Chapter 76: Results Revealed

The coroner didn’t understand why Head Sheriff Tian asked like that, and she affirmed, “Indeed.”

The Magistrate’s heart suddenly pounded. Was Head Sheriff Tian suspecting something?

“Alright, let’s wait and see how the results of the other coroner turn out.” She calmly drank a sip of tea, then put down the teacup.

Upon hearing this, the coroner in the yamen was shocked, unable to maintain her composure, and exclaimed, “What?!”

The magistrate was anxious. Such obvious panic indicated trouble. How could Head Sheriff Tian, that old fox, not see through it?

The magistrate felt frustrated. Originally, this matter had been settled, but suddenly the ¹plaintiff cried for justice, Head Sheriff Tian’s power was still influential, and her teammates were as foolish as pigs. Half of the advantage was lost.

Head Sheriff Tian stopped guessing. This was already obvious, wasn’t it? She just didn’t know what role this magistrate was playing. Then she glanced at the high hall, seeing her calm face staring directly at the coroner below. Those unaware would think she was just conducting the trial as usual.

While they were pondering, Head Sheriff Tian’s guards brought in four young or elderly coroner. After respectfully saluting, Head Sheriff Tian spoke, “Let’s begin. I hope you don’t tarnish the already bad reputation of the coroner.” Head Sheriff Tian vaguely said.

The more astute among them immediately grasped the implied meaning behind Head Sheriff Tian’s words, but the others understood it as well. They all replied in unison, “We understand.”

After a brief discussion, they decided to take turns examining and debating, then compare their findings to see if they aligned.

The first to step forward was an elderly coroner, meticulously conducting the examination from the head downwards. His professional and careful techniques garnered nods of approval from the other three standing nearby.

Soon, it was the second coroner’s turn, and his expression after the examination mirrored the first one’s, indicating a grim result.

The third…

The fourth…

“What are your findings?” The eldest coroner solemnly asked in a low voice.

“I’ll go first. I found inconspicuous black spots on the deceased’s scalp, veins protruding dark green from the eyes and armpits, significant increase in eye whites, and the fingernails and toenails were as black as ink. Therefore, I conclude it was death by poisoning.” The young woman spoke slowly.

“Correct, but I also detected a faint sweet fragrance from the deceased’s body.”

The last young woman said, “The post-mortem characteristics of this poison are so pronounced and conspicuous, indicating its potent and destructive nature. It’s a highly toxic substance. It’s likely that the magistrate’s mother died within moments.”

The eldest coroner raised a question, “Everyone’s analysis is correct. But what poison is this? I confess I’ve never heard of it.”

“Neither have I. It must be a new creation by some expert in poison-making.”

“I haven’t heard of it either.”

“… ”

Realizing no one knew the poison involved, they decided to report truthfully. A young coroner stepped forward and bowed to Head Sheriff Tian and the magistrate, saying, “Head Sheriff, we have completed our examination.”

The magistrate’s face twitched nervously, unaware that sweat had soaked her back and hair.

Head Sheriff Tian anxiously asked, “What was the cause of my mother’s death?”

The coroner replied, “We all believe it was due to a highly toxic substance, Head Sheriff.”

“What?!” Head Sheriff Tian stood up abruptly. “Say that again?”

—

¹”plaintiff cried for justice” suggests that the person who initially brought the case to court (the plaintiff) is now demanding further legal action or intervention to address what they perceive as an injustice or unresolved issue.