The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 170 : Clues Revealed, The Burnt Skirt Hem

170: Clues Revealed, The Burnt Skirt Hem

"Take Steward Pang back for interrogation."

Pang Youde was dumbfounded upon hearing this. He never imagined Yan Chi's focus would fall on him.

Flustered, he glanced at Yan Chi, then instinctively looked towards Pang Fuliang. Pang Fuliang was also taken aback by these words. "Your Highness, why...?"

Yan Chi looked at Pang Fuliang, his lips pressed together in silence.

In that instant, the words that had been on Pang Fuliang's tongue stuck in his throat.

Pang Fuliang was past forty, having weathered countless storms in his half a lifetime, yet in front of Yan Chi, he was still intimidated by the unspoken authority emanating from him.

Yan Chi's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly. "Master Pang, do you know why your Eldest Young Master was here in such disheveled attire?"

Meeting Yan Chi's gaze, Pang Fuliang felt as if an invisible hand was tightening around his throat. Seeing he would not speak, Yan Chi curved his lips slightly. "Since that's the case, we have no choice but to ask Steward Pang."

Though a curve touched Yan Chi's lips, there was not a trace of a smile in his eyes.

He turned and looked at Wang Huaiyu, who was also somewhat bewildered. Wang Huaiyu immediately waved to the nearby government runners upon hearing the instruction. "Take Steward Pang back to the yamen."

Several runners dared not delay and stepped forward to seize Pang Youde by the arms.

Not daring to protest his innocence to Yan Chi, Pang Youde only called out hesitantly towards his master, "Master…!"

Pang Fuliang stood rooted to the spot. Beside him lay Pang Yiwen on the ground, his face covered in blood. Not far away, Pang Youde was being roughly escorted away. Yet his lips moved, and for a moment he didn't know what to say.

Watching Pang Youde being taken away in plain sight, Pang Fuliang turned his head and saw Qin Wan emerging from the building. Following Qin Wan were Madam Chang, Pang Jiayan, and the others. A cloak was draped over Pang Jiayun, its hood now covering her head and face. Her small frame appeared as frail as a child's. Stepping through the first-floor doorway, Madam Chang paused for a moment, her gaze sweeping over Pang Yiwen's bloodied face. In the next instant, holding Pang Jiayun with one hand and Pang Jiayan with the other, she followed Qin Wan down the steps.

Pang Fuliang's eyes narrowed to slits, a sharp, dark gleam shooting towards Madam Chang's back like an arrow.

Madam Chang did not look at Pang Fuliang, quietly following behind Qin Wan. Yan Chi then instructed, "Prepare another separate courtyard. Post guards to watch over Madam Pang and Young Lady Pang, and the Third Young Master as well."

As Yan Chi's order fell, Pang Fuliang's brow instantly furrowed.

Wang Huaiyu's eyes darted. "Yes, this humble official will arrange it immediately."

Only then did Yan Chi lower his gaze to Pang Yiwen on the ground. "Master Pang, what do you think caused his death?"

Pang Fuliang stared at the corpse, which was already beginning to cool, his expression inscrutable. "It definitely wasn't an accident."

"Then who is the murderer?"

Pang Fuliang's voice was low and heavy, tinged with suppressed fury. Yan Chi, however, remained perfectly composed. Pang Fuliang's lips moved, but he could not name anyone. In front of everyone, Pang Jiayun was on the first floor, and Pang Yiwen had inexplicably fallen from the third... Yet Pang Fuliang could not possibly believe Pang Yiwen died from an accidental fall.

"This humble person does not know. That should be Lord Prefect Wang's matter."

Though Pang Fuliang's voice was subdued, it carried a sharp edge. Yan Chi looked at Wang Huaiyu. "Very well. Then let Lord Prefect Wang investigate."

Wang Huaiyu seemed to grasp Yan Chi's meaning and stepped forward. "Master Pang, rest assured. Any death deemed unnatural will be investigated. For now, please accept my condolences and deal with your grief. Men, move the Eldest Young Master's body and place it together with Transport Commissioner Liu's."

Several runners immediately moved to obey upon hearing the order. Watching Pang Yiwen's body being roughly carried away by the men, Pang Fuliang felt the temper he had been strenuously suppressing was on the verge of erupting.

Yan Chi sighed. "Master Pang, accept my condolences."

He then looked at Wang Huaiyu. "Continue the investigation into Transport Commissioner Liu's death."

Wang Huaiyu promptly responded, "Yes, Your Highness can rest assured."

Yan Li, who had been waiting below, stepped forward upon hearing this. "What's going on? Why post guards for Madam Pang? Is this case related to them? I was thinking the eldest young master died by accident... Oh no, perhaps that's not the right word either. We need to know why he came here."

