AFTER LISTENING TO THE whole story from beginning to end, Cui Buqu pondered in silence.
Qiao Xian could tell from his expression that he was interested. "Your lordship wishes to involve yourself in this matter of the Lu family?"
"It's a good opportunity to force the Jiejian Bureau to share credit with us," he said.
Qiao Xian thought he'd already washed his hands of this case of the Khotanese envoy's murder. For a moment, she was speechless.
"Feng Xiao is not the easiest to work with," she finally managed.
"There's no need for us to take the initiative to work with him. Compared to the Lu family, Qin Miaoyu, who has the jade in her possession, is much more important. He's got his hands full searching the city for her; he has no time for the Lu family. Feng Xiao also knows Pei Jingzhe can't resolve this matter on his own. He'll definitely send him to our door."
After this explanation, his appetite seemed to return, and he ate voraciously. Not only did he finish the chicken soup, he followed it with a bowl of noodles. The instant he set down his spoon, the word came: Pei Jingzhe had indeed come to call.
Qiao Xian heaved a sigh. "The lord chief truly accounts for everything!"
"Feng Xiao is a formidable man, but he's flexible in his thinking. The Zuoyue Bureau hindered him, but cracking the case and recovering the jade are far more important than a petty grudge." Cui Buqu stopped for a moment, puzzled. "Why did those noodles I just ate taste like the ones at the Zuoyue Bureau?"
Qiao Xian beamed at him. "Were they good?"
Outsiders only saw her cold, frosty demeanor, an unapproachable beauty. Few had glimpsed this hidden gentleness.
"Of course they were good. The noodles and soup the Zuoyue Bureau makes are the only kind I like."
"Qiao Xian made them," said Zhangsun.
Cui Buqu revealed a rare expression of surprise. "When did you learn to cook?"
"Before we left, I asked the madam chef to teach me. I was worried you wouldn't be able to stomach the food out here. But I never thought…" When she remembered all the suffering Cui Buqu had been through in the past few days, she wanted to wring Feng Xiao's neck.
"I was the one who let myself be caught. I expected I'd have to suffer a little to stay near him," Cui Buqu said evenly. He seldom detailed his reasoning to others. But in the same way Qiao Xian was completely loyal to him, he was always willing to explain patiently to her.
They were still talking when the servants showed Pei Jingzhe in. He didn't miss the fierce glare Qiao Xian sent in his direction. Pei Jingzhe privately thought this was totally uncalled for.
"Good day, Cui-langjun." He politely cupped his hands. Feng Xiao had already told him Cui Buqu's identity. When he reflected on what this man had suffered at their hands, he felt a sharp pang of guilt.
"Where's my gift?" Cui Buqu held out a hand expectantly.
"What?" Pei Jingzhe was taken aback.
"You've come to me for a favor," Cui Buqu said lazily, "yet you're empty-handed? Are these the manners of the Jiejian Bureau?"
How did you know I'm here for a favor? The words crowded at the tip of Pei Jingzhe's tongue, but he swallowed them down. He smiled. "My lord knows your health is poor. Considering the suffering you've endured, he was sure you needed bed rest. I only came to see how you fared today. I've left the gift with your servants."
When Qiao Xian and Zhangsun had arrived in Liugong City, they had purchased a small house with a courtyard and a handful of deaf and mute servants. Unlike Zixia Monastery and Wuwei House, this house was more suitable for convalescence—secluded, quiet, and secret.
However, Feng Xiao had guessed Cui Buqu's position in the Zuoyue Bureau correctly. It was easy for him to guess that this manor, along with the incredibly popular restaurant Wuwei House, were all bases of the Zuoyue Bureau.
"I'm tired. Show our guest out." Cui Buqu had no interest in listening to Pei Jingzhe prevaricate. He lay down and turned his back to him.
Pei Jingzhe started to step forward again, but Zhangsun Bodhi strode over to block his path. He had no choice but to steel himself and tell the truth. "This subordinate indeed has a favor to request."
