A burly man? That must be Duan Fu.

Lin Chengyou nodded. “Understood.”

He tied Lu Zhao’an up again, rose and left the cage, then locked Wang Ao in another iron cage. After securing both cages and giving instructions to the prison guards, confirming everything was in order, he headed toward the exit.

Li Si was walking with his colleagues toward the table and chairs in front of the cage, lifting his robe to sit down when a shadow flashed before his eyes. Someone violently grabbed his throat, lifting him.

The assailant moved like a ghost – even though Li Si was skilled, he was caught completely off guard. His eyes bulged as he was choked, and the silver thread he had partially drawn fell to the ground.

“Who sent you?” Lin Chengyou’s eyes were frost-cold.

Li Si’s features twisted into a knot. He seemed unable to understand how his cover was blown. There was malice in his eyes, but even more surprise. Despite his confusion, he didn’t forget to counterattack. His right palm filled with internal energy as he chopped toward Lin Chengyou’s chest.

Lin Chengyou raised his wrist in a knife-hand strike, heavily hitting Li Si’s wrist while simultaneously driving his right knee up forcefully, striking Li Si’s chest and abdomen.

Li Si’s internal energy and speed were suppressed with his throat locked. Though he avoided the upper attack, he couldn’t dodge the blow to his abdomen. His back arched backward as if his internal organs had been shattered. His knees trembled uncontrollably, nearly forcing him to kneel before Lin Chengyou.

Everything happened too quickly. By the time the prison guards came to their senses, they all drew their swords and rushed forward.

“Stay back!” Lin Chengyou commanded. “Cover the cage to prevent him from releasing poisonous smoke to the prisoners.”

“Yes!” The guards changed course, running to the outside of the cage and quickly lowering the curtains around it.

To prevent Li Si from committing suicide by poison, Lin Chengyou shook out a silver chain from his sleeve and forced it into Li Si’s mouth. Once his left hand was free, he reached up and tore off the human-skin mask from Li Si’s face.

Li Si still glared fiercely at Lin Chengyou, as if demanding to know where he had revealed his weakness.

Lin Chengyou sneered. Using Teng Yuyi’s name as bait – did he think he was worthy? When Teng Yuyi traveled, she was more cautious than anyone. Even when she previously dressed as a man, it was difficult to discern her true appearance, and lately, she never went out without wearing a human-skin mask. This fake Li Si repeatedly emphasized Wang Gongzi’s beauty to lure him out, not realizing this very detail exposed the deception.

“There might be accomplices outside. Quickly go capture them!”

“Yes!” Several of the most skilled guards accepted the order and left.

As soon as Li Si’s mask was torn off, black blood began seeping from his mouth, showing he had taken poison beforehand – unharmed he would live, but once his blood and energy surged, he would die immediately from the poison.

When the mask was removed, an indescribable scent wafted through the air. Lin Chengyou immediately held his breath – there was indeed a trap. The scent was elusive, quickly dissipating, unlike poison mist but still strangely unsettling. Fortunately, it dispersed quickly, revealing an unfamiliar face beneath. The guards exclaimed in shock: “I thought Li Si looked thinner than usual tonight, assumed my eyes were playing tricks. To think he was an imposter – was this for a jailbreak or silencing someone? Truly impossible to guard against everything.”

“I remember Li Si saying earlier he was going out to eat,” Lin Chengyou began searching “Li Si’s” corpse. “Quick, search the vicinity – Li Si may have already been killed. Also, quickly notify both Temple Chiefs that conspirators attempted a jailbreak and the prison needs to be re-secured. Starting tonight, all checkpoints must be continuously guarded. Anyone entering must be thoroughly searched and their face examined.”

After examining “Li Si’s” corpse, Lin Chengyou turned his stern gaze toward Wang Ao in the cell. It seemed that because he had caught a big fish, that usually patient mastermind behind the scenes had finally grown impatient enough to deal with him directly.

Thinking back on what just happened sent chills down one’s spine.

Though the performers at Caifeng Tower had interacted with Wang Gongzi, they weren’t aware that Wang Gongzi was Teng Yuyi.

