novelraw Chapter 100 : Bamboo Grove Autopsy. A Series of Murders
Chapter 100 : Bamboo Grove Autopsy. A Series of Murders
100: Bamboo Grove Autopsy. A Series of Murders?
Madam Jiang clutched Qin Chen's arm tightly. The mask of indifference and composure shattered on her face, her eyes filled with shock!
Liu Chun?! Wasn't Liu Chun on the run? How could he be in the well...?
Yan Chi's gaze was icy as he looked at Madam Jiang. "His attendant said that the day he left, he was wearing an indigo blue robe. Coincidentally, the body down the well is still relatively fresh and also wearing an indigo blue robe."
Yan Chi stated with certainty, "There is no doubt the body at the bottom of the well is Liu Chun."
Madam Jiang's hand trembled slightly, and she tightly gripped her prayer beads. Her shock and panic lasted only a moment. Soon, she calmed down, as if an invisible mask had been donned once more. She said calmly, "Perhaps he was hiding here and, knowing he would be discovered, threw himself into the well..."
Yan Chi shifted his gaze from Madam Jiang to Huo Huaixin. "Prefect Huo, make arrangements. Have the body pulled up."
Huo Huaixin had first learned of ghost fire in the Purple Bamboo Grove, then heard Madam Jiang say the well contained the remains of a former resident, and now discovered that Liu Chun, whom they had searched for a full day and night, was actually in the well... This series of events left him momentarily stunned. Only when Yan Chi finished speaking did he snap back to attention, nodding repeatedly. "Yes, yes, yes. This official will arrange it immediately."
Saying this, he somewhat haphazardly directed several constables. Meanwhile, Yan Chi looked at Madam Jiang. "The Old Madam said another person died in this well? A concubine of the residence?"
Madam Jiang didn't look at Yan Chi, her gaze fixed heavily on the dark well opening in the distance.
"Yes, the Second Concubine of the residence. She took her own life here eight years ago."
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, his tone already carrying a certain authority. "Eight years ago? The Great Zhou has laws: if there is an unnatural death in a household, it must be reported to the authorities for investigation. Only after a conclusion is reached can the body be buried. The concubine threw herself into the well, did the Old Madam witness this personally?"
Madam Jiang frowned slightly. "This old woman did not witness it personally."
Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. "Was there anyone who did witness it?"
Madam Jiang sighed. "It was that concubine's personal maidservant... She saw Second Concubine throw herself into the well. She reported it to me. When we went to see, there was no sound from the well. At that time, a highly esteemed monk happened to be staying at the residence. We immediately invited him. The monk said this well was cursed, and Second Concubine, having thrown herself in, had become a malevolent spirit. It was best to bury her in the well and seal it with a demon-suppressing stone. Otherwise, this cursed well would bring disaster upon the entire Qin residence."
Yan Chi's expression remained unchanged. "And that concubine's maidservant?"
Madam Jiang seemed to recall the events of eight years ago, a touch of sorrow in her eyes. "That maidservant was quite loyal. She fell ill and died not long after. This matter is known to the older servants in the residence."
The maidservant was a household slave of the Qin residence and died of illness as known to all. Since her masters saw no reason for suspicion, not reporting it to the authorities was somewhat understandable. With Madam Jiang's account, the deaths of that concubine and her maid were smoothed over.
Yan Chi shook his head. "The Qin residence is a family of literature and etiquette. A concubine throws herself into a well and dies, yet you do not report it to the authorities for a proper burial, instead believing a monk's words. The Old Madam truly provides good guidance to the residence's children. No wonder the Qin residence frequently holds seven-day, seven-night rituals and ceremonies."
Madam Jiang's brow twitched slightly. Qin Wan, standing nearby, also snapped back to attention.
The nightmare from earlier that day felt vividly real. She had also thought the Purple Bamboo Grove might hold something strange, but Qin Wan never expected Liu Chun to actually be dead deep within the Purple Bamboo Grove. Her dream had come true...
Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi, knowing the seven-day, seven-night ceremony he mentioned referred to the rituals held when she returned from the dead. She faintly detected a note of reproach in his tone. Although she felt his remarks weren't aimed at her, hearing someone point out Madam Jiang's obstinacy and indifference still warmed Qin Wan's heart slightly.
