Chapter 186: Quite A Lot of Stories

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Tan Xueqing shook her head. “No, I only saw a little of the contents of the letter before I was discovered by my grandpa. After that, I never saw that letter again.”

I guess I need to ask Old Master Tan about this… Chu Qingzhi walked towards the head constable and whispered something to him. The head constable nodded and brought Old Master Tan to a room alone.

At this moment, Old Master Tan was very flustered. His face was a little pale as he sat on the chair. Soon, his mind wandered.

When Chu Qingzhi walked into the room, Old Master Tan did not react. She walked in front of Old Master Tan and asked in an oppressive tone, “Old Master Tan, you are wondering why your enemies would come looking for him, right?”

Caught off guard, Old Master Tan replied on impulse, “Yes…” Then, he immediately corrected himself. “No, no…”

His eyes were filled with panic, but he quickly hid it and composed himself.

This reaction was enough to explain everything… Chu Qingzhi sized up Old Master Tan. “Old Master Tan, you should tell me what you know. Otherwise, no one can save your family.”

Old Master Tan had already calmed down. As the head of the family, he would not be coerced so easily. “1 don’t know anything. If I knew, I would tell you.”

Chu Qingzhi thought to herself, It seems like I have to use some methods. A light spot entered Old Master Tan’s body. She asked, “Where is the letter that records the secret?”

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Old Master Tan wanted to say that he didn’t know what you were talking about, but the words that came out of his mouth were, “In the secret compartment in the study.”

When Old Master Tan heard his own words, he felt a chill run down his spine. He looked up and widened his eyes at Chu Qingzhi.

Chu Qingzhi said nonchalantly, “You said it yourself. I didn’t force you, nor did

I threaten you.” Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Old Master Tan felt his vision go dark. He couldn’t believe that he would tell the truth.

The head constable standing at the door could not help but reveal a look of admiration on his serious face. He had underestimated Chu Qingzhi. He immediately said, “Miss Chu, I’ll bring someone to get it immediately.”

Chu Qingzhi waved her hand. “Go.”

After the head constable left, two constables walked in and stood at the door to keep watch. Chu Qingzhi continued to dig for secrets. “Old Master Tan, who are your enemies?”

Old Master Tan looked like he was struggling, but in the end, he couldn’t help but say instinctively, “They’re my friends.”

Chu Qingzhi’s tone was calm. “Your friends became your enemies and even wanted to kill your family. What did you do 20 years ago?”

Old Master Tan clenched his fists and tried to stop himself from speaking, but he realized that it was useless. “I informed on them to the Lord of the Northern Border, and the Lord of the Northern Border killed them all.”

It turned out that he was a big traitor. He killed everyone and came here to live a peaceful life…

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Chu Qingzhi stared at Old Master Tan for a while. “Tell me, what happened?”

Old Master Tan felt like he was about to break down. He looked up at Chu Qingzhi and felt that she was a demon who could lure people to reveal their deepest secrets…

More than 20 years ago, the late Emperor (the now Emperor’s grandfather) was in power. At that time, the late Emperor was old and muddle-headed.

There was a garrison near the northern border with about 50,000 soldiers.

For nearly half a year, the Imperial Court did not distribute food to them. Every time they submitted a memorial asking for food, the Imperial Court would say that the treasury was empty and ask them to fend for themselves.

Disappointed, the generals wanted to rebel. Since they could not survive, they might as well give it a try.

However, one of them was timid and extremely selfish. When everyone was about to stage an uprising, he informed on them.

The person he went to inform was the former Lord of the Northern Border.

After the former Lord of the Northern Border found out about it, he subdued the generals who were preparing to rebel. He also killed their families and incorporated the garrison. His power quickly grew and he became the most powerful among the various feudal lords. By the time the Imperial Court found out, the matter had already become a done deal. Later, even the Imperial Court was afraid of the former Lord of Northern Border.

The informant received a large sum of money and moved away with his family.

