novelraw Chapter 138 : A Serial Tragedy, The Suspicious Scent
Chapter 138 : A Serial Tragedy, The Suspicious Scent
138: A Serial Tragedy, The Suspicious Scent
"I don't know why, but I always feel Ninth Young Miss reminds me a bit of my Junior Sister…"
Sun Muqing suddenly uttered these words, his tone deep and meaningful. At this, Qin Wan's heart couldn't help but tighten. Yet, her expression remained as calm and composed as ever. Qin Shuang, standing to the side, spoke up quickly. "Both Young Master Sun's Junior Sister and Ninth Sister are women skilled in medicine with an interest in investigation. That in itself is quite rare. And both their names contain the character 'Wan', what an incredible coincidence! I can see the connection too. It's rather miraculous."
Qin Shuang's words tugged a bitter smile onto Sun Muqing's lips. His gaze when he looked at Qin Wan grew even softer, as if he truly wished to see her as Shen Wan from the past. A wave of bitterness welled up within Qin Wan. She sighed. "There is indeed some coincidence. However, I am ultimately different from your Junior Sister, Young Master Sun. If it weren't for studying medicine, I wouldn't have developed an interest in the dead."
Upon hearing this, a shadow passed through Sun Muqing's eyes. He was momentarily stunned before nodding. "Right. Similar, yet still different… Others who study medicine avoid touching the dead. But Ninth Young Miss is different. When a physician diagnoses an illness and prescribes medicine for the living, not the slightest mistake is permissible, and there is no way to test the medicine. Ninth Young Miss studying from the dead is just like when you led us along that path earlier working in reverse, seeking true knowledge through contrary means. Ninth Young Miss has truly taught me a lesson. Muqing has learned much."
Seeing Sun Muqing return to his earnest, proper demeanor, Qin Wan understood he wouldn't project his feelings for Shen Wan onto her. Her heart relaxed slightly. "You flatter me, Young Master Sun. Qin Wan has long admired the reputation of Medicine King Valley. If there is a chance in the future, I hope you can instruct me more in the art of medicine."
Qin Wan's medical knowledge was originally inherited from Medicine King Valley. It wouldn't be apparent over a short time, but given longer, some trace might eventually show. Rather than conceal it, Qin Wan thought it better to proactively seek guidance. That way, if someone later noticed the hallmarks of Medicine King Valley in her skills, she would have a plausible explanation.
Hearing this, Sun Muqing's eyes indeed brightened. "Instruction is too strong a word. The knowledge of Medicine King Valley is never hoarded. If Ninth Young Miss has any questions, please feel free to ask. When I went to Jinzhou earlier, it was precisely to seek those with extraordinary talent on the medical path. Later, hearing of a 'Little Medical Immortal,' I was overjoyed. Then, through twists of fate, we missed each other and met again. That is our connection."
A touch of emotion appeared on Qin Wan's face, like every physician in the world who revered Medicine King Valley.
"Good. That would be excellent…"
After exchanging a few more words, Qin Wan and Sun Muqing walked towards the western section. The corner of Sun Muqing's mouth lifted slightly. "This case isn't concluded yet. Once it is, I'd like to write something to give to Ninth Young Miss."
What Sun Muqing would write was surely some excellent prescriptions or medical principles recorded in the ancient texts of Medicine King Valley. Qin Wan looked at his clear, discerning eyes and couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Sun Muqing's nature hadn't changed in the slightest. Someone like him truly wasn't suited for much time wandering the jianghu.
Qin Wan thanked him first, then headed towards her own courtyard with Qin Shuang. As soon as they entered the courtyard, Qin Shuang looked at Qin Wan with amazement. "Ninth Sister, how did you gain such abilities? Is it just because you studied medicine?"
Qin Wan nodded. "What? Does Sixth Sister want to try too?"
