“Somehow, I feel Nine Miss is quite similar to my junior sister…” Sun Mu Qing suddenly said with deep meaning. At these words, Qin Wan’s heart tightened, though her face remained calm and composed. Beside her, Qin Shuang quickly said, “Both Master Sun’s junior sister and Nine Sister are rare women who know medicine and have an interest in solving cases. Moreover, they both have the character ‘Wan’ in their names – it’s truly quite fateful! Even I find it amazing, let alone Master Sun himself.”
Sun Mu Qing’s lips curved into a bitter smile at Qin Shuang’s words, but his gaze toward Qin Wan became gentler as if he truly wanted to treat Qin Wan as the former Shen Wan. Qin Wan felt a surge of bitterness in her heart and sighed, “Indeed, there is some fate there, but I am different from Master Sun’s junior sister. If not for studying medicine, I wouldn’t have developed an interest in the dead.”
Hearing this, Sun Mu Qing’s eyes darkened slightly, and he paused before nodding, “Yes, similar, yet different… Others who study medicine avoid touching the dead, but Nine Miss is different. Physicians cannot make the slightest mistake when diagnosing and prescribing medicine for the living, and there’s no way to test medicines. Nine Miss’s study from the dead, just like how Nine Miss led us along that path earlier, goes against the grain yet seeks true knowledge. Nine Miss has truly taught me a lesson – I am enlightened.”
Seeing Sun Mu Qing return to his serious demeanor, Qin Wan understood that he wouldn’t transfer his brotherly feelings for Shen Wan onto her. Her heart relaxed slightly, “Master Sun is too kind. Qin Wan has long admired Medicine Valley’s reputation. If there’s an opportunity in the future, I hope Master Sun can provide more guidance in medical arts.”
Qin Wan’s medical knowledge indeed came from Medicine Valley. While it wasn’t noticeable in this short time, over a longer period, traces might show. Rather than concealing it, Qin Wan thought it better to actively seek guidance. This way, if someone later noticed Medicine Valley’s influence on her medical skills, there would be a reasonable explanation.
Sure enough, Sun Mu Qing’s eyes brightened at these words, “I wouldn’t dare speak of guidance. Medicine Valley never keeps its knowledge private. If Nine Miss has any questions, just ask. When I initially went to Jin Zhou, it was to seek those with extraordinary talent in medicine. Later, when I learned of a young medical fairy, I was overjoyed. Then by coincidence, we missed each other but met again – this is our fate.”
Qin Wan showed some emotion, like every medical practitioner’s admiration for Medicine Valley.
“Good, that would be wonderful…”
After a few more words, Qin Wan and Sun Mu Qing walked to the west side. Sun Mu Qing’s lips curved slightly, “This case isn’t settled yet. Once it is, I should write something to give to Nine Miss.”
What Sun Mu Qing wrote would surely be some excellent prescriptions and medical principles recorded in Medicine Valley’s ancient texts. Looking at his clear black and white eyes, Qin Wan couldn’t help but sigh. Sun Mu Qing’s personality hadn’t changed at all, making him truly unsuitable for extensive travel in the martial arts world.
Qin Wan first expressed her thanks, then walked with Qin Shuang toward her courtyard. As soon as they entered, Qin Shuang looked at Qin Wan with surprise, “Nine Sister, how did you acquire such skills? Is it just because of studying medicine?”
Qin Wan nodded, “Why, would Sixth Sister like to try?”
Qin Shuang’s face paled, “No, no, no, no, I don’t want to try. I just think you’re so much more capable than I imagined…”
Meanwhile, Qin Yan was walking toward the courtyard with Zhou Huai. With no one around, Qin Yan suddenly spoke in a serious tone, “What do you think?”
Zhou Huai had been watching from the side earlier. Though his bearing was different from ordinary stewards, sometimes, when he wanted to, he could become like a shadow, drawing no attention at all. “This explains everything. In Jin Zhou, both His Highness the Crown Prince’s son and Prefect Huo favored Nine Miss, and the Grand Princess was exceptionally fond of her. Besides Nine Miss’s medical skills, surely helping Prefect Huo solve cases was one of the reasons.”
