OIN MIAOYU SPENT the journey back to the Jiejian Bureau in turmoil. How could she give the divine ointment to Deputy Chief Feng without mentioning Chief Cui, while also ensuring Deputy Chief Feng didn't misunderstand her intentions?
It was a most vexing problem.
Feng-er was undoubtedly brilliant. Though Cui Buqu had managed to manipulate him on more than one occasion, all this proved was that Cui Buqu's brilliance was even greater. No one dared to underestimate Feng-er's perceptiveness, Qin Miaoyu included. If she didn't want to let anything slip during their conversation, practicing was a must.
By the time she arrived at the rear door of the bureau, it was mid-afternoon. Qin Miaoyu took a moment to compose herself. With the empty air as her audience, her expression changed, and she adopted a joyful and bubbly demeanor. "Deputy Chief Feng, the famous rouge shop at the East Market has a new product called divine ointment. It does wonders for the skin; if you apply it before bed, you're sure to wake up with a radiant complexion. I happened to pick up a few jars as I was passing by—would you like to give it a try?"
She leapt over to face the spot where she'd just been standing, then arched a brow and adopted a deeper voice. "My venerable self told you to extend an invitation to Cui Buqu, yet you went skipping off to the East Market? Does the East Market lie on the way to the Jiejian Bureau?"
This isn't going to work.
After a brief pause, Qin Miaoyu blinked and smiled again. "Deputy Chief Feng, this is divine ointment. I got it from the Zuoyue Bureau; they had more than they needed and kindly shared some with me. This cream will brighten your complexion—would you like some?"
Qin Miaoyu's expression darkened and she scrutinized the jars in her hands. "You brought me the Zuoyue Bureau's trash? Do you take me for a beggar?"
That won't do either.
She took a deep breath and smiled gently, once more addressing the empty air. "Deputy Chief, this divine ointment is a cherished family secret. Regular use will preserve your youthful looks eternally. It's why I look radiant each day. Your lordship works tirelessly from dawn till dusk, so I took the liberty of preparing this for you. Please accept it!"
Qin Miaoyu frowned, curling her lip in disdain. "You call that complexion radiant? It's nowhere near as dazzling as mine. Throw that garbage away!"
I'm doomed!
Stone crunched behind her. She jerked her head around to find Pei Jingzhe staring at her. He'd been so shocked upon overhearing her performance that he'd accidentally stepped on some loose gravel.
"Sorry—I was just passing by," he said, turning to leave.
Qin Miaoyu grabbed his arm. "You came at just the right time! I need your help!"
Pei Jingzhe smiled awkwardly. "I really have to go to the toilet; it's urgent."
Qin Miaoyu's tone was sweet. "Perfect. I'll wait for you outside."
"It stinks," protested Pei Jingzhe.
"I don't mind."
Pei Jingzhe cupped his hands and bowed formally. "Qin-jiejie, please spare me!"
Qin Miaoyu frowned. "I'm not asking you to cross a sea of swords or flames!" She thrust the bundle of jars into Pei Jingzhe's hands—of course, she'd already removed her own. "This is divine ointment. We'll go see the deputy chief together, and after I finish my report, you'll take it out and say the emperor decided to gift it to him out of appreciation for his outstanding charm and elegance."
It wasn't as if Feng Xiao could go interrogate the empress. And if he figured it out himself… Well, that wasn't her problem.
Pei Jingzhe looked pained. "No way. I'm bad with words. Our lord will definitely reprimand me."
"I'll treat you to the best meal in the capital. You choose the place."
Pei Jingzhe shook his head, resolute. "I can't be bought off with petty bribes!"
"Three meals."
"I won't be corrupted by wealth," he declared nobly.
Qin Miaoyu gritted her teeth. "I'll give you half my salary for this month!"
She had a jar of priceless divine ointment. It was more than worth it.
"Deal!" cried Pei Jingzhe. As if afraid Qin Miaoyu might change her mind, he grabbed the cloth bundle and shooed her inside. "Our lord must be getting impatient waiting for us. Hurry up, let's go!"
