My father ordered me to kill the emperor, but His Majesty bestowed a princess upon me instead.

Xiliu Lane is not far away.

But when I reached the alley entrance, I felt like I had walked for half my life.

I didn't sleep all night. First the iron workshop, then Ci'en Temple, then the old warehouse in the south of the city, then the carriage and horse shop, and the back alley of the Qian Mansion.

Now we're at Xiliu Lane again.

When my father taught me martial arts, he said that when a person reaches their limit, what they fear most is not pain, but exhaustion.

Now I believe it.

For a fleeting moment, I even thought that if someone handed me a bed and a knife right now, saying I could kill the emperor after I woke up, I would be very grateful to them.

Ah Liu followed behind me, his face pale, carrying the account books he had brought from the carriage shop.

He whispered, "Young master, I don't think we're investigating a case."

"What does that look like?"

"It's like being led around by the case."

Yan Xiaoyi nodded in agreement.

That's accurate.

I glanced at the two of them.

well.

My servant and guard have started to tell the truth together.

Xiliu Lane is an old lane.

The alley is narrow, lined with low-rise houses on both sides, their walls covered in moss. It's called West Willow Alley because of a few old willow trees at the end of the alley.

As dawn broke, smoke was already rising from chimneys in the alley.

Some people were dumping swill, some were setting up breakfast stalls, and an old man was squatting at the door brushing his teeth, with a willow twig in his mouth, watching us as he brushed.

The tofu pudding vendor is gone.

Ah Liu peeked out and took a look.

"Young master, the vendor is gone."

"Um."

"What if the clues have also disappeared?"

"Won't."

Why?

I pointed to a broken bowl at the entrance of the alley.

A broken bowl sat against the wall, with half a bowl of tofu pudding still inside.

The tofu pudding has gone cold.

There was a little red stain on the rim of the bowl.

It's not chili oil.

blood.

Ah Liu's expression changed.

"Did this person leave a bowl after delivering their message?"

"He didn't leave the bowl."

I squatted down and gently turned the bowl over.

There is a new scratch on the bottom of the bowl.

The characters were crooked and twisted, as if hastily drawn with a nail.

There is only one word.

well.

Ah Liu immediately looked into the alley.

"Looking for a well?"

Yan Xiaoyi leaned against the wall, his eyes half-open, and said, "Too obvious."

I nodded.

It's really too obvious.

Someone told us that Liu Laoqi lived in Xiliu Lane and left a "well" character at the entrance of the lane.

This doesn't seem like a Tibetan.

It's more like an attraction.

Ah Liu swallowed hard.

"Then shall we go to the well?"

"go."

He froze.

"Didn't you say it was too obvious, young master?"

"Obviously, we have to see."

I stood up and dusted off my hands.

"Traps and clues are sometimes the same thing."

There is an old well in Xiliu Lane.

Several blue stones surrounded the well, and wooden buckets were piled up beside it. Several women had come to draw water early in the morning, but they all stopped when they saw us strangers.

I did not go directly near the well.

First, look at the land.

The bluestone beside the well was slippery and covered with many footprints. Most of them were cloth shoes or straw sandals, but only one set of footprints was deep, pressed into the wet mud, with neat edges on the soles.

Official boots.

Again, official boots.

I no longer wanted to curse.

There are more official boots in the capital than dog paws.

There was a little blood on the edge of the well.

Rarely, like a finger accidentally brushing against something.

But there was no one in the well.

Ah Liu peeked into the well and immediately shrank back in fright.

"Young master, it's dark inside the well."

"nonsense."

"I didn't see anyone."

"The person is not in the well."

Yan Xiaoyi suddenly walked to the well and reached out to touch the well rope.

"The rope is dry."

I looked at him.

He said, "If someone has just been hoisted up or down a well, the rope won't do this."

I nodded.

Therefore, "井" does not refer to the inside of a well.

I walked around the well, my gaze falling on a small ditch beside it.

The ditch was very narrow, flowing backwards along the alley wall.

A pale red dot floated in the water.

The blood was diluted by the water.

I walked along the ditch and finally stopped in front of an abandoned vinegar workshop.

The door panel was crooked, and there was a sour, rotten smell coming from the cracks in the door.

In the past, there were several small vinegar-making workshops in Xiliu Lane, but their businesses failed and most of them were converted into residences. The one in front of us, however, looks like it has been abandoned for a long time, with broken jars piled up at the door and grass growing on the mouths of the jars.

