Chapter 62: On the Same Path

Indeed, Zhu Yanzhen had no involvement in this matter.

Taken aback by his direct accusation, Zhu Yanzhen momentarily froze before asking, "Calm down and explain. How did my sister disappear? Could there be some misunderstanding? Did she leave without telling anyone at home?"

Chen Meng eyed her suspiciously, "You really don't know? Last month when I came to you, you said you'd think about it. After that, there was no follow-up. I thought you weren't the type to ignore Guan Qun. How did you make her disappear?"

Previously baffled, Zhang Xian Gu now joined in, "Master Chen, such accusations can't be made lightly! I've always wished for Sister Hua to join our Zhu as family, but her family was unreasonable. Look around; if we speak here, the neighbors can hear everything. How could anyone be hidden?"

Chen Meng's gaze shifted back and forth between Zhu Yanzhen and her mother, questioning, "Are you sure it wasn't you?"

Zhu Yanzhen responded, "If it were me, you wouldn't still be doubting it was my doing."

Chen Meng pondered for a moment before conceding, "That makes sense."

Zhu Yanzhen urged, "Master Chen, instead of wasting time on these questions, tell me exactly what happened. You mentioned her disappearance; are there any traces or evidence? Have you thoroughly examined everything? Are we certain she left on her own, or is there more to the story? Did my sister leave because she chose an unsuitable partner? What kind of person was it? If it's possible, could you take me to see the evidence without alarming the lady? I believe I have some skill in finding people. Without seeing the evidence myself, I can't fully believe she left of her own accord. Just in case..."

Chen Meng expressed his gratitude, "Your assistance would be invaluable!"

Zhang Xian Gu cautiously suggested, "Shall we sit down inside to discuss?"

Chen Meng nodded in agreement, and Zhu Yanzhen led him into her room. Zhang Xian Gu busied herself with tea, which Chen Meng barely sipped before setting it down to explain, "Let me start from the beginning."

Initially fueled by suspicion and anger, believing someone had orchestrated Hua Jie's swift departure, with Zhu Yanzhen being the prime suspect, Chen Meng's doubts subsided upon seeing Zhu Yanzhen's home didn't appear to conceal anyone and her offer to help. "You're already aware of the backstory, so I'll focus on the events of July. Around the time of Qixi Festival, Guan Qun planned to donate ordination certificates and monastic robes, typical of a woman's duties, right?"

"Mm."

Chen Meng continued, "It was an idea lacking forethought from my aunt's side. Who would think Guan Qun would make such financial decisions without her brother and sister-in-law's consent in their home? One certificate costs a hundred guan – not a small amount, but not too much either. My aunt heard about it and agreed. However, after distributing the certificates and participating in the vegetarian meal, rituals, and planning to stay overnight at the monastery, she first sent away a maid for breaking something and then dismissed Wang Mama. With everyone around her gone, she herself vanished! There was no noise from the Zen room, no signs of struggle, and according to the monastery, no young lady was seen leaving. Without someone to meet her, how could this be possible?"

"My aunt treasures her as if she were more precious than her own eyes, always surrounded by maids and servants. She doesn't acknowledge any man who could possibly assist her in escaping. That's why I suspected you."

"From what I see, it must be related to her marriage. My aunt has her sights set on someone, and frankly, none of them are good. You're unaware, but these men, either they rest on their ancestral laurels without real substance, or they're newly affluent with impure intentions, merely seeking a trophy. If I were Guan Qun, I'd be infuriated too."

"She took some money and valuables with her. Now, we can only hope she left on her own, otherwise... I dare not think further! I suspect something fishy with the ordination certificates; maybe she took the opportunity to get one for herself, a clever disguise as a nun. I'll need to check the recent certificates issued by the Chongxuan Department."

"And you, what have you been doing? It's been over a month; if you had resolved this marriage issue sooner, she wouldn't have had to run! A young lady venturing out is so dangerous! You need to ensure her safe return!"

Zhu Yanzhen thought to herself: If it were me, I'd seize the opportunity to buy a monk's or Taoist's certificate. How could they possibly catch me then?

Zhu Yanzhen spread her hands, indicating, "I need to make some preparations first."

She wouldn't pretend to be Hua Jie's spouse unless absolutely necessary. Hua Jie shouldn't be used merely as a decorative curtain to hide unspeakable secrets within.