Qin Shuang's face paled. "No, no, no, no! I don't want to try! I just feel… you're far more capable than I ever imagined…"
…
…
Meanwhile, Qin Yan and Zhou Huai were walking back towards their own courtyard. With no one else around, Qin Yan suddenly spoke in a low, measured tone. "What do you think?"
Zhou Huai had also been observing from the side moments ago. Although his bearing differed from that of an ordinary steward, at times, if he wished, he could become like a shadow, drawing no one's attention. "It makes sense now. Back in Jinzhou, both the Rui Prince's Heir Apparent and Prefect Huo held Ninth Young Miss in high regard, and Grand Princess Jiayi dotes on her unbearably. Aside from Ninth Young Miss's medical skills, her helping Prefect Huo investigate cases must also be a reason."
He paused briefly before continuing. "Among the three young misses, Fifth Young Miss's character and appearance are average, she is a backup piece. Sixth Young Miss… her speech and conduct are somewhat too casual. I imagine the Marquis and Madam would not be overly satisfied with her. As for Ninth Young Miss, looking at the journey so far, she has continuously surprised me. Her medical skills and autopsy knowledge are secondary. The most important aspects are her temperament and character. Among the noble young ladies of the capital, I doubt any can compare."
Qin Yan's footsteps faltered slightly. "And Yu'er?"
"Eighth Young Miss…" Zhou Huai hesitated slightly, then still said, "Eighth Young Miss also seems somewhat lacking."
Qin Yan's brow furrowed slightly. Zhou Huai's expression remained unchanged. Qin Yan glanced back at Zhou Huai for a moment. "In all my years, I've never heard you praise someone like this. Are you suggesting Father should prioritize Qin Wan over Yu'er?"
Zhou Huai pondered for a moment, then shook his head. "No, that's not exactly what I mean. Ninth Young Miss is excellent, it's true. It's just that with her temperament, she likely wouldn't prioritize the interests of the Marquis Household. By comparison, if Eighth Young Miss were to enter the palace in the future, she would naturally care more about the safety of the Marquis Household. Ninth Young Miss… used well, she could be a more effective piece than Eighth Young Miss. Used poorly, I fear she might turn against us."
Qin Yan narrowed his eyes. "On that point, I think the same as you."
As they spoke, the two had already entered the room. Qin Yan continued. "I don't know why. Usually, she's always gentle and quiet. But ever since someone died in the manor, I've started to sense this little girl's sharpness. Do you understand what I mean? The word 'formidable', I've rarely had cause to use it even in the capital. But seeing her, I have that feeling."
Zhou Huai nodded. "I understand. That's exactly how I felt watching Ninth Young Miss reason through the case today."
"She is a double-edged sword." Qin Yan stood by the window, his gaze falling on the courtyard layered with white snow. "Used well, she is our best weapon. Used poorly, she will injure ourselves."
Zhou Huai nodded silently. Qin Yan lifted his chin slightly. "Even so, at least this sword bears the Qin surname. As long as we share the same name, we prosper or suffer together. From now on, her position must be far above Qin Xiang's."
Zhou Huai murmured an affirmation, then suddenly added, "By the way, Fifth Young Miss seems quite taken with Young Master Bai…"
Upon hearing this, Qin Yan's expression turned complex. He was only in his twenties this year. Although tempered in the power struggles of the capital, granting him remarkable acumen, he was still quite young. Hearing Zhou Huai's words, he couldn't help but give a soft snort. "The Bai Family's young master is indeed a good choice. However, I feel this matter cannot possibly be accomplished so simply. Moreover, Qin Xiang's family background likely isn't sufficient to become the Bai Family's young madam. Or… is Young Master Bai truly fond of Qin Xiang?"
Zhou Huai lowered his gaze, a slight curve touching his lips. "Does the Heir have someone he likes?"
At this question, Qin Yan was immediately taken aback. Then the curve of his lips stiffened slightly. "Of course I don't."
