Chapter 12: Always Bear Fear in Mind

for a few steps before stopping in front of a soft sedan chair leaning against the palace wall."Qingyangzi, please enter the palanquin."As he spoke, he lifted the curtain of the palanquin for Jiang Wa...Upon hearing the news of Feng Gu's death, Jiang Wang, despite having weathered many storms, was momentarily stunned into silence.

Even Chong Xuan Sheng, who had been mindlessly sipping porridge in the courtyard, lifted his eyes to look over.

Feng Gu Ke was the chief eunuch of Changsheng Palace, how could he just die like that

Regardless of his cultivation level, his identity wouldn't allow him to die so easily. Especially since he died during such a sensitive time, right after the funeral of the Palace Master of Changsheng Palace...

The blood rain of the true immortals of that era had yet to fall long ago on the execution ground!

At the hospital gate, Jiang Wang stood stunned for a moment before asking, "How did he die"

Zheng Shangming said: “Three feet of white silk wrapped around the neck, hanged in the spirit hall.”

"Wouldn't it be suicide" Jiang Wang said.

"It's unclear," Zheng Shangming said cautiously. "We need to investigate carefully before we can reach a conclusion."

“The time of death was at the zi hour, just as the funeral rites for the lord of the Changsheng Palace had completely ended, and the guests had dispersed.” Lin Youxie added to the case details: “Feng Gu’s body was hanging in the mourning hall. Apart from the strangulation marks on his neck, no other wounds were found temporarily. There was no trace of foreign Dao Yuan invading his body, and his soul was very close to natural dissipation. At first glance, it seemed to fit the appearance of suicide by hanging.”

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Jiang Wang fell silent for a long while before saying, "This is too absurd."

A powerful being who could threaten him, would be killed by a mere white silk ribbon. This in itself is a logic-defying event.

"Why look for Jiang Wang" Chong Xuan arrived at this moment, his question going straight to the core: "The Beiyuan Guard has countless renowned trackers; it shouldn't lack manpower. And Jiang Wang is currently in a crucial stage of cultivation... As the number one genius of Daqi, cultivation is his priority."

Jiang Wang also cast a questioning look.

After the tumultuous Huang Yixing case, he is now quite wary of point-named investigations.

While it's not as bad as "being afraid of a rope for ten years," there's still a lingering sense of unease that lasts for months.

Lin Youxie glanced at Chong Xuan Sheng, and said in a faint voice: "Chong Xuan Gongzi, this concerns the case, it is inconvenient for you to listen, please forgive me."

Zhong Xuan Sheng wasn't someone who could be easily put off, but facing Zheng Shang Ming's apologetic gaze, he could only huff: "This is my courtyard!"

Three young men resolutely shifted their attention towards Jiang Wang's courtyard, demonstrating a certain tacit understanding and refinement common among those of similar standing.

Zheng Xuan snorted and turned back, hands in his pockets: "As for cases, I've solved only a few. And the arrogance It's bigger than his face! I wouldn't bother listening to it! Fourteenth, don't you agree"

Fourteen said nothing, only gently wiping the rice porridge from the corner of his mouth.

Entering Jiang Wang's courtyard, Zheng Shangming took out a letter from his bosom: "This letter was handed over by a stablehand after Feng Gu's death. We have investigated this stablehand and he is clean, there are no problems...Jiang brother, the reason I sought you out, you can tell at a glance."

Jiang Wang took the letter, which looked clean and ordinary on the outside. He removed the paper inside and unfolded it to see a few lines of rather neat writing.

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"Lately, my mind has been troubled and I've often felt fear. Therefore, I leave behind this letter."

If I die, it will be murder.

Looking around, everyone agrees. Scanning the entire Beiya, only Jiang Qingyang is trustworthy.

This content is not provided, please provide the text between > so I can translate it for you. For example:> I will then return:This is a sentence in Chinese.

I am but a frail old man, my life is insignificant and I fear death nothing. Even after I'm laid to rest, that is all there is. If Heaven shows mercy, I wish to help the servants of Changsheng Palace track down the culprit... with only Jiang Qingyang overseeing the whole process. Only then, even in death, can I rest easy.

The inscription is "...Feng Gu Jue Bi."

This is a last letter!

