The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

162: The Killer is Elusive, A Secret Meeting in the Night

"The victim was murdered to death. The killer is within the Clear Radiance Garden."

As Qin Wan's clear and steady words settled, a chill ran down everyone's spine. It was actually a homicide case after all.

Qin Wan handed the bowl in her hand to Wang Huaiyu, who hurriedly took it. Qin Wan continued, "The Datura flower is uncommon, and most people know it is poisonous. Although white liquor mixed with Datura poison can induce a deep sleep, the killer did not necessarily put the poison in the wine pot. Master Pang and Liu Renli drank the wine together as well, yet show no signs of poisoning. This is sufficient proof that the poison was not put in the wine pot. Therefore, the killer likely put the poison on something used only by the deceased."

As she spoke, Qin Wan removed the protective gloves from her hands. Seeing the bloodstains on Qin Wan's hands, Wang Huaiyu felt rather apologetic. "Yes, yes, yes. I have noted what Ninth Miss said. I am much indebted to Ninth Miss today."

Qin Wan shook her head. Yan Chi stepped forward and said, "Since it is confirmed to be a homicide, please take the trouble, Lord Wang. Continue the interrogation on the Shuangqing Troupe side, but do not relax here either. It is not good for the Pang Manor to be harboring a calculating murderer."

Wang Huaiyu nodded, then turned to look at Qin Yan. "I hear the Qin Heir plans to leave tomorrow?"

Qin Yan glanced at the area screened off by the folding screen. "We were originally going to leave tomorrow, but since a case has arisen, it seems we will not be able to leave."

Wang Huaiyu gave a bitter smile. "According to the rules, that is indeed how it should be, but."

Wang Huaiyu glanced at Yan Chi. "However, since Ninth Miss helped this time, it should have nothing to do with you."

If the Qin family members were involved in the homicide, why would Qin Wan go to such trouble to help?

Qin Yan looked at Qin Wan, then said with a serious gaze, "Let us proceed according to the rules after all. Lord Wang trusts us, but others may not. It is better to investigate thoroughly and clearly to avoid future trouble."

Since being delayed at the Hundred Herb Garden, Qin Yan was no longer in a rush to return to the capital. It was only the beginning of the twelfth lunar month, and the journey to the capital took only a few days. Making it back before the New Year would be ideal. Moreover, the Marquis Manor had old ties with the Pang family, and Liu Renli was someone he had helped the Crown Prince win over. With a homicide case occurring right where these two were, Qin Yan felt uneasy. In the imperial court, when nothing goes wrong, it is fine, but once there is turmoil, even a trivial old matter dragged out can become a fatal vulnerability. Therefore, for the sake of caution, Qin Yan intended to stay and see what exactly was wrong with the Pang Manor and Liu Renli.

If the two were innocent, that would be naturally good. If there were any trouble, Qin Yan did not want to bring disaster upon himself. Besides, if they left now and Wang Huaiyu failed to find the killer in the end, would not they, who left early, become the primary suspects?

After thinking it over, Qin Yan quickly made his decision.

Wang Huaiyu smiled readily. "That would be for the best. It is just a delay of the Heir's time."

Qin Yan shook his head. Wang Huaiyu looked at Pang Fuliang. "Master Pang, this has really become a homicide case. It cannot be taken lightly. I will have Constable He come over. In a moment, every servant in the manor will have to be questioned."

Pang Fuliang's expression held a hint of panic and solemnity. Clearly, he had never imagined that a murder case would occur in his own manor. After Wang Huaiyu finished speaking, he was stunned for a moment before nodding. "Yes, yes. I entrust this to you, Lord Wang."

Wang Huaiyu looked at Pang Fuliang, and seeing that he did not seem to be pretending, he patted him on the shoulder.

"Do not worry. Since we are investigating immediately after the crime occurred, there is a great chance of finding the truth."

Pang Fuliang gave a bitter smile. "I wish we could clear it up right now."

This was implying that he himself had no suspicion. Wang Huaiyu nodded and said, "Before the men from the Prefectural Yamen arrive, have a few people guard the entrance to this courtyard first. Then you go back to the front and wait."

Saying this, Wang Huaiyu looked at Qin Wan again. "Ninth Miss, please go back and wash up as well. I am afraid I will have to question Ninth Miss in a moment."

