Chapter 21: Target Identified! The Killer Emerges from the Shadows

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Night had fallen, and the city lights were just beginning to glow.

Liu Shuyi rode his fine horse alongside Cheng Chumo and Du Gou, heading toward Pingkang District.

Du Ying, carrying the corpse, was on her way to the Ministry of Punishments. She was eager to begin the autopsy and put Liu Shuyi’s suggested method to the test.

At the thought of the cold and aloof forensic expert retrieving the dagger and whetstone before leaving, then sharpening the blade with a fierce determination, Liu Shuyi couldn’t help but smile and shake his head.

What kind of experience had forged such a unique temperament in Du Ying?

Even in later times, he had never encountered a woman quite like her.

As they rode, Cheng Chumo cast occasional glances at Liu Shuyi, hesitating to speak.

This did not escape Liu Shuyi’s notice. He asked, “Commander Cheng, do you have something to say?”

In the darkness, only a flash of white teeth floated in the air as Cheng Chumo looked embarrassed, scratching his head. “There’s one more question you haven’t answered.”

“What is it?”

Cheng Chumo said, “You haven’t explained how the murderer was able to find Madam Zhao and her child so precisely.”

“According to your account, the killer discovered Zhao Chengyi heading toward the Ministry of Revenue from the brothel. That’s when he realized something had happened to Zhao Chengyi. By then, Zhao’s wife and child might have already slipped away. So, how did he know they were hiding in such a remote Taoist temple?”

Liu Shuyi was pleased to hear such a logical question.

Though he felt the answer should be obvious to all, the fact that Cheng Chumo asked showed he was thinking along with him, not merely a bystander.

He smiled and said, “The hiding place was well concealed. For the killer to find it so quickly and accurately in the dead of night, there is only one possibility: he had prior knowledge of where Zhao’s wife and child would hide.”

“Prior knowledge?”

Cheng Chumo looked puzzled. “How could he know? Unless…”

Suddenly, his eyes widened as if struck by a revelation. “Could it be that Zhao Chengyi made a deal with the murderer in advance?”

“Looks like Commander Cheng has figured it out.”

Liu Shuyi gazed at the lantern-lit street lined with mansions, speaking slowly, “Since we left the Ministry of Revenue yesterday, Zhao Chengyi has been eager to write to Zhao Feng, who had long been abandoned as a scapegoat, urging him to come forward and falsely accuse me. This shows our investigation of Han Du’s death at the Ministry yesterday disturbed him—it made him feel threatened.”

“He doesn’t know how many clues I’ve uncovered, nor whether Zhao Feng can actually pin the crime on me. So he must have made the worst-case preparations, planning ahead to protect his wife and child by arranging their escape route and securing someone to receive them.”

“That makes sense! No wonder a frail woman and child could slip away silently during curfew and the closing of the district gates, and no wonder the killer could find such a hidden Taoist temple so precisely.”

Cheng Chumo’s expression finally clear, he added, “Zhao Chengyi is truly cunning! Even after being exposed, he arranged everything. No wonder he was so arrogant when we caught him last night! He must have thought his wife and child were already safe and he had nothing to worry about.”

“Indeed, he was cunning…”

Du Gou, usually gentle in demeanor, spoke with rare sarcasm, “Cunning enough to entrust his wife and child to a monster—one who mercilessly killed the young son and then raped and murdered the wife before the child’s corpse. Neither of them could rest in peace even in death.”

Cheng Chumo shook his head thoughtfully.

Though Zhao Chengyi was their adversary, the tragic end of his family was nonetheless heartbreaking.

No matter how clever and sly he was, what good did it do?

Trusting the wrong person destroyed everything.

It was a relief Zhao Chengyi was dead. Had he lived, he would surely suffer more than a thousand arrows piercing his heart.

But who else could be blamed?

Ultimately, he had brought this upon himself.

As these thoughts passed, a sudden brightness pierced their vision as if daylight had broken through.

They looked up.

They had arrived at the bustling and warmly lively Pingkang District.

…

Pingkang District, known as a gathering place for brothels in Chang’an, carried a fragrant breeze through the air.

Walking along the spacious street, although night was deepening, crowds continued to flow into the brothels.

At the ornately carved entrances, brightly dressed and charming courtesans arranged their handkerchiefs, smiling sweetly as they called to passersby.

“Sir, come here~”

“No, I’m not that sort of man.”

“I know you’re not, sir, so we’ll just chat about music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—no sleeping.”

“If there’s no sleeping, then why should I come?”

With that, the man, tugged along, flared with anger, flinging his sleeves as he turned toward another brothel where sleep was allowed.

Du Gou thought to himself, fortunate that his younger sister had gone to the Ministry of Punishments; if she saw this, who knows what jokes she’d make at his expense.

But then he recalled that she was off dissecting bodies, her hands stained with blood yet smiling coldly like a fairy. The thought gave him chills.

