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Awakened from her dreams, Xing Ruyi was in a bad mood. Not only was she, but the fox was as well, especially when they saw that it was Chang Tai knocking at the door; her expression grew even more displeased. However, the fox was reasonable and understood that Chang Tai's late-night visit must be urgent, so it did not obstruct him. He stood not far from Xing Ruyi, making his intentions clear: wherever the Fox Demon went tonight, he would follow.
Chang Tai nodded slightly, acknowledging the fox before turning to Xing Ruyi and saying, "There's been an incident at the Yamen involving Lord Xie's friend. I'll explain the details on the way. The person is severely injured from a lightning strike and needs immediate attention. Do you have any emergency medical supplies? If not, let me know what you need, and I can send Shengzi to Liu's residence. Although Master Liu has stopped practicing medicine, he should still have everything necessary."
"I have a first aid kit that can handle general injuries, but if it's severe, I might not be able to help much," Xing Ruyi replied as she returned home to retrieve a wooden box. This box was crafted by the fox based on a modern medical kit design; although it was made of different materials and was heavier, it was manageable with the fox's assistance.
After handing the box to the fox, Xing Ruyi yawned and pointed in the direction of the Yamen, saying, "Let's go! Disturbing someone's dreams at this hour must mean it's something particularly troublesome; otherwise, Brother Chang wouldn't look so grim."
"My expression has been poor these days for reasons unrelated to this matter," Chang Tai replied, touching his own face. Although the issue with the fish had been resolved, the lingering effects of the haunting were still evident and could not be quickly remedied. Thus, Chang Tai always appeared fatigued. Xing Ruyi understood the situation and pondered whether she could concoct a better remedy.
Chang Tai only had a vague understanding of what had happened at the Yamen and shared what little information he had with Xing Ruyi.
"I've heard of people being struck by lightning, but dying from a lightning strike to the heart—what kind of evil deeds did this concubine commit to deserve such retribution?" Xing Ruyi exclaimed, her gaze involuntarily falling on the fox. "Is there such punishment in the underworld?"
"People are governed by the underworld only after death; while alive, it's called condemnation! Moreover, being killed by lightning does not necessarily mean this concubine was guilty; it could be due to those around her."
"That young Master Han?" Xing Ruyi's eyes flickered as she recalled Chang Tai's earlier mention of him. "It seems Brother Chang just mentioned that this young Master Han is related to Wu Sansi’s 'wife' brother; his status in this capital is indeed quite significant."
"There’s a saying among common folk: misfortune befalls descendants. Although this woman was merely a concubine, she was still associated with Han Fei, making it highly likely that she suffered because of him. However, we won't know the full truth until we arrive at the scene."
Xing Ruyi thought for a moment but said nothing further; instead, her pace quickened.
By the time they arrived at the house, the coroner was pacing anxiously like an ant on a hot pan in front of the bed. Xing Ruyi first examined Han Fei's wounds and found them to be even more severe than Chang Tai had described. At this point, she could only seek help from the fox to stabilize Han Fei's vital signs using magic while she took out ointments for burns from her kit and prepared anti-inflammatory medicine made from various herbs for external application and internal use for initial emergency treatment. As Chang Tai had said, Xie Xuan only requested that she temporarily preserve Han Fei's life without expecting her to cure him.
As for Han Fei's fate, she planned to find time to visit the underworld and ask Judge about whether Han Fei's lifespan had already ended. If it had ended, she would inform Chang Tai in advance and also let Lord Xie make arrangements early. If his lifespan had not yet ended, it would be easier since she had the fox with her; they could use some random medicine to keep him alive. A wealthy young master like him must have done many wrongs in his life; sparing his life would already count as great compassion.
After administering medicine and observing for half an hour to see Han Fei's breathing gradually stabilize, Xing Ruyi finally stood up, pretended to wipe sweat from her forehead dramatically, turned around, and addressed Xie Xuan: "I am Xing Ruyi and have come to see Lord Xie. This is not an official hall and you are not in official attire; therefore, I will refrain from formalities."
"Miss Xing, it's serious. Tonight's events all depend on you, my dear. You've worked hard, so please step in and have some refreshments."
"Thank you, Lord Xie, for your kindness." Xing Ruyi raised her eyes and finally saw Xie Xuan's appearance. Although he wasn't as handsome as a fox, his features were quite outstanding, and his words conveyed the demeanor of a great general. It seemed that Xie Xuan was not just someone with literary talent.
"It is not flattery; it is what should be done! It is truly appreciated that you made this trip in the middle of the night. Although I am not well acquainted with Young Master Han, he is still a friend. You saved his life with your remarkable skills, and I will certainly remember this kindness. Tonight is hurried and full of circumstances; I can only prepare some light refreshments. I will come to express my gratitude properly another day!"
"Since Lord Xie has said so, if Fox Demon were to refuse again, it would seem rather impolite. However, right now I cannot focus on having tea; I need to check on the concubine's condition."
"A dead person—what condition could there be?" Xie Xuan remarked, glancing at the concubine lying on the ground. Amidst the original burnt smell, there seemed to be an additional scent of decay. He couldn't help but cover his mouth and nose with his hand and called over a nearby servant, instructing, "Have someone carry this concubine away! I've heard there is a charity mortuary set up in the capital; let’s send her there first. Everything can wait until Young Master Han wakes up."