But this person not only knew clearly that Teng Yuyi was Wang Gongzi but also knew to use Wang Gongzi to tempt him.

The one who could think of this plan was very likely E Ji and her behind-the-scenes master.

E Ji was already the hidden master’s spy, and with her shrewd eyes, after those days of interaction at Caifeng Tower, it wouldn’t be difficult to guess that Wang Gongzi was General Teng’s daughter. What was puzzling was that they even knew he currently cared deeply for Teng Yuyi.

The number of people who knew this shouldn’t be many.

However, thinking carefully, it was true that he had previously bought jewelry at Zhaoxing Tower. Now that the case had been solved, the Deng family would certainly spread the news everywhere to protect their granddaughter’s reputation. After one night, presumably, many people already knew that the Moon-reflecting Jade Ring that Deng Weili received that night wasn’t from him. So where the jewelry he bought at Zhaoxing Tower went became quite intriguing.

Perhaps someone had guessed from this that his love interest was Teng Yuyi, leading to tonight’s event. The reaction seemed too quick.

If this fake Li Si hadn’t foolishly overplayed his hand, he might have gone out just because of one mention of “Wang Gongzi having urgent business.”

Soon guards returned to report: “Evaluator Lin, there’s no Wang Gongzi outside at all.”

Then several other guards carried back Li Si’s corpse, reporting through tears: “Li Si was assassinated. His body was hidden in the alley nearby, beyond saving… These villains!”

Lin Chengyou straightened up to examine Li Si’s corpse, remained silent for a moment, then reached out to close Li Si’s slightly open eyes.

“No one is to leave before I finish interrogating Wang Ao.”

***

Half an hour later.

Lin Chengyou sat between Wang Ao and Lu Zhao’an’s iron cages, quietly waiting.

Same method, same parasitic insects, yet after half an hour, Wang Ao’s gaze toward Lu Zhao’an remained ice-cold, even showing thick disgust.

In contrast, Lu Zhao’an’s gaze toward Wang Ao was still burning hot.

On the right was Lu Zhao’an’s fiery passion, on the left was a dead pond. Lin Chengyou, caught between fire and water, fell into contemplation. Could the method be wrong? But he had used the same method, which had already succeeded once before – there was no reason it should fail.

Then he thought, people like Wang Ao were just like Zhuang Mu earlier – not only could they endure torture, but they were also very good at hiding their inner emotions. Perhaps she had already developed feelings for Lu Zhao’an but simply wasn’t showing it.

With this thought, Lin Chengyou released Lu Zhao’an from the iron cage, put restraints on him, then said to Wang Ao: “Alright, I’m going to torture Lu Gongzi now.”

Wang Ao glared with her triangular eyes, still unmoved.

Lin Chengyou waved his hand ordering the torture to begin.

Lu Zhao’an let out screams like a slaughtered pig.

Amid Lu Zhao’an’s screams, Lin Chengyou said pleasantly to Wang Ao: “Just tell me who the mastermind is, and I’ll stop torturing him immediately.”

Wang Ao rolled her eyes – it seemed she didn’t care at all about Lu Zhao’an’s life or death.

Lin Chengyou raised his eyebrows – not working? With such a domineering parasite… If it wasn’t effective unless she had other parasites hidden in her body. A host couldn’t contain two parasites – as soon as a new parasite entered the heart meridian, it would immediately be devoured by the existing one.

A miscalculation.

Continuing to torture Lu Zhao’an might cause the love parasite in his body to abandon its host and flee – that would be counterproductive. So Lin Chengyou waved for the guards to stop.

Lu Zhao’an said breathlessly: “If you have any issues, come at me… don’t target her…”

Suppressing his disgust, Lin Chengyou asked: “You were the top scholar in the imperial examinations – entering official service was just a matter of time. Yet you deliberately chose the wrong path. What enormous benefit did the mastermind promise you?”

