Chapter 337: The Unspeakable Matter

Boom!

A thunderclap boomed, lightning split the sky, struck a large tree on the outskirts of Chang'an, and split the tree into a charred stump!

On Chunming Gate Street in Chang'an City, pedestrians seeking shelter ducked under the eaves of the alley walls, then watched the massive funeral procession of hundreds, with drums and gongs rattling through the streets.

Everywhere was a solemn pallor!

As the saying goes, rain on a coffin for ten years brings sourness, rain on a grave brings a benefactor. Whether to hold a funeral in rain is actually full of nuance. When the coffin is lifted, rain‑soaked wood is inauspicious, but rain after burial is especially auspicious.

A rainy burial's pros and cons hinge on one's intention. This family covered the coffin tightly and buried it in the downpour, hoping a great benefactor would emerge from their household.

Before his duty time, Zheng Shuqing, who had slipped off his post at the Dali Temple to go home and loaf, held a green bamboo umbrella near Zhuque Gate, watching the funeral procession pass. He then asked the young servant who came to escort him back to the residence, "Whose funeral is this?"

"It's the Qin State Lady's, A Lang,"

The servant wore a mysterious smile, replying with a sly expression.

"Qin State Lady? Which lady?"

Zheng Shuqing was startled, still not recovered.

Now that he is a Dali Temple Minister, few women bearing the title "Lady" catch his eye. Only after he finished did he recall which woman the servant meant.

"It could only be the Qin State Lady who, no matter which handsome young man, would sleep with—Yang family, the Yangs,"

The servant replied in a flippant tone.

"Speak properly! I'm usually friendly to you, yet you're being cheeky!"

Zheng Shuqing scolded, "Stop babbling, you're missing the point! Are you really concerned about the Qin State Lady's lifestyle?"

He didn't want to bite that off!

Of course, Zheng Shuqing isn't averse to women, but the Qin State Lady has been involved with Ji Ge and even the Son of Heaven, often bringing trouble. Such a woman is best kept at a respectful distance—no provocation, no offense.

However, Zheng Shuqing had heard that this Qin State Lady not only favors handsome youths but also has ambiguous relations with many court officials!

Those officials often held the view, "If the Son of Heaven slept with a woman, I'll sleep with her too; that makes me half the Son of Heaven," and they met the Qin State Lady privately.

It's akin to those who attend the Son of Heaven's birthday banquet, feeling they belong to the same circle—different tunes, same effect.

"A Lang, I only heard about this, I dare not speak of it,"

The servant looked aggrieved, yet showed a restless eagerness as if he'd die without speaking, making one want to give him a good beating.

"No problem, whisper it to me quietly,"

Zheng Shuqing patted his shoulder and whispered, instantly sparking his interest.

The administrative work of the Dali Temple was unbearably dull, constantly dealing with files, making one feel stale. Hearing the servant's words, Zheng Shuqing sensed there was "more to it."

"A Lang, I heard this Qin State Lady has a… unusual relationship with Master Huizhen of the White Horse Temple, of a lower‑body nature,"

The young servant said excitedly, making a lewd gesture. The heavy rain's din masked any eavesdropping, making the outdoor setting perfect for private talk.

"And then?"

Zheng Shuqing asked with a puzzled look; he wasn't unaware of their reputations, he just couldn't grasp how the Qin State Lady's death linked to Master Huizhen.

"A Lang, it's not about 'and then'; a month ago Master Huizhen passed away at the White Horse Temple. At that time I was with you at the temple praying for official success, and while wandering there, I overheard whispers that his early death was actually due to an illness.

Someone inside reported that when he bathed, his whole body was covered in festering sores.

"A Lang, the Qin State Lady is probably just over thirty; could she also have festering sores, the same disease as Master Huizhen?"

The servant asked curiously.

"Hmm, indeed, it's possible,"

Zheng Shuqing replied offhand, and for some reason Fang Chongyong suddenly came to mind.

Back then, when that fellow returned to Chang'an from Shazhou, Zheng Shuqing thought of sending his beautiful maid to warm his bed. Men don't mind having many concubines; a concubine is just merchandise.

