Chapter 138: Yin Fengzhan?

Yin Fengzhan?

Yes, how could she not have thought of this?!

The first victim died precisely on the night of the second day after everyone returned from Zuixiashanzhuang, i. e., after the Spring Festival ceremony ended. From then on, murders occurred one after another, at a frequency that surprised everyone!

However, these murders share a common trait: each victim had been tortured by the killer while alive! Isn't that just like the case of Tong Shupin who died at Zuixiashanzhuang? Although Tong Shupin's corpse was damaged after death, the circumstances suggest the killer first struck her occipital region and then proceeded with the subsequent actions. Thus it can be said the killer did not know Tong Shupin was already dead at the time. From the killer's perspective, wasn't it also a torment of her just before death?!

Moreover, when the timing of the Spring Festival is taken into account… it seems the killers of these murders and the earlier Tong Shupin…

In an instant, the thought struck Nie Jinxuan, and she couldn't help but gasp. At that moment, Zuo Wei, Meng Xian and the others sitting nearby saw Nie Jinxuan's sudden bewildered expression and were all stunned. The two exchanged a silent glance, and then Zuo Wei leaned forward and whispered.

"... Third Miss, what's the matter?"

Nie Jinxuan's reaction was inexplicable. At the sound of Zuo Wei's voice, she turned to look at him, then stood up on her own.

"Lord Zuo, I just recalled something extremely important; I must enter the palace immediately to see His Majesty. If it is convenient for you, could you escort me? After all, you should know that I am no longer the Consort of Prince Chen, so I cannot enter the palace as freely as before. Therefore, may I ask if you could help?"

Although Nie Jinxuan carries a royal token, she does not wish to use it casually. When she asked Zuo Wei to bring her into the palace, he was taken aback and whispered,

"Um… excuse me, Third Miss, forgive me for speaking out of turn, is your visit to the palace this time about the case?"

"Yes!"

"Hmm… then fine! I will accompany Third Miss!"

Speaking so, Zuo Wei did not waste words, stood up immediately, and left the Ministry of Punishments together with Nie Jinxuan.

The journey was smooth; Nie Jinxuan and Zuo Wei entered the imperial palace directly. However, upon reaching the Imperial Study, they found that Emperor Shuncheng was absent.

Immediately, Nie Jinxuan exchanged a glance with Zuo Wei. Zuo Wei then approached the young eunuch guarding the gate and asked.

Although Zuo Wei, the Minister of Punishments, was not striking in appearance, he was still a minister. The young eunuch, seeing him arrive with Nie Jinxuan, promptly informed him of Emperor Shuncheng's whereabouts: he had gone to the Imperial Garden.

Since the Imperial Garden is part of the harem, Zuo Wei and Nie Jinxuan could not go directly. At that moment, Gao Caiyong appeared from not far away.

"Yo~, isn't this Lord Zuo and Third Miss? Are you here to see the Emperor?"

Gao Caiyong still wore a friendly smile. Hearing this, Zuo Wei and Nie Jinxuan stepped forward, and Nie Jinxuan spoke softly,

"Yes, Lord Gao. However, we just heard that His Majesty is not here, he went to the Imperial Garden…"

Nie Jinxuan said nothing further, but Gao Caiyong understood her meaning. As soon as her words fell, he smiled faintly and said amicably,

"Hehe~. Your servant knows Third Miss's intention. Very well, then please follow me, Third Miss and Lord Zuo~"

After speaking, Gao Caiyong did not waste words and led Nie Jinxuan and Zuo Wei to the Imperial Garden. Upon arrival, Nie Jinxuan discovered that the garden was not occupied solely by Emperor Shuncheng; opposite him stood another person, Prince Rui Yin Fengxiang.

Immediately, Nie Jinxuan was stunned again, but then followed Gao Caiyong forward.

"Your servant has seen the Emperor."

"Jinxuan has seen the Emperor."

