Chapter 084: Motive for Murder (Second Update)

Wu Tan reacted quickly enough, hastily stepping back. The young man, too, had been walking briskly, his head lowered as he strode through the door, and was caught off guard to find someone coming out from inside. He abruptly stopped in his tracks.

Wu Tan glanced up to see a young gentleman, about twenty years old. She recognized him—it was Jiang Pingzhi, the second son of the eldest branch of the Jiang family from the Duke of Pingguo’s household. She had seen him once or twice before at her maternal grandfather’s birthday banquet; he was the one Lin Yanyao had mentioned as her intended.

At this moment, Lin Yanyao had also caught up. Upon seeing Jiang Pingzhi, she called out, somewhat shyly despite her surprise, “Cousin!”

Jiang Pingzhi clearly hadn’t expected to meet her here and was momentarily stunned. “Yao’er? What are you doing here?”

“I…” Lin Yanyao started to speak, but before she could finish, Huangfu Qi had already come up from behind.

Jiang Pingzhi, again surprised, furrowed his brow slightly and saluted, “Seventh Young Master Huangfu!”

They had met before, having gone together to the palace to give thanks after the imperial examination, and then paraded through the streets with the new top scholar, so they were acquainted.

Huangfu Qi returned the salute. “Second Young Master Jiang.”

With Jiang Yuzhi upstairs, it wasn’t surprising Jiang Pingzhi would come by. Wu Tan felt a fire burning inside but wouldn’t lose her temper in front of someone who was clearly not involved. Considering his relationship with her cousin, she decided to give him more face and stepped aside a bit, temporarily calming herself.

Huangfu Qi moved behind her, bent close with a mischievous grin, and asked, “What’s wrong? Who upset you again?”

Wu Tan shot him a glare, puffing up with anger, not wanting to engage. She wouldn’t act this way with others, but she was far too familiar with Huangfu Qi to bother with restraint.

Unbeknownst to her, Lei Ming, who was following Xiao Yue down the stairs, nearly wanted to gouge out his own eyes at the scene. He thought this little ancestor had left already, but here she was, lingering and exchanging glances with someone else, completely unaware of the flames of jealousy rising from his master’s head—enough, perhaps, to set the entire Zhuque Tower ablaze.

It was too much for Lei Ming to watch.

Yet from the moment Xiao Yue appeared, his expression had been unpleasant, though at first glance now, it seemed unchanged.

A large group, including Hu Tianming, thronged around him as they descended from upstairs. Since Jiang Yuzhi had feigned illness and truly had been frightened, her maid supported her at the rear.

Xiao Yue’s appearance here was another unexpected encounter for Jiang Pingzhi.

He hastily bowed. “Your Highness, Prince Sheng, Sir Hu!”

Xiao Yue didn’t remember him and had no interest in knowing more. Adopting his usual lofty, aloof bearing, he fixed his gaze solely on Huangfu Qi, who was shamelessly tugging at Wu Tan’s sleeve—once, then again when Wu Tan shook him off impatiently, and then yet again.

“Second Young Master Jiang?” Sir Hu, recognizing the ceremonial attire both Jiang Pingzhi and Huangfu Qi wore—commissioned for the scholar-officials’ parade, though the red flowers had been removed due to the recent mourning—smiled and nodded. “Did you pass as well? Congratulations!”

“Thank you, Sir Hu! I am young and inexperienced; if we have the opportunity to serve together in the future, I hope to benefit from your guidance.” Somewhat embarrassed, Jiang Pingzhi bowed deeply in gratitude.

At this moment, Jiang Yuzhi, supported by her maid, slowly approached from the back. The instant she saw Jiang Pingzhi, her eyes reddened and she flung herself into his arms, finally releasing the emotions she had held back for so long, crying out, “Second Brother…”

Though she was his own sister, she was no longer a child, and such public displays were a bit awkward, even if understandable.

“I just helped escort some of the injured to the clinic. When I returned, I saw our family’s carriage in the alley and found out from the driver that you were here as well. Are you alright?” Gently extricating Jiang Yuzhi from his embrace, Jiang Pingzhi asked, disguising his concern.

“I…” Jiang Yuzhi, teary-eyed, looked up at him, and upon seeing his face, broke down again. “I’m scared!” was all she could manage.

Hu Tianming sighed. “An incident of this sort is rare even in the splendor of the capital. Even a seasoned official like myself found it shocking, let alone young ladies such as yourselves. Since Young Master Jiang is here, you’d best escort your sister home at once.”

Because Wu Tan was still dawdling and wouldn’t leave, Lei Ming was growing anxious, wishing to find his master an opportunity to offer his services and escort her home. But since Xiao Yue had sternly warned him not to meddle again, he dared not speak up and could only watch as such a good opportunity slipped by.

Hu Tianming, eager to get back to his duties, had no time to linger with these young nobles. He strode quickly to the door, calling outside, “A few men here! Seal both the front and rear doors of Zhuque Tower. We need to preserve the scene for evidence; until the case is closed, no one is allowed in or out. Both entrances must be guarded round the clock, twelve shifts, no negligence!”