“Top scholar – so what?” Lu Zhao’an’s eyes were full of mockery. “You’re heaven’s favored son – how could you understand the bitterness of humble scholars like us? I’ve been poor since childhood and endured countless sideways glances. I understand this world better than anyone. Without backing in court, even after entering official service, one can only start as a lowly clerk… I’ve endured for so many years – how could I be content to remain beneath others… I just wanted to rise above… Whoever could help me ascend to the clouds, I would work with them… With my talent, as long as I’m given the opportunity, one day I, Lu Zhao’an, will wield power throughout the realm, with disciples spread across the land.”

The guards all spat: “There are so many humble scholars – how many are like you, forgetting righteousness at the sight of profit? With your shameless villainous face, only other scoundrels would be willing to be your disciples.”

“Still talking about wielding power throughout the realm? Using such vile parasites to harm innocent women – your heart is filthier than sewer mud. If someone like you became Prime Minister, you’d corrupt the entire court.”

However, Lin Chengyou pondered something from Lu Zhao’an’s words. He had Lu Zhao’an tied up and returned to the cage, then said to Wang Ao: “Your master has known Master Jingchen for many years?”

Wang Ao remained silent.

Lin Chengyou contemplated: “No wonder the court couldn’t catch the Bright Moon Wanderer and Clear Script Wanderer back then – they were hidden in some corner of Chang’an, and the one sheltering them must have been some noble figure in Chang’an. If they met when they first fled, your master might also be quite old. They must be very close. That’s why last time when your master learned of Master Jingchen’s failure, they sacrificed thirty-four assassins’ lives to steal her soul.”

The Wang Ao before him was like a dried-up well – no matter what Lin Chengyou said, it didn’t stir the slightest ripple.

Lin Chengyou asked unexpectedly: “Was the parasite in your body planted by the Bright Moon Wanderer or the Clear Script Wanderer?”

Finally, a slight ripple stirred at the bottom of the well.

Lin Chengyou smiled: “They infected you with the parasite because they feared you would betray them? Were you also a disciple of the Wuji Sect back then? Or were you later led astray by these two wanderers?”

Wang Ao closed her eyes.

Lin Chengyou said sympathetically: “It must not feel good being a tiger’s accomplice. If someone could help you remove the parasite, wouldn’t you also want to live a few peaceful days?”

Wang Ao’s eyebrows twitched slightly, her expression very strange, as if saying: Good boy, I can endure torture and resist temptation, but never expected you would think of this method to entice me to speak.

Lin Chengyou knew he had finally found the right approach. He smiled and said, “Back then, the court confiscated dozens of secret manuals from the Wuji Sect. The most famous among them was the ‘Soul Scripture’ – that was Qiankun Wanderer’s specialty, recording several evil arts of soul-capturing. But several ‘Parasite Scriptures’ were also confiscated at the same time. My grandmother has studied them for many years and has long figured out how to counter Wuji Sect’s parasitic poisons. As long as you tell us everything you know, we can remove your parasite immediately.”

Wang Ao stared fixedly at Lin Chengyou.

“Don’t believe me?” Lin Chengyou lied with a straight face. “Take me for example – the parasitic poison in my body is already more than half cleared. I can’t tell you exactly how it was done yet, but with just one final step, the parasite mark on my body will completely disappear. Since you know about Wang Gongzi, you must have investigated various things about me – this is the most convincing example. For my grandmother, the parasitic poison in your body would be no problem either.”

Wang Ao lowered her head, appearing deep in thought.

Lin Chengyou continued his patient persuasion: “Once the parasitic poison is removed from your body, no one will be able to control you anymore. As long as you help the Court of Judicial Review capture your master, I can help reduce your sentence accordingly. After release, you can live a normal commoner’s life. Whether to continue being an evil spirit in the ‘netherworld’ or return to being human in the ‘mortal realm’ – it all depends on your decision.”

Wang Ao still didn’t answer.

Lin Chengyou showed boundless patience: “I’ll give you half an hour. Think it over carefully, and tell me when you’ve made up your mind.”

Suddenly there was some commotion outside – it turned out the two Temple Chiefs and colleagues had rushed over from their homes after hearing about the attempted jailbreak.

Yan Zhizhi and Kuan Nu were among them.

Kuan Nu had also brought E Ji’s corpse.

