Chapter 160 : Hanging or Homicide Only an Examination Will Tell
160: Hanging or Homicide? Only an Examination Will Tell
"Master... something has happened..." Pang Youde's face was ashen, his eyes filled with panic.
Pang Fuliang frowned. "What happened? Does she refuse to come? If she won't come, then forget it."
Pang Youde's voice trembled slightly. "N-no, it's not that she won't come. Madam Qin... she... she's dead..."
His words caused everyone in the room to change expression. Qin Yan's brow furrowed, his reaction quicker than Pang Fuliang's. "What happened?"
Pang Youde's gaze flickered, looking only at Pang Fuliang. Pang Fuliang's brows were tightly knit, as if stunned by the news or momentarily unable to process it. But Liu Renli leapt to his feet. "Y-you... what did you say?!"
Liu Renli barked at Pang Youde, his voice already beginning to tremble.
"Impossible, how could..."
As Liu Renli spoke, he strode towards the door. Pang Yiwu, sitting nearby, was terrified by the news, his mind reeling. Seeing Liu Renli about to rush out, Pang Fuliang finally stood up. "Young Master, my deepest apologies..."
Qin Yan also rose. "There's no need for apologies, Lord Pang. Let's go see what happened."
Pang Fuliang nodded, turned, and walked out, giving orders as he went. "Qingniang, take the Third Young Master back to Splendid Radiance Pavilion."
Qingniang, waiting outside, acknowledged. Qin Yan instinctively followed Pang Fuliang.
Hearing footsteps, Pang Fuliang, who had just stepped out the door, turned back. "Young Master, there's no need for you to come. Your Highness should return and rest. To avoid... to avoid bad luck."
A death. For ordinary people, they indeed wouldn't want any association with the dead. But for Qin Yan, he couldn't comprehend why a guest of the Marquis household would die for no apparent reason. He naturally wanted to see. "Lord Pang, there's no need to stand on ceremony. If someone truly passed away, we must know why. If it's murder, we are also staying in Clear Radiance Garden; it concerns us as well."
Pang Fuliang glanced at Qin Yan again, then nodded and walked out.
Qin Yan followed Pang Fuliang two steps before turning back to see Qin Wan and Qin Shuang also following. He frowned. "You two should…"
Halfway through his sentence, Qin Yan met Qin Wan's gaze. Seeing the mix of doubt and urgency in her eyes, he ultimately didn't finish. He only said softly, "Stay close to me."
Qin Wan nodded. Only then did Qin Yan turn and follow Pang Fuliang.
Seeing Qin Wan and Qin Shuang follow, Qin Xiang paused at the doorway.
Wanhe whispered, "How could someone die for no reason, Miss? Should we also go take a look?"
Qin Xiang shook her head. "We're going back. It's inauspicious."
Wanhe wanted to say more but hesitated. Ever since the incident at Hundred Herb Garden, Qin Xiang had become increasingly withdrawn. Even Sixth Young Miss hardly visited her now. Wanhe wanted to advise, but Qin Xiang had already walked out the door, clearly not in a mood to listen.
Meanwhile, Pang Youde followed Pang Fuliang, reporting, "This humble servant called out twice at the Madam's courtyard gate. Hearing no response, I entered. Upon entering, I saw the main room door was half-open. I called out twice more but still heard no sound. Growing suspicious, I pushed the door open and went in. That's when I saw... the Madam had hanged herself in the room..."
Hanged herself... Pang Fuliang halted his steps, his eyebrows shooting up.
Heading north from Radiant Dawn Hall, past the plum grove beside it, they reached another main path within the estate. Continuing northeast, they arrived before a courtyard. It was similar in size to the guest courtyard Qin Wan and the others occupied, but this one had only three main rooms, and the courtyard itself was more open and elegant. The courtyard gate was already open. From the gate, they could see the half-open door of the main room.
