Investigation I

Feng Yao could feel Lang Huan's breath, warm and minty, brushing softly against her face. Just as Lang Huan straightened up, Feng Yao, catching her off guard, swiftly hooked her neck and pulled her closer.

Lang Huan froze, her eyes widening in shock. Her face turned red, and for a moment, she forgot how to breathe. She tried to pull away, but her body wouldn't move.

Feng Yao noticed her reaction and let out a quiet chuckle, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "Oh?" she mused softly. "Why do you look so nervous?"

The guards and A Li lowered their heads when they saw the scene.

Satisfied, Feng Yao finally released Lang Huan, letting the distance settle between them.

Lang Huan was speechless. No matter how much she wanted to be mad, she just got nervous every time she was near Feng Yao.

From across the way, A Cai covered his mouth. "Zhou Xun, is she the legendary princess? Tsk, tsk... It seems like the Young Master's relationship with her is progressing quite quickly."

"It seems so," Zhou Xun replied. "It's good that nothing happened to the Young Master." A Cai nodded in agreement."

"Then, his eyes landed on a woman helping Feng Yao into the carriage. "Who is that beauty?" he thought, his interest instantly sparked.

The princess's carriage had already left as Lang Huan walked toward A Cai and Zhou Xun.

"What are you staring at? Let's go home!" Lang Huan clapped her hands in front of A Cai's face.

"Young Master, is she really the princess? And who's the beauty behind her?" A Cai asked, grinning widely.

Seeing his eager expression, Lang Huan warned him. "If you want to live longer, stay away from them. The rumors are true—the Princess drinks blood. And so does the maid behind her." Then she jump to the carriage.

---

Lang Huan sighed and kicked her legs inside the carriage. The thought of what had just happened was really embarrassing. Her chest rose and fell as she covered her face and let out a frustrated scream. "Arrrggggggggggh!"

Zhou Xun and A Cai, who were driving the carriage, flinched in surprise.

"Did you hear that scream?" Zhou Xun asked, glancing around.

"I told you not to take this deserted road! It's haunted, you know!" A Cai replied, speeding up the carriage.

Upon arriving at the mansion, Lang Huan explained what had happened to Su Qing before heading into the study room. She pondered several plans to speed up the investigation.

Zhou Ming and Zhou An, who had just returned, reported to Lang Huan. "Young Master, I believe Miss Qing's disappearance is connected to the Jade Flower Kidnapping Case. We also found this fabric, which was snagged on the window."

Lang Huan held the fabric and examined its pattern. "This fabric has a tortoise motif… This looks like a soldier's uniform, doesn't it? Didn't the first-class soldiers of the Dragon Stallion Army also wear uniforms with their emblem?"

"Do you suspect that Miss Qing's kidnappers might be soldiers from the Black Tortoise Army? It seems like this case involves more than just ordinary people."

Lang Huan nodded. "Yeah, and maybe it's not that they can't be found—it's that no one dares to look. The mastermind might be someone powerful… someone so influential that anyone who tries to uncover the truth either fears them or keeps running into obstacles."

"Hmm, for now, what we can do is gather information on the kidnapped women and find out who holds command over the Black Tortoise Army"

"What exactly are they doing to these women?" Lang Huan murmured, racking her brain. "Mu Lian was found yesterday, with signs of sexual violence... Could the kidnapper be a pervert?

"Oh, also—check with the pharmacies and physicians in Luo City. See if anyone has been purchasing unusual amounts of tonic wines, aphrodisiacs, or dream-inducing powders."

"Zhou Ming, Zhou An, arrange for the elite forces to carry out the investigation as I instructed. We only have seven days… And send some men to Yun Xiang Tower. It's a top-class brothel with countless beautiful women—so why was Qing Meier the only one taken? Maybe the kidnapper will strike again."

"Ohh, and prepare a horse. I'm heading to the princess's mansion now."

"Understood!" Zhou Ming and Zhou An responded in unison.

---

As autumn painted the maple trees in brilliant shades of red and gold, Feng Yao sat alone in the pavilion of her residence, her slender fingers gliding gracefully over the guqin strings. The melody drifted through the crisp air, mingling with the delicate fragrance of blooming osmanthus.

Only after the song ended did A Li step forward respectfully and said, "Your Highness, Young Master Ye has been waiting in the mansion for two hours."

