The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 135 : The Mystery of the Murder, Cruel Methods

135: The Mystery of the Murder, Cruel Methods

Qin Yan frowned deeply. "Limbs were cut off?"

Little Li's face was deathly pale as he nodded. "Yes... that's what Uncle Zhang said. This hasn't been reported to the Young Master yet. Uncle Zhang didn't know what to do..."

Sun Muqing already said gravely, "Lead the way!"

Little Li, panicked and bewildered, had originally intended for Auntie Lin to take charge. But Auntie Lin, hearing about a death, was also frightened. Now, with Sun Muqing giving the order, he immediately turned to lead the way. Sun Muqing was, after all, a member of the Sun family. Seeing this, Auntie Lin tacitly agreed.

Qin Wan, expression somber, also followed. Qin Yan, however, grabbed her arm. "Ninth Sister, what are you going to do?"

A murder case had occurred within this manor. Even if they weren't staying here a few more days, she couldn't possibly stand by idly. Qin Wan struggled for a moment, then said quietly, "If we don't figure out what happened, aren't you afraid something might happen to us too?"

Hearing this, Qin Yan also realized the seriousness. Though Sun Muqing meant well, and Divine Physician Sun had a divine physician's reputation, could matters in this world be so simple? Now, with a murder case, strictly speaking, even their group couldn't escape involvement. Qin Yan released Qin Wan. "I'll go look. You stay in the courtyard."

Qin Wan shook her head. "Third Brother, have you forgotten? I also know medicine. Someone with medical knowledge will see some clues."

Qin Wan didn't want to argue with Qin Yan. Sun Muqing ahead, hearing Qin Wan's words, halted and turned. Seeing Qin Wan determined to follow, his lips moved but he said nothing.

Qin Shuang stamped her foot. "Third Brother, don't worry. When something happened at the Qin residence earlier, Ninth Sister helped the Heir Apparent and the Prefect investigate. The Heir Apparent and Prefect both trusted Ninth Sister greatly. I'm coming too..."

Saying this, Qin Shuang followed Qin Wan forward. This made Qin Yan seem somewhat left behind. Qin Yan narrowed his eyes at Qin Wan's back, then followed.

Since the masters were all going, Fuling, Wanqing, and the others naturally followed. Meanwhile, Zhou Huai quickly approached Qin Yan and said in a low voice, "Young Master, this matter is unusual. Please be careful."

Qin Yan nodded. "Go ahead and check. See if all our people are accounted for. We must not get entangled in this."

Zhou Huai acknowledged and left. Qin Yan then caught up with the main group.

Little Li almost ran ahead to lead. Sun Muqing turned to look at Auntie Lin. "Auntie Lin mentioned earlier that Little Songzi was missing. Discovered missing this morning?"

Auntie Lin, older and struggling to keep up, panted, "Yes. Not many servants in the manor. Usually, only this servant and another cook, Madam Xu, prepare meals in the kitchen. Little Songzi was the helper, just three of us. This morning, the meal was almost ready, but Little Songzi still hadn't come. We were busy, so didn't go to the servants' quarters to find him. Called Little Li to get him first. But Little Li said he wasn't in the servants' quarters. Seeing time was short, we just had Little Li help."

Little Li, walking ahead, hurriedly added, "This servant went to look. Little Songzi really wasn't in his room at the time."

Sun Muqing nodded. "Let's go see first..."

They headed east, turning before reaching Benevolent Heart Courtyard, winding left and right along a small path, then circling to the rear gutter of a courtyard. Just turning the corner, a bloody smell wafted out. Sun Muqing, walking first, seeing something, raised a hand to stop those behind.

"Don't come closer yet."

As he spoke, Qin Shuang already showed fear on her face. She couldn't even bear cat corpses, let alone a human one. She had hurried along out of curiosity. Seeing this, Qin Yan said, "Young Master Sun needn't worry. If you can look, we can too. Those afraid can stay outside and not approach..."

Hearing this, Sun Muqing no longer stopped them. The next moment, Qin Yan and Qin Wan stepped forward together.

As they turned the corner, Qin Yan's pupils contracted sharply. Though he had heard Little Li describe the scene, witnessing it firsthand still made his heart clench. He gritted his teeth hard to suppress the surge in his stomach.

