Chapter 46

Xie Xinglan frowned, “That person from back then?”

Qin Ying also sensed something unusual and quickly asked, “Did someone say something to you back then?”

Master Kang, whose full name was Kang Xiuli, was a former scholar. His gaze swept over Xie Xinglan and Qin Ying, noting their young age. He understood that no matter how wrongly judged the case was back then, it had nothing to do with them. Steadying himself, he said, “Suqin was murdered in the eighth month of the tenth year of Zhenyuan. I remember very clearly—it was the 16th of the eighth month, the second day after the Mid-Autumn Festival. Later, after the case was settled, the scoundrel named Jin Wenyuan was executed in mid-October. When we saw the culprit punished, our whole family, though grief-stricken over Suqin’s death, felt as though justice had been served for her…”

“But about three or four months later, in the spring of the eleventh year of Zhenyuan, a young man in his early twenties suddenly visited us. He claimed to be a cousin of one of the deceased and expressed doubts about Suqin’s case, suspecting it was a miscarriage of justice. He said Jin Wenyuan didn’t seem to be the real murderer and asked us what we thought. If we found it strange, he suggested petitioning the yamen for redress.”

Kang Xiuli sighed, “At that time, my wife was seriously ill, and I had trouble with my duties at the Armory Office. After receiving orders from my superior, I was demoted and returned home, where I fell ill as well. When the young man spoke of this, we didn’t believe him, because the evidence related to Suqin was explained to us by the yamen, and we hadn’t found any mistakes.”

“Even so, I was not at ease and had Suqin’s brother, Sumin, go to the yamen to inquire. At the time, he asked Captain Guo, who seemed displeased with our doubts about the yamen’s verdict. He even said that we might have encountered a fraudster, as some con artists specialize in seeking out people involved in legal cases at the yamen, claiming they can help resolve the case in exchange for money. When Sumin returned and told me, I also thought that Jin Wenyuan had confessed to the crime, and the three judicial offices widely publicized and reviewed the case. How could they have caught the wrong person?”

Xie Xinglan asked again, “Did that person never appear after his first visit?”

Kang Xiuli nodded, “That’s right, he never came again. Because of this, we were even more convinced that he was a fraudster. As time passed and circumstances changed, we forgot about the matter entirely. If not for the officials visiting us today, I fear I would never have remembered this incident.”

He then looked earnestly at Xie Xinglan, “Sir, you said you want to reinvestigate the old case, but it has been ten years. Can it still be clearly investigated? Over this decade, who knows where the murderer has gone? How can they still be caught?”

Xie Xinglan glanced at Qin Ying and said, “This is the County Princess Yunyang, who discovered the injustice in this case. I am Xie Xinglan, an Envoy of the Jinwu Guards Longyi Division. This time, we will jointly investigate the matter with Jingji Yamen, and regardless of the outcome, we will spare no effort…”

Kang Xiuli was startled—Longyi Guards was the Emperor’s trusted arm, and the County Princess Yunyang was of incomparable nobility. His expression became a mix of awe and caution as he said, “We had great trust in Jingji Yamen back then, but we didn’t expect—”

Xie Xinglan interjected, “Rest assured, this time, our investigation will be even more meticulous than back then. Today, we came to ask you about the situation from that time, to see if there are any new clues. The person you mentioned—do you remember which deceased person’s cousin he claimed to be? Among the other two victims, one was named Luo Jin’er, and the other was Fan Yuping. And do you recall that young man’s appearance?”

Perhaps reassured by their earnest attitude, Kang Xiuli cooperatively recalled, “It has been ten years. When that young man revealed his identity back then, he didn’t go into great detail, and I can’t clearly remember which family he was from. As for his appearance, he was tall and well-built, with a proper and upright face. He looked strong and capable, with a bronze-colored complexion and a somewhat rugged air. He must have been either a laborer or a soldier. He seemed to notice that we didn’t believe him, so he didn’t say much more and quickly took his leave.”

Qin Ying and Xie Xinglan exchanged glances, finding the situation rather peculiar. Qin Ying then continued to ask, “I read the case file from the yamen, and it said that Miss Kang used to frequent Wenxin Bookstore to buy books. She was attacked on her way to buy books. Before that, did she exhibit any unusual behavior, like being followed or having disputes with anyone?”

