#132: The Verdict

Li Shimin pointed to the spot where Zhihong had rolled down. “When I first arrived, I noticed traces of something rolling down the slope. Earlier, I asked the bailiff, and he confirmed that Chunxiu’s body bore numerous scratches resembling those caused by branches. Combined with the positions of the body and the stone, I hypothesized she had rolled down the slope accidentally. That’s why I had Zhihong conduct the test—and my guess proved correct.” Turning to Feng Cheng, he continued, “You were right earlier—it was indeed Chunxiu who killed herself.”

Feng Cheng had spoken those words casually, but now that Li Shimin claimed they were true, he refused to accept it. “Impossible! Chunxiu was fine—she wouldn’t commit suicide.”

“It wasn’t suicide—it was an accident,” Li Shimin clarified. Pausing briefly, he added, “You witnessed the test. Rolling down the slope leads directly to where the stone was placed. Based on this, I deduce that Chunxiu accidentally struck the stone while rolling down the hill, causing her death. No one killed her!”

Feng Cheng was stunned for a moment before shouting, “I don’t believe it! Impossible!” Pointing accusingly at Li Shimin, he accused, “You’re twisting the truth to save Wu Meixue!”

Feng Chunming chimed in, “Exactly! Those traces were clearly created by one of Second Young Master’s men rolling down—they weren’t there before.”

Magistrate Qin rebuked coldly, “Before Zhihong’s test, Second Young Master showed me the traces himself. They were real. Combined with the test results and the circumstances of the body’s discovery, it’s clear that Chunxiu died accidentally—not through foul play!”

Feng Cheng refused to accept this explanation. “Even if it happened as you say, someone must have brought Chunxiu here and pushed her down the slope! Why else would a woman come to such a remote place alone? Wu Meixue is still the murderer!”

Li Shimin countered sharply, “If that were true, there would be signs of struggle. I checked above—there were none. Clearly, she came here on her own, and the only footprints belonged to her. Besides, Wu Meixue is shorter and weaker than Chunxiu. How could she possibly abduct and bring Chunxiu here?”

Feng Cheng was left speechless but stubbornly insisted, “Perhaps they conspired together—father and daughter killing Chunxiu!”

“Preposterous!” Magistrate Qin sneered. Turning to the bailiffs, he ordered, “Seize Feng Cheng and his accomplices and take them back to the county office for punishment.”

Though reluctant, the Feng family was outnumbered and ultimately subdued. On the way back, Feng Cheng kept cursing loudly, accusing Li Shimin and Magistrate Qin of collusion. Magistrate Qin was infuriated and eventually had Feng Cheng’s mouth gagged to restore order.

In the end, Li Feng, Feng Cheng, and Feng Chunming were each sentenced to forty lashes and fined ten strings of cash for fabricating evidence and framing others. Additionally, Li Feng was stripped of his position as a bailiff. As for Feng Li’s wife and others, there was no evidence linking them to the crime, so they were merely warned and released.

However, the identity of the person who argued with Chunxiu on the street and the reason for her presence in the forest remained unresolved.

Once outside the county office, Wu Laosan knelt before Li Shimin, expressing his gratitude. The latter hurriedly helped him up. “Uncle Wu, please rise. No need for such formalities.”

Wu Laosan refused to get up, choking back tears. “If it weren’t for Second Young Master today, my daughter would have been falsely accused and killed by Feng Cheng. From now on, I, Wu Laosan, am willing to serve you as an ox or horse to repay your kindness!”

“Uncle Wu, please don’t say that. Since Meixue didn’t kill anyone, it was only right to clear her name.”

Wu Laosan insisted, “Regardless, Second Young Master is a great benefactor to my daughter and me. Your kindness must be repaid!”

“No need, Uncle Wu. Please rise. Don’t kneel anymore.” Seeing Wu Laosan refuse to budge, Li Shimin glanced helplessly at Yunyi, who understood his meaning. Smiling faintly, she said to Wu Laosan, “Father, if you truly want to thank Second Young Master, go hunt a few pheasants. Didn’t he say last time how delicious they were?”

Reminded of this, Wu Laosan exclaimed, “Right, right! I’ll head into the mountains now and hunt a few. I’ll send them to the Taishou, First Young Master, and Second Young Master!” With that, he prepared to fetch his bow and arrows, but Yunyi stopped him, laughing. “It’s getting dark. How can you hunt now? Go tomorrow.”

“That’s true,” Wu Laosan agreed, then hastily added, “Second Young Master, why don’t you come to my house for dinner? I’ll prepare a few of my specialties for you to try.”

Li Shimin smiled. “I’ve been out for too long. I need to return and inform Father about the events at the county office. Perhaps another time to taste Uncle Wu’s cooking.”

Wu Laosan didn’t press further. “Very well, I’ll invite you once I catch some pheasants.” Patting Yunyi’s hand, he said warmly, “Daughter, hurry back with Second Young Master. You...” He paused, his expression complex. Yunyi waited for him to continue but eventually asked, puzzled, “What is it?”

Wu Laosan softened his tone, shaking his head with a smile. “Nothing. Just be careful. No matter what, you’ll always be my beloved daughter.”

“I know. Thank you, Father.” His words brought a slight sting to Yunyi’s nose. How wonderful it would be if Wu Laosan were truly her father.

After bidding farewell to Wu Laosan, Yunyi and Jiang Caiping accompanied Li Shimin back to the Taishou’s mansion. Upon entering, they saw Steward Lin waiting. Spotting Li Shimin, he hurried forward. “Second Young Master…”

Li Shimin cut him off. “To Yuxiu Pavilion, right? I’ll head there now.”

Steward Lin corrected him. “You misunderstand, it’s Songtao Pavilion.” His words caused Li Shimin’s eyes to narrow slightly. Lady Wan had acted swiftly, already escalating the matter to his father.

Unperturbed, Li Shimin replied calmly, “I see. You may leave.” Turning to Yunyi and Jiang Caiping, he reassured them, “It’s fine. Return to the Yuefang. I’ll explain Jiang Caiping’s situation to Mother. I’m sure it will be resolved without issue.”

Yunyi took a few steps with Jiang Caiping but couldn’t shake her worries. Turning back, she hesitated, “Second Young Master, you…”

Li Shimin knew what concerned her and smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry. Go back.” With that, he didn’t linger further, heading toward Songtao Pavilion as twilight settled.

Only after Li Shimin disappeared from sight did Yunyi finally make her way to the Yuefang. Along the way, Jiang Caiping chattered excitedly, recounting how skillfully Li Shimin had unraveled the case of Chunxiu’s death. Tilting her head, she mused, “Though I dislike that Second Young Master visited courtesans, he’s truly remarkable. Exposing Feng Cheng’s family’s deceit and uncovering that Chunxiu’s death was accidental—he sees through everything. His demeanor and wisdom are captivating.” Covering her mouth, she giggled. “Thinking of Feng Cheng and the others receiving their punishment makes me laugh—it was so satisfying!”