BXG - 14

North Street

Like the previous dynasty, Da Yin’s judicial system was divided into three main bodies: the Ministry of Justice, the Temple of Punishments (Dianxing Si ), and the Censorate. The role of Dianxing Si was to investigate errors, rectify injustices, and overturn wrongful convictions according to the law. However, prior to Zhou Tan's reforms, Dianxing Si held a lower status among the three institutions. Though its head ranked equal to the Vice Minister of Justice, their actual power paled in comparison.

Before his imprisonment, Zhou Tan had served as the head of Dianxing Si . After his release, he was transferred to the Ministry of Justice as Vice Minister—a lateral move in rank but one that brought him closer to the seat of power. Moreover, during the Yongning era, the position of Minister of Justice remained vacant, and despite Emperor De’s ambiguous attitude toward Zhou Tan, it was clear that he was being heavily relied upon.

Officials from Dianxing Si typically wore black robes with silver trim, often adding mandarin-collar cloaks in spring and autumn—distinctive attire that made them easily recognizable.

That a lowly courtesan like Gu Xianghui could have been the lover of an official from Dianxing Si ?

But if she had such a patron, why would she resort to suicide out of desperation?

If this line of thought held true, then the man surnamed Yan must have had some intricate connection to her death.

“The Yan surname is not common,” Zhou Tan said. “I’ve already dispatched someone to verify at Dianxing Si . I still have documents to review at the Ministry of Justice. You were exhausted yesterday… return home.”

Qu You considered briefly before agreeing: “All right.”

The two had entered the Zhaosi Office at noon the previous day and spent the night inspecting the eastern wing. Upon returning to the Ministry of Justice, Zhou Tan had taken her to the inner chamber of his study, allowing her to rest briefly.

When Qu You emerged in the morning, she saw Zhou Tan seated at his desk reviewing documents, his back ramrod straight, showing no signs of fatigue.

Why didn’t he ever need sleep?

She swallowed the words “You should rest for a while” just as Zhou Tan turned around: “I’ll have someone prepare a carriage for you.”

“No need—I’m already dressed like this, so I’ll go out and take a stroll,” Qu You hesitated, then declined. “I have money and know the way. I can return on my own.”

Zhou Tan seemed skeptical, but unable to resist her insistence, he eventually let her go.

As she left the Ministry, Qu You encountered Li Hongyu, who had been so enthusiastic earlier. Seeing her confidently walking beside Zhou Tan, Li Hongyu was momentarily stunned but quickly bowed his head and respectfully greeted Zhou Tan, avoiding further eye contact.

The two walked all the way to the main gate of the Ministry of Justice, where they coincidentally met guards escorting a lavishly dressed old woman out. A strong perfume wafted past Qu You’s nose, nearly making her sneeze.

Zhou Tan suddenly remarked: “That’s the madam of Fangxin Pavilion.”

Before Qu You could react, Zhou Tan turned and left. Behind the overpowering scent lingered the faint aroma of sandalwood that clung to his robes, just as she remembered from when they first met.

Bai Ying almost failed to recognize Qu You in her male disguise.

Recently, since Qu You had moved into the Zhou residence, she had more financial freedom. Bai Ying, who helped treat Zhou Tan, had earned quite a bit of money and no longer struggled to make ends meet. He even opened a small clinic at home, offering services to the poor rather than lugging his medicine box through the streets.

That day, Bai Ying indulged in a rare moment of laziness, sleeping until late morning. No one had come seeking treatment until a knock sounded at the door.

Seeing the visitor’s opulent brocade robe, Bai Ying immediately said: “Sir, you are clearly a person of wealth. My humble medical skills are meant for those who cannot afford proper care. I doubt I can help…”

“Is my male disguise really that convincing?” Qu You interrupted with a laugh. “It’s not hard to look sharp once your hair is tied up properly.”

Only then did he recognize her, praising her transformation effusively. When Qu You explained her purpose, he initially tried to refuse but succumbed to the temptation of her generous offer.

