novelraw Chapter 136 : Incompetent Constable, Qin Wan Investigates the Case
Chapter 136 : Incompetent Constable, Qin Wan Investigates the Case
136: Incompetent Constable, Qin Wan Investigates the Case
"Sent away?" Qin Wan was slightly surprised; she hadn't known this.
Sun Muqing nodded. "Yes. Because that night he frightened you and Sixth Young Miss, and seeing the heavy snow, the manor's food supplies were running low, the three patients in the manor were sent away. That deranged youth was from Red River Village to the northwest, I heard. For the past two days, there have been no patients in the manor."
The anxiety Qin Wan had just felt subsided, but the shadow over everyone's hearts hadn't dissipated. If the killer wasn't that deranged patient, then who was it? A killer so cruel hiding in this empty, gloomy old manor, just thinking about it sent a chill down Qin Wan's spine.
"Then I was mistaken. Seems we still have to wait for the county yamen people."
Seeing Qin Wan's tone low, Sun Muqing quickly comforted her. "Miss Qin, don't worry. The yamen people will definitely arrive tonight. We'll leave it to them then."
Qin Wan "Hmm"ed, then looked at the layered thick snow outside. "Just hope it doesn't snow again today, to avoid delaying their journey..." As she spoke, Qin Wan stood up and paced. For some reason, she felt quite agitated.
Sun Muqing saw this and said, "If Miss Qin feels vexed, perhaps go out for a walk? It's broad daylight; going out for air should be fine."
Qin Wan paused at his words, then had to agree.
Where Qin Wan went, Qin Shuang naturally followed. Sun Muqing accompanied the sisters out of the courtyard. Qin Wan thought for a moment and still headed north, but avoided the alley they passed that day. On the way, Sun Muqing asked again about Qin Wan's medical studies. Qin Wan still answered that Qin Yi and his wife had taught her.
Not long after, Qin Wan's group reached a courtyard, faintly hearing voices inside, along with a strange "crunch-crunch" sound. Qin Wan was puzzled, but Qin Shuang ran to the gate first to look. Upon seeing, she asked, "Little Li, what are you doing?"
Qin Wan raised an eyebrow and walked over with Sun Muqing. Looking, they saw Little Li inside doing carpentry work. On a simple frame made of two long benches, Little Li had one foot on a bench, holding a tool, planing uneven spots on a board. Seeing Sun Muqing's group arrive, Little Li immediately came over.
"Greetings, Young Master Cousin, Young Misses..."
Sun Muqing was also curious. "What are you doing?"
Little Li's face still held some grief. Hearing this, he said, "There's no coffin in the manor. Buying one now is too late. And as servants, we don't have that privilege. I happen to know some carpentry, so I thought to make a coffin for Little Songzi to bury him properly. He... he entered the manor with me, always wanted to serve the master well. Who would have thought..."
Little Li's voice grew slightly hoarse. Unlike his panic from that day of fright, today the shock had faded somewhat, leaving only sorrow for his companion's cruel death. Qin Wan, hearing this, was touched. Sun Muqing also seemed moved. "You're a good one. He will be comforted in the afterlife."
Little Li shook his head. "Doesn't help. If only he hadn't died."
The person was already dead. Sun Muqing momentarily didn't know how to console him, only said, "Little Songzi seems to have no family?"
"Exactly. That's why he treated me like a brother. To be honest with Young Master Cousin, we all have no parents or family. Don't know what good deeds we did in past lives to earn such a master in this one. But Little Songzi had no luck. Only half a year, and met such a disaster."
"The deceased is gone. You must work well here from now on, live your life well. That way, his spirit in heaven will be comforted seeing it." Qin Shuang's tone was gentle; she could actually comfort people now.
Little Li hurriedly nodded vigorously. "Definitely. This servant has been to many masters before but never stayed long... To be honest with Young Master Cousin and Young Misses, with this servant's previous health, there was no way to live. Boys entering a master's household mostly guard the house or do heavy labor. But this servant... back then, Uncle Dong kindly brought me back."
