Chapter 85: Balance

Su Kuang watched enviously as Zhu Ying followed Pei Qing out, the peculiar looks from his colleagues not being the true source of his discomfort, but rather the renewed competition with Zhu Ying, who was once again being taken seriously as a rival.

He stayed until the end, hoping to persuade Zheng Xi for a chance at a significant case involving a leader from the imperial guards and requiring negotiations with the Jingzhao Prefecture; adding one more person wouldn't hurt.

Zheng Xi understood his intentions with just one look. As Su Kuang approached to request, "My lord, I too wish to contribute my modest efforts to the Dali Temple."

Zheng Xi laughed, "Getting restless again?"

Su Kuang stated, "Receiving the monarch's bounty entails bearing the monarch's concerns. It's unsettling to be well-fed and idle all day."

Zheng Xi advised, "Then learn to quiet your mind."

Unable to decipher the meaning behind these words, Su Kuang stole a glance at Zheng Xi, hesitating and unsure how to continue, tentatively asking, "So, should I..."

Zheng Xi internally shook his head, recognizing Su Kuang had some capabilities and willingness to work, but his vision was clouded by trivial thoughts. A narrow perspective makes it hard to see the path clearly and leads to mistakes. Without rectifying this flaw, trouble is inevitable. Zheng Xi cautioned, "Don't overcomplicate things."

Su Kuang wondered, how could participating in a case be considered overcomplicating things?

Zheng Xi then suggested, "You should also spend some time reading."

The thought of Zhu Ying being made to study for two years sent a chill through Su Kuang: Could he also be facing a two-year delay?

Observing Zheng Xi, who offered no further explanation, Su Kuang grew anxious, reflecting on his own buoyant spirits over the past two years, and had thought Zhu Ying was finished, doomed to sit out in the cold. Now, the prospect of finding himself in a similar situation made him break out in a cold sweat.

As he respectfully exited, he thought: How did Zhu Ying turn his situation around? Today, it should have been me going out with Deputy Minister Pei to handle the case! What should I do now...

……——

Meanwhile, Su Kuang reassessed Zhu Ying, unaware of her disinterest in the case. Given her understanding of Zhou You, it wasn't that he couldn't commit murder, but considering his background, his late father's reputation, a host of uncles, and his mother and grandmother's influence, killing someone might only result in a temporary dismissal and compensation.

That would be too dull!

This reminds her of the incident with her cousin Gan Ze, who was clearly a victim with the culprit found, yet Wang Yunhe wouldn't sentence the criminal to death according to the law.

Back then, she managed some behind-the-scenes actions. If Zhou You were indeed guilty, she wasn’t powerless to act. However, Zhou You had more protectors, enough to nullify her efforts. For instance, Zhou You wouldn’t face corporal punishment, making that option void. Or during transport, Zhou You’s family could easily arrange for an escort, possibly sparing him even the shackle’s weight.

It's such a person that Zheng Xi seems inclined to shield. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have agreed to the military’s request. Given Zhou You’s rank, Jingzhao Prefecture could have screened him first, letting him face some hardships before handing him over to the Dali Temple. Zheng Xi wouldn’t blatantly protect Zhou You but within his authority, he wouldn’t mind offering Zhou You some convenience.

Zhu Yeng is confident in her conjecture.

Zheng Xi’s use of her likely aims at having her assess the case firsthand, possibly testing her - both her investigative skills and her stance towards Zhou You.

Zhu Yeng felt even more displeased.

Part of her discontent stemmed from anger at herself for not rejecting Zheng Xi outright and for not expressing her views and dissatisfaction directly to him, all because she didn’t want to disrespect her superiors in front of her colleagues.

Pei Qing wasn't feeling great either. He knew Zhou You was a problematic figure, not good yet not entirely bad. The trouble was the circle of powerful backers behind this fool. Each, in a display of profound loyalty, shielded this naïve troublemaker, only adding to the complications. In Pei's opinion, Wang Yunhe should take this opportunity to discipline the fool, possibly spurring some growth. However, with the military's involvement, they couldn't just ignore their demands.

Pei Qing had resolved not to monopolize this case; it was necessary to involve the Capital Magistrate as well. After all, the Ministry of Justice would eventually review the case, with the Shangshu already safeguarding Zhou You.

Humph!

