Chapter 81: Three Women on One Stage (Part One)

Zhou Changyin, Li Xun’er, and Jiang Yuzhi?

The very combination of these three already hints at a wealth of stories.

Xiao Yue’s gaze darkened slightly.

Beside him, Hu Tianming was still being pestered by Wu Tan, unable to escape her barrage of demands. He kept assuring her, “Miss Wu, rest assured, I will personally investigate every matter today. If it truly is as you say—that someone dared to plot murder beneath the emperor’s very nose—then as the magistrate, I will not tolerate it. I will uncover the truth, find the culprit, and deliver justice for you both.”

The advisor, having just been summoned aside by the constables, rushed back to report, “Sir, reinforcements from the prefecture have arrived. Order has been restored on the streets. Head Constable Liu has returned from the medical hall. According to the tally, besides the death of the top scholar, three of the seven who fell from upstairs did not survive. Additionally, the second-ranked scholar and two other candidates were struck and sent to the medical hall. The remaining twelve injured have also been escorted there for treatment.”

During the earlier chaos, countless people suffered scrapes and bruises from pushing and shoving; minor injuries were inevitable, and the authorities simply couldn’t attend to each one individually.

Hu Tianming nodded, “Assign two more attendants to the medical hall to monitor everything closely. Report to me immediately if anything arises. If the doctors there are overwhelmed, seek help from other medical halls. The injured must receive full attention. As for here…”

With an incident on the premises and Wu Tan, the aggrieved, making her accusation in person, evidence must be gathered promptly.

Ordinarily, all citizens present would be questioned one by one to avoid missing any clues and prevent suspects from escaping. Yet today, the street was packed to the brim with people; holding everyone for interrogation would take days, perhaps even nights, and the sheer volume of witnesses would make it hard to focus on the critical points.

Hu Tianming hesitated—

The top scholar’s death was immediate; the emperor would surely take personal interest, and Hu Tianming would be held responsible. Even if questioning every witness was impossible, he could only brace himself and proceed.

“Um…” Just as he was about to give the order, Xiao Yue, who had stood aside as if unconcerned until now, suddenly interrupted, “The incident has already caused panic among the populace. There were simply too many people present; there’s no need to waste time interrogating each one. Have the constables disperse the crowd swiftly, seal off the area near the Vermilion Bird Tower, and prohibit all unauthorized entry.”

“And…” He surveyed the scene within the tower, “Where are the managers and staff? Gather them all for questioning.”

With the balcony railings repeatedly malfunctioning upstairs, it was impossible that the managers and staff were oblivious. Starting with them was the logical first step.

Xiao Yue issued his instructions methodically.

Although maintaining order in the capital was the prefecture’s duty, Xiao Yue’s actions bordered on overstepping authority. Yet, Hu Tianming, faced with this monumental crisis, was grateful for someone to share the burden—

Truthfully, he had his own motives. Interrogating every citizen was a task beyond reach; now, with Xiao Yue ordering their release, if a crucial clue was missed, he could share responsibility before the emperor.

The advisor dared not act without Hu Tianming’s approval, watching him closely.

Hu Tianming quickly weighed his options and nodded, “Do as Prince Sheng commands.”

“Yes!” The advisor finally responded and hurried off to relay the orders.

Wu Tan was unsure whether today’s plot targeted her or Lin Yan Yao; regardless, her uncompromising nature compelled her to file a report with Hu Tianming. Only now did she begin to listen carefully to Xiao Yue and the others discuss the events, and upon hearing everything, she was struck with alarm—

Lin Yan Yao’s face was pale as she approached, incredulous, “Was the victim on the street the top scholar?”

She had thought that someone tampering with the private room she and Wu Tan had reserved was audacious enough, but never expected the railings from the third floor would kill the newly crowned top scholar.

She and Wu Tan exchanged confused glances—

Were they truly the targets, or merely unlucky collateral damage?

Hu Tianming, now relying on Xiao Yue as his anchor, stepped forward and respectfully saluted, “Your Highness, you seemed to witness the entire incident. Forgive my boldness, but may I ask you to remain here and offer guidance? My tongue is clumsy, and I fear I might omit crucial details when reporting to His Majesty…”

He said this, though inwardly he cursed his own shamelessness—

Prince Sheng was a royal of high rank, and this matter had nothing to do with him. Xiao Yue’s advice was already a rare favor; now, Hu Tianming hoped to cling to him for assistance in the investigation…

He braced himself for rejection.

It was a dire situation: the top scholar had died under his supervision. But Xiao Yue was known for his cold indifference and rarely involved himself in others’ affairs. Standing tall, Xiao Yue cast a sidelong glance at Wu Tan and replied expressionlessly, “Leiming, relay all the clues you’ve gathered to Magistrate Hu.”

Wu Tan found nothing unusual in this; she knew Xiao Yue well enough to see that meddling in the prefecture’s affairs was hardly out of character for him.

But for everyone else in the private room on the second floor, anxiety was mounting.

Su Ying, who had been spying from the staircase, hoped to wait until Xiao Yue left so she could swiftly inform her mistress to depart. Instead, Xiao Yue not only remained but insisted on participating in the investigation, causing her heart to race as she tiptoed back upstairs to report.