Zuo Wei and Nie Jinxuan spoke almost simultaneously. Hearing this, Emperor Shuncheng, seated in the stone pavilion of the Imperial Garden, turned his gaze, sized them up briefly, and then said,

"Hmm, fine, rise! ~"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

They answered respectfully and rose slightly. At that moment, Emperor Shuncheng added,

"You both came together; that truly surprises me. But then again, the Nie household maid inspects corpses, and Lord Zuo is the Minister of Punishments… Hehe, very well, speak. You both came together today— is there a case you wish to discuss with me?"

Clearly, Emperor Shuncheng was in a good mood today. His usually grim expression was noticeably more amiable. Although his words were addressed to both Nie Jinxuan and Zuo Wei, his eyes never left Nie Jinxuan, as if he knew the focus of their palace visit rested on her.

Seeing this, Nie Jinxuan did not hold back, and again bowed slightly.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, today Jinxuan and Lord Zuo entered the palace specifically for the case."

"Hmm, very well. I wish to hear what case could make you specifically bring Lord Zuo along!"

Saying so, Emperor Shuncheng narrowed his eyes slightly. Upon hearing this, Nie Jinxuan did not speak immediately; instead, she glanced at the few palace attendants standing nearby.

Seeing this, Emperor Shuncheng smiled, raised his hand without saying a word, and Gao Caiyong flicked his dust brush, sending those palace attendants away.

After the attendants left, Nie Jinxuan pursed her lips and said,

"Your Majesty, several gruesome murders have occurred consecutively in the city lately; have you heard of them?"

"Hmm, I have heard of them."

Since Emperor Shuncheng ascended the throne, Dongling Kingdom has enjoyed peace and prosperity, with few major cases. Thus, the recent spate of murders has unsettled the capital, and the Emperor, residing in the palace, is naturally aware of some details.

"During the previous morning court, Lord Zuo reported this matter to me. I recall the victims were common townsfolk and the case had made little progress, correct? Why bring it up now… is there a new discovery?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, Jinxuan indeed has new findings!"

She answered respectfully, then Nie Jinxuan recounted her re‑examination at the Ministry of Punishments, presenting the autopsy results of those victims and her deductions…

Nie Jinxuan spoke in great detail. Hearing this, Emperor Shuncheng slightly furrowed his brow.

"Oh? Is it truly that serious?"

"Yes, Your Majesty! Moreover, this morning, another male corpse was discovered along the outer city moat. The body was heavily damaged and its head had been cut off; we believe the same murderer is responsible!"

Nie Jinxuan whispered, then paused briefly, and instantly looked up at Emperor Shuncheng.

"While discussing the case with Lord Zuo today, I suddenly thought of a question. I now suspect that the recent murders may be linked to the earlier case of Tong Shupin's murder!"

Her gaze was firm, her calm face showing an unspeakable seriousness. Upon hearing this, the few people present, as well as Zuo Wei who had come with her, were instantly stunned!

For a moment, the small stone pavilion was unusually quiet, only a few insect chirps and bird calls from the surrounding blossoms could be heard… After a while, Emperor Shuncheng gradually regained his composure, stood up, and walked to the nearby railing.

"Nie household maid, do you have any evidence for this?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. Jinxuan has evidence."

She lowered her eyes in response, then pursed her lips slightly and explained,

"Your Majesty, when Tong Shupin's corpse was found at Zuixiashanzhuang, I conducted the examination on site. You were present then, so you must recall her tragic condition. Her body was heavily mutilated by the killer, and her death was ghastly. This bears a striking resemblance to the recent gruesome cases in the capital!"

"Moreover, another point: Tong Shupin died at Zuixiashanzhuang. Yet the recent murders in the capital all occurred after the Spring Festival ceremony; specifically, the first murder happened on the second day after the royal family returned to the capital!"

Nie Jinxuan boldly voiced her suspicion. Hearing this, Emperor Shuncheng, who had been turned away, snapped his head around and locked eyes directly with Nie Jinxuan.

You mean…… the true murderer who killed Consort Tong Shu-pin, and the perpetrator of these several blood cases, is the same person?

