C2 The First Snow Fell in Chang'an

The secluded path was already quiet, lit only by the faint glow of red lanterns piercing the darkness. As shadows stretched long across the snow under the sparse light, a group of children in red cotton jackets ran by, each clutching a skewer of bright red candied fruits. The baby wrapped snugly in a bundle seemed captivated by the sweets, reaching out with a tiny, pale hand as if to grasp the tempting red.

"Do you want some?" the teenager asked, tilting his head to look at the baby bundled up beside him. Encased in the white wrap, the infant gazed back with sparkling eyes and offered a sweet smile.

Too young to have sprouted milk teeth, let alone speak, the baby's only expression of joy was through smiles—a stark contrast to other children who cried for attention. The teenager, charmed by a grin sweeter than the treats, gently caressed the baby's cheek and plucked a candied fruit from the vendor's basket, placing it in the little one's grasp.

"Hey, hey, hey! What do you think you're doing, you filthy beggar? Got any money?" the vendor barked, ready to unleash a tirade.

But before he could, a chill object landed in his palm—a purple jade ring with an intricately carved dragon. Such an item was no common trinket; it likely belonged to someone of high status from the Imperial City.

"This... this is too much..." the vendor stammered, looking up in bewilderment, only to find the youth with the bamboo stick had already walked a great distance, his figure fading into the blizzard.

"No need for change; it was destined to be discarded eventually."

...

In that same alley, now cordoned off, stood a line of men clad in black, each with a saber at their side. They were the Black Embroidered Uniforms of the Ministry of Punishments, one of the Great Tang's Six Departments, summoned only for grave incidents within Chang'an City. Despite the relentless snowfall, a faint scent of blood lingered in the air, too potent to be masked by the snow. Shielding a young official crouched on the ground with his black umbrella, one of the Black Embroidered Uniforms furrowed his brow in impatience.

"Lord Di, what exactly are you looking at?"

Though these individuals have perished, there are no visible knife wounds on their bodies. It seems that some local vigilantes stirred up trouble and killed them. It's not a significant case; just some vigilantes acting out and committing murder. Brothers, let's quickly clean up the scene and head home. Today, the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Punishments is hosting a banquet at the Jade Pavilion, and he insists that no one leaves sober."

"Not a significant case?"

The young official removed his silk gloves, which he had been using to examine the corpses, and vigorously rubbed his hands together as if to warm himself.

"Eight at the Star Sealing Stage, five of the Star Sealing Stage, and even a top expert from the Secret Realm, all dead tonight. They faced only one person, each killed with a single strike. The wounds are minuscule, likely caused by a swift severing of the neck's artery, leading to massive bleeding...

To silently eliminate fourteen master assassins without a sound, this individual must be at least a cultivation giant who has discerned their heavenly fate. This night is far from ordinary."

He adjusted his crystal glasses, a rare foreign curiosity that proved invaluable for case investigation.

Snowflakes settled on the lenses, melting into droplets that dripped onto the snowy ground.

"This... such a significant event has occurred, Lord Di, shall we pursue the perpetrator?"

Wu Jin Yi, the young man, was visibly shaken by these remarkable terms. His hand holding the umbrella quivered, and he gripped the fish-scale patterned saber at his waist, seeking guidance from the man before him.

"Pursue? The culprit has already crossed Vermillion Bird Street in Chang'an City. Catching up to him is easier said than done. Besides, what would be the point? To simply offer up more lives for him to warm up his hands...

You have an unfamiliar face; are you new to the Ministry of Punishments?"

The young official accepted the black umbrella from Wu Jin Yi and stood silently in the blizzard, scrutinizing his face. This man was likely a fledgling, freshly recruited into the Ministry of Punishments, untested by life's harsher realities. Such greenhorns are often easy prey for the seasoned, scheming old foxes.

"Lord, I passed the examination half a month ago and have since joined the Ministry of Punishments. I am eager to hear your thoughts on this matter."

Observing the snowflake patterns on the young official's glasses, the young man felt a twinge of unease. He quietly let out a breath, fogging the air, as the official gestured to him with a sense of resignation.

"Yes, this case is beyond the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Punishments now. Take your men and notify the Censorate to take over. Afterwards, head to the Jade Pavilion and join your Assistant Minister for some drinks. Forget everything that happened tonight. You've been at the Jade Pavilion drinking all evening. That's the story you'll stick to if anyone asks. Keep your lips sealed. I don't want to see additional names on tomorrow's coroner's report. Understood?"

The young man was met with a piercing stare as the official issued his stern command. Initially taken aback, the realization soon hit him, and he broke out in a cold sweat. With a deep bow, he addressed the official gratefully.

"Thank you for your guidance, Lord Di. I will not forget the favor you've done for me tonight!"

...

Having the credentials to join the Ministry of Punishments meant access to the coveted imperial provisions of the Black Brocade Guard. The young official was no fool; the enlightenment he received made him acutely aware of the peril he had just escaped. Tonight's events were likely the private affairs of the palace nobility—matters well understood and silently acknowledged among the elite, where everyone saves face and no one speaks of such things.

But for those like him, mere civil servants scraping by, witnessing the affairs of the powerful often meant a sudden and unexplained absence from their posts. They'd be reported as out on duty, and after a week or so, a new murder case would emerge, with the Yamen offering a modest sum of silver to ensure their perpetual silence.

The wise always know how to act in such clear-cut matters. With his composure regained, the young Black Brocade Guard called out to his fellow guards in the alley.

"The mission is over. Stop your gawking and idle glances. Brothers, let's regroup. We're off to the Censorate, and then tonight, we'll all enjoy a round of flower wine at the Jade Pavilion!"

"Alright!"

Tonight is New Year's Eve. After a whole day of hard work, we brothers finally get to enjoy some wine. The snow is falling so heavily on this bitterly cold day...

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