Jishi Hall.
Doctor Xu examined the zongzi and pastries brought by Constable Zhao one by one. "There's nothing wrong with these foods."
"What about the tea? And this is the water scooped from the water vat." Constable Zhao pointed to the remaining items on the table. If they couldn't even find out where the poison was, how could they investigate the case?
Doctor Xu knew Constable Zhao was anxious to solve the case, but he could only say, "There's nothing wrong with them."
Constable Zhao's shoulders slumped in disappointment. After thanking Doctor Xu, he left Jishi Hall dejectedly.
In the county yamen's study, Constable Zhao was summoned to report as soon as he returned. "My Lord, Doctor Xu has already examined them. The food taken from the Lin family's private school was not poisoned."
Chen Weibin sat upright in the main seat, his brow furrowed. After a long period of contemplation, he said, "Are there any results from the coroner? What kind of poison did Madam Wang die from?"
"It's not a common poison, but the poison entered through the mouth." Captain Fei had narrowed down the suspects to the people in the Lin family's private school and reported to Magistrate Chen, "If an outsider administered the poison, it's impossible that only Madam Wang was poisoned."
Poison administered by an outsider would either be in the food or water. However, there were seven people in the Lin family's private school, and only Madam Lin, Wang, was poisoned. Captain Fei basically ruled out this possibility.
"Are you saying that all six people in the Lin family's private school are suspects?" Magistrate Chen knew Tutor Lin. Although they were not close friends, he understood Madam Lin's character. Tutor Lin would never poison his wife, and besides, he had no motive for murder.
"My Lord." Captain Fei stood up and said respectfully, "The food is all fine. There are only two possibilities for Madam Lin being poisoned alone: either Madam Lin ate all the poisoned food; or the killer disposed of the poisoned food before we arrived."
And no matter which possibility it was, only those who lived in the private school had the opportunity. Tutor Lin was also one of Captain Fei's suspects.
Hearing this, Constable Zhao couldn't help but say, "Lin Xiuyuan has been bedridden for several days, and Dong Xiaoya is timid and had no opportunity to contact Madam Lin. These two can be ruled out. The most suspicious are Granny Lu and Wang Linlang."
Granny Lu was responsible for the daily meals, and she had the best opportunity to poison Madam Lin alone.
Wang Linlang was Madam Lin's niece. If she poisoned the tea or pastries and served them to Madam Lin, and Madam Lin was poisoned without noticing, it was also very possible.
"My Lord, I believe the priority is to identify the poison Madam Lin was given, and secondly, the killer's motive for poisoning Madam Lin," Captain Fei did not agree with Constable Zhao's deduction.
Since the suspects were temporarily confined to the six people in the Lin family's private school, everyone was a suspect, even her own son!
"Uncle Fei, Doctor Xu is the best doctor in Shangsi County, and even he can't figure it out. Who else can?" Constable Zhao said with a dejected face, feeling very frustrated.
If they could find out what the poison was and follow the clues, they might be able to find the killer, but alas.
Captain Fei also had a solemn expression. He had questioned people at the private school yesterday and carefully considered everyone's words. He found no anomalies, but he couldn't figure out the killer's motive.
"Go find Zhan Feiyu," Magistrate Chen's words surprised both Captain Fei and Constable Zhao. However, since their lord did not explicitly state it, they, as subordinates, dared not ask further and could only accept the order and withdraw from the study.
Walking into the courtyard, Constable Zhao couldn't help but ask, "Uncle Fei, does little scholar Zhan know something about the inside story? Or does she know who the killer is but deliberately conceal it?"
Looking at his impatient subordinate, Captain Fei raised his hand and hit him on the back of the head again. "Do you think the lord is an incompetent official?"
If Zhan Feiyu truly concealed the killer, how could their lord ignore it?
Glancing disdainfully at the grimacing Constable Zhao, Captain Fei said irritably, "The lord means that little scholar Zhan must know a highly skilled doctor who might be able to identify the source of the poison."
Constable Zhao stopped in his tracks and asked confusedly, "Then why didn't the lord say so directly? Does this doctor dare to refuse us?"
Constable Zhao proudly patted the saber at his waist. In Shangsi County, who would dare not cooperate with their yamen when investigating a case?
Such a stupid person must not be his subordinate! Captain Fei was too lazy to speak and only told Constable Zhao to go to Jinlin Village to find Zhan Feiyu.
...
It had been more than half a year since Zhan Feiyu entered school, and this was the first time she couldn't concentrate on her studies.