Reporting to Your Majesty, Jinxuan still cannot be completely certain. But Jinxuan, as a person, this among them cannot be a coincidence! Therefore it is necessary to investigate the two cases together!

Nie Jinxuan spoke softly, her calm and beautiful eyes meeting Shunchengdi's gaze, faintly revealing a hint of perseverance. At this moment, upon hearing Nie Jinxuan say that, Shunchengdi couldn't help but narrow his eyes, then turned his head to look outside again……

In a moment, the surroundings fell into silence again. But not long after, Shunchengdi directly turned his body around again, then spoke in a low voice.

Good! Since that's the case, I will fully entrust this case to you!

Saying that, Shunchengdi sat back in his original seat, then glanced at Zuo Wei, who had been silent beside him.

Furthermore, Zuo Ai Qing, although I have already entrusted this matter to the Nie family's young lady, but she ultimately lacks an official title, so I hope Zuo Ai Qing can assist her more from the side!

Yes! Your servant will certainly spare no effort and wholeheartedly assist!

Good! I can rest easy then!

Very pleased with Zuo Wei's response, Shunchengdi then turned his gaze back to Nie Jinxuan, and after that Shunchengdi asked a few more questions about the case, and then Nie Jinxuan was about to leave…… But just then, just as Nie Jinxuan and Zuo Wei were about to leave, the silent Prince Rui Yin Fengxiang beside them suddenly spoke up.

Father Emperor, I have a request!

Oh~? What is it?

Yin Fengxiang has been frail and sickly since childhood; since reaching adulthood and leaving the palace, he has hardly ever returned. Fortunately, over the past year he has been under the care of a divine physician and has improved considerably, so today he came to the palace to move about, which also counts as getting closer to Shunchengdi.

Therefore, upon hearing Yin Fengxiang have a request, Shunchengdi couldn't help but feel curious. And then, all that could be seen was Yin Fengxiang speaking softly.

Father Emperor, for many years due to my health I have remained secluded, so from childhood to adulthood I have never contributed anything for Dongling or for you, Father Emperor. This makes me feel deeply ashamed…… Therefore this time I wish to assist in the case together with Minister Zuo! This can also be considered fulfilling my duty as a subject and as a son.

Furthermore, this can also be considered a form of training for me. Otherwise, if I continue to stay detached from worldly affairs, how could I ever relieve Father Emperor's worries in the future?

Yin Fengxiang's words were quite sincere and earnest. Therefore, the originally somewhat hesitant Shunchengdi, upon hearing him say this, couldn't help but purse his lips slightly, then nodded and said.

Good, since you say that, then go! However, Second Brother, I remind you that health comes first in all matters; you must not act recklessly…… Do you understand?

Yes! Your servant obeys the command!

Smiling in response, Yin Fengxiang then turned his head to look at Nie Jinxuan beside him. At this moment, Nie Jinxuan, who was standing at the side, furrowed her brows, but then she also gave a faint smile.

The case was redefined, and thus it was ultimately transferred from the Ministry of Punishments into Nie Jinxuan's hands! Of course, this was also within Nie Jinxuan's expectations, after all Consort Tong Shu-pin is a palace consort, so when investigating the case, it would inevitably involve some palace affairs. At this point, having the Ministry of Punishments investigate would not be good. Therefore, Shunchengdi would certainly transfer the case to someone who is not an official of the Ministry of Punishments but who knows the case details—himself.

However, Nie Jinxuan forgot one thing: previously she and Yin Fengzhan were investigating the case of Consort Tong Shu-pin's murder. Afterward the two separated, and the case naturally fell to Yin Fengzhan. Now that the two cases have been merged together, it is only natural that Yin Fengzhan would also join her investigative team!

So, when Nie Jinxuan came to the Ministry of Punishments the next morning to brief Yin Fengxiang on the case, Yin Fengzhan's sudden appearance startled her, and without thinking she blurted out.

Yin Fengzhan? How did you come here?

