Chang Hu carefully removed the human skin mask from the servant boy's face, revealing an extremely ordinary countenance, looking no older than thirty.
"My lord, this man has a callus on his tiger's mouth; he's a trained fighter," Chang Hu said, turning the servant boy's right hand palm up. Clearly visible were calluses on the tiger's mouth and fingertips, remnants of martial arts practice.
Lord Chang squatted down to examine him closely. "The calluses aren't thick, but his palms are rough, and he has frostbite on the back of his hands. This person likely works in damp and cold places year-round."
Not to mention guards as skilled as Chang Hu, even the ordinary guards of the Chang residence, due to their martial arts training and being in their prime, possessed robust qi and blood, generally preventing frostbite in winter.
Yet, this servant boy who had committed suicide by poison, despite having calluses on his palms, his hands indicated he often did rough work, lived a rather unkempt life, with black grime still lodged under his fingernails.
"To be able to precisely stab Young Master You in a vital spot with a single blow, this person must have killed before." Chang Hu glanced back at You Bawang, who lay on the ground, no longer breathing. The stab to the abdomen wouldn't have been fatal; what killed him was the鹤顶红 (He Ding Hong) smeared on the blade.
Lord Chang's expression grew solemn. If it were anyone else who died, it would be one thing, but it was You Bawang, the sole heir of the You family. Regardless of who the mastermind was, You Bawang died in the Chang residence, in front of Lord Chang. This feud was now cemented.
Chang Hu's body and the servant boy's body were temporarily kept in the room, with guards stationed outside. The maids, including Hong Xiu, who had been bribed, were also under strict surveillance.
After Madam Chang had settled her frightened daughter, Lord Chang was in his study.
"Deliver this letter to the Bai residence and hand it to Prefect Bai personally." Lord Chang handed the letter to Chang Hu, glancing at the night sky outside the window. It was already the hour of Hai. If not for the sudden incident, Lord Chang wouldn't have disturbed Prefect Bai so late at night.
"Is my lord trying to avoid suspicion?" Madam Chang brought over the ginseng tea from the food box, looking at the fatigued Lord Chang with increased concern. "My lord, is this matter directed at us or at Miss Zhan?"
Previously, You Bawang had barged into the inner quarters, nearly disturbing Zhan Feiyu and ruining her reputation. Madam Chang had initially thought it was merely a ploy within the inner quarters, but with You Bawang's assassination, Madam Chang knew this was no trivial matter; it definitely involved the imperial court.
Patting Madam Chang's hand reassuringly, Lord Chang spoke in a deep voice, "There are no clues at present. If it were simply an enemy of my Chang residence, whether they targeted An'an or Xi Qing, it would be better than indirectly assassinating You Haoran."
Lord Chang had two sons and a daughter. His eldest son was currently serving as an official in a different region, and his second son was still studying at the academy. Only his youngest daughter, Chang Ruan, remained in the capital. If it truly were Lord Chang's past enemies, directly targeting his children would seem to be a more effective way to retaliate against Lord Chang.
"Then it's directed at Miss Zhan?" Madam Chang's anxious heart eased slightly. Although both her sons had people protecting them, there was no such thing as a thief who could guard for a thousand days, but no one could guard against a thief for a thousand days. Madam Chang was truly worried about her two sons' safety.
"Not necessarily. Marquis You has only this one heir. With You Haoran's death, the You family is left without descendants." Lord Chang rubbed his temples, his anger and agitation palpable. To have someone arrange this at the birthday banquet today, and for the assassination to be successful!
"Although Marquis You remains in the capital, he served in the military for many years in his early days. Zhu Guanyu, the current Commander of the Five City Patrols, was a subordinate of Marquis You. The First Prince is close to the Marquis." Lord Chang also suspected it was the work of a certain prince in the palace.
With You Bawang's death, the You family was left without descendants, truly without continuation. Marquis You's allegiance to the First Prince now held no significance. Even with the merit of supporting the emperor's ascension, what was the point? The You family had been enfeoffed as marquises in earlier years. Even if they were to be enfeoffed as kings in the future, with the You family having no heirs, this lineage would be broken.
Madam Chang's face turned pale upon hearing this. Even though she had detested the dissolute You Bawang before, she now exclaimed in anger, "Harm should not extend to family. How can matters of the court involve offspring? To leave the You family without descendants, this is too ruthless and heartless!"
Killing should be done with a simple nod of the head! The You family had only this one heir. Now, with You Bawang dead, the You family was sending their white-haired parents to accompany their black-haired child. Madam Chang felt a heavy oppression in her chest just thinking about it.
"As long as the Emperor does not establish a crown prince, the princes are already anxious and will resort to any desperate measures." Lord Chang sighed, which was also why he had sent his eldest and second sons away from the capital; at least they could avoid this disaster.
Similarly, of Prefect Bai's three sons, Bai Zhaorong and Bai Zhaohe had also been appointed as officials in other regions. Only the youngest son, Bai Zhaohui, would participate in the spring imperial examinations next year.
Lord Chang was certain that once Bai Zhaohui achieved a good ranking, he would likely also be appointed as an official elsewhere. As long as one was among the top three scholars, they could at least become a seventh-rank county magistrate, thereby avoiding the struggle for the succession.
"The tree desires stillness, but the wind does not cease." Lord Chang looked at Madam Chang, whose face was no longer young, illuminated by the candlelight. "You Haoran died in the Chang residence. Regardless of the mastermind's intentions, the You family will certainly hold the Chang residence accountable. Madam, perhaps you should take this opportunity to return to our hometown with An'an to take refuge."
Under normal circumstances, Lord Chang wouldn't have had an excuse to send his wife and daughter out of the capital. Now, however, was the best time. "Madam, you need not worry. These people have gone mad and act without bottom lines. Madam and An'an remaining in the capital is even more dangerous."
Madam Chang remained silent for a long time before finally nodding in agreement. "After You Haoran's matter is settled, I will take An'an and leave for a while."