Chapter 191: Great Ideals

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Qingzhi had just been to the Hundred Flowers Tower today. “A girl from the brothel?”

Chu Qingyue wanted to do this business, but the reputation of the girls in the brothel was not good, so she was very conflicted. “They said that as long as the dress looks good, the price is not a problem.”

Chu Qingzhi did not treat the girls in the brothel differently. In her eyes, the girls inside were a group of pitiful people. “Second Sister, what do you think?”

Chu Qingyue said helplessly, “Fifth Sister, 1 have two concerns. One is that I might not be able to make the style they want. The other is that I’m afraid of bringing a bad reputation to the shop.”

Chu Qingzhi asked, “What style do they want?”

Chu Qingyue said, “Charming, flirtatious, and seductive…” The more Chu Qingyue spoke, the more embarrassed she became.

Chu Qingzhi said confidently, “That’s not a problem. I’ll draw a few styles for you later. 1 guarantee that they’ll like it.”

Chu Qingyue looked at Chu Qingzhi with admiration.

“As for the second concern, it’s even easier to solve,” Chu Qingzhi said. “Those women must have servant girls or something. Get them to send a servant girl to pick up the clothes. Also, get them to keep the source of the clothes a secret. If they don’t agree, you can refuse.”

This way, it would indeed be a win-win situation. Chu Qingyue replied excitedly, “Fifth Sister, I know what to do now.”

“By the way, Fifth Sister, i plan to go to a person called Luo Yinhuan to learn embroidery. It’s said that she used to be a palace maid who did embroidery for the consorts in the palace. She came back because she was disfigured. What do you think?”

Ads by Pubfuture

Chu Qingzhi supported her. “Why not? People have to learn. Only by learning can they improve.”

“Second Sister, other than learning embroidery, you can also buy some books about making clothes. You can befriend the shopkeepers and employees of the embroidery workshops, cloth shops, and ready-to-wear shops in the county city. Don’t isolate yourself.”

“When we do business, we have to think of ways to get information from various channels. For example, a shop assistant must know which style and color are the most popular at the moment. Do you understand what I mean?”

Chu Qingyue was not stupid. She understood immediately. At this moment, her eyes lit up. “Fifth Sister, 1 understand what you mean. 1 know what to do.”

Chu Qingzhi gave her a thumbs up. “Second Sister, 1’11 rely on you to live a carefree life in the future.”

Chu Qingyue secretly made up her mind to work hard. “Fifth Sister, don’t worry. You can spend all the money I earn.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled. “Okay.”

Li Qingyu carried the dishes into the central room and called out, “Come, let’s eat. Qingzhi, come and sit. You must be hungry.”

Chu Qingzhi replied, “I’m coming, Mother.”

Everyone in the family gathered and sat down to eat.

Chu Qingzhi asked Chu Xuhua, “Brother, how’s your business deal going?”

Chu Xuhua said happily, “I secured a big deal in Tongzi County. The other party is preparing to increase the order to 1,000 rice dumplings. There is another deal in Suiyang County. Five days later, a family will hold a birthday banquet and want to buy our rice dumplings for the birthday banquet. They ordered 1,000 pieces.”

“Brother, it’s not bad.” Chu Qingzhi continued, “Now, our business focus is on the three county cities. After the business is stable, we’ll expand to the surrounding areas.” n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Chu Xuhua said excitedly, “I can’t wait.”

Around the Web The Main Cause of Wrinkles on the Face! Attention: It's Not Age The Main Cause of Wrinkles on the Face! Attention: It's Not AgeVichen Chu Qingzhi then said to Chu Qingyue, “Second Sister, after your shop gains a foothold in Shuiyun County, we can also open a branch in another county city.”

Chu Qingyue had never thought of this possibility. When she heard this, her eyes lit up. She was excited and nervous. “Fifth Sister, can, can we?”

Chu Qingzhi smiled and said, “Of course. When you gain a foothold in the three county cities, we’ll go to the capital to open a shop. At that time, we’ll only make clothes for those noble ladies.”

Chu Qingyue blushed in excitement. “Fifth Sister, 1’11 work hard.”

If she went to the capital, would she be closer to Yuting?

At the thought of this, her heart was pounding.

Yuting had been gone for a day. She wondered if he had arrived in the capital.

Chu Eighth suddenly said aggrievedly, “Fifth Sister, everyone has a name now, except me…”

Chu Qingzhi touched Chu Eighth’s little head. “Do you want me to give you one?”

