act40side

I can't help being curious—what made you go and give up on pursuing this case?

Are you afraid of offending the high and mighty? No, that's not like the Lin Qingyan I know...

Did someone lofty crack down on you? Can't be, I think. You're sitting here in the office, after all, not in a Judicial prison cell.

If not that, then all my pondering can only produce one answer...

You're scared that if you continue, you'll implicate someone you know.

Seems I guessed right.

In the thick of things, your concern clouds your judgment. It's like you've forgotten the simplest of truths.

Don't miss the forest for the trees.

If you can't hide it, you may as well tip it out. Show it some sunlight.

Mr. Censor, you've really served up a lesson for me today.

Not at all. I think the hush of this office must've helped you figure out plenty by yourself.

I know what I must do.

Madam, I went to ask Deputy Minister Lin if she wanted anything to eat, since I saw she hadn't left the office all day, but—but she...

When did she go missing?

I—I don't know, nobody's seen her at all...

A biting chill gusts through, the stiff breeze curling papers and sending them dancing madly through the air.

A wide-open window clatters against its wall. On the table beneath it, a ceremonial gown lies neatly folded and topped with a document, pressed down in place by an ink stone.

It is Lin Qingyan's written resignation.

Watching as Blaze vanishes far into the distance, Ning Shu clutches the door knocker.

The vague dark point vanishes over the crest of the path, but her stare remains fixed there, lingering for the longest time.

What are you spacing out at the door for?

Grandfather...