Little Li spoke vaguely. Qin Wan frowned slightly, looking at his complexion. "You were ill before?"
Little Li nodded with a bitter smile. "This servant often had heart pain before, sometimes so painful I'd faint and couldn't do anything. My previous master drove me out because of that. But Uncle Dong not only didn't disdain my sickly body, after bringing me back, he had the master give me medicine and treatment. Now this servant's health has gradually improved much."
Seeing him doing carpentry work showed his health was decent. Sun Muqing nodded encouragingly. "You have a kind heart and this skill. No matter what, you'll have a good life. Don't dwell on Little Songzi's matter too long. Once the killer is caught, it will be avenged for him. Next year, during the New Year, offer him some incense."
Hearing this, Little Li smiled sheepishly. "Young Master Cousin jests. This servant's meager skill can't be called craftsmanship. This servant wasn't very good before either. Recently discovered I'm quite adept at this work, so tried making a few things for the manor. Uncle Dong actually found them satisfactory, so this servant kept at it."
Sun Muqing was slightly surprised, glancing at the setup in the courtyard. The square beams on the ground and the already-made coffin lid looked quite professional, almost identical to those sold in coffin shops. "Looking at this, you truly have uncommon talent in this craft. If you specialize in this later, perhaps you could become a great artisan."
Little Li scratched his head, his face slightly red. "No, no. This servant just follows my heart randomly. Thank you, Young Master Cousin. This servant... this servant will work hard..."
Sun Muqing was amused by his shyness, nodded. "Alright, you continue. We'll go look elsewhere."
Little Li hurriedly nodded and bowed. Sun Muqing's group then turned and left. As they walked, Sun Muqing said curiously, "This Little Li is also talented. Some people are naturally gifted in certain areas, like Little Li with carpentry..." He looked at Qin Wan. "Miss Qin is like that in medicine too. Those who achieve mastery through self-study are extremely rare."
Qin Wan inwardly smiled wryly; she wasn't someone who relied on innate talent. As Sun Muqing said, such people existed, but definitely not her. The reason her master valued and accepted her was simply her focus and hard work. As for Little Li... Qin Wan shook her head, feeling something wasn't right but couldn't pinpoint it.
The Ninth Young Miss suddenly knew medicine because her body housed a different person. Little Li suddenly showing talent in carpentry, could it be he also changed persons?
Thinking this, Qin Wan felt a chill at the back of her head. She always said she didn't believe in ghosts and deities, but what was her own situation then?
Qin Wan pondered a moment, then finally shook her head. She woke up as the Ninth Young Miss; she didn't become a ghost, hadn't seen heavenly buddhas or underworld kings. Yet something in the unseen had indeed brought her back to life. Qin Wan couldn't fathom what, but she knew: the world's evils were man-made. Even if ghosts existed, they resided in human hearts.
Walking around and learning of Little Li's sudden carpentry skill lightened Qin Wan's mood. Returning to the courtyard, soon it was lunchtime. After lunch, including Qin Wan, the entire Hundred Herb Garden waited for the county yamen people. In the afternoon, Qin Shuang returned from Qin Xiang's place. "Fifth Sister now completely doesn't care if someone died in the manor. She thought Young Master Bai would return today, has been hoping since morning. Truly has no sense of propriety!"
Qin Wan smiled faintly. "First time meeting someone she likes; understandable."
Qin Shuang humphed dismissively. After a moment, she added, "Oh, also, the area where the dead person was is all cordoned off. The servants in the manor are quite scared now. Said Little Songzi was young, dying easily brings that..."
"That what?" Qin Wan asked curiously.
Qin Shuang frowned impatiently. "How don't you know this?! Young people who die have heavy baleful energy, easily bring bad luck to the manor. Have you forgotten you originally…"
Qin Shuang spoke rapidly, cutting off mid-sentence. Her expression changed several times, realizing what she had said. She hurriedly covered her mouth. Beside her, Fuling's face turned pale then flushed, glaring at Qin Shuang angrily, inwardly cursing. Thought Qin Shuang had improved, knew propriety, but she dared say such things!
