The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 128

I’ve Asked What I Needed to Ask, and I Don’t Think She’s Lying

Hearing Qu Jinian’s words, Qu Sheng looked incredulous and quickly asked, “The medicine this child brought the other day, has Doctor Liu examined it?”

Qu Jinian glanced at his third brother, Qu Jiqin. Their eyes met for a moment before Qu Jiqin said, “He has. He’s also not entirely sure what kind of drug it is.”

            

Silence fell among the three of them, their expressions grim. Qu Sheng had promised Zhao Jiayu she would see Qu Yu today, but given his current state, he probably wouldn’t be able to get up.

A maidservant came out from the inner room. The blood in the spittoon she carried was less than the first time, but it was now a blackish color. Qu Sheng stared at the door to the inner chamber, her fingers clenched tightly as she waited nervously.

After a long while, Liu Wuxiang emerged from the room, his hands covered in blood. A maidservant hurried over with a basin of warm water for him to wash his hands, while another carried a basin of warm water into the room.

            

“How is my Fourth Brother?” Qu Sheng was the first to ask.

As Liu Wuxiang washed his hands, he saw Qu Sheng and a faint smile touched his lips. “It’s been a long time, Miss Sheng.”

Qu Sheng froze for a second. She was asking about Qu Yu’s condition, and this old man was making small talk with her.

            

She glanced back at Qu Jinian and her third uncle, Qu Jiqin, then turned back to Liu Wuxiang and could only nod. “I trust you have been well, Doctor Liu.”

Liu Wuxiang smiled, finished wiping his hands, and handed the towel to the maidservant beside him before answering Qu Sheng’s earlier question. “The poison in your brother’s system has already seeped into his bone marrow. Furthermore, the toxins in his body have been continuously increasing, which is why he has become so weak.”

“Fourth Brother said all the items around him were replaced, so how…” Qu Sheng’s gaze dropped for a moment, then she immediately called out, “Someone!”

            

Feng Qi entered from outside, bowing his head in salute. “Miss.”

“Go and gather everyone in the residence into the courtyard.” Qu Sheng’s brow was still furrowed, her expression somewhat terrifying. “Especially the personal maids and servants. Not a single one is to be missed.”

Qu Jinian and Qu Jiqin stood by without objecting. If Qu Sheng hadn’t given the order, they would have.

            

All the servants of the residence were summoned to the courtyard. Qu Sheng stared at the servants, all of whom had signed death contracts,​¹ and had Feng Qi question them.

These servants had almost never left the residence, and any purchased goods were brought over from the main Marquis Residence. Moreover, there were guards stationed at the gates and in the courtyards. Qu Sheng couldn’t immediately guess where the problem lay.

Feng Qi questioned several people, ascertaining their daily duties, what they did when they were alone, and who was with them when they were not.

            

After a quarter of an hour of interrogation, word came from the inner room. They had found the object used to poison Qu Yu.

It was a handkerchief, a square one embroidered with a pair of mandarin ducks.​²

“This handkerchief was a gift from Madam Zhao to the Fourth Young Master and the Fourth Young Madam at the Zhao Residence three months ago,” Qu Yu’s personal manservant explained.

            

When Liu Wuxiang had gone in to check on Qu Yu, he had inadvertently discovered this handkerchief under his pillow. Though he didn’t know what it was, seeing how Qu Yu treasured it made him suspicious, so he picked it up for a look.

He wasn’t sure if the poison on it was the same as the one in Qu Yu’s body, but after soaking it in clean water, he tested it with a silver needle.​³ The silver needle instantly turned black.

“You’re saying Jiayu has one too?” Qu Sheng’s expression grew tense in an instant.

            

“Yes, it was a pair. The one the Fourth Young Master has is embroidered with the female duck, and the Fourth Young Madam’s has the male.”

Qu Sheng didn’t wait to hear more. As if wind had been born under her feet, she ran out of the courtyard in a fiery rush, leaped onto a horse, and galloped away.

Qu Sheng sped through the main streets of the capital. It was only because there were few people that her path was unobstructed. Arriving at the gates of the Lin Residence, she jumped off her horse and hurried inside.

            

The people of the Lin Residence saw how anxious she was, and before they could even salute, she had vanished from sight.

Qu Sheng went to the Accounts Room. She pushed open the door and, seeing a stunned Zhao Jiayu who hadn’t yet reacted, reached out her hand. “Give me your handkerchief.”