Feng Yao glanced at A Li and said, "Oh… so soon? Hmm, that brat seems quite capable."

She then slowly stood up, adjusted her accessories and robes, and walked gracefully in lotus steps toward the reception hall."

Before heading to the princess's mansion, Lang Huan took a bath and changed into white robes. She tied her hair neatly, securing it with a small crown and a silver hairpin. As she walked through the reception hall, the maids stole glances at her.

Lang Huan gazed at the princess's mansion in admiration. The mansion was even grander than the Duke's mansion, with its halls adorned with exquisite tapestries, fine porcelain, and priceless antiques. Richly woven rugs covered the floors, and the scent of sandalwood lingered in the air, creating an atmosphere of luxury and elegance.

As Lang Huan continued to take in the grandeur of her surroundings, Feng Yao, with a slight curl of her lips, gracefully walked through the corridor. Lifting her floor-length skirt, she noticed Lang Huan admiring a peach blossom painting from a distance, her attention captivated by its beauty.

Lang Huan turned around and saw Feng Yao. She wasn't sure if it was just her imagination, but Feng Yao looked even more beautiful than the last time.

Lang Huan bent onto one knee and gave a respectful salute. "Good Luck to Your Highness."

Feng Yao stretched out her hand and helped Lang Huan stand up.

At this moment, Feng Yao glanced at Lang Huan, observing her appearance. Lang Huan really looked like a handsome scholar.

She invited Lang Huan to sit and poured tea for her. "Is there something you would like to discuss?"

Lang Huan took out the fabric that Zhou Ming had found at the brothel and handed it to her. "Does Your Highness recognize this? Who holds authority over the Black Tortoise Army?"

Feng Yao handed the fabric back with a mysterious smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Why ask me? Isn't it your task to investigate this?"

 Lang Huan observed Feng Yao's expression, sensing something suspicious.

"Is Qiu Li really missing?" Lang Huan asked, her voice tinged with doubt. She didn't believe it. "Could Your Highness tell me how she went missing?"

Feng Yao raised an eyebrow and replied lazily, "She went missing after releasing you that day. She left to deliver a letter and never returned. Maybe you hold a grudge against me and took your revenge."

Lang Huan held her forehead, feeling a wave of frustration. It seemed truly useless to argue with this woman.

Feng Yao leaned back, her gaze sharp and composed. "The Black Tortoise Army is a special guard of the imperial palace, and not everyone possesses the authority to command them. You may return once you have found the truth."

Lang Huan narrowed her eyes slightly, her expression turning thoughtful as she processed Feng Yao's words. She curled her lips into a faint smile and said, "In that case, I shall take my leave now."

"Wait..." Feng Yao stopped Lang Huan, gesturing to A Li. A few moments later, A Li returned, carrying a mahogany food box. She opened it, revealing delicate pastries, which she placed on the table in front of Lang Huan.

"Please try it. I made Osmanthus pastries," Feng Yao offered with a calm smile.

Lang Huan tasted the pastry carefully, her eyes lighting up. "This is really delicious." The Osmanthus flavor danced on her tongue, sweet yet slightly fragrant, and for a fleeting moment, she forgot her frustrations.

Seeing Lang Huan savoring the pastries, Feng Yao's expression turned serious. "I put poison in the pastries."

Lang Huan froze, her mouth opening in shock, and the pastry she had been holding fell from her hand.

Feng Yao burst out laughing, while A Li held back a chuckle, clearly enjoying the moment.

Lang Huan felt that Feng Yao was a serious person, and when she made a joke, it was truly terrifying. Anyone would believe her words without a second thought. Not wanting to stay any longer, Lang Huan bowed politely before taking her leave.

Qiu Yue, who had been on guard in the tree, climbed down. She saw the empty white porcelain plate next to where Lang Huan had just sat. She whispered to A Li, "I also want to try the Osmanthus pastry made by Her Highness."

A Li took out another plate from the mahogany box and said, "Give it all to you."

She took a bite. "Is this really made by Her Highness? Why does it taste the same as the one I had in the kitchen before?" Qiu Yue asked.

A Li laughed out loud and said, "Have you ever seen Her Highness make pastry or cook?"

Feng Yao heard it and said, "Quick, take it, or I'll give it to others." Then she walked to south corridor, leaving the reception hall.