The prefectural office hall.
Although it was late at night, the few officials on duty were all in the hall. Seeing Lord Wei arrive, Steward Yao and the others immediately rose.
"No need for formalities, the trial is important," Lord Wei said in a deep voice, his gaze falling on the man in black tightly-fitting clothes, who was kneeling in the hall. He appeared to be not yet of age, with a slender build, and at first glance, he would not be easily noticed in a crowd.
"Who kneels before the court?" Lord Wei struck the gavel, his sharp gaze fixed on the indifferent young man. Just those overly cold eyes indicated that this was no ordinary person, but more like a death warrior trained by a prominent family.
Silence spread through the hall. The youth's face was blank, as if he hadn't heard Lord Wei's question, or perhaps he didn't care if he were to face torture.
Zhan Feiyu, Jiao Lianping, and Qiu Huaixin, having no official positions, were seated in the corner to the rear left of the hall.
Jiao Lianping leaned forward to observe, "It looks like he won't confess."
"Death warriors who are well-trained usually commit suicide when captured. He must be determined to die," Qiu Huaixin also had experience with the Qiu family's death warriors. With just a glance, he could tell these people were different, their eyes cold and resolute, a look only those who feared no death could possess.
Zhan Feiyu glanced but said nothing. Earlier, at the Jiao residence, Li Li was also a subordinate of the Old Master. These people might not be the strongest in skill, but they were definitely the most loyal.
If Lord Wei couldn't get a confession, the Imperial Guards certainly could. However, Zhan Feiyu didn't believe this person would reveal any useful intelligence. They were mostly at the lowest level, merely following orders and knowing extremely limited information.
Lord Wei's brow furrowed. He knew this was a tough nut to crack, but the interrogation still had to be done.
Time ticked by. The smell of blood permeated the hall. Despite a series of torture methods, he still did not confess. He had even bitten through his tongue to avoid making a sound, his mouth full of blood, a rather gruesome sight.
"My lord, it will be dangerous if we continue to beat him," Constable Chen said in a low voice. He usually feared such stubborn individuals when apprehending criminals; they truly did not fear death. Unless their weaknesses were found, they would rather die than confess.
"Take him away and guard him strictly. Also, send a doctor to the prison. Use whatever medicine is necessary, but be cautious and ensure he doesn't die in the cell," Lord Wei said, then his gaze fell on Qiu Bingde, who was observing from below. Regardless of whether a confession was obtained, at least the accusations against the third young master Qiu could be cleared.
"Yes." Constable Chen understood the gravity of the situation. Whether preparing or administering the medicine, he would not delegate it to anyone else. Even his food had to be carefully handled to prevent any tampering.
Thinking this, Constable Chen felt his head spin, but he dared not slacken in the slightest.
...
The next day, Zhan Feiyu was still sleeping in the separate courtyard. Meanwhile, the prefectural office had released the news of capturing the murderer of Madam Dou. Early in the morning, constables were dispatched to the Qiu family's third branch to notify Qiu Jingyuan and Madam Xu.
He Nuan listened to the movement inside the inner room and took a few more steps into the courtyard before speaking, "No attempt to silence him?"
"Not only our people, but Lord Qiu's side and the prefectural office have also sent people to guard him closely. He's just an insignificant pawn; it makes no difference whether he's captured or killed," He Sheng also lowered his voice.
Cai Zhiyuan had been imprisoned for so many days without anyone attempting a jailbreak or assassination, which was enough to show that the information they possessed was very limited.
He Nuan followed the scent of flowers towards a golden osmanthus tree in the corner. The osmanthus blooming late could be collected to make candied osmanthus, which could be used in pastries or sweet soups later. "What are the Imperial Guards' plans?"
The Old Master was indeed deeply hidden and secretive. Furthermore, those the Imperial Guards could find in a short period were all minor figures, like Li Li and Tu Da Niu, who were simply acting on orders.
Because they communicated on a single line, if the superior did not initiate contact, they had no idea what to do, nor did they know the identity of their superior.
"A secret memorial has already been submitted to His Majesty," He Sheng guessed that His Majesty would not investigate on a large scale, as it would cause unrest in Qianzhong Circuit. Moreover, with the crown prince not yet established, any move would affect the whole situation. His Majesty would prefer to see the Great Qing Dynasty stable and peaceful.
Therefore, it was highly likely that the Imperial Guards would continue to investigate in secret. Previously, they were unaware of the Old Master's existence, and this force was involved with the former dynasty, having been hidden for too long, even longer than the Imperial Guards had existed. Thus, it was normal not to find anything for a while.
