novelraw Chapter 82 : Setting a Trap to Catch the Murderer
Chapter 82 : Setting a Trap to Catch the Murderer
82: Setting a Trap to Catch the Murderer
"Golden Jade Bone-Setting Ointment?" Xu He's eyes widened. "That's a medicine?"
Qin Wan nodded and brought the autopsy record closer to her nose for a gentle sniff, growing more certain of her judgment. "It is indeed Golden Jade Bone-Setting Ointment. This medicine is a miraculous remedy from the school of Medicine King Sun, extremely rare and valuable. The unpleasant odor you mentioned comes from an ingredient called the Golden-Headed Centipede. This centipede is originally a poisonous insect. After capture, it's combined with copper, quenched in vinegar, ground into fine powder, and then added to the medicine, where it produces remarkable effects. It just has a rather strong smell. This medicine can invigorate blood circulation, dispel stasis, relieve pain, reduce swelling, and reconnect bones and tendons. It's a miraculous formula passed down for a hundred years in the Medicine King lineage. It's priceless on the market; it can only be obtained through underground black markets or by personally visiting the Medicine King Valley of the Sun family."
Hearing Qin Wan effortlessly recite so much pharmacological knowledge, all unfamiliar to him, Xu He's eyes lit up with admiration. "Ninth Young Miss is truly highly skilled in medicine, recognizing it at a glance. But since this medicine is so difficult to obtain, how did it end up in the hands of a petty thief? Could the thief have stolen it too?"
Qin Wan shook her head. "That shouldn't be. This medicine is hard to come by. Even if obtained, it's used for injuries. There's no reason for it to be easily stolen. Moreover, nothing else in your box carries this scent, only this autopsy record..."
As she spoke, Qin Wan opened the record booklet. It was sewn from dozens of pages of hemp paper, containing all the autopsy records for Song Rou from the first to the most recent. Qin Wan frowned slightly. "It doesn't make sense. Although this medicine has a potent odor, it certainly doesn't leave a smell from mere brief contact. The scent must have transferred because someone held the record for a long time. A petty thief, your pouch containing your savings didn't interest him that much. Why would he be so fascinated only with your autopsy record?"
"Perhaps his target was precisely this autopsy record."
A compelling, resonant voice sounded. Qin Wan turned to see Yan Chi walking in from the direction of the main gate. He strode over, his clothing still the dark, night-like hue. He first glanced at Qin Wan, then let his gaze sweep over the autopsy record in her hand before walking directly to her.
Xu He, Lü Xiu, Fuling, and the others hurriedly bowed. Qin Wan also gave a slight curtsey. Yan Chi stopped, took the autopsy record from Qin Wan, sniffed it, then looked deeply at her and nodded. "It is indeed Golden Jade Bone-Setting Ointment. I used this medicine once a year ago. I still remember its properties and scent."
Yan Chi didn't ask how Qin Wan knew this medicine's smell; he knew even if he asked, she would have a hundred seamless answers.
Qin Wan frowned slightly. She knew this medicine's properties best. Though miraculous, first, it was exceedingly rare and valuable; second, it was only used for severe injuries. The Golden-Headed Centipede and Golden Thread Leech in this medicine were both toxic. Using it required taking other mild antidotes, and the patient suffered greatly. Thus, a year ago, Yan Chi must have sustained an extremely severe injury, damaging bones and tendons.
Qin Wan understood this clearly but didn't voice it, nor did she ask Yan Chi how he had come from outside the gate. She only said, "Your Highness believes that person wanted the autopsy record in this box?"
Yan Chi nodded. "I only heard half earlier. Your box was stolen?"
Xu He felt somewhat intimidated by Yan Chi. Hearing this, he nodded quickly. "Exactly. This humble one's box was stolen that day in the market. I was at a loss when I met Ninth Young Miss. Ninth Young Miss generously gave me silver. But unexpectedly, this morning, that thief returned my box. Not only did he not steal my savings, everything inside was intact."
Yan Chi frowned. "Which day?"
Xu He blinked. "The day Ninth Young Miss went to the mortuary with us."
