往生堂主庄园杀人事件 档案4
𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞, 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝟒

His Honor made his way to Hu Tao's room, immediately after saying that I had to stay near the crime scene and keep watch in case anyone should pass by until Aether arrives. A timely coincidence, the doctor and Hu Tao's cousin appeared before me, along with Aether showing up a little after. Speaking in a manner little Qiqi wouldn't fully understand our conversation, Dr. Bai first told Aether that until the Mobong County officers arrive, they allowed the Legue City homicide inspector's jurisdiction over the investigation, which can be assisted by anyone with the proper aptitude to investigate in the manor—I'm sure that includes me and His Honor. Aether was also under the condition that he needed to collect all relevant evidence and leads to supply to the local police and had to phone the police personally via telephone of our collective findings as we progressed.

Additionally, the doctor mentioned that the police, along with the fire department, still aren't able to come until the snowstorm will have considerably weakened and the snow in the main road and pathways cleared, permitting travel. Aether and I quietly cursed at that revelation, but Dr. Bai added that they guaranteed arriving before midnight, according to the local police. Curse this misfortune, but it's still a hundred times better than not coming at all. Lastly, and quite strangely, Liu Meng was nowhere to be found—the doctor commenting that he must've missed them in the crowd. More suspicions brewed in my mind at that comment, but looking at Aether's pensive expression, said suspicions were now well-founded.

Thanking the doctor, Aether instructed the two to remain in Qiqi's room until it's safe to go out. Qiqi was now dying to know just what's going on, but Dr. Bai was still somehow able to convince her to wait it out until everything had calmed down. With that, the two left for Qiqi's room.

I quickly informed Aether of His Honor's and my notes of the crime scene combined, as well as transferred all necessary data from my phone to his in a flash. Likewise, Aether sent me Hu Fanren's and Hu Tao's statements via phone. I quickly skimmed through it, and my eyes widened upon coming across a few certain lines. Rage built up just by reading them, particularly Hu Tao's statement.

"Yanfei, you might as well watch your back," he warned me.

"I know. According to their statements, it's likely that person's still out there. Also, I'd like to have the honor of gathering them, should I be able to find the necessary leads after I'm done cross-examining the two."

All too quickly, he replied, "Of course, just bring one more person with you; I suggest Men Karong. While you're at it, I want you to get her statement for me. Be careful, too, alright?" It would seem that Legue's Scarlet Prosecutor and the good inspector trust each other greatly, as it should be since the two have not only known each other since high school, but also assisted each other many a time, according to Hu Tao and some of the prosecutor's former case archives I've read.

"Ah, and Yanfei? If you find something that conflicts or adds on my collected statements, inform me right away." I nodded and immediately left for the currently-detained suspect's room.

"Here we go," I muttered before taking a deep breath.

Knocking on the door and notifying that it's me, I entered her room, and I was greeted by the late 75th's son, the judge, and of course, Hu Tao, who immediately stood up upon seeing me. Even though she had a smile on her face, I couldn't help but feel that she's just putting up another façade in front of me.

Hu Tao…

"Yanfei…!" It's as if I could feel the revived relief from her tone alone as she called out my name. I gripped my fist hard, resolving to get her out of this mess in the name of the law.

"Ah, Atty. Yu," Hu Fanren greeted me. "I've heard from Judge Zhong of your collective investigation in Father's room. Really incredible work, I have to say. Guess they don't call you Legue's Scarlet Prosecutor for nothing," he added while softly clapping.

"That's my Yanfei for you, Shu-shu!" I smiled at her sincerest cheers. His Honor softly chuckled with his arms crossed.

"You're all too kind, but let's get back to the matter at hand." I took my phone out and opened the file that Aether sent me. "Hu Tao."

"Y—yeah?" Tsk, I think my voice was a bit too stern to make her stammer a bit. It's Hu Tao you're talking to, Yanfei, so control yourself.

"Would it be alright if you narrate your movements the moment you left for the 75th's room from the main hall up until the time the four of us found you in the same room? Please be as detailed and truthful as you can, too."

