Cake Fragrance (10)
The light of the day was a bleak black and white, and a light rain was falling outside. To Gao Qing, the whole world had become a prison filled with death.
After Aunt Ma died, perhaps because Gao Chang felt guilty or for some other reason, he was generous this time. He removed the guards from the hall and allowed Gao Qing and Gao Hui to stay with Aunt Ma's body for one night.
"Sister Qing, what should we do now... wuwu..."
Gao Hui cried for Aunt Ma all night, and her eyes were swollen that day.
Gao Qing looked at her, his eyes full of fatigue.
Her heart was broken and she was filled with disappointment.
Now, all she wants is to leave this place of trouble and go anywhere.
But at the same time, her eyes were filled with compassion, and every look she gave Gao Hui was filled with heartbreak.
She understood how difficult the situation of the thin girl in front of her was.
How old is she that she is forced to go through this?
The mother who loved her the most is dead, her father has become her enemy, and the people around her treat her coldly. She is helpless and like air in this mansion, she may be exploited and die at any time.
Seeing the despair about to overflow from Gao Hui's eyes, Gao Qing sighed, took Gao Hui's hand, and mouthed the word "escape".
When they fled, they went straight to Liuxiangju.
Because Gao Qing was really confused, he had to take the blame for Aunt Ma's accidental death.
She thought, if only she had stayed in Liuxiangju, if only she had listened to Xiao Lin, if only she hadn't tried to be a hero, would everything not have turned out so badly?
Along the way, even though they knew there were no pursuers behind them, the two still ran as fast as they could, as if there was a huge hole behind them that would pull them down in the next moment, making it impossible for them to escape.
After finally arriving at Liuxiangju, the two found Xiao Lin and Mu You standing at the door to greet them.
It was rainy today and there were not many visitors, so Xiao Lin and Mu You had a chance to rest for a while.
"Let me get it." Xiao Lin had just taken the bag from Gao Hui's shoulders when Mu You conveniently put it on his own shoulders. She paused for a moment, then stretched out her arm to support the frail Gao Hui up the stone steps. "Boss Chu is waiting for you in the study."
"Thank you very much."
Gao Hui's voice was hoarse, causing Xiao Lin to feel an inexplicable pain in his heart as if being pricked by a needle.
Chu Mo waited in the inner courtyard, poured two cups of tea and placed them on a small square table in the study. Then he turned his back and put his hands behind his back, while the thumb and index finger of his right hand were tapping rhythmically, as if he was planning something.
At this time, the footsteps of Gao Qing and Gao Hui were getting closer, so he stopped hitting, turned around, and looked serious.
Gao Qing and Gao Hui bowed politely and were about to find a place to sit down.
Unexpectedly, Gao Hui's peripheral vision only caught a glimpse of the two cups of tea, and then of the small square table. The sharp corners of the square table made Gao Hui hallucinate, and Aunt Ma's blood suddenly appeared in front of her.
Suddenly, Gao Hui's eyes were filled with tears again. Gao Qing then realized the square table and immediately hugged Gao Hui to comfort her.
Xiao Lin panicked upon seeing this and hurriedly picked up the brewed teacup and brought it to Gao Qing.
Just as Gao Qing was about to take it, he was accidentally knocked over by the emotional Gao Hui, and it splashed directly onto the bag hanging on Mu You's arm.
In a hurry, Xiao Lin put down the teacup, pulled the bundle from Mu You's arm, and checked the clothes inside one by one.
But she failed to take into account the fact that Mu You pursed his lips slightly, shook off the water droplets on his body, and silently stepped back, saying in a very low voice: "I'm also wet, and you don't even care about me..."
Xiao Lin didn't take it seriously.
While comforting Gao Hui, Gao Qing couldn't help but look at the items in the bag - the items were very simple, a few sets of clothes, and some miscellaneous daily necessities.
Gao Qing frowned and picked up a pair of shoes. He patted Gao Hui on the back and asked, "These shoes are not yours, are they?"
Gao Hui took a quick glance at it, nodded, and said, "Yes...it belongs to Aunt Ma. I want to keep it as a souvenir..."
Gao Qing sighed softly and started fiddling with the shoes.
At this moment, the entire study was silent.
It was this silence that reminded Xiao Lin of something.
