Fang Muyang would not mistake Xixi's handwriting.
Stroking the pebble in his palm, he could even faintly feel Xixi's warmth.
Aymu, with her back turned on the bed, couldn't help but sigh.
"I've only been at Hu Yu House for a little over two months."
"When I first arrived, Xixi was very kind to me."
"I had never seen such a happy girl in a brothel."
"Later, I heard she was going to be bought out, and I even worried if she was being tricked."
"The day she had her accident, I had just finished my dance practice and was passing by her room when I ran into Zhao Four and Third Young Master Hou running out, covered in blood."
"Worried about Xixi, I went in to check and saw her cut her own throat with scissors, blood flowing down her neck and all over her body."
"One hand clutched the scissors, and the other was originally gripping her lapel, but after seeing me, she started fumbling in her bosom."
"I quickly covered the wound on her neck, but the blood wouldn't stop. I don't understand your Great Xing people's magical hemostatic techniques; perhaps if I had known..."
Only now did Fang Muyang realize that Aymu had also witnessed the tragedy that occurred that night.
Hearing Aymu speak like this, Fang Muyang said with difficulty:
"I couldn't do it either. Perhaps Master's silver needles could have saved Xixi."
Through acupuncture, Fang Muyang could slow down the rate of blood loss, but he was still powerless to reverse the outcome.
Hearing Fang Muyang's answer, Aymu continued:
"Xixi handed me the pebble from her bosom, then looked at me with pleading eyes until finally her eyes lost all their luster."
"It was less than ten breaths of time, and I heard Zhou Mama bringing people outside the door, so I quietly left."
"At that time, I didn't know who 'Muyang' on the pebble was until you abducted me on the night of the courtesan parade."
"Originally, I didn't want to give you this stone; I felt you weren't worthy."
"Now, returning it to you doesn't matter anymore."
After saying this, Aymu remained silent, tucked herself into the blanket, and pretended to be asleep again.
Fang Muyang silently pressed the pebble to his chest and softly said to Aymu:
"Thank you."
Aymu, with her back to them, had already closed her eyes, but a small patch of her pillow was wet.
"Xixi, I've delivered your item."
"Your taste in men isn't bad."
Aymu's lips curved into a slight smile, then she fell into a deep sleep.
Li Xuan looked at Aymu, who had fallen asleep again on the bed, and couldn't help but feel that this person was also quite interesting.
After carefully putting away the pebble Xixi had left for him, Fang Muyang returned to the table.
He then slowly removed the Thousand Faces from his face and took out another human skin mask from his bosom.
"Here are these two human skin masks for you."
Li Xuan first put away one human skin mask, and when it was time for the Thousand Faces, he looked up at Fang Muyang.
However, Fang Muyang shook his head and said:
"Xixi's appearance is imprinted in my heart. I remember, I remember very clearly, so I don't need this."
Li Xuan nodded and put away the Thousand Faces.
He had originally intended to let Fang Muyang keep it for a couple more days, but it seemed he had overthought it.
Fang Muyang didn't need the Thousand Faces.
After confirming that Fang Muyang had no other matters he needed help with, Li Xuan bid farewell and left.
It was almost noon now; if he didn't return soon, Ankang Princess would likely become anxious.
On the way back, Li Xuan also thought about Fang Muyang's situation.
Although his great revenge was exacted, Li Xuan could feel that Fang Muyang wasn't particularly happy; instead, he felt even more empty.
In the past, the thought of revenge had sustained him.
But now, Fang Muyang could only continuously experience the pain of losing Xixi.
"I hope he can adapt soon."
Li Xuan believed that one couldn't truly overcome such a thing; one could only slowly adapt to the pain of loss.
Occasionally, one would suddenly see something and be reminded of the person, reopening the wound, which would then scab over again.
Round and round, until numbness set in.
After Li Xuan returned to Xingqing Palace, he quickly found Ankang Princess.
Ankang Princess hadn't left the palace today, merely strolling around Xingqing Palace.
