"At that time, Lu Chao happened to hear some rumors in the Capital about high-ranking officials and royal kin suddenly rejuvenating overnight, like an old clam producing pearls, and those rumors were not unfounded — every piece matched the whereabouts of those ’concubines’ who left Little Mountain Building.

It seems that this time’s Red Jade Fragrance should have a similar use." Upon hearing, Zhu Yu recalled those earlier stories Lu Qing told, forming a hypothesis.

Lu Qing chuckled, "The name Red Jade Fragrance says it all, the purpose of these blood-colored crystal stones isn’t hard to guess."

Zhu Yu nodded, "The scent I smelled earlier wasn’t in Headdress and Shoes Workshop, but Gu Lingyun carries the same sachets like the old stewards in Immortal Castle — looks like she might need to access some sensitive places, a necessary precaution."

Later in the evening, Liu Yueyao came with a delivery of meals. Zhu Yu showed her a dress made from Red Jade Fragrance fabric, asking her to look into who it was sold to, and what happened to those who had clothes made from it.

Liu Yueyao laughed at the fabric, "Madam, no need to investigate. I actually know this."

"You know it?" Zhu Yu recognized Liu Yueyao’s keen intelligence, as she had been the eyes and ears for Lu Qing and Lu Chao over the years, but didn’t expect her to recognize what Gu Lingyun tightly guarded.

"It’s a girl from our Yunyin Pavilion, who bought this fabric from Headdress and Shoes Workshop for her dress." Liu Yueyao explained, "Our pavilion has a set rule laid down by two masters: only perform art, any other intentions shall not be revealed. Yunyin Pavilion’s musicians and dancing girls can only be admired from afar and not sullied, each one is pure.

Initially, it was agreed that by using their musical and dancing skills they could earn a living here, and I would arrange good marriages for their future, but each person has their own ideas.

The girl has been here for years, and fearing age catching up, she often interacts with illustrious people, perhaps her ambitions grew wild and she couldn’t favor ordinary marriages. She heard about something that could make her beautiful, so she bought Red Jade Fragrance fabric, tailored a dress, and wore it.

If not for the dazzling nature of the fabric, differing vastly from Yunyin Pavilion’s dress code, it might have been less noticeable.

At first, I thought it was just a fashion choice, a bit tacky, but what can I do about someone’s dress choice, so I let it slide.

Then, only two months later, someone came to Yunyin Pavilion for that girl, offering a high price to buy the dress back, an irresistible price, so the girl agreed.

My people saw the person carefully taking the dress away in a wooden box, which felt odd — who buys a second-hand dress at a high price and treasures it like that? It was reported to me.

Feeling something strange, I invited a doctor to check the girls, ensuring no one got poisoned or contracted strange maladies, hoping to detect early if anything went wrong.

The exam showed the girl wasn’t poisoned, but severely anemic, with a worsening pale appearance, a hue mixed with a touch of blue — turns out she was losing blood, explaining her looks that period.

Subsequently, I ordered people to monitor and not let anyone else from Yunyin Pavilion buy fabric from Headdress and Shoes Workshop, preventing further issues.

The moment you brought this dress today, I recognized it instantly."

"Can I trouble you to discreetly investigate who recently bought it, and after those dresses were bought back, what were they used for?" Zhu Yu understood the whole story, nodded, and instructed.

Liu Yueyao noted down the task.

Lu Qing chimed, "Also check which incenses are currently popular with the dignitaries on the market."

Liu Yueyao acknowledged, then departed with her associates from the courtyard.

Three more days passed like this. During these days, Lu Qing spent much time recovering his physical strength and martial skills, while Zhu Yu supervised to prevent him from injuring himself again out of impatience.

Meanwhile, Zhu Yu utilized the somewhat idle time to thoroughly read the historical records on autopsy and criminal justice they had previously found with Lu Qing, even examining numerous medical books on rare diseases and peculiar remedies.

Three days later, He Min’s injuries improved significantly, although not completely healed, but he managed to get up by himself.

With a cane, someone had found for him, he exited his bedroom, insisted on meeting, so Rune reluctantly delivered his message.

Lu Qing thought for a moment and called Rune to bring him over.

Upon seeing Lu Qing and Zhu Yu, He Min immediately knelt down, "Benefactors, I have pondered deeply while recuperating these few days.

I believe you two are not ordinary people; otherwise, you wouldn’t have such remarkable skills, nor such courage.

Though I dare not inquire about your true identities, I will refrain from questions I shouldn’t ask.

This life of mine was brought back from Yama Hall by you both; no matter what, your kindness is beyond a mere token of gratitude, but still, let me humbly request that the monstrosity from Headdress and Shoes Workshop no longer harm others!

My daughter’s death was unjust, people can’t rise again after their demise, yet I plead, if only to prevent others from being similarly victimized by that evil!"

"Mr. He, please stand." Lu Qing signaled Rune to assist He Min up, "What you said aligns with our intentions, that evil must not harm people anymore, this matter is one we will surely deal with.

However, this affair is quite complicated, likely not simple, so if you desire us to avenge your daughter soon, I’m afraid that might be challenging."

"Of course, of course, I dare not make such presumptuous demands! I’m just lamenting being a scholar unable to withstand the formidable Headdress and Shoes Workshop, unable even to aid my benefactors...

I came today to ask if there’s anything, any way I can assist you two; I, too, wish to contribute my humble strength!"

"Sir, you are modest; martial artists have their role, scholars equally so." Lu Qing smiled warmly, speaking kindly to him.