So, she took a few steps, pulled out a piece of old paper folded into a square from her bosom, and said, "Oh, by the way, I found this on the ground on the back porch yesterday. I don't know who threw it here."
Then, in front of everyone, Xiao Lin unfolded the paper.
Gao Hui took a quick glance and immediately figured out the origin of the paper: "This... this should be my father's official certificate."
Gao Chang's official letter of appointment? Why is it here? Who put it in Liuxiangju?
Xiao Lin checked it out but couldn't see any difference, so he gave it to Chu Mo.
After Chu Mo took the notice, he took a few steps and turned around to hand it to Gao Qing.
Xiao Lin was puzzled, and so was Gao Qing.
She didn't know what Chu Mo's intention was - shouldn't Gao Chang's official certificate be handed over to the county government? Why did he give it to her?
Before Gao Qing could ask, Mu You spoke first: "By the way, Aunt Ma's body has been taken to the county government office. It will probably be disposed of soon. If you really miss her, go and see her for the last time."
Gao Hui blinked and nodded in agreement.
At this time, Chu Mo walked slowly and steadily, and said to Gao Qing, "A few days ago, I sent a letter to the governor, asking him to come and investigate the case. I just saw his carriage. When the time comes, you can go to the government office without worry. Gao Chang won't dare to do anything too big."
Gao Qing nodded and thanked her, then took Gao Hui away.
The rain was still falling on the road.
The rain here has been falling for too long recently, and the air is extremely humid. Gao Qing's joints are aching without him noticing.
At this time, in the front yard of the county government office, the yamen runners were lined up in an orderly manner, receiving instructions from the prefect one by one.
The difference is that they have changed their previous arrogance and this time they are timid, hunching their backs like old women, looking extremely embarrassed.
Gao Qing and Gao Hui first saluted the governor and asked, "Sir, I am Gao Qing. I was introduced by Mr. Chu."
"Chu Mo?" The governor straightened his body and turned his head. "What are you doing here?"
"We want to see Aunt Ma's body."
The governor remained silent, observing the two men in front of him. Their appearances were identical, save for their vastly different attire. After a long pause, he spoke again, "It has been handed over to the coroner."
The two thanked him and walked towards the cell on their own.
The cell was filled with bleak darkness, a fierce chill, and a strong stench from the accumulation of filth, making it extremely uncomfortable.
But even though it was extremely dark inside, Gao Hui could still see the coroner who was about to deal with the body. Before he could make a move with the knife, Gao Qing hurriedly took Gao Hui forward to stop him.
"Sir, slow down!"
The coroner was shocked. He dropped the knife with a clang and turned around to see two children. He shook his head and took a step back. "Are you her relatives?"
Gao Hui nodded slightly and walked cautiously to the stage.
Aunt Ma still looks the same as she did when she left. She left with a smile on her face, very peacefully.
Gao Hui couldn't help but reach out and touch Aunt Ma's cheek, but Gao Qing stopped her: "That's enough. Aunt Ma has had a hard life. She should be able to pass away peacefully. This is what she wanted."
Suddenly, hot tears burst out of Gao Hui's eyes, and a feeling of bitterness surged in her heart.
The coroner beside her also came over and gently covered Aunt Ma with linen, saying, "Poor thing, she has severe liver bleeding, which is fatal, alas..."
Gao Qing was suddenly startled by the coroner's words. Fear welled up in his head, and even his eyebrows were trembling. "Liver...liver bleeding?"
"right."
"wrong!"
Gao Qing suddenly yelled, causing Gao Hui and the coroner beside him to be speechless.
The uneasiness in her heart suddenly surged to her head.
"Aunt Ma... Aunt Ma was clearly hit on the right side of her abdomen... How could her liver be bleeding..."
When these words were spoken, even the coroner felt a chill down his spine.
He hurriedly used a knife to cut open the clothes on Aunt Ma's abdomen, but was shocked by the scene before him -
There were indeed signs of impact on Aunt Ma's right abdomen, but the fatal injury was a hemorrhage in the liver! The liver's position was exactly opposite to the injury!
Gao Qing hurriedly picked up Aunt Ma's right hand to observe it, and was still shocked by the scene before him.
