Chapter 28: He Is Dead

Huai Xi’s expression was gentle. "Ming’er, Grandmother said the medicinal sachets you embroidered last time were excellent and would like some more. Would it be convenient for you to embroider a few more?"

"Since Grandmother wants them, how could it be anything but convenient? I still have some in my room. Sister, come with me to fetch them."

Huai Xi nodded, her face flushing slightly. "Big Brother, we shall take our leave then."

"Mm."

Once they had gone, Ling Zhao glanced at Yan Jing, who was still standing there in a daze, and nudged him with his elbow. "Stop staring, your eyeballs are practically glued to her. Let’s go."

—

Qingyun Pavilion Study

"You’ve got quite some nerve, daring to come to my house?" Ling Zhao squinted at him with a smirk.

Yan Jing couldn't be bothered to engage him. He sat down with a flourish and fanned himself with a bone-ribbed folding fan. "Naturally, I have serious business to discuss."

As he spoke, three knocks sounded at the study door. Jinsheng entered and approached, offering the delicate tea pouch in his hand to Ling Zhao. "Master, Miss Ming had someone deliver this. Would you like to taste it?"

Ling Zhao looked at Yan Jing without speaking. Yan Jing’s face immediately turned cold. "What? Are you reluctant to let me drink it?" He sat upright and tapped the table with his fan. "What kind of precious tea is this? You might as well light three sticks of incense and worship it."

Ling Zhao only smiled, remaining silent.

Seeing no reaction, Yan Jing could hardly bear it and grew anxious. "Is this how your Ling family treats guests?"

"Hurry and serve tea to Magistrate Yan."

As Jinsheng exited, Yan Jing turned to glare at Ling Zhao. "Look at the pathetic state you were in just now, standing there like a stiff wooden post. Was it really necessary? That girl was far more poised than you. Can’t you summon the aura of a commander leading troops into battle? Cowering and hesitant—you look nothing like a man."

Ling Zhao spoke casually, "She is timid and relies on me deeply; she loves to cling to me. Besides, her parents’ case is still unresolved, so there is no harm in me accommodating her a little more for now."

Yan Jing was shocked; he hadn't realized this man could be so shameless when he wanted to be.

"Well, you certainly are kind-hearted."

Ling Zhao curled his lips, his expression one of "I understand her completely," before turning to the matter at hand. "What was it you wanted to tell me earlier?"

Yan Jing pursed his lips, not wanting to bicker with such a shameless person any further, and went straight to the point. "The investigation into the Pingnan case is nearly concluded. The list provided by the rebel leader, Cao Chuan, does not mention the Duke of Korea from start to finish."

Ling Zhao’s gaze narrowed. "It seems the Duke of Korea must have some leverage over Cao Chuan."

Yan Jing suddenly added, "Oh, by the way, I followed your instructions to re-examine the relationship between Prince Xuan and the Xiao family, and I have found a few leads. Perhaps the Duke of Korea was indeed involved in the struggle for the throne back then."

When the Emperor ascended the throne, it was followed by a turbulent power struggle. Several princes vied for the position for years, with Prince Xuan holding the most influence. Officials in the court could not avoid taking sides, but in the span of a single year, the political landscape shifted instantly. Prince Xuan lost the struggle; his attempt to seize the palace failed, and he was captured by Prince Duan, who had been stationed away from the capital. General Ling and Ling Zhao had naturally played a significant role in this. Afterward, Prince Duan became the Crown Prince and took residence in the Eastern Palace.

"Not long after the Crown Prince moved into the Eastern Palace, the political situation remained unstable. Though Prince Xuan was dead, his former loyalists were still stirring. The Duke of Korea likely backed the wrong horse. Even if he had no intention of rebelling, he would certainly have a strong desire to protect himself."

"But how could the Crown Prince tolerate him?"

Ling Zhao nodded. "Naturally, he cannot. As long as Cao Chuan denounces the Duke of Korea, the thorn in the Crown Prince’s heart can finally be removed."