Yan Chi nodded. "Young Lady Pang is indisposed. We must wait until Madam Pang has tended to her before we can ask questions."

Yan Li's eyes darted. "Right, Young Lady Pang only speaks with her mother."

These words caused Pang Fuliang's expression to shift several times. Wang Huaiyu simply said, "Since Madam knows this garden better than I, please choose a separate courtyard for yourself. These next few days, I'm afraid you'll be inconvenienced and cannot move about freely."

Though it sounded like house arrest, it was actually protection.

Madam Chang nodded. "There are two more guest courtyards to the west."

The western courtyards were precisely the ones adjacent to where Qin Wan and the others were staying. Wang Huaiyu seemed satisfied and pointed to a few men. "You there, accompany Madam. Just guard the courtyard entrance."

The runners acknowledged the order and immediately "escorted" Madam Chang and her party away from the front of the building.

With those who needed to leave gone, the acrid smell of smoke and charred wood mixed with the metallic tang of blood, making one feel nauseous. Though the fire was extinguished, the small building was now a scene of devastation. The servants of Clear Radiance Garden stood scattered in the distance, at a loss. With people dying one after another in the household, now even the eldest young master was dead...

Wang Huaiyu looked at Pang Fuliang, who was standing rigidly without speaking. "Master Pang, with incidents occurring one after another in Clear Radiance Garden, I'm afraid the entire garden must be sealed off for now. I will not return tonight. Later, I will dispatch more personnel and, concurrently, investigate the circumstances of your son's death."

For a moment, Pang Fuliang had nothing to say. Wang Huaiyu continued, "Master Pang has lost a beloved son and must be deeply grieved. You may retire to rest first."

Pang Fuliang nodded stiffly and turned to leave, his steps wooden.

Pang Yiwu had arrived some time ago, but as he had never been favored, he remained timid and hesitant now. Seeing Pang Fuliang walking unsteadily, he finally stepped forward to meet him. Pang Fuliang glanced at him, but for once did not shoot him a cold glare as usual. He stretched out a hand, and Pang Yiwu immediately stepped up to support him by the arm.

Watching the father and son, leaning on each other, slowly walk away, Yan Chi's eyes narrowed slightly.

"When did this Steward Pang begin following Pang Fuliang?"

Wang Huaiyu, upon hearing this question, couldn't answer immediately. "This humble official truly does not know."

"Interrogate this steward. Also, have someone keep an eye on Pang Fuliang."

Wang Huaiyu nodded, though still somewhat confused. Qin Wan had only told Yan Chi what she knew; Wang Huaiyu was still unaware. Yan Chi lowered his voice slightly. "It's highly likely it's related to the case from years ago."

Wang Huaiyu's mouth fell open slightly, his eyes suddenly brightening. "In that case, wouldn't it be…"

Yan Chi shook his head. "It's not that simple. Unless this Steward Pang was also one of the accomplices back then, we cannot touch him without evidence."

This made Wang Huaiyu understand the meaning behind Yan Chi's order to watch Pang Fuliang. "Yes, this humble official will arrange it immediately. Tonight, we will interrogate that Steward Pang through the night..."

Yan Chi nodded. "This matter favors speed over delay. I will interrogate him with you."

Hearing this beside them, Qin Wan instantly thought of the rumors about Yan Chi using dozens of tortures against Rong Di spies in the west. She looked at Yan Chi for a few moments, unable to picture what he looked like when applying those cruel methods.

The sky was gradually darkening. Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan. "You should return and rest first."

Qin Wan offered a slight bow, then nodded to Wang Huaiyu before taking her leave.

Qin Yan and Qin Shuang had been waiting not far away. As Qin Wan approached, Qin Shuang immediately stepped forward. "What happened? Why were the Pang young lady and Pang Yiwen inside?"

Qin Wan shook her head, signaling this was not the place to speak. Qin Shuang refrained from further questions.

Qin Yan, seeing this, had already grasped the situation.

Qin Shuang looked towards the west. "Why were Madam Pang and Young Lady Pang taken over there?"

"Pang Yiwen's case requires questioning Young Lady Pang, and Young Lady Pang needs Madam Pang's care."

Qin Wan repeated Yan Chi's explanation. A trace of doubt still lingered on Qin Shuang's face. She glanced back and said, "Speaking of which, that building is strange. Why was the fire so intense on the first floor, but the second floor was relatively fine?"

Qin Wan frowned momentarily. Qin Yan, however, said, "On the cold plains of the northwest grows a type of tree called thorn oak. Its wood is exceptionally hard, it's said arrows cannot penetrate it and it is extremely difficult to burn. This tree was discovered perhaps fifty or sixty years ago and was later transported in large quantities to various prefectures in the northwest, commanding a very high price. This Clear Radiance Garden was originally the estate of a former prince. I suspect this small building might have been constructed using that type of wood I mentioned. Otherwise, if it were ordinary wood, the entire building would have burned down."