He mused that in Liu Shuyi’s eyes, she could never again be seen as a refined lady of noble birth.

He wondered if in this life she would ever fulfill the grave responsibility their father had entrusted to her.

“Director Liu!”

Cheng Chumo, fully absorbed in the case, had no time to admire the flamboyant women. Upon reaching Pingkang, he quickly looked toward Liu Shuyi.

Liu Shuyi nodded slightly. “There are many brothels here. We need not investigate each one, only those Zhao Chengyi passed through last night.”

He then pulled from his chest pocket the prescription for the drug powder Du Ying had written and handed it to Cheng Chumo. “Go and find out which brothels use this kind of aphrodisiac sachet.”

Du Ying had told Liu Shuyi that although these sachets were common in brothels, each establishment had a different formulation with varying emphases, so no two prescriptions were exactly alike.

Therefore, the prescription alone could narrow down the brothels considerably.

This explained why the killer had taken such painstaking care to clean and conceal the drug powder after it was discovered by the Zhao family.

Because this powder could directly lead to the killer’s hiding place last night.

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Cheng Chumo had been waiting for Liu Shuyi’s words. Taking the prescription without hesitation, he turned to lead the imperial guards on a grand search.

Watching the guards rush into the brothel, frightening the brightly adorned courtesans into pale-faced fright and causing the hypocritical men to hastily flee, Liu Shuyi narrowed his eyes and suddenly said, “Stop all these men. Don’t let anyone leave.”

Du Gou asked, “Are they suspects?”

Liu Shuyi shook his head, “Uncertain.”

“But since the killer has challenged me openly, he must be watching my progress.”

“To him, finding the Taoist temple is not a big deal. The real threat is whether I can find the brothel where he hides.”

“So this must be his most important place! My coming here means he is at great risk of exposure. He needs to control the latest information to respond promptly.”

“Therefore…”

In Liu Shuyi’s dark eyes, the flickering flames reflected as he said solemnly, “Either he will come here himself to watch, or he will have spies stationed here.”

Du Gou’s face changed upon hearing this.

He hadn’t expected to confront the killer so soon.

But on second thought, he realized the speed was due to Liu Shuyi’s exceptional investigative skills—no detours were taken.

Had they investigated alone, they might never have found the Taoist temple, let alone this place.

Liu Shuyi surveyed the panicked men and said, “So stop them. Even if we can’t catch the killer here, we can prevent his informants from passing messages, denying him any chance to prepare.”

Du Gou understood completely.

Without delay, he ordered, “I will command the men to block all exits and prohibit anyone from leaving.”

Then he spurred his horse and rode off swiftly.

Watching their busy movements, Liu Shuyi slowly exhaled the tension in his chest.

Recalling the blood-written message in the Taoist temple, his gaze darkened.

He did not know whether this move was anticipated by the killer.

If so, how would the killer respond?

If not, why would he dare leave such a blood message, even after scattering the drug powder and leaving footprints outside, to taunt him once more?

Did he truly believe the powder had been cleaned up completely, without a trace?

Or did he have a backup plan?

Straightening his back and gripping the reins firmly, Liu Shuyi knew he would soon find out.

…

Cheng Chumo acted swiftly. Within half an hour, he sent word to Liu Shuyi that they had found the brothel using this prescription.

Liu Shuyi immediately rode with Du Gou to the location.

The brothel, named Miao Yin House, was located in the middle section of Pingkang District, classified as mid-tier.

It was superior to the low-end brothels in the northern district that relied solely on beauty, but not as luxurious as those in the southern district where each courtesan had her own separate pavilion.

At present, Miao Yin House was surrounded by imperial guards; the courtesans and patrons were confined to the first floor’s main hall.

As Liu Shuyi entered, a cacophony greeted him: frightened cries, nervous explanations, and curious whispers about the sudden raid.

Cheng Chumo’s dark, serious face stood out as Liu Shuyi saw him standing before a graceful woman in her thirties.

“Director Liu!”

Cheng Chumo, keeping watch near the door, waved as he spotted Liu Shuyi.

His voice drew the attention of everyone present.

Only then did the courtesans and patrons realize that the true authority was this handsome young man before them.

“Who is he?”

“Judging from his robe, he doesn’t seem to be a high official!”

“Never mind rank, he’s so handsome!”

“Indeed, if he had a bit of learning, I’d accompany him for a night without charge.”

Hearing these bold and brazen remarks from the courtesans, Liu Shuyi’s eyelid twitched.

Now that they were under his control, with their freedom restricted and their lives in his hands, they dared speak so freely. If he came here at other times, would they not carry him off?

Truly, this was the Tang Dynasty—bold and confident even among brothel women.

Liu Shuyi composed himself and approached Cheng Chumo.

Cheng Chumo said directly, “I’ve asked all the brothels along the street; only Miao Yin House uses this kind of sachet.”