With this, those inside could no longer linger and obstruct official business.

Everyone filed out, and except for Xiao Yue, each person took their turn bidding him farewell.

“Cousin…” Since arriving at Zhuque Tower, Xiao Yue hadn’t spoken a word to Zhou Changyin. She sensed that his silence was either due to suspicion or displeasure at her presence in such a place. After much internal struggle, she decided she couldn’t just sit by and do nothing, and tried to say something in explanation.

But as soon as she spoke, Xiao Yue immediately swept his sleeve and left.

Lei Ming was secretly delighted at his master’s swift departure, glad there would be no quarrel over who would escort Wu Tan home.

His master refused to make the gesture, but if someone else did, he’d be jealous—that was just how it was. Were it not for loyalty to his master, Lei Ming would have long since defected.

Yet if he could not play the gallant escort, he should at least do something to win some favor.

“Your Highness!” Lei Ming carefully broached the topic, avoiding mention of Miss Wu. Instead, he suggested, “Perhaps you should send word to the Duke’s household and have them quickly send Miss Zhou back to her husband’s home in Linbei.”

In Lei Ming’s view, given the Empress Dowager Zhou and the rest of the Zhou family, sending Zhou Changyin away was the best solution. Regardless of guilt, even if caught red-handed, could Xiao Yue really appeal to his grandmother and uncle to have her executed for Wu Tan’s sake? It was a matter of position and family ties, not right or wrong.

To send Zhou Changyin away, never to return to the capital or see his master again—Lei Ming felt that was punishment enough.

But Xiao Yue replied coldly, “If she wishes to stay, let her stay.”

Today, he was truly angry at Zhou Changyin, feeling for the first time a desire to torment a weak woman to death in the cruelest fashion. Therefore—

Letting her go was out of the question!

Yes, for the Empress Dowager’s sake, he could not act against Zhou Changyin, but there would always be someone with reason and standing to settle this score.

To have done evil and then simply be sent away? There was no such easy escape.

Since she had returned, she might as well die here and end it once and for all.

He left this icy statement behind. Lei Ming, failing to grasp its deeper meaning, could see Xiao Yue had no wish to discuss the woman further. “That Jiang boy just now—what place did he take in the exams?”

Last night Lei Ming had shown him the list of palace exam results, but Xiao Yue had only glanced at Huangfu Qi’s name and not further.

Lei Ming quickly gathered his thoughts. “Pretty high, maybe… fourth or fifth, I think?”

Xiao Yue chuckled coldly. “Is that so?”

Lei Ming sensed something chilling and malicious in his master’s tone. “Why this sudden interest, my lord? Is it because Jiang’s daughter is about to become Crown Princess?”

“I’m thinking about today’s bloodshed,” Xiao Yue said. “There’s always a motive. Never mind the accident on the second floor, what about the third? It affected others, yes, but the top two scholars were killed. If not for Huangfu Qi having moved to the street at that moment, even the tanhua…”

Mentioning Huangfu Qi, Xiao Yue paused, obviously displeased, then continued, “Had he not happened to move aside, he might not have escaped either.”

Lei Ming followed his reasoning, then sucked in a breath. “You mean the Jiang family…”

“If the top three all die, those behind them are promoted. And if someone were to submit a memorial to the throne to push the matter, wouldn’t the outcome be almost guaranteed? With the Jiang family’s status and connections, they wouldn’t lack for someone willing to help them.”

Lei Ming was thunderstruck.

The Jiang family’s title was granted thanks to Empress Jiang; a family of mediocre scholars—could they really have orchestrated such a shocking plot?

Murder the top three to take their place?

Lei Ming struggled to believe it. “But the Jiang family already holds a ducal title. If their sons want official posts, there are plenty of avenues—they don’t need to…”

“Greed knows no bounds,” Xiao Yue said. “I recall that was Jiang Weixian’s second son, wasn’t it?”

Lei Ming nodded. “Jiang Ningzhi, the eldest by his wife Li, has already begun working with his father at the Ministry of Works these past two years.”

The title and estate would go to the eldest grandson. Though Jiang Pingzhi was legitimate, he would get limited benefit; the best resources would always go to his elder brother.

Lei Ming began to understand, but the logic still baffled him. According to Wu Tan, Li Xun’er was the real mastermind—how did the Jiang family come into it? Was it a family conspiracy, or was Jiang Pingzhi acting alone?

But Xiao Yue only ever said as much as he wished.

By then, their carriage had arrived. Xiao Yue climbed in, leaving Lei Ming with his swirling doubts.

Meanwhile, outside Zhuque Tower, Zhou Changyin was stunned by Xiao Yue’s behavior. Even when he’d refused her affection before, he would at least exchange a few polite words as cousins. Now, in front of so many people, he left her standing there, her face burning, feeling every gaze upon her like a knife.

