Coroner's Diary

Selling one's own daughter to a brothel...

Qin Guan and Zheng Baishi exchanged a glance, their eyes darkening simultaneously.

Six years ago, the deceased had starved his own elderly father to death. This time, the victim had sold his daughter to a brothel—both were guilty of mistreating their closest kin...

This case was enough to prove that the murderer was indeed the same perpetrator from the case six years ago!

"Shopkeeper Chen, do you know which brothel Hu Dequan sold his daughter to?"

Chen Wanfu thought for a moment. "It seems... it seems to be the Phoenix Perch Tower... Yes, it should be the Phoenix Perch Tower. After Hu Dequan sold his daughter, she disowned him as her father. Later, when Hu Dequan had no money for alcohol, he went to ask his daughter for money but was beaten and thrown out by the people from the Phoenix Perch Tower. This happened about a year ago, and the staff discussed it privately at the time."

After Chen Wanfu finished speaking, Zheng Baishi had already committed this information to memory. "Apart from this daughter, did Hu Dequan have any other relatives or friends?"

Chen Wanfu nodded. "As far as I know, no. But I don't know if there were any other staff members who were privately close to him."

Zheng Baishi nodded and then asked Qin Guan, "Your Highness, are the leaves of the Datura plant common?"

Qin Guan hummed in agreement. "This plant is not rare; ordinary pharmacies carry it."

Zheng Baishi sighed. Qin Guan looked at the food and wine on the table and said, "These dishes and wine were likely prepared by Hu Dequan himself. The fact that he personally cooked for this guest suggests he felt very close to them."

Upon hearing this, Chen Wanfu added, "When Hu Dequan worked at the restaurant, he started as a kitchen helper and assisted the chefs, so he did know how to cook some dishes. Usually, when he lived alone in this courtyard, he was self-sufficient."

Zheng Baishi scanned the room once more. "There's nothing unusual elsewhere. He lived alone in this courtyard, and most areas are covered in cobwebs. Only the main room is somewhat tidy."

Qin Guan glanced around, then stepped outside to inspect the courtyard and took a look in the kitchen. Indeed, she found nothing out of the ordinary—and that in itself was highly unusual.

If the murderer didn't know Hu Dequan, why would Hu Dequan prepare food and wine to entertain them? And if they did know each other, given that Hu Dequan had few acquaintances, wouldn't the murderer fear being exposed?

The first two victims, Wu Qian and Zhao Jiaxu, had many acquaintances, making it difficult to trace connections. But Hu Dequan was different. Qin Guan narrowed her eyes. With the case causing such an uproar, the murderer must know the authorities are investigating, yet they still dared to strike. Her gaze shifted to the courtyard gate—the place was very secluded, inhabited by modest households. Everyone knew a middle-aged man with a limp lived here, so no one paid much attention to the comings and goings. Moreover, the murderer came under cover of night, and no passersby witnessed anything...

The night before last... it seemed to have been a starless and moonless night as well.

At this thought, Qin Guan suddenly frowned. Ash and cinnabar patterns were found under the second victim, Zhao Jiaxu, so why weren't they discovered here?

The more Qin Guan thought about it, the more something felt amiss. She hurried to find Zheng Baishi. "Lord Zheng, did our people fail to find any ash or cinnabar patterns this time? Also, has the Crown Prince been notified?"Zheng Baishi nodded hurriedly, "Yes, nothing was found. The Crown Prince has been notified, but His Highness is currently at the palace, not at the Ministry of Justice. I'm afraid it will be a while before he arrives. Your Grace, are you waiting for the Crown Prince for something?"

Qin Guan shook her head, "I wanted to see that Zhang Daoshi."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Baishi's expression turned troubled. "In that case, we truly must wait for the Crown Prince to arrive. Last time, Zhang Daoshi said he would only help us after the third person died. Now he probably knows more."

It was precisely this thought that had prompted Qin Guan to wait. After merely two ke, Yan Chi arrived!

Yan Chi galloped in on horseback with Bai Feng and several guards. For some reason, when Qin Guan saw him striding through the courtyard gate, he carried an aura of fierce killing intent. She instinctively felt Yan Chi was angry.

Yet as Yan Chi drew nearer, a hint of clarity surfaced in his deep, dark eyes. Seeing Zheng Baishi and the others kneeling in salute, he waved a hand dismissively. "Where is the body?"