Qin Wan nodded and looked at Qin Yan. Qin Yan then said, "Let Sixth Sister accompany you back to wash up."

Qin Wan acknowledged and was about to step forward, but subconsciously looked back at Yan Chi. Yan Chi then said, "Thank you for your hard work, Ninth Miss. Go ahead."

Qin Wan nodded, and only then did she walk out with Qin Shuang.

Once outside, Qin Shuang covered her nose and took a step to the side. "You really dared to."

She looked at Qin Wan with some distaste, but there was more shock in her eyes. "You, are you not afraid? Did you just cut open her stomach, you."

The more Qin Shuang spoke, the more incredible it felt. Thinking back to that scene, she could not help but feel some acid reflux in her stomach.

Qin Wan looked at her. "Did you not say I dared to dissect living people?"

These words sent a chill down Qin Shuang's spine. Looking at Qin Wan again, she felt somewhat apprehensive in her heart.

"No wonder, no wonder you dared to drag me into the lake back then." Qin Shuang mentioned the previous matter with some annoyance. As she spoke, she glanced at the Cold Moon blade still in Qin Wan's hand, her tone carrying a touch of emotion. "I truly thank you for your mercy in not using the knife back then."

Qin Wan did not know whether to laugh or cry at these words, but back then, she just wanted to teach Qin Shuang a lesson.

In the cold night, the wind was piercing. Qin Wan had long since taken off her cloak and was now walking in only a jacket and skirt, naturally wanting to walk faster. In less than the time it takes to finish a cup of tea, the group returned to the courtyard. Qin Wan went into the room to wash her hands first, then changed her skirt. Only then did the smell of blood disappear from her body. By the time she finished changing her clothes, two cups of tea time had passed. Qin Wan was just wondering whether to go over or wait in the room when Steward Zhou arrived at the door.

"Ninth Miss, everyone is waiting at Moon-Gazing Tower right now. The Heir sent me to come fetch you."

Qin Wan answered, then turned to look in the direction of the main house. "Is Fifth Sister going together?"

Steward Zhou nodded. "Naturally she must." Saying this, he walked to the main house to knock on the door.

The door knocked, Wanhe opened it. Steward Zhou explained his purpose. Inside the room, Qin Xiang said something in surprise. After another moment, she walked out wearing a cloak. Qin Shuang stood beside Qin Wan and snorted lightly. "Look at her unwilling appearance. I do not even want to mention the last matter, yet her tail is raised higher and higher."

Qin Wan glanced at Qin Xiang, shook her head without responding, and walked out with Qin Shuang first.

When the group arrived at Moon-Gathering Tower again, it was already brightly lit inside. The people from the yamen had not yet arrived. Yan Chi and Yan Li, along with Qin Yan, Pang Fuliang, and others, were waiting in the room. Wang Huaiyu was questioning Pang Fuliang and Liu Renli. Hearing the noise, he looked over. In a short moment, Qin Wan's earlier dirtied skirt had been changed. Now she wore a mist-blue pleated long skirt, covered by a pale green, slanted-opening short jacket. The outer cloak had also been changed to a snow-pale cloud-patterned cloak.

All over Qin Wan's body, there was only a single green jade hairpin in her hair, and absolutely no other accessories. She wore no makeup on her face. The colors she commonly wore were mostly fresh and elegant. Yet, for some reason, when such plain colors draped over her, they looked indescribably pleasing to the eye. They always made one think of the warm, melting breeze, the sparse, light clouds, the vast, azure sky washed clean, and the clear lake with its boundless green waves. Although her appearance was very pure and elegant, her exquisite features added a delicate beauty. She only needed to stand there, and she naturally stunned people with admiration.

Unlike the beauty of others, with their heavy makeup and shadows of fragrant clothes, Qin Wan's quiet beauty did not carry an aggressive edge. Yet it inexplicably made people feel she was noble and bright, as if a restrained, powerful force was hidden within her slender body. It was a beauty that emanated from her bones, a clear and stunning loveliness that wind and snow could not destroy and the mundane world could not rival.

Wang Huaiyu was stunned for a moment. Thinking of Qin Wan's Qin family background, and that the Marquis Manor had specifically brought the three Qin sisters to the capital, Wang Huaiyu, being a sharp person himself, immediately understood something. He almost foresaw what kind of gaze Qin Wan would receive after entering the capital.