Qin Shuang stepped back, then back again. "I... I didn't mean that... back then, we mistakenly thought you died, so we invited people to perform rites... Later... later when you didn't die, I was very happy!"
Fuling twisted her handkerchief, eyes cold, wishing she could wring Qin Shuang's wooden head like the handkerchief. She was happy? Happy probably because she had someone to bully again!
Seeing Qin Wan's smile vanish, though not visibly angry, her aura changed, and Fuling beside her looked at her like an enemy, Qin Shuang panicked, even forcing out a tearful tone. "Why are you looking at me like that? I just said it, that's how it was then. I didn't mean to curse her..."
Fuling humphed and looked away. Qin Wan shook her head. "This habit of yours will cause trouble sooner or later."
Having just said something she shouldn't, Qin Shuang knew she couldn't talk back now, only muttered softly, "It's just... I treat you as family, so I wasn't careful. I apologize, I won't say it again."
Qin Shuang's outburst left Fuling angry the whole afternoon. They say a person's nature is hard to change; indeed true. Now, because of estrangement from Qin Xiang, she clings to Qin Wan. If later she has a falling out with Qin Wan, she probably wouldn't care much about sisterly affection either. Fuling thought sorrowfully, if only the Young Princess were going to the capital too!
Until dusk, Fuling harbored ill feelings towards Qin Shuang. Qin Shuang also seemed listless, occasionally speaking a few words to Qin Wan, who answered perfunctorily. Just as Qin Shuang felt somewhat dejected, Sun Muqing rushed in. "Ninth Young Miss... the county yamen people are here!"
At this, everyone in the room perked up, instantly forgetting the afternoon's troubles.
"Where? How many came?"
At Qin Wan's question, Sun Muqing immediately said, "Five people. One county yamen constable, four runners."
Qin Wan nodded. "Good. What are they doing now?"
Hearing this, Sun Muqing smiled wryly. "Uncle Dong is hosting them for a meal. After arriving, they only glanced at Little Songzi out back. Haven't questioned anything else yet."
Qin Wan's lips twitched, wanting to say something but held back. "It's still early. Probably will question after eating."
Qin Shuang hurriedly asked, "Will we be called for questioning too?"
"Theoretically, everyone in the manor under suspicion will be called."
Qin Wan said calmly. Sun Muqing also said, "Yes, all will be questioned. They don't know the manor's situation yet. Uncle Dong is still explaining..."
Qin Wan felt somewhat relieved. Regardless, the people were here. With yamen officials present, the case could truly begin investigation.
Though the snow stopped, the weather remained bitterly cold. Not only Qin Wan and Qin Shuang, but even Sun Muqing waited for Uncle Dong to summon them. However, Sun Muqing waited at Qin Wan's place for nearly an hour without hearing from Uncle Dong. Unable to wait any longer, Sun Muqing went to the east courtyard to check. Qin Wan and the others continued waiting. This time, after only half a cup of tea, Sun Muqing returned. Entering the courtyard, he said angrily, "Ninth Young Miss, no need to wait. They ate and drank their fill and are already asleep."
"What?! A murder case right before them, and they sleep?! Do they know whose manor this is?"
Qin Shuang asked incredulously. Sun Muqing also sighed. "They know. The people Uncle Dong sent told the yamen immediately. Though the constable came quickly, he accepted a hefty bribe. Now they're asleep, saying they'll start questioning tomorrow morning."
Qin Wan's brow immediately furrowed. County yamens were the lowest level of the state apparatus. In remote areas lacking oversight, a county magistrate could act like a local emperor. Constables and runners handling cases, though not shocked by murders, should at least prioritize the case. Those who come, eat and drink, then sleep were clearly incompetent.
"Aren't they afraid of Medicine King Valley's repercussions?"
