The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 87 : Setting a Trap, Exposing the Murderer

87: Setting a Trap, Exposing the Murderer

"Prefect Huo brought a dozen yamen constables, along with Constable Qi and Coroner Xu. They have already entered the eastern courtyard."

Following behind Yue Ning and Qin Wan, Lüqi spoke with great urgency. "The case of Song Rou has been a dark cloud over the marquis's estate. Now, Huo Huaixin has charged in aggressively, and all the servants in the estate are somewhat panicked."

Qin Wan and Yue Ning's steps were extremely fast. The moment they exited Yue Ning's courtyard, they saw several servants gathered together, indeed looking towards the eastern courtyard and discussing something. The moment they saw Yue Ning appear, their faces turned solemn and they immediately fell silent.

Yue Ning gave them a warning glance, then changed direction and headed towards the eastern courtyard.

"To come over so early in the morning, I trust both lines of investigation have been clarified."

Yue Ning's tone was serious. Lüqi, from the side, added, "Yesterday, all the people from Second Young Master's courtyard were called in for questioning. Only then did we learn that Second Young Master did indeed lose a robe, but his servants concealed it and didn't report it."

Yue Ning's gaze narrowed. "It seems the evidence is conclusive."

As they spoke, following the estate's shortcuts, they were not far from the eastern courtyard. In the distance, they could already see Yue Qiong and Jiang‑shi were present. Nearby, Yue Qing and Yue Jia stood together. Looking further ahead, the Grand Princess, leaning on Yan Chi's arm, stood at the very front. Everyone from within the eastern courtyard stood outside it. On top of that, there were several estate servants watching.

Qin Wan's gaze darkened. "It seems Prefect Huo has run into trouble."

Yue Ning frowned and strode forward. Yue Qing was the first to see Yue Ning and Qin Wan arriving and hurriedly came over to greet them. "You're finally here. Prefect Huo has brought people to arrest Second Young Master Wei. What is this about?"

Yue Qing had been going to the military camp every day for the past two days and didn't know the case of Song Rou had changed. Just as he finished speaking, he added, "I thought the Wei family's eldest young master had already been captured. Why is Second Young Master suddenly the murderer?"

Yue Ning then said in a low voice, "Second Brother, this is a long story. To put it briefly, the one who had an affair with Miss Song wasn't the Wei family's eldest young master, and Eldest Young Master doesn't know who that person was. And if many things were indeed done by Eldest Young Master, it just doesn't make sense."

Yue Qing glanced at Qin Wan. Seeing that her face showed no trace of surprise, he understood that Qin Wan was already aware of this. He immediately nodded. "Good, I understand. You two, come over and listen."

The three of them stepped forward. After taking a couple more steps, the Grand Princess and Yan Chi turned their heads back. Qin Wan busily paid her respects to the group.

The Grand Princess beckoned to Qin Wan and Yue Ning, raising her chin to indicate the space in front. "You two clever sprites, you must have known about this long ago." She then shot a reproachful look at Yan Chi. "You knew too!"

Yan Chi curved his lips slightly. Yue Ning, already holding the Grand Princess's other arm, said, "Isn't this because we didn't dare to let Grandmother worry?"

The Grand Princess shook her head helplessly. Meanwhile, Qin Wan saw the scene in the courtyard.

Huo Huaixin and Constable Qi stood in the center of the courtyard. The yamen constables stood to the side. Besides the constables, following behind them was a middle-aged man dressed in commoner's clothes. Wei Yanzhi, draped in an outer cloak, stood looking rather weak just outside the main door. At this moment, his face was a mixture of shock and grievance. His eyes shifted, and he saw Yue Ning and Qin Wan's arrival. He then turned to look at Huo Huaixin and said, "Prefect, are you saying that I am the one who harmed Xiao Rou? Prefect, your words... where is this coming from..."

Wei Yanzhi's face was full of helplessness, almost to the point of being unable to laugh or cry. It was as if he thought Huo Huaixin's great show of force was some kind of joke with him.

Today, Huo Huaixin was dressed in his official robes, clearly in the posture of conducting official business. Hearing this, he jutted his chin, and his somewhat short and stout figure exuded the authority of a prefect. "Wei Yanzhi, you won't confess?"