Madam Jiang lowered her eyes. Although she observed vegetarian fasts, recited Buddhist prayers, and frequently held grand ceremonies with eminent monks, she did not want Qin Chen to be perceived similarly. The Great Zhou valued benevolent governance, emphasizing righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trust. To become an official in the future, one must avoid association with supernatural beliefs. Serving as an official required clarity and integrity; those overly superstitious could be impeached by the censorate. Thus, while many officials in the capital believed in Buddhism, most were female family members. If it was heard that someone had commissioned a golden Buddha statue for themselves at a temple, it would certainly draw the censorate's scrutiny.
As an elderly woman in her sixties, Madam Jiang naturally had no fear of a junior like Yan Chi, no matter his military achievements, which seemed distant to her. However, she had to consider Qin Chen.
Madam Jiang bowed her head, a touch of deference entering her voice. "Your Highness is correct."
Yan Chi lifted his chin slightly. "The Old Madam did not report it to the authorities back then, but it's not too late to report it today. After we pull Liu Chun out, we shall also respectfully retrieve that former resident. After the authorities' investigation, she can be buried. Though she was a concubine, she still deserves a proper grave for peace in the afterlife. Otherwise, the Old Madam's Buddhist prayers might be tainted by guilt."
Madam Jiang swayed slightly but ultimately dared not refute. She nodded. "Yes, we shall follow Your Highness's instructions."
Yan Chi then looked at Huo Huaixin, who quickly nodded in agreement.
"Very well. Leave the remaining matters to Prefect Huo. The Old Madam should return and rest."
Yan Chi's tone was polite but entirely flat. Madam Jiang watched as Huo Huaixin directed the men to salvage the remains, nodded, coughed lightly, and turned away.
Qin Chen glanced at Qin Wan standing nearby, seemed to want to say something but didn't, then followed Madam Jiang out.
The Purple Bamboo Grove, a forbidden area of the residence for years, had not seen so many visitors in a long time. As they needed to salvage the remains, Huo Huaixin ordered more torches lit. In an instant, the Purple Bamboo Grove was ablaze with light!
The brightness dispelled much of the grove's eerie atmosphere. However, the cool autumn night wind carried a damp, rotting scent that brushed against their faces, still causing considerable discomfort. The constables assigned to the salvage worked diligently, eager to finish and leave the place quickly. Qin Wan stood to the side in her crow-black cloak, her expression grave.
Soon, Yan Chi walked over. "You were right again."
Qin Wan looked up. Yan Chi's face, illuminated by the surrounding torches, exuded a noble and proud air.
"You read it in Shen Yi's writings? Which piece?"
The name "Shen Yi" threw Qin Wan's heart into disarray. She lowered her eyes. "I forget which one. But I vaguely remember. After all, tales of ghost fire are often exaggerated..."
Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan. "I received the Emperor's edict, but my involvement in criminal justice is minimal. Have you read many works on criminal investigation? Later, compile a list of titles for me."
Qin Wan raised her eyes. Looking at him now, Yan Chi's eyes were clear and honest.
"The 'Great Zhou Penal Code' is essential. Otherwise, Minister Shen Yi's writings. Beyond that, the penal codes and laws of previous dynasties, and historical records related to criminal law. The rest are miscellaneous writings and notes."
Yan Chi looked at her. "I want a list with specific titles."
Qin Wan met Yan Chi's gaze for a moment, then lowered her eyes. "Yes, I will prepare it for Your Highness shortly."
Yan Chi stared at Qin Wan for a while longer before turning towards the well opening.
"Careful, slowly."
"Alright, pull now, harder."
A constable was lowered into the well, while five or six others waited above. Yan Chi watched as the rope was slowly pulled up. Behind him, Qin Wan also approached. She didn't look into the dark well opening but instead examined the large stone beside it. According to Madam Jiang, the so-called eminent monk back then used a demon-suppressing stone to seal the well. Presumably, this large stone was the "demon-suppressing stone" the monk spoke of. But it should have been placed over the well opening. Why was it to the side?