Qin Miaoyu's lips twitched.
***
At three in the afternoon on the day of the Lantern Festival, the weather was balmy and pleasant. Feng Xiao's mood was anything but.
The deaths of Li Mu and Liu Fang were a frustrating puzzle.
After leaving the palace, he'd gone to the Ministry of Justice to retrieve the case files, then read through the documents as he made his way to the Li and Liu residences.
Old Duke Li had been in his seventies. It was rare to live to such a ripe old age, and despite the bizarre circumstances of his death and the fit of madness he'd suffered before he passed, the Li family had reacted calmly. According to their testimony, Li Mu had behaved normally the day he passed away. Though retired, the duke maintained his habit of reading and writing every day. He'd chatted cheerfully with the younger generation after dinner and expressed his desire to see the lanterns during this year's festival. Everyone was shocked when he suddenly lost his mind in the middle of the night.
The coroner had examined him and found no trace of poison. Besides, the Li family had all eaten the same food that night; if poison had been the culprit, they'd all be dead.
Liu Fang's death was somewhat less bizarre. Before the Duke of Shu hung himself, he'd been summoned to court, where the emperor had reprimanded him. Liu Fang had supported Yang Jian's usurpation and benefited from it to some degree, yet hadn't received any significant authority under the new dynasty. He was trapped in a high-ranking yet idle position and deeply unhappy about it.
After returning from court, he spent the entire day depressed and spoke little. He dismissed his family and stayed in his study all night, claiming he wished to reflect on his mistakes. Even the servants were sent away. Late that night, however, one loyal servant sensed something amiss. He entered the study and found Liu Fang hanging lifelessly from the rafters, his body already cold.
Li Mu's death was completely out of the blue, while Liu Fang's death had a motive. Yet it was simply too striking a coincidence that both men had died only days apart in the first month. Taken together with the folk songs spreading through the capital and the empress's illness, many began to speculate. Even the common folk came up with a few wild theories.
As Feng Xiao pieced together the various details he'd uncovered, even more questions surfaced. He sank into thought. Only that Cui bastard was capable of keeping up with his sharp mind, but though he waited, Cui Buqu did not arrive.
Instead, it was Qin Miaoyu and Pei Jingzhe who stepped through the door and bowed respectfully.
Feng Xiao's blank face seemed to scream, Explain yourselves or suffer the consequences.
All the playfulness Qin Miaoyu had displayed at the rear door had vanished. "Reporting to the deputy chief," she said, solemn. "Chief Cui had pressing matters to attend to and unfortunately could not join me. However, he knows what you wish to ask and advises you to keep an eye on Zheng Yi."
Zheng Yi?
Feng Xiao cocked a brow, his interest piqued. Zheng Yi had been an official under the previous dynasty but retained a significant position in the current one. With the exception of the Yuwen family, Yang Jian hadn't purged any other officials after establishing the Sui dynasty. As long as they did their work honestly, toed the line, and didn't stir up trouble, they were allowed to continue serving.
There were many officials of a similar rank and status as Li Mu and Liu Fang in court—so why was it those two who were dead? Feng Xiao wasn't the only one who'd made the connection: Li Mu and Liu Fang weren't merely former officials, but officials who had been vocal supporters of Yang Jian's ascension. Liu Fang—in collaboration with Zheng Yi—had even forged imperial edicts in service of Yang Jian's coup.
These three men could be seen as founders of the new nation. Their deaths wouldn't only upset Yang Jian; they'd cast doubt on his rightful claim to the throne. Killing anyone else wouldn't have the same effect.
Feng Xiao's thoughts returned to Cui Buqu. The chief of the Zuoyue Bureau served as Empress Dugu's advisor, and his influence with the ruling couple far surpassed that of Liu Fang, Zheng Yi, and Li Mu. But the Zuoyue Bureau was of little renown. Few outside the court had heard Cui Buqu's name; his death wouldn't make the same waves. Or perhaps the enemy lurking in the shadows yearned to eliminate him, but, after several failures, had turned their gaze on others instead.
