Chapter Fifty-Three: Pressing Relentlessly

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"Impossible? How do you know that?" Jiang Lan scrutinized Qin Shu, her tone sharp. By all rights, such a thing should not have happened—and even if it had, how did Qin Shu learn of it so quickly?

"I was stopped at the Xue residence, and there I saw Xue Dafu, already dead and covered in wounds. The servants nearby were clutching their injuries, crying that it was you, Young Lord, who beat Xue Dafu to death. It was his concubine who claimed that Xue Dafu was no longer a bondservant."

"Concubine?"

Jiang Lan adjusted the shackles on her wrists, her dark brows furrowing. They were heavier than she expected. This body, after all, belonged to a young lady; such weighty restraints were truly burdensome.

"Hmm?" Qin Shu looked at Jiang Lan. "Is there something amiss?"

Jiang Lan smiled faintly, raising her shackled hands. "Is there a lighter version of this?"

Seeing Jiang Lan twisting her arms and hunching her shoulders in discomfort, Qin Shu nodded. "These are indeed very heavy—some weigh dozens of pounds. Since there are no outsiders here, perhaps I could have my men remove them for you, Young Lord. What do you say?"

Jiang Lan nodded, her smile broadening. "I wouldn't want to trouble you, Lord Qin. Perhaps binding me with rope would suffice?"

Qin Shu agreed, quickly instructing his subordinates to remove the shackles and replace them with sturdy, knotted cords. He did not have anyone lead Jiang Lan by the rope, granting her full dignity.

Freed of her restraints, Jiang Lan looked to Qin Shu. "You mentioned the 'concubine' earlier. Shall we continue our discussion?"

Seeing Jiang Lan so calm, Qin Shu felt reassured. The Young Lord was evidently clear-headed, sparing him the need to invent excuses for this prominent figure.

"Please, Young Lord."

Guided by Qin Shu, Jiang Lan finally saw where Xue Dafu had lived.

Built not far from the manor, nestled against the mountains and water, the residence had four courtyards, each constructed with high-quality blue bricks and red tiles. Clearly, much silver had been siphoned from the estate over the years—this was only what could be seen on the surface.

"You said you were stopped here upon arrival?"

Qin Shu nodded. "Indeed."

"And who stopped you?"

"I believe it was Xue Dafu's young servant."

"Oh," Jiang Lan acknowledged, following Qin Shu into the inner courtyard.

Xue Dafu's bedchamber was surrounded by constables, and no one in the household was allowed to leave.

"What troubles you, Young Lord?" Qin Shu noticed Jiang Lan's pale face, her gaze fixed on the empty air.

"It's nothing," Jiang Lan replied, lowering her eyes.

"Then please, this way."

"Mm."

Before leaving, Jiang Lan glanced once more at the thick, purple-black haze of blood gathering in the southwestern corner. Such density could only mean the breeding of demons.

Suppressing her doubts, Jiang Lan followed Qin Shu.

Stepping over the threshold, she saw that Xue Dafu had indeed died in bed, his wounds horrific—one glance told Jiang Lan they were her own handiwork.

Beside Xue Dafu lay a young woman, no more than twenty, dressed in light silk garments—clearly not a daughter of proper family.

Heavily powdered, the woman immediately lowered her head when Jiang Lan looked at her, never raising her gaze again.

Jiang Lan glanced over her; the exposed arms bore clear marks, resembling whip scars.

The coroner was examining the corpse, and Jiang Lan looked on.

A faint, thin mark on the neck caught Jiang Lan's attention. "May I ask—what is this?"

The coroner, a gaunt old man with sunken cheeks, looked rather intimidating. Noticing Jiang Lan bound with rope, he rolled his eyes impatiently before answering.

"That's a mark left by sunlight, indicating the deceased wore something around his neck during life."

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"And what sort of object was it?" Despite her bound hands, Jiang Lan remained eager, pressing further into the room.

The coroner scowled. "I am only charged with examining the body. Matters beyond that are not my concern."

Rebuffed, Jiang Lan was undeterred. Her own household, closed off, held only the Duke, who perhaps bore her deep hatred, a third uncle addicted to gambling, and a younger sister not yet of age. If she hoped to escape this calamity, she would have to rely on herself.

Where had that dead fox gone? Was it not just a question for the heavens? It had been over a month, yet no answer had come.

Could it be that the fox had truly abandoned the task, leaving her to fend for herself?

If so, she must never let it slip through her grasp should it return...

Hmph!

"Young Lord, you may rest here in the cell for now. If you have any requests, instruct the jailer," Qin Shu said, untying Jiang Lan's hands and ordering the jailer, "Take good care—not a trace of neglect."

"Yes, yes, I understand."

Jiang Lan surveyed the cell's furnishings: a carved pearwood table, white porcelain steaming gently atop it, a thick new mattress spread over the straw mat.

Qin Shu certainly knew how to conduct himself as an official!

The Capital Prefecture, being beneath the emperor's nose, often dealt with nobles in trouble; it was little wonder Qin Shu had survived so long in so fiery a post.

The cell had three mud walls and one column, with a small window set into the central wall, iron bars cast across it. Faint sunlight filtered in.

Jiang Lan spread the mattress, sat upon it, and watched the shifting light and shadow.

Now trapped in this cell, she could do nothing; she might as well rest her soul and daydream.

She had barely closed her eyes when three distinct footsteps approached, the iron chain securing her cell clattered open.