Wei Yanzhi could only smile wryly, again and again. "What is Prefect asking me to confess? I, lying sick on my bed, heard that Prefect brought constables to storm the courtyard. I was still wondering if there were new developments in the case and you needed to question the escort guards again. But I never imagined that Prefect would actually be here to arrest me." Wei Yanzhi's voice grew hoarse. "Prefect, for no good reason, what is this all about?"

Huo Huaixin had handled many cases after all. Although he had previously admired Wei Yanzhi, even once confirming Wei Qizhi as the murderer, now that he had re-investigated, as the parent official of Jinzhou Prefecture, he did not want any blemish on his official record. He was naturally extremely unwilling to have a wrongful case on his hands. He frowned and his voice grew sharp and stern. "The matter of Song Rou, you told us it was related to Wei Qizhi. This is clearly you deliberately framing Wei Qizhi. And on that day, you were the leader of the bridal escort. You deployed the entire party. You had the most opportunity to harm Song Rou. Furthermore, 'Seagulls Forget Their Cunning' was Miss Song's favorite piece. Yet you claimed you heard it from Wei Qizhi. Wei Yanzhi, you thought you could conceal it so we would never suspect you were the murderer. But a person who has or has not done something always leaves traces. You were still careless in the end!"

Wei Yanzhi's eyes widened. He looked at Huo Huaixin, then at the Grand Princess and others at the courtyard entrance, his face full of shock and bitter smiling. "Prefect's words are truly... What I told Prefect is known to everyone in the Duke's household. Prefect only needs to go and ask my uncle and aunt, to ask my great-grandmother. They all know of this. If not for cooperating with Prefect's investigation, why would I have told Prefect about this matter? This is a scandal for both the Duke's household and the Wei family. I would never, in any case, be willing to tarnish the reputations of both houses..."

After a slight pause, Wei Yanzhi added, "Furthermore, Prefect says I was the leader of the escort and could deploy it at will. But with Xiao Rou dead, both houses would likely place the blame on me. Why would I bring such trouble upon myself? As for that qin melody, many years ago, it was indeed Eldest Brother's favorite. Eldest Brother is proud and aloof, not seeking an official career. What he loved was a free and unfettered life. This 'Forget Their Cunning' melody speaks of a couple retiring to the mountains and forests. It perfectly matched Eldest Brother's wish to escape the mortal world. I don't know which piece Xiao Rou loved best. Even if she loved to play 'Forget Their Cunning,' she likely came to love it from hearing Eldest Brother play it."

Wei Yanzhi gritted his teeth. "Prefect, since this matter occurred, have I ever been uncooperative? Which time was I not wholeheartedly doing my best? Now that Prefect is about to close the case, why do you suddenly point the spear at me? If I were the one who harmed Xiao Rou, why... why would I have helped Prefect so wholeheartedly?"

Hearing this, Huo Huaixin was slightly taken aback, as if recalling that Wei Yanzhi had indeed not deliberately been uncooperative. But thinking of what was discovered yesterday, Huo Huaixin sneered. "Fine. Then take a look and see if any of you recognize this person."

Hearing this, a questioning look appeared in Wei Yanzhi's eyes. Huo Huaixin turned and looked at the constables. Seeing this, the constable quickly stepped aside, revealing the middle-aged man standing at the very end. The man's appearance was ordinary, and his clothes were very simple. Seeing the situation, he stepped forward. Perhaps the show of force was too great. His face held considerable apprehension.

Huo Huaixin looked at him and pointed in Wei Yanzhi's direction. "Take a look. Who was it that came to you to buy tung oil that night?"

The middle-aged man looked up, glanced towards Wei Yanzhi's direction, then pointed definitively at Wei Yanzhi and the blue-robed guard beside him. "Yes. It was these two. It was already the third watch of the night. This lowly one had already closed the shop door and was about to snuff out the lamps and rest. But someone came knocking on the door. This lowly one opened the door and saw that young man over there..." The middle-aged man pointed at the blue-robed guard beside Wei Yanzhi. "That young man knocked on the door. But this lowly one saw this young master through the crack in the door. This young master was standing by the street, his side to me. This lowly one found it strange at the time and made a point to remember his face. That young man immediately said he wanted to buy tung oil. At that time, this lowly one was only wearing an outer robe, and the storeroom door was already locked. I had no intention of selling. But that young man immediately offered ten taels of silver. This lowly one..."

"Ten taels of silver is something I might not even earn in a month of selling, so this lowly one went to open the oil storeroom to get the tung oil. There were two barrels. When I carried them out, I took another glance at the street. This young master had turned around then and urged the young man on. I remembered his face again. This lowly one is certain. I absolutely did not misidentify."