As he spoke, his gaze—gentle and lingering—settled on Qin Guan.

"Your Highness, this way please. Her Grace was just asking when you would arrive, and unexpectedly, you're here already."

The group made their way toward the side chamber, Yan Chi's gaze still subtly resting on Qin Guan. He merely said, "I entered the palace today to see The Emperor. Lord Zheng should be aware of the matter regarding the several transport commissioners from the northwest..."

Zheng Baishi quickly responded, "I know, I know. His Majesty is furious about this matter, and we officials are also appalled. These people are too audacious! Such actions are nothing short of bringing calamity to the nation and its people!"

Yan Chi gave a cold laugh but did not continue. He stepped into the side chamber and, upon seeing Hu Dequan's corpse, frowned. "The ice cellar is right below here?"

Zheng Baishi hurriedly nodded. Qin Guan then said, "Does Your Highness wish to go down and take a look? Just now, Lord Zheng and I were discussing how we didn't find the cinnabar pattern or ashes at the corpse site this time. I was thinking of going to check again."

Naturally, Yan Chi readily agreed and led the group down into the ice cellar.

As Qin Guan followed Yan Chi downward, she remarked, "It's strange. Last time, as soon as Zhang Daoshi saw the pattern we traced, he called it a Demon-Subduing Temple. Could it be that Hu Dequan's death falls outside the Demon-Subduing Temple? Yet the first person died in the Skin-Peeling Hell, the second in the Tongue-Pulling Hell, and the third in the Icy Hell. This indeed aligns with the teachings of the Moon Worship Sect."

As they descended, a piercing chill met them at the entrance. Yan Chi frowned at Qin Guan's thin clothing, but her attention was fixed on the large door.

She hadn't noticed it while coming down earlier, but now something felt odd.

The door was made of iron, coated with lead paint, yet the exterior was brushed with a layer of red paint. It wasn't noticeable at a glance or when the door was open, but if both leaves were closed, a faint, dark red pattern emerged. Qin Guan stepped forward for a closer look and indeed found it distinct.

The cinnabar color was slightly darker than the door's red paint, barely distinguishable from afar but quite obvious up close. Qin Guan quickly exclaimed, "Your Highness, Lord Zheng, look! We said we hadn't found the pattern, but the killer has drawn it right here on the door..."Though well aware that the authorities had begun a strict investigation, the murderer remained brazenly arrogant. The pattern beneath Zhao Jiaxu's body had been so small, yet now the design on the main gate was this large. Not only was this pattern a talisman of the Demon-Subduing Temple, it also seemed like a deliberate provocation toward the yamen officials. Zheng Baishi said in a low voice, "This person is truly growing more and more insolent!"

Qin Guan steadied herself and pushed open the door to examine the damp patch at the entrance.

The icehouse was dimly lit. When Qin Guan had entered earlier, she had only noticed melted ice water soaking the floor at the doorway. Due to the officers' entry, there were many muddy footprints around the entrance. But now, upon closer inspection, Qin Guan discovered traces of ash powder within the dampness. She crouched down and pinched some between her fingers. "I was careless earlier. Lord Zheng, I've found something."

Zheng Baishi frowned. "It seems we still need to make a trip to the Celestial Prison to see Zhang Daoshi."

Yan Chi pondered briefly. "Better sooner than later. Let's leave this place to Zhan Yang. We'll go to the Celestial Prison."

True to his decisive nature, Yan Chi immediately issued orders and took Qin Guan and Zheng Baishi to the carriage. After giving instructions to Zhan Yang, Zheng Baishi followed Yan Chi and Qin Guan as they set off directly for the Celestial Prison.

The journey took the time of three cups of tea before they arrived outside the Ministry of Justice. The group entered the ministry compound and headed straight for the Celestial Prison. When they reached Zhang Daoshi's cell, they found him still fast asleep.

The warden called out twice with a wry smile. Zhang Daoshi slowly awakened, and upon seeing three people standing outside his cell, he immediately furrowed his brow. "Another death?!"

Yan Chi looked at Zhang Daoshi with a dark expression. "The third victim was frozen to death in an icehouse."

