Chapter Fifteen: The Yellow Oriole
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Shen Hua finally opened her eyes, her gaze lingering on Lu Chenzhou for a moment without uttering a word. This silence sent a chill down Lu Chenzhou’s spine; he suddenly felt that Shen Hua’s arrival at the imperial prison was not urgent at all.
Lu Chenzhou tentatively asked, “Doctor Shen, what is your purpose in coming here? Aren’t you afraid they will subject you to their tortures?”
Shen Hua remained silent.
Lu Chenzhou could only leave reluctantly. Just as he stepped out of the cell, he was called back. He turned around and strode back to Shen Hua’s side, as if he had been waiting to be summoned again.
Shen Hua handed him a piece of ancient jade.
“Where did this come from?” Lu Chenzhou examined the jade carefully.
“There should be records of the burial goods in the imperial mausoleum,” Shen Hua replied. Though she did not directly answer his question, she offered a clue: anything taken into the imperial tomb would be recorded by the Ministry of Rites. A simple investigation there would reveal the jade’s origin.
Lu Chenzhou asked again, “What are your conditions?”
Shen Hua paused briefly, her expression shifting slightly. “My purpose should be the same as Lord Lu’s at this moment.”
“Oh?”
Lu Chenzhou’s eyes sharpened suddenly after a brief distraction, a faint smile curving his lips.
Outside the imperial prison, Wei Shiqi was already waiting for Lu Chenzhou.
“Commander Wei... I didn’t expect you had a few tricks up your sleeve,” Lu Chenzhou teased as usual, but Wei Shiqi no longer pretended, his expression plainly saying, “Don’t try to pretend either.”
“Lord Lu, Shen Hua won’t have an easy time in the prison, but it won’t be unbearable either. If she divulges some information, they might allow her to see the sunlight outside. Don’t waste your effort trying to break her out; our Northern Town Surveillance Bureau isn’t the Ministry of Punishments.”
Lu Chenzhou had intended to avoid conflict with the Embroidered Uniform Guard, but Wei Shiqi’s blunt words left him no choice but to respond in kind. “Since the Embroidered Uniform Guard is so powerful, those missing men from yesterday should have returned by now.”
Wei Shiqi was provoked by Lu Chenzhou’s words. Those guards had long met their fate with the King of Hell. Everyone still clung to hope, but it was as unlikely as seeing snow in summer.
“Brother Lu, I know you feel used and resentful, but the Embroidered Uniform Guard handles matters the Emperor cares about most. What exactly, I can’t say now. For the sake of our past acquaintance, I won’t make things difficult for you. But if you meddle in Shen Hua’s affairs, you’ll be opposing the Embroidered Uniform Guard.”
Wei Shiqi’s words were grave, leaving no room for Lu Chenzhou to respond. After hearing them, Lu Chenzhou said nothing further, bowed politely, and withdrew from sight.
After Lu Chenzhou left, Shen Hua recalled the package Wei Shiqi had shown her. Had she not reacted quickly, she might have been accused of possessing gunpowder formulas. But why was such an item found in the medical hall? It didn’t seem like a deliberate frame from Wei Shiqi. The only possibility was that someone had planted it in the clinic, knowing the Embroidered Uniform Guard was watching her closely, so it was only a matter of time before it was discovered.
“Shi Yin Niang.”
The first person Shen Hua thought of was Shi Yin Niang, the only one in the Underworld Pavilion who was not hostile to her. The strange fragrance she’d smelled in the clinic that day was her handiwork.
“Ding ding ding.”
The copper bell in Shen Hua’s hands jingled, casting an eerie hue over the already deadly imperial prison. The guards came to investigate the noise, only to find Shen Hua murmuring to the empty air.
Two Embroidered Uniform Guards outside the cell watched Shen Hua talk to herself, unwilling to move an inch. They exchanged glances, faces full of astonishment. After a while, strange sounds approached the cell.
Suddenly, dozens of white crows swarmed in through the window above the cell, followed by venomous snakes and scorpions crawling down the beams. The crows pecked at the eyes of the guards inside, while the snakes slithered into their bodies. Screams echoed throughout the prison, yet strangely, none of these creatures could enter Shen Hua’s immediate vicinity.