"Xiaoyu." Madam Li looked at the distracted Zhan Feiyu with concern. She glanced at the table. Although she was illiterate, she knew that the book had not been turned over a single page from before until now.
"Xiaoyu, the village chief has already gone to help. The dead cannot be brought back to life. You need to be more optimistic," Madam Li said gently.
The villagers privately said that Xiaoyu was heartless, ignored her grandparents in the old house, and didn't even smile at her own father. But who knew that Xiaoyu was actually the most soft-hearted?
It was reasonable for the village chief and his wife to help the Lin family with the funeral. Tutor Lin was still immersed in the grief of losing his wife and had to take care of Lin Xiuyuan. Moreover, the Lin family had no elders or clan in Shangsi County. Besides the village chief, the village chief and elders of Yushu Village also went to help.
"Mother, I'm fine," Zhan Feiyu said. Her feelings for her師母 (shīmǔ - teacher's wife) were ordinary. To say she was very pained or sad would be hypocritical. She felt bad because of Tutor Lin and Lin Xiuyuan.
Zhan Feiyu's distraction was thinking about who poisoned Madam Lin and what the motive was. Only by finding the killer could the tutor and senior disciple emerge from the grief of losing a loved one.
Madam Li was still worried. She looked outside the door and said, "Xiaoyu, the weather outside is good. If you can't concentrate on reading, why don't you go for a walk outside?"
Since she started studying last year, Zhan Feiyu woke up earlier than the chickens and slept later than the dogs. When Shanwazi and the others finished school, they would play and frolic in the village. But even during holidays, Zhan Feiyu still studied. Madam Li truly felt sorry for her.
Unable to figure out the clue, and not wanting Madam Li to worry, Zhan Feiyu decided to go for a walk in the woods, perhaps she could think of something.
The weather in May was already hot, but the temperature in the woods was just right. The wind blew, bringing the freshness of the trees and flowers, which cleared Zhan Feiyu's muddled mind a lot.
"Oh, Xiaoyu, you're not reading, you're digging for wild vegetables in the woods?" Madam Xiao Yao stood on the hillside, looking down at Zhan Feiyu, who was carrying a small bamboo basket.
Since the second master Zhan was responsible for delivering vegetables to Taifu Restaurant, Madam Xiao Yao's status in the village had risen sharply. Everyone praised her, and they tried to flatter her.
Just like today, when the village women went to find wild vegetables together, they also called Madam Xiao Yao. But she didn't need to do anything; she just came to enjoy everyone's praise.
Madam Xiao Yao's basket was already full of wild vegetables. The tenderest wild vegetables were placed in her basket, and there were also two wild eggs, which were also put in her basket by the villagers to flatter Madam Xiao Yao.
However, there was one thing that made Madam Xiao Yao indignant: no matter how much the villagers flattered and pleased her, they still dared not gossip about Madam Li, and they still praised Zhan Feiyu without reservation.
The eldest son Zhan went to Zhang's private school to study, but whether it was his talent for studying or his diligence, he was far inferior to Zhan Feiyu. Her son couldn't compare to that dead girl, which made Madam Xiao Yao's heart ache.
Madam Xiao Yao's expression twisted a bit, and she spoke maliciously, "Xiaoyu, your師母 (shīmǔ - teacher's wife) died of a sudden illness. I heard that Tutor Lin and his son are also bedridden. You should think more about yourself. If something happens to Tutor Lin, you can't stop studying, right?"
Seeing Zhan Feiyu's suddenly cold face, Madam Xiao Yao was startled and felt a strange sense of dread.
But thinking that everyone in the village was flattering her now, Madam Xiao Yao's confidence immediately grew. "Xiaoyu, what are you looking at? I, as an elder, am concerned about you and worry that you won't have a place to study!"
Madam Xiao Yao straightened her back and sneered, "Eldest son is studying at Zhang's private school. You are ungrateful, but our eldest son is still good. He even said to let you come to Zhang's private school!"
"Oh, I remember now. I heard you offended Scholar Zhang. It's likely you can't go to Zhang's private school!" She laughed triumphantly, her malice undisguised on her face.
She wished Tutor Lin would also die of illness so that Zhan Feiyu, unable to study, would become a wild girl. In the future, Madam Li and her daughter would kneel and beg her for a meal!
"Your second uncle has some influence in the county and can speak up. Why don't I let your second uncle find you a place? Perhaps other private schools will accept you." Madam Xiao Yao couldn't show off her son, so she naturally had to bring up the second master Zhan.