Last night's heavy snow had covered Hundred Herb Garden in white again, except for areas shaded by trees and under eaves. Little Songzi's body sat slumped on the ground, back against the wall, head tilted crookedly. His sideburns were disheveled, mixed with blood and spittle smeared on his face. His eyes were wide open, blood stains at the corners of his mouth and on his chest. But most horrifying were his limbs. He looked only seventeen or eighteen, with a thin build, long arms and legs...

Yet now, his right hand was cut off on the ground, his left hand hung by a shred of skin from his arm. His legs bore several wounds, flesh torn, bone visible, barely connected by skin like his left hand. His chest and abdominal area were covered in dark, frozen blood clots. Together with his tattered clothes and several crimson, gaping holes, it formed a shockingly cruel sight...

Qin Yan looked carefully, the more he looked, the harder it was to suppress the sour rise in his stomach. After a few more moments, he truly couldn't hold back, instinctively turned to avoid looking, and his gaze fell on Qin Wan beside him, calm and composed.

Qin Yan was astonished. Qin Shuang, too scared, had long refused to come closer and stood outside. Yet Qin Wan not only came in, her current demeanor seemed even more at ease than his...

"Heavens... ugh..."

Auntie Lin was the last to follow. Lacking strength, she had lagged behind earlier. Now, as she turned the corner, she let out a cry. Before finishing, she turned away and retched.

Such a scene, who among ordinary people could bear it?

Sun Muqing covered his nose and mouth, looking at the middle‑aged man standing aside, eyes full of pity. "Uncle Zhang?"

The middle‑aged man, eyes slightly red, nodded. "Young Master Cousin... it was this humble one who found him."

"How did you find him?"

Sun Muqing asked. The man showed some disbelief. "This humble one got up this morning intending to sweep the snow around Benevolent Heart Courtyard. But I was short a few tools, so came to the storage courtyard to get them. But before reaching it, I saw a black cat. Old Dong instructed yesterday that there might be stray cats in the manor these days, to catch and chase them out if seen. Seeing that black cat, I immediately thought to drive it away. But the stray cat suddenly darted into this alley. I scolded it all the way here... turned the corner and saw Little Songzi..."

As Uncle Zhang spoke, his eyes held terror. Qin Yan thought if he had encountered Little Songzi's condition unprepared, his heart tightened; even he would likely be somewhat shaken...

"Where's Uncle Dong? Such a thing must be reported to the authorities regardless. Where's the nearest government office?"

At this question, Uncle Zhang hurriedly said, "This place belongs to Ji County, Yuanzhou Prefecture. The county yamen is over seventy miles east. Reporting to the authorities, round trip would take at least two days and nights."

Sun Muqing frowned. "Regardless, it must be reported. Uncle Zhang, go find Uncle Dong quickly and arrange it."

Uncle Zhang nodded. Auntie Lin, having finished retching, turned but still dared not look at Little Songzi. She sobbed, "How could this happen... Little Songzi was always so obedient and well‑behaved... how could someone kill him..."

Sun Muqing frowned but stepped forward towards Little Songzi. Little Songzi's death was cruel. He sat slumped, but a large pool of blood had flowed beneath him. Because of the cold, it had now formed a crimson ice lake on the gutter ground under him.

Seeing Sun Muqing approach, Auntie Lin hurriedly said, "Young Master Cousin, what are you doing? Don't dirty your shoes."

Sun Muqing narrowed his eyes slightly. "Little Songzi died so horribly. The killer clearly harbored deep anger and hatred. Auntie Lin, did Little Songzi usually have conflicts with anyone?"

Auntie Lin shook her head. "No, no. Precisely because Little Songzi was usually so good, I earlier thought of adopting him as my godson. Since it's nearly New Year, I planned to bring it up after the New Year."

Auntie Lin wiped a tear, clearly very fond of Little Songzi.

Sun Muqing took a deep breath. "In a case, the first three days after the incident are best for investigation. We should investigate what we can. Can't really wait for the authorities."

Auntie Lin let out an "Ah," not yet speaking, when Uncle Dong's voice came.

"Young Master Cousin, how about we investigate ourselves?"

