Mr. Wu was pacing frantically in his study when I entered. He seized my hands and implored, "Young Brother Zhao, you've finally arrived! Hurry to see my sister-in-law—the traveling troupe added some acrobatics as an encore, but she only watched part of it before itching all over her body. Back here in the room, within no time at all she was writhing in agony. Young Brother Zhao, don't leave tomorrow you mustn't! If you depart, what will become of my sister-in-law's illness? For the love of heaven, beseech you!"

"I shall not abandon Lady Wu until her condition is fully restored," I assured Mr. Wu while steadying his trembling hands. After a moment's contemplation I added, "Master Wu, it seems something in your residence triggered this allergic reaction. Liling, administer medicine to Madam Wu immediately. Mr. Wu and I will locate the allergen together—without root cause analysis we'll merely treat symptoms endlessly."

In truth medical diagnosis should always trace causes first, yet my limited knowledge barely qualified as physician material. Had Lady Wu not relapsed today, who knew if I'd ever considered this approach?

*…*…*…*

Back in the garden the troupe performed encore acrobatics to express gratitude, thrilling spectators though such excitement paled compared to watching beauties dance. Cai Deng and Guan Tong's eyes kept drifting toward where Yun'er had vanished. Though they maintained decorum before Mr. Wu earlier, witnessing Yun'er being affectionately escorted away ignited immediate resentment.

"What the hell happened? That corpse still hasn't returned," Cai Deng fumed, his fingers tightening around a wine cup so much it trembled.

Guan Tong burned with equal fury—the perfect scheme to ingratiate themselves with Minister Pang's adopted son had been ruined by this village doctor. Worse yet, the man now openly fondled Yun'er's slender waist and squeezed her ample bosom against his chest. Guan Tong would rather let Cai Deng have his way first but never allow Yun'er into that peasant doctor's clutches—it was too great a blow to their male pride.

"Cai Junior," Guan Tong began, "do you know anything about this Zhao 'Heavenly Doctor'?"

"He's just some farmer from Feiyu village," Cai Deng scoffed. "Rumors spread when he performed abdominal surgery there, so Mr. Wu summoned him. Imagine—chance and dead rats collided because the doctor actually cured Lady Wu! She's a daughter of current Prime Minister Zhang, everyone knows that connection. With such ties, how could Mr. Wu refuse this man? Otherwise why would he dare touch Yun'er tonight?"

Guan Tong chuckled darkly, "Can an ordinary peasant rival us? Though Yun'er already has connections with him, power determines everything in this world. A commoner can't compete against officials. If we play our cards right, that doctor will hand over Yun'er willingly."

Cai Deng beamed, "Excellent idea! I've despised the man since he humiliated my cousin in Feiyu village. Originally Father wanted to punish him but Mr. Wu insisted on calling him 'older brother.' We can't act openly but if we eliminate him secretly..."

"Frame his murder," Guan Tong growled, "even if he's Prime Minister Zhang's son can he escape justice? Once dead Yun'er will be ours."

"But how?" Cai Deng asked, already fidgeting. "I heard he plans to leave Feiyang tomorrow for Feiyu village—wait too long and that doctor might whisk Yun'er away!"

"If he returns to Feiyu," Guan Tong countered, "he'll still fall under our jurisdiction. Better yet, distance makes execution easier."

Cai Deng grudgingly agreed when a servant rushed over, whispering urgently in his ear. Cai Deng's face paled as he stood and addressed Guan Tong, "Our drugging agent has been knocked unconscious!"

Guan Tong stiffened, rising alongside him, "Let's check—has someone discovered our plan? Fewer ears the better."

They hurried with the servant to a secluded rock garden area. There lay their agent, one hand clutching a package of *Hehuan Dan* powder, the other gripping a sash.

"Who did this?" Cai Deng demanded.

"I didn't see," the servant admitted.

"Drag him back and rouse him," Cai Deng ordered.

Guan Tong suddenly snickered, "Hold on—Cai Junior should speak privately."

After dismissing the servant Guan Tong leaned in, "This is our golden opportunity! Who struck him matters not. Frame this doctor as killer—we'll plant evidence and let justice decide!"

"But unconsciousness alone..." Cai Deng mused.

"Dead man," Guan Tong hissed with a chopping gesture, "then Yun'er will truly lose heart."

Cai Deng grinned cruelly, "Yes—after he's beheaded, watch if that Yun'er dares refuse me again!"

"Need physical evidence," Guan Tong advised. "Plant items from him at the murder scene. Even without my presence, your father controls judicial affairs. The doctor already insulted your cousin—your father won't let it slide."

Distant lights approached suddenly. Cai Deng pulled Guan Tong into shadows as the approaching group neared. Then Guan Tong pointed triumphantly: "Cai Junior! Look—the doctor's sash!"

Only now did Cai Deng notice his target was beltless, while their agent still clutched a matching sash...

*…*…*

After meticulous investigation we finally pinpointed the culprit—vivid flowers in back garden. The crimson-yellow-blue blooms were especially eye-catching.