Since leaving the palace, she hadn't had a chance to properly look at this place.
This place was originally inhabited by many Imperial Princes and Princesses who came to Wannian County to investigate cases, but now their figures were nowhere to be seen all day long.
Princess Yuan'an had originally come to find Ankang Princess to play this morning, but Ankang Princess was not in the mood, so Princess Yuan'an had to go out by herself.
It was rare for her to escape her mother's sight and enjoy such freedom outside the palace, so she naturally wouldn't miss the opportunity.
Princess Yuan'an only assumed that Ankang Princess was tired after playing for a few days, so she didn't take it too much to heart.
When Ankang Princess saw Li Xuan running towards her from afar, her face immediately lit up with a smile.
"Li Xuan, why are you only just back? Where did you go to play again?"
Ankang Princess teased Li Xuan in her arms, asking dotingly.
She naturally knew that Li Xuan had gone to help Fang Muyang.
However, these words could not be spoken in front of outsiders.
the Eunuch responsible for recording Ankang Princess's words and actions was still nearby.
Ever since they decided to help Fang Muyang, the Three Little Ones had kept this matter a secret.
Even when they needed to discuss it among themselves, they would communicate by writing on each other's bodies.
This way, the Eunuch recording their words and actions could not know the content of the Three Little Ones' communication.
Yu'er pushed Ankang Princess and Li Xuan around Xingqing Palace, and Li Xuan took this opportunity to tell Ankang Princess everything that had happened from last night until earlier.
Yu'er also watched intently from behind, almost pushing Ankang Princess and Li Xuan into the pond several times. Fortunately, Ankang Princess coughed in time to remind her, preventing Yu'er from making a huge mistake, which made the Flower-Clad Eunuchs guarding nearby tremble with fear.
They thought, this Ankang Princess's personal maid was truly unreliable.
That Ankang Princess could live to this day unharmed was truly a blessing of great fortune.
Ankang Princess and Yu'er, after hearing the process, were also filled with sighs and were curious about Aymu, the courtesan from Hu Yu House.
"Li Xuan, I just feel that this courtesan lady is also quite extraordinary."
Ankang Princess secretly wrote on Li Xuan's backside.
Li Xuan nodded silently.
Moreover, when Aymu was alone with him, Li Xuan had seen her looking at him with a particularly strange gaze.
There was eagerness, expectation, and many complex emotions in that gaze, but Li Xuan did not feel any malice from it.
This made Li Xuan even more confused about Aymu.
"Could she also be a lovesick woman captivated by my beauty?"
Li Xuan held his small face with his two front paws, looking very troubled.
At this moment, he put aside his self-pity and brought up the series of theft cases that she had on her hands.
In the morning, Li Xuan had already returned the lost items to the owners; for those that couldn't be returned, Fang Muyang compensated with silver, leaving a note written by Aymu.
If they visited again, the case should be able to be successfully closed.
After lunch at Xingqing Palace, the Three Little Ones once again brought people to Wannian County Government Office.
After explaining their purpose, the same two constables from last time accompanied them on another round of visits.
Because Ankang Princess had treated the two constables well last time and given them generous rewards, the two constables were very enthusiastic about Ankang Princess's arrival.
Even though it was the same route of visits again, the two constables had no complaints whatsoever.
Everyone else thought it would be another fruitless visit, but they started getting results from the very first household.
The lost items were found again.
The owner said somewhat sheepishly that he might have forgotten where he put them, causing him to apologize profusely.
Although the two constables found it strange, they recorded it down.
Because in Great Xing, filing a false report also carried penalties.
Depending on the severity of the impact, punishments could range from the lightest verbal warning to severe imprisonment or execution.
Li Xuan hadn't expected this first owner to be so careless.
He had clearly followed Fang Muyang's instructions to put the items back in their original place, yet the owner still claimed he forgot where he put them.
Even if he genuinely forgot, how could he admit it so casually at this point?
This case had already been classified as a series of thefts, and if it were determined to be a false report, the punishment would certainly not be light.