He was quite smart and knew that the most dangerous place was the safest. He chose a county under the capital and hid his identity to live a rich and idle life.

When Chu Qingzhi heard Old Master Tan’s words, she felt that he deserved it. He had harmed so many people.

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“If it’s your enemy taking revenge, why did they kill Tan Maozhi first?”

Tan Maozhi was neither the oldest nor the youngest. He was neither the most outstanding nor the least outstanding. There should be a reason why he was killed first.

In addition, she couldn’t be sure that it was an enemy taking revenge, so she said if.

Old Master Tan looked flustered. “No, Tan Maozhi is not the first. The first one is my eldest son. At that time, I was terrified, so I chose to keep it a secret.” “The second is my wife, and the third is Tan Maozhi.”

Chu Qingzhi’s eyes narrowed. “Your eldest son?”

“My eldest son died seventeen years ago. At that time, our family’s business had just started. He worked very hard and often ran around.”

“It was a rainy night. He was escorting goods to Lin County. At night, he stayed in a dilapidated temple and was killed.”

“You didn’t find the killer?”

“At that time, I thought that he was killed by my enemy, so I didn’t dare to investigate further. I reported the case, but the officials couldn’t find the murderer, so this matter was gradually forgotten.”

This Tan family has quite a lot of stories… Chu Qingzhi said, “Why are you so sure that your wife was murdered?”

Old Master Tan said, “My wife has always been healthy. It’s impossible for her to die in her sleep. Someone must have plotted against her. However, I was afraid that what happened back then would be exposed, so I kept quiet. As for why Tan Maozhi was killed next, I don’t know.”

“Did you just say that your eldest son was also killed?”

Old Master Tan’s eyes turned red. “Yes, he was stabbed seven times with a dagger and died of blood loss.”

Chu Qingzhi lowered her eyes and analyzed, “Your eldest son was killed with a dagger, and your wife and grandson were killed by an unknown method. From the looks of it, they shouldn’t be done by the same murderer.”

Old Master Tan became agitated. “What do you mean?”

“It means in a literal sense,” Chu Qingzhi said. “He was stabbed seven times in a row. It can be seen that there’s a deep hatred between the two of them. By the way, you said that your eldest son was escorting the goods. What about the goods?”

Old Master Tan immediately said, “The goods were untouched..”

Chapter 187: Dramas

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Qingzhi said, “If it’s not for money, then we can basically conclude that it was a revenge killing.”

Old Master Tan emphasized excitedly, “Other than the people 1 betrayed, our family has no enemies!”

Chu Qingzhi said, “He couldn’t possibly have stabbed himself seven times, right?”

Old Master Tan said in a daze, “If it’s not them, who could it be?”

Chu Qingzhi asked, “What’s your eldest son’s personality like? I guess it might be his personal enemy or something.”

Old Master Tan had a very high opinion of his eldest son. “My eldest son is smart and capable. He’s an easygoing person and has almost never offended anyone. He loves his two younger brothers and treats his wife well. He’s also filial to our elders…”

This was strange. Why would anyone kill such a good person?

Chu Qingzhi turned around and said to the constable, “Bring me the dossier on the case of Old Master Tan’s eldest son.”

One of the constables replied, “Yes, Miss Chu.” Nôv(el)B\\jnn

The dossier was quickly brought over. Chu Qingzhi read it from beginning to end. The case was very simple. Tan Ming stayed in the dilapidated temple at night and was stabbed seven times by someone. He bled to death. His companions were drugged. When they woke up, Tan Ming was already dead.

When Chu Qingzhi saw that Tan Ming’s companions were drugged, her gaze stopped. This meant that the murderer had come prepared. Since he was prepared, he definitely knew Tan Ming’s schedule. He had either specially asked around, or he was an acquaintance of Tan Ming or the murderer was among his companions.

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There were seven people following Tan Ming to escort the goods. These seven people were all servants of the Tan family.

Chu Qingzhi looked at the statements of the seven of them. They were all the same. They all said that they fainted and didn’t know anything.