Yan Chi's eyes narrowed. Hearing this, Qin Wan's mind also stirred. She suddenly asked again, "You also lost a bundle with autopsy records before. Think carefully, which day was the first time you lost something?"
Xu He immediately concentrated. Before long, his eyes lit up. "Ah! This humble one remembers! It was the day of the first autopsy! That day, I originally carried my box, but after my shift, there were many official documents I hadn't finished copying. I put the autopsy records and documents in a bundle to take home. On the way back, my bundle was lost."
He added, "That was the first autopsy. My records weren't sewn into a booklet yet, just two single pages. Fortunately, my memory is good. I went back and recopied two more." At this point, Xu He looked uncomfortable. "Afraid the Prefect would investigate and blame me, I didn't report it. At the time, there were a few dozen copper coins in my bundle. I just thought it was an ordinary petty thief."
Xu He's eyes widened. "Ninth Young Miss means these two times were the same thief?"
Qin Wan and Yan Chi exchanged a glance. Perhaps seeing certainty in Yan Chi's eyes, Qin Wan nodded. "Highly likely. The first time, he saw nothing important in the bundle, so he didn't return it. The second time, he stole your livelihood, so he returned it. This person isn't a petty thief. Most likely, after learning your coroner identity, he targeted your autopsy records."
Narrowing her eyes, Qin Wan said, "Currently, the biggest case in Jinzhou Prefecture is Miss Song's case. Ordinary commoners know the yamen officers go to the mortuary daily for this case. That person couldn't not know. Clearly, he's targeting Miss Song's case. Wanting to know the details, he disguised himself as a thief."
Yan Chi continued, "Golden Jade Bone-Setting Ointment can reconnect bones and tendons. A person who needs bone-setting, has the money to buy Golden Jade Bone-Setting Ointment, and is so focused on Miss Song's case, who could that be?"
Having said this, Yan Chi looked appraisingly at Xu He. Xu He's expression turned serious, then his eyes slowly widened. "It's the Wei family's eldest son! The Wei family's eldest son that the Prefect is searching for throughout the city!"
Yan Chi withdrew his gaze. Qin Wan nodded. "I'm afraid we need to ask the Prefect to come out."
Xu He's heart surged with excitement, his chest heaving. "Alright, please wait a moment, Ninth Young Miss!" With that, he turned and hurried into the front courtyard.
Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi and finally said, "How is Your Highness's injury?"
Yan Chi looked deeply at Qin Wan. "You are the physician I paid. You should ask yourself."
Qin Wan was left speechless. At that moment, Xu He emerged with Huo Huaixin. Huo Huaixin looked suspicious and doubtful, still asking Xu He, "What do you mean the Wei family's eldest son appeared? How can you talk nonsense..."
Xu He gave a bitter smile. "If you don't believe this humble one, won't you believe Ninth Young Miss and His Highness? Just ask Ninth Young Miss. This humble one can't explain clearly in a moment..."
Huo Huaixin also saw Qin Wan and Yan Chi standing outside and immediately changed to a smiling expression. "Your Highness Yan Chi, Ninth Young Miss... What Xu He just said, what's going on? Has the Wei family's eldest son appeared?"
Qin Wan glanced around. Lü Xiu sensitively stood guard to the side. Qin Wan then slowly recounted what she and Xu He had just discussed. Huo Huaixin's eyes grew wider and wider. By the time Qin Wan finished, his small eyes were as wide as bronze bells!
"So... so the Wei family's eldest son really entered Jinzhou City? Not only entered the city but also took the autopsy records from Xu He to follow Miss Song's case?!"
Qin Wan nodded. "We can infer that for now."
Huo Huaixin slapped his hand. "Ha! Truly success comes without effort! Never expected him to deliver himself to our doorstep! I thought he might have fled seeing the situation! Was even considering posting notices in other prefectures and counties. Since that's the case, catching him will be easy! We'll go to the mortuary again! Use Xu He to lure him out!"
Huo Huaixin had handled many cases after all. Knowing the Wei family's eldest son's focus, he could devise a trap. Huo Huaixin originally thought catching the eldest son was like finding a needle in a haystack. But now, Qin Wan deduced so many clues from the medicine smell on the autopsy record. Huo Huaixin felt the case could be solved within two days!