Fortunately, these two constables were quite responsible and did not just listen to his side of the story. Although they found it strange, they only recorded it for now, intending to finish all visits today before deciding.
They continued to visit the remaining owners, who were much more clever this time.
Some said they didn't know how the items reappeared, while others said the thief had returned them, but no one else claimed it was their own oversight.
Li Xuan also secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
It wasn't until they visited the pharmacy and blacksmith shop where silver and notes were left that the two constables realized the case had taken a turn.
The two constables couldn't understand the Western Regions language Aymu had written on the notes, so they immediately took the notes and returned to the yamen with Ankang Princess and her group to find someone to translate.
There were indeed talented people in the Wannian County Government Office, and they quickly found someone proficient in the common language of the Western Regions, who soon translated the content of the notes.
It proved that Aymu had indeed not played any tricks; the content was exactly what Fang Muyang had asked her to write.
Thus, the matter finally had a conclusion.
Now, whether the items were returned to their rightful owners or compensated, the owners all had an explanation.
Especially those who received monetary compensation, they had no complaints whatsoever.
Because, in the end, they even made a profit.
The county yamen had thought another case would pile up, so they were naturally delighted to have such a resolution.
They immediately designated the culprit as a mischievous rogue from the Western Regions, who, now succumbing to the might of the Great Xing government, had voluntarily returned the stolen goods and made compensation, which was considered a timely remedy.
The Wannian County Government Office issued a strict warning, reminding this mischievous rogue from the Western Regions not to offend again, and also declared the authority of the government.
Just like that, Ankang Princess's case was smoothly closed in a rather muddled way.
Even County Magistrate Tang Zhi, the Wannian County Magistrate, personally came forward to praise Ankang Princess for her effective investigation, stating that her arrival had immediately put pressure on the rogue, forcing him to return the lost items.
Following this was a barrage of flattery, like a spring breeze, which made Ankang Princess feel light-headed.
County Magistrate Tang Zhi also knew that Ankang Princess had no power to speak of, but since she had solved a problem for him, a few words of blessing wouldn't be excessive, right?
Li Xuan, listening to County Magistrate Tang Zhi's flattery, nodded repeatedly, secretly taking notes.
These officials really know how to conduct themselves; even their flattery is so sophisticated.
The old Li Xuan used to scoff at these things, but now he analyzed every word.
County Magistrate Tang Zhi personally issued the case closure document, stamped it with his official seal, and also handed a copy to Ankang Princess.
This copy was to be taken to Emperor Yongyuan to report.
Ankang Princess directly handed the case closure document to the Eunuch responsible for recording their words and actions.
the Eunuch, who had been silent for so many days, only put away his paper and pen and spoke his first words after receiving the document.
"Ankang Princess, your case has concluded. Does this humble one need to return to the palace immediately to deliver the investigation records?"
The Three Little Ones were startled; they hadn't expected such a good thing.
They had originally thought that the Eunuch responsible for recording their words and actions would follow them until they left the palace.
But now it seemed that after the case was solved, they could have this Eunuch return to the palace early to report the news.
The Three Little Ones had been practically driven mad these past few days, so they naturally wished for the Eunuch to return quickly.
Ankang Princess quickly nodded and said:
"You've worked hard these past few days, the Eunuch. Please go back and report the news immediately."
After receiving Ankang Princess's order, the Eunuch responsible for recording their words and actions added a few more lines to his record book before respectfully excusing himself and leaving.
Without someone constantly monitoring their every move, the Three Little Ones immediately felt much more relaxed.
The Three Little Ones exchanged glances, each seeing the other's happiness.
"In that case, Your Highness's palace trial this time can be considered successfully completed, right?"
Yu'er rarely spoke up on her own initiative.
Ankang Princess nodded happily:
"At least there's an explanation. For the next few days, we can play to our heart's content."
Although the Flower-Clad Eunuchs responsible for protecting their safety were still there, these Flower-Clad Eunuchs wouldn't pay too much attention to their every move, nor would they record it.
