Shadows of Crimson and Snow

The Moon Lotus Tea House perched on the edge of Luoyang's merchant district like a weathered jewel box. Its curved eaves bore the patina of decades, and the wooden posts were smooth from countless hands. As sunset painted the sky in shades of amber and rose, paper lanterns flickered to life along its balconies, their soft glow reflecting in the small ornamental pond below.

Dr. Wei Ruyi adjusted his scholar's robes before ascending the worn steps. The evening air carried the delicate scent of premium oolong and aged pure tea, mingled with sweet osmanthus incense. Inside, private rooms were separated by intricately carved screens, offering wealthy merchants and minor officials the illusion of secrecy.

"Welcome, honored guest." The proprietress, Madam Sun, materialized beside him like a silk-robed ghost. Her hair was streaked with silver, but her eyes missed nothing. "We have excellent Da Hong Pao that would suit your scholarly taste."

Wei Ruyi smiled politely. "I hear your house specializes in stories as much as tea."

Something flickered in Madam Sun's eyes. Without a word, she led him to a secluded corner table overlooking the pond. As she prepared tea with practiced grace, her voice dropped to barely a whisper. "Stories are dangerous things, young doctor. Especially those about white-haired demons."

Before Wei Ruyi could respond, a commotion arose in the street below. A merchant's carriage had overturned, spilling silk bolts across the cobblestones. As servants scrambled to salvage the precious cargo, a tall figure in black appeared from the shadows. The White Ghost moved with fluid grace, helping to right the carriage before disappearing into the gathering dusk.

"Curious," Wei Ruyi murmured. "Your local ghost seems oddly helpful."

Madam Sun's hands trembled slightly as she poured the tea. "Five years ago, when the river flooded, he saved three children from drowning. Last winter, he stopped a gang of bandits from raiding the silk merchants' quarters. Yet when corrupt officials or cruel masters die, he's always seen nearby." She paused, her voice dropping further. "Some say he's the spirit of General Bai, returning to protect the innocent."

"General Bai?" The name stirred something in Wei Ruyi's memory.

"General Bai Feng, the Emperor's most trusted commander. He died defending the northern borders fifteen years ago. His entire household was massacred by raiders soon after – his wife, his infant sons, everyone." Madam Sun's eyes grew distant. "The White Ghost appeared three years later, carrying the general's twin swords."

The doctor sipped his tea thoughtfully. "Twin swords? Like the twin wounds in Magistrate Chen's chest?"

Before Madam Sun could answer, Zhou Jinlei sauntered into the tea house. The merchant's easy smile faltered slightly upon seeing Wei Ruyi, but he recovered quickly. "Ah, the famous doctor from the capital! Join me in a game of Weiqi? I find it helps clear the mind."

As Zhou Jinlei set up the board, Wei Ruyi noticed calluses on his hands inconsistent with a merchant's life. They spoke of swordplay and hard training. The two men played in silence for several moves before Zhou Jinlei spoke again.

"They say you're investigating the recent unpleasantness. Any insights to share?"

"Merely, our ghostly friend seems to have a pattern. Magistrate Chen was the fourth official to die this way in the past year. All had connections to the imperial court."

Zhou Jinlei's fingers hesitated over a stone. "Dangerous connections to investigate."

Their game was interrupted by the arrival of Ming Huahua, the princess's friend. Her simple palace maid's robe couldn't disguise her natural grace. "Master Zhou," she bowed slightly. "The princess requests your presence tomorrow regarding the silk shipment."

Wei Ruyi noticed how Zhou Jinlei's expression softened when looking at the maid, and how her cheeks colored slightly under his gaze. But he also caught the flash of expensive boots beneath traditional robes as another patron hurried out – boots that bore the imperial maker's mark.

As the evening deepened, more of Luoyang's residents sought refuge in the tea house. Merchants discussed trade, scholars debated philosophy, and in darker corners, secrets changed hands like copper coins. Through it all, Madam Sun moved like a silent guardian, her presence ensuring that certain topics remained safely buried in whispers.

When Wei Ruyi finally left, the moon had risen high above the city. As he walked the lantern-lit streets, a haunting flute melody drifted down from the rooftops. He looked up to see a silhouette against the moon – a tall figure with white hair streaming in the wind.

The music spoke of loss and longing, of memories scattered like autumn leaves. For a moment, the young doctor felt a strange connection to the melody, as if it stirred something forgotten in his own heart. Then the music faded, and the figure vanished into the night.

In his small study that night, Wei Ruyi added to his notes: "The White Ghost – protector or avenger? Connection to General Bai requires investigation. Twin swords, twin wounds, twin guards for the princess... too many pairs to be coincidence. And why does a simple merchant know the touch of a sword?"

Outside his window, a white chrysanthemum bloomed in the moonlight, its petals pure against the darkness. Somewhere in the sleeping city, a killer waited, justice and vengeance balanced like wine in a cup, ready to spill at the slightest tremor.