Jiang Lan opened her eyes and smiled at the visitor. "I did not expect you to arrive so soon. Did you bring food?"

Jiang Si set the food box on the little table, ignoring Jiang Lan. She instructed Chun Ming behind her to sprinkle insect-repellent powder around, and arranged the mattress, pillow, and utensils.

Jiang Lan sat cross-legged, teasing, "Why so thoroughly prepared? I won't be staying long—gone in a day or two. Why trouble yourself?"

At this, Jiang Si turned, her gaze sharp as spring water—beautiful beyond compare.

"If it were as easy as you say, would you have ended up here?" Jiang Si placed four or five sheepskin water flasks under the mattress. "No matter how clean this place is, do not drink the water here."

Jiang Lan nodded.

"I brought cooked meat and dried goods. If you're hungry, eat these. Avoid the cell's meals, even those ordered from outside. Three meals a day—I will send them myself. No, I will deliver them personally."

"There's no need for such anxiety."

Jiang Lan suspected her sister had heard too many tales of prisoners poisoned by enemies—she was far too tense.

Jiang Si shot her another glare.

"I'm only worried for you. There are still many matters at home needing your attention."

"If you truly care for me, get me out of here sooner."

"Mm." Jiang Lan quickly swallowed a piece of chicken, replying at once.

"Grandmother Xue's birthday banquet is soon. If she hears of this incident, she might be furious." The Jiang household was thin on heirs; Jiang Lan had always been close with her cousin Jiang Si.

The Duke of England's Xue family, too, cherished their lovely niece dearly, doting on her as much as on their legitimate daughter.

Mention of the Xue family brought a headache for Jiang Lan.

"Has the news reached the Xue residence?"

Jiang Si's gaze sharpened. "What, do you intend to hide this from the family?"

"...No."

Jiang Si's aloof demeanor left Jiang Lan unable to explain herself.

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Everything had happened too quickly, too coincidentally—she was still bewildered.

"Eldest cousin cannot leave his post at court; second cousin rushed to the mansion as soon as he heard and happened to travel with me. Right now, he's in the prefectural office 'conversing' with Lord Qin."

Jiang Lan immediately knew that Xue Mingrui was applying pressure—yet this affair was suspicious in the extreme.

First, Xue Dafu's bond certificate had been kept safely in her possession; how had it been produced, and how had Xue Dafu shed his slave status?

But that was not the main point. She had not intended to kill him, yet Xue Dafu died mysteriously upon returning home—coinciding perfectly with Qin Shu's arrival. How could it be so fortuitous?

"Is he coming here?" Jiang Lan asked, trembling.

"What, are you afraid of second cousin?"

Jiang Lan clutched her chest. Today, her cold and ethereal sister seemed unable to stop speaking, every word stabbing into her heart.

Second cousin, though a lover of antiques and a carefree soul, had a core of righteousness that could never be extinguished. Even a brief visit to Chunyi Residence resulted in his admonishing her several times.

Last time, she had tried to invite Pei Jiu for her eldest cousin—a failed attempt that led her to the gambling house. Somehow, he learned about it and, after Lady Yong'an's affair, lectured her in the study for over half an hour.

If not for clever Ming'er seeking his advice, he would have scolded her from afternoon till midnight.

"Enough about him. I have something to ask of you."

Jiang Si's expression grew colder. She set down her things and stepped closer.

~~

Meanwhile, in the rear offices of the Capital Prefecture—

Qin Shu, sweating profusely, lifted his cup of tea to steady himself.

Across from him, Second Young Master Xue was truly intimidating. Just days before, in the matter of Liu Heng and the Marquis Yong'an's son, he had not been so sharp or aggressive. Was he possessed today?

"Second Young Master Xue, I swear I am not making things difficult for Young Lord Jiang. The evidence and witnesses are clear—I cannot show favoritism."

Second Young Master Xue was in full command, forcing Qin Shu to bow in submission, retreating as best he could.

"The so-called evidence Lord Qin spoke of—I have reviewed it myself. It is negligible."

"......"

"Do you not find it strange, Lord Qin, that Xue Dafu regained his freedom mere days before the incident? My cousin strikes him, and immediately he dies? His servant, rather than seeking a physician, intercepted you on the road first? Do you not see the coincidence?"

"This..."

"My cousin is the legitimate heir of the Duke's household, personally appointed by the former emperor, his aunt the current empress dowager, cousin to the emperor, fiancé of Princess Ningyuan. Tell me, which of these identities would drive him to connive against a treacherous, deceitful servant?"

"......"

"Even if we take a thousand steps back—Xue Dafu was a villain whose death is hardly regrettable. He preyed on women, ruined countless good families, even violated nuns in temples... You officials refuse to act for the people, and when my cousin intervenes, you find fault?"

"I dare not, I dare not." Qin Shu quickly stood and bowed, not daring to remain seated.

"Had my cousin not acted bravely, that young village woman would have suffered at his hands!"

"You are right, absolutely right."

"Witnesses? Evidence? Why not ask if anyone saw Xue Dafu instigate the trouble? Must my cousin endure a beating without defending himself? Where is the justice in that?"

"It was foolish of me, truly foolish."

"Is Lord Qin hoping to chill the blood of those who act for justice?"

At this last remark, Qin Shu nearly knelt.

He was being condemned—utterly condemned! With such an accusation laid upon him, how could he survive in the bureaucracy? Would he not become the enemy of all righteous men, a source of their frustration?