In the early morning, as the sky began to brighten, the villagers were already up and about. A crowd had gathered outside the Zhan family's courtyard gate.
“Are all the vegetables prepared?” A woman, her hands clenched with excitement, watched as basket after basket of vegetables were loaded onto the ox cart. It would be her family’s turn to send vegetables the next morning.
“Of course, they’re all weighed accurately. My husband said that to prevent them from getting damaged on the journey, he added an extra jin of each vegetable.” The auntie who replied spoke loudly, her face beaming with unconcealed joy.
Hearing this, the others nodded in agreement. When it was their family’s turn to send vegetables, they would also add an extra jin.
“Auntie Wang, how do you divide the money amongst yourselves privately?” A curious young wife whispered the question. Zhan Lao Er was only responsible for collecting the vegetables; he didn’t concern himself with private matters.
Auntie Wang, in a cheerful mood, had no qualms about sharing. “The village has already agreed. Some of the vegetables we ten households grow are the same, and some are different. We’ll pick the best quality ones to meet the weight requirement, marking down our own portions. As for the ones that aren’t good, we’ll keep them for ourselves. If there’s truly a surplus, we can take them to the county to sell ourselves.”
The village elder was also up early. After all, it was the first day of sending vegetables. Hearing this, he said, “It’s not easy for farmers to earn money. If anyone breaks the rules and mixes rotten or spoiled vegetables in, their vegetables will no longer be accepted!”
Thus, the ten households kept each other in check. Regardless of any past disputes, no one would compromise their earnings.
Just then, the sound of horses’ hooves echoed. The villagers looked up to see a carriage speeding towards them. “Could it be people from Tai Fu Restaurant?”
Zhan Lao Er also stopped what he was doing and took a few steps forward.
The villagers naturally made way. Zhan Lao Er was now seen as a god of wealth in their eyes.
“Constable Fei?” The village elder was surprised. He hadn’t expected Constable Fei to be the one arriving so early. The one driving the carriage was Constable Xiao Zhao, who also jumped down from the carriage.
“Village Elder.” Constable Fei cupped his hands and glanced at the ox cart filled with vegetables, showing no surprise.
The constables from the yamen were the most well-informed. Tai Fu Restaurant was the largest restaurant in Shangsi County, so they were aware of any stirrings.
The villagers felt a sense of apprehension upon seeing the yamen officials. They bowed their heads and retreated to the sides, wondering if someone in the village had committed a crime, prompting the constables to arrive so early to make an arrest.
“I have official business. I’d trouble the village elder to lead the way. Where is the home of the young scholar Zhan?” Constable Fei spoke politely to the village elder, considering that the village elder and Zhan Feiyu were of the same clan, and he was showing respect out of consideration for their kinship.
Seeing Constable Fei and the village elder leave, the villagers came to their senses.
One of the more talkative aunties couldn’t help but exclaim, “Did Xiao Yu commit a crime?”
“What nonsense are you spouting? Xiao Yu studies at the private school before dawn and only returns home at dusk. What crime could a child possibly commit!” The village elder’s youngest daughter-in-law rebuked sharply.
The auntie who was scolded put on a displeased face, considering her age.
“If Xiao Yu had committed a crime, would the officials be so polite to the village elder?” A sharp-witted villager pointed out the crucial detail. Everyone thought it made sense.
It wasn’t clear who made the first move, but one by one, the villagers headed towards Zhan Feiyu’s house. However, they spoke in hushed tones, peering from a distance towards the entrance.
Lights were on in the kitchen, where Li Shi was busy preparing breakfast.
“The sun and moon, how they do not cease their flow; spring and autumn, how they follow in succession. Only the wilting of the grass and trees, I fear the fading of the beautiful one…” A clear reading voice carried from inside the house to the courtyard gate.
Constable Fei couldn’t help but praise, “Young scholar Zhan is truly diligent.”
“Yes, Xiao Yu is like this every day.” The village elder’s heart had been pounding nervously as they walked, but hearing Constable Fei’s praise, his heart finally settled.
The village elder knocked on the courtyard gate and called out loudly, “Xiao Yu, open the door, Constable Fei is here.”
