Chapter 85 The Serial Killer?

Yong'an City has no shortage of powerful and wealthy people.

Aside from prominent figures like Song Shang, the death of a master in an ordinary noble family would not attract much attention or discussion.

Not to mention Hou Qiaohe, an ordinary merchant's wife who lives a secluded life.

Logically, her death shouldn't have caused much of a stir except among a few people with ulterior motives. But quite cleverly, news of her death spread throughout Yong'an City almost immediately.

Because Dai Yuanhong and Dai Yuanhua, the young masters of Jinyuge, who were the biological parents of the child, went directly to the yamen (government office) to file a complaint, reporting their mother's murder during the busiest time of day.

The plaintiff was none other than Princess Mingguang, the daughter of the former Grand Secretary Song, whose case had previously caused quite a stir.

That's serious! This involves suspected murder, far more serious than the previous assault on the British Duke's residence. The news spread like wildfire, and within half a day, everyone was discussing it.

You can easily overhear news from small vendors and restaurants.

But there are always people who don't listen.

Song Jin lay sprawled inside the carriage, eyes closed, head in her hands, fast asleep. When the carriage stopped, she waved her hand, yawned, and got out.

Under the astonished gazes of the two guards at the back gate, she didn't hesitate and darted inside, tiptoeing into the courtyard.

Although the people in the mansion seemed more serious today, there were many more people walking around, and even quite a few unfamiliar faces.

But they were all ordinary people, so Song Jin didn't think much of it. He dodged and weaved, scaling walls and leaping over pavilions, then easily and smoothly returned to the courtyard, before slipping into the house.

Intending to create the illusion of oversleeping

But as soon as the door opened

Niu Tielan sat at the table, his brows furrowed, looking worried and alarmed.

Song Jin, who was already feeling somewhat guilty, became even more so, torn between turning away and turning back.

This dilemma also made Niu Tielan see people

She breathed a sigh of relief for a moment, but only for a second. She immediately got up and rushed over, first hurriedly closing the door, then slapping Song Jin on the back: "You asked me what happened? I asked you what you did last night?"

Song Jin grinned, her eyes darting around, her eyelids drooping guiltily: "I... I was just going to sleep. I just left early."

Niu Tielan grabbed her arm and asked through gritted teeth, "Did you go to the Dai residence last night?"

Song Jin's guilty conscience vanished instantly, and she pouted, "I'm not a thief, why would I go to their place? I don't need the money."

Niu Tielan stared intently at her: "Really?"

Song Jinli declared confidently: "I swear..."

Song Jin was raised by Niu Tielan from a young age, and Niu Tielan knew her little tricks all too well.

Only after confirming that the person wasn't lying did Niu Tielan's anxiety gradually ease, but she didn't feel completely relieved.

Niu Tielan gripped her clothes, stared at her, and said, word by word, "Hou Qiaohe is dead. Tell your mother that this has nothing to do with you."

Upon hearing this news, Song Jin was initially bewildered. After recalling who the name belonged to, she became even more confused, shocked, and puzzled...

Amidst a mix of complex emotions, she widened her eyes: "Mother, you actually doubt me? In your eyes, am I that kind of person? Am I a serial killer?"

Niu Tielan: "...I'm just worried you might accidentally hit too hard."

Song Jin was even more annoyed, puffing out her cheeks: "Are you doubting my professional competence?"

Whom do you look down on?

There are so many ways to interrogate and torture people, how could she possibly make a mistake? She could inflict a thousand cuts without hitting a vital organ, how could she possibly accidentally kill someone?

Besides

Song Jin glared at her: "Am I that impulsive?"

Niu Tielan could give her a definite answer on this point; she was indeed impulsive, which was why she was so worried after learning of Hou Qiaohe's death.

This is the capital city, unlike those small places before. Hou Qiaohe is not one of those assassins or death squads. She can't be killed just like that.

Niu Tielan had been fearing that Song Jin would impulsively cause a disaster, but now that it was confirmed, she breathed a huge sigh of relief. Her heart, which had been pounding, finally settled, replaced by a feeling of utter weakness and exhaustion.

She felt weak and her legs gave way, and she was about to fall when Song Jin grabbed her and, with a mix of amusement and exasperation, pulled her to sit down.

"My goodness, are you serious? Sit down, you scared me to death! It's nothing, what does it matter to us whether that person lives or dies?"

Aside from that unpleasant past, Hou Qiaohe was just a stranger to them, and Song Jin felt no particular emotion about her death.

Niu Tielan realized that Song Jin knew nothing, so she knew that Song Jin must have gone quite far last night.