Qin Shuang exclaimed in surprise. Sun Muqing smiled wryly. "What are they afraid of? Naturally, they fear nothing. Medicine King Valley isn't involved with the court. As long as no superior official is present, they naturally aren't afraid."
Though Sun Muqing didn't often travel outside, he knew this principle. Qin Wan narrowed her eyes. "Tomorrow, Third Brother will have to exert pressure. Otherwise, they certainly won't be efficient."
Hearing this, Sun Muqing also felt it was the only way. Qin Wan consoled Sun Muqing briefly and sent him back to rest. Meanwhile, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang lay down together. That night, due to those arrogant, lazy constables, Qin Wan slept restlessly.
Everyone waited for someone to take charge and clarify Little Songzi's case. However, they waited until noon the next day before being summoned to the east meeting hall. Qin Yan ahead, Qin Wan following, Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang last. As the group entered, Qin Wan heard a sneering voice speaking...
"The case happened in your manor, so the killer is naturally in your manor. You're the steward; I'll tentatively consider you innocent. The others, call them one by one for questioning. Anyone who usually had arguments or conflicts with the deceased, bring them all for thorough questioning. If questioning yields nothing, use torture. No torture instruments here, but beating with boards is possible, right?"
This made Uncle Dong smile bitterly. "Constable Song, if torture yields nothing either?"
The sneering voice snorted lightly. "There's nothing I, Song Li, can't extract. You said there are other people in this manor? Call them all, question them together..."
As the words fell, Qin Yan entered the hall. He had heard these words, his expression turning cold. "What does Constable Song wish to ask?"
The room was full of people. At the head seat sat a middle-aged man in yamen uniform. This man had a fat face and large ears, sitting slanted, matching his sneering tone. He also had narrow, long eyes. Seeing someone enter, he glanced over.
Perhaps sensing Qin Yan's imposing demeanor, he hurriedly straightened, adopting a righteous posture. "Who comes?"
Qin Yan looked at Song Li. "Qin Yan."
Hearing only the name, Song Li didn't show much regard, casually saying, "Oh, Qin Yan. Where do you live? What are you doing here?"
"Reside in the capital. Came here at a friend's invitation to stay."
Seeing Qin Yan answered directly without deference, Song Li frowned. "Staying? That's an interesting excuse. You men, take this one away for thorough questioning first..."
As he spoke, two runners behind Song Li stepped forward. However, Qin Yan frowned, his voice turning cold. "Is this how Constable Song investigates cases?"
Hearing Qin Yan's attitude, Song Li showed anger. "How I investigate is none of your business. The yamen is handling the case now. Do you wish to not cooperate? Or are you guilty? What's your relationship with that Little Songzi? Are you the killer?"
Qin Yan sneered. "Jiang Yuanzhou's subordinate is like this? Truly eye-opening!"
Hearing "Jiang Yuanzhou," Song Li's expression immediately changed. Jiang Yuanzhou was the magistrate of Ji County, Yuanzhou Prefecture. Song Li only dared act arrogantly when Jiang Yuanzhou wasn't present. When Jiang Yuanzhou came, he had to rise and flatter. And this person before him, not only looked distinguished but dared call Magistrate Jiang by name. Who exactly was he?
Song Li was stunned. "You... you dare address the Magistrate directly... How presumptuous!"
A cold glint flashed in Qin Yan's eyes. "Presumptuous? Jiang Yuanzhou would kneel and bow to me. What are you, barking orders here?"
Qin Yan's voice was like a sharp sword, making Song Li stand up. Beside him, Uncle Dong's expression was complex. Sun Muqing stared wide-eyed at Qin Yan. Though he knew Qin Yan's surname was Qin, he didn't know Qin Yan was the heir of the Loyal and Valiant Marquis's household!
Song Li was scared into standing, looking at Qin Yan, who didn't seem to be bluffing, his heart drumming. "May I ask... may I ask Young Master is..."
Zhou Huai stepped forward, his tone gentle but firm. "Before you is the heir of the Loyal and Valiant Marquis's household."