Qin Wan examined the stone carefully. It was just a piece of basalt about two chi square. Having been placed in the bamboo grove for years, its surface was stained with dark grime, and a layer of black moss had grown around it. Qin Wan went to fetch a torch and examined the moss closely.
Liu Chun hadn't been pulled up from the well yet. Yan Chi, noticing Qin Wan's actions, walked over. "What is it?"
A hint of doubt clouded Qin Wan's eyes. "This demon-suppressing stone was originally placed over the well opening. How did it end up to the side? A stone this size, even pushing it would be difficult for an average adult man."
As she spoke, Qin Wan reached out to touch the moss growing beside it. Upon contact, her fair fingertips were instantly stained with grime. Qin Wan didn't mind at all. After a moment, she said, "Judging by the growth of this moss, it's likely been moved for over half a year."
"Half a year?" Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. "This is a forbidden area of the Qin residence. Who would have come here half a year ago to move this stone? As you said, the person who moved it must have been a strong man. What was his purpose in moving it?"
Qin Wan frowned. Half a year ago, she was still at the Shen residence in the capital, still the Shen family's eldest daughter. Back then, who in the Qin residence would have come to move this stone?
Naturally, Qin Wan couldn't figure it out. Moreover, the stone was massive; an average or slender man without martial skills could hardly budge it. Who in the Qin residence possessed exceptional strength and martial prowess?
Thinking this, Qin Wan glanced at the well opening. Could it have been Liu Chun himself who moved it?
"Probably not many in the Qin residence knew about this well. I didn't know there was a well here until now. The person who discovered this well might have known about the past incident. But moving the stone would risk exposing that old matter. Or perhaps someone stumbled upon the well opening by accident and moved the stone?"
Qin Wan shook her head as she spoke. This point was truly puzzling. Just as she finished, a shadow was pulled up from the well.
A rope was tightly bound around Liu Chun's body in a crisscross pattern, and he was hauled up from the bottom of the well in a grotesque shape. Once Liu Chun was pulled out, everyone's gaze focused on him.
Qin Wan and Yan Chi walked over together. Within sight, Liu Chun's skin was pale, his entire face bearing the ashen pallor of death Qin Wan had seen in her dream. His hair was disheveled, his collar slightly askew. With the bright torchlight all around, Qin Wan immediately saw the purple ligature marks on Liu Chun's neck. Narrowing her eyes, a trace of doubt surfaced in her gaze.
Meanwhile, Huo Huaixin had already crouched down to examine him. "Ligature marks. These ligature marks seem identical to those on Concubine Liu. Liu Chun didn't throw himself into the well; he was strangled!"
As he spoke, Huo Huaixin glanced back at Qin Wan. "Ninth Young Miss..."
There were many yamen constables around, and Qin residence servants outside. Huo Huaixin couldn't speak plainly, but Qin Wan understood. After a moment's thought, Qin Wan said quietly, "Have the constable brothers guard the perimeter."
Huo Huaixin immediately stood up. "You several, go guard the outside. No one is to enter. This official will personally examine the body!"
At his command, the surrounding constables stuck their torches into the ground and headed out. Soon, only Yan Chi, Qin Wan, and a few others remained by the dry well.
Once the constables left, the Purple Bamboo Grove, though still lit by torches, suddenly felt empty. The autumn wind swept through, bringing a chill. Huo Huaixin inexplicably felt a cold draft down his back. He hurriedly looked at Qin Wan. "Trouble you, Ninth Young Miss..."
Qin Wan's expression was unprecedentedly grave. Lady Liu died an unnatural death, and the suspect became Liu Chun. The handkerchief found in Liu Chun's quarters also proved he indeed had an affair with Lady Liu. An affair between the steward and a concubine was a serious crime. The Ninth Young Miss back then was most likely killed for stumbling upon their illicit relationship. But now, how was Liu Chun dead?
If he had thrown himself into the well, it might be simpler. But he hadn't; the ligature marks were obvious. He was likely murdered.