Kang Xiuli’s wrinkled face showed traces of sorrow. Even after ten years, the memory still caused him pain. After thinking for a moment, he shook his head and said, “No, there was nothing unusual, at least nothing Suqin ever mentioned to us. In fact, she was in high spirits during that time because the Mid-Autumn Festival was approaching, and her birthday was at the end of September. She had her eye on a set of ancient books, and I promised to buy them as a gift for her birthday…”

Kang Xiuli pressed his lips together tightly and said in a choked voice, “It was a collection of commentaries on the Four Books and Five Classics by the great scholar Su Mobai of the former dynasty. There were only a few sets in the entire capital, each costing at least twenty taels of silver. Most other young ladies would have spent that kind of money on fine jewelry or dresses, but I had pushed her to study and write since she was young, and she grew to love books and manuscripts deeply. When I think about it now, I can’t help but feel that I, as her father, caused her demise. If she hadn’t gone to the bookstore, this wouldn’t have happened to her.”

With a resolute tone, Qin Ying said, “It’s absolutely not your fault. The tragedy that befell Miss Kang was entirely the murderer’s doing. Miss Kang and your family are innocent victims. You gave her so much by teaching her to read and understand the world. I’m sure she was grateful to have a father like you.”

Kang Xiuli shook his head, his deep grief and anger turning into several sighs. His hair was streaked with gray, and his face was lined with wrinkles. Though he had just passed his fifties, he looked as if he were already in his sixties. Even though he believed he had avenged Kang Suqin’s death, the pain caused by his daughter’s tragic fate weighed far heavier than the passage of years.

Xie Xinglan asked further about Kang Suqin’s other hobbies.

Kang Xiuli replied, “Suqin didn’t have many hobbies. Aside from reading, writing, and painting, she wasn’t particularly fond of making friends or socializing.”

Xie Xinglan pondered, “What about the maidservants who attended to her back then? Where are they now?”

Kang Xiuli explained, “Back then, our family was considered well-off, and Suqin had two young maidservants attending to her. After Suqin’s tragedy, I provided for their families before the household fell into decline, and then I arranged for them to marry and leave the house. One married into a family in Qingzhou through a cousin, and the other married into the Yu family of bricklayers in Yuejia Lane in the city’s eastern part. They’re doing quite well now and occasionally visit during the holidays.”

Xie Xinglan noted this and, seeing that it was already noon, didn’t linger any longer. Before leaving, he said, “If you recall anything strange or unusual, please come to the Jinwu Guards Office to find me.”

Kang Xiuli agreed and personally escorted them to the main gate. As they were about to depart, Kang Xiuli said hoarsely, “Sir Xie, County Princess, I don’t ask for the yamen to hold anyone accountable. All I ask is that you catch the murderer who took my daughter’s life and avenge her. If you fail to find the one who harmed her, I won’t have the face to see her in the afterlife.”

Kang Xiuli’s eyes reddened as he spoke, and his weathered face carried a hint of pleading. Qin Ying felt a pang of sorrow but hadn’t yet spoken when Xie Xinglan solemnly promised, “Rest assured, we will give you an answer.”

Kang Xiuli nodded repeatedly. As the door closed, they caught a glimpse of his hunched back as he turned to wipe his eyes.

As they resumed their journey, Qin Ying and Xie Xinglan wore grim expressions. The others traveling with them also felt as if a great weight pressed upon their hearts. Their next destination was the home of Luo Jin’er, the first victim from back then.

Luo Jin’er’s family lived in Anping District, located in the eastern part of the city, north of the Eastern Market. Her ancestors were once a prestigious scholarly family, but the family fell into decline over time. By the time of Luo Jin’er’s father, Luo Yongcheng, he had spent two years as a teacher in his youth and later made a living by running a second-hand bookstore. Though he was in business, the connection to books and literature kept some of the vulgarity of trade at bay.

The carriage traveled eastward along Imperial Street, passing through the Eastern Market and heading northeast. After crossing two residential wards, they arrived in Anping District. The residential area of Anping District was mostly home to wealthy families. The Luo family’s house was situated at the end of a small alley. Along the way, they passed by seven or eight households, and finally, they saw the Luo residence. The house’s tall and imposing gate exuded an extraordinary air of grandeur.