With both of their expressions soured, the accompanying clerks dared not speak. The military's Captain Li, cautiously accompanying them, mentioned, "We've prepared horses."

Pei Qing remarked, "The military does look after its own."

Captain Li explained, "Our general is truly regretful, initially preferring not to interfere. But, it happened on Huajie... well, it's not something pleasant to discuss."

Zhu Ying internally cursed at their indifference to public opinion. Seizing the moment, she asked Captain Li for details on behalf of Pei Qing: "Old Li, do you know the specifics? Share them, so we're not entering blind against the Capital Magistrate. It'd be a minor embarrassment for us to lose face, but delaying the case is a major issue."

Captain Li hurriedly invited them to discuss further, "It's simple, really. General Zhou wasn't on duty last night and was supposed to rest today. After leaving the palace, he visited his paramour. As you know, in the presence of young and beautiful women, men don't like to lose face. Add a bit of alcohol, and he became uncompromising during a dispute. After being separated, he even threatened to kill the other party."

Pei Qing scoffed, "Tch!"

Captain Li continued, "Exactly, it's all because of that threat! That night, he stayed at the brothel, and so did the other party, in a diagonally opposite room. Zhou slept until late, still entwined with a young woman, when his door was broken down. The man he had argued with, along with the prostitute accompanying him, were found dead on the bed."

Pei Qing commented, "But that doesn't necessarily point the suspicion towards him."

"The man's neck was nearly severed, hanging by a thread after being hacked over a dozen times. The woman was stabbed several times in the chest, with half her face almost torn off. The fatal blow, though, was that the knife... appeared to be General Zhou's."

Pei Qing frowned, "Zhou You? Him?"

Captain Li added, "Right? It doesn't seem like something he could do, does it? Who kills then stays to sleep? With no evident grudge or recent conflict, why would he?"

Zhu Ying interjected unexpectedly, "He's reckless; maybe he didn't think it was a big deal?"

Pei Qing nodded in agreement. The brutality didn't match, but the cavalier attitude was all too familiar.

Captain Li pondered, "As a young master, it's unlikely he'd do it himself. Maybe he had his henchmen do it, that's possible. But personally? Unlikely. Why use his own knife? Ah, the horses are here! Quick, bring them over!"

Zhu Ying watched Pei Qing mount his horse, then swung herself up on her own. The military men watched them head towards the Capital Magistrate's office, with one quietly saying to Zhu Ying, "Please, take care of it."

Zhu Ying leaned forward, asking, "You're that close with Zhou You?"

The man shrugged, "He might not look up to me, but we're still part of the military."

Indeed, one must protect their own, especially within the "military."

Arriving at the Capital Magistrate's office with Pei Qing, Zhu Ying halted their horses at a distance. She glared back at Captain Li after a brief survey, "Captain Li! Explain yourself! How did you convince Zheng Da to trick Pei Da into bringing us here!"

Captain Li responded, "Trick? How could it be a trick?"

Zhu Ying, not waiting for Pei Qing to speak, immediately interrogates, "Spill it, who's the deceased? Ugh, I knew it! How come a case that's bound to be reviewed by the Dali Temple requires our premature intervention! The victim is from the Southern Army, isn't it?!"

North guards the palace and is thus the Northern Army, while the South protects the city, making them the Southern Army. Their encampments align with these directions. Although both armies are similarly dressed, the Northern Army's attire is finer, with slight decorative differences. This is common knowledge for long-time residents of the capital, and Zhu Ying, being close to Jin Liang from the Southern Army, knows these details even better. She immediately identifies the soldiers arguing outside the Capital Magistrate's office as belonging to the Southern Army, while their opponents appear to be from the Northern Army - some not in uniform but with familiar faces to Zhu Ying.

Pei Qing also turns his attention to Captain Li, who grimaces, "I'm not entirely sure either."

"Then tell us what you do know," Zhu Ying isn't letting go this time.

Captain Li seems somewhat prepared, admitting, "The victim seems to be a captain from the Southern Army."

Pei Qing scrutinizes the exchange between Zhu Ying and Captain Li, "A captain causing such a big scene?!"

Captain Li explains, "Well, he was a captain, but he also held a general's commission, just like Zhou You. Look, Zhu Ying, both parties are officials, not involving the commoners of the capital, so it should fall under Dali Temple's jurisdiction, right?" Ending up in Wang Yunhe's hands, officials involved in such scandalous murders, especially stemming from debauchery, won't come off looking good.

