“Master, something terrible has happened…” Pang You De’s face was extremely pale, with traces of panic in his eyes.
Pang Fu Liang frowned, “What happened? Is she unwilling to come? If she doesn’t want to, then forget it…”
Pang You De’s voice trembled, “No, it’s not that she’s unwilling to come. Madam Qin… she’s dead…”
At these words, everyone in the room changed color. Qin Yan frowned, reacting faster than Pang Fu Liang, “What happened?”
Pang You De’s gaze flickered, looking only at Pang Fu Liang. Pang Fu Liang’s brows remained tightly furrowed, as if stunned by this news, or perhaps not having processed it yet. Liu Ren Li, however, immediately stood up, “What… what did you say?!”
Liu Ren Li shouted at Pang You De, his voice already trembling.
“No, impossible, how could this…”
As Liu Ren Li spoke, he strode toward the door. Pang Yi Wu sat to the side, frightened out of his wits by this news. Just as Liu Ren Li was about to rush out, Pang Fu Liang finally stood up, “Young Lord, I deeply apologize…”
Qin Yan also stood up, “There’s nothing to apologize for, Master Pang. Please go check quickly.”
Pang Fu Liang nodded, turning to leave while instructing, “Qing Niang, take the Third Young Master back to Jia Hui Tower.”
Qing Niang, waiting outside, responded with acknowledgment. Qin Yan, seeing this, instinctively followed Pang Fu Liang.
Hearing footsteps, Pang Fu Liang, who had just walked out the door, turned back, “Young Lord need not go. Please return to rest, lest… lest it bring bad luck.”
When someone dies, ordinary people indeed wouldn’t want to be associated with the deceased, but Qin Yan, couldn’t understand how a guest of the mansion could suddenly die. He naturally wanted to investigate, “Master Pang, no need for such courtesy. If someone has truly died, we need to know why. If they were murdered, since we’re also in Qing Hui Garden, we can’t be uninvolved.”
Pang Fu Liang looked at Qin Yan once more before nodding and walking out.
Qin Yan followed Pang Fu Liang for a few steps, then turned back to see Qin Wan and Qin Shuang also following. He frowned, “You two should…”
Halfway through his sentence, Qin Yan met Qin Wan’s eyes, seeing doubt and urgency in them. He ultimately didn’t finish his sentence, only saying softly, “Just stay with me.”
Qin Wan nodded, and only then did Qin Yan turn back to follow Pang Fu Liang.
Seeing Qin Wan and Qin Shuang following, Qin Xiang stopped at the doorway.
Wan He whispered, “How could someone suddenly die? Miss, should we go look too?”
Qin Xiang shook her head, “Let’s go back, it’s inauspicious.”
Wan He wanted to say more. Since the incident at Hundred Herbs Garden, Qin Xiang had become increasingly withdrawn, to the point where even the Sixth Young Lady no longer visited her. Wan He wanted to offer advice, but Qin Xiang had already left, clearly not in the mood to listen.
Meanwhile, Pang You De followed Pang Fu Liang, explaining, “Your servant called out twice at Madam’s courtyard gate. Seeing no response, I went in. Upon entering, I saw the main hall’s door was half-open. I called out twice more but still heard nothing. Your servant grew suspicious and pushed open the door to enter. Upon entering, I found Madam had hanged herself in the room…”
Hanged herself… Pang You De’s footsteps faltered, his eyebrows rising high.
Walking north from Zhao Hui Tower, past the plum forest beside it, they reached another main path in the mansion. Continuing northeast led to a courtyard similar to where Qin Wan and others stayed, though this yard had only three main rooms and a more spacious, elegant courtyard. The gate was already pushed open, and from the entrance, one could see the half-open door of the main hall.
The sky had darkened, and no lamps were lit in the courtyard or rooms. As the group entered the courtyard, they saw Liu Ren Li standing at the doorway, staring blankly inside. Pang You De took out a fire starter and lit a wind lantern in the corridor, finally revealing Liu Ren Li’s expression. His eyes showed a mixture of fear and grief as he stared at the shadow hanging in mid-air inside.