'Conflicts or adds on'. I may not fully know Tehiatik's Aether's methodologies when collecting witness statements, but it's in my good faith to trust him. More importantly, the reason why I need to question Hu Tao and Hu Fanren is due to the sole fact that Aether wasn't with His Honor and me during our investigation. Now then, let me hear your testimony, Hu Tao.

Hu Tao starts her testimony by stating she left the main hall—by extension, the guests, me, Judge Zhong, Shu-shu—Hu Fanren, Dr. Bai, Aether, and Karong, at her grandpa's request. She wasn't too sure about the time, but it's probably around 2:30 or something when she left. Spare key in her hand, she went to her grandpa's room and didn't see anyone along the way. When she arrived at the door, she knocked a few times and moved straight to jiggling the doorknob when her grandpa didn't open the door. Locked, she used the spare key to enter the room, wherein she then found her grandpa slumped on the bed, in the same position we'd found the 75th. Suddenly, before she could even blurt out another word or move about, she was attacked from behind. She couldn't see her attacker, but she was forced to inhale "some icky smelling cloth or hankey" forcibly pressed on her mouth. She fought back, but she got knocked out cold before she could even reach out to her grandpa or see her attacker. When she woke up, she was cradled in my arms.

I gnashed my teeth and tightened the grip on my phone, but I quickly calmed myself down before I lost my cool self. In any case, everything aligns with Aether's collected statements, the same must be for his annotations, too. I deduce that "icky smelling cloth or hankey" must be soaked with an inhalant sedative, but Hu Tao wouldn't know what specific sedative was used considering the data provided; pressing this won't yield as much info as the other lines of inquiry.

"Are you sure you didn't even catch a single glimpse of your attacker before you entered the room?"

"I'm trying to remember, Yanfei; I really am!" Hu Tao clasped her hands together as she looked at me with distressed eyes. "But, I'm really being honest; I didn't see anyone. I'm so sorry, Yanfei. I'm so sorry."

"It's alright, Hu Tao. You don't have to force yourself. Please, just calm down. Deep breaths." It really looked like she's trying her best to remember. Such a chest-constricting scene… Oh, forgive me—

"Ms. Yu, do best to mind your tone next time," His Honor advised, with Hu Fanren nodding after. Drat, His Honor's right again; gotta be careful with distressed witnesses, especially to her. Ngh, force of habit; don't want to get penalized just because of that in future trials.

"I—in any case, do you still remember the scene of the crime by the time you moved inside?" If she's able to remember, then it can shed some light on a certain piece of evidence.

Her eyes lit up. "Yup, I can at least tell you something about that!"

"I'll take your word for it. Now, please tell me, by the time you entered the room, was the room's window open or closed?"

"That's the first thing I actually noticed; they were open. I found it weird too, y'know? Snowstorm. Open window. Like, why?"

"Ditto, Hu Tao."

While that has indeed shed some light, a few questions arise: who opened it, when, and why? I don't think Hu Tao might have an idea, so I'll leave it at that, but as for the time being, there's a good chance that it must have been opened during the murder. The 75th, considering his age, must be wise enough that the cold of the snowstorm is treacherous to anyone, no matter their age or their state of health.

Perhaps… the mystery of the window shall lead us to the truth?

"Regarding the assailant, do you think you could describe, particularly estimate their height, for us and then tell us why you think so, Hu Tao?" Suspicion should be cast on certain individuals if she answers accordingly. Also, any description besides height is a bonus.

"Um…" she looked up, thinking for a few before responding. "I think they're taller than me. It's 'cause I could feel their chin behind my head." That should narrow down the list of possible assailants. "D—do you need any more info about them, Yanfei?" That's the look of uncertainty.

"That won't be necessary. Thank you for your description, Hu Tao." I warmly smiled at her in an attempt to calm her down, to which she replied likewise. "Now, regarding the assault, you mentioned that you 'fought back' before you 'got knocked out cold'. Please tell me, how did you fight back?"

"By doing this." She did backward jabs with her right elbow while her left arm appeared partially immobilized. Hang on…

"Hold it! Please hold that position for me, Hu Tao." Startled, she suddenly froze up at my interjection. "Just your right elbow was used to attack?" I carefully studied her left arm. If there is a chance for it, then I must press on, even if it's slim!