"The nerve!"

Dismounting, he bows to Pei Qing, who responds, "You're in military attire in broad daylight, what kind of image does that present? Ah, let's go."

Since they've arrived, he suspects Zheng Yi might have anticipated something.

Captain Li, overjoyed, gestures, "Please."

Zhu Ying confronts him, "Captain Li, why such eagerness to please him? Putting on a smile for his sake?"

Captain Li, with a pained expression, admits, "The Grand General ordered me here, how could I not come? Zhu Ying, please, I'm begging you."

Zhu Yeng murmured, "It depends on what Jingzhao Prefecture thinks. If we take someone back and conclude a farce, Jingzhao Prefecture will not stand by."

Captain Li said, "We should secure the person first."

…………

Having heard the case details from Captain Li, Pei Qing was skeptical and felt it best to meet with Jingzhao Prefecture first. Upon their arrival, they saw constables striving to keep apart two groups of soldiers, preventing these professionals in combat from clashing. Both sides were restrained, yet tensions were high.

Zhu Yeng glanced towards the southern army and, unsurprisingly, did not see Jin Liang among the few dozen men there. It would have been odd if he were. She followed Pei Qing into the Jingzhao Prefecture office.

The clerks shouted, "Dali Temple's Vice Minister Pei has arrived! Make way!"

With Dali Temple's arrival, neither side showed fear, both clamoring for justice from Dali Temple, demanding impartiality. Some from the southern army recognized Captain Li, "Hey, the bias is here!" and attempted to block their way.

Experienced officials from Jingzhao Prefecture bellowed, "This is the Emperor's feet! Are the soldiers seeking to rebel?" The noise from both sides quieted down a bit.

Zhu Yeng entered the Jingzhao Prefecture office with Pei Qing.

Unlike Zhu Yeng's usual visits for case coordination, where she might see Wang Yunhe, now, with official negotiations between the two offices, Dali Temple sending a vice minister meant Jingzhao Prefecture responded with a vice magistrate.

Jingzhao Prefecture has two vice magistrates assisting in administrative duties. The one they met today, Fan Shaoji, was a competent official Zhu Yeng had seen before, who would usually nod or smile at her, sometimes offering encouragement due to Wang Yunhe's presence. Today, he merely nodded briefly.

Fan Shaoji greeted Pei Qing by his courtesy name, saying, "Zi Cheng, one doesn't visit the Temple of the Three Treasures without a reason! There must be a cause for your visit!"

Pei Qing responded, "Since Cheng De already knows my purpose, why not facilitate?"

Fan Shaoji shook his head, "I'm afraid that might be inconvenient."

As they walked inside, Pei Qing inquired about the case details from Fan Shaoji, "It must be reported to Dali Temple, you see the crowd outside, the victim must not be simple, right?"

Fan Shaoji remarked, "Since it has to be reported eventually, why the rush at this moment?"

As the two officials debated, they reached the courtroom and sat down to discuss jurisdiction over the case. Fan Shaoji argued that since both a military officer and a courtesan were killed within the Capital Magistrate's jurisdiction, they had the right to handle the matter. Pei Qing, knowing Zheng Xi's bottom line was for a joint investigation, remained calm, pointing out that since both parties involved were of fifth rank, especially the suspect, Dali Temple had jurisdiction.

Zhu Ying and others listened to the high officials' argument, with Zhu Ying experiencing such a negotiation up close for the first time. As the standoff continued, Pei Qing suggested, "Brother Fan, how about I pay a visit to Magistrate Wang?"

Fan Shaoji responded, "It seems I've underestimated you, Brother Pei."

Neither side willing to concede, Pei Qing argued, "There are more cases and law-breaking officials than just this one in the Capital Magistrate's office. Why fixate on him? We can formally request the case through Dali Temple, or would you prefer a consultation with Magistrate Wang and us? Wouldn't that seem like we're incapable? We're both serving the Emperor in this court."

Fan Shaoji earnestly replied, "Precisely for the Emperor, the Capital Magistrate's office will do its utmost."

After much debate, no conclusion was reached.

Suddenly, Zhu Ying asked, "Can the Capital Magistrate's office detain a fifth-rank official?"

