The maid who discovered the old madam’s body was quickly summoned.
In the freezing cold, within the mourning hall, the maid named Mo Xiang knelt trembling on the ground.
“When the old madam prayed, she never allowed us maids inside, only to wait outside the door. But that night was New Year’s Eve, and she told us to return to our own rooms to eat the holiday meal with our sisters, then come back at dawn. So that night, after the second half of the Hai hour, we left. The next morning, I was the first to arrive at the temple. The doors were tightly shut, the inside very quiet. I thought perhaps the old madam had lain down to rest on the couch inside, so I gently pushed the door open…”
Recalling the scene, Mo Xiang’s voice shook with fear. “At that time, the old madam was lying on the mat before the Buddha shrine, fully dressed, as if asleep. I wondered why she was sleeping on the floor, so I went forward to push her. But with that push, I found she was already stiff…”
Huo Weilou asked: “In the past three months, did the old madam complain of back pain?”
Mo Xiang looked blank at first, then quickly nodded. “Yes. A few times after praying, she said her back ached. We thought it was from kneeling too long, so we often urged her to stop. Later, she began sitting while copying sutras instead.”
Just as Bo Ruoyou had said — the old madam’s symptoms were overlooked.
Huo Weilou asked again: “That night, did she copy sutras?”
Mo Xiang nodded. “Yes. When I left, she had already written one page. Later, when I sorted her belongings, I found she had copied two full pages that night. The sutras are still in her warm chamber.”
Huo Weilou turned to Zheng Wenyàn. “Bring the sutras from that night.”
Zheng Wenyàn quickly sent someone.
Huo Weilou asked: “Ordinarily, how long did it take the old madam to copy one page?”
Mo Xiang replied: “Once she began, she rarely stopped, but she wrote very slowly. One page took at least an hour and a half.”
Soon, the sutras were brought. Huo Weilou asked Mo Xiang: “Look — are these the ones from that night?”
Mo Xiang glanced over them. “Yes, they are.”
The sutras were written on fine paper, in elegant script, each stroke firm and steady. Huo Weilou examined them closely. “The ink tone is consistent, the writing continuous. You left after the Hai hour. An hour and a half later would be the Chou hour. That means the old madam must have seen the second person in the temple only after the Chou hour.”
He handed the sutras to Zheng Wenyàn and asked: “You insist your second brother harmed the old madam. Then tell me — after the Chou hour that night, where was he?”
Zheng Wenyàn quickly said: “That night, Second Brother claimed he stayed alone in his study and never left. But I had sent someone to deliver wine and food to him — the study was pitch dark, no answer at all, clearly no one inside. The next day, after the incident, he said he had drunk and fallen asleep. How could I believe that? I suspected at once he had gone to Mother again!”
“Why did you send him food at midnight? And why was he alone?”
Zheng Wenyàn explained: “That evening, the family was gathered happily for the New Year’s meal. But at the table, Second Brother quarreled with Mother. It was unpleasant. Mother left without eating, going straight to the temple. Once she left, no one else could remain at the table, so in the end, none of us ate the New Year’s meal. For the past two years, Mother managed the household, with me assisting. So I ordered the kitchen to prepare meals separately for each room. Second Brother was alone because, after returning, he quarreled with his wife, even striking her, then went to the study.”
He paused, then added: “Second Brother’s meal was prepared last, so it was delivered latest — after midnight. By then, he was no longer in the study.”
Huo Weilou listened intently, then asked: “Why did your Second Brother quarrel with the old madam?”
Zheng Wenyàn sighed. “It was over the title left by our eldest brother. Marquis, you must know — Eldest Brother died three years ago, leaving only a daughter, Yunni. So the Marquisate of Anqing had to be petitioned for continuation among us brothers. Second Brother believed, as the next in line, he should inherit. But Mother never decided. By seniority, it should have been him. But his temper is violent, he lacks patience for household affairs, his business ventures failed, and he has no scholarly merit. Mother disapproved of him.”
“Because Eldest Brother’s mourning period had not ended, the matter was only discussed last year. But since Mother never agreed outright, Second Brother quarreled with her all year, several times nearly driving her to illness. On New Year’s Eve, he raised it again, saying that along with the palace’s New Year greetings, Mother should submit the memorial for succession. Mother scolded him, and he erupted.”