Zhou Huai chuckled softly. "Matters of love are truly difficult to judge. Whether Young Master Bai's intentions are genuine or false, as long as Fifth Young Miss remains steady, it's fine. The Bai family will certainly side with the Crown Prince's faction. If this can succeed, it would naturally be excellent."
Qin Yan raised an eyebrow, turning to look at Zhou Huai. "Even you can't discern Bai Feiyu's intentions?"
Zhou Huai chuckled again, still shaking his head. "I cannot. The complexities and vicissitudes of matters of love are something the Heir does not yet understand. You will know when you have someone you like in the future. Young Master Bai's attentions towards Fifth Young Miss could be interpreted as love at first sight. Or they could be mere polite courtesy. Or perhaps simply casual flirtation. In short, for now, I cannot discern their truth or falsehood."
Qin Yan's brow lifted. "Even if I had someone I liked immensely, with my disposition, would I not know what is important? If it brought no benefit to the family, I simply wouldn't like them. If it was beneficial, I would just marry them and bring them home."
Zhou Huai sighed, his tone softening a degree. "Matters of love are not something you can choose to like or not like. If they were, why would there be so many stories of sorrow and deep affection in this world?"
Qin Yan thought for a moment; it seemed there was truth to that. Although he rarely read miscellaneous books, in his youth he had heard many storyteller's tales. Thinking this, his voice carried a hint of aloof pride. "Steward Zhou knows where my mind lies."
Zhou Huai offered a bitter smile. "The Heir has no heart for romance, yet… yet this humble one still hopes the Heir can meet someone he loves."
Qin Yan gave a soft snort, seeming utterly uninterested in the topic. He changed the subject. "How many days until the letter from the capital arrives? We've been delayed. I wonder how things are on Father's side…"
Zhou Huai quickly replied, "The Heir need not worry. The Marquis already has a well-formed plan in mind."
…
…
Qin Wan, unaware that her cursory autopsy had impressed Qin Yan and Zhou Huai, stood by her window, gazing at the snow in the courtyard. "The snow outside seems to have melted a layer?"
Qin Shuang ran to Qin Wan's side and peered out for a while. "No? It looks the same as before."
Fuling came over from the side. "Look, Sixth Young Miss, the icicles under the eaves are gone!"
Qin Shuang tilted her head, looking for a moment before her eyes brightened slightly. "Ah, they really are gone…"
The weather had been extremely cold. That morning, a row of hanging icicles had formed under the eaves. By now, they had completely disappeared. Moreover, water dripped steadily from the eaves; evidently, the snow was beginning to thaw.
Qin Wan breathed a soft sigh of relief. "The snow is melting. The case should likely progress quickly now."
Qin Shuang's smile broadened. "Then we'll be able to set off soon!" Then her expression turned slightly disdainful. "People died in this manor. Who knows if we'll be tainted by bad luck…"
Fuling hurriedly glanced outside. "Shh… Sixth Young Miss, we are guests here. You mustn't say such things."
Qin Shuang ducked her head. "I know. I'm not saying it outside."
Qin Wan didn't feel it was unlucky. She only wanted to know if Song Li and Old Dong could trace where that scrap of black cotton cloth came from. She anxiously waited most of the day. It wasn't until evening that she received news from Sun Muqing.
"Ninth Young Miss… they found it…"
The moment the door opened, Sun Muqing spoke with clear excitement, his eyes shining, his demeanor carrying a boyish eagerness. "They found it. Old Dong and Song Li found a black cotton-padded jacket on a male servant. The material is exactly the same as the scrap taken from the murderer. Constable Song examined it; that jacket also has a place where it was snagged and torn."
Fuling ushered Sun Muqing inside. He stood in the doorway, delivering all the news Qin Wan wanted to hear in one breath.
Fuling and Qin Shuang's eyes both lit up slightly. Qin Shuang said, "Found so quickly?! That's wonderful! Does that mean the case is solved?!"
The eagerness on Sun Muqing's face faded slightly. He shook his head. "No. Because that person denies it."