The sky was dark, and no lamps were lit in this courtyard; the interior of the rooms was pitch black. As the group entered the courtyard, they saw Liu Renli standing dumbstruck before the doorway, staring inside. Pang Youde took out a flint striker and lit a wind lantern hanging under the eaves. Only then could everyone see Liu Renli's expression clearly. Fear and grief warred in his eyes as he stared fixedly at the figure hanging in mid-air inside the room.
Pang Fuliang stepped onto the veranda, Qin Yan close behind. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang slowed their steps, but through the open door, they could see Madam Qin's state. Dressed in a deep purple cross-collar ruqun, Madam Qin appeared to be in her early forties. Aside from some graying hair, she was beautiful, with a slender figure. Her face was lightly powdered, and her nails were painted a purplish-red.
Qin Wan noticed Madam Qin's nails were meticulously trimmed and lovely. Clearly, this was an older lady who took excellent care of herself and knew how to dress...
Yet, at this moment, her head hung limply downward, her arms hung at her sides, her body stiff and straight as a dried fish. The pair of purplish-red embroidered shoes on her feet seemed to emit an eerie, garish color under the light of Pang Youde's wind lantern.
What surprised Qin Wan even more was that the purplish-red sash from Madam Qin's own clothes was wrapped around her neck. Without the sash, her ruqun hung loosely on her body. A gentle breeze stirred, making the skirt cling and sway, outlining her thin frame.
With one glance, Qin Wan knew this person was dead beyond saving.
"To... to hang herself..."
Fuling murmured in a trembling voice. Ahead, Qin Yan seemed to remember something. He glanced back at Qin Wan, then at Fuling. Seeing Qin Wan standing motionless, he pressed his lips together and said nothing.
"She... how could she..."
Liu Renli stood dumbly before the door, his tone choked with grief.
Pang Fuliang took a few steps closer. After looking at Madam Qin's body and gritting his teeth, he glanced at Liu Renli and sighed. "First, take her down..."
Pang Youde quickly beckoned the two servants who had followed. They entered the room and soon brought the body down.
"Master, she's already gone..." Pang Youde reported somberly.
With a single glance, Qin Wan saw the room with its wide-open door was in order. Beneath where Madam Qin had been hanging, a chair lay overturned to the side. The scene looked like a suicide.
Just as Qin Wan was carefully observing the room, Pang Youde looked worriedly at Pang Fuliang. "Master, what should we do?"
After all, a life had been lost. Even for Pang Fuliang, a misstep could bring trouble.
Pang Fuliang narrowed his eyes, about to speak when Qin Yan, frowning, said, "Lord Pang, who is this person? Why would she commit suicide in Clear Radiance Garden?"
Pang Fuliang glanced at Qin Yan and shook his head. "Just an old acquaintance. She recently encountered some troubles and came to seek my help. I didn't agree to her request at noon. I never expected she..."
Pang Fuliang took another look. "She has no family left. Get a good coffin and bury her."
Pang Youde was about to acknowledge when Qin Yan, frowning, asked, "Won't you report it to the authorities?"
Pang Fuliang sighed. "This matter, if spread, would damage the Pang family's reputation. Let's not report it officially. Or perhaps... just send someone to inform the Prefect..."
Ultimately, this was the Pang residence. Even if Qin Yan felt it somewhat improper, he didn't intend to say more.
Pang Youde hastily directed the two servants. "Go to the coffin shop in the west of the city and buy a good coffin."
The servants acknowledged and left. Pang Fuliang took another look at the figure lying on the ground, then glanced at Liu Renli. Liu Renli had also entered the room, but compared to Pang Fuliang's composure, he seemed unable to come to terms with it even now.
Qin Yan keenly noticed this. "Commissioner Liu also knows this person?"
Liu Renli snapped back to reality, then nodded. "Yes... I know her..."
Qin Yan hesitated, unsure whether to inquire further. It was one thing for Liu Renli and Pang Fuliang to have a friendship. Now there was a female guest, an old acquaintance of Pang Fuliang's, that was one thing. But even Liu Renli knew her? How close was their relationship?