Ah Liu covered his nose.

"Young master, can someone hide in this place?"

"able."

Why?

"The taste is strong, but the blood flavor is not noticeable."

Ah Liu's face turned even uglier.

"Can we not go in?"

I looked at Yan Xiaoyi.

Yan Xiaoyi sighed.

"I'll go first."

He complained about the trouble, but he acted quickly.

He gently pushed the door open, revealing a dimly lit interior. A sour and musty smell wafted out, making one's eyes sting.

There were several broken vinegar jars on the ground, and a straw mat was piled up against the wall.

Yan Xiaoyi paused for a moment after entering the room.

"There's someone there."

My heart tightened, and I immediately followed them inside.

Behind the straw mat, a man was lying.

He was in his forties, with a pale face, his mouth stuffed with rags, his hands and feet bound with straw ropes, and his chest rising and falling very weakly.

He had an injury on his right shoulder, blood on his leg, and his clothes were so stained with mud and ashes that their original color was unrecognizable.

If Sun the Cripple were here, he would probably recognize him at a glance.

But I'm almost certain.

This is Liu Laoqi.

Ah Liu ran over and was about to untie him when I grabbed him.

"Look at the rope first."

Ah Liu was taken aback.

Yan Xiaoyi had already squatted down to look.

"There are no mechanisms."

He paused, then added, "At least not what I saw."

That statement leaves room for interpretation.

I like it when there's room for maneuver.

Because if it's too full, people can easily die.

I used my short blade to cut the straw ropes binding Liu Laoqi's hands and feet and took out the rag from his mouth.

Liu Laoqi coughed a few times suddenly, and blood foam spilled from the corner of his mouth.

Ah Liu quickly helped him up.

"Liu Laoqi?"

Liu Laoqi's eyelids twitched, and his voice was hoarse as if it had been sanded.

"water……"

Ah Liu immediately touched the water bag.

I stopped him and only let him feed me a small bite.

Seriously injured people shouldn't drink water indiscriminately; I learned this after seeing too many dead people in Southwest China.

After a while, Liu Laoqi finally focused his gaze on my face.

"You...you're the officer who called for firefighting?"

I nodded.

"Shen An of the Censorate."

His lips twitched, as if he wanted to laugh, but the pain prevented him from doing so.

"That's really loud."

I said, "You're lucky to have such a loud voice."

Ah Liu nodded earnestly beside him.

"My young master did indeed survive last night by shouting."

I ignored him and asked Liu Laoqi, "Who hid you here?"

Liu Laoqi shook his head.

"I don't know... the one who sells tofu pudding."

"He saved you?"

"Sort of." Old Liu took a breath. "They thought I was about to die, so they dumped me at the back of West Willow Alley, planning to deal with me before dawn. A tofu pudding vendor passed by, recognized me, and moved me to a different spot."

"Where are the others?"

"He ran away," Liu Laoqi said with difficulty. "He said his life was cheap, but he didn't want to give it away for nothing."

That's more like a normal person.

Unlike the few people around me, whose lives aren't particularly precious, yet they keep following me into dangerous situations with influential people.

I asked, "What exactly happened at the old warehouse last night?"

Fear was evident in Liu Laoqi's eyes.

"We went to the old warehouse in three cars, supposedly to move scrap. When we got there, we found out it wasn't scrap, it was boxes."

"How many boxes?"

Six.

"What's in the box?"

"Account books, paper packages, and a few iron parts." Old Liu was panting heavily. "I saw a corner of a box was torn, and a red label was showing inside."

"What does it say on the red tag?"

Liu Laoqi's lips trembled.

"Yongning Stone".

My heart skipped a beat.

"Anything else?"

"Inner warehouse/material storage room".

Ah Liu's eyes widened in surprise.

Yan Xiaoyi also opened his eyes, which was rare for him.

Liu Laoqi continued, "And... money approval."

As soon as those three words were uttered, the vinegar workshop became so quiet that you could hear the water dripping from the roof.

Finally connected.

Yongning stone.

Inner warehouse/material storage room.

Money approved.

This is not a guess based on a scrap of paper.

This is a box label that a living person saw with their own eyes.

I asked, "Who told you to move it?"

"The man in the official boots," Liu Laoqi closed his eyes, "and the man in gray. The man in gray didn't speak, he just held a knife. The man in the official boots said, 'Keep your hands and feet clean, and after the accounts are settled, everyone will receive a reward.'"

My heart skipped a beat.