Qin Shuang's eyes widened. "Why won't he admit it? The clothes were found. Does he still want to quibble?"
Sun Muqing offered a wry smile. "The clothes were found. The owner is a coachman named Zhang Chu, usually responsible for some of the manor's purchasing and miscellaneous chores. Although the clothes were found, he denies being the murderer. He says the jacket is old, given to him by his mother. He said when he came to the manor it was summer. By winter, the young master had winter clothes made for everyone, so he didn't wear the old ones. He also claims the snag on the clothes was from before."
"Was there blood on the clothes?" Qin Wan suddenly asked.
Sun Muqing shook his head. "It seems not. The person who told me didn't mention that. He only said Constable Song is about to have Zhang Chu tortured, probably with the rod, and says he'll interrogate him overnight to get a confession."
A frown touched Qin Wan's brow. "We must see if there's blood on the clothes. If not, we need to check if he washed them in the past few days. The servants all live together in the same quarters. And with the weather so cold these days, clothes wouldn't dry easily. A padded jacket wouldn't dry quickly even if roasted by a fire. If he washed his clothes, others would certainly know."
"But… but why would there definitely be bloodstains?"
Qin Shuang looked at Qin Wan with bewildered eyes. Qin Wan sighed helplessly. "Have you forgotten? Little Songzi's fingernails were full of blood and grime. That scrap of cotton cloth was covered in bloodstains. How could there be none on his clothes? Moreover, the walls at the crime scene were all splattered with spatter patterns. I dare say the murderer's robe must have been stained."
Sun Muqing frowned for a moment. "Then… shall we go see?"
Sun Muqing clearly wanted Qin Wan to come along. Qin Wan naturally wouldn't refuse. The longer time passed, the harder the case would be to solve.
Seeing Qin Wan was going, Qin Shuang immediately chimed in. "I'm coming too! Take me, take me!"
Qin Wan felt a bit helpless, but Qin Shuang had already thrown on her cloak a step ahead of her. Qin Wan sighed inwardly, having no choice but to let Fuling help her with her own cloak. Then the group set off in a small procession towards the east hall used for meetings.
"It's not me! Old Dong!"
"Ah… Old Dong… I'm innocent, it wasn't me…"
In the chilly, drafty meeting hall, Zhang Chu's agonized cries were unceasing. Song Li sat in the presiding seat, his expression cold as he watched Zhang Chu. "I've seen plenty of criminals. Not a single one confesses right away. Who doesn't confess only after a few dozen strokes of the rod when they can't bear it anymore? Zhang Chu, I advise you not to hold out. You'll confess sooner or later. Why suffer more?"
Zhang Chu was sprawled over a long bench. Two constables held him down, while another man wielded a carrying pole as a substitute for the official rod the yamen would have. The pole fell again and again on Zhang Chu's back. Before long, a faint scent of blood filled the room.
Just as Sun Muqing reached the front of the meeting hall, he heard Zhang Chu's heart-wrenching cry. Startled, Sun Muqing hurriedly asked Old Dong, who stood to the side, "Uncle Dong, what is this?!"
Old Dong sighed, looking at Song Li. "Constable Song said to use torture."
Since the Hundred Herb Garden had reported the crime to the authorities and Song Li was the one who came, this case was indeed under his jurisdiction. Sun Muqing glanced at the nearly unconscious Zhang Chu and said urgently, "What about Zhang Chu's padded jacket? Was there blood on it? Did he wash his clothes these past few days?"
Old Dong frowned slightly, then shook his head. "We checked earlier. No blood was found on it. But as for whether he washed his clothes, we don't know. Constable Song, what do you think…"
Song Li gave a disdainful snort. His eyes caught sight of Qin Wan arriving outside the door, and he raised his voice. "This question, why not ask him directly?"
"No… I didn't wash it…"
Zhang Chu's voice was full of pain, his words almost incoherent. Sun Muqing immediately said, "He says he didn't wash it. You may not believe him. Then you can ask other servants if he's lying. You using torture without investigating first, are you trying to extract a confession by force?"