Fan Shaoji raised an eyebrow, and Pei Qing reprimanded, "Lack of manners."

Zhu Ying argued, "It's precisely about the rules. Deputy Magistrate, Dali Temple has the authority to judge and detain officials, which might be inconvenient for your office, right?"

Drawing from her own experiences, Zhu Ying knew detaining officials required considerable authority; otherwise, they could simply choose not to appear. The saying goes, "The law does not govern the nobles," meaning they could ignore a summons without consequence.

"For murder cases, if the suspect refuses to confess, what can you do? Even if you catch them red-handed, forcing them to stay would be impolite."

"Here in Dali Temple, for officials of fifth rank and above involved in crimes, they must pass through our hands. We can detain and interrogate them without dishonoring them. It's just a bit ahead of schedule."

Fan Shaoji frowned at Zhu Ying, who sincerely added, "Dali Temple won't release criminals unless decreed by the Emperor."

Fan Shaoji hesitated, aware of Wang Yunhe's plans. After Wang Yunhe's initial crackdown improved the city's cleanliness, he still disapproved of the Capital's dissolute youth. Having briefly behaved upon Wang's appointment, these young nobles soon reverted to displaying their superiority through mistreatment of others. Once individuals gain power and wealth, it becomes challenging for them not to flaunt their status, often at the expense of others.

Zhou You really walked into the line of fire this time. Already known for his erratic behavior and as a leading figure among the playboys, becoming a suspect meant he couldn't just be let off lightly.

Fan Shaoji stated, "The suspect is in the custody of Jingzhao Prefecture, and unless decreed by the Emperor, no one can release a criminal."

Pei Qing smiled slightly, "That might be difficult, right? Can you charge Zhou You with murder before tomorrow's early court session? If not, it might become problematic. Actually, there's no need to wait for tomorrow; Secretary Zhong, Secretary Shi, and several high officials, even the Emperor, might already be aware. Even by law, it shouldn't be handled like this now, should it?"

After some back-and-forth, Pei Qing felt it was time to see Wang Yunhe again, and this time Fan Shaoji said, "Please wait a moment."

After a brief departure, Fan Shaoji returned with Wang Yunhe.

After exchanging formalities, Wang Yunhe's face was stern, and Pei Qing grew more solemn, conveying Zheng Xi's intentions. Wang Yunhe firmly stated, "Within the Imperial City, it's not Jingzhao Prefecture's jurisdiction, but outside the palace and Imperial City, for officials and civilians alike, how could Jingzhao Prefecture ignore it?"

Pei Qing reiterated Dali Temple's stance of not condoning criminal escape and added, "Since Dali Temple took over the review of past cases, including the Gong Jie case, you have seen how we've handled them."

Wang Yunhe remained frowning.

Zhu Yeng spoke up, "Honorable sirs, I have a suggestion."

Wang Yunhe nodded for her to continue, and Zhu Yeng said, "The concern here is the suspect's custody and ensuring a fair trial. The case of Zhou You is not significant to Jingzhao or Dali, as long as we persuade Zhou You's uncles to step back a bit."

Indeed, his uncles have indulged him too much. While a father might severely discipline him for misconduct, his uncles merely lecture, "Pity him for losing his father at a young age. We should guide him gently," and end up cleaning up his messes.

Fan Shaoji asked skeptically, "You think you can persuade them?"

Zhu Ying said, "No one can control anyone for a lifetime. Isn't it just a matter of them making concessions in this matter?"

While they were discussing, Secretary Zhong Yi and Lord Yao, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Justice, who were of the same faction as Zhong Yi, indeed arrived!

Wang Yunhe smiled, "Excellent."

Upon seeing Wang Yunhe and then Pei Qing, Zhong Yi's gaze lingered on Zhu Ying, feeling a sense of familiarity but quickly moved on. Both were intent on getting Zhou You out. Needless to say for Lord Yao, and Zhong Yi, a former Minister of Justice, understood the jurisdiction issues of the case well. They reasoned, since Jingzhao Prefecture couldn't convict Zhou You anyway, what's the problem in taking an official away? Lord Yao said, "If Jingzhao Prefecture needs to investigate, let him return home first. We can visit him anytime for questioning. What's the point of detaining him in Jingzhao Prefecture?"

"At least, shouldn't we bring the person here to see first?"

