“Miss Nine, how is it? Have you found any suspicious spots that might be the crime scene?” Zheng Bai Shi walked up to Qin Wan and asked in a gentle voice. Qin Wan, who had been crouching, stood up and shook her head. “No, the wounds on Meng Jin’s abdomen are very neat, but I’ve walked around this inner lake and haven’t seen any flat stones. If we follow our earlier deduction that Meng Jin was drowned by someone holding him down at the lakeside, there should be something flat that left marks on his body. I’ve looked around, but all the ancient stones by the lake are jagged.”
She turned her gaze toward the distant railing. “The wounds on his body look more like they were caused by being pressed against a railing or the edge of a table.”
Zheng Bai Shi raised an eyebrow, and Li Mu Yun beside him said, “Could it be that he walked to the corridor, was attacked first, and then dragged to the lakeside? If he was dragged, there would likely be marks on his shoes and clothes. Now that his clothes are missing, we can’t find evidence, but isn’t this possibility worth considering?”
Qin Wan immediately nodded, “Indeed, that’s possible. However, Meng Wei said that his father wasn’t completely drunk that night. He was at least sober enough to order the servants not to follow him before walking out alone. This shows he wasn’t too drunk. In that condition, given Meng Jin’s not-so-weak physique, he would have struggled. If he had struggled, he would have been injured, but there weren’t even any extra bruises on his body.”
Li Mu Yun, despite being the Minister of Justice, had his deduction refuted by Qin Wan. He wasn’t the least bit annoyed and simply smiled, “Miss Nine thinks more thoroughly. This is indeed strange – under what circumstances was Meng Jin drowned?”
Qin Wan sighed, “There’s no solution yet. It’s just a pity we can’t perform an autopsy.”
Zheng Bai Shi and Zhang Yang exchanged glances, and Zheng Bai Shi said, “I can discuss the possibility of an autopsy with Lord Meng and the others. It would be best if we could convince them.”
Qin Wan nodded. At this moment, Yan Chi approached with his men. Zheng Bai Shi quickly asked, “Your Highness, how did it go?”
Yan Chi had just led people to dredge for the key in the lake. Because the key was too small for ordinary dredging methods, Zhang Yang suggested that the constables search underwater. Although the inner lake of the Meng mansion was crystal clear to the bottom, it was now winter, and ordinary constables couldn’t withstand the cold. With no other choice, Yan Chi had brought his guards.
Those young men in black clothes, who usually only looked more imposing than others, actually stripped off their clothes and entered the lake without any hesitation when they reached the lakeside. These guards were all excellent swimmers, moving freely in the ice-flecked lake.
Behind Yan Chi stood Bai Feng with dripping wet hair – he had been the first to enter the water.
Shaking his head, Yan Chi said, “We didn’t find it. The body was discovered downstream, and they searched against the undercurrent but found nothing. The key is probably not at the bottom of the lake.”
Bai Feng added, “The lake is very clean, with only fine sand and small pebbles at the bottom. Master Meng said his father’s key had a chain attached to it, which should have been easy to spot, but we still couldn’t find it.”
Zheng Bai Shi frowned, “Could someone have taken it?”
No one could answer Zheng Bai Shi’s question. Qin Wan glanced at Yan Chi, “I want to examine the body again.”
Yan Chi naturally agreed with Qin Wan, and neither Zheng Bai Shi nor Li Mu Yun objected. While Zhang Yang continued searching around the lake with his men, Qin Wan’s group headed toward the side courtyard where Meng Jin’s body was kept. Qin Wan intended to examine the body again, but before they reached the side courtyard, they found it surrounded by people. For some unknown reason, all the servants of the Meng mansion were standing outside the courtyard.
Qin Wan’s steps faltered, and Yan Chi also stopped. Several Ink Shadow guards came forward and respectfully reported, “Your Highness, Lord Meng has gathered all the Meng household members to carry out family punishment before Second Master Meng’s coffin!”
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, while Zheng Bai Shi showed some helplessness.
Meng Zhou wanted to punish Meng Wei and his father for their scheme. Indeed, such matters would be considered a serious offense in any family. Qin Wan glanced at Yan Chi and said, “If that’s the case, we’ll come back tomorrow.”
Meng Zhou had gathered everyone from the Meng household, and his desire to carry out family punishment was understandable. It wouldn’t be right to drive everyone away. Yan Chi also felt it wasn’t the right time to intervene, and since Qin Wan was still an unfamiliar face, she would inevitably draw everyone’s attention.
