Chapter 181: Teaching a Lesson

In Yunfei School.

Yesterday, after Song Qingyuan finished eating at Chu Qingzhi’s house, he hurriedly rushed back to the school and told the teachers and his classmates that Chu Qingzhi had agreed to teach them for a day.

There were a total of five teachers who taught them medicine. They were all imperial physicians who had retired from the Imperial Hospital. Their ability lived up to their reputation. Four of them were very unconvinced by a fifteen-year-old girl. The remaining one was the teacher who had discussed with Song Qingyuan to invite Chu Qingzhi over to teach. He was looking forward to it.

The four teachers were all famous figures. They were displeased, but they still acted politely on the surface.

Song Qingyuan’s classmates numbered a total of 50. Most of them were young men in their late teens, and there was no lack of talented youths. Naturally, they could not accept a girl younger than them giving them a lesson.

However, there was a rational group among the students who welcomed Chu Qingzhi.

Hence, when Chu Qingzhi arrived at Yunfei School, there were more than ten students waiting for her, led by Song Qingyuan.

When Song Qingyuan saw Chu Qingzhi, he hurriedly brought his classmates over to welcome her. ‘’Miss Chu, Junior Brothers.” He bowed to Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang, but he didn’t know their names. “And two young masters.”

Chu Qingzhi dismounted and helped Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao down. Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang also dismounted.

The few of them returned the greeting. “Young Master Song.”

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Song Qingyuan had rhe vibe of a scholar and the calm temperament of a doctor. He was dressed in a white student uniform and looked very refreshing.

He smiled and invited, “Miss Chu, Young Masters, please come in.”

After entering the school, Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao went to their class. Chu Qingzhi and the other two followed Song Qingyuan to the medical building.

Knowing that Chu Qingzhi was here, all the medical students gathered in a classroom. At this moment, the classroom was filled with people.

The three windows were also filled with people poking their heads in. They were students from other subjects who were interested in Chu Qingzhi.

“Look, look, look. She’s coming, she’s coming…”

The moment Chu Qingzhi walked into the reaching building, it fell silent. Firstly, it was because of her outstanding appearance, and secondly, it was because of her aura.

Today, Chu Qingzhi was wearing a more formal light green dress with only a begonia embroidery. It was simple and very suitable for this occasion.

Her long black hair was tied into a neat ponytail inserted with a simple silver hairpin… the one Tang Jinghong had given her.

Her lips were red, her teeth were white, and her eyes were bright. Her dignified aura was natural. When they saw her, they would feel pressure coming on. These students naturally did nor dare to be impudent.

The teacher who welcomed her walked over and smiled. “Miss Chu, thank you for coming.”

Chu Qingzhi bowed. “Sir, it’s my pleasure.”

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The teacher made an inviting gesture. “Miss Chu, please! ”

Chu Qingzhi nodded and walked to the teacher’s seat. Then, she sat down. “I’m very honored to be invited to give everyone a lesson. In order not to waste everyone’s precious time, let’s get straight to the point…”

The thoughts of the students…

“Why does this girl look so beautiful, but she is even more terrifying than the teacher?’1

“She’s only fifteen, but she’s sitting in the seat I want the most.”

“Tsk, she’s definitely pretending to be calm.”

“Hehe, I want to see what you’re capable of. One look and I can tell that you don’t know medicine. Don’t cry when you embarrass yourself later!”

“She’s a girl. She’s not at home to take care of her husband and children, but she came to teach. She even sat in the teacher s seat. How dare she?!”

Chu Qingzhi maintained her smile. “Young Master Song said that he doesn’t need me to teach you new content. 1 just need to answer everyone’s questions. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Let’s discuss it together.”

Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang found a stool and sat at the side. They held pen and paper in their hands and were prepared to take notes at any time.

Gu Bangxiu raised his hand. He was very unhappy that he was worse than a girl. “i have a question.”

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Chu Qingzhi smiled. “Please speak.”

Gu Bangxiu thought to himself, i’ll test your basic skills first. (The following sentence is untranslatable from Chinese to English, thus it is omitted.)

The students were stunned that she could answer rhe question so readily and perfectly.

