Chapter 37

Qin Ying nodded and coldly looked at Dou Ye. “Six months ago, in Fengqing Tavern in the southern part of the city, a musician died. She jumped out of the second floor of the tavern and committed suicide. The explanation you gave to the authorities was that she had an affair with a staff member; they had pledged their lives to each other, but he abandoned her. In her despair, she jumped into the river to end her life.”

“On the day that the girl named Bihe jumped into the river in the morning, the authorities only arrived at the scene by evening. During the postmortem examination, you were watching nearby. At that time, it was winter; the girl’s body was already stiff. Someone mentioned the stiffness was unusual. Then, Coroner Yue explained the process of rigor mortis to the crowd. That was when you understood the timeline of how a body stiffens and softens after death. Therefore, when you plotted against Dou Yu, you devised a method using rigor mortis to create a discrepancy in the time of death.”

Yue Lingxiu stood just a few steps behind Qin Ying. Upon hearing her words, everyone finally answered the lingering doubts in their hearts. Zhou Xianchen couldn’t help but say, “When Envoy Xie mentioned this earlier, I was already wondering how he knew about the method of rigor mortis. It turns out he had learned about it six months ago.”

Dou Ye felt as though his throat was stuffed with hard iron. After a while, he said hoarsely, “Indeed, there was such an incident at Fengqing Tavern. But that maidservant did die because of an affair. She pledged herself to a staff member named Changnian. He tarnished her purity, and later, he left without a word. She lost the will to live, so she sought death. How can you claim it was due to fleshly transactions? Even though you have a noble status, you cannot make such groundless accusations against me.”

Qin Ying coldly curled her lips, “Indeed, your Fengqing Tavern has a worker named Changnian, but Bihe did not seek death because of him. The place where she jumped to her death was in a private guest room on the second floor of Fengqing Tavern. If she, a musician, wanted to end her life, why would she jump from a guest room? Moreover—”

Qin Ying’s beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, “The private guest rooms on the second floor of your Fengqing Tavern are uniquely arranged. The entire floor spans about twenty zhang, yet there are only five private rooms, and each of them is less than two zhang in size. Where has the rest of the space gone?”

Dou Ye pressed his lips tightly. “Our private rooms have hidden chambers inside, which are used as music rooms for the musicians.”

Qin Ying sneered, “Only for playing music? Today, I learned from an old servant you expelled from your tower that the worker named Changnian is from Wannian County, south of the capital. He lost both parents at a young age and was raised by an uncle. However, according to the letter you fabricated, he and Bihe were secretly betrothed, but his mother could not accept Bihe’s identity as a musician…”

Her voice deepened, “The day Bihe died, bystanders reported it to the authorities. Knowing that an investigation into the cause of death was inevitable, you fabricated a letter and gave Changnian some silver to leave the capital before the authorities arrived. With Changnian gone, whatever you said became the accepted truth. Currently, your Fengqing Tavern has twelve musicians. When I visited your tavern today to request a song, only six of them could play instruments. The other six couldn’t play any instruments at all. So, what exactly are they doing?”

“Last night, I saw your tavern’s staff beating a maidservant in an alley outside Fengle Tavern in the East Market. That maidservant, named Hongxiu, was beaten. When the thug noticed that Envoy Xie was wearing an official’s robe, he got scared and randomly claimed that it was because Hongxiu had stolen silver. Hongxiu admitted to it in front of us. However, when I went to investigate this afternoon, everyone at the tavern claimed they knew nothing about her stealing. They only said Hongxiu was originally a musician in the tavern. Last night, a rich landowner from the eastern part of the city requested her to play the qin, but she refused no matter what, which resulted in her being beaten.”

Qin Ying then turned to face the courtyard, “When I found her, she was beaten to the brink of death and locked in the woodshed behind Fengle Tavern. She told me that under the guise of being musicians, you kept young women in the tower. Secretly, however, they were not there to perform music for the guests but were forced to serve them as though they were courtesans in brothels—”

The crowd could only see Qin Ying and Yue Lingxiu; they hadn’t noticed Bai Yuan and Shen Luo, who were always by Qin Ying’s side. At this moment, from the dark corridor outside the courtyard, Bai Yuan slowly helped a woman in a purple robe with a bruised face approach. Her hair was disheveled, and her eyes bore dark bruises. The wrist Bai Yuan was holding revealed numerous scars.