Feng Gu had long foreseen his own death!

Who would kill him

What else killed him

After Jiang Wuqidi's death, the emperor ordered that Changsheng Palace remain. Feng Gu, as the de facto master of this palace, needed both status and strength. Jiang Wuqidi's legacy alone was enough to allow him a peaceful life. So why couldn't he protect himself

After reading this letter, Jiang Wang's mood is indescribable.

He recalled Feng Gu's enigmatic words at the screen when he left Changsheng Palace that day. He had intended to visit Changsheng Palace after the funeral and inquire about the truth behind it all.

Unexpectedly, Feng Gu disappeared right after Jiang Wuqi's funeral...

“This case has reached the emperor's ears.” Zheng Shangming spoke in a formal tone. “According to Feng Gu's will, the Beiya specially requested Captain Jiang to supervise this case to ensure that it progresses cleanly.”

On that day, Feng Gu spoke up in the hall to help, this kindness he dared not or forgot.

To fulfill all his wishes and ensure he had no worries after death was also a matter of tidying things up.

Although Jiang Wang's heart had already made a decision, she still asked: "Can I refuse"

“Whether you accept or refuse is your freedom,” Zheng Shangming said. “We are here to invite you to supervise this case, not to order you to join it.”

"Is this case under Zheng brother's responsibility"

Zheng Shangming said: “I jointly investigated this case with Lin, the deputy envoy.”

“Who is the main person” Jiang Wang asked.

"Temporarily, it is me." Zheng Shangming said.

That is to say, based on the clues they currently have, this case could expand further.

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"Do I have to follow you the whole way" Jiang Wang asked.

He was a little worried that the case would drag on for too long, which would cut into his time for meditation.

Zheng Shangming said: “You are overseeing this case to fulfill Feng Gu’s last wish, not because the Northern Censorate or anyone else appointed you. You are free to join whenever you want, and you can also stop at any time.”

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After some thought, he added, "The Emperor also said that this is entirely your choice."

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Jiang Wang questioned his ability to solve cases. This was known by the emperor and the Northern Temple as well. The last time he was called upon to investigate Huang Yixing was due to special political circumstances, and Lin Youxie was primarily responsible for investigating the case details.

This time, because of Feng Gu's suicide note, he was added to the case again, but he was given the title of supervisor, which could avoid a lot of trouble before and after.

This is considered a favor from Beiya, and there's also the emperor's approval.

All in all, the previous case of Huang Yixing didn't cause much of a stir. The only one who was relentlessly pursued was Jiang Wang. Both the emperor and Beiyuan should feel some guilt towards Jiang Wang.

So in this case, we gave him the utmost autonomy.

Of course, Jiang Qingyang constantly claimed to have a deep bond with Jiang Wuqi. Now that Jiang Wuqi is dead and his body is yet to be buried, his most trusted eunuch has met an untimely demise. If Jiang Wang even refuses to oversee the progress of the case, who knows what thoughts the emperor will have It's hard to say.

Zheng Shangming's point about the Son of Heaven was a deliberate reminder.

Jiang Wang thought for a moment, then said, "I will take this matter on. When shall we depart"

"Let's go to Changsheng Palace now." Lin Youxie said.

It seems that in the specific investigation, Lin Youxie is still the main focus...

Although Jiang Wang deliberately told the steward that Lin Youxie's visit required an announcement and inquiry about his intentions, setting a clear boundary between himself and Lin Youxie to avoid future potential trouble.

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But privately, I admire Lin Youxie very much.

Whether it's her investigative skills or her persistence and integrity as a blue card holder.

The lineup for this investigation is quite interesting.

One is Lin Youxie, a renowned bounty hunter with genuine skills. The other is the son of the Northern Guard Commander, whose investigative abilities remain unknown. However, given his family background, they are unlikely to be lacking. Most importantly, his status allows him to mobilize most of the resources within the Northern Guard.

In addition, he also had a high-ranking official named Jiang Qingyang, who was of the third rank.

It's not that no one in Linzi can be investigated, but the space for investigation is also quite large.

The three of them exchanged a few simple words. Jiang Wang had nothing left to pack. With a long sword hanging at his waist, he followed suit and strode out, leaving with an air of carefree abandon.

