Madam Tang sat motionless on the ground, offering no defense, seemingly having lost all will to resist Zhu Yan.
“I won’t elaborate on the other cases. At this point, I have only one question,” Zhu Yan said, fixing her gaze on Madam Tang once more, her eyes stern and scrutinizing.
“Killing may be simple, but digging graves and burying bodies isn’t something a woman can easily do alone. You must have had an accomplice, didn’t you?”
Madam Tang slowly raised her eyes, staring at Zhu Yan, and let out a cold laugh.
Zhu Yan was bewildered. What did this mean? Had she guessed correctly?
As Zhu Yan prepared to probe further, Lai Luozhi suddenly spoke up, “Your Majesty, this woman has a viper’s heart. She’s killed countless people and is beyond redemption. I implore Your Majesty to order her immediate execution to appease public anger.”
“Wait,” Zhu Yan quickly interjected. “There are still things I don’t understand. We shouldn’t rush to conclusions.”
“The case is already clear. You, a mere Clerk, have fulfilled your duty. You should no longer involve yourself in this matter,” Lai Luozhi said dismissively to Zhu Yan, who clenched her fists, unable to speak.
Indeed, as a lowly Clerk, she had no right to speak here. If not for the Empress’s permission, she wouldn’t have had the opportunity to present the case before everyone.
Now, although the culprit had been caught, many things remained unclear. She wanted to understand more, but Lai Luozhi was blocking her efforts. She felt helpless.
“Though a ninth-rank Clerk is a minor position, she is now also the wife of me, Shen Du!” A stern voice suddenly rang out in the temple hall, making everyone’s hearts tremble.
Shen Du looked at Lai Luozhi righteously, “In this temple hall, Madam Shen’s investigation is not yet complete. Lord Lai, it would be best not to interfere.”
Though his words were polite, his eyes held unwavering determination.
Lai Luozhi clenched his fists, glaring darkly at Shen Du, who met his gaze without fear.
As the atmosphere grew tense, the Empress raised her hand to signal, “Enough. There’s no need for my two ministers to argue over this. In truth, I too wish to know more about this case. Let Madam Shen continue her questioning.”
“Your Majesty!” Lai Luozhi quickly bowed, but before he could speak, the Empress raised her hand to stop him again.
Lai Luozhi’s face turned ashen. He shot Shen Du a venomous glare before retreating to the side.
Shen Du paid Lai Luozhi no mind, only looking at Zhu Yan with an indulgent expression, gesturing for her to continue.
Zhu Yan furrowed her brows slightly, then slowly approached Madam Tang and crouched before her. “Madam Tang, those you killed were not great villains or evildoers. Why did they become your targets?”
Madam Tang remained silent, sitting there with a blank expression, as if she hadn’t heard Zhu Yan’s question.
Zhu Yan lowered her gaze, pondering for a moment before continuing, “The men you killed – some were engaged, some were widowers, and others were divorced and about to remarry. What did they do wrong to catch your attention?”
Madam Tang’s expression remained unchanged. She merely snorted, “Aren’t you clever? Why don’t you tell me why I targeted them?”
Zhu Yan thought for a moment. “Just because Madam Tang doesn’t want to explain doesn’t mean I can’t deduce the reason. The women you killed were all courtesans, and the men were all connected to courtesans in some way. You…”
She paused, looking meaningfully at Madam Tang. “Have you perhaps experienced some trauma? Or did you have some emotional entanglement with a brothel or a man?”
“Nonsense!” Madam Tang exploded in anger, shouting at Zhu Yan. “What trauma? What emotional entanglement? Don’t you dare attribute such abnormal ideas to me!”
Seeing Madam Tang’s unusual reaction, Zhu Yan was certain her guess was correct.
“I’m not trying to attribute these ideas to you without reason. There are clues. Haven’t you noticed?” Zhu Yan looked at Madam Tang mysteriously.
Madam Tang appeared bewildered. “What clues? Where are you getting these ridiculous ideas? Let me tell you, I killed them on a whim. There was no emotional entanglement, no trauma. It’s all in your imagination!”
Zhu Yan lowered her head slightly, then smiled. “Among the bodies, not every embracing pair knew each other in life. Some were just randomly paired by you because they fit your criteria. If you hadn’t suffered some emotional setback, why would you hate them so much?”
“Hmph,” Madam Tang scoffed. “I’ve said it before, those people deserved to die.”
“Then why arrange them in embracing postures? And why were the women’s faces mutilated? If there weren’t some deeper emotions involved, it seems rather inexplicable.”
“I just thought it was interesting,” Madam Tang replied flippantly. “Two people embracing in death, they could keep each other company even in the underworld. Don’t you find that interesting?”
“You’re truly beyond help,” Zhu Yan said angrily. Suddenly, she stood up as if remembering something and turned to look at Shen Du. “By the way, my husband caught a chill a few nights ago. I wonder if he’s feeling better. The weather’s turning cooler; you must take care of your health.”
Zhu Yan’s abrupt change of topic left everyone confused. Was the case over?
Even Shen Du was momentarily taken aback by Zhu Yan’s words.
But with so many people present and Zhu Yan expressing concern for him, he felt obliged to respond. “I’m fine now. If my wife shows more concern for her husband daily, he won’t catch a cold in the future.”
…
Behind the crowd, Lu Chuichui nearly vomited. This sudden display of affection was completely unexpected.
The other officials also felt awkward. Rumors of the Grand Secretary and his wife’s deep affection seemed to be true.
“Seeing the deep love between you two brings me joy,” the Empress suddenly said. “However, the case at hand is important. Madam Shen should focus on the investigation.”
The Empress had already shown them great face.
To suddenly change the topic and display affection during an imperial investigation was highly improper. Not punishing them on the spot was already an act of great leniency.
“Yes, this official acknowledges her mistake,” Zhu Yan quickly apologized but then turned her gaze back to Madam Tang.
This display of affection was, of course, deliberate on her part. She wanted to observe Madam Tang’s reaction to confirm her suspicions.
Sure enough, Madam Tang’s whole body trembled, as if harboring deep resentment towards Zhu Yan’s actions.
But she concealed it well, with all her resentment only visible in her eyes and expression, without any overt action.