After a brief pause, Zhou Huai continued, “Among the three young ladies, Fifth Miss is of average appearance and character, serving as a backup piece. Sixth Miss… speaks and acts somewhat carelessly, surely not to the Marquis and Madam’s satisfaction. But Nine Miss, this journey has continually surprised me. Her medical skills and ability to examine corpses are secondary – most important is Nine Miss’s character. Among the noble ladies in the capital, I doubt anyone could match Nine Miss’s temperament.”
Qin Yan paused slightly, “What about Yu’er?”
“Eight Miss…” Zhou Huai hesitated briefly but still said, “Eight Miss seems to fall somewhat short as well.”
Qin Yan frowned slightly, but Zhou Huai maintained his usual expression. Qin Yan turned back to look at Zhou Huai for a moment, “I’ve never heard you praise someone like this in all my years. Are you suggesting Father should prioritize Qin Wan over Yu’er?”
Zhou Huai pondered briefly but shook his head, “No, that’s not what I meant. Nine Miss is excellent, but with her personality, she won’t necessarily consider the Marquis’s household. In comparison, if Eight Miss enters the palace in the future, she would naturally be more concerned with the household’s safety than Nine Miss. Nine Miss… if used well, could be an even better piece than Eight Miss, but if used poorly, she might backfire.”
Qin Yan narrowed his eyes, “On this point, I think the same as you.”
As they spoke, the two had entered the room. Qin Yan continued, “I don’t know why, but usually she’s always gentle and quiet. Only since someone died in the household have I realized how formidable this girl is. Do you understand what I mean? The word ‘powerful’ – I haven’t had cause to use it even in the capital, but seeing her gives me that feeling.”
Zhou Huai nodded, “I understand. I had the same feeling when Nine Miss was solving the case today.”
“She’s a double-edged sword,” Qin Yan stood by the window, his gaze falling on the snow-covered courtyard. “Used well, she’s our best weapon; used poorly, we’ll hurt ourselves.”
Zhou Huai nodded silently. Qin Yan raised his chin, “Even so, at least this sword bears the Qin surname. When sharing a surname, glory and shame are shared. From now on, her position must be far above Qin Xiang’s.”
Zhou Huai made a sound of agreement, then suddenly said, “By the way, Fifth Miss seems to have been attracted to Young Master Bai…”
Hearing this, Qin Yan’s expression became somewhat complex. Though he was only twenty this year and had developed extraordinary wisdom through training in the capital’s power arena, he was still quite young. Hearing Zhou Huai’s words, he couldn’t help but snort lightly, “The Bai family’s young master is indeed not a bad choice, but I feel this matter can’t be so simple. Qin Xiang’s family background probably isn’t sufficient to become the Bai family’s young mistress. Or perhaps, has the Bai family’s young master truly fallen for Qin Xiang?”
Zhou Huai lowered his eyes, his lips curving slightly, “Does the Young Master have someone he likes?”
This question startled Qin Yan, and his smile became somewhat stiff, “Of course not.”
Zhou Huai chuckled softly, “Matters of the heart are indeed difficult to judge. Whether Young Master Bai’s intentions are true or false, as long as Fifth Miss remains steady, it’s fine. The Bai family will surely enter the Eastern Palace. If this matter succeeds, it would be excellent.”
Qin Yan raised an eyebrow, turning to look at Zhou Huai, “Can even you not see Bai Fei Yu’s intentions?”
Zhou Huai smiled again and shook his head, “I cannot tell. Young Master doesn’t yet know how complex and changeable matters of the heart can be. You’ll understand when you have someone you like in the future. Young Master Bai’s attention to Fifth Miss could be love at first sight, mere polite courtesy, or simply casual flirtation. In short, I cannot yet discern the truth or falsehood of this matter.”
Qin Yan raised an eyebrow, “Even if I had someone I liked very much, with my temperament, wouldn’t I know what’s important? If it’s not beneficial to the family, I simply won’t like them. If it’s beneficial, I’ll marry them.”
Zhou Huai sighed, his tone softening, “Matters of the heart aren’t something you can control by choice – to like or not like at will. Otherwise, how would there be so many stories of bitter love in the world?”
Qin Yan thought this seemed true. Although he rarely read miscellaneous books, he had heard many stories in his youth. Thinking this way, Qin Yan spoke with some pride, “Steward Zhou knows where my thoughts lie.”
Zhou Huai smiled bitterly, “Young Master has no interest in romance, but… but I still hope Young Master can meet someone he truly loves.”