"Truly extremely grateful to Ninth Young Miss. Just from the medicine smell on the autopsy record, you've solved my urgent problem. This time... this time, I must thank Ninth Young Miss greatly. Once this case is concluded, I will host a banquet especially for Ninth Young Miss!"
Huo Huaixin bowed deeply, quite sincere. Qin Wan stepped aside. "I dare not accept. These are merely my inferences. Whether it succeeds depends on the Prefect's subsequent arrangements. I hope the Prefect solves the case soon."
Huo Huaixin repeatedly thanked her. Qin Wan then said, "I still need to see the Grand Princess. I won't disturb the Prefect further. I take my leave." She curtseyed, intending to go to Grand Princess Jiayi's courtyard.
Yan Chi also said, "Prefect, please attend to your matters."
Seeing both were leaving, Huo Huaixin cupped his hands and thanked them repeatedly, happily watching them leave. Once they were gone, Huo Huaixin, spirits high, ordered Xu He, "Go, call Chief Constable Qi out. No need to ask more. We're going to the mortuary now. I suspect the Wei family's eldest son has been watching our yamen's movements for a while!"
With the order given, Xu He naturally obeyed. Soon, Huo Huaixin led the yamen personnel bustling toward the mortuary.
Meanwhile, Qin Wan and Yan Chi walked leisurely toward Grand Princess Jiayi's courtyard.
"Does Your Highness find something strange?"
Yan Chi tilted his head to look at Qin Wan. Today, Qin Wan wore a misty blue pleated skirt. From his angle, he could see her nearly perfect profile. "What's strange?"
Yan Chi asked, his gaze still fixed on Qin Wan's face.
"The Wei family's eldest son pursued her over a thousand li. Was it just to kill Song Rou? Even if he killed Song Rou due to some dispute or misunderstanding, he made no attempt to conceal or remedy it, and even pursued her here. If I were him, having committed a crime and not wanting to surrender, I'd definitely think of how to exonerate myself, at least establish an alibi."
"Speaking of which, besides news from the capital, my men also reported on this Wei family's eldest son and other matters concerning the Wei family. That day, I showed the report to the Prefect, but at that time, the Prefect hadn't begun suspecting the eldest son. He probably didn't read it carefully."
Yan Chi looked unwaveringly at Qin Wan. After finishing, he lightly shifted his gaze away.
Qin Wan turned to look. "Oh? Could Your Highness elaborate?"
Curious, Qin Wan also looked unwaveringly at Yan Chi. Sensing her gaze, a faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared in Yan Chi's eyes. "The Wei family's eldest son is named Wei Qizhi. He is the legitimate son of the Duke's household's daughter and the Wei family head. Being the legitimate son, he was naturally doted on at home. In his childhood, there were rumors of marrying within the family to strengthen ties. But later, as the Wei family declined, the Duke's household gradually looked down on them. This legitimate son, knowing his maternal grandfather and uncle's intentions, proud and arrogant, didn't like associating with the Duke's household. There were several public confrontations witnessed by servants, discovered by my men."
"This Wei family's eldest son truly liked the qin, but didn't persist long before falling in love with taming fine horses, spending huge sums. Additionally, his habits were quite peculiar. He didn't use lacquerware in his own rooms; everything was porcelain. Also, he is indeed left-handed. Rumor has it that because he was left-handed, he was often cursed as a child, developing terrifying red patches on his body. Only after switching to his right hand did he improve."
"Wei Yanzhi is the second son, born of a concubine. His birth mother died of illness five years ago. Six years ago, he was brought to the main wife's courtyard to be raised. He was close to Wei Qizhi. In childhood, they studied together. Whatever Wei Qizhi did, he accompanied him. Wei Qizhi tamed horses; he prepared saddles. Wei Qizhi loved the qin; he learned the craft of qin making. Wei Qizhi wanted to join the Capital Patrol Garrison; he also trained alongside him. But later, Wei Qizhi, being proud, refused the Duke's household's help in securing a position. In the end, Wei Yanzhi entered the Capital Patrol Garrison."