Nie Jinxuan's reflexive remark, and upon hearing this, Yin Fengzhan merely gave her a quiet glance, then instantly shifted his gaze and glanced at Yin Fengxiang sitting beside Nie Jinxuan.

Yin Fengzhan's gaze was icy as frost. Yet when meeting his eyes, Prince Rui Yin Fengxiang gave a gentle smile.

Fourth Royal Brother, how did you come? How? Is it also for the case, or do you have something else?

Yin Fengxiang remained as courteous and easygoing as ever. But upon hearing that, Yin Fengzhan said nothing and stared at him for a while, then went and sat down at the seat beside him.

The case of Consort Tong Shu-pin has now been merged with several blood cases in the capital, so I, Prince, am assisting in the investigation by order of the Father Emperor!

Oh, I see! If that's the case, that would be great, after all more people means more strength. Furthermore, Fourth Royal Brother is talented and intelligent; with his assistance, it will surely be like adding wings to a tiger!

Yin Fengzhan still wore a cold expression, but upon hearing this, Yin Fengxiang suddenly realized and then spoke in praise.

Yin Fengxiang was all amiability and praise. However, upon hearing that, Yin Fengzhan remained completely cold and deadpan. Seeing this, Yin Fengxiang didn't say anything, but Nie Jinxuan sitting beside him couldn't help but glare at Yin Fengzhan.

Adding wings to a tiger? I doubt it; I'd just be grateful to avoid causing trouble!

Um…… Third Miss……

Nie Jinxuan, what are you saying?

Obviously, Nie Jinxuan really disliked Yin Fengzhan's arrogant demeanor. But as soon as she finished speaking, Prince Rui Yin Fengxiang wanted to advise her a couple of sentences, but before he could finish, the opposite side's Yin Fengzhan immediately questioned.

In an instant, the spacious rear hall of the Ministry of Punishments was eerily strange. The Minister of Punishments Zuo Wei, sitting in the corner, shrank further into the corner, then closed his eyes, simply adopting an 'out of sight, out of mind' attitude.

But then, amidst this quiet eeriness, Nie Jinxuan gave a cold smile, and instantly raised her eyebrows.

Who knows who I'm talking about!

You……

For the first time, Nie Jinxuan, in front of outsiders, did not give Yin Fengzhan any face. And then, looking at his face turned livid with anger, Nie Jinxuan couldn't help but give him a white glance, then turned her gaze to Yin Fengxiang beside her and continued discussing the case……

Seeing this, Yin Fengzhan, whose face had already darkened beyond endurance, immediately stood up; but before he could speak, Mo Yujue strode in from outside.

Mo Yujue came in hurriedly; as soon as he entered the door, without even sitting down, he directly spoke.

Who was the unidentified male corpse identified as!

Mo Yujue said this in a low voice; upon hearing it, Nie Jinxuan, who had been sparring with Yin Fengzhan, was instantly startled, her expression suddenly shifted, and she raised her head to look at Mo Yujue.

Really? Who is it?

The second son of Vice Minister of War Huang Boqi, Huang Hu!

……

Finally, the identity of the unidentified male corpse was confirmed. But at this very moment, as soon as Mo Yujue's words fell, the several people in the front hall, including Yin Fengzhan, were all stunned!

After all, the deceased's identity is too special; once this news spreads, it will surely cause a major uproar in the imperial court!

Therefore, for a moment, everyone fell silent. Then only after a while did Nie Jinxuan come to her senses, and then she asked softly.

Certain?

It should be correct! According to the Huang family's response, Huang Hu left the mansion four or five days ago and has not returned since!

They haven't returned for four or five days, so why didn't the Huang family worry at all?

Because Huang Hu said he was going out of town to study for a while when he left, so the Huang family naturally didn't consider anything else.

Hmm, that's good. Let the Huang family come to identify the corpse, and then finally confirm that birthmark.

Frowning slightly, Nie Jinxuan gave the order in a low voice; but as soon as she finished speaking, Yin Fengzhan, who had just reseated himself, immediately spoke up.

Hold on!