Upon instruction, Zhou You was brought before them. Seeing his uncles, he cried out in injustice, "My dear uncles! I'm wronged! They took me in without discerning right from wrong, just on the word of a damned servant!" Detained as a suspect in the Capital Magistrate, he felt greatly aggrieved.

Zhong Yi, shocked, asked, "What happened to your face? The Capital Magistrate cannot beat an official!"

Wang Yunhe, unimpressed, replied, "He got into a fight over jealousy in a brothel!"

Zhong Yi was embarrassed.

Zhu Ying rolled her eyes at the scene of familial pity. Zhou You protested, "Uncle, it wasn't my fault!" Both Zhong Yi and Yao Shilang chided him, "It's all because you were careless! A gentleman does not stand under a collapsing wall, yet you wandered at a murder scene!"

Wang Yunhe stated, "He is a suspect."

"I am not!"

Zhu Ying interjected, "Lord Wang, please hand over the suspect to the Dali Temple."

Zhou You glared at Zhu Ying. In two years, Zhu Ying had grown significantly, tall and slender, almost as tall as Zhou You, and even taller than some men. Not recognizing her at first, Zhou You furiously retorted, "You shorty, who do you think you are?!"

Zhong Yi frowned, "This is ridiculous!"

Zhu Ying stated plainly, "I am the Director of the Dali Temple, Zhu Ying."

The name rang a bell for Zhou You, who connected Zhu Ying to Zheng Xi and then exclaimed, "So it's you! Are you here to mock me, to torment me?!"

Zhu Ying, hands spread in a smooth gesture, replied, "If that's what you think, I can't help you."

Then, addressing Zhong Yi, who was reprimanding Zhou You, she said, "Your Excellency, seeing that General Zhou can't even control his own mouth, you can't expect him to control his legs. Even if you personally guard him at his residence, it's unlikely you'll be able to keep such a young general contained. Once he leaves his residence, any accident could be blamed on him."

Zhong Yi's brow furrowed.

Zhu Ying continued, "The victim was from the Southern Army, and their comrades are right outside. Encountering them on the streets, a beating is the least of his worries. Being dumped in the wilderness, accused of fleeing out of guilt..."

"Nonsense! I am not the murderer!"

Zhu Ying questioned, "Can General Zhou ensure he won't impulsively seek out the real killer? If not, once a large, living target like him is on the move, countless accidents await."

Zhong Yi nodded, acknowledging his world-nephew truly did not understand the gravity of the situation.

Pei Qing seized the opportunity, "Why not entrust him to the Dali Temple? Firstly, within the imperial city, guarded outside by the Imperial Guard and inside by Dali Temple officials, he would be safe. Secondly, the Dali Temple will uncover the truth, right? Of course, since the case occurred within the jurisdiction of the Capital Prefecture, there's no reason for inaction. Why not collaborate sincerely? If concerned for General Zhou's safety, visits are welcome! Even Gong Ni was well accommodated in the Dali Temple for over two years."

"What? Jail? I don't want to go!"

Zhu Ying said, "If he's been wronged, we also need to protect him from the real murderer attempting to frame him for suicide out of guilt."

Zhong Yi and Yao Shilang exchanged glances and agreed, "That's acceptable! We'll go back and request an imperial decree."

Subsequently, Zhou You was escorted back to the imperial city by the Imperial Guard and the Dali Temple. Throughout, he protested, "I didn't kill anyone. Why am I being detained in the Dali Temple? I refuse to be under Zheng Xi's hypocritical care!"

Zhu Ying and Pei Qing let him make a scene, thinking it might appease the Southern Army slightly. Zhu Ying then respectfully addressed the Southern Army, "Magistrate Wang always adjudicates justly. You insisted on a standoff with the Imperial Guard, causing an awkward situation for everyone. The Dali Temple has had to intervene. Now that the Dali Temple and the Capital Prefecture are jointly handling the case with imperial approval, you should be reassured."

The Imperial Guard looked pleased, while the Southern Army became suspicious again. Taking advantage of the moment, Zhu Ying and the others quickly moved Zhou You away, with Wang Yunhe joining them to report to the Emperor.

Wang Yunhe was displeased internally, but having Zhou You under protection was expected. Detaining him served as a warning. The priority was to find the actual murderer. Regardless of Zhou You's guilt, the victim was a fifth-grade official with a gruesome death. The Southern Army's outcry was "To die here, after surviving battles, is an injustice!"