Pang Fu Liang climbed the steps, with Qin Yan close behind. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang slowed their pace but could still see Madam Qin through the open door. Wearing a deep purple cross-collared dress, Madam Qin appeared to be just forty years old. Apart from some graying hair, she was beautiful with a slender figure, wearing light makeup and purple-red nail polish.
Qin Wan noticed that Madam Qin’s nails were neatly trimmed and well-maintained, showing she was an elderly lady who took excellent care of herself and knew how to dress well…
However, now her head hung down, arms at her sides, body stiff and hanging straight like a dried fish. Her purple-red embroidered shoes cast an eerie glow in the light of Pang You De’s wind lantern.
What surprised Qin Wan more was that Madam Qin’s purple-red belt was around her neck, and without the belt, her dress hung loosely on her body. In the gentle breeze, the hanging skirt moved against her body, outlining her thin frame.
Qin Wan could tell at a glance that the person was dead, beyond saving.
“She… she hanged herself…”
Fu Ling whispered tremblingly. Ahead, Qin Yan seemed to think of something and glanced back at Qin Wan, then at Fu Ling, but seeing Qin Wan standing motionless, he pressed his lips together without saying anything.
“How… how could she…”
Liu Ren Li stood frozen at the door, his voice bitter with grief.
Pang Fu Liang stepped closer, looked at Madam Qin’s body, bit his lip, then glanced at Liu Ren Li and sighed, “Let’s get her down first…”
Pang You De quickly summoned the attendants who had followed them. Two people entered the room and soon lowered the body.
“Master, she’s already gone…” Pang You De reported solemnly.
Qin Wan scanned the room, noting that the wide-open chamber was neat and orderly. Below where Madam Qin had been hanging, a chair lay toppled to one side, making it look like suicide—
As Qin Wan was carefully examining the room, Pang You De looked worriedly at Pang Fu Liang, “Master, what should we do?”
After all, a death had occurred, and even a small oversight by Pang Fu Liang could lead to trouble.
Pang Fu Liang narrowed his eyes, about to speak, when Qin Yan frowned and asked, “Master Pang, who was this person? Why did she commit suicide in the Qing Hui Garden?”
Pang Fu Liang looked at Qin Yan and shook his head, “Just an old acquaintance. She had recently encountered some difficulties and came to seek my help. I didn’t agree at noon, and unexpectedly she…”
Pang Fu Liang looked again, “She has no family left. Let’s choose a good coffin and bury her.”
Pang You De was about to respond with “Yes” when Qin Yan frowned and asked, “Aren’t we reporting this to the authorities?”
Pang Fu Liang sighed, “This matter would damage the Pang family’s reputation if it got out. Let’s not report it, or perhaps just send someone to inform the Prefecture Magistrate…”
Since this was in the Pang household, even though Qin Yan felt it wasn’t quite right, he decided not to say more.
Pang You De quickly instructed the two attendants, “Spread the word, go to the coffin shop in the west of the city, and bring back a good coffin.”
The attendants acknowledged and left. Pang Fu Liang looked again at the person lying on the ground, then at Liu Ren Li, who had also entered the room but, unlike Pang Fu Liang’s composure, seemed still unable to process what had happened.
Qin Yan keenly noticed this, “Liu Yun Tong also knew this person?”
Liu Ren Li suddenly came to his senses, then nodded, “Yes… I knew her…”
Qin Yan hesitated, unsure whether to inquire further. It was one thing that Liu Ren Li and Pang Fu Liang were acquainted, but now a female guest, who was Pang Fu Liang’s old friend, had appeared, and Liu Ren Li knew her too – how deep were their relationships?
Even more bizarre was that this female guest had hanged herself after arriving at Qing Hui Garden!