As they approached, Qin Ying said, “Luo Jin’er had a younger brother. When she was murdered, he was only thirteen or fourteen years old.”

Xie Jian stepped forward to knock on the door, and soon, the gates opened from the inside. A young servant appeared and looked at them with suspicion. Upon seeing the group from the Jinwu Guards, his face instantly showed fear. “What business do you have, sirs?”

Xie Jian asked, “Are your master and mistress at home?”

The servant nodded but couldn’t help asking, “Has something happened to our young master?”

Xie Jian turned back, and Xie Xinglan stepped forward to say, “We need to meet your master and mistress. Go and inform them.”

The servant dared not refuse and hurried inside. Xie Xinglan and his group entered the gate and waited by the screen wall. Soon, they saw a pair of well-dressed middle-aged spouses hurrying toward them. These were Luo Yongcheng and his wife, Madam Fang, the parents of Luo Jin’er.

Luo Yongcheng quickly stepped forward. Before getting close, he cupped his hands and said, “I wasn’t aware of your arrival, sirs, and failed to greet you properly. Has something happened with my son in Mizhou?”

Xie Xinglan introduced himself and said, “This is unrelated to your son. We are here regarding the case of Luo Jin’er’s murder.”

Luo Yongcheng froze in shock, while Madam Fang couldn’t help but step forward and ask, “Jin’er’s case?”

Xie Xinglan replied, “The murderer in the case back then was not the real culprit. The Jinwu Guards is now reopening the investigation into the old case.”

Luo Yongcheng and Madam Fang were stunned, rooted to the spot. It took a long moment before Luo Yongcheng recovered and stammered, “How could this be? The murderer back then confessed, and he was executed. How could they not have been the real culprit?”

Xie Xinglan briefly explained the situation, and Luo Yongcheng and Madam Fang’s faces turned pale. Madam Fang gritted her teeth and said, “So the officials at the yamen made a mistake? This false murderer deceived them and let the true culprit go?”

Seeing Xie Xinglan nod in affirmation, Madam Fang immediately bristled with anger. “You… how could you make such a mistake? It’s been ten years. My daughter has been dead for ten years, and now you’re coming to tell us the case was mishandled? Do you realize that even if you find the true culprit, these past ten years have been a struggle for us? Now that her younger brother has achieved success in the imperial examination and secured an official position, and our family is finally doing better, you’re telling me that the criminal who harmed Jin’er is still out there, free?”

The Luo residence had recently been renovated and was tastefully decorated, exuding an air of prosperity. Luo Yongcheng and Madam Fang were dressed in luxurious attire, their faces radiant with the lingering joy of their son’s accomplishments. But as Xie Xinglan revealed the truth, their expressions darkened, and a cloud of sorrow overtook them.

Torn between shock and anger, Madam Fang uttered several reproachful remarks, her chest heaving heavily. Luo Yongcheng, noticing her state, tried to console her and then turned to Xie Xinglan, saying, “Let’s discuss this further in the hall.”

Luo Yongcheng’s demeanor became less enthusiastic, and his shoulders slumped slightly. Upon reaching the main hall, he restrained himself and instructed the servants to serve tea. After giving his orders, he gazed absentmindedly at the lush garden outside the central courtyard. It wasn’t until the tea was brought in that he spoke in a low voice, “The people who investigated the case back then are no longer with the yamen, aren’t they? Jin’er’s death was tragic. The perpetrator was cruel and vicious, even harming two other young women. Later, when the yamen apprehended the supposed culprit, we felt relieved and even expressed our gratitude by offering money and silver.”

“In all these years, her mother and I have dreaded Jin’er’s birthdays and death anniversaries. We didn’t want to think about it because whenever we did, the memory of Jin’er’s tragic fate felt like a knife to our hearts. Each year, when we visited Xiangguo Temple to offer incense, we prayed that heaven would have eyes and send that murderer to the eighteenth level of hell, forever unable to be reborn. Over time, the grief subsided somewhat, but our hatred for that criminal never faded.”