However, the thought of Hua Jie alone and vulnerable, incapable of causing harm or harboring malicious intentions, and thus struggling to protect herself, troubled Zhu Yanzhen. She figured the least she could do was find out where Hua Jie was and whether she was safe.

If Hua Jie truly escaped on her own, Zhu Yanzhen would genuinely be happy for her.

Hua Jie shouldn't serve as a decorative piece for her, nor should she be reduced to an ornament or a utility object for anyone else.

Zhu Yanzhen asked Chen Meng, "Have you started looking for her yet?"

"We've been searching like mad! Worried she might have been robbed, kidnapped, or even trying to return to her hometown. Even my father has been alerted, discreetly sending people to search along the southern official roads, and instructing local authorities to keep watch."

Zhu Yanzhen said, "She couldn't have gone that far that fast."

"Just wait, you..."

Zhu Yanzhen interjected, "Of course, I intend to find my sister."

"I mean, you must keep this confidential! Spreading the word, how would that look?" Chen Meng said, "I'm thinking of saying externally that she went back home missing her foster mother. If anyone asks, you should say the same."

Zhu Yanzhen replied, "Isn't that obvious?"

Thinking of the foster mother, presumably Yu Miaomiao, Zhu Yanzhen felt her mood worsen, silently vowing: Hua Jie can't fall back into your hands.

Chen Meng let out a sigh, realizing he shouldn't get too entangled in external family matters, yet his cousin's disappearance was different: "If Guan Qun had been left with you, I wouldn't have to worry so much now," he lamented.

Zhu Yanzhen asked, "Can we arrange for me to visit the temple now?"

Chen Meng responded, "Sure! I'll take you there."

After listening for a while, Zhang Xiangu said, "Wait a minute! If you find her, what then? Won't sending her back just get her killed?"

Considering Zhu Yanzhen, Chen Meng assured, "I'll ensure her safety."

Zhang Xiangu, seeing his demeanor, didn't dare to speak further and said to Zhu Yanzhen, "Then you go and come back early."

………………

Chen Meng had come on horseback, and his trusted servant was waiting at the alleyway with the horse, bowing upon seeing them: "My lord."

"Let's head to the nunnery first," Chen Meng said.

Zhu Yanzhen, being without a horse, heard the servant offer, "If the young master doesn't mind, I also came on horseback."

Worried about Hua Jie, Zhu Yanzhen accepted the offer without hesitation.

The nunnery, located within the capital, was said to be a residence donated and converted by an ancestor of Madam Feng who was a devout Buddhist. It featured a serene landscape of flowers, bamboo, and trees, both tranquil and far from desolate. Now, the nunnery's gates were half-closed, and Chen Meng informed, "I've already instructed them to close to visitors. Go in, and feel free to ask anything."

Inside the nunnery, Zhu Yanzhen found it to be very tidy, with a nun in her forties and several younger nuns, none of whom showed any joy. Chen Meng advised them, "Answer whatever is asked."

Zhu Yanzhen inquired about their arrival, what was said, done, and where they rested.

The nuns' account matched Chen Meng's, derived from their testimonies. Zhu Yanzhen, after hearing their step-by-step account, found no inconsistencies and decided to inspect the room where Hua Jie rested and the wall where a ladder was found.

The room was also clean, and the head nun mentioned, "It's inappropriate to keep the ladies' belongings here, so we removed them."

Chen Meng confirmed, "Everything was inventoried, and the attendants reported she brought gold, several dozen silver taels, and some coins. She left two hundred silver taels at home, only a few clothes and some jewelry were missing..."

Listening carefully, Zhu Yanzhen thought: The items left were either too bulky or conspicuous, and the clothes remaining were those that were eye-catching and impractical for movement. This indicated Hua Jie was prepared, not taken by robbers.

Zhu Yanzhen then proceeded without needing the nuns to guide her. She attentively examined the ground, occasionally looking around, until she reached the base of the wall. There, a slightly damp patch of soil was flanked by a sweet osmanthus tree and several bamboo stalks, with some disordered footprints near the wall's base. Zhu Yanzhen inquired, "Where's the ladder?"

The head nun hastily replied, "It was removed."

"Bring it here for me to see!"

Chen Meng, aware of her capabilities, quickly had the ladder brought over. Zhu Yanzhen manipulated the ladder, climbed up to inspect the top of the wall, and then took a few more turns around the nunnery, asking, "To whom were the ordination certificates given? Bring them to me for inspection."