"What did he say?"

Liu Laoqi repeated with difficulty:

"Settle the accounts."

These two words, though seemingly light and airy, felt like a piece of cold iron falling into water.

Settle accounts.

What accounts are being cleared?

The accounts for clearing out old warehouses?

The tents along the Qingyongning River?

Or should we eliminate everyone who knows about the accounts?

I continued, "Where were the boxes moved to?"

"First, go to the back alley of the Qian family mansion."

"They've entered the Qian residence?"

Liu Laoqi shook his head.

"We didn't go through the main gate or the main courtyard. There was a small door in the back alley, and behind the door was what looked like an empty house. The suitcase went through the small door, and not long after, we changed vehicles."

"What kind of car should we get?"

"Two small carriages with green curtains. The wheels are covered with cloth, so they make a soft sound when they walk."

"Which way to?"

"Inner city, towards Guangchu Gate."

Guangchumen.

My heart sank slowly.

Guangchu Gate is located near the outer treasury of the palace city, making it the most convenient passageway for the inner treasury, material storage room, and warehouse staff to travel between.

If the box really went there, then the Qian residence is not the final destination.

It's just a transit point.

Or rather, there was a door in the back alley of the Qian family mansion that allowed things from the outside to quietly enter the inner city.

Suddenly, Liu Laoqi reached out and grabbed my sleeve tightly.

"Sir, I didn't kill anyone."

I looked down at him.

"I know."

"I didn't kill the old warehouse guard. He saw them burning paper money and was held down by the man in gray. Then... then there was silence."

Why aren't you dead?

Liu Laoqi's lips trembled.

"I hid something. They asked me where I hid it. I wouldn't tell them."

I immediately asked, "What is it?"

Liu Laoqi raised his hand with difficulty and pointed to his shoes.

Ah Liu quickly took off his shoes.

She had only undressed halfway when her expression changed.

"Young master, there's a lining in the sole of his shoe."

I used a short blade to pry open the sole of the shoe.

There was a small piece of red paper hidden inside.

The corner of the paper was small, softened by sweat, and half-stained by blood, but the words on it were still there.

...Ningliao Stone

...warehouse

Money approval...

There is also a small ink mark at the very bottom corner.

It looks like the character "清" (qing) enclosed in a circle.

I stared at that word, and a chill slowly crept down my back.

Someone left a uniform mark on these box labels.

clear.

Settle accounts.

This is no longer like ordinary embezzlement and transfer; it's more like someone is specifically responsible for cleaning up these old accounts and evidence.

Ah Liu saw it too and lowered his voice, asking, "Young Master, what does the character 'Qing' mean?"

I did not answer.

Because I don't want to know the answer too soon.

The sooner you know, the easier it is to die.

Footsteps suddenly came from outside the door.

Yan Xiaoyi immediately stood up straight.

This time, he didn't yawn.

"Someone's coming."

I tucked the corner of the red slip into my sleeve and gestured to Ah Liu to help Liu Laoqi up.

Liu Laoqi was seriously injured and could not stand up at all.

Ah Liu's face turned red with anxiety.

"Young master, we can't take it with us."

Footsteps were already at the door.

A familiar voice rang out from outside.

"Lord Shen, how have you been?"

The steward in blue robes at the Qian residence.

He arrived even faster than I expected.

I glanced at Yan Xiaoyi.

Yan Xiaoyi whispered, "There are six people outside and two on the wall."

"Can you fight?"

"able."

I had just breathed a sigh of relief when he added, "But Liu Laoqi will die."

I was silent.

The other party doesn't necessarily want to kill me.

All they want to do is kill Liu Laoqi.

If a living person dies, no matter how many pieces of paper remain, they can be accused of forgery.

The steward in blue robes said from outside the door, "Lord Shen, my master heard that there are car thieves hiding in West Willow Lane, so he specially ordered me to bring men to arrest them."

I sneered.

"Did the Qian family catch the thief and take him to the abandoned vinegar workshop in West Willow Lane?"

"Last night, the Qian family lost a cart and some old items. This person is involved in the Qian family's private property, so naturally the Qian family should bring him back for questioning."

"Your husband is really nosy."

"Lord Shen is quite nosy."

I glanced at Liu Laoqi.

His eyes were filled with fear, and his hand was still gripping my sleeve tightly.

I suddenly feel a bit annoyed.

It's not that I'm annoyed by him.