When Wei Shiqi arrived, he saw this scene. Shen Hua leaned motionless against the wall, calmly observing the chaos outside. Their eyes met, and Wei Shiqi finally understood her words: it’s easy to summon spirits but hard to send them away.
“Stop this at once, or I will deal with you myself.”
Wei Shiqi ordered the cell door opened, drew his sword, and pointed it at Shen Hua. Yet she showed no intention of dodging, staring him down with a faint smile—a posture of superiority, as if mocking him.
“Sir, these creatures weren’t sent by me.”
“Then was it you who made the copper bell ring just now?”
Shen Hua replied, “My bell only reacts to the unseen. Your prison holds many; perhaps someone is trying to escape under cover of this chaos.”
Wei Shiqi suddenly seemed to realize something. He sheathed his knife from her neck and swiftly left the cell.
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The news of the imperial tomb robbery spread through Nanjing overnight, naturally reaching the palace. The Commander of the Filial Tomb Guard disappeared, and others involved could not escape blame. All relatives of Zhou Zheng were imprisoned. The two eunuchs guarding the tomb knew their fate was sealed and poisoned themselves before the Ministry of Punishments arrived.
Lu Chenzhou visited the Ministry of Rites and found the burial goods list from the late Emperor Taizu’s interment in the archives. He sighed with relief upon finding the ancient jade, but his face soon clouded with worry. He had a foreboding sense that all involved in this case were hiding secrets. Most of all, he wanted to know if Li Rong was still alive.
“Ah, little brother.”
Lu Chenzhou, having left the Ministry of Rites, sat down casually to eat when he unexpectedly encountered Shi Taibai from the Piaomiao Tower a few days ago.
“It’s you.”
Lu Chenzhou replied coolly.
Shi Taibai sat opposite him, pouring himself tea.
“Where’s your companion today?”
Lu Chenzhou knew he meant Wei Shiqi and frowned, making the tea cup creak in his hand.
Shi Taibai, seeing no reply, lowered his voice and said, “Nanjing is lively these days.”
“Tell me,” Lu Chenzhou urged.
Shi Taibai glanced around, then spoke quietly, “The imperial tomb was robbed, and the culprits are from the Filial Tomb Guard. It’s like the watchdog eating its master's food—perhaps the first time in history.”
Lu Chenzhou wondered how Shi Taibai knew the robbers’ identities when the public only knew of the robbery. He pressed, “Old man, what else do you know?”
Shi Taibai feigned ignorance, tapping his fingers on the table and smiling silently.
Lu Chenzhou took two silver ingots from his pocket. “I brought these with me today.”
Shi Taibai raised his brows, sipped his tea, and said slowly, “Stolen goods are either sold quickly or hidden for the right moment. Given the current situation, the thieves will choose the latter, but they can’t hide it at home, so they entrust it to someone they trust most.”
Lu Chenzhou understood but had found no family or friends connected to Zhou Zheng, who had lived alone for over a decade. His suspicion now fell on this old man, who seemed to know everything and discern what he sought.
“That means your investigation is off track,” Shi Taibai said, clicking his tongue.
Lu Chenzhou smiled ruefully, “What did you call me just now?”
Shi Taibai stroked his beard and chuckled.
“The day you and your companion appeared at Piaomiao Tower, I knew you held some official rank. And your companion in the Embroidered Uniform Guard—no matter how you disguise it, officials have a different aura than martial artists. You can’t fake that.”
Lu Chenzhou grimaced awkwardly. “Then will you tell me about the female proprietor of Piaomiao Tower?”
“I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because I owe her rent, and she’s not bad. We martial folk value loyalty, unlike your officials, who care only for power and lack integrity.”
Lu Chenzhou felt slapped in the face. Without extra silver to win the old man’s favor, he gave up and changed the subject back to Zhou Zheng.
“You said my investigation was wrong. Can you guide me?”
Shi Taibai smiled.
“Since he had no family for over a decade, start your search a decade ago. You said he guarded the border, so you can check military archives.”
“Right, border guards fall under the Ministry of War, and the Filial Tomb Guard knows their background well. It should be easier to investigate.”
Lu Chenzhou gained an important lead and thanked Shi Taibai. When he looked up, the old man was gone, along with the silver on the table.