Chu Eighth nodded vigorously. “Yes, Fifth Sister, give me one.”

Chu Qingzhi thought for a while and said, “Chu Qingyan, Yan means beauty. It suits you the most.”

Chu Eighth was overjoyed. “Fifth Sister, thank you. I like this name very, very much.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled and said, “I hope our Eighth Sister can continue to be beautiful.”

Ads by Pubfuture

“Yes, I’m the most beautiful.” Chu Eighth touched her fair and rosy face happily. In the next few days, she would have something to show off to her friends again.

After returning to her room, Chu Qingzhi took out a pen and paper to design clothes.

She thought to herself that after paving the roads for her family, she could retire and be lazy.

Chu Qingyue walked in with a lamp in one hand and placed it on the table. There were already four lamps. “Fifth Sister, is it bright enough? If not, I’ll bring two more.”

“That’s enough, Second Sister.” Chu Qingzhi looked up. The orange light shone on Chu Qingyue’s face, making her look extremely gentle. “Second Sister, sit down and rest for a while. You’ve been busy for the entire day.”

Chu Qingyue brought over the small basket of needles and thread and climbed onto the bed to embroider. “I’ll rest after embroidering this hibiscus.”

Chu Qingzhi asked, “Is it for a customer?”

Chu Qingyue said, “No, I needed to show this to the embroiderer to ask her to take me in as her disciples.”

Chu Qingzhi lowered her head and continued drawing. At the same time, she asked, “Are the requirements for becoming her disciple very high?”

Chu Qingyue said, “Yes, it’s very high. If you are not talented, she won’t accept you. So far, she has only taken in nine disciples. The earlier disciples are already very famous. 1 saw their embroidery. It’s very good, so 1 wanted to be her disciple too.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Second Sister, you will definitely pass.”

Chu Qingyue smiled and said, “1 will try my best to pass.”

Chu Qingning walked in. “What are you girls talking about? Can 1 join?” She held a medical book in her hand and sat beside Chu Qingzhi.

Chu Qingyue looked at Chu Qingning. “Fourth Sister, how’s your learning going?”

Chu Qingning craned her neck to look at the clothes Chu Qingzhi had drawn and said, “I’m still learning the basics. 1 know that learning medicine is difficult, but I didn’t expect it to be so difficult.”

Chu Qingyue smiled and said, “It’s definitely much harder than designing clothes.”

Chu Qingning clenched her fists. “I must learn well and become a famous doctor.”

Chu Qingzhi said patiently, “Fourth Sister, your comprehension of medicine is not bad. In addition, you’re willing to work hard. It’s only a matter of time before you master it. When you’ve learned enough theoretical knowledge, you can travel to gain experience. By the time you return, I believe you will become a famous doctor.”

“Yes.” Chu Qingning couldn’t help but look forward to that day..

Chapter 192: Same Person

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

In the Chu family in the county city.

After dinner, Chu Zhongyuan was about to go back to his room to sleep when he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his heart. The pain was like a needle stabbing into him. It was so painful that his body went limp and he fell to the ground.

“Master!” When the servant girl saw this, she hurriedly helped him back to the room and placed him on the bed. Then, she went to call Wang Peifang.

Wang Peifang came over when she heard the news. When she saw Chu Zhongyuan sweating profusely and wailing in pain, she was shocked. “Hurry up and get a doctor. Hurry!”

The servant girl did not dare to delay and hurriedly ran out.

When Old Master Chu and Old Madam Chu heard that their son was not feeling well, they immediately rushed over.

Old Madam Chu sat by the bed and held her son’s hand. Her heart ached. “Zhongyuan, what’s wrong? Why are you suddenly so sick?”

Chu Zhongyuan’s other hand grabbed the clothes on his chest tightly. His face was twisted in pain, and his entire body was drenched in sweat. “Mother, my chest hurts so much. It’s as if someone is pinching my heart with their hand and stabbing it with their nails.”

Old Madam Chu’s heart ached. She quickly comforted him, “I’ve already sent someone to get a doctor. The doctor will be here in a while. Bear with it.”

Chu Zhongyuan could not take the pain anymore. He curled up on the bed and did not dare to move. “It hurts, it hurts…” n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Old Master Chu paced around the door of the room with an anxious expression. Why wasn’t the doctor here yet?

Ads by Pubfuture

Wang Peifang had just quarreled with Chu Zhongyuan and was still angry with him. Hence, she stood silently at the side with her head lowered, looking cold.