Despite her injuries, the woman’s graceful beauty was evident, far beyond what an ordinary servant could compare to. Her steps faltered, and her eyes glimmered with timidity, but her determination was unshaken. Shen Luo followed behind them, guarding her as though afraid she might collapse at any moment.

Dou Ye also noticed Hongxiu. A flash of sinister intent swept across his eyes, like a dagger directed at Hongxiu, causing her to halt immediately. At this time, Qin Ying stepped forward to support her from the other side.

“Do not be afraid. With me here, no one can harm you. Present here are the Imperial Guards’ Envoy, the Magistrate, and the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Justice. They are all here to listen to what you have to say. Whatever injustice you have suffered, just speak freely and tell them.”

Hongxiu’s tears fell instantly as she timidly glanced toward the door. There, she saw a group of people dressed in luxurious attire, their expressions somber. Apart from Xie Xinglan, whose face was familiar, she couldn’t distinguish who among them could be her savior. She shrank closer to Qin Ying and began her story: “My name is Hongxiu. I used to learn performing arts in a variety troupe in the southern part of the city. Half a year ago, the young owner of Fengle Tavern came to our troupe to select performers. After much deliberation, he chose me.”

“When I arrived at Fengle Tavern, the young owner provided me with excellent food and clothing. For a few months, I performed southern tunes. However, half a month ago, Manager Zhao suddenly sent Sister Luyu to talk to me. She said the tavern wouldn’t keep so many performers, as being a performer had no future. If I was willing to work for the young owner, I would be well-fed and clothed for the rest of my life. Remembering the young owner’s kindness, I naturally agreed to repay him. But I never expected…”

Hongxiu’s tears fell like rain. “I never expected that what the young owner wanted me to do was to accompany high-ranking officials and wealthy men as a performer. These were influential figures, people I had never seen before. The sisters who had entered the tavern before me had already started entertaining guests. I… I am a performer, a person of integrity. Even if I wanted to repay kindness, I didn’t want to do it this way. But it was too late for regrets.”

“Three days ago, I was ordered to accompany an official named Qian. I feigned illness and escaped. The manager warned me that if it happened again, I would be punished. Yesterday, I was ordered to accompany an official named Fu. I couldn’t avoid it anymore and had to go to the guest’s room. I hoped it wouldn’t be what I feared, but before I could start performing, that official named Fu lunged at me and tore my skirt. I was terrified and struggled to escape.”

“The guards in the tavern noticed something was wrong and immediately came to catch me. I fled in panic, just wanting to escape. But as soon as I reached the back door, I was caught. They started beating me without explanation. I thought I would be beaten to death in the street, but the county princess appeared.”

“At that time, I didn’t know the identities of the county princess and the lord. Fearing their methods, I dared not reveal the crimes committed against me. They assured the county princess and the lord that they wouldn’t beat me anymore. But as soon as the back courtyard door was closed, they dragged me to the woodshed and beat me even more brutally. If the county princess hadn’t come today, I thought I would die there.”

Hongxiu spoke pitifully, and Bai Yuan’s eyes turned red as she listened, choking back sobs.

Hongxiu, wiping her tears, said, “Second Young Master learned a month ago that the performers at the restaurant were serving guests with their beauty. At that time, I was unaware of the details. One day, Second Young Master went to see the young owner, and the two had a heated argument in the room. I only heard phrases like ‘violating ancestral teachings’ and ‘ask grandfather to decide.’ Back then, I didn’t understand, and even if I overheard, I dared not acknowledge it. It wasn’t until I was ordered to accompany guests that I realized what Second Young Master was angry about.”

At the entrance of Sijin Pavilion, Dou Wenyun looked at Dou Wenbin and his son and couldn’t help but ask, “Third Brother, Ye’er, is what she said true? How foolish of you! The Dou family has long had ancestral teachings; we absolutely do not engage in low-class businesses. Why would you tarnish a perfectly good restaurant with this? And worse, you killed Yu’er over it?”