She gripped Song Jin's wrist and said, "The Dai brothers went to the yamen to file a complaint, saying that you killed Hou Qiaohe."

"ha?"

What the hell? She's done so many bad things over the years and no one's ever reported her, and now she's getting slandered?

Song Jin was speechless: "Are they out of their minds? Where's the evidence? I'm a princess, and they're commoners. Do they want to die?"

If this innocent woman sues them, even if she did it, they'll suffer a lot, let alone if she didn't.

Song Jin thought back to Dai Yuanhua, whom she had met before, and realized that he really did seem foolish, so it wasn't surprising that he did something like this.

Seeing her nonchalant expression, Niu Tielan felt a sense of relief, but her heart sank: "Since they've filed a lawsuit, they must have evidence."

Song Jin raised an eyebrow: "I didn't do it, so whatever evidence they have is fake."

Niu Tielan glared at her, annoyed: "The fact that they dared to do this means they came prepared. You must be careful."

Her initial worry was that this matter was indeed related to Song Jin. Regardless of whether Song Jin killed the person or not, if she went there that night, the matter would be impossible to explain.

It's alright now, thankfully, there's still room for recovery.

Niu Tielan: "Where did you go last night?"

Song Jin touched his nose, speaking with righteous indignation: "Where I went has nothing to do with them. I have nothing to fear if I'm innocent. What do I have to be afraid of if I didn't do it? Let them report it to the authorities."

Niu Tielan took a deep breath, a more ominous premonition welling up in her heart: "Where did you go last night?"

Song Jin's eyes darted around, clearly reluctant to speak, but under her mother's pressure, she finally whispered after a while, "It's just...climbing over the city gate to go out for a stroll or something."

Niu Tielan's vision went black, but then she heard the familiar chirping of birds outside. She grabbed the man's wrist and gritted her teeth, "Let's go quickly. The situation is unclear right now. Go wander around outside for a few days, and I'll let you know when things are clearer."

Song Jin was shocked and pointed at herself: "Huh? Mother, you're making me a fugitive?"

Niu Tielan glared at her and pushed her away: "What fugitive? We don't even know what evidence they have over there. You never think before you speak. Go lay low for a while, we'll deal with things here."

In this kind of murder case, whether there's a reason or not, the investigation will take a long time. Is it fun for a young girl to go to the yamen and get imprisoned?

It's better to stay out of the limelight and avoid trouble.

Seeing Niu Tielan's urging and protective manner, Song Jin felt incredibly warm and happy, yet also a little amused and exasperated.

She grabbed her mother's hand, gently kneading it from her wrist upwards, then pressed it against her shoulder, kneading it lightly.

Song Jin laughed: "Mother, why are you thinking so much? No matter what their intentions are, or what so-called evidence they have, I didn't do it, and I'm innocent. What's there to be afraid of? Let them ask if they want, let them lock me up if they want. I'm a princess, why should I be afraid of these things?"

Niu Tielan's tense body relaxed a little, but she was not swayed by her words. She pursed her lips and said, "It's easy to say, but who knows what tricks those people have up their sleeves?"

At first, she was afraid that Song Jin was behind it; if not, then it could only be the girls' school that had done it.

If they could target the Dai brothers, they must be targeting Hou Qiaohe.

Compared to Hou Qiaohe, who lived in her earlier years, Niu Tielan was much easier to recognize; anyone who saw her would immediately recognize her.

Those people were ruthless, used numerous methods, and possessed Gu poison techniques, so Niu Tielan couldn't help but worry.

Song Jin remained calm. She gently squeezed her mother's shoulders and whispered, "Mother, the Gu technique is useless against me."

Niu Tielan looked up: "Mother knows you have profound inner strength, but you must not be careless."

Song Jin pouted: "That's what that person said. Although I don't want to admit it, we are blood relatives after all. They wouldn't try to fool me with this, would they?"

Niu Tielan was stunned: "Is that so?"

Song Jin squatted down and gave her a bright smile: "Of course, so Mother, don't worry about me. Since they dared to set up a trap, we'll smash them to pieces from the middle. You also want to find the person who killed Grandpa, right?"

Niu Tielan's eyes reddened and became dry: "Mother wants you to be well more."

Her child has already suffered enough, first being confined to that small town with her, then accompanying her to Yong'an City for medical treatment, and now he's being dragged into those messy old grudges because of her.

Song Jin quickly reassured her, "Alright, alright, it's nothing serious, Mom. Don't worry, I'll definitely be fine. Just wait for my good news at home, don't worry about anything."

As they spoke, the footsteps outside grew louder and louder; the people were getting closer.