While Qin Yan harbored numerous doubts, Pang Fu Liang said, “Young Lord, this is not a place to linger, especially with the two Miss Qins present. Perhaps Young Lord should take the young ladies away?”
At Pang Fu Liang’s suggestion, Qin Yan came to his senses. Looking back, he saw that while Qin Wan was fine, Qin Shuang indeed seemed frightened. He collected himself and looked once more at Madam Qin on the ground, “Very well, I’ll take them back first.”
With that, Qin Yan turned to leave. Qin Shuang immediately followed him, but Qin Wan showed some hesitation.
Qin Yan looked back at Qin Wan and called out, “Ninth Sister—”
Only then did Qin Wan reluctantly take a step forward.
Watching Qin Wan walking last, Pang Fu Liang narrowed his eyes. For a young lady to come along was one thing, but now she kept looking at the dead body, showing no fear.
As the darkness in Pang Fu Liang’s eyes deepened, Liu Ren Li beside him said, “Fu Liang—”
“Shut up!” Pang Fu Liang turned and roared in suppressed anger, making Liu Ren Li pale with fear. Pang Fu Liang then instructed Pang You De, “Act quickly, minimize the situation, and resolve it quietly.”
Pang You De nodded, and Pang Fu Liang unconsciously looked toward Qin Wan again. Somehow, Qin Wan’s hesitant gaze earlier made him very uneasy. Only when he saw Qin Wan catch up with Qin Yan and walk far away did Pang Fu Liang slightly relax?
……
……
“Third Brother—”
Pang Fu Liang’s intense gaze made Qin Wan feel like needles were pricking her back. Only after walking out of sight did she call out to Qin Yan, who paused his steps, “What is it?”
Qin Wan looked back, and seeing no one following, whispered, “Does Third Brother think this was suicide?”
Qin Yan narrowed his eyes. He had noticed in Hundred Herbs Garden that Qin Wan wasn’t afraid of dead bodies. Moreover, perhaps because she had studied medicine and was very intelligent, she could even examine corpses properly. It was precisely for this reason that he had ultimately allowed Qin Wan to follow him on this visit.
But now he didn’t know how to answer Qin Wan’s doubt, “It looks like it. If someone else had killed her, wouldn’t there be signs of struggle in the room?”
Qin Wan pressed her lips together, appearing to have something more to say.
Qin Yan slowed his pace slightly, “Does Ninth Sister think it wasn’t suicide?”
Qin Wan raised her eyes to look at Qin Yan, and pondered for a moment before saying, “I don’t know if Third Brother noticed, but on the window-side table, there was a pot of tea, and the teacup beside it was full, untouched.”
Qin Yan was slightly startled upon hearing this. Madam Qin had hanged herself in the main hall, and his gaze hadn’t left the beam and that hall. The table Qin Wan mentioned was by the window in the adjacent left wing. He suddenly recalled that Qin Wan had walked a few steps in that direction – he hadn’t realized she had gone to look at that room…
“And then? What does this indicate?”
Qin Wan continued, “That window was half-open, seemingly for ventilation. I could see that the teacup contained premium Yunwu Xuefeng tea. It seems she had someone bring it specially, yet she hadn’t touched a drop. Why is that? Moreover, even if someone is desperate enough to die from grief, would they be in the mood to drink tea? And also…”
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, her tone becoming more serious, “That Madam was meticulously dressed from head to toe, yet she removed her belt to hang herself. At her age, to still take such care of her appearance shows she was someone who cared greatly about beauty. How could she bear to leave her dress disheveled after death?”
Qin Yan listened with furrowed brows. He had also noticed that Madam Qin’s fine clothes hung loosely without the belt, appearing somewhat unseemly. “Based on just this, you conclude it wasn’t suicide?”
Qin Wan shook her head, “The wounds on the body were hidden by the collar, so I couldn’t see clearly. I’m not certain, but these points are very suspicious. Yet if Madam didn’t commit suicide, who did it?”