Gu Bangxiu’s hand, which was hidden in his sleeve, clenched into a fist, but he could still maintain his composure. “What’s the effect of andrographis paniculata?’’

Chu Qingzhi said unhurriedly, “Andrographis paniculata can help reduce the heat and treat inflammation. It can protect the liver and gallbladder.” n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Everyone’s expressions turned slightly serious. From the way she answered the question, she seemed to have some real ability.

After that, everyone raised a question, trying to stump Chu Qingzhi. Chu Qingzhi answered every question with ease. Everyone was slowly getting convinced

The students thought to themselves that this class was more interesting than the teacher’s.

The five teachers listened to Chu Qingzhi from next door. Four of them planned to correct Chu Qingzhi once she made a mistake. They did nor expect to be taught a lesson too.

The four teachers looked at each other and felt a little ashamed.

The other one stroked his beard and smiled, Don’t underestimate a girl or anyone else.

Everyone was in high spirits taking the class. Unknowingly, it was noon. However, at this moment, a miserable scream suddenly came from the quiet school. “Ahhh, someone died!!!”

This made everyone pause for a moment before they walked out. How could someone die?

The five teachers next door immediately walked in the direction of the shout, and the students followed.

Chu Qingzhi stood on the spot and did not move. Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang walked up to Chu Qingzhi. Yuan Hongjun asked, “Master, should we go take a look?”

Chu Qingzhi didn’t want to ger too involved. “This is the school’s matter. We won’t get involved. I don’t think they are in rhe mood to listen ro rhe lesson now. Let’s leave.”

After Chu Qingzhi bade farewell ro Song Qingyuan, she left with her two disciples..

Chapter 182: A Major Case

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

However, halfway through, a constable chased after them. “A/Iiss Chu, the county magistrate sent me to ask you to go over and take a look.”

Chu Qingzhi frowned, not really wanting to go. “What’s there to look at?”

The constable said anxiously, “That student died too strangely. No one could tell the reason.”

Chu Qingzhi did not want to let the county magistrate down, so she compromised. “Then let’s go.”

She turned around and was about to leave when she heard Chu Third’s voice. “Fifth Sister, wait.”

Chu Qingzhi turned around and saw Chu Third riding over with a constable. “Third Brother, why are you here?”

Chu Third got off the horse and explained, “The county magistrate sent a constable to look for you. I was worried that something might have happened to you, so I came to check.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled at him. “I’m fine. I’m going back to school now. Come with me.”

Chu Third replied, “Okay.”

The constable brought Chu Qingzhi to the county magistrate standing in front of the dormitory. “Lord, Miss Chu is here.”

Yunfei School was comparable to the Imperial College. When something so serious happened, he did not dare to be negligent. As the county magistrate, he rushed over at once.

At this moment, looking at everything in front of him, he felt flustered.

Shuiyun County had always been very peaceful and there were almost no major cases. He prayed devoutly to the heavens to bless Shuiyun County so that he could be the county magistrate for a few more years.

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“Miss Chu, 1 know you’re very smart and have high medical skills. Take a look at how Tan Maozhi died.”

Chu Qingzhi sighed in her heart and agreed. “Okay.”

The dormitory in the school was provided for students who were far away from home or who wanted to stay voluntarily. There were two people in each dormitory. It was spacious, simple, and bright. There was a bed, desk, and wardrobe. The conditions were not bad.

The dormitory where the case took place was the fifth one in the third row.

This dormitory was occupied by Tan Maozhi and Liu Yuanping.

The person who screamed was Liu Yuanping, and the person who died was Tan Maozhi.

Chu Qingzhi walked towards the dorm.

The first crime scene was sealed. People were surrounding outside. Other than the constables, no one was allowed to enter.

Liu Yuanping sat on the flower bed outside the dormitory. His classmate had brought him a glass of water, but he was still in a daze and was trembling.

The dean of the school was also here. When he saw Chu Qingzhi, he looked extremely surprised.

This girl… He smiled. It seemed that she was very knowledgeable.

He didn’t say anything and just watched quietly.

Chu Qingzhi walked to the door and waved at Chu Third. “Third Brother, come and help me.”