And even more bizarrely, this female guest had hanged herself shortly after arriving at Clear Radiance Garden!
Qin Yan's mind was filled with doubts, but Pang Fuliang said, "Young Master, this is no place to linger. And these two young ladies from the Qin family certainly shouldn't stay here. Perhaps the Young Master should take the young ladies and leave?"
Hearing this, Qin Yan returned to his senses. Looking back, Qin Wan was one thing, but Qin Shuang indeed looked frightened. He steadied himself and took another look at Madam Qin on the floor. "Very well. I'll take them back first."
As he spoke, Qin Yan turned to leave. Qin Shuang immediately followed. Qin Wan, however, hesitated.
Qin Yan looked back at Qin Wan and called, "Ninth Sister."
Only then did Qin Wan reluctantly take a step.
Seeing Qin Wan, who was last to leave, Pang Fuliang narrowed his eyes. For a young lady to follow along was one thing, but to keep glancing at the corpse, seemingly unafraid?
A deepening shadow passed through Pang Fuliang's eyes. Beside him, Liu Renli said, "Fuliang."
"Shut your mouth!" Pang Fuliang turned and let out a low, furious growl. The sound made Liu Renli's face pale with fear. Pang Fuliang then instructed Pang Youde, "Act quickly. A major issue should be minimized, and a minor one resolved."
Pang Youde nodded. Pang Fuliang unconsciously looked at Qin Wan again. For some reason, Qin Wan's hesitant gaze earlier made him profoundly uneasy. Only when he saw Qin Wan catch up with Qin Yan and walk far away did Pang Fuliang slightly relax.
...
...
"Third Brother."
Pang Fuliang's intense gaze felt like needles on Qin Wan's back. Only when they were out of sight did Qin Wan call out to Qin Yan. Qin Yan halted. "What is it?"
Qin Wan looked back, seeing no one following, and lowered her voice. "Third Brother, do you think that person committed suicide?"
Qin Yan narrowed his eyes. Back at Hundred Herb Garden, he had noticed Qin Wan wasn't afraid of corpses. Not only that, perhaps due to her medical training and sharp intellect, she could even examine a body with some expertise. That's why he had ultimately allowed her to follow him this time.
But now, he didn't know how to answer Qin Wan's question. "It appears so. If someone else killed her, how could there be no signs of struggle or disorder in the room?"
Qin Wan pressed her lips together, her face showing hesitation.
Qin Yan slowed his pace slightly. "Ninth Sister thinks it wasn't suicide?"
Qin Wan looked up at Qin Yan. After a moment's thought, she said, "I don't know if Third Brother noticed. On the low table by the window, there was a pot of tea. And the teacup beside it was full, untouched."
Hearing this, Qin Yan was slightly surprised. Madam Qin had hanged herself in the main hall. His gaze had never left the beam and that main hall. The low table Qin Wan mentioned was by the window in the adjacent left chamber. He suddenly remembered Qin Wan had taken a few steps in that direction. He hadn't realized she was observing that room...
"And then? What does that indicate?"
Qin Wan continued, "That window was half-open, seemingly for ventilation. And I saw clearly, the tea in that cup was high-quality Misty Cloud Snow Peak. Presumably, she had someone bring it specially. Yet she didn't touch a drop. Why is that? Moreover, even if someone is filled with grief, despair, and intends to die, what mood would they have for tea? Also..."
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, her tone becoming somewhat grave. "That Madam was meticulously groomed from head to toe, every detail perfect. Yet she used her own sash to hang herself. At her age, to still dress and adorn herself so meticulously shows she was a person who cherished beauty deeply. How could she bear the thought of her robes being disheveled after death?"
Qin Yan listened, his brow deeply furrowed. He had also noticed the elegant clothing on Madam Qin's body. Without the sash, the skirt hung loosely, indeed somewhat indecorous. "You judge it wasn't suicide based on this?"
Qin Wan shook her head. "The marks on the neck were obscured by the collar; I couldn't see clearly. I'm not certain. It's just that these points are highly suspicious. But if that Madam didn't kill herself, then who did it?"
