Qian Jing sank onto the stone bed, as if lost in deep contemplation. The youthful, impetuous expression on his face gradually clouded with a subtle gloom. After a long pause, he spoke in a low voice:
"Three years ago, there was a case that shook the entire Qiong Yue. The imperial treasury was robbed—one million taels of gold vanished overnight. The emperor was furious. Investigations revealed that the then Minister of Revenue colluded with the bandits from the northwest, secretly transporting the gold through hidden passages. Such a vast sum couldn't have been moved out of Qiong Yue so swiftly. The Ministry of Justice dispatched countless squads to hunt from all directions. When the bandits saw that the gold couldn't be transported out, they hid it in a concealed cave. One patrol of five men discovered the gold's location; one returned to report while the other four guarded the cave's four entrances. But by the time reinforcements arrived, the gold had vanished again. Traces of carriage wheels were found at the western exit. The young officer stationed there, Qu Ze, claimed he was ambushed and knocked unconscious, never seeing who took the gold or where it was taken. Unfortunately, the court did not believe him, accusing him of collusion with the bandits and gold theft. Despite multiple interrogations, Qu Ze maintained his innocence but eventually escaped prison. When I had just completed my training and was eager to become a top bounty hunter, I relentlessly pursued him until finally capturing him and delivering him back to the authorities. Yet, to my surprise, he was executed within two weeks, convicted of treason and embezzlement of the treasury."
Qu Ze was the criminal with the highest bounty Qian Jing ever captured, the most formidable case he had ever handled. Yet he never spoke of it willingly, sensing deep down that he might have been wrong. Gu Yun mentally organized his account and asked, "Yang Lu was the one who discovered the gold with Qu Ze and returned to report it?"
The woman's mind was indeed meticulous, instantly piecing together the key points. Perhaps he really should trust that they could help uncover the truth. Nodding without hesitation, Qian Jing replied candidly:
"Yes. I was escorting Qu Ze back to the capital. On the way, he insisted he hadn't stolen the gold, claiming the one who knocked him unconscious was Yang Lu, the very man who went to report. Sadly, no one believed him because Yang Lu arrived at the cave with the main force, and even I doubted him then. His swift execution struck me as suspicious, but with him dead, there was nothing left to pursue. Until two days ago, when I saw someone with a tattoo identical to Qu Ze's on his wrist. The pattern was distinctive; I couldn't be mistaken. After verification, Yang Lu turned out to be the man who went to report back then."
"So you followed him?"
"He carried silver notes worth at least a thousand taels—an impossible amount for a lieutenant general to possess through salary alone. I was certain something was amiss. I stealthily lingered outside his house but was discovered. When I mentioned Qu Ze's name, his expression darkened and he attacked me. Another person inside also joined in, forcing me to throw a throwing knife. I didn't aim for his chest, yet he was fatally struck there. I still cannot fathom that."
"One million taels of gold!" Gu Yun couldn't help but whistle softly, smiling. "Is that why you've kept this from others?"
"I distrust these officials. If Qu Ze spoke the truth, then that matter was far beyond what a single Yang Lu could manipulate. The Ministry of Justice had countless participants back then. I don't know who masterminded it or their rank. Under such circumstances, I dare not speak—it would only endanger me."
Zhuo Qing glanced at Gu Yun and sighed, "This is indeed more complicated than expected."
What had seemed a mere ordinary homicide now appeared... different. Gu Yun shrugged, his expression composed. No matter how tangled the case, once unraveled layer by layer, the truth remains singular—her oft-quoted phrase. Without drawing attention, she gently pulled Zhuo Qing close and glanced toward the shadow lurking near the prison gate.
"Your visitor should have arrived. Come out."
No sooner had Gu Yun finished speaking than two figures emerged silently from the shadows—a man clad in ink-black robes with silver hair, and a woman in blood-red garments wearing a solid gold mask. Their sudden, ghostly appearance was unnerving, like spirits risen from the underworld.
The man's pale face and silver hair were intimidating; the woman's cold eyes gleamed through the mask's narrow slits. Both stared directly at them, having already been present when they entered. Originally intending to reveal themselves after their departure, they were unexpectedly discovered by the petite woman.
Four pairs of eyes locked in mutual scrutiny—Zhuo Qing and Gu Yun immersed in the shock of their presence, while the newcomers silently assessed their strength. The standoff could have lasted till dawn.
Unable to bear the tension any longer, Qian Jing introduced, "Ao Tian and Ye Mei, the top two bounty hunters in Qiong Yue."