“While hating the murderer, we also had to continue living our lives. The family gradually improved, and we often thought that if Jin’er were still alive today, she would be the happiest of all to see her father open a bookstore and her younger brother succeed in the imperial examination. Back when the family was struggling, we couldn’t provide her with much. Now, when we could have allowed her to enjoy life, she’s no longer here.”

Luo Yongcheng’s voice grew increasingly hoarse. He paused to catch his breath and continued, “When we think back to the moments of deepest sorrow, we console ourselves that, at the very least, justice was served for her. She can rest peacefully in the afterlife, enter reincarnation early, and be born into a good family that cherishes her throughout her life. May she never have to endure hardship again.”

At this point, Luo Yongcheng’s voice suddenly grew sharp. “But now you’re telling us that we’ve hated the wrong person, that the real culprit is still at large? It turns out that for the past ten years, Jin’er died unjustly, and we haven’t truly avenged her…”

Madam Fang, who had been holding back her emotions, now had tears welling up in her eyes. “How could you have identified the wrong murderer? How can you find the errors now, but the investigators back then couldn’t? My daughter has been lying in her coffin for ten years and has turned into nothing but a pile of bones. And now, you’re reopening the case? It’s already been ten years—there’s no way to find the murderer now. Even if you do, don’t you think it’s far too late?”

Tears streamed down Madam Fang’s face as she shakily pulled out a handkerchief to wipe them away. Xie Xinglan spoke softly, “Rest assured, all those involved in the misjudgment of this case bear responsibility. Once the case is thoroughly investigated, the mistakes of the past will be addressed.”

Qin Ying, her voice thick with emotion, added, “Madam, you’re right—it is indeed too late after ten years. But there is still a chance to uncover the truth. As long as we do our best to investigate, we will surely find traces of the real culprit. And even if it’s delayed, the true murderer must be brought to justice to give Miss Luo and your family the closure you deserve. A delayed truth is still the truth.”

Seeing the sincerity in their words, Madam Fang, though filled with anger and sorrow, could no longer vent her frustrations outward. She simply covered her face and sobbed, “My poor Jin’er… Mother thought I had already secured justice for you, but it turns out it was nothing but a cruel joke…”

Luo Yongcheng took a deep breath and said, “You want to reopen the investigation? How will you investigate? Where will you start? It’s been ten years—time erodes everything, even a stone, let alone the clues of a case. The murderer, after these ten years, has surely vanished. If they’ve fled to the ends of the earth, do you mean to pursue them even there?”

Xie Xinglan replied, “The case files and the autopsy records from back then have been well preserved. Moreover, the murderer might not have fled. Since the case was declared solved and the ‘culprit’ was executed, the real criminal has likely felt secure enough to remain in the capital. As long as they are still here, coupled with cooperation from the families and witnesses involved back then, we should be able to find traces of this person.”

Seeing Luo Yongcheng’s and Madam Fang’s skepticism, Qin Ying added, “It has been ten years, and there are indeed many difficulties. But every day the case remains unresolved is another day that Miss Luo suffers injustice, and another day the criminal enjoys freedom. This investigation is being conducted not by Jingji Yamen but by the Jinwu Guards Longyi Division under the Emperor’s direct command. That alone should show our determination to resolve this case. We aim to restore justice for the young women who were victims.”

Madam Fang paused briefly as she wiped her tears, and Luo Yongcheng’s expression softened slightly. The couple exchanged glances before Luo Yongcheng hesitantly asked, “The Longyi Division… So, this case is entirely under your charge now? I remember that the Jinwu Guards and the Ministry of Justice also supervised the investigation back then, but in the end, the case was still mishandled…”

Xie Xinglan solemnly promised, “The investigation will remain our responsibility, whether it takes a day, a year, five years, or even ten years—this case is ours to resolve.”

Luo Yongcheng and Madam Fang were momentarily stunned. Qin Ying, standing nearby, also seemed taken aback. She turned to look at Xie Xinglan, whose cold and resolute expression carried an air of firm determination. His unwavering gaze and dignified presence were immensely reassuring.

Clearly moved, Luo Yongcheng eventually asked gently, “How can we, her mother and I, assist you in the investigation?”