"But this Cao Chuan is a loner; there isn't a single piece of leverage to be found on him," Yan Jing said, knitting his brows in frustration.

Ling Zhao pondered for a moment. "Don't you find it strange?"

"What?"

"The case is almost closed, and His Majesty is determined to behead all rebels to show the court his power. If Cao Chuan were truly a loner without any leverage, logically, he would have confessed everything, dragging down anyone he could to the grave. The fact that he hasn't suggests he is under pressure from the Duke of Korea, protecting someone..."

Yan Jing’s eyes lit up. He struck the table with his fan. "Cao Chuan’s ancestral home is in Youzhou! I’ll go check it out immediately. Who knows? There might be a forgotten wife or child!"

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door. Jinsheng entered with a tray to serve tea. "Magistrate Yan, please enjoy your tea."

Yan Jing glanced at Ling Zhao, lifted his teacup, and casually skimmed the foam. As he brought it to his lips, he teased, "Look at that look in your eyes, so mysterious. Could this tea be fried with bits of gold?"

Ling Zhao picked up his own cup with practiced ease and took a slow, deliberate sip. "Just drink it."

"It’s quite sweet. Why would you like a young lady’s fruit tea?"

Yan Jing took a sip, frowned slightly, and then drained the cup in one go. He smacked his lips, seemingly unable to taste anything special, and said to Jinsheng, "Bring another cup."

After downing half a pot, he asked, "What tea is this? The more I drink it, the more I like it. Bring some back to my estate for me."

A flicker of an indecipherable smile crossed Ling Zhao’s eyes. He leaned in and whispered, "This is melon rind and lotus leaf tea."

Yan Jing frowned. "Melon rind and lotus leaf tea? A novel name indeed."

Ling Zhao pointed to the remaining half-pot. "This is tea brewed from the leftover melon rinds they ate."

Yan Jing: ...

"You insisted on drinking it; I couldn't stop you."

Meanwhile, on Xiao Ming’s side.

Actually, this melon rind and lotus leaf tea had taken her several days of effort. There had been much rain in the summer, and even when it didn't rain, the air was often damp. She had waited for a rare few days of clear weather to pick fresh, tender lotus leaves, dry them in her small courtyard, and grind them into a powder with great care.

As for the honey melon, it was a rare treat. She and her two maids had carefully scooped out the flesh to chill, sliced the rinds into thin strips, and added a few jasmine flowers according to their own tastes to brew a small pot. Giving that small pouch to Ling Zhao had pained her heart.

"It is truly impressive that you have such ingenuity. Not only is your medicinal cooking excellent, but the embroidery patterns on these sachets are also unique. It is no wonder Grandmother is always thinking of you; even I find myself envious." Huai Xi held several small sachets, examining them closely with clear, bright eyes.

Since entering the Ling household, although she had the favor of the Old Madam, Xiao Ming often had to ingratiate herself and put on a polite smile, navigating the complicated, often insincere dynamics with the ladies and sisters of the house. However, she truly liked Ling Huai Xi from the bottom of her heart, often wishing she really had such a gentle and beautiful sister.

"Sister, you are learned and come from a good family. Why have I not heard of Grandmother or the Second Madam arranging a marriage for you?"

Even Ling Huaining’s marriage was nearly on the schedule, yet Xiao Ming had been in the household for over a year and had never heard the Old Madam make arrangements for Ling Huaxi, the Second Young Lady of the Ling family.

She knew she shouldn't ask about such private matters, especially given Huaxi’s gentle, virtuous, and dignified nature. She was afraid of being rude, but as young women rarely had the chance to share intimate thoughts, Xiao Ming couldn't help but ask.

Huai Xi’s expression remained unchanged, and she answered frankly, "It was discussed a few years ago. But then, an accident happened, and I stopped thinking about it."

"Ah?" Xiao Ming’s eyes widened. "Did that gentleman fail you?"

Huai Xi smiled at her gently. "He died."