Two nuns stepped forward, one older and one younger. The older nun, Wisdom Long, around thirty and yet to receive her ordination certificate, and the younger, Wisdom Round, was sold to the nunnery by her parents. Zhu Yanzhen examined the certificates, noting the dates were all the same, recently inked on the tenth day of the eighth month.

Zhu Yanzhen nodded and said to Chen Meng, "Let's go."

Once outside the nunnery, Chen Meng asked softly, "What do you think?"

"It's a mix of joy and concern," Zhu Yanzhen replied, sharing her conclusion without detailing her methodology, "She left on her own, taking some possessions with her. I need to inspect the area outside the wall."

"I'll accompany you," Chen Meng offered.

Zhu Yanzhen glanced at him, and Chen Meng added with a wry smile, "What? Can't I care about my own cousin?"

"I'm pleased if the young master wishes to help my sister, but such attention to external family matters might be..."

"Had you been born into a family of poetry and rites, your prospects would surely outshine mine," Chen Meng remarked.

"What?"

"Let's go and take a look."

After inspecting outside the wall, Chen Meng followed Zhu Yanzhen closely until they reached the main street, where he finally halted and asked, "Did she take this route? My uncle and I had people inquire, but no one saw a young woman leave, nor any nun."

Zhu Yanzhen replied, "If she intended to leave, of course she wouldn't let herself be seen. The nuns at the nunnery are too diligent, cleaning up any traces too thoroughly. It seems we must cast a wide net in secret. I'll walk around these days; I recognize her figure, so perhaps I'll bump into her?"

"That sounds good," said Chen Meng.

Zhu Yanzhen then asked, "Hold on, were there any traces in her room at the estate? Any letters? Would it be possible to have a look?"

Chen Meng answered, "No letters have been mentioned. You want to enter her home to check? That would be difficult; which family would allow someone to inspect a lady's chamber? However, I'll inquire about it and let you know if I find anything. You should also keep an eye out."

The two then parted ways. Upon returning home, Zhu Yanzhen was immediately grabbed by Zhang Xianjun, who exclaimed, "My child! What's all this about? I'm your mother; you must tell me what's happening! Hua Jie is a good person! If we can help, we should. I wouldn’t harm her. And if it’s all clear, we would happily have her in our home."

Zhu Yanzhen, half amused, replied, "Mother, where did your thoughts wander to? I don't know Hua Jie's whereabouts. And as the young master said, don't go around saying she's missing."

"I understand that. But did Hua Jie really leave on her own? She wasn’t abducted?"

"I need to go out and look for her."

"Alright, then go."

…………——

Before Zhu Yanzhen could leave, Chen Meng returned in haste, leading her to exclaim, "Has she been found?"

"What? No, there’s a letter! See if you can make anything of it?" Chen Meng had just returned home when he received a message from the Feng residence, delivered by Feng Dainüshi, who found Hua Jie’s letter in a card-playing box.

Zhu Yanzhen, recognizing Hua Jie’s handwriting, read the letter stating she had left on her own accord, claiming herself to be unfilial, and asked her mother not to grieve for an unfilial person. She expressed gratitude for the familial warmth she received and apologized for her debts to the family, stating her detachment from kinship and desire to live a carefree life. She also thanked her mother, uncle’s family, and brother and sister-in-law for their care in recent days.

Zhu Yanzhen’s suspicions were confirmed, and she said to Chen Meng, "Considering the time, she couldn't have gone far."

"I understand," Chen Meng said.

"Then, I'll search within the city," Zhu Yanzhen responded.

Chen Meng replied, "How can you search alone? The streets have already been swept clean, and with countless carriages passing by daily, even your skills won't suffice. Let me handle this. Just one thing: if she comes to you, you must inform me!"

Zhu Yanzhen said, "Even if I didn't tell you, you can see my humble home can't hide anyone, and I don't have the money to arrange for her stay elsewhere."

Chen Meng dejectedly said, "What a mess this is."

Zhu Yanzhen thought to herself: Even if I find her, I couldn't tell you!

After Chen Meng left, Zhu Yanzhen quickly packed some items and headed to the Zheng estate.

The people at Marquis Zheng's estate were already quite familiar with her. That day, the head guard at the gate, who had been invited as a guest by Gan Ze and had received favor from Gan Ze's father when younger, now a minor steward, greeted her with a smile: "Third Young Master, are you here to see the Seventh Young Master? You've come a bit late today."