Qu You changed into slightly worn clothing, while Bai Ying continued posing as a doctor. Together, they headed to North Street.

On the way, Qu You curiously asked: “Your medical skills are excellent, and you clearly value money. Why did you say you wouldn’t treat wealthy patients when I knocked on your door?”

“As if rich families would seek me out!” Bai Ying rolled his eyes. “With so many court physicians in Bianjing, why would high-ranking officials or nobles come to me? Strange occurrences always carry risks. I may love money, but I avoid trouble—it’s simply not worth it.”

He was pragmatic, which amused Qu You. “If I find anything useful today, I’ll reward you handsomely when we return.”

“Deal!”

They rented a carriage at the end of the alley and arrived at Fangxin Pavilion on North Street. Across from the brothel stood a teahouse where they ordered two pots of tea and a plate of peanuts. Sitting on the second floor, they began observing.

“What are you doing here?” Bai Ying munched on peanuts, dissatisfied, and signaled for a plate of sunflower seeds. “And why are you wandering around with me in this disguise? Isn’t your husband worried?”

Qu You glanced around and noticed several stern-looking men nearby. Lowering her voice, she replied: “Though I left the Ministry without his escort, knowing his nature, he surely wouldn’t let me leave unaccompanied. Rest assured—there are people following us.”

Bai Ying immediately scooted his stool back: “Why didn’t you just bring him along?”

Ignoring his question, Qu You pointed to the brothel across the street: “What do you notice about this establishment?”

“I’ve never been to a brothel—how should I know?” Bai Ying glanced down quickly, then seemed to realize something. “Ah, I understand now. You mentioned earlier that you went to the Ministry because of the woman who fell from Fanlou. Is she connected to this place?”

“You catch on fast,” Qu You said, surprised.

“It’s not me—it’s been circulating since yesterday afternoon!” Bai Ying chewed on peanuts, recalling gossip. “I heard the woman wasn’t from a respectable family but rather a low-class brothel. Perhaps she was caught in adultery or some scandal too shameful to hide, leading her to commit suicide out of humiliation…”

Noticing Qu You’s darkening expression, he quickly stopped talking. She gazed absently out the window for a moment, then turned to him with a bitter smile: “When a woman dies, society always portrays her in such a demeaning light.”

“They just love these kinds of stories,” Bai Ying brushed peanut crumbs off his hands, following her gaze. “Rumors thrive on scandalous details—even baseless ones. People spread them eagerly, caring only for entertainment, regardless of truth.”

Qu You remained silent, instead saying: “Today, I met the madam of Fangxin Pavilion at the Ministry, and something puzzled me.”

She pointed to the dilapidated two-story building across the street. Despite the ongoing investigation, Fangxin Pavilion hadn’t closed. Four servants stood outside with bowed heads, while several listless women sat behind the second-floor railing.

“Yesterday, I studied a map of Bianjing at the Ministry. North Street borders the docks and warehouses, with the city’s largest slum to the east. It’s frequented by farmers, laborers, and beggars. Yet, this is the only brothel on North Street.”

Bai Ying frowned: “Isn’t it normal for such places to have brothels?”

Qu You sighed and suddenly asked: “Do you think the women across the street are beautiful?”

“Yes, they’re beautiful,” Bai Ying answered honestly.

“When I saw the madam adorned in gold and silver, I had doubts,” Qu You said. “But seeing these women confirmed my suspicions.”

Bai Ying gradually understood her implication: “Ordinarily, attractive women sold into servitude or prostitution seek out affluent areas near the Bian River. Given their beauty, why are these women here in North Street?”

After reflecting, he added: “I still want to ask—why didn’t you inform your husband and bring him along to investigate? Isn’t this his responsibility?”

Had Zhou Tan not pointed out the madam when they left, she might not have noticed this detail.

“Exactly,” Qu You replied. “If I harbor doubts, why doesn’t he?”