There were few clues.

The head constable walked in. “Miss Chu, I brought you the letter.”

Chu Qingzhi took it and looked at it. The contents of the letter were similar to what Old Master Tan had told her.

She handed the letter to the head constable. “Keep it safe.”

The head constable nodded. “Yes.”

Chu Qingzhi stopped the head constable. “How long have you been working in the government office?”

The head constable didn’t understand why Chu Qingzhi asked this, but he still answered honestly, “It’s been ten years.”

Tan Ming’s case happened seventeen years ago… Chu Qingzhi asked, “Then do you know any older constables? For example, those who handled the case more than ten years ago?”

The head constable thought for a moment and asked, “More precisely?”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Seventeen years.”

The head constable thought for a while. “I do know a few. Can you tell me why you want to find them?”

Chu Qingzhi handed Tan Ming’s case dossier to the head constable. “1 want to find the constable who handled this case. Can you find this person?”

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The head constable flipped through the dossier. “Miss Chu, the person who handled this case was my uncle.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “What a coincidence. Can you invite him to the county office?”

The head constable said, “I’ll go and tell him right away.”

Chu Qingzhi turned to look at Old Master Tan. “Did Tan Ming show any abnormalities before or after the accident?”

Old Master Tan fell into deep thought and slowly shook his head. “No.”

Chu Qingzhi asked the constable to bring Old Master Tan out and invited Tan Ming’s wife in.

First Madam Tan was a traditional woman. At this moment, she was brought into the house alone and was very nervous. “Miss, what do you want to ask?”

Chu Qingzhi said, “I want to ask about your husband, Tan Ming.”

First Madam Tan immediately became excited. She knelt in front of Chu Qingzhi and tears flowed uncontrollably. “Miss, please find the murderer who killed my husband. That murderer is still at large. You must bring him to justice.”

Chu Qingzhi helped First Madam Tan to sit on the chair. “First Madam, if you want me to catch the murderer, you can’t hide anything, understand?”

Madam Tan nodded. “1’11 definitely tell you everything I know.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded and asked, “Did Tan Ming have any abnormalities before the accident? For example, was he in a bad mood, couldn’t sleep well, or quarreled with someone, said something repeatedly, and felt uneasy?”

First Madam Tan fell into her memories. After a while, she said, “Tan Ming quarreled with his third brother the day before the accident.”

Chu Qingzhi asked, “Why did they quarrel?”

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First Madam Tan wiped her tears with a handkerchief. “…Initially, Third Brother was the one who escorted the goods, but Father-in-law felt that Third Brother was not steady, so he changed his mind and didn’t let him go. He felt angry and came to argue with Tan Ming.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “How’s their relationship?”

First Madam Tan said, “Tan Ming felt that he was the eldest brother and should share more of the burden. That’s why he took good care of his two younger brothers. He cared about everything. The two younger brothers also respected Tan Ming very much. The three brothers got along very well.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “First Madam, did Tan Ming form a grudge with anyone?”

First Madam Tan said affirmatively, “No, no. My husband was a kind person. He respected his elders, loved his brothers, and treated his servants well. He had never been angry with anyone, let alone formed a grudge.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded. “Thank you for your cooperation, First Madam. There’s no more questions.”

The head constable brought Chu Qingzhi a bowl of tea. “Miss Chu, sit down and rest for a while.”

Chu Qingzhi took the tea and took a sip. “I don’t need to rest. Send First Madam out and bring Second Master Tan in.”

The head constable agreed. “Okay.”

Second Master Tan was a playboy. He was thin and his footsteps were unsteady. There was always a lecherous look in his eyes.

He sat on the chair and looked up at Chu Qingzhi. He did not expect to see a little beauty. His eyes immediately lit up. “Since when are young ladies interested in becoming constables these days?” There was a hint of teasing in his words.

Chu Qingzhi immediately frowned and gave Second Master Tan a nightmare… When he slept at night, the beauties in his dream would turn into terrifying ghosts and let him have a taste of the evil consequences of being lecherous. It would last for half a month.