Earlier tonight, after getting clues about E Ji from Lu Zhao’an’s interrogation, Lin Chengyou had immediately ordered his hidden guards outside the Court to notify Kuan Nu to close the net. However, by the time Kuan Nu led people to break in, E Ji had already committed suicide by poison.

“Judging by the state of death, she died early this morning,” Kuan Nu wiped his sweat. “These past few days E Ji never left home, with several teams taking turns watching her. For two whole days, E Ji only went to a food shop near Puti Temple to buy pastries in the morning. She must have heard about Lu Zhao’an’s capture and knew we would soon trace things to her, so she took poison and killed herself in her room shortly after returning.”

“Have people been sent to watch that pastry shop? Who’s the owner?”

“Don’t know who the owner is, but this shop has been open in Chang’an for five or six years. The location is very remote, not many customers usually. When we rushed over, the shop was already closed. I secretly left two teams of men nearby to keep watch.”

Lin Chengyou examined E Ji’s corpse together with Yan Zhizhi. Looking at the state of her pupils and lips, it was indeed death by poison, and what’s more, it was the most common poison herb found in the markets – heartbreak grass.

Hearing the conversations in the corridor outside, Yan Zhizhi said quietly to Lin Chengyou: “There are too many eyes and ears here, and the prison still needs your attention. How about this – I’ll take some men to check out that shop right away. There must be many clues in E Ji’s residence, I’ll search it thoroughly inside and out again.”

“Let’s split into two teams. Have Kuan Nu and his men go to the pastry shop,” Lin Chengyou said. “Brother Yan, take people to Moth Alley to arrest Wang Jiuen. Remember to bring more guards, and have Kuan Nu assign more hidden guards to you as well. The enemy’s methods are ruthless – Kuan Nu and his men are highly skilled in martial arts. With them watching over you, Brother Yan, I’ll be more at ease. If you discover any information, send someone back immediately with the news.”

“Alright.”

***

After the prison was re-secured and the guards were all searched one by one, confirming there were no more irregularities anywhere, Lin Chengyou resumed interrogating Wang Ao. However, Wang Ao still wouldn’t speak.

Lin Chengyou was puzzled. The conditions he offered were tempting enough, and Wang Ao’s manner clearly showed some wavering, yet why was her attitude still so stubborn?

By the next morning, Wang Ao still refused to talk despite everything.

Seeing that neither soft nor hard approaches worked, Lin Chengyou felt a strange sensation flash through his mind.

Could it be that Wang Ao was certain his grand-master couldn’t remove her parasite?

How could she be so certain?

The Heartless Parasite prevented people from feeling emotions, yet he had managed to find love – this point alone was enough to make people doubt whether the parasitic poison was still in his body.

After much thought, an idea occurred to him – perhaps this parasitic poison didn’t make people heartless, but had some other harmful effect. His grandmother had been deeply worried about this in recent days – perhaps he had also thought of this point.

He walked to the cage, just about to bring Wang Ao out to get a clear answer, when Wang Ao suddenly fell to the ground convulsing.

“Evaluator Lin!” The guards were shocked.

Lin Chengyou swiftly moved forward to control several major acupoints on Wang Ao’s body, taking the opportunity to stuff an antidote pill into her mouth. But Wang Ao hadn’t been poisoned – it was the parasitic poison acting up. Not only did she vomit violently, but red spots rapidly spread across her skin. After just a moment of the attack, she died.

Watching his love die tragically before his eyes, Lu Zhao’an’s heart shattered. He cried while rolling around and banging his head, constantly trying to kill himself.

Lin Chengyou recalled the strange smell on Li Si’s mask, his expression extremely ugly. So what was on the mask wasn’t poison, but an insect lure that would trigger the early onset of the parasitic poison in Wang Ao’s body.

Although he had promptly had people cover the prisoners’ cages, he never imagined the insect lure could crawl.

For the first time in his life, he felt a sense of being challenged by a criminal. The opponent’s methods were endless and their thinking extraordinarily meticulous.

Want to play games? He thought icily. Well, let’s see who ends up playing whom.

With Wang Ao’s death, half the leads were cut off.