Huo Weilou’s eyes grew deep. He knew something of the Anqing Marquis household, especially the eldest branch. Disputes over titles were common among noble families. Zheng Wenchen’s violent temper, and the timing, from midnight to the Chou hour, was only half an hour. If he had gone to Mother again, causing her illness to flare and leading to her death, it was entirely possible. And if he bore resentment toward her, seeing her collapse yet refusing to save her, that too was plausible.
Huo Weilou’s narrow eyes glinted. Even if the old madam’s death was tied to Zheng Wenchen, how then did Zheng Wenchen himself die? Ghosts killing men was nonsense. But using the old madam’s death to kill Zheng Wenchen — the killer must surely be someone within the household.
His sharp gaze swept over the Zheng brothers. Suddenly, he said: “Lead the way. I will see Zheng Wenchen’s body.”
Night had grown deep, the mourning hall outside filled with howling wind. Zheng Wenyàn glanced at the sky and could not help but say: “Marquis, you have traveled far today. The household has prepared guest rooms. Why not rest first and see the body tomorrow?”
Huo Weilou gave no reply. Eunuch Fu smiled beside him: “Third Master need not worry. The Marquis never spares himself when on duty. And with so many doubts in this case, it is best to examine the corpse sooner, lest the Marquis be troubled.”
Zheng Wenyàn then understood that Huo Weilou’s will could not be defied. He quickly said: “Very well, please, Marquis, this way—”
Zheng Wenyàn led the way out. Huo Weilou stepped forward, crossing the threshold. But suddenly he turned his gaze back into the hall. Beside the bier, Bo Ruoyou still stood motionless.
Huo Weilou frowned. He Cheng hurried to say: “Xiao Bo, why are you not following? Did you not wish earlier today to examine Second Master’s body?”
Bo Ruoyou quickly responded, “Yes.”
The faces of Zheng Wenyàn and the others changed slightly, each casting her a strange look. Everyone knew that Huo Weilou kept no female attendants at his side. Yet now, he was allowing this woman coroner to accompany him to examine the body.
Zheng Wenyàn immediately put aside his earlier disdain and grew cautious.
The wind was bitterly cold, the night as dark as ink. Zheng Wenyàn personally carried a lantern to lead the way for Huo Weilou.
“After Second Brother’s death, since everyone saw him fall from the high tower, a mourning hall was set up in the west courtyard. But we could not hold a grand funeral, so we planned only to keep the body for forty-nine days.”
Leaving the small courtyard, they followed the paths westward. The Marquis of Anqing’s estate was ablaze with light.
Zheng Wenyàn explained: “Because the Marquis has arrived, the lamps are lit all night. In recent days, we have always retired early in the evenings.”
The household was haunted by rumors of ghostly murder, so naturally, everyone was afraid. Huo Weilou’s gaze swept over the surrounding pavilions and towers. Suddenly, he asked: “The marriage preparations are complete?”
Walking behind, Bo Ruoyou lifted her head at these words.
He Cheng answered promptly: “The eldest young lady of the household is betrothed to the Second Prince. Last year, His Majesty formally granted the marriage, and the date was set for the seventh day of the third month this year. It is a pity the old madam cannot live to see her granddaughter marry into the imperial family.”
The eldest young lady was Yunni, whom Zheng Wenyàn had mentioned earlier.
Bo Ruoyou had not expected such a connection. Looking at Huo Weilou’s tall, commanding figure, she thought — so this was why Marquis Wuzhao himself had come; it was not strange after all.
Zheng Wenyàn added: “All is prepared. The dowry was sent to the capital before the New Year, and the residence there has been readied. If Mother had not passed, we would depart for the capital next month. Fortunately, the marriage was decreed by His Majesty. Otherwise, in this mourning period, who knows how many years it would be delayed.”
Bo Ruoyou sighed softly at these words. Huo Weilou asked no further.
Since he did not ask, Zheng Wenyàn dared not speak more. Though he had never dealt with Huo Weilou before, in just half a day, he had already learned that the rumors were true. So he held his breath and led the way in silence.
The west courtyard was a secluded place. Before long, the group arrived at its gate. Compared to the old madam’s eerie mourning hall, this one seemed more ordinary. White mourning banners hung throughout, and under the eaves the funeral lamps glowed, casting desolate shadows. But suddenly, Zheng Wenyàn, walking ahead, stopped short.
There were people inside the mourning hall!