However, given time and the Imperial Guards' all-pervasive methods, they would surely be able to unravel the mystery, follow the clues, and investigate step by step. It was only a matter of time before the Old Master's identity was revealed.
Just as He Nuan was about to speak, she heard movement from the inner room and quickly went inside, "Miss is awake?"
Supporting herself, Zhan Feiyu looked towards the window. The sunlight outside was bright. She had returned around the hour of Mao last night and slept until noon. "An Nuan, did I miss two meals?"
"Lunch is still being kept warm on the stove," He Nuan smiled and walked over, taking the clothes from the cabinet to help Zhan Feiyu get dressed. She continued, "The prefectural office released the news this morning, and Eldest Young Master Qiu fanned the flames a bit. Now, no one in Qianzhong Prefecture believes that the third young master Qiu forced his elder to death."
"The Imperial Guards are watching from the shadows, so these demons and monsters in Qianzhong Circuit dare not make any major moves," Zhan Feiyu bent down to put on her soft-soled embroidered shoes and tucked her scattered hair behind her ear.
Thinking of Qiu Huaixin's unwavering trust in Jiao Lianyu, Zhan Feiyu couldn't help but smile. "If it weren't for the Imperial Guards, Lord Qiu would have been impeached this time."
After Zhan Feiyu sat down on the embroidered stool, He Nuan picked up a cow horn comb to brush her hair. "The case will be concluded in a few days, and the private properties sealed in the prefectural office's vault will likely be returned to Qiu Jingyuan soon."
"Madam Dou died unjustly. We will go to pay our respects then and also talk with Qiu Jingyuan," Zhan Feiyu looked at her round face in the bronze mirror and raised her hand to pinch her cheek with a hint of melancholy. Why couldn't the flesh on her cheeks reduce.
"Yes, I will have someone prepare the funeral offerings shortly," He Nuan replied. Qiu Jingyuan probably didn't know what the token was. As long as the conditions offered were high enough, she would likely agree.
...
Unlike the desolate funeral of Xiang Changshou, although the Qiu family's third branch was accused of colluding with the enemy and treason, as long as Lord Qiu remained the Commissioner of Qianzhong Circuit, out of consideration for face, no one would openly confront the female members of the third branch.
Madam Dou had died a violent death, so the funeral lasted for five days. Half the street was filled with flying paper money. At the intersection, Qiu family men in mourning attire were responsible for receiving guests, along with stewards and servants.
"Please stop the carriage over here," two young servants hurried over and guided He Sheng to park the carriage in a cleared alley on the other side.
Uncle Qiu Er, who was standing at the intersection drinking water by a table, casually glanced over, then froze and quickly put down his cup. "Taozi, hurry back and inform them that Miss Zhan has come to pay her respects."
"Yes." Qiu Changtao's legs moved with incredible speed. The third branch now only had female members and ineffective men. Moreover, Madam Xu's family and two others were adopted. In the past, their relationship with Madam Dou was merely a matter of courtesy.
Therefore, to maintain the Qiu family's dignity during the funeral, the clan not only assigned collateral relative Uncle Qiu Er to be responsible for receiving guests but also had the esteemed Third Master Qiu preside over the funeral arrangements. As for the female members, Madam Wu, the wife of Qiu Bingde, was invited to provide assistance.
The sound of funeral music mingled with weeping. After paying her respects in the mourning hall, Zhan Feiyu was led by Madam Wu to rest in a small courtyard separated by a water pavilion.
Qiu Jingyuan had just seen off an elder of a noble family's wife, accompanied by Madam Xu. Her pale face was filled with gloom, and her forehead had a large bruise from kowtowing while keeping vigil. Coupled with her mourning attire, she looked somber, her aura of gloom and malevolence not at all like that of a ten-year-old girl.
"Zhan Feiyu is here?" Hearing the report from the young maid, Qiu Jingyuan looked towards Tinglan Pavilion. The corners of her dry, bloodshot lips curved upwards, her smile so sinister it sent chills down one's spine.
Madam Xu's eyes lit up instantly. The main branch and their third branch had been at odds for many years, and they fought fiercely in private. Therefore, Madam Xu was self-aware. Even though Madam Wu was representing the main branch to help out today, Madam Xu did not dare to try and build a relationship with this niece-in-law.
But Zhan Feiyu was different. Since the young girl could be on good terms with that wastrel Jiao Lianping, if she could gain her goodwill, their third branch's situation would surely improve significantly.