Focusing on the case, they naturally had different priorities. Outside the mansion, a carriage from Beiyaguan awaited them. After boarding, the three set off straight for Changle Palace.

Green license plates for vehicles, unimpeded traffic.

After a brief exchange about the case on the way, they arrived at the palace gate.

After Feng Gu's body was discovered, the entire Changsheng Palace was sealed off.

... the arrangement here was still that of a funeral, not much different from what Jiang Wang had seen when he came to pay his respects that day.

Of course, Jiang Wuqi's coffin has already been carried away and buried. It is now in the imperial tomb.

Changsheng Palace was deserted at this time. There was only a squad of Qingpai guards standing outside the palace gates, forbidding anyone from entering to disturb the clues, waiting for Zheng Shangming and his team responsible for the case to arrive.

From here, it can also be seen that the confidentiality level of this case is very high. Otherwise, blocking the palace gates would involve dispatching palace guards, rather than being solely responsible by the Beiya.

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“All the guards, eunuchs, and maidservants in this palace are now imprisoned in Beiyaguan, being questioned separately.” Zheng Shangming said, “We can also interrogate them at any time.”

The palace, draped in frost and white, was chillingly cold. Even under the sun's rays, there was no warmth to be felt.

Especially with no one around, it felt eerily unsettling.

Only Zheng Shangming, Jiang Wang, and Lin Youxie entered Changsheng Palace. The guards at the gate were still guarding the palace gates.

Jiang Wang felt the silent footsteps of the three people, trying to judge the different moods of the other two - of course, this was futile. They were not the kind of people who would easily reveal their emotions.

The once bright and majestic palace now only exudes a chilling aura.

It almost made Jiang Wang think of Qing Shi Palace.

"Lin Youxie then said, 'Everything in this palace has remained untouched. At least, no one has entered since we sealed it.'"

Jiang Wangyu became increasingly aware of the importance of this case...

The Northern Palace really takes this seriously!

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He didn't even trust those within the Qingpai, with guards stationed outside to prevent anyone from entering. In such a vast palace, only the three of them were left to investigate the clues. How long would it take them to find anything

At this point, it's time to re-evaluate this investigative team.

This is an example.

Zheng Shi was the emperor's confidante, Zheng Shangming was Zheng Shi's son, undoubtedly someone the emperor could trust.

Lin Youxie is a descendant of one of the Four Great Qingpai Families, with a clean background and reliable actions. Although the Four Great Qingpai Families produced Li Youjiu, who was executed for his crimes, the case of Huang Yixing last time clearly distinguished her from Li Youjiu.

As for Jiang Wang himself, there was no need to mention him. Feng Gu, such a veteran eunuch in the palace, would not have any connection with him, a prodigy who had only come to Qi State a few years ago, regardless of any secrets involved.

Judging from the posture displayed at Beiya.

Feng Gu wrote in his suicide note, "Looking around, everyone is suspicious."

Perhaps it's not just a paranoid thought...

Who wanted to kill him Who had that much power

Jiang Wang felt uneasy.

Three people first came to the main hall of Changsheng Palace, which is also known as "the Spirit Hall".

Apart from the coffin having been carried away, everything else, such as the offering table, spirit tablet, incense burner, and chairs... was all the same as on the first day of the funeral.

Everything that happened that day is still vivid in my memory. Now, looking back, it feels like the hall is empty without people.

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And looking upwards where the coffin was carried, three feet of white silk hung alone on the ceiling, like a cloud caught in mid-air.

"Feng Gu's body is still at Beiya now. Are you going to take a look later" Lin Youxie asked aloud.

"Of course." Jiang Wang said.

He wasn't planning to look for any information on Feng Gu's body. The professional trackers in Beiya would have definitely examined it multiple times, and Jiang Wang didn't believe he could find any clues they had missed.

But since he had agreed to supervise the case to ease Feng's worries even after death, he naturally also wanted to make sure the body wasn't tampered with during the examination.

Lin Youxie nodded upon hearing this, and didn't say much. He put on a pair of white leather gloves by himself and began to carefully search for clues in the main hall.

Jiang Wang subconsciously glanced at it... fortunately, it wasn't the pair of corpse-skin gloves from last time, and of course, he wasn't performing an autopsy now.