Dou Ye’s face was gloomy yet calm, while Dou Wenbin’s face was full of urgency. He looked at Dou Ye and asked, “Ye’er, what is going on here? Did you really arrange for those performers to accompany guests?”

Dou Wenyao sneered upon hearing this, “Third Brother, are you saying you truly did not know of any of this?”

Dou Wenbin clenched his teeth tightly. Madam Jiang and their daughter Dou Tong turned pale.

Madam Jiang desperately looked at Dou Qiguang, pleading, “Father, my husband and Ye’er would never do such a thing. The restaurant’s manager must have used such disgraceful methods to attract guests. Father, you must save them. Ye’er couldn’t possibly harm Yu’er—”

Dou Qiguang ignored Madam Jiang entirely, fixing his gaze on Dou Ye, “Dou Ye, tell your grandfather the truth. Did you plot against Yu’er? Was that arrowhead evidence that you shot the fire arrow?”

Dou Ye, being skilled in martial arts, was firmly restrained by Longyi Guards. They used all their strength to make him lean forward. Dou Ye then looked up at Dou Qiguang, his expression calm yet somber, “Grandfather, do you not trust me? Second Brother was kind and generous to me. He treated me so well. Even if he discovered what had happened at the restaurant, why would I ever kill him?”

Despite Hongxiu’s testimony, Dou Ye struggled to refute, yet he adamantly denied the charge of murder. Dou Qiguang gazed at him in uncertainty and suspicion. At that moment, Xie Xinglan turned to Dou Qiguang and said, “Vice Minister Dou, thirteen or fourteen years ago, when you asked the former Ministry of Personnel Minister Su Huaizhang to accept Dou family descendants as students, wasn’t Dou Ye the first person he favored?”

Dou Qiguang hesitated for a moment, “No, of course not. The first person he favored was Yu’er—”

Xie Xinglan narrowed his eyes and said, “At this point, Vice Minister Dou, are you still going to lie? I have personally visited Su Huaizhang. Although Su Huaizhang cannot recall which young master it was, he clearly remembers that the person was similar in stature to Dou Yu. Therefore, it must have been someone close in age. The eldest son, Dou Shuo, is three years older than Dou Yu, while Dou Ye and Dou Huan are one year younger. As for Dou Huan, his character clearly does not suggest he was diligent in learning—leaving only Dou Ye.”

This statement left the fourth branch of the family visibly embarrassed, with Dou Huan’s face alternating between red and green. Dou Qiguang tightly gripped his cane and, after a long sigh, said, “So be it. At this stage, there is nothing left to conceal.”

“Indeed, Su Huaizhang did not favor Yu’er at the time but rather Ye’er. However, Ye’er’s father was born of a concubine. Our Dou family could not possibly allow the child of a concubine to uphold the family name, so I asked Su Huaizhang to accept Yu’er instead. Yu’er’s father passed away early—not due to an accident, but illness. Back then, he fell ill from traveling to Muzhou for family business during the harsh winter. He caught a cold that severely weakened his body, and shortly after returning, he was bedridden and succumbed to his condition. While the second branch has never complained, I am well aware of the sacrifice.”

“Among the other children besides Ye’er, their talents were comparable. I gave Yu’er slight favoritism, and I have been proven correct. Although Yu’er was not exceptionally gifted, his perseverance in studies allowed him to pass the provincial exam as a juren before turning twenty. He is the most promising Dou family member to enter government service in generations.”

Xie Xinglan turned back and looked at Dou Ye with pity after hearing Dou Qiguang’s words. “So, the reason you harmed Dou Yu wasn’t just the business at the restaurant. The first root of the disaster was planted years ago when Su Huaizhang took students from the Dou family. You knew your talent far exceeded his, yet you watched helplessly as he apprenticed under an esteemed teacher, formed connections with peers from noble families, and passed the provincial exams at a young age, destined for a boundless future. In comparison, your life was bleak and ordinary. Though you also interacted with noble officials, you were merely a flatterer. You envied Dou Yu, and this jealousy over many years, coupled with the business issue, made you resolve to kill him.”