"Y—yeah, I also tried to break free from their left arm that was wrapped around my chest the best I could with my other arm."

"All the way around your chest, the assailant's left arm?"

"Yeah… it—ah!" Suddenly, her eyes widened. Another revelation, perhaps? Though, this one feels ominously weird, but I do hope that it's what I'm thinking of. "W—wait. Yanfei, I remember something!"

"R—really? Then, tell—!" Drat, tone, Yanfei, tone. "Ahem, please tell us what you remember, Hu Tao."

"Winter coat. I also saw the attacker was wearing a winter coat. I—it was just the sleeve I actually saw in a glimpse, though. But, but! Looking back, I think I now know who attacked me!" This must be where I have to 'add on'. My sincerest thanks for allowing me to question further, Aether.

"W—who?" Hu Fanren asked, a bit angrily. "Who attacked you?!"

"Quick, Hu Tao, tell us." His Honor demanded.

The profile she named finally confirmed my doubts and suspicions, and by extension, Aether's, on a particular occupant of the manor.

"Meng. It was Meng's coat!"

As much as I needed to look for Men Karong to accompany me in finding Liu Meng, I needed to hear personally Hu Fanren's movements from lunchtime until we found the body. His testimony is just as important as Hu Tao's.

Hu Fanren's movements started as he helped his father to his room; it must have been around one o'clock when he did. After having a talk for a few minutes, Hu Fanren headed back to the dining area. On the way, he did see Junpeng's room partially open, though. It was just a glimpse, but Hu Junpeng was reading something and looked to be thinking hard about something. From the point when Hu Fanren arrived at the dining area to help remove the utensils and dishes up to when he left the main hall to check up on his daughter, Hu Tao, and his father, he had been with the guests, me, Judge Zhong, Dr. Bai, the inspector, and Karong in the main hall.

Hu Fanren first moved to his daughter's room, seeing she was deeply focused in her studies—which was strange since she was alone and not with Dr. Bai, before moving to his father's door, but it was still locked at that point. Hu Fanren felt the need to look for Meng, but he wasn't in his room. Getting his winter coat, he tried going out through the kitchen backroom into the snowstorm to the site where Liu Meng would chop down trees for lumber. Before Hu Fanren could even arrive there, he heard a snap and felt a slight earthquake right after, then saw a bright flash, accompanied with a "demonic" crackling sound. He rushed to the scene of the destroyed main gate and tried to put the fire away with his coat; he admitted that he wasn't thinking straight at that point. From that point until finding the body, he had been with me, the inspector, and Judge Zhong.

"T—to think that Junpeng was actually in his room the whole time, alone, nonetheless!" His Honor remarked, taking a step back and clenched his fist. A lone sweat broke on his face. "Not to mention, little Qiqi alone in hers, too." I could be no more surprised than you, Your Honor.

"Didn't Hu Junpeng say he needed to attend the guests shortly after Mr. Hu Fanren left with the 75th?" I rhetorically asked.

"H—he did?" Qiqi's father bore a surprised look, abruptly turning into a face of suspicion. "I have a bad feeling about this, Atty. Yu, Judge Zhong. That goes for Meng possibly attacking Hu Tao, too."

"Y—you don't actually think Junpeng-shu… and Meng… right," Hu Tao, worried, looked at me, "Yanfei?"

"As of now, suspicion on these individuals rests on the veracity of both your testimonies, Hu Tao's and Mr. Hu Fanren's." I crossed my arms. "No such evidence is neither present nor found that is able to indict either individual. However," I turned to Hu Tao, worried look never leaving her, "the current suspect is still you, unfortunately, Hu Tao. I believe that I don't need further explanation as to why, right, Hu Tao?"

"No, Yanfei…" Forgive me, Hu Tao. I don't like this one bit, but I have to maintain my persona. Otherwise— "But, I understand, Yanfei. I really do! You can suspect me all you want, but I'll still tell you this: I wasn't the one who took my grandpa's life. I'm telling the truth." She forced a smile at me. If I hadn't trimmed my nails, blood would be leaking out my palms now from the sheer pressure of my fingertips alone.