Zhang Daoshi stared blankly for a moment, then stood up. He performed some finger calculations, his expression growing increasingly grim. "Was this third person also killed in the western part of the city?"

Zheng Baishi's eyebrows jumped. "How did you know?!"

Hearing this, Zhang Daoshi smiled faintly but offered no clear explanation. Qin Guan then said, "Last time you mentioned that when the third person died, you could help us. Now that someone has died, can you calculate what the murderer intends to do? Or who he might be..."

Zhang Daoshi performed a few more finger calculations but then shook his head. "I can help, but I cannot do so while I remain here."

Zheng Baishi frowned. "What? Do you actually want to be released?"

Zhang Daoshi puffed out his chest, showing displeasure. "You've wrongfully accused me for so long—six years! You've imprisoned me for six years! Now that it's proven the killer from six years ago has returned, you still want to keep me locked up?!"

Zheng Baishi raised an eyebrow. "It's not necessarily the same killer from six years ago. It could be an imitator."

Zhang Daoshi sneered. "Oh, is that so? Then why are you asking me?! I know nothing! Go investigate on your own. On one hand, you falsely accuse me of being the murderer, and on the other, you want my help solving the case! Since when does the world offer such conveniences?"

Zhang Daoshi continued sneering, then turned around and lay back down on his felt mat. He crossed his legs, rested his hands behind his head, closed his eyes, and refused to say another word. Zheng Baishi grew slightly angry. "You, how can you—"

Yan Chi raised a hand to stop Zheng Baishi's anger. Looking at Zhang Daoshi, he said, "You may leave if you wish, provided you assist the authorities in capturing the murderer. Once the killer confesses to committing the crimes from six years ago, you can be exonerated."

Zhang Daoshi slowly opened his eyes and smiled at Yan Chi. "Can Your Highness guarantee that?"Yan Chi lifted his chin slightly. "A gentleman's word is his bond."

Zhang Daoshi immediately pushed himself up from the ground. "Excellent! With Your Highness's promise, I shall assist you! Today I shall leave this Celestial Prison, and I must ask Your Highness to arrange a place for me to bathe and change clothes, then let me eat my fill. It's just past noon now—once night falls, I shall begin working for the yamen!"

Though Zhang Daoshi's face was caked with grime, his eyes sparkled brightly.

Zheng Baishi hesitated as he looked at Yan Chi. "Your Highness, should this matter perhaps be..."

Yan Chi said, "I will discuss this with the Minister. Take him out first."

Zhang Daoshi was overjoyed, practically bouncing with excitement. The prison warden nearby stared wide-eyed at Zhang Daoshi, never imagining he could walk out of this place. Many had been imprisoned in the Celestial Prison, yet none had ever left. This Daoist had been confined for six years, spouting nonsense every day—previously claiming this was his tribulation, with no one believing him. Who could have predicted he would truly one day step beyond the Celestial Prison's gates?

With a sharp "click," the cell lock opened. Zhang Daoshi strode out chest out and head high. Seeing the warden's eyes nearly pop out of his head, Zhang Daoshi snorted lightly. "All of you doubted I'd ever leave this place! Now you see what I'm capable of!"

Emerging from the cell, Zhang Daoshi didn't dare overstep. Noting that Yan Chi and the other two hadn't moved, he bowed and gestured respectfully.

"Your Highness, please lead the way—"

Yan Chi glanced at him and stepped forward. Qin Guan followed behind Yan Chi, while Zheng Baishi looked Zhang Daoshi up and down before shaking his head and following. Zhang Daoshi smiled and took up the rear.

As they walked, Zhang Daoshi stroked his beard while peering into the other cells. He waved at each prisoner as if bidding farewell to old friends. When they passed through the main gate of the Celestial Prison, Zhang Daoshi stood squinting in the sunlight, taking a long moment before opening his eyes fully. He tilted his head to gaze at the azure sky and exhaled deeply.

He stood motionless for a brief moment, then looked up to see Yan Chi and the other two watching him from ahead. Zhang Daoshi's smile faded slightly, yet his face showed no trace of post-crisis relief—he simply brightened his expression and caught up with them.

Once outside the yamen gates, Zhang Daoshi's eyes shone even brighter!

He drew a deep breath, his gaze greedily taking in the familiar yet alien streets and markets.

Yan Chi said, "Take him to the prefect's yamen to wash up. Send someone to have Zhan Yang return to the yamen and report."