Xie Xinglan replied, “Before the incident, did Miss Luo exhibit any unusual behavior? Did she ever mention being followed, someone acting suspiciously towards her, or anyone attempting to approach her?”

Luo Yongcheng pondered for a moment and then turned to Madam Fang. Madam Fang, having wiped away her tears, now appeared uncertain. She said, “No… That day, Jin’er simply went to the shop as usual. She didn’t mention anything unusual.”

Xie Xinglan suddenly recalled Kang Xiuli’s words and asked, “Did Luo Jin’er have any cousins on her mother’s side?”

Madam Fang appeared somewhat surprised. “No, she had paternal cousins but no maternal ones. Why do you ask?”

Xie Xinglan then inquired further, “After the murderer was executed, did anyone come to your house claiming that the case was a miscarriage of justice?”

Madam Fang looked at Luo Yongcheng, who replied in confusion, “Of course not. The case was widely publicized back then. When the murderer was executed, half the capital’s residents gathered to watch. Why would anyone claim it was a wrongful conviction?”

Xie Xinglan fell silent for a moment. Qin Ying asked, “What hobbies or interests did Miss Luo have?”

Madam Fang choked, saying, “She didn’t have many hobbies. At the time, our family wasn’t well-off. Her father’s second-hand bookstore only had one assistant, and her younger brother, who was a few years younger than her, needed to focus on his studies. Jin’er often went to the shop to help out—doing the accounts and tallying figures. Though the tasks weren’t physically demanding, they were time-consuming. She never complained.”

Qin Ying felt a heaviness in her heart. If the murderer was a stranger acting alone, it would be difficult for the family to find any clues. After asking about the whereabouts of the bookstore assistant and the household maids who were witnesses then, she and Xie Xinglan took their leave.

By this time, noon had passed, and they headed straight out of the city to the home of the second victim, Fan Yuping. Fan Yuping’s family lived in Fanjia Village, located outside the city. It would take at least two hours of travel from the capital to reach it. Once they had left the city, Qin Ying lifted the carriage curtain and asked, “What’s your take on this?”

Xie Xinglan, riding high on horseback, slowed his pace and drew a little closer to her. “While Jin Wenyuan may not be the real culprit, I believe most of his testimony was true. The actual murderer is likely a stranger who had interacted with the victims a few times, which is why the parents and friends of the victims know nothing about this individual. To trace the murderer’s whereabouts, we’ll need to investigate the locations mentioned in Jin Wenyuan’s testimony where he allegedly encountered the victims and, crucially, examine why Jin Wenyuan confessed to the crime.”

Qin Ying agreed, “We’ve already visited two families, and I share the same thought. After visiting Fan’s family, we must thoroughly investigate Jin Wenyuan’s background. It’s impossible that he would admit to such a serious crime without reason. If he took the blame for someone else, the true culprit must have employed a very powerful method to make Jin Wenyuan willingly face death. Jin Wenyuan was a gambler, gambling to the point of selling his daughter. What could compel such a cold-hearted person to confess?”

Following behind Xie Xinglan, Xie Jian chimed in, “Could it be because of debts from gambling?”

Qin Ying looked at him and remarked, “Taking the blame means certain death. If you owed an enormous gambling debt, would you rather run or face death?”

Realizing his question was foolish, Xie Jian coughed lightly to cover his embarrassment. “Forgive my foolishness.”

Xie Xinglan added, “In life, it’s only about desires and emotions. Jin Wenyuan’s parents died early, and he was indifferent to his wife and daughter. It’s also unlikely that he’d seek death for wealth or status. It’s hard to fathom what would compel him to admit guilt.”

Even though they anticipated challenges, the actual investigation left Qin Ying feeling utterly directionless. Furthermore, with Li Fangrui dying in the same horrifying manner, she sensed that this case might be more complex than it appeared. Thinking of this, she suddenly turned to Xie Xinglan and asked, “If we can’t find the real culprit, would you really keep working on this case for ten or twenty years?”

Xie Xinglan looked ahead and said, “Ten or twenty years—I can bear that burden, but I fear that Master Kang cannot wait so long.”