After giving instructions to Leiming, Xiao Yue suddenly glanced at Huangfu Qi, who had been following Wu Tan, and said coolly, “The third-ranked scholar was also frightened—shouldn’t you see a doctor at the medical hall?”

Huangfu Qi sensed a hint of hostility from Prince Sheng and was baffled, “Me? I’m alright…”

Hu Tianming listened to Leiming’s analysis and only then noticed Huangfu Qi, realizing something seemed amiss between the newly ranked scholar and Prince Sheng. Since he was seeking Xiao Yue’s favor, Hu Tianming quickly addressed Huangfu Qi, “Forgive me, I’ve been preoccupied and didn’t notice you were here. I must continue investigating, so I won’t keep you…”

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This was, in effect, a dismissal. Huangfu Qi smiled good-naturedly and gestured toward Wu Tan, “Don’t worry, Magistrate. I’m friends with the Marquis Dingyuan’s heir. This girl was badly shaken, and I don’t feel comfortable leaving her. I’ll stay until you finish, then escort her home.”

Since he was lingering for personal reasons, Hu Tianming had nothing more to say, merely glancing briefly at him and Wu Tan before returning to analyze the case with Leiming.

Leiming, seeing his master’s expression darken several shades, felt his scalp prickling and quickly interrupted, “Sir, some details are hard to explain down here. Why don’t we go upstairs and let the two ladies identify the scene? I can then describe precisely what happened.”

Hu Tianming agreed, gesturing to Wu Tan and her sister, “If you would, ladies, please accompany us upstairs again?”

“Alright!” Wu Tan, eager to clear up the mystery of her misfortune, agreed readily.

Hu Tianming intended to let Xiao Yue proceed first, but when Xiao Yue remained motionless, he turned to Wu Tan and Lin Yan Yao, “Miss Wu, Miss Lin, please, after you.”

Wu Tan and Lin Yan Yao moved toward the stairs. Huangfu Qi was about to follow, but Xiao Yue stepped forward and blocked him, then proceeded himself.

Huangfu Qi and Hu Tianming were both taken aback.

Leiming hurriedly intercepted Huangfu Qi, holding out his arm and saying formally, “The upstairs is the scene of the incident; the authorities have sealed it to prevent tampering with evidence. Isn’t that right, Magistrate?”

His face was serious, though inwardly he cursed himself for aiding and abetting shamelessly.

Hu Tianming hadn’t minded letting another person upstairs, but now, prompted by Leiming, he nodded, “That is the principle…”

Before he could say more, Leiming addressed Huangfu Qi again, “Then we must trouble you to wait here, Young Master Qi.”

Huangfu Qi, unfamiliar with Xiao Yue’s temperament, sensed something was off… but could never have guessed that Xiao Yue, barely returned to the capital for a month, had any history with Wu Tan. As the master and servant were both unapproachable, he simply found a chair, sat down, and sipped tea while waiting for Wu Tan.

Upstairs, Zhou Changyin had already dismissed all her attendants, leaving only herself, Li Xun’er, and Jiang Yuzhi.

Jiang Yuzhi, the most inexperienced of the trio, fretted anxiously, twisting her handkerchief and muttering, “Sister Zhou, what should we do? Didn’t you say the neighboring room was taken by a wealthy merchant? Why is Prince Sheng here? And… and his guards saw us. Even if we sneak out now, if they mention us, others will suspect.”

Xiao Yue’s status was so intimidating that Jiang Yuzhi was utterly at a loss.

Zhou Changyin’s expression was cold and unhappy, “Leave? If we leave now, it’s as if we’re admitting guilt. What are you afraid of? I’m here. The authorities will surely question us soon; hold steady and don’t show any weakness.”

She turned to Li Xun’er, who was calmly sipping tea, and complained, “You arranged the people for this; are you certain there were no traces left behind?”

Li Xun’er met her gaze coolly, lips curved in a slight smile, “As you said, I gave the orders. If anything went wrong, I’d be the first to suffer. Do you think I’d be so careless? It’s just a wasted effort—we failed to teach that wretched Wu Tan a lesson. I’m quite disappointed.”

Mentioning this, Zhou Changyin gritted her teeth in frustration, her face darkening further, “This isn’t the time to discuss it. Let’s get through this ordeal first.”

“Yuzhi!” She turned and glared at Jiang Yuzhi, warning sternly, “Let me remind you again, hold steady. When the authorities question you, you must say…”

Before she could finish, Li Xun’er scoffed, “If you really can’t handle it, just feign illness. Lie on the couch, and when they come, don’t answer any questions. Cry if you want, tremble if you must, just don’t speak.”

Had she known Jiang Yuzhi would be so useless, she wouldn’t have brought her today.

But her real reason for bringing Jiang Yuzhi was different—

By tying her to this plot against Wu Tan, she gained leverage over Jiang Yuzhi. If Jiang Yuzhi were still her old self, Li Xun’er wouldn’t care, but soon she would become Crown Princess and, given the emperor’s health, likely Empress within a few years…

Someone like that was too valuable not to turn into a puppet.