After twenty minutes, the doctor rushed over under the lead of the servant girl.

Old Madam Chu quickly moved aside. “Doctor, quickly take a look at my son.”

The doctor nodded and went forward to take Chu Zhongyuan’s pulse. Slowly, he frowned. “There’s nothing wrong with his body.”

Old Madam Chu panicked when she heard that. Even a blind person could tell that something was wrong with Chu Zhongyuan. “Doctor, you can’t joke at this time. Look at how painful he is. How can he be fine?”

The doctor was unhappy. “Old Madam, I am your family doctor. When have 1 ever lied to you? From the pulse, your son is indeed not sick, but from his symptoms, there must be something wrong with him. Don’t be anxious. I’ll try acupuncture.”

Only then did Old Madam Chu’s expression ease. “Doctor, please perform the acupuncture quickly.”

The doctor hurriedly took out silver needles from the medicine box and inserted one into Chu Zhongyuan’s chest. The pain did not subside at all. He continued to insert the second needle.

After a while, there was still no improvement. Even a doctor who had been practicing medicine for more than ten years could not help but feel puzzled.

He continued with the third needle…

“All—”

Chu Zhongyuan could not bear the pain and screamed. He pulled out the three silver needles and threw them away. “It hurts. It hurts too much. I don’t want to live anymore!”

He wept bitterly and had the thought of suicide.

Ads by Pubfuture

Old Madam Chu also cried. “Zhongyuan, what’s wrong?”

Chu Zhongyuan curled up and trembled in pain. “Mother, it hurts so much. It hurts too much. I don’t want to live anymore!”

The doctor picked up the silver needles that had been thrown away. Seeing that Chu Zhongyuan was in so much pain, he suggested, “Why don’t you invite Chu Qingzhi to take a look at him? Her medical skills are better.”

Everyone in the room was stunned, including Chu Zhongyuan.

Wang Peifang asked excitedly, “Who did you just say?”

“Chu Qingzhi!” The doctor had treated the original Chu Qingzhi, but the original Chu Qingzhi looked very different from the current Chu Qingzhi. Moreover, he knew very well that the original Chu Qingzhi did not know medicine, so he thought it was two people with the same name. He did not think that they were the same person at all.

“1-Impossible!” Wang Peifang’s expression was extremely ugly. She would not believe it even if a knife was held to her throat. “How can Chu Qingzhi know medicine?”

“She really knows medicine. If you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do. I can’t cure his illness. Find someone else.” With that, the doctor carried the medicine box and left quickly.

The Chu family fell into a short silence, but it was quickly broken by Chu Zhongyuan’s cries of pain. “I’m in so much pain. Father, Mother, quickly get a doctor for me.”

“I will go right away,” Old Master Chu quickly replied and asked the servant to go get another doctor.

Of course, they would not believe what the first doctor said just now. After all, they knew best if a child who had lived with them for 15 years had medical skills or not.

Soon, the second doctor was invited over, but he quickly left.

Just like that, all the doctors in the county were invited. Chu Zhongyuan’s pain did not ease at all. Instead, it intensified. He was about to collapse.

Ads by Pubfuture

“Father, Mother, what should we do now?” Wang Peifang could no longer maintain that indifferent attitude. She was afraid that Chu Zhongyuan would die. The child was only one year old. She didn’t want her child to grow up without a father.

The two elders were already at a loss and did not know what to do.

In her anxiety, Wang Peifang thought of the first doctor’s words. He wouldn’t say that Chu Qingzhi knew medicine for no reason. There must be a reason why he said that.

Why not get someone to call Chu Qingzhi over to take a look?

Thinking of this, Wang Peifang immediately instructed the servant to go to the Chu Village to look for Chu Qingzhi.

In the Chu Village.

Chu Qingzhi drew three designs in a row. Cheongsam was the best dress that could make women look charming and seductive.

“Second Sister, take a look.” Chu Qingzhi handed the designs to Chu Qingyue.

Chu Qingyue took the paper. There was a picture on the front and back of the paper. She looked at the first design.

As she looked, her face turned slightly red. Wearing this dress would expose her thighs. It was a little unacceptable to her.

“These dresses will definitely look good on them, but they’re not suitable for ordinary people like us.”

Chu Qingzhi suggested, “Second Sister, make one for them first.”

She felt that this dress was a little too ahead of time. Even the women in the brothels in ancient times might not be able to accept it.

