Gu Yun explained, "According to Qu Xin, these have been carefully preserved by Yang Lu over the years. I suspect they are connected to the gold case, but I do not understand the meaning of these characters. I would like to hear your opinion." She studied the paper fragments in her hands once more, hoping to discern some pattern, but remained perplexed. Zhuo Qing shook her head, "I'm not quite sure either. I'll study it more thoroughly tonight. When are you going to check the location of the cave?""Soon," Gu Yun replied. She had arranged to meet Shan Yulan and the others at the Ying Tian Prefecture gates at noon."I'm coming too." As she spoke, Zhuo Qing swiftly braided her long hair. Gu Yun smiled softly, "Are you certain you want to be wandering around at such a critical time? The Empress Dowager has practically cornered us at home."Zhuo Qing rolled her eyes and scoffed, "Should I stay here and just stare each other down? I don't have the leisure for that." Grabbing Gu Yun's arm, the two hurriedly left the Prime Minister's residence.
After joining Shan Yulan and the others, and under Ao Tian's guidance, the group made their way to the cave on the outskirts of the capital. They examined every exit outside the cave and indeed found that the area near Qu Ze offered the most convenient access. Finding nothing unusual outside, they ventured deeper into the cave, which branched in multiple directions but only through narrow paths. At the innermost section lay a cavern the size of half a football field, damp and with water occasionally seeping through the walls. The gentle sound of flowing water was unmistakable. Upon closer inspection, one side of the cavern revealed an underground river about seven or eight meters wide.
Gu Yun crouched by the riverbank, lightly tapping on the hard stones, squinting as she examined the fine sand and gravel beneath the water. Inside the cavern, small stones of the same kind were found; she picked some up and crushed them in her hand. The stones whispered and crumbled slowly into powder. She looked down at the dust and softly called out, "Come see this."
Hearing her, the others gathered around. She was squatting beside a small mound of sand, intently studying the grains in her palm. Qian Jing, puzzled, asked, "It's just some sand and gravel. What's the matter?" He had heard in prison of this woman named Qing Mo's formidable skills. Even Ao Tian, who usually disregarded everyone, showed a hint of respect for her. He had come to see how she solved cases with such acuity, yet what suspicion could there be in a pile of sand?
Brushing the fine stones from her hand, Gu Yun pointed to the thick layer of sand in the underground river and explained, "The problem is this cave was formed by water dissolving soluble rock. Such fine sand shouldn't be here, yet there's quite a bit.""So you mean someone deliberately brought these sands in?" Shan Yulan narrowed her eyes and looked closely. Though the light was dim, it was clear that this stretch of riverbed was much higher than the one near the cave entrance. Indeed, as Gu Yun said, the underground river beside the cavern contained an abundance of fine sand distinct from the upstream riverbed.
Qian Jing knelt by the river, muttering to himself, "What use is bringing sand into such a remote cave?" Gu Yun's suspicion began to take shape, and she smiled, "Don't you find it strange that with so many searching, no horse-drawn carts carrying gold were ever found? Nothing in this world disappears without a trace — it's all a clever ruse."
The gentle murmur of the flowing river caught Zhuo Qing's attention, and she said, "This underground river is rich and the water system extensive. It's an ideal hiding place for gold."
Gu Yun nodded, "Exactly. If they poured the gold into the river and covered it with sand, once the heat died down, they could retrieve it quietly. The wheel tracks found before weren't evidence of gold being transported out but proof of sand being carried in."
Shan Yulan crouched, picking up a soft stone and feeling its texture. Her analysis held merit — it explained how the gold vanished despite intense investigation. But what about proof? Qian Jing clearly shared the same doubt. Turning back, he said, "You're just speculating. Even if true, it's been three years. The gold should have been moved by now. A few grains of sand can't prove your theory."
Before Gu Yun could respond, Zhuo Qing, having explored a small tunnel downstream, smiled and said, "Not necessarily. With so much gold poured into the river, it's impossible to clear it all. This underground river's strong current means tiny gold fragments may have washed downstream. We should still find some."
Qian Jing slapped his thigh excitedly, "Then we'll dive in and check for gold now!"
Zhuo Qing nodded, smiling at him. Her gaze sent a chill down their spines. Qian Jing nervously asked, "You want me to dive in?"
With a teasing smile, Zhuo Qing replied, "You don't expect me to go, do you?"
The underground river was frigid; not even the strongest men could endure long in it. Knowing his question was rhetorical, Qian Jing sheepishly pulled off his jacket, shoes, and socks, preparing to enter the water.
Splash! Before he finished, Ao Tian's dark figure plunged headfirst into the river. Qian Jing, half-dressed, stood awkwardly on the bank. Zhuo Qing shot him a glare as all eyes focused on the black-clad, silver-haired figure beneath the water's surface. Embarrassed to retreat now, Qian Jing cleared his throat, smiling awkwardly, "I'm a decent swimmer. I'll check downstream." No one responded. Swiftly, he slipped through the tunnel and disappeared into the dark river.