"Very well, I understand." Wang Huaiyu nodded and walked over to Qin Wan's side.

"Ninth Miss, it is getting late. I will question you first. Once done, Ninth Miss can go to rest early."

Wang Huaiyu's voice was warm and polite. Yan Li, sitting in the main seat, gave a snort of laughter. Leaning sideways toward Yan Chi, he said, "Truly formidable. In such a short moment, this Lord Wang already shows signs of being submissive."

Yan Chi watched Qin Wan, watched her answer Wang Huaiyu's questions unhurriedly. Yan Li had only seen Qin Wan in Yuzhou, so his sense of marvel was naturally more intense. But Yan Chi was also surprised. Qin Wan was born in the capital. After her parents passed away, she was raised in the Marquis Manor for only three years before being sent to Jinzhou. Coincidentally, the years she was sent to Jinzhou were the most important years for a young lady. For young ladies of ordinary families, before the age of ten, they must learn etiquette, arts, and any skills or methods they might use in the future from upbringing nannies. Qin Wan might or might not have had people teach her in the capital Marquis Manor, but there definitely were none in Jinzhou.

When she was in Jinzhou, Yan Chi discovered that Qin Wan, who had suffered cold treatment in the Qin Manor, could actually remain calm and steady in any situation. Whether in the Marquis Manor or before him, no lofty status was enough to make her panic or nervous. Coming out of Jinzhou and arriving in Yuzhou, which was more prosperous than Jinzhou, she met Prince Yu and saw more important figures. Yan Chi found that the aura around Qin Wan seemed to be becoming increasingly steady and eye-catching. This was truly incredible.

"In that case, the three young ladies are done here. It is late. You may go back to rest."

After Wang Huaiyu finished speaking, Qin Yan said, "Let me escort you back."

Just like the Qin Manor where trouble had occurred, presumably the entire Clear Radiance Garden now knew of Qingjun's death. From top to bottom, most people were probably in a panic. Since Wang Huaiyu still had many people to question next, it was naturally best for Qin Wan and the others to go back and rest.

Qin Wan acknowledged, curtseyed, and turned to leave. Seeing Qin Wan and the others about to leave, Yan Li laughed. "Seventh Brother, now that this case has arisen, should we stay in Yuzhou and wait for the case to be cleared up?"

Saying this, Yan Li added, "You are the Judicial Commissioner."

Yan Chi frowned slightly and did not speak. Yan Li smiled and said, "I did not expect investigating cases to be so interesting. Seventh Brother, do you happen to lack a Vice Commissioner?"

"I actually do lack one." Yan Chi finally replied, then turned his gaze to Yan Li. "You want to do it?"

Yan Li beamed with joy. "Yes, yes. Seventh Brother, just let me be your Vice Commissioner."

Yan Chi nodded. "It is not impossible."

Yan Li's amber pupils immediately lit up. "Good, good, good. Then it is settled."

Yan Chi acknowledged and raised his chin. "I hear the servants of Clear Radiance Garden outside have gathered. Go ask around and see if you can discover any traces."

Yan Li was sent on a task the moment he took office, so his spirits were naturally very high.

He crisply answered "Good," but took a pause after taking a step outside. "And you, Seventh Brother?"

Yan Chi then stood up. "I will go investigate other places in the manor."

He said this in a loud voice, not only speaking to Yan Li but also to Wang Huaiyu. Wang Huaiyu hurriedly acknowledged. Yan Chi was the highest-ranking person present; let alone investigating a case, even if he said he was going back to sleep now, it would be fine.

Seeing Yan Chi walk out of Moon-Gathering Tower with large steps, Yan Li gave a snicker and headed straight for the courtyard where the servants were gathered outside.

…

…

The time was indeed late. Although this case had nothing to do with the Qin family, a person had died after all. Even Qin Shuang was not in the mood to joke. The three sisters returned to their courtyard and each went back to their rooms to rest.

Baiying naturally knew that something had happened at Clear Radiance Garden. Seeing Qin Wan and the others return, she hurriedly got out of bed and came out. "Miss, you are back. How is it?"