“Fifth Sister, I know.” Chu Qingyue couldn’t take her eyes off the design. She didn’t have the courage to wear such a dress, but it wouldn’t stop her from admiring it.

“Second Sister, I’ll wait for your feedback. If they feel that it’s too revealing, I can modify it.”

Chu Qingyue nodded. “Okay.”

“Fifth Sister, look at my embroidery.” Chu Qingyue handed the hibiscus flower she had embroidered to Chu Qingzhi.

Chu Qingzhi took the embroidery and took a closer look. The flower was embroidered flawlessly and looked very lifelike. However, one flower looked stiff and rigid. It would be more lifelike if it had leaves. “Second Sister, it’ll be better to embroider two leaves here.”

Chu Qingyue reexamined her work. The more she looked at it, the brighter her eyes became. “Fifth Sister, you are right. I’ll add two leaves later..”

Chapter 193: Causing Trouble

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Suddenly, there was a hurried knock on the door. This stunned the Chu family. It was already so late. Who would that be?!

Chu Rong put on a shirt and walked quickly to the door. He was not in a hurry to open the door. Instead, he asked, “Who’s knocking?”

The servant said forcefully and impatiently, “I’m from the Chu family in the county. My master is sick. Let Chu Qingzhi come with me. Hurry up and open the door. Don’t waste my precious time.”

Only then did Chu Rong open the door. There were a total of two servants. As soon as he opened the door, the two servants immediately looked in. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Where is she? My master is in a lot of pain!”

“Hurry up and rush her. She’s too slow. That’s Chu Qingzhi’s adoptive father. Although she was sent home, he still raised her for 15 years. She doesn’t seem to care at all!”

“Hurry up and rush her.”

Chu Rong was originally quite worried, but when he heard the two servants’ words, he immediately frowned. “Qingzhi is already asleep. She needs time to put on clothes before coming out, right?”

The servant said impatiently, “A life is at stake. Can’t she dress faster?”

Chu Rong said unhappily, “No matter how fast it is, it will take time. If you can’t wait, leave. My daughter has been busy for the entire day. How can she have the energy to treat someone else in the middle of the night?”

When the servant heard this, he immediately retorted, “Is that someone else? That’s her adoptive father.”

Ads by Pubfuture

Chu Rong was originally not good with words, but when it came to protecting her daughter, he was quite eloquent. “But my daughter has already come home, and she was chased home by Chu Zhongyuan. It’s understandable if she doesn’t want to go.”

The servant did not expect Chu Rong to say this. “Heh, 1 didn’t expect you to be an ungrateful person. Looks like sending her back was the right choice.”

Chu Rong was furious and said firmly, “Back then, when 1 went to pick Qingzhi up, the Chu family said in front of me that Qingzhi has nothing to do with their family in the future. Why are they looking for us now?”

The servant was not to be outdone. “Do you think I want to look for you? It’s all because Madam asked us to come.”

Chu Rong pushed the two servants out and closed the door with a bang. “Get lost!”

Looking at the closed door, the two servants shouted, but no matter how loud they shouted, Chu Rong refused to open the door. They could only curse and leave.

At this moment, everyone from the Chu family came to the central room with ugly expressions.

Li Qingyu said angrily, “Chu Zhongyuan is despicable. He brought Qingzhi home when he wanted her and threw her away when he didn’t.”

Grandpa Chu said angrily, “Don’t care about him. He can’t blame us for being heartless. Everyone heard what those two servants said just now. It’s not nice at all. That’s not the attitude one should have when asking for help.”

Granny Chu said unhappily, “That’s right. If they talked nicely and had a nice attitude, why wouldn’t we help? They brought this upon themselves.”

Chu Qingyue patted Chu Qingzhi’s hand. “Fifth Sister, they were rude to us first. We are not wrong to say no to them.”

Shen Ruyue also said, “Qingzhi, although they raised you, everyone knows what kind of life you were living.”

Chu Qingzhi’s expression was calm. All of this was her doing. Of course, she wouldn’t go and save Chu Zhongyuan.

Ads by Pubfuture

Chu Zhongyuan was the one who said that he missed the original Chu Qingzhi, so it was only right for Chu Zhongyuan to send him down to accompany the original Chu Qingzhi.

After Chu Zhongyuan, it would be Wang Peifang’s turn. No one could escape it.

“Grandpa, Grandma, Father, Mother, it’s okay. I’m sick too. 1 can’t save anyone!”

When Chu Qingzhi suddenly said this, everyone was slightly stunned. Then, they smiled meaningfully and had already thought of how to put up a show with Chu Qingzhi.