Dou Ye clenched his teeth and glared at Xie Xinglan but replied firmly, “No, that’s not true. Second Brother treated me very well. He was on bad terms with Eldest Brother and didn’t get along with Fifth Brother, so he was closest to me. I would never kill him.”

Xie Xinglan narrowed his eyes slightly as if sizing up Dou Ye’s character and then mocked him, saying, “The closer he was to you, the more you hated him. One month ago, he discovered your schemes, but for the past month, he kept them secret to protect you. Yet your sinister and malicious nature couldn’t let it go. Combined with years of jealousy, you decided to silence him permanently.”

Walking slowly down the steps with scornful disdain, Xie Xinglan declared, “Your grandfather’s decision back then was correct. A cruel and ungrateful person like you, born a lowly concubine’s son, is nothing compared to Dou Yu. He is like the sun and moon in the heavens, while you are nothing but a sewer rat. With irrefutable evidence, there’s no escaping death for you. People like you are not deserving of pity. But your Second Brother, a man as radiant as a jewel, will always be remembered by the entire Dou family.”

Every word Xie Xinglan spoke pierced Dou Ye’s heart. By the time he finished, Dou Ye’s eyes were already red with anger. He gritted his teeth and sneered, “Yes, Second Brother is the sun and moon, and I’m a sewer rat. Yet such a man as he died at my hands.”

He let out a sinister, cold laugh and looked at Dou Qiguang. “Grandfather, do you know how Second Brother writhed in pain on the ground after consuming the poison? He was in such agony that he was drenched in sweat, his eyes bloodshot from the pain. He vomited everywhere, his body covered in filth. In his final moments, he cried and begged me for mercy, pleading for his life. But it was poison—once he swallowed it, his death was already sealed.”

“You… you wretched disgrace—”

Dou Qiguang’s rage overwhelmed him, and after scolding Dou Ye, he staggered unsteadily. Dou Wenyun and Dou Wenyao rushed forward to support him. Meanwhile, Madam Jiang and Dou Tong burst into tears in shock and fear at Dou Ye’s words.

Dou Ye’s gaze swept across everyone. When he looked at Dou Qiguang again, his eyes were red-rimmed. “Why? Why was I born inferior to others? Before I turned seven, whether it was reciting the Thousand-Character Classic or The Path of Academic Advancement, I was always the fastest learner among the brothers. But Second Brother—he spoke late, and after a year of lessons, he hadn’t even mastered a hundred characters. I was clearly more intelligent and talented than he was. Yet, simply because I am the son of a concubine, I was destined never to have the bright future he enjoyed—”

“Just because my father was born of a concubine, my elder brother was left to drown in the lake without rescue, and you did nothing to punish those responsible. Just because my father was born of a concubine, he was excluded from the family’s business. Do you think I willingly forced others into disgraceful acts? It was my defiance, my resentment. Even as a merchant, I wanted to be the best merchant. You, reeking of greed, still pretend to be lofty and proud. What is considered low-class business? Do you think selling tea and silk is truly glamorous?”

Dou Ye grew increasingly agitated as he spoke, completely ignoring Dou Qiguang, who had collapsed in anger. He continued, “Yes, Second Brother studied diligently and had noble character. Everyone admired him, and so did I. But the more I admired him, the more I hated him. He had everything I dreamed of. If it were me, I would never have failed the imperial exams. I could have done better. I hated his mediocrity, yet he could rely on his legitimate birth to possess everything of the Dou family. I hated his kindness, hated that he knew about the restaurant’s affairs and still kept my secret…”

He rambled on, his head hanging lower and lower, muttering, “I also hated myself. I hated that I didn’t have his destiny, hated that I lacked recognition from influential people, hated that I lived my entire life in his shadow—”

Xie Xinglan’s words had been deliberately provocative, and Dou Ye, realizing his downfall, fell into the trap. As he approached collapse, Xie Xinglan fell silent.

Qin Ying glanced at him and stepped forward, saying, “But none of this is an excuse for murder. I suspect Dou Yu would not have allowed you to continue forcing others into disgraceful acts. He likely gave you time to correct your mistakes, but you didn’t listen to him. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have continued to coerce Hongxiu just days ago. You were merely waiting for the right moment to silence him permanently.”