Song Jin whispered something in Niu Tielan's ear, then stood up with a smile. She wiped the tears from her mother's eyes, exuding confidence and a chilling aura.

She said, "Mother, I will definitely come back the day you practice Gu poison. Just wait at home and don't worry. I was afraid they wouldn't show themselves. Since they dare to show themselves, don't blame me for dragging them all out and killing them all."

As he spoke, Song Jin gave her a reassuring smile, turned around, opened the door, and met a group of government officials and guards outside.

She looked at the leading official, Prefect Li Xian.

With the establishment of the new Dayan Dynasty, the officials of the previous dynasty had long since been dismissed, arrested, or forced to retire. Those currently in power were either those who had made great contributions during the founding of the dynasty or those who had passed the imperial examinations and taken office later.

Most of them are not very old

The prefect in front of me is Li Xian; he's only in his early thirties and is a capable man.

Song Jin had met him once before at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, when Song Qingzhi was complaining to him, "You should stay away from that guy surnamed Li in the future; he especially likes to find fault with our family."

At the time, she was thinking that she would have to run as far away as possible, but she never expected that she would have to come closer to him now.

But there's nothing she can do. She can run far away and wait for all the clues to come out, but what about her mother?

She didn't know who those people were targeting, but it all seemed to be directed at her.

Song Jinfeng slightly raised her eyes, her gaze sharp. She curled her lips into a smile: "A mere minor conflict has alarmed Prefect Li. How embarrassing."

Li Xian was also a serious man. He said with a stern face, "The death of one person is a small matter to the princess. It's truly an eye-opener for me."

Song Jin curled her lips: "There's no way around it, I've seen too many dead people. From the moment my mother and I were discovered by the Song family until we came back, there were too many people looking for trouble along the way. I wanted to put on a show of panic, but I'm not good enough at acting."

Li Xian's expression darkened slightly: "Judging from Princess Mingguang's words, does she not admit to this crime?"

Song Jin: "Naturally, I don't have many strengths, but honesty is one of them."

Li Xian nodded: "Then may I ask, where did Princess Mingguang go last night, and even this morning?"

Song Jin didn't even blink: "Go to sleep, and when you wake up, go outside to hunt and have barbecue. If you don't believe me, come and smell it; my clothes still smell of roasted chicken."

As she spoke, she raised her hand and took a light sniff, a look of satisfaction on her face.

"..."

Li Xian watched as she acted with a face so strikingly similar to Song Shang's, and his heart tightened. He continued in a deep voice, "Is there any witness?"

Song Jin pouted: "Can't one person go out?"

It means there's nothing left.

Li Xian: "Princess Mingguang is highly skilled in martial arts and carries many weapons. Do you still remember this dagger in my hand?"

He pulled out a dagger wrapped in cloth, stained with blood, but the tip was clearly sharper than an ordinary dagger, capable of drawing blood with a single stab.

Song Jin raised an eyebrow: "It's mine, but I have tons of daggers. I use them and then throw them away. What does that prove?"

Li Xian's face darkened: "The Dai brothers accuse the princess of abusing and killing their mother out of personal grudges. They have both written and physical evidence. Does the princess have any other evidence to prove what happened last night?"

Song Jin crossed his arms, looking nonchalant and arrogant: "I already told you I was sleeping last night. I got up early this morning, had nothing to do, so I went out and took an oxcart into the mountains to hunt. If you don't believe me, you can send someone to the mountains to see for yourself; there are even barbecue marks."

Li Xian: "Why would the princess go hunting in the mountains for no reason?"

Song Jin waved her hand, looking completely innocent: "Yes, that's the kind of person I am."

Considering her deeds, she was indeed like that: highly skilled in martial arts, unrestrained, and lawless.

It is possible.

Li Xian exchanged glances with the person next to him and asked, "Does the princess mind if we go inside and search the house?"

Song Jin raised an eyebrow: "Sure, but I have to keep an eye on them. My things are valuable. What if you lose or break them? I doubt you can afford to pay for them."

"..."

Li Xian exchanged a glance with the person next to him, then looked at the luxurious fabric of Song Jin's clothes, and nodded without hesitation.

They really can't afford to pay the compensation.

Song Jin chuckled and led them inside.

Niu Tielan was still sitting among them.

Song Jin turned her head: "Xiao Mei, Xiao Er, take Madam to rest over there. She's not well; don't let her be startled."

"No need," Niu Tielan stood up. She looked at Li Xian and said softly, "Lord Li, you are a brilliant detective. Please, you must clear my daughter's name."

As she spoke, she bowed.

