Chapter Twenty-Three: The Thread Is Broken

"What you said is not entirely wrong, but it is not the truth either; in fact, your statement is riddled with holes," Lu Chenzhou said sternly.

The petty officer was not affected by Lu Chenzhou's reaction; instead, he let out a cold laugh. "Lord Lu, I heard your esteemed father passed away last year?"

"What do you mean by that?" As Lu Chenzhou questioned him, Chi Han also pricked up his ears, eager to hear the truth.

"Have you never wondered why he suddenly fell ill and died?" The petty officer continued, "Your father-in-law, Lord Wen Lun, was promoted to Minister of Personnel just last year. He knows better than anyone how court officials are appointed."

"Lord Lu, let me take over!" Lu Chenzhou wanted to continue interrogating him to understand the meaning behind that remark, but Chi Han stopped him. He told Lu Chenzhou solemnly, "Lord Lu, you heard him just now; he mentioned two people, and both are connected to you. You must recuse yourself."

Chi Han picked up the hammer again and said to the petty officer, "Continue."

"Junior Minister Chi, I have said all I have to say."

"What did you mean by that last remark? Why bring up Lord Wen Lun?"

"He is the Minister of Personnel, naturally..."

Suddenly, black blood spilled from the corners of the petty officer’s mouth. He immediately closed his eyes, his face turning as pale as paper. Chi Han looked at Lu Chenzhou in astonishment and tried to shake the man, but he had already stopped breathing.

"This?" Lu Chenzhou’s shocked expression remained frozen on his face.

"He’s dead," Chi Han said.

Lu Chenzhou frowned, stepped forward to check the man's neck, and let out a long sigh. Chi Han’s subordinate pried open the man's mouth and said, "My lord, there is poison in his mouth."

"Hidden poison in his mouth?" Lu Chenzhou looked blankly at Chi Han, seemingly questioning why this had not been discovered during several hours of interrogation.

Chi Han hesitated for a moment, then ordered someone to notify Tu Jiuan.

"Hiding poison in one's mouth is a last-resort self-preservation tactic for a dead-soldier. Did you really think he was just a grave robber, Lord Lu?" Lu Chenzhou looked thoughtfully at the corpse.

"Is this the result of your interrogation?" When Tu Jiuan arrived and saw that his former subordinate had died, his eyes were as sharp as knives. If not for Lu Chenzhou, Chi Han might have had a taste of the Imperial Guard’s methods.

"It’s not entirely without gain." Lu Chenzhou informed Tu Jiuan of what had happened. He had expected Tu Jiuan not to cause trouble, but the Imperial Guards were known for protecting their own; having a man die in the imperial prison was a blow to his pride.

Chi Han’s cold eyes narrowed. "Although he is dead, what he spat out was quite unexpected."

Lu Chenzhou secretly realized that he had truly seen the fox in Chi Han today; it was no wonder the Prince of Han recommended him for this case.

"What?" Tu Jiuan asked, bewildered.

The Dali Temple had a habit of recording every word spoken by prisoners. When Chi Han handed the record book to Tu Jiuan, he glanced at Lu Chenzhou. Perhaps even he had not expected the last two sentences the petty officer uttered to be related to Lu Chenzhou.

After reading the confession, Tu Jiuan frowned slightly and muttered, "Wen Lun?"

"But he didn't say anything specific, just mentioned Lord Wen. Perhaps he meant to suggest there are issues with the Ministry of Personnel's appointments of court officials?" Chi Han’s airy remark forced Tu Jiuan into deep suspicion, as the Imperial Guard's duty was to monitor all officials.

"Then what are we waiting for? Investigate!" Tu Jiuan left the prison quickly with the confession. Lu Chenzhou didn't need to guess what he was going to do, but his father-in-law was a high-ranking Minister of Personnel, a cunning old fox, and a man of the Crown Prince’s faction. Over the years, Lu Chenzhou had felt both respect and fear for his father-in-law—he was difficult to fathom. If there were anyone in the court least likely to engage in favoritism or corruption, it would be Xia Yuanji of the Ministry of Revenue, and Wen Lun.

Sure enough, after waiting two hours, Tu Jiuan had not returned. Lu Chenzhou realized it was unlikely he would get any answers; he could imagine the scene of Tu Jiuan being turned away by his father-in-law. Besides, at this hour, one could barely find anyone. By the time the hour of the Ox arrived, they would have to guard the Meridian Gate until the palace gates opened at the hour of the Tiger for the morning court session.