A moment later, in the main hall.
Zhan Feiyu’s expression changed abruptly. “My teacher’s wife has passed away? How is this possible!”
The village elder and Li Shi, standing by, were also stunned. Yesterday was the Dragon Boat Festival. The day before, Li Shi and the village elder’s fifth aunt had gone to the private school to deliver zongzi. Madam Lin had been fine. Who would have thought that she would be gone in just two days?
“Constable Fei.” Zhan Feiyu suppressed her churning emotions and said to Constable Fei with a serious expression, “Where is my teacher? Why has the government been alerted?”
Looking at Zhan Feiyu, who had already calmed down, Constable Fei couldn’t help but admire her composure. An eight-year-old girl was more steady and calm than most adults.
“The doctor determined that Madam Lin did not die of natural causes but was poisoned. The coroner conducted an autopsy overnight, but the type of poison has not yet been identified.” Constable Fei had been observing Zhan Feiyu since he delivered the news of Madam Lin’s death.
Aside from the initial shock, the little girl’s eyes held a sharp glint, as if she were contemplating the true cause of Madam Lin’s death. Based on Constable Fei’s years of experience in investigating cases, he could rule her out as a suspect.
Murders were typically motivated by love, revenge, or financial gain. Zhan Feiyu pondered for a long time but could not come up with any clues.
“May I go to the private school to see my teacher?” Zhan Feiyu looked at Constable Fei. In fact, her primary suspect was Wang Linlang, as only she and Granny Lu were outsiders at the private school.
However, without any evidence, Zhan Feiyu would not make wild assumptions. Ultimately, it depended on the government's investigation, and she couldn’t fathom Wang Linlang’s motive for poisoning someone.
“You may, but because Madam Lin was poisoned at home, Teacher Lin and others are suspects. Young scholar Zhan cannot stay for long, and we must be present during your conversation.” Constable Fei granted a concession, but the yamen’s rules still had to be followed.
Zhan Feiyu nodded understandingly, thanked him, and then said to Li Shi, who looked uneasy, “Mother, I’m going to the private school. Don’t worry, it will be fine.”
“Alright.” Li Shi held Zhan Feiyu’s hand, offering silent comfort.
“Fifth Grandfather, please inform the village and send word to the other villages that the private school will be closed for a few days.” Zhan Feiyu then added in a low voice, “I also ask Fifth Grandfather and the village elders of the other villages to instruct the villagers not to speculate wildly. Although Teacher is approachable, he still holds the title of Xiucai, and no one is allowed to slander him!”
The village elder had not yet recovered from the news of Madam Lin’s poisoning. Hearing Zhan Feiyu’s instructions, he finally reacted, “Alright, I understand. I will definitely keep the villagers in line!”
Regardless of how Madam Lin died, the village elder was certain that the killer was not Teacher Lin. If the villagers spoke carelessly and offended Teacher Lin, how would the village children continue to study at the private school?
“If the other villages do not cooperate, Fifth Grandfather, feel free to use my name.” Zhan Feiyu’s plump, rosy face exuded a chilling aura. She was talking about her teacher, who was already enduring the pain of losing his wife, and no one was allowed to slander him!
Although Zhan Feiyu was still a young scholar, the gifts sent by Magistrate Chen and the officials from the garrison at the end of the year had made it known to the surrounding villages that Zhan Feiyu had powerful backing and should not be offended.
She would be participating in the county examination in February, and in a few years, she was bound to become a Xiucai, or even a Juren. No one would offend Zhan Feiyu just to have the last word.
The village elder quickly nodded, “Xiao Yu, don’t worry. Everyone knows Teacher Lin’s character; they won’t speak nonsense.”
The young Constable Zhao stared at the imposing Zhan Feiyu, his eyes almost popping out in surprise. Were eight-year-old girls this formidable now?
“Constable Fei, please wait a moment. I need to get something from my room.” Zhan Feiyu said, then returned to her bedroom. She retrieved the pouch from the back of the cabinet, which contained the token of the Forbidden Dragon Guard.
