If not for Qiu Zongxi and the soon-to-be-reinstated Yang family, and the fact that a murder case was involved, Yang Xu would likely have been summoned to the yamen by the authorities, rather than the county magistrate Zhu and county lieutenant Feng personally leading constables to his door.
At this moment, Qiu Zongxi sat at the head of the table, his golden saber across his lap, his face a mask of displeasure. His imposing presence made the county magistrate Zhu, seated below him, stiffen, his posterior barely touching the edge of his chair.
County Lieutenant Feng dared not even sit. As for the constables, they waited nervously outside the door.
Yang Xu had arrived with Qiu Jinyu, and the servants and pages who had gone to Plum Valley yesterday were also present, though they were currently waiting outside to be summoned.
"Grandpa Qiu," Yang Xu bowed to Qiu Zongxi at the head of the table. Despite his slight displeasure, he also bowed to County Magistrate Zhu, "Yang Xu greets Magistrate Zhu."
"You are too kind, Young Master Yang. Truly, a tiger father has no dog son. You are clearly a dragon among men, haha. Please, dispense with the formalities." County Magistrate Zhu's face, plump with flesh, crinkled into a smile as he quickly stood up, extending a hand to offer a slight support.
Even though he was just a child now, once the General's Mansion was reinstated, he would be the young master of the General's Mansion, someone County Magistrate Zhu could not possibly catch up to. How could he dare accept Yang Xu's bow?
"He has certainly improved!" Qiu Zongxi glanced at Yang Xu. Regardless of whether Magistrate Zhu was a corrupt official or not, he was currently the magistrate of Xiangwu County, and Yang Xu was merely a commoner.
Even if the Yang family was reinstated, without passing the martial examinations, he would still be a commoner. To fail to bow to an official was disrespectful, and it would be perceived by outsiders as Yang Xu being arrogant and disrespectful of elders due to his family background.
Qiu Jinyu also bowed. He was the top scholar in three examinations and hailed from the Qiu family of Qianzhong Circuit. County Magistrate Zhu dared not put on airs.
As long as one was a jinshi from two examinations, their lowest official post would be that of a county magistrate. With Qiu Jinyu's talent and family background, his future rank would undoubtedly surpass that of County Magistrate Zhu. By forming a good relationship now, perhaps he could be promoted by Qiu Jinyu in the future.
A maid from the Qiu residence brought tea again. No one spoke in the room, and the atmosphere became strangely tense.
The General's Mansion should be reinstated quickly, otherwise, who knew what would happen in this small Xiangwu County. Magistrate Zhu was already content to be a seventh-rank magistrate who merely ate and drank, waiting to die. However, the current volatile situation in Xiangwu County made Magistrate Zhu dream of losing his head.
"Old Mister Qiu," to fulfill his duty as a magistrate, County Magistrate Zhu reluctantly spoke, "Yesterday, when we went to Plum Valley, a young lady accompanied us. Is she in the residence?"
The thought of Zhan Feiyu having connections to the Imperial Guards made County Magistrate Zhu want to turn and flee. The people living in this residence were all ancestors one could not afford to offend, each with a greater background than the last. He, a mere seventh-rank magistrate, was not even enough to fill their teeth.
"Xiao Yu caught a cold and is resting," Yang Xu replied stiffly, his dark face set, his sharp gaze fixed on Magistrate Zhu. "You can ask me if you have any questions."
The thought of Zhan Feiyu having gone to the Fu family last night made Yang Xu feel a pang of worry. It was one thing if outsiders didn't know, but once the news leaked, the charge of murder might be forcibly pinned on Xiao Yu.
Zhan Feiyu and He Nuan had left the Qiu residence for the Fu family around midnight last night. Qiu Zongxi knew, and Yang Xu knew, but Qiu Jinyu, who lived in the residence, did not know, let alone outsiders.
"This is like protesting too much!" Qiu Zongxi glanced meaningfully at the composed Qiu Jinyu. If Yang Xu hadn't explained, his explanation only made people more suspicious.