Zhuo Qing, familiar with bounty hunters, believed their ranking without question. With a nod, she politely introduced herself, "Qing Ling."
"You're the woman who performed the autopsy in the palace?" The man's voice was plain yet distinct, every word crisp and devoid of emotion.
"Yes." Zhuo Qing nodded, stunned that he knew.
He then looked at Gu Yun, who smiled openly, "Qing Mo."
His brow briefly furrowed—barely a quarter of a second—but it was enough for Gu Yun to perceive his perplexity. She laughed lightly, "You need not puzzle yourself so much; I hold no great merits worthy of your attention."
He was surprised for half a second before regaining composure. Gu Yun found him intriguing—few could so perfectly control their expressions.
While Gu Yun studied him carefully, Zhuo Qing broke into a cold sweat, wishing to remain unread by such "masters." Had she seen the icy glint from the red-clad woman's eyes? It could freeze her to death.
Clearing her throat to divert their focus, Zhuo Qing quickly steered to business:
"Alright, I believe it's necessary to clarify—since we all aim to solve this case, there are two options: investigate separately, or cooperate closely. We sincerely wish to collaborate; what do you think?"
The two remained silent for a long moment. Just as Zhuo Qing prepared to interpret this as a refusal, the man spoke again:
"How do you intend to proceed?"
Zhuo Qing glanced at Gu Yun, her specialty. Fortunately, Gu Yun already had a plan and spoke confidently:
"First, find the murder weapon. The victim suffered thirteen wounds but only twelve throwing knives were found—meaning the weapon was taken. Even a master assassin would retrieve the weapon after a distant kill. Four people could have done this: the victim's friend Li Zhi, his wife Yang, and the two who arrived later, Huang Yi and Wang Wei. Even if one isn't the murderer, they must be accomplices. Our urgent task is to identify that person."
Zhuo Qing nodded firmly, "Once the weapon is found and another autopsy conducted, Qian Jing's guilt would be partly lifted."
"Second, the gold. Yang Lu's death was abrupt—clearly the murderer aimed to frame Qian Jing. This must be linked to the gold theft. Such a vast treasure couldn't just vanish. The case was closed hastily, but the gold remains missing. Yang Lu likely knew too much, which cost him his life. If we find those who shared the spoils back then, we might find the killer."
Gu Yun looked at the two, "That's all from me. Any thoughts?"
They exchanged a glance, seemingly reaching consensus: "You investigate those four. We handle the gold case. Exchange information here at midnight three days from now."
Is three days enough? Gu Yun pondered as the two swiftly exited, leaping through the skylight and vanishing without a trace.
She still had more to say.
Looking at Qian Jing, who sat calmly nearby, Gu Yun asked, "Are they in a hurry?"
Picking up a blade of dry grass and placing it between his teeth, Qian Jing replied irritably, "Count yourself lucky; they've already spoken more to you than to me."
Had anyone asked for his opinion at all?
"Well, that's an honor then." Gu Yun relaxed, turning to Zhuo Qing, "Let's go; it's late."
Walking down the prison corridor, Zhuo Qing guessed, "Tomorrow we start with Li Zhi?"
Gu Yun nodded, "Yes. Overall, he's the prime suspect, but I want to review the interrogation records of the others first."
"Now?" Zhuo Qing whispered, "It's already one a.m."
Gu Yun smiled, "You and Lou Xiyan head back. I'll meet you at the Xiang residence gate at nine tomorrow morning."
Three days—a short window to unmask who hid the murder weapon.
"Alright." Zhuo Qing resigned herself. Gu Yun was undoubtedly a workaholic; arguing was futile.
When they left, Lou Xiyan had already summoned two carriages. Leaning close to Zhuo Qing's ear, Gu Yun whispered, "Qing, you're incredibly lucky. You've found such a good man—hold onto him."
She winked. Zhuo Qing was speechless—what kind of ridiculous metaphor was that? Did that mean Lou Xiyan was dog poop?
Ignoring her, Zhuo Qing slipped into the carriage. Outside, Gu Yun's whispered chatter with Lou Xiyan continued. Moments later, Lou Xiyan entered smiling, and the carriage rolled away.
Curious, Zhuo Qing asked, "What did she just say to you?"
"She said..." Lou Xiyan paused, teasing, then softly said
, "She asked me to take good care of you."
Her hand clenched the carriage curtain. Just one sentence left her unable to speak.
He gently embraced her. In the quiet of night, Zhuo Qing nestled into the warmth of his chest and whispered, "I'll hold on tight... to you."