She uttered a few words slowly in a trembling voice: "So... so that's how it is..."
The coroner and Gao Hui were equally surprised, wondering what the girl in front of them was thinking.
"Sir, something is fishy going on. This body is evidence. Please don't cremate it for now, please!"
The coroner nodded hesitantly, and Gao Hui lost herself in every word Gao Qing said, her scalp tingling.
Gao Qing could not hide his excitement with his new discovery. He ran out of the cell as fast as he could, and wanted to report it to the prefect on the spot.
However, when she rushed back to the front yard again, she did not see the person who had just lectured her.
In her anxiety, she grabbed a passing yamen runner and yelled, "Where's the master?"
The yamen runner was stopped by Gao Qing's suddenly raised voice and replied tremblingly: "Go... go to Gao's house to arrest someone..."
Gao Qing suddenly lost his composure and ran towards Gao's house without hesitation, completely ignoring Gao Hui who was chasing after him.
No, faster! Faster! If we don’t hurry up, we’ll never be able to save her!
Gao Qing ran wildly on the street, urging her legs to run faster in her heart, fearing that when she arrived, the Gao Mansion would be empty.
Fortunately, after she settled down in time, she happened to meet Gao Chang who was detained, and the prefect who was personally escorting him.
"Sir." Gao Qing plopped down and knelt before the governor. "I, Gao Qing, beg you to spare your life."
Upon hearing this, the governor raised his eyebrows slightly, a hint of confusion flashed in his eyes, and then his mouth curled slightly, revealing a hint of contempt: "Do you know why I want to arrest him?"
"Because you think he's murdered someone."
"Then you still want me to release him?"
Gao Qing then slowly raised his head, his heroic eyes fixed directly on the governor's: "But he didn't kill anyone. You have no reason to arrest him."
"No one was killed?" The governor put his hands behind his back and raised his chin. "How can you say that?"
"He wasn't the one who killed Madam Gao. Although I can't give you definitive evidence right now, I guarantee that within three days, I'll figure out the whole story!"
The prefect's eyes drooped slightly, and he had his own thoughts in mind.
His eyes were always observing every move of the little girl in front of him.
The drizzle was like needles, piercing Gao Qing's neck. Every drop of rain that fell on the back of her neck made her more sober.
Suddenly, the governor opened his lips and asked, "How old are you?"
Gao Qing didn't understand what he meant. After a moment's hesitation, she stammered, "Sir, I am twelve years old this year."
"Yes, you haven't even reached adulthood yet. How much of the world have you seen? How many unjust cases have you solved?"
Faced with the prefect's harsh words, Gao Qing was suddenly speechless, her mouth slightly open, as if she wanted to say something but stopped.
Then the governor asked, "Well, I won't discuss your age, but who are you from?"
From his age to his family background, it seems that the prefect has no intention of showing any mercy to Gao Qing.
So, she secretly swallowed her saliva, knowing that she was in the wrong: "I...I have no father or mother, I am just...a beggar on the street..."
At this point, Gao Qing, who was so arrogant just now, suddenly became dispirited.
At this moment, she was like a weed growing in the cracks of a rock. She thought she was extremely talented, but she had to bow down under the scorching sun.
Fortunately, the prefect did not force her to do anything, but kept silent and looked down at her disdainfully.
Indeed, Gao Qingnian was still young and his family had no power, but he was so brave and passionate that he wanted to compete with the imperial official.
What a ridiculous little beggar.
"I am solely responsible for solving the case. If Chu Mo had not explained to me that there is no possibility that you committed the crime, I would have detained you."
"Your Excellency is wise."
For the first time, facing the overwhelming power, Gao Qing was discouraged. She knew that she had no confidence and that continuing to confront it head-on would be like hitting a rock with an egg.
Afterwards, Gao Qing knelt on the ground and saw off the prefect and Gao Chang.
Even after they left, she remained close to the ground, letting the drizzle soak every inch of her hair, following her ears and eyes, and back to the bluestone slabs.
Later, Gao Qing didn't know how long she had been kneeling. She just quietly felt that the raindrops had become much lighter, and her worn cotton coat had already been soaked by the rain.
It was not until a familiar voice sounded in her ears that she raised her neck slightly.
Xiao Lin, holding an oil-paper umbrella, and Gao Hui found Gao Qing kneeling in the rain.