Everyone turned to see Uncle Dong walking over from the corner. He first glanced at Little Songzi, then lowered his eyes with a pained expression, sighed, and said, "If we wait for the authorities, I'm afraid it will be too late."

Sun Muqing frowned. "Investigating ourselves is proper. But it's a murder case after all. Shouldn't not report it."

Uncle Dong pondered a moment. "Alright. I'll go ask the Young Master."

Sun Muqing sighed. "Good. Ask Senior Brother's opinion."

Uncle Dong looked at Little Songzi once more, then when turning, looked at Qin Yan and Qin Wan. "Young Master Qin, Miss Qin, I truly apologize. Such a thing happened in the manor. Please return to your courtyards. Especially Miss Qin, please don't be frightened."

Qin Yan shook his head. "Uncle Dong, with such a thing happening, please don't treat us as outsiders. It's better we all clarify this together, to avoid further incidents."

Qin Wan also said, "Uncle Dong needn't worry. I know some medicine, often see patients. Such a scene isn't too frightening for me."

Uncle Dong looked at Qin Wan, surprised, then could only sigh and nod. Leaving, he instructed those remaining outside, "You all guard this place well. Don't let anyone else in."

Meanwhile, Sun Muqing crouched to observe the corpse closely. "Limbs were cut with a sharp blade, but the cuts are very messy. The killer seems to have been in a rage, venting... The chest and abdominal wounds are extremely deep, likely the fatal injuries."

Hearing Sun Muqing say this, Auntie Lin hurriedly asked, "Can Young Master Cousin really examine this?"

Sun Muqing didn't deny it. "I only know a little. The specifics must wait for the yamen's coroner. Best not move him. Find something to cordon off this area. Wait for the yamen people to investigate."

Auntie Lin was slightly surprised. "Not carry him inside?"

Sun Muqing shook his head. "It's cold outside; good for preserving the body from decay."

Qin Wan stood behind Sun Muqing. Though not viewing closely, she saw the wounds were chaotic and cruel. What Sun Muqing said was correct but not detailed enough. Qin Wan hesitated. With no one in charge, should she perform an autopsy?

Just as she thought, footsteps came from outside. Qin Wan turned to see Uncle Dong walking over, expression grave. "Young Master Cousin, already told the Young Master. The Young Master also said we should invite the county yamen people. I've already sent two men out. Estimate the yamen people will arrive tomorrow evening."

Sun Muqing stood. "Good, Uncle Dong. As said to Auntie Lin earlier, don't disturb this place. The yamen people will look for clues here. The cold outside now helps preserve the body."

Uncle Dong nodded, understanding Sun Muqing's meaning. Sun Muqing turned, his gaze sweeping, and saw Qin Wan staring intently at Little Songzi, expression solemn. Such a scene, even Qin Yan couldn't bear to look, yet Qin Wan seemed to be observing intently. Sun Muqing was somewhat surprised, stepping back two paces. "Miss Qin isn't afraid?"

Uncle Dong had already sent people to prepare a barrier. Qin Wan retreated further. Hearing this, she shook her head. "Not afraid."

Sun Muqing showed a moment of surprise. Meanwhile, Qin Shuang stood outside the corner, peeking. "Of course Ninth Sister isn't afraid. When something happened at the Qin residence earlier, Ninth Sister even helped the authorities examine human bones..."

The Qin family didn't know the details of Qin Wan's help, but many had seen her examine bones. Hearing Qin Shuang say this, Sun Muqing's eyes brightened further. "Does Miss Qin perhaps possess coroner skills?"

Qin Wan lowered her eyes slightly. "Speaking of it, it started with medicine. My father and mother knew some medicine, taught me since childhood. Later, I happened to read some strange case stories and the writings of former Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, Lord Shen Yi. I suddenly realized coroner work and medicine have much in common. It's just one examines the living, the other lets the dead speak."

As she spoke, Qin Wan looked up, calm and composed. "I was always fascinated by medicine. Seeing coroner skills connected to medicine, I sought many books to read. Naturally, reading extensively gave me more understanding than ordinary people."