It's annoying that every life in the capital has to be calculated first to determine which government office, which official, and which residence it belongs to.

Even before the person was completely dead, people were already scrambling to take the body back to their accounts.

I helped Liu Laoqi to his feet and we walked towards the door.

Ah Liu was startled.

"Young master?"

I whispered, "Hold on tight."

The door opened.

The morning light shone in.

The steward in blue stood outside the door, followed by several guards. Sure enough, a figure flashed across the alley wall.

When he saw that Liu Laoqi was still alive, his expression changed slightly.

It's very light.

But that's enough.

I stood on the threshold and proclaimed loudly:

"The Censorate is investigating the murder case at the old granary in the south of the city and has found an important witness, Liu Laoqi."

This was said quite loudly.

Xiliu Lane was inhabited, and early morning was the time for people to go out. Heads immediately peeked out from behind several doors—those selling breakfast, carrying water, and washing clothes—all looking over.

The steward in blue robes frowned.

"Lord Shen, this man is a car thief."

I turned to Liu Laoqi and asked, "Did you steal the car?"

Liu Laoqi, panting, shook his head.

"no."

I looked back at the steward in blue.

He said no.

The steward in blue sneered, "Does a coachman's words even count?"

Whether it counts or not is not up to Qian Fu.

"Who gets to say that?"

"Return it to the Censorate, return it to the Ministry of Justice, return it to His Majesty's word."

I deliberately pronounced the words "Your Majesty" clearly.

The manager in blue's expression changed as expected.

The emperor's words, "I only trust you," felt like a heavy, burning garment on my body.

It's uncomfortable to wear.

But it can occasionally block a knife.

I continued, "If the Qian family wants to arrest someone, they can file a complaint. Now, anyone who dares to touch Liu Laoqi will be considered a murderer to silence him."

The surrounding people murmured among themselves.

The guards behind the steward in blue hesitated.

Robbing someone in the street is different from silencing them in a dark alley.

In particular, I have already invoked the Censorate and witnesses.

Taking action at this point wouldn't be catching a thief, it would be stealing evidence.

The steward in blue stared at me.

"Lord Shen, do you know who you are offending?"

I smiled.

"I've offended too many people lately, I can't remember them all at once."

Ah Liu whispered, "Young master, don't remember it, it's kind of scary."

The steward in green took out a name card from his sleeve.

The name card is exquisite, with subtle patterns pressed into the corners.

He handed over the calling card.

"My master said that Lord Shen has been investigating all night and has worked hard. If you are free at noon, please come to the mansion for tea."

I accepted the visiting card.

The two characters above are very neat.

Qian Rong.

This was the first time Qian Rong formally handed me his name.

It's not the "money approval" on the books.

It wasn't the rumored Minister Qian.

Instead, it was a name card of a high-ranking official of the third rank.

As I looked at those two words, I suddenly remembered the tea that Chief Clerk Zhou had poured for me at the Ministry of Works.

The Qian family also invited me to tea.

These people in the capital are really polite.

They were so polite, it was as if every cup of tea could brew a life.

I accepted the visiting card.

"Please thank Minister Qian for me."

The steward in blue asked coldly, "Is Lord Shen going?"

"go."

Ah Liu almost jumped up.

"Young Master!"

I ignored him.

I looked at the steward in blue and smiled:

"Since Vice Minister Qian invited me for tea, how could I, a mere seventh-rank censor, dare to refuse?"

The steward in blue stared at me for a moment, then turned and left.

The guards also retreated.

The shadows on the wall disappeared quickly.

After they had gone far away, Ah Liu hurriedly lowered his voice.

"Young master, are you really going to the Qian residence?"

"go."

"Wasn't that a trap?"

I looked at the calling card in my hand.

"So we need to eat something first."

Ah Liu was stunned.

"what?"

I tucked the name card into my sleeve and helped Liu Laoqi, who was about to faint.

"Send the person to the Censorate first."

Yan Xiaoyi glanced at me.

"At noon at the Qian residence."

"Um."

It's already past 5:30 AM.

"There's still time."

Aren't you going to sleep?

I looked at the sky gradually brightening and sighed.

"What are you sleeping on?"

"Afraid of sleeping too soundly?"

"No."

I touched the corner of the red slip of paper in my sleeve.

"I'm afraid that when I wake up, Liu Laoqi will be dead again."

A rooster crowed in the distance.

Dawn finally broke.

But I know that the real hardship wasn't last night.

It was that cup of tea from the Qian family at noon.