Indeed.

Upon reaching the imperial palace, Zhou You was initially displayed outside. Afterward, Wang Yunhe, Zhong Yi, and others, along with Zheng Xi, went to see the Emperor and received approval for a collaborative investigation.

Zhou You, initially loud in his protest, grew tired and visibly distressed upon seeing Zhong Yi and others return, his eyes red but tears withheld. Surprisingly, Zhong Yi said to Zheng Xi, "Everything is in your hands now!" Yao Shilang also excused himself from involvement. Zheng Xi replied, "As agreed, the Ministry of Justice will send two officials to assist, to prevent any mishaps for which I'd be held accountable."

Zhou You grew more frightened, "You!"

Eventually, Yao Shilang did send two officials from the Ministry of Justice to stay next to Zhou You, taking turns to talk with him in his cell. Zhou You was accorded excellent treatment in the same cell previously occupied by Gong Ni.

Zhu Ying felt indignant: "Some people really hit the jackpot with their birth, even their jail time is unlike any other's!"

…………

Zheng Xi had an even better stroke of luck in his birth than Zhou You, not only in status but in brains too. Now, the one who "even jails differently" was squarely in his grasp.

Zhou You's nonsensical howling in jail, first by refusing to eat, was initially ignored by Zheng Xi, who instead told Pei Qing and Zhu Ying, "Keep an eye on this case." Pei Qing then asked, "Aren't you going to interrogate him personally?"

Zheng Xi spread his hands: "What's the point? He'd just be defiant with me, and we'd waste time. The Emperor's directive was clear: we can't detain him indefinitely. We have a deadline to solve this case."

Pei Qing inquired, "How long do we have?"

"Fifteen days."

"We can only hold him for fifteen days?"

Zheng Xi replied, "How long were you planning to keep him? Go on then."

Zhu Ying remarked, "I guess I shouldn't go either. He starts cursing at you the moment he sees me."

Zheng Xi coughed, "Stay for a bit. Later, you'll head to the Capital Prefecture with them to examine the crime scene."

"Understood."

Once Pei Qing left, leaving Zhu Ying alone with Zheng Xi, she started to complain, "Why bother with him at all? Just for the Imperial Guard's sake? Can't be, right? You should only take action when the Emperor specifically assigns it to you!" She thought it would do Zhou You good to spend a few more anxious days under Wang Yunhe's scrutiny.

Zheng Xi remarked, "He's got a distinguished mother-in-law. Now, what's your take on this case?"

Zhu Ying asked, "Mother-in-law?"

Zheng Xi explained, "His wife comes from a noble family."

"That means a distinguished father-in-law."

"Indeed, but his mother-in-law is a close friend of my mother."

Zhu Ying, baffled, asked, "How did he luck into marrying so well? With you for comparison, how could his mother-in-law approve of him? To have such a wife yet spend nights in a brothel?"

Zheng Xi elaborated, "Minister Yao arranged the match, Chancellor Zhong acted as guarantor, General Ye witnessed the marriage, and the Emperor bestowed wedding gifts. He's decent-looking and well-matched in social status. What do you say?"

Zhu Ying thought to herself, "I'd say they're blind."

Zheng Xi urged, "Go on."

Zhu Ying silently pondered, "Is it because Wang Yunhe is incorruptible that you still need to observe these social niceties? I see, you two are not the same."

She sighed, "If only Lord Wang were a stern magistrate." Stern magistrates wouldn't compromise so easily. They'd bully honest people like Wang Yunhe while sticking to your so-called laws.

"Nonsense! Focus on the matter at hand!"

Zhu Ying said, "It's hard to say. He's making a racket as if he's been wronged. According to Captain Li, it seems he was just unlucky to have a dispute with someone who then died. But he has injuries on his face, indicating more than just a dispute, hence the suspicion. Whether he's the murderer, the evidence with the knife seems too conspicuous. Yet, it could be deliberately obvious to exonerate him. Given his temperament, it's not impossible he's testing to see if he can get away with murder, given his usual lack of concern, assured others will handle his problems. But his privileged background doesn't quite fit with killing a trained soldier of the southern army. Ultimately, it boils down to the evidence."