When the middle-aged man appeared, Wei Yanzhi had maintained a calm expression, but the blue-robed guard's brow had furrowed. He waited for the man to finish. Then the blue-robed guard's fists clenched tightly. He did not have Wei Yanzhi's level of articulation, and the nervousness and apprehension showing all over his body were plain for the constables to see.

Huo Huaxin raised his chin. "In the dead of night, to go buy tung oil. And that very night, the mortuary was set on fire. Wei Yanzhi, what else do you have to say for yourself? The night before, on the boat, only a few of us knew that Ninth Young Miss was going to perform the autopsy early the next morning. You went to set fire to the mortuary in the middle of the night, wasn't it just to prevent Ninth Young Miss from performing the autopsy? You were afraid Ninth Young Miss would find evidence related to you and wanted to destroy the corpse and erase all traces. Am I right!"

Wei Yanzhi still stood straight. From beginning to end, his brow did not move a single inch.

Huo Huaixin added, "Also, on that very day we went to Li River Lake, a blue long robe belonging to Second Young Master was missing from the estate. And from that morning after you left the estate gates, only this guard of yours ran to Second Young Master's courtyard to borrow a brush. And then, that very night, Ninth Young Miss was nearly crushed by the falling lantern tower. You were afraid Ninth Young Miss would find more evidence and actually wanted to take Ninth Young Miss's life!" Saying this, Huo Huaixin looked at the trembling blue-robed guard. "The one who disguised themselves as Second Young Master that day was him, wasn't it..."

Wei Yanzhi narrowed his eyes slightly but still did not speak.

"Still not talking?" Huo Huaixin's face turned cold. He ordered sternly, "Men, take this master and servant back to the yamen prison for thorough interrogation! Not talking? In the prison, not talking is the real skill!"

Huo Huaixin's words were both rushed and fast. Wei Yanzhi's brow furrowed before he could be stopped. But from the side, his blue-robed guard suddenly stepped forward. With a "plop," he knelt down. "Prefect! My young master has good intentions! He absolutely did not want to destroy the corpse and erase traces! My young master... is unwilling to let Miss Tang bear this stigma even after her death! My young master did not want Ninth Young Miss to discover that Miss Tang was with child! The two estates in the capital value their reputations greatly. This matter was already suppressed in the capital. If it were to be uncovered during this case, Prefect would definitely write it into the case files and report to the Ministry of Justice. Then, everyone in the capital would surely know. My young master resorted to this desperate measure only to protect the marquis's estate's reputation! My young master would never harm Miss Tang's life!"

The guard's face was full of earnestness. His voice grew louder, becoming hoarse with exertion. He suddenly began to kowtow. "Prefect, please see clearly! My young master absolutely did not dare to harm Miss Tang's life! The mortuary was... indeed burned by us. The matter of Ninth Young Miss... was indeed done by this lowly one. My young master instructed this lowly one to only inflict light injuries on Ninth Young Miss. He absolutely must not harm Ninth Young Miss's life."

After speaking, the guard raised his head. "My lord, this lowly one dares not have a single false word..."

Everyone present was slightly tongue-tied. They then looked at Wei Yanzhi and saw him with his eyes closed, a look of grief on his face.

Huo Huaixin frowned. "So, you admit that burning the mortuary and attempting to harm Ninth Young Miss was your doing? But you refuse to admit that killing Miss Song was your doing? What about pretending to be a ghost to scare Ninth Young Miss?"

At these words, the blue-robed guard quickly said, "No! That's not it! It wasn't my young master! That night, after my young master returned from His Highness Chi's quarters, he was practicing calligraphy the entire time. We servants were guarding outside the entire time. My young master absolutely could not have left the eastern courtyard!"

The guard's sudden confession, serving as a witness for a moment, spoke with intense emotion, almost on the verge of tears. Huo Huaixin listened, his brow furrowing slightly.

From the side, Yue Ning said in a low voice to Qin Wan, "What this guard said doesn't seem to be false. And Wei Yanzhi, why isn't he defending himself? Does this mean he's admitting to these things?"

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes slightly. "It seems he truly did it for the reputations of the two houses."

Yue Ning raised an eyebrow. Qin Wan had been the one most suspicious of Wei Yanzhi. Why had her tone changed now at this moment?