Now, only Chu Third and Chu Eighth hadn’t found a direction in life. She had been observing them. During this period, she realized that Chu Third had a pair of sharp eyes and could always see things that others couldn’t. Moreover, his deduction ability was very strong. Solving cases was very suitable for him.

When Chu Third heard that, he hurriedly walked over. “Fifth Sister, what do you need me to do?”

Chu Qingzhi looked around the room. “Observe the room and don’t let go of any clues. Tell me everything you see.”

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Chu Third nodded. “Okay.”

The room was very clean and tidy. It could be said to be spotless.

After entering, there were two desks placed side by side opposite the door. There was a bed against the wall on both sides, a wardrobe next to the bed, some worthless calligraphy and paintings on the wall, and some daily necessities.

Tan Maozhi was lying on his side by the desk. His eyes were closed, and he looked peaceful. It was hard to tell if he was dead or alive.

As he observed, Chu Third walked in.

Bao Linjiang ran over and handed Chu Qingzhi a pair of gloves. “Master, these are new gloves. Put them on.”

Chu Qingzhi couldn’t help but want to praise Bao Linjiang for being considerate. “Go and ask Liu Yuanping about Tan Maozhi’s daily schedule.”

Bao Linjiang immediately agreed. “Master, I’ll go immediately.”

Chu Qingzhi entered the room to check the cause of Tan Maozhi’s death. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

She put on the gloves and reached out to press Tan Maozhi’s body a few times. Then, she frowned.

This person died of cardiac arrest…

He did not have a heart disease, and his heart had not been seriously injured or poisoned. To put it simply, he died in his sleep.

This was too strange!

The head constable walked over. He was a young man in his early thirties. He looked very steady and had a serious expression. “Miss Chu, did you see the cause of death?”

Chu Qingzhi said honestly, “He suddenly died in his sleep. He wasn’t poisoned, frightened, or suffered any external injuries.”

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The head constable glanced at Chu Qingzhi suspiciously. This kind of death was unheard of. Was she talking nonsense?

The head constable asked, “Is this a suicide? Or a homicide?”

Chu Qingzhi shook her head slowly. “I don’t know yet, so i can’t answer this question.”

The head constable was very disappointed. It seemed that this girl was not as powerful as she was rumored to be. Hence, he did not speak to Chu Qingzhi anymore and went to report the situation to the county magistrate.

Chu Qingzhi’s interest was piqued by this case. There were very few things in this world that she did not know, which meant that this case was not simple. Initially, she did not want to care, but now, she had to get to the bottom of it.

As she thought about it, she suddenly smelled a fragrance. The fragrance was extremely faint. It was a compound fragrance that contained cloves, jasmine, and patchouli. These three fragrances were very relaxing.

She followed the fragrance to Tan Maozhi’s bed.

Upon closer inspection, she realized that the fragrance was coming from Tan Maozhi’s bed. The bedsheets, blankets, pillows, and bed curtains all had such a fragrance.

In this era, soap was usually used to wash clothes. It should be the fragrance of soap. Why was it this fragrance though?

Chu Third walked over. “Fifth Sister, what are you smelling?”

“A fragrance.” Chu Qingzhi looked at Chu Third. “Third Brother, do you smell it?”

Chu Third shook his head. “No.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Smell it carefully again.” The fragrance was very faint. If one didn’t pay attention, they might not be able to smell it.

Chu Third took a while to smell it. “Fifth Sister, 1 can smell it, but this fragrance shouldn’t be poisonous, right?”

Chu Qingzhi said, “It’s not poisonous, but Third Brother, you can’t miss a single detail when solving a case. Otherwise, your judgment will very likely be off from the truth.”

Chu Third nodded seriously. “Fifth Sister, i understand.”

Chu Qingzhi asked, “Third Brother, did you find anything?”

Chu Third brought Chu Qingzhi under the beam in the middle of the room. He pointed at it and said, “Fifth Sister, look. There’s a mark there. It looks like it was left behind by a very thin thread.”

Chu Qingzhi looked up. The beams were usually covered in dust, but that area, which was about an inch wide, was very clean. This was definitely abnormal.

She walked out and flew to the roof. There were signs of the tiles being moved. “Someone has been in and out from the roof.”