Song Li's narrow eyes widened instantly. Staring at Qin Yan for a long moment, he finally lowered his head. "Young Master... so it's the heir of the Loyal and Valiant Marquis. This humble one has eyes but didn't recognize Mount Tai. Please forgive me, Young Master."
As he spoke, his eyes swept, gesturing to the four behind him. "What are you standing there for? Hurry and pay respects to the Young Master!"
With that, he and the four behind him knelt to Qin Yan.
"Greetings, Young Master... Didn't know the Young Master was here. If we had known, Magistrate Jiang would have personally come to welcome..."
Qin Yan coldly swept a glance at Song Li. "Year-end approaches, time for evaluations at all levels. I wonder how Jiang Yuanzhou will feel knowing his subordinate acts so recklessly and neglects duty? Has Ji County become Jiang Yuanzhou's little court where he indulges his subordinates?!"
Song Li broke into a cold sweat at these words. At year-end, local officials faced evaluations. Jiang Yuanzhou was just a small county magistrate. Though he could bully others in Ji County, above him were prefectural and higher officials. And he dreamed of promotion. If his own actions affected Jiang Yuanzhou's performance, or if this Young Master's word ended his promotion path, then Jiang Yuanzhou might kill him!
"Young Master exaggerates, exaggerates. It's all this subordinate's momentary foolishness. My men and I traveled a day from the county, truly to investigate the manor's murder case. Otherwise, we wouldn't brave the heavy snow. I beg the Young Master's understanding." As he spoke, Song Li began kowtowing. "I beg the Young Master's understanding…"
Qin Yan didn't truly intend to punish him. Seeing this, his tone softened slightly. "Since you're here to investigate, act properly. Let people see how Ji County is governed. The master here is the Young Master of Medicine King Valley's Sun family. Even my father wouldn't dare slight them. Yet you have the gall to put on airs before them?!"
"No, no, this humble one wouldn't dare put on airs. This humble one was foolish. Please forgive this steward..."
Song Li spoke, bowing to Uncle Dong. Uncle Dong waved a hand. Qin Yan continued, "I give you two days. If you don't get to the bottom of this, Jiang Yuanzhou can stay in Ji County for life!"
Hearing this, Song Li broke into a cold sweat down his back. He hurriedly nodded. "Yes, yes, yes. This humble one will spare no effort!"
Qin Yan narrowed his eyes, his gaze still cold and stern. "Get up. Let me see how you became a constable."
Song Li trembled as he stood. Since he could be a constable, he wasn't completely useless. But he truly was a good-for-nothing. How to investigate this case, where to start, he had no clue!
Song Li retreated to the side, not daring to sit in the main seat again. He looked at Qin Yan. "Young Master, this humble one went to see the deceased's body. The death was extremely cruel, as if someone sought revenge. So I suspect someone in the manor who previously had conflicts with the deceased killed him..."
Uncle Dong beside him said, "Little Songzi never had arguments with anyone in the half year he's been here, let alone conflicts."
Song Li's forehead sweat increased. "Then... then is it..."
Song Li's small eyes darted around, but he couldn't think of other possibilities. Murder cases in Ji County were few; his experience was limited, his thinking simple. Plus, he was inherently stupid, now completely at a loss. Seeing this, Qin Wan's expression turned cold. She stepped forward. "Has Constable Song examined the body?"
Examined the body? Song Li's eyes lit up. "Ah, this humble one will go examine carefully..."
After speaking, Song Li looked puzzledly at Qin Wan and the other young ladies, then looked pleadingly at Uncle Dong. "These ladies are..."
Uncle Dong glanced at Qin Wan's group. "These are Young Master Qin's sisters."
Hearing this, Song Li dared not slight them. Immediately said, "Examining the body, will examine now. This subordinate looked too hastily earlier. Will go examine now!"
He waved a hand, calling the other runners to follow. Clearly, he was the leader among them. After this turn of events, these runners especially obeyed him.