Formerly, Shen Wan first studied coroner skills, then medicine. Now Qin Wan reversed the order, fitting the Ninth Young Miss's background and preventing Sun Muqing from noticing anything odd. Moreover, she couldn't hide her coroner skills forever; better not conceal them. Sure enough, upon hearing, Sun Muqing's eyes shone with delight. "How can it be such a coincidence..."

Qin Wan looked at Sun Muqing. "What do you mean, Young Master Sun? What coincidence?"

Sun Muqing took a deep breath. "I mentioned earlier, Miss Qin's name is the same as my Junior Sister's, both have the character 'Wan.' But I never expected the greater coincidence: Miss Qin also understands coroner skills."

Qin Wan raised an eyebrow, quite humble. "Dare not say 'understand.' Just from reading those books and after studying medicine, I know a bit more than ordinary people..."

"No, no, still a coincidence. How many young ladies in the world would develop an interest in coroner skills?" Sun Muqing's chest rose and fell, looking at Qin Wan with bright eyes. "Miss Qin doesn't know, my Junior Sister was that..."

Sun Muqing stopped just as the words reached his lips. The Shen family were now disgraced criminals. Sun Muqing didn't know if he should mention it. With an inward sigh, he changed his words. "My Junior Sister was also skilled in coroner work. Because her family had someone doing that, she learned coroner skills first, then medicine, opposite of Miss Qin."

Qin Wan's lips curved slightly. "So it truly is a coincidence. Pity..."

Qin Wan trailed off. Sun Muqing's eyes dimmed slightly. "Yes, pity... Otherwise, she would have liked to be friends with Miss Qin." As he spoke, Sun Muqing turned to look at Little Songzi. "What does Miss Qin think?"

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes. "The killer's methods are cruel. The fatal wounds are likely the several knife wounds on the chest. Judging by wound width and angle, the killer likely used a chopper or short blade."

She looked at the large bloodstain on the wall above Little Songzi's head.

Besides Little Songzi's chest, abdomen, and the blood beneath him, the wall behind him also bore a large bloodstain. Above his head, the stain was particularly dark. Qin Wan said, "He might have been pinned against the wall and stabbed to death first, then after his body slumped to the ground, his limbs were hacked. Such wounds, if the killer isn't a deranged lunatic who enjoys mutilating people for pleasure, then they must have harbored deep hatred for Little Songzi."

Sun Muqing's eyes lit up as he listened. He had been observing Little Songzi's wounds but hadn't noticed the blood on the wall. Hearing this, he nodded. "Exactly so. Already killed him, yet didn't flee quickly, chose to continue hacking at his body. This person must have been filled with hatred. But... but Auntie Lin just said Little Songzi never had conflicts with anyone."

Qin Wan shook her head. "I don't know about that. But now we can search for the murder weapon. If found, tracing the killer would be much simpler."

Uncle Dong, listening nearby, hurriedly asked, "Miss Qin says the blade is likely a chopper?"

Qin Wan nodded. "Uncle Dong, check if the usual chopper is still there."

Hearing this, Uncle Dong was about to order a servant to check when Auntie Lin spoke up. "Chopper... Little Songzi was responsible for chopping firewood in the kitchen. Firewood bought from outside, he chopped it and carried it to the kitchen. I remember... I remember he had an axe and a chopper there..."

Uncle Dong frowned. "Little Li, go check Little Songzi's room, then the woodshed. See if that blade is still there."

Little Li acknowledged and immediately left. Two male servants brought over a barrier to surround Little Songzi's body. Soon, Little Li returned. "Uncle Dong, not found. Not in his room or the woodshed."

Everyone was taken aback. Sun Muqing reacted first. "The killer took Little Songzi's chopper?"

Qin Wan nodded. "Very possible."

She looked behind the rear gutter. Scanning around, she saw only snow‑covered ground. Besides their footprints from coming here, there were no other prints. Qin Wan looked at Uncle Zhang, the first to arrive. "Uncle Zhang, when you first found Little Songzi, did you see any obvious footprints on the ground?"

Uncle Zhang shook his head. "No. If any, they were the cat's."