“Second Master Tan, did you know that your brother died an unnatural death?”

At this point, Second Master Tan restrained his expression and looked away. “1 know. I was the one who brought his corpse back from the government office. He was stabbed seven times.”

Chu Qingzhi asked, “As far as you know, who might have a grudge with your brother?”

Second Master Tan said unexpectedly, “Who else could it be? It must be my third brother!” He glanced at Chu Qingzhi. “There’s a secret that none of you know.”

“First Madam is actually the person Third Brother likes. Originally, she promised to marry him. However, my father is biased towards Eldest Brother and married her to my Eldest Brother.”

“However, Third Brother thought that Eldest Brother had snatched his love away. From then on, he bore a grudge.”

Why are there so many dramas in the Tan family… Chu Qingzhi was speechless..

Chapter 188: Strange Cause of Death

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Qingzhi pointed out a point in Second Master Tan’s words. “You just said that Old Master Tan is biased towards his eldest son and doesn’t value his third son as much?” n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

A hint of sadness flashed across Second Master Tan’s eyes before he returned to his flirtatious self. “Yes, my father only likes Eldest Brother. He doesn’t like Third Brother and I very much.”

Chu Qingzhi glanced at Second Master Tan and walked out of the house to the room where the constable was asking questions.

Chu Xujin and Tao Yizhou stood at the side and listened to the constable’s interrogation seriously. Their attitude towards learning was not bad.

She took a look and went to the mortuary. She planned to see Tan Maozhi’s corpse again.

There was only the coroner and his disciple in the mortuary. They looked very depressed. In all their years as coroners, they had never seen such a strange death.

Chu Qingzhi walked forward and said politely, “Sir, did you find any clues?”

The coroner was an old man in his fifties. He had been a coroner all his life and was very experienced. However, at this moment, he frowned. “It’s not a good place to be. Miss, you should go out and wait for news.”

Chu Qingzhi said calmly, “It’s fine. I don’t mind.”

The coroner glanced at Chu Qingzhi. “Miss, your medical skills are brilliant. Did you find anything strange?”

“Before Tan Maozhi died, he lit fleeceflower stems. His body has been exposed to Red Soft Jade for a long time…” Chu Qingzhi took out a rouge box and handed it to the coroner. “This is Red Soft Jade. Sir, take a look.”

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The coroner dipped his finger into Red Soft Jade and sniffed it. “Have you lit it?”

Chu Qingzhi was stunned. That’s right. Substances would change forms after they were burned. She forgot about this. “I’ll light it now.”

After the Red Soft Jade was lit, wisps of smoke came out. She fanned it with her hand to smell it.

The fragrance was sweet but not greasy. It could speed up the blood flow and make people excited. It was a good incense.

This fragrance was confirmed to be fine, but Chu Qingzhi’s brows did not relax.

Nothing was wrong, but the mystery had not been solved. This meant that there was something that she didn’t notice.

Chu Qingzhi said to the coroner, “Sir, I’m sure there’s no problem with the incense.”

The coroner nodded, his expression unchanged. “Miss, please excuse me. I’m going to cut open Tan Maozhi’s stomach and see his organs.”

Chu Qingzhi also wanted to take a look, so she said, “Sir, just do the autopsy. Don’t worry about me.”

The coroner’s expression finally changed. He looked up at Chu Qingzhi. “The scene is going to be very bloody. Aren’t you afraid?”

Chu Qingzhi waved her hand. “I’m not afraid. Do it.”

How could she be afraid? The last thing she was afraid of was corpses. Only by turning into a corpse would people stop harming others.

Chu Qingzhi hugged her arms and watched with interest…

During the process, the little disciple stole glances at Chu Qingzhi a few times. Why was she so calm? Was she really a girl? Was this what his master meant by one should not judge a book by its cover?

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As the organs were removed one by one, the little disciple couldn’t endure it anymore. He ran out and started vomiting.

