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墨書 Inktalez
Being a Coroner in the Capital, and being nominated for this case, requires real skill. However, due to being entrenched in the bureaucracy, one's personality becomes cautious. The more significant the case, the less one dares to speak freely. Qi Xiaomian aimed to push them; without pressure, they would remain inactive.
After stepping out from behind the curtain, Huayang asked him how it was going. Qi Xiaomian observed Huayang's expression; surprisingly, the prince didn’t seem sad at all.
"Do you doubt me?"
"Ever since you told me he was a prince, I’ve started doubting myself."
Huayang sighed. "Though he is my Prince, I am not familiar with him. He looks down on me; I have never even exchanged a few words with him. To say I’m not saddened would be a lie, but it’s not as if I’m devastated."
Qi Xiaomian quietly remarked, "With his death, there’s one less obstacle on your path to advancement."
"The Xuande Emperor has nine sons; my father has even more—this is already the fifteenth."
"Does he still dare to desire the throne?"
"When I say fifteen, I mean those who are still alive; there are eight who have died. Dayu Dou is ruthless, and my father encourages the princes to eliminate each other. So, I still have a chance."
At that moment, a subordinate reported that the detained individuals were causing an uproar, especially those from the Martial Arts Arena. Minister Ming was far away; how could they possibly be related to a murder case?
Qi Xiaomian replied that those from the Martial Arts Arena should be released first. As for Wen Ju's side, they would wait until Wen Gonggong finished questioning before releasing anyone.
Three teams were dispatched to surround the Imperial Academy; no one was allowed to leave unless it was urgent. If there was unrest, they were to be informed that one person had already died—who knew if there would be a second? Surrounding them was meant to protect them.
At the same time, all students' movements were monitored; they were not allowed to leave the city. If manpower was insufficient, Wen Gonggong would likely be willing to help.
It wasn’t until late at night that everyone gathered at the Small Tavern. With so much happening, those present felt anxious and restless; no one had an appetite for lavish meals.
They only prepared a simple mushroom soup with rice noodles and about ten varieties of pickled vegetables. Fearing it might be too bland and that they might get hungry at night, they also boiled several meat dumplings they had made earlier for a simple meal.
There was no need for those present to discuss the crime scene with those who weren’t there. Old Vine peeked in and gave a live report to those at the Small Tavern; everything that needed to be known was shared, including things that perhaps shouldn’t have been known.
For instance, that Coroner did possess some skill. After carefully examining the blood splattered on the ground, I detected a hint of a drug that numbs pain within it—I've already deciphered most of its properties.
Old Vine also compiled a list which Qi Xiaomian kept safe; perhaps it could lead them to some clues regarding the medicinal ingredients.
He asked Old Vine if there was anything else he needed to tell him.
"The deceased's abdominal cavity was indeed rotten; even from afar, one could smell the stench of decaying organs. The drug isn’t particularly potent, but the pain from decay is significant—it must have been administered daily just to barely mask it."
"Moreover," he continued, "the blood of the deceased had a sour smell of fermented alcohol—it’s clear he couldn’t stay away from liquor. Alcohol can also assist in numbing pain."
"Daily administering of drugs and daily drinking," Qi Xiaomian pondered. It was likely someone close to him who was responsible—those he least suspected had a higher chance of being involved.
At the same time, he let out a small sigh of relief, hoping that this matter was unrelated to Great Jing.
With a clear direction in mind, Qi Xiaomian spent two days sorting through the people around Da Yu's Fifth Prince. Even though he worked quickly and had gone without sleep for two whole days, the Xuande Emperor remained unsatisfied. Despite Shi Yun's repeated attempts to intervene, three urgent edicts had arrived within those two days.
It was Gentle who couldn't bear to watch any longer and took the time to visit the palace. With his silver tongue, he managed to temporarily soothe the Xuande Emperor's anxiety and impatience.
Qi Xiaomian didn't thank him; instead, when dividing tasks, he ensured that Gentle would be involved more closely and specifically called him over to observe while sorting through the case.
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