Lin Chengyou became less urgent instead. Since E Ji could get news of Lu Zhao’an’s capture so quickly, that pastry shop was key. He left the Court of Judicial Review to gather evidence at the shop personally.

As expected, before the Court could investigate, the pastry shop had suddenly caught fire last night. Fortunately, since Kuan Nu had left men there in advance when they saw thick smoke rising from the shop, they quickly drew water to fight the fire. The owner couple and shop assistants had already been sound asleep at the time, nearly perishing in the flames.

By evening, after Lin Chengyou had turned E Ji’s home and the pastry shop upside down, he found no useful physical evidence. However, while interrogating the shop assistants, he unexpectedly obtained an important clue.

The owner and assistants, still shaken from their brush with death, were asked about their regular customers. They recalled that yesterday morning, a regular customer had come to buy pastries.

They didn’t know the customer’s background, only that he was around forty years old, neatly dressed and well-groomed, except for a soybean-sized mole with a white hair growing from it on the left side of his nose. This man would come to buy pastries every few days. When E Ji came, this person had just left – they hadn’t greeted each other, clearly unacquainted.

A flash of white light crossed Lin Chengyou’s mind. He said in a deep voice: “Find an artist.”

Soon an artist was found. The two assistants stuttered as they described the man’s appearance to the artist. When the portrait was completed, Yan Zhizhi was stunned on the spot.

This regular customer turned out to be Zheng Baorong, the chief steward of Director Zheng.

During the investigation of Shu Liniang’s case earlier, Yan Zhizhi had dealt with Director Zheng’s chief steward several times.

“Could it be him?” Yan Zhizhi’s voice trembled slightly.

If true, this news would be like an earth-shattering thunderbolt to Chang’an and even the entire court.

Thinking about the whole affair, the opponent had hidden too deeply and struck too quickly. If Evaluator Lin hadn’t responded promptly on his side, these pastry shop assistants would have long since been silenced.

After the interrogation, Lin Chengyou and Yan Zhizhi came out of the room.

Lin Chengyou stared absent-mindedly at the pine and cypress trees in the courtyard. The mastermind behind all this had strategy, wealth, and manpower – Director Zheng fit all these criteria.

Coincidentally, all the events that happened during this period could be connected to Director Zheng one by one.

In the recent case of the pregnant woman’s fetus removal, Shu Liniang happened to be a concubine in Director Zheng’s separate residence.

If Song Jian could marry Young Lady Jiang for revenge, Director Zheng could certainly make Shu Liniang, who had done evil deeds, his concubine for the sake of the Moon Phase Child Lord.

Furthermore, the sudden marriage cancellation of Director Zheng’s eldest son was worth pondering. The public reason for breaking the engagement was accidentally getting Duan Qingying pregnant, but who knew if it wasn’t Director Zheng not wanting his son to become the brother-in-law of the villainous Wu Erniang, deliberately arranging this scenario.

If it truly was Director Zheng, then it made perfect sense how the Bright Moon Wanderer and Clear Script Wanderer had escaped the court’s search back then.

The court would never have imagined they were hidden in one of Director Zheng’s residences.

In this whole affair, the only thing that didn’t make sense was Zheng Shuangyin.

If Director Zheng was the mastermind, why would he let Lu Zhao’an use the love parasite to bewitch his daughter?

On second thought, perhaps Director Zheng himself hadn’t known about this, only learning his daughter had been manipulated afterward. That’s why after everything came to light, he had no intention of protecting Lu Zhao’an, unhesitatingly treating him as a disposable pawn.

For now, assuming Director Zheng was the mastermind, there were still several points that didn’t quite add up after careful consideration.

“Brother Yan, I need to make a trip to the palace.” Whether it was Director Zheng or not, both the court and palace needed to quickly make arrangements in secret.

However, when Lin Chengyou came out of the palace, a guard came to report: “Chief Yan, Wu Erniang says she has important information to provide, but before offering it, she wants to see her mother. Additionally, she wants to meet with Lady Du and Lady Teng. If the Court of Judicial Review doesn’t agree to her demands, she refuses to provide the information.”

