The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 111 : The Killer is a Woman

111: The Killer is a Woman

As they spoke, Xu He walked to a nearby storeroom. Soon, he returned carrying a bundle containing bones. "Lord Heir, Your Honor, Ninth Young Miss, this is the skeleton with the extra finger..."

Xu He spoke as he walked. "Ninth Young Miss examined this skeleton. The deceased was around eight or nine years old at death."

Qin Wan continued picking up other letters, her voice grave. "Could their family have lost two people? Both, by some twist of fate, ended up in the Qin residence? What exactly happened back then?"

The remaining letters conveyed similar information. Qin Wan read them one by one. "Back then, that family also had an eldest daughter. Unfortunately, she also died in that fire. Who is the hidden killer in this residence connected to?"

Thirteen skeletons. Each deceased person might have family or relatives to seek revenge. But the identities and names of these thirteen were unknown, making investigation impossible unless Qin An could recount the details from back then.

For a moment, they fell silent. Xu He sighed. "If that child hadn't died back then, she would be eighteen now."

Yan Chi turned to look at Bai Feng guarding outside. "Go to the front courtyard. See if Qin An can speak now."

Bai Feng acknowledged and left. Yan Chi then said, "As Ninth Young Miss said earlier, the person should be a strong man. A woman couldn't possibly move that Demon-Suppressing Stone. But there's no such man in the Qin residence."

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes. "If we can't find any leads in that direction, we look elsewhere."

Huo Huaixin set down a few letters in his hand. "We still need Qin An to talk. He knows the events of that time best. If he doesn't speak now, who knows if that killer will harm more people."

"Later, Prefect Huo and I will go to the front courtyard again."

After speaking, Yan Chi frowned. "These skeletons are too old. Unless there are reports of children of similar age going missing ten years ago in neighboring prefectures and counties, we cannot confirm their identities."

"It's a pity we have to wait a few days for news. We don't know what the person in the residence will do next."

Qin Wan added this. Huo Huaixin hurriedly said, "Ninth Young Miss, rest assured. The Qin residence is guarded inside and out now. That person cannot escape. Even within the residence, they cannot act recklessly. We can wait a few days."

Qin Wan nodded. "With Your Honor's arrangements, it will be secure."

As soon as she finished speaking, Bai Feng returned from his errand. "Master, the attendants in the outer courtyard say Qin An took the prescription Ninth Young Miss prepared. His mania has subsided today. Though his speech is impeded, he can speak now."

A glimmer lit Yan Chi's eyes. "In that case, let's go see."

Huo Huaixin quickly assented, instructing Xu He to store the bones while walking out with Yan Chi. Qin Wan thought for a moment and followed.

Yan Chi, seeing this, said, "You've been tired these past few days. No need to follow today. Go back and rest."

Qin Wan gave a slight smile. "Since I prescribed the medicine, I should confirm if it can prolong his life."

Hearing this, Yan Chi had no rebuttal. They indeed needed Qin Wan to keep Qin An alive now.

The group, one after another, headed for the front courtyard. After the autumn rain two days prior, the weather grew colder each day. The Qin residence, once picturesque every ten steps, was now in chaos; servants were not allowed to move about freely, leaving the plants untended. In just seven or eight days, overgrown weeds sprouted along the paths and around the flower beds. With wilted and withered branches left untrimmed, the Qin residence now appeared desolate and decaying.

Upon reaching the front courtyard, Chief Constable Qi welcomed them, bowing first before ushering Yan Chi and the others in. "Lord Heir, Your Honor, please be assured. Guards are posted inside and out. He is still attended by those two Qin household servants from before."

Entering the courtyard gate, they indeed saw two more bailiffs guarding the main door. Hearing the commotion, the two old servants also emerged from the room. Yan Chi waved off their salutes and strode inside.

"How is Qin An today?"

One servant hunched his shoulders, speaking cautiously. "The Master can occasionally say a few words..."