Regardless, I have to question Hu Fanren further. Be it as the statement collected from Aether is still the same as what I've heard just now, with some extra annotations from the inspector, there are still a few things I needed to clarify from Hu Fanren.

You want competence, Feng? I hope you've been watching me, Liyue's top legal expert, from the start till now.

"Mr. Hu Fanren, may I know the contents of your talk with your father?"

"He was sleepy at that time, so all he did was just say his thanks and then said that Hu Tao should visit him around some time before the ceremony starts, ideally two in the afternoon." That's in line with Hu Tao's testimony.

"Now," this is going to be repetitive, but I must press on regardless, "since you were in his room for a few minutes, tell me, was the window closed?" I can come up with a reason as to why it was, but as it stands, it's conjecture. If it was indeed closed, then that should provide some certain possibilities.

"I forgot."

"You… forgot?"

"Yes, is that a problem?"

"C—can't you at least try to remember? This is a very important piece of information."

Hu Fanren crossed his arms and furrowed his brows. "I'm very sorry, Atty. Yu, but I just can't." Is… that it? I could feel Hu Tao's unease and His Honor's exasperation just by looking at their faces. Tsk, I can't badger any further lest His Honor whisk me out.

Though I'm not one to—how Hu Tao put it—trust my gut feeling, I just can't help but think that the window was closed by the time Hu Fanren left; the reason being the weather. Again, mere conjecture. I'll just have to change this once new information arises. Onto the next question.

"Did you lock the door going out?"

"Yes. Father asked me to do so."

"Did the 75th leave the key to his room in your hands?"

"It's embarrassing to admit it, but… when I left and closed the door, that's the time when the thought crossed my mind." He scratched his head. "I planned to ask Meng about the spare key, but it seems to have slipped past my mind as well." Why does it feel like I now know where Legue's Qiqi's forgetfulness comes from? Still, this is too important to ignore.

"Fanren… How irresponsible," His Honor commented, shaking his head.

"I—I could've been…" Hu Tao added, with a frown, but quickly shook her head. "No. There's no use crying over spilt milk."

"My sincerest apologies, Hu Tao, Judge Zhong." Hu Fanren cleared his throat. "Anything else, Atty. Yu?"

"Yes." My suspicion jumped to Hu Junpeng. "Could you give a clearer description as to what the secretary was reading?"

Hu Fanren paused for a bit to think. "I'm terribly sorry, but all I could make out was a piece of paper. I couldn't describe it further." The thought of the contract I had asked the same person earlier spontaneously emerged in my mind.

"How about the facial expression?"

"Again, I'm terribly sorry that I could only recall a pensive look on his face as he stared at the piece of paper." Could it be that my conversation with Hu Junpeng caused him to review the contract once more? This is mere speculation, but there's something more than meets with the eye with this piece of testimony. I have to have a word with Hu Junpeng as soon as possible.

Hm, seems like I have to skip to the part where Hu Fanren checks on Qiqi. "When you checked on Qiqi, did you have a conversation with her?"

"Not really a conversation, but just a few exchanges of lines. I asked if she needed me to call Dr. Bai or any refreshments, but she said not yet and that she'll just go directly to me or Dr. Bai if anything comes up." I can't stomach the idea of questioning children, but I must do so with Qiqi later on, lest I suffer the consequences of failing to reach the truth.

Now, his trip to see Liu Meng. "What spurred the need to see Meng?" If I'm correct, his need to do so should be parallel with mine, and the rest who are concerned.

"I think most of us here have the same concerns, more or less; I haven't seen him since he left for the kitchen after removing the dishes. I reckoned he'd be chopping wood up until the snow started turning violent. If you must know, Meng is in charge of the manor's lumber." The manor's lumber, huh. H—hang on…!

Hearing this and reading Aether's annotation once more, I just realized this; if he's in charge of the lumber—by extension, the tools required to do so, then I must be able to pinpoint the earlier incident's root cause, should the proper evidence be collected. This is, again, conjecture, but given the details provided thus far, we can shed some light on the mystery—or trick—of the earlier incident. I just need to investigate that area, ideally with a trustworthy partner.

Lastly, alibi. "Who can confirm your movements while you were going to look for the in-charge of the manor's lumber?"