Doubts arose in Yue Ning's heart, but she did not press immediately, instead continuing to watch how the situation developed.

"Wei Yanzhi, do you confirm what your guard has said?"

Wei Yanzhi opened his eyes. A decisive glint appeared within. He took a deep breath, only then speaking in a hoarse voice. "The matter of Xiao Rou is indeed a disgrace to both the Duke's and Wei households. Originally, I thought that once Xiao Rou was gone, this matter would be buried forever. But I never imagined that Ninth Young Miss's autopsy skills would be so brilliant. So I was worried that Ninth Young Miss would one day see through it. And so... in a moment of confusion, I committed this unrighteous act."

Saying this, Wei Yanzhi gave an apologetic glance towards Qin Wan. Qin Wan's brow furrowed slightly, but her face showed no intention of blame. Wei Yanzhi added, "But I never imagined that even with the mortuary burned and Miss Tang's corpse turned like that, Ninth Young Miss would still be able to deduce the truth. When Prefect had me go over to give a report just now, I knew it was bad the moment I heard. That is why I, my heart as dead as ash, confessed the truth. Whether what I have said is true or false, Prefect only needs to send someone to the capital to investigate to find out."

Wei Yanzhi's gaze was low, his face full of self-reproach and guilt. The marquis's estate had treated him well, and Qin Wan had even treated his illness. But now, he had let everyone know that the attempt on Qin Wan's life the other night was his own handiwork.

Qin Wan looked at Wei Yanzhi. She felt as if he were standing alone before the main room door, an inexplicable air of lonely, bleak chill enveloping him. He was just a person thinking of his own family's reputation. He had never intended to take anyone's life. In the capital, an ugly affair like Song Rou's would indeed invite ridicule from the entire capital. His reasons were valid.

Qin Wan sighed inwardly. She had to admire Wei Yanzhi.

Meanwhile, Huo Huaixin was also stunned for a moment by Wei Yanzhi's appearance. Then he frowned and said, "You admit to these things? Then what about Song Rou's death?"

Wei Yanzhi suddenly looked up. "Prefect, these are two entirely separate matters. Xiao Rou's death is also a stain on the Duke's and Wei households. I value my family's reputation. Why wouldn't I let her marry into the marquis's estate and form a good union between two families? Why would I kill her? What evidence does Prefect have to say that I killed Xiao Rou?"

Huo Huaixin was momentarily at a loss for words. He seemed to have no direct evidence. What Qin Wan had said about the Gilded Paper only served to cast suspicion on Wei Qizhi; it was not evidence against Wei Qizhi. And though Wei Yanzhi's suspicion was great without Wei Qizhi, there was still no conclusive proof that he was the murderer. He frowned, then said with some unwillingness, "For now, there is no direct evidence, but an investigation will surely find some. Your reason for burning the mortuary for the reputations of the Wei and Duke's households is truly questionable."

Wei Yanzhi sighed. "I am guilty of a crime, but Xiao Rou's death has nothing to do with me. If Prefect does not believe me, then feel free to throw me in the prison to continue the investigation."

Huo Huaixin had this very intention and couldn't help but grunt. "Men, take Wei Yanzhi."

"Prefect, Qin Wan has a word to say..."

Just as Huo Huaixin was about to order the arrest, Qin Wan unexpectedly interrupted his command. Huo Huaixin looked at Qin Wan. "What is it, Ninth Young Miss?"

Qin Wan stepped forward, glancing at Wei Yanzhi. "The family's reputation is indeed important. Second Young Master's actions are understandable in this regard. As for the other night with me... I was not injured in the end, and Second Young Master did not intend to kill me. I think that since the escort guards from the Duke's household are all in the marquis's estate, if you take away Young Master Wei, it might cause people's hearts to be unsettled."

Huo Huaixin raised an eyebrow, just as surprised in his heart as Yue Ning. Why was Qin Wan speaking up for Wei Yanzhi?

"Ninth Young Miss... what do you mean by this?"

Qin Wan raised her chin slightly. "I am thinking that Second Young Master is now only guilty of the charge of burning the mortuary. While burning the mortuary was wrong, considering it was a first offense, let him compensate with some money and goods. Since he is not the murderer, there is no need to throw him in the prison."

Saying this, Qin Wan's voice became clear and bright. "Qin Wan knows that Prefect is anxious to solve the case. But I, Qin Wan, now have a shortcut. Does Prefect still remember that day when I took something out from Miss Song's stomach?"