Yan Chi nodded, “That’s fine, you can come back tomorrow.”
Qin Wan nodded with an “Mm” and was about to turn and leave when suddenly, a painful scream erupted from within the side courtyard.
Then came Meng Zhou’s explosive voice, “Will you admit your wrongdoing?! Will you admit it or not?!”
Meng Wei cried out, “I won’t admit it! Uncle, my father’s body isn’t even cold, and you’re treating me like this in front of him?! That money was rightfully my father’s! And rightfully mine! Why should I admit any wrongdoing?!”
“You unfilial creature! Even now you show no remorse! Never mind that your father is gone – if your father were still here, your eldest uncle would beat him too! You father and son are greedy and heartless, using such schemes to deceive your family members. Did you ever consider us family at all?!”
The shout came from Meng Hui, who was naturally a rough person. His thunderous roar intended to shame Meng Wei in front of the entire household.
But Meng Wei was provoked into defiance by Meng Hui, “Family?! You’re the one who killed my father! You’re the murderer! Why should I consider you family?! If it weren’t for you, my father wouldn’t have done this! You want to incite Uncle to punish me with family law! Either you and Uncle beat me to death, or I’ll find evidence that you’re the murderer!”
Meng Wei had been denounced by Meng Hui as an unfilial son who schemed to deceive his own family, while Meng Wei directly accused Meng Hui of being a murderer. As soon as the words left his mouth, Meng Wei let out a cry of pain, though it wasn’t clear what had struck him!
Meng Zhou then cursed angrily, “You unfilial son, even at this point you dare to speak such words! Your Fourth Uncle is your elder, how dare you say such things?! Rebellious and unfilial! Where have all the Meng family teachings gone in your learning?! If you won’t admit your wrongdoing, today, I’ll teach you a lesson you won’t forget—”
“I won’t admit it! Why should I admit anything? In this entire household, who else but he would want to harm my father!”
Meng Wei retorted with all his might, and Meng Hui said, “Elder Brother, you see, this boy shows no remorse at all. Brother, leave him to me, I must beat him to death today—”
Every family has its difficult scripture to read. While Qin Wan’s group couldn’t see what was happening inside the courtyard, just these words were enough to make one’s scalp tingle.
Yan Chi shook his head and turned to leave first, “It’s getting late, let me take you back.”
Li Mu Yun also said, “I need to return to the Ministry of Justice as well.”
Zheng Bai Shi said, “Then I’ll stay a while longer, see if Zhang Yang can find anything, and then discuss the autopsy matter with Lord Meng. It would be best if we could perform the autopsy when Miss Nine comes next time.”
Yan Chi also thought this arrangement was best. After bidding farewell to Zheng Bai Shi, he led Qin Wan toward the side gate. Li Mu Yun also walked with them, saying as they went, “Miss Nine’s analysis of the case is not only thoroughly considered, but she also thinks through many details very completely. If one didn’t know better, they might think Miss Nine was a captain from the magistrate’s office.”
Qin Wan felt a chill in her heart at these words, but said, “I usually enjoy reading miscellaneous books. There are many supernatural or detective picture books in the market that write about the life stories of famous upright officials from previous dynasties in mysterious ways. Although much of it is exaggerated, many detailed investigative processes have given me quite a bit of inspiration.”
Li Mu Yun’s eyes flashed with slight surprise, “Miss Nine enjoys such books?”
Qin Wan showed a faint smile, “I’ve made my lord laugh.”
Li Mu Yun looked at Qin Wan and sighed, “It’s a pity Miss Nine isn’t a man.”
A flash of craftiness crossed Qin Wan’s eyes, “What difference would it make if I were a man? Am I not doing a man’s work right now?”
Li Mu Yun was stunned at first, then burst into hearty laughter, “Miss Nine speaks truly. I was being narrow-minded. What does it matter whether one is a man or a woman? Miss Nine’s medical skills can save lives, and she can even seek justice for the dead. It has nothing to do with being male or female.”
“My lord overpraises me.” Qin Wan lowered her eyes.
Yan Chi walked ahead, and upon hearing those words, he turned back for a moment. From Qin Wan’s tone, while talking with Li Mu Yun earlier, he had thought she was happy to exchange pleasantries with Li Mu Yun. However, when he looked back, he caught a glimpse of coldness in the corner of her eyes.
