Town North Princely Mansion, three quarters past dawn (Yinshi Sanke).
The residual echoes of mourning bells still circled among the gray tiles and brick walls of the manor. Yet last night's snow showed no sign of stopping; fine flakes whirled in the north wind, sticking to window paper where they froze into thin ice, now glowing coldly under the first light of morning. In the side courtyard, spirit banners snapped and twisted beneath eaves—plain white cloth stretched taut by gusts like tightened silk cords strangling everyone who passed—all knew what lay wrapped below: Gao Chang, the imperial eunuch who'd been carousing with servants just yesterday evening.
Outside the lean-to shed in this side yard, two elderly matrons tasked with removing the corpse huddled against the chill, their hands red raw with cold. Shivering violently, they lifted the tattered straw mat onto a wooden cart. Half Gao Chang's purplish-black face peered through gaps; dried blood crusted his seven orifices while his lips curled upward in an unnatural smirk—creepily grotesque, as if he witnessed something utterly absurd before dying.
"Really eerie…" muttered the left matron, glancing quickly at the body then looking away nervously. "Look at that blood in his nostrils—so dark it's almost black! Doesn't look like illness killed him. More like evil spirits got him."
"Hush!" hissed the right matron, yanking her companion's arm hard. Her voice trembled with terror. "Her Highness specifically ordered this morning that we say Master Gao died suddenly from acute disease! You dare gossip? Keep talking nonsense and you'll end up 'falling ill' too—dumped in a pauper's grave for dogs!"
Their fragmented words drifted like shards of ice beneath the windowsill. Ruan pressed closer against the freezing wall inside, ears turning scarlet beneath her faded gray cloak as she strained to listen. Only after watching them wheel the cart away did she melt silently into swirling snowdrifts, footprints instantly vanishing under fresh powder as though no one had ever stood there.
Meanwhile, warmth reigned within the rear pavilion's heated chamber. Underfloor heating radiated through bluestone tiles while air carried bittersweet notes of poria cocos and licorice root—so intensely cozy one forgot winter raged outside.
Shen Ruhui stood before an antique table. Her jet hair loosely pinned with a plain silver stick allowed stray locks to soften her profile but couldn't mask deep calmness in her eyes. Sleeves pushed back to elbows revealed bony wrists; yet she held a razor-sharp silver knife steadily—a gift from her dying mentor soaked in icy spring water capable of slicing frozen meat clean through. At that moment, she focused on chopping slices of poria, blade dancing deftly between fingertips, each wafer-thin piece falling onto white porcelain dishes glowing faintly luminescent.
"Miss, investigated clearly." Ruan pushed open the door letting icy draft billow in before stamping snow off boots that melted instantly upon hitting floor. "Dead man was Empress Dowager's attendant sent as part of your bridal entourage—Gao Chang. Last night at midnight someone saw him drinking here in the side courtyard; by early dawn when maids brought hot water… found him rigid on his bed, eyes wide open."
"*Poison?*" Shen Ruhui didn't look up, continuing rhythmically to slice medicinal herbs with surgical precision honed during ten years in cold palace confinement where silent deaths were commonplace. She'd learned to conceal blades beneath tranquility.
"*Doesn't seem so.*" Ruan leaned closer conspiratorially lowering voice. "I had one girl helping dispose bodies sneak peek—no black spots under tongue, finger bones weren't tinged blue either… looks genuinely like sudden fatal seizure? But who collapses dead moments after drinking?"
Shen Ruhui paused mid-chop placing final slice beside others before gently brushing frosted patterns along dish edge then chuckled wryly. "Sudden illness? If Empress' men really died this fragilely, His Highness would've kicked happily years ago." She lifted delicate slices one by one dropping them into crystalline decoctions steaming faintly golden liquid rippling softly. "Any movement from Xueting Hall over there? What about Lord Xun?"
"*His cough lasted all night long.* Passing Xueting Hall early this morning I still heard hacking sounds coming through doors." Ruan frowned confused. "At dawn break he sent summons for physicians… strangely though—doctors avoided Xueting altogether coming straight here instead! Said under orders from His Highness specifically requesting pulse diagnosis FOR YOU—even asked how well you slept last night!"
