Chapter 6: I Have Uncovered the Secret of Prince Xi's Ghost! (Part Two)

After a simple breakfast at a street stall, Liu Shuyi and his companions arrived at the Ministry of Revenue’s office. Upon sending word, it wasn’t long before a middle-aged man in a scarlet official robe briskly emerged.

The man was about forty years old, sporting a small mustache on his chin and a black mole at the corner of his left eye. Seeing Liu Shuyi, he smiled and said, “You must be Director Liu, the one who determined that the disappearance of Lord Xi’s corpse and the murder case involving Lord Xi’s ghost are unrelated. Truly impressive, your reputation is well deserved.”

Noticing that Liu Shuyi seemed not to recognize him, Du Gou quietly whispered in his ear, “He is Zhao Chengyi, the newly appointed Vice Minister of Revenue. Father spoke highly of him, saying he is meticulous and quite capable.”

A Vice Minister of the fourth rank? Liu Shuyi was somewhat surprised. This was a genuine power holder; the original owner of his body never even had the privilege to speak with such a man. Yet today, Zhao greeted him with such praise right from the start… Could it be that Du Ruhui had given him a recommendation?

Liu Shuyi clasped his hands and bowed, “Greetings, Vice Minister Zhao. I have been ordered to investigate the hanging death of Official Han. Please assign a subordinate to assist me; I dare not trouble you with a personal reception.”

Zhao Chengyi was straightforward and waved his hand, “Official Han was one of our own at the Ministry of Revenue. Now that it appears he may have been murdered, how could we not take it seriously? If Minister Tang were in Chang’an, he would have met you himself.”

“Let’s go.” With that, Zhao warmly grabbed Liu Shuyi’s sleeve and led him inside.

As they walked, Zhao said, “Ask whatever you wish; I will tell you everything I know.”

Seeing Zhao’s enthusiasm, Liu Shuyi did not hold back, “Please tell me what happened on the night Official Han died.”

Since Han Du was officially declared to have hanged himself, the Ministry of Justice held no files on his death, and few paid attention to the matter. Liu Shuyi was still unaware of the specifics.

Zhao reflected briefly before replying, “Nothing unusual happened that night. Official Han had unfinished business and did not return home to rest. He stayed in his office handling affairs. Others, unless occupied with tasks, had left. Those with duties were busy, no one wandered about, so no one went to find him.”

“It wasn’t until dawn when colleagues arrived at his office that they found he had hanged himself.”

“The coroner found no abnormalities, and a torn note was found on the floor. So we concluded he took his own life due to inner torment and allowed the family to take the body for burial.”

Zhao stopped and pointed to a room with its door open. “This is the office where Official Han hanged himself.”

Liu Shuyi nodded and entered.

The office was shared by four people. It was spacious, with four desks, each with a modest bookshelf behind, filled with various books and documents.

At the moment, no one else was present.

Zhao said, “You’re a bit unlucky, Director Liu. The other three colleagues are out on official business and won’t return until afternoon. If you wish to see them, I can summon them back.”

“Were any of them at the Ministry that night when Official Han died?” Liu Shuyi asked.

“No.”

“Then it’s unnecessary.”

Liu Shuyi ignored the other three and scanned the four desks. “Which one was Official Han’s?”

“The one by the window,” Zhao indicated.

Liu Shuyi approached and noticed the desk was completely bare, not even a pen holder.

The bookshelf behind it held only a few sparse books, far fewer than the others.

Zhao seemed to understand Liu’s thoughts and explained, “After the incident, the family took all of Official Han’s belongings. Until someone new takes over his duties, his work has been distributed among the others, so nothing remains here.”

Hearing this, Du Gou’s gentle brows furrowed slightly.

It meant that all traces of Han Du had been erased.

Even if there were clues, they had been thoroughly destroyed.

Could anything still be uncovered?

He frowned and glanced at Liu Shuyi.

That look startled him.

For without warning, Liu Shuyi leapt onto Han Du’s desk and, before anyone could react, tiptoed and climbed up to the ceiling beam.

“What...?”

Not only Du Gou was stunned, but Cheng Chumo and Zhao Chengyi were also baffled by Liu’s sudden strange behavior.