Huo Huaixin blinked. "Of course, I remember." Not only do I remember, wasn't it already identified what it was?

Qin Wan curved her lips. "Not hiding it from Prefect, Qin Wan has already identified it as a letter. And it was written with Gilded Paper. As for what was written on the letter... because the time was too long, Qin Wan has not been able to read it clearly. However, the other night, I used a medicine that can make faded ink reappear. After soaking for two days and two nights, the faded words on the letter can re-emerge. I speculate that letter was written by the murderer who killed Miss Song. Since Miss Song swallowed the letter, it most likely contained words that could not see the light of day. Prefect only needs to wait one more night. Once the words on the letter appear, we will know who the murderer is!"

Huo Huaixin stared with wide-eyed surprise. Beside him, Xu He was also dumbfounded. The two of them looked at the serious-faced Qin Wan, somewhat unable to process what she was saying. The letter had already been identified as Gilded Paper. Saying it was a letter was just speculation. There were no words that would appear on it. But for Qin Wan to say this now, it was for the sake of...

Huo Huaixin and Xu He gasped in unison. It was to set a trap!

Suppressing his own doubts, Huo Huaixin quickly cooperated. "Is this really so?!"

Qin Wan nodded. "Qin Wan would never dare to deceive Prefect."

Huo Huaixin's eyes shone brightly. He was so excited he could barely speak. "This... this is simply too wonderful! With that letter, the murderer will be clear at a glance. Then we won't have this kind of misunderstanding today."

Saying this, he looked at Wei Yanzhi. "Second Young Master, burning the mortuary is a crime, but this crime naturally cannot be equated with taking a life. This yamen will temporarily follow Ninth Young Miss's suggestion and let you stay in the marquis's estate for now. However, for the next few days, you had best stay in your courtyard recuperating from your illness and not go out causing trouble."

Wei Yanzhi lowered his gaze, his voice strained. "Thank you, Prefect. I will definitely take responsibility for the matter of burning the mortuary."

Huo Huaixin nodded, then said eagerly, "Ninth Young Miss, why not go get that letter now?"

Qin Wan tilted her head and thought for a moment. "The words on the letter are not yet visible. We must wait until early tomorrow morning. Furthermore, the medicine on the letter is cold in nature. It must be placed in an extremely low-temperature location. I have prepared an ice basin in the Qin residence. If I were to bring it over..."

Huo Huaixin looked at Yue Qiong. Yue Qiong immediately said, "The marquis's estate also has an ice cellar. There is an empty room in Ning'er's courtyard. We can place the ice basin and the letter there when the time comes."

Huo Huaixin clapped his hands. "Then that is perfect! Ninth Young Miss, go get the letter now. Tomorrow morning, we will all be there. Including Second Young Master. We will all see what is written on the letter, and see together who is the one who harmed Miss Song."

Saying this, he added, full of gratitude, "Ninth Young Miss, I am truly in your debt this time!"

Qin Wan shook her head. "It is my honor to be able to contribute to this case."

The joy was palpable on Huo Huaixin's face. He turned and waved his hand. "Alright, alright, let's all withdraw for now. I will wait at the marquis's estate for Ninth Young Miss to bring the letter over. The rest of you, return to the yamen!"

Saying this, he walked out with the group. Leaving the eastern courtyard, they followed the main path first to the Grand Princess's courtyard. The moment they entered the courtyard gate, the Grand Princess instructed Lüxiu, "Keep watch here."

Lüxiu knew the Grand Princess's meaning and quickly acknowledged.

Qin Wan, along with the Grand Princess, then entered the main room with Huo Huaixin and the others. The moment they entered, Huo Huaixin asked anxiously, "Does Ninth Young Miss mean to set a trap for Wei Yanzhi?"

Qin Wan nodded. Yue Ning came in from outside and said, "I thought you had really been fooled by him."

Qin Wan shook her head and laughed. "How could that be? The falling lantern tower was enough to kill someone. But it only injured me. There are many ways to inflict injury. But he went to great lengths to lead me far away first, for the purpose of not letting you save me. It was clearly to put me to death. Furthermore, Prefect did not mention the matter of being left-handed just now. And Wei Yanzhi did not admit to the matter of pretending to be a ghost. Because he knows, once he admits that matter, the left-handedness will not hold up. Then Wei Qizhi's suspicion will naturally be weakened by half. But if he is thrown into the prison by Prefect, wouldn't he lose the chance to be part of the game?"