Yan Chi asked no more and went directly into the inner chamber. Upon entering, the smell of medicine filled their nostrils. Yan Chi looked intently, his brow furrowing slightly. Yesterday, Qin An had been raving and was later tied down. Today, he lay obediently in bed, limbs freed, covered with a thin quilt.

His eyes were weakly closed, soft moans escaping due to pain. Perhaps hearing footsteps, he opened his eyes. Seeing Yan Chi and the others enter one by one, his gaze was blank for a moment before stirring, as if he didn't recognize Yan Chi. He stretched a hand from under the quilt, trying to scratch the sores on his face.

"Master, you mustn't..."

Seeing him about to scratch his face, an old servant hurriedly stepped forward and held his hand.

Qin An frowned, his murky eyes filled with pain. His lips drooped deeply, his voice hoarse. "Pain... itch... itching... let me scratch... just once..."

The old servant sighed. "You mustn't scratch, Master. If you scratch, it won't heal."

On Qin An's face, the corners of his mouth were already covered with large, festering sores. The purplish lesions were spreading toward his neck. The quilt was loosely drawn, revealing patches of sores on his neck. Some had been scratched open, oozing pus. The sores on the back of his hands extended to his fingers, looking utterly monstrous.

Huo Huaixin's gaze shifted as he stepped forward. "Brother Qin, how are you feeling now?"

A faint glimmer slowly appeared in Qin An's murky eyes, as if recognizing Huo Huaixin. He stared fixedly at him, his lips trembling. "Uncomfortable... un... comfortable..."

Huo Huaixin let out a long sigh. "Brother Qin, did you know someone poisoned you!"

Huo Huaixin spoke loudly, as if to a deaf person. Qin An heard, took a moment to process, then fear appeared in his eyes. He lifted a hand, speaking with great effort. "Poi... soned...?"

Huo Huaixin nodded. "Yes, someone wants to harm you, wants your life."

Qin An's frown deepened, the fear in his eyes intensifying. After a light cough, his gaze darted around, as if searching for the poisoner. Huo Huaixin patted his shoulder. "Brother Qin, don't worry. We are also looking for that person. Rest assured, I've posted guards inside and outside your courtyard."

Only then did the terror on Qin An's face slightly subside. Huo Huaixin spread his hands. "But Brother Qin, we've searched for days and found nothing. Though we don't know who they are, we know their purpose..."

A flicker of doubt appeared in Qin An's eyes as he stared at Huo Huaixin. Huo Huaixin suddenly said coldly, "Brother Qin, the families of those children from back then have returned. They want your life. You violated their children. They'd like to slice you into a thousand pieces. See these sores on your body? They want you to die slowly like this..."

Qin An's throat emitted a choked sound. His eyes widened suddenly, as if remembering something. Deeper fear surfaced in his eyes. His slightly raised hand began to tremble violently. He seemed to want to grab Huo Huaixin's robe. Seeing him about to succeed, Huo Huaixin took a step back.

Huo Huaixin lifted his chin. "Brother Qin, it's not that I don't want to save or help you. We still don't know what happened back then. If you can tell us where those children came from, perhaps we can find the mastermind sooner. Only by digging that person out can we ensure your safety. Otherwise, no matter how we guard, you could still be poisoned. After all, that person is now part of your Qin household. Perhaps a maidservant, perhaps a manservant. We don't know."

Huo Huaixin's mix of concern and intimidation frightened Qin An into trembling. His eyes remained wide, his throat making continuous gurgling sounds. Yan Chi and Qin Wan watched from a distance. Soon, Qin An looked pleadingly at Huo Huaixin.

"Tr... traders... kid... nappers..."

Qin An spoke with great difficulty, but Huo Huaixin understood. He frowned, unwilling to trust Qin An lightly.

"Just kidnappers? How did you meet them? Where were the children kidnapped from?"