Qin Yan snorted lightly, seeming completely uninterested in this. He changed the subject, “How many days until news from the capital arrives? We’ve been delayed, and I wonder how Father is doing…”
Zhou Huai quickly said, “Young Master need not worry. The Marquis already has everything well planned.”
……
……
Qin Wan was unaware that her cursory examination of the corpse had earned the respect of Qin Yan and Zhou Huai. Standing by the window, looking at the snow in the courtyard, she said in a solemn voice, “Has a layer of snow outside melted?”
Qin Shuang ran to Qin Wan’s side, looked for a while, and said, “No, it looks unchanged.”
Fu Ling came over from the side, “Sixth Miss, look, the icicles under the eaves are gone!”
Qin Shuang tilted her head and looked for a moment, her eyes brightening briefly, “Ah, they are gone…”
The weather was too cold, and in the morning, a row of icicles had formed hanging from the eaves. By now, they had all disappeared, and water was dripping down from the eaves, showing that the snow was beginning to melt.
Qin Wan sighed with relief, “With the snow melting, the case should soon have some leads.”
Qin Shuang’s smile broadened, “Then we can set out!” Then she added with some distaste, “Someone died in this mansion, I wonder if we’ll be affected by the ill fortune…”
Fu Ling quickly looked outside, “Shh… Sixth Miss, we’re here as guests, you shouldn’t say such things.”
Qin Shuang shrank her neck, “I know, I didn’t say it outside.”
Qin Wan didn’t feel it was unlucky. She just wanted to know if Song Li and Master Dong could trace where that black cotton thread came from. She anxiously waited for half a day, only receiving news from Sun Mu Qing by evening.
“Nine Miss… they found something…”
As soon as the door opened, Sun Mu Qing spoke excitedly. His eyes were full of excitement, his expression showing youthful elation. “They found it. Master Dong and Song Li discovered a black cotton jacket with a male servant, made of the same material as what was found from the killer. Constable Song examined it and found torn places on the jacket as well.”
Fu Ling let Sun Mu Qing in, and he stood at the doorway, telling Qin Wan everything she wanted to know in one breath.
Fu Ling and Qin Shuang’s eyes both brightened. Qin Shuang said, “They found it so quickly?! That’s wonderful, so this case is solved then?!”
The excitement on Sun Mu Qing’s face faded, and he shook his head, “No because that person denies it.”
Qin Shuang’s eyes widened, “How can he deny it? They found the clothes, is he trying to deceive us?”
Sun Mu Qing smiled bitterly, “They found the clothes, and the owner is a coachman called Zhang Chu, who usually handles purchases and other odd jobs for the mansion. Though they found the clothes, he denies being the killer. He claims the clothes are old ones his mother gave him, and says he came to the mansion in summer. When winter came, Senior Brother made new cotton clothes for everyone, so he didn’t wear the old ones. He also says the tears in the clothes were there before.”
“Is there blood on the clothes?” Qin Wan suddenly asked.
Sun Mu Qing shook his head, “It doesn’t seem so. The person who told me didn’t mention this point. They only said Constable Song was going to torture Zhang Chu, planning to beat him with boards and question him through the night.”
Qin Wan frowned slightly, “We need to see if there’s blood on the clothes. If not, we need to check if he’s washed them these past few days. The servants all live together, and with the cold weather these days, clothes won’t dry easily. Even if dried by fire, a cotton jacket wouldn’t dry quickly. If he washed his clothes, others would surely know.”
“But… but why would there be blood stains?” Qin Shuang looked at Qin Wan with confused eyes.
Qin Wan explained helplessly, “Don’t you remember? Little Song Zi’s fingernails were full of blood, and that cotton thread was covered in blood. How could there be none on his clothes? Moreover, the wall at the crime scene had blood spatter everywhere. I’m certain the killer’s clothes must have been stained with blood.”
Sun Mu Qing frowned briefly, “Then… shall we go take a look?”
Sun Mu Qing intentionally invited Qin Wan, and she naturally wouldn’t refuse. The longer they waited, the harder the case would be to solve.
Seeing Qin Wan was going, Qin Shuang immediately said, “I want to go too, take me with you…”
Qin Wan felt somewhat helpless, but Qin Shuang had already put on her cloak. Qin Wan sighed and had Fu Ling help her with her cloak, then the group headed grandly toward the eastern council hall.