…
White banners had been hung at the private school, creating a silence that evoked an unspeakable sorrow.
“Uncle Dong, where are Teacher and my senior brother?” Zhan Feiyu hurried into the backyard and looked at Old Uncle Dong, who was setting up the mourning hall. Her eyes welled up, and tears immediately streamed down her face.
Hearing the voice, Teacher Lin emerged from the west wing room. This was Lin Xiuyuan’s room. He had not yet recovered from his cold, and Madam Lin’s death had caused Lin Xiuyuan to fall ill.
“Teacher.” Zhan Feiyu suppressed the ache in her heart and walked over, supporting the pale-faced Teacher Lin by his arm. “Teacher, please accept my condolences.”
“Your teacher can manage, don’t worry.” Teacher Lin’s voice was hoarse, and his eyes were bloodshot.
He hadn’t slept since last night. Besides grieving the loss of his wife, he also knew she had been poisoned, adding self-reproach and guilt to his sorrow. He was only holding on by sheer willpower.
“Constable Fei.” Teacher Lin greeted the three of them, then turned to Zhan Feiyu at his side and said, “Go inside and accompany your senior brother. Xiuyuan, he…”
“I understand, Teacher.” Zhan Feiyu nodded obediently, took the token from her pouch, and placed it in Teacher Lin’s hand. “I’ll go see my senior brother first.”
“The three of you, please come this way.” Teacher Lin glanced at the token placed in his palm with confusion and gestured for Constable Fei and the other two to enter the main hall to talk.
“Teacher Lin, may Constable Fei have a look?” Constable Fei asked presumptuously, his gaze fixed on Teacher Lin’s right hand.
He had only caught a glimpse earlier and thought he had seen wrong. But then he considered that Zhan Feiyu’s action might have been intentional, so what about this token?
Constable Xiao Zhao and Constable Ma were both confused. Upon hearing Constable Fei’s words, they too became curious about what Zhan Feiyu had given Teacher Lin.
Teacher Lin looked at the black iron token in his hand. He hadn’t paid much attention to it at first, but when he flipped the token over, he saw the three characters written in elegant calligraphy: Forbidden Dragon Guard.
“This?” Constable Ma exclaimed in shock and stepped forward, looking at the token in disbelief. “This is… Forbidden… Forbidden Dragon Guard!”
Constable Zhao’s eyes widened again. He swallowed and looked at Constable Fei dazedly, saying, “Uncle Fei, is this real?”
“Who would dare forge a Forbidden Dragon Guard token?” Constable Fei slapped Constable Zhao on the back of his head, concealing the shock in his eyes. It was no wonder the young scholar Zhan had taken out the token in front of him; this was Teacher Lin’s protection.
The legendary Forbidden Dragon Guard! Constable Xiao Zhao stared at the token without blinking.
The Forbidden Dragon Guard, directly under the Emperor’s command, had the privilege of executing officials below the third rank without prior approval. It was rumored that the Dragon Guards were highly skilled, each capable of fighting a hundred men. If they were in the army, they would be at least a Baihu of the sixth rank! There was no secret in the world that the Forbidden Dragon Guard could not uncover!
This girl, Xiao Yu! Teacher Lin knew that Zhan Feiyu was highly regarded by a Forbidden Dragon Guard official, but he didn’t know she had obtained this token. Not only in Shangsi County, but even the Prefect of Nanxuan Prefecture would have to treat Teacher Lin with great courtesy upon seeing the token.
In the west wing room, Lin Xiuyuan leaned against the bed, lost in thought, unable to believe that his kind mother had passed away, separated from him forever.
“Senior brother.” Pushing open the door and smelling the strong medicinal scent in the room, Zhan Feiyu glanced at the medicine on the table and opened the window slightly to air it out.
Zhan Feiyu looked at Lin Xiuyuan, who had regained his senses. “Senior brother, Teacher’s wife was poisoned. Shouldn’t you hurry and get better to uncover the truth?”
“Xiao Yu?” Lin Xiuyuan’s lips were dry and cracked, and when he spoke, his bloodied lips showed.