Shen Ruhui arched brows wiping knife slowly with plain silk cloth letting it spin chillingly between fingers. "Lord Xun plays excellent chess indeed." A flicker crossed her gaze sharpening like tempered steel. "Gao Chang served as Empress' spy within these walls; his death invites royal interrogation demanding either confession or retribution. By redirecting doctors TO ME—ostensibly caring concern actually transfers entire investigative burden onto my shoulders. Obscure demise makes me prime suspect; solving it pits me against Empress while he sits back untouched—classic triangulation strategy."
By Zhenshi (hour of serpent/9–11 AM), crowd gathered formally assembled main hall buzzed tensely beneath servants sweeping paths loudly enough NOT cover murmurings about both recent death AND neglected bride. Oppressive atmosphere thickened until... soft footsteps approached accompanied by maids announcing: "*Pay respects to Secondary Consort Lady Liu!*" All heads turned seeing Liu Shi enter supported gracefully by personal attendant. Just eighteen summers old with almond eyes peach blossom cheeks—her fox fur trimmed robe contrasted starkly against snow making skin appear translucently fair—she wasn't merely beautiful but maternal cousin to Empress herself! Granted title 'Secondary Consort' half year prior via imperial decree; leveraging imperial backing she controlled household finances wielding significant influence even over stewards who gave way three parts out ten.
Four palace maids trailed behind carrying brocade boxes intricately embroidered with lotus vines silver thread edging obvious expense laid center Eight Immortals Table. Bowing deeply before seated Shen Ruhui Liu Shi smiled sweetly honey coating tone: "*This humble handmaiden pays respects to Royal Noble Consort. Last night's heavy snow brought bitter cold—hope Your Grace rested comfortably without catching chill?*" Her gaze however sliced critically appraising washed-out indigo dress finally resting dismissively on Shen's composed face expecting fear or humiliation after being publicly abandoned on wedding night—instead met unnerving composure igniting internal fury—how dare THIS former cold palace slave act superior?!
Shen Ruhui nodded slightly voice neutral devoid emotion: "*Rise. Such effort coming through snowstorm surely not merely greeting—what brings you here Secondary Consort?*"
Liu Shi straightened adjusting fur collar jingling gold bracelet deliberately showing off then clapped hands signalling first box opened revealing white fox pelt cradling gilded Guanyin Bodhisattva holding miniature jade infant clutching tiny locket clearly imperial tribute quality piece.
"*Empress graciously bestowed this 'Early Son' statue hoping prosperity descends upon mansion.*" Liu Shi beamed false warmth dripping sarcasm thickening around 'harmony between husband wife' phrase deliberately highlighting previous night's public snub leaving bride alone virgin-widowed—subtle dig implying barrenness doomed Shen never bear heir thus failing duty. Suppressed giggles erupted among staff reinforcing mockery.
Behind Shen Ruhui fists clenched nails biting palms barely restrained till intercepting warning glance silencing outburst. Rising smoothly Shen walked toward display touching cold metal surface contemplatively before shifting topic abruptly raising voice clear enough ALL heard: "*Secondary Consort thoughtful indeed much appreciated Empress' generosity BUT—metal conducts chill excessively harmful pregnant women causing miscarriage common knowledge even among village midwives. While Her Majesty isolated deep within palace may overlook such details… YOU overseeing household provisions ought know better? Should accidental exposure harm future generations whose fault bears responsibility—Empress' or YOURS managing daily affairs?*" Masterfully flipping script pinning 'childless' blame squarely back onto Liu Shi stunned room into silence replacing snickers with speculative glances—did careless manager intentionally place dangerous item near expectant mother?
Anger flared briefly across Liu Shi's face knuckles whitening gripping silk handkerchief ruining its embroidery but recovered smooth façade bowing humbly: "*Royal Noble Consort admonishes wisely indeed it was thoughtlessness on my part. Then keep sacred image safely till Your Grace conceives naturally…*" Tapping again second box opened revealing pure white furball—palm sized utterly hairless like freshly fallen snow except startling sapphire blue eyes blinking innocently cuteness personified.
