Chapter Sixty-Six: Breaking the Promise

On the way home, Wen Qiran remained silent the entire journey, seemingly lost in thought over the recent case. Wen Jing, too, was preoccupied with the details of the investigation.

“Seventh Daughter, what is that in your hand?” Wen Qiran only now seemed to notice the gift box Wen Jing was carrying.

“Oh, this was just given to me by Madam Wang for her daughter,” Wen Jing replied. It was only when her father mentioned it that she remembered the box.

“Open it and take a look,” Wen Qiran instructed.

Wen Jing opened the box and saw a jade Buddha within. The jade was smooth and translucent, the features exquisitely lifelike. Against the silk lining, it seemed even more radiant and clear.

“This jade Guanyin is quite valuable,” Wen Qiran remarked, his expression troubled.

Wen Jing understood her father’s concern. She hadn’t expected the gift to be so precious. She wondered what the other two boxes contained; if they were as valuable as this jade Buddha, then Madam Wang was indeed exceedingly generous. But considering the Wang family’s status and that Lord Wang’s life was more valuable than any treasure in Madam Wang’s eyes, such gifts were of little consequence to her.

“Keep it well. This is yours now,” Wen Qiran said. Since they had accepted it, returning it would be inappropriate.

Wen Jing nodded and carefully placed the jade Buddha back into the box.

Upon alighting from the carriage, Madam Wen and Lady Ping were already waiting at the door.

“Husband, you’re back. Why are you later than usual today?” Madam Wen greeted him, her gaze briefly lingering on the ornate box in Wen Jing’s hands, her eyes lighting up before she regained composure.

“Something happened today, which delayed me.”

“Come, let’s have dinner,” Madam Wen said, then turned to He Mama, “Tell the kitchen to reheat the dishes.”

He Mama hurried off at once.

“What’s that in Seventh Daughter’s hand?” Lady Ping inquired.

“It’s a gift from Lord Wang’s wife,” Wen Jing replied.

Madam Wen’s eyes flickered. The Wang family was one of the most influential and wealthy households in the capital. Even without Lord Wang’s high position, their status as one of the Four Great Families of Jinling meant countless families dreamed of marrying their daughters into the Wang family. She had never expected that after sabotaging Seventh Daughter’s engagement to Ji Changge, another equally impressive prospect would appear—one that might even surpass the previous in wealth. If not for Ji Changge’s mother being a princess, the Duke of Ning’s household would hardly stack up against the Wangs.

Noticing the fleeting change in Madam Wen’s expression, Wen Jing knew she was probably weaving her own calculations again.

Wen Jiuniang, on the other hand, looked quite pleased. Her heart was set on Ji Changge; if Seventh Daughter married into the Wang family, she would have one less rival. Even if she couldn’t have the prize herself, it pleased her so long as it wasn’t Seventh Daughter who gained it. All their lives, she had measured herself against Seventh Daughter: if Seventh Daughter was hurt, she was happy; if Seventh Daughter was content, she felt anxious.

...

The next day.

Wen Qiran left home at dawn, likely having barely slept a wink. With dark circles under his eyes, he hurriedly took a few bites of breakfast before heading out.

Ji Changge, too, was suffering from sleeplessness. The emperor had issued a decree: the case had to be solved within two days. Ji Changge had mobilized every guard in the Court of Judicial Review, turning the Koi Garden upside down overnight. All they found in the pond was a dagger, its shape matching the wounds on Zou Ming’s body—presumably the murder weapon. Yet the dagger was unremarkable, and none of the examinees recognized it. Ji Changge interrogated Zou Guangqi and Wang Jue again through the night, but made no progress. Both swore they had not left their rooms that night and had witnesses to prove they were inside during the time of Zou Ming’s murder. Could it be the killer was not among the examinees?

“Lord Ji, is there any progress?” Wen Qiran arrived at the Wang residence in haste, his question abrupt.