Qin Wan's words sent a chill down Qin Yan and Qin Shuang's spines. Qin Shuang's eyes widened. "If it wasn't suicide, then it must be murder... We were all at Radiant Dawn Hall just now. It must have been someone not at Radiant Dawn Hall who killed that person."
Qin Wan smiled slightly and shook her head. "We don't know when that Madam died yet. What if she died before we went there?"
Qin Shuang opened her mouth but said nothing. Qin Yan frowned deeply, his expression turning solemn.
Seeing his expression, Qin Wan fell silent for a moment.
They were leaving tomorrow. It wasn't appropriate to interfere in the Pang family's affairs now. Besides, Qin Yan had some unspoken agreement with Pang Fuliang and Liu Renli. Out of courtesy, it would be difficult to go against Pang Fuliang's wishes. Especially since Qin Yan's thoughts and actions likely involved the Crown Prince's interests, his position in this matter was even more delicate. Asking him to disregard everything and report to the authorities based solely on her words was something he definitely couldn't do. And Qin Wan had no chance to examine the body, nor could she privately go to the prefectural yamen regarding this matter. She was part of the Qin household. Without solid evidence, acting rashly would only put them in a passive position.
Though his steps slowed, Qin Yan didn't speak again along the way. After what seemed like a long time, he looked up and realized they were almost at their guest courtyard. "Ninth Sister, what you said just now... seems to have some merit."
Qin Wan halted, looking at Qin Yan. Qin Yan then said, "Besides, committing suicide in the Pang residence is strange in itself..."
Qin Wan nodded. A thoughtful gleam appeared in Qin Yan's eyes. "I'll have Zhou Hua go make a trip..."
"Third Brother..." Qin Wan was slightly stunned. She had thought Qin Yan, after careful consideration, would still decide to let it go.
Qin Yan looked at Qin Wan, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. "I trust what you said."
He paused briefly, then added, "Also, regarding Liu Renli... I originally intended to recommend him to Father upon returning to the capital, to be given an important post. But if there are any unresolved issues surrounding him, I naturally cannot rest easy."
A helpless smile touched Qin Wan's lips. "I knew it..."
Qin Yan raised an eyebrow. "Hmm? Knew what?"
A flicker of discomfort crossed Qin Wan's face. She was about to change the subject when suddenly, voices came from the main estate path to the southwest. Startled, Qin Wan and the others turned their heads simultaneously.
"Seventh Brother's work as the Investigating Commissioner is truly commendable. Upon your return to the capital, I wonder if His Majesty will have you directly enter the Ministry of Justice."
As soon as that clear, laughing voice rang out, Qin Wan's eyes widened.
At that moment, a group of figures emerged from around a bend in the path not far away.
The sky was now ink-black. Lanterns illuminated all the main paths of Clear Radiance Garden. In the bright, warm light, Yan Chi led the way in black robes, half a step behind him was Yan Li in red, followed by Yuzhou Prefect Wang Huaiyu, and behind him, six yamen constables. Qin Wan's eyes instantly lit up.
"Well? Young Master Qin? Ninth Young Miss? And this is... Sixth Young Miss or Fifth Young Miss?"
Yan Chi was the first to see Qin Wan, but before he could speak, Yan Li had already flitted past him, his sleeves billowing, coming straight toward them. "I heard you were staying here, but I didn't expect to run into you as soon as I arrived..."
"Greetings to both Your Highnesses. Prefect Wang."
Qin Yan cupped his hands in salute. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang also curtsied. Seeing Yan Chi and his entourage arrive, Qin Yan's heart stirred. Wang Huaiyu was here too. That meant there was no need to go through the trouble of reporting to the authorities...
Just as Qin Yan was about to speak, Yan Li continued nonstop, "Where is the master of this garden? Why aren't they here to receive us?"
The corner of Qin Yan's mouth twitched. Yan Li added, "Prefect Wang is here to apprehend someone."