Song Li's eyelids twitched. "What… what if the other servants lie too?"
Sun Muqing's brow furrowed coldly. "One person can lie. But could everyone in the manor lie together?"
Song Li looked at Sun Muqing, his eyes shifting. "What Young Master Sun says makes sense… Then… stop the torture for now. Bring the people who live with him and question them."
Only then did Sun Muqing's frown relax slightly. Song Li gave the order, then looked at Old Dong. Old Dong naturally instructed the servants waiting outside to summon people. Song Li stood up, looking at Sun Muqing. "We'll do everything as Young Master Sun says. Young Master Sun can rest assured. I, Song Li, am not someone who extracts confessions by force."
Sun Muqing also sensed Song Li's hostility. He gave a slight, stiff smile and said no more.
Qin Wan stood outside, watching coldly, not speaking for the moment. Qin Yan's imposing presence did not match her own. A young miss like her typically held no sway over official matters. Moreover, Song Li likely already knew their group were merely temporary guests who would leave soon. Once they were gone, this case would truly be his to decide!
Soon, several male servants who shared quarters with Zhang Chu were brought into the meeting hall.
Song Li sat in the main seat and snorted coldly. "You lot, have any of you seen Zhang Chu washing clothes these past few days?"
The men exchanged glances, then all shook their heads.
Song Li's eyes turned sharp. "Haven't seen? Think carefully! If you conceal and don't report, you'll be treated as accomplices!"
"Constable, sir, we truly haven't seen. We humble folk are coarse people; we don't wash clothes every day. And with the weather so cold these past days, we're even less likely to wash clothes lightly. We truly wouldn't dare deceive you, sir."
A faint scent of blood lingered in the room. Zhang Chu lay groaning softly on the long bench. The male servants were already fearful and wouldn't dare utter a single false word. Old Dong said from the side, "Constable Song, it seems it really wasn't Zhang Chu."
Song Li's brows knitted tightly together. "Even if he didn't wash his clothes, perhaps he used another method? Lock him in a separate room tonight. We'll search the manor again tomorrow and decide then."
Old Dong looked as if he wanted to say more but hesitated. Song Li yawned. "I'm tired today. That's it for now. My brothers and I are going to get some rest."
With that, Song Li prepared to leave with his constables. Sun Muqing watched from inside, his brow deeply furrowed, yet for the moment, he could do nothing about Song Li. After Song Li and his men left, Old Dong finally sighed. "Zhang Chu, will you sleep in Little Songzi's room tonight?"
Zhang Chu hesitated briefly, then finally nodded. Old Dong then directed the other male servants. "You, carry him out. Da Cheng, come with me to get some salve for his wounds…"
The Hundred Herb Garden was never short of medicine. The servant named agreed. Old Dong looked at Sun Muqing. "Young Master Cousin, you should also rest for now. We'll investigate more tomorrow."
Sun Muqing also had no other recourse. He could only nod somewhat dejectedly. "Alright. We'll wait until tomorrow."
Sun Muqing walked out the door, looking at Qin Wan somewhat helplessly. "Running into yamen runners like this, there's really no good way. If this were in Yizhou or Lianzhou, it'd be better…"
A shadow passed through Qin Wan's eyes. Not to mention Yizhou or Lianzhou, even in Yuanzhou City it would be easier than here. Ji County was remote, its customs not yet fully civilized. Precisely because of this, even if Yan Chi were here, Song Li might not understand exactly how high Yan Chi's status was.
Ignorance bred fearlessness. It was both laughable and infuriating.
Since Song Li had already left, Qin Wan had no immediate plan. Naturally, she could only walk back towards her own courtyard with Sun Muqing. Qin Shuang snorted. "That Constable Song, just looking at him annoys me. When we get back to the capital, I'll have Third Brother properly deal with him!"