"Mistress first saw these flowers before her initial attack," the maid explained. "Earlier she was upset after an argument with Master Wu and passed by here again, sniffing those blue blossoms resembling seawater."

Mr. Wu asked anxiously when I remained silent, "Young Brother Zhao—do you suspect these flowers caused my wife's illness?"

"I've often observed," I replied carefully, "vivid plants usually possess self-defense mechanisms. Even if non-toxic they might contain allergens. Since Lady Wu has always lived secluded she likely reacts more severely to foreign substances than ordinary people."

Mr. Wu recalled both incidents and finally concluded it must be these flowers. He growled, "They were a gift from Judicial Commissioner Cai Hua! I almost suspect he deliberately caused trouble. You see—if my wife dies suddenly Young Brother Zhao's career ends. Without him the entire Feiyang prefecture would fall under that bastard!"

I coughed to stop Mr. Wu from discussing this publicly when a maid reported, "Madam is no longer itchy after taking medicine. She sent me to inform you both needn't worry."

Mr. Wu bowed deeply, "Young Brother Zhao—you've saved my family again."

"This commissioner probably didn't know about the allergy," I advised, "warn Lady Wu to stay away from these flowers. If symptoms don't reappear we can confirm their role, then transplant them outside."

"Remove those cursed plants!" Mr. Wu ordered.

As we argued over diagnosis, onlookers gathered eager for updates. A sharp eavesdropper immediately reported the situation to Judicial Commissioner Cai Hua, currently enjoying acrobatics.

Cai Hua choked violently hearing this news about his "gift"—flowers that had now poisoned a magistrate's wife! Though he admitted sending them was carelessness, it didn't matter anymore. Mr. Wu already suspected him and no amount of protest would restore trust.

He clenched the table furiously, all blame directed at Zhao Qian—that village doctor! If not for him his cousin wouldn't suffer military humiliation, nor lose Mr. Wu's favor. Though his son had secured Minister Pang's patronage by becoming adopted, the Wu family's lingering doubts about power dynamics threatened his career.

"Father," Cai Deng approached suddenly, "that Zhao bastard destroyed your flowers and pretended to warn you! He's deliberately provoking us—after what happened with cousin he now attacks father directly!"

Cai Hua sneered coldly. "Eventually I'll punish him. Now Mr. Wu protects him we must be patient."

Suddenly a servant rushed in screaming, "Sir—it's terrible! It's terrible!"

"Compose yourself," Cai Hua snapped. "What urgent matter?"

"Zhang Ba has been murdered!" the servant gasped.

"Who? Zhang Ba was the unconscious servant at the rock garden!" The servant explained how he'd vanished during performance and later found brutally killed with a stone to his skull.

"Quick—let's examine the body! Light, summon judicial officers immediately to secure the scene. Inform Mr. Wu to seal the estate!"

Cai Deng smirked, "Yes Father."

When news reached Mr. Wu he abandoned flower uprooting duties at once. Upon arriving Cai Hua bowed respectfully: "Mr. Wu, my servant was murdered on your premises. I beg you investigate this matter."

Mr. Wu groaned—he'd had enough troubles recently! Though just a servant death required resolution to maintain reputation.

"Commissioner Cai," Mr. Wu said stiffly, "investigations are your department's duty. Since the deceased is your staff, proceed accordingly."

Cai Hua bowed formally: "As commanded, I've already calmed suspects and will interrogate them after examining the body."

Mr. Wu nodded, "Proceed swiftly then report back to me immediately!"

With swift efficiency Cai Hua completed scene inspection. Discovering a critical clue he returned to question witnesses—over two hundred people including performers! Though he found promising evidence from Zhang Ba's hands, certainty remained elusive.

Meanwhile judicial officers had gathered all post-garden attendees at the rock garden—the very spot where I'd hidden an unconscious servant earlier. Rumors spread about the victim's crushed skull and my growing unease intensified when hearing this location.

Gathered officials formed rows as Cai Hua declared: "Tonight a murder occurred in Mr. Wu's estate. Everyone must cooperate with investigation until cleared."

Mr. Wu anxiously asked, "Commissioner found any clues?"

Cai Hua smirked mysteriously, "I discovered crucial evidence during autopsy. Judicial officers are now cross-referencing it!"

As officers inspected belts from onlookers—causing many women to blush—I suddenly noticed my sash was missing! This doublet-style clothing required practical waistbands for movement. I hadn't even realized when it vanished!

Two pairs of smug eyes glared at me—their identities immediately clear: Cai Deng and Guan Tong. As they kept eyeing belts I slowly backed away, only to be seized by officers and grouped among beltless suspects.

"What's this about?" Mr. Wu protested fiercely.

"Mr. Wu," Cai Hua bowed respectfully, "I'm merely following procedures. If Squire Zhao proves innocent I'll personally apologize."

Mr. Wu could say nothing in front of witnesses but gave Cai a withering glare.

Soon the screening concluded. Cai Hua gestured others to retreat before bowing to Mr. Wu: "Sir, Zhang Ba's hands held this sash. Judicial officers confirm it was there at time of death—no possibility of planted evidence now. Please order interrogations."