Lu Chenzhou yawned repeatedly, his eyes fighting to stay open. He consulted with Chi Han, who had also lost the patience to wait. They decided to head home and return at noon the next day.

"Young Master, the Master has left."

Ruyi whispered at the door of Jin Zhaonan’s room. Jin Zhaonan was not in the habit of waking up early, so Ruyi entered. He tiptoed to the bedside and nudged the sleeping Jin Zhaonan: "Young Master, if you don't get up, don't blame me when Dr. Shen arrives and sees you like this."

Upon hearing the name Shen Hua, Jin Zhaonan sat up immediately, his eyes still heavy with sleep. "The Master has left?"

Ruyi nodded.

"Then what are you standing there for? Go and invite Dr. Shen immediately."

Ruyi pursed his lips and muttered, "Fine, I'm going."

"Right, tell the kitchen to prepare more pastries so Shen Hua can have some when she arrives. Also, ask the steward if there is any Jingshan tea; it’s what she drank when she was at the clinic yesterday."

"Yes, Young Master." Ruyi strode out, muttering, "I never saw him this motivated back when he was in private school."

To facilitate her entry into the Minister's mansion, Shen Hua had changed into men's clothing before Ruyi arrived. She put all her tools in a wooden box, ensuring the others in the mansion would only perceive her as a doctor.

Jin Zhaonan waited at the door early on. When the gatekeeper asked who he was waiting for, he only said a friend. When he saw his carriage approaching from a distance, he hurried to meet it. Seeing Shen Hua in men's attire, he was surprised, then smiled and said, "Dr. Shen, you truly change every day."

Shen Hua didn't answer. After stepping off the carriage, she looked up at the plaque on the gate, momentarily lost in thought, forgetting Jin Zhaonan was beside her.

"Dr. Shen?" Jin Zhaonan wondered why she was staring at the plaque.

Shen Hua regained her composure and asked, "Can we go in now?"

"Of course." Ruyi cut in, hurriedly gesturing for them to enter. Jin Zhaonan didn't understand why Ruyi had interrupted him, but Ruyi was desperate to get away from Shen Hua. The trip to the ghost market before dawn and the events at the clinic had left him with a chill down his spine even after arriving at the mansion.

After entering, Shen Hua saw a screen wall, then a reception hall. The landscaping was indeed beautiful: man-made rockeries, a pond filled with swaying goldfish.

"As expected of a Minister’s mansion, it’s quite large." Shen Hua silently noted every detail.

Jin Zhaonan said sheepishly, "It's big, but lacks vitality. I'll have the steward add more flowers and plants later. Winter is coming, and we need a greenhouse in the backyard for plants and herbs."

"Your father is the Minister of War, yet you don't resemble him at all; you seem more like someone from the Hanlin Academy." Shen Hua didn't say this to tease, but to lead the conversation toward Jin Zhong.

"I can't compare to my father. And why should I? If everyone in this world were like him, perhaps there wouldn't be so many tragic things." Jin Zhaonan sighed and warned Shen Hua not to wander around, as the steward would ask questions, especially regarding his father’s study.

"A true Minister of War’s residence. The steward is different from others; usually, stewards welcome guests, but does yours drive them away?"

"Not exactly, but since my father is the Minister of War, there are important matters that shouldn't be overheard. Stay away from the study. Even I am not allowed in; the cleaning and organizing are done by Steward Jin himself."

"Oh?" Shen Hua understood her master’s warning; the mansion indeed held secrets, and perhaps more than just the Colorful Glazed Bead.

Jin Zhaonan didn't understand why she said "Oh," so he continued, "You can only stay in the west side these few days. Do not go to the east. Besides, there is nothing to see where my father works."

"Alright."

Shen Hua followed him to his courtyard and looked at the plaque above the gate, the corners of her mouth lifting involuntarily.

"Young Master." A deep, resonant voice came from behind.

Jin Zhaonan turned to block Shen Hua from view and smiled. "Uncle Jin, what is it?"

Steward Jin glanced at Shen Hua behind him and asked, "Young Master, why didn't you tell me there was a guest?"

Jin Zhaonan chuckled. "Just a doctor I met yesterday. We're exchanging medical knowledge."

"I see. No wonder you asked the kitchen to prepare snacks." Steward Jin handed a porcelain jar to Ruyi. "This is the new tea that just arrived."