“Director Liu, what are you doing?” Zhao looked to Du Gou and Cheng for answers.

They exchanged glances; after all, they had just recently met Liu Shuyi.

“Is the Ministry always cleaned this thoroughly?”

From the beam, Liu suddenly asked.

“What?” Zhao didn’t catch his meaning.

Liu jumped down, looking at his clean official robe, free of dust, and said, “Our Ministry of Justice’s beams are always covered in dust, yet yours are so clean.”

“Oh, that…” Zhao explained, “When we cut down the rope from Official Han, we noticed a lot of dust on the beam, so I ordered a thorough cleaning inside and out. It was to dispel bad luck.”

“You know, after a death, it’s unsettling if a place isn’t properly cleaned, especially since colleagues still work here.”

“I understand,” Liu nodded, then asked, “Did the family take all of Official Han’s belongings? Did the Ministry keep nothing?”

“Not quite,” Zhao said, “His torn note relates to last year’s tax affairs, so we’ve kept it here. We agreed with the family to return it once the matter is fully resolved.”

“Oh? Where is the note?” Liu raised an eyebrow.

“I’ll get it for you,” Zhao said and quickly left.

As Zhao’s figure disappeared, the straightforward Cheng Chumo couldn’t help but ask, “So? Any breakthroughs?”

Du Gou also looked at Liu Shuyi.

Liu pondered a moment, then shook his head slightly, “Our opponent seems more formidable than I thought.”

Their hearts sank.

Before they could say more, Zhao’s footsteps returned.

He entered swiftly and handed a paper bag to Liu Shuyi.

“Since the note was torn to pieces, we collected all the fragments together to avoid loss.”

Liu nodded and emptied the bag onto the desk.

Only then did he realize how shredded the note truly was.

The note contained just over a hundred characters, but there were nearly a hundred fragments.

Almost one character per piece.

Looking at the dense, chaotic scraps, Liu felt a headache coming. Reassembling it wouldn’t be easy.

“We spent almost an hour piecing it together,” Zhao said, noticing Liu’s intent.

He pulled out a sheet and said, “This is a transcription based on the reconstructed note. If you want to know its contents, just read this.”

Liu’s eyes brightened. No wonder Zhao was a high official—his insight was impressive.

“Thank you!” Liu took the copy and read carefully.

He squinted slightly. Judging by the note alone, Han Du’s hanging seemed plausible.

He had made mistakes causing trouble for many, the emperor was angry, colleagues resented him, and being narrow-minded, he couldn't bear it any longer and took his own life.

Even Liu himself couldn’t find fault with this.

But if that were true, didn’t it prove his initial deduction wrong?

Liu’s gaze returned to the shredded note fragments on the desk, his eyes deepening.

Suddenly, he asked Zhao, “Vice Minister Zhao, what was the relationship between Han Du and the warehouse supervisor Zhao Wenyi? Did either have enemies?”

“Zhao Wenyi?” Zhao stroked his mustache, “They were just ordinary colleagues. They only interacted when official business required it. Usually, they wouldn’t speak a word all day.”

“As for enemies…” Zhao looked at Liu and smiled bitterly, “To my knowledge, both were honest and diligent, seldom making enemies. The only person they offended was former Vice Minister Zhao Zhuo, who was executed after being reported by the four officials.”

“Zhao Zhuo?” Liu’s eyes flickered.

Zhao Chengyi explained, “Last year, the emperor sent Zhao Zhuo south to aid disaster relief and oversee construction. Accompanying him were four officials from the Ministry of Works and Revenue, including Official Han. Upon returning to Chang’an, those four jointly accused Zhao Zhuo of embezzling fifty thousand strings of coins. The emperor was furious and ordered an investigation.”

“It was confirmed that fifty thousand coins were missing, and Zhao Zhuo was responsible. The emperor dismissed him and imprisoned him, demanding the money’s return.”

“But Zhao Zhuo remained defiant. The emperor had his home searched thoroughly but found nothing.”

“You know, the emperor had just ascended, the treasury was not full, and with continuous wars and natural disasters, fifty thousand coins was a significant sum. Zhao Zhuo’s refusal enraged the emperor, who executed him and confiscated his family’s assets. The emperor then used his private funds to cover the shortfall.”