Ao Tian surfaced after a long dive. Gu Yun anxiously asked, "Any luck?"
Ao Tian's face was somber. He shook his head silently. Zhuo Qing and Gu Yun exchanged a glance—had they been mistaken? Shan Yulan, however, remained confident, "Keep searching; gold is likely to linger in the river's crevices."
Ao Tian submerged again. His black attire made him nearly invisible beneath the waves, save for glimmers of silver hair marking his position. This dive lasted even longer. Just as Zhuo Qing began to worry, Ao Tian finally broke the surface again.
"Did you find anything?"
Panting heavily, Ao Tian didn't answer but tossed something sandy onto the shore. An orange-yellow gleam flashed briefly, followed by the unmistakable clink of metal tumbling. The group gathered around and discovered a gold fragment the size of a fruit seed. The piece had likely broken off when the gold was dumped into the river.
Shan Yulan examined the gold's surface and spotted a partial stamp of the character "官" — indicating official silver. Holding the fragment, she looked at Gu Yun and said, "There really is gold here, and it's official currency. Your guess was correct."
That year, the gold had indeed been concealed within the underground river!
"Hey, come quickly! Look what I found!"
Excited voices called from downstream. The group hurried over and saw Qian Jing beaming as he held a gleaming gold ingot aloft. "Fifty taels of gold!"
The underground river truly concealed gold. Placing the ingot on the bank, Qian Jing laughed, "The water here is clearer than upstream. There must be more gold; I'm going to keep looking."
The river's coldness had turned his lips a faint purple. As he prepared to dive again, Zhuo Qing urged, "No need. This is enough evidence. Come out now."
Wide-eyed and reluctant, Qian Jing protested, "It's a pity to leave gold behind—fifty taels!"
He dove once more. Zhuo Qing, frustrated, growled, "Qian Jing! You want money more than your life! This gold belongs to the government; even if you retrieve it, it's not yours. Get out of the water!"
Her voice trembled with anger. Hearing the gold must be handed over, Qian Jing finally relented and climbed ashore.
Shan Yulan picked up the gold ingot Qian Jing found. This piece was intact, bearing a clear imprint reading "National Treasury Official Silver," confirming beyond doubt that this was the lost gold.
Holding the gold, Shan Yulan's voice lowered, "Now that we have evidence regarding the gold case, I will immediately report to the court to reopen the investigation."
This meant turmoil was imminent at court.
Shan Yulan left to draft her report. Su Yu seemed injured during training, so Gu Yun hurried back to the General's residence. Bored, Zhuo Qing returned to the Prime Minister's mansion. Since it was still early, she planned to rest at the Lanyue Pavilion.
As she walked along a small path, the faint sound of a zither floated through the air—deeper and more mellow than a guzheng, graceful and enchanting like a gentle hand soothing one's soul. Though Zhuo Qing neither played instruments nor had a musical ear, she was captivated by the haunting melody, her feet involuntarily guiding her toward its source.
The music came from Lou Xiwu's courtyard. To her surprise, Lou Xiwu was such a skilled musician—a true scion of a noble family. Zhuo Qing admired her.
It was her first time entering Lou Xiwu's garden, where vibrant azaleas bloomed in soft pinks, adorning the courtyard with exquisite beauty. A spacious pavilion draped in sheer white gauze stood at the center, faintly revealing Lou Xiwu's graceful silhouette.
Zhuo Qing smiled inwardly; this girl knew how to set the mood. She seemed worlds away from her usual boisterous and brash demeanor, showing instead a refined elegance.
Approaching further, Zhuo Qing noticed a figure in pristine white standing at the courtyard's front, back turned to her. His snowy robes contrasted with his jet-black hair, casually seated on the ground with a dark crimson guqin resting on his lap, fingers tracing the strings gently.
The man's face was striking—pale and thin, yet the quiet charisma he exuded made him mesmerizing. He was completely lost in his music, oblivious to the outside world.
Zhuo Qing remained still, watching him for a long moment, feeling strangely calm.
Suddenly, the music stopped. The man lifted his head and met her gaze. His black eyes, deep as a starless night, locked with hers, filled with gentle curiosity and unspoken thoughts.
"Who's there?" His voice was soft, yet clear.
Zhuo Qing smiled lightly, "Just passing by and heard your music. It's very beautiful."
The man's lips curved faintly. "I'm Lou Xiwu."
"I'm Zhuo Qing."
A quiet understanding passed between them. Two kindred spirits, momentarily linked by a shared moment of calm amid the chaos surrounding them.
Zhuo Qing glanced at the garden bathed in afternoon light and felt for the first time a flicker of peace in this turbulent world.