"Rumor has it Wei Qizhi quarreled with Wei Yanzhi over this. Wei family servants saw Wei Qizhi hit Wei Yanzhi. Wei Yanzhi didn't fight back. The entire Wei household praised this second young master. Even the Duke's household wished this second son was their daughter's biological child. As for Wei Qizhi's broken leg, it was broken by his own maternal uncle. Because of this, the Duke's daughter even attempted hanging herself. However, for Song Rou's marriage, the two families maintained superficial calm. These matters were only known to a few close servants."
Yan Chi spoke unhurriedly. Qin Wan listened, unconsciously slowing her pace. A walk that usually took a quarter of an hour had only covered six-tenths of the distance in that time. Lü Xiu and Fuling followed far behind, naturally not daring to disturb their masters' conversation. From a distance, the two figures seemed well-matched, their auras harmonious. Though merely ordinary friends who had known each other less than half a month and weren't yet familiar, they seemed as natural and comfortable as old acquaintances.
Stranger still, the intimidating aura of the Prince Rui's son, known as the Demon King, with his aloof, overbearing demeanor, inexplicably dissipated when standing beside Qin Wan. Though still peerlessly noble, Qin Wan's own elegant, ethereal grace complemented him. Walking shoulder to shoulder, she didn't dim beside his solitary, distinguished presence; instead, they enhanced each other, becoming increasingly pleasing to the eye.
After listening, Qin Wan's eyes darkened slightly. "So, the Wei family's second son's situation isn't that difficult. His status indeed has inconveniences, but he has managed everything impeccably, which is already excellent. Presumably, the Wei family head is quite satisfied with him."
Yan Chi nodded. "Exactly so. The Wei family head treats them equally, even praises him more. However..." Yan Chi paused, his tone suddenly meaningful. "However, there are no perfect people in the world; a perfect person must be fake. I still have some doubts. If not for the tight time constraints, my men could have investigated more thoroughly."
Qin Wan pondered for a moment. "'There are no perfect people' is true. I only hope the Wei family's second son is naturally this way. If he harbors resentment yet manages to appear flawless in every aspect, his heart must be extremely bitter."
She looked at Yan Chi. "Was the Wei family's eldest son truly cursed?"
Yan Chi shook his head. "I naturally don't believe in curses. But this matter is an unspoken secret in the Wei and Duke's households. Any senior servant knows of it. It likely truly happened."
"Curses and tales of gods and ghosts in the world are mostly man-made. The Wei family was once an official, prestigious clan. The intricacies are unknown to us outsiders."
Qin Wan's tone carried a touch of cool indifference. Yan Chi glanced at her. "Has Ninth Young Miss seen much internal strife among prominent families?"
This question made Qin Wan's heart tighten. "Naturally not. Just looking at the Qin family, one can understand. The Loyal and Valiant Marquis's household in the capital and the Third Household in Jinzhou also have such affairs. Thinking about it makes it clear."
Yan Chi examined her deeply for a moment, a slight curve on his lips, but didn't speak.
Qin Wan's heart beat faster. Speaking with Yan Chi was never as easy as with others because his acuteness surpassed ordinary people. One never knew when he might see through a flaw. Just as she thought this, she looked up and saw Grand Princess Jiayi's courtyard was right before her. She felt slightly relieved and quickened her pace.
Qin Wan wasn't wrong; Yan Chi's mind was indeed perceptive. Naturally, he also noticed her awkwardness of wanting to escape. The corner of his lips lifted, his spirits even higher. He was increasingly learning which questions made Qin Wan tense. Though he hadn't yet found the answers he sought, at least he had a clear direction.
Entering the courtyard, Qin Wan saw Grand Princess Jiayi wasn't sitting in the inner chamber today. Supported by Jiang‑shi and Yue Ning, she was taking small steps in the courtyard. Yue Qing waited nearby, holding a miscellany book and reading travel notes aloud to Grand Princess Jiayi. Hearing footsteps and seeing Qin Wan arrive, Yue Qing quickly put down the book and ran over.
"Ninth Young Miss, why did it take so long? Lü Xiu went out a full half hour ago!"