Seeing Song Li and his men leave, Uncle Dong stepped forward with a bitter smile. "Thank you, Young Master Qin..."
Qin Yan hurriedly waved a hand. "Staying here is already an imposition. Uncle Dong, no need for thanks."
Sun Muqing also stepped forward. "Truly never imagined Young Master Qin is the heir. I didn't know. Truly discourteous."
Qin Yan smiled. "Young Master Sun and I are friends. Between friends, what's this? Didn't deliberately hide it from you."
Sun Muqing laughed heartily. "I understand, I understand. Young Master Qin and your sisters aren't those who seek fame and reputation! Don't care about status or name." He paused slightly, looking at Qin Yan. "Constable Song said he'll examine the body. Why don't we go see..."
This suggestion was unanimously agreed upon. Only Qin Xiang didn't follow the group. Instead, she approached Uncle Dong and asked, "Uncle Dong, when will Young Master Bai return?"
Uncle Dong looked at Qin Xiang with a gentle smile, as if very fond of her gentle nature. "Fifth Young Miss cares about Young Master Bai. He's been out several days. Probably will return tonight, if not tomorrow."
Hearing this, Qin Xiang's eyes dimmed slightly. She nodded, thanked him, and left the meeting hall. She didn't go towards Qin Yan's group but directly returned to her guest courtyard in the west.
Meanwhile, everyone cared about Little Songzi's case; naturally, no one paid attention to Qin Xiang.
"The deceased's limbs were hacked, chest and abdominal wounds likely fatal. The deceased's clothes are relatively neat, showing little struggle. The killer is likely someone the deceased knew, stabbed without warning..."
Song Li examined the body while speaking, then turned to Qin Yan's group. "Young Master, this humble one still thinks this case is likely an acquaintance. Sometimes, though no overt disputes occurred, minor unintentional incidents might cause resentment, leading to murderous revenge!"
Qin Yan frowned deeply. He indeed had no investigation experience. For bystanders, Song Li's reasoning made sense. Seeing Qin Yan silent, Song Li felt even more confident. But before he could speak further, a cold, compelling voice rang out.
"How do you know he didn't struggle?! Just from his clothes? His chest clothes are cut by the knife. Must they be torn open to count as struggle?"
Qin Wan, somewhat angry, spoke even more sharply and compellingly, quite different from her usual self.
Her words left Song Li speechless. Others were also stunned by her presence. Qin Shuang, originally afraid to look at the dead, hearing Qin Wan's tone, instinctively walked to the rear gutter. Seeing Little Songzi, her face immediately turned pale. Fortunately, Wanqing supported her, preventing her legs from giving way.
"This... otherwise how to tell? His face shows no injuries..."
Song Li was stumped by Qin Wan's question. Qin Wan narrowed her eyes. "At minimum, remove his clothes, see if there are injuries on his body, check his nails..."
Hearing this, Song Li instinctively moved but, turning, felt unwilling to be ordered by a woman. He pointed at two runners. "You two, remove his clothes!"
Hearing to remove clothes, Wanqing immediately pulled Qin Shuang towards the corner. Song Li, seeing this, thought once the clothes were off, Qin Wan would surely leave, then no one would order him around.
Two runners stepped forward, quickly removed Little Songzi's upper garment.
This movement caused Little Songzi's softened body to fall to one side. The two runners simply laid him flat on the ground.
After removing the clothes, Song Li turned. Seeing Qin Wan still standing there unmoved, Song Li felt somewhat defeated. Qin Wan was just a woman, not only interfering in the investigation but also not avoiding the sight?!
"Wipe the blood clean."
Qin Wan didn't want to drag things out with Song Li's dawdling. She gave the order directly. The runners beside, knowing she was the Loyal and Valiant Marquis's daughter, seeing Qin Yan there, and seeing Song Li's flustered look, naturally obeyed Qin Wan's instructions. Using Little Songzi's clothes, grabbing handfuls of snow, they quickly wiped Little Songzi's upper body clean.