Chu Qingzhi flew to the ground. “Lord, there are traces of movement on the roof tiles. i suspect that someone might have entered the room from the roof and killed Tan Maozhi..”

Chapter 183: Strange Young Man

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

The county magistrate’s expression was ugly. Having a murder case meant that this period of time would not be easy for him. “Miss Chu, thank you for your help. I wonder if you can help us to the end. Don’t worry, when the case is solved, 1 will definitely reward you.”

It was obvious that this case was extremely tricky. It was better to find a capable person to investigate. Otherwise, who knew how long it would take to solve the case.

Chu Qingzhi wanted to find out the truth anyway, so she agreed. “I’ll do my best.”

At this moment, a young man in black walked over. He was thin and looked to be 15 or 16 years old. He had delicate features and was very energetic. “Father, I want to investigate the case too.”

When the county magistrate saw the young man, he felt a headache coming on. “Go back. It’s not a place for you to mess around here.”

The young man said firmly, “Father, I’m not messing around. I just want to investigate the case. This has been my dream since I was young. I didn’t have a chance in the past. I won’t give up no matter what.”

The county magistrate ordered, “Someone, bring Young… Young Master back.”

The young man was anxious. He quickly took a step back and said, “Father, you can lock me up today, but can you lock me up for the rest of my life? Why don’t you let me try?”

The county magistrate felt helpless. “Forget it. i’ll allow it this time. If you can’t prove yourself, you’d better stay at home obediently.”

The young man was delighted. “Thank you, Father. I will do my best.”

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The county magistrate looked at Chu Qingzhi and said in a humble tone, “Miss Chu, this is my son. He has liked to investigate cases since he was young. Please don’t mind him being here.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded indifferently. “Okay.”

The county magistrate went to make other arrangements.

The young man walked up to Chu Qingzhi with a provocative gaze. “Chu Qingzhi, my name is Tao Yizhou. Thank you for letting me stay and learn from you.”

Chu Qingzhi said humbly, “You flatter me. Let’s learn from each other.”

Tao Yizhou was a little jealous of Chu Qingzhi. As someone of the same age, she had already saved countless people and made great contributions while he could only be a bird in a cage. “Since you are so capable, why don’t we compete?”

Chu Qingzhi refused. “Investigating cases is a very serious matter and can’t be used to compete.”

Tao Yizhou snorted. “What i mean is, let’s see who solves the case first.”

Chu Qingzhi moved aside and said humbly, “Young Master, please.”

Tao Yizhou was furious. Chu Qingzhi was too insensible. “I’ll definitely solve the case before you do.” After saying that, he rushed towards the dormitory angrily. He didn’t believe that he was not as good as Chu Qingzhi.

“Aiyo!” At the door of the dormitory, Tao Yizhou bumped into someone and fell on his buttocks.

“Are you alright?” Chu Third hurriedly went forward to help him up. He came out of the dormitory to look for Chu Qingzhi, but just as he reached the door, someone bumped into him. He was fine, but the other party was knocked over.

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Tao Yizhou’s butt hurt at that moment. His eyes were misty with tears as he glared at Chu Third. “Are you blind?”

Chu Third hurriedly said, “You were the one who bumped into me. However, I was also not careful. I’m sorry. Are you alright? I’ll get Fifth Sister to take a look at you.”

Tao Yizhou shook off Chu Third’s hand. “I don’t want to see her. I’m fine. Go away. Don’t hinder my investigation.”

As he spoke, he got up from the ground and limped into the dormitory.

What a stubborn young man… Chu Qingzhi smiled mischievously and walked towards Chu Third. “Third Brother, did you find something else?”

“Yes.” Chu Third brought Chu Qingzhi into the dormitory and found some clues in the incense burner. “Fifth Sister, the ash in the incense burner is strange. It’s purple.”

Chu Qingzhi picked up some purple ash and sniffed it. “It’s fleeceflower stems. This is a calming herb. Let’s go out and ask Liu Yuanping.”

Chu Third nodded. “Ok.”