Seeing Yue Qing's eagerness, Grand Princess Jiayi paused her steps and exchanged a glance with Jiang‑shi. Jiang‑shi was fine, but a deep look flashed in Grand Princess Jiayi's eyes. "Wan girl, come quickly..."
Before Qin Wan could reply to Yue Qing, she hurried over to bow. Jiang‑shi helped her up. "It's good you've come, Wan'er. Keep Mother company while she walks. I'll go check on the front courtyard."
"Please attend to your matters, Lady." Qin Wan quickly went to support Grand Princess Jiayi.
Jiang‑shi left with a smile. Grand Princess Jiayi looked at Yue Qing, then at Yan Chi. "How did you two meet?"
Yan Chi's lips curved. "When I returned to the residence, I saw Ninth Young Miss stopped at the front courtyard gate, so we came together."
"Oh?" Grand Princess Jiayi raised an eyebrow, then looked at Qin Wan. "No wonder it took you so long. Did you meet Prefect Huo in the front courtyard?"
Qin Wan nodded. Beside them, Lü Xiu couldn't help adding, "Old Madam doesn't know, today Ninth Young Miss helped the Prefect greatly again. This servant was listening nearby and was utterly amazed!"
Grand Princess Jiayi's eyes lit up. She pointed to the stone bench in the courtyard covered with a soft cushion. Yue Ning and Qin Wan quickly helped Grand Princess Jiayi sit. Grand Princess Jiayi looked at Lü Xiu. "What happened? Tell me."
Lü Xiu stepped forward and vividly described how Qin Wan and Xu He met, how they discussed the box, and how they discovered the scent on the autopsy record was Golden Jade Bone-Setting Ointment. "Ninth Young Miss, just based on this Golden Jade Bone-Setting Ointment and asking when Coroner Xu lost things last time, deduced who the thief was. Now Prefect Huo has left the residence to set a trap. Old Madam, how could Ninth Young Miss think of so much at once? And she recognized that medicine immediately!"
Grand Princess Jiayi's eyes brightened. "You think Wan girl is as dull-witted as you? She's highly skilled in medicine, of course she recognizes this medicine." She looked at Qin Wan with admiration. "You truly are a little bodhisattva, helping people wherever you go. This time, when Prefect Huo solves the case, he must thank you properly. If he doesn't, I'll hold him accountable!"
A slight smile touched Qin Wan's lips. "It was also coincidental, not intentional. When I met Coroner Xu on the street before, I hadn't realized these things. Besides, these are small matters, not worth the Prefect's heavy thanks."
Grand Princess Jiayi shook her head. "That's not how it is. This case involves both the Anyang Marquis's household and Duke Song's household; neither can be slighted. He's more anxious than anyone. You've solved his urgent problem; you deserve substantial thanks!"
Yue Qing also said, "Ninth Young Miss is truly remarkable. Not only highly skilled in medicine, but also meticulous in thought. Just from the medicine scent, you deduced so much. If you were a man, you could certainly pursue a career in criminal justice and become a just official for the common people!"
"Second Young Master flatters me. Qin Wan was just lucky, happened upon it."
Qin Wan lowered her eyes, replying to Yue Qing with proper etiquette, her tone carrying a due sense of distance. Hearing this, a deeper shade appeared in Grand Princess Jiayi's eyes. Yue Qing, however, didn't notice. He stepped closer. "Ninth Young Miss said you've read many writings on criminal justice before. Besides Lord Shen's books, what else have you read? Have you seen those popular storybooks about extraordinary judges solving cases?"
Qin Wan continued with downcast eyes. "Besides Lord Shen's writings, I've read some other miscellaneous books, all of which are not worth mentioning. The storybooks Second Young Master mentioned, I've also read a few, to pass idle time."
Yue Qing's eyes lit up, his interest growing even stronger. "What a coincidence! I usually enjoy reading those too. The other day, I bought about a hundred storybooks about Judge Bao solving cases from a bookshop. The stories are all extremely strange. If Ninth Young Miss likes this genre, I can have someone pack them for you to take back to the Qin manor to read for amusement?"