Chu Qingzhi still had a natural and calm expression.

The coroner and his disciple were speechless.

Suddenly, Chu Qingzhi pointed at Tan Maozhi’s fist-sized heart and frowned. “His heart has shrunk.”

A trace of surprise flashed across the coroner’s eyes. This heart was indeed too small. “Indeed, with Tan Maozhi’s height and weight, his heart should be twice as big as this.”

Chu Qingzhi thought about it and said slowly, “The blood flow in the body is suppressed and slowed down for a long time, which is why the heart shrunk…”

Chu Qingzhi took the silver needle from the coroner and inserted it into Tan Maozhi’s heart. The silver needle turned brown. “It’s poisonous!”

She took a few more silver needles and inserted them into other organs. The silver needles did not change color.

Chu Qingzhi felt that her knowledge had been challenged. There was no poison in other organs except the heart. Why?

The way he died was really too bizarre!

Chu Qingzhi asked humbly, “Sir, have you seen this phenomenon in the past?”

The coroner shook his head slowly. “This is the first time I’ve seen this. It’s really eye-opening.”

Sigh-

Chu Qingzhi sighed in her heart and left the mortuary, walking towards the interrogation room. She could go home for dinner after asking Third Master Tan.

When she arrived at the interrogation room, Chu Qingzhi whispered to the head constable, “Go and investigate Red Crane’s background? Also, how did she end up becoming a servant girl in the Tan family.”

The head constable cupped his hands. “Yes.”

Third Master Tan was already sitting on the chair. He was thin and tall, and his expression was dejected. He looked like the kind of person who was locked in a dark room for a long time and did not see the light of day. He was exuding gloom.

Chu Qingzhi sent a small ball of light into Third Master Tan’s body and asked, “Do you hate Tan Ming very much?”

Third Master Tan’s expression immediately twisted. He gritted his teeth and said, “I don’t just hate him. I wanted him dead.”

Chu Qingzhi asked, “Why do you hate him?”

Third Master Tan’s eyes were red with anger, as if he had suffered a great humiliation. “Not only did he snatch the woman I love, but he also stole my father’s love. Shouldn’t 1 hate him?”

Chu Qingzhi said calmly, “So you killed him!”

Third Master Tan seemed to have heard a joke and laughed out loud. Then, he asked gloomily, “Why would I kill Eldest Brother?”

Chu Qingzhi’s tone was very oppressive. “Do you know who killed him?”

Third Master Tan said like a lunatic, “I know!”

Chu Qingzhi asked in a heavier tone, “Who?”

Third Master Tan struggled in his heart. Suddenly, his eyes widened and he said, “My mother! You didn’t expect this, did you?!”

Chu Qingzhi was stunned.

The Tan family was really a mess!!!

She frowned. “Why did your mother kill Tan Ming?”

Third Master Tan said in a mad tone, “Tan Ming was the child of my father and my aunt. My father was so despicable. At that time, my mother and my aunt gave birth on the same day. In the end, my real eldest brother died when he was born. Not only was my father not sad, he even brought my aunt’s child back to replace my real eldest brother.”

“When my mother found out the truth, in order to take revenge on my father, she killed Tan Ming. She killed him.. Hahaha!!!”

Chapter 189: Twists and Turns

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Qingzhi was speechless. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

She did not want to comment on this complicated Tan family anymore. She really did not know what to say!

Chu Qingzhi walked towards the constable who was recording the interrogation and asked, “Have you recorded everything?”

“It’s all recorded.” The constable had a complicated look on his face. He had been working for several years, but this was the first time he had encountered such a confusing case.

Chu Qingzhi said, “Then let him sign it.”

The constable nodded.

Chu Qingzhi walked to the room where Chu Xujin was interrogating. Coincidentally, the interrogation was over.

When Chu Xujin saw Chu Qingzhi, he quickened his pace and walked over. His expression was extremely lively, and his eyes were filled with vigor. “Fifth Sister.”