Returning to the capital was at least half a month away. What worried Qin Wan now was that even if the snow completely melted, if this case remained unsolved, Song Li likely wouldn't let them leave. That would delay them even longer.
Night had deepened by now, the sky an inky black. The sprawling old manor of the Hundred Herb Garden was submerged in an endless sea of darkness. Fuling held a lantern, its light barely enough to illuminate the path back for the group.
"Right now, I'm not thinking about all that. I'm just worried that the murderer is still hiding in the manor."
What Sun Muqing was thinking was also what worried Qin Wan. Qin Wan was about to speak when, out of the blue, a figure emerged from around a corner ahead, bumping directly into Fuling, who was holding the lantern. Fuling let out a soft cry. The person immediately backed away in fright, lowering his head. "This lowly one deserves death, deserves death…"
Fuling's lantern swayed, its light dimming momentarily. She glared at the person, it was a male servant holding a broom. Fuling initially wanted to scold him, but seeing he was still working this late, she suppressed her anger. "Watch where you're walking!"
After that mild rebuke, Fuling stood still, waiting for Qin Wan and the others to catch up. The male servant kept his head down, holding the broom, with Fuling standing in front. For a moment, Qin Wan couldn't clearly see his face. Because the light was dim, Qin Wan quickened her pace. But just as she passed Fuling, Qin Wan's sharp senses caught a distinct, slightly sweet-pungent medicinal scent.
Qin Wan's mind relaxed instinctively. In the Hundred Herb Garden, smelling of medicine was perfectly normal.
"Sixth Young Miss, hurry. The lamp is going out."
Fuling urged. The others behind quickened their steps. After the group passed, Fuling followed. After a few more steps, Qin Wan glanced back and saw the servant with the broom slowly walking eastward.
"Miss, what are you looking at?" Fuling asked.
Qin Wan shook her head. "Nothing. Just wondering if that person lives with Zhang Chu. I didn't see him earlier…"
There weren't many male servants in the manor; naturally, they lived together. Seeing the man walk into the distance, Qin Wan temporarily dismissed the thought.
Hearing this, Sun Muqing also looked back. "I didn't notice that. But if he was missed, we can question him again tomorrow."
Qin Wan nodded. "How is Madam Sun today?"
Qin Wan was still very concerned about Bai Feiyan's illness. Sun Muqing, however, shook his head. "Still hasn't woken up."
Qin Wan's heart sank. Bai Feiyan seemed to have been asleep for many days now. Was she truly at the end of her rope?
Qin Wan felt worried. But with Sun Haoyue and Sun Muqing here, it was hardly her place to offer to examine her. Qin Wan only frowned. "Divine Physician Sun has no method? Sleeping so long without waking doesn't seem a good sign."
"Senior Brother is worried sick. You haven't seen him these past days because he hasn't come out. Old Dong has been handling all communication with Constable Song about the manor's case, all because Sister-in-law's illness has taken a turn for the worse."
After Sun Muqing finished speaking, Qin Wan couldn't help but ask, "If Divine Physician Sun has no method for the time being, what about Medicine King…"
Sun Muqing offered a wry smile. "Master is entering seclusion recently. And earlier, Senior Brother wrote to ask Master. Master said at the time to follow Senior Brother's method; it wasn't wrong. It's just that later… who knows what happened."
"Healing depends not only on the physician but also on the patient's own constitution."
Qin Wan's words made Sun Muqing nod hurriedly. "Exactly…"
The two exchanged a few more words about Bai Feiyan's condition before reaching the courtyard front. After bidding each other goodbye, they returned to their respective courtyards. Qin Wan felt somewhat despondent over the lack of progress in the case. Not long after returning to her room, she went to bed.
She slept fitfully through the night. Early the next morning, Qin Wan awoke to a commotion. Before she was fully awake, Fuling's voice reached her ears. "Miss, wake up! Someone else is dead!"
Qin Wan felt as if a sharp metallic sound exploded through a dense fog. Her eyes snapped open, and she sat up.