That fellow kept spouting nonsense about unknown women being unsafe, men should stay pure, reckless affairs lead to disease and festering sores, and the victim is oneself.

At the time Zheng Shuqing just listened casually, mentioning it in passing during a drinking chat, not taking it seriously. Now he wonders whether Fang Chongyong wasn't just rambling.

Huizhen, the famed "Flower Monk" of Chang'an, had unspeakable debauched ties with many noblewomen. She and the Qin State Lady were equally wild and reckless.

Could a noblewoman have passed this festering‑sore disease to Huizhen, who then passed it to the Qin State Lady?

Zheng Shuqing fell into contemplation, his expression growing solemn, no longer treating the matter as a joke.

Sun Simiao mentioned this "festering‑sore disease" in the *Qianjin Fang*, and many medical texts note its link to promiscuous relations. To call it mere coincidence seems overly coincidental.

Huizhen was involved with the Qin State Lady, who in turn was involved with the Saint. The first two are dead; could the Saint also have contracted the disease?

Zheng Shuqing suddenly felt as if he'd plunged into an ice cave, his whole body chilled!

He could no longer seek shelter near Zhuque Gate; he rushed home. To his surprise, Gao Lishi was already seated in the main hall of his house, his expression calm and unsmiling, as if waiting for a long time.

"My apologies, my apologies for keeping Internal Attendant Gao waiting! I did not expect your visit, my sins!"

Upon seeing Gao Lishi, Zheng Shuqing hurried forward to apologize; he sensed from the demeanor that Gao's visit bore no good news.

"Zheng Zhengqing, when you were on duty and out, it was hard for us to find you. Failing to locate you, we had to wait at your home; hope you don't mind this uninvited guest,"

Gao Lishi asked, his words laced with hidden intent.

"Ah, Internal Attendant Gao, this is not the place for such talk; I never forget the Saint's command. My health is poor today, so I returned early to rest; none of the files will be left undone,"

Zheng Shuqing wore a flattering smile, bowing low, invoking the Saint with every word.

Gao Lishi wasn't looking for trouble, so he gave Zheng Shuqing a subtle glance. Understanding, Zheng hurried, "This isn't the place to talk; please come inside, we'll discuss in the study."

They entered the study and sat; Gao Lishi, seeing Zheng Shuqing's nervousness, began, "The Saint places great trust in Zheng Zhengqing, not only for his character but also for his cautious governance."

His words were vague; Zheng Shuqing crossed his hands in a bow and said, "Thank you for the Saint's favor; I can scarcely repay it even once."

"Eh? That's not how it's said; why would it be hard to repay? Now isn't the chance for Zheng Zhengqing to serve the Saint?"

Gao Lishi replied leisurely.

"Internal Attendant Gao will speak plainly: I am willing to give my liver and brain to the Saint, sparing nothing!"

Zheng Shuqing immediately declared his loyalty.

Instinctively glancing around, Gao Lishi stepped closer and said, "Forget the liver‑brain sacrifice; Zheng Zhengqing, you will go with us to the southern city cemetery, intercept a burial procession, and open the coffin for an autopsy! We cannot appear publicly; you will handle it. Anyone who refuses the opening will be sent straight to the Dali Temple prison, regardless of rank."

"Such matters…"

Zheng Shuqing immediately realized why Gao Lishi could not handle this matter personally.

Not only because his involvement would easily be linked to the Son of Heaven, but also because Zheng Shuqing himself is the Chief Judge of the Dali Temple, a specialist in investigating cases, especially major ones!

He handles this matter under the pretext of case investigation, which falls within his jurisdiction as a "matter within his duties," leaving no one able to find fault.

As for what pretext to use for the investigation, sorry, no comment. The Chief Judge of the Dali Temple is accountable only to the sovereign, and even the Chancellor can theoretically be ignored; the two offices have no direct overlap in authority.

What status does a gossiping onlooker like you have, daring to question a third‑rank official, the Chief Judge of the Dali Temple, in his investigation?

Anyone obstructing the investigation will be dealt with as a fellow conspirator; no need to explain the case to you.

"Eunuch Gao, it's not that I am unwilling to handle this, but I lack the skill to perform an autopsy. If I make a mistake, what should we do?"

