Chapter 60: Recognizing People by Their Scent

Although the fragrance was faint, barely perceptible, it evoked a sense of familiarity in Shen Qianmo, whose sense of smell had always been keen. She picked up the black cloth strip and brought it to her nose, inhaling deeply.

Indeed, the scent emanated from this piece of cloth, and she was certain she had encountered it somewhere before.

Her sensitivity to odors was unmatched, and she trusted her instincts completely. This confidence was unwavering.

Her delicate brows furrowed unconsciously—a habitual gesture when she was deep in thought.

Lu Ziqing, feeling muddled from days of overtime, watched Shen Qianmo's knitted brows with an urge to smooth them with his hand.

As he was struggling to restrain this irrational impulse, Shen Qianmo suddenly exclaimed, as if struck by revelation, “I know!”

Lu Ziqing was startled, quickly composing himself and asking with forced calm, “Princess Xuan, have you made a discovery?”

Seeing Shen Qianmo’s eyes shining bright and her face radiant, Lu Ziqing felt his heart race and found it hard to look away.

Shen Qianmo remained oblivious to his thoughts, preoccupied with the implications of her discovery.

How many in the imperial harem might be implicated by this? What consequences would it bring to the palace? She was far from certain.

Yet, as a professional forensic investigator, her duty was to speak for the dead. Every clue mattered—none could be concealed.

Given the gravity of the matter and the risk of rumors spreading, Shen Qianmo leaned close to Lu Ziqing’s ear and whispered, “The scent on this cloth is identical to the fragrance carried by Lady Li.”

Her soft, gentle voice lingered at his ear, and the subtle aroma wafted into his nose, making Lu Ziqing feel a surge of heat that even reached his ears.

He swore he was exerting all his self-control to resist this inadvertent temptation, but his hand still longed to wrap around Shen Qianmo’s waist.

“Mo’er!”

Just then, a low, displeased call came from not far away, the tone barely containing anger.

It was the voice of Prince Xuan!

Lu Ziqing’s expression hardened. He discreetly lowered his hand, instead clenching his fists and hiding them in the wide sleeves of his official robe to cover his lapse.

Shen Qianmo recognized the familiar voice and felt a surge of joy. She turned toward its source.

Clad in dark robes, cold and proud as jade, the man sat in a wheelchair, his face stormy, glaring at her with an imposing and aloof demeanor.

What was wrong with him now? Shen Qianmo looked at his awkward expression, bemused and exasperated.

Having retrieved the corpse, the ground was littered with footprints—no need for further impressions. The Imperial Guard had thoroughly searched the lotus pond and its surroundings, but the victim’s head was nowhere to be found. The body had already been sent to the Ministry of Justice, where the autopsy would soon take place.

With the scene investigation essentially complete, Shen Qianmo suggested to Lu Ziqing, “Lord Lu, we’ve seen enough here. Shall we leave?”

“Of course, Princess Xuan, please.” Fortunately, Lu Ziqing had exceptional self-control and quickly steadied his emotions, returning to his usual composure.

Shen Qianmo nodded, heading first toward Meng Yuanheng. Standing before him, she crouched to meet his gaze.

Seeing his tense, furious face, Shen Qianmo placed her hand over his on the wheelchair, her hands cold as ever. She gently rubbed his hand, speaking with helpless concern, “What’s wrong?”

Meng Yuanheng was truly angry—at himself. Time and again, he had dragged her into the chaos that surrounded him.

He could never forget the moment in the cave of the Wuji Sect when she suffered from snake venom, forced to mutilate herself in agony, and how she trusted him completely when he found her, whispering “take me away.” He always brought her danger, yet she trusted, followed, comforted, and helped him.

He had vowed to protect her, never letting her face even a shred of danger again. But now, he doubted himself, unsure if he was still worthy.

Some things were beyond even his understanding.

To her, whether it was Feng Ze or Lu Ziqing, both seemed better choices than himself.

But he could not let go—he simply could not live without Mo’er’s companionship.

Even seeing Prince Xuan’s angry face, Lu Ziqing had no choice but to step forward and bow, “Lu Ziqing, your humble servant, greets Prince Xuan.”

Meng Yuanheng glared at him coldly. “Lord Lu, remember your place.”

Hmph, as if he couldn’t tell—when Mo’er spoke to him just now, Lu Ziqing had clearly lost focus.

Seeing Shen Qianmo whispering in Lu Ziqing’s ear had stirred murderous impulses in him. If he didn’t trust Mo’er, he would have crushed Lu Ziqing on the spot.