“I’m innocent — Master Dong —”
“Ah… Master Dong… I’m wrongly accused, it wasn’t me…”
In the wind-swept council hall, Zhang Chu’s agonized screams were unending. Song Li sat in the main seat, looking coldly at Zhang Chu. “I’ve seen many criminals, and not one confessed right away. They all held out until they couldn’t bear dozens of strikes before speaking up. Zhang Chu, I advise you not to resist. You’ll confess eventually, why suffer more physical pain?”
Zhang Chu lay on a long bench, held down by two bailiffs, while another held a carrying pole. The mansion didn’t have the proper punishment boards like in the yamen, so they substituted this pole. The pole fell repeatedly on Zhang Chu’s back, and soon a faint smell of blood filled the room.
When Sun Mu Qing arrived at the council hall, he heard Zhang Chu’s heart-wrenching scream. Startled, he quickly asked Master Dong who stood aside, “Master Dong, what are they doing?!”
Master Dong sighed and looked toward Song Li, “Constable Song says torture is needed.”
Since Hundred Herbs Garden had reported to the officials and Song Li had come, this case was indeed under his jurisdiction. Sun Mu Qing looked at the barely conscious Zhang Chu and quickly asked, “Where is Zhang Chu’s cotton jacket? Are there blood stains? Has he washed his clothes these past few days?”
Master Dong frowned, then shook his head, “We checked earlier and found no blood stains, but whether he washed his clothes or not, we don’t know. Constable Song, what do you think…”
Song Li snorted lightly, noticing Qin Wan at the door, and immediately said loudly, “Why not just ask him directly?”
“No… I haven’t washed it…” Zhang Chu’s voice was full of pain, barely forming words.
Sun Mu Qing immediately said, “He says he hasn’t washed it. You may not believe him, but you can ask the other servants if he’s lying. How can you torture him without investigating? Are you trying to force a false confession?”
Song Li’s eyelid twitched, “Then… what if the other servants also lie?”
Sun Mu Qing frowned coldly, “One person might lie, but with so many people in the mansion, how could they all lie together?”
Song Li looked at Sun Mu Qing, his eyes shifting as he said, “Master Sun makes a good point… Then… let’s stop the torture for now and call in the people who live with him to ask.”
Only then did Sun Mu Qing’s frown ease slightly. Song Li gave the order and looked to Master Dong, who naturally instructed the servants waiting outside to call people. Song Li stood up and looked at Sun Mu Qing, “Everything will be done as Master Sun says. Rest assured, I, Song Li, am not one to force false confessions.”
Sun Mu Qing also noticed Song Li’s ill intentions and curved his lips without further comment.
Qin Wan stood outside watching coldly, remaining silent for now. Qin Yan’s deterrent power didn’t extend to her influence. As a young lady, she normally couldn’t affect official matters. Moreover, Song Li surely knew they were only temporary guests who would leave in a few days. Once they left, this case would truly be under his control!
Soon, several male servants who lived with Zhang Chu were called to the council hall.
Song Li sat in the main seat and snorted, “Have any of you seen Zhang Chu washing clothes these past few days?”
The group looked at each other briefly, all shaking their heads.
Song Li’s eyes sharpened, “Haven’t seen it? Think carefully again. If you conceal information, you’ll be considered accomplices!”
“Constable, we truly haven’t seen it. We’re all common folk who don’t change and wash clothes daily, and with such cold weather these past few days, we especially wouldn’t wash clothes carelessly. We dare not deceive you, sir.”
The room’s bloody smell lingered as Zhang Chu lay on the bench, groaning softly. Though the male servants were frightened, they dared not speak any falsehoods. Master Dong said from the side, “Constable Song, it seems it wasn’t Zhang Chu.”
Song Li’s brows furrowed tightly, “Though they say he didn’t wash his clothes, perhaps he used other methods? Tonight, lock him in a separate room, and tomorrow we’ll search the mansion again before deciding further.”
Master Dong seemed about to speak but held back. Song Li yawned, “I’m tired today, let’s leave it at that. My brothers and I will go rest first.”
With these words, Song Li was about to leave with his bailiffs. Sun Mu Qing watched with furrowed brows inside but had no way to deal with Song Li for now. After Song Li’s group left, Master Dong sighed, “Zhang Chu, would it be alright for you to sleep in Little Song Zi’s room tonight?”