Zheng Shuqing, with a conflicted expression, defended himself, trying hard to pretend he knew nothing about it. In fact, he had already guessed the truth.

All of it, everything.

"No autopsy needed; just examine the corpse's features. As long as you have eyes, you can handle it. Chief Judge Zheng will record them, compile a secret dossier, and hand it directly to us to finish the matter."

Gao Lishi's face turned grim as he said, giving Zheng Shuqing no chance to refuse! Having said so much, if Zheng dared to decline, the consequence would be death in an accident.

"Understood, I will certainly see to it. Eunuch Gao, any other instructions? I will handle them together."

Zheng Shuqing gave a slight nod and asked considerately.

"Search the residence of Lady Guo. I want you to find a way to investigate her body, examine her—whether her body... resembles the features of Lady Qin's corpse."

"Chief Judge Zheng, ask no further questions; later you'll understand what we mean."

Seeing Zheng Shuqing take the hint so well, Gao Lishi made a blunt insinuation, almost unveiling the answer.

In fact, it doesn't matter, because once the case is handed to Zheng Shuqing, he must be deeply informed and cannot be deceived.

"Eunuch Gao, rest assured; my lips are sealed, I will tell no one. Even if the Right Prime Minister wanted to kill my entire family, I would not utter a single word outwardly."

Zheng Shuqing hurriedly pledged his loyalty.

Gao Lishi was pleased with his humble attitude, then gave a slight nod and said, "We shouldn't delay; let's go. We have already prepared a unit of the Shen Ce Army for Chief Judge Zheng; anyone who dares to be obstinate can be killed on the spot."

"Understood, Eunuch Gao, you may rest assured."

Zheng Shuqing suppressed his inner fear and spoke, while silently lamenting within.

……

The rain eased, and somewhere in the southern cemetery of Chang'an, a beautiful female corpse lay quietly on the ground, rain droplets falling upon her. On her fair skin were irregular blotches, covering her hands, arms, thighs, chest, and even her face.

Under the firelight, Zheng Shuqing turned pale with fright and involuntarily stepped back.

Although this was expected and reasonable, the moment the answer was finally revealed, he couldn't help but shiver with dread.

This feeling is like children who have vanished without a trace for over a decade; the parents have long concluded the children cannot still be alive, yet they still fantasize they are. The moment the truth is uncovered is the moment the parents go hysterical or feel a weight lifted.

Zheng Shuqing now wants to cry, but he cannot; he knows he is in deep trouble.

He also knows the Tang Empire is in great trouble!

"Inform Lady Qin's relatives to bury the body; I have already investigated and found no clues,"

Zheng Shuqing gave a brief order to the onlooking Shen Ce soldiers, then headed toward the Chang'an City Gate.

Sure enough, Gao Lishi, dressed in a white brocade robe resembling an ordinary small merchant, had been waiting at the city gate for some time. Upon meeting, he asked in a deep voice, "How is it?"

"Nothing remarkable, except for some blotches on the skin..."

Zheng Shuqing rolled up his sleeve, exposing his arm, and traced circles with his fingers on it.

"Understood."

Gao Lishi gave a slight nod.

If he didn't know the answer, Zheng's words would be like a chicken talking to a duck—completely unclear.

If Gao Lishi already had a preset answer in mind, Zheng's single action would give him a "yes" or "no" confirmation. In that case, Zheng has already said too much.

"As for Lady Guo, I will verify it as soon as possible."

Zheng Shuqing lowered his voice, saying that he now knows the answer and Gao need not remind him further.

"Quickly, we will return to report back."

Gao Lishi gave a slight nod, saying little else. Zheng Shuqing is clever, knowing what can be done and what cannot.

Feeling lost, Zheng Shuqing returned home, went to his study, had a maid brew tea, and drank three large bowls before calming down.

Why is Gao Lishi so concerned about Lady Qin's death?

Perhaps the answer lies within Xingqing Palace; Lady Qin's death made someone there realize something!

Will Chang'an City be stirred into a great turmoil because of this?

Zheng Shuqing took a deep breath, his face turning exceedingly grim.

He suddenly realized he might also be at risk of being silenced, and must prepare a contingency!

(End of chapter)