Qin An's throat seemed blocked. His mouth gaped, unable to speak for a moment. The old servant, seeing this, hurried forward to pat Qin An's chest to help him breathe. After a moment, Qin An continued. "I... I... under the pretext of buying female slaves... bought two... later feared... feared their families would come looking... inquired about kidnappers..."

For a wealthy household head like Qin An, buying female slaves was normal. But female slaves on the market were mostly sold by their parents. Though once in the Qin residence they became Qin property, inevitably, their families knowing their whereabouts might come looking. Thus, his depraved preference risked exposure. Rather than buying legitimate slaves, it was better to buy from kidnappers, children with no family or roots. Once inside the Qin residence, they were at his mercy.

Hearing this, Huo Huaixin understood Qin An's meaning. He turned and saw Yan Chi and Qin Wan, hurriedly straightening his posture.

Having been in official circles for years, he naturally knew many wealthy families had unspeakable, depraved preferences. Since he had previously been on friendly terms with Qin An, he now feared Yan Chi might misunderstand he had been complicit.

Huo Huaixin's tone turned stern. "What are the kidnappers' names? Where are they now?"

"Qing... Yuan... Pawn... shop... owner..."

Qin An spoke each word excruciatingly slowly. Huo Huaixin's expression immediately turned serious. He looked back, seeing Yan Chi and Qin Wan both somewhat puzzled, and quickly explained, "Lord Heir, that Qingyuan Pawnshop is one of the largest in Jinzhou Prefecture. I hear they've even opened branches in the capital. On the surface, they are a pawnshop, but secretly engage in such transactions with other nobles and officials. I'll send men immediately to apprehend them for investigation..."

Qin Wan frowned deeply. Yan Chi wasn't surprised either. In scholarly, proper families, whether for reputation or future prospects, no one would publicly display such ugliness. Yet in the common quarters, there were people specifically providing various "entertainments" for nobles. It was less in Jinzhou; in the capital, more people ran legitimate businesses while secretly committing such heinous acts.

Yan Chi made a sound of acknowledgment. "We'll discuss that later. Continue questioning."

Huo Huaixin nodded emphatically and turned back to Qin An. "Did you personally kill those children back then?"

Qin An's eyes contracted. His lips pressed together slightly, his breathing became unsteady. Clearly, he was struggling whether to speak, how to speak, this involved over a dozen lives.

"Yes... I ordered... Liu Chun... to poison..."

Liu Chun! Instantly, two points of coldness flashed in Yan Chi's eyes. Liu Chun also deserved death!

Having said this, Qin An's eyes inexplicably moistened. He seemed to know his fate. But currently suffering, unable to resolve to die, he could only strive for better treatment.

A flicker of anger appeared in Huo Huaixin's eyes, his tone turning sharp. "What about the Second Concubine?"

Mentioning the Second Concubine, Qin An's eyes immediately gathered a bit of vitality. His lips moved several times but no words came, as if lost in memory. Huo Huaixin impatiently said, "I'm asking you! If you don't speak..."

"Was... the kidnapper... couldn't gather enough people... looked within Jinzhou Prefecture..."

"Grabbed a child... the child's mother... chased after..."

"Intended to kill... but saw her appearance... superior..."

Huo Huaixin's eyes widened. "So you grabbed both mother and daughter?! They not only kidnapped children but also abducted other girls?!"

Qin An's throat seemed blocked again, unable to speak. His eyes rolled back repeatedly. The old servant hurriedly came forward to soothe him. Huo Huixin, furious, turned to Yan Chi. "Lord Heir may not know, but such kidnappers exist. They abduct girls from thirteen or fourteen to just over twenty, drug them, and sell them to brothels or wealthy households. It's also a considerable income!"

Yan Chi's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly. Though he had been on the battlefield since youth, he was not unaware of such dark, depraved matters. Not only aware, but he knew much about them. "Continue questioning."

