Chen Ji entered the main hall, where the sweet, metallic scent of blood and alcohol assailed him.

Several blood-stained white cloths lay discarded by the bed, and the water in the copper basin by the window had turned crimson.

Su Zhou lay quietly on the bed, unconscious, the crow’s feet at the corners of her eyes appearing even deeper in the flickering candlelight.

Xiao Man whispered, “Young Master, she has seven wounds in total. They’ve all been stitched up and doused with strong liquor.”

Chen Ji was about to approach the bed to check on her, but Xiao Man stopped him.

He asked, puzzled, “What’s wrong?”

Xiao Man quickly explained, “Young Master, please don’t go near her. This fierce woman is very dangerous; don’t let her hurt you. If you need anything, just tell me, and I’ll do it.”

Chen Ji looked at Xiao Man. “You don’t want me to get close, but aren’t you afraid of her?”

Xiao Man shrugged indifferently. “A maid has a maid’s fate, you know. If she ambushes me, just remember to burn more joss paper for me every July 15th. Oh, and it would be even better if you could burn four paper figures of child servants – one to fetch me foot-washing water, one to cook for me, one to wash my clothes, and one to massage my legs. That way, I, Xiao Man, can also enjoy being served in the afterlife!”

Chen Ji didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “Alright, I’ll burn two more for you: one hardworking one to be your carriage driver, and one clever one to make you beautiful clothes.”

A look of longing appeared in Xiao Man’s eyes. “That sounds so comfortable.”

Chen Ji tapped her on the head. “Are you really wishing to die?”

Xiao Man snapped back to reality and mumbled, “I was just thinking… Young Master, I’ll go wake up that fierce woman.”

“Hey!” Chen Ji was about to object when Xiao Man darted to the bedside like a gust of wind. She gently called out to Su Zhou while subtly pressing on her wound.

In her sleep, Su Zhou gasped, a cold sweat breaking out on her forehead from the pain.

Xiao Man asked with feigned concern, “Oh dear, what’s wrong, what’s wrong? Did you have a nightmare?”

Su Zhou glared at her fiercely. “When I recover, you’ll pay for this.”

Xiao Man’s eyes were innocent. “I just saved you; how can you repay kindness with enmity?”

She leaned closer to the pillow and whispered, “You tried to kill my Young Master. It’s a good thing I didn’t seize the opportunity to kill you myself. I’m warning you, don’t try anything funny again.”

Su Zhou gazed at Xiao Man for a long time. “As long as he hasn’t betrayed the Prince, I naturally won’t harm him. Not only will I not harm him, but I will also repay him.”

From a distance, Chen Ji called out, “What are you two whispering about?”

Xiao Man stood up and chuckled, “Young Master, she says she wants some water.”

Chen Ji walked to a spot five paces from the bed and stopped. He asked hesitantly, “The authorities are looking for you everywhere. I need to ask you seriously: will they find their way to the Chen Residence because of your oversight? And with all that blood you’ve lost, will it attract hunting dogs?”

Su Zhou shook her head. “No, I escaped by going over the rooftops. Even if hunting dogs track my scent there, it will be intermittent. Plus, I scattered mugwort and calamus powder to confuse their sense of smell…”

Before she finished speaking, a light from a torch illuminated the window.

Xiao Man opened a crack in the window and saw that the torchlight outside the courtyard wall was getting closer and brighter, as if many people carrying torches were rapidly approaching.

Su Zhou and Chen Ji’s expressions changed. They spoke simultaneously:

“Did you tell the authorities where I am?”

“Didn’t you say you’d concealed your scent?”

They both spoke at once, saying different things, and then fell silent.

A moment later, Chen Ji said, “Rest assured, I haven’t told the authorities about your whereabouts. You lie here and don’t move. I’ll go out and deal with them. If things go wrong, escape through the back window and don’t worry about me.”

Outside Mingquan Courtyard.

The secret agents of the Bureau of Military Intelligence had all changed into official robes. In the dark night, the torchlight illuminated their black robes, with a red embroidered python extending from their shoulders to their chests, giving them a solemn and formidable appearance.

According to the ancestral system of the Ning Dynasty, men who reached the highest official ranks and women who received imperial titles were permitted to wear python robes. These robes were originally the lifelong aspiration of civil officials and prime ministers.

However, during the Jianing era, the Empress Dowager in Renshou Palace bestowed python robes on a grand scale. Overnight, tens of thousands of secret agents and Jie Fan Guards could all wear python robes, implicitly elevating them above civil officials and prime ministers.

Inside the Chen Residence, a secret agent walked alongside Chen Liqin, whose expression was displeased. “Is this newly appointed Lord Haidongqing going to turn my Chen Residence upside down with a search? Surely you don’t suspect my Chen family of harboring bandits, do you?”

That Haidongqing smiled an ambiguous smile and explained, “Lord Chen, please don’t take it personally. I’m not targeting you; I’m helping you.”

Chen Liqin flung his sleeve, indignantly saying, “Nonsense! How is this helping me?”