Huo Huaixin exhaled. "Then how should we arrange things today?"

Qin Wan then said, "As I said just now, I will make a trip back to the Qin residence. I will have my mistress prepare an ice basin in the Princess's courtyard. Everything else should be as usual. Among those of us here, no one must show a flaw."

After a pause, Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi. "To be on the safe side, I must trouble His Highness Chi to dispatch one or two highly skilled guards to watch outside the eastern courtyard. If Wei Yanzhi makes a move tonight, we will surely catch him in the act, leaving him with no room for argument. Besides, I suspect that Miss Song's head is very likely still within Jinzhou city, perhaps even within the marquis's estate. Because yesterday, when I asked him if he were Wei Qizhi, where he would hide Miss Song's head, he said he didn't know, then added that Wei Qizhi is clever and would definitely hide it somewhere we would all think of."

Qin Wan smiled. "I think that in his heart, he considers himself the most clever, and he will also hide Miss Song's head in a place we would all think of. But before this, we always thought Miss Song's head was hidden in the birch grove, or somewhere along the road from Ten Li Temple to Jinzhou city. Yet we never considered, could Miss Song's head have been brought into Jinzhou city by him? And since he has been staying at the marquis's estate ever since, is it possible he has already brought Miss Song's head into the marquis's estate?"

Carrying a dead person's head with them... The thought of it made everyone shudder.

Jiang‑shi, however, said, "That's possible. There were many chests and boxes in the bridal procession. Some of them were the personal luggage of these escort guards. I remember Wei Yanzhi himself had a large travel bundle."

Huo Huaxin's face showed a smile. "Good. Then we will act separately. All else shall wait for tonight."

In the room, Yue Ning and Yan Chi were among those who knew the situation. Yue Qiong and his wife, as well as Yue Qing and Yue Jia, also understood after a while. The Grand Princess looked at the serious expressions on everyone's faces, but a glint of light appeared in her eyes. At her age, to have to join these younger generations in nervously setting a trap was rather interesting.

...

...

...

In the eastern courtyard, Wei Yanzhi sat on a low stool by the window, not saying a word for half a shichen.

Not long after, the blue-robed guard pushed open the door and entered, exhaling. "Young Master, Ninth Young Miss has already returned to the Qin residence accompanied by the Princess. It seems what she said was true. This case will have a conclusion soon."

Wei Yanzhi still sat with an expressionless face. His entire being was cloaked in a gloomy, oppressive chill.

Seeing this, the guard quickly said, "Young Master, you must not worry too much. Burning the mortuary is a minor matter. Ninth Young Miss also said that as long as some money and goods are compensated, it will not affect your official career."

Wei Yanzhi's brow moved. He turned his gaze to the rumbling fire stove, his eyes dark and deep.

The guard thought for a moment, feeling that Wei Yanzhi was most likely depressed by Huo Huaixin's baseless accusation. He tried to console him. "Prefect is probably just eager to solve the case, so seeing that Eldest Young Master refused to confess, he pointed the spear at you. Besides, the matter of burning the mortuary was discovered, which led to this."

Saying this, the guard's expression grew firm. "Young Master, once they see that letter tomorrow, they will know that you, Young Master, were falsely accused."

Wei Yanzhi looked up and glanced at his guard. Seeing the guard's relaxed and firm expression, he lowered his gaze again. The room was scorching hot. Yet he was still wearing his outer cloak. Suddenly, he took off the cloak and raised a hand to tug at the buttons on his front.

The guard was startled. "Young Master, are you feeling cold? Is your illness worsening?"

Wei Yanzhi shook his head, not speaking or moving, just hanging his head, as if struck by something, his spirit suddenly drained from his body, his entire being somber and dejected.

The guard blinked, feeling that Wei Yanzhi was somewhat strange, but not knowing exactly what was strange, he sighed and said to himself, "The actions that day, I guessed would be discovered, but I never thought they really would be. Fortunately, Prefect is still wise, and Ninth Young Miss is helping speak up for us. Otherwise, this lowly one and Young Master would surely be thrown in the great prison by now."