Zhao Jiayu swallowed the piece of apple she was chewing. Though she was bewildered, her hand obeyed, pulling a handkerchief from her person and handing it to Qu Sheng.

            

Qu Sheng took the handkerchief and unfolded it. It was only embroidered with a plum blossom branch.

“Where is your mandarin duck handkerchief?” Qu Sheng’s brow was knitted, her eyes filled with tension and urgency.

Zhao Jiayu took another bite of her apple. “I don’t know where I lost it. Why are you asking for my handkerchief?”

            

“Lost it? When did you lose it?” Qu Sheng pressed anxiously.

“I don’t remember. Probably about a month ago,” Zhao Jiayu said, finding her behavior rather strange. “Why did you take so long in the privy? Did you have an upset stomach?”

Just then, Lin Xizhao walked over and asked, “Is there a problem with the handkerchief?”

            

Hearing Lin Xizhao’s words, Qu Sheng realized she had been far too tense. She took a few moments to compose herself before replying, “No.” After a pause, she added, “Someone just came from the residence to say they’ve invited a doctor for you. They want you to go back for a pulse diagnosis later.”

Zhao Jiayu was puzzled. “Why a pulse diagnosis all of a sudden? The doctor was just here yesterday.”

Lin Xizhao listened to Qu Sheng and seemed to guess what might be happening. She said, “Since a new one has been invited, you should go. I’ve been feeling a bit tired these past few days as well. I can have the doctor take a look at me too.”

            

Hearing this, Zhao Jiayu turned her head. Though she didn’t understand why, she stood up. “Well, then let’s go back together.”

The three of them boarded the carriage, and Zhao Jiayu immediately started grumbling at Qu Sheng again. “Didn’t you say you were going to take me to see Ah Yu? It’s so late already, are you trying to trick me?”

Qu Sheng looked up at Zhao Jiayu, her heart filled with guilt. “I heard from Third Uncle that Fourth Brother has been busy at the military camp lately.”

            

“Busy, busy, busy, you promised me!” Zhao Jiayu wouldn’t have it. She had been feeling uneasy these past few days, but she couldn’t put her finger on why. The last time she felt this way was because of Xiao Bingying. It had been so long since she’d seen Qu Yu; she didn’t just miss him, she was worried.

Hearing Zhao Jiayu’s impatient and angry tone, Lin Xizhao tried to soothe her. “There’s going to be fighting at the border again soon. You heard this morning, Third Brother’s side is going to war again. If they don’t intensify training here, they’ll be short on troops when the time comes—”

“Alright, I don’t want to hear all that. I just want to see Ah Yu,” Zhao Jiayu muttered, cutting Lin Xizhao off. She just wanted to see Qu Yu, it wouldn’t cause any harm. Even a glance from afar would be good enough.

            

Lin Xizhao was helpless. She exchanged a look with Qu Sheng, and they rode the rest of the way to the Qu Marquis Residence in silence.

Qu Sheng helped Zhao Jiayu out of the carriage, then carried Lin Xizhao down. The three of them entered the residence, where Liu Wuxiang had been waiting for some time.

Zhao Jiayu sat by the table, watching the doctor take her pulse with both hands, and was reminded of Cheng Xi. Cheng Xi had once taken her pulse just like this.

            

“Where are you from, Doctor?” Zhao Jiayu asked casually.

Liu Wuxiang looked up at her and smiled. “The four seas are my home.”

“Then what about your wife and children?” Zhao Jiayu continued.

            

“At an old friend’s home,” Liu Wuxiang answered, not hiding anything.

After a few more questions, Zhao Jiayu lost interest. Liu Wuxiang checked the joints of her body, wrote out a prescription to nourish the fetus, and was about to leave.

“Hey, wait a moment. My sister has also been feeling unwell lately. Could you take a look at her as well?”

            

Liu Wuxiang looked at Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng. “Which one?”

Zhao Jiayu turned, glanced at Lin Xizhao, and smiled. “The gentle one.”

Liu Wuxiang nodded and, pretending not to know her, said to Lin Xizhao, “Would this young lady please be seated.”

            

Lin Xizhao played along and sat down, extending her hands. Liu Wuxiang took her pulse with both of his. After a moment, he said, “You have too many worries on your mind and often cannot sleep at night. I will prescribe a formula for you, guaranteed to give you a sound night’s sleep.”