"What?! Someone else died?"
Fuling's expression was grave. "Yes. Another person died! Old Dong just sent someone to say so."
Qin Wan immediately threw off the brocade quilt and got out of bed. Qin Shuang opened her eyes groggily. "What? Someone died again? Am I dreaming?"
Fuling said helplessly, "Sixth Young Miss, you're not dreaming. It's true, another person died."
In mere moments, Qin Wan was dressed and out to wash up. Fuling couldn't attend to Qin Shuang in detail and hurriedly followed Qin Wan out. Qin Wan readied herself at top speed, threw on her cloak, and went out.
Once outside the courtyard gate, she saw Qin Yan and Sun Muqing approaching from the direction of Qin Yan's courtyard. Sun Muqing couldn't enter Qin Wan's courtyard, but he could enter Qin Yan's. The two came together. Qin Wan hurried forward. "Who died?"
"Da Cheng is dead." Sun Muqing answered swiftly, his expression unprecedentedly grim. "Da Cheng's limbs were also severed."
Qin Wan was stunned, momentarily speechless. Da Cheng was the male servant Old Dong had called last night. Qin Wan vaguely remembered he looked honest and simple. Though she wore a thick cloak, a chill crept up from the soles of her feet. A second person dead, limbs also severed. The murderer was still hiding in the Hundred Herb Garden. He was still killing.
Qin Wan's brow furrowed tightly. "Where? Take me to see."
Sun Muqing quickly said, "In the east. Old Dong's man just told me. I haven't seen yet. He said it's in the small medicine storeroom. Follow me. With a second death now, the situation is very dangerous. That's why I wanted to inform everyone to go see the situation together."
Qin Wan nodded. Sun Muqing led the way. Qin Wan and Qin Yan hadn't gone far with Sun Muqing when Qin Shuang caught up from behind. She ran up, panting, her voice slightly trembling. "How can there be another death?!"
"We don't know the details yet. Let's go see first before discussing."
Qin Wan's voice was cold. Qin Shuang wanted to ask more but was silenced by her tone.
The group hurried east and soon reached the east compound. Outside the small medicine storeroom Sun Muqing mentioned, all the manor's servants had gathered. Aunt Lin stood outside, her eyes slightly red, speaking softly with a woman beside her.
"Young Master Cousin is here."
Someone called out. Aunt Lin quickly turned. "Young Master Cousin…"
Sun Muqing stepped forward. "What's the situation?"
Aunt Lin gestured inside the small storeroom. "Old Dong and Constable Song are inside with some people. Da Cheng… Da Cheng died as horribly as Little Songzi… Young Master Cousin, better not look…"
Sun Muqing shook his head, indicating it was fine, and strode inside the small storeroom.
It was called a small medicine storeroom, but it was essentially a large, single-room building. As soon as one reached the door, the scent of medicine wafted out. Seeing Sun Muqing enter, Qin Wan followed closely. Upon entering, the smell of medicine mixed intensely with the scent of blood filled everyone's nostrils. Qin Shuang wanted to follow, but the moment she stepped one foot inside and smelled it, her stomach churned with nausea. Qin Shuang pouted unhappily but had no choice but to stay outside.
It was a storeroom filled with rows of medicinal cabinets. Da Cheng lay dead against a cabinet by the window at the very back.
Dim, gloomy light filled the entire storeroom. Da Cheng's corpse leaned against the medicine cabinet like Little Songzi's. Similarly, his limbs were hacked into a bloody mess, flesh and tendons barely connected, the bones already severed.
Deep red blood pooled beneath him like a lake, then snaked its way under the surrounding cabinets. Old Dong and Song Li stood in an aisle to one side; a few other constables stood scattered further away.
The moment Sun Muqing entered, he saw Song Li's deeply furrowed brow. Realizing he had encountered a vicious murderer, Song Li's expression also showed a degree of gravity. After all, he also resided in this manor. The next death could be him.