Moreover, they were all considered Zhao Feng's people, and Li Xuan still trusted them.
"Phew--"
"Finally, no one is constantly watching."
Speaking of which, the Eunuch responsible for recording their words and actions had put a lot of pressure on them.
They were afraid that any mistake they made would be recorded and reported to Emperor Yongyuan.
Emperor Yongyuan's arrangement was probably also intended to put pressure on all the Imperial Princes and Princesses.
For those like the Three Little Ones who had successfully solved the case, it was fine, but if they hadn't solved the case yet, and with such a pressure-inducing presence beside them, they would probably become increasingly anxious later on.
Having sent away the Eunuch responsible for recording their words and actions, the Three Little Ones, feeling light, prepared to leave the Wannian County Government Office with the Flower-Clad Eunuchs.
Counting the time, it was already the fourth day since they left the palace.
After they had lunch at Xingqing Palace, they came out to investigate and visit, spending an entire afternoon, and now it was almost time for dinner.
Ankang Princess counted on her fingers, realizing there were still three full days to play carefree outside the palace, making her even more excited.
But just as they were exiting the county government office's main gate, they saw a team of officers escorting a prisoner back.
The prisoner was disheveled and unkempt, clearly not paying much attention to hygiene, with a shifty demeanor, and was shouting about being wronged.
Behind this prisoner, there was also an officer with a delicate-looking woman, who was crying incessantly.
The woman had a charming face and thin clothing, looking a bit disheveled at the moment.
Coupled with her distinctive wheat-colored skin, Li Xuan recognized her at a glance.
"This guy is too proactive, isn't he?"
Li Xuan broke out in a sweat.
In the morning, Aymu was still discussing with Fang Muyang how to frame Xixi's uncle, and unexpectedly, in the afternoon, he had already been brought to justice.
Aymu, who was returning with the officers, also saw Li Xuan in Ankang Princess's arms at this moment.
Li Xuan saw clearly that Aymu secretly gave him a playful wink from within the crowd, then naturally continued her tearful offensive, telling the officers how Xixi's uncle was inhumane.
Such a delicate beauty, being bullied to this extent, made the young officers furiously kick Xixi's uncle a few times to vent Aymu's anger.
"As expected of a courtesan queen, her skill at manipulating men is truly masterful."
Li Xuan sweated like a cat; with Aymu as a witness, Xixi's uncle's guilt was now confirmed.
And no sooner had Aymu entered with the officers than another group of people arrived.
Li Xuan recognized them all: one group was the Hou family, led by Steward Fan, and the other seemed to be from Hu Yu House.
It was just that he didn't know the current situation of Hu Yu House, whether there was someone in charge after Zhou Mama's death.
Thinking of this, Li Xuan eagerly wanted to open Zhou Mama's small wooden box to see if there were any land deeds and house deeds inside.
Perhaps, taking advantage of this opportunity, he could even acquire some properties outside the palace for Ankang Princess.
At this moment, Ankang Princess secretly wrote on Li Xuan's bottom:
"Is that Xixi's uncle?"
"He deserves it!"
"Miss Aymu is quite interesting."
Ankang Princess had also seen Aymu wink at Li Xuan earlier and couldn't help but smile.
Li Xuan wagged his tail, noncommittal.
He was still unclear about Aymu's identity and purpose; it was too early to say anything now.
Ankang Princess felt a bit hungry, so she led her people to Cuihua Tower.
After eating there last time, Ankang Princess felt that the restaurant's cooking was quite good.
Although it couldn't compare to the Imperial Cuisine in the palace, it had its own unique characteristics.
Ankang Princess also didn't forget to send someone to deliver a message to Yuan'an Princess; if she hadn't eaten yet, she should come to Cuihua Tower to find her.
The shopkeeper of Cuihua Tower, seeing Ankang Princess come to patronize his business again, smiled so wide he couldn't close his mouth.
He was about to arrange Ankang Princess on the third floor again, but Ankang Princess refused, choosing to eat in the liveliest first-floor hall.