Chu Qingzhi asked with concern, “Third Brother, how did it go?”

At this moment, Chu Xujin looked livelier than ever. He said excitedly, “It went well, and I’ve learned a lot. In addition, 1 realize that I still have many shortcomings. 1 have to work harder in the future.”

Chu Qingzhi encouraged, “Accumulate experience slowly. Don’t be anxious.”

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Chu Xujin nodded. “Yes.”

Chu Qingzhi looked around and asked, “Where are Hongjun and Linjiang?”

Chu Xujin didn’t know either. “They should be at the mortuary.”

Chu Qingzhi walked out as she said, “I was at the mortuary previously. There was no one.”

As soon as she reached the corridor…

“Master.”

“Master.”

Chu Qingzhi looked up and saw two young men running over. She asked in confusion, “Where did you go?”

Yuan Hongjun’s handsome face was red from running, and he looked cuter. “We saw a sneaky person just now. We chased after him together, but he ran away.”

Chu Qingzhi asked, “Who is it?”

Yuan Hongjun said in frustration, “We couldn’t see his face clearly.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Forget it. Let’s call it a day. It’s time to go back and eat.”

The two young men nodded. “Ok.”

It was getting late. Chu Qingzhi instructed the head constable and left with everyone.

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In the back hall of the county office.

The county magistrate looked at the information Chu Qingzhi had interrogated today and felt terrible. Almost everyone had secrets, and none of them were innocent.

Especially Old Master Tan. He was actually a big traitor. To think that he had praised Old Master Tan for being benevolent in the past. He found it rediculous.

The secretary had already read the dossier and felt mind-blown. “Sir, how should we deal with the Tan family?”

“Although she managed to get so many secrets out of them, there’s no hard evidence. Old Madam Tan is already dead, so it’s possible to question her.” The county magistrate looked up and thought for a moment. “Let’s restrict their travel first and make sure that they’ll be on call. In addition, we’ll secretly monitor everyone and see if the culprit will come looking for them.”

The secretary bowed and replied, “Yes.”

The county magistrate asked, “Has there been any progress on Tan Maozhi’s autopsy?”

The secretary said, “Sir, please look at the dossier. It’s all recorded.”

After reading the coroner’s records, the county magistrate was even more confused. “Out of all the organs, only his heart is poisonous and shrunk. How could this be?”

The secretary couldn’t figure it out either, so he didn’t answer.

The county magistrate felt a headache coming on. “Forget it, forget it. Let’s stop here for today and talk about it tomorrow.”

Tao Yizhou walked in, looking a little dispirited. “Father.”

When the county magistrate saw Tao Yizhou, his head hurt even more. “What did you find?”

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Tao Yizhou frowned. He didn’t know how to answer it. It was much harder to investigate than he had imagined. “I’m mainly studying today. I haven’t found anything yet.”

The county magistrate pointed at Tao Yizhou, not knowing what to say. In the end, he only said, “Hurry up and change back. If anyone finds out you disguised yourself as a man and even went to a crime scene, 1’11 be embarrassed.”

Tao Yizhou raised her chin and said indignantly, “Father, Chu Qingzhi can investigate the case, but why can’t I? We’re both women, and I’m slightly older than her?”

The county magistrate said, “It’s not that I look down on you, but she has real ability. Do you have real ability?”

The county magistrate handed the dossier to his daughter. “This is what Chu Qingzhi found out today. Take a look. Could you do it if it were you?”

Tao Yizhou, no, Tao Yiqian arrogantly took the dossier and quickly browsed through it. The more she read, the wider her eyes became. “This, this, this case has too many twists. It’s even more exciting than a play!”

The county magistrate asked, “Can you do it?”

Tao Yiqian said without much confidence, “Don’t underestimate me. I’m just inexperienced. I believe in no time, 1 can do what she can.”

The county magistrate took a sip of tea. “You don’t have many chances. If you can’t prove yourself this time, you’re not allowed to go out casually in the future.”