Qin Wan’s words sent a chill down Qin Yan and Qin Shuang’s spines. Qin Shuang’s eyes widened, “If it wasn’t suicide, it must be murder… We were all at Zhao Hui Tower earlier, so it must have been someone who wasn’t there who harmed her.”
Qin Wan smiled slightly and shook her head, “We don’t even know when Madam died. What if she was already dead before we arrived?”
Qin Shuang opened her mouth but said nothing. Qin Yan’s brow furrowed, his expression becoming grave.
Seeing his expression, Qin Wan also fell silent.
They were leaving tomorrow, and it wasn’t appropriate to interfere in Pang family matters now. Moreover, Qin Yan had reached some understanding with Pang Fu Liang and Liu Ren Li, and it wouldn’t be right to go against Pang Fu Liang’s wishes. Especially since Qin Yan’s thoughts likely involved the Crown Prince’s interests, his position in this matter was even more delicate and awkward. He couldn’t possibly report to the authorities based solely on her words, and Qin Wan had no opportunity to examine the body properly. She also couldn’t go to the magistrate’s office on her own in this matter. She was part of the Qin family, and without concrete evidence, acting rashly would only put them at a disadvantage.
Though Qin Yan walked slowly, he didn’t speak again. After walking for some time, he looked up and realized they were not far from their guest quarters. “Ninth Sister, what you said earlier makes some sense.”
Qin Wan paused her steps, looking at Qin Yan, who continued, “Moreover, a suicide in the Pang mansion is quite strange in itself…”
Qin Wan nodded, and Qin Yan’s eyes shifted as he said, “I’ll have Zhou Huai look into it…”
“Third Brother…” Qin Wan was surprised; she had thought Qin Yan would ultimately give up after considering everything.
Qin Yan looked at Qin Wan and curved his lips, “I believe what you said.”
After a slight pause, Qin Yan added, “There’s another point. I had planned to recommend Liu Ren Li to Father for an important position after returning to the capital, but if there are unclear matters surrounding him, I naturally wouldn’t feel comfortable doing so.”
Qin Wan smiled helplessly, “I knew it…”
Qin Yan raised an eyebrow, “Hmm? Knew what?”
Qin Wan looked slightly uncomfortable, and as her eyes darted around, about to change the subject, they suddenly heard voices coming from the main path to the southwest. Qin Wan started, and together with Qin Yan and the others, turned their heads.
“Seventh Brother has done an excellent job as Criminal Investigation Commissioner. Upon returning to the capital, I wonder if His Majesty will have Seventh Brother directly enter the Ministry of Justice—”
As soon as this clear voice with hints of laughter rang out, Qin Wan’s eyes widened.
At that moment, a group of people emerged from around the corner of the main path not far away.
The sky had already darkened completely, and lanterns were lit along all the main paths of Qing Hui Garden. In the warm, bright light, Yan Chi led the way in a black robe, followed half a step behind by Yan Li in red. Behind Yan Li was Prefect Wang Huai Yu of Yu Prefecture, and behind him were six yamen runners. Qin Wan’s eyes immediately brightened—
“Oh? Young Lord Qin? Ninth Miss? And is this… Sixth Miss or Fifth Miss?”
Yan Chi was the first to spot Qin Wan, but before he could speak, Yan Li had already passed him, his robes flowing as he walked up to them, “I’d heard you were staying here, didn’t expect to run into you right away…”
“Greetings to both Your Highnesses and Prefect—”
Qin Yan cupped his hands in greeting, while Qin Wan and Qin Shuang curtsied. Seeing Yan Chi’s group arrive, Qin Yan’s heart stirred – Wang Huai Yu was here too, so there would be no need to go through the trouble of reporting to the authorities…
Just as Qin Yan was about to speak, Yan Li continued without pause, “Where are this garden’s owners? Why don’t we see them?”
Qin Yan’s lips twitched, and Yan Li added, “Prefect Wang is here to make arrests.”