Such wood existed in the world? Both Qin Wan and Qin Shuang were surprised.

The siblings walked towards the west. Upon reaching the western area, they indeed saw another separate courtyard, not far from Qin Wan's guest quarters, lit with lamplight. Remembering Madam Chang's request that day, Qin Wan felt a stir in her heart and suddenly wanted to visit and examine Pang Jiayun's condition.

"I'll go check on Madam Pang."

Qin Yan glanced at the distant courtyard. "Then don't delay too long."

Qin Wan nodded. The siblings parted ways here. Qin Shuang tugged at Qin Wan's sleeve, refusing to let go. "No, I'm coming too."

Qin Shuang's motives were purely curiosity and a desire to join the excitement. Qin Wan, recalling that Madam Chang was reluctant to mention the cause of Pang Jiayun's madness, hesitated. Qin Shuang immediately raised her hand as if taking an oath. "I promise not to ask anything or say anything."

Qin Wan was not entirely convinced, but Qin Shuang looked at her so eagerly that she found it hard to refuse at the moment.

"Alright then. Let's go take a look. I don't know if the yamen runners will let us pass."

Qin Shuang nodded happily. Qin Wan then led Qin Shuang towards the guest courtyard further west. Arriving at the entrance, the yamen runners guarding the courtyard indeed blocked their way. However, one of them was precisely the man who had come downstairs earlier to summon Qin Wan. He glanced into the courtyard and ultimately stepped aside. "This is the Ninth Young Miss of the Loyal and Valiant Marquis's household, who assists Lord Prefect with corpse examinations. No need to stop her."

The other three exchanged glances and indeed stepped back.

Qin Wan nodded her thanks to the speaker and entered the courtyard.

Upon entering the gate, Qin Wan immediately heard Pang Jiayan's light laughter. "Elder Sister, does this look good?"

The door to the main room was wide open. Pang Jiayan had somehow produced a small mask and placed it over his face. It was a Monkey King mask. He made scratching motions like a monkey, trying to amuse Pang Jiayun. Pang Jiayun stared blankly at Pang Jiayan. Beside her, Madam Chang sighed. "Yun'er, your younger brother is trying to cheer you up. Be a little happier..."

Pang Jiayun stared blankly for a moment, then suddenly curved her lips slightly. Pang Jiayan laughed even more happily.

"Elder Sister smiled! Elder Sister smiled!"

Qingniang watched with reddened eyes. Turning her gaze, she noticed Qin Wan standing at the courtyard gate. She quickly whispered to Madam Chang, and both women stood up together. Qin Wan signaled for Bai Feng and the others to remain outside, entering with only Qin Shuang.

"Ninth Young Miss has come."

Madam Chang came out to greet them. Qin Wan walked to the doorway and offered a slight curtsy.

"It's rather late to visit. I hope I'm not disturbing you, Madam."

Madam Chang currently felt only gratitude towards Qin Wan. She had prepared herself to return to Huiyuan and face Pang Fuliang's wrath tonight, never expecting Yan Chi to protect them temporarily in this manner. "How could it be a disturbance? I haven't even thanked you properly yet, Ninth Young Miss."

Qin Wan shook her head, looking towards Pang Jiayun standing vacantly inside the room. "That day, Madam asked me to examine Young Lady Pang. Was that truly meant?"

Madam Chang was momentarily stunned, then her eyes lit up brilliantly. She truly hadn't expected Qin Wan to come for this purpose. "Of course! Of course it was true... Ninth Young Miss, if you can cure Yun'er, I will definitely..."

Qin Wan waved her hand. "Madam, let's not speak of a cure just yet. My medical skills are not profound. Curing Young Lady Pang's illness will likely be difficult. Even if it is possible, it cannot be achieved overnight. It's just that I observed earlier that Young Lady Pang's body is extremely thin and frail. I was concerned about her health, hence my visit tonight."

Madam Chang was even more grateful. "I understand, I understand. Such illnesses are rarely cured among common folk. That Ninth Young Miss has this intention, I truly have no way to repay you. Please, come in, Ninth Young Miss. If Yun'er's health can improve, I would be overjoyed. Sometimes I think it might even be best for her to live her life like this, remembering nothing and knowing nothing."

Speaking of this brought sorrow again. Qingniang, also moved, walked to Pang Jiayun's side. "Young Miss, please sit at the table. This sister can treat your illness."

Pang Jiayun's face remained expressionless, but upon hearing Qingniang's words, she took steps forward and sat down at the table.

Qin Wan was slightly surprised. Judging by Pang Jiayun's current behavior and movements, one could hardly tell she was ill.

Madam Chang said, "She listens only to me and Qingniang. To everyone else, she pays no heed at all."