Zhu Yanzhen smiled and said, "Uncle Lin, that's not right. How is it late? It's not curfew yet."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Uncle Lin let her in, announced her arrival at the gate, and then directed her to Zheng Xi's study. Gan Ze, having heard of her arrival and knowing of the young Chen's misfortune but still puzzled about how Zhu Yanzhen achieved it, was nonetheless grateful to her.

Gan Ze greeted her, "Third Young Master? It's just you, as others come early lining up for a visit. Come on, the Seventh Young Master is in a good mood, and you're different from the others."

Upon entering the study, Zheng Xi indeed seemed in good spirits and asked, "What scheme have you concocted this time? Or is there something you wish to assign me to?"

Zhu Yanzhen laughed, "Why would it be an assignment? How could I dare to assign tasks to someone above me? I'm here for advice."

Delighted to offer guidance, Zheng Xi inquired, "What is it?"

Zhu Yanzhen then presented a list of questions from her readings, which Zheng Xi patiently explained, commenting, "I told you to study the classics and proceed through the imperial examination, but you refuse! If you studied diligently, these questions would be taught by your teachers."

"I doubt they are better than you. I've listened to teachers in the countryside too, and often they're only half right."

Zheng Xi scolded with a laugh, "Are you treating me like a private tutor now? How can the great Confucians in the capital be compared to the wild fox Zen of the countryside? Did you understand everything I just explained?"

Zhu Yanzhen replied, "Yes."

"Then shouldn't you be going back to continue your studies?"

Zhu Yanzhen said, "There's another matter."

Zheng Xi said to Lu Chao, "See, she came here to give me tasks."

Gan Ze and Lu Chao both laughed.

Zhu Yanzhen explained, "Since you'll be attending court tomorrow, I plan to take care of this matter while you're gone, but I need to inform you first—we're re-examining an old case, and I need to borrow some records from the Chongxuan Office to verify the existence of the monks and Taoists involved in the case."

She pulled out a stack of papers from her sleeve, "This is the case. I didn't dare to bring the whole file, so I copied this part for you to review."

After thinking for a moment, Zheng Xi said, "Alright, I'll write you a note. You go ahead."

After receiving the note, Zhu Yanzhen thanked Zheng Xi and left the Zheng estate. Seeing that it was still early before curfew, she didn't go home but returned to the vicinity of the convent. She started searching carefully from the main street, agreeing with Chen Meng that the countless carts and pedestrians during the day could have obliterated Hua Jie's tracks.

Zhu Yanzhen commented that the nuns at the convent were too fond of cleanliness, diligently tidying up everything, which was indeed true.

However, this did not mean that Zhu Yanzhen couldn't spot any issues.

If no young lady was seen leaving, then perhaps someone resembling a monastic did. People can change their shoes and clothes, but it's not easy to alter one's weight. Hua Jie left on her own, burdened with valuables, making her heavier than usual, thus altering her gait and the marks of her footsteps.

Zhu Yanzhen first noticed the change in Hua Jie's footsteps inside the wall, then followed these altered tracks outside. She deduced that Hua Jie had changed into larger shoes, likely men's, based on her observation of pedestrians and the marks left by the new shoes. She then painstakingly followed these new tracks.

Following these footprints, she could even guess Hua Jie's state of mind at the time. Hua Jie didn't walk in the middle of the road nor close to the walls; she kept to the side, avoiding pedestrians and carts, so her footsteps weren't completely covered. She must have been carrying a bundle or hidden within voluminous men's clothing, altering her stride from the norm, making the footprints easier to track.

Initially, her pace was erratic with nervousness, but it eventually evened out. She walked normally and freely, stopping occasionally, which made her steps smaller before returning to a regular pace.

Knowing Hua Jie well, Zhu Yanzhen deduced that she wouldn't rush to leave the city since going without a contact or a place to stay would be dangerous. Leaving home was for a better life, not to become easy prey for robbers. Caution was paramount, so what to do?

Find a place to stay initially.

While many inns would check for travel permits and other documents, renting a room for a few days or staying in smaller, less scrupulous inns that only required payment was feasible. Laying low for a while was smart since the Feng household couldn't openly search for her without attracting attention. Once the initial search died down, she could plan more freely.

Zhu Yanzhen's biggest concern was if Hua Jie had acquired a nun's ordination certificate; if she then reported a Buddhist name starting with "Zhi," Chen Meng's investigation could easily lead to her capture.