“Do as she says,” Lin Chengyou said without hesitation.

The guard hesitated: “But… Lady Teng and Lady Du are delicate women, they might not dare come to the prison.”

“No, they will come,” Lin Chengyou smiled slightly and walked toward the exit.

Didn’t he know Teng Yuyi? She feared neither heaven nor earth. Hearing that Wu Qi wanted to see her, she would surely rush over.

***

These past two days, Teng Yuyi had been eating and sleeping well. With Wu Qi’s capture, much of the shadow that had been hanging over her heart had been dispelled.

Although they hadn’t yet discovered who the mastermind was, she had great confidence in Lin Chengyou’s investigative abilities. She believed that by following the trail, sooner or later they would bring that person to justice.

With the academy on break, she had been enjoying several days of leisure. When news from the Court of Judicial Review arrived, she was lounging on a couch drinking with Xiaoya.

Hearing Chunrong’s report, Teng Yuyi quickly put down her wine cup.

“Wu Qi wants to see me?” She thought she had misheard, unconsciously touching her ears.

“That’s right,” Chunrong and Biluo said from outside the curtain. “Besides Miss, she also said she wants to see the eldest Miss Du. After delivering the message here, the court guard rushed to the Du residence to pass on the message. Miss, shall we go?”

Teng Yuyi waved for Xiaoya to crawl back into the sword, then scrambled up.

“Let’s go,” she said decisively. “Quickly prepare my clothes and carriage.”

After picking up Du Tinglan at the Du residence, the two sisters hurried to the Court of Judicial Review together. Du Shaotang, worried for their safety, volunteered to accompany them on horseback.

Lin Chengyou had been waiting at the main gate for quite some time. Seeing the Teng family carriage arrive, he descended the steps to welcome them.

Teng Yuyi quickly alighted from the carriage. As she drew near, Lin Chengyou caught the faint smell of wine on her.

Sweet grape wine.

With such a rich fragrance, she must have drunk at least a jar.

She wasn’t afraid of getting drunk after drinking so much?

He glanced at those bright eyes behind the veil hat and found Teng Yuyi was also looking at him.

With Chief Yan and the guards behind them, Lin Chengyou only looked once before formally clasping his hands to the three siblings: “My apologies for the disturbance. The suspect suddenly said she had major information to provide, so I had no choice but to trouble Lady Du and Lady Teng to make this trip.”

Du Tinglan held her sister’s hand and curtseyed: “Evaluator Lin has done great work solving the case. We must help.”

Lin Chengyou looked at Du Shaotang behind them: “Please ask Young Master Du to wait here.”

Du Shaotang nodded worriedly.

“Time is of the essence, please follow me inside.” Lin Chengyou turned to ascend the steps, leading the way with his hands behind his back. “When we reach the prison, I will remain by your side throughout. You… need not be afraid.”

Teng Yuyi gazed at Lin Chengyou’s back, feeling completely at ease. She wasn’t afraid at all, but her sister was a bit nervous, tightly gripping her hand since earlier, palm constantly sweating. Thanks to Lin Chengyou saying he wouldn’t leave, her sister finally felt somewhat reassured.

Just as the three were about to enter, another group suddenly appeared at the end of the road, led by someone in purple robes with a golden crown.

It was the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince dismounted at the entrance, first looking at Du Tinglan, then nodding to everyone. Finally, he pulled Lin Chengyou aside and asked in a low voice: “You agreed to the suspect’s request to see Lady Du? Aren’t you worried something might go wrong?”

Teng Yuyi turned to look at her sister. Her sister appeared quite calm, but her face behind the veil hat had suddenly turned red – even through the thin gauze, the change was visible.

Looking over at Shaotang, he had taken the initiative to speak with the Crown Prince.

Teng Yuyi pondered secretly – the Crown Prince must have visited her sister privately these past few days, otherwise they wouldn’t be so familiar.

Unfortunately, she had been eating and sleeping at home these past few days to celebrate the culprit’s capture. The several times her sister came looking for her, she had been taking long naps at home.

This wouldn’t do – she’d have to ask carefully later.

