The sudden death of Taikang’s county magistrate in prison caused an uproar. The officials responsible for his custody were terrified, but Xu Qi’an, instead of assigning blame, immediately ordered a coroner’s examination.
Chu Caiwei used her aura-sensing ability to investigate and determined that the magistrate had died in his sleep, an eerie and unsettling revelation. When Xu Qi’an asked the coroner if he had encountered such a method of killing, the response pointed to witchcraft masters. Li Yuchun, familiar with their methods from past conflicts in Yunzhou, described how soldiers often died without visible wounds, their expressions eerily peaceful. This strange and insidious technique troubled the team, as night watchmen relied on physical combat and were ill-equipped to counter such elusive foes.
Concluding that the key lay in capturing Zhou Chixiong, Xu Qi’an prepared to head to Yunzhou, despite the dangers posed by its unfamiliar terrain and numerous bandits.
Turning to the Tian Ti Hui
To aid his search, Xu Qi’an sought help from the Tian Ti Hui group chat. He asked if anyone was based in Yunzhou. Member No. 1 suggested that No. 2 assist, but No. 2 flatly refused, citing distrust of imperial authorities. However, Xu Qi’an cleverly reminded No. 2 of a prior favor she had asked of him to help Hengyuan. Reluctantly, she agreed, seeing this as a way to settle their debt.
While awaiting No. 2’s investigation, Xu Qi’an visited Wei Yuan. This time, he was uncharacteristically formal, stopping three paces away and bowing respectfully before reporting his findings. Wei Yuan, aware of Xu Qi’an’s cautious behavior following his near-execution, paid it no mind and listened attentively.
Wei Yuan suggested investigating Zhou Chixiong’s background, questioning how a seventh-rank official could escape so effectively under the night watchmen’s noses. He theorized that Zhou Chixiong might have used a magical artifact to hide his presence, prompting Xu Qi’an to delve deeper into who might have provided it. To aid the investigation, Wei Yuan handed over a dossier on Zhou Chixiong, revealing that he had already taken steps to gather intelligence on him. Xu Qi’an realized that despite the earlier sentencing, Wei Yuan had been working in secret to protect him.
A Revelation in the Palace
While traveling together in a carriage, Wei Yuan revealed his contingency plan during Xu Qi’an’s sentencing: to fake his execution and covertly transfer him to continue working as an undercover agent. Wei Yuan asked if Xu Qi’an would have accepted this plan. Xu Qi’an admitted he would have, as long as it kept him alive, though he preferred to succeed openly rather than endure humiliation. Wei Yuan, impressed by Xu Qi’an’s resolve, reminded him to remain patient and measured, as the court and the night watchmen’s ranks still harbored deep-rooted corruption that could not be eradicated quickly.
Xu Qi’an’s first visit to the palace was an eye-opening experience. He noticed many servants whispering and laughing behind his back, and he overheard rumors labeling him as the Eldest Princess’s mian shou (favored companion). Shocked, Xu Qi’an assumed Lin’an Princess had spread the rumors to bring him under her wing. Concerned that the Eldest Princess might misunderstand, he rushed to explain himself.
A Poetry Gathering Turns Awkward
At that moment, the Eldest Princess Huaiqing and Lin’an were hosting a poetry gathering with several princes. Lin’an spotted Xu Qi’an approaching and, panicking, ordered her maid to send him away immediately. Puzzled but compliant, Xu Qi’an left. However, the Eldest Princess, noticing Lin’an’s nervous behavior, grew suspicious and instructed her attendants to bring Xu Qi’an back.
Upon his return, Xu Qi’an realized he had been deceived by Lin’an all along. Humiliated, he publicly declared his loyalty to the Eldest Princess, inadvertently making a spectacle of himself. Fortunately, the Eldest Princess did not hold it against him and instead shifted the conversation to the progress of his investigation.
This encounter marked a turning point for Xu Qi’an, who finally discerned the true identity of the Eldest Princess and began to see through Lin’an’s manipulations. Though embarrassed, he remained focused on the mission at hand, knowing that his success depended on uncovering the truth behind the case.