She aimed to find Hua Jie before they did.

Just before curfew, Zhu Yanzhen indeed found a small inn. The establishment had a modest facade, and its interior wasn't particularly bright. The innkeeper approached eagerly: "Young master, are you here to stay or to find someone?"

Zhu Yanzhen smiled, "Why not ask if I'm here to stay or eat?"

The innkeeper chuckled in response: "I've been in this business for a long time. Someone like you wouldn't stay or dine here. Your attire reveals you reside in the capital. Which noble family's young master might you be?"

Zhu Yanzhen replied, "I'm neither staying nor seeking anyone; I'm just browsing. They say my experiences are limited, but I don't believe it!"

The innkeeper confidently said, "Please don't jest with me, young master. Since Wang Jingzhao took office, the streets of the capital have been much safer. Even if you were hunting thieves for a case, you'd find none here."

His assertiveness made Zhu Yanzhen reflect, "Why say that? I'm not a head constable."

The innkeeper opined, "Your age and demeanor suggest a young official who has achieved early success! What business could such a distinguished young master have in a place like this?"

Zhu Yanzhen chuckled, "You've guessed half right. Suppose I am an official investigating a case; then speak frankly. What are the rates for a place like this? Who frequents it? How many similar establishments are there in the capital? Where do you source your groceries? How many staff members and guests do you have? How do you fare in the off-season versus the peak season?"

The innkeeper replied, half in disbelief, "You're really asking? Please, no jest. Look, the prices are listed on the wall." A row of plaques displayed the prices for various dishes, cheaper and less varied than what Zhu Yanzhen was accustomed to. The inn only had a handful of staff and about a dozen cramped rooms.

Though slightly irked, the innkeeper feared offending a potential troublemaker from a noble family and cautiously continued the conversation. Suddenly, a head peeked in at the doorway. Zhu Yanzhen, recognizing the boy, waved him over, "Come here, I have a question for you."

She remembered the boy as a pickpocket she had reprimanded upon her arrival in the capital. The boy, having forgotten her, approached cheerfully, "Yes, my lord? How may I assist?"

Zhu Yanzhen intervened as the innkeeper tried to shoo the boy away, "Don't chase him off; we're acquainted. I need to inquire about something from him."

The pickpocket was taken aback, "What does the young master wish to inquire about?"

"Do you know Old Ma?"

The pickpocket's expression changed, "You are?"

Zhu Yanzhen instructed, "Tell him to meet outside the capital's main prison in the latter half of the day, three days from now."

The pickpocket choked and scampered off in fright.

The innkeeper's face went through a range of emotions as Zhu Yanzhen stood up and announced loudly, "My business here is done; it's time for me to leave."

The innkeeper stammered, "You... you are?"

Zhu Yanzhen chuckled, glanced towards the curtain leading to the living quarters, and saw Hua Jie peeking out. Pointing at her, Zhu Yanzhen remarked, "I doubt this big brother would typically stay in such an establishment. How come you let him stay?"

Pretending to deepen her voice, Hua Jie retorted, "Why can't I stay here?"

As the innkeeper attempted to intervene, Zhu Yanzhen, recalling Zhou You's demeanor, casually sat at the table, swinging her hand as if holding an invisible whip tapping on the table. Hua Jie signaled to the innkeeper, indicating she would handle it, prompting the worried innkeeper to retreat behind the counter.

Hua Jie gasped in astonishment, eyes wide, not expecting the innkeeper to actually hide!

Zhu Yanzhen burst into laughter and asked, "Hey! Where are you from? What brings you to the capital? Are you here for business? To study? To visit relatives? Hmm? Heard any interesting cases on your way?"

Hua Jie sat opposite her, merely smiling, not uttering a word. The innkeeper stood behind Hua Jie, unable to see her face, and was beside himself with worry.

Zhu Yan kept a steady expression and pressed further. Hua Jie responded, “You’ve asked so many questions, which one do you want me to answer first?”

Zhu Yan looked up thoughtfully and said, “Let’s start with—what’s your name?”

The innkeeper thought to himself, scoffing, "You didn’t ask that earlier!"

Zhu Yan glanced at him, “Innkeeper, bring some good tea and pastries! And make it quick!”

Left with no choice, the innkeeper went to prepare it himself.

Watching the innkeeper leave, Hua Jie blurted out, “Zhu Yan!”