Tao Yiqian read the dossiers one by one. “Father, did Chu Qingzhi really get these words out of them alone?”

The county magistrate did not doubt Chu Qingzhi’s ability at all. “How can it be fake when there are constables watching? If you don’t believe me, go and see her interrogated tomorrow.”

“Alright.” Tao Yiqian looked at the dossier and said, “By the way, Father, I think Chu Xujin is not bad. He’s quite good at observing.”

“Chu Xujin?” The county magistrate did not have any impression of this name. “Who is it?”

Tao Yiqian felt smug. Her father always said that she didn’t know anything. Now, it was finally the other way around. “Chu Qingzhi’s third brother, you don’t even know this?”

A young man in navy blue appeared in the county magistrate’s mind. That young man always had a smile on his face and looked very likable. “I was wondering why Chu Qingzhi brought him along.”

Tao Yixi said sensibly, “Father, I’ll help you investigate him. If he’s a talent, rope him in. You can definitely use a few more talents.”

The county immediately added, “As long as Chu Xujin is in the government office, Chu Qingzhi will definitely help if anything happens.”

“Father, what should we do next?”

The county magistrate said, “Find out who killed Tan Maozhi..”

Chapter 190: Walnuts to Nourish the Brain

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

In the Chu Village.

The entrance of Chu Qingzhi’s house was surrounded by people. The sound of a woman crying could be heard from the crowd. It was disconcerting.

“My son is paralyzed by your horse. How can he live the rest of his life? You’ve ruined my son’s life!”

“He’s a student of Yunfei School. He originally had a high chance of becoming a scholar. Now that he’s been trampled by your horse, all his life is ruined. Everything is ruined!”

“Why didn’t you tame your beast? Why did you let it come out and hurt people?”

“You have to take responsibility for what happened today. Otherwise, I’ll leave my son in your house!”

Chu Xuyuan interrupted the woman excitedly. “How thick-skinned are you to say that your son can be a scholar? He’s a horse thief!”

“If he didn’t steal my horse, would my horse step on him? You’re really too unreasonable!!”

“Auntie, let me tell you, we won’t take responsibility. He brought this upon himself!!”

When the woman heard this, she sat on the ground and slapped her thigh while crying. She looked like a shrew. “What evidence do you have to say that my son is a horse stealer? Who saw it?”

Chu Xuyuan said firmly, “Many people saw it at that time. We won’t let you cause trouble here. No matter what you say today, we won’t take responsibility.”

The woman threatened, “You have no evidence. There were so many people. My son would be stupid to steal it. You’re the ones framing my son. If you continue to do this, 1’11 report you to the authorities and let your entire family go to jail!”

Chu Xuyuan did not show any weakness. “Then go. Why did you come to my house to kick up a fuss?”

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The woman pointed at Chu Xuyuan fiercely. “Don’t provoke me. Do you think that I don’t dare to go?”

Chu Xuyuan was not afraid at all. They were in the right. “Then go. What are you waiting for?”

Seeing that the Chu family did not back down, the woman was furious. “You, you’re going too far!”

Chu Xuyuan was firm. “You can cry and howl however you want. You’re the horse stealer. You’re the ones in the wrong in the first place!”

A clear young man’s voice came from outside the crowd. Chu Xujin asked, “What happened?”

Everyone turned around and saw that Chu Qingzhi and the rest had returned. They hurriedly made way for them.

Chu Qingzhi looked over. A woman in mid-grade clothes was sitting on the ground. Beside her was a paralyzed young man lying on the ground with his eyes closed. Beside him stood a middle-aged man and a young man in his thirties. Their expressions were very ugly.

Chu Xuyuan explained quickly, “Fifth Sister, they’re bandits. Yesterday, he wanted to steal Fu Bao, but Fu Bao stepped on his back. Now, he’s paralyzed and keeps blaming us.”

The woman said excitedly, “He’s talking nonsense. My son won’t steal a horse. He’s read so many books. How could he do such a thing?”