Qin Wan rolled up her sleeves and casually drew Cold Moon from her sleeve. Seeing Cold Moon, a slight light sparked in Yan Chi's eyes.
"Place the body over here..."
Qin Wan pointed to a flatter area. Hearing this, Huo Huaixin hurried over and personally dragged Liu Chun's body there.
Qin Wan stepped forward, first carefully observing Liu Chun's body before crouching down.
The well was essentially dry, but there was still a layer of silt at the bottom. Liu Chun was found in the well, and his disheveled hair and robe were also stained with it. Qin Wan spoke softly, "The deceased's head, left shoulder, and the left side of his clothing have more silt stains. However, his back, the back of his legs, and the heels of his shoes are largely stained with dry dirt from outside. Preliminary inference: he was pushed into the well after death."
As she spoke, Qin Wan's hands slid into Liu Chun's dark hair, carefully feeling his scalp, then down to his face and neck. After closely examining the purple ligature marks, she pried open Liu Chun's tightly shut eyelids to look. Then she examined his fingernails and the backs of his heels. After this, she unfastened Liu Chun's outer robe...
As soon as the robe was opened, Qin Wan frowned.
Under the bright torchlight, Qin Wan immediately saw the sores on Liu Chun's neck. She narrowed her eyes, pulled the robe down further, and examined the lividity on his left shoulder and left side. She also turned him over to check his back. Sure enough, the purple lividity overlapped with the sores, particularly severe on his chest, abdomen, and lower body.
No wonder Liu Chun had started wearing high-collared, tightly wrapped clothing as soon as early autumn arrived...
Qin Wan examined silently. It took a full two cups of tea time before she stopped.
"As we speculated, he also had syphilis. Judging by the symptoms, his onset was earlier than the others we know about. It's evident he had taken medicine, but it was ineffective. Given the progression of his condition, surviving another half year would have been difficult."
Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin showed no surprise upon hearing this. Since the handkerchief was found in Liu Chun's courtyard, it confirmed the affair between Liu Chun and Lady Liu. The source of Lady Liu's syphilis was now clear.
Even so, seeing Qin Wan's unperturbed examination of Liu Chun's body, a profound look flashed in Yan Chi's eyes. The corpse's stench and decay aside, even he felt somewhat unsettled by the syphilitic ulcers on Liu Chun's chest, abdomen, and lower body. Yet Qin Wan remained calm and composed, as if accustomed to such revolting sights.
Qin Wan was only sixteen now. How had she cultivated such fortitude?
Unaware of Yan Chi's gaze upon her, Qin Wan, having anticipated the syphilis, moved on to her autopsy findings. "The deceased's face is bluish-purple, caused by strangulation cutting off blood flow. The ligature marks are below the Adam's apple, deeply imprinted, with bleeding above and below. The marks meet at the back of the neck, with similar depth front and back. Additionally, obvious hemorrhagic spots are visible on the deceased's pupils. The heels of the deceased's feet show clear abrasion marks and are stained with much dry soil, likely from struggling when killed outside. Also, the deceased's hands..."
Qin Wan lifted Liu Chun's hands. "There are several injuries on the deceased's fingertips. Between the fingernails are dead leaves and dirt fragments, presumably also from struggling."
She paused, her tone growing heavy. "Though Liu Chun wasn't exceptionally strong, he was still an adult man. The killer's method with him is essentially the same as with Lady Liu. Lady Liu, being a woman, was easier to subdue, but not Liu Chun. Even if taken by surprise, killing him would require someone of considerable strength. Liu Chun has no other injuries, indicating the killer succeeded with a single, fatal strike."
"The darkest areas of lividity on his body roughly correspond with the silt stains. It has now gradually spread over his entire body, and pressing on it no longer causes fading. Additionally, when he was dragged out just now, you likely saw his body is no longer fully rigid, meaning the peak rigor mortis has passed. Furthermore, his pupils are already cloudy. Thus, it is estimated his time of death was around this time last night, approximately between 9 and 11 PM."
It was already past 9 PM. Qin Wan's calm words fell in the eerie Purple Bamboo Grove, inexplicably carrying a cold, sharp edge like a blade. Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin frowned simultaneously.
