The murderer was not Yue Qing?!
Jiang Shi didn't look at the nauseating mass of crimson, instead gripping the windowsill excitedly. "Guan'er? What did you say? Are you certain? Absolutely certain it wasn't Qing'er who beat the man to death?"
Before she could finish speaking, her voice had already choked up.
Outside the window, everyone stared intently at Qin Guan. Even though Lin Daxing's eviscerated state was shockingly gruesome, at this moment all attention was focused on whether Yue Qing had committed murder.
Qin Guan turned and placed the object in her hand back into Lin Daxing's chest cavity, speaking gravely, "Lin Daxing's third and fourth ribs on the right side were fractured, but they didn't puncture the nearby liver or spleen. Instead, it was his heart that was shattered."
As she spoke, Qin Guan began arranging Lin Daxing's remains. "The shattered heart is what caused him to vomit blood and die. This aligns perfectly with the deep purple bruising that appeared on Lin Daxing's body."
Pausing slightly, she turned to Governor Huo. "The murder weapon can basically be determined to be a round, hammer-like object. The assailant struck Lin Daxing's chest with tremendous force, directly causing his heart to rupture and leading to his death by blood vomiting."
"Moreover, because the injury was to the heart, Lin Daxing would have died extremely quickly."
Qin Guan's gaze turned solemn as she looked at Huo Huaixin. "Who was the first to discover Lin Daxing's death?"
Huo Huaixin was sweating profusely, while Jiang Shi and Yue Qiong wore expressions of stunned joy, unable to react immediately.
Yue Qing was momentarily dazed. "I didn't beat him to death... I told you, I knew my own strength. Though angry, I didn't want to kill him... Father, mother... he wasn't killed by me..."
Yue Qiong pressed his lips together, eyes slightly moist, and gave his son's shoulder a heavy pat without speaking!
Jiang Shi's tears fell. "Qing'er, this is good, this is very good..."
"Second brother! I knew it! You wouldn't kill anyone!"
"Second brother, grandmother will be overjoyed when she hears!"
The Yue family members were overcome with emotion. Yue Qiong turned to Huo Huaixin. "Brother Huo..."
Huo Huaixin's face was deathly pale, momentarily at a loss. He hadn't expected Qin Guan to actually uncover the crucial evidence. This was a direct slap to his face—he had nearly created a miscarriage of justice...
"Marquis, I... I..."
Huo Huaixin stumbled over his words, but Qin Guan spoke up from the side room. "To err is human. Lord Huo is just as mortal as the rest of us. Though this case nearly became an injustice, Lord Huo didn't stubbornly persist and instead made this wager with me. Now that the truth is clear, Lord Huo should take this as a lesson to find the real murderer, without letting it throw him off balance."
Huo Huaixin's eyes widened in disbelief that Qin Guan could show such magnanimity, actually speaking up to defend him.
"I..." Huo Huaixin opened his mouth, then looked at Yue Qiong. "Marquis..."
Yue Qiong shook his head. "Brother Huo, though Ninth Miss is young, she speaks wisely. You did make mistakes in this matter, but everyone errs sometimes. The Marquis's household won't pursue this further. I only hope you'll be more cautious and rigorous in the future, ensuring absolute meticulousness in judicial matters. Otherwise, incidents like this will keep occurring."Huo Huaixin hastily took a step back, clasped his hands, and bowed deeply to Yue Qiong. Then, turning around, he performed another grand salute to Qin Guan. "This time, it was all thanks to Ninth Miss's assistance. Huo is utterly ashamed and endlessly grateful. I will surely remember this kindness and never take it lightly. I must also thank the Marquis and Madam for their generous understanding, as well as the Second Young Master..."
Though Yue Qing had been wrongfully accused, it was not Huo Huaixin's intention. Moreover, Yue Qing had indeed beaten Lin Daxing severely, so he dared not accept the courtesy. "Lord Huo, there's no need for such formalities. Right now, the priority is to find the real murderer and seek justice for the deceased. As for my act of violence, I should also be held accountable. Lord Huo need not blame yourself too much."
Only then did Huo Huaixin straighten up, his emotions in turmoil.
Inside the side room, Qin Guan spoke again, "For this case, first, there's the murder weapon. Second, Wei Wu's testimony contains suspicious lies. Lord Huo can investigate based on these two points. I believe the truth won't be hard to uncover."