Qin Wan was somewhat tired from performing the autopsy tonight. Seeing this, Fuling said, "We do not know the situation yet. The Prefect is investigating. He called us over and asked what we did all day, then let us come back."

Baiying looked at Qin Wan with some worry. Qin Wan said, "It is alright. Wash up and rest. Let us see if there are results tomorrow morning."

Fuling heard this and hurried to prepare. Not long after, Qin Wan lay down to rest. Fuling extinguished the lamp and went to sleep with Baiying. Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang also went to sleep very quickly after returning to their rooms. In no time, the entire guest courtyard fell into pitch darkness.

Qin Wan lay on the bed. After waiting with wide eyes for a quarter of an hour, a sound came from outside the window.

Qin Wan only felt a gust of cold wind flash past, followed by a figure falling into the room.

Qin Wan propped herself up. She had taken off her outer robe but was still sleeping in her inner clothes. "Yan Chi?"

She asked hurriedly. As soon as her voice fell, a figure sat by her bed. "Leaving the window open like this, are you not afraid someone else might climb in?"

Qin Wan lowered her voice. Yan Chi also lowered his voice. Hearing this, Qin Wan shook her head. "How could anyone else come?"

Yan Chi sighed and grabbed Qin Wan's hand in the dark. "Tired?"

The room was pitch black. The light from the snow outside shone in, only vaguely allowing Qin Wan to see Yan Chi's silhouette and his eyes, which seemed filled with a river of stars. Moreover, he had just come in from outside, so his whole body carried the chill of a winter night, but his palm was warm. Qin Wan felt the thick calluses on his palm; that rough warmth gave her peace of mind.

"A little bit." Qin Wan paused slightly, then asked, "What do you think about this case?"

Yan Chi raised his hand to stroke Qin Wan's cheek. If he were not afraid of attracting her little maid, he really wanted to light the lamp and see what she looked like right now. "It is a bit strange. Did you find anything else during the autopsy?"

Qin Wan shook her head. "Just those things. The hands of the deceased had calluses, mainly on the tiger's mouth and palms, formed from practicing martial arts. In addition, although she was old, her figure was still very slender and flexible. She did not have the stiff joints of ordinary elderly people. Besides that, she had several scars on her body. I checked them; they were all old wounds. Therefore, what Pang Fuliang said is mostly true."

Although Yan Chi came to see her out of concern, the two of them now coincidently attached great importance to this case.

"So Pang Fuliang speaks the truth."

Qin Wan nodded. "Yes, but what is strange is, if it is really as he said, that they met by chance and later became old friends and a patron, why would Qingjun die in Clear Radiance Garden this time? With so many people in Clear Radiance Garden, the killer either has a grudge against Pang Fuliang or against Qingjun, or perhaps holds a grudge against both."

Yan Chi had seen Huo Huaixin handle the headless bride case and personally participated in the Qin Manor case. He knew deeply the complexity of every case. The victim is not necessarily the victim, and the liar will certainly not be telling lies entirely; words that are half true and half false are the most baffling. Qin Wan paused slightly again and added, "There is also Liu Renli."

"Oh?" Yan Chi questioned. "What do you mean?"

Qin Wan said, "If he was just dragged in unintentionally, then he is very wrongly accused. But what if he is hiding something with Pang Fuliang? Before you arrived, Pang Fuliang had no intention of reporting to the officials. His biggest compromise was to have someone mention it privately to Prefect Wang, at which point it would definitely be glossed over. It is evident that Pang Fuliang wanted Qingjun's death ruled a suicide by hanging, and he did not want to make a big fuss about it. Perhaps for his reputation, or perhaps for something else I am not sure of. But Liu Renli, his feelings toward Qingjun seem unusual."

"Tonight, Pang Fuliang was originally hosting a farewell dinner for us and did not intend to invite Qingjun over. It was Third Brother who said one must not slight the guests in the manor. At that time, Pang Fuliang was somewhat hesitant. Liu Renli was the first to say that Qingjun should also come over. And, after learning of Qingjun's accident, Liu Renli reacted the most strongly. He was the first to rush to Qingjun's side. I observed him; he was deeply grieved."

Yan Chi had been holding Qin Wan's hand without letting go. Hearing this, his brows furrowed slightly. "Liu Renli?"

Qin Wan nodded. "Exactly. I was very surprised at the time."