He then cast a plaintive look at Shen Qianmo. Mo’er, how could you get so close to another man? Don’t you know it gives them ideas?

This man truly had a gift for changing expressions in an instant. Shen Qianmo found it amusing. Usually, he treated Lu Ziqing with relative cordiality—why the sudden change today?

Just then, Meng Tianluo approached, wearing a sly smile. He addressed Meng Yuanheng, “Prince Xuan is indeed attentive to his future princess, unable to rest easy after just a short time apart. Understandable—she’s calm, wise, and courageous, a rare woman. Even I can’t help but be moved, haha…”

Shen Qianmo frowned. Meng Tianluo was so frivolous!

Seeing Meng Yuanheng’s gaze darken as if ready to lose his temper, she patted his hand and gently shook her head. Rising to face Meng Tianluo’s arrogant smirk, she replied coldly, “Prince Luo flatters me. I’m merely braver than those who flee at the sight of a corpse.”

Meng Tianluo’s laughter vanished instantly, his face darkening. She was mocking his earlier reluctance to approach the headless body. He glared at Shen Qianmo, eyes blazing, as if he wished to tear her apart.

No one had ever dared speak to him thus—no one had ever dared look down on him. He would make her regret those words.

On the carriage to the Ministry of Justice, Meng Yuanheng held Shen Qianmo tightly, as if this closeness could thaw his days of coldness and emptiness.

“Ah Heng, are you hiding something from me?” Nearly unable to breathe from his embrace, Shen Qianmo shifted uncomfortably, anxious.

He had not been himself since entering the palace that day.

Meng Yuanheng managed a bitter smile atop her head. He knew Shen Qianmo detested secrets between them. He recalled her saying on the boat that lovers must be honest with one another.

But how could he speak of this matter?

So he shook his head, choosing silence.

Seeing his reluctance, Shen Qianmo did not press. He always had his reasons—she knew Meng Yuanheng was not one to act without care.

“By the way, Ah Heng, have you met Lady Li before?” Shen Qianmo, considering the case, suddenly remembered and asked seriously.

Meng Yuanheng was momentarily stunned, his gaze lost. “Lady Li? Who?”

Shen Qianmo rolled her eyes. “Lady Li is the emperor’s current favorite. You don’t know?”

Why should he know the emperor’s favored concubine? He had no idea what she looked like. Meng Yuanheng looked at her, innocent.

He didn’t seem to be pretending, so it appeared Meng Yuanheng really didn’t know Lady Li. Yet Shen Qianmo was certain she hadn’t misread—Lady Li’s feelings toward Meng Yuanheng were different. So, it must be a matter on Lady Li’s side.

As Shen Qianmo furrowed her brow in thought again, Meng Yuanheng, unhappy at being ignored, reached to smooth her brow and pleaded, “Mo’er, talk to me.”

His childish behavior made Shen Qianmo laugh. “Meng Yuanheng, how old are you?”

Meng Yuanheng’s handsome face flushed. Thinking of her whispering with Lu Ziqing earlier, he felt a pang of jealousy and hugged her, muttering, “Stay away from Lu Ziqing from now on.”

So he was jealous! Remembering his anger at the lotus pond, Shen Qianmo’s lips curved. No wonder he’d scowled at Lu Ziqing the whole time.

But her and Lu Ziqing? What a ridiculous idea. He was jealous for no reason at all. Shen Qianmo deliberately put on a serious face. “What should I do? I’ll be dissecting the body with him soon, and I enjoy investigating cases. In the future, I’ll often work at the Ministry of Justice alongside him—I can’t stay away.”

She would never be like the noble ladies here, idling in their courtyards, chasing butterflies, admiring flowers, lamenting the seasons, composing poetry, painting, or dressing up—activities that meant nothing to her.

She had her own life plan, which required interacting with many, including Lu Ziqing.

Lu Ziqing was certain to become the next Minister of Justice, and her work depended on his support.

Meng Yuanheng, hearing her words, looked crestfallen, as if chilled to the bone.

Seeing his jealousy, Shen Qianmo chuckled and decided not to tease him further. She leaned in and kissed his cheek, whispering, “Don’t worry, he’s only a colleague. The one I love is you.”

Hearing her say “the one I love is you,” Meng Yuanheng finally smiled sincerely for the first time in days. He gripped Shen Qianmo’s shoulders tightly, his eyes shining with a passion that seemed able to melt anything. Shen Qianmo’s heart trembled at the sight.

“Mo’er,” he called softly, his voice still low and hoarse, sounding irresistibly seductive to her ears. She gazed at him tenderly, prompting Meng Yuanheng to bow and kiss her lips, lingering and deep.