Grandpa Chu immediately said, “Qingzhi, if you are not feeling well, then hurry back to your room to rest. Staying up late will worsen it.”

Chu Qingzhi said obediently, “Yes, Grandpa.”

Everyone looked at each other and returned to their rooms to continue sleeping.

Of course, Wang Peifang wouldn’t give up. After hearing the servant’s report, she was so furious that she personally came to the Chu Village in a carriage.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

There was a loud knock on the door. The Chu family, who had woken up in a daze, felt that their house was shaking. If not for the knock, everyone would have thought that there was an earthquake.

“Chu Qingzhi, come out quickly!”

“Your father is in so much pain. You still have the mood to sleep? Don’t you have any conscience?”

“Chu Qingzhi, to think that you were conferred the title of a baroness. Are you worthy of such glory?”

Wang Peifang cursed as soon as she arrived, startling the neighbors in the village.

Zhao Xiuhua liked to watch the show. Grandpa Chu’s second brother, Chu Qi, also walked over.

It was still Chu Rong who opened the door. When he saw his neighbors coming over, his attitude was very good, but his voice was suppressed with anger. “Mrs. Chu, please watch your language.”

“Get lost. I’m looking for Chu Qingzhi.” Wang Peifang pushed Chu Rong away rudely and walked straight in. She looked around. “Chu Qingzhi, get out!”

Chu Qingyue walked out of the room and looked at Wang Peifang in annoyance. “My fifth sister is sick and can’t get up. Find someone else!”

Wang Peifang guessed that Chu Qingyue must have just walked out of Chu Qingzhi’s room. Hence, she walked over and pushed Chu Qingyue away. She entered the room and roared, “Chu Qingzhi, you’re actually still sleeping!”

Chu Qingzhi was “seriously ill” and could not get up!

Li Qingyu hurriedly rushed into the room to stop Wang Peifang. “Qingzhi is sick. She can’t even get up. Why are you looking for her?”

Chu Qi naturally couldn’t enter a girl’s boudoir. He stood at the door of the central room to see the situation, but Zhao Xiuhua could go. She quickly chased to the door of the boudoir and looked in.

“Get lost!” Wang Peifang pushed Li Qingyu away fiercely. Li Qingyu was pushed onto the bed. Fortunately, she fell onto the bed. Otherwise, she would have been injured.

Zhao Xiuhua covered her mouth, clearly very shocked. Were the ladies in the county city also so shrewish?

“Get lost!” Wang Peifang then pushed Shen Ruyue away. Then, she went to pull Chu Qingzhi.

However, the moment she touched Chu Qingzhi’s wrist, she seemed to have been scalded and quickly retreated.

Chu Qingzhi’s body was hot and soft. There was a wet handkerchief on her forehead and she looked extremely weak. “Cough, cough, cough…”

Wang Peifang did not expect Chu Qingzhi to really be sick. She thought that Chu Qingzhi was pretending. Now that she saw Chu Qingzhi like this, she felt the world spin. Her heart sank. Chu Zhongyuan was hopeless!

“Chu Qingzhi, get up!” Wang Peifang wanted to grab Chu Qingzhi’s hand again, but this time, she was blocked by Li Qingyu. “Mrs. Chu, are you done?”

Chu Qingzhi was the last hope of saving Chu Zhongyuan. Now that Chu Qingzhi was sick, she naturally could not save Chu Zhongyuan. “Why did you fall sick at this time!”

“I’ve never heard of anyone picking a time to fall sick!” Li Qingyu changed her “weak” style from before. She grabbed Wang Peifang’s wrist and pushed her out of the house. “Hurry up and leave.. Don’t let me see you again!”

Chapter 194: Another Tragedy

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Wang Peifang had finally experienced the strength of the village women. She could not break free at all when Li Qingyu grabbed her.

At this moment, she stood at the door and glared at Li Qingyu. She said hatefully, “1 raised Chu Qingzhi for 15 years, and you’re treating me like this?”

Li Qingyu glared back. “Like what? You saw Qingzhi’s situation just now. Your husband is sick, and so is my daughter.”

Wang Peifang gritted her teeth, her anger rising. “She won’t die anyway, but Chu Zhongyuan is in so much pain that he’s dying.”

Li Qingyu blocked the entrance without wavering. “Is there no doctor in the county city? Why do you have to look for Qingzhi?”