"Unfortunately, I don't think anyone saw me going there. At least, not without my knowledge. Perhaps Karong had seen me go to the kitchen at that time." Suspicion may be cast upon Hu Fanren due to that, but this just brings more reason to question those whom I have yet to question and have free access to the corridors here. Let's see, questioning the guests would be fruitless unless we were to establish the alibis of Hu Junpeng, Men Karong, or Liu Meng.

In any case, that should be all that I can gather from both members of the Hu family. In the end, only Hu Tao's statement was more appended than Hu Fanren's. What I have asked from Hu Fanren, excluding the forgetful mishap and description of Hu Junpeng's state, is in line with Aether's annotations. I must say, Inspector Faramund truly is thorough, I thought with a smile. Gathering enough data, I thanked the two and excused—

"Um, Yanfei!"

The voice alone helped calm my nerves. "Yes, Hu Tao?"

"If, a—and only if, my suspicion's lifted, whatever and however it's gonna be done, c—can I accompany you in your investigation? Just like how we used to? Please? I'll just stick with you so I can be under your surveillance. Again, I didn't murder anyone at all!" She folded her hands and bowed. "I beg you, Yanfei, please?" Oh, you must know by now how much I'd like to blurt out 'Don't just stand there, join me and get a move on!', but it's rather difficult, Hu Tao.

Unless…

"Denied." His Honor said. Drat, of course. "As it stands, you are the suspect. Furthermore—"

"I think it'd be alright, Judge Zhong," Hu Fanren interrupted. "She did say if, and only if, her suspicion would be lifted."

His Honor furrowed his brows at him. "What are you thinking, Fanren?"

"I—I'm just saying, Atty. Yu and Hu Tao have a tight-knit bond. Additionally, you, of all people, should know Hu Tao's love for my father, and perhaps, Atty. Yu's performance as a prosecutor. I personally haven't seen Atty. Yu in action, but based on our interaction and hers with Hu Tao, I believe that it would be alright. Again, if, and only if, suspicion is lifted," Hu Fanren explained.

I don't believe it. His Honor's actually considering this; I wonder if it would've turned out differently if I'd exhibited a incompetence earlier. Sighing, he asked me, "When are the Mobong County officers due to arrive? And, what is their stance on Inspector Faramund heading the investigation?"

"Before midnight, and they granted him jurisdiction over the investigation, as long as he constantly updates the local police, with Your Honow and me assisting him."

"Very well. Do share the suggestion of the child with the inspector." This is no short of a miracle. Oh, Lord of Geo, you do work in mysterious ways. "We'll then proceed accordingly to his say on the matter. Any objections?"

Smiling, I shook my head. "None, Your Honor."

"If there are no objections, then you are dismissed, Ms. Yu. As for you," His Honor turned to Hu Tao, "pray that the inspector sees your suggestion in good light while you remain detained here with us."

All too quickly, Hu Tao pulled His Honor into a hug. "Thank you, thank you so much, Zhong-daren!" Is… she allowed to do that? Hu Fanren's face screams my thoughts as well. Regardless of my thoughts, it made me elated seeing the two hug, as if it was my Hu Tao and Mr. Zhongli hugging. I wonder…

"Ugh, I'll allow this just once." His Honor slowly pushed her away. Admit it, Your Honor, her hugs are just the best, I thought with a smile. "Ms. Yu, do what you must do."

"Good luck, Atty. Yu," Hu Fanren said.

"Yanfei!" O—oh dear, now she's hugging me. I couldn't help but blush, urgh. "Don't forget about me, alright? Take care, too!"

What else could I do but return the gesture, even for just seconds? This should… calm my nerves before I resume investigating.

The snowstorm still rages, along the inferno at the entrance. However, both are slowly, but surely, subsiding. The people in the main hall have ceased dousing the flames, having considerably kept the flames at bay. One can say that the snowstorm should be the one to extinguish the flames fully.

Approaching the inspector, I quickly briefed him of the updated data from my cross-examination, should I even call it that, of the two members of the Hu Family. Expressing his thanks he instructed me to collect Karong and to search for Meng ASAP, so that he can collect the statements required from the other relevant parties. Though unlike me to rush, I need to speed things up before the snowstorm completely subsides. There's still a chance for the true culprit to take flight. I can't let that happen.