Mentioning the cat, Qin Wan immediately recalled the pile of cat remains. Her voice lowered slightly. "Hard to investigate. The killer left no footprints. Seems they left at least before dawn. Uncle Dong, for now, can only ask who went out last night. Anyone with suspicious movements is the first suspect. With such heavy snow, even if the killer left other clues, they'd be covered. As for that blade, stuffed in any snowdrift, it would be extremely hard to find."

Sun Muqing sighed. "Uncle Dong, please make an effort, search first. Who knows the killer's motive? If not clarified, none of us can rest easy. By the way, what did Senior Brother say?"

Uncle Dong hurriedly said, "The Young Master said to let this old servant handle it. He won't intervene. When the county yamen people come, hand it over to them."

Hearing this, Sun Muqing understood Sun Haoyue was indifferent. Even a murder case wouldn't be as important as treating Bai Feiyan. Sun Muqing nodded. "Alright. Then trouble Uncle Dong. Not many servants in the manor. If you need me for anything, Uncle Dong, just say."

Qin Yan also said, "Uncle Dong, you may dispatch the Qin residence guards."

Uncle Dong waved a hand, sighing. "No need, no need. How dare trouble Young Master Cousin and guests. I'll gather everyone, have them search. If we find something, good. If not, can only wait for the yamen people."

Qin Yan said a few more things, but Uncle Dong still felt it improper to use Qin family people. Seeing this, Qin Yan said no more. Uncle Dong then asked Qin Yan's group to return to their courtyards to rest, informing them of any results. Thus, Qin Yan had to lead Qin Wan and Qin Shuang back. Sun Muqing, being of the Sun family, stayed to help.

On the way back, Qin Yan asked quietly, "Ninth Sister, what do you think of this?"

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes slightly. "Seems like retaliation. But Auntie Lin said Little Songzi was very well‑behaved. Ordinary quarrels shouldn't escalate to murder, especially such a cruel method."

Fuling had seen Little Songzi's condition. Having followed Qin Wan so long, seen the headless Song Rou, the corpses of Madam Liu and Steward Liu, and piles of bleached human bones, even so, seeing Little Songzi's state almost made her vomit. Nearly at the courtyard gate, her back still felt chilly. She couldn't imagine what hatred drove the killer to stab Little Songzi so many times...

"Could it be someone wanting revenge against Hundred Herb Garden?"

Qin Yan paused mid‑step, suddenly saying this. Qin Wan's eyebrows rose slightly. "Revenge against Hundred Herb Garden?"

Asked this, Qin Yan became uncertain again. "I'm just guessing. Otherwise, it doesn't make sense."

Qin Wan sighed softly. What reason to revenge against Hundred Herb Garden? Sun Haoyue was here for his wife's convalescence and had saved many people nearby. If revenge against Hundred Herb Garden, wouldn't necessarily target Little Songzi.

"We still don't understand this place well. Not good to jump to conclusions now."

Qin Yan nodded. "Indeed. We shouldn't speculate or interfere. You two go back first. Once in the courtyard, don't go anywhere. Best lock the gate too."

Qin Shuang's face paled upon hearing this. "Lock the gate too?"

Qin Yan "Hmm"ed. "If the killer intends to kill again..."

Qin Shuang's eyes filled with fear. Returning to the courtyard, she refused to go back to her room alone, insisting on crowding into Qin Wan's room with Wanqing and Xiuyun. They hadn't eaten breakfast that morning and could only eat some pastries brought yesterday. Moreover, being alone in a room in broad daylight was boring; crowding together was reassuring and provided company.

Qin Shuang chattered incessantly as usual, but Qin Wan only wanted news from Sun Muqing. After waiting about an hour, the courtyard gate was knocked. "Ninth Young Miss... please open the door."

Hearing Sun Muqing's voice, Fuling hurriedly opened it. Sun Muqing entered with fresh food. "Have some food first. Must eat." Seeing Qin Wan's eager look, Sun Muqing said directly, "Eat first. I'll talk while we eat."

Only then did Qin Wan's group sit down. As they ate, Sun Muqing said, "Didn't find the murder weapon. All the servants in the manor total twenty‑three. With Little Songzi dead, twenty‑two remain. Earlier, Uncle Dong and Auntie Lin gathered everyone and questioned them. Everyone claimed they didn't go out last night. The two sent to the county yamen also have witnesses. Coincidentally, Little Songzi had a side room to himself. Two people saw when he went to sleep, said his lamp was on at night. When they slept, his lamp was already out. But no one knows when he left..."