"So that's how it is. Then I shall first question Young Master Yang," County Magistrate Zhu said with a good-natured smile. He would not dare to summon Zhan Feiyu, who was ill, even if he had the courage of a bear and the heart of a leopard.
Before coming to the Qiu residence, County Magistrate Zhu's first inquiry was about the daughter of County Lieutenant Feng. He was now fully aware of the detailed events of yesterday's trip to Plum Valley.
Afterward, County Magistrate Zhu summoned the others who had accompanied them. Although County Magistrate Zhu was now acting subserviently and humbly, in Xiangwu County, he was the undisputed magistrate.
The young ladies from the other families and the three young men recounted the events of the Plum Valley trip in detail. After consolidating the testimonies, County Magistrate Zhu and his advisor He Xuezhi carefully compared them and found nothing amiss.
As for Zhan Feiyu, who was not present, according to the testimonies of Miss Feng and the others, after an initial polite greeting, she had not been with them for the rest of the time. Furthermore, she was younger, and since she was not present, County Magistrate Zhu did not pay much attention, merely intending to question her as a formality.
"Yesterday we agreed to go to Plum Valley..." After Yang Xu finished, it was Qiu Jinyu's turn. His account was similar to what Miss Feng and the others had said.
Since they had acted together, there were no discrepancies in their testimonies, and they could all serve as witnesses. Coupled with the presence of servants, the trip to Plum Valley had no conflicts, apart from the Fu family's daughter falling into the water.
County Magistrate Zhu's head throbbed at the thought of Zhou Shuyao, who was currently being detained by the constables in a separate courtyard. He could only ask Qiu Zongxi with a bitter face, "Old Mister, you must also know that the Fu family's daughter was murdered, and only Miss Zhou was in the inner room at the time..."
Before the murderer could be found, everyone who had been to Plum Valley was a suspect. However, County Magistrate Zhu could no longer keep it a secret and revealed the details of Fu Langhuan's murder in its entirety.
"Please guide this official, Old Mister. I truly cannot fathom the motive for the murder." Facing Qiu Zongxi's contemptuous gaze, County Magistrate Zhu, with a thick skin like a city wall, said, "Without finding the motive, I cannot find the murderer. I am at a loss."
His advisor, He Xuezhi, had previously analyzed with County Magistrate Zhu that the Fu family had used such underhanded means to force a marriage with Yang Xu. With her death, the engagement would naturally be void. This might be the motive for the murder.
Upon hearing this, He Xuezhi was thoroughly berated by County Magistrate Zhu.
Not to mention that the Yang family and Yang Xu could not be the murderers, even if they were, County Magistrate Zhu would not dare to investigate the case like this. Fu Langhuan, an eleven-year-old girl, was murdered, and he dared to accuse Yang Xu of murder?
County Magistrate Zhu felt a chill down his spine, fearing that he would lose his head in his sleep that night.
"Magistrate Zhu, your words are mistaken. I am merely a recluse. Investigating cases is the duty of the authorities and of Magistrate Zhu. I am powerless!" Qiu Zongxi's wrinkled old face showed undisguised contempt. If it weren't for Yang Xu being involved, he would have swept the man named Zhu out of the door.
Facing Qiu Zongxi's fierce gaze, County Magistrate Zhu flinched backward in fear. However, this case could not be left uninvestigated. The Fu family was easy to deal with, as they were merely merchants.
But the key was that Miss Zhou was involved. She was the eldest daughter of the Zhou family, and her maternal family was the Zhang family of Linzhou Prefecture, the granddaughter of Prefect Zhang. County Magistrate Zhu would not dare to convict Zhou Shuyao even if he had the courage of a bear and the heart of a leopard.
Yet, he could not let her go. The Zhang and Zhou families also had enemies in Longyou Circuit. If County Magistrate Zhu dared to openly shield Zhou Shuyao, he would be impeached and lose his official hat as soon as he released her.
With wolves in front and tigers behind! County Magistrate Zhu, caught in a dilemma, turned his expectant gaze to the upright and virtuous Qiu Jinyu, his old face creasing into a smile that narrowed his eyes into slits.