Qiao Xian said coldly, "Is the request from you, or Feng Xiao?"
"Is there a difference?"
"There's a big difference."
The message was clear: Pei Jingzhe was a nobody. If Feng Xiao didn't send him, they'd kick him out.
Pei Jingzhe silently cursed his lot. He was like a sheep entering the wolves' den, utterly defenseless. No wonder Feng Xiao had warned him to be direct and not bother hiding anything. He knew Pei Jingzhe was no match for these members of the Zuoyue Bureau. The thought brought Pei Jingzhe no satisfaction. All he could say was, "I'll be honest. It was my lord who asked me to come."
Cui Buqu didn't turn to look at him. He lay motionless on his side with his back to Pei Jingzhe.
Pei Jingzhe pressed on: "My lord requests Cui-langjun intervene in the matter of the Lu family in order to find Qin Miaoyu's accomplice."
"And what about the gift?"
Understanding dawned on Pei Jingzhe as he finally realized what Cui Buqu meant by gift. If you wanted something from someone, you had to give something in return.
"My lord is willing to split the credit with you. Once it's all settled, he'll submit a memorial to the emperor declaring that he relied heavily on the support of the Zuoyue Bureau in this case and asking the emperor to reward you for your contributions."
Feng Xiao's choice of words hadn't been so polite—in fact, Deputy Chief Feng had crossed his legs and said carelessly, Do I look like someone who'll let myself be cheated? I'll split the credit with him now, but next time will be different. Just go. If his price is too high, I'll make him repay it a few times over.
There was no way around it: his boss sounded more like he was picking a fight than asking a favor. Pei Jingzhe was forced to polish his words a bit.
Cui Buqu snorted. "He'd never say something like that. I bet he told you, 'Find out what Cui Buqu wants for it. If he's too greedy, I'll make him repay it a few times over.'"
Pei Jingzhe's mouth twitched, and he thought to himself, You really know each other too well.
"I can help you," Cui Buqu said, "but on one condition. I want Fo'er's head."
"That's…"
"You can agree now, or this discussion is over. Feel free to see yourself out."
"Don't be so hasty, Cui-langjun," said Pei Jingzhe in a rush. "Whatever you want, I'll promise on behalf of my lord!"
The Lu family's case was pressing, and Lu Ti had already written letters asking for support. Keeping all of Lu Manor under house arrest wasn't a long-term solution. The longer this dragged on, the more trouble it would cause; it was best to resolve the matter as soon as possible.
Only now did Cui Buqu turn back over and sit up to slowly slip into his shoes. "You should have agreed earlier. Instead you made me lie down in bed right after I ate. My stomach hurts."
Pei Jingzhe's mouth twitched. "The fault is all mine, sir!"
With this settled, he led Cui Buqu and the others to Lu Manor. Pei Jingzhe furtively observed Qiao Xian along the way. He thought he'd been subtle until she shot him a cold glance—he was forced to look away and trade his secret observation for open inquiry. "Cui-langjun, how should this lady be addressed?"
Cui Buqu's lips quirked in something that wasn't quite a smile. "Is it you who's interested? Or Feng Xiao?"
Pei Jingzhe mumbled, "Is there a difference here as well?"
"If you're interested, go ask her yourself. If Feng Xiao wants to know…" Pei Jingzhe waited for Cui Buqu's next words, but he seemed to reconsider what he was about to say. "…then I definitely won't tell you."
Pei Jingzhe pressed his lips together in silence. He finally realized that, from top to bottom, there was no one at the Zuoyue Bureau with whom he was on friendly terms.
But who'd asked the deputy chief to be so ruthless that he'd even drug Cui Buqu with incense of helplessness? Pei Jingzhe had thought the Zuoyue Bureau and the Jiejian Bureau were sister agencies with the same goals, and thus their cooperation would make things twice as efficient and fruitful. But a grudge once formed was not so easily dissolved.