He recalled Shen Hua’s suggestion to visit the Piaomiao Tower’s proprietor, Yasang, but now, finding Zhou Zheng was more urgent. After a quick meal, he stepped out and collided with someone.
“Lord Lu, you’re easy to find.”
Lu Chenzhou recognized the man but couldn’t place him.
The man bowed slightly. “I’m from the Office of the Supervising Minister.”
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Lu Chenzhou’s heart sank. The Office of the Supervising Minister assisted the Crown Prince. If they sent someone for him, could the Crown Prince be taking an interest in the rumors spreading through Nanjing?
“Is it your lord who wishes to see me, or...?”
The man said nothing, only gestured for him to follow.
The carriage raced eastward toward the Crown Prince’s mansion. Lu Chenzhou’s nerves tightened, knowing that a single misstep before the Zhu family head could cost his life—and possibly harm his family. Although the Crown Prince was benevolent, he was also ruthless; no one held the regency for over a decade without flaw.
While waiting, Lu Chenzhou tidied his clothes, determined not to appear disrespectful before the Crown Prince. Though he had met the prince before, being summoned alone was intimidating.
A eunuch entered, saying, “Lord Lu, the Crown Prince will be ready soon. Please wait outside.”
Lu Chenzhou nodded politely.
Soon, two men exited the chamber—Minister of War Tan Ying and his father-in-law, Wen Lun. Lu Chenzhou nodded and followed the eunuch inside, without a word exchanged with Wen Lun.
“Ministry of Personnel Official Lu Chenzhou pays respects to His Highness the Crown Prince.”
Lu Chenzhou entered the hall and saw the Crown Prince seated at his desk, penning a memorial. He immediately knelt and bowed.
“Rise.”
The Crown Prince paused, looking at Lu Chenzhou. “Lord Lu, unpleasant rumors are circulating in Nanjing. Do you know their source?”
Lu Chenzhou kept his head lowered, breathing shallow. “I have failed in my duties. Please punish me, Your Highness.”
“You will be punished, but not now. I understand your difficulties. I summoned you to grant some privileges so you won’t be oppressed by the Embroidered Uniform Guard. If they continue to hinder investigations and fail to catch the culprit, the Emperor might think the Crown Prince’s subordinates are useless.”
Lu Chenzhou’s mind raced. This wasn’t a favor but a death sentence: solve the case on time or lose his head. Sweat beaded on his palms and temples as he replied, “Seven days.”
“Ten days,” the Crown Prince said. “Those extra three days are in gratitude for your many years of service.”
Lu Chenzhou bowed deeply.
“Rise. Take this and don’t disappoint me.”
A senior eunuch handed Lu Chenzhou a gold token, unique to the Crown Prince’s authority—a symbol as good as the prince himself.
Lu Chenzhou accepted it with both hands, bowing in acknowledgment.
The Crown Prince rose and approached Lu Chenzhou. “Chen Eunuch, bring a towel for Lord Lu to wipe his sweat.”
Chen Eunuch hesitated briefly before leaving.
After Chen Eunuch departed, the Crown Prince whispered in Lu Chenzhou’s ear, “Lord Lu, I know this case is tough. It involves events from over a decade ago. The elders can’t let go, but you are the most suitable person.”
Having lived in Nanjing for nearly thirty years, Lu Chenzhou knew exactly what the Crown Prince meant. Despite his reluctance, he could only accept the order.
Leaving the mansion, Lu Chenzhou felt a burden lift. He stood by the roadside, reflecting on the Crown Prince’s words. He must not be suppressed by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, but they were now under Prince Zhao Zhu Gaosui, who was close to Prince Han. Though the three brothers shared the same mother, it was known at court that they were at odds beneath the surface. If not for the Emperor’s restraint, the two princes might have already acted against each other.
It seemed all that Wei Shiqi did was under Prince Zhao’s orders, and more people were being implicated. But why involve Princes Han and Zhao?
“Cough, cough.”
Someone tapped Lu Chenzhou on the shoulder. The man wore rough hemp clothes, a straw hat, and a black cloth mask.
“Zhou Zheng.”
Lu Chenzhou looked in astonishment as Zhou Zheng pulled down the mask. The man appeared afflicted with a strange illness; black, wormlike lines marred his face and hands.