Dou Ye suddenly looked up at Qin Ying, his eyes filled with shock and uncertainty. It seemed he hadn’t expected Qin Ying, a seemingly insignificant woman, not only to discover that Dou Yu hadn’t died in the fire but also to uncover the crucial motive. He sneered coldly, “I truly underestimated you. When I heard that County Princess Yunyang had interfered in the case that day, I thought the case would surely come to nothing. But I didn’t expect someone as foolish as you to actually investigate. Indeed, Second Brother’s mistake was in discovering the truth but failing to report it to Grandfather immediately. He believed I would change, but once such business starts, how could it ever be changed?”

Qin Ying endured the insult and replied calmly, “What a distorted and twisted statement. Each person has their destiny, but one’s fate is also shaped by how they live, not solely determined by birth. There are countless ways to live life, yet you chose to see only Dou Yu’s path. You can even resent someone who truly cared for you and was willing to wait for you to correct your mistakes. If you had apprenticed under Su Huaizhang and entered government service someday, what achievements would you have made? In the court, where power struggles abound, there would be countless people brighter and more capable than you. How many of them would you end up envying?”

Dou Ye sneered as he stared at her, “You come from a noble background—how could you possibly understand?”

Qin Ying felt frustrated, unable to convey reason. At this moment, Xie Xinglan intervened, saying, “Since you have admitted your crime and there is both testimony and evidence, you cannot escape the charge of murdering your elder brother. Whatever you have to say, you can say it in the Jinwu Guards prison.”

He glanced at Dou Wenbin, whose face had turned ashen, and ordered, “Take them both away. Whether Dou Wenbin was unaware or if father and son conspired together must be thoroughly investigated.”

The guards complied and took both men away. Madam Jiang and Dou Tong tried to follow but were stopped by the guards.

Madam Jiang looked utterly hopeless. Turning around, she saw Dou Qiguang collapsed on the ground, surrounded by people trying to help him regain his breath. The other onlookers directed gazes of both wariness and disdain toward her and her son, leaving no one willing to extend a helping hand.

Madam Jiang turned back and knelt before Qin Ying and Xie Xinglan, pleading, “Lord Xie, Princess, given the gravity of this matter involving a human life, I dare not argue. But I implore you to see the truth clearly. Ye’er has indeed changed somewhat in temperament over the past few years. However, as for my husband—years ago, when our child drowned in the lake, he never sought revenge. After all these years, how could he possibly harm his own nephew?”

Uncomfortable with the kneeling, Qin Ying quickly stepped forward to help her. “Madam, there’s no need to plead with us. Investigating cases relies on evidence. Without evidence implicating Third Master Dou, the Jinwu Guards will naturally release him.”

Dou Tong also assisted Madam Jiang to her feet. At that moment, Dou Qiguang finally regained his breath and rasped, “Back then… back then, it was your choice to leave the Dou family and run the restaurant independently. Over the years, I have helped you both openly and discreetly countless times. Yet the father and son showed no gratitude and even engaged in such harmful dealings… I… I truly…”

Seeing that Dou Qiguang looked increasingly unwell, Dou Wenyun quickly intervened, saying, “Father, don’t speak anymore. Let the doctor examine you first. Everything else can be discussed later. Someone, go fetch the doctor.”

After speaking, Dou Wenyun instructed the servants to bring over a reclining chair to carry Dou Qiguang back to his residence. With the culprit identified, everyone became more concerned about Dou Qiguang’s health. The group left Sijin Pavilion in an orderly procession. Madam Jiang and Dou Tong hesitated for a moment before following, as they knew that if something happened to Dou Qiguang, their branch of the family would be considered the sole culprit.

After the Dou family left, only those investigating the case and a few Dou family stewards remained outside the Sijin Pavilion. Xie Xinglan glanced at Qin Ying and then at Hongxiu, asking, “How did you find her?”

Qin Ying explained, “I first went to Fengqing Tavern during the day and noticed something unusual about Bihe. I had a few performers play music, but their identities turned out to be merely a facade. I immediately thought of Hongxiu, rushed to Fengle Tavern using my identity as the county princess, and went through various twists and turns before finally finding her. She was severely beaten and nearly died.”

