In the late spring, under the eaves of the eastern corridor of the academy, apricot blossoms fluttered in the air. Li Ze sat at the end of the corridor, his hands spread open on an old, tattered book. The pages were yellowed and the handwriting faded.
But he wasn't reading the book; he was watching the hurried figures passing by.
— This was his conclusion after days of observation: The "Purchasing Department" at the academy was problematic.
This department, which should have been responsible for daily expenses, had been consistently concealing figures in the accounts, and the delivery records did not match those from the inner chambers. It seemed like a small issue, but if investigated further, it could uncover a whole chain of interests involving logistics procurement, official corruption, and student allowances.
"The academy's learning has never been just about poetry and books," Li Ze thought with a cold smile.
He had already started investigating, beginning with a clerk from the Purchasing Department named Tao Jin.
This man, who was usually honest and simple, always slipped away on certain nights to the "Old Clothing Workshop" in the east of the city. According to a chat overheard by a cook, this place was a "money laundering" hub — a place where small corrupt officials washed their illicit earnings, buying land, goods, and even making family connections under other people's names.
Today, he was waiting for Tao Jin.
Sure enough, just after noon, Tao Jin passed by, carrying an account book. Li Ze stepped out from the shadows and blocked his path.
"Li… Li Brother?" Tao Jin was startled.
Li Ze's gaze was sharp, but his voice was gentle: "Tao Brother, I'm here to help you."
Tao Jin's face turned pale, and he nearly dropped the account book: "What… What are you saying?"
"All you've stolen are scraps, unworthy of mention. But do you know, someone is using your name to swallow the funds for the 'Back Mountain Library Renovation'?" Li Ze said coldly.
Tao Jin stumbled back: "I… I just heard from Cui Wangzhi that it was a profit-sharing according to the rules…"
"Rules?" Li Ze's voice grew cold, "When the rules become the knife that the powerful use to scrape the bones, they are no longer rules; they are shackles."
Tao Jin looked around in panic, but saw no one.
Li Ze stepped closer, whispering, "If you're willing to help me, the evidence will save your life, and I'll send you far away. If you stay silent, the people from the Ministry of Rites will eventually come for you, and it won't be me looking for you."
Tao Jin's fingers trembled, his throat moved, and finally, he whispered: "…I'll go with you."
Li Ze stretched out his hand, gripping his shoulder. The pressure wasn't strong, but Tao Jin broke into a cold sweat.
"Good," Li Ze smiled faintly. "Next, we'll seize the 'false ledger' from the Back Mountain Library."
At the same time, in another place.
In the Spring Water Hall, Liu Ruolan, dressed in green, was sitting across from Su Wan.
The candlelight flickered, and the two of them sat in silence for a moment.
"You're investigating him?" Su Wan finally spoke, her tone indifferent.
"Are you not?" Liu Ruolan's lips curled slightly.
Su Wan took a sip of tea, not replying.
Liu Ruolan's gaze became deep: "Li Ze is not like an ordinary scholar. His strategies, his composure... and his understanding of 'law', far exceed most of the jinshi I've encountered."
Su Wan finally raised her eyes: "Do you suspect his identity?"
"I suspect he's not a man of this era."
Su Wan's expression turned cold.
"I've tested him. When he looked at the 'Law Codes', his reactions to certain clauses were not like a beginner, but like an 'observer'."
"And he once said, 'Law is not for restraining the people, but to limit power'… This is not the kind of thinking from our time."
Liu Ruolan stood up, looking down at Su Wan: "Who… exactly do you belong to?"
Su Wan didn't answer.
Liu Ruolan sighed: "We're not enemies, at least not yet. But if you don't tell the truth—I'll make you a target too."
Su Wan stood up, her voice as cold as frost: "Then you might become the target first."
As the two women faced off, the killing intent wasn't visible, but it was already like cold ice closing in.
Meanwhile, Cui Wangzhi had also received the news—"Tao Jin has joined Li Ze."
He picked up a cup of wine, smiled faintly: "Ah, so he's finally made a move? Then let me, personally, set up the first move for you."
He put down his cup and quietly called someone in from outside.
"Notify Manager Zhang of the 'Clear Water Association'. Li Ze… he needs to be 'tested'."