Huo Huaixin only wanted to appear as righteous and principled as possible now. Jinzhou City was only this big; it was impossible the Qin residence was the only place with such dealings. Huo Huaixin didn't want Yan Chi suspecting him.

The old servant exerted himself for a long time before Qin An finally caught his breath. Huo Huaixin asked, "And then? How did you bring both mother and daughter into the residence?"

Qin An gasped, his face deathly pale. "I went to choose... saw her..."

"At first... didn't know..."

"Later only... she... threw herself into the well and died..."

As he spoke, Qin An's gaze grew vacant, as if recalling how beautiful the Second Concubine was when she drowned herself.

Huo Huaixin glared angrily. "What about Yang County? The fire at that household?!"

Qin An trembled at Huo Huaixin's roar. The light in his eyes instantly dimmed. After coughing lightly twice, he said flatly, "She begged me... to let her go... I... took the chance... asked her... family home..."

At this point, everything became clear. Huo Huaixin gritted his teeth. "You... She thought you would really let her go, but you sent people to set the fire and kill?!"

By the end, Qin An's tone held not a trace of remorse. When Huo Huaixin pressed further, he instead looked at him. "Now... can... can find... right..."

Huo Huaixin almost laughed in anger. After saying all this, it was truly just to find the mastermind. Huo Huaixin gave a cold laugh. "Even finding takes time. Brother Qin, you'd better pray more, pray Heaven protects you."

Hearing this, Qin An seemed to feel deceived. He glared angrily at Huo Huaixin. His anger choked his breath again; his eyes rolled back, his whole body convulsing as if throttled. The old servant rushed to help again. Seeing Qin An like this, Huo Huaixin shook his head and walked to Yan Chi. "He's in no condition for prison. After Ninth Young Miss's prescription is finished, we can directly imprison him for trial. Since Qingyuan Pawnshop has been implicated, I'll go apprehend them now!"

As Huo Huaixin spoke, Qin Wan walked to the bedside. Checking Qin An's complexion, she instructed the old servant, "Continue this prescription. One dose lasts a day, taken four times. Change the medicine daily. The leftover dregs can be boiled for a wash on the affected areas."

The old servant hurriedly assented. Only then did Qin Wan leave. Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin followed. Yan Chi said, "We don't yet know the scale of this case. If it's only Qingyuan Pawnshop, fine. If there are others, Prefect, you may investigate them all."

Huo Huaixin gave a firm "Mmm," his face showing determined solemnity. "Lord Heir, rest assured. I never imagined such dealings existed under my jurisdiction in Jinzhou. This time, I will certainly eradicate them completely!"

He clenched his fist, his resolve evident!

Yan Chi seemed somewhat satisfied. "Prefect Huo, proceed. I will handle matters within the residence."

Huo Huixin, filled with vigor, bowed to Qin Wan and Yan Chi with cupped fists, then turned and strode out.

Watching Huo Huaixin leave, Fuling outside couldn't help sighing. "Prefect Huo acts decisively. Having such a good official is truly the fortune of Jinzhou's people..."

Yan Chi and Qin Wan instinctively exchanged a glance, both showing a hint of wry amusement.

Huo Huaixin was indeed decisive now. But his earlier performance had contained an element of pretense. If not for Yan Chi's presence, he likely wouldn't have acted this way.

Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi. Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan. Yan Chi's eyes were bright; Qin Wan was slightly taken aback.

Their moments of silent understanding surprised her somewhat.

Qin Wan was the first to look away, walking toward the door. Yan Chi followed, slightly raising his chin, his voice low. "Knowing the inside story of this case, does Ninth Young Miss feel the world is treacherous?"

Qin An's confession, though lacking detail, at least exposed a murderous trafficking ring. That Qingyuan Pawnshop likely harmed many more. For a young miss raised in deep seclusion, this was likely unimaginable upon first hearing.

Hearing this, Qin Wan turned to look at Yan Chi. "I am not a delicate flower raised in a deep boudoir. I've long known the world's treachery."