The Haidongqing jested, “If we skip the Chen and Zhang Residences during our search, and then manage to catch the female assassin, that’s fine. But if we don’t catch her, then rumors will spread in Luocheng that only the Chen and Zhang Residences weren’t searched, and that the culprit must be hiding there. Will the two lords be able to explain themselves then? Don’t you agree?”

Chen Liqin’s face was grim. “Search if you want, just stop with the nonsense.”

The Haidongqing chuckled merrily, “Lord Chen is indeed reasonable. Just now, Lord Zhang gave this humble officer a good scolding, spitting all over my face… Search! And remember, don’t touch any of the Chen Residence’s property, or I won’t be able to protect you!”

The secret agents dispersed to each courtyard. They rousted Chen Wenzong, who was already asleep, out of his courtyard, and even Chen Wenxiao, whose injuries hadn’t fully healed, limped out, supported by a maid.

The secret agents searched meticulously, leaving no cabinet or space under the bed untouched.

Watching the agents search, they soon reached the gate of Mingquan Courtyard. One agent pushed the courtyard door, but it wouldn’t open.

He turned back and whispered to the Haidongqing, “My Lord, all the other courtyards have open doors, but only this one is latched. There might be something suspicious!”

At this, the Haidongqing narrowed his eyes slightly. He placed his right hand on the hilt of the long saber at his waist and made two hand gestures with his left. Immediately, secret agents surrounded the courtyard, eyeing it menacingly.

Chen Liqin stepped forward to explain, “My Lord, please don’t misunderstand…”

The Haidongqing interrupted him with a forced smile, “Lord Chen, whether it’s a misunderstanding or not, your word doesn’t count, and neither does mine. We’ll only know once the door is open.”

With that, he drew his saber and knocked on the door with its tip. “Bureau of Military Intelligence conducting an investigation! Everyone inside, come out!”

The night fell silent, save for the anxious rustling of torches in the cold wind.

Seeing that the courtyard door remained unopened, the Haidongqing immediately made silent hand gestures. Several secret agents prepared to form a human ladder and climb into the courtyard.

One agent blew a brass whistle, a single note like a magpie’s call.

The whistle’s sound carried far, and secret agents searching other parts of the Chen Residence converged, forming a large formation behind the Haidongqing.

However, just as they were about to force their way in, with a creak, the wooden door opened.

An agent brought a torch closer, illuminating Chen Ji’s calm face. The Haidongqing of the Bureau of Military Intelligence’s expression changed several times in an instant, and he was speechless for a long moment.

Chen Liqin stepped forward and introduced, “This is my third son, Chen Ji, of the Chen Residence. He has lived outside the residence for the past two years and has developed some common caution. Locking the door is his usual habit, not something new for today.”

The Haidongqing listened to Chen Liqin’s explanation, then suddenly smiled and sheathed his saber. “Lord Chen, you should have said so earlier! It was just a misunderstanding. Everyone put away your weapons; don’t scare the Third Young Master of the Chen Residence.”

In Mingquan Courtyard, the tension immediately relaxed.

The Haidongqing waved his hand at the agents. “What are you all gathering here for? Have you finished searching everywhere else? Disperse!”

The secret agents scattered. Seeing them heading towards Wen Yun Hall, Chen Liqin immediately followed them. “Wen Yun Hall contains antiques and heirloom calligraphy and paintings; don’t damage anything!”

Seeing the crowd disperse, the Haidongqing said casually, “Lord Chen.”

Chen Ji smiled and said, “Lord Xifeng, long time no see. I hadn’t heard you were promoted to Haidongqing, or I would have congratulated you.”

Xifeng smiled shyly. “It was just luck, thanks to you and Lord Jinzhu. I managed to scrape some credit from the Liu family rebellion case; otherwise, I definitely wouldn’t have been promoted. Now, Lord Jinzhu has kept me in Luocheng to oversee our Bureau of Military Intelligence’s affairs.”

Chen Ji lowered his voice. “We are both Haidongqing; there’s no need to use such formal language with me.”

Xifeng quickly waved his hand. “No, no, it’s different. I was promoted to Haidongqing because I’ve toiled for years, and Lord Jinzhu saw my dedication, even if I lacked major achievements. You were promoted to Haidongqing because you just joined the Bureau of Military Intelligence and couldn’t be placed in a higher position yet.”

Chen Ji asked nonchalantly, “I heard that General Wang of the Qiansui Army died, and the killer hasn’t been caught yet?”

Xifeng sighed, “Exactly! I thought Luocheng was finally peaceful and was planning to retire here, but then this happened. That assassin, really, couldn’t they have just killed Wang Chongli outside Luocheng? Why did they have to dump this huge mess right on my head…”

At this point, Xifeng’s eyes darted around. “Lord Chen, why don’t you help me investigate this case? With your capabilities, you’re sure to catch the prime culprit.”

Chen Ji smiled. “I’ll be traveling to the capital with the Chen family soon, so I’m afraid I won’t have enough time. However, you can tell me the clues you currently have, and I’ll help you analyze them.”

