#124: The Murderer

Steward Lin was startled and quietly gave the gatekeeper a few instructions. The latter turned and left, returning shortly with a thick ledger. Every person entering or leaving the mansion was meticulously recorded in this book.

Steward Lin immediately flipped to the page for the ninth day of the first lunar month and, after carefully reviewing it, reported to Madam Wan, “Madam, on the ninth day of the first month, Wu Meixue did not leave the mansion.”

Feng Cheng overheard Steward Lin’s words and immediately protested, “Impossible! The night watchman saw clearly that it was Wu Meixue. She must have killed Chunxiu out of fear that her secret would be exposed by the evidence Chunxiu had!” He then added, “There must be an omission in this record.”

The gatekeeper naturally rejected his claim, glaring at Feng Cheng and saying firmly, “Impossible. Since I’ve been guarding this gate, not a single person has been missed from the records.”

Before Feng Cheng could argue further, Madam Wan interjected, “Even if there was an omission, explain this—what kind of secret would drive Wu Meixue to commit murder to conceal it?”

Feng Cheng was left speechless, inwardly blaming himself for not listening carefully to Chunxiu’s words earlier, leaving him unable to answer many questions now.

Feng Cheng clasped his hands respectfully and addressed Madam Wan, “Madam, you may not know this, but during Chunxiu’s previous visit home, she screamed in the middle of the night, claiming someone wanted to kill her. At the time, I dismissed it as a nightmare, but now I realize it was real. Wu Meixue is ruthless. When her first attempt failed, she struck again!”

The man forcibly pinned to the ground raised his head, shouting emotionally, “You’re lying! My daughter would never do such a thing. She didn’t kill Chunxiu!” This man was Wu Laosan, who had been dragged here by Feng Cheng and others, enduring countless beatings along the way.

Feng Cheng sneered, “If you’re saying that, are you implying the night watchman lied and framed Wu Meixue on purpose?”

Wu Laosan stammered, “I… I don’t know, but Meixue didn’t kill anyone!”

Ignoring him, Feng Cheng turned to Madam Wan and pleaded, “Please, Madam, hand over Wu Meixue so I can take her to the magistrate to face justice!”

“No!” Wu Laosan cried out desperately, “Madam, Meixue has always been timid and gentle. How could she possibly kill anyone? She’s innocent. Please, Madam, see the truth!”

Feng Cheng coldly retorted, “You needn’t defend Wu Meixue any longer. There’s no doubt she’s the murderer.”

“It’s not true! It’s absolutely not true!” Wu Laosan shouted repeatedly, protesting his daughter’s innocence. But Feng Cheng paid him no heed, insisting that Madam Wan hand over Wu Meixue.

Seeing the Feng family growing increasingly agitated, Steward Lin worriedly asked, “Madam, should we inform the Taishou?”

“Not yet,” Madam Wan replied after a brief pause. Then she continued, “Take them to Yuxiu Pavilion. Also, send for Wu Meixue.” As Steward Lin prepared to leave, Madam Wan called him back and added, “Wait, bring Jiang Caiping as well.” Following her orders, the Feng family and Wu Laosan were escorted to Yuxiu Pavilion, while a messenger was sent to summon Yunyi and Jiang Caiping from the Yuefang. Both women were puzzled by the sudden summons, but upon arriving at Yuxiu Pavilion, Jiang Caiping remained calm, whereas Yunyi rushed to Wu Laosan, who was covered in injuries, exclaiming, “Father, what are you doing here? And these wounds—what happened?” Before Wu Laosan could respond, she glared at Feng Cheng and his group, accusing, “Did they beat you again?”

Wu Laosan forced a smile, “Father is fine. Just some minor injuries, nothing serious.” He then nervously grabbed Wu Meixue’s hand and urged her, “Quick, tell Madam that you didn’t leave the mansion on the ninth night and certainly didn’t kill anyone!”

“Killing? Who did I kill?” Yunyi exclaimed in astonishment.

Feng Cheng glared at her menacingly, “Don’t pretend to be innocent. You killed Chunxiu!”

Yunyi was stunned. “What are you talking about? How could I have killed Chunxiu? Besides, I’ve been in the mansion these past few days and haven’t left. How could I possibly commit murder?”

“Someone saw you arguing with Chunxiu on the street on the ninth night. You can’t deny it. Come with me to the magistrate’s office!” Feng Cheng declared as he forcibly pulled Yunyi toward the door. Wu Laosan hurried to intervene, and in the ensuing struggle, he pushed Feng Cheng, sending him tumbling like a rolling gourd. Though older, Wu Laosan’s years of labor and frequent hunting trips had given him strength rivaling that of younger men. The Feng family, accustomed to their domineering ways, refused to back down. Especially Feng Cheng, who was already seething with anger, immediately raised his massive fist to strike Wu Laosan.

“How dare you!” Zhixing barked fiercely. “What do you think this place is? Stop at once!”

Under Zhixing’s stern command, Feng Cheng reluctantly lowered his fist and turned to Madam Wan, pleading, “Please, Madam, allow us to take Wu Meixue to the magistrate.”

Madam Wan responded indifferently, “If it is proven that Meixue committed the crime, I will personally hand her over to you.” Turning her gaze to Yunyi, she asked, “Wu Meixue, I’ll ask you this—did you leave the mansion on the night of the ninth?”

“No!” Yunyi shook her head firmly. “Since returning to the mansion on the eighth, Meixue has stayed within the premises and hasn’t left. The gatekeeper and Steward Lin both have records to confirm this.”

People of her status required a pass to leave the Taishou’s mansion, which was why Chunxiu had tried to forcibly take Steward Lin’s pass. Thus, both the gatekeeper and Steward Lin would have noted her movements.

Feng Li’s wife sobbed loudly, berating Yunyi, “You dare to kill someone, and yet you act as if nothing happened! Chunxiu grew up with you, and still, you were so cruel! Have you no heart? My poor daughter!” Her cries grew more sorrowful as she sat on the ground wailing, causing those present to feel increasingly irritated. Only after Zhixing reprimanded her did her voice soften somewhat.

Madam Wan picked up a nearby teacup, skimmed the foam off the surface with the lid, and took a delicate sip. She then asked, “Jiang Caiping, you share a room with Wu Meixue. Was she in your quarters on the night of the ninth?”

A flicker of panic crossed Jiang Caiping’s face as she lowered her head and replied, “Yes, Elder Sister Wu was with me the whole time.”

Madam Wan, being the astute person she was, had already noticed Jiang Caiping’s unease. With a calm demeanor, she asked, “Then tell me, what did you two talk about? What did you do?”

Jiang Caiping nervously twisted her fingers, her voice trembling as she stammered, “It was several days ago… I… I don’t remember clearly.”

Madam Wan said coolly, “It’s only been three days—not very long. Surely you haven’t forgotten.”

“I…” Jiang Caiping began, but Madam Wan cut her off. “Are you truly unable to recall, or… was Wu Meixue not in your quarters that night?”

At this, Jiang Caiping hastily exclaimed, “No, Elder Sister Wu was definitely in the room! She didn’t go anywhere, and she certainly didn’t kill anyone. Second Madam, please don’t believe the Feng family’s one-sided accusations!” After a moment of anxious thought, she added, “I… I remember boiling water for my sister to bathe. Later…”

Interrupting her hesitation, Madam Wan pressed, “And then what happened?”