"Last night between 9 and 11 PM?" Huo Huaixin narrowed his eyes. "That was shortly after His Highness and I left the Qin residence... So, Liu Chun was killed around that time?"
Qin Wan straightened Liu Chun's clothing. "Preliminary determination is around that time. If memory serves, Prefect Huo searched the Purple Bamboo Grove around 7 to 9 PM. At that time, Liu Chun was either hiding in the Purple Bamboo Grove and wasn't discovered, or he was hiding elsewhere in the residence and came to the Purple Bamboo Grove after you left."
After a silence, Qin Wan's voice grew colder. "It's highly likely the killer summoned him out. We previously thought Lady Liu was probably killed by Steward Liu. But now Steward Liu is dead, and his manner of death is almost identical to Lady Liu's. Shouldn't we then suspect that the person who killed Lady Liu two days ago is also someone else? This person is within the Qin residence, killing Lady Liu first, then Steward Liu..."
She glanced at the large stone by the well opening. "And it's possible this stone was also moved by him."
Huo Huaixin's eyes lit up. "It must be so! Someone who can move this massive stone could therefore kill Steward Liu seemingly out of thin air! That explanation fits! But is there such a person in the Qin residence?"
Qin Wan shook her head. "I don't know. From my understanding, there isn't. But it's not certain. The killer murdered two people consecutively; naturally, they know how to conceal themselves. Not only that, they are adept at hiding."
As she spoke, Qin Wan looked at Liu Chun's body again. "The preliminary examination is as above. Like Lady Liu, the cause of death is easy to determine. However, few clues were left on the body. Looking at the ligature marks, it was likely a thin, sturdy cord or rope. No material from the rope was left in the wound, so no definitive conclusion can be drawn yet."
She then added, "Does Your Highness and Prefect Huo wish for an internal examination?"
Yan Chi asked, "Would an internal examination yield significant gains?"
Qin Wan glanced at Liu Chun. "Some time has passed, and the cause of death is already clear. The gains likely wouldn't be significant. However, if Your Highness and Prefect Huo wish it, it can be done. But arrangements must be made. It cannot be done here."
Though Qin Wan had Cold Moon with her, performing an autopsy on Liu Chun here would inevitably alert the entire Qin residence, leading to complications. For now, that was not a situation Qin Wan wished to see.
Huo Huaixin looked at Yan Chi. "Your Highness shall decide."
Yan Chi then said, "Then we shall forgo the internal examination. The cause and time of death are determined. The murder likely occurred here. First, search the surrounding area for any clues. Also, don't forget, there is still another down the well to be brought up."
Yan Chi's tone sent a chill down Huo Huaixin's spine. The one down the well had been there for eight years and must have long turned to bones. Moreover, Madam Jiang said the well was cursed. Whether true or not, it sounded frightening.
"Good. I'll send someone down to excavate later."
Huo Huaixin agreed quickly. Yan Chi glanced around. "Not tonight. Leave a few men here to guard. We'll excavate tomorrow. It's been eight years already; one more day doesn't matter."
Huo Huaixin felt a wave of relief. It was too late; both inside and outside the well were pitch black, making work difficult. Doing it now would mean none of the constables would sleep tonight. "Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness..."
Yan Chi waved a hand. Seeing Qin Wan stand up, he said, "Alright, you should go back and rest."
It was very late, and the Purple Bamboo Grove was both eerie and damply cold. Qin Wan was slightly taken aback by his words. Yan Chi added, "Tomorrow, when we respectfully retrieve that one, we'll still need you to see if she truly died by throwing herself into the well."
Qin Wan nodded. Meanwhile, Fuling hurriedly took out a handkerchief to wipe the grime from Qin Wan's hands. After wiping her hands, Qin Wan said, "Very well. Then Qin Wan will take her leave."
Qin Wan nodded. Yan Chi looked at Bai Feng beside him. "Escort Ninth Young Miss back."
Bai Feng assented and gestured respectfully. "Ninth Young Miss."
Qin Wan initially wanted to say it wasn't necessary, but meeting Yan Chi's gaze, she refrained. She curtsied before turning to leave. Qin Wan slowly walked out of the Purple Bamboo Grove. Meanwhile, Huo Huaixin turned and said, "Your Highness, this Liu Chun..."