"*Northern Frontier General presented this 'Snow Leopard' last month—supposedly warms hands wonderfully plus calms nerves aids sleep.*" Pride laced Liu Shi's introduction underlying challenge knowing full well Shen studied medicine thus constantly surrounded by blood-activating herbs guaranteed trigger ferocity once scent hit—anticipating violent scratches bites providing excuse punish 'cruelty towards living beings' especially rare tribute animal.
"*Secondary Consort kind intent deeply felt though concern practicality arises…*" Shen accepted offer signaling Ruan retrieve box unperturbed. "Such delicate creature likely difficult maintain properly. Ruan deliver it rear pavilion heated chamber immediately consult physician prepare specialized 'tranquilizing formula' ensure comfort spare no expense treating precious Frontier gift respectfully."
Liu Shi nearly gloated internally assuming inevitable disaster imminent: once herbal aroma permeated cage Shen bitten clawed crying helplessly—perfect pretext accuse neglect justify punishment! Curtsying gracefully she retreated lighthearted steps picturing imminent humiliation ahead.
At noon rear pavilion heated chamber:
Ruan followed instructions placing Snow Leopard inside sandalwood lattice cage layering bottom thickly with Chuanxiong rhizome & safflower powder potent activators guaranteed provoke attack per ancient text lore Shen recalled learning alongside old crone mentor. Instant reaction occurred—twitching nose flared nostrils bloodshot sapphire orbs rolled wildly replacing docility with vicious snarls sharp claws scraping wood shrieking high pitched whines echoed ominously.
Standing nearby Shen held fine silver needle engraved tiny 'Hui' character legacy from mentor waiting precise moment lunge opening cage door stabbing needle precisely into neck vein extracting single crimson droplet landing awaiting ceramic bowl filled last night's lung nourishing decoction instantly curdling black threads writhing snakelike darkening liquid completely.
"*Exactly as suspected.*" Shen spoke aloud confirmation absent surprise. "Feed 'Soul Separation Grass'—odorless tasteless mixed food takes effect only activated by blood stimulants causing madness AND transmitting neurotoxin via saliva/claws causing dizziness unconsciousness without antidote within half hour post bite."
Ruan peered horrified stepping back breathless: "*Diabolical scheme! One scratch bite fatal certainly! How vicious plotting against YOU Lady Liu!*"
"*Use beast test me? Return favor then.*" Cold resolve hardened Shen's voice handing bowl above charcoal brazier heat twisting smoke rising acrid burnt herb smell. "Ruan carry cage garden plum forest locate Secondary Consort claim emergency—say Snow Leopard convulsing dying urgent need examination GO quickly act panicked don't slip façade."
At Weishi (hour of sheep/1–3 PM) plum forest gardens:
Crimson blossoms dusted snow created picturesque scene Liu Shi strolled attended maids sipping creamy milk tea finest Ru kiln porcelain cup occasionally tucking branches behind ears listening sycophantic praise smiling serenely oblivious impending payback fantasizing Shen injured crying helplessly cornered.
Abrupt frantic footsteps interrupted leisure approach—Ruan hurtling toward gasping disheveled hair wild: "*Secondary Consort urgent! Gift Snow Leopard seized convulsing shivering near death Royal Noble Consort bid quick summons examine immediately!*"
Joy surged through Liu Shi assuming plan succeeded—Shen bitten now framing her responsible! Feigning alarm rushing forward reaching grab cage handle… instant contact triggered explosive reaction—eyes snapping open blazing sapphire fury lunged biting savagely deep into hand back tearing flesh screaming agony dropping cage rolling snow spasming foaming black blood kicking legs lifeless stillness seconds later.
"*Secondary Consort bitten poisonous beast!*" Ruan cried shrilly alerting garden staff rushing crowd witnessing wound & corpse spreading news lightning fast throughout mansion.