Xifeng thought for a moment, recalling, “In this assassination, one of the assassins is a female assassin named Su Zhou; that’s confirmed. The imperial court has been hunting her for years. Eighteen years ago, she disguised herself as a courtesan and attempted to assassinate Prince Jing. It’s said that Prince Jing, pitying her background and her youth, spared her life. Seven years ago, she disguised herself as a street vendor in Jinling and assassinated the Supervising Eunuch of our Directorate of Ceremonial’s silver mint…”

As he recounted incident after incident, the number of lives on Su Zhou’s hands was chillingly high.

Xifeng leaned closer and whispered, “Lord Chen, Su Zhou is one thing; it’s understandable if I couldn’t catch an assassin even Lord Xuan She failed to apprehend. But the other assassin tonight is extraordinary; we absolutely must catch them.”

Chen Ji raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What’s the mystery?”

Xifeng explained, “A trooper from the Qiansui Army managed to survive and reported to the Bureau of Military Affairs. According to him, before Su Zhou’s assassination attempt, an official who could command spirits also made a move. From his description, that official clearly cultivated a Mandala esoteric seal and commanded a *taotie*.”

Chen Ji said calmly, “Mandala esoteric seal? Could they be from the Esoteric Sect of Diannan?”

“No, no,” Xifeng shook his head. “While there are indeed more monks practicing the Mandala esoteric seal in the Esoteric Sect in Diannan, this branch that commands the *taotie* is a single lineage. Two hundred years ago, this sect, led by Master Basipa, migrated to the Jing Dynasty to preach… This assassin is from the Jing Dynasty!”

Once a lead involved the Jing Dynasty, the Bureau of Military Intelligence would pursue it relentlessly.

Chen Ji’s heart tightened. If the official who commanded the *taotie* was indeed Xiao Man, then who had taught her such a path? Was it his birth mother?

Xifeng asked, “So, Lord Chen, do you have any leads?”

Chen Ji thought for a moment. “I heard the soldiers from the Bureau of Military Affairs say the female assassin was severely wounded. Perhaps Lord Xifeng could search all the medical clinics, and also check with the herbal medicine dealers.”

Xifeng sighed. “That’s what I thought too, but we haven’t found anything yet…”

Chen Ji turned to the side and asked with a smile, “Lord Xifeng, would you like to search my courtyard?”

Xifeng quickly smiled and waved his hand. “We’re all on the same side; how could I search your residence? Lord Chen, please get some rest. I don’t think I’ll be sleeping tonight.”

Chen Ji cupped his hands. “Then I won’t delay your time any further, Lord Xifeng.”

Xifeng returned the gesture. “I’ll be going. Please get some rest.”

The courtyard gate of Mingquan Courtyard slowly closed. Xifeng walked a few steps, then, seemingly suspicious, turned back to look at the tightly shut wooden door.

A few breaths later, he smiled, shook his head, and with his hand on his saber, went to search elsewhere.

Chen Ji closed the courtyard door securely and let out a small sigh of relief.

He held the door latch with both hands, quietly listening to Xifeng’s footsteps receding, before turning back into the room.

As soon as he entered, he saw Su Zhou and Xiao Man standing by the window, apparently having been peeking out for a long time.

Su Zhou asked calmly, “You’re just a medical apprentice; why are you so familiar with the eunuch faction? What did you just say to him, and why was he so polite to you?”

Chen Ji, appearing shaken, said, “What do you mean by that? Are you suspecting me? My master once treated the Imperial Secretary’s leg illness, and after I came to Luocheng, the eunuch faction also came to the medical clinic to get medicine for him. We just became familiar over time. If I wanted to betray you, how would you still be standing here talking right now? I helped you out of kindness, and you repay me by judging a gentleman’s heart with a villain’s intentions?”

Su Zhou mused that he had a point.

However, the Haidongqing from the Bureau of Military Intelligence had not looked at Chen Ji like a junior apprentice at all, but rather like a… superior.

Chen Ji said timidly, “My lady warrior, I don’t know your relationship with Prince Jing or how you plan to avenge him, but I’ve done everything I can. Tomorrow, the Chen Residence will depart for the capital. I just need to find a way to get you out of the city, and then we’ll go our separate ways.”

Su Zhou calmly replied, “No.”

Chen Ji recoiled, “What do you want? We’re just ordinary people; we can’t handle this kind of fright. Thinking back to what just happened, my legs are still shaky.”

Su Zhou softened her tone, speaking gently. “Thank you, benefactor, for saving me. Su Zhou will certainly repay you handsomely in the future. But since you have a connection with the Prince’s residence, why not see this good deed through and send me to the capital? The Prince once instructed me to seek you out, and now I have no one else I can trust.”

Xiao Man, standing by, hastily interjected, “Young Master, don’t agree to this fierce woman…”

But before she could finish, Su Zhou surprisingly pulled a special copper coin from her hair and subtly slipped it into Xiao Man’s palm. Xiao Man’s eyes lit up, and she suddenly fell silent.

Chen Ji walked to the table and poured himself a cup of tea. His back to the two women, his expression gradually became calm.

After a long moment, he drained the cup of tea, a decision made in his mind.

Chen Ji turned around and said reluctantly, “Then, for Prince Jing’s sake, I’ll help you one more time and take you to the capital.”