Li Xian's expression changed slightly. He stepped aside and bowed slightly, saying, "Madam, there's no need for that. We will certainly do our best."

Seeing this, Niu Tielan's almond-shaped eyes moistened, and she felt somewhat relieved.

During her time in Yong'an City, she didn't go out much, but she had already become able to distinguish who truly harbored ill intentions towards the Song family.

Just look at their attitude towards the mother and daughter.

Those who harbor grudges against the Song merchants would only want to kick them while they're down, not avoid them like this.

Niu Tielan glanced at Song Jin behind her again, and seeing her flamboyant and open demeanor, she also set aside her own romantic feelings.

The girls' gardeners are indeed a great scourge.

Now that things have come to this, she can't keep holding her daughter back in everything.

She quietly withdrew.

Song Jin's room was surrounded by a large crowd, including not only yamen runners but also guards from the Song family mansion.

The two sides are facing off

Inside, Li Xian and his assistant pretended not to hear the commotion outside and carefully searched the room.

They weren't searching aimlessly; they focused on examining jewelry and clothing, and while they didn't find anything, they weren't entirely without results either.

Li Xian's handsome assistant said softly, "Was the princess wearing this when she went out last night?"

Song Jin raised an eyebrow and emphasized, "It's daytime, not nighttime."

The assistant added, "I notice bloodstains on your cuffs, trouser legs, and shoe soles."

Song Jin: "It's normal to have blood on the ground while hunting, right? Besides, if I were really a suspect, why didn't I change my clothes when I got back?"

The assistant nodded: "What you said makes sense, but could you please change your clothes so I can verify them?"

Song Jin glanced at her assistant's smooth neck: "Alright, are you done checking? Once you're done, get out. I'll change."

Assistant: "We need the undergarments too."

Song Jin smiled enigmatically: "Aren't you afraid I'll blame you?"

The assistant smiled and said, "The princess is magnanimous; naturally, she won't mind my offense."

After saying that, the two were kicked out.

The two groups of people in the courtyard were on the verge of exchanging blows.

Looking at the murderous Song Shenzhi and the two Song brothers, Song Xingzhi and Song Shenzhi, who were smiling with hidden daggers, Li Xian was not surprised at all by their appearance.

Unlike the other three, two of them held higher positions, and few could stop them.

Li Xian sighed and cupped his hands in greeting: "I am bound by duty, please, Supervisor of the Imperial Household Department and Marquis Zhongyi, do not make things difficult for me."

Song Xingzhi smiled enigmatically: "Didn't we let you in? You're pushing your luck, aren't you? Who are the Dai family, and who is my little sister? According to you, if I go and beat the drum now and accuse the Duke of Ying's mansion of murdering my father, you'll arrest them too, right?"

Li Xian: "The Director of the Imperial Household Department should be cautious in his words. Regarding the matter of Grand Secretary Song, the evidence is insufficient, and arguing for the sake of rhetoric is useless."

Song Shenzhi sneered again: "You mean the evidence against my little sister is conclusive?"

Li Xian replied somberly, "Yes."

Instantly, Song Shenzhi's murderous intent surged: "So what? A commoner dared to offend her status as a princess; even if he's killed, so be it!"

Song Xingzhi's lips twitched, and he stomped on the man's foot, warning, "Shut up, my little sister is innocent."

They'll only cause trouble.

Is it the same as punishing someone to death in person or committing a brutal murder during a night raid?

Although Song Jin had been behaving recklessly lately, Song Xingzhi still didn't think she would do such a thing.

If there really was such a deep conflict, she should have taken action on the spot, instead of going out late at night.

He also saw the corpse, and it was completely unlike her usual style.

This was a premeditated frame-up, dirty and insidious. They couldn't produce conclusive evidence, and it was equally difficult for them to provide strong evidence to prove their innocence.

Even after Song Jin was acquitted, it couldn't salvage his image in the eyes of other Japanese, especially considering the reputation of Song merchants.

Song Xingzhi couldn't help but curse under his breath: "A bunch of rats from the gutter."

Both sides knew something was amiss, but with the Dai brothers' appeal for justice first, followed by the spread of rumors, this matter couldn't be easily dismissed.

Since Song Jin has no complete evidence to prove herself, everything she says could be a lie.

Li Xian insisted on handling the matter strictly: "The princess needs to come with us for the investigation."

Song Shenzhi gripped the door and sneered, "Go live in that rat hole-like prison?"

Li Xian sighed: "We will arrange the best room for the princess and send people to protect her safety."

Song Xingzhi, fan in hand, his eyes icy: "Don't even think about it."

