Before reaching the backyard, a strong stench of decaying bodies filled the air. Lu Chui-chui hesitated; she truly didn’t want to witness Shen Du’s murderous demeanor again.
“Let’s not go there. The corpses are bloody and foul-smelling. I prefer investigating those pits or examining the writings,” Lu Chui-chui suggested to Zhu Yan. “Why don’t we compare the writings and see if we can find any clues?”
Zhu Yan paused, understanding Lu Chui-chui’s reluctance. However, regarding the writings on the wall, Zhu Yan had already planned to investigate them sooner or later, so he decided to do Lu Chui-chui a favor.
“You say we should look at the corpses, we look at the corpses. You say we should check the writings, we check the writings. But about the tea I owe you…”
“Let’s call it even,” Lu Chui-Chui replied, understanding Zhu Yan’s implication and showing no hesitation.
“Deal.” Zhu Yan lightly tapped Lu Chui-chui’s forehead and quietly left with her.
Shen Du had already entered the house and was examining the body, but Zhu Yan was nowhere to be seen. Turning around, he realized the two had vanished, and he cast a questioning look at Jing Lin.
Jing Lin quickly clasped his hands and replied, “Madam and Lord Lu have already left.”
“What?” Shen Du was incredulous. How dare that woman deceive him? It was outrageous.
Jing Lin’s expression was also grim. He understood Shen Du’s thoughts but couldn’t restrict Madam’s freedom.
While investigating the cinnabar in the writings, Zhu Yan immediately thought of her master, Chen Wen. Fearing Lu Chui-chui’s loose tongue, she distracted her with tea and opera.
Chen Wen, once a warden, was skilled in interrogation and capture. The cinnabar on the writings was a special blend he developed for cases. Zhu Yan knew her master couldn’t be the murderer, but the similarity in cinnabar warranted investigation.
Her master had retired to the countryside, living alone in the mountains. Though isolated, it was a peaceful and serene place, ideal for a quiet life.
Approaching the door, she saw the familiar, withered figure chopping wood in the yard. Though aged, his steps were steady and his body agile, suggesting a comfortable life post-retirement.
“Master,” Zhu Yan called, entering with two jugs of fine wine. “Chopping wood again? It seems you’re living quite leisurely.”
She teased, feeling forever a child in her master’s presence, speaking without formality.
Seeing Zhu Yan, Chen Wen set down his axe and wiped his sweat with a towel draped over his shoulder. “What brings you here, girl? Isn’t the Ministry of Justice keeping you busy?”
“No matter how busy, I must honor my master,” Zhu Yan replied, shaking the wine. “It’s been a while since I last saw you, so I brought some good stuff.”
“Heh…” Chen Wen laughed heartily. “It’s good you remember your master’s preferences. I didn’t spoil you for nothing.”
Zhu Yan placed the wine aside and stacked the chopped wood, casually saying, “Master, I remember you developed a special cinnabar before retiring. Mixed with certain stones, it can be used to write on walls and reveals itself when wet.”
“Yes, that’s true,” Chen Wen said, stroking his beard thoughtfully. “I haven’t used it in a long time. If you need some, I’ll get it for you.”
“Great, I might need a bit. Could you fetch some for me?”
“Sure, follow me inside. I’ll get it for you.”
With that, they both entered the house. Chen Wen rummaged through his cabinet for a while but couldn’t find it, puzzled as he stroked his beard. “I remember leaving it here. Where did it go?”
Hearing this, Zhu Yan’s heart sank. Her suspicions were confirmed.
“Is the cinnabar missing?” Zhu Yan asked, looking at her master. Chen Wen, puzzled, looked back at her. “How did you know?”
Zhu Yan lowered her gaze, her expression serious. “Master, to be honest, I saw this cinnabar at a murder scene.”
“A murder scene?” Chen Wen was even more puzzled. “How did it end up there?”
As he spoke, he seemed to realize something and chuckled. “It seems someone is trying to frame me. I’ve been retired for years, and they still won’t leave this old man alone. I guess… my life is quite valuable.”
“Master,” Zhu Yan said, full of concern. “Your unique cinnabar is unmistakable. If it appears as evidence, you won’t escape suspicion.”
“No worries. I won’t admit to something I didn’t do,” Chen Wen said, unfazed. “Under the emperor’s rule, there’s justice. I refuse to believe they can force a confession from me.”
Zhu Yan couldn’t help but smile at her master’s carefree attitude, even in the face of danger.
“I believe you’re not the murderer, but the killer’s actions are a warning to me. Master, have I made a mistake?” Zhu Yan asked, feeling guilty. Perhaps it was all because of her. If she hadn’t pursued the case, the killer wouldn’t have targeted her master.
Her master, retired and elderly, should be enjoying his twilight years, not entangled in a murder case. She felt she was an unfilial disciple.
“Girl,” Chen Wen said earnestly, “we must fulfill our duties. Don’t let petty tricks blind you. Justice prevails, and this world can’t be ruled by those without conscience. Stay true to your beliefs, and the truth will emerge.”
Zhu Yan understood her master’s heartfelt advice. She was just worried the situation would implicate him, causing him undue trouble.
Seeing her concern, Chen Wen continued, “Don’t worry about their tricks. I have ways to protect myself and won’t let you be troubled.”
“Master.”
Hearing his reassurance, Zhu Yan felt deeply moved.
Just as she was about to speak, Chen Wen interrupted, “By the way, there’s something I’ve kept to myself for years. I thought it should have been resolved long ago, but it hasn’t. Since you’re here, I might as well tell you.”
Seeing her master’s seriousness, Zhu Yan listened intently.
“Years ago, the death of Liang Manor’s second son, Liang Man, was suspicious. I wanted to investigate further but was blocked by people from the Black Yama King’s faction. This matter might be related to the murder case you’re investigating. Be prepared.”
Hearing this, Zhu Yan’s mind cleared instantly.
She had long suspected Liang Man’s death and Brother Xu had already tasked the secret agents to investigate, but to no avail.
It seemed it wasn’t their incompetence but someone obstructing them. The serial murders and the Liang family’s affairs must have hidden connections.
With her resolve strengthened, Zhu Yan began to worry.
If the case involved the Black Yama King and his associates, how could she ensure justice was served?