Who knew what Lin Chengyou said to the Crown Prince, but he seemed reassured, mounting his horse to wait outside without any intention of leaving?

“Let’s go.” Lin Chengyou dismissed the nearby guards and personally led the two women inside.

Teng Yuyi looked around as they walked. So this was where Lin Chengyou normally worked on cases – not as gloomy as she had imagined, but rather spacious and clean.

Whether they had cleared people out in advance or not, they barely saw any other guards or Court officials along the way.

Past the front hall was the main hall, and beyond that were the administrative pavilions. Coming out of the pavilions was an open courtyard, filled with hardy green pines and cypresses, austere amid the serenity.

Lin Chengyou led the way in front, but his attention was on Teng Yuyi behind him. He never dreamed that one day he would be giving Teng Yuyi a tour of this place.

Would she find it too boring?

He couldn’t help turning his head to look.

He caught Teng Yuyi examining the eastern administrative pavilion and turning back to face forward he said: “That’s the administrative pavilion.”

With no outsiders around, Teng Yuyi was much more at ease than before. Having rarely entered the Court of Judicial Review, she wanted to ask a few questions. Curious, she asked: “Is that where officials organize case files and write case reports?”

“That’s right,” Lin Chengyou said.

He hadn’t expected her to be so interested.

The administrative pavilion was practically useless to him – he had never properly stayed there for more than an hour. If he didn’t sometimes need to find Chief Yan, he probably wouldn’t even know where the pavilion’s door was.

Teng Yuyi nodded, then asked something she had been curious about for a long time: “Then – where do they usually keep the victims’ bodies?”

“The morgue. You’ll see it soon.”

Du Tinglan’s expression changed – her sister was so bold, inquiring about such things.

Fortunately, when passing the morgue, Lin Chengyou only pointed it out from afar, not taking her there.

“See it?”

Teng Yuyi was amazed: “So it’s such an unremarkable row of low buildings.”

Lin Chengyou was somewhat amused: “What did you think the morgue would look like?”

“I thought it would be like the morgue at the Poor House Hospital, all gloomy and eerie. I didn’t expect the Court’s morgue to not only be low buildings but to even have so many flowers and plants growing outside.”

Lin Chengyou explained: “Cases submitted to the Court are usually quite difficult. When dealing with old cases, the bodies are often badly decomposed. To prevent the odor from spreading, we have to plant some deodorizing flowers and herbs in the courtyard and behind the buildings. That row of corridor pillars is hollow, filled with ice bricks. This helps slow down the bodies’ decomposition – haven’t you noticed it’s cooler here than elsewhere?”

Teng Yuyi made a sound of realization: “Oh, it is.”

Du Tinglan smiled as she listened. Lin Chengyou was always so patient with her sister – who knew if they were even aware of it.

The prison was just ahead. Lin Chengyou led the two women inside. The death row cells holding serious criminals were built underground, with multiple checkpoints outside.

Walking along to the innermost cell, Lin Chengyou stopped and said: “We’re here.”

A guard said to Lin Chengyou: “Madam Wu just left. She brought some food for the prisoner when she came, but we intercepted it. The mother and daughter talked quite a bit inside. Both had faces full of tears when they left. The Temple Chief and several Directors watched the whole time from outside.”

Lin Chengyou said flatly: “Understood.”

He brought the two women inside.

As soon as she entered, Teng Yuyi saw Wu Qi sitting in the iron cell.

In just two days, Wu Qi had become quite disheveled – her hair was messy, her red dress dirty and wrinkled. When they entered, she was sitting with her back against the wall, her expression still stubborn and cold.

Lin Chengyou said mockingly: “I’ve brought the people you wanted to see. What happens next is up to me. Remember, after asking your questions, immediately tell us the information. If you dare try any tricks, you know how much suffering awaits you.”

Wu Qi’s iron-like expression finally showed a subtle change, seeming full of hatred but even more fear. She stared at Lin Chengyou for a moment before squeezing out through clenched teeth: “Understood.”

Then she turned to look at Teng Yuyi and Du Tinglan: “You’ve come.”

Her voice was raspy.