Liu Yuanping had calmed down. When he heard Chu Qingzhi’s question, he replied, “When I came back last night, Tan Maozhi was already asleep. 1 was too exhausted and went straight to bed. 1 didn’t burn fleeceflower stems.” n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Chu Qingzhi asked again, “Was there anything abnormal about Tan Maozhi when he woke up this morning?”

“He was yawning non-stop like he had stayed up ail night. After washing up, he sat at the table and asked me to bring him breakfast. 1 had something to do, so I declined. When 1 returned at noon, I saw that he was still sitting there, so 1 patted him. In the end, he fell off the chair to the side and was dead.”

As he spoke, Liu Yuanping shivered. He was not a bold person. Now that his roommate was dead, he was frightened out of his wits.

Chu Qingzhi was deep in thought and asked, “Anything else abnormal about him these past two days?”

Seeing that Liu Yuanping was so afraid that he was stammering, Yuan Hongjun said for him, “Master, he just told me that Liu Yuanping usually stayed in the brothel, but last night, he slept in the dormitory.”

Chu Qingzhi frowned. “In a brothel?”

Yuan Hongjun said with a complicated expression, “He said that Tan Maozhi likes a servant girl at home very much, but her mother is very domineering and doesn’t agree to the two of them being together. She is not even allowed to be his concubine. His mother also sold that girl to a brothel. From then on, Tan Maozhi stayed in the brothel like it was his home.”

“There’s actually such a story.” Chu Qingzhi paused and asked, “How is Tan Maozhi doing at school? Did he say what his dreams were? Also, did he have any obvious habits?”

Bao Linjiang replied, “Master, Tan Maozhi is 19 years old this year. He has already passed the imperial examination at the county level

and his results are above average. He’s a B class student.”

“He said that he wanted to become an official in another country. Then, he would redeem Miss Red Crane and take her away. He would never return to the Tan family.”

Chu Qingzhi asked, “Miss Red Crane?”

Bao Linjiang explained, “Miss Red Crane is the servant girl he likes.”

“As for the obvious habit, he likes to mix a kind of incense. This incense is called Red Soft Jade. He said that Miss Red Crane likes it very much. Every time it’s used up, he will personally concoct it and send it to her.”

Incense? Chu Qingzhi recalled the strange Incense she had smelled just now. “Liu Yuanping, I smelled a kind of Incense in your room just now. Is it Red Soft Jade?”

Liu Yuanping did not dare to hide anything. “His incense mixing necessities are placed under his bed plank. When you lift his bedsheets, you will see a secret compartment. The things are placed inside.”

The few of them returned to the dormitory and did as Liu Yuanping said. As expected, they found the incense mixing things.

Chu Qingzhi checked it. The herbs used to make the Red Soft Jade were very ordinary. There was no poison, and it was not something that could kill.

She turned around and said to the head constable, “Put these things away first.”

The head constable had already been ordered by the county magistrate to listen to Chu Qingzhi’s instructions. He immediately nodded. “Yes, Miss Chu..”

Chapter 184: Complicated and Confusing

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Third said, “Fifth Sister, these tools are already worn. They should have been used for a long time.”

Tao Yizhou squeezed over and sniffed the herbs. He suddenly asked a question. “With Tan Maozhi’s personality, will he really do this for a servant girl?”

Chu Qingzhi nodded thoughtfully. “Let’s go and see that girl. Then, we’ll go to the Tan family.”

Hundred Flowers Tower.

It was the largest brothel in the county. The girls here were fat and thin, each with their own merits. It was said that there was also the best wine in the county, attracting many people who liked wines.

After the constable explained the purpose of his visit, the brothel madam led everyone to the entrance of a small courtyard from the back door. “Go and ask. Red Crane is here.”

They were a little surprised, not expecting there to be such an elegant courtyard in a brothel.

When Red Crane heard the commotion outside, she walked out with the help of a servant girl.

She was charming and attractive. She was slender but also plump where plumpness was needed. She was undoubtedly a beauty. The corners of her eyebrows were raised slightly. She was very seductive and had the ability to bewitch men.

She walked up to them and bowed slightly. Every movement was flirtatious. “Sirs, please come in and sit inside.”

Chu Qingzhi went straight to the point. “Miss Red Crane, we don’t have time to go in and sit. We’ll leave after asking you a few questions.”