Yan Chi discreetly withdrew his gaze, slightly puzzled. Back in Yuan Prefecture, Qin Wan had changed her mind about attending Prince Yu’s birthday banquet just from seeing Li Mu Yun’s name. Yan Chi had found it strange then, but afterward, Qin Wan hadn’t shown any particular attention toward Li Mu Yun, so he dismissed the thought. After returning to the capital, Qin Wan had shown no unusual behavior either. But just now, he had seen genuine coldness in her eyes, which was very different from her usual way of dealing with people.
Thinking of this, Yan Chi’s eyes darkened slightly. What kind of wish required both power and opportunity to fulfill?
As they walked toward the side gate, just as they reached the entrance, a man in blue robes entered, carrying several scroll paintings in his arms. He nearly collided with Yan Chi, who was walking in front.
The man stepped back with his scrolls, steadying the ones that were about to fall, and then looked up at Yan Chi’s group. He showed puzzlement upon seeing Yan Chi and Qin Wan, but his eyes brightened when he saw Li Mu Yun. “Lord Li?”
Li Mu Yun’s lips curved into a smile. “Master Ning, what brings you here?”
Then he turned to Yan Chi, “This is His Highness the Crown Prince of Prince Rui.”
Hearing this, Ning Bu Yi quickly bowed to Yan Chi, “Greetings to Your Highness, greetings to Lord Li.”
Yan Chi nodded, and only then did Ning Bu Yi raise his head, smiling at Li Mu Yun, “I painted several pieces for the Meng family before the new year. They’ve just been mounted, so I’m delivering them to Lord Meng.”
Yan Chi observed Ning Bu Yi as Li Mu Yun explained, “Your Highness, this is Master Ning from the Ran Mo Painting Gallery in the city. He’s a renowned painter and the proprietor of the gallery. All the painters there are skilled artists. When noble families in the capital want paintings done, they all go to his gallery. Master Ning also frequently paints for the palace.”
With Li Mu Yun’s introduction, Ning Bu Yi hurriedly bowed and said “I dare not.” Yan Chi nodded, while Qin Wan also studied Ning Bu Yi. He wore a casual blue robe, his posture as straight as a bamboo, and his fingers holding the scrolls were long and clean. Combined with the gentle look in his eyes, he indeed had the appearance of a scholar.
Li Mu Yun continued, “During the last case in the city, when that spy was caught and described the person who paid him, we called Master Ning to paint the portrait. Unfortunately, we never found the person. Though Master Ning charges noblemen’s households quite heavily for his paintings, he never accepts payment for helping the yamen. He’s also quite familiar with Lord Zheng.”
Ning Bu Yi repeatedly bowed with great humility, and Yan Chi smiled, “Master Ning must be a person of great righteousness.”
Ning Bu Yi quickly replied, “I dare not claim such merit. Since I possess this humble skill, it’s only right to help the yamen. Moreover, I have some personal connection with Lord Zheng, so it’s only natural.”
Li Mu Yun chuckled, “Master Ning, don’t be so modest. Your Highness has only recently returned to the capital and doesn’t know yet, but you surely will in time.” Then he added, “However, your timing today might not be ideal.”
Ning Bu Yi seemed confused, and Li Mu Yun explained with a bitter smile, “You must know about the situation at the Meng mansion. Today Lord Meng is quite angry, and Lord Zheng is still inside. It might take a while.”
Ning Bu Yi naturally didn’t know the details, but since Li Mu Yun said so, it must be true. After a moment’s hesitation, Ning Bu Yi said, “In that case, I’ll come back another day. Better not interfere with the lords’ business.”
Then, Ning Bu Yi stepped aside, “Please, Your Highness, after you.”
Yan Chi stepped forward, with Qin Wan following behind him. As she passed by Ning Bu Yi, he unconsciously glanced at her twice. At first look, Ning Bu Yi was surprised, then quickly lowered his eyes, not daring to look further.
Yan Chi and Qin Wan left first, while Li Mu Yun walked with Ning Bu Yi behind them, asking about the paintings he carried.
Ning Bu Yi explained, “I painted these during the Laba Festival. There was a banquet at the mansion, and Lord Meng had us paint several scenes of the feast. We also painted individual portraits of the elder masters and young masters, and finally a family portrait. We even painted the Second Master’s portrait then. Who could have imagined this would happen.”
