Chapter 126
Zhan Lao Er, clutching twenty silver ingots, alighted from the carriage. After walking a stretch, he couldn't resist looking back. In the dead of night, the noble patron was here to inquire about the dead girl?
The carriage moved slowly. The maid, holding a handkerchief, meticulously wiped the spot where Zhan Lao Er had just sat, a flicker of disdain in her eyes.
"Miss, we're just leaving like this?" the maid couldn't help but ask, looking at Qin Shi, who sat regally in the carriage.
Qin Shi, who had been dozing, opened her eyelids to glance at the bewildered maid. A smile bloomed on her fair, delicate face. "My husband's remains are not yet cold. How can I, a widow, go out in such a grand fashion?"
The maid thought it made sense. The Qin family was a scholarly lineage, adhering to strict rules. Miss's current status was indeed unsuitable for going out.
But if they wanted to gather information, couldn't they just send a servant? Why did Miss have to come out personally? This doubt flashed through her mind. However, it was late at night, and the maid was tired. Seeing that Qin Shi had closed her eyes to rest, she dared not speak further.
By the time the carriage returned to the villa, the maid alighting from it could barely keep her eyes open.
"That's enough, you go get some sleep. I'll help Miss," said a middle-aged wet nurse, wearing a purple short jacket, with a smile. She reached out and helped Qin Shi down from the carriage.
Entering the inner courtyard bedroom, Granny Hao helped Qin Shi remove her hair, take off her makeup, and after washing up, it was nearly half an hour later.
"Miss, listen to Granny. Let Master and the others handle Zhan Feiyu's affairs. It's not appropriate for us women in the inner chambers to interfere," Granny Hao said, sitting by the bed and fanning Qin Shi. She looked at Qin Shi's noticeably thinner figure, her heart filled with both affection and worry.
"Granny, I am not reconciled. Among the many married daughters of the Qin family, any who become widows can only guard a chastity arch for the rest of their lives!" Qin Shi's seemingly gentle face revealed a trace of frenzied hatred.
No one knew how much she had hated Zhan Feiyu when she heard the news of Wan Yunhao's death. That wretched girl had ruined her future.
Granny Hao was stunned for a moment, wiping away tears from the corner of her eyes. This was fate!
Although she lived as a widow, Miss still had the young master and young lady, and with her family's care, she would live a life of ease and comfort. Compared to other women who had lost their husbands outside, she was much better off.
"Granny, go and contact Huang Bin," Qin Shi instructed, then closed her eyes to sleep.
Back then, she had fallen in love with Wan Yunhao at first sight. What if he was from a humble background? As long as he had talent for studying, and with the Qin family's support after he passed the imperial examinations, her title of a noble lady would be within reach.
As for the young masters from prestigious families who were well-matched, among them, Tong Xu was the most outstanding in Nanxuan Prefecture. However, he already had a concubine at the age of fourteen. Wan Yunhao, on the other hand, would not take a concubine because he needed to please the Qin family.
Later, when Wan Yunhao held a high position in the imperial court, what did it matter if he had a few concubines? By then, her children would have grown up. As the main wife, she wouldn't care about a few trivial things.
Qin Shi's hands, crossed over her abdomen, clenched tightly. Her knuckles turned white from the force.
From the time she was sensible, she knew the path she should take. She had carefully chosen Wan Yunhao as her husband, only waiting to be bestowed with the title of a noble lady. Unfortunately, everything had been ruined by that wretched girl Zhan Feiyu. How could she be reconciled!
Granny Hao fanned for a full half hour before gently getting up and sleeping on the wooden couch in the outer room.
In the dark night, a gust of wind blew, and clouds obscured the moon. A shout broke the silence of the deep night, followed by the clash of weapons, causing Liu Jianzeng, who was lightly asleep, to sit up in bed, suddenly flustered.
"Catch the assassin!" The guards of the villa shouted sternly, and dozens of figures quickly flew over from not far away.
Almost simultaneously, several more figures leaped over the wall into the villa. Chong Guang's goose-feather saber flicked, deflecting an incoming long sword.
"The Imperial Dragon Guard is apprehending a wanted criminal. All unauthorized personnel, retreat quickly!" Chong Guang revealed his Imperial Dragon Guard token, completely ignoring the guards and escorts in front of him. He waved his hand at his subordinates behind him, "Search!"
"Yes!" Several subordinates dressed in Imperial Dragon Guard uniforms spread out in a fan formation to search for the fugitive.
Liu Jian, wearing his clothes, hurried out of the bedroom. Hearing the commotion, his face turned unusually grim.
"Sir, a fugitive has broken in, and the Imperial Dragon Guard is apprehending them," the head of the guards said flatteringly, holding his long sword in a loyal posture to protect Liu Jian.
"Fugitive?" Liu Jian's gaunt face twitched. Could there be a fugitive who could escape from the Imperial Dragon Guard and coincidentally escape to the villa where he was staying!
"Sir." Steward Liu stepped forward and nodded to Liu Jian subtly.