She turned to Chu Third and the two constables and said, “Go and take a look.”

The three of them nodded and entered the house.

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Red Crane’s gaze swept past the three of them and landed on Chu Qingzhi. She was very surprised that a young lady had the ability to command two constables. She was a little envious. “Miss, what do you mean?”

Chu Qingzhi said, “If you answer my question, I’ll answer yours at the end.”

Red Crane nodded and said, “Miss, please ask away.”

Chu Qingzhi looked into Red Crane’s eyes. “How long have you known Tan Maozhi?”

At the mention of Tan Maozhi, Red Crane looked nervous for a moment, but she quickly relaxed. She said, “I’ve known Young Master for six years.”

What is she so nervous about… Chu Qingzhi asked, “Does Tan Maozhi like you very much?”

Red Crane lowered her head slightly and said in embarrassment, “Young Master treats me a little differently. Ever since I was sold to the brothel, he has placed me in this courtyard. It has been three years. Young Master has always been very good to me.”

Chu Qingzhi asked, “Does Tan Maozhi’s mother know about this?”

“She does.” Red Crane said with a sigh, “Young Master said that if she doesn’t agree, he will quit his study. That’s why her mother compromised, but she also won’t allow Young Master to redeem me.”

Chu Qingzhi found it a little strange. “Why doesn’t his mother want him to marry you?”

Red Crane looked sad. “I’m the descendant of a criminal official. Marrying me will affect Young Master’s career.”

Descendant of a criminal official? Chu Qingzhi frowned. There was another story behind this case. “Show us the incense Tan Maozhi sent you.”

Red Crane signaled to the servant girl. The servant girl went into the room and took out a rouge box. The box was the size of a palm and was filled with Red Soft Jade, a kind of red powder.

Chu Qingzhi picked up some powder with her fingers and sniffed it. It was the same as the incense found under Tan Maozhi’s bed. “Does he often send you incense?”

Red Crane looked at Red Soft Jade with a gentle gaze. “Once I’ve used it up, Maozhi will send it to me. It’s never stopped for three years. Moreover, he specially learned to make this incense for me. Maozhi treats me especially well.”

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Chu Qingzhi looked at Red Crane. “Then, IVLiss Red Crane, other than Tan Maozhi, do you serve other customers?”

Red Crane’s face turned red, and she said hurriedly, “Miss, don’t spout nonsense. 1 only have Young Master in my heart.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded. “Has there been anything abnormal about Tan Maozhi recently?”

Red Crane thought about it carefully. “Something abnormal…” She hesitated for a moment. “By the way, recently, Maozhi keeps saying that he’s tired even though he has enough sleep.”

Liu Yuanping also said that Tan Maozhi was sleepy all day long. This matched. “Why didn’t he come to look for you last night?”

Red Crane blushed. “Maozhi said that he was too tired, so he slept in the dormitory last night and would come and find me when he’s in good spirits.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Thank you for your cooperation, Miss. I’m done asking.”

Red Crane mustered her courage and asked, “Can you tell me now why you came to ask me these questions?”

Chu Qingzhi paused for a moment and replied, “Tan Maozhi is dead.”

Red Crane staggered and fainted.

The servant girl hurriedly supported Red Crane, but the rouge box fell to the ground. The red powder spilled all over the ground. When the wind blew, it slowly mixed into the soil and disappeared.

Chu Third and the rest came out very quickly. Then they went to the Tan family.

On the way, Chu Qingzhi asked, “Third Brother, did you find anything?”

Chu San said, “That girl’s room is very clean and luxurious. There are many articles written by Tan Maozhi on the table, as well as some books. In addition, I found a black robe.”

“Black robe?” Chu Qingzhi curled her lips. “That means Red Crane probably knows martial arts.”

Tao Yizhou guessed, “Could it be that she snuck into Tan Maozhi’s dormitory and killed him?”

Everyone’s gazes instantly landed on Tao Yizhou. Bao Linjiang was dissatisfied that he was rude to Chu Qingzhi, so he retorted, “Why did you follow us?”

Tao Yizhou raised his chin and said matter-of-factly, “I’m investigating the case.”