Jiang Yuzhi was indeed uneasy, having never participated in such a malicious scheme. She felt she might faint if questioned. Li Xun’er offered her a lifeline, and she nodded repeatedly, “Alright! Yes, yes!”

She quickly moved to the couch and sat.

Zhou Changyin found her increasingly burdensome, but what could be done? The situation was already too far gone to back out.

She’d expected to deal with Wu Tan decisively today, but unexpected events caught her off guard.

First, Wu Tan didn’t approach the sabotaged railing as planned, then the unpredictable Huangfu Qi appeared as a top scholar—his presence alone disrupted their scheme. These two surprises together merely foiled the murder plot, but why had the guest next door turned out to be Xiao Yue?

Zhou Changyin had come in person to witness Wu Tan’s downfall, confident that, with the preparations in place, they’d never be linked to the incident. With their social status, authorities would only ask a few questions; they could simply claim they were there to watch the parade, and no one would suspect them.

But now…

The more Zhou Changyin thought, the angrier she became. She suddenly frowned and turned to Li Xun’er, “How did an accident happen on the third floor? Was that you as well?”

Li Xun’er paused with her teacup, then looked up with a perfunctory, “What are you talking about…”

Zhou Changyin slammed the table in frustration, “How could we be so unlucky? With the top scholar dead, this won’t end easily!”

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If only Wu Tan and Lin Yan Yao had been harmed, it would have been a minor accident easily closed by the prefecture.

But now, with the top scholar dead and several other candidates injured, the emperor himself would intervene. If they couldn't clear their names, trouble awaited.

Li Xun’er’s gaze flickered, lips pressed tight in silence. If not for Zhou Changyin’s own panic, she would have noticed the change, but now it went unseen.

The three, each anxious in their own way, were interrupted by Su Ying bursting in.

Zhou Changyin immediately pulled herself together, rising to ask, “How is it? Has my cousin left?”

She now dreaded meeting Xiao Yue in person, knowing that even if she could clear herself, it would leave a negative impression.

Su Ying shook her head urgently, “He hasn’t left! I thought he would, but Miss Wu is accusing the magistrate, and Prince Sheng is discussing a thorough investigation of the tea house with him.”

Zhou Changyin bit her lip hard, her gaze venomous, “So, he’s staying to defend that wretched girl?”

Wu Tan—what virtue or ability did she possess?

Earlier, during the fall, Zhou Changyin had seen, through the veil, Xiao Yue leap down to save her without hesitation.

If yesterday at the Duke of Ning’s residence Zhou Changyin merely resented Wu Tan for shamelessly courting Xiao Yue, then—

Today’s scene was a far more bitter blow.

Xiao Yue, always cold and aloof, had risked himself to save her, proving it wasn’t just Wu Tan seducing him; he was genuinely interested.

Such a revelation sent Zhou Changyin’s jealousy spiraling into madness.

Li Xun’er, observing her twisted expression, could only think she was deranged, her lips twitching as she looked away.

Were it not for her need to share the risk and leverage Zhou Changyin’s connections to bind Jiang Yuzhi, she would never have partnered with this lunatic. Even if she fancied Xiao Yue, so what? Years of failure proved she lacked the means to win him, and now, as a married woman, what could come of further entanglement? Even if Wu Tan died, who knew who would profit in the end?

As Zhou Changyin and her servants spoke, a clamor of footsteps echoed in the corridor.

Hu Tianming himself led the team upstairs to examine the scene.

With Wu Tan present as the aggrieved, though the third-floor incident was more serious, Hu Tianming courteously brought his team to the second floor first. Ascending the stairs, he saw five or six maids and servants outside the room.

Wu Tan and Xiao Yue followed.

Xiao Yue, having already received Leiming’s report about the room’s occupants, was unfazed, but Hu Tianming and Wu Tan were surprised by the scene.

Wu Tan and Lin Yan Yao exchanged puzzled glances.

Hu Tianming realized these must be family members from prominent houses here to watch the festivities, so he approached, asking, “Which household are you servants from? Why are you gathered here?”

The six present wore three distinct uniforms, clearly not from the same household.

The maids glanced at each other, unsure how to respond, when Su Ying opened the door from within.

Wu Tan recognized her immediately as the woman who’d orchestrated her “accidental” meeting with Xiao Yue at the Duke of Ning’s residence the day before.

Su Ying assumed these noble ladies would not recognize her, especially after her deliberate disguise yesterday, so she paid no mind, curtseying to Hu Tianming, “Greetings, Magistrate…”

She announced her identity and opened the door fully, introducing those inside.

Lin Yan Yao didn’t recognize Su Ying at first, but was sharp enough to tug Wu Tan’s sleeve, asking, “Tan’er, doesn’t this maid look familiar? Have you met her before?”

A thin layer of frost settled in Wu Tan’s eyes; she suddenly turned to Xiao Yue and demanded, “Your Highness, was it your family who plotted against me yesterday?”

—End of chapter—

Imperial Uncle: [proud face] Give Leiming extra chicken for lunch!

Huangfu Qi: [innocent face] What did I do wrong…

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