Qin Wan frowned deeply. "Impossible."

Qin Wan hadn't eaten much. Hearing Sun Muqing's words, she set down her chopsticks. "Impossible everyone has an alibi. Either someone is lying, or something was missed. The murder happened in the manor. Can't be flawless and airtight. Were the servants' rooms searched?"

Sun Muqing nodded. "Uncle Dong had them search each other. Didn't find anything strange."

Qin Wan's eyes darkened slightly. "Seems we must wait for the yamen people?"

Servants searching each other could still have omissions and oversights. Others lacked credibility. Only when yamen officials arrived could they investigate objectively.

But the yamen people wouldn't arrive until tomorrow evening. Regardless, the intervening night made one feel uneasy.

Sun Muqing sat a bit longer before leaving. Qin Shuang said, "This is trouble. Waiting for the yamen people, we probably can't leave until the case is solved. What should we do?"

Qin Wan was also worried about this. But at this point, Qin Wan only hoped the county yamen people would arrive quickly.

...

...

The sudden murder case not only worried the Qin party but cast a dark cloud over Hundred Herb Garden. The night's snowstorm turned to fine, dense snowflakes during the day. But as dusk approached, the snow pellets seemed to grow larger again. Before full dark, Qin Shuang carried a brocade quilt to Qin Wan's room.

"Wanqing, Xiuyun, move that sleeping couch over. You'll sleep outside with Fuling and the others tonight." Qin Shuang instructed, then entered the inner chamber and placed her quilt on Qin Wan's bed.

Qin Wan frowned. "What do you mean?"

Qin Shuang coughed lightly. "The murder weapon hasn't been found, the killer hasn't shown a trace. I think Third Brother's words make sense. The killer might kill again. So I think staying together provides some mutual care."

Qin Wan looked expressionlessly at Qin Shuang. After a few moments, Qin Shuang finally said pitifully, "Let me stay here. I'm really scared alone. Even if the courtyard gate is locked, what if the killer climbs in?"

Qin Shuang's words made Fuling and the others pale slightly. Qin Wan looked at Qin Shuang another moment. Just as Qin Shuang thought Qin Wan unwilling, Qin Wan said, "Bring another quilt. It's cold tonight."

After some fuss, Qin Shuang finally got her wish to squeeze in with Qin Wan. Before sleeping, Qin Shuang, somewhat worried about Qin Xiang, took Wanqing and Xiuyun to Qin Xiang's courtyard. Fuling and the others thought she'd stay awhile, but Qin Shuang returned angrily after a short time. "Such ingratitude for good intentions! Why did I even go see her!"

Fuling looked at Qin Shuang, sitting beside Qin Wan, surprised. "What happened, Sixth Young Miss?"

Wanqing, who had closed the courtyard gate from outside and entered, brushed snow off her shoulders and shook her head helplessly. Qin Shuang snorted coldly. "I went to tell her to be careful, even suggested she could stay in my room, we're in the same courtyard after all. But she not only refused, she scolded me, saying..."

Qin Shuang's words cut off, her eyes flicking towards Qin Wan. Then she changed tack. "Anyway! She truly doesn't appreciate kindness. Let her stay there alone. When I went over earlier, I saw her still looking at that pair of jade butterflies."

Fuling curved her lips. "Sixth Young Miss, don't be angry. Fifth Young Miss has her own ideas."

Qin Shuang humphed softly. "Of course... her ideas are grand. I can't manage her. Forget it. Let's wash up and rest early. Just hope the snow stops soon tonight..."

Fuling looked at Qin Wan. Seeing Qin Wan nod, she helped her wash up. Soon, the lamp in the room went out, and several people slept together. Truthfully, with more people in the room, it felt much less uneasy than before.

Even so, the night passed in light sleep. Early next morning, Qin Wan woke.

Qin Wan wasn't used to sharing a bed. Turning over, she saw Qin Shuang sleeping soundly on the inner side, even snoring softly. Qin Wan got up quietly. Outside, Fuling and the others were already up.