"Uncle Dong, what happened?!" Sun Muqing asked.
When Old Dong turned, his eyes seemed still moist. Seeing Sun Muqing, Qin Wan, and the others enter, he cleared his throat before speaking somberly. "Da Lin found him. Last night, the first time the medicine was fetched, Da Cheng went. He said Zhang Chu was in too much pain. Da Cheng volunteered to fetch more medicine. Then Da Cheng never returned. After that, Zhang Chu fell asleep, the others also slept. They slept through the night. When they woke in the morning and found Da Cheng hadn't returned, they thought it strange. At first, they thought Da Cheng was with Zhang Chu. But going to Zhang Chu's place, he wasn't there either. Zhang Chu, after the night, wasn't any better. Da Lin originally came to get medicine for him."
"He came here and saw the storeroom door open. Thinking someone was inside, he called out a couple of times and entered, only to find Da Cheng's body. This storeroom holds many medicinal ingredients, but they are all common ones. So it's usually not locked. With so few people in the manor, no one would steal medicine for no reason. If anyone feels unwell and knows what medicine to take, they can come tell me and get ointment. This rule was set by the young master because he treats the servants like family."
As Old Dong spoke, he glanced back at Da Cheng, his eyes growing slightly moist again. "No one expected another incident."
Sun Muqing narrowed his eyes. Qin Yan, who had followed them in, was observing Qin Wan from the corner of his eye. Looking now, Qin Yan realized Qin Wan's expression remained as calm and steady as ever. Not only that, her usually clear, shallow eyes were now deep pools, as if she were pondering something profoundly. Qin Yan withdrew his gaze, his conviction growing stronger.
"Constable Song, what do you think?" Sun Muqing looked at Song Li.
Song Li's tone was finally no longer arrogant and dismissive. "Naturally, it's the same murderer. And again, limbs severed. This person must have some particular experience; otherwise, he wouldn't choose this method of killing."
For once, there was nothing in Song Li's words to refute. He scratched his head, looking pained. "This case is no small matter now. In Ji County, nothing like this has happened for many years. The murderer must be hiding in the manor. Perhaps he knew Da Cheng was coming for medicine, followed him, and killed him when he was off guard."
Qin Wan had been standing silently to the side. Only now did she step forward.
Her gaze fell on the window frame beside the medicine cabinet. This crime scene was indoors, not concealed by snow. Qin Wan clearly saw a bloody handprint on the window frame. She looked at it. Song Li also looked but dismissed it. "What kind of grudge does your family have with this madman? Specializes in hacking off limbs! Who knows what devil possessed him!"
Song Li's tone already held a note of complaint. Old Dong said with a bitter smile, "We don't know either. Otherwise, why would we need Constable Song? Zhang Chu is injured and can't even get out of bed. At least that proves the murderer isn't him, right?"
Song Li snorted. "Are you hiding something from me? For no reason, why would someone keep killing like this?! What's the murderer's motive?"
Old Dong was at a loss, wearing a bitter smile, when a clear, resonant voice sounded.
"Perhaps I know why he kills…"
At these words, even Qin Wan was startled. She turned to see Sun Haoyue standing at the storeroom entrance, unknown since when. Today he still wore a white robe with flowing sleeves. He stood silhouetted in the doorway, his face hidden in shadow and unclear, yet his demeanor and bearing still possessed an unearthly elegance, captivatingly striking.
The dim light and bloody scent inside the room clashed starkly with his transcendent, immortal-like grace. He paused for a moment, then stepped forward slowly. For a moment, everyone felt he shouldn't tread into such a filthy, dark place. Qin Wan raised an eyebrow, also somewhat surprised. Wasn't Sun Haoyue wholly focused on Bai Feiyan's condition? Why had he come here? And said he knew the reason for the murders…
Doubt surged in her heart. But at that very moment, Qin Wan's nostrils caught that sweet-pungent scent again.