In the eighth year of Tianwu, as the spring warmth graced the land, the tranquil Ganquan Temple was engulfed in a peaceful ambiance. The scent of incense lingered in the air, and inside the Buddha hall, the rhythmic sounds of wooden fish and chanting echoed softly. Kneeling for a long while, Luo Yueping, cloaked in robes that caught the slanting sunbeams from outside, sought the monastery's abbot for ordination. "All worldly possessions cannot be taken with us; only karma follows," Master Yuan Qing uttered without lifting his gaze from the sutra in his hands.

Luo Yueping's eyes flickered with determination as he bowed his head, "I wish to be ordained, to cut off the afflictions of this life."

The abbot, hands clasped together, spoke gently, "Then you shall be named 'Nianye'."

Outside the meditation hall, Cheng Wuyue and Xiang Nan were packing up, preparing to leave for Zuisheng Building in a few days at the invitation of Wanqiu. "Brother, the food in this temple really isn't much," Xiang Nan whispered, "I'm almost starved. The dishes at Zuisheng Building are much better."

Cheng Wuyue patted his head lightly, "Haven't I told you? Cultivation is about the mind, not about material things."

Xiang Nan tilted his head and grinned, "Still, a full belly gives strength for cultivation!"

Master Yuan Qing, appearing unhurriedly, handed Xiang Nan a string of wooden prayer beads, "Little benefactor, your spirited nature is indeed amusing. Take these beads, perhaps they'll bring you luck someday."

"Really?" Xiang Nan's eyes lit up as he accepted the beads excitedly. Then, scratching his head, he bowed to the master, "Thank you, Master!"

The master nodded slightly, then turned to Cheng Wuyue, "Once you step out of Ganquan Temple, you'll be inevitably entangled with karma. Have you thought it through?"

Cheng Wuyue smiled softly, gazing towards Zuisheng Building, "What is karma, really?"

"Where there's a stirring of the heart, karma arises."

"Then I've been in the midst of karma for a long time."

Master Yuan Qing nodded in understanding. After a moment, he asked, "When will you leave?"

"We're planning to stay a bit longer after the new year," Cheng Wuyue replied.

"Feel free to stay as long as you need," the master said, waving his hand before departing.

Cheng Wuyue watched the master leave, then, with Xiang Nan, stepped out of the temple, only to bump into Ye Nanqiao, who was looking around the temple entrance.

Ye Nanqiao leaned in to peer inside the temple, then turned to ask Cheng Wuyue, "Has the head of the Luo family decided to stay in the temple?"

Cheng Wuyue nodded, "He took the tonsure today."

Ye Nanqiao sighed deeply upon hearing this, "I heard he spent all his fortune helping the refugees from the south, leaving nothing but an empty house for his family. Sometimes, fate can be so heartless."

"The impermanence of life, I think you and I understand it best," Cheng Wuyue said, glancing at Ye Nanqiao who walked ahead in silence.

The three continued their journey without further conversation, the cold wind, chirping of birds, and their footsteps blending into a unique winter melody...

Time flew by, and before long, it was the eve of the Lunar New Year. Zuisheng Building, located at the bustling heart of the city, was renowned for its opulence and on this New Year's Eve, its magnificence was on full display. The wide street before the building was adorned with colorful lanterns at every corner. Two giant red lanterns hung high at the entrance, casting a golden glow over the interior. Inside, the atmosphere was lively with continuous music and dance, where heroes and notables of all kinds gathered to raise their glasses in celebration of this auspicious occasion. Wanqiu, the host, was busy attending to the guests, but she had reserved the largest private room for Ye Nanqiao and her companions.

In the private room, Chen Geng, Wei Zhaoyang, Mu Jin, Cheng Wuyue, and Xiang Nan were seated around a table, indulging in fine wines and exquisite dishes. Soon, the door opened and Ye Nanqiao entered gracefully, now dressed in a woman's attire, elegant yet with a hint of heroism.

Chen Geng, lifting his cup, looked at Ye Nanqiao with a mix of surprise and admiration. "Who would have thought that the renowned Master Bingchen of Jiangnan City was such a peerless beauty."

Wei Zhaoyang, unable to contain his curiosity, put down his cup and scrutinized Ye Nanqiao before turning to Cheng Wuyue, Mu Jin, and Xiang Nan with a pout. "Well, it turns out you all knew already."

Xiang Nan shrugged, "You never asked."

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Ye Nanqiao chuckled softly and gave a slight bow to Chen Geng and Wei Zhaoyang. "Ye Nanqiao greets the two officials. My identity had to be concealed due to special circumstances. I hope you understand."

Wei Zhaoyang, with a wave of his hand, gestured for Ye Nanqiao to sit and even poured her a drink enthusiastically. "Please, have a seat."

Chen Geng, swirling the wine in his cup, broke the silence. "Ye is not a common surname. May I inquire if the former governor of Jiangnan, Ye Lan, is related to you?"

As Chen Geng spoke, Mu Jin subtly raised an eyebrow.

Everyone's attention was once again on Ye Nanqiao. She brushed a stray hair from her forehead, looking directly at Chen Geng. "He is my father."