Zheng Xi nodded, "That's somewhat reasonable." There was a hint of resentment but still focused on the facts.

He said, "Then you should investigate."

Zhu Ying responded, "I'll need some people then."

Zheng Xi inquired, "What kind of people do you need?"

Zhu Ying answered, "We'll need a coroner for sure, and a few to run errands and gather information. It'd be even better if I had a colleague with me."

Zheng Xi jokingly scolded, "You dare request a colleague too? Whom do you want?"

Zhu Ying suggested, "How about Investigator Bao? We joined in the same year. I was memorizing texts, but I noticed he was actually more familiar with the statutes than I was."

Zheng Xi agreed, "Alright, the two of you go then."

Thus, Zhu Ying brought Investigator Bao into the fold, who realized he might have been recommended by Zhu Ying. Since Su Kuang had failed to secure this assignment, Bao believed he was even less qualified than Su Kuang. Whether Zheng Xi considered him or not, at least Zhu Ying supported him.

He bowed to Zhu Ying, who then asked, "Shall we go?"

The pair, having received an order from Zheng Xi, sought out the coroner Tian Wu from the Ministry of Justice, along with a few clerks, and proceeded to notify the Beijing Prefecture.

Inside the prefecture, many now looked at Zhu Ying with disdain, even previously friendly heads of departments sneered, "Ah, if it isn't the distinguished Lord Zhu, a rare guest indeed."

Unabashed, Zhu Ying retorted, "Nothing rare about it. I was just here recently, remember?"

The head was taken aback by her shamelessness. "After all Lord Wang has done for you, this is how you repay him? By snatching cases from the Beijing Prefecture? Ungrateful wretch!"

Zhu Ying, as if unaffected, requested to see Lord Wang, to which the head responded, "Wait."

Zhu Ying waited, understanding the head's attitude meant they'd make her wait longer, but it didn't matter. The more uncomfortable and prolonged her wait, the more concessions the Beijing Prefecture would have to make to the Ministry of Justice later on.

As Investigator Bao began to stamp his feet from the wait, the head came out and said, "Lord Wang will see you now."

As they entered, Zhu Ying tripped Bao! Her quick reflexes, honed from her days of deception, ensured that Lord Wang only caught Bao's stumble, asking, "What happened?"

Bao, extremely aggrieved, replied, "Perhaps my legs aren't used to standing so long."

Lord Wang sighed, not making it difficult for them. He granted them permission to view the body and also arranged for them to visit the crime scene. The head hummed softly, with Lord Wang adding, "Don't trouble him. Could he really be responsible for this situation?"

Zhu Ying glanced at the tips of her shoes.

The head's attitude was scarcely any better, his movements stiff as he led the way with a begrudging "Please."

The two bodies were still in the coroner's room at the Beijing Prefecture, chilling and somber with ice. Coroner Yang sighed upon seeing Zhu Ying, indicating the bodies with a resigned gesture, "They're all here for you to examine."

He and Coroner Tian, both medical examiners, acknowledged each other with a bow. Yang suggested Tian examine the bodies first, then turned to Zhu Ying, coolly offering her a chance to look.

Zhu Ying was keen to inspect; she had learned much from Coroner Yang. Her inspection confirmed that the description of a nearly severed neck was no exaggeration, omitting even gorier details, like the novice-like, messy chops on the neck. There were also bruises on the face, likely from a brawl, but seemingly lighter than those on Zhou You.

Examining the female body, Yang remarked on its ghastly condition, confirmed by a midwife's examination to be covered in wounds. He commented on the general's disturbing tendencies, apparent in his violent acts.

Zhu Ying observed only the visible parts of the female victim, her face unrecognizable, her young-looking hair tangled and pinned with a beautiful silk flower. She measured the embroidered shoes, unimpeded by Yang, checking the soles and refitting the shoes afterward.

The exposed arms and neck bore marks, and lifting the shroud revealed multiple stab wounds to the chest, darkening the fabric with dried blood.

"That's all," said Yang, concluding their examination.

Inquiring about witnesses, Yang informed her that the Beijing Prefecture did not detain witnesses.

Understanding Yang's current disdain, Zhu Ying didn't argue, instead suggesting to Bao that they leave.

Eager to examine the crime scene next, she knew the brothel's busy nature might have compromised any remaining clues. Delaying further risked losing all evidence.