His tone was casual, but then he turned to Qin Ying and continued, “So it’s best to find the real culprit as quickly as possible. Moreover, you’ve invoked the name of the Longyi Guards today. If there’s no progress in three or five months, wouldn’t it damage the reputation of the Longyi Guards?”

Qin Ying had been somewhat moved, but upon hearing this, she couldn’t help but bite her lip in irritation and coldly huffed, “The reputation of the Longyi Guards is yours to uphold, so we’ll see how capable you are, Lord Xie.”

With that, she swiftly dropped the curtain of the carriage. A faint smile flickered in Xie Xinglan’s calm eyes. Raising his whip, he spurred his horse ahead and galloped away. After leaving the official road and traveling for an hour and a half, they finally arrived at the entrance to Fanjia Village.

Fanjia Village was built on the hillside, with large fields at the foot of the mountain displaying scenes of autumn harvest. Thanks to the fertile land, the dozens of farming households in the village were relatively prosperous. Its proximity to the capital also meant many villagers hired laborers for farm work while pursuing small trades in the city. Traveling along the village road, they passed many grand farm courtyards, all impressively constructed.

Fan Yuping’s father, Fan Changlin, lived in the easternmost part of the village. After asking an elderly villager by the roadside, Xie Jian was immediately directed to the area and told, “The most magnificent three-part courtyard belongs to Fan Changlin.”

Xie Jian expressed his thanks, and the group headed toward the easternmost section of the village. Before they even reached their destination, a large white-walled, gray-tiled mansion came into view. Compared to the previous farmhouses, this residence appeared much more refined, even comparable to official residences in the city. The sight eased the group’s hearts slightly—no one wanted to see the victim’s family in decline.

Upon reaching the door, Xie Jian stepped forward and knocked. Soon, a clever-looking young boy opened the door and peered out, asking suspiciously, “Who are you looking for?”

Xie Jian replied, “Is this Fan Changlin’s residence?”

The young boy nodded, and Xie Jian added, “We’re from the Jinwu Guards of the capital and have urgent business with your master and mistress. Go and inform them at once.”

The boy, still quite young and unfamiliar with officials’ uniforms, seemed skeptical. He shut the door and ran off hesitantly. Xie Jian touched the tip of his nose in mild frustration and waited for the time it took to burn half a stick of incense before the courtyard gate finally reopened.

A short, stout man dressed in fine clothing appeared—it was Fan Changlin. Behind him stood a middle-aged woman with a delicate appearance. Both looked at the group outside with surprise. After a moment, Fan Changlin cautiously asked, “Jinwu Guards officers? May I ask what official business brings you here?”

Xie Xinglan stepped forward and said, “We’re here regarding the case of Fan Yuping’s murder ten years ago—”

Before he could finish, the faces of the two people inside darkened. Fan Changlin furrowed his brows and said, “That was so long ago. The case was settled long ago—why are you here asking about it again?”

Xie Xinglan replied, “The case from back then was wrongly judged. We are reopening the investigation.”

Fan Changlin’s brows tightened into the shape of the Chinese character for “river” (川) as he sized up Xie Xinglan and Qin Ying behind him. His gaze shifted multiple times as if evaluating their identities. Noticing Xie Xinglan’s youth, his expression turned colder. “Wrongly judged or not, the murderer was executed years ago. I didn’t ask you to reopen the case, so don’t disturb us!”

After saying this, Fan Changlin stepped back and slammed the door shut with a loud “bang.” Moments later, the sound of a bolt sliding into place could be heard from inside.

Xie Jian was caught off guard and stepped forward to knock on the door, shouting, “Hey, what are you doing? We just said that your daughter’s case was wrongly judged, which means the real murderer is still at large. Why are you shutting the door? Don’t you want justice for your daughter?”

A cold laugh came from behind the door. “I’m her father. If you want to investigate, you need my consent, don’t you? I’m telling you, the case was settled long ago. I don’t have the time or energy to care about this anymore. Do you officials have nothing better to do?”

Fan Changlin’s voice grew fainter as he walked away, clearly intent on refusing them entry. Xie Jian looked helplessly at Xie Xinglan, who remained expressionless. Taking a step back himself, Xie Xinglan calmly ordered, “Break the door down.”