Gao Hui was crying, and Xiao Lin didn't know how to comfort her. He just said calmly, "Gao Qing, let's go back."
Gao Qing said nothing, but raised his head and looked into the distance at the end of the street.
Seeing that she had no reaction, Xiao Lin stepped forward and held her arm: "Let's go back. You can't let anything happen to you."
Indeed, for Xiao Lin, nothing is more important than protecting Gao Qing. After all, her mission is not yet completed - she still owes Gao Qing a cup of tea.
But for Gao Hui, nothing is more important than protecting the people around her. She has lost the love of her parents and Aunt Ma. At this moment, she can no longer withstand the next blow.
So, what about Gao Qing?
Obviously, the unchangeable ambition and sharpness in Gao Qing's eyes had already revealed her stubbornness.
To her, everything now is not as oppressive as the truth she desires in her heart. She wants to find the truth and uncover it herself.
The sound of rain hitting the bamboo leaves gradually subsided, but Gao Qing's will became more and more firm.
"Three days." She finally spoke, her eyes gleaming with rage. "After three days, if I can't find the real culprit, I'll bring my head to you."
After saying that, Gao Qing walked towards the county government office without looking back.
Xiao Lin never thought that the first mission would be so difficult.
Why did she have to meet such a stubborn guy? The key was that she had no idea how to persuade a stubborn guy, so she could only do what she wanted.
"Wait... wait for me! I'll go with you!" Xiao Lin had no choice but to go with them even though he was reluctant.
Gao Qing's destination is by no means a boring place, but a dungeon that is hated by everyone and full of evil.
Obviously, she was going to find Gao Chang.
The yamen runners of Yunchong County were easy to fool. Gao Hui casually stuffed a few small coins into their mouths and let them pass with a sidelong glance.
Arriving at the dungeon, Gao Qing moved quickly and went straight to the cell where Gao Chang was imprisoned.
Then, she gradually walked towards Gao Chang, her eyes filled with indifference.
"Mr. Gao, long time no see."
At this time, Gao Chang was already disheveled and looked unpresentable, completely different from his usual arrogant self.
Seeing Gao Qing, he was stunned for a moment. When his peripheral vision caught sight of Gao Hui behind him, he finally came to his senses and uttered a few words through his teeth: "What are you doing here?"
Fortunately, Gao Qing was not one to procrastinate. Seeing that Gao Chang was conscious, she immediately asked what she wanted: "I will help you clear your suspicion, but you have to tell me, where were you on the night Madam Gao died?"
Even though Gao Chang extremely hated the little brat in front of him, he still gave up his pride after struggling for freedom.
But his eyes were vague, and he seemed to find it difficult to tell the truth. After a long time, he finally gave a stammering answer.
"Drunk...Drunk in the Red Mansion..."
This Zuihonglou is a brothel that was recently opened in the city. All the women inside are from other places and all of them are very beautiful.
Hearing this, Gao Qing couldn't help but sigh.
It turns out that Gao Chang is not a serious person.
After asking for some details, she turned around and left without saying a word.
She didn't want to stay with such a disgusting person for even a moment.
Before leaving, she glared at Gao Chang fiercely, her eyes full of disdain.
Of course Gao Chang wanted to scold her immediately, but he had no choice because his situation was too dire.
At this point, he had to admit that the young girl in front of him was his only lifeline.
When Gao Qing just walked out of the dungeon door and took a deep breath of fresh air, she found Gao Hui standing behind her, unable to even raise her head, and Xiao Lin standing by her side, not knowing what he wanted.
Walking down the stone steps, Gao Qing bowed to Xiao Lin first, then walked towards Gao Hui, touched her head, and nudged her with his shoulder: "Let's go."
"Where are you going?"
"Look for clues!"
"But there are only three of us in such a big city. How are we supposed to find him?"
As soon as Gao Hui finished speaking, Gao Qing gently placed his hand on her shoulder and raised his left eyebrow: "Who said there are only three of us? My brothers lurking in the city are not considered human beings?"
Suddenly, Gao Hui understood. So many big things had happened in the past few days that she had been at a loss for a long time. She had even forgotten that it was because of the kindness of her friends who took her in that she was able to return to Yunchong smoothly.