"Quiet last night?"

At Qin Wan's question, Fuling quickly nodded. "No sound at all. And the snow stopped!"

Qin Wan walked to the window to look. Indeed, the snow outside had stopped.

Qin Wan felt relieved. Just after washing up, the courtyard gate was knocked again. Zhou Huai's gentle, low voice called outside, "Ninth Young Miss... time for breakfast..."

Qin Wan glanced at Wanqing. "Go wake your Young Miss."

She then went out and responded. Fuling opened the gate. Qin Wan headed towards Qin Yan's courtyard. Inside, Sun Muqing was absent. As she wondered, Qin Yan seemed to read her mind. "Young Master Sun went to Divine Physician Sun. Won't have breakfast with us..."

Qin Wan wanted to see Sun Muqing to know the current situation in the manor. Hearing this, she nodded in acknowledgment. Soon, Qin Shuang arrived. They ate together. Delayed by the snow and the murder at Hundred Herb Garden, Qin Yan, Qin Wan, and Qin Shuang all looked grim. Only Qin Xiang seemed in good spirits and mood. She seemed in no hurry to leave and, having not seen the dead body, felt fortunate and at ease. After eating, Qin Xiang returned alone to her courtyard.

Qin Wan and Qin Shuang also returned to their respective courtyards. After noon, Sun Muqing came to Qin Wan's courtyard.

"Senior Brother Haoyue went to see Little Songzi yesterday afternoon too. Ordered the servants to stay together. That way, anyone acting suspiciously can be noticed. Last night nothing happened. Not sure if because of that."

"Everyone staying together is a good mutual supervision method."

Sun Muqing sighed. "I also asked Uncle Dong and Senior Brother how the manor's servants were acquired. Uncle Dong said half were bought from outside half a year ago when settling here, bought personally by Uncle Dong. Uncle Dong was the steward back in Yizhou. He investigated clearly when buying. Little Li and Little Songzi were bought then. Little Songzi had no parents. In the manor, he was very diligent. Because Auntie Lin wanted to adopt him as a godson, he was also very filial to her. Last night, Auntie Lin cried herself sick. Could only get up this morning after medicine. Truly, who could have expected such a thing?"

Qin Wan's heart sank slightly. "Was worried something might happen last night, but all was quiet. Good when the county yamen runners arrive tonight. Young Master Sun, don't worry too much for now. Does Madam Sun know about this?"

Qin Wan felt Bai Feiyan, being ill, shouldn't know. But Sun Muqing shook his head. "Sister‑in‑law has been unconscious again these days. Naturally, she doesn't know. Though nothing happened last night, the killer's methods were so cruel. Can't rest easy until he's found..."

Hearing this, a flash of insight suddenly crossed Qin Wan's mind. "Right! That person..."

Sun Muqing was startled. Qin Shuang, also in the room, didn't understand. Qin Wan looked at Qin Shuang. "Remember? That person we met that night. Uncle Dong said he was deranged..."

Qin Shuang's eyes showed realization. "Remember, remember! Of course! That person who suddenly appeared and scared us!"

Qin Wan nodded, then looked at Sun Muqing. "I remember telling Young Master Sun. The first night we came here, when we went out to get something, we met a deranged person. Uncle Dong said he was a patient kept in the manor."

Sun Muqing also realized immediately. "Yes, yes! Miss Qin mentioned it!"

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes. "Uncle Dong questioned the servants. Did he question the patients in the manor? The killer's methods were so vicious. Besides deep hatred for Little Songzi, if the attacker was deranged, it could also cause such brutality."

A light sparked in Sun Muqing's eyes. "I forgot to ask about that!"

After saying this, Sun Muqing immediately stood. "I'll go ask Uncle Dong now..."

Qin Wan nodded. Sun Muqing turned and ran out of the courtyard. Qin Wan's heart lifted slightly. If matters were as simple as her guess...

Not only Qin Wan waited anxiously; Qin Shuang and Fuling also felt tense. After waiting the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, Sun Muqing's figure reappeared at Qin Wan's courtyard gate. He strode in, expression dark, sighing. "Miss Qin, it's unrelated to the patients. Uncle Dong said the patients in the manor were sent away the day before yesterday."