Yan Chi's heart stirred slightly. Qin Wan lost her parents young, then lived under others' roofs, moving from the capital to Jinzhou. She must have witnessed much of human warmth and coldness. Indeed, she was not someone unaware of the world's darkness.

Seeing the complexity in Yan Chi's gaze, a faint smile touched Qin Wan's lips. "However, this Qingyuan Pawnshop still surprises me. I originally thought this was solely Qin An's depraved heart. I didn't expect someone had turned it into a business, seemingly developing it on a considerable scale underground. Thinking carefully, it inevitably sends chills down one's spine."

Yan Chi's heart relaxed. Right, this was more fitting. If Qin Wan showed no fear at all, that would be strange.

"This was exposed step by step by the mastermind. Otherwise, Prefect Huo would never have known, nor would we." As he spoke, Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan. "In your opinion, is that person ultimately good or bad?"

This question from Yan Chi left Qin Wan momentarily speechless. It returned to the issue she had pondered.

"What does Lord Heir believe constitutes law? What constitutes justice?"

Yan Chi had intended to ask Qin Wan but found himself questioned instead. He pondered Qin Wan's intent, then after a moment smiled slightly. "The law is black and white on paper. In the current world, it often sides with those holding power, not justice. As for justice, right and wrong have their public judgment. Even if delayed, it does not fail to arrive."

The first part of Yan Chi's words sounded disheartening, but Qin Wan deeply understood the world was indeed like that. She looked at the desolate gloom over the Qin residence and murmured, "The Great Zhou esteems propriety, righteousness, benevolence, wisdom, and trust. If the law cannot manifest justice, it is the failure of those in power. If those in power condone it, they force people toward evil. Commoners toward evil, court officials toward evil, those holding military power toward evil. What is the ultimate result? This realm will collapse; that supreme position will also..."

Qin Wan suddenly stopped, realizing she had spoken too much, her inner indignation stirred. She turned and indeed met Yan Chi's deep gaze. Qin Wan gave a bitter smile, then lowered her head with a sigh. "It's just not worth it for those thirteen children. Lord Heir is right; justice did not fail. Their bones were finally unearthed. Qin An will be punished. But their deaths, their families all innocently harmed with no recompense."

She shook her head. "Still unjust... unjust..."

Qin Wan radiated sorrow, as if lamenting for the thirteen children. Yet Yan Chi still looked at her. In that moment just now, he suddenly felt as if a raging fire of hatred burned in Qin Wan's heart, as if the grievances of those thirteen children were inflicted upon herself. Qin Wan was kind, compassionate, sympathetic, even empathized with those children. But Yan Chi still felt something was off. Was it the sharp edge in her words just now? Or her daring to discuss the realm and the imperial throne?

Yan Chi couldn't decide, but seeing Qin Wan's dejected look, he felt only pity. These past days, Qin Wan had toiled tirelessly, whether dissecting corpses or examining bones, all with diligence. In Yan Chi's mind, she was unlike any mundane beauty, radiant and peerless. Suddenly seeing her disheartened and sorrowful, a heavy stone seemed to press on Yan Chi's heart.

"The world is like this, but those inclined toward good far outnumber those toward evil. In the court, there are also capable and upright officials like former Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, Shen Yi. Ninth Young Miss must not lose hope in the world."

"Shen Yi?" Qin Wan spoke the name, then gave a slight smile.

Yan Chi's eyes deepened, sensing mockery and sorrow in that smile. His expression changed, remembering Shen Yi was now beheaded, a condemned official. Thinking this, he understood Qin Wan. The books Qin Wan read mostly came from Shen Yi, showing she must have greatly admired this Chief Minister. But now...

"Ninth Young Miss does not believe Shen Yi was guilty?"

A sudden insight struck Yan Chi. He looked at Qin Wan.

Qin Wan abruptly raised her head, also looking at Yan Chi. She pressed her lips, her eyes flickering momentarily. "Shen Yi's guilt... has been decided. Qin Wan... dare not disbelieve..."