Zheng Baishi acknowledged the order and hurried to make arrangements. As they walked, Zhang Daoshi kept studying Yan Chi—the longer he looked, the brighter his gaze grew. Soon, he turned to observe Qin Guan—the longer he looked, the darker his expression became.

Bai Feng led over a horse. "Can Zhang Daoshi ride?"

Zhang Daoshi laughed heartily. "Naturally—"

With that, he walked to the tall steed and clumsily scrambled onto its back. Having been imprisoned for six years, he nearly tumbled off immediately. After a moment of adjustment, he finally stabilized himself. Glancing at Bai Feng and the others, he chuckled awkwardly. "My apologies, my apologies—a bit out of practice."

Bai Feng paid him no mind, mounting his own horse to follow Yan Chi as the group headed toward the prefect's yamen.Ahead, Yan Chi and his party were dressed in fine attire, while Zhang Daoshi appeared like a beggar. He was unsteady on his horse, stumbling along the way. By the time they reached the entrance of the magistrate's office, he was drenched in sweat from exhaustion.

Upon entering the magistrate's office, Zheng Baishi led him to the quarters where the constables resided in the rear hall. He ordered people to heat several buckets of water and prepare food for Zhang Daoshi. Inside the room, Zhang Daoshi shouted while bathing, "Lord Zheng, please prepare several large pork hocks for me! The fattiest and biggest ones! And a pot of Jade Tower Spring! No, two pots! Two pots of Jade Tower Spring!"

Zheng Baishi, listening outside, nearly stumbled in disbelief. Wasn't he a Daoist priest?! Why wasn't he abstemious and detached?!

Remembering that Zhang Daoshi could be useful in solving the case, Zheng Baishi sighed and still ordered someone to prepare the items. He then went to the front hall to find Yan Chi and Qin Guan. Shortly after, a servant came to report that Zhang Daoshi had used up a large bucket of hot water and requested several more buckets of cold water, scrubbing himself thoroughly three times before he was satisfied. He was now grooming his hair and beard. Hearing this, Zheng Baishi smiled wryly, "This man acts recklessly and without restraint. Does Your Highness truly believe what he says?"

Yan Chi replied, "If he can help, we'll use him. If not, we'll just behead him."

Zheng Baishi wasn't sure if Yan Chi was serious, but his heart skipped a beat at the words.

Qin Guan chuckled, "Although this man acts without restraint, he isn't afraid of the powerful. Earlier, with just a casual calculation, he deduced that the person died in the western part of the city. He must not be simple."

Zheng Baishi sighed, "I hope so—"

The three waited a while longer until a constable reported that the wine and meat had been purchased and Zhang Daoshi had started his meal. Qin Guan, curious, wanted to take a look. Seeing this, Yan Chi had no choice but to accompany her, and Zheng Baishi followed along.

When the three arrived at the side room, they saw that Zhang Daoshi had changed out of his tattered clothes and was now wearing a brand-new lake-blue cloth robe. His previously tangled hair and beard were neatly groomed, with his dark hair tied into a small topknot. His facial hair had been shaved clean, leaving only a goatee on his chin. His once filthy face was now scrubbed clean, revealing rather regular features. Though he still looked somewhat thin and small, he now carried an air of ethereal grace.

When the three arrived, Zhang Daoshi paid them no mind. His attention was entirely captured by the five large braised pork hocks in front of him. The hocks were plump, juicy, and richly colored, clearly purchased from a high-quality restaurant. Zhang Daoshi grabbed one with his bare hands and took a big bite. As he chewed, the savory juices and greasy oil overflowed. He let out a contented sigh, swallowed, and then grabbed a nearby wine pot, taking a swig directly from the spout. With both meat and wine in his mouth, he threw his head back and laughed heartily, "Hahahaha, I'm alive! I'm finally alive!"

Qin Guan felt somewhat uncomfortable watching his eating habits, while Zheng Baishi snorted at the door, "Hurry up and finish eating so you can get to work!"

Zhang Daoshi shot Zheng Baishi a sidelong glance, "What's the rush?! Wait until nightfall!"

With that, he resumed devouring his meal. Yan Chi watched Zhang Daoshi with an amused smile, then took Qin Guan's hand and led her away.