Lin Xiuyuan opened his mouth, and tears rolled down his cheeks. After all, he was only a thirteen-year-old boy, and the Lin family had a strict father and a loving mother.
Madam Lin doted on Lin Xiuyuan, who was born prematurely and had a weak constitution. She always showed him great care and concern. Now that she was gone, the person who found it most difficult to accept and was most heartbroken was her son, Lin Xiuyuan.
“The deceased has passed. Let the living mourn.” Zhan Feiyu stood by the bed, looking at Lin Xiuyuan, whose face was gloomy and eyes vacant. “Senior brother, no matter who harmed Teacher’s wife, there are likely further schemes. Teacher needs to cooperate with the authorities to investigate the cause of Teacher’s wife’s death, and the funeral still needs you to manage it. Don’t let Teacher’s wife depart with any regrets.”
She brought over the steaming medicine and handed it to Lin Xiuyuan, urging, “Senior brother, drink your medicine first and take care of yourself. Don’t worry Teacher any further.”
Lin Xiuyuan stared blankly at the brown medicinal liquid. In the past, it was always Mother who brewed the medicine and brought it to him, ensuring the temperature was just right. Worried that the medicine would be too bitter, she would also prepare preserved fruits. But now, no one would care for him like this anymore.
Lin Xiuyuan tilted his head back, forcing the tears back into his eyes. After a long moment, he took the medicine bowl and drank it down in one gulp. However, he drank too quickly and choked, coughing embarrassingly. Lin Xiuyuan, unable to contain his grief, burst into tears.
In the main hall, hearing the heart-wrenching cry, Teacher Lin closed his eyes, suppressing all his emotions. Lin Xiuyuan was still a child, but Teacher Lin had to force himself not to lose composure in front of others.
Constable Fei also stopped his questioning. After all, with Madam Lin’s sudden death, both Teacher Lin and Lin Xiuyuan needed time to process their emotions.
After Lin Xiuyuan drank the medicine and cried, Zhan Feiyu covered him with the quilt and gently covered his eyes. “Senior brother, get a good night’s sleep. When you wake up, you’ll need to help Teacher support the Lin family.”
Perhaps it was due to exhaustion, or perhaps the medicine had taken effect, but Lin Xiuyuan closed his eyes and soon fell asleep.
Zhan Feiyu gently closed the door and walked out. As she looked up, she saw Granny Lu supporting a weeping Wang Linlang, who was on the verge of fainting, as they walked towards the main hall. Behind them followed Old Uncle Dong and his adopted daughter, Dong Xiaoya.
Once everyone had gathered, Constable Ma began his questioning. “Granny Lu, have you been preparing the Lin family’s three meals a day for the past few days?”
“Yes. Young Master and Young Master Yuan were both ill, and Madam needed to take care of them, so all the cooking was done by this old servant. The vegetables came from the garden behind the house and were sent by the villagers…”
Granny Lu, having seen some of the world at the Wang family, explained the situation clearly and systematically. The patient meals for Teacher Lin and Lin Xiuyuan were personally prepared by Madam Lin.
Granny Lu cooked for Madam Lin, Wang Linlang, Old Uncle Dong, Dong Huanhuan, and herself. The dishes were all the same, but Granny Lu and Old Uncle Dong were servants, and they ate after Madam Lin and Wang Linlang had finished.
“Are the four of you feeling unwell?” Constable Fei asked in a deep voice, his sharp gaze fixed on the four of them.
Granny Lu, Old Uncle Dong, and the others shook their heads. This indicated that the poison was not in the food, otherwise, if Madam Lin had been poisoned, Wang Linlang would surely have been too.
As for the tea, pastries, and zongzi, it would take some time to investigate, as there were many students who brought festival gifts to the private school on the Dragon Boat Festival, and everything was mixed together.
Constable Fei asked Granny Lu a few more questions, then said to Constable Zhao, “Go and inspect the kitchen, and bring back the pastries, zongzi, and tea for Doctor Xu to examine.”
Constable Zhao immediately got up and walked out. Since it was poisoning, the first thing to find was where the poison was administered.