Zhu Yan advised, “It’s good to see you managing, but carrying valuables might not be safe.”

Hua Jie replied, “I didn’t bring much gold or silver. I know better than to flaunt wealth. And I don’t plan to return. Don’t worry about me. I figured as long as I'm out, I can fend for myself. It’s unreasonable to always bother you. I'm not a child anymore and don’t want to be seen as incapable. Help in times of crisis, not in poverty.”

Zhu Yan said, “Alright, you know where to find me if you're in urgent need.”

Hua Jie looked slightly taken aback but then smiled, “Okay.”

“I don’t insist on bringing you back. I just want to ensure your safety. You’re certainly capable of making your own decisions in life. If I tried to control you, it would be disrespectful. However, you should know that ordination certificates can be traced. Once the Major inspects the Chongxuan Department, your Buddhist or Taoist name, the date, and the signatory can be revealed with just one order. His rank is higher than the officials there; he doesn’t even need his father to take action.”

Hua Jie pursed her lips, “I bought two, or else it wouldn’t have cost so much. For the nun’s certificate, I chose the name Zhiping but didn’t use it. Let them search. I also got a monk’s certificate, named Wukong. From now on, I’ll be the monk, and you be the official, alright?”

Zhu Yan asked, “Are you planning to leave the capital?”

Hua Jie shook her head, “I thought about it, I still want to return and offer incense and paper money for my mother. But it’s not a journey I can undertake now. Unlike you, I need to take things slowly. The capital is safe under Wang Daoren’s watch. Also, try not to seek me out for a while; I worry they might turn to you. Just pretend you don’t know. Everyone has their own destiny and paths to follow.”

Zhu Yan exclaimed loudly, “Hey! I’m asking you! Speak up! Continue!”

Then she whispered, “That’s a strange thing to say. Even if we each have our own paths, it doesn’t prevent us from being companions on this part of the journey, right? On the same road. Am I supposed to pretend I don’t know you? To deceive myself like that, wouldn’t it be bizarre? You’ve made connections in the capital and know that having more friends opens more paths. After everything I’ve been through these past two years, to simply cast you aside and act like strangers, wouldn’t all my days have been wasted?”

This made Hua Jie laugh, who then said, “Alright, I’ll count you as another friend and path. If I’m in urgent need, I’ll seek you out. And if you need me, you can seek me out, okay?”

“Agreed! But, are you staying here?”

Hua Jie responded, “I’ve been paying more attention to temples and Taoist temples this past month and have already picked a place. In a few days, I’ll shave my head, don a monk’s robe, and when the innkeeper isn’t paying attention, I’ll head there.”

“What’s the name of the place?”

“Jinluo Temple.”

“Great! I’ll cover for you with the Major.” Jinluo Temple was quite small, and Zhu Yan knew of it as a secluded place that neither officials nor nobles frequented, barely sustaining itself.

Zhu Yan suggested, “Let’s set up a code for communication to avoid any risk of your whereabouts being exposed.” Both literate, they agreed on a system of homophones with hidden marks on the paper, making three tiny punctures with a needle point.

After finalizing their plan, Zhu Yan stood up and said, “Time to go!” and left.

When the innkeeper came with tea and snacks, he asked, “Sir, that person…”

Hua Jie resignedly replied, “Has left.”

The innkeeper remarked, “These young nobles, starting off all polite and then showing their true colors, they really can’t hide their nature!”

Hua Jie thought to herself: She’s not a spoiled noble, she’s exactly as she seems!

…………

Zhu Yan returned home in high spirits, assuring Zhang Xiangui, "Don't worry, nothing will go wrong."

The next day, bright and early, she went to the Dali Temple to fetch the case files and then proceeded to the Chongxuan Department to check the archives. Pretending to be casual, she also requested recent ordination certificates and indeed found Zhi Ping’s name. Flipping a few pages further, she discovered a monk named Wukong, a connection others would unlikely make.

Deliberately, she marked the names Zhi Ping, Zhi Yuan, and Zhi Chang with her fingernails as if by accident before returning them to the Chongxuan Department.

The following day, she asked the Chongxuan Department for a list of temples and Taoist temples across the empire. Given the vast number of temples and monks, they advised her to consult related case files directly, as it was impossible to provide her with all the details. Zhu Yan thus spent half an hour each day reviewing files. Each afternoon upon leaving the palace, she visited various temples in the capital, seemingly in search of someone.