Hearing this, Qu Sheng grew tense. Since they had returned, she had been sleeping less, but she had been able to sleep. At night, Lin Xizhao barely moved, so Qu Sheng never woke up. She hadn’t noticed at all that Lin Xizhao wasn’t sleeping well.

Lin Xizhao looked back at Qu Sheng, saw the worry in her eyes, and smiled faintly. “It’s nothing. I’ve just been eating too much during the day these past few days and have some indigestion.”

            

Qu Sheng knew very well whether it was indigestion or not. Lin Xizhao ate so little to begin with; how could she possibly have indigestion?

Qu Sheng said nothing. After Liu Wuxiang left, she quickly followed him out.

“How is my fourth sister-in-law?” Qu Sheng asked in a low voice as they walked.

            

Liu Wuxiang glanced at her. “She also has toxins in her body. The fetus’s heart meridian is connected to hers. I’m afraid this child…” Liu Wuxiang wasn’t certain what would happen, but there would be problems of some kind. As for what kind, anything was possible.

Hearing Liu Wuxiang’s words, Qu Sheng stopped in her tracks, her fingers clenching so tightly they cracked. She had already sent Feng Qi to ask Madam Zhao where that pair of handkerchiefs had come from.

“Doctor Liu, are you truly not confident you can save my Fourth Brother?”

            

Liu Wuxiang shook his head. “For now, there is no other way.”

Liu Wuxiang had been staying at the Qu Marquis Residence in Shoulin. Before leaving, out of gratitude for their hospitality, he had left an address where they could find him if needed. It was a coincidence that he was practicing medicine in the Shoulin area, so he had arrived in time. A few days later, and Qu Yu would have died from the poison attacking his heart.

For now, Liu Wuxiang had suppressed the spread of the poison and removed the handkerchief that was continuously poisoning Qu Yu. His condition was stabilized, but in this state, he was not much different from a dying man.

            

This poison was not one that killed on contact with blood. It was colorless and odorless, slowly corroding a person’s heart, lungs, and other organs. It was unnoticeable at first, and only after accumulating over time would the signs of poisoning become apparent.

“That handkerchief cannot be washed clean, no matter how many times it’s washed. It must have been soaked for over a year. Each wash might remove a little. Your Fourth Brother must love his wife very much,” Liu Wuxiang said with a smile.

If it weren’t for frequent use and contact with the skin, or being sniffed lightly, he couldn’t have been so deeply poisoned. With normal use, it would take at least half a year for this handkerchief to show any signs of discomfort. Some officials and nobles would discard it after just a few uses, yet he had used it for so long.

            

Qu Sheng merely glanced at Liu Wuxiang without answering.

Zhao Jiayu was also poisoned. For now, it wouldn’t affect her health, but the fetus in her womb…

“I found several vials of medicinal liquid elsewhere. Has Doctor Liu been able to identify what they are?”

            

Liu Wuxiang nodded. “Not a single one is related to this poison, but they are all poisons nonetheless.”

Qu Sheng lowered her eyes in thought for a moment. Could it be that they’ve all been used up?

The two talked as they walked to the back gate. As Qu Sheng saw him onto his carriage, she asked, “Doctor Liu, is there any way to get my Fourth Brother up so he can see my fourth sister-in-law?”

            

“His body has just stabilized. Do you want him dead?” Liu Wuxiang refused. For the patient’s sake, he couldn’t be allowed to get up and walk around for the time being.

“But he should be able to after ten days to half a month of recuperation,” Liu Wuxiang said thoughtfully, his hands clasped together.

Though he was just a doctor, he had some understanding of the human heart. When a young couple was separated for a long time, they would naturally worry and miss each other.

            

A hint of a smile appeared on Qu Sheng’s face. “In that case, many thanks, Doctor Liu.”

Qu Sheng offered her sincere thanks. Liu Wuxiang smiled, stroked his short beard, and boarded the carriage.

Qu Sheng returned to the courtyard. Lin Xizhao was still with Zhao Jiayu, keeping her company. A servant had already gone to fetch the medicine, and it would be delivered once it was prepared.

            

For the noon meal, they stayed to eat in Qu Yu and Zhao Jiayu’s courtyard.

As Zhao Jiayu was eating, she suddenly remembered where she had lost her handkerchief. She looked at the other two and said, “Do you remember the day we were playing with the feather shuttlecock with Third Sister-in-law, before you two left?”