“Uncle Dong, you are the gatekeeper at the private school. Did you notice anything unusual about the villagers who came to deliver festival gifts in the past few days?” Constable Fei looked at Old Uncle Dong, his peripheral vision glancing at Dong Xiaoya, who stood beside him.
Compared to Zhan Feiyu’s experienced and steady demeanor, Dong Xiaoya was a normal eight-year-old girl, timidly clutching Old Uncle Dong’s clothes and keeping her head down, not daring to look at anyone. It seemed that even a slightly louder voice would startle her.
Old Uncle Dong was also somewhat intimidated by the officials. His answers were clearly less fluent than Granny Lu’s. “To the officers, many people came to the private school these past few days. More than half of them handed over their festival gifts to Madam and left…”
The villagers were simple and honest, and Teacher Lin taught his students diligently. On the Dragon Boat Festival, every household sent zongzi. Wealthier families also prepared pastries, while poorer ones brought some vegetables they grew themselves, or a few eggs.
Since Teacher Lin had caught a cold these past few days and was unable to receive guests, the private school students spread the word, and it was the women who came to deliver gifts.
Madam Lin was proud, and the village women did not dare to get too close. They simply delivered the gifts, exchanged a few pleasantries, and left. They didn’t even have a cup of tea, let alone an opportunity to poison Madam Lin.
Auntie Wu, representing Jinlin Village, came to deliver festival gifts. Li Shi, because Teacher Lin treated Zhan Feiyu very well, they sat down and had some water and exchanged a few pleasantries, but they didn’t stay long. After all, they were not from the same social class, and their conversations didn’t quite align.
Dong Xiaoya didn’t need to be asked. She had been frightened at the pawnshop and was very timid. She usually helped Old Uncle Dong clean the courtyard, or pulled weeds from the vegetable patch, found wild vegetables to feed the chickens, and collected firewood.
The little girl had spent several years at the private school, but she had very little contact with the Lin family.
Zhan Feiyu heard nothing unusual. When Constable Fei asked her, she replied, “Yesterday, on the Dragon Boat Festival, I returned home half an hour early. Because Teacher and my senior brother were ill, Teacher’s wife had to take care of them at night and rested during the day. I haven’t seen Teacher’s wife for the past two days.”
Teacher Lin and Old Uncle Dong could both attest to Zhan Feiyu’s words. Although she came to the private school every day, she only studied and wrote in the study. Yesterday, she had gone to the backyard to visit Lin Xiuyuan but was stopped by Wang Linlang, and Zhan Feiyu left without lingering.
“I… Auntie…” Wang Linlang’s voice was hoarse, and as soon as she spoke, it was filled with tears. Tears flowed down her face like never before.
Sobbing uncontrollably, Wang Linlang’s body convulsed. Granny Lu quickly patted her back to help her catch her breath, comforting her, “Miss, please accept my condolences. Auntie cherished you the most. If you continue to cry like this, your eyes will be ruined.”
Compared to Teacher Lin and Zhan Feiyu, who suppressed their grief, Wang Linlang’s eyes were red and swollen, like overripe peaches, leaving only a slit.
“To the officers, my young lady has been taking care of Young Master Yuan during the day for the past two days. However, she ate meals with Auntie at the three mealtimes and also discussed Young Master Yuan’s condition,” Granny Lu replied on behalf of Wang Linlang.
Due to their aunt-niece relationship, Wang Linlang, who lived in the backyard, had the most contact with Madam Lin. However, to say that she was the one who administered the poison seemed far-fetched, as there was no prior enmity between them.
Constable Fei looked at Wang Linlang, who was crying as if she were about to pass out, and did not trouble the young girl. He turned to Teacher Lin and asked, “Does Teacher happen to recall any unusual occurrences?”
Constable Fei had been in the yamen for many years and had investigated numerous cases. Although the person closest to the victim was often the most suspected, Teacher Lin’s character was beyond reproach, and Constable Fei did not believe him to be the murderer. He was merely asking as a matter of procedure.
“My wife took meticulous care of me while my wife and I were ill…” This was also where Teacher Lin felt the most guilt and self-reproach. His wife was poisoned, and he, as her husband, had not noticed anything.