Zhang Chu hesitated briefly but nodded. Master Dong then directed the other male servants, “Carry him out. Da Cheng, come with me to get some medicine for his wounds…”
Medicine was the one thing Hundred Herbs Garden didn’t lack. The named servant acknowledged, and Master Dong turned to Sun Mu Qing, “Young Master, you should rest as well. We’ll continue investigating tomorrow.”
Sun Mu Qing had no choice but to nod dejectedly, “Fine, let’s wait until tomorrow then.”
Walking out, he looked helplessly at Qin Wan, “When dealing with such officials, there’s nothing we can do. If only this were in Yi Zhou or Lian Zhou…”
Qin Wan’s eyes darkened slightly. Even Yuan Zhou would be better than here. Ji County was remote, its customs still unenlightened. Because of this, even if Yan Chi were here, Song Li might not understand how high his position truly was.
Fearless due to ignorance – it was both laughable and frustrating.
With Song Li gone, Qin Wan had no leads for now and naturally could only walk back to her courtyard with Sun Mu Qing. Qin Shuang snorted, “That Constable Song, I dislike him on sight. When we return to the capital, let’s see Third Brother deal with him properly!”
Returning to the capital was at least half a month away. Qin Wan worried that even after the snow melted, if this case remained unsolved, Song Li likely wouldn’t let them leave, further delaying their journey.
By now night had fallen deeply, the sky pitch black. Hundred Herbs Garden’s sprawling old mansion was submerged in an endless sea of ink. Fu Ling held a wind lantern, barely illuminating the group’s path back.
“Right now I’m not thinking about much else, just worried that the killer is still hiding in the mansion.”
Sun Mu Qing shared Qin Wan’s concerns. Just as Qin Wan was about to speak, unexpectedly, a figure suddenly emerged from the corner ahead, bumping into Fu Ling who held the lantern. Fu Ling let out a small cry, and the person immediately backed away anxiously, bowing his head, “This servant deserves death, this servant deserves death…”
Fu Ling’s lantern swayed, making the light even dimmer. She glared at the person, seeing it was a male servant holding a broom. Fu Ling wanted to get angry, but seeing him still working so late, she suppressed her anger, “Walk more carefully!”
After this light scolding, Fu Ling stood waiting for Qin Wan and the others to catch up. The male servant kept his head down, holding his broom, and with Fu Ling standing in front, Qin Wan couldn’t see his face. Because the light was dim, Qin Wan walked faster, but just as she passed by Fu Ling, she keenly detected a sweet and pungent medicinal smell.
Qin Wan’s heart instinctively relaxed – in Hundred Herbs Garden, having a medicinal smell was perfectly normal.
“Sixth Miss, hurry up, the light’s about to go out.”
Fu Ling urged, and everyone behind walked faster. After the group passed, Fu Ling finally followed. After a few more steps, Qin Wan looked back and saw the man with the broom slowly walking toward the east.
“What is Miss looking at?”
Fu Ling asked, and Qin Wan shook her head, “Nothing, just wondering if this person lives with Zhang Chu, why we didn’t see him earlier…”
There weren’t many male servants in the mansion, so they naturally lived together. Seeing the man walk away, Qin Wan temporarily set aside her thoughts.
Sun Mu Qing also looked back upon hearing this, “I hadn’t noticed that, but if there are any oversights, we can continue questioning tomorrow.”
Qin Wan nodded, “How is Madam Sun today?”
Qin Wan was still very concerned about Bai Fei Yan’s illness. Sun Mu Qing shook his head, “She still hasn’t woken up.”
Qin Wan’s heart dropped. Bai Fei Yan seemed to have been sleeping for many days now – could she truly be at death’s door?
Qin Wan felt worried, but with Sun Hao Yue and Sun Mu Qing present, it wasn’t her place to examine the patient. She just frowned and said, “Does Doctor Sun have no solution? Sleeping for so long doesn’t seem like a good sign.”
“Senior Brother’s hair has turned white with worry. Haven’t you noticed he hasn’t come out these past few days? Director Dong has been handling all mansion matters with Constable Song because Sister-in-law’s condition has become quite serious.”