This immediately caught Qin Yan’s attention, “Arrests?”
Yan Li chuckled, “Actually, we have to thank Seventh Brother for this. After Seventh Brother’s hint, Prefect Wang arrested two more people from the Shuang Qing Troupe. After questioning, guess what? Those two had framed the person arrested earlier. The two were secretly lovers, and fearing that the other person would take over as troupe leader, they took advantage of their master’s death to frame her – one hid the key, the other tampered with the mechanism.”
This news not only made Qin Yan forget what he was going to say but also left Qin Wan and Qin Shuang stunned.
The situation had not only reversed, but the accusers had suddenly become the perpetrators!
“Then… who killed Master Qing Li?”
At Qin Yan’s question, Wang Huai Yu stepped forward with a bitter smile, “Most likely an accident. Qing Xian said when the box was opened, the time-adjusting gears hadn’t been tampered with.”
Qin Yan was startled, “Then why has the Prefect come to make arrests…”
“When the truth changes, naturally we need to investigate further. It wouldn’t be good if we missed something.”
Wang Huai Yu’s words made Qin Yan’s gaze grow solemn. In a case involving human life, indeed no uncertain points should be overlooked. Qin Yan took a deep breath, “Prefect, you should send others to make the arrests. You have something more important to attend to.”
Wang Huai Yu was stunned, while Yan Chi and Yan Li both raised their eyebrows.
Qin Yan’s tone was quite unusual.
“Someone just died in this garden. It looks like suicide, but there are suspicious points. Master Pang hasn’t noticed these points and thinks it’s just suicide. Right now, they’re preparing to collect the body for burial.”
Qin Yan spoke in one breath, and Wang Huai Yu’s eyes widened, “Someone died? Who died?”
Qin Yan shook his head, “I don’t know the person, it’s a Madam around fifty years old.”
Yan Li laughed, “Ha! No wonder, no wonder we weren’t welcomed after all this time – there’s been a death in the mansion… Prefect Wang, here’s another chance for you to distinguish yourself…”
Wang Huai Yu gave a bitter smile at these words and looked to Qin Yan, “Please lead the way, Young Lord.”
Qin Yan gestured with his body and took the lead, while Wang Huai Yu gave some instructions before following. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang paused, also wanting to follow, but they couldn’t walk in front of Yan Chi and Yan Li. They waited for the two to go first, and as they passed by Qin Wan, Yan Chi gave her a deep, meaningful look.
……
……
“Master… Master, the Prefect, and the Young Lord of Prince Rui, along with the Young Lord of Prince Gong have arrived.”
Pang Fu Liang, still standing at Madam Qin’s courtyard gate, felt his eyelid twitch at these words. Beside him, Liu Ren Li’s brow also twitched, “What are they doing here so late?”
The servant who came to report replied, “The Prefect said there are still some unclear points in the Shuang Qing Troupe case, and he needs to take some people back for questioning. The two Young Lords came together to handle the case.”
Pang Fu Liang narrowed his eyes and waved his hand, dismissing the servant.
Liu Ren Li looked nervously at Pang Fu Liang, “Fu Liang… the two Young Lords…”
“The Young Lord of Prince Rui already knew you were here, and as for the other one, there’s no need to worry about him. Let’s go greet them.” As he spoke, Pang Fu Liang added, “You’d better compose yourself!”
Liu Ren Li’s face was a mess of emotions, but hearing this, he didn’t dare take it lightly and straightened his back.
After walking a few steps, Liu Ren Li spoke again, “How did Qing Yun die…”
Pang Fu Liang’s steps suddenly halted as he whirled around, fixing Liu Ren Li with an intense stare, “What are you suspecting? Don’t tell me you think I did it?! I was with you the whole time.”
Liu Ren Li seemed to want to say something but held back, “No, of course, I wouldn’t…”
Pang Fu Liang’s eyes were like a hawk’s, “You’d better not say anything wrong!”