Qu Sheng took a sip of soup and looked up. “What about it?”

            

“I saw Xizhao wipe your sweat, and she wiped Third Sister-in-law’s sweat too—”

Hearing this, Qu Sheng shot to her feet, startling Zhao Jiayu. “What are you doing? You scared me to death.”

Qu Sheng stared at Zhao Jiayu, stunned. Zhao Jiayu patted her chest and asked with a hint of complaint, “What is it with this handkerchief? Why are you reacting so strongly?”

            

Qu Sheng’s throat moved. She quickly ran off toward Qian Shuangying’s quarters.

Qian Shuangying was just preparing to go to the small courtyard to see Qu Yu. Seeing Qu Sheng rushing over in a panic, she asked, “Fifth Sister, what’s wrong?”

“The handkerchief! Where is the handkerchief Jiayu gave you last time?” Qu Sheng asked urgently.

            

Qian Shuangying thought for a moment, then suddenly remembered the handkerchief she had set aside and forgotten. “I’ll go get it for you now. Did Fourth Sister-in-law ask you to come get it?”

Qian Shuangying walked into her room, and Qu Sheng followed. Seeing Qian Shuangying about to retrieve the handkerchief, Qu Sheng quickly said, “Don’t touch it. I’ll do it.”

Qian Shuangying watched as Qu Sheng took out her own handkerchief and carefully used it to pick up the other one. “Is there something wrong with this handkerchief?”

            

Qu Sheng wrapped the handkerchief up, looked up at Qian Shuangying, and said, “This handkerchief is a pair with Fourth Brother’s. The poison he was afflicted with came from this handkerchief.”

Qian Shuangying’s expression was one of shock.

Fortunately, she had been in a daze those few days and had forgotten about it. After the maid washed and put it away, it had slipped her mind. If she had remembered and returned it to Zhao Jiayu, the consequences would have been unthinkable.

            

“Have you found out who poisoned it?” Qian Shuangying asked.

Qu Sheng put the handkerchief away. “Not yet. I’ve sent Feng Qi to investigate. He should be back soon.”

Qu Sheng had really wanted to go herself, but she had been too worried about Zhao Jiayu at the time and couldn’t leave now.

            

Qian Shuangying nodded. “How is Fourth Sister-in-law now?”

“She’s also been poisoned, but her condition is much lighter than Fourth Brother’s. It’s just that the child will likely have many problems.” As Qu Sheng spoke, a trace of sorrow appeared in her eyes. But then she remembered that Qian Shuangying had also come into contact with it and quickly added, “Later, Third Sister-in-law, go to Fourth Brother’s place and find Doctor Liu. Have him check your pulse, just in case.”

Qian Shuangying nodded. “Alright, I was just about to head over.”

            

After Qian Shuangying left, Qu Sheng took the handkerchief and ran into Feng Qi at the courtyard gate.

Feng Qi reported, “Madam Zhao said the handkerchief was made by a seamstress newly hired by the residence this year. The person has already been tied up.”

Qu Sheng nodded, her hand tightening around the handkerchief for a moment. “First, come with me to see Mother.”

            

When Qu Sheng returned to Zhao Jiayu’s side, Zhao Jiayu was almost finished eating. Seeing Qu Sheng return, she asked, “Did you get the handkerchief?”

Qu Sheng walked over. “No. Your handkerchief was blown away by the wind while a maid was drying it. Third Sister-in-law asked me to give you this as an apology.”

“It’s just a handkerchief…” Zhao Jiayu trailed off for a second. She thought about how hers was a pair with Qu Yu’s and how he might be unhappy when he found out, and her face fell. But a moment later, she thought that she shouldn’t be sad over a handkerchief. She feigned indifference and said, “It’s just a handkerchief, no need to apologize. Hey, why were you looking for it so urgently?”

            

Zhao Jiayu had once again hit the nail on the head. Qu Sheng was momentarily stunned by the question. As she looked up at Zhao Jiayu, she heard Lin Xizhao say, “Sheng’er said that last time she saw you and Fourth Brother using these mandarin duck handkerchiefs, she wanted to use a pair with me as well. That’s why she just remembered to ask you.”

“That’s easy. My mother gave us those handkerchiefs. Tomorrow—no, today, let’s go ask my mother. Let’s go.”

Zhao Jiayu was one to act on a whim.​⁴ She grabbed Lin Xizhao’s hand and started to head out.