After Sun Mu Qing finished speaking, Qin Wan couldn’t help but say, “If Doctor Sun temporarily has no solution, then what about Medicine Valley…”
Sun Mu Qing smiled bitterly, “Master has been going into seclusion recently, and earlier Senior Brother had already written to ask Master. Master said Senior Brother’s method was correct, but something unknown happened later.”
“Treating illness depends not only on the doctor but also on the patient’s condition.”
Qin Wan said, and Sun Mu Qing quickly nodded, “That’s exactly right…”
After discussing Bai Fei Yan’s condition for a few more sentences, they reached the courtyard. After bidding each other farewell, everyone returned to their quarters. Qin Wan felt dejected about the unresolved case and retired to bed soon after returning to her room.
After a night of light sleep, Qin Wan woke early the next day to a commotion. Before she was fully awake, Fu Ling’s voice reached her ears, “Miss, wake up quickly, there’s been another death!”
Qin Wan felt as if a thunderclap had broken through the fog, and she immediately opened her eyes and sat up.
“What?! Another death?”
Fu Ling’s face was full of gravity, “Yes, another death! Master Dong just sent someone to tell us.”
Qin Wan immediately threw off her brocade quilt and got out of bed, while Qin Shuang opened her eyes in confusion, “What’s this about another death? Am I dreaming?”
Fu Ling said helplessly, “Sixth Miss isn’t dreaming, someone has died again.”
Qin Wan had dressed properly and gone out to wash up in moments. Fu Ling couldn’t attend to Qin Shuang any further and hurried to follow. Qin Wan prepared herself as quickly as possible and went out wearing her cloak.
As soon as she left the courtyard, she saw Qin Yan and Sun Mu Qing walking over from the direction of Qin Yan’s courtyard. While Sun Mu Qing couldn’t enter Qin Wan’s courtyard, he could enter Qin Yan’s. As the two approached together, Qin Wan hurried forward and asked, “Who died?”
“Da Cheng died,” Sun Mu Qing answered quickly, his expression more grave than ever before. “Da Cheng’s limbs were also cut off.”
Qin Wan was stunned, momentarily speechless. Da Cheng was the male servant Master Dong had called last night. Qin Wan vaguely remembered his very honest and simple appearance. Though she wore a thick cloak, a chill crept up from her feet. A second person had died, also with limbs severed. The killer was still hiding in Hundred Herbs Garden, still killing.
Qin Wan frowned deeply, “Where is he? Take me to see—”
Sun Mu Qing quickly said, “In the east, Master Dong just sent someone to tell us. I haven’t seen it yet, they say it’s in the small medicine storehouse. Come with me, now that a second person has died, the situation has become very dangerous, so I wanted to notify everyone to go look at the situation together.”
Qin Wan nodded. Sun Mu Qing led the way, with Qin Wan and Qin Yan following. They hadn’t gone far when Qin Shuang caught up from behind, out of breath as she ran over, her voice trembling as she asked, “How is there another death?!”
“We don’t know the situation yet, let’s go see first.”
Qin Wan’s voice was cold, and though Qin Shuang wanted to ask more, she was silenced by her tone.
The group hurried along and soon reached the east garden. Outside the small medicine storehouse Sun Mu Qing had mentioned, all the mansion’s servants had gathered. Sister Lin stood outside with slightly reddened eyes, speaking quietly with a woman beside her.
“Young Master is here—”
Someone called out, and Sister Lin quickly turned around, “Young Master…”
Sun Mu Qing came forward, “How is it?”
Sister Lin gestured inside the small medicine storehouse, “Master Dong and Constable Song are inside with others. Da Cheng… Da Cheng died as horribly as Little Song Zi… Young Master better not look…”
Sun Mu Qing shook his head to indicate it was fine and strode into the small medicine storehouse.
Though called a small medicine storehouse, it was a very spacious single-story building. As soon as one reached the doorway, the medicinal smell could be detected. Seeing Sun Mu Qing enter, Qin Wan followed closely behind. Upon entering, the medicinal scent mixed with a strong smell of blood filled everyone’s nostrils. Qin Shuang tried to follow but had only stepped one foot in when she smelled it and immediately felt nauseated. She pouted in dissatisfaction and had to stay outside.
This was a storeroom filled with Chinese medicine cabinets, and Da Cheng had died beneath the window side cabinet at the very back.
A dim light filled the entire storehouse. Da Cheng’s body was propped against the medicine cabinet like Little Song Zi’s had been. Similarly, his limbs were mutilated into a bloody mess, with flesh barely connected though the bones were broken.