She slapped herself on the head as punishment.
But in the blink of an eye, Gao Qing was able to keep a clear head even though she encountered so many hardships and injustices. This is really admirable.
Gao Hui couldn't help but ask, "Sister Qing, how come you know so much and still remain so calm in the face of danger?"
Gao Qing was struck by Gao Hui's question, and it took him a long time to respond. "Life is full of twists and turns, and the world is fickle. We still have a long way to go, and you never know when it will end. Living is the hardest thing in the world, but if you find yourself persisting, then there will be no problem that cannot be solved. We all have to learn to respond to each challenge with a different approach."
Gao Hui nodded ashamedly. Compared to herself who would just run away when encountering difficulties, Gao Qing was indeed much better than her.
Xiao Lin listened, lost in thought.
The two sisters were having a great time, but suddenly, Xiao Lin's stomach made a loud noise, stopping them in their tracks. She immediately covered her stomach and smiled awkwardly, "Can we...can we eat something before we go?"
Gao Qing blinked and subconsciously touched his chest, but suddenly let go. He smiled and said to Xiao Lin, "Okay... okay, let's find a restaurant to fill our stomachs."
"Wait!" Gao Hui pointed her finger at Gao Qing's chest. "Sister Qing, what are you hiding in your chest?"
Unable to hide it any longer, Gao Qing took something out of his chest. It turned out to be a big hard pancake.
That piece of cake was similar to the big cake they had eaten when they first met, but the shabby taste of that cake was even more obvious in the bright daylight.
Gao Qing just took it out, but then put it back with a smile. He took Gao Hui's hand and was about to leave, but Gao Hui pushed him away.
"Okay, Sister Qing, so you have food, but you won't share some with me!" Gao Hui looked really cute when she pouted.
Gao Qing was surprised and took out the cake again: "You...you want to eat this?"
Gao Hui nodded vigorously.
"Forget it, you're used to eating delicacies from land and sea, I'm afraid you won't be able to get used to it, I'll take you to eat wontons, let's go!"
Suddenly, Gao Hui snatched the pancake from Gao Qing's hand and started to eat it.
How wonderful it would be if they could go back to the first time they ate cakes together, Gao Hui thought.
After a while, the pancake was eaten. After finishing it, Gao Hui sucked her fingers, pretending that it was delicious, and finally she did not forget to burp.
Gao Qing couldn't help laughing when she saw Gao Hui's funny look. She was about to leave but was pulled back by Gao Hui.
"Where are you going? You haven't eaten yet!"
"I'm not hungry."
"No, you have to eat even if you're not hungry!"
As she spoke, Gao Hui dragged Gao Qing to a nearby wonton shop and sat him down, and ordered a bowl of wontons.
Xiao Lin followed and ordered a bowl of wontons.
Fresh wontons were served with the steam and aroma of meat. Gao Qing took another bowl and gave half to Gao Hui. Gao Hui did not refuse and ate it obediently.
But as she ate, she couldn't help herself and asked Gao Qing: "Sister Qing, why are you helping my father?"
After swallowing the wonton, Gao Qing was stunned for a moment, but soon came to his senses and replied, "It's just a way of repaying a favor..."
"Repay a favor?"
Gao Qing finally put down his bowl and chopsticks, his expression solemn: "If your father hadn't spared me when I was hiding in the kitchen, I might have been beheaded long ago..."
"Maybe he actually knows who the murderer is, but because he wants to keep the secret, he can only reluctantly pin the suspicion on me in order to protect the murderer."
At this point, Gao Qing and Xiao Lin's eyes both became dull.
"Then..." Gao Hui changed the subject to attract Gao Qing's attention, "Then who do you think killed my mother?"
Gao Qing's nerves tensed up immediately after the conversation changed. After hesitating for a moment, he looked into Gao Hui's eyes and slowly said, "Do you... really believe me?"
"Of course!" Gao Hui answered decisively and firmly.
"I don't have sufficient evidence, but from what I see now, the murderer..."
Gao Hui and Xiao Lin leaned closer and listened quietly.
"The murderer is most likely Aunt Ma..."
Gao Hui was frightened by Gao Qing's response. Her hand trembled and the spoon fell into the bowl and was buried.
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