            

Lin Xizhao looked back at Qu Sheng. After Qu Sheng nodded, she followed them out.

The three went to the Zhao Residence. It had been over a month since Zhao Jiayu had last visited. Since Qu Yu had stopped returning to the residence, no one had accompanied her. Although she hadn’t seen Qu Yu today, it was still nice to be able to go home and see her father and mother.

When the steward of the Zhao family saw Zhao Jiayu, he smiled and sent someone to quickly inform General Zhao and Madam Zhao.

            

Zhao Jiayu walked at a brisk pace, and by the time her parents came out to greet them, they had already reached the courtyard gate.

“Father, Mother.” Zhao Jiayu quickened her steps slightly.

“Aiyo, my good daughter, slow down.” General Zhao hurried forward, worried.

            

Zhao Jiayu smiled and went to meet them. As they drew near, Lin Xizhao curtsied in greeting, while Qu Sheng stood to the side and bowed her head slightly.

The group entered the courtyard. General Zhao was about to order someone to prepare a noon meal, but Zhao Jiayu said, “Father, don’t trouble yourself. This daughter has already eaten. I came today to ask about that handkerchief from last time. Is it possible to get another pair?”

General Zhao froze. That seamstress was currently locked up, awaiting interrogation by the Qu family. The couple had already heard from Feng Qi that the handkerchief was poisoned, but seeing that Zhao Jiayu’s had been lost and she was now here safe and sound, they didn’t dare ask too many questions.

            

“The seamstress in the residence went back to her hometown to get married a while ago. If you really want one, this mother will personally embroider a pair for you,” Madam Zhao said.

Hearing this, Zhao Jiayu’s face showed a moment of reluctance. She gave a hollow laugh. “Mother, let’s forget it.” Zhao Jiayu’s lack of embroidery skill was inherited. Madam Zhao knew a little, but she wouldn’t dare use anything she embroidered.

Zhao Jiayu turned back to Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng and spread her hands, indicating she was powerless.

            

Seeing this, Lin Xizhao smiled. “Since she has already returned to her hometown to marry, I will try my hand at embroidering one later.”

When Lin Xizhao spoke, General Zhao and his wife seemed to guess why Zhao Jiayu had come. They were currently keeping Qu Yu’s condition a secret from Zhao Jiayu. Hearing that the handkerchief was poisoned, they must have used it as an excuse when questioning her.

The group stayed at the residence for an hour before leaving. In the evening, Zhao Jiayu was tired and returned to her courtyard to rest. Only then did they have the free time to go to the Zhao Residence again, bringing Qian Shuangying with them.

            

Qian Shuangying had only touched the handkerchief once and never again. Doctor Liu’s diagnosis confirmed she was not poisoned.

The three arrived at the Zhao Residence. Madam Zhao said the woman had only arrived three months ago; the previous one had indeed left to get married.

“You will answer what I ask you. If you say anything untrue, no one will be able to save your life,” Qu Sheng said coldly to the seamstress before her.

            

The seamstress looked up and stared at Qu Sheng for a few moments before nodding hastily.

Lin Xizhao and Qian Shuangying didn’t think much of Qu Sheng’s questioning, but Madam Zhao, standing to the side, gave Qu Sheng a second look.

Qu Sheng pulled the cloth gag from the seamstress’s mouth. Without blinking, she took the wrapped handkerchief from Feng Qi’s hands and asked, “Who gave you the cloth for this handkerchief?”

            

“It was Lord Yan, Yan Fengwu, who gave it to this slave and instructed this slave to make it into a handkerchief for the young master of the Qu family to carry,” the seamstress said, her head bowed.

Qu Sheng stared at her evasive eyes and her gaze turned cold.

Qu Sheng remained silent. Feng Qi pulled out one of the seamstress’s hands, pressed it to the ground, and with extreme speed, used a blade to cut off her little finger.

            

The finger was severed. The seamstress broke out in a cold sweat from the pain and begged for mercy. “It has nothing to do with this slave! It was Lord Yan who made this slave do it!”

Qu Sheng’s expression didn’t change. Feng Qi cut off another one of her fingers. After she repeated her claim three times, the seamstress finally changed her story. “It was the Yan Residence’s eldest young master who handed this thing to this slave.”

Qu Sheng frowned slightly. She had placed the Yan family under strict surveillance ever since she had detoured to Changzhou on her way out of the capital. She had never heard of them having any connection with anyone from the Zhao Residence.