Ji Changge shook his head and reported the case’s developments to Wen Qiran. Judging by Wen Qiran’s expression, he too was at a loss.

“Sir, Lord Liang requests your immediate presence at the Tongfu Inn,” a guard ran up to announce.

Ji Changge’s gaze sharpened. “What’s happened?”

“Another examinee has died at the Tongfu Inn,” the guard replied.

“What?!”

Wen Qiran and Ji Changge exclaimed in unison, both shocked—another death?

A group hurried to the Tongfu Inn. Inside, a crowd of townsfolk had gathered, chattering incessantly. Ji Changge immediately spotted Lord Liang, the head of the Court of Judicial Review, who had come in person.

“Lord Liang,” Wen Qiran greeted him.

“Ah, Lord Wen, you’re here too. We’re truly in dire straits now,” Lord Liang said with a bitter smile.

Ji Changge entered the crime scene. The door bolt had been kicked in. Inside, a middle-aged man sprawled over the desk, eyes wide open. Unlike the previous case, there was no blood anywhere in the room, nor were there any wounds on the man’s body.

Wen Qiran and Ji Changge exchanged glances. Was this a sudden illness?

“Who discovered the body?” Ji Changge asked.

“It was me, sir,” said Li Laifu, the inn’s errand boy.

“Speak.”

“After this guest checked in, he never left his room. He told me to bring his meals to his door at mealtimes. This morning, when I brought breakfast, I knocked and got no response. Yesterday’s dishes were still outside. The door was locked from inside. I feared something had happened, so I told the innkeeper, who had someone break down the door. We found the guest slumped over the desk. The innkeeper told me to check if he was dead. When I touched him, he was already cold—I was so scared, I ran out.”

“Perhaps it was a sudden illness,” Lord Liang suggested.

“It’s possible, but the coincidence is suspicious. Let’s wait for the coroner’s examination,” Ji Changge replied.

“Very well. Have the body taken back for further examination,” Lord Liang ordered.

...

“Lord Liang, there are no wounds on the body. Cause of death is likely sudden illness,” the coroner, Zhong Sunyan, reported with a frown.

“Then that’s settled,” Lord Liang sighed in relief. If it was a natural death, it would be much easier to explain.

Ji Changge frowned, his instincts telling him the case was not so simple. Yet there was no evidence linking this incident to the Koi Garden murder. Lord Liang’s attitude made it clear: the emperor’s pressure over the Koi Garden case was immense, and he preferred not to stir up more trouble.

Ji Changge and Wen Qiran left together; Ji Changge returned to the Koi Garden, Wen Qiran to the Ministry of Rites.

“What do you make of this case, Lord Wen?” Ji Changge inquired.

Wen Qiran glanced at him, sensing they were of one mind. Those who die of illness typically look sallow and thin, or bleed from the orifices, or have darkened nails. Yet this man was fair and plump, with no outward sign of illness or injury—a most peculiar death. But since Lord Liang accepted the “natural death” explanation, as an outsider Wen Qiran could hardly object. After all, investigations were the jurisdiction of the Court of Judicial Review.

“If I may speak frankly, I fear the matter is not so simple. Though the coroner judged it a natural death, Lord Ji, perhaps you should look into the deceased’s background for any clues.”

Ji Changge opened his mouth, as if unsure how to begin.

Seeing his hesitation, Wen Qiran asked, “What is it, Lord Ji? Please speak plainly.”

Ji Changge considered for a moment, then said, “Lord Wen, you saw it yourself in Hanjiang County—were it not for Seventh Daughter, we would not have solved the case so quickly. Her abilities in post-mortem examination are unmatched in the realm.”

Wen Qiran was stunned. He hadn’t expected Ji Changge to suggest seeking Seventh Daughter’s help. Perhaps, deep down, he was reluctant for her to be associated with the lowly profession of a coroner.