After saying this, Pang Fu Liang turned and strode forward. Just as they reached Zhao Hui Tower, he caught sight of Yan Chi and the others following Qin Yan’s group. Pang Fu Liang’s lips curved slightly as he hurried to welcome them.
“What brings Your Highnesses here? Prefect…”
As he spoke, Pang Fu Liang smiled bitterly, “Even if the Prefect hadn’t come, I was about to send someone to find you.”
Since Wang Huai Yu had come with Qin Yan, he must already know about Madam Qin’s death. Before Wang Huai Yu could ask, Pang Fu Liang spoke first. Wang Huai Yu frowned slightly, “Why were you looking for me?”
Pang Fu Liang smiled bitterly, “Someone just hanged themselves in the mansion. By rights, we should have the yamen come to investigate.”
Wang Huai Yu narrowed his eyes, “Where is the person?”
Pang Fu Liang gestured to the side, “Your Highnesses, Prefect, this way, please. The body has been taken down, but she’s already dead.”
Wang Huai Yu nodded, inviting Yan Chi and Yan Li to walk ahead. Yan Li glanced at Liu Ren Li, “This must be Liu Yun Tong…”
Liu Ren Li had only bowed earlier without speaking, but hearing this, he quickly responded, “Indeed it is your humble servant, Your Highness.”
Yan Li chuckled, “How did Liu Master and Master Pang come to know each other?”
“Many years ago, by chance, your humble servant and Master Pang attended a performance of the Shuang Qing Troupe together. At the time, your humble servant greatly enjoyed their performances, and when Master Pang learned this, he invited your humble servant to attend a couple more times. That’s how we became acquainted.”
Yan Li nodded repeatedly, “Friendship through theater, not bad, not bad…”
Liu Ren Li couldn’t tell if Yan Li’s words were sincere or sarcastic, and sweat began to bead on his forehead.
Pang Fu Liang didn’t dare say much in front of Yan Chi and Yan Li. The group headed straight for Madam Qin’s small courtyard, where her body still lay on the main hall floor, visible as soon as Yan Li and Yan Chi entered the courtyard.
“Who is the deceased lady of the Pang household?”
Yan Chi, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke. Pang Fu Liang didn’t dare be careless and quickly replied, “She’s not from the Pang household. She was an old acquaintance of mine… of humble origins, living alone. Today she came seeking my help because she’d encountered some difficulties, but… her request was too much, and I couldn’t agree. I never expected that finding herself at a dead end, she would choose to hang herself in my mansion. It’s truly…”
Pang Fu Liang appeared extremely helpless. Yan Li sighed, “Ah if that’s the case, this person has caused trouble for Master Pang.”
Pang Fu Liang smiled bitterly again and again. As they spoke, the group had already climbed the steps to the main room’s entrance.
Yan Li was the first to enter. Upon seeing the dead body, he showed no fear, merely looking around the room and circling Madam Qin before saying, “It does look like death by hanging—”
Yan Chi fixed his gaze for a moment, “Whether it was suicide or not, we’ll only know after an examination.”
Yan Li then said, “Prefect hasn’t brought a coroner this time. Quickly send someone to fetch one…”
Wang Huai Yu’s face showed a trace of difficulty, “This morning we received documents from Yong County about a murder case there. Unfortunately, their coroner just resigned, so our prefecture’s coroner is currently on his way to Yong County…”
Yan Li exclaimed “Ah,” “Then this…”
“It’s not a problem.” Yan Chi suddenly spoke, his steady three words reassuring everyone.
Yan Li quickly asked, “Does Seventh Brother have a solution?”
Yan Chi nodded, and Yan Li excitedly asked, “Who? Does Seventh Brother have such a capable subordinate?”
“Not my subordinate—” Yan Chi said, turning to look at Qin Wan, “Can Ninth Miss help?”
Yan Li was startled, his jaw nearly dropping in shock, “What?! Ninth Miss?!”