Wang Peifang said angrily, “I’ve already invited all the doctors in the county. If the doctors can save him, why would I come all the way here?”

Li Qingyu was unmoved. “I’m sorry. Qingzhi can’t get out of bed now. You can leave.” n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Wang Peifang squeezed out words from between her teeth. “Li Qingyu…”

Li Qingyu’s attitude was firm. “I’m sorry. If the doctors can’t save him, I’m afraid no one can.”

Wang Peifang gritted her teeth. “Li Qingyu, Chu Qingzhi is a baroness. Aren’t you afraid that I’ll go to the county magistrate and report to him that she’s indifferent to the life of her adoptive father?”

Li Qingyu’s expression changed, and she was slightly flustered. This concerned Qingzhi’s reputation. If she was found pretending to be sick, would people think she was a heartless person?

Seeing that Li Qingyu was wavering, Shen Ruyue rushed over and said, “If you have evidence, go ahead.”

Li Qingyu did not understand, but she did. Qingzhi’s reputation was now related to the county magistrate’s official career. The county magistrate would only protect Qingzhi and would never believe Wang Peifang.

Ads by Pubfuture

Wang Peifang glared at Shen Ruyue viciously. “Who are you? Do you have the right to speak here?”

Shen Ruyue said calmly, “Madam, Qingzhi has been helping the county magistrate solving a case today. She didn’t eat much at noon. You know how weak Qingzhi’s body is. She had a high fever at night. You’re Qingzhi’s adoptive mother, but now you don’t care about her life and death. Do you think you’re right to let her get up and go with you to treat your husband?”

What?

Chu Qingzhi went to help the county magistrate solve a case?

Wang Peifang’s expression was ugly. “You’re lying to me, right? Do you think I don’t know what Chu Qingzhi is capable of?”

Shen Ruyue said calmly, “If she is not capable, how did she become a baroness?”

Wang Peifang felt dizzy like she had been dealt a blow. Chu Qingzhi had been hiding her abilities all along. She did not know Chu Qingzhi at all.

Shen Ruyue looked at Wang Peifang with pity, thinking to herself, If you weren’t so vicious, Qingzhi wouldn’t have done this. You would regret losing a daughter like Qingzhi for the rest of your life. “Go back. Qingzhi is too sick today. She can’t go anywhere.”

Grandpa Chu called out, “Everyone, go back to your room. There are still so many things to do tomorrow. How can we have so much time to waste with a shrew? Go to sleep.”

Everyone went back to their rooms to sleep. Wang Peifang was chased out and the door closed again with a bang.

Wang Peifang looked at the closed door and left indignantly.

However, by the time she returned, Chu Zhongyuan had miraculously recovered. Of course, this was only temporary. Chu Qingzhi wouldn’t let him die so easily.

The next morning, Tang Jinghong rushed over.

“Qingzhi, you went to help the county magistrate solve a case?” Tang Jinghong’s eyes reflected Chu Qingzhi’s beautiful face, and his voice was filled with concern.

Chu Qingzhi sighed helplessly. “That’s right. Yesterday, I went to teach the students in the school when someone died.”

Tang Jinghong nodded. “You must prioritize your own safety.”

Ads by Pubfuture

Chu Qingzhi said, “I will. Anyway, I don’t have anything to do recently. I’ll bring Third Brother along to teach him the basics of investigating a case.”

Tang Jinghong said in surprise, “Chu Third is planning to learn how to investigate cases?”

Chu Qingzhi nodded. “Third Brother is very talented in this aspect. I think we can nurture him. He likes it too.”

“That’s good.”

“You came here so early to tell me this?”

“I’m here firstly to see you and secondly to tell you this.”

Chu Qingzhi couldn’t help but smile. Jinghong was getting more sweet-tongued. “Let’s eat together. After that, I have to go to the government office. The case isn’t over yet.”

Tang Jinghong tucked Chu Qingzhi’s hair behind her ear and said gently, “I’ll go with you this morning. I’ll return to the military camp in the afternoon.”

In order to have half a day to himself, he stayed up until midnight to finish the military affairs.

Chu Qingzhi thought that Tang Jinghong was just here to see her. She didn’t expect that she could have a date with Tang Jinghong for half a day. She was a little surprised. “Really?”

Tang Jinghong’s eyes were filled with a gentle smile. “Really.”

After breakfast, they walked towards the county office. They did not expect to encounter two constables on the way.

One of the constables shouted hurriedly, “Miss Chu, someone died in the Tan family again!”