Qin Wan's eyes flickered. She pressed her lips together. "Thank you for your kind intention, Second Young Master. Reading those storybooks was a childhood preference. I don't read them much now. These days, I'm reading a few medical texts and probably won't have time."
Grand Princess Jiayi inwardly sighed deeply, giving Yue Qing a reproachful glare. "You rascal, don't disturb Wan girl's medical studies. At such a young age, she has such achievements. She will certainly become a master in the future. Don't distract her. Those storybooks, you read them for your own amusement." Then she pretended helplessness. "Look at Wan girl, so dedicated to her proper interests. Aren't you joining the military? Lately, you seem to be going to the army less often..."
Yue Qing looked somewhat disappointed, scratching his head, but his face still showed a bright smile. Judge Bao was a famous minister of the previous dynasty, solving countless strange cases, with an outstanding official reputation, hailed as a just official. Even today, for any official to be called a just official by the common people was a great honor. He had only heard a few Judge Bao stories before and was not particularly enthusiastic about them. But thinking Qin Wan said she used to like these, he had people search bookshops, even paid high prices for many rare, hard-to-find editions, intending to present them as treasures. But now the beauty had changed her interests, and to interests he couldn't fathom. He couldn't possibly say he wanted to study medicine, could he?
Yue Qing coughed lightly. "Lately, Grandmother hasn't been well, and there have been many troubles in the household. After this period passes, your grandson will naturally go to the army as usual. As for those books, your grandson finds them quite interesting. If Grandmother is curious, shall your grandson tell you about them?"
Grand Princess Jiayi couldn't help but laugh. "You rascal, telling Grandmother... Grandmother is already old. Those storybooks are too taxing on the mind. Grandmother won't listen. Just read travel notes and miscellaneous tales to Grandmother, let Grandmother see the Great Zhou mountains and rivers she hasn't visited... Also, Grandmother's health is much better. You should go to the army when you should; don't delay."
Yue Qing hurriedly nodded in agreement. "Yes, yes, yes. Your grandson will go to the army tomorrow."
Grand Princess Jiayi shook her head helplessly, then looked at Yan Chi. "Xiao Qi, how is your injury? Seeing that it's getting colder day by day in the north after autumn, why not recuperate in Jinzhou before returning, to avoid suffering there."
Yan Chi's expression turned warm. "The wound has begun to heal. Grand-Aunt need not worry. Naturally, I'll recuperate fully before returning to the capital. Yan Chi has long admired the reputation of the Yue family army in Jinzhou and hasn't been to the army camp many times. In a few days, I'll go take a look to fulfill my wish."
Qin Wan's eyes widened instantly. Yan Chi had previously said he would leave in seven days. Calculating now, that would be tomorrow or the day after. Yet he suddenly wasn't leaving? Because of Grand Princess Jiayi, or he originally...
Qin Wan was extremely surprised and somewhat annoyed. But she glared at Yan Chi, who didn't look back at her. Coming to her senses, Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi with disbelief. He did it on purpose; he deliberately deceived her!
Her brow furrowed tightly. Looking at Yan Chi's composed demeanor, Qin Wan felt utterly bewildered. Why would he do this?
Even if he hadn't said he would leave in seven days, she would have treated him wholeheartedly. Why say only seven days, causing her to use aggressive prescriptions and, these past few days, return to the manor thinking of nothing but making medicine for him? This is simply...
Qin Wan felt somewhat indignant. Remembering she still carried the medicine she made for Yan Chi in her sleeve, she hardened her heart and decided not to give it to him. Physicians have tempers too. These past few days, she had labored mind and body, already exceeding normal treatment levels. Yet this person still teased her, not only teased her but also distrusted her. She had merely neglected to ask once...
"The Yue family army hasn't fought for years. You know, without the pressure of war, relying only on routine drills, morale will inevitably decline. You come from the Western Frontiers. The Yue family army naturally can't compare to the Western Frontier army."
Grand Princess Jiayi's tone was sighing. Before Yan Chi, she didn't conceal her words at all. Yan Chi had been in the military for years; the state of the Yue family army would be clear as soon as he entered the camp. Even if she praised the Yue family army to the skies now, once Yan Chi arrived at the camp, the truth would be immediately clear.
