Jinxiu Commercial House, though not as famous as the Wang family's Xianzhi Hall, was still a well-known treasure trove in Jiangnan City.

As Wei Zhaoyang and Mu Jin approached, they saw two gigantic copper lamps hanging on either side of the entrance, inscribed with "Jinxiu" in fluid, elegant characters, reflecting the establishment's grace and wealth.

The gatekeeper, recognizing Wei Zhaoyang's official attire, immediately showed reverence – Wei Zhaoyang was clearly an important figure in Jiangnan City. After Wei Zhaoyang gestured to confirm his identity, the gatekeeper hurriedly went to inform the owners and then returned to lead them to the back garden.

They walked through the entrance to see rows of rosewood shelves lined with an array of silk, jade, porcelain, and rare treasures, all meticulously arranged, showcasing the wealth and status of the commercial house. In the center, a spacious aisle was flanked by various display stands, showcasing the store's prized items. Occasionally, elegantly dressed ladies could be seen admiring the exquisite craftsmanship of the displayed items.

The sound of their footsteps echoed melodiously through the corridors of Jinxiu Commercial House. Mu Jin, with her sword-like eyebrows slightly furrowed, and clad in black, had a sharp gaze hidden beneath her drooping eyelids.

In the rear garden, a different scene unfolded. Amidst a small artificial hill and pavilions over running water, Hu Bingju was holding the cage of "Da Jiangjun" – the parrot, observing its lively movements in the cage. On seeing the guests, his smile remained as he greeted, "What brings you two distinguished guests here today?"

Wei Zhaoyang stepped forward confidently, "Mr. Hu, we are here on behalf of the magistrate to borrow 'Da Jiangjun.'"

Hu Bingju looked surprised, glanced at the parrot singing in the cage, and bowed slightly to Wei Zhaoyang, "May I ask why the magistrate needs my parrot? This bird is my beloved possession, and I am reluctant to lend it out."

"Mr. Hu, you must be aware that this parrot originally belonged to Wang Lie of Xianzhi Hall," Wei Zhaoyang said, approaching the golden cage and teasing the parrot, "And surely you know of Wang Lie's recent death in the southern suburbs?"

Hu Bingju's expression changed upon hearing about Wang Lie. He was aware but hesitated, "Yes, I've heard. But what does this have to do with the magistrate?"

Wei Zhaoyang continued calmly, "There are many doubts surrounding Wang Lie's case. The magistrate has ordered a re-investigation, and 'Da Jiangjun' is a key piece of evidence. You were publicly humiliated by Wang Lie for wanting this bird, and many saw it. People might think you harbored a grudge and took revenge..."

Hu Bingju, realizing the seriousness of Wei Zhaoyang's words, waved his guards off who had confronted Mu Jin. He then agreed, albeit reluctantly, "If that's the case, I'll hand over 'Da Jiangjun'. But please ensure it's returned to me after the case is settled."

Wei Zhaoyang smiled and nodded in agreement. Hu Bingju, seeing Wei Zhaoyang's reasonable manner, decided to further their acquaintance and handed Mu Jin the birdcage himself, "Please wait a moment."

He then disappeared into the inner room, returning shortly with a pair of jade boxes in hand. "A modest gift from me, please accept it."

Wei Zhaoyang, intending to decline, accepted the jade boxes seeing Hu Bingju's insistence. Once they had left the commercial house and were a good distance away, Wei Zhaoyang curiously opened the boxes to find a pair of exquisitely crafted sword tassels.

"This tassel is finely crafted and looks expensive," Wei Zhaoyang said, showing the tassels to Mu Jin, "Mr. Hu is quite generous. What do you think?"

Mu Jin glanced briefly, replying indifferently, "Indeed, it's not bad."

"Then let me attach it to your sword!" Wei Zhaoyang excitedly reached for Mu Jin's sword. Mu Jin tensed and instinctively dodged, but seeing Wei Zhaoyang's bright eyes, she let him proceed.

As they walked away, the noise of Jinxiu Commercial House faded into the distance. The setting sun looked like a shattered piece of amber, slowly sinking into the horizon.

As night deepened, enveloping the study in a thick curtain of darkness, only a solitary candle flickered, its pale light struggling to prevail. Liu Changyu sat at his desk, his hands caressing a coarse, yet weighty, secret letter. His eyes intently studied the handwriting, while beads of sweat trickled down his forehead, eventually disappearing into his collar, taking away a hint of coolness.

The next day, in the early morning, the gentle light filtered through layers of bamboo leaves, casting mottled shadows at Wei Zhaoyang's feet. The "Grand General" in the courtyard hung its head, muttering complaints about its meal. Wei Zhaoyang observed the bird, which looked somewhat wilted and even swore from time to time.

“This bird’s foul language, it seems Wang Li wasn’t a good sort either,” Wei Zhaoyang remarked disdainfully.

Chen Geng, dressed in plain clothes, entered the courtyard and overheard Wei Zhaoyang. He paused, intrigued, “What do you mean by that?”

Just then, the bird timely retorted with a curse.

Chen Geng sighed, ignoring its vulgarity, and turned to Wei Zhaoyang, “We need to visit the Wang family today. Let’s go.”

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Nodding, Wei Zhaoyang carefully settled the parrot before leaving the magistrate’s office with Chen Geng.

As they disappeared around the corner, Liu Changyu’s extravagant sedan hurriedly approached the magistrate’s office. As the curtain lifted, a pair of resentful eyes peered out from behind the heavy drapes.

The doors of the magistrate’s office were firmly shut, and the guards, recognizing the emblem on the sedan, stood firm, adhering to the rule of not admitting uninvited guests.