On the other side, Zheng Shangming also put on a pair of gloves and was carefully inspecting the offering table.

Jiang Wang's responsibility was to supervise, so he sometimes looked at Zheng Shangming and sometimes at Lin Youxie.

Zheng Shangming's movements were very meticulous, as if he wouldn't let go of any inch of space. Lin Youxie, on the other hand, first scanned the area, then focused his observation on several key points.

Jiang Wang silently scored their search efficiency in his mind, while supervising, he would also scan the surrounding environment.

It seems rather idle...

In fact, there was nothing to do.

Currently, I'm somewhat redundant on this team.

Of course, even if he wanted to join in and help gather clues, he'd probably be rejected. Gathering clues requires specialized skills. Before he's received systematic training, his talent for combat isn't suitable for this. It's best not to disturb the clues at all.

The search of the mourning hall lasted about a quarter of an hour. Lin Youxie and Zheng Shangming stopped successively, apparently having not found anything particularly valuable information. Or perhaps they had found something, but did not show it.

All in all, the expressions were very calm.

“Where do we search next” Jiang Wang asked.

"Study," Lin Youxie said.

Jiang Wuqi's study was familiar to Jiang Wangzi.

"Let's go." He led the way directly ahead.

"Brother Jiang, I heard you have a close friendship with the Eleventh Prince" Zheng Shangming asked on the way.

"We haven't met often, but we feel a kinship." Jiang Wang said honestly.

“Then are you familiar with Feng Gu” Zheng Shangming asked again.

After asking, he quickly added: "Don't misunderstand me, I don't doubt you, I just want to understand some information."

"It's nothing," Jiang Wang understood completely, and calmly said, "I wouldn't say I'm familiar with Lord Feng. It was only when Eleventh Highness asked him to introduce me that I first met him. The second time was during the occasion where Eleventh Highness bestowed gifts. The third and final time was at Eleventh Highness's funeral."

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"Do you think…" Zheng Shangming asked, "Does he want to die"

Jiang Wang shook her head. "I can't judge, and I don't want to interfere."

Lin Youxie, who had been silently listening all along, suddenly said, "We're here."

They walked quickly, and in their conversation, they had already reached Jiang Wuqi's study.

Jiang Wang was a little surprised: "Captain Lin seems to be very familiar with this place"

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Lin Youxie didn't answer. He stretched out his hand and pushed open the palace door without directly touching it, then walked in first.

Of course, she wanted to get the lay of the land first. Zheng Shangming closely followed behind her.

Jiang Wangze's steps were slow.

This was his third time coming here, and each visit felt different.

The second time I came, Jiang Wuqi was dead. The third time I came, Feng Gu was dead...

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I still remember the first time I came here, Jiang Wuki's grandeur and Feng Gu's mysterious danger.

But at this time the study was empty.

Things remain as they were when he left.

All the furniture, writing implements, bookshelves, and even that bowl of medicine on the table were all still there just as they had been.

It seemed as though the master of the house had simply stepped out for a moment on some urgent business, leaving this empty study to greet its uninvited guest.

It really makes one feel lonely.

Lin Youxie walked to the desk and didn't reach out to touch the medicine bowl. Instead, he bent down and gently sniffed it.

Her brows furrowed.

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"Is there anything wrong with this medicine" Zheng Shangming asked.

Lin Youxie thought for a moment and said, "There are components of Yinling Grass."

"Spirit-Suppressing Grass" Jiang Wang looked confused.

Lin Youxie explained: “It’s a kind of medicine that can dissolve true essence and create intense pain. We sometimes use it in interrogations.”

"That is to say…" Zheng Shangming couldn't hide his surprise: "His Royal Highness the Eleventh Prince has been relying on this kind of medicine to suppress his own strength. To avoid breaking through to the Outer Tower Realm too early."

Jiang Wang remained silent.

He just stared silently at the jade bowl.

Thinking back, Jiang Wuqi didn't drink this bowl of medicine the day she went to Yunwu Mountain.ing to you. Why come back to return the bell"Jiang Wang remained silent for a moment before finally saying, "The warmth of Master Zhong Shangxing's meditation is still palpable." Zhao Wu raised his ga...