Lu Manor was shrouded under the thick fog of grief.
Lu Ti's cherished daughter had died; he was heartbroken. On top of this tragedy, his manor was surrounded, and now his sorrow was tempered with rage.
Feng Xiao only had so many eagle riders, so he'd borrowed some men from Magistrate Zhao. Yet Magistrate Zhao was also plagued by troubles he dared not mention—he didn't want to offend Lu Ti, but he also couldn't disobey Feng Xiao's orders. Caught between the two, he held his nose and told Lieutenant Liu Lin to do as the Jiejian Bureau instructed, while also asking him to show the Lu family leniency.
Regardless of all else, Lady Lu had to have a funeral, and the family lacked the necessary supplies. Liu Lin had been ordered to keep Lu Manor surrounded, but Magistrate Zhao had privately instructed him to turn a blind eye if he saw them sneak out the back. Unfortunately, Pei Jingzhe and Cui Buqu happened to come upon this very scene as they arrived.
"Stop! Who gave you permission to leave!" Pei Jingzhe cried in anger. He moved forward at once to stop them.
Leading the group was the Lu family steward. He choked down his grief and anger to cup his hands and plead, "The young lady of our house has passed away. We must hold a funeral—surely we can't leave her without a place to rest? Please, have some mercy!"
"What do you want?" Pei Jingzhe asked. "I'll have Liu Lin send someone to buy it—but no one from the Lu household is allowed to leave!"
The steward finally snapped. "Who do you people think you are! The dead come first! Our lady suffered a terrible misfortune before she could marry. The mistress wants to make things livelier for her, lest she feel lonely on the road. Everything must be of the highest quality! If we let outsiders buy supplies, how would that demonstrate our devotion toward our young lady?! Are you so cruel, so unreasonable, that you show no respect even for the dead?"
"The one disrespecting the dead isn't us, but you," Cui Buqu said coldly. He pointed out a maid who was standing behind the steward with her head lowered. "That's a man. Seize him."
Pei Jingzhe was stunned, but Qiao Xian and Zhangsun Bodhi didn't hesitate. The last word had barely left Cui Buqu's lips when they swept forward to restrain the tall and slender maid.
The maid was forced to raise her head. At first glance, Pei Jingzhe merely felt she looked familiar—but then he recognized her. It was none other than Lady Lu's cousin, the one who should have married into the family: Su Xing.
Su Xing was fair and delicate even as a man. He'd followed the steward, hiding himself among a couple of tall servants. At a glance, he passed for any other servant of the manor. If Pei Jingzhe's group hadn't happened to run into them, and if Cui Buqu hadn't exposed him, his disguise would have succeeded.
"Su Xing?" asked Pei Jingzhe.
The young man showed no alarm at being discovered. His voice was calm as he said, "I've been close with my cousin for a long time. Her likes, her dislikes—even my aunt and uncle might not know as well as I. I left the house with the steward so I could buy the things she loves most; at least then she won't feel so lonely down there. What's wrong with that?"
His eyes were bloodshot, his cheeks markedly gaunter, and a dusting of stubble shadowed his chin. On his face was the calm left behind by old sorrow. No one who saw him could say he was cold-blooded and ruthless; they would be more likely to sigh about star-crossed fates and the separation of death.
"Then why did you disguise yourself as a woman?" Pei Jingzhe asked.
"My cousin and I were engaged for some time, but we weren't married. If I bought something for her in the name of the Lu family and rumor of it spread, it would tarnish her reputation. My cousin was pure and unsullied. She came into this world that way, and she should leave that way too."
Cui Buqu regarded him for a moment, then turned to the steward. "Perhaps we can bring this matter to a close today. When all are satisfied, I will return you your freedom myself. I too share some small destiny with the Lu family. Please allow me to enter and offer a stick of incense to your young lady."