Jin Zhaonan thanked him.

"I heard you went to the ghost market yesterday? It’s best not to go to such places; it’s too chaotic. If something happens to you, I wouldn't know how to answer to the Master and Mistress. Also, if you need money, just have Ruyi go to the accounting office, but be prudent with your spending."

The steward never took his eyes off Shen Hua while speaking. Having followed Jin Zhong for thirty years, he was a good judge of character and saw instantly that Shen Hua was a woman, but out of respect for Jin Zhaonan, he didn't expose her.

"Alright." Jin Zhaonan nodded repeatedly.

After the steward left, Jin Zhaonan relaxed. "Scared me to death. Uncle Jin has been with my father for decades; he speaks more and more like him. I was afraid he’d realize you were disguised."

Shen Hua sneered. "He already realized it, but it doesn't matter. You are the master, so he couldn't expose you to your face."

"Forget it, as long as he doesn't tell my father." Jin Zhaonan invited her into the courtyard.

"This place is nice." Shen Hua praised casually, and Jin Zhaonan looked as happy as a child. "I'm not like my brother-in-law, who doesn't care about the quality of life. One must live for oneself; he is too exhausted."

Shen Hua suddenly thought of Lu Chenzhou, wondering about the results of the interrogation. She would have to remind her master about Chi Han later.

"Doesn't Lord Lu live quite freely?"

Jin Zhaonan poured her some Jingshan tea and explained, "It’s not like that. I followed him around when I was young. He was the most outstanding among all the officials' sons in both literature and martial arts. He only became depressed in recent years."

"Because of what?" Shen Hua pressed.

"Because my eldest cousin died in childbirth five years ago."

Shen Hua’s expression remained indifferent. She took a sip of tea and smiled with a hint of mockery. "Lord Lu’s way of dealing with sorrow is quite unique—turning himself into a regular at the Tianyun Pavilion."

"What is the Tianyun Pavilion?" Jin Zhaonan asked.

"A place for you men to amuse yourselves." Shen Hua smiled faintly.

Jin Zhaonan nearly spat out his tea, his face flushed with embarrassment.

"Jin Zhaonan, why did you study medicine?" Shen Hua asked as she took items out of her medicine box: makeup tools, scissors, knives, brushes, and most importantly, several pieces of synthetic skin.

"Because a doctor can save people." Jin Zhaonan looked serious for a rare moment, but it passed quickly. He asked her, "What is your purpose in studying medicine?"

Shen Hua smiled without answering and turned to look at Ruyi, who was standing at the door. Jin Zhaonan noticed that Ruyi was different today; he usually never stood more than three steps away, but since returning from the ghost market, he had been absent-minded.

"Ruyi, why are you standing so far away?" Jin Zhaonan asked loudly.

"Young Master, I'm guarding outside so no one disturbs you and Dr. Shen." Ruyi’s eyes darted around, not daring to look at Shen Hua.

Shen Hua glanced coldly at Ruyi and said to Jin Zhaonan, "Let’s begin."

At the Old Xia Residence—

"Nurse Tang, I have saved you once again," Ye Cang said, looking at the white-haired old woman huddled in the corner.

Nurse Tang brushed the messy hair from her face, her eyes filled with resentment. She tried to stand up, but Ye Cang kicked a piece of wood, striking her abdomen so hard she couldn't rise again.

"You have seen the person. From now on, you must listen to me, or you will never be able to avenge Miss Yang."

Tears welled in Nurse Tang’s eyes as she murmured, "Little Yue'er."

Ye Cang handed her a red pill. "Eat this. If you do not obey, you will die a painful death. She only knows a part of the plan; if you want her to survive, keep your mouth shut."

Nurse Tang swallowed the pill with difficulty and whispered, "The person who was seriously injured in the front hall that day... was it you who ordered them killed?"

A shadow of gloom crossed Ye Cang’s face. "So you know that anyone who spills what shouldn't be said will not survive, especially Xuan Yue. You are a smart person, and I believe you understand. Our enemies are too powerful; we need pawns, and even sacrifices."

Nurse Tang nodded. "If the Master hadn't saved the Miss and me from the fire back then, we would have been reduced to ashes. I have lived a worthless life, but the Miss... she didn't survive."

Nurse Tang wiped her tears and walked out of the house. The sorrow in her eyes vanished instantly, as if the slaughter and the fire were happening right before her.