Bao Linjiang glanced at him. “Can’t you investigate elsewhere?”

Tao Yizhou said self-righteously, “It just so happens that you are also going where I want to go.”

Yuan Hongjun ignored him and asked, “Master, did you just say that Red Crane knows martial arts?”

Chu Qingzhi nodded. “Not only does she know martial arts, but she also has the smell of another man on her. However, they are not in that kind of relationship, so I guess she must be plotting something with that man.”

The head constable suggested, “We can come and spy on her at night.”

Chu Qingzhi agreed. “That’s a good idea. Now that Tan Maozhi is dead, if Red Crane knows who is responsible for Tan Maozhi’s death, she will definitely look for that person.”

Tao Yizhou asked suspiciously, “Why are you so sure?”

Chu Qingzhi glanced at him. “Because Red Crane really likes Tan Maozhi.”

Tao Yizhou was still unconvinced. “How do you know?”

Bao Linjiang said impatiently, “After she found out that Tan Maozhi was dead, she fainted. Can’t that explain it?” n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

“Hmph!” Tao Yizhou crossed his arms and quickened his pace.

Tan mansion.

When they arrived at the Tan mansion, everyone was surprised to find that there were white curtains hanging at the door, and the air was filled with grief. It was obvious that a funeral had just been held. Who died?

The door was wide open, but there was no one guarding the door. The head constable went forward to take a look. There was only an old man dozing off at the door.

The constable crouched down. “Old man!”

The old man was taking a nap. When he heard the voice, he opened his eyes and saw that it was a constable. He was very nervous and asked, “Sir, what happened?”

The head constable asked, “Where’s your master?”

Chapter 185: Strange Phenomenon

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

The old man said shakily, “Our master went to the government office. Young Master Tan Maozhi is dead. The county magistrate asked our master to go and take a look. The others followed him. There’s no one in the mansion now.”

The head constable pointed at the white curtains hanging at the door and asked, “Who did the Tan family hold the funeral for?”

The old man sighed deeply. “Our old madam.”

If Tan Maozhi was not dead, he would not have thought much of the death of an old madam. However, now, he felt that something was amiss. “How did she die?”

The old man said truthfully, “She died in her sleep. When she was found the next morning, her body was already cold.”

“Died in her sleep…” The head constable hurriedly ran back to tell everyone.

Chu Qingzhi thought for a moment. “Let’s go to the county office.”

After taking two steps, she said, “Head constable, when we return to the county office later, immediately send two constables to spy on Red Crane. Let them wear casual clothes. Do you understand?”

The head constable nodded. “Understood.”

The group of people went straight to the mortuary in the county office. The Tan family was all gathered here. Everyone had different expressions. Only the Second Madam, Tan Maozhi’s mother, was truly sad. Her voice was hoarse from crying.

Old Master Tan had three sons.

The first son was already dead, leaving behind his wife and a daughter, Tan Xueqing.

The second son was healthy, but he was a playboy. He had many concubines and children. Tan Maozhi was the only legitimate son and the most promising.

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Second Master had an adopted son called Qin Zhiyu. He was very capable and helped the second branch manage the business. The business was doing well and thriving.

The third branch was also there but did not have much presence.

Chu Qingzhi waved at Chu Third, and the two of them went to a corner. “Third Brother, look at those people’s expressions. Tell me your opinion. Then, we’ll discuss it.” n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Alright.” Chu Third looked at them for a while and said, “Old Master’s face is pale and filled with regret.”

“The two people from the first branch are cowering. They look very afraid.”

“Second Master looks a little sad, but he doesn’t seem to care much. The others from the Second Branch seem to be gloating.”

“The people from the Third Branch are strange. Their expressions are indifferent, neither sad nor happy, as if they’re outsiders watching a show.”

Chu Qingzhi looked at Chu Third. “Third Brother, your analysis is very accurate. These people are indeed strange.”

Chu Third crossed his arms and looked at the Tan family. “Fifth Sister, why did such a tragedy fall on the Tan family?”

Chu Qingzhi said mysteriously, “Everything has a cause and effect. There’s no need to sympathize with them. Third Brother, let’s just do our job.”