Xiao Yue moved swiftly, quickly slipping out of the cordoned-off area and vanishing into the crowd still gathered outside.

Hu Tianming was already too busy to notice them, continuing to instruct the constables.

Jiang Yuzhi, truly frightened and weak, clung to Jiang Pingzhi.

“Let’s go home,” Jiang Pingzhi sighed, glancing toward the street. “The carriage is over there.”

There was no place to park in the rear of Zhuque Tower, so the family carriages were usually left in the alleys nearby.

Jiang Pingzhi led the way. Jiang Yuzhi followed.

Li Xun’er, since being confronted by Wu Tan, had seemed distracted and preoccupied, but now silently followed as well.

Then there was Zhou Changyin, still stung by Xiao Yue’s treatment.

“Tan’er…” Their carriage was parked in the opposite direction from where Wu Tan and Lin Yanyao needed to go. Although it was only a short detour, Lin Yanyao, by habit, saw no need to go out of her way. She was about to speak, but Wu Tan’s eyes flickered and she simply strode after Jiang Pingzhi and the others, saying, “Let’s go as well!”

Lin Yanyao didn’t think much of it. Huangfu Qi, however, watched with amusement, hesitating for a moment before following.

The group squeezed through the crowd.

Li Xun’er had been brought by Zhou Changyin from the Princess’s residence, but seeing Zhou Changyin in low spirits, she said, “I’m not feeling well. I’ll head straight home. Your Highness, let the Jiang siblings see you off—their house is closer anyway.”

Since the three of them had spent the day together, this was not unusual.

Wu Tan stayed back, closely observing everyone’s movements.

Jiang Yuzhi looked at Li Xun’er, awaiting her reply.

But Li Xun’er smiled at Zhou Changyin. “Precisely because you’re unwell, I want to go with you. We can look after each other and chat on the way.”

Then, turning to Jiang Yuzhi, she added, “I’ll ride with Miss Zhou. You’re not well yourself, go home and rest.”

Her demeanor was perfectly composed, as if she’d forgotten the bloody scene outside Zhuque Tower entirely.

Though Wu Tan knew Li Xun’er to be ruthless and cold-blooded, there was something too deliberate in her casual manner now.

Jiang Yuzhi, rebuffed, seemed displeased but was too sick to care. “As you wish, Your Highness.”

Li Xun’er climbed into Zhou Changyin’s carriage. Zhou Changyin, though annoyed, said nothing and followed.

All the while—

Jiang Pingzhi had been speaking with his coachman, completely ignoring what was happening nearby, as if none of it concerned him.

Just as deliberate as Li Xun’er?

Wu Tan suddenly realized something was amiss.

The main street was still crowded with onlookers, and the Zhou carriage was parked further in than the Jiang’s, so Zhou Changyin had her coachman take another route out.

Jiang Yuzhi also boarded her carriage.

Only then did Jiang Pingzhi stop talking with the coachman. Turning, he saw Wu Tan and her companions still there. He spared only a glance for Lin Yanyao, his gaze wavering slightly, hesitant.

Wu Tan deliberately kept silent, watching closely.

Lin Yanyao, still concerned for Jiang Yuzhi, said, “Yuzhi was terribly frightened. Have a doctor see her when you get back.”

“I will.” Jiang Pingzhi nodded politely, his manner irreproachable, courteous and gentle.

Their homes were not far, and the Jiang family’s carriage was large enough for two more, but Jiang Pingzhi ignored this and said, “You should also go home quickly, so your aunt doesn’t worry.”

He hadn’t asked after her well-being upon seeing her in Zhuque Tower, which already made Lin Yanyao uncomfortable. Still, she reasoned that his own sister was in a worse state, so she didn’t make an issue of it.

But this time—

Her expression froze for a brief moment, but she quickly recovered, smiling. “Alright!”

Jiang Pingzhi nodded to Huangfu Qi as well, then mounted his horse and personally led the carriage away.

They took the deeper alley.

Lin Yanyao no longer cared to watch, turning to Wu Tan. “Let’s go home.”

She could maintain her smile only because Huangfu Qi was present.

Huangfu Qi rubbed his nose, a bit awkward, but seeing both young ladies shaken and the street still chaotic, he couldn’t in good conscience leave. He grinned. “Let me escort you.”

“Thank you!” Knowing his concern was for Wu Tan, Lin Yanyao didn’t refuse, gave him a smile, and then walked ahead. Her maid, seeing Wu Tan and Huangfu Qi together, hurried to support her mistress.

Wu Tan deliberately lagged behind, maintaining a thoughtful expression. When they emerged from the alley, she suddenly turned to Huangfu Qi. “You went to the palace with Young Master Jiang earlier, didn’t you? What place did he take in the exam?”

——

Author’s note: This chapter got a bit out of hand—over a thousand words more than planned! Hurry and praise me!

P.S. Lei Ming really does worry himself sick over his prince’s love life—he deserves an extra chicken drumstick every day!