Having seen Pang Jiayun huddled in the wardrobe, Qin Wan naturally knew Madam Chang spoke the truth. She walked over and sat beside Pang Jiayun, speaking softly. "Jiayun, please extend your wrist..."

After she finished speaking, Pang Jiayun indeed remained motionless. Qingniang then said, "Young Miss, stretch out your hand."

Pang Jiayun raised her hand, extending it straight towards Qin Wan. Qin Wan shifted her position slightly, supporting Pang Jiayun's wrist with one hand while feeling her pulse with the other. After a moment, Qin Wan's brows furrowed slightly, her expression growing solemn. She pondered briefly, then switched to the other wrist. Soon, Qin Wan said, "Is there writing brush and paper here? I will prescribe a formula to regulate Young Lady Pang's constitution. She needs both medicinal and dietary supplements. As for the illness here..." She didn't say Pang Jiayun had a mental illness, merely tapped her own chest lightly. "For now, it's difficult to decide on the best method."

Madam Chang shook her head. "Writing materials haven't been prepared here yet. However, Ninth Young Miss can tell Jiayan. He will remember it."

Qin Wan was slightly taken aback. Her formula would contain at least ten medicinal ingredients, plus the dosage for each. Remembering everything without a single mistake would not be easy. However, she didn't immediately question it. She simply recited the ingredients one by one. When she finished, Pang Jiayan's small face was full of concentration as he thought for a moment, then nodded. "I remember."

Qin Wan was somewhat surprised. As if to prove himself, Pang Jiayan recited the entire formula back.

After Pang Jiayan finished reciting, both Qin Wan and Qin Shuang were astonished.

"Third Young Master is truly remarkable. Your memory is truly impressive."

Pang Jiayan's face showed none of a child's innocence. He merely glanced at Qin Shuang and said nothing more.

Madam Chang smiled bitterly. "Yun'er also had an excellent memory before, it's just..."

While she spoke, Pang Jiayun still showed no reaction. Qingniang simply said, "It's getting late. Shall Young Miss prepare to retire?"

Pang Jiayun didn't react. Qingniang then said, "Then why doesn't Young Miss take Third Young Master's mask and go inside to lie down first?"

Pang Jiayun didn't speak, but she stood up, took the mask Pang Jiayan had left on the table, turned, and walked into the inner chamber. Qin Wan was slightly astonished. Pang Jiayun was not only capable of actions like "walk over and sit down," but also "pick up the mask and walk into the inner chamber." And Qingniang did not follow her, suggesting she could likely lie down by herself.

Qin Wan already knew Pang Jiayun was mentally impaired, yet her impairment seemed quite different from ordinary cases. Watching Pang Jiayun's retreating back, Qin Wan sank into deep thought for a moment. Then she said, "Young Lady Pang listens very well to Qingniang."

Madam Chang cast a grateful look at Qingniang. "Qingniang entered the household just after Jiayan was born. She practically raised both siblings."

Qin Wan nodded, then turned her gaze to Pang Jiayan. Yan Chi was right. Without evidence, they could do nothing to Pang Fuliang in this matter. So many years had passed; the events of that time could be said to have died with the witnesses.

Qin Wan thought for a moment and asked Madam Chang, "Madam, do you know if Master Pang has any particularly secret place? Or does he have any other trusted aides?"

Madam Chang frowned. "His study? He always receives important guests in his study. Other than that, there is a storeroom in the residence. He keeps the key himself. I don't know of anything else. As for trusted people... it's just Steward Pang. Regarding matters of his business outside, I know nothing..."

Madam Chang stayed within the inner quarters and indeed had little opportunity to know much. Qin Wan turned her gaze to Pang Jiayan. "Third Young Master, do you know?"

Pang Jiayan blinked. "I don't know. In the past, when that lady and Lord Liu came, Father never allowed me to be present. This time was the first time. I only overheard a few sentences..."

Pang Fuliang must have been extremely vigilant, and Pang Jiayan was young before. Qin Wan sighed inwardly. She instinctively looked at Qingniang. "And Qingniang? You were with Third Young Master all along."

Qingniang looked somewhat apologetic. "That day, this servant was feeling unwell and was not by the Third Young Master's side."

Qin Wan nodded, committing the storeroom Madam Chang mentioned to memory.

Seeing the late hour, Qin Wan did not linger and took her leave. As she stepped out of the courtyard gate, she instinctively glanced at the hems of Bai Feng and Fuling's skirts, then at her own. Fuling noticed and asked, "What is it, Young Miss?"

Qin Wan shook her head. "It's nothing. I was checking if our skirts were burnt."

Fuling smiled. "No, no, this servant has been watching out for it. There wasn't a single open flame left inside that building."

Qin Wan, who had been walking forward, suddenly paused. Then how had the hem of Qingniang's skirt been burnt?