The morning sun spilled into the courtyard, gilding the ginkgo tree until it shone brilliantly.
The breeze stirred the branches. Yellow leaves fluttered down in a swirling dance before landing on the blue-brick ground, their colors reflecting one another and lending the scene a crisp, refreshing feel.
"Creak."
A strange shadow flashed past. The door suddenly swung open, and the Crimson Powder Bride strode inside without hesitation.
She was still wearing yesterday's purple jacket and yellow skirt. The brocade sash tied in a Ruyi Knot at her waist had been reduced to a short remnant, and her collar and cuffs bore traces of damage, as if from a fight. Her long hair was swept up high, with a gold hairpin set at an angle. A pair of red-gold studs in her ears caught the sunlight, shining with a cold, dazzling brilliance.
Only her face was hidden behind a smooth, mirror-like mask.
Once inside, the Crimson Powder Bride hurried around the screen and began carefully inspecting Xiao Zheng's bedroom.
But she soon realized Pei Ling wasn't there.
The Crimson Powder Bride furrowed her brows. The previous night, she had personally interrogated Xiao Shou. But he had clammed up, refusing to say anything. All he did was repeat that this was the Xiao Family's lifelong wish, that it was of great importance, and that they absolutely could not fall short at the final hurdle.
What was more, his soul seemed to be shielded by some kind of protection. Techniques such as soul searching and mind control had no effect on him.
So the Crimson Powder Bride had only needed to use a little more force before she tortured him to death.
After Xiao Shou died, though, many maidservants disappeared, leaving their masks behind.
Remembering that Pei Ling had always worn a mask,