Chu Third was silent for a moment before saying unexpectedly, “Fifth Sister, can you give me a name too?”

“Okay.” Chu Qingzhi immediately agreed. She looked at Chu Third. “Third Brother, do you want to take this path?”

Chu Third replied, “I like to observe, think, analyze, and deduce. 1 think this path is most suitable for me.”

“Third Brother, 1 support you.” Chu Qingzhi smiled. “I wish you a bright future. The name I thought of for you is Chu Xujin.”

Chu Xujin was only 17 years old. A shy smile appeared on the tanned young man’s face. “Fifth Sister, I’ll try my best to walk as far down this path as possible. If 1 can’t walk anymore one day, Fifth Sister, you have to help me.”

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Chu Qingzhi said readily, “Don’t worry, I’ll help you.”

Chu Xujin felt as if a brand new door was slowly opening in front of him, making him excited and yearning.

Tao Yizhou walked over and looked at the two of them inquisitively. “What are you secretly talking about here?”

He was jealous of Chu Qingzhi but he could not help but be curious about her.

He was curious why Chu Qingzhi had the courage to go to such a dangerous place. How did she learn all her skills and make his father treat her respectfully?

Chu Qingzhi ignored him.

Chu Xujin had bumped into Tao Yizhou today and caused him to fall on his butt, so he was more kind to him. “I’m discussing the case with my fifth sister.”

Tao Yizhou asked with interest, “Can 1 hear it?”

Chu Xujin looked at Chu Qingzhi, then shifted his gaze to Tao Yizhou’s face. “Why don’t we exchange our thoughts?”

Tao Yizhou agreed immediately. “Sure.”

Chu Xujin said first, “Tan Maozhi probably died between seven and nine in the morning…”

Tao Yizhou also expressed his opinion…

Chu Qingzhi stood at the side and listened. She felt that Chu Third was indeed talented in this aspect and could be nurtured into a detective.

On the other side, Old Master Tan asked the secretary of the county office, “Can we bring the corpse back to be buried?”

The secretary shook his head. “No, you have to wait until the case is solved.”

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Old Master Tan asked with a stern expression, “Then when can you solve the case?”

The secretary replied appropriately, “I can’t say for sure, but we will definitely solve it as soon as possible.”

Old Master Tan retracted his stern expression. “Then can we leave?”

The secretary said good-naturedly, “We need to ask you some questions before you can leave.”

Old Master Tan clenched his fists. “Alright, ask. As long as you can catch the murderer, we’ll cooperate.”

At this moment, Tan Xueqing saw Chu Qingzhi. She quickly walked towards

Chu Qingzhi with surprises written across her face. “Miss Chu.”

Chu Qingzhi looked at Tan Xueqing. “Miss Tan.”

Tan Xueqing asked excitedly, “Miss Chu, why are you here?”

Chu Qingzhi said frankly, “The county magistrate asked me to help investigate this case.”

“You’ll help?” Tan Xueqing’s beautiful eyes lit up. “Then can you protect our safety?”

Could it be that Tan Xueqing knew something… Chu Qingzhi remained calm. “If Miss Tan knows anything, please tell me. If you hide it from me, it will be difficult to guarantee your safety.”

Tan Xueqing quickly said, “I’ll definitely tell you everything.”

Chu Qingzhi turned around and said to Chu Xujin and Tao Yizhou, “Go and learn how the constables ask questions. Try your best to collect clues. We’ll discuss it later.”

The two of them nodded and walked towards the Tan family.

“Tell me what you know.” Chu Qingzhi turned around and sized Tan Xueqing up. Could this matter be related to why he was disguising as a woman?

Tan Xueqing lowered her voice and said, “Our Tan family is not originally from Shuiyun County. We only moved here about 20 years ago. According to my grandfather, we moved here to avoid our enemies.”

Chu Qingzhi asked, “Where did you live in the past?”

Tan Xueqing lowered her voice to the lowest. “Northern border!”

Northern border!!!

These two words made Chu Qingzhi angry. Last time, the Lord of the Northern Border caused trouble and almost killed her and Jinghong. She remembered this matter deeply.. “Do you know anything about your enemies?”