Who in these ten miles and eight villages had the ability of her husband? Even the village chief and elders had to be polite to her husband. If anyone displeased her, she would let her husband not collect their vegetables, humph!
Looking coldly at the smug and arrogant Madam Xiao Yao, Zhan Feiyu smiled and said, "Not only can he speak up? I heard that Eldest son is going to be engaged to the youngest daughter of Manager Xie from Taifu Restaurant. They will be family in the future!"
"What?" Several women were stunned and looked at Madam Xiao Yao in shock. No wonder the second master Zhan could collect and deliver vegetables for Taifu Restaurant; the two families were going to get married?
Taifu Restaurant was the largest restaurant in Shangsi County. It was said that a table of the best banquet cost ten taels of silver. With the second master Zhan marrying into the Xie family, wouldn't they have no shortage of money in the future?
"How... how did you know?" Madam Xiao Yao's face changed drastically, her eyes hiding panic and unease.
If it were just a simple engagement, Madam Xiao Yao would have already spread the news to all ten villages and eight towns. But the key was that this engagement could not be spoken of. Madam Xiao Yao did not expect Zhan Feiyu to know.
"Second sister-in-law, this is a great event. Why are you still hiding it?"
"Yes, when is the engagement? We want to have a wedding toast!"
"When Eldest son marries the Xie family's daughter, niece-in-law, will you all move to the county town? Tsk tsk, it's still your Eldest son who is promising!"
The women praised one after another. Although Zhan Eldest son was not good at studying, he was not bad-looking. None of the children of the old Zhan family were ugly.
Madam Xiao Yao's smile stiffened a bit. Looking at the enthusiastic villagers, she opened her mouth but didn't know what to say.
Zhan Feiyu let out a cold laugh, and her clear voice echoed in the woods, "I just heard that the youngest daughter of the Xie family is not very bright. It's probably a rumor, because no parents would marry such a wife to their son, unless they are so poor that they can't even afford to eat, and are selling their children for money!"
Uh...
The women's compliments suddenly got stuck in their throats. They were stunned by Zhan Feiyu's news. What do you mean not bright? Is she a fool?
Looking at Madam Xiao Yao's angry and twisted face, they felt a pang in their hearts. No way, Madam Xiao Yao is so angry, does that mean what Xiaoyu said is true!
"You dead girl, what nonsense are you talking about!" Madam Xiao Yao's face turned red as she screamed and ran directly from the hillside. "How dare you spread rumors that Lord Xie's daughter is a fool? I think you're tired of living! Be careful that Lord Xie makes you pay!"
Screaming and cursing, Madam Xiao Yao raised her hand to hit Zhan Feiyu. She could imagine how the villagers would mock her and her husband behind their backs if they knew the truth. For money, they actually let Eldest son marry a fool!
"What are you doing!" A furious roar sounded, and Constable Zhao quickly walked forward, grabbed Madam Xiao Yao's arm, and shook her violently, reprimanding sternly, "How dare you lay a hand on little scholar Zhan!"
Constable Zhao was young and vigorous, and he hated seeing adults bully children, especially when Madam Xiao Yao's face was ferocious and her eyes were twisted, looking like she wanted to kill someone.
And Zhan Feiyu in front of her had a fair and tender bun-like face. Although she was short, she was even shorter than an ordinary eight-year-old child. Her dark eyes were round, making people like her at first sight. How could Constable Zhao let her be bullied by a shrew?
"Constable Zhao, are you looking for me?" Zhan Feiyu asked. Could it be that there was progress in the case of her師母 (shīmǔ - teacher's wife)?
Constable Zhao gave Madam Xiao Yao a warning look and then said to Zhan Feiyu, "Yes, Magistrate Chen sent me here..."
After Zhan Feiyu and Constable Zhao walked away, Madam Xiao Yao cursed with a dark face.
But even if she had the courage of a leopard, she wouldn't dare to throw a tantrum at the yamen officers. She could only glare fiercely at Zhan Feiyu's retreating back, wishing she could cut her into a thousand pieces.
"Niece-in-law, the official must be looking for Xiaoyu for something. Don't be angry anymore," an older aunt advised in a low voice, but there was a hint of disdain in her eyes.
This was her own mother, and she actually let Eldest son marry a fool. Tsk tsk, Xiaoyu was right, the Zhan family was not so poor that they couldn't afford to eat.
"I'm going back first!" Madam Xiao Yao also noticed that their eyes were not right, and left angrily, even abandoning her basket.