Once cleaned, several wounds on Little Songzi's shoulders and arms were revealed. One runner vaguely remembered Qin Wan's words, picked up Little Songzi's hand to look, and his eyes lit up!
"His nails have some cotton cloth..."
As he spoke, the runner pried out the cotton cloth fibers from Little Songzi's nails. Qin Wan stepped forward; others couldn't help but step closer. They saw the runner's palm held a speck of cotton cloth fiber, as if torn from someone's clothing.
"His palm also has a wound..."
"And his wrist, a bruise... looks like from being grabbed."
"And shoulder, the back of the shoulder, seems like abrasions."
This was a very simple and cursory examination. In the past, Qin Wan couldn't have tolerated it. But now, she only sought the most crucial clues. "Check the chest and abdomen. Also wipe the blood from his head and face clean. Some spots are lividity, some are abrasions. Bruises are abrasions; deep purple is lividity."
Qin Wan briefly instructed. The runner busied himself again. Song Li stood to the side, watching his own men obey Qin Wan so readily, his face darkening. The other two runners, seeing this, also joined to help. For a moment, only Song Li stood dumbfounded like a wooden post.
"And! He has injuries on his left cheek. Also chest and abdomen, besides knife wounds, there are bruises, like from being beaten."
The speaking runner, though not a coroner, had seen many commoner fights. The injuries left after fights resembled what he saw now. He instinctively offered his deduction.
Qin Wan watched from the side, not refuting. "Check his legs, then his shoes."
Seeing Qin Wan didn't object, the runners knew they were doing right. Earlier, after Song Li was scolded by Qin Yan, they all felt apprehensive. They had been clueless, but now following Qin Wan's directions, they somewhat resembled proper runners. Thus, at Qin Wan's command, their movements quickened!
One checked the legs, one checked the shoes. The onlookers held their breath, tacitly allowing Qin Wan to control the scene.
"Legs also injured. Knees, front of shins. Bruises, like from kicking."
"His shoes... shoes show nothing special. Soles are dry."
Hearing this, Qin Wan frowned slightly. "Are his pants dry?"
At this question, a runner nearby shook his head. "Wet, full of blood and water. In this weather, once clothes get wet, they won't dry; they'll freeze..."
The runner spoke bluntly, but it was exactly what Qin Wan wanted to hear.
After asking these, Qin Wan frowned slightly. She asked nothing more, only stepped forward and took the black cloth the runner had taken from Little Songzi's nails. The black cloth also had bloodstains, but a simple wash would reveal the material, quickly narrowing the suspect pool.
"Young Miss, what have you deduced?"
Seeing Qin Wan in deep thought, Sun Muqing couldn't help but step forward and ask. Qin Wan looked up, her eyes profound. "Where is Little Songzi's room? Take me to see."
Before Sun Muqing could speak, Song Li interjected, "Why go to his room?"
Qin Wan didn't even glance at Song Li, looking at Uncle Dong. "Trouble Uncle Dong to lead the way."
Uncle Dong nodded and immediately turned to lead. As they moved, everyone followed. Uncle Dong took the main path, winding around before reaching the servants' quarters east of the crime scene.
Little Songzi lived in the servants' quarters. Though called quarters, it wasn't a single courtyard but several rows of simple houses without enclosing walls. Qin Wan stood at Little Songzi's door, turned left along a covered walkway to the west. Without speaking, she followed the walkway. Soon, she reached a storage room. Here, two paths diverged. Qin Wan stopped. Uncle Dong looked around, couldn't help saying, "This is the storage room. Not far behind is the latrine."
Qin Wan nodded without comment, chose a winding corridor and continued...
Her manner seemed rather profound. A large group following her felt somewhat eerie. The onlookers exchanged glances but dared not disturb Qin Wan. Only Sun Muqing couldn't help asking, "Miss Qin, what are you doing now? What are you looking for?"
Hearing this, Qin Wan narrowed her eyes slightly. "I'm looking for where Little Songzi encountered the killer."