Just right before I left to collect Karong, I relayed Hu Tao's request to Aether. Surprisingly, he received her request rather heartily, emphasizing the 'if, and only if' clause of Hu Tao's conditions, in a manner just like Qiqi's father and the judge. Indeed, I despise nepotism, but I would be a hypocrite if I said I have never employed such tactics back in Teyvat for the sake of the truth and, ironically, the law. He did mention, however, that it would be a pain in the rear if the Mobong County officers hear about this; hence, as much as I hate it, we'd have to overlook this minor pickle when we, the preliminary investigators, are to be debriefed. I wonder, will Hu Tao mind?

Moving to the main hall, I encountered Karong sitting down on a chair, looking distressed. Hu Junpeng was still entertaining some of the guests, and they seemed to be deep in discussion about, what I have heard, the state of the Wangsheng namesake. Could it be that the guests are now aware of the 75th's untimely passing? Hopefully, those conversations should keep him under the watchful eye of many.

Proceed carefully. I have to cool her down before we jump straight into the search. "Karong? It's me, Atty. Yu Yanfei, prosecutor. I have to thank you once more for your hard work and keeping the commotion and flames at bay. My sincerest thanks."

"O—oh. I—it's nothing." She's slowly smiling. That's a relief.

"You look shaken up. It must be the," I said the next words softly, "murder, among all thing, right?"

"Y—yeah, that's true. Oh, Lord 75th… Why did you have to go so suddenly…" It would appear that the 75th had left such impressions to the manor's occupants. "Also, I'm wondering why Meng hasn't shown up since I left the kitchen after washing the dishes. I'm really worried about him, too."

Time to go for the kill. "About Meng, I was actually planning to look for him." I extended my hand for her. "Would you like to join me?"

"I—if it's alright, Madame Prosecutor!" I'm still 28, mind you, but alright, I'll accept this… honorific.

Successfully seeking permission from the secretary, who shot suspicious glares at the both of us, we left for our destination. I'll have to question his movements later on.

First stop, the caretaker's quarters. Located near the kitchen, two doors were presented before us. Karong opened the door to Meng's room—empty. Turning the lights on, not a soul was in the area. "Should we try the kitchen next?" Karong asked.

"Not yet," I took my phone out and opened the camera application, "while we're here, let's investigate."

"I'll offer you my full assistance, Madame. Do ask me anything you'd like to ask me."

While scouring the area for any possible evidence or leads, Karong constantly within my sight, I asked for her movements from the preparation of lunch until now. I insidiously left the video record on as she narrated her movements.

She started by stating she and Meng prepared the dishes for the guests and the manor's occupants. She was in charge of the main course dishes and some appetizers, while Meng was in charge of the desserts, drinks, and some appetizers, too. At one point Dr. Bai and Lady Hu Tao came to help out; Dr. Bai assisted Meng while Lady Hu Tao assisted Karong. Lady Hu Tao insisted that she make tofu chop suey for me, to which Karong acquiesced with little resistance. Sec. Junpeng appeared before Meng, some time later. She apologized that she wasn't aware of Meng's and Dr. Bai's particular actions as they prepared their side of the dishes.

Meng dealt with the table where the manor's occupants and specially-invited guests sat. Sec. Junpeng, Dr. Bai, and Karong dealt with the rest of the guests. Sec. Junpeng and Dr. Bai then left for the dining area, but Karong remained in the main hall throughout the entire lunch. She collected the plates of the guests who didn't need any seconds, before being called back to the dining area to remove the dishes there, now along with Meng. There, she warned us of the news of an impending snowstorm. The two washed a number of dishes, and Meng retreated to his quarters while Karong stayed in the main hall to attend to the guests, giving them the same announcement of the news. Sec. Junpeng seemed to be late in arriving, but Karong paid it no mind.