“You’ve seen the situation. Both the Ministry of Rites and our Court are under great pressure. Two days is a very tight deadline. Have you considered the consequences if we cannot solve the case in time?” Ji Changge pressed on.

Wen Qiran fell silent. Of course he had weighed the pros and cons. But he had already “forced” Seventh Daughter to promise never to examine corpses again—how could he so readily go back on his word?

Ji Changge observed Wen Qiran’s wavering expression. “If you’re worried about Seventh Daughter’s reputation, I can offer her an official position. With a title, her involvement would be legitimate, and no one would dare gossip. What do you think?”

Wen Qiran looked at Ji Changge in astonishment. Female officials had flourished during the Tang dynasty, largely due to the reign of a female sovereign. In the current era, there were none—only palace women holding internal posts. Ji Changge’s proposal was nothing short of astonishing.

“Lord Wen, there is no shortage of talented and virtuous women. Think of Shangguan Wan’er and Xie Yaohuan—they were the equals of men, if not their betters. Seventh Daughter is exceptionally gifted; if her talents can be put to use, her deeds will be remembered for generations,” Ji Changge said.

Though reluctant to admit it, Wen Qiran was indeed tempted. The question now was, how to broach the subject with his daughter? Should he say, “My child, I need you to examine corpses again”? It had only been a month since he sternly forbade her from doing so—how could he so quickly contradict himself?

Watching Wen Qiran’s face turn red and pale by turns, Ji Changge could not guess his thoughts.

“Consider it, Lord Wen. Time is pressing,” Ji Changge said, then turned to leave for the Wang residence.

Watching Ji Changge disappear around the corner, Wen Qiran stood for a moment before heading home.

Wen Jing and Eighth Daughter were in the courtyard. Looking up, they saw Wen Qiran return unexpectedly. Eighth Daughter was the first to ask, “Father, what brings you home now?”

“I have something to discuss with Seventh Daughter,” Wen Qiran replied.

“Oh.” Eighth Daughter pursed her lips and walked away.

“What is it, Father?” Wen Jing inquired.

“Well… it’s just that…” Wen Qiran blushed, stammering in an uncharacteristic manner.

Wen Jing eyed him suspiciously. What could it be—was he arranging a marriage for her?

“Well, I… I’d like you to continue… examining corpses,” Wen Qiran finally blurted, sighing as he watched his once-imposing image crumble.

Examine corpses? Wen Jing was taken aback. She thought she would never need her dissection tools again, yet here was her father coming to “beg” her to do so. What had happened?

“I’m sorry, Father, but I promised you I would not do it again,” Wen Jing said quietly, unable to suppress a hint of complaint. It was he who had forbidden her so firmly, and now, scarcely a month later, he wanted her to resume, only to perhaps forbid it once more in the future.

Wen Qiran immediately regretted his actions. He had his reasons: first, he wanted the case solved swiftly; second, if his daughter could earn an official post, it would enhance her reputation in the capital and improve her prospects for marriage, bringing protection to the Wen family as well.

“Seventh Daughter, I was at fault before. There is nothing shameful about post-mortem examinations. I promise never to oppose you again,” Wen Qiran managed a strained smile.

“Really? You’re sure you won’t change your mind in the future?”

“Of course. Has your father ever broken a promise?” Wen Qiran said, regaining his confidence.

“If you say so, then I agree,” Wen Jing replied with a smile.

Wen Qiran realized at once—this girl wasn’t unwilling, she just wanted his assurance he wouldn’t go back on his word. Outfoxed by his clever daughter, he mused that she was growing up and getting craftier by the day.

“Pack your things, then. We’ll go at once—Lord Ji is waiting for us.”

No doubt Ji Changge was behind all this, but Wen Jing thought, this time, she might owe him thanks.

ps:
Book title: “Virtuous Wife, Worthy Husband”
Book number: 3047768
Synopsis: Intrigue is one thing, but why must there always be such peculiar twists…