The black coffin lay in the center, with simple offerings before it. Two figures knelt, burning paper money in a porcelain basin.
Zheng Wenyàn clenched his hand at his side. “Second Sister-in-law, Xiao’er — why are you here so late?”
At his voice, the two turned in fright. Both wore mourning clothes. The young boy was only seven or eight, his face full of alarm. Beside him, the woman had a small oval face, once delicate but now gaunt, skin clinging to her cheekbones, eyes bloodshot, dark shadows beneath them. In the glow of the burning paper, she looked almost terrifying.
“Th… Third Brother…” Seeing Zheng Wenyàn, fear flickered in her eyes. She clutched the child tightly and rose nervously.
Zheng Wenyàn seemed to restrain his anger. “Marquis and Prefect have come to examine Second Brother’s body. It is late. Sister-in-law and Xiao’er should return to rest, lest you hinder official duty.”
“Yes, we will leave now.” The second madam’s voice was hoarse. Holding Zheng Xiao, she walked out. Passing Zheng Wenyàn, she lowered her head even further. The young boy, however, looked curiously at the group, especially staring wide-eyed at Bo Ruoyou as he passed.
Soon, the two disappeared into the cold wind.
This small incident left Zheng Wenyàn stiff-backed. But when he turned, he acted as if nothing had happened. “Marquis, please. Second Brother has already been wrapped, and the rites were performed two days ago.”
Seeing Huo Weilou’s gaze fall on the porcelain basin still burning paper money, Zheng Wenyàn explained: “That was my sister-in-law and Second Brother’s son. Since Second Brother’s death, I feared further mishaps, so I forbade anyone from wandering at night. That is why I was angry to see them here.”
Huo Weilou stepped into the mourning hall. There were no paper effigies, only offerings. The hall was plain, so plain that outsiders would hardly believe the coffin held a noble son.
Huo Weilou pointed at the coffin. “Bring it out.”
Since the body was already sealed, it could not be examined inside. At his command, two Embroidered Guards stepped forward and lifted the corpse from the coffin.
Zheng Wenchen had been dead for six days. With the cold weather and no incense burning, the body was still well preserved. From the exposed head and face, there was little sign of decay.
The corpse was laid upon a felt mat. Huo Weilou turned. Bo Ruoyou stepped forward, carrying her wooden box of instruments. Earlier, she had examined a woman’s body; now it was a man’s. Yet her expression remained steady. After a brief inspection, she began to undo the funeral clothes. Zheng Wenyàn hesitated for a moment, then, without waiting for Huo Weilou’s order, turned and went outside.
The room was quiet, with only the rustle of Bo Ruoyou removing the funeral clothes from the corpse. He Cheng was unfazed, Huo Weilou remained calm, but Eunuch Fu crouched beside Bo Ruoyou with great interest. “Miss, how old are you? Where did you learn this craft?”
Eunuch Fu served close to Huo Weilou, and unlike others, showed no fear of him — proof of his high standing.
Bo Ruoyou answered: “This winter I will be eighteen. I learned the art of autopsy from my foster father. He was the coroner of Qingshan County.”
Eunuch Fu asked again: “And your parents — how could they bear to let you do such work?”
The room was silent, save for the rustle of Bo Ruoyou stripping away the funeral clothes. He Cheng was unperturbed, Huo Weilou calm as ever, while Eunuch Fu crouched nearby, watching with lively interest. “Miss, how old are you? Where did you learn such skills?”
Bo Ruoyou’s hands paused briefly. In a low voice, she said: “My parents have been dead for many years.”
Eunuch Fu fell silent, unable to continue his questioning. Bo Ruoyou, after only that moment’s pause, resumed her work with fluid precision. Soon, the body was revealed.
Though not yet decayed, the skin was covered in bluish-purple livor mortis, a frightening sight. Obvious injuries marked the right shoulder and forehead, with other faint bruises elsewhere. Bo Ruoyou quickly examined, then took out white vinegar from her box and applied it to the suspected bruises. Before long, hidden injuries beneath the skin appeared.
With such clear wounds, the cause of death was not difficult to determine. Bo Ruoyou spoke: “The corpse shows impact injuries on the right shoulder and forehead, with bruises and abrasions on the right arm and hip. These were caused by falling from the Yaoyue Pavilion. The fatal wound is on the right forehead — the skull is sunken and shattered, close to the temple, causing instant death.”