Liu Fang was dead, but his companion in forgery, Zheng Yi, remained alive. When Feng Xiao had first reviewed these cases, he had forgotten about this man. Now Cui Buqu had reminded him.
Zheng Yi enjoyed crowds and excitement, so he was bound to attend the evening banquet at the Prince of Qin's residence.
Coming to a decision, Feng Xiao gave instructions to Pei Jingzhe. "Find Ming Yue; tell him to send a few men to keep an eye on the Zheng residence. If Zheng Yi leaves, tail him. I want to know whom he meets, what he eats and drinks, where he goes."
Pei Jingzhe quickly assented, then snuck a glance at Qin Miaoyu. Feng Xiao shot him a questioning look.
Steeling himself, Pei Jingzhe placed the bundle on the stone table. "Sir…these are from Qin—ah, I mean, these are a gift for your lordship from the palace. It's a cosmetic called divine ointment—I hear it has miraculous effects on the complexion. His Majesty had it delivered."
Feng Xiao pulled a jar of ointment from the bundle and turned it in his hands. "Is that so?"
For the sake of that half a month of salary, Pei Jingzhe doubled down, growing more confident as the words tumbled out. "After you left the palace, His Majesty instructed an official to bring it to you. They happened to encounter Qin-jiejie at the palace gates and tasked her with the delivery."
Qin Miaoyu laughed drily. How had such a trivial matter grown so complicated? Now even the emperor was involved. She'd been worried that if she failed to follow Chief Cui's directions, she would expose him as the gift-giver. If Feng-er then confronted Chief Cui, she was the insignificant pawn who'd suffer the consequences.
Being a good person is way too difficult!
Feng Xiao scrutinized them for a moment, his expression unreadable. Suddenly he asked in a warm and amiable tone, "Tell me, what do you two think of Qiemo?"
Caught off guard, Pei Jingzhe replied automatically. "Um, it's great!"
Feng Xiao's smile was gentle. "Then why don't I send you both there to enjoy the wind and sand? The northwest border is in need of talented people like yourselves." His expression grew cold. "Lying right to my face, hm?"
Pei Jingzhe's knees almost buckled. He confessed instantly. "Qin Miaoyu made me give it to you, sir! But she wouldn't let me tell you!"
Qin Miaoyu sighed.
Now that it'd come to this, she had no choice but to come clean about Cui Buqu's instructions.
Feng Xiao snorted. "I knew it. Did you really think I wouldn't guess unless you told me?"
Qin Miaoyu immediately turned on the charm. "Your lordship is so keen and perceptive—this subordinate knew it would be impossible to fool you! But my lord, you know Chief Cui has thin skin and values appearances. He's afraid you'll laugh at him if he bares his heart to you. Your lordship didn't see his expression when he gave me the divine ointment. Such a mix of anticipation and anxiety—he could barely conceal his yearning for you. How could I not be moved when I saw it? That's the only reason this subordinate agreed."
Pei Jingzhe listened, dumbfounded. Was she really talking about Cui Buqu? Cui Buqu, filled with anticipation and anxiety? He couldn't imagine it.
Feng Xiao's lips curved. "Then tonight he's sure to come meet me at Luqi Pavilion, correct?"
Qin Miaoyu suddenly found herself unable to speak.
Giving her forehead a poke, Feng Xiao said affectionately, "If he doesn't show up tonight, you're heading to Qiemo at first light."
He swept out of the room.
Qin Miaoyu wanted to cry but had no tears. Pei Jingzhe stealthily slipped toward the door, following Feng Xiao.
"Pei Jingzhe! You stay right there!"
***
By five in the evening, dusk had fallen. The moon hung high above the willow branches as people gathered for the festivities. There was no curfew tonight, a rare treat experienced only three days of the year.
The East Market would usually be closed at this hour, but tonight it bustled with activity, a constant stream of people flowing in and out. Lanterns adorned the shops on either side, while the city walls shimmered with scattered lights, as though the stars themselves had descended to earth. The chill of the winter night had dissipated, scattered by the warmth of the packed crowd. In the sky hung the solitary moon, round and red-tinged, as if stained with blood.