Qin Yan's attention was immediately captured. "Apprehend someone?"
Yan Li gave a light laugh. "Speaking of which, we have to thank Seventh Brother for this. After Seventh Brother offered some insights, Prefect Wang apprehended the other two from the Shuangqing Troupe. After a round of interrogation back at the yamen, guess what? Those two actually framed the one previously arrested! The two of them have a secret affair. Fearing the previous person would take the troupe leader position, when they saw their master dead, their first thought was to frame her. One hid the key; the other tampered with the mechanism."
This not only made Qin Yan momentarily forget what he was going to say, but even Qin Wan and Qin Shuang were stunned.
Not only had the case been overturned, but the accusers had become the perpetrators in a sudden turn!
"Then... who killed Master Qingli?"
At Qin Yan's question, Wang Huaiyu stepped forward with a bitter smile. "Most likely an accident. Qingxian said when the box was opened, the gear that adjusts the time hadn't actually been touched."
Qin Yan was slightly taken aback. "Then Prefect Wang is here to apprehend people for..."
"The facts have changed. Naturally, we need to interrogate again. It wouldn't be good to miss anything."
Wang Huaiyu's words made Qin Yan's expression turn serious. In a case involving human life, no uncertain clue should be overlooked. Qin Yan took a deep breath. "Prefect Wang could have sent others to apprehend people. You have a more important matter."
Wang Huaiyu was taken aback. Both Yan Chi and Yan Li raised their eyebrows.
Qin Yan's tone was quite unusual.
"Someone just died in this garden. It looks like suicide, but there are suspicious points. Lord Pang didn't notice the suspicious points and thought it was suicide. Right now, he's preparing to have the body encoffined and buried."
Qin Yan spoke in one breath. Wang Huaiyu's eyes widened. "A death? Who died?"
Qin Yan shook his head. "I don't know the person. A Madam nearing fifty."
Yan Li let out a "Ha!" of laughter. "No wonder, no wonder. No one came out to greet us for so long. So there's been a death in the household... Prefect Wang, here's another chance for you to distinguish yourself..."
Hearing this, Wang Huaiyu gave a bitter laugh and looked at Qin Yan. "Please, Young Master, lead the way."
Qin Yan gestured to the side and took the lead. Wang Huaiyu turned and gave a few instructions. Those men naturally went to the rear courtyard where the remaining Shuangqing Troupe members stayed. Then he followed. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang paused, also intending to follow, but it would be improper for them to walk ahead of Yan Chi and Yan Li. They waited for the two princes to go first. As Yan Chi passed Qin Wan, his gaze held a profound weight as he looked at her.
...
...
"Master... Master, Prefect Wang, His Highness the Heir Apparent of Prince Rui, and His Highness the Heir Apparent of Prince Gong have arrived."
Pang Fuliang was still standing outside Madam Qin's courtyard gate. Hearing this, his eyelids twitched. Beside him, Liu Renli's brow also moved. "What are they doing here so late?"
The reporting servant said, "Prefect Wang said there are still some unclear points in the Shuangqing Troupe case. He needs to take a few more people back for questioning. The two Highnesses are here to assist with the case."
Pang Fuliang narrowed his eyes slightly and waved the servant away.
Liu Renli looked at Pang Fuliang with some nervousness. "Fuliang... the two Highnesses..."
"His Highness the Heir Apparent of Prince Rui already knew you were here. As for the other one, no need for concern. Let's go, we must greet them." As he spoke, Pang Fuliang added, "You'd better wipe that look off your face!"
Liu Renli's expression was complex. Hearing this, he didn't dare be careless and straightened his back.
After a few steps, Liu Renli said again, "How did Qingjun really die..."
Pang Fuliang's steps halted abruptly. He whirled around, glaring fixedly at Liu Renli. "What are you suspecting? Do you think I did it?! You and I were together the whole time."
Liu Renli seemed to want to speak but held back. "No, of course I wouldn't..."
Pang Fuliang's eyes were like a hawk's. "You'd best not say another wrong word!"