"Young Master Qiu is a talented young man of Daqing Dynasty, and also the top scholar in three examinations. Why doesn't Young Master Qiu help this official ponder the motive for the murder and who the murderer is?" After speaking, County Magistrate Zhu even stood up and bowed to Qiu Jinyu in a proper manner, displaying the utmost respect for scholars.
Qiu Zongxi could not bear to watch. How did such a mediocre official pass the imperial examinations back then? And how did he become the magistrate of Xiangwu County? Was it simply because he had a thick skin?
After hearing County Magistrate Zhu's detailed account of the crime scene, Yang Xu also pondered who had killed the Fu family's daughter. He dared not suspect Zhan Feiyu.
As for Zhou Shuyao, although Yang Xu had only met her a few times, he would never believe that Zhou Shuyao had killed the Fu family's daughter with her own hands.
"Brother Qiu?" Unable to figure it out, Yang Xu now also looked to Qiu Jinyu for help. He could also ask Zhan Feiyu, but the thought of having offended her earlier made Yang Xu back down.
Magistrate Zhu was unreliable, and Yang Xu was brainless! Qiu Jinyu almost failed to maintain his calm and composed expression. He could only humbly decline, "Magistrate Zhu praises me too highly. This student knows nothing about investigating and adjudicating cases and cannot help Magistrate Zhu. I am ashamed."
Upon hearing this, County Magistrate Zhu was disappointed, and Yang Xu was also disappointed. Seeing their identical expressions, Qiu Jinyu was again exasperated. Xiangwu County was now a mixed bag of dragons and snakes, and the waters were very deep. Could he, a mere scholar, dare to step forward easily?
Perhaps it was because Qiu Zongxi's temper was too volatile, but Magistrate Zhu did not dare to offend him. He looked at Qiu Jinyu, still unwilling to give up, "Do you have no clues at all? Young Master Qiu, please speak freely. Even if you say something wrong, it's fine. I am completely clueless right now and can only ask for Young Master Qiu's help."
Hearing footsteps outside the door, Qiu Jinyu glanced sideways and said gently, "Miss Zhan is here. Magistrate Zhu, why don't we question Miss Zhan first."
The Imperial Guards were here! County Magistrate Zhu jumped to his feet. The fat body encased in his official robe instantly hunched over. His subservient attitude made everyone in the room raise their eyebrows. Magistrate Zhu had already been fawning enough, but now he was even more so.
As Zhan Feiyu stepped through the door, County Magistrate Zhu immediately stepped forward, bowing halfway, smiling obsequiously, "The young lady is unwell, and it is I who have disturbed you..."
Qiu Jinyu's expression changed slightly. When he spoke to him just now, he had addressed him as "this official," but now he said "subordinate." It seemed the reputation of the Imperial Guards was indeed effective. Not only did Commander Dou of the garrison disregard the Marquis of Zhenbian's mansion and imprison Madam Zhang, but Magistrate Zhu now wished he could kneel and bow.
The hood was trimmed with a circle of white fox fur, making Zhan Feiyu's face appear even more delicate and radiant. Her bright eyes, fair complexion, and the hand warmer she held, even though she was wrapped up like a ball, still exuded an air of nobility and wealth.
"Magistrate Zhu," Zhan Feiyu's voice still carried the hoarseness of a cold. Facing the fawning and flattering Magistrate Zhu, her attitude was calm, neither contemptuous nor proud. "Please sit, sir. Ask whatever you wish to ask."
Zhan Feiyu glanced around the room. Old Mister Qiu sat at the head of the table, Magistrate Zhu stood before the first chair on the right below him, and Yang Xu and Qiu Jinyu sat in order on the left.
Zhan Feiyu did not want to sit below Qiu Jinyu. Just as she was about to step over to sit by Magistrate Zhu, Qiu Zongxi spoke, "Come and sit by me. Magistrate Zhu, you may also sit and talk."
Zhan Feiyu grinned and, without being polite, sat down on the armchair to the right of the head seat. "Magistrate Zhu, please ask."
