him, and Old Ma said, "No need for thanks. What kind of relationship do we have? It's too formal."

Zhu Yan smiled, "Alright then, I won't stand on ceremony with you. Can I come to you if I need help in the future?"

Old Ma's face showed regret, wishing he could slap himself.

Zhu Yan laughed heartily, "Just kidding."

After laughing, she left Old Ma and headed straight for the pawnshop he had mentioned. Zhu Yan was quite familiar with pawnshops; despite the Zhu family's poverty, they could always scrounge up something. When the rice bin was empty and no more wild vegetables could be dug up, Madame Zhang would pawn some items for a meager amount, just enough for a half meal.

Depending on their financial situation, they would decide whether to redeem the pawned items. Unredeemed items would eventually belong to the pawnshop, which would then tidy up these cheaply pledged goods and sell them at a higher price.

Zhu Yan decides not to speculate on who within the royal residence committed the theft, nor does she concern herself with whether the culprit is a master or a servant. Her priority is to find the stolen items first, then address the culprit.

Actively searching proves far more effective than sitting around guessing. She avoids looking for gold and silver since those materials' traces can be more easily erased, making them difficult to trace.

Zhu Yan, walking with a confident sway, enters one of the pawnshops mentioned by Old Ma.