Though she said this, her tone was strained. Yan Chi watched her for a moment, then suddenly gave a light laugh.

He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Ninth Young Miss dared speak of the realm collapsing, yet dares not say Shen Yi was wronged?"

Qin Wan blinked. "What does Lord Heir think of this matter?"

With this, Qin Wan almost confirmed it. Yan Chi's lips curved. "When this matter occurred, I was still on my way back to the capital. Later, upon learning of it, I initially also didn't believe it. Moreover... the capital is complex, with factional strife. Ninth Young Miss likely doesn't know, such struggles often harm the innocent. Lord Shen's case is indeed unusually strange."

Qin Wan blinked again. Her earlier indignation subsided. Yan Chi's words almost moved her.

"However..." Yan Chi's eyes turned calm. "However, as Ninth Young Miss said, the matter has been decided, and it was His Majesty's personal decree with wide repercussions. So, such words, Ninth Young Miss, you may only speak plainly to me in the future."

The faint light in Qin Wan's eyes dimmed, and she truly calmed down. This matter was decreed by the Emperor, involving a prince and a favored imperial consort. It had naturally become a taboo in the capital. Who in the realm would dare question it?

Those who questioned would, at minimum, be accused of disrespecting the Emperor; at worst, deemed rebels...

Qin Wan already understood her father's case was no small matter; this merely confirmed it. Moreover, for someone of Yan Chi's royal background to have such an attitude was already remarkable. Qin Wan exhaled; she was still grateful.

"Yes, Qin Wan remembers..."

Qin Wan's voice was soft. Yan Chi changed the subject. "These past two days, I read many of Lord Shen's writings. I couldn't help feeling regretful. If not for the previous incident, having such a Chief Minister of Judicial Review would truly be a blessing for the Great Zhou."

"Therefore... I can also understand Ninth Young Miss's admiration and defense of Lord Shen."

Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan. Qin Wan could only force a bitter smile. Her feelings toward Shen Yi went beyond mere admiration and defense.

Qin Wan didn't want to dwell on this topic. The more she said, the more she might reveal to someone as perceptive as Yan Chi. She rallied her spirits. "Lord Heir, shall we go to the Purple Bamboo Grove again?"

Yan Chi looked slightly puzzled. Qin Wan continued, "Though we can almost certainly conclude that the mastermind's series of actions were to expose the evils of the past, she ultimately committed crimes. This matter still needs the truth."

Yan Chi immediately nodded. "Alright, let's go take another look..."

Qin Wan nodded, slightly lifting her skirt, and strode ahead.

Yan Chi slowed his steps slightly. The current Qin Wan seemed like the familiar Qin Wan. But her earlier anomaly still echoed clearly in his mind...

The current Purple Bamboo Grove was no longer its former sinister, secluded self. When Qin Wan entered again, she only saw the disarray after the excavation. Beneath piles of dead branches and leaves were puddles from the rainy days not yet dried. Above, scattered mud clods and the footprints of bailiffs coming and going were everywhere. This eerie bamboo grove could no longer evoke any fear in Qin Wan.

The autumn wind rustled, creating a rustling sound as it swept through the bamboo. After just a few steps, Qin Wan suddenly said, "Does Lord Heir remember? That day, Nanny Zhao saw the ghost fire inside the grove. But this well is so deep. If a fire started inside, how could it be seen from outside?"

Yan Chi, who had been surveying the surroundings, also frowned. "Indeed. Are you suggesting someone intentionally lit a fire?"

"If intentional, scattering some phosphorus powder could create the illusion of ghost fire..."

As Qin Wan spoke, her steps unconsciously moved toward the well. To excavate all the bones, a trench had been dug horizontally through the grove. Qin Wan walked around the well's edge, thinking how to set a fire at the well mouth.