The steward recognized Cui Buqu. When he'd first arrived and Zixia Monastery had begun to flourish, talk of the medical skills of its abbot had spread through the city. The Lu family matriarch had also benefitted from his kindness.
The steward sighed and beckoned them back toward the manor. "This way."
This manor housed three generations of the Lu family. Lu Ti had an old mother who still lived. Last year, he'd had a coffin made and placed in the cellar in preparation for her passing, in accordance with local custom. Yet fate had other plans—the coffin never held the old mother. Instead, it was the young Lady Lu who lay inside.
Though a coffin was on hand, the memorial tablet, candles, and funeral flags were missing. Thus the steward had bribed Liu Lin so he might go out and purchase them.
When Liu Lin saw Pei Jingzhe and the others come in with the steward, he looked horribly embarrassed and braced himself for a scolding. But Pei Jingzhe ignored him. He asked the steward to take them to the hall and sent someone to invite Lu Ti.
The coffin was already closed, and the hall once used to entertain guests had been temporarily transformed into a place of mourning. The pots for burning paper money had been prepared, but there was nothing inside. Lu Ti's wife, Madam Li, was dressed in plain clothes and sitting in the hall, staring at the coffin with blank eyes. The maids at her side murmured words of comfort, but she turned a deaf ear to them all. Lu Manor, which had once thronged with guests, was now cold and somber.
Cui Buqu crossed the threshold, took an incense stick from a maid, and bowed to the coffin. He personally went up to offer the incense before crossing the hall to stand before Madam Li.
"Be at peace."
Madam Li was thoroughly heartbroken, her complexion a waxy yellow—she had always taken great pains with her appearance, yet in her grief she paid it no heed. She barely reacted to Cui Buqu's words, so the old female servant beside her greeted him in her stead. "Thank you very much, Daoist Master Cui."
"I wish to examine the body in the coffin."
These words shocked the entire hall. The servants of the Lu family burst into furious chatter, and even Madam Li jolted out of her daze and raised her head to look at him.
The Lu family steward was furious. "Didn't you come to offer incense?!"
"I'm here to offer my condolences, as well as investigate this case. I suspect foul play in the death of your young lady."
"Daoist Master Cui, I respect the kindness you've shown to our mistress, but you can't just say whatever you please! And to think you've become a lackey of the Jiejian Bureau as well!"
Pei Jingzhe's lip curled. He thought to himself, No sir, our Jiejian Bureau is incapable of recruiting this great buddha.
Cui Buqu hadn't fully recuperated even after his long sleep. The walk here had fatigued him; he didn't wait for the host's invitation and found an empty place to sit. He looked up at them. "Enough. If I say open it, then open it. Or do I have to do it myself?" At this, he shot an impatient glance at Pei Jingzhe.
"Who dares open the coffin?! You'll do it over my dead body!" Lu Ti had rushed over just in time to hear the end of Cui Buqu's speech. He strode forward in a rage, longing for nothing more than to roll up his sleeves and beat Cui Buqu half to death on the spot.
Qiao Xian saw him barreling toward Cui Buqu and stepped forward. She resembled a celestial being in her fluttering white robes, yet a single airy push from her hand sent Lu Ti stumbling back five or six paces. He grabbed at the wall for balance.
Cui Buqu wasted no more breath on them. He said three words only: "Open the coffin!"
Pei Jingzhe had received strict instructions before he left Feng Xiao. As long as Cui Buqu agreed to help, he was to follow Cui Buqu's orders to the letter, no matter what they were.
And at that moment, Cui Buqu had given him an order, albeit a rather unconventional one. Still, the Jiejian Bureau and the Lu family had been at loggerheads for so long that piling one more offense on top of the rest didn't mean much. He steeled himself and stepped forward, heading toward the coffin. Reaching out a hand, he circulated his internal energy, then pushed the lid hard and bared the interior of the coffin to the daylight.
The husband and wife of the Lu family wailed at the sight before them.