At this moment, Hongxiu knelt directly, saying, “Thank you, County Princess, for saving my life. If it weren’t for your protection, not only would I have lost my life, but I would never have dared to reveal the restaurant’s secrets—”

Seeing her covered in injuries, Qin Ying helped her up, saying, “Tonight, focus on healing your wounds. Tomorrow, go to Jinwu Guards and explain the restaurant’s affairs thoroughly. Look into how many people were forced into such situations and investigate if anyone lost their life as a result. Rest assured, you are not at fault, and once it’s over, I will find a way to help you settle down.”

Hongxiu was moved to tears with gratitude. Qin Ying then instructed Shen Luo, “Take her back to the Marquis’s residence and have the doctor tend to her wounds.”

Shen Luo complied, assisting Hongxiu out along with Bai Yuan. Once they left, Zhou Xianchen couldn’t help but say, “Lord Xie and the County Princess worked well together tonight. It’s been only three days since this case was defined as a murder, and I didn’t expect the culprit to be found so quickly. Dou Ye is incredibly clever; if Lord Xie and the County Princess had overlooked even one detail, it would have taken much longer to uncover the truth.”

He sighed, “It took nine days to solve Earl Zhongyuan’s case, but only three days for the Dou family’s. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a murder case solved so swiftly. If His Majesty knew, he would surely reward both of you!”

Zhou Xianchen’s comment was partly flattery and partly genuine admiration. Standing nearby, Cui Muzhi observed silently for a long time. While he couldn’t deny feeling a bit impressed, he still found it hard to praise the two investigators—one being the princess he regarded as a frivolous nuisance and the other being a court official with past grudges against his family. His gaze wandered and finally landed on Yue Lingxiu standing nearby. He spoke solemnly, “If recognition is to be given, then credit must also go to your office’s coroner, Yue Lingxiu. Without his verification of the cause of death, this case could never have been resolved, and the autopsy methods he used are unheard of. In my view, it would be best if he compiled his techniques into a manual, which could then be published as official documents and distributed to the various state offices of Great Zhou so that all coroners can emulate them and avoid wrongful convictions elsewhere.”

These words shocked Yue Lingxiu greatly. He quickly glanced at Qin Ying and hastily said, “Thank you for your kindness, Lord Cui, but those methods are not…not my own creation. I dare not take such credit. Please retract your command.”

Cui Muzhi, one of the heads of the Ministry of Justice, which oversees the verification of criminal cases across the country, asserted his position even more firmly in front of Xie Xinglan and Qin Ying. “Although not your invention, you have refined and applied them in case resolution, revealing the truth behind Dou Yu’s death. This achievement is monumental. If all coroners mastered your methods, wouldn’t it be a contribution for the ages?”

Yue Lingxiu grew increasingly anxious, but Cui Muzhi added, “Not only should your skills be taught to coroners nationwide, but I also intend to present this case in detail to His Majesty. His Majesty values talent, and allowing your abilities to reach his ears is a way to honor your excellence.”

Verbal praise was one thing, but upon hearing that Cui Muzhi wanted to present the matter to Emperor Zhenyuan, Yue Lingxiu could no longer remain composed. If Cui Muzhi really informed the emperor, Yue Lingxiu would risk committing the crime of deceiving the sovereign. Trembling, he knelt with a loud thud and pleaded, “Forgive me, my lord…I dare not seek such recognition. I am merely a humble coroner, doing my duties diligently, and am truly unworthy of such attention…”

Xie Xinglan and Qin Ying watched the scene unfold with peculiar expressions. Misinterpreting their reactions, Cui Muzhi assumed his act of rewarding Yue Lingxiu had overshadowed their contributions. Hence, he became even more resolute, saying, “What does low status matter? As long as one serves the office well, even criminals can be pardoned. Moreover, you are merely of humble rank. Rest assured, the office will not erase anyone’s merits. Based on your achievements, I can have you removed from your low status, and you will no longer be bound by it.”

While Yue Lingxiu would have eagerly accepted credit for his own achievements, he now dared not claim any reward. He prostrated himself on the ground and pleaded, “My lord, please understand. This is not my doing, and I dare not accept any rewards. I beg you to retract your decision, for otherwise, I would truly be ashamed to face others.”