Li Mu Yun sighed, “Such things are indeed unpredictable.”
Ning Bu Yi nodded, “Yes, the Second Master’s portrait became his final portrait.”
By the time they finished talking, Yan Chi and Qin Wan had reached their carriage. Yan Chi turned to exchange a few words with Li Mu Yun before boarding with Qin Wan, while Li Mu Yun and Ning Bu Yi bowed to see them off.
In the carriage, Qin Wan said, “Just now, listening to Meng Hui, though his words were angry and he kept calling for severe punishment for Meng Wei, it makes me think he’s not the one who killed Meng Jin.” She continued, “And today in court, there was someone whose behavior was unexpected—”
Yan Chi raised his eyebrows, “You mean the Second Madam?”
Now alone in the carriage, Yan Chi casually brushed away a loose strand of Qin Wan’s black hair and took her hand in his. Qin Wan was wearing men’s clothes today, and though she had a cloak, it wasn’t as warm as wearing elaborate skirts. Sure enough, when he touched her hand, it was ice cold.
Qin Wan hadn’t expected Yan Chi to think the same thing, and her eyes immediately brightened, “Exactly. Though she’s the Second Master’s wife, it’s understandable that she doesn’t show grief over her husband’s death. Meng Jin had two concubines, and their marital relationship wasn’t good. They had lost their spousal affection years ago. But she seems unconcerned about Meng Wei as well.”
Yan Chi nodded, “I noticed this the first time we entered the Meng mansion. Since she seemed devoted to Buddhism, we all assumed she had detached herself from worldly concerns. But today in court, even when Meng Wei and Meng Hui were arguing so intensely, she showed no reaction at all. It feels rather strange.”
Qin Wan nodded, “Usually, no matter how much one might resent or be indifferent to their spouse, they still harbor love for their child.”
Yan Chi nodded in agreement, “Don’t worry, I’ll have people investigate this matter. Besides Second Madam, we should look into the First, Third, and Fourth households as well. If Meng Jin was murdered, it might not have been about inheritance at all. Right now, we’re all caught up in the property dispute and Meng Wei’s father’s scheme, which might be preventing us from seeing other possibilities.”
Qin Wan smiled, “You think of everything.”
Yan Chi drew Qin Wan half into his embrace, “Regarding the case, you’re the one who thinks more thoroughly.” Then he added, “Even Lord Li couldn’t stop praising you, and he’s the Minister of Justice.”
Qin Wan didn’t respond to this, and Yan Chi looked down at her for a moment, “Do you dislike Lord Li?”
Knowing she couldn’t hide it from Yan Chi, Qin Wan decided to be straightforward, “I heard he was the one who exposed Lord Shen Yi. Even before coming to the capital, I wondered what kind of person he was. Now that I’ve met him in person, I can’t see anything particularly wrong, but still…”
Yan Chi’s lips curved slightly, “I understand what you mean. If you dislike him, you can avoid him in the future.”
But Qin Wan shook her head, “I’m interested in criminal justice, just like this time – it’s not easy to avoid him. It’s fine, as long as you and I know about this. I won’t show it outwardly.”
Yan Chi nodded, “That’s up to you. But leaving him aside, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to work with Zheng Bai Shi and Zhang Yang in the future. What do you think of those two?”
When these two were mentioned, Qin Wan was quite approving, “Lord Zheng’s reputation precedes him. After several interactions, I can see he’s courteous and proper with a scholarly bearing. In court, he’s an impartial official who upholds justice, truly living up to his reputation. As for Captain Zhang… though he’s not very talkative, you can see he truly loves his position as captain and performs his duties diligently and meticulously. With Lord Zheng and him together, the citizens of Lin’an Prefecture are fortunate.”
Yan Chi slowly stroked Qin Wan’s back, but said, “Lord Zheng aside, there’s a story behind Zhang Yang being a captain.”
Qin Wan looked up, “What is it?”
Yan Chi explained, “He became a constable at a young age, and over these years he’s earned many merits, becoming Lin’an Prefecture’s youngest captain. All of this seems to be because of his sister.”
Qin Wan was slightly surprised, “His sister?”
Yan Chi nodded, “His sister was killed before the new year. The murderer hasn’t been caught yet.”
A flash of realization crossed Qin Wan’s mind as she finally remembered who that figure was that she had seen when visiting the Ninth Miss’s parents’ graves outside the city – it was none other than Zhang Yang!