Liu had read the case files through his former self’s memories and knew the full story.

He also knew that after Zhao Zhuo’s death, his family was exiled.

Compared to the Zhao family, although Liu’s own father was executed for treason, his family was spared, which was fortunate.

“Only Zhao Zhuo was offended? No conflicts with others?” Liu asked again.

“No,” Zhao answered firmly, looking at Liu. “Frankly, if anyone wanted to kill them, it would only be Zhao Zhuo’s relatives… Of course, I’m not investigating, just saying offhand. Don’t take it to heart.”

Du Gou and Cheng Chumo exchanged knowing looks and nodded slightly.

Since Liu said the four officials were those in the files, they already suspected Zhao Zhuo’s family.

But his relatives had been exiled and weren’t in Chang’an.

How could they commit the crime?

Unless… someone secretly returned.

“Vice Minister Zhao’s words make sense and fit the motive. It’s not nonsense,” Liu affirmed. “I will order an inquiry into whether anyone from the Zhao family is missing.”

Zhao laughed heartily, “If it’s really Zhao’s doing, would that mean I helped?”

“Of course,” Liu smiled back. “Next, I must visit Official Zhao’s residence. Before that, I need a favor.”

“Speak freely.”

“Please have someone prepare a list of all personnel who remained at the office the night Official Han died.”

“No problem. I was there that night; I know who was present. If you need it urgently, I can write it now.”

Hearing this, Liu immediately bowed, “Thank you, Vice Minister.”

Though a scholar, Zhao was as straightforward as a general.

Without a word, he dipped a brush in ink and began writing swiftly.

Soon, he finished and handed the paper to Liu.

He blew on the ink and said, “These are the people. But that night, everyone was busy with their own tasks, so we can’t offer much more help.”

“You’ve already helped greatly,” Liu said, glancing at the list of fifteen names.

He carefully folded it and put it in his breast pocket, nodding.

“There’s no time to waste. I won’t delay. I’ll host a banquet to thank you another day.”

“You’re welcome.”

...

The carriage wheels rolled along the bustling Vermilion Bird Avenue.

Since boarding, Liu Shuyi had kept his eyes closed, silent, which made Cheng Chumo restless. After enduring for a while, he finally spoke, “Director Liu, how is it? Any clues to the murderer?”

Du Gou, who had been watching the street through the window, turned to look at Liu as well.

But Liu didn’t open his eyes; he silently nodded then shook his head.

Cheng was confused—how could it be both yes and no?

Is there a clue or not?

Du Gou furrowed his brows and suggested, “We haven’t yet investigated Zhao Zhuo’s family. Should we check if anyone is missing? If so, they might be the culprit.”

Cheng’s eyes lit up, “Good idea! So far, only the Zhao family is suspicious.”

But Liu opened his eyes and shook his head, “Too late.”

“To exile and back takes at least half a month… I only have three days. If there was time, I would have sent someone already. I wouldn’t ignore the Zhao family’s suspicion.”

“Then what?” Cheng’s face darkened with anxiety. “If it really is the Zhao family, you’re doomed! No matter how good you are, if you can’t catch the killer, it’s useless! Pei Sikong won’t let you live that long, it’s over for you!”

Though well-meaning, his words were poorly expressed.

“Don’t worry. It’s not that bad yet…”

Liu lifted the carriage curtain and looked ahead at a residence already draped with white silk banners.

“Zhao Ci is different from Han Du. He died recently. Although we can’t find clues about Han, we might find some for Zhao.”

The carriage stopped before the gate.

Outside, the Golden Guards stood watch.

After discovering Zhao Ci’s murder last night, Du Ruhui ordered Zhao’s residence sealed. Though later they went to Liu’s manor to arrest him, the guards remained.

The Zhao residence was completely closed off.

“Since Du Pushe and the others left last night, has anyone come or gone?” Liu asked the guards.

“No.”

As Liu expected, though the enemy was cunning, fortunately he had a powerful ally in Du Ruhui.

“Open the gate.”

With a creak, the door swung wide.

Liu, Du Gou, and Cheng entered the residence draped in mourning.

Soon, a woman in her thirties appeared, graceful yet dressed in plain mourning clothes, her eyes swollen from crying.

