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墨書 Inktalez
However, the fortunate thing is that the deceased did not suffer during the process from injury to death. Qi Xiaomian looked at Xing Wu as he handed over the distribution map of the needles. Were there any other important discoveries?
The murderer should be able to control the movement of the needles within the victim's body, and it seems they can do so from a distance. The final blow that the victim endured was delivered from afar. Moreover, the precision required for where the needle landed is quite high; it must have been someone skilled.
As for martial arts, I know nothing about it and will have to rely on the Marquis's judgment. Xing Wu chatted with Qi Xiaomian about some trivial matters before taking his leave. Qi Xiaomian worked late into the night and habitually went to the Small Tavern for a late-night snack.
A bowl of century egg and lean meat congee, which Qi Xiaomian had initially found hard to accept, had now become something he quite enjoyed. In just one meal, its unique freshness and rich aroma turned out to be a dish that was overlooked due to its scent.
While chewing on sweet glutinous rice cakes with red sugar, Qi Xiaomian advised Sang Qingxiao not to get too close to Huayang Princess. "Do you think she has ulterior motives against me?"
"She’s not just targeting you; we’ve all been played by her. A princess from another country discussing their national secrets is already suspicious."
"She hasn’t hidden her ambitions either."
"Ah, sincerity mixed with cunning. She claims not to be valued, but if she were truly insignificant, how could she appear in Dayu Group as a prominent figure?"
"I'm not foolish enough to be easily deceived by her; it's mutual benefit after all. We’ve also received crucial information about the case from her."
Sang Qingxiao reassured him and handed him two sizzling grilled sausages—one spicy and one sweet-salty. Qi Xiaomian burned his mouth on the first bite, prompting Sang Qingxiao to quickly offer him a bowl of chilled pumpkin-flavored soy milk.
Before Huayang Princess revealed that birthmark to me, she used to visit quite frequently, but after that heavy rain, she hasn't shown up again. It seems she knows her presence would be unwelcome now.
"But if she doesn’t show up, I’ll have to find her myself," Qi Xiaomian said. "I have people planted in Dayu who reported that the Fifth Prince indeed left Dayu Group and exited Dayu Kingdom."
When news of the prince's death first spread, Da Yu Court Officials suggested declaring war between the two nations. It was only thanks to Great Yu Emperor that things were stabilized; he said they should wait a bit longer.
Later on, when false news about the prince circulated, Great Yu Emperor immediately dispatched people within the country to search for him and communicated with our nation as well, stating that they needed to see him alive or his corpse; both countries must collaborate to clarify this matter.
Huayang Princess initially only negotiated a cooperative investigation identity with me, but now she has been appointed by Great Yu Emperor to represent Dayu in this matter. This level of importance is unprecedented among all princesses in Dayu; if we consider all the princes as well, this honor is significant.
If this matter is resolved clearly, it would count as an achievement for Huayang Princess. After becoming a national figure, her basic prestige would be established, and step by step she could scheme further—who knows? We might even witness her ascendancy to Empress one day.
"Xiaoxiao, when are you free? Let’s go congratulate Your Highness together."
Sang Qingxiao recognized his teasing tone but agreed that it was indeed necessary to have a serious discussion with Huayang since she had taken steps towards guiding matters; she must have some understanding of the case.
Outside, a gentle drizzle fell as Qilang entered Small Tavern, soaked through as if he were stepping into his own home. He didn’t need anyone to serve him; he went straight into the kitchen and brought out a bowl of congee while self-deprecatingly saying that ever since coming to the capital, his body had become increasingly delicate—he couldn’t even withstand this slight chill.
"You're lacking training!" Qi Xiaomian glared at him. "I should have sent you to Private Army Camp this time."
Since feeling the vigilance of the Xuande Emperor, Qi Xiaomian, fearing that someone might take advantage of the Private Army Camp, sent Qi Shuo over.
Qilang, trying to ingratiate himself, said with a smile, "Please, Marquis, having me by your side is beneficial too. My mind is sharper, and my ability to handle cases is getting stronger. For instance, I have news about finding someone for a job."
"Oh, that's not too slow. Where did the extra servants from the Foreign Group come from?"
"From Smoke-Drifting Willow Alley," Qilang reported. "At first, those old madams were particularly taciturn and refused to admit anything. Later, after I intimidated them a bit, someone finally loosened up and asked why they were hiding it."
They seemed quite clear about it, saying they were serving people from other countries and didn't want to draw too much attention, especially from the Foreign Group, who treated others poorly.
Some wanted to refuse, but since the Foreign Group had no qualms about bullying respectable women, they could only put on a smiling face.
As time went on, the public's sentiment towards the Foreign Group grew increasingly negative, and they had to keep a lower profile while repeatedly pleading with us not to spread news about their service to the Foreign Group.
Qi Xiaomian instructed him that since they had promised, they should be cautious.
Qilang agreed and added that Da Yu's Fifth Prince didn't go out at night because he was indulging in pleasure. Along with him were Ginger and the envoy from Da Rui Prince. They were concerned about their reputation and dared not cause a ruckus outside; however, they weren't idle within the Imperial Academy.
Fortunately, it was nighttime; otherwise, if the students of the Master knew that this sacred place of learning was being sullied in such a way, there would surely be an uproar. But even if there was an uproar, His Majesty would likely not care; it would be better for them to remain unaware.
Qi Xiaomian asked him if there were any issues with the identities of those women from Smoke-Drifting Willow Alley.
"We're currently investigating; no problems have been found so far."
Qi Xiaomian then instructed him to check if any of them had medical skills or martial arts backgrounds.
Sang Qingxiao reminded him that if we're talking about martial arts backgrounds, Tang Tian's skills are not weak; Huayang Princess specifically mentioned him.
This case feels like someone is pulling the strings!
Qi Xiaomian's tone carried some anger, but Sang Qingxiao wasn't particularly upset. The path for women in life is already arduous; various constraints have almost dulled their edges.
It's rare to see such a bold and unconventional princess emerge. If she has the strength to spare, Sang Qingxiao wouldn't mind helping her out.
However, while she could tolerate small maneuvers, she would not allow anyone to extend their claws in front of her. If someone crossed her bottom line, Sang Qingxiao would not hesitate to cut them down.
After resting for a night, Qi Xiaomian went early in the morning to the Imperial Academy and made it clear that he wanted to interrogate Tang Tian. Naturally, he faced obstruction and was even accused by others that he was seeking revenge because Tang Tian had injured his brother.
Ignoring the commotion around him, Qi Xiaomian focused on Huayang Princess standing outside the fray. Since the Great Yu Emperor had already granted her authority as a princess, what was she waiting for? Did she no longer want this credit?
Huayang Princess smiled at Qi Xiaomian and called out in a voice that was neither distinctly masculine nor feminine, "Step back!"
Some hesitated while others ignored her and continued their uproar.
Huayang did not verbally dissuade them again; instead, she drew her sword from her waist and struck down. With one slash that drew blood, everyone fell silent for a moment. However, soon after they turned their hostility towards Huayang again, even hinting at their own family interests and positions while subtly belittling the princess.
Without any fear, Huayang directly drew his sword and killed a man. "I am in charge here, Huang Yun. You dare to disrespect the imperial decree and defy the holy order? You deserve to die!"
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