Chapter 38 : A Smile More Beautiful Than Words
38: A Smile More Beautiful Than Words
The killer was not Yue Qing?!
Jiang‑shi didn't look at the bloody mass that made her quite uncomfortable. Instead, she excitedly gripped the windowsill. "Wan'er? What did you say? Are you sure? Are you sure it wasn't Qing'er who beat the man to death?"
Before she finished speaking, Jiang‑shi's voice choked up.
Outside the window, everyone stared intently at Qin Wan. Even though the sight of Lin Daxing disemboweled was highly shocking, at this moment everyone's focus was on whether Yue Qing had committed murder.
Qin Wan turned, placing the object in her hand back into Lin Daxing's chest. In a grave voice, she said, "Lin Daxing's third and fourth ribs on the right side are fractured, but they did not pierce the liver or spleen, which are closest. Instead, it is the heart that is shattered."
As she spoke, Qin Wan began arranging Lin Daxing's remains. "Lin Daxing's heart shattered, which led to him vomiting blood and dying later. This also aligns perfectly with the deep purple bruise that appeared on Lin Daxing's body surface."
She paused slightly, then turned to look at Prefect Huo. "The murder weapon can basically be determined: a round, hammer-shaped object. The killer struck Lin Daxing's chest with it, directly causing his heart to rupture, leading to vomiting blood and death."
"And because the injury was to the heart, Lin Daxing would have died within an extremely short time."
Qin Wan's gaze turned stern as she looked at Huo Huaixin. "Who was the first to discover Lin Daxing's death?"
Huo Huaixin was sweating profusely, while Jiang‑shi and Yue Qiong and the others looked stunned with shock and joy, unable to react.
Yue Qing was momentarily dazed. "I didn't beat him to death… I said so. I know how to control my strength. Though I was angry, I didn't want to take his life… Father, Mother… He wasn't beaten to death by me…"
Yue Qiong pressed his lips together, his eyes slightly moist. He patted his son's shoulder heavily without speaking.
Jiang‑shi's tears fell. "Qing'er, it's alright now. It's alright now…"
"Second Brother! I knew it! You wouldn't kill anyone!"
"Second Brother, Grandmother will be overjoyed when she knows!"
The Yue family members were extremely excited. Yue Qiong turned to look at Huo Huaixin. "Brother Huo…"
Huo Huaixin's face was deathly pale. He was momentarily flustered. He hadn't expected Qin Wan to actually discover the most crucial evidence. This way, it was a severe slap to his face. He had nearly caused a wrongful conviction…
"Marquis, I… I…"
Huo Huaixin couldn't form a coherent sentence. Qin Wan, however, spoke from inside the side room. "To err is human. Prefect Huo, like us, is only mortal. Although this case nearly became a wrongful conviction, after all, Prefect Huo did not persist obstinately but made this bet with me. Now the truth is clear. Prefect Huo should take this as a warning, find the true culprit, and not let it throw you into disarray."
Huo Huaixin's eyes widened. He couldn't believe Qin Wan possessed such magnanimity, actually speaking these words to exonerate him.
"I…" Huo Huaixin opened his mouth, then looked at Yue Qiong again. "Marquis…"
Yue Qiong shook his head. "Brother Huo, Ninth Young Miss is young, but her words are very reasonable. In this matter, you indeed were negligent. However, everyone makes mistakes. The Marquis's residence will not pursue this. I only hope Brother Huo will be more cautious and strict in the future, ensuring absolute meticulousness in criminal justice matters. Otherwise, incidents will inevitably occur."
Huo Huaixin hastily took a step back, clasped his hands in a bow, and made a deep bow to Yue Qiong. Then turning, he made another deep bow to Qin Wan. "This time, it is entirely thanks to Ninth Young Miss's assistance. Huo is utterly ashamed and immensely grateful. I will certainly keep this in mind and not treat it lightly. I also thank the Marquis and Madam for your tolerance and understanding, and Second Young Master…"
Though Yue Qing had been wronged, it wasn't Huo Huaixin's intention. Moreover, Yue Qing's beating had indeed severely injured Lin Daxing. Yue Qing didn't dare accept the bow. "Prefect Huo need not be so courteous. Right now, we should find the true culprit as soon as possible to bring justice for the deceased. My act of beating someone also warrants accountability. Prefect Huo need not blame yourself too much."
Only then did Huo Huaixin straighten up, his feelings a complex mix.
Inside the side room, Qin Wan spoke again. "In this case, first is the murder weapon. Second, that Wei Wu's testimony is partially suspect of lying. Prefect Huo can investigate based on these two points. I believe uncovering the truth won't be difficult."