"It really is something the second master Zhan would do," a quick-mouthed woman sneered. They all disliked Madam Xiao Yao's arrogant demeanor, but in order to sell vegetables and earn money, they could only flatter her.
"Alright, it's enough to know what's going on in your heart," the older woman warned.
The women all nodded, but in their hearts, they looked down on the second master Zhan and Madam Xiao Yao.
Back then, the second master Zhan was stabbed seven times, and he even made Xiaoyu compensate five hundred taels of silver. For money, they could sell their son. What about their niece?
Thinking again that the eldest son Zhan was expelled from the clan in place of the second master Zhan, Madam Xiao Yao still said every day that Xiaoyu was ungrateful, and Madam Li was also heartless. Now, it seemed that the truly heartless ones were the second couple.
...
Half an hour later.
Yamen.
Doctor Ji carefully examined Madam Lin's body. About fifteen minutes later, after washing his hands in the basin, he opened the door and walked out.
During the autopsy, Captain Fei, Constable Ma, and the coroner were all present. However, Zhan Feiyu was just a child, so it was naturally not appropriate for her to watch such a scene, so she was asked to wait in the courtyard.
Constable Ma strode over and respectfully cupped his hands at Doctor Ji. "Doctor Ji, the lord requests your presence."
As a constable in Shangsi County, he didn't even know that Le Shan Residence housed a highly skilled doctor. Thinking that Magistrate Chen did not directly invite Doctor Ji but instead asked Zhan Feiyu to find him, Constable Ma knew that Doctor Ji's identity must be extraordinary.
Doctor Ji ignored Constable Ma and patted Zhan Feiyu on the shoulder. "Let's go."
In the main hall, Magistrate Chen greeted him at the door. "Doctor Ji, this county has troubled you."
"Magistrate Chen is too polite. I am just a commoner, and besides, that was Xiaoyu's師母 (shīmǔ - teacher's wife)." Doctor Ji waved his hand. After entering the living room and sitting down, he did not engage in pleasantries and directly said, "Tutor Lin's death was caused by a poisonous mushroom. Ingesting a large amount of it can cause dizziness and eventually death due to respiratory failure."
Poisonous mushroom? Zhan Feiyu was stunned. Most villagers recognized mushrooms. If they were unsure whether a mushroom was poisonous, no one would eat it.
So even if someone accidentally ate a mushroom and was poisoned, it was rarely fatal. They basically only ate one or two mushrooms by mistake. It was normal for Doctor Xu and the coroner to not be able to find out.
"Doctor Ji, are there such mushrooms in Shangsi County?" Captain Fei asked.
"Yes, they grow under rotten wood and are brightly colored. There is no accidental ingestion." Doctor Ji had specifically studied various poisonous mushrooms and herbs when collecting wild herbs back then, which allowed him to make this judgment.
Ingesting a large amount would be fatal. Could the killer be Granny Lu? After all, she was responsible for the daily meals.
"My Lord, in this case, Granny Lu is the most suspicious. No one else has been to the kitchen," Constable Zhao estimated that Madam Lin might not have recognized the poisonous mushroom.
Zhan Feiyu said, "Usually, it's the師母 (shīmǔ - teacher's wife) who cooks. This mushroom is brightly colored, and the師母 (shīmǔ - teacher's wife) must have known it was poisonous. Even if she didn't know, it would be too risky to directly give the poisonous mushroom to the師母 (shīmǔ - teacher's wife)."
As long as there was a hint of doubt, she would have brought the bowl to ask the villagers, and the killer would have been exposed.
"Doctor Ji, if this mushroom is dried and ground into powder, will it still be poisonous?" Zhan Feiyu looked at Doctor Ji. Compared to direct consumption, grinding it into powder would be less likely to be discovered.
Magistrate Chen, Captain Fei, and the others glanced at Zhan Feiyu. The little girl was indeed intelligent. In comparison, Constable Zhao was a complete fool!
Doctor Ji nodded and replied, "The effect is the same after drying, and a higher concentration makes it easier to cause death. However, if a large amount is sprinkled into tea or food, it should be discovered."
After all, the amount that caused death would definitely not be small. In terms of taste, although Doctor Ji had not tasted it, it would definitely change the taste of the tea and food. Madam Lin was not a poor peasant woman. Even if the food was spoiled, she would not bear to throw it away.
So, even though they knew Madam Lin died of poisonous mushrooms, they still didn't know how the killer administered the poison. The six people in the Lin family's private school were all suspects, among whom Granny Lu, who was responsible for the daily meals, was the most suspicious.