But Yan Chi shook his head. "Yan Chi has already been to the camp. Though the stay was brief, I could see the elite spirit of the Yue family army remains undiminished. Though the Western Frontier army is fierce and brave, in terms of military organization, I'm afraid it is not as well-structured as the Yue family army. These past few days, Yan Chi left his personal guards in the Yue family army camp precisely to let them learn the Yue army's military bearing and discipline."
Grand Princess Jiayi laughed. "Soldiers train hard to kill enemies. Military organization and such, your Western Frontier army's clear rewards and punishments are best. You border the Rong Di enemies. Neither soldiers nor generals can afford to slacken."
Hearing this, a shadow crossed Yan Chi's eyes. He said jokingly, "The Western Frontier army has been in the west for over ten years. We also need some rules, lest one day we are recalled to the capital and seen as barbarians..."
Grand Princess Jiayi's eyebrows jumped. "Recalled to the capital?!"
Yan Chi shook his head. "Yan Chi was joking. Grand-Aunt, don't take it seriously. Speaking of which, the south is peaceful now. The Yue family army has little use. I wonder if His Majesty will assign the Yue family army a new posting..."
Yan Chi shifted the topic to the Yue family army. Grand Princess Jiayi naturally discussed it with him. Qin Wan didn't understand military matters, but from Yan Chi's tone earlier, she sensed something slightly amiss. She couldn't help wondering, could there be changes in the Western Frontier army? Since ancient times, military power was what the imperial family most feared. If there were changes in the army, court turmoil would surely follow. Thinking of Yan Chi's injury, Qin Wan felt a moment of concern for him...
Though she thought of this, military power and court politics were still too distant for Qin Wan. She quickly collected her thoughts. Calming her mind, she once again felt a sense of helplessness. Forget about military power and the court; even reaching the capital still seemed so far away. And without returning to the capital, what she sought could absolutely not be achieved.
After talking a while longer, Grand Princess Jiayi showed signs of fatigue. Qin Wan and Yue Ning helped Grand Princess Jiayi to the inner chamber. After checking her pulse again to confirm she was well, Qin Wan and Yue Ning withdrew.
Leaving Grand Princess Jiayi's courtyard, Yue Ning remembered her agreement with Qin Wan from yesterday and quickly asked, "That thing you were soaking, has the color faded?"
Qin Wan nodded. "It had faded when I left this morning."
Yue Ning's eyes lit up. "Let's go, let's go to the Qin manor! I want to see what it is!"
Yue Qing had come out with Qin Wan. Hearing this, he hurriedly asked, "Little Sister wants to see something?"
Qin Wan was about to answer, but Yue Ning grabbed Qin Wan's arm. "Second Brother need not concern yourself. This is a matter for us girls." Then she looked at Yan Chi. "Borrow the Prince's guard again. Please take us to the Qin manor."
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, not yet answering, when Qin Wan took a medicine bottle from her sleeve. Qin Wan handed it to Fuling and said to Yan Chi, "This is Your Highness's wound medicine. Apply this medicine slowly for half a month, and Your Highness's injury will certainly be fine."
Qin Wan emphasized the word "slowly." A spark of amusement appeared in Yan Chi's phoenix eyes. He took the medicine Fuling handed him and instructed Bai Feng behind him, "Escort the Young Princess and Ninth Young Miss to the Qin manor properly."
"Yes, this subordinate understands."
Bai Feng respectfully assented. Yue Ning eagerly pulled Qin Wan out of the residence. Once in the carriage, Yue Ning said, "I thought about it yesterday. That thing seems like thin silk gauze. Silk gauze is made from cotton and hemp, the thinnest like cicada wings. But that material is mostly used for clothing embellishments, scarves, or silk flowers. How could it end up in Song Rou's stomach?"
Qin Wan pondered briefly, suddenly feeling Yue Ning's description was more accurate than Fuling's. She shook her head. "There must be a reason. The stranger the thing, the more reason there is. Let's look again when we return."
Yue Ning nodded, then said, "According to your earlier deduction, the Wei family's eldest son will probably fall into Prefect Huo's trap. Once caught, we just need to ask where he hid Miss Song's head, and the case can be concluded."