After finishing, the guard let out a long breath and went to the front. He had followed Wei Yanzhi for many years. Because of Wei Yanzhi's status, his life in the Wei household was not considered good, but at least he lacked neither clothing nor food. And as Wei Yanzhi entered the Patrol Garrison and received a post, his days improved considerably. Just now, when he thought he was about to be thrown into the great prison, he was scared out of his wits. Fortunately, this matter could now be turned from a great calamity into a small one...

"Is what Ninth Young Miss said true?"

Unexpectedly, Wei Yanzhi opened his mouth. His voice was calm and unruffled, yet carried a heavy sense of oppression. The guard inexplicably felt a chill in his heart. He turned his head and said without thinking, "Of course it's true! Don't you know of Ninth Young Miss's abilities? Speaking of which, Ninth Young Miss is truly amazing. A young lady who can do what a coroner does!"

Wei Yanzhi sat quietly. Sweat trickled down his back from the heat, but his heart was a sheet of ice. He knew he was already standing at the edge of a cliff. One wrong step, and he would fall. But he was not certain if what Qin Wan said was true or not.

"Thinking of that night, we were all sleeping soundly, but Miss Tang ran alone to the birch grove. Most likely someone sent her a letter. Otherwise, she wouldn't have gone out for no good reason." Saying this, the guard slammed a fist into his palm. "Speaking of which, that letter came at such a perfect time! The murderer definitely never expected the letter he gave to Miss Tang to be swallowed by her! Not only was it swallowed, but it was also found and used as evidence from Miss Tang's stomach. Ninth Young Miss is truly amazing!"

Wei Yanzhi's head slowly drooped. After a moment, he looked up and scanned the room. When his eyes fell on a charcoal basket placed in a corner, he suddenly ordered, "Put all the charcoal inside it."

The guard was stunned. "Ah, but if you do that, the fire will be too strong. The room will definitely be unbearably hot."

Wei Yanzhi said with no expression, "Put it in."

Seeing this, how did the guard dare say more? He lifted the lid of the fire stove, carried the charcoal basket over, and threw all the fire charcoal inside. The stove was crammed full. Because there was an empty space below, the charcoal inside quickly began to burn.

The outside of the stove burned a fiery red. The guard felt the room was stuffy and unbearably hot. He quickly opened a window. Wei Yanzhi, however, remained sitting where he was. The guard saw that the hair at Wei Yanzhi's temples was wet with sweat. He was about to say a word of concern but saw Wei Yanzhi's eyes reflected in the fiery red. For some unknown reason, he suddenly felt that his own usually gentle and polite young master was showing a hint of viciousness.

Lips pressed together, the guard swallowed the words that were about to come out.

The room was utterly quiet, with only the roaring of the stove fire and the occasional crackling of the charcoal. Wei Yanzhi sat for another moment, then suddenly stood up. As was his custom, he went to the small study in the inner chamber to practice calligraphy.

The brush was from Yue Qing, a Huzhou wolf-hair brush. The paper was Gilded Paper bought from outside. Gilded Paper had the fine reputation of Little Sprinkled Gold Paper. He still remembered the feeling of using Sprinkled Gold Paper to write for the first time in his youth. The brush tip gliding over the shiny, colorful paper surface, he felt as if he saw the power and fortune revealed by the ink stains. Just as he thought he was so close to power and fortune, a setback had made him understand: power did not belong to him, and fortune was something he had exchanged for his dignity.

Since he could not use Sprinkled Gold Paper, he could only use Gilded Paper. Gilded Paper carried a fragrance, which he enjoyed smelling. But Wei Qizhi was not so. Not only did he dislike this fragrance, but with prolonged use of this paper, his hands would develop ugly rashes. Others thought it was a curse, but only he had discovered this secret. Thinking of this, the brush in Wei Yanzhi's hand moved faster and faster. His originally neat and flowing standard script gradually became a sharp, aggressive cursive script...

At a certain moment, Wei Yanzhi finally stopped. A "pata" sound, and a drop of sweat fell onto the paper, instantly ruining the entire page of hasty script. Wei Yanzhi stared at it, then suddenly crumpled the paper page!

Throwing the paper ball away, Wei Yanzhi took two deep breaths. He walked out and stood by the fiercely burning fire stove. The guard waiting outside saw him and asked, "Young Master, what is wrong?"

Wei Yanzhi shook his head. "Is lunch almost here?"

The guard nodded. "Are you hungry, Young Master? This lowly one will go wait outside."

Wei Yanzhi nodded, and the guard went out.

With no one else in the room, Wei Yanzhi lifted the lid of the fire stove...