Cui Buqu stood before the entrance of Luqi Pavilion.
Guan Shanhai and two members of the Zuoyue Bureau were at his back, all dressed in ordinary garb. After days of recuperation, Guan Shanhai had made great progress toward recovery. He was far from at his best, but more than capable of general bodyguard duties.
Luqi Pavilion had been a famous dining establishment even in the previous dynasty. It was renowned not only for its exquisite cuisine but its fine entertainment, which made it a favored destination among the nobles of the capital. Tonight, the street before the pavilion teemed with people, but many only gave their signboard a cursory glance before walking away. The prices here weren't something ordinary people could afford.
Cui Buqu gave his surname, and a waiter led him to a private room on the second floor.
The space was walled, with a large window on one side overlooking the streets below. The view was excellent; even from the doorway, Cui Buqu could see everything happening outside. Feng Xiao was already seated cross-legged before the table, casually pouring himself a drink. His demeanor was relaxed as he sampled the dishes already set out. Cui Buqu's eyes went immediately to the jar of divine ointment sitting at his elbow. His lips gave an imperceptible twitch, and he made a mental note to deal with Qin Miaoyu later.
Guan Shanhai and the others took up posts outside the door, and Cui Buqu stepped into the room.
Feng Xiao threw him a dazzling smile as he settled himself at the table, then personally poured him wine and served him with his own hand. "I received quite a special gift today," he said.
Cui Buqu looked back innocently, waiting to assess his opponent's opening move.
"I was awfully touched by the gesture," Feng Xiao continued. "But the person who sent the gift is rather shy. They weren't comfortable approaching me directly and arranged to have someone else deliver it."
Cui Buqu sneered to himself and made another mental black mark beside Qin Miaoyu's name.
"What are your thoughts?" asked Feng Xiao. "How should I express my gratitude?"
"My thoughts," said Cui Buqu slowly, "are that either the giver of the gift is blind, or the recipient is."
Feng Xiao raised an eyebrow. "And here I was thinking that if only he could own up and be honest about his feelings, I might reluctantly consider accepting them."
"He probably regretted sending the gift the moment it was out of sight."
"Why would he?"
"Why wouldn't he?"
They stared at each other, fake smiles etched on their faces. Cui Buqu snorted coldly. "If you've nothing important to discuss, I'll take my leave."
"Zheng Yi," said Feng Xiao. "I've sent someone to keep an eye on him. So far all is well. When do you think they'll strike again?"
Now they were talking business.
Since Feng Xiao had moved on from the ointment, Cui Buqu felt magnanimous enough to offer a few words. After all, this was a matter of national importance. "The day after tomorrow," he said without hesitation. "The seventeenth of the first month. The Buddhist ceremony."
Feng Xiao nodded. "I thought the same. The murders and rumors are merely intended to sow chaos. The more disorder there is in the capital, the better it is for our opponent. Their goal is to undermine the emperor's authority in everyone's eyes. Then they'll attempt an assassination or launch a coup. They must have been plotting in secret for a long time—perhaps they've even colluded with surviving descendants of the Yuwen clan to exploit the turmoil they'll create. It certainly matches Xiao Lü's style! However," he added, bringing them back around to the beginning, "I have my own doubts about the cases of Li Mu and Liu Fang."
Cui Buqu coughed. "If even the wise Feng-er has no answer to those questions, how could this humble Cui know?"
Feng Xiao didn't beat around the bush. "Daddy."
Cui Buqu choked in surprise, his coughs growing louder.
"We've been through this before." Feng Xiao cocked his head. "If I call you 'Daddy,' you have to agree. You mustn't go back on your word!"
Cui Buqu sneered. "I don't recall saying any such thing."
Feng Xiao's tone was soft and delicate as he drawled, "Daddy, you can't abandon your child like this."
Far too shameless! Cui Buqu thought.
You're only getting what you deserve, Feng Xiao chuckled to himself. Now that Cui Buqu was silent, he could lay out the facts of the case.