Qin Wan smiled. "Right now, I'm investigating what that thing is not to help the Prefect solve the case."
Yue Ning pouted. "I know, I know. You have to get to the bottom of everything!"
Yue Ning, initially somewhat reserved, now showed some liveliness fitting her age. Chatting and laughing along the way, they didn't realize how much time had passed until they reached the Qin manor gate.
Entering the manor together, Yue Ning was even more impatient than Qin Wan to reach Tinglan Pavilion.
"Hurry, where is it?"
Seeing Yue Ning unusually eager, Qin Wan couldn't help but laugh. "Young Princess, why the hurry? It's in the inner chamber."
Yue Ning thought about it and also found herself strange. "Clearly a small matter, yet I feel like we're searching for the most crucial evidence in some Judge Bao strange case."
Qin Wan's smile deepened. "I think the Young Princess should move Second Young Master's storybooks to her own room. See how the real Judge Bao solves strange cases..."
Yue Ning glanced sideways at Qin Wan. "My Second Brother prepared those for someone."
Qin Wan only smiled, not responding, and went to the inner chamber to bring the white porcelain cup to the warm chamber. As soon as she set it down, Yue Ning lifted the lid. "Ah, I guessed right!"
Qin Wan also leaned over to look. She saw the previously blackish mass had turned gray. If soaked longer, the color would likely lighten further. The earlier clump of filth had now slightly dispersed. The outermost layer, though somewhat fragmented, still showed that its texture was very thin, extremely similar to silk gauze.
Qin Wan didn't answer immediately. Instead, she went to find a dry bamboo tray and a pair of very fine silver chopsticks. She carefully picked out the "silk gauze" dispersed in the water and laid it flat on the tray. Over and over, before long, the tray was covered with scattered pieces of silk gauze. Qin Wan put down the chopsticks, pinched a tiny piece, rubbed it, and suddenly frowned again. "No, it doesn't seem like silk gauze..."
Yue Ning asked doubtfully, "Then what is it? I can faintly see cotton and hemp fibers..."
Qin Wan continued shaking her head. "Silk gauze usually contains some silk. This has none. This... seems more like paper!"
Yue Ning couldn't resist and also pinched a tiny piece. After a moment, she said, "But I feel it's tougher than paper. Paper soaked in water this long would disintegrate, let alone in a person's stomach..."
Though Yue Ning didn't understand medical principles, she knew paper in the stomach would also be "digested."
Qin Wan shook her head. "It has been a long time. But the Young Princess should know, some paper is extremely resilient, even comparable to silk gauze. It's just more expensive than ordinary hemp or bamboo paper. However... there are many types of such more expensive paper."
Then her eyes lit up. "Moreover, if it's paper, it makes sense. Song Rou wouldn't eat paper for no reason. Only if there was something shameful on it would she eat it to avoid detection."
Yue Ning felt this reasoning made sense and nodded. "Could it be the Wei family's eldest son wrote her something? Wasn't she killed in the birch grove? Could the Wei family's eldest son have written her a letter, luring her out with some pretext, perhaps wanting her to flee the marriage? Then Song Rou refused, they argued, and he accidentally killed her?"
Qin Wan nodded slightly. "That's possible. The Wei family's eldest son pursued her over a thousand li; he must have had a purpose. Perhaps he and Song Rou were truly deeply in love, wanting to take her away. But Song Rou felt she couldn't escape her family and wanted to refuse..."
Yue Ning's eyes sparkled. Having her speculation affirmed by Qin Wan gave her a sense of accomplishment!
After speaking, Qin Wan looked at the remaining residue in the white porcelain cup. "After many days in Song Rou's stomach, with her body beginning to decay, even if there were writing on it, it wouldn't be visible now. What a pity..."
Yue Ning wiped her hands. "What pity? Knowing what it is is enough. Do you want to change the case because of this?"
Qin Wan gave a bitter smile and nodded, also wiping her hands. But the moment she turned her head, something glinted in the corner of her eye. Qin Wan froze, then looked again at the fragmented paper spread across the tray.. "Young Princess, look, what is this?"