"Ye Lan was known as a loyal minister and protector of Prince Rong. He was wrongfully imprisoned in a political case five years ago, and his entire household was implicated. Are you aware of the danger in revealing the identity of a criminal's daughter? As an official of the court, I have the authority to arrest you right now," Chen Geng said.

Ye Nanqiao maintained her composure, "My father's character is well-known. If you, sir, also choose to believe in false accusations, then feel free to arrest me. But if you truly are a guardian of the people, I urge you to investigate the truth behind my father's unjust death."

Wei Zhaoyang interrupted the tense moment, "Come on, sir. It's New Year's Eve. Why so serious?"

Cheng Wuyue, clutching his sleeve, watched Chen Geng closely, and the atmosphere grew tense.

To everyone's surprise, Chen Geng chuckled lightly. "Of course, I won't."

"I revealed my identity because I trust in your integrity," Ye Nanqiao replied, her eyes twinkling with a smile.

"Oh?" Chen Geng was taken aback.

"Truth is always important," Ye Nanqiao retorted, echoing Chen Geng's words from their encounter in the county hall.

Chen Geng nodded, "In my youth in Shangjing, I too heard of Lord Ye's virtuous deeds. His case indeed wronged too many..."

Wei Zhaoyang couldn't help but mutter, "Sir, why are you still so obsessed with that case?"

Chen Geng shot him a look, and Wei Zhaoyang reluctantly fell silent.

Cheng Wuyue, watching everyone, wanted to say something but ultimately kept quiet. Some karmas, he thought, were better not to entangle Ye Nanqiao with. If something must be done, he was willing to take it upon himself.

"Let's not talk about these things today," Chen Geng said, lightening the mood. The room relaxed as everyone resumed eating and drinking, sharing lighter conversations.

As night fell and fireworks lit up the sky, the city was filled with joy and harmony. However, the peace was short-lived. Early in the first lunar month, a sensational murder shook Jiangnan City once again.

In the ninth year of Tianwu, on the seventh day of the first lunar month, sunlight streamed through the verdant leaves of the wutong trees in Xianzhi Hall, casting mottled shadows on the flagstone ground. Wang Li, the young master of Xianzhi Hall, rose early, clad in a white satin robe, his clothes in disarray as he entered the backyard.

The household servants hurried forward, and the maid Cuier quickly draped a fur cloak over Wang Li's shoulders. "Young master, it's cold. Be careful not to catch a chill."

Wang Li brushed Cuier aside impatiently. "Enough, enough! Can't you say something pleasant on New Year's? So unlucky." He turned to a nearby guard. "Fetch 'General' for me. Be gentle; don't wake him."

The guard nodded and swiftly left the courtyard. Wang Li straightened his clothes, feeling bored, and scolded the other servants. "What’s with all these gloomy faces during New Year? Smile for me, all of you!"

As he spoke, he tried to force a smile on Cuier's face. "Seeing your sour faces every day ruins my mood... so dull!"

While Wang Li was still speaking, the guard returned with an ornate birdcage, inside which was a rose-ringed parakeet with red and blue feathers. Wang Li's eyes lit up at the sight of his beloved 'General.' He eagerly took the cage, admiring the bird. "Ah, my dear General, you look so listless. Tired of being cooped up here? Alright, today we'll go to Fengxiang Garden..."

He turned to Cuier. "Is Fengxiang Garden open today?"

"Yes, it opened on the fifth day of the New Year. The cherry blossoms are early this year. Many young masters from the city have already visited," she replied.

"Why didn’t you tell me earlier? Everyone has gone but me. What a joke!" Wang Li stomped his foot in irritation, causing the birdcage to shake and the parakeet to squawk in fright. "Useless servants..."

Despite his complaints, Wang Li hurried out, with the guard following. "Young master, let me accompany you."

Wang Li waved him off irritably. "Nobody follows me today. You all annoy me."

The guard hesitated but stood down at Wang Li's stern command. Wang Li, carrying his 'General,' strutted through the streets, attracting many curious glances at the market, especially due to the unique parakeet.

The parakeet's vibrant colors caught the attention of a wealthy merchant, Hu Bingju. A lover of exotic birds and animals, he approached Wang Li with interest. "Young Master Wang, out for a stroll today?"

Wang Li looked down his nose at Hu Bingju, replying with disdain, "Who are you? Do I know you? Get out of my way."

Hu Bingju's smile faltered, but he persisted, "I am the owner of the Jinxiumerchant house in the south of the city. I’m quite taken with your parakeet, sir. Might you consider parting with it for a fair price?"

Onlookers whispered, speculating on Hu Bingju's willingness to pay a hefty sum for the bird.

Wang Li, unimpressed, dismissed him coldly, "Know who I am? Then don't bother me. Do you think I need money?"

Humiliated, Hu Bingju could only retreat, politely excusing himself despite the onlookers' mockery.

Undeterred, Wang Li continued to Fengxiang Garden, located in the southern suburbs of the city. The garden, a blend of elegance and grandeur, was a favorite haunt of the city's elite. Despite being a weekday, the estate was often frequented by young nobles and ladies from prominent families.

Wang Li, familiar with the route, quickly made his way through a quiet forest before reaching the garden...