When the guard returned with lunch, he saw that Wei Yanzhi had already cleared out the ashes from under the stove. The guard quickly set down the lunch. "Young Master, eat quickly. Leave this to this lowly one."

Wei Yanzhi patted his hands. "Take it out."

Nodding, the guard carried the ashes out.

After finishing lunch, Wei Yanzhi sat by the fire stove, still silent. The guard, seeing this, said, "Young Master, are you still unwell? You didn't take your medicine today?"

Wei Yanzhi shook his head. "Go and rest."

The guard, having faced Wei Yanzhi's oddness the entire day, already had a taut nerve in his heart. Hearing him told to rest, he immediately withdrew. The main room was Wei Yanzhi's. The guard lived in a side room. The moment the guard left and the door was closed, the entire eastern courtyard fell silent. Wei Yanzhi sat quietly before the fire stove, his eyes still reflected a fiery red.

Time passed bit by bit. The moment the third watch's water clock just passed, Wei Yanzhi suddenly stood up.

He walked quickly to the inner chamber, took out a set of dark-blue tight-fitting clothes from a bundle on top of a high cabinet by the bed. He put them on with swift, practiced movements. He blew out the lamp in the room and stood quietly by the door, listening for a moment before bolting the door. Then he turned and went to the back window of the inner chamber. Leaping out from the half-open window lattice.

The Anyang Marquis's estate was vast, but its layout was built like that of a typical noble residence. Wei Yanzhi knew where Yue Qing's courtyard was and also knew the general direction of Yue Ning's courtyard. Soon, he made his way to the rear of Yue Ning's courtyard.

In the deep of the autumn night, a light, chilling cold permeated the air. Wei Yanzhi took out a square kerchief and tied it around his face. Listening intently, the courtyard was utterly silent, not a single light to be seen. His mind set, he gathered his inner strength and leaped onto the top of the wall.

The room where the letter was placed was an empty one. Wei Yanzhi's gaze swept the area. He started searching from the side room. Soon, Wei Yanzhi discovered a room locked from the outside. Wei Yanzhi followed the base of the wall, felt his way over, then focused his senses to listen for a few moments. He quickly confirmed the room was empty. His heart at ease, Wei Yanzhi took an iron pin from his sleeve and effortlessly picked the lock on the door.

Slipping inside, the moment he entered, a wave of cold air hit him, making him shudder.

But Wei Yanzhi's heart rejoiced. He had found the right place!

With the right room, the letter must be here. Using his eyes to their limit, Wei Yanzhi's gaze swept around. Soon, a small wooden box appeared in his field of vision. On a small desk by the window. The box was small and exquisite, able to hold only a single letter.

Wei Yanzhi walked over and opened the box. A medicinal smell instantly filled the air. Then, Wei Yanzhi took out a somewhat damp piece of paper. Wei Yanzhi gritted his teeth. A mixture of theft and luck made him subconsciously lift his lips. He tucked the letter into his sleeve and placed the box back in its original spot. With light hands and feet, Wei Yanzhi slipped out, "click," re-locking the door.

With the letter in his possession, Wei Yanzhi's heart settled. Turning back, the courtyard was still pitch-black. Qin Wan and Yue Ning must be fast asleep. As long as he went back and disposed of this letter, all would be well!

With this thought, Wei Yanzhi's steps became light and quick. Leaping back over the wall along the same path, Wei Yanzhi gathered his inner strength and moved like a phantom through the dark marquis's estate. The night wind was bitingly cold, but the corners of Wei Yanzhi's lips were raised high. His expression was spirited, his chest filled with agitation, and the smile in his eyes was about to overflow.

A sound, barely audible, and he fell to the ground behind his own room, unnoticed.

The window was still half-ajar. The entire eastern courtyard was quiet enough to hear a pin drop. He pushed open the window lattice and leaped lightly in. The moment his feet touched the floor inside, his entire body relaxed. He took off the face kerchief and impatiently took out the damp piece of paper, subconsciously walking to a corner of the wall to light a lamp. But just as he had taken four or five steps, the faint zhe sound of a firestarter ignited behind him.

At the same time, bright lamplight, along with six or seven tall, imposing shadows, fell before his eyes.

Wei Yanzhi's steps faltered, frozen on the spot as if struck by lightning.

From behind him, Huo Huaixin stepped forward. "Second Young Master, what is it that you are holding in your hand?"