He had only spoken five words when he stopped. In his line of sight, Yan Chi was still watching the direction Qin Wan had left, his gaze deep and focused, startling Huo Huaixin slightly.
Being something of a shrewd man, he quickly lowered his eyes and thought for a moment. Upon considering the possibility, his heart began to race!
Meanwhile, Yan Chi turned. "What about Liu Chun?"
Huo Huaixin forced a smile. "Should we find another place to keep Liu Chun's body?"
Yan Chi glanced towards the southwest. "Is there space in the courtyard where Lady Liu's mourning hall is? Place him there for now. This case has changed. Inform the Qin residence that Lady Liu is not to be buried yet. Wait another couple of days."
Huo Huaixin nodded repeatedly, then called to the constables further away. "Men, carry Liu Chun out... take him to that courtyard. You several, check the surroundings for any clues or traces left behind!"
…
…
The Purple Bamboo Grove was bustling. The entire Qin residence was shocked. Soon, the news reached Madam Jiang!
Madam Jiang frowned deeply. "What?! Liu Chun is really dead?! And died the same way as Lady Liu?"
The young servant nodded. "Yes. Right now, Prefect Huo has temporarily placed Steward Liu's body in Concubine Liu's courtyard. He also said this case has changed; both are not to be buried for now."
Madam Jiang's prayer beads spun rapidly. Madam Lin beside her let out a long, pained sigh. "Mother, what is happening? I thought catching Steward Liu would settle it. Why is Steward Liu also dead? Does this mean both Steward Liu and Lady Liu were killed by someone else, and that murderer is still hiding in our residence?"
Madam Jiang slowly closed her eyes. Qin Chen beside her said, "Mother, that seems to be the case."
Madam Lin clutched her handkerchief tightly. "The master's illness shows no improvement, and now this in the residence... And that incident from years ago, Second Concubine's matter, is now known to Prefect Huo and Prince Rui's Heir Apparent. This..."
"Cease your panic!" Madam Jiang's eyes snapped open, a sharp glint flashing within.
"If they know, they know. Back then, we merely concealed it; we didn't take her life. Acting like this will make others think we murdered Second Concubine. Now, letting the authorities excavate the remains just adds another burial procedure, that's all."
Chastised by Madam Jiang, Madam Lin paled but nodded. "Yes, Mother is right. This daughter-in-law panicked."
Madam Jiang sighed, then looked at Qin Chen. "Chen'er, how is your father's illness?"
Asked again, a touch of indifference surfaced in Qin Chen's eyes. "Still the same. Qian Bairen is useless; there's no effect at all." He paused. "Grandmother, should we let Ninth Sister..."
Madam Jiang shook her head. "No. Qin Wan is a junior. Knowing about an elder's shameful ailment is embarrassing enough. Have her treat your father? How would your father face anyone after that?"
Qin Chen hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back. At this point, was life more important or face?
But thinking of Qin An, who was lustful and hedonistic, the urgency in Qin Chen's heart somewhat faded. Then let face be important. Life wasn't so crucial after all...
A shadow flickered in Qin Chen's eyes. He immediately stopped urging Madam Jiang.
Madam Jiang paused, then said, "Invite Divine Physician Huang. We must invite him again, no matter the cost. That illness is fatal. We cannot delay any longer. Tomorrow. Tomorrow, Chen'er, you go invite him."
Qin Chen pressed his lips together. "Yes, your grandson will go tomorrow."
Only then did Madam Jiang slowly exhale. She glanced at Madam Lin and Qin Chen. "The residence is in turbulent times. Do not panic. Prefect Huo, after all, has some acquaintance with the Qin residence. He is investigating; we will cooperate. The murderer is not among us, after all. Right now, I also hope the murderer is found soon, to avoid further chaos in our residence."
She then looked at Qin Chen. "Chen'er, these next few days, manage the outer courtyard more closely. Select a capable steward to replace Liu Chun's position. Whatever Prefect Huo needs, provide it for him."
