Chapter 18 The Hu Family Residence

After hearing Liu Jin’s words, the two superiors fell silent.

If it truly was Peng Ying who sent the three clerks, and yet Xue Rui remained unscathed, then there were only three possible explanations for their deaths.

First, that Xue Rui possessed unmatched martial prowess and, in the blink of an eye, killed the three men. Second, that he had called for assistance and set an ambush at the Pig Market, joining forces to slay them. Third, that the incident truly had nothing to do with Xue Rui at all.

Thinking of Xue Rui’s slight build, even Xu Dun found the idea absurd. He shook his head and said, “It shouldn’t be Xue Rui’s doing. He’s just a half-grown boy; where would he get such a murderous disposition? Besides, he doesn’t look like he could best three adults. I heard yesterday that half a month ago, men from the Marquis of Zhenyuan’s household struck his head, and he only recently regained consciousness. If he had such skills, he wouldn’t have suffered so.”

The investigating magistrate turned and asked, “Lord Xu, do you know anything about the Xue family? Could they have hired some enforcer or martial expert from the underworld?”

Xu Dun considered for a moment before dismissing the idea. “I’m afraid not. To my knowledge, the Xue family was once well-off in the city, but Xue Rui’s father, Xue Yuanhao, was imprisoned for a crime. Xue Rui and his mother were driven out by their relatives and now live outside the city walls, likely forced by hardship into desperate measures. To hire such an expert would require connections and wealth they simply don’t have.”

“That’s reasonable,” the magistrate nodded in agreement. Then he turned to Liu Jin, “Yesterday, after the conflict between Registrar Peng and Xue Rui, did Xue Rui leave the archives at any point, or interact with anyone outside?”

Liu Jin thought for a moment and shook his head. “Xue Rui stayed with the students the whole time and did not interact with anyone else. All of the students in the archives can attest to this.”

“Then the boy’s suspicion is cleared,” said the magistrate. Rising, he saluted Xu Dun. “Lord Xu, I have asked all I needed. Now, we must wait for a reply from the Astronomer Royal. If the three were indeed sent out on an errand, then it has nothing to do with the students in custody. If not, I’ll have no choice but to trouble you again.”

“You are too polite, Magistrate Ye. It is my duty to give everyone an explanation. There’s no need for formality.”

“Then I shall take my leave.”

With a bow, the magistrate departed.

Once outside the gates of the Imperial Observatory, he instructed the captain waiting for him, “Choose a few capable men and keep a close watch on that student, Xue Rui. Record carefully anyone he meets—leave nothing out. But remember, above all, do not alert him!”

...

Because the case involved Xue Rui, Liu Jin felt somewhat guilty. Upon returning to the archives, he refrained from telling Xue Rui that he had been discussed in detail with the investigating magistrate, for fear of worrying him.

He merely repeated his earlier account, saying the two officials had let him leave without further questioning.

Xue Rui did not seem suspicious. The case had been handled cleanly, with no clues left behind that might invite scrutiny. It seemed destined to become a cold case.

After the midday meal, Peng Ying, who had been absent all day, finally entered the archives.

By coincidence, Xue Rui was just about to leave, and the two came face to face.

Peng Ying, thinking Xue Rui meant him harm, recoiled several steps in fright, forcing out a stern but shaky, “You—what do you want?”

“Registrar, I was simply on my way to the privy. Is there something you wish to say?” Xue Rui replied with an innocent expression, pointing toward the latrines.

Peng Ying’s face flushed bright red, and he swept aside his sleeves to clear the way. “Go as you like! Why must you report such things to me?”

As soon as he entered the inner office, the students burst into muffled laughter. Peng Ying had met his match at last—Xue Rui had him utterly beaten; he would surely lose his arrogance now.

When their studies ended for the day, Xue Rui, as usual, accompanied Hu Zhong to his carriage for the ride home.

Because Hu Zhong had been unable to attend the morning assembly due to his lame leg, Xue Rui hadn’t seen him earlier.

Once they were halfway home, Hu Zhong lowered his voice, “The deaths of the three clerks—did you have anything to do with it?”

Xue Rui quickly shook his head. “Master, you worry too much. I’d never had any grudge with those clerks, nor had I ever met them. Besides, if I had the ability to kill three strong men with ease, I wouldn’t have been beaten senseless half a month ago.”

“True enough. It seems I was overthinking,” Hu Zhong nodded and said no more.

The rest of the journey passed in silence, and soon the carriage arrived at Dashi Yong Lane.

Hu Zhong’s residence was on Jujube Tree Alley, a district populated by the wealthy and powerful. The land here was as precious as gold; without considerable means, one could never afford a home in such a place.

Lifting the carriage curtain, Xue Rui looked around, the scene somewhat familiar. He vaguely remembered coming here years ago to pay respects on Hu Zhong’s birthday, only to be bullied by a fierce little maid, and had never returned since.

The carriage entered the residence by a side gate and stopped only at the inner courtyard.

Jumping down, Xue Rui surveyed the surroundings and gained a rough sense of his master’s wealth.

From outside, the residence appeared modest, but within, it possessed a spacious elegance. The architecture alone marked it as a three-courtyard house. The side chambers in the front courtyard housed servants; beyond the second gate was a serene central garden, tastefully arranged.

Supporting Hu Zhong into the central courtyard, Xue Rui expected to head for the main hall, but Hu Zhong pointed instead toward a covered walkway. “Take me to the inner quarters.”

Xue Rui hesitated. The inner quarters were highly private, and Hu Zhong still had a granddaughter not yet married. To enter unannounced could be a grave offense to the womenfolk. Moreover, he felt an inexplicable reluctance, as if the inner quarters were a dragon’s lair or tiger’s den—a dangerous place he instinctively wished to avoid.

Hu Zhong noted his hesitation and smiled, “No need to worry. Our families have been close since your great-grandfather’s time. You’ve met my grandchildren before; there’s nothing to be shy about.”

“Then I shall accept your kindness and enter, Master,” Xue Rui replied, following him into the inner quarters.

Inside the ornate moon gate stood the master’s own residence; behind a small bamboo grove in the southeast corner rose a red two-story building, likely the embroidery tower for the unmarried young lady of the house.

In the courtyard, a young maid was watering the flowers. Seeing Hu Zhong, she quickly set down her ladle and curtsied. “Welcome home, Master.”

The maid was petite, with the common double-bun hairstyle and a face both delicate and endearingly naïve. When she noticed the unfamiliar young man supporting Hu Zhong, she blushed under his gaze, lowering her head until her ears turned crimson.

Seeing her stand there awkwardly, Hu Zhong said sternly, “Mind your manners. This is Young Master Rui; greet him properly.”

Reminded, the maid realized this was the son of Xue Yuanhao, Master’s cherished disciple—she had met him years ago, though she hadn’t recognized him at first.

“Greetings, Young Master Xue,” she said with a bow.

“No need for such formality, Miss Jin,” Xue Rui replied, having guessed her identity. She was likely Jin’er, the maid attending Miss Hu Ying, Hu Zhong’s granddaughter. It had been years, and she had changed much—he recognized her only after a long look.

Hu Zhong’s expression softened. “Go and call your mistress. I have matters to discuss with her.”

“Yes, Master.” Jin’er cast a sidelong glance at Xue Rui, lifted her skirts, and hurried toward the embroidery tower.

At the main residence, Hu Zhong retired to his rooms to change into casual dress, while Xue Rui was shown to a side parlor for tea by another maid.