Chapter 22: Chang'an Tong Que Ming (Melody of Golden Age)

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Chang'an Tong Que Ming (Melody of Golden Age)

 Chapter 22: 

The Prince

“Ha ha ha…”

The people in the hall burst into hearty laughter, clapping the tables in amusement. Madam Tang did not fit the image of a vicious criminal; she was slender and not tall, with a frail appearance that made her seem more like a victim than a perpetrator.

But Zhu Yan was unfazed. She rose and bowed respectfully, saying:

“Your Highness, please be assured, I have no intention of suspecting Madam Tang. It’s just that this morning, when I encountered Madam Tang outside Ximing Temple, everyone was in a panic after hearing about the discovery of numerous coffins inside the temple. However, Madam Tang remained perfectly composed, exhibiting an unshakable calm as if she were unaffected by the chaos. Such poise is truly extraordinary, and I admire it greatly, which is why I inquired further.”

Zhu Yan remained composed, her face unflushed and heart steady, which made Shen Du look at her with increased interest.

The Princess Yong'an, currently favored by Empress Dowager Zhou Zhao, was rumored to be as skilled in strategy as Crown Prince Li Chong. If not for Zhang Xiang's efforts to protect the Crown Prince, the throne might have been occupied by this very Princess Yong'an. She was the only princess of the current era to be granted the title of "Your Highness."

“Oh, I see,” Princess Yong'an said, “Given Madam Zuo's noble background, she is indeed beyond the reach of ordinary people.” The use of "Zuo" here was a nod to Madam Tang's maiden name.

Princess Yong'an did not seem inclined to press the matter further. As Zhu Yan was Shen Du's wife and the princess wished to win over the cabinet, she redirected the conversation:

“Do you truly believe the killer is a woman?” 

Zhu Yan replied as before, “Most likely.”

“Given this, there's no absolute certainty,” Princess Yong'an said, turning to Shen Du, “What does the Grand Chief Guard think?”

Shen Du furrowed his brow: “Without sufficient evidence, I dare not draw conclusions prematurely.”

“Heh heh heh, the Grand Chief Guard’s cautious approach is indeed the blessing of His Majesty,” Princess Yong'an continued with a light smile, “However, I have a question.”

No one responded, and Madam Tang added supportively, “What question does Your Highness have?”

Princess Yong'an smiled gently: “I believe the killer cannot be a woman, and even less so someone living far away. Transporting over a dozen bodies would be challenging even for a man, let alone a woman. With bodies coming from different places, if the killer lived far away, it would take considerable time to navigate the streets. How could a woman manage such a task? Madam Tang, what do you think?”

Madam Tang agreed: “I also believe this to be the case.”

Zhu Yan kept her eyes on her toes, remaining silent and not daring to overstep. She had been warned by the sharp pain in her hand from Shen Du's grip. The warning was clear: a mere look was enough, so why did he still hold her hand? Shouldn’t Shen Du be distancing himself from her, especially with someone as favored by the Empress Dowager as Princess Yong'an present?

“Grand Chief Guard,” Princess Yong'an said, her naturally smiling lips curving up, “Were your thoughts on the matter earlier aligned with what I said?”

Shen Du's expression remained neutral, as if the discussion were of no concern to him: “I only consider facts and evidence, not idle speculation.”

“Oh, is that so?” Princess Yong'an set down her fan and placed her hand on its surface, her long lashes fluttering as her tone shifted, “If I recall correctly, the Empress Dowager did not instruct the Grand Chief Guard to investigate the serial murder case.”

The comment about protecting the Liang family's second branch was inappropriate to say in front of everyone, but Shen Du, the White King of Hell, naturally understood.

Zhu Yan felt the atmosphere becoming increasingly tense, realizing that power struggles among the elite were fraught with hostility.

Shen Du nodded, his lips curving into a deep smile: “I will report this matter to Her Majesty personally. Please do not worry, Your Highness.”

The conversation felt like a ball being hit into the breeze, leaving a silent calm.

“Indeed, that is best,” Princess Yong'an said, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized Zhu Yan. “Since the Empress Dowager trusts the Grand Chief Guard, I naturally trust him as well. However, I find Madam Shen’s analysis of the case quite intriguing. May I ask a few more questions? What do you think, Madam Tang?”

“Indeed,” Madam Tang agreed, picking up her fan and fanning herself. She glanced at Zhu Yan with a sidelong look and said softly, “Madam Shen is truly remarkable. To have such insight at such a young age, no wonder the Grand Chief Guard holds her in such high regard.” Her eyes then shifted to the entwined hands of the two.

Shen Du narrowed his eyes and said, “Madam Tang, you flatter me. The deep affection between you and your late husband is indeed a cherished tale in the city. We are truly unworthy in comparison.”

He made no move to release her hand.

Zhu Yan was at a loss for words.

Madam Tang's hand, holding the fan, froze momentarily before she resumed its gentle motion. She continued, “I almost believed Madam Shen’s suggestion that the killer was a woman. However, if it were indeed a woman, how could she manage to transport so many bodies from afar to this location? And why bring them to Ximing Temple? Ximing Temple is a royal temple with countless visitors and many eyes watching. How could a delicate woman avoid all this scrutiny and manage to transport and bury so many bodies unnoticed?”

“Ha ha ha, Madam Tang’s question is indeed insightful. Madam Shen, do share your thoughts,” said Princess Yong’an, clapping her hands and smiling brightly. Her delicate phoenix eyes, when narrowed, bore an uncanny resemblance to the Empress Dowager Zhou Zhao’s.

Her smile was cold and unfeeling.

Zhu Yan lowered her head in contemplation, not answering immediately. Whether she answered or not, the result would be the same. Moreover, with Madam Tang so close, she felt a tightening in her chest, a heavy sense of oppression.

“Ah!”

A sharp pain surged through her, and Zhu Yan looked up at everyone, clasping her hands and saying, “I don’t know.” She shot a glare at Shen Du, who remained oblivious and kept his gaze straight ahead.

“Just like Princess Yong’an, I too have this question,” Zhu Yan said.

“Oh?” 

“Indeed, I do not know.”

“How disappointing.”

Princess Yong’an seemed to grow weary, lightly waving her hand. Her attendants stepped forward to support her. However, a clear, crisp sound rang out as a jade flower hairpin from her coiffure fell onto the table.

Zhu Yan quickly picked it up and handed it to Princess Yong’an. Yet, Princess Yong’an merely glanced at it briefly before withdrawing her light-colored half-sleeve.

“Let it be lost then. Since this jade flower hairpin has no connection with me, consider it as payment for the meal of the Grand Chief Guard and his wife, fulfilling the fate of today’s encounter.”

Zhu Yan: “……”

Shen Du: “……”

“Thank you, Princess Yong’an. May you have a long life, Princess Yong’an. Please travel safely.”

The atmosphere in the hall did not improve with Princess Yong’an's departure. Shen Du and Zhu Yan sat across from each other in silence.

Jing Lin, holding his chopsticks, stared at the table full of dishes, hesitating several times to pick up any.

A long while passed.

Shen Du moved, the rustling sound of his clothing accompanying his actions. He looked at Zhu Yan and said, "Is this all the courage you have, Miss Zhu? Are you so scared by Princess Yong’an that you’ve turned pale?"

He still never missed an opportunity to taunt her.

Zhu Yan endured the pain and replied, "If you don’t let go, it won’t be about my pale face anymore."

Only then did Shen Du realize he had been gripping Zhu Yan’s hand too tightly. He immediately released her, looking somewhat embarrassed, and cleared his throat:

"Did you notice anything?"

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