After saying this, Pang Fuliang turned and strode forward. Just as they reached Radiant Dawn Hall, they saw Yan Chi and the others approaching with Qin Yan. Pang Fuliang's lips curved into a smile as he hurried forward to meet them.
"Why have His Highnesses graced us with your presence? Prefect Wang..."
He gave a pained smile. "Even if Prefect Wang hadn't come, I was about to send someone to find you."
Since Wang Huaiyu had come with Qin Yan, he must already know about Madam Qin's death. Without waiting for Wang Huaiyu to ask, Pang Fuliang spoke first. Wang Huaiyu frowned slightly. "Why were you looking for me?"
Pang Fuliang's smile was bitter. "A person in the household just hanged themselves. According to propriety, I should have notified the yamen to come and examine."
Wang Huaiyu narrowed his eyes. "Where is the person?"
Pang Fuliang gestured to the side. "Your Highnesses, Lord Prefect, this way, please. The body has been taken down. Already deceased."
Wang Huaiyu nodded, inviting Yan Chi and Yan Li to walk ahead. Yan Li glanced at Liu Renli. "This gentleman appears to be Commissioner Liu..."
Liu Renli, who had merely bowed without speaking earlier, hurriedly said, "It is indeed this humble official, Your Highness."
Yan Li laughed lightly. "How did Lord Liu and Lord Pang become acquainted?"
"Many years ago, by chance, this humble official and Lord Pang once attended a performance by the Shuangqing Troupe together. At the time, this humble official greatly admired the troupe's performances. Lord Pang, upon learning this, invited me to listen a couple of times. Thus, a friendship was formed."
Yan Li nodded repeatedly. "Friendship formed through opera. Excellent, excellent..."
Liu Renli couldn't tell if Yan Li's words were praise or mockery, and a thin sweat broke out on his forehead.
In front of Yan Chi and the other, Pang Fuliang didn't dare say much. The group headed straight for Madam Qin's small courtyard. Madam Qin's body still lay on the floor of the main hall. As Yan Li and Yan Chi entered the courtyard, they could see it at a glance.
"May I ask which Madam of the Pang household the deceased is?"
Yan Chi, who hadn't spoken until now, suddenly opened his mouth. Pang Fuliang didn't dare be careless and hurriedly replied, "Not a member of the Pang household. This person is an old acquaintance of mine... She comes from a humble background and has been living alone. Today, she came seeking my help due to some troubles she encountered. However... her request was truly excessive. I did not agree. I never imagined, driven to desperation, she would choose to hang herself in my residence. It's truly..."
Pang Fuliang appeared utterly helpless. Yan Li sighed. "Ah, if that's the case, then this person has indeed caused Lord Pang trouble."
Pang Fuliang smiled bitterly. As they spoke, they had already stepped onto the veranda and reached the main room door.
Yan Li was the first to enter. Seeing the corpse, he showed no fear. He looked around the room, then circled Madam Qin once. "It really does look like death by hanging…"
Yan Chi observed for a moment. "Whether it's suicide or not can only be determined after an examination."
Yan Li then said, "Prefect Wang didn't bring a coroner this time. Quickly have someone fetch a coroner..."
Wang Huaiyu showed a hint of difficulty. "This morning, I received official documents from Yong County. A homicide case occurred there. Coincidentally, Yong County's coroner recently resigned. So the prefectural yamen's coroner has already been dispatched to Yong County..."
Yan Li made an "Ah" sound. "Then this..."
"It's not a problem." Yan Chi suddenly spoke. His three steady words calmed everyone's hearts.
Yan Li quickly asked, "Seventh Brother has a solution?"
Yan Chi nodded. Yan Li became excited. "Who? Does Seventh Brother have such a subordinate?"
"Not my subordinate." Yan Chi said, turning to look at Qin Wan. "Ninth Young Miss, could you assist?"
Yan Li was stunned, his jaw nearly dropping. "What?! Ninth Young Miss?!"