If not for the Imperial Dragon Guard tonight, Liu Jian might have felt at ease. Looking at the night sky now, his heart was still uneasy.
In the darkness, Yin Wuyan, wearing a silver mask, entered the main courtyard.
Chong Guang followed behind him, blood dripping from his goose-feather saber. Someone had already met their end tonight.
"Lord Yin, I wonder what kind of heinous fugitive could escape from the Imperial Dragon Guard?" Liu Jian asked sarcastically, suppressing his anger.
Beneath the mask, Feng's eyes were cold and merciless. Yin Wuyan didn't even glance at Liu Jian, let alone answer.
This is too much! Liu Jian's body trembled with anger. He was a dignified second-rank official, while the commander of the Imperial Dragon Guard was only fourth-rank. If not for the Emperor's trust, how dare he be so arrogant!
The officials in the court only knew that the commander of the Imperial Dragon Guard was raised by the Emperor. He was said to be an orphan who was granted the imperial surname. He had been in charge of the Imperial Dragon Guard for several years, yet he was already a killer.
However, whether they were civil or military officials, they all greatly disliked the existence of the Imperial Dragon Guard. After all, the Imperial Dragon Guard always used any means necessary to handle cases. Because they were deeply trusted by the Emperor, their immense power made everyone in the court feel uneasy.
"Lord Liu, the criminal Cai Tian is the leader of the mountain bandits from San'ao Mountain in Hengzhou Prefecture. He was rescued by his accomplices while being escorted back to the capital. The Imperial Dragon Guard received the news and thus assisted the Hengzhou Prefecture yamen in apprehending the fugitive," Chong Guang announced loudly. In fact, after hearing Cai Tian's name, Liu Jian already knew.
This person was indeed extremely wicked. He was once the descendant of a military general, but he was naturally rebellious. After his family declined, he actually became a bandit.
Hengzhou Prefecture was a region of continuous mountains. Cai Tian had thirty-six men under him. After training them, they were like wolves hidden in the deep mountains, repeatedly ambushing merchants on the official roads.
The prefecture yamen and the garrison joined forces to capture them, but all efforts were in vain. The thirty-six men were well-trained and familiar with the terrain and topography. Once they entered the deep mountains, they disappeared without a trace.
"Since that is the case, with the Imperial Dragon Guard's intervention, Cai Tian can only be captured without resistance. This official need not worry about anything else," Liu Jian said coldly, intending to wait under the corridor.
"All unauthorized personnel, leave the villa immediately!" a cold voice rang out. Yin Wuyan looked at the furious Liu Jian and continued coldly, "Those who disobey will be killed without mercy!"
"Lord Yin, what do you mean by this?" If not for the words "killed without mercy," Liu Jian would have probably lost control of his anger and shouted. They were merely a group of bloodthirsty, corrupt, and treacherous villains, yet they dared to be so rampant!
Yin Wuyan's gaze was as cold as ice, without any warmth. Looking at Liu Jian across the courtyard, he said, "Retire from the villa within the time it takes for one incense stick to burn, or you will be killed without mercy!"
"Liu Jian!"
"Sir!" Steward Liu quickly supported Liu Jian's arm, shaking his head slightly. Zhou Wenquan's body had been dealt with, and it was definitely foolproof!
But if his lord clashed head-on with the Imperial Dragon Guard, his lord was a second-rank official, while he and the guards in the courtyard combined were not enough for the Imperial Dragon Guard to kill!
"The Imperial Dragon Guard acts like this, this official will definitely impeach you!" Liu Jian, enraged, hurled a harsh threat and could only leave first.
Perhaps due to the terrifying reputation of the Imperial Dragon Guard, within a moment, everyone in the villa retreated outside. The servants stood there trembling.
Liu Jian's few guards brought from the capital, as well as the escorts sent by Tong Tongzhi, stood on the other side. Even with only one Imperial Dragon Guard watching, these thirty-odd people did not dare to leave on their own.
"Seventh Master, the courtyard is empty. We didn't find the person," Chong Guang said, throwing the knocked-out Cai Tian to the ground. He had just led his men to search the villa but hadn't found Zhou Wenquan's body.
The villa was not large. They had searched the front and back gardens as well as the bamboo garden. There were no signs of disturbed soil. As for the small pond, Chong Guang had people use bamboo poles and nets to drag from the front to the back, but they still didn't find the body.
Glancing at the towering walls, Chong Guang said, "Could it be that Zhou Wenquan wasn't killed, and he's mixed in with the crowd now?"
"Liu Jian won't take such a risk. Look for a secret room," Yin Wuyan commanded coldly, then walked towards Liu Jian's bedroom.
This villa was purchased by Tong Tongzhi from a wealthy merchant after learning that Liu Jian was coming to Shangsi County. There might be a secret room, but it wouldn't be too difficult to find.
Time passed little by little, the night faded, and dawn arrived.
