Chapter 74 Witness Dies, Murder Case Confusing

Chapter 74: Witnesses Dead, the Murder Case Becomes More Confusing

Earlier, from outside the cell, they couldn’t see clearly, but now, up close, every person lying on the ground had blood flowing from their mouth and nose, their deaths horrifying.

“Time of death about six hours ago. All fourteen people you sent in are dead, not a single survivor left.” Shen Fuqing looked at Xie Nai, his expression unusually grave.

“Have someone come for the autopsy,” Xie Nai said, remaining remarkably calm.

“No need for an autopsy. It’s arsenic poisoning. The Dali Temple has seen plenty of cases like this,” Shen Fuqing stated.

Qin Jiao asked in confusion, “The Dali Temple is heavily guarded. How did the arsenic get in?”

“Simple. There’s a mole,” Shen Fuqing said, a glint of madness in his eyes.

“Exactly. How dare someone kill within the Dali Temple? Just wait. I’ll play this game with you slowly.” Shen Fuqing’s eyes darkened with excitement, even taking on a faint, beast-like red. “If I don’t mess you up, I’ll lose.”

Qin Jiao and Xie Nai exchanged glances. Now Liu Yao was dead, and the thugs from the Embroidery Tower were also dead.

Everything got even more confusing…

Over the next two days, Shen Fuqing devoted himself entirely to the “New Year’s Eve Burnt Corpse Case” and the “Dali Temple mole hunt,” ignoring all other Dali Temple cases.

After returning to the Qin mansion from the Dali Temple, Qin Jiao stayed holed up in Mu Shan Ju, until Yu Shuhan showed up with an invitation herself.

Yu Shuhan delivering the invitation herself surprised Qin Jiao, but even more surprising was that the invitation was from Lin Wen, inviting him tomorrow to Ju Sheng Xuan in the northern part of the city for roast chicken.

“Keep that invite safe. Make sure to arrive on time tomorrow,” Yu Shuhan said, her voice was stiff and a little awkward. Qin Jiao shot her a confused look and nodded, saying, “Got it.”

“Qin Jiao, you…” Yu Shuhan seemed to have more to say, but Qin Jiao saw her hesitating for a long time without getting the words out.

“Madam Yu, is there anything else?” Qin Jiao said expressionlessly, showing her the door. “If not, you may leave. Mu Shan Ju is small, and with your eminent presence here, everyone’s uncomfortable.”

“Qin Jiao, mind your tone,” Qin Ji snapped from the side.

Qin Jiao smirked. “Not polite enough for you?”

“You!”

“Enough. Let’s go,” Yu Shuhan said, restraining Qin Ji, who was about to flare up.

Qin Ji snorted but didn’t argue with her.

The two walked out. Just as they reached the gate of Mu Shan Ju, Yu Shuhan turned back to Qin Jiao and said, “I must admit, the idea of swapping marriages with the Lin mansion was ill-considered. I won’t bring it up again.”

Yu Shuhan gave Qin Jiao a deep look. “Qin Jiao, take your own marriage contract seriously.”

She left without waiting for his reply, but Qin Ji called out loudly, “Yeah, who even wants to marry Lin Wen? You better treasure him yourself!”

After Yu Shuhan and Qin Ji left, Cong Shuang set down her needlework and came over to “say” (sign). “They’re acting strange. First they wanted to swap marriages, and now they’re telling you to hold tight to your own contract.”

“It is a bit odd.”

Qin Jiao thought to himself, Could it be they already know about Lin Wen and Xie Xuanran?

But then he reconsidered. No, that shouldn’t be.

“Who cares!” Cong Shuang laughed. “Tomorrow we’ll make it clear to Lin Wen that nobody’s eager to marry him.”

Our young master’s got someone who cares.

She didn’t voice the last part, just smiled contentedly.

Outside Mu Shan Ju, Qin Ji supported Yu Shuhan as they walked slowly.

“Mother, I heard from Xiao Guan, who serves Father, that Chancellor Lin’s invitation was deliberately withheld from Qin Jiao,” Qin Ji said in a low voice. “You secretly gave it to him. Won’t Father be angry?”

Yu Shuhan patted Qin Ji’s hand reassuringly. “It’s fine. Your father probably meant to give it to Qin Jiao himself but simply forgot.”

“Really?” Qin Ji felt his mother might be humoring him.

Yu Shuhan smiled. “Of course.”

They continued walking and encountered Concubine Yin and Qin Chaole admiring plum blossoms in the garden.

“Qin Ji, keep an eye on Qin Chaole these days.”

“Watch out for what?” Qin Ji asked, puzzled.

Yu Shuhan thought for a moment. “Keep him away from Qin Jiao.”

Qin Ji shot a glance at Qin Chaole, recalling what his mother had told him and Qin Han long ago, and then nodded solemnly. “Alright, I understand.”

The next day.

Ju Sheng Xuan’s roast chicken was famous throughout the capital. When Qin Jiao arrived, the place was buzzing. He stepped inside and was about to flag down a waiter where Lin Wen’s reserved room was when he spotted Lin Wen’s attendant, Tongsheng.

Tongsheng gave a bow and led Qin Jiao to the private room. “This is the place, Young Master Qin. Please enter.”

“Thank you.”

The room was quiet and classy. Qin Jiao thanked him and pushed open the door. To his shock, Lin Wen was not alone—Xie Xuanran was also there.

Xie Xuanran still wore his veiled hat, the Young Emperor looked cool and proper, but his eyes crinkled into a smile as he looked at Qin Jiao.

“Your Majesty!” Shocked, Qin Jiao quickly closed the door and bowed.

He hadn’t expected Lin Wen to bring him before Xie Xuanran. Panic surged through him.

Xie Xuanran saw his unease, removed his hat, revealing his pure, refined face. He smiled warmly and said, “Young Master Qin, please rise.”

“No need to be nervous. It was I who asked Chancellor Lin to invite you,” Xie Xuanran gestured for Qin Jiao to sit. “I’ve heard the roast chicken here is amazing. Let’s try it today.”

Seeing Qin Jiao was still ill at ease, Xie Xuanran added with a light smile, “I’ve also invited the Sixth Imperial Uncle. He should be here any minute.”

Speak of the devil. He’d barely finished speaking when the door opened again, and in walked Xie Nai.

Today, Xie Nai was dressed in light-colored brocade robes, his dark hair tied high, a red coral bead pixiu pendant at his waist. He was proud, elegant, and drop-dead gorgeous.

Qin Jiao’s figure was hidden behind a screen, so Xie Nai spotted Lin Wen first and turned to leave. Xie Xuanran quickly called out, “Uncle, wait! Young Master Qin’s here too.”

Qin Jiao popped out from behind the screen and waved at Xie Nai. The young master’s bright eyes were practically screaming: “This is so awkward. Someone save me.”

“Let him go then,” Lin Wen said. “He doesn’t even like roast chicken.”

“Who says I don’t?” Xie Nai shot back without missing a beat, then pulled Qin Jiao to a seat.

Once the four of them sat down, Tongsheng brought in two plates of fragrant roast chicken and several colorful side dishes. As he set out the dishes, Xie Nai and Lin Wen exchanged cold stares. Qin Jiao felt super awkward and didn’t dare talk to Xie Xuanran, so he just kept his head down and fiddled with his Fengxue Bracelet.

Roast chicken? More like a Hongmen feast disguised as chicken.

Qin Jiao grumbled to himself.

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