By Shenshi (hour of monkey/3–5 PM) tension crackled main hall carbon basin flames shrinking timidly avoiding eye contact Lord Xun reclined sickly pale cushioned couch cough worsening lips tinged violet gaze boring intensely settling finally upon Shen Ruhui kneeling physician kowtowed cold stone floor sweat beading forehead reporting cautiously: "*Report My Lord: Post examination Snow Leopard harbored 'Soul Separation Grass' toxin. Contact with blood activators like Chuanxiong triggers psychosis; countertoxin causes fatal collapse. Fortuitously Your Highness remained unharmed… narrow escape truly miraculous otherwise consequences unthinkable.*"
Eldest brother leaning weakly against fox fur blanket chest rising fall shallowly demanded sharply: "*Secondary Consort why gift beast Royal Noble Consort?*"
Supported limply Liu Shi bandaged hand seeped crimson tears streaming dramatically wailing innocence: "*Heavens witness ignorance! Heard only warmth therapeutic qualities intending comfort never dreamed malicious use! Must be Royal Noble Consort secretly placed Chuanxiong roots cage deliberately provoked attack frame me murder attempt!*" Theatrics drew sympathy few doubting maids sniffling empathetically.
Shen Ruhui unfolded neat prescription scroll passing via Mo Xiao attendant presenting evidence calmly: "*Morning physician prescribed 'Tranquil Spirit Decoction' ingredients listed here—ALL mild nourishing NO Chuanxiong. Conversely…*" Signaling Ruan forward displaying carved wooden box opened revealing trace amounts greenish powder faint peculiar aroma wafting: "*Found hidden drawer Secondary Consort chambers—'Soul Separation Grass' powder residue bearing distinctive incense scent still lingering. Furthermore…*" Turning box base exposing tiny engraved character 'Liu' undeniably personal seal mark.
Liu Shi collapsed color draining face ghost white stammering denials: "*False! Stolen! Someone forged seal!*" But protests drowned rising murmurs among staff pointing suspiciously at damning evidence.
Lord Xun suppressed cough hiding fleeting amusement behind sleeve clearing throat restoring stern authority: "*Secondary Consort Liu Shi—negligent management harboring contraband nearly cost lives disrupting order. Penalty: One year salary confiscated; confined quarters three months; copy Book of Women's Virtues hundred times reflect penitently. Accept judgment?*"
Crumbling defeated Liu Shi clawed palms bleeding biting lip choking back sobs forced compliance: "*This handmaiden… accepts penalty.*"
Night deepened candlelight flickered Xueting Hall casting dancing shadows Lord Xun propped half-sitting quilt covering thin frame collarbone scar visible jagged pale line souvenir teenage border campaigns poisoned arrow wound still faintly purple. He raised eyes meeting Shen Ruhui's unwavering stare lips curving slight smile: "*Impressive tactics Royal Noble Consort—turning tables making Empress' pawn eat dirt unable defend itself. Masterful move silencing opposition utterly.*"
Shen Ruhui kept gaze lowered respectfully tone flat: "*Overpraised My Lord merely self preservation instinct. Had I not countered become scapegoat bearing guilt before Empress instantly.*"
"'Self preservation?'" Finger tapped drug bowl rim rhythmically voice suddenly chilling: "*Then Gao Chang's death… also 'self preservation' measure?*"
Eyes snapped up twin blazes meeting his challenge unflinchingly: "*If His Highness believes lowly servant caused demise bind me send palace face Empress appease her wrath! But absent PROOF…*" Leaning closer voice dropped dangerous whisper: "*Prayer suggest refrain testing limits furthermore. Though born cold palace prisoner spineless dough NOT!*"
Lord Xun watched long moments then broke into coughing fit accidentally splashing medicine onto tabletop scrawling character **[HUI]** incriminal fluid drying fast. When spasm passed hoarse admiration colored voice: "Shen Ruhui watch closely anticipate how you navigate treacherous waters… transform darkness into dawn."
Deeper night fell profound silence broken only wind howling outside rear pavilion windows. Shen Ruhui sorted medicinal herbs when sudden *thud* sounded against lattice—something tossed inside.
Ruan retrieved crumpled note unfolding went sheet pallor rushing back voice quavering: "*Mistress disaster! Secondary Consort Liu Shi died mysteriously locked quarters!*"
A cold smile touched Shen Ruhui's lips: "*Died? Clearly knew critical information eliminating loose ends now… kill her frame me push center stage perfect calculation—who benefits most? Want me dead ghost first? Very well… let's see who becomes corpse first!*"
Wind screamed louder slamming shutters violently candle guttered plunging room sudden blackness swallowing all light.