This was the outcome I expected. Not only did he fail to uncover anything, but he was also largely dissuaded from his suspicions by An Jin’s few words. In terms of strategy and skill, they were not on the same level.
Whether Duan Chang intended to continue investigating or not, his final result would likely be nothing. Duan Chang could give up, but I could not treat this matter as fleeting. Although officials find it difficult to maintain absolute clarity, this matter involved Su Xi and Su Hui. If I did not clarify it, I would always have a knot in my heart.
An Jin saw Duan Chang off and returned to find me hesitating, his gentle expression disappearing as he sighed. “I know what you want to ask.”
A light snow had fallen the previous night, leaving traces on the garden soil and forming thin ice that crunched underfoot. An mansion was quiet, with servants hurrying past silently. I loved liveliness, but in the entire An mansion, only sparrows could chat with me; other people appeared only when needed.
We walked in silence for a while, then he spoke: “This matter was indeed done by me.”
I stopped. “Why? Are you truly protecting Su Xi out of personal interest?” My main concern was whether it involved Su Hui.
An Jin pulled my hand into his embrace, laughing softly, his breath forming mist on his eyelashes, making his eyes especially bright. “No. Not because of Su Xi, not because of Su Hui.”
I had to do this for a necessary reason, but it involves confidential matters I can’t disclose now.”
I turned my eyes away, feeling both guilty and happy. “I didn’t mention Su Hui. Fine, don’t tell me. I’m not interested anyway.”
“Mm, you didn’t mention Su Hui,” An Jin nodded. “I sensed trouble brewing, so I prepared in advance.”
An Jin’s words eased my mind, but I sensed an unusual atmosphere, as if beneath the surface’s calmness, a dangerous undercurrent was approaching.
Soon after, the case was concluded. The involved official and the impersonator were exiled, those who received bribes were removed from office, and Su Xi escaped this calamity.