“Oh dear, Director Liu, you must stand up for us!”

Suddenly, the woman beside Cheng Chumo wailed plaintively, her voice soft and trembling as she pleaded with Liu Shuyi.

“We’re innocent! We just normally give sachets to our patrons. Who could have imagined one of them would commit murder! Director Liu, this really isn’t our fault. Please stand up for us!”

As she spoke, she leaned closer, nearly pressing her body against Liu Shuyi.

A sharp fragrance mixed with medicinal scent pierced his nostrils, causing him to frown.

He raised his hand and gently pushed the madam away.

“I never said you were guilty. As long as you cooperate with our investigation, you won’t be troubled.”

The madam seemed slightly pained by the push, drawing a soft breath.

But she did not get angry; instead, she patted her chest with relief and gave a coquettish wink.

“Director Liu, if you’d said so sooner, I’d certainly cooperate.”

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Her voice was irresistibly seductive.

With eyes as deep and clear as autumn waters, and natural charm, though over thirty, her advances were far more aggressive than the younger girls.

If Liu Shuyi had not lived two lives and seen all kinds of women, he might have been overwhelmed by the madam’s assault.

He nodded slightly, serious, and got to the point: “Tell me, how many guests stayed here last night? How many of your girls gave out sachets?”

The woman replied casually, “About thirty or so guests stayed.”

“Not ‘about.’ Give me exact numbers,” Liu Shuyi’s face suddenly hardened, his gaze sharp. “If your count differs from the actual, I have reason to suspect you’re aiding the killer in concealment, and you will be arrested as an accomplice!”

Though now a lowly official, in his past life he had solved many great cases and was a star in the leadership ranks. His solemn and authoritative demeanor now pressed heavily upon the woman.

She felt as if a mountain had suddenly crushed her, making it hard to breathe.

Her expression changed; she straightened her back and no longer spoke vaguely.

“I need to check the ledger…”

“Go.”

She hurried behind the counter and retrieved the account book.

After flipping through it, she said, “Thirty-five.”

Thirty-five…

Liu Shuyi glanced around the hall at the men present, roughly matching that number.

It appeared to be the usual crowd for this brothel.

“And how many received sachets?” he asked.

The madam dared not lie again, cautiously looking at Liu Shuyi.

“I don’t know; you’ll need to ask the girls.”

“Do so,” Liu Shuyi commanded, maintaining his stern air.

The madam rushed to the coquettish courtesans, wiping sweat from her brow with a handkerchief. It was clear she dared not delay.

Watching the madam converse with the girls, Cheng Chumo said to Liu Shuyi, “Director Liu, have you been to a brothel before? Otherwise, how could you so easily subdue the madam? I asked her the same questions but she was slippery as an eel, and I couldn’t get a single useful answer.”

Been to a brothel?

Du Gou’s eyelid twitched at Cheng Chumo’s use of “also”—was that a pointed hint?

Moreover, had Liu Shuyi really been to a brothel?

If so, should he tell his sister the truth?

Unaware of Du Gou’s inner conflict, Liu Shuyi explained, “The madam fears that if we fail to solve the case and catch the killer, she will be retaliated against.”

“To make her speak, we must let her know that if she refuses to cooperate, she will suffer now.”

“Between two harms, she will choose the lesser. Before knowing whether the killer will retaliate, her choice is obvious.”

Cheng Chumo blinked, as if having learned something new.

He sighed, “I never realized such simple questioning held so much meaning.”

Liu Shuyi smiled. In later times, interrogating witnesses was a specialized skill involving all aspects of human nature. People don’t simply answer whatever you ask.

Human hearts are complex; there is much to learn!

Just then, the madam returned.

Facing Liu Shuyi, she no longer flirted or winked. “I asked; last night five girls gave sachets to patrons.”

“Five?”

Not too many, not too few.

“Why give sachets to patrons?”

The madam said, “Why else? To make patrons feel more comfortable, more enamored with our girls, so they’ll come back… Of course, the sachets contain gold powder and are costly. The girls only give them to generous officials or wealthy merchants; ordinary people don’t get them.”

Du Gou whispered in Liu Shuyi’s ear, “Giving sachets selectively makes the recipients feel honored; it’s a status symbol. So patrons keep them and don’t easily discard them.”

A VIP gift, then?

Liu Shuyi raised an eyebrow.

But… Du Gou understood well!

Could Du Ying have been right? They were regular customers?

Liu Shuyi nodded slightly and continued, “Among these five, did anyone leave midway last night?”

“Leave midway?”

The madam thought for a moment, then her eyes brightened.

“There was, indeed, one.”

“Really!?”

Cheng Chumo and Du Gou’s eyes widened sharply.

Their breath momentarily caught!

Among those who received sachets, one left in the middle of the night…

Could this mean…

They looked rapidly at Liu Shuyi.

He suddenly narrowed his eyes and said, “Who?”