From the appearance of the Imperial Dragon Guard until now, it had been over an hour. Liu Jian's expression relaxed, and the anger of being offended earlier had subsided.
The farm, the front courtyard flower hall.
"The body of Zhou Wenquan was not found?" Zhan Feiyu, who came to submit her homework early in the morning, asked in surprise. She couldn't help but ask, "Teacher, could it be that Liu Jian took the opposite approach and didn't silence them?"
Prince Yu had not slept all night. He waved his hand, dismissing the reporting guards.
Gu Qingzhou's complexion was quite good. He looked down at the two essays and four poems submitted by Zhan Feiyu. "Liu Jian is always cautious and meticulous. He might have taken the risk of sparing Zhou Wenquan's life, but it can only mean that the body was hidden very secretly."
To be able to evade the search of the Imperial Dragon Guard, the body was indeed hidden quite discreetly.
Zhan Feiyu frowned and pondered. Before coming to the farm yesterday, she had specifically asked the coachman to take a detour. It was a two-courtyard house, and it was easy to hide a body there. However, the Imperial Dragon Guard had investigated so many major cases over the years, so logically, they shouldn't have been unable to find the body.
"The people from Hengzhou Prefecture will also arrive soon. Your Highness, why don't we go and take a look?" Gu Qingzhou stood up. Even if he hadn't said it, the impatient Prince Yu would have gone to see.
Zhan Feiyu looked at Gu Qingzhou pitifully. "Teacher."
"Alright, follow along," Gu Qingzhou said, patting the little girl's head with a smile and shaking his head. She was not old, but her curiosity was quite strong.
The summer sun was scorching. More than thirty people stood outside, sweating profusely. Now they were also hungry, but facing the bloodthirsty Imperial Dragon Guard, no one dared to complain.
"Lord Yin has such great authority!" Liu Jian glared at Yin Wuyan and sternly questioned, "Cai Tian has already been captured. Is Lord Yin treating this official as a prisoner? Don't forget that this official is a second-rank official, and the Imperial Dragon Guard has no right to detain this official!"
For officials below the third rank, the Imperial Dragon Guard had the privilege of executing first and reporting later.
Yin Wuyan stood on the steps at the entrance of the villa, looking down at the furious Liu Jian. "Lord Liu may enter."
As for everyone else, whether they were servants or guards, they could only continue to stand outside.
Liu Jian wanted to say something else, but upon seeing several figures galloping over, he immediately went to meet them. "Your Highness, this subordinate is sure that Your Highness will uphold justice!"
Prince Yu dismounted and walked past Liu Jian, who was bowing, towards Yin Wuyan, almost making him furious to death.
The carriage was a little slower. After Prince Yu finished speaking with Yin Wuyan, Gu Qingzhou alighted from the carriage and turned to Zhan Feiyu, who was still sitting in the carriage, saying, "If you're bored, read a book. You are not allowed to come down."
"Yes, Teacher," Zhan Feiyu nodded, her fair little face showing an extremely obedient expression.
Gu Qingzhou inexplicably felt something was amiss, but he didn't say anything. He instructed Gu Yuan to drive the carriage under the tree.
The Imperial Dragon Guard's actions last night had also been reported to Prefect Zhang and others. It wasn't until Prince Yu and Gu Qingzhou arrived that they arrived about fifteen minutes later.
"Lord Liu is advanced in years. Don't suffer from heatstroke," Gu Qingzhou said with a smile and walked directly into the villa. The morning sun was quite strong.
Liu Jian was also extremely hot. Seeing an opportunity to descend, he flicked his sleeve and followed Gu Qingzhou into the villa. He couldn't bear to stay outside any longer.
Zhan Feiyu slightly lifted a corner of the carriage curtain and looked out the window at the more than thirty people standing outside. The constables of Shangsi County had already arrived. Three people stood on each side, front, back, left, and right, keeping a close watch on these thirty-odd people.
Zhan Feiyu considered herself to have some ability to judge people. As she looked at them one by one, she really couldn't find anyone suspicious. Zhou Wenquan was probably killed, but where was the body hidden?
"Brother Xiao Yuan," Zhan Feiyu called out, looking at Gu Yuan, who was sitting on the carriage shaft. She lowered her voice and asked, "When you followed Teacher to the capital, did you ever hear of things like corpse-dissolving water, something that can melt bodies and destroy evidence!"
Gu Yuan was stunned and looked at Zhan Feiyu, whose eyes were wide with excitement, with a speechless expression. "Miss, you've read too many storybooks. How could such a thing exist!"
"That's true. If it really existed, the Imperial Dragon Guard wouldn't be looking for the body," Zhan Feiyu sighed and looked at the villa in front of her. "Then where do you think the body could be hidden?"
The guards of Prince Yu's mansion had been guarding the villa for days, so the body could not have been transported out. It must still be in the villa.
"The Imperial Dragon Guard couldn't find it, so how could I possibly know?" Gu Yuan couldn't help but roll his eyes. Miss was talented in her studies, but sometimes her questions sounded quite foolish.
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