Du Gou whispered, “That is Lady Zhao, Zhao Ci’s wife.”

Liu nodded and bowed, “Lady Zhao, we have come to—”

Before he finished, she wiped tears with a handkerchief, her voice hoarse, “You are Director Liu of the Ministry of Justice, correct? Du Pushe sent word that if you have questions, ask freely. As long as you help avenge my husband and catch the killer, I will not hide anything.”

Du Ruhui was truly reliable.

No need for pleasantries, saving time.

Liu said directly, “Please take me to the room where Lord Zhao died.”

“Right this way.” Lady Zhao was brisk and led the way.

Following her, Liu said, “Please tell me what happened last night when Lord Zhao died.”

Recalling the events, her plump figure trembled, as if haunted by a terrifying memory.

She took a deep breath, then said, “Around midnight, I was suddenly awoken by shouts. It sounded like something terrible had happened. I quickly dressed and went outside.”

“As I stepped out, servants cried that my husband was in trouble and pointed fearfully to the sky, shouting about ghosts.”

“I looked up instinctively and saw a figure drifting in the eastern night sky. It wore a bloodstained dragon robe, pierced by arrows!”

“Seeing that figure, I thought immediately of the rumors about Lord Xi’s ghost. It floated there, then hovered above my head. At that moment, something seemed to fall on my face. I wiped it instinctively, and…”

Her face paled, eyes full of fear. “It was blood!”

Even the usually carefree Cheng Chumo felt a chill hearing this.

They could imagine how terrifying it was for a frail woman at midnight to see a ghostly figure and be splattered with blood.

No wonder she trembled recalling it.

But Liu frowned.

Because he had never seen any ghost in his former memories.

The previous night, the original self had also been outside the Zhao residence. Why hadn’t he seen it?

He thought and asked, “Where were you when you saw the so-called Lord Xi’s ghost? Where exactly did it appear?”

Lady Zhao said, “Last night, my husband said he had unfinished business and told me to rest first. Our bedroom is in the east courtyard near the east wall. When I left the room, the ghost was on the eastern wall and then flew above my head.”

“After seeing blood on my hand, I fainted. When I woke, the ghost was gone.”

“The servants said it circled above my head then quickly flew out over the east wall. None knew where it went.”

“As my husband was already in trouble in the study, I didn’t pay attention to anything else and went to him.”

East side… that explained it.

The Liu residence was west of the Zhao’s, so when the original self arrived last night, he was in the alley on the west side.

The Zhao estate was large; if the ghost did not float high, it would be invisible from the west side.

“Came from the east, and left by the east…” Liu narrowed his eyes and suddenly said, “Let’s go to where you saw the ghost.”

Lady Zhao hesitated but remembered Du Ruhui’s instructions and led them to the backyard.

Without guidance, Liu’s eyes caught a trail of blood drops on the ground.

They formed a nearly straight line from the east wall to outside Lady Zhao’s room.

The trail varied in width—from as wide as three meters in places to mere drops in others.

“What is this?”

Suddenly, Liu quickened his pace, bent down, and picked up something from the corner.

It looked like a small jade piece, translucent and shimmering, stained with some blood.

Liu examined it thoughtfully, stroking his chin.

He turned to Lady Zhao, “Are you certain the ghost wore Lord Xi’s dragon robe?”

She hesitated, then said, “I was fortunate to attend a banquet with my husband when Lord Xi was still crown prince. I have seen his garments before. The ghost’s robe was exactly the same. Lord Xi had a habit of wrapping a circle of gold thread on the left sleeve, and the ghost’s robe had the same.”

“Could you see so clearly in the dim light?”

“The ghost emitted a green glow that lit up the robe eerily.”

“Green glow?”

Liu narrowed his eyes, a flash of realization lighting in his mind.

Then a smile curved his lips, “I see now, I understand…”

“Understand what?” Cheng asked curiously.

Du Gou, who had been pondering, turned to Liu as well.

Liu smiled softly, “I know what’s really behind Lord Xi’s ghost.”

“What!?” Cheng gasped.

“I also know how to find the killer!” Liu declared.

“What!?” Du Gou’s eyes widened.

Wait—what have we been doing? We just came to inspect the scene and saw some blood drops.

How do you already know everything?