Qingjun had been retired for many years, and Liu Renli had been serving as an official outside for so many years, so he should have met Qingjun very rarely. According to Pang Fuliang, Liu Renli met Qingjun through him, so they could only count as old friends and acquaintances. If that is the case, why would he be more saddened than Pang Fuliang appeared to be?

Speaking of Liu Renli, Yan Chi hesitated slightly and said, "What did your third brother and Liu Renli talk about?"

Qin Wan raised an eyebrow. "I do not know about that. They discuss matters of the imperial court in private."

Hearing her words, which sounded as if she were still somewhat defensive, Yan Chi sighed. "Tell your third brother that regardless of what he promised Liu Renli, after returning to the capital, it is best not to let him get too close to the Marquis Manor."

Qin Wan knew at once that this was not a simple matter. "What happened?"

Yan Chi lowered his voice another fraction. "The matter of the salt transport is very complex. Earlier, several Salt Transport Commissioners in the east were dealt with by law because of corruption. This Liu Renli is not clean either."

Qin Wan felt a chill run down her spine. Soon, a thought popped into her mind.

"Third Brother said that several Salt Transport Commissioners in the east embezzled tax silver."

"Exactly." Yan Chi squeezed Qin Wan's hand. "Embezzling taxes is a grave crime. Besides, lives are often lost over salt transport."

Qin Wan's voice carried a hint of seriousness. "Do you already know what trouble Liu Renli is in?"

Qin Wan asked this because, firstly, she knew that Qin Yan had mostly likely reached some consensus with Liu Renli. If Liu Renli was already in deep trouble, she would have to remind Qin Yan. It was not that she wanted to protect the Qin Manor too much, but since she occupied the status of Ninth Miss, she could not help but stand from the Qin Manor's perspective. Moreover, the Qin Manor was her future refuge. She did not ask for the Qin Manor's background to give her many conveniences, only that the Qin Manor be safe, so she could have enough mental energy to plan her father's affairs. Secondly, she also wanted to use this to figure out the thought that had just popped into her head.

Hearing her question, Yan Chi knew exactly what was on her mind. In the darkness, he leaned his body forward slightly. "Mm. I naturally know. But your heart leaning toward the Qin Manor is so obvious, I cannot just tell you for nothing."

Qin Wan raised an eyebrow. "Then you want to."

Before the word "what" could come out, Yan Chi suddenly leaned even closer. His scorching breath sprayed onto her face, just a fraction away from touching her lips.

Qin Wan did not need to ask anymore; she knew what he meant.

Qin Wan's lips were pressed tight. Perhaps having waited too long, Yan Chi made a sound of agreement.

This light sound carried a hint of threat. Qin Wan closed her eyes and gave him a quick, dragonfly-skimming-the-water kiss on his lips. Although the time was too short and Yan Chi was not satisfied, he still could not help but let out a soft laugh.

In the darkness, Yan Chi's laughter was magnificently piercing. Qin Wan felt her face heat up slightly and gritted her teeth. "Are you going to say it or not?"

Yan Chi suddenly withdrew his smile and spoke at such a close distance. "Liu Renli likely came to the Pang family this time to seek money. He is the head of the Salt Transport Commissioners in the south. Although the position of Salt Transport Commissioner is important, it has always been an assignment outside the capital with a rank that is not very high. If he wants to be promoted, he must grease the palms of those above and below. Moreover, his background is not high, so naturally he has to spend even more in this regard. Not only that, in Huzhou he appears upright on the surface, but in secret he is extremely extravagant and debauched. The Qin Manor case of abusing young girls was later traced to Huzhou, but because the time was too long ago and there were people obstructing it, the investigation stalled. However, Prefect Huo and I speculated that the officials in charge of salt transport in Huzhou also engaged in such business."

Qin Wan's breathing suddenly became lighter. Thinking back on the Qin Manor case now still made her feel very heavy. Although it was the same crime, seeing young children suffer like that always made her even more unbearable. She had not imagined that this case would involve such vast connections, that even people involved in salt transport would have a hand in it. No wonder he was delayed for so long in Jinzhou.

"Because of this, his private expenses are naturally enormous. Moreover, the officials in the Two Lakes region all have a culture of secretly comparing themselves with one another. In the early years, I do not know where this Liu Renli got his money; he had not touched the tax silver yet. But starting from the year before last, the tax silver in the Two Lakes region began to have problems. Previously no one noticed, but this year the ones in the east were investigated first, so he is naturally very panicked."