"Under normal circumstances, a corpse will begin to stiffen within half an hour after death, becoming completely rigid within four to six hours. As the body cools down and livor mortis and rigor mortis start to appear, this process lasts no longer than an hour. Initially, livor mortis appears in patches; after about two hours, these patches will merge into larger areas, rigor mortis will fully set in, the corneas will become slightly cloudy, and the lips will begin to shrivel.
At this point, if you stimulate the deceased's pupils—her eyeballs—you will find that her pupils still react, which takes about an hour. As for decomposition, during spring and autumn it begins around four to five hours after death; initially, it manifests as abdominal bloating due to putrefaction. At this stage, one wouldn't smell anything particularly strong. So Lord Xie need not cover his nose. Regarding this young lady's body, please do not worry; once Fox Demon finishes her business below, it won't be too late for you to send her to the charity mortuary."
"I never expected that Miss Xing would know even more than my Coroner," Xie Xuan said as he lowered his hand from his mouth. He wore a polite smile on his face, but there was no sparkle in his eyes. It seemed that Xie Xuan was somewhat of a scheming man. However, Xing Ruyi, having lived two lives and accompanied by a thousand-year-old fox demon, found human scheming merely amusing and had little to guard against.
With a hint of disdain for Xie Xuan in her heart, she took half a step back. While she wasn't afraid of scheming individuals, she didn't want to get too entangled with someone like him who navigated the political arena. Even being slightly closer made her uncomfortable. "I’ve only casually read some miscellaneous books; it's limited to theory. If it comes to actually examining a corpse, Fox Demon's knowledge is insufficient."
"Miss Xing is being modest! But I wonder what else Miss Xing intends to examine? This concubine died from being struck by lightning through her heart; my Coroner has already examined her and found no other injuries."
"Lord Xie worries too much; Fox Demon does not intend to examine the corpse."
"Then what does Miss Xing intend to do?" There was finally some fluctuation in Xie Xuan's gaze.
"Well, consider it comforting the soul! Since Lord Xie asked Brother Chang to summon Fox Demon here at such a late hour, you must have some understanding of me; my main profession is selling Rouge and Face Powder, but privately I also perform some exorcisms and rituals. However, such matters depend on my mood. Fortunately, I'm feeling quite good tonight. This concubine died from being struck by lightning through her heart—this is one reason. Secondly, when I had a moment earlier, I asked the Han family about her birth date; although not detailed, it was sufficient to conclude that she was not an evil person. Such a death often means she bore someone else's misfortune and must feel wronged."
At the time of death, if one harbors resentment, and after death, if there is grievance, a moment's carelessness may lead to becoming an evil spirit. Since Lord Xie is from the Xie family, he should have heard about the matters concerning the old residence of the Xie family. Therefore, it is better to believe that such things exist than to doubt them. In any case, it is not too troublesome to appease them; why must you be in such a hurry to send her to the charity graveyard, Lord Xie?”
“Miss Xing misunderstands; Xie Xuan is not in a hurry. He simply feels that leaving a corpse in Young Master Han's room is somewhat inappropriate. Since the young lady has a kind heart and wishes to comfort her, Xie Xuan, as a public official, could not ask for more. What Miss Xing said is correct; it is better to believe that such things exist than to doubt them. Although Xie Xuan does not believe in some matters, he still holds a sense of reverence.”
Xing Ruyi forced a smile and walked over to the fox, whispering, “Why have I searched everywhere but cannot find this concubine's ghost? Did she go report to the underworld herself, or was she caught by those two fellows from the Black and White Impermanence? Usually, those two are not so efficient in their work!”
“It has nothing to do with the Black and White Impermanence!” The fox raised an eyebrow. “This concubine has neither soul nor has she transformed into a ghost; why would she need to be captured by the Black and White Impermanence? Moreover, you are right; those two are usually lazy and would not be so diligent.”
“Are you saying that this concubine died but did not turn into a ghost? Then what did she become?”
“She is no ordinary person; naturally, she has no soul! Without a soul, she will not transform into a ghost after death!” The fox waved his hand gently in front of Xing Ruyi’s eyes. “Look closely again; what do you see?”
Xing Ruyi blinked twice and opened her eyes again, still seeing a female corpse. She appeared young, only about seventeen or eighteen years old, and her looks were not strikingly beautiful but rather ordinary. Upon closer inspection, she noticed a thick mist swirling around the corpse and realized it was actually a large rabbit.
“A rabbit?” Xing Ruyi exclaimed softly, drawing Xie Xuan's attention.
Xie Xuan had been watching Xing Ruyi but found his gaze involuntarily drawn to the man beside her. He was strikingly handsome, almost ethereal—he must be the one.
According to common sense, such an outstanding-looking man with remarkable features and demeanor would be hard for anyone to overlook. Even other men would instinctively direct their first glance at him. However, strangely enough, despite standing there for so long, it felt as if he had just now become aware of his presence. This feeling made Xie Xuan quite uneasy.
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