Liu Changyu’s expression darkened beneath the curtained sedan. His prepared words and strategies suddenly seemed futile. He turned to his confidant, whispering, “Go to Zuisheng Manor, find ‘the teacher.’”

The confidant bowed and quickly disappeared into the bustling streets.

Amidst the lively city, Chen Geng and Wei Zhaoyang made their way through the crowd, heading toward the Wang family residence near the Yonghuai River.

The Wang family’s herb shop, Xianzhi Hall, had a history of nearly two hundred years. It not only handled the sale of herbs but also encompassed harvesting, cultivation, and medical consultation, controlling almost eighty percent of related business in the southern cities of Yao Country. Wang Shouzheng, the patriarch, was one of Jiangnan’s most reputable and wealthy merchants.

On the way, Chen Geng pondered for a long time before reminding Wei Zhaoyang, “Let’s keep our identities hidden for now.”

“Why is that?” Wei Zhaoyang was puzzled, “Without revealing our status, we might not even be able to enter their halls.”

“Wang Li was the only son of Wang Shouzheng. I’m afraid Wang Shouzheng doesn’t know that Hua Hai is not the real murderer, but was coerced into confession by Liu Changyu,” Chen Geng furrowed his brows, “Since the deceased is of such importance, I’m not sure if Wang Shouzheng would agree to re-examine the body. Instead of revealing our identities and raising suspicions, it’s better to go incognito and assess the situation first.”

As they neared the Wang residence, the ancient doorway loomed, deep and quiet, flanked by stone lions with piercing eyes.

At the doorway, unobstructed, Chen Geng and Wei Zhaoyang approached, their gaze falling on the white-draped gate.

“It seems we’ve come at the right time,” Wei Zhaoyang whispered.

Chen Geng nodded, about to speak, but a young maid approached them hastily. Her youthful face was stained with tears, and her red, swollen eyes looked at them questioningly, “Who are you?”

“We’ve come to pay our respects,” Wei Zhaoyang bowed slightly.

The maid scrutinized them and asked doubtfully, “So early for condolences?”

“Please lead the way,” Wei Zhaoyang respectfully requested.

She hesitated but then turned to guide them into the mansion. The mansion was steeped in deep sorrow; long corridors draped in white, intermittent weeping echoing through. Each step seemed laden with heaviness, the once vibrant courtyard now overwhelmed with grief.

Inside the main hall, they stopped before a young, frail, and stern man, “Master Wei, these gentlemen have come to pay respects.”

“I am Wei Si,” the young man greeted them, “May I know your names? I don’t believe I’ve seen you before.”

Hearing Wei Si's words, Chen Geng's mind whirled with thoughts. He knew of the grand funeral rites; once Wang Li's body was entombed, there would be no further chance for examination. With no alternative, Chen Geng revealed his identity: “In truth, there's another matter. We come from the magistrate's office. The suspect in this case has been apprehended, and we need to report the case's progress to the Wang family head. Please, convey this message on our behalf.”

Wei Si's expression shifted, hesitating briefly before nodding, “Very well, follow me.”

He turned and led the way, his gait uneven due to a natural limp, his steps slow and deliberate. Chen Geng and Wei Zhaoyang followed at a measured pace.

The Wang residence was steeped in a solemn atmosphere; servants, heads bowed, hurried along the corridors, careful not to disturb the three men.

Finally, Wei Si stopped before an ornately carved door and entered. Inside Wang Shouzheng's study, the weak sunlight filtered through the window paper, casting a dim glow on the floor. The study, centered around a large rosewood desk laden with ancient books and scholarly items, was adorned with slightly worn paintings and calligraphy on the walls.

Wang Shouzheng, slightly hunched and with hair as white as snow, sat behind the desk. His eyes, deep with sorrow, seemed to echo the world's joy and grief. Hearing the door, he looked up at the trio.

Wei Si bowed and announced, “Master, these gentlemen are from the magistrate's office, claiming there's progress in the young master's case and wish to report directly to you.”

Wang Shouzheng nodded, “You may leave us.”

After Wei Si exited and closed the door, Chen Geng slowly spoke: “Master Wang, I am the newly appointed magistrate of Jiangnan, Chen Geng.”

Shock replaced the sorrow in Wang Shouzheng's eyes as he quickly rose, gazing intently at Chen Geng, “Magistrate Chen? Why this sudden visit?”

Chen Geng met his gaze, “Master Wang, your son's death is not as straightforward as it seems. I suspect there's more to it.”

Wang Shouzheng's eyes sharpened, his lips quivering, “What do you mean?”

Wei Zhaoyang interjected, recounting the recent findings to Wang Shouzheng, “...That's the situation. Hua Hai was coerced into confessing, but the real murderer is still at large.”

Wang Shouzheng listened, his fists clenched, anger flickering in his previously calm eyes, “That Liu Changyu!”

After a moment, he took a deep breath and turned back to Chen Geng, “Surely you didn’t come just to inform me of this?”

Chen Geng nodded, “The case is fraught with doubts. We need to re-examine your son's body.”

Wang Shouzheng's face clouded with conflict, “I understand your good intentions, but the funeral rites are tomorrow, and I don't want his body to be disturbed anymore. However…”

Chen Geng waited patiently for his decision.

Finally, Wang Shouzheng exhaled a heavy breath, “Very well, but only for tonight. You must promise not to affect tomorrow’s funeral rites.”

Chen Geng immediately agreed, “I promise.”

“Just find the truth and get justice for my son.”

As he spoke, Wang Shouzheng seemed to lose all his strength, sinking back into his chair. The air in the study became almost tangibly oppressive.