Then, they immediately rushed to the Tan mansion.

The atmosphere in the Tan mansion was gloomy. Everyone was kept in the garden in the front hall with terrified expressions.

Ads by Pubfuture

When the head constable saw Chu Qingzhi, he hurriedly went up to her. “Miss Chu.”

Chu Qingzhi frowned and said, “Bring us to the crime scene.”

“Okay.”

Following the head constable, the group arrived at Second Master Tan’s room.

The door was open and a constable was guarding it.

The head constable said, “Miss Chu, Second Madam Tan was the first to discover Second Master Tan’s death this morning. She was so frightened that she fainted.”

Chu Qingzhi walked into the room. “Third Brother, see if you can discover anything in this room.”

Chu Xujin immediately said, “Okay.”

The room was very clean and tidy, as if it had been deliberately cleaned. However, the house of a rich family had to be cleaned every day, so there was nothing unusual about it.

Chu Xujin looked at the beam. The beam was covered in dust as it should be. He retracted his gaze and went to check something else.

Chu Qingzhi went to look at Second Master Tan on the bed.

Second Master Tan’s eyes were closed and his expression was peaceful. He also looked like he was sleeping. It was very similar to Tan Maozhi’s death.

Bao Linjiang handed over a pair of gloves at the right time. “Master.”

Chu Qingzhi took the gloves and instructed her two disciples in a low voice, “Go and secretly monitor the Tan family to see if anyone is acting very suspicious. By the way, you said yesterday that you saw a suspicious person. Be careful today. If you see the person again, inform me immediately.”

The two disciples immediately nodded.

Tang Jinghong didn’t know how to investigate cases, so he just watched the show. “Qingzhi, what do you need me to do?”

Chu Qingzhi thought for a moment. “Jinghong, go and see if there are any fleeceflower stems in the Tan mansion.”

Tang Jinghong was embarrassed. He touched his nose. “Qingzhi, I don’t know what fleeceflower stems are.”

Chu Qingzhi gave him another task. “Jinghong, go and ask the head constable if the confessions yesterday were confirmed.”

Now that there were confessions, she still had to collect evidence. Only then could the case be truly closed.

Tang Jinghong said, “Okay, I’ll go right away..”

Chapter 195: Framing

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Qingzhi put on her gloves and checked Second Master Tan’s body. His body had not completely stiffened… “He died at midnight last night. It’s been four hours since then. The cause of death was poisoning!”

“It looks like Tan Maozhi’s death, but the cause of death is different. Could it be that someone is imitating the first murderer?”

Chu Xujin carried the incense burner over. “Fifth Sister, look, there’s also fleeceflower stems in here.”

Chu Qingzhi took the incense burner and checked it carefully. Then, she asked, “Third Brother, are there any traces of human movements on the beam?” n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Chu Xujin shook his head in confusion. “No, there are no suspicious traces in the room. Fifth Sister, is Second Master Tan’s death different from Tan Maozhi’s death?”

Chu Qingzhi thought for a moment and said, “It’s indeed different.”

The method of killing was different, so it might be a different murderer. Chu Xujin guessed, “Fifth Sister, I suspect that someone is framing the first murderer.”

Chu Qingzhi looked at Chu Xujin. “Third Brother, do you have any takes?”

Chu Xujin thought for a moment and said, “Fifth Sister, let’s check the roof tiles first before going to see Third Master Tan.”

“Okay.”

Chu Qingzhi walked out of the room and flew to the roof to take a closer look. There were no traces of the tiles being touched. She flew to the ground and shook her head at Chu Xujin.

The two of them had a tacit understanding and immediately went to Third Master Tan’s room.

The crime scene and the time of death were exactly the same as Tan Maozhi’s. From the looks of it, Second Master Tan’s death was very problematic.

The head constable walked towards Chu Qingzhi. “Miss Chu, this is the information you asked me to investigate about Red Crane yesterday.”

Chu Qingzhi took the paper from the head constable’s hand and read it. Then, she was surprised. “Red Crane actually came from the northern border!”

Chu Xujin said, “Fifth Sister, if Red Crane is the descendant of those generals who were killed by the former Lord of the Northern Border, then she should have been killed too. How did she end up becoming the daughter of a criminal official?”

The head constable pondered for a moment. “If those generals were convicted of staging an uprising, then they, along with their family members and relatives, would be executed. There can’t be anyone left alive!”

Chu Qingzhi said, “There are so many people. It’s not strange that someone escaped. By the way, head constable, did Red Crane do anything abnormal last night?”