Qin Wan seemed to fall into deep thought. Seeing this, Yan Chi suddenly pecked her on the lips. By the time Qin Wan reacted, Yan Chi was already speaking again. "Unless he fills the gap in the tax silver before someone impeaches this matter, he can forget about promotion. Whether he can keep his life is an unknown."

Qin Wan paid no heed to Yan Chi and asked softly, "Is someone already planning to impeach this matter?"

Yan Chi acknowledged. "So tell your third brother, Liu Renli is not the best choice."

Qin Wan nodded in the darkness, but her heart held some lingering fear. If Yan Chi had not told her this, the Qin Manor might have provoked disaster upon returning to the capital. "So that is it. When you said it just now, I also thought of it. Liu Renli came to the Pang family to seek money."

She paused slightly and added, "But generally speaking, what Liu Renli asks for is huge, and Pang Fuliang might not necessarily agree to him. Could it be that the Pang family wants to do the official salt business?"

Yan Chi pondered and said, "Pang Fuliang said he met Liu Renli at a social gathering, then introduced Liu Renli to the leader of the Shuangqing Troupe. Qingjun retired eight or nine years ago. Eight or nine years ago, Liu Renli had not yet reached the position of Salt Transport Commissioner. At that time, he was at most an official of the Vice Prefect rank. Pang Fuliang would not necessarily put in the effort to cultivate ties with him."

Saying this, Yan Chi suddenly said, "Come to think of it, we just need to investigate where Liu Renli served as an official eight or nine years ago."

Qin Wan nodded. "Mm. I am afraid we also need to check Qingjun's whereabouts after she retired, to see if she settled in Dingzhou as Pang Fuliang said."

Yan Chi acknowledged "Good." Speaking of this, the two of them had said almost everything about the case.

The room was pitch black. She was on the bed and he was by the bed, so close. Once silence fell, everything seemed a bit ambiguous. Qin Wan pursed her lips and was the first to break the silence. "We are not leaving. What about you?"

Yan Chi curled his lips. "As the Judicial Commissioner, now that there is a case in Yuzhou, how can I leave now?"

Qin Wan tilted her head and thought for a moment. "That is how it should be. Otherwise, would it not be suspected of dereliction of duty?"

Yan Chi then laughed inaudibly, as if somewhat helpless. He had been holding Qin Wan's hand all along, but this time he suddenly let go. Qin Wan was just wondering what he was going to do when she felt him pull her over.

Yan Chi hugged her, one hand gently stroking her back. Qin Wan rolled her eyes. "By the way, why did you come over tonight?"

Yan Chi definitely did not know a homicide had occurred at the Pang Manor before he came. He brought Yan Li and Wang Huaiyu over together; was it to see her?

"If we were to leave, I would be behind you for these few days, so naturally we would not be able to meet. Therefore, I wanted to come and see you."

Yan Chi's voice was earnest and warm. Qin Wan's heart softened another two degrees. She found a position to rest her head on Yan Chi's shoulder and shallowly hooked her arms around Yan Chi's waist. The room was quiet, leaving only the sound of their breathing.

Hugging like this for a moment, Qin Wan suddenly said, "I, seem to be a bit sleepy."

Qin Wan was an extremely self-disciplined person. Unless necessary, she would never stay up late. Yet once these words came out, they carried a hint of asking him to leave. Besides, they had finally managed to be together, yet she was sleepy. What was going on?

Yan Chi fiercely hugged her waist and back. Qin Wan hissed. Just as she felt it was a bit inappropriate, Yan Chi snorted and let her go. "If you are sleepy, then sleep."

Qin Wan felt a bit embarrassed. "I."

Yan Chi grabbed Qin Wan's hand and bit it, neither lightly nor heavily. "When we return to the capital, you will have to pay for this."

After saying this, Yan Chi pressed Qin Wan down onto the bed, then pulled the brocade quilt over her, covering her nose and everything. Then he turned and left. With a click, he even closed the window for her.

Qin Wan only felt her hand was still a bit itchy. Right then, she curled her lips in the darkness.