Huo Huaixin clasped his hands again. "With Ninth Young Miss's assistance, Huo will go arrest the man immediately. The deceased will also be sent back to the yamen at once. Rest assured, everyone. Huo will definitely find the true culprit as soon as possible and come to apologize."
Inside the room, Qin Wan had already sutured Lin Daxing's abdomen. After further cleaning and dressing him, he looked no different from an ordinary deceased person. Huo Huaixin acted immediately, going to the front courtyard to apprehend Wei Wu and the others while also having people carry away Lin Daxing's body. After the prefectural yamen personnel had all left, the Marquis's residence finally calmed down.
"Ninth Young Miss, thank you immensely for saving me and clearing Yue Qing's name. Please accept Yue Qing's bow!"
Yue Qing knelt on one knee, bowing deeply to Qin Wan. Qin Wan stepped aside to avoid the bow, a slight curve at the corner of her lips.
Her actions were deeply influenced by her father, following her true nature. Clearing Yue Qing's name was secondary. If she hadn't seen Wei Wu lying, she wouldn't have suspected the case had hidden circumstances.
"Second Young Master, you must not do this. Qin Wan has read a few books on criminal justice in the inner chambers. I have always deeply admired those who uphold justice and truth. Being able to clear Young Master's name is also an honor for Qin Wan."
Qin Wan had just finished the autopsy. Though she had washed her hands, there was still an odor about her. Facing the gratitude of the Yue family, Qin Wan listened for a few moments before excusing herself. "The hour is late. The matter concerning Second Young Master is settled. Next, the most urgent matter is the Grand Princess. Taking care of the Grand Princess is crucial. Madam need not trouble yourself for Qin Wan. I only wonder if the residence has suitable clothing for Qin Wan?"
A few specks of blood stained the hem of Qin Wan's skirt. Thus, this dress could no longer be worn.
This was a minor matter. Jiang‑shi quickly said yes. Qin Wan then added, "Then I'll trouble Madam to have one of the sisters bring it. Qin Wan will go to the Plum Courtyard to wash up."
By now, Qin Wan was not only a guest of the Marquis's residence but also its benefactor. The look in Jiang‑shi's eyes when she regarded Qin Wan was one of gratitude and affection, already treating her as one of their own. "I'll have Lüyun escort you. You must be exhausted. Go wash up and rest first. I'll personally go select a few outfits for you. You don't know, Ning'er doesn't like bright, colorful dresses for young ladies. Every year, the ones we get for her just sit unused. Perfect! From now on, I can finally dress up a daughter like other ladies do."
Her words, between the lines, indicated she wanted to treat Qin Wan as her own daughter. Qin Wan hurriedly curtsied in thanks, then followed Lüyun to the Plum Courtyard.
After Qin Wan left, Jiang‑shi's voice remained elated and excited. "This is truly wonderful. Who would have thought we could encounter a little bodhisattva like Wan'er? When Mother recovers, I must go to the temple to offer incense. Jia'er, Qing'er, from now on you must treat Wan'er like a younger sister and take care of her. She has shown us immense kindness. Ning'er, in the future you must get along with Wan'er as close sisters…"
After instructing everyone, Jiang‑shi noticed Wei Yanzhi still standing at the edge of the group and felt somewhat embarrassed. "Look at me, so overjoyed I forgot myself. I hope Nephew won't laugh."
Wei Yanzhi's spirits weren't high, but he had witnessed Qin Wan's actions just now. At this moment, his heart was filled with admiration and respect.
"This humble nephew wouldn't dare. Ninth Young Miss's skillful hands and benevolent heart are things even this humble nephew deeply admires."
Jiang‑shi smiled, then said to Yue Qiong, "Marquis, please take the children to see Mother. Wan'er hasn't had dinner yet. She's been busy all day, and now busy all evening. She must be hungry. I'll go select some clothes, then check the kitchen to prepare some food to send with her. I'll come over later."
Yue Qiong nodded happily. Only then did Jiang‑shi leave with her attendants.
After Jiang‑shi left, Wei Yanzhi also excused himself. Yan Chi, who had been standing to the side the whole time, followed Yue Qiong and the others to see the Grand Princess. Gradually, Yan Chi slowed his pace, falling to the back.
"Bai Feng, which character is Ninth Young Miss's name?"
A figure emerged from the darkness. Bai Feng took out a white slip from his sleeve.
"Your Highness, this is the Qin family Second Household genealogy I had someone investigate."
Yan Chi took it. With just a glance, his eyes brightened. He laughed, his voice rich and resonant. He folded the genealogy and tucked it into his sleeve. "Qin Wan. Wan. A gentle smile, more beautiful than words can describe…"