Indeed, she was from the Imperial Guards. Even the hot-tempered Old Mister Qiu, who would resort to violence at the slightest disagreement, was so obsequious. Magistrate Zhu sat down again, his attitude towards Zhan Feiyu becoming even more respectful and humble. What General's Mansion, what Yang family, what Qiu family of Qianzhong Circuit? This young lady was the true ancestor!
Magistrate Zhu repeated what he had said earlier. Since Qiu Jinyu, the top scholar in three examinations, was unreliable, and for the sake of investigating the case, Magistrate Zhu tried his best to flatter and fawn over Zhan Feiyu. "Does the young lady perhaps have any discoveries? I simply cannot fathom the motive for the murder."
If the Imperial Guards were willing to take on the case, no matter who the murderer was or how deeply they were hidden, they would be found in the shortest possible time by the Imperial Guards. Thus, the case could be closed!
Thinking this, Magistrate Zhu's eyes, which were reduced to mere slits due to his plumpness, looked at Zhan Feiyu with excitement and anticipation. If he hadn't stopped studying years ago, Magistrate Zhu would have praised Zhan Feiyu with the most flowery language, just to ask for her help.
Unlike Qiu Jinyu's refusal, Zhan Feiyu nodded after listening. "Has the magistrate had the coroner examine the body? According to what the magistrate said earlier, the murderer could only be Miss Zhou, but she herself denies it. Then there is only one possibility: Miss Zhou might have been drugged, and Fu Langhuan, who was in the same room with her, might also have been drugged. If the coroner examines the body carefully, perhaps some clues can be found."
"Examine the body?" Magistrate Zhu nodded thoughtfully. The coroner had indeed followed the constables to examine the scene and the body. However, due to the difference between men and women, even though Fu Langhuan was already a corpse, the coroner had only performed a cursory examination of the body and confirmed the cause of death.
If a detailed examination were to be conducted, it would be necessary to undress her and even disembowel her.
Qiu Zongxi and Yang Xu both knew about Fu Langhuan's death, but they learned the specifics from Magistrate Zhu. Hearing Zhan Feiyu's words now, both of them fell into deep thought. Could she really have been drugged?
"If the magistrate needs it, I can provide personnel to help examine the body," Zhan Feiyu said, seeing Magistrate Zhu's embarrassed expression, she knew he was worried that the yamen's coroner was not capable enough.
It was understandable. Magistrate Zhu was incompetent and corrupt, so naturally, the yamen staff would follow suit.
Magistrate Zhu's face lit up with joy, and he hurriedly thanked Zhan Feiyu, "Then I will trouble you."
It would be even better if the Imperial Guards could take over this case. Even if the sky fell, the Imperial Guards would bear it, and he, a small magistrate, could rest easy.
Unfortunately, Zhan Feiyu was young and seemed kind and easy to talk to, but Magistrate Zhu had an instinctive feeling that this young lady was not to be trifled with. Therefore, as long as Zhan Feiyu did not speak first, Magistrate Zhu would absolutely not dare to be presumptuous.
"What did Miss Zhou say? After all, she was the last person to see the deceased," Zhan Feiyu asked again.
Miss Zhan is truly considerate. Did Magistrate Zhu not want to question Zhou Shuyao? But apart from saying that she did not kill anyone, she said nothing else.
Before Magistrate Zhu could ask any more questions, Zhou Shuyao started shouting frantically. With her maternal uncle Zhang Minxian protecting her, Magistrate Zhu dared not ask further and had to have the constables guard the separate courtyard before leaving dejectedly.
"Miss Zhou's emotions were agitated, likely due to fright. It is also inconvenient for me to ask further. Miss Zhan, if your health permits, could you help me question Miss Zhou?"
Having pushed away another troublesome matter, Magistrate Zhu's eyes were so narrowed with a smile that they were almost closed. "If there is anything the magistrate and the county yamen can do for Miss Zhan, please do not hesitate to speak. I will do my utmost to cooperate and find the murderer as soon as possible to comfort the spirit of the deceased."