Her sleepiness came on time. Moreover, with Yan Chi here making her feel very safe, naturally she wanted to sleep.

Qin Wan tugged at the quilt, wanting to expose her chin as well. However, thinking that this quilt was covered by Yan Chi, she hesitated. She withdrew her hand and thus fell into a deep sleep, completely covered.

When Yan Chi returned to Moon-Gathering Tower, Yan Li was still questioning those terrified servants.

In the courtyard where the cold wind was whistling, Yan Li narrowed his eyes fiercely at every person passing before him.

The questioning was done by Wang Huaiyu; he was only responsible for staring. Poor Pang Manor servants were stared at by him until they were extremely nervous, able only to answer questions stumblingly. Consequently, Yan Li suspected everyone he looked at.

Seeing Yan Chi return, Yan Li immediately said, "Seventh Brother, Seventh Brother, why do I feel all these people have suspicion?"

Yan Chi glanced at everyone. "What makes you say that?"

Yan Li said, "They all dare not look me in the eye. I look at them for just a moment, and they sweat like rain and tremble, almost wanting to flee. If this is not a guilty conscience, what is it?"

Yan Chi frowned. "Did you reveal your identity before questioning?"

Yan Li looked at Wang Huaiyu. "Lord Wang revealed it."

Yan Chi then looked at Yan Li as if he were looking at a fool. "They are just ordinary servants. With your status as the Heir Apparent of Prince Gong displayed here, would not it make them nervous and tormented?"

Yan Li was speechless for a moment. "That makes some sense. But I remember, the people in the capital are not afraid of me."

As soon as these words came out, Yan Chi's originally helpless eyes darkened. After a moment, he patted Yan Li on the shoulder. "If you really want to know how to interrogate a case, just watch Prefect Wang."

Yan Li scanned Wang Huaiyu, said "That's boring," and then seemed to think of something and asked, "Seventh Brother, where did you go just now?"

"Walked a circle around the manor."

"Oh? Did Seventh Brother notice anything?"

Yan Chi's gaze swept over the servants standing in front of Wang Huaiyu, his brows slightly furrowed. "The various courtyards in this manor are all interconnected. Looking at the paths alone, anyone could have committed murder and then left silently."

Yan Li frowned. "Then isn't that difficult?"

Yan Chi did not speak. His gaze swept toward Pang Fuliang standing at the door of Moon-Gathering Tower. Looking again, Liu Renli seemed to be missing. Yan Li followed Yan Chi's gaze and looked over. "Liu Renli has finished questioning. Since he is a guest, he went to rest first."

Yan Chi raised an eyebrow. "Has the Mistress of the Pang Manor appeared?"

Yan Li nodded again. "Appeared, appeared. Just now, she came holding the Third Young Master of the Pang Manor. After Prefect Wang finished questioning, she left." Saying this, Yan Li added, "To disguise a sleeping woman as a suicide by hanging, it must be a man with considerable strength, right? Although Qingjun was not fat, I guess that person stepped on a stool, picked her up, and hung her there. Strength is essential."

Hearing this, Yan Chi frowned slightly but did not immediately agree. What Yan Li said was correct according to common sense, but Yan Chi clearly remembered that in the Qin Manor case, he and Qin Wan were initially trapped by this kind of thinking. Everyone knew that such a large Demon-Suppressing Stone required a strong man to move it, but they had not thought at first that the person actually utilized the flexibility of the bamboo. And Qingjun was much lighter than that Demon-Suppressing Stone. In reality, a strong woman could also do it.

"Seventh Brother, am I right?"

"Wrong." Yan Chi heartlessly denied Yan Li's words, then walked over to Wang Huaiyu's side. Wang Huaiyu naturally had his own way of interrogating people. Yan Chi did not speak, only listened. However, the matter was far from as simple as Yan Chi thought.

After all the servants were questioned, there was still no clue.

Wang Huaiyu temporarily dismissed all the servants. While entering Moon-Gathering Tower, he said, "Almost everyone clearly stated what they were doing during that time. We still have not found where the Datura poison was administered. From entering the manor and meeting people to meeting Master Pang, all tea and food were not enjoyed by Qingjun alone. It is impossible that she took the poison herself before entering the manor, right?"

Wang Huaiyu rubbed his temples. Seeing that it was late, he said, "Your Highnesses, go back and rest first. Come again tomorrow. We cannot ask anything else tonight."