Later, she witnessed the trees destroying the main gate, catching on fire due to the lightning, and then proceeded to extinguish the fire along with the rest of the people. By my side, she saw Master Fanren appear from the right side and tried to use his coat to extinguish the flames. She tried to stop him, but it was too late. Once the main guests, excluding the doctor, and Master Fanren left to Lord 75th's room, she was busy attending to the guests and managing the flames, alongside Sec. Junpeng. It was Karong who phoned the fire department. She soon received the news of Lord 75th's passing, and that Sec. Junpeng informed the guests as well, while pacifying them and the flames.

Drat, I think I spent more time focusing on her testimony that I almost ignored that I was searching for some retrievable evidence. That aside, her testimony, albeit detailed, seems somehow lacking. I have to press not just for more info, but to corroborate Hu Fanren's claims. All I need to do is jog certain segments of her testimony.

"Before anything else, Karong, by now, you have to cast suspicion on Meng. His disappearance for an extended period of time is uncanny." She softly agreed to my suggestion. "Now then, before you were called to remove the dishes on the table I ate at, have you seen the secretary anywhere in the vicinity of the main hall at all?"

"Now that you mention, I haven't." This isn't looking good for the secretary. "He only ever appeared just some time before Master Fanren left to check on Little Qiqi, Lady Hu Tao, and Lord 75th. Since then, I've seen and been with him and the guests."

"Thank you, now the next one," I recalled another of Hu Fanren's claims, "could you please describe your movements between the moment Sec. Junpeng arrives and the destruction of the main gate?"

"Let me think… eh, n—now I remember." A revelation. What could it be? "I—I'd like to add that I took a quick trip to the kitchen. Just a little CR break there. That's when I actually last saw Meng." Suddenly, the worried look on her face returned. "H—he was… limping."

"Please bear with me, Karong." I comforted her a little bit. "Limping? Could you be a little bit more specific? Not just with the limping, but what did he wear as well?"

"He was… I think he was wearing his winter coat and leaned a little bit to his right when he walked out through the kitchen backdoor to the place where he'd chop for lumber. I—I swear, I tried to help him, but he just brushed it off as some minor pain. He also said that he accidentally slid and needed to get something in the lumberyard's shed before the snowstorm kicks in."

"This is very crucial info, Karong. What else? What other important details do you remember? People, things, anything will be really helpful."

Karong hummed in ponderation. She soon crossed her arms and looked to her left. "I—I'm sorry, Madame, but I don't—eh!" There it is, the sound of realization. "I'm not sure if I was just seeing things, but when I was about to go back to the main hall, I took a quick look back, and caught a glimpse of Master Fanren going to the kitchen. I—I'm not entirely sure, but I knew because of his winter coat." If I had a mora for every time 'winter coat' was uttered thus far…

This is it. This testimony should be one of the keys in lifting the suspicion off Hu Tao, as well as lead us to where Meng might be possibly hiding: the lumberyard. Still, we're not yet done. Spending a few more minutes in the other caretaker's room, we decided to leave the room, seeing he wasn't in the area. Next stop, braving through the snowstorm to find Meng in the lumberyard. I've got a bad feeling about this.

Oh, I forgot to switch my video—huh? Something glinted in the darkened room as the light was switched off. It came from under the bed. Crouching, the aluminum from a lone, used blister pack for just one pill was the cause.

"Madame Prosecutor?"

"Hang on, I just found a blister pack under his bed."

"H—huh? W—was Meng sick of something?"

"I can't say for sure."

Luckily, His Honor's gloves were still with me. Retrieving the blister pack, I read the inscription at the back. "Mi-da-zo-lam. Ben-zo—wait, I don't have time to read this!" I'll just ask Dr. Bai for this, being a pharmacist. It looks too suspicious to be left lying under his bed. Taking a few pictures of the mysterious used blister pack and where I found it, we left for the lumberyard through the kitchen backdoor. Good thing we had our winter coats on, lest we freeze to death in this injurious weather.

The snowstorm's still raging, and it's getting darker, too. It's already four o'clock, so why isn't it subsiding? We called out Meng's name over and over again. I do hope he's still within the vicinity. We soon passed through the walled gate leading to the lumberyard, my phone's electric torch guiding us.

I asked Karong, "The shed in the lumberyard. Is it big enough for us to go in? I think maybe… he…" S—something caught my eye.