Deep red blood had pooled beneath him, meandering under the surrounding medicine cabinets. Master Dong and Song Li stood in a nearby aisle, with several other bailiffs scattered in positions further away.
As soon as Sun Mu Qing entered, he saw Song Li’s furrowed brows, realizing they were dealing with an extremely vicious killer. Song Li’s expression also showed some gravity – after all, he too was staying in this mansion, and he could be the next to die.
“Master Dong, what happened?!” Sun Mu Qing asked.
Master Dong turned around with what appeared to be moisture in his eyes. Seeing Sun Mu Qing and Qin Wan’s group enter, he cleared his throat before speaking solemnly, “Da Lin discovered it. Last night, Da Cheng first got medicine when Zhang Chu was in too much pain. Da Cheng volunteered to come get more medicine, but then never returned. After that, Zhang Chu fell asleep, as did everyone else, sleeping through the night. When they woke up this morning and found Da Cheng hadn’t returned, everyone thought it strange. They initially thought he might be with Zhang Chu, but he wasn’t there either. Zhang Chu hadn’t improved overnight, so Da Lin came to get medicine for him.”
“When he came, he found the storehouse door open. He thought someone was inside and called out twice as he entered, then discovered Da Cheng’s body. This storehouse contains many medicines, though mostly common ones, so it’s usually not locked. With just these few people in the mansion, no one would steal medicine for no reason. If anyone feels unwell and knows which medicine to use, they just need to tell me and they can come take the medicine paste. These are the rules Young Master set, treating the servants like family.”
Master Dong turned to look at Da Cheng again, his eyes moistening slightly, “No one expected another incident.”
Sun Mu Qing narrowed his eyes, while Qin Yan, who had followed behind, was observing Qin Wan from the corner of his eye. Only then did Qin Yan notice that Qin Wan’s expression remained steady and unchanged. Moreover, her usually clear eyes were now deep with contemplation as if deeply pondering something. Qin Yan looked away, increasingly certain of his thoughts.
“What does Constable Song think?” Sun Mu Qing looked toward Song Li.
Song Li’s tone finally lost its arrogance, “Naturally it’s the same killer, and again the hands and feet were cut off. This person must have some special experience, otherwise they wouldn’t choose this method of killing.”
This time, Song Li’s words weren’t worth arguing with. He scratched his head somewhat vexedly, “This case is no small matter now. In Ji County, nothing like this has happened for many years. The killer must be hiding in the mansion. Perhaps they knew Da Cheng was coming for medicine and followed him here, killing him when he was off guard.”
Qin Wan had been standing aside without speaking, but now she stepped forward.
Her gaze fell on the window frame beside the medicine cabinet. This time the crime scene was indoors, without snow to cover anything. Qin Wan saw a bloody handprint on the window frame. She looked over, and Song Li also looked, but dismissed it saying, “How did your household provoke such a madman? Specifically cutting off people’s hands and feet! Who knows what kind of crazy idea they’re possessed by!”
Song Li’s tone already carried complaints. Master Dong smiled bitterly, “We don’t know either, otherwise why would we need Constable Song? Zhang Chu is so injured he can’t even get out of bed, at least that proves he’s not the killer, right?”
Song Li snorted, “Are you hiding something from me? Why would someone keep killing in this way for no reason? What’s the killer’s motive for murdering like this?”
As Master Dong was smiling bitterly, not knowing how to explain, a clear voice rang out.
“Perhaps I know his reason for killing—”
This voice startled even Qin Wan. She turned to look and saw Sun Hao Yue standing at the medicine storehouse door, seemingly having arrived at some unknown time. Today he still wore flowing white robes. Standing against the light in the doorway, though his face was hidden in shadow and unclear, his bearing and manner still carried an otherworldly elegance, captivating to behold.
The dim light inside and the bloody smell permeating the air were in stark contrast to his divine-like bearing. He paused before walking forward slowly, making everyone feel he shouldn’t step into such a dark and filthy place. Qin Wan raised her eyebrows in surprise – wasn’t Sun Hao Yue completely focused on Bai Fei Yan’s illness? How had he come here? And to say he knew the reason for the murders…
As questions arose in her mind, just then, Qin Wan’s nose detected a sweet and pungent smell.