Huo Huaixin cupped his hands once more. "With Ninth Miss's help, Huo will go arrest the suspects immediately. The deceased will also be sent back to the yamen. Rest assured, I will uncover the truth as soon as possible and come to apologize to everyone."
Inside the room, Qin Guan had already stitched up Lin Daxing's abdomen. After cleaning up and dressing him, the body looked no different from any ordinary deceased. Huo Huaixin acted swiftly—sending men to the front courtyard to apprehend Wei Wu and his accomplices while others carried away Lin Daxing's body. Once all the yamen personnel had left, the Marquis's residence finally settled into peace.
"Ninth Miss, thank you for clearing my name and saving me. Please accept my bow!" Yue Qing knelt on one knee and bowed deeply to Qin Guan. She sidestepped slightly, a faint smile curling her lips.
Her actions were deeply influenced by her father's teachings and her own principles. Clearing Yue Qing's name was secondary. Had she not noticed Wei Wu's lies, she wouldn't have suspected the case had hidden complexities.
"Second Young Master, there's truly no need for this. Qin Guan has read a few books on criminal justice in her chambers and has always admired those who uphold justice and truth. It's an honor to help clear your name."
Having just completed the autopsy, Qin Guan had washed her hands but still carried a lingering odor. Faced with the Yue family's gratitude, she listened briefly before excusing herself. "It's late now. With Second Young Master's matter settled, the next priority is Grand Princess. Taking care of her is crucial. Madam needn't trouble yourself for my sake. However, I wonder if there are any suitable clothes in the residence for me?"
Her skirt bore a few bloodstains, rendering it unwearable.
This was a minor matter. Jiang Shi quickly assured her there were. Qin Guan then added, "Then I’ll trouble Madam to have one of the maids deliver them. I’ll go to Plum Garden to freshen up."
By now, Qin Guan was not just a guest of the Marquis's residence but also its benefactor. Jiang Shi's gaze at Qin Guan was filled with gratitude and affection, treating her as one of their own. "I’ll have Lü Yun escort you. You must be exhausted. Go freshen up and rest first. I’ll personally pick out some clothes for you. You see, Ning'er dislikes bright, feminine dresses. Every year, the ones we prepare for her just sit untouched. Perfect—from now on, I can finally dress up a daughter like other ladies do."
Her words implied she intended to treat Qin Guan as her own daughter. Qin Guan quickly curtsied in thanks and followed Lü Yun to Plum Garden.As soon as Qin Guan left, Jiang Shi's voice remained lively and excited, "This is truly wonderful! Who would have thought we'd encounter such a little bodhisattva like Guan'er? Once Mother recovers, I must go to the temple to offer incense. Jia'er, Qing'er, from now on, you must treat Guan'er like a younger sister. She has shown us immense kindness. Ning'er, you too must get along with Guan'er as if you were sisters..."
After giving instructions to everyone, Jiang Shi noticed Wei Yanzhi still standing at the edge of the crowd and felt somewhat embarrassed. "Look at me, so overjoyed I forgot myself. I hope you won't laugh at me, dear nephew."
Wei Yanzhi wasn't in high spirits, but he had witnessed everything Qin Guan had done. At this moment, his heart was filled with admiration and reverence.
"I wouldn't dare, Aunt. Ninth Miss's skill and benevolence are truly remarkable, and even I am deeply moved."
Jiang Shi smiled and then turned to Yue Qiong. "Marquis, please take the children to see Mother. Guan'er hasn't had dinner yet—she's been busy all day and then again all evening. She must be starving. I'll go pick out some clothes and then check the kitchen to prepare some food to bring to her. I'll join you later."
Yue Qiong nodded cheerfully, and Jiang Shi left with her attendants.
After Jiang Shi departed, Wei Yanzhi also took his leave. Yan Chi, who had been standing to the side, followed Yue Qiong and the others to visit the Grand Princess. Gradually, Yan Chi slowed his pace and fell to the back of the group.
"Bai Feng, which character is Ninth Miss's name?"
A figure emerged from the darkness, and Bai Feng pulled out a white slip of paper from his sleeve.
"Your Highness, this is the genealogy of the Qin family's second branch, which I had someone investigate."
Yan Chi took it and scanned it briefly, his eyes lighting up instantly. With a rich, melodious laugh, he folded the genealogy neatly and tucked it into his sleeve. "Qin Guan—Guan, as in 'a gentle smile, radiant beyond compare'—"
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