Qin Chen nodded again. Madam Jiang then narrowed her eyes. "Perhaps it is a trial for our Qin residence. We will overcome it, we will. Even if Prefect Huo doesn't investigate, I will root out the scourge harming the Qin residence..."
Upon hearing this, Madam Lin also sighed. "Who could it be? Lady Liu and Steward Liu usually held some status in the residence. Who would dare do such a thing?!"
Madam Jiang's face was somber, silent. Qin Chen also wore a look of bewilderment. "Killing Lady Liu is one thing, but Liu Chun actually died in that well..."
Mentioning the well, both Madam Lin and Madam Jiang's expressions changed.
Madam Jiang closed her eyes again, rapidly rotating her prayer beads. "That is a cursed well, a cursed well. After Second Concubine's remains are retrieved, it must be refilled and sealed! Two deaths in a row; perhaps it is the cursed well at work!"
…
…
It was very late. Upon returning to her room, Qin Wan began her bath and preparations for bed.
Having just examined a corpse, she washed with extra care this time, even changing the water once. Qin Wan leaned back against the tub, eyes closed, deep in thought. First Lady Liu, then Liu Chun. What grudge did the mastermind hold against these two? And if Liu Chun was killed by someone, then why was the Ninth Young Miss killed back then?
Qin Wan felt as if the black mist from her dream in the Purple Bamboo Grove was rising again, gradually spreading over the entire Qin residence. She stood lost in the mist, unaware of the path forward, with unknown demons and monsters hidden all around.
"Young Miss, be careful not to catch cold..."
Fuling brought in more hot water. Seeing Qin Wan leaning with her eyes closed, she thought she was napping. Adding the hot water and seeing Qin Wan sink deeper, Fuling sighed. "Young Miss must be exhausted. Standing in that grove for so long earlier, who knows if you'll fall ill. Soak a while longer, Young Miss. Don't let your shoulders get cold."
Qin Wan made an affirmative sound, then opened her eyes to watch Fuling bustling about.
"Were you afraid tonight?"
Suddenly, Qin Wan asked. Fuling was momentarily taken aback, then nodded, then shook her head.
"I was scared at first, but later, watching Young Miss examine the body, I became less afraid. Every time I see Young Miss isn't afraid, it's as if I'm not afraid either."
A slight smile touched Qin Wan's lips. Fuling then said, "Young Miss, now that Steward Liu is also dead, who is the murderer?"
Qin Wan sighed, "If I knew, wouldn't I be more capable than the Prefect and His Highness Yan?"
Fuling humphed, "I don't know about compared to His Highness Yan, but you are certainly more capable than the Prefect. Back in the bamboo grove, he was just as scared as I was."
Qin Wan smiled and said nothing, but Fuling knitted her brows. "Come to think of it, this killer is incredibly stupid."
Qin Wan gave an "Oh". "How so?"
Fuling was naturally lively and simple, so this was the first time Qin Wan had heard her call someone stupid.
Fuling raised an eyebrow. "By rights, that person killed Concubine Liu. Everyone else thought the killer of Concubine Liu was Steward Liu. Once his affair with Concubine Liu was proven, he would never be able to wash away the suspicion no matter what. Why would the killer then go and kill Steward Liu himself? Doesn't that just let everyone know a third person exists?"
The interest in Qin Wan's eyes froze, replaced by a heavy gravity.
Two cases of loss of life happened in succession. Usually, this would only make people think perhaps someone had a grudge against Concubine Liu and Steward Liu. But if it were truly revenge, it would only have been necessary to frame Steward Liu for killing Concubine Liu. In that way, it would have been a perfect setup, and others wouldn't even have known this third person existed. However now, everyone knew there was still a killer hiding in this manor, which was much more dangerous for that killer...
"Miss, what's wrong? Did I think incorrectly?"
Seeing that Qin Wan hadn't responded, Fuling asked a question cautiously.
The corners of Qin Wan's mouth curved slightly, and she shook her head. "No, you didn't think incorrectly. Thinking of it that way is also a valid line of reasoning. Then think further, why would the killer be so stupid?"