N—no… It can't be…! Under the light, something ghastly was revealed.

"Yes, but it's too cramped in… there…"

She noticed it too, the trail that was revealed under the light of my electric torch—the trail of blood. Holding Karong's hand and slowly moving forward through the raging icy winds, we followed where the trail of blood led. From her shivering alone, I didn't need to look to confirm Karong's face turning white as a sheet.

The more we stepped forward, the wider the trails became; I could even pick up the distinct smell of blood. Soon, two legs, partially covered in snow, shone under the torchlight. A horrified gasp escaped Karong. Further, a body facedown on the ground, partially buried under snow and with distinct red stains around it, was shone under the torchlight. I didn't want Karong to follow me, so I told her to remain there as I approached the body. I can only imagine what's going on in Karong's thoughts now.

Instinctively, I took a picture of how we found the body before I approached it and knelt beside it, stepping on the bloodied snow. His hands seemed to be clutching something underneath. I carefully rolled the body around, and what was revealed was a truly grotesque image. Karong screamed and fell on her knees in sheer horror at it.

Liu Meng's hands clasped the handle of a knife that was plunged deep into his neck. Dried, cold blood found on his neck and mouth that stained the snow around a deep red. His face showed a face of fear, as if frozen right when he went. There's no doubt about it.

The caretaker is dead.

But, that's not all.

A piece of paper stuck out of his winter coat's breast pocket. A chilling message was left for whoever read it.

Hu Tao as directress spells doom.
I killed Lord 75th for his decision.
I'll die before I see that day.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀:

𝗛𝘂, 𝗧𝗮𝗼 (𝟮𝟳, 𝗙)
Upcoming 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Bears the exact same characteristics as my Hu Tao, fortunately. Referred to as "A-jie" (阿姐, Big sister) by Qiqi.

𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗱, 𝗔𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 (𝟯𝟮, 𝗠)
Legue City Police Department homicide police inspector.

𝗕𝗮𝗶, 𝗭𝗵𝘂 (𝟰𝟮, 𝗠)
Pharmacist and businessman in Legue City.

𝗛𝘂, 𝗤𝗶𝗾𝗶 (𝟭𝟬, 𝗙)
Hu Tao's cousin.

𝗠𝗲𝗻, 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 (𝟯𝟮, 𝗙)
One of the caretakers for the Hu Manor.

𝗟𝗶𝘂, 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝗴 (𝟰𝟰, 𝗠)
One of the caretakers for the Hu Manor.

𝗛𝘂, 𝗙𝘂𝗴𝘂𝗶 (𝟳𝟱, 𝗠)
Hu Tao's grandfather. The 75th Director, and subsequently the 76th after Hu Tao's father's death. Referred to as "Yeye" (爷爷, Grandfather) by Qiqi.

𝗛𝘂, 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗴 (𝟲𝟮, 𝗠)
Hu Tao's and Qiqi's uncle. In charge of the ceremony rites for inducting the new parlor director. Also the secretary to the 75th and 76th.

𝗛𝘂, 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝗿𝗲𝗻 (𝟱𝟰, 𝗠)
Hu Tao's uncle and Qiqi's father. Referred to as "Shushu" (叔叔, Uncle) by Hu Tao.

𝗭𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗴, 𝗟𝗶 (𝟲𝟬, 𝗠)
Legue City judge. Former superintendent in the Legue City Police Department. Referred to as "Zhong-daren" (钟大人, Sir Zhong) by Hu Tao.

𝗛𝘂, 𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗴 (𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱, 𝗠)
Hu Tao's father. The 76th Director, but died in an accident a few days after claiming the title.

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:

𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 姐 (𝗷𝗶𝗲) 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀/𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀
Usually used by younger people when talking to their older sisters, to females who are close enough, or showing respect to older females.

𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 哥 (𝗴𝗲) 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀/𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀
Usually used by younger people when talking to their older brothers, to males who are close enough, or showing respect to older males.

𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 叔 (𝘀𝗵𝘂) 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀/𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀
Endearment term usually used by younger people when talking to male family friends who are as old as their parents.

𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 大人 (𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻) 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀
Honorific appellation to address people who hold a high enough position.