            

As for the deaths of Yan Fengwu and his son, the local authorities had simply ruled it a revenge killing, posted a notice, and hastily closed the case. The Emperor had not inquired after a dishonest official. In fact, Yan Fengwu’s death put the Emperor’s mind more at ease.

The matter hadn’t been blown up. For a mere seamstress to pin the blame on a dead man, she was clearly trying to create a situation with no one left to testify.

“I’m giving you one last chance. If you don’t tell the truth, I will make you eat it,” Qu Sheng threatened, her voice icy.

            

Hearing her words, the seamstress subconsciously glanced at the handkerchief, her gaze shifting up to Qu Sheng’s face. “This slave is telling the truth.”

“Feed it to her.” Qu Sheng stood up, and Feng Qi prepared to act.

“Wait.” Lin Xizhao took a step forward and said to Feng Qi, “Let me ask.”

            

Feng Qi paused and looked at Qu Sheng. Qu Sheng was also looking at Lin Xizhao. After a moment, she nodded.

Feng Qi took a step back with the wrapped handkerchief. Lin Xizhao then asked the seamstress, “You said Yan Fengwu’s son gave it to you. Then you must know what he looks like. What does he look like?”

The seamstress’s voice trembled. “It was too long ago. This slave can’t remember clearly.”

            

“If you can’t remember clearly, how did you know it was Yan Fengwu’s son when you saw him?” Lin Xizhao pressed.

“This slave…” As the seamstress stammered, Lin Xizhao asked again, “Someone pointed him out to you, correct?”

“Yes—ah, no, no one, no one,” the seamstress hastily denied.

            

Lin Xizhao cut through her panic. “Was this person someone close to you?”

Lin Xizhao’s rapid-fire questions left the panicked maid’s mind unable to keep up. She could only deny everything. “No, no, it was just me.”

“Then when did you meet?”

            

The maid blinked, her mind racing in panic for a few moments. “This slave doesn’t remember.”

With this string of denials, Lin Xizhao was certain she was lying. But getting her to name her instructor wouldn’t be easy. Just now, Qu Sheng had threatened to make her eat the poisoned handkerchief, and she still hadn’t told the truth. It seemed this seamstress was no ordinary woman.

Lin Xizhao paused for a moment and saw the woman’s breathing begin to even out. She knew that the woman had already prepared answers in her mind for the next questions.

            

Lin Xizhao asked a few more simple questions, which the seamstress answered one by one. Then, Lin Xizhao looked at Qu Sheng, General Zhao, and the others. “I’ve asked what I needed to ask, and I don’t think she’s lying.”

Her tone was certain. Qu Sheng lowered her eyes in thought for a moment, then said, “I keep my word. Let her go.”

Feng Qi was still a little confused, but he only hesitated for a second before untying the woman.

            

The seamstress clutched her hand and staggered out of the woodshed. Qu Sheng glanced at Lin Xizhao and heard her say, “There must be an accomplice of hers in this residence. She will surely die if she goes out. Have someone follow her.”

The Zhao Residence didn’t let the seamstress leave directly. Instead, they took her to the Accounts Room to collect her wages, then led her to pack her belongings before letting her out the back gate.

Before this, Qu Sheng had already arranged for people to follow anyone who left the Zhao Residence.

            

Yan Fengwu was already dead; it was impossible for him to send someone to kill the seamstress. If they could catch the killer, it would surely be someone sent by the mastermind. If they couldn’t get answers from one person, what about from several?

There had to be a coward​⁵ among them.

Night fell. Normally, no one would leave the residence at this hour, but in this short period, three people had left the Zhao Residence.

            

While having her people follow them, Qu Sheng also positioned others in the surrounding area. She herself personally followed the seamstress.

The seamstress clutched her hand, carrying her bundle on her back as she walked down a deserted road. Qu Sheng followed a short distance behind her. Seeing her start to hurry, Qu Sheng got onto a rooftop to tail her.

But as soon as she was up there, with a wider field of view, she saw a group of black-clothed figures perched on a distant rooftop.

            

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The author has something to say:

Qu Sheng: “I don’t want a mandarin duck handkerchief, it’s tacky. I want one with a dragon and phoenix bringing prosperity.”​⁶

Lin Xizhao: “…”

            

The mastermind is about to be revealed, guess who it is.

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