Yan Chi did not speak. Yan Li yawned and held on to say, "Prefect Wang, what about the kitchen staff?"

The meals were all made by the manor kitchen, so the kitchen staff were naturally the key among keys.

Wang Huaiyu hurriedly said, "I have asked them all. Several people do not admit it. The background of each person here is recorded in the manor. On the surface, it is impossible for them to have a grudge against Master Pang or Qingjun."

Yan Li spread his hands. "Then aren't we stuck here?"

Wang Huaiyu gave a bitter smile. Yan Chi said thoughtfully, "Let's leave it at that for now. Dismissed."

Wang Huaiyu naturally agreed repeatedly. Yan Chi gave a few more instructions and then led Yan Li out first.

Yan Chi and Yan Li left Moon-Gathering Tower and headed toward the main gate of Clear Radiance Garden. Exiting the manor gate, Yan Li suddenly looked behind the two of them. "Eh, where is Bai Feng? Did Seventh Brother send him on a task?"

Yan Chi did not comment. He turned over and mounted his horse.

Seeing Yan Chi like this, Yan Li knew he already had a plan, so he also smiled and galloped away.

Wang Huaiyu, who was a step behind, also left the Pang Manor not long after, leaving only a few yamen officers to guard Qingjun's body. Because of the homicide, the entire Pang Manor was in a panic. Everyone who was called for questioning was uneasy. It was not until the lights in various parts of the Pang Manor were extinguished that the frightened unease was somewhat concealed by the night.

After confirming that Wang Huaiyu had left, Pang Fuliang, who should have been preparing to rest, actually headed toward a guest courtyard in the due north. That guest courtyard had no guards. A dim lamp was lit in the main room. When Pang Fuliang pushed the door open and entered, he saw Liu Renli with a face full of grief and sorrow. Pang Fuliang narrowed his eyes slightly. "I told you to put away that look."

Speaking, Pang Fuliang closed the door.

With no outsiders present, Liu Renli was not so afraid of Pang Fuliang anymore. He said in a heavy tone, "Tell me the truth. Was it really you? In your manor, who would have such great courage?"

Pang Fuliang's eyes were full of coldness. "Sober up! Do not fight among ourselves at this time!"

Liu Renli gave a cold laugh. "Fight among ourselves?! I am afraid you are so ruthless you have forgotten we are on the same side. I cannot understand it no matter how I think. With her personality, always striving to be strong her whole life, how could she hang herself?! Now it has been investigated; she was harmed by someone. That poison, isn't it most convenient for you to administer."

Pang Fuliang clenched his fists tightly and said through gritted teeth, "I drank all the wine, food, and tea with you. Why was I not poisoned?"

Liu Renli's lips moved. "Then who could it be?"

Pang Fuliang narrowed his eyes, seemingly thinking of something very distant. Seeing his expression, Liu Renli's look changed. "You mean, the one who harmed her is that."

"Who?!" Liu Renli suddenly shouted harshly. He turned and pushed open the room door, but only heard the sound of the winter night wind in the courtyard.

The words Liu Renli was about to say were interrupted by his shout. He walked forward to check for a moment. Seeing no one in the courtyard, he let out a breath of relief. Pang Fuliang, however, was very vigilant. "I just came to see you. Rest early."

Saying this, without further words, he walked out of Liu Renli's guest courtyard with large steps.

Half a quarter of an hour later, Bai Feng silently entered Yan Chi's residence in Prince Yu's Manor.

"After Lord Wang left, Pang Fuliang went to find Liu Renli immediately. This subordinate was just preparing to approach Pang Fuliang when he seemed to sense something and left." Saying this, Bai Feng lowered his head. "It is this subordinate's incompetence."

Hearing this, Yan Chi waved his hand. "It is not your fault. Anything else?"

Bai Feng thought for a moment. "Afterward, he returned to his own quarters, extinguished the lights, and went to rest. This subordinate waited two quarter-hours without any movement before coming back to report to the Master. However, however, when this subordinate passed a remote backyard on the north side of the Pang Manor, I discovered that although that backyard was locked, there was someone inside the house."

Yan Chi's attention was drawn. "What person?"

Bai Feng said in a deep voice, "A, a young girl."