Seeing his fervent refusal, Cui Muzhi sensed something amiss and solemnly asked, “What are you holding back? You are an official servant of the office. With your skills, you should fully use your talents, which is far more legitimate than outsiders meddling.”

His words were a blatant insult to Qin Ying, questioning the legitimacy of her involvement. Qin Ying raised an eyebrow, calmly observing Cui Muzhi, curious about how he intended to force Yue Lingxiu to accept the credit.

Under the pressure of questioning from his superior’s superior, Yue Lingxiu felt a lump in his throat. Closing his eyes in despair, he declared, “The autopsy techniques I use were taught to me by someone else and are not my own invention. Therefore, I dare not accept any reward.”

Cui Muzhi and Zhou Xianchen were visibly surprised. Cui Muzhi quickly followed up, “Someone taught you? Those techniques are remarkably bold. Whoever taught you must possess extraordinary skill and courage. If they are free of constraints and can serve the office, then rising swiftly through the ranks is entirely possible. Tell me, who is this person?”

Yue Lingxiu’s forehead was drenched in cold sweat as he stammered, “That person has no intention of entering officialdom, and their identity is unique. They wouldn’t join the government nor seek fame, avoiding any trouble that widespread recognition might bring.”

Cui Muzhi questioned suspiciously, “No intention to enter officialdom, yet they taught you such techniques? It shows their selflessness. If this person is truly as skilled as you say, the office wouldn’t insist on assigning them a position. Rest assured, their exceptional abilities will be recognized and respected. If we ask for their assistance, they would be treated courteously and regarded as an honored guest.”

Seeing Cui Muzhi determined to uncover this person’s identity, Yue Lingxiu found himself in a state of panic. Torn between Qin Ying’s instruction not to reveal the truth and the pressure from Cui Muzhi, he felt completely helpless. As a lowly coroner with little influence, he truly didn’t know how to navigate the situation.

Noticing Yue Lingxiu’s distress, Xie Xinglan intervened, “Lord Cui, why force Coroner Yue? If he refuses to speak, he must have his reasons. Surely it’s not necessary to compel others to serve your purpose.”

Qin Ying echoed, “As long as someone is assisting the office, Lord Cui, is it necessary to insist on identifying them?”

Feeling frustrated and challenged by their united front, Cui Muzhi coldly remarked to Qin Ying, “Women of this dynasty are prohibited from participating in governance or entering officialdom. You teeter on the edge between recognition and wrongdoing, and now you obstruct the Ministry of Justice from recruiting talented individuals? Though you assisted in solving cases, you are ultimately not an official servant of the office. The findings you shared could have been uncovered with sufficient effort by the local officers. Moreover, Coroner Yue is more experienced and knowledgeable than you in his field. Having learned only the basics, can you flaunt your knowledge a second time?”

Cui Muzhi’s tone was sharp and dismissive, clearly undervaluing Qin Ying’s contributions. Her expression remained calm yet subtly intrigued, as though curious about how far Cui Muzhi would go in pressuring Yue Lingxiu to accept recognition.

Qin Ying was left speechless. After so many days, Cui Muzhi’s opinion of her still hadn’t changed. Did he really think that, despite his constant cold ridicule, she would remain as infatuated with him as she had been in the past?

Yue Lingxiu, standing nearby, initially only felt unworthy of claiming credit. However, he hadn’t expected Cui Muzhi to be so disrespectful toward Qin Ying, even going so far as to belittle her entirely. Yue’s breathing grew rapid, and as soon as Cui Muzhi finished speaking, a surge of courage suddenly filled him.

“My lord—” Yue Lingxiu straightened his back and said, “You mentioned that the office would never dismiss anyone’s achievements and that you are eager to recruit the skilled master who taught me. Do your words still hold true?”

Cui Muzhi naturally affirmed this. Hearing Yue Lingxiu’s words, however, Qin Ying suddenly felt an ominous premonition. Sure enough, the next moment, Yue Lingxiu glanced at her and declared, “The autopsy techniques I used were all personally taught to me by County Princess Yunyang. I implore you, my lord, to honor your words, commend the princess, and treat her as a distinguished guest!”