Chu Xuyuan rolled his eyes and retorted, “Then why did Fu Bao step on your son instead of others?”

The woman shouted, “You’re slandering us! You’re bullying us because you have the advantage in numbers!”

Chu Qingzhi said calmly, “You can ask him if it’s the truth.”

The woman looked at Chu Qingzhi. “Who are you? What does it have to do with you?”

Chu Qingzhi couldn’t be bothered with that shrew. She asked the young man lying on the ground, “Tell us yourself, why did Fu Bao step on you?”

The young man felt an irresistible urge to say, “When 1 saw that the horse didn’t have an owner, I wanted to take it away to sell. I didn’t expect it to step on me!”

Chu Qingzhi asked calmly, “Did you hear that?”

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The woman, as well as the middle-aged man and young man beside her, were stunned. “You, you…”

Chu Qingzhi was worn out today and was easily frustrated. “Get lost!”

“Hurry up and leave. Are you staying for dinner?” n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Get lost, get lost. You are really annoying. You did something wrong and still wanted others to bear the consequences. Why are you so shameless?”

“Go, if you don’t leave now, don’t blame us for throwing you out!”

Seeing everyone’s fierce expressions, the few of them were afraid and did not dare to stay any longer. They scrambled away.

Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao saw that Chu Qingzhi was in a bad mood and thought that she was angry that they had caused trouble. They quickly apologized.

“Fifth Sister, I’m sorry. You can punish us.”

“Fifth Sister, don’t be angry or unhappy. We didn’t do it on purpose.”

Chu Qingzhi was confused

“I’m not unhappy. Why are you apologizing?”

Chu Xuyuan put his hands together and felt a little uneasy. “Fifth Sister, you were clearly unhappy just now.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled. “I’m not unhappy. I’m just a little tired. I was busy outside for the entire day.”

Chu Xuyuan immediately said, “Fifth Sister, we’ll definitely clean up our own mess in the future and not let you worry about us.”

Chu Qingzhi looked at her two brothers and said, “Your family is your support, understand?”

The two of them were very smart and understood what Chu Qingzhi meant.

They nodded heavily. “Fifth Sister, we understand.”

Chu Xuyao pulled Chu Qingzhi to a chair. “Fifth Sister, let me massage your shoulders to relax.”

Chu Qingzhi did not refuse. She really needed to rest.

Chu Xuyuan poured tea for Chu Qingzhi. “Fifth Sister, have some tea.”

Chu Qingzhi did not refuse either. She was also thirsty.

Li Qingyu asked with concern, “Qingzhi, you didn’t come back at noon. Have you eaten?”

Chu Qingzhi said sweetly, “I ate a little, but the food outside is not as delicious as Mother’s.”

Li Qingyu immediately smiled and brought a bowl of lotus seed soup to Chu Qingzhi. “I stewed it for the entire afternoon. Hurry up and drink a bowl to fill your stomach. I’ll prepare immediately.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled. “Thankyou, Mother.”

Chu Qingyue walked over with a fan and fanned Chu Qingzhi. She asked with concern, “Fifth Sister, why is the county magistrate looking for you?”

Chu Qingzhi told the truth. “He asked me to help him investigate a case.”

Chu Qingyue was very surprised. A trace of admiration appeared in her eyes.

“Fifth Sister, you know how to investigate cases?”

Chu Qingzhi smiled. “I know a little.”

Chu Qingyue thought for a moment and said, “Fifth Sister, then 1’11 go and buy you some walnuts. You will definitely use your brain a lot when solving cases. Walnuts are good for the brain.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled and nodded. “Alright, thank you, Second Sister.”

“Second Sister, how’s business in the clothing shop recently?”

“Very good.” Then, Chu Qingyue’s smile slowly disappeared and she said very seriously, “Fifth Sister, 1 have something to discuss with you.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded. “Second Sister, tell me.”

Chu Qingyue lowered her voice and said awkwardly, “A girl from the Hundred Flowers Tower came to look for me today and asked me to make clothes for them..”