She lifted her head. “All of these are antemortem injuries.”
Antemortem — meaning inflicted while alive. Zheng Wenchen had been pushed from the pavilion and killed in the fall.
“Zheng Wenyàn said Zheng Wenchen made no sound when he fell. Excluding ghostly nonsense, how did the killer lure him up to the third-floor terrace, and how did they push him without struggle?”
Huo Weilou’s voice was stern, yet less cold than before — deep, resonant, almost pleasant.
Bo Ruoyou understood his meaning, and searched further. Soon, she inserted a bamboo stick wrapped in cotton into Zheng Wenchen’s nasal cavity. When withdrawn, it bore traces of residue. Examining it under the lamp, her voice sank: “Datura.”
Huo Weilou’s expression shifted slightly. Eunuch Fu asked: “What is datura?”
Huo Weilou replied: “A narcotic. In the army, it is used as an anesthetic.”
Bo Ruoyou continued her examination, focusing on the heels, legs, and back. “There are linear abrasions on the back of the calves, and horizontal bruises on the waist and hips — signs of being dragged.”
Drugged and dragged — the truth was already clear.
He Cheng said: “So, someone drugged Second Master in the Yaoyue Pavilion. After he was rendered unconscious, the killer pushed him down while others were just arriving — even disguising it as the ghost of the old madam?”
Bo Ruoyou nodded. “From the initial examination, that does seem to be the case.”
He Cheng frowned deeply. “The old madam died with another person present. Zheng Wenchen was drugged and pushed from the pavilion. Two deaths, yet the killer remains unknown. Were these separate acts — one person letting the old madam die, another using her death to murder Second Master? Or was it the same person in both the temple and the pavilion?”
If this question could be answered, the case would be solved. Bo Ruoyou hesitated. “There is another issue. That day was the old madam’s seventh-day memorial. Why did Second Master go alone to the Yaoyue Pavilion? The killer could only use narcotics there if Second Master went of his own accord.”
Huo Weilou glanced at her. “This doubt must be resolved by examining the pavilion itself.”
Bo Ruoyou thought further. “Should Second Master’s body be dissected? The cause of death is clear, but since it has only been six days, perhaps more could be discovered.”
She had already spent hours dissecting the old madam. Now her slender fingers were red from the cold, perhaps even at risk of corpse-poison. Eunuch Fu looked on with pity, glancing at Huo Weilou several times.
At last, Huo Weilou said calmly: “It is late. We will stop here tonight.”
The case had dragged on for long, yet in only half a day, Huo Weilou had clarified the causes of both deaths — significant progress. But as night deepened, many matters became inconvenient. Though relentless in duty, Huo Weilou was also pragmatic. He turned toward the door. Outside, Zheng Wenyàn shivered in the cold, hurrying forward as Huo Weilou emerged.
Huo Weilou ordered: “From this moment, the Marquis household is under the control of the Embroidered Guards and the Prefect’s men. No one, including you, may move freely within the estate.”
Zheng Wenyàn’s lips trembled. “Then tonight’s autopsy…”
Huo Weilou replied: “Tomorrow morning, gather everyone in the household. You will be told the causes of the old madam’s and Second Master’s deaths. Tonight, all remain within the estate. You will arrange the lodgings. Prefect He—”
He Cheng stepped forward at once.
Huo Weilou continued: “Station your men at every entrance.”
He Cheng immediately obeyed, turning to instruct the yamen runners. Zheng Wenyàn said: “Marquis, rest assured. Your quarters have long been prepared. Prefect He and the others also have guest rooms to rest in. As for Coroner Bo—”
Zheng Wenyàn looked toward Bo Ruoyou, but his eyes remained fixed on Huo Weilou. Seeing no change in his expression, he understood that Huo Weilou intended for Bo Ruoyou to stay as well.
Since all others were men, and only Bo Ruoyou was a woman, Zheng Wenyàn hesitated briefly before saying: “Let Coroner Bo lodge in the courtyard beside Yunni’s. It is conveniently close to the Marquis’s quarters.”
Huo Weilou gave no comment. Zheng Wenyàn quickly summoned the steward to arrange matters, then returned to Huo Weilou. “Marquis, allow me to lead you to your rest.”
Eunuch Fu, hearing this, asked eagerly: “Miss Bo, will you come along with us?”