Fuling frowned. "Either... the killer is really stupid and didn't think of this layer, only wanting to kill for revenge, or... the killer has some other motive..."
After going through several autopsies with Qin Wan, Fuling was now much more courageous and especially liked listening to Qin Wan deduce cases, so she wanted to help Qin Wan think through what might be the reason here. "Consort Liu died beneath the flower arbor, while Steward Liu died in the well of the Purple Bamboo Forest. Could it... could that person be doing this to expose the matter of Second Aunt?"
Listening to Fuling's words, Qin Wan thought of Madam Jiang's explanation today.
She had only said that back in the day Second Aunt had thrown herself into the well and committed suicide, but at the scene everyone's attention had been drawn to Liu Chun, so they actually hadn't asked what reason Second Aunt had for throwing herself into the well eight years ago.
"Fuling, do you know why that Second Aunt threw herself into the well back then?"
Fuling tilted her head and thought for a moment. "It seems... it seems they said she lost a child or something... It was about a year ago, I heard Kitchen Auntie Liu mention it. As for these old matters, only the old servants in the manor know."
Qin Wan actually understood this point. Madam Jiang hadn't said the reason for Second Aunt throwing herself into the well; presumably, that reason wasn't something that could be brought to the table. In a great household like the Qin Manor, struggles between concubines were the most common thing. Could it be that Second Aunt's child was harmed by someone else? Then in her despair, Second Aunt threw herself into the well?
And Madam Jiang hadn't said anything; perhaps the person who harmed the child was someone she felt worth protecting.
Qin Wan knitted her brows. Could it be Madam Lin?
Once this thought settled in Qin Wan's mind, the more she thought about it, the more possible it seemed.
If that were the case, it explained why Second Aunt had no other choice but to throw herself into the well back then. And Madam Jiang was superstitious about gods and ghosts, and also wanted to protect Madam Lin, so that was why she had sealed up that well, not wanting the matter exposed.
However... who was the killer? And from what standpoint did she want the events of that year exposed to the light of day?
Qin Wan frowned slightly. She knew too little about the old matters of that year, so she really couldn't draw a conclusion arbitrarily.
"I can't figure it out either. It's just... Steward Liu died, and because the place of death was strange, it stabbed out the old matters, so I feel the killer's other motive is this?"
Fuling shook her head. "No, no, I'm too stupid. I can't figure it out."
Qin Wan let out a breath. "It's fine if you can't figure it out. Tomorrow we'll go ask Auntie Liu and see exactly what happened back then. You bring the clothes in, I want to get up."
Fuling was slightly stunned. "Miss should soak a little longer..."
Qin Wan shook her head. "Someone else is coming later."
Saying this, she looked at Fuling with deep meaning, as if to say, did you forget Qin Li is coming?
Fuling suddenly realized and slapped her own forehead. "Look at my memory! I actually forgot! Wait a moment, Miss..."
Fuling brought the dress and skirt over with nimble hands. Qin Wan put on her clothes, and Fuling helped her twist her hair dry and tied it into a small bun, then followed Qin Wan toward the Warm Pavilion. Just as they reached the door of the Warm Pavilion, a knocking sound already came from the back window.
Because of the incident in the Purple Bamboo Forest tonight, Qin Wan had returned very late. It seemed Qin Li had already been here for a while.
Fuling opened the window and went to stand guard at the door. Qin Wan walked to the window side. Seeing Qin Wan approach, Qin Li took off his hood and asked, "Ninth Sister, did you go to the Purple Bamboo Forest tonight?"
Qin Wan looked at Qin Li, her gaze slightly focused. "Second Brother knows?"
Qin Li's expression changed instantly, and he said with a hint of urgency, "Ninth Sister, did you forget what I told you? Do not go to the Purple Bamboo Forest, do not go near the well!"
As he spoke, his tone dropped, inexplicably carrying a few points of sinister meaning. "That is an ominous well. It will invite fatal disaster upon you..."
Qin Wan had just bathed, and her body and mind were both relaxed, but at this moment, she was made to feel a chill down her spine by Qin Li's words.
She looked fixedly at Qin Li. "What exactly does Second Brother know?"