“Was everything normal when you entered the room? Why were you holding a dagger, and why was there hair in your hand?”
“I went to add charcoal to the copper furnace as usual, and when I approached the inner room, I noticed a strange smell inside…” Chuxia tried to recall, a hint of fear flashing across her face. “I thought to open the window in the inner room a bit to let in some air for the madam. But as soon as I entered, something tripped me, and I fell. Then… when I got up, I found a dagger and a strand of black hair in my hand… probably picked up when I fell.” Jun Ye’an slightly furrowed his brows: “Probably picked up?” Chuxia shook her head vigorously: “I don’t know… I can’t remember clearly. I was in a daze when I stood up, and in the moonlight, I saw the madam’s… body, and I screamed. Then, the head steward came in with others.” Jun Ye’an softly hummed in acknowledgment, his phoenix eyes slightly closed. After a moment, he called out, “Qianlang, come in.”
As Cang Qianlang appeared, Chuxia couldn’t help but shiver, instinctively hiding behind Jun Ye’an. Although Young Master Ye’an had his back to her, he seemed to sense her fear and turned to say gently, “Don’t be afraid, Chuxia. No one will hurt you again.”
“Qianlang, you said the windows were wide open when you entered Wang Yunzhai, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Good, Chuxia, did you open the windows?”
“No.” Chuxia shook her head. “I was worried the madam would catch a cold. I only opened them a few inches for some air.”
“Do you understand now?” Jun Ye’an sighed with a smile, turning to Cang Qianlang, “Chuxia didn’t kill anyone.”
“This…” Cang Qianlang looked puzzled.
“Qianlang, didn’t you and He Bucong notice the pot of Yu Lu Luo Hua on the madam’s table in Wang Yunzhai?”
“Yes, that’s the madam’s favorite flower.” Chuxia whispered from behind him, “She had us care for it meticulously every day.”
“Chuxia, what are the precautions when caring for this flower?” Jun Ye’an casually inquired.
“No blood should touch it. The Yu Lu Luo Hua withers immediately upon contact with blood, so no meals are ever taken in the madam’s room.”