Madam Lin had suddenly felt dizzy and unwell yesterday evening. She had attributed it to exhaustion from taking care of her husband and son. After eating, she had returned to her room to rest, while Teacher Lin remained in the study, grading his students’ assignments.
It wasn’t until he returned to the room at Hai Shi (9-11 PM) that he discovered Madam Lin had fallen unconscious. He immediately called for the village doctor. However, the barefoot doctor’s medical skills were limited.
Old Uncle Dong borrowed a carriage from Master Zhu. Teacher Lin took the unconscious Madam Lin to the largest medical clinic in Shangsi County, Jishi Tang. The doctor who received her was Doctor Xu.
Only then did Zhan Feiyu understand the entire sequence of events. Doctor Xu had administered acupuncture, but he was still unable to save her. However, he discovered that Madam Lin had not died of a sudden illness but had been poisoned. After informing Teacher Lin, he reported it to the authorities.
Constable Fei, along with Constable Zhao and Constable Ma, thoroughly searched Madam Lin’s bedroom, and the kitchen was given top priority. Constable Zhao inspected it first, and then Constable Fei personally checked it again. No findings were made.
An hour later.
Teacher Lin’s eyes were filled with suppressed grief, but he still remembered to care for Zhan Feiyu. “You don’t need to come for the next few days. After the mourning hall is set up, you can come with your mother to pay respects.”
“Teacher, you and Senior brother must take care of yourselves.” Zhan Feiyu nodded obediently but did not agree to stay away. “Teacher, please keep the Forbidden Dragon Guard token for safety.”
After Zhan Feiyu got into the carriage, Constable Fei also sat in. Looking at Zhan Feiyu, whose eyes were red, he said, “Young scholar, please accept my condolences. Your teacher and senior brother are sensitive individuals, and you will need to comfort them greatly.”
The loss of a loved one was an unspeakable sorrow. Teacher Lin and Lin Xiuyuan were both deeply emotional people and had profound affection for Madam Lin. They would undoubtedly take time to overcome their pain, and Zhan Feiyu would indeed need to comfort and advise them.
“I understand. Thank you, Constable Fei.” Zhan Feiyu did not have deep feelings for Madam Lin, but she still felt very sad, with a heavy, dull ache in her heart.
Constable Fei reviewed Granny Lu and Old Uncle Dong’s statements in his mind. After some thought, he suddenly said, “Young scholar Zhan, have you discovered anything unusual?”
Zhan Feiyu looked up at Constable Fei and replied without hesitation, “My teacher’s wife and Teacher were deeply in love. Teacher’s wife rarely mingled in the village, and Teacher was dedicated to teaching his students. Therefore, a crime of passion can essentially be ruled out.”
Constable Ma and Constable Zhao were no longer surprised. Given that she could obtain the Forbidden Dragon Guard token, Zhan Feiyu’s outstanding performance was understandable.
“As for financial matters, although Teacher’s family is not particularly wealthy, they are well-off and their expenses are small. Therefore, killing for money can also be ruled out.” Zhan Feiyu dismissed the idea of murder for financial gain.
Teacher Lin was a Xiucai, and his fifty mu of land were tax-exempt. Madam Lin also had some dowry. With low expenses in the countryside, the Lin family had also saved some money, otherwise, Wang Linlang would not have considered marrying Lin Xiuyuan.
“Indeed.” Constable Fei nodded in agreement. Zhan Feiyu’s deductions were almost identical to his own. “Then, only revenge remains.”
The carriage fell silent. Not only Zhan Feiyu but also Constable Fei and the other two were deep in thought.
Teacher Lin lived a simple life and had no enemies. He only had some friction with Scholar Zhang in the county, but in Constable Fei’s opinion, it was not enough to warrant murder.
Zhan Feiyu, however, had a mortal enemy in the Zeng family. But Zeng Yuquan had already been sentenced to execution in the autumn. All those involved in the Zeng family’s case were either imprisoned or exiled. Even if they wanted revenge, it would be against Zhan Feiyu, or at most against Li Shi. It was unlikely they would involve Madam Lin.