Bo Ruoyou was still examining the corpse. At his words, she lifted her gaze, hesitating. Zheng Wenyàn said at once: “Do not worry, Eunuch. I have arranged for someone to escort Coroner Bo back.”
No sooner had he spoken than Huo Weilou stepped forward and left first. Eunuch Fu showed a trace of displeasure, gave Bo Ruoyou an apologetic wave, and followed after.
Bo Ruoyou shook her head, unconcerned with such matters, still staring at Zheng Wenchen’s corpse in thought. She wanted to see what clothes he had worn at the time of death, but since Huo Weilou had said the day’s work was done, she suppressed the urge. After bidding farewell to He Cheng, she followed the guard leading her out of the west courtyard.
“Miss Bo, your quarters are just northwest of the young lady’s courtyard. They are well prepared — food and hot water have already been sent. If you need anything else, maids are there to serve you. Simply speak.”
The guard was courteous. Bo Ruoyou thanked him and said no more. Now walking alone through the Marquis’s corridors, she found the mansion luxurious and brightly lit, not at all eerie. Only then did she notice the lanterns were unusual — decorated with pomegranate blossoms and many seeds, clearly prepared for the young lady’s wedding.
A joyous occasion, yet shadowed by death.
Passing two garden pavilions, the guard pointed ahead to a straight corridor. “Miss Bo, your courtyard is at the end, where the lights are. Please proceed. I will take my leave.”
Bo Ruoyou thanked him again. After he departed, she turned forward.
The corridor was straight, seeming close. As she walked, her mind lingered on Zheng Wenchen’s death. The lanterns swayed in the cold wind, shadows flickering. Suddenly, a hand shot out from the side and seized her wrist.
Startled, Bo Ruoyou spun around — and saw a childish face.
It was Zheng Xiao!
Dressed in mourning clothes, his sudden appearance was unsettling. Bo Ruoyou steadied herself with a deep breath. “Young Master?”
But Huo Weilou had already ordered the estate sealed. How had Zheng Xiao slipped out?
“Elder Sister, you are so beautiful.” Zheng Xiao’s first words were flattering. Holding Bo Ruoyou’s hand, he continued with childish innocence: “Elder Sister, did you come with the Marquis? Are you the Marquis’s wife?”
Bo Ruoyou almost laughed and cried at once. “I am not. I only work for the yamen… What are you doing here? It is late — you should be resting.”
Zheng Xiao sniffled, chilled by the cold. Seeing that she did not shake off his hand, he gazed up at her with wide eyes. Then suddenly he burst into tears. “Elder Sister, please help us! My father did not harm Grandmother. The worst person in this household is Third Uncle!”
Bo Ruoyou frowned. Zheng Xiao sobbed: “After Father died, Third Uncle forced my mother to hand over the memorial Grandmother had prepared to send to the capital. But Mother and I never saw such a memorial. It must be Third Uncle — he knew Grandmother wanted Father to inherit the title, so he killed Grandmother and then killed Father…”
Hand over the memorial? Was it the petition for succession?
Bo Ruoyou realized Zheng Xiao’s words revealed much that Zheng Wenyàn had deliberately concealed. She was about to ask more, but Zheng Xiao continued pleading: “Mother said Marquis Wuzhao never brings women with him. Since you came with him, you must be his wife. Elder Sister, please, beg the Marquis for us. My father was not a bad man — he was murdered!”
Tears streamed down his face, heartbreaking to see. He seemed stubbornly convinced that anyone accompanying Huo Weilou must be his wife.
Bo Ruoyou sighed helplessly, crouching down to speak gently: “Young Master, I will take you to see Marquis Wuzhao. Tell him everything you just told me, in detail. Will you do that?”
Zheng Xiao nodded eagerly. “Elder Sister, you must speak for me too. You are so beautiful — the Marquis will surely listen to you…”
Bo Ruoyou felt a pang of discomfort, ready to explain seriously. But suddenly her instincts warned her. She lifted her gaze — and froze as if struck by lightning.
At the nearby corridor junction, beneath a red lantern, stood Huo Weilou. His eyes were dark and penetrating, fixed upon her. From his expression, Bo Ruoyou knew he had heard Zheng Xiao’s last words.
But her denial had come only in the first sentence.
Bo Ruoyou thought in dismay: It’s over. I’ve dared to let it sound as though I claimed to be Marquis Wuzhao’s wife!