Mr. Wu gave no response but patted my shoulder, "Young Brother Zhao I believe your innocence. If anyone dares target you I'll never forgive them!"

Cai Hua sensing Mr. Wu's growing doubts decided to press harder. He ordered: "Question these suspects about missing belts—any lies will be punished by caning!"

City judicial procedures were more thorough than county level. Soon other suspects were cleared—one had washed their belt, another preferred loose-wearing and had witnesses from entry time. Finally only I remained with suspiciously timed disappearance of my sash, multiple witnesses confirming its presence before bathroom trip...

"Brother Zhao," Mr. Wu pulled me aside, "I remember you wore a belt earlier! Explain quickly—you needn't fear—belts can't prove anything!"

Realizing the trap set by Cai Deng and Guan Tong I no longer hesitated to confess: "After overhearing their plot against Yun'er's safety I struck Zhang Ba unconscious with stones. Maybe during fall my sash was torn off—I don't know how he later died."

Mr. Wu believed me but as an official knew evidence ruled everything. All pointed against me, while my account relied solely on personal testimony.

"Don't worry," Mr. Wu finally said, "I'll risk losing this position to protect you! It's just a servant—if I'd known earlier I'd prevented Cai Hua from investigating!"

Cai Hua sensing victory declared: "Mr. Wu, the case is clear now. Please order arrests."

"Absurd!" Mr. Wu roared. "A belt proves nothing! Squire Zhao saved my wife—anyone harming him will face my wrath!"

Cai H

stepped forward sharply, "Mr. Wu mustn't ignore national laws! Murder warrants execution—even princes face equal punishment. What about this village doctor?"

Cai Deng and Guan Teng stirred up the crowd below while the mob eagerly awaited someone to take the fall, joining in the uproar. Master Wu knew this matter was highly detrimental but remained a man of gratitude—no matter if Chief Zhao had truly committed murder, he would never abandon his protection. Especially with his wife's condition still unstable; what would happen if Chief Zhao suffered an accident?

Linglong hadn't brought her bow and couldn't escape the courtyard, stamping her feet in frustration beside me. I knew my powers were dormant now—any reckless action would only get me hurt. Still as a precaution, I reached into my waistband where the laser gun's barrel pointed directly at Cai Deng. One wrong move and I'd shoot him first before apprehending Piao Hua and fleeing.

Piao Hua's words enraged Master Wu: "Chai Hua! Don't think you can intimidate me!" The magistrate slammed his fist onto the table, "You sent me a poisoned flower to murder my wife—how dare you? When your plot failed with Chief Zhao ruining it, you concocted another scheme to kill him. Explain yourself—you've been eyeing this position for too long! As long as we're alive, I'll remain your superior. By the authority of Feiying Prefecture, I order you and your judiciary officers out now—otherwise..." He let the threat hang in the air.

Numerous household guards were present along with military officials attending the performance, including Commander Tong who stood among them. Though he hadn't brought his massive cleaver, simply appearing before the judicial guards instilled battlefield-hardened intimidation that forced them to retreat several steps.

Ministry of Justice Director Ma Yongliang was my good friend. He hurried between both men: "Master Wu, Master Chai, we're colleagues—don't let this escalate! For tonight's performance, perhaps we should adjourn until tomorrow morning? It is late, and the emperor doesn't send hungry soldiers to work at night. Too many families are already gathered here."

Chai Hua knew his feud with Gao Rong was irreparable. Though he reported to the Ministry of Justice directly under Shuangcheng Kingdom's jurisdiction (Master Wu merely administered judicial affairs temporarily), his uncle-in-law Prime Minister Pang provided unwavering support. "Master Wu, you've defamed an official—I'll report this to the Ministry immediately. The suspect will remain here overnight, but by dawn I'll submit the case to authorities—see how long your protection lasts!"

Chai Hua and his men departed with arrogant swagger as judicial officials withdrew and onlookers gradually dispersed. A gatekeeper whispered in Master Wu's ear who replied: "Ignore them—I'm writing a letter to Chancellor Niu tonight to accuse Chai Hua of plotting against high-ranking family members."

Linglong rushed over, grabbing my arm: "Master, come quickly! That old dog won't give up—he's got guards blocking the gate. Let's call Da Li and fight our way out!"

Master Wu seized my sleeve: "Brother Zhao, don't panic. Chai Hua only dares act because his son adopted Prime Minister Pang as a father figure. My father-in-law Chancellor Niu will receive this letter detailing everything. Chai has long coveted the prefecture position—offering strange flowers was just to kill your sister-in-law. If she died, my authority would collapse. When you saved my wife and ruined his plot, he concocted another lie about an murdered servant. It's all a setup orchestrated by Big Brother..."

I pieced most of it together. Old Chai likely remained unaware as everything was manipulated behind the scenes by Guan Teng and Cai Deng. Now Master Wu arbitrarily assigned blame while I clearly identified the true culprits—this became a muddled mess. Though Chai might now despise me (he showed no suspicion during our drinking night, but lacked excuses then), his clerk's accusations would force him to take sides against me.