The Lazy Detective Gets to the Bottom of Things

In the twenty-seventh year of the Ruide era of the Yu dynasty, the Xue sisters were summoned to serve as court historians because of their exceptional learning. But as soon as they entered the palace, the younger sister, Xue Fuling, fell gravely ill. In a quiet corner of the harem, a modern soul silently took her place.

The new Xue Fuling had only one goal: take her sister and run away so they could retire. But after solving the case of “The White Porcupine’s Gratitude,” she met Prince Jin, Ye Qian, who was vying for the throne. Then the Empress took a liking to her at the Peony Banquet, and she was reluctantly drawn into a struggle for power.

A woman pregnant with a white porcupine’s offspring?

Xue Fuling: Ever heard of reproductive isolation?

Spontaneous combustion?

Xue Fuling: Ever heard of a magnifying glass?

After changing her name and her sister’s, Xue Fuling thought she could finally retire in peace. But then a “murder plotter” challenged her, and she couldn’t shake off her former boss’s new employer, who kept popping up to chat across worlds.

Few knew that the decisive, undefeated Prince Jin, Ye Qian, was tormented in his dreams by the memory of his birth mother’s death.

Born into the imperial family, he had assumed no one could, or would dare, unravel the mystery surrounding his mother’s early death. He never expected someone as refreshing as a gentle breeze and bright moon to clear away the shadows for him.

Ye Qian: Everyone tells me to weigh the pros and cons. She’s the only one willing to tell the truth.

Xue Fuling: I can’t say no to a mystery.

Ye Qian: Others accuse me of being an ambitious schemer, but she comforts me, saying the capable should rule.

Xue Fuling: If you can help the people live better lives, you’ll be a good emperor. What’s the problem?

Ye Qian: Exactly. She must love me.

Only after Xue Fuling faked her death did Ye Qian realize that all her past actions had been unintentional. He had mistaken the breeze for a lover’s invitation, and foolishly dreamed of holding the bright moon in his arms.

Even so, he would protect her freedom for the rest of her life. If he could win a little of her true affection, that would be a blessing. If not, he would accept that just as gladly.

Xue Fuling: ...You can’t force a melon to be sweet.

Ye Qian: How do you know I don’t like sweet melons? I’m in your heart.

Reader’s Guide

1. The dynasty is fictional, and very loosely based on anything real. Many details are there to serve the cases. Every case is the result of human actions, with no supernatural elements.

2. Frail, sickly songbird × Overbearing, power-hungry schemer ✗

Laid-back armchair detective × Devoted puppy who wins herself over ✓

3. Case list:

① The White Gentleman’s Gratitude: A white porcupine spirit kills from afar

② From Living Flesh to White Bones: A man who reunites with his dead wife turns to bone

③ Shattered Jade of Kunshan: A priceless peony burns without fire

④ No Means to Keep the Evening Sun: A consort’s corpse vanishes

⑤ The Thousand-Catty Honey Recipe: A showdown between master chefs

⑥ Two Bodies Become One Again: A kidnapped girl escapes a desperate situation

⑦ Now a Guest at the Jade Pool: A mistaken entry into an immortal’s residence leads to an endless loop

⑧ The Divine Dwells Between Being and Nothingness: A flying head trapped in a sealed room

Theme: Knowledge dispels fear