The shopkeeper of Cuihua Tower naturally wouldn't go against a customer's request, so he immediately found a large table in the hall and arranged another table next to it for the Flower-Clad Eunuchs and others.
Today, Cuihua Tower also had many people seated, and business was even better than the last time they came.
According to the old custom, Ankang Princess asked the shopkeeper of Cuihua Tower to arrange some dishes as he saw fit.
Ankang Princess had been quite satisfied with the dishes the shopkeeper recommended last time.
The shopkeeper immediately took the order and quickly served the dishes to Ankang Princess's table.
When all the dishes were served, the shopkeeper personally brought a large pot of rock sugar honey dew.
He had seen Ankang Princess enjoy drinking this last time, so this time he directly gave a large pot, enough to drink until satisfied.
Ankang Princess noticed the shopkeeper was in a good mood and couldn't help but ask curiously:
"Does the shopkeeper have any recent happy events?"
"I see you look refreshed, as if good things have happened to you."
The shopkeeper of Cuihua Tower immediately laughed heartily and casually said:
"The biggest happy event is that you, Young Lady, have come to patronize us again, isn't it?"
"As long as you come often, I'll be this happy every day."
The shopkeeper of Cuihua Tower said a few more pleasant words, then repeatedly apologized and went to attend to his business.
And indeed, Cuihua Tower's business tonight was really good.
The spacious first-floor hall was quickly filled with people shortly after Ankang Princess and her group arrived, making it exceptionally lively.
It seemed that not everyone in the East Market was a dissolute scoundrel who drank heavily every day.
Ankang Princess, looking at Cuihua Tower's thriving business, was also happy for the shopkeeper.
The Three Little Ones exchanged glances, their thoughts in sync.
The shopkeeper of Cuihua Tower's happiness was probably related to two old acquaintances.
It was just that the shopkeeper certainly couldn't say such things aloud; it was enough for him to be happy in his heart.
With the two scourges, Zhao Four and Third Young Master Hou, gone, hopefully Cuihua Tower could avoid the 'business' of having its shop smashed in the future.
The Three Little Ones still clearly remembered that the first time they encountered Zhao Four, he was riding his horse wildly in the East Market, and when a Flower-Clad Eunuch blocked his way, he directly whipped him fiercely with his horsewhip.
If it weren't for the Flower-Clad Eunuch's high skill, what would have happened if it were an ordinary person, or even a little girl like Ankang Princess?
When Zhao Four rode his horse wildly, why did everyone avoid him like the plague, fearing him like snakes and scorpions?
People's fear of venomous snakes and scorpions is an instinct that has been ingrained in their genes through generations of evolution, a process for which many people paid with their lives to make others remember this fear.
And what price was paid for the fear of Zhao Four?
Was Cuihua Tower the first restaurant to be smashed by the young scions?
Was it such a coincidence that they encountered such a 'business-minded' shopkeeper of Cuihua Tower?
The young scions paid money just to avoid lawsuits and trouble.
As for how much they compensated, it was up to them.
How many people among them couldn't bear it, lost their businesses, losing the efforts of several generations in one go?
Facing such things, what else could one do but accept their bad luck?
The destructive power caused by privilege combined with the indulgence of desire had been vividly demonstrated by Zhao Four and Third Young Master Hou.
Ankang Princess was certain that she truly disliked people like Zhao Four and Third Young Master Hou.
She couldn't help but start to ponder how to make the world have fewer such people.
In Ankang Princess's heart, a vague seed slowly began to take root, unsure if it could successfully sprout and bear satisfactory fruit in the future.
Li Xuan silently looked up at Ankang Princess, who was eating and observing the people in the hall, wondering what she was thinking.
Li Xuan snuggled deeper into Ankang Princess's arms, used his paw to reach for Ankang Princess's hand holding the chopsticks, and then pointed to the sweet and sour carp on the table.
Ankang Princess startled from her daze, saw Li Xuan in her arms asking her to help pick up food, and smiled exceptionally brightly.
"Li Xuan, I'll pick out all the bones for you, don't rush."