Li Xian cupped his hands in greeting: "This matter has been reported to His Majesty, who has instructed that it be handled officially and according to procedure."

Otherwise, he wouldn't dare to go directly to their door.

Even so, Song Xingzhi and Song Shenzhi refused to back down.

Song Xingzhi said, "His Majesty instructed you to handle official business according to the law, not to take the person away. You can have your case investigated at the Song residence."

Song Shenzhi nodded: "Let's each take a step back."

Li Xian was also adamant: "He must go to jail."

If she were truly a criminal, she could vanish without a trace the very next day if she were released from the Song family mansion.

Even if Li Xian knew something was amiss, he wouldn't side with Song Jin; he would only look at the evidence.

Neither side would back down, and both had drawn their weapons; a battle was imminent.

The back door creaked open.

Song Jin, dressed in simple riding attire, swaggered out. Upon seeing the tense scene, she raised an eyebrow and asked, "What are you all doing?"

Song Shenzhi strode over and pulled her behind him, saying in a deep voice, "Don't worry, little sister, your third brother won't let you be taken away."

Song Xingzhi also said, "Brother, I believe you are innocent."

Song Jin stood behind them, watching their tall figures, a smile unconsciously spreading across her face, before she blurted out...

"What if I did it?"

The two froze.

Song Jin burst into laughter, patted their shoulders, pulled them behind him, and beamed.

"Just kidding. I've done nothing wrong, what's there to be afraid of? I'll go once I have to. Anyway, you can't torture me, can you?"

Song Jin glanced at the group and emphasized, "This needs to be agreed upon beforehand. Cooperation is one thing, but if I get beaten up, I have powerful backers."

Li Xian smiled wryly: "Even if I had eight lives, I wouldn't dare."

If he uses torture today, he'll be beheaded tomorrow.

Song Jin was relieved and waved her hand, "That's enough. Let's go. I've never experienced a prison cell before."

Li Xian: "...Princess, rest assured, the prison has been thoroughly cleaned up."

Song Jin raised an eyebrow: "You do have some sense."

Li Xian: ...

It has to be said that, looking at Song Jin, who would guess that she used to be a country girl?

This is more effective than most noble ladies in the capital using their power and influence.

Looking at Song Jin's still somewhat excited face, Song Xingzhi and Song Shenzhi didn't know whether to feel gratified or depressed.

Can't you have a little sense of crisis?

But since things had come to this, Song Xing stepped forward and said, "Don't sleep too soundly at night, watch out for insects and snakes, and don't eat anything given to you by others. We'll take turns bringing it to you."

Song Jin: "Okay, send some more pastries and fruits, okay?"

Song Xingzhi's heavy heart eased considerably. He said helplessly, "Don't worry, you won't lack food. As for daily necessities, I'll have a maid prepare some and send them over in a bit. Don't be afraid inside. You didn't do it. We'll do everything in our power to ensure your safe return."

Looking at his caring expression, Song Jin recalled his usual carefree and frivolous ways, her phoenix eyes flickered, and she asked again.

"What if I really did it?"

Song Xingzhi placed the folding fan in her hand and said seriously, "That wouldn't have been done by you."

As he spoke, taking advantage of Song Jin's momentary daze, he reached out and ruffled her hair, then quickly pulled away, laughing, "There are so many mosquitoes in the prison, use this to keep them away."

Song Jin gripped the rather heavy folding fan in her hand, gave a soft hum, and simply said, "Keep an eye on my mother for me, and remember to take her to get her medicine tomorrow."

Song Xingzhi solemnly replied, "Little sister, don't worry. In the next few days, we will invite the old doctor to our residence to treat your illness and ensure everything goes smoothly."

Song Jin felt relieved, glanced again at the closed door, and nodded to Li Xian.

"Alright, let's go. I'd also like to know why those two brothers slandered me."

Li Xian bowed to Song Xingzhi and Song Shenzhi again, then took Song Jin back to the yamen for questioning and confrontation.

This would take at least two days, and at most seven or eight days.

It may seem like a short time, but it's a prison cell; no matter how well it's managed, the experience is not something an ordinary person can endure.

Song Xingzhi and Song Shenzhi followed him outside and watched as Song Jin got into the carriage with Li Xian and the others to go back for interrogation. Neither of them looked pleased.

Song Shenzhi said in a deep voice, "I'll send someone to follow up and resolve this matter as soon as possible."

Song Xingzhi habitually waved his fan, but his hand was empty, only a cool breeze blowing. He smoothed the goosebumps on his skin, his gaze icy as he looked at the carriages and horses ahead.

He nodded and said softly, "It's getting cold; let's change the name of Jin Yu Ge."