Perhaps too absorbed in thought, Qin Wan bumped into a clump of bamboo without noticing. She intended to go around it, but taking a step back, she saw a shallow mark on the bamboo, as if scraped or rubbed by a blunt tool, a slight indentation.

Frowning, Qin Wan gently traced it with her finger.

"What is it?" Seeing Qin Wan's unusual expression, Yan Chi immediately walked over.

Qin Wan pointed to the mark on the bamboo. "Here, there's a mark. As if something rubbed or bumped against it..."

Yan Chi looked intently. Qin Wan sighed again. "However... the bailiffs have been coming and going in this grove these past few days. Sometimes brushing against or bumping into things isn't strange..."

Hearing this, Yan Chi didn't immediately dismiss suspicion. He examined it a moment longer, then suddenly went to look at bamboo nearby. Qin Wan was somewhat moved but also felt uneasy. She wasn't always right. If Yan Chi spent half a day searching just because of something she said, she would feel somewhat embarrassed.

"Lord Heir."

Qin Wan hesitated. But Yan Chi suddenly said, "There's one here too. Come look."

Qin Wan's eyes lit up. Finding one mark could be coincidence. Finding another greatly reduced the likelihood of coincidence. Qin Wan lifted her skirt and hurried to Yan Chi's side.

The bamboo clump where Yan Chi stood was only a few steps from Qin Wan. When Qin Wan looked, sure enough, this clump of purple bamboo indeed had the same shallow indentation. Yan Chi pointed to another spot. "Look, this one also has it."

Yan Chi stepped aside. Qin Wan took a step closer, almost walking between Yan Chi and the bamboo. But focused on inspecting, she didn't notice at all. "There really is... On that clump of purple bamboo over there, only the outermost bamboo had it. But here, two have it. Why? If it's coincidence, the coincidence seems rather large?"

Qin Wan spoke concentratedly. After speaking, she instinctively turned to look at Yan Chi.

Turning her head, she realized she had almost walked into Yan Chi's embrace. Moreover, they were extremely close; if she leaned forward slightly, her forehead would touch Yan Chi's chin. Qin Wan's breath hitched, and she hurriedly leaned back.

Yan Chi paused before stepping aside, nodding calmly. "Yes, doesn't seem like coincidence."

A strange tension gripped Qin Wan's heart. She quickly turned and went to look elsewhere. "These bamboo clumps are closest to the well mouth. Let me check others..."

Qin Wan, full of hope, checked the next clump. But after circling it, she found no marks. "None here... Could it really have been coincidence earlier?"

As she spoke, unwilling to give up, she headed to the next clump. "None here either..."

Before she finished, Yan Chi said from the other side, "There are here."

Qin Wan had subconsciously chosen the direction opposite Yan Chi. Now Yan Chi stood across from her. Qin Wan made a sound of surprise. Instead of walking toward Yan Chi, she continued circling the well mouth, checking two more clumps. After crossing the trench, just as Qin Wan thought the next clump would also have none, she saw the marks again!

"Here they are. So strange. Why only on the east side of the well, not the west?" Qin Wan gently touched the marks on the bamboo, then looked up. Doing so, she noticed the bamboo tops leaned slightly toward the well. Turning her gaze, she looked at the other marked bamboo clumps. Indeed, those bamboos also inclined toward the well.

Qin Wan walked toward Yan Chi's position, checking clump by clump. Sure enough, every clump east of the well mouth had rubbing marks. Qin Wan frowned. "Not every bamboo has it. Only the outermost one or two in each clump."

"No, here three have it..."

Yan Chi stood before a clump of purple bamboo. Qin Wan looked at him, and something suddenly flashed in her mind. She immediately walked over, standing behind the bamboo clump to look at the well. Meanwhile, Yan Chi said, "Was something tied to these bamboos?"

Qin Wan looked through the bamboo clump at the well. Suddenly, her eyes brightened.

"Lord Heir is right! Something was indeed tied!"

Yan Chi looked intently. Qin Wan's face glowed with excitement. "Lord Heir, I understand now!"

Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan, then at the bamboo clumps, then surveyed the area. He also seemed to realize something. "You know how the killer moved the Demon-Suppressing Stone?!"

Qin Wan's eyes shone. She pointed at the purple bamboo nearby. "Using the bamboo!"

A slight curve touched Yan Chi's lips, but he asked questioningly, "Using bamboo?"

Qin Wan, as if encouraged, immediately wore an expression of certainty. "Yes! Using bamboo! I was wrong. Moving the Demon-Suppressing Stone indeed requires great strength, but it doesn't necessarily have to be a strong man. With these purple bamboos! A woman could do it too!"

Yan Chi only smiled without speaking. Fuling, who had followed them in, was puzzled. "Miss, what are you saying? Bamboo moving stones?"

Qin Wan turned to Fuling. "Yes! Bamboo moving stones!"

Seeing Fuling still didn't understand, Qin Wan suddenly grabbed a bamboo stalk and bent it downward.

Fuling hurriedly said, "Miss, what are you doing? Let this servant do it. Be careful not to hurt your hand..."

As Fuling stepped forward, Qin Wan suddenly released her grip. Released, the bent bamboo immediately sprang back upright, causing its tip to sway sharply. "See? This is bamboo's force. I exerted all my strength to bend the bamboo down, but the bamboo also pulled me. The force of one bent bamboo is small. But many bamboos? Tie a rope to the bent bamboos on one end, and to the Demon-Suppressing Stone on the other, plus human strength. Wouldn't that equal the strength of a strong man?"

Qin Wan turned her gaze to the Demon-Suppressing Stone. "The Demon-Suppressing Stone was moved, so it's now north of the well mouth. But Lord Heir should remember, when we first came, the stone was east of the well mouth!"

"And these indentations on the bamboo are because the rope needed to be fixed to prevent slipping due to the bamboo bending! The bamboo clumps are spaced irregularly. She couldn't tie all bamboos in a clump, and even if they could all provide leverage, it wouldn't be enough. So she chose the outermost, most pliable bamboos. That's why several clumps have indentations, all east of the well mouth!"

Fuling's eyes widened in disbelief. "This method... this method is truly ingenious!"

Qin Wan felt a surge of excitement. The method was indeed ingenious. Without seeing these marks, how could she have thought of it? Bamboo was inanimate but flexible. Using inanimate objects for leverage made people think several people or an incredibly strong man moved the stone, thus evading suspicion from the start.

"Liu Chun's nails had pastry residue. He ate something; he was likely drugged when killed. As for Madam Liu's murder, the killer likely took her by surprise. Moreover, Madam Liu was a woman and wouldn't have had the strength to resist much."

Qin Wan looked somewhat chagrined at Yan Chi. "I guessed wrong from the beginning. The killer should be a woman. With so many bamboos, this person's strength certainly isn't great."

Yan Chi walked over. "Someone used misdirection. We all failed to see it. Now that you've deciphered the method of moving the stone, we can investigate in other directions. Don't be upset."

Qin Wan sighed. "If it's a woman, she likely holds a position in the inner courtyard. Within the inner courtyard, it is simply a few stewards. Or, perhaps someone old who knew about the incident back then, having some rapport with Liu Chun, which is why Liu Chun trusted her."

Saying this, Qin Wan suddenly thought of Aunt Liu.

Qin Wan's eyes lit up. "I know someone. Last time with the Second Concubine incident, she was the one who told me. Since that matter wasn't exposed then, she didn't say much. I always felt she knew more. If we ask now, perhaps she can reveal more. It's Aunt Liu, in charge of the kitchen."

Yan Chi nodded. "Good, then you go find her. I'll interrogate the others. Several days ago, Prefect Huo had a roster of those who have been in the Qin residence for over eight years. There are several old maids on it."

Qin Wan nodded, somewhat impatiently leading Fuling toward the western servants' quarters.