The head constable shook his head. “No, Miss Red Crane went to bed early.”

Chu Qingzhi asked in confusion, “How can she still sleep after knowing Tan Maozhi’s death.”

Chu Xujin and the head constable could not answer this question.

Chu Xujin said, “Fifth Sister, I think Second Master Tan must have been killed by the second murderer. The second murderer wanted to frame the first murderer, but he didn’t understand the first murderer’s method of killing, so he could only try to make the crime scene as similar as possible.”

Chu Qingzhi was silent for a moment before asking, “Third Brother, why do you think the second murderer was in such a hurry to kill Second Master Tan last night?”

Chu Xujin said, “That’s right. He could have waited until he figured out the first murderer’s method of killing before making a move.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Then that means he had no choice but to kill him.”

Chu Xujin said, “Fifth Sister, they all used fleeceflower roots. This should be a clue.”

“Third Brother, let’s go take a look at the Tan mansion.”

“Okay.”

The Tan family was very rich. They built the mansion beautifully. Even the stone slabs on the ground were of the best quality.

Chu Qingzhi and Chu Xujin wandered around the garden of the Tan mansion.

Chu Qingzhi said, “If the two murderers can get the fleeceflower roots, it means that the two of them have something to do with each other. If the fleeceflower roots can be found in the mansion, it means that these two people are very likely to be from this mansion.”

“Okay.”

She searched the garden carefully and really found some clues. “Third Brother, there are no fleeceflower roots here, but there are leaves of the fleeceflower that have been disposed of.”

Chu Xujin said, “Then our previous guess might be right. The murderer is from the Tan family.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Most likely.”

The head constable sent the statements of the Family family members to Chu Qingzhi. “Miss Chu, can we send Second Master and Third Master Tan’s corpses back to the mortuary?”

“Sure. After you send the corpses back, get the coroner to do the autopsy immediately.”

“Yes.”

Chu Qingzhi walked into the pavilion and read the statements.

After reading the statements, she specially reread the state of the servant girl. The servant girl said that Second Master Tan had a chat with his foster son, Qin Zhiyu, last night. Then, a strange sound came from the room. About two hours later, Qin Zhiyu came out of the study. After that, Second Master Tan went to sleep.

Chu Qingzhi took out the statement of the foster son and found that it was the same as the Servant girl’s. “Why did Second Master Tan take in this foster son?”

Chu Xujin said, “Yesterday, I heard from Second Madam Tan that 20 years ago, Second Madam Tan went to the temple to pay respects to Buddha. She saw that Tan Maozhi, who was usually unsocial, was actually playing very well with a child. When she saw that the child was an orphan, she took him in as a foster son to keep Tan Maozhi company. Later, Tan Maozhi moved out for Red Crane, so the two of them stopped interacting.”

There was only this information in the statement for the time being. Chu Qingzhi decided to ask Qin Zhiyu. “Third Brother, let’s go.”

In the Tan mansion, the head constable temporarily arranged a room for questioning. Chu Qingzhi and Chu Xujin walked in. “Officer, please call Qin Zhiyu over.”

The constable was very impressed by Chu Qingzhi and was very cooperative. “I’ll call him over immediately.”

Tang Jinghong walked in. “Qingzhi, I’ve asked. The murder weapon that lulled First Master Tan many years ago was found in Old Madam Tan’s dowry box, confirming Third Master Tan’s words yesterday. The other statements are still being verified. I’ll tell you immediately after they are verified.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled at Tang Jinghong and pulled out a chair. “You must be tired. Take a seat.”

Tang Jinghong did not sit down. “If there’s anything else you need to do, feel free to instruct me.”

“Not at the moment. Take a rest.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Qin Zhiyu walked in under the lead of the constable. He was a very handsome man. He was very masculine and was considered attractive among young ladies.

Chu Qingzhi pointed at the chair in front of the table. “Young Master Qin, please sit.”

Qin Zhiyu glanced at the people in the room and sat on the chair in silence. After sitting down, he said, “What do you want to ask?”

Chu Qingzhi asked the main point. “What were you and Second Master Tan doing in the study last night?”

Qin Zhiyu’s face immediately paled, and his lips trembled. He lowered his head and gritted his teeth. His entire body was tense, and he refused to speak.

Chu Qingzhi raised her eyebrows. What exactly made him so resistant to speaking? he deepened her voice and asked again, “What were you and Second Master Tan doing in the study last night?”