Chapter 11: Fishing

Qin Yu was late.

Upon arriving at the Left Deputy Minister’s official residence, he saw the Assistant Minister of the Court sitting at his desk, frowning as he examined the case files.

Qin Yu bowed deeply.

“I pay my respects, Lord Huo. I was delayed today due to some family matters at home…”

Before he could finish, Huo Zhendong interrupted him.

“Oh, you finally made it! We’re all on the same side here, no need for formalities. Get up, quickly get up!”

Huo Zhendong rose swiftly, hurriedly stepping forward to help Qin Yu to his feet, his face beaming with smiles.

Qin Yu was somewhat taken aback.

This man had rarely shown him any kindness before, always appearing lofty and aloof, with extremely strict demands for etiquette. Any subordinate who failed to show proper respect would inevitably be scolded.

What on earth was going on today?

“Sir, what’s gotten into you today?”

“What do you mean? Stop with the nonsense. We still need you to investigate Prince Su’s case.”

The events that unfolded at the Censorate yesterday had already spread far and wide. Such outrageous matters were unprecedented, and the officials of the Great Qian Empire had truly witnessed the formidable influence of Prince Su and his wife.

Huo Zhendong thought to himself that now, there were probably few in all of Great Qian who would dare show him attitude, certainly not someone of his fourth-rank official status.

Moreover, this case still depended on Qin Yu to solve.

Who would dare act high and mighty now?

Qin Yu pondered briefly and understood.

He hadn’t told Huo Zhendong that Prince Su had only given him one month to crack the case. If no results were found by then, he feared it would be the end of him.

The Qianwu Emperor might also settle scores after the fact.

Not wanting to waste words with Huo Zhendong, Qin Yu got straight to the point. “Have all eight of Prince Su’s maids been brought here?”

“They arrived yesterday. They’re locked up in the prison, just waiting for your interrogation.”

“Good. Since the advisor was killed by Prince Su, you’ll need to reassign someone for me.”

“That’s already been arranged. Old Lin will be in charge. Also, from now on, all resources of the Court of Justice are at your disposal. You may arrest and interrogate any suspects without reporting to me.”

“This… doesn’t seem appropriate.”

“There’s nothing inappropriate. This is my trust in you!”

“Very well. Thank you, sir.”

On the surface, Qin Yu appeared deeply grateful.

But inwardly, he spat disdainfully.

What a farce.

In polished words, it was just a way to distance himself, letting everyone know he wasn’t directly involved in the case, leaving Qin Yu to offend the powers behind the scenes.

If the case was solved, he would take credit as supervisor.

If it wasn’t, Qin Yu would take the blame.

At worst, he’d receive a mild reprimand. After all, as Assistant Minister of the Court of Justice, he had many responsibilities and couldn’t devote all his time and energy to one case.

Either way, he lost nothing.

After bidding farewell to Huo Zhendong, Qin Yu, along with the newly assigned advisor Lin Jing, several clerks, and over ten constables, proceeded to the Court of Justice’s prison.

The prison warden on duty, Xue Xiangming, was an old acquaintance of Qin Yu’s. Seeing him arrive with his entourage, he hurriedly came forward, bowing and scraping.

“Well, well, Left Deputy Minister, you finally showed up. I’ve prepared wine and food for you. It’s almost noon—would you like to eat while interrogating, or after you’ve finished?”

The warden was a ninth-rank official.

Qin Yu was fifth rank.

Naturally, Xue Xiangming had to curry favor. Replacing Qin Yu was merely a matter of a single word from the latter.

“Interrogate first.”

Qin Yu had no mind to indulge in food and drink in the damp, dark Court of Justice. Led by Lin Jing, he went to the cell holding the eight maids who had served the princess.

To his surprise, four burly soldiers clad in leather armor, carrying long knives at their waists and spears in hand, stood guard at the doorway, their faces fierce and intimidating.

The prison guards of the Court of Justice did not look like this.

Before Qin Yu could ask, Xue Xiangming quickly explained, “Lord Qin, these are Prince Su’s personal guards. He doesn’t trust the prison staff here and insisted on having his own men stand watch.”

Qin Yu was stunned.

Prince Su truly was extraordinary.

Such a perverse measure was something only he could pull off in all of Great Qian.

Yet it was understandable.

If one of the eight maids was a spy secretly bribed to kill a guard, the trail would be completely cut off. Such things happened all too often.

Xue Xiangming immediately introduced Qin Yu’s identity to the four guards. They respectfully saluted him, then stepped aside to open the cell door.

Qin Yu stepped forward and glanced inside, but lost all desire to enter, covering his mouth and nose as he turned away.

“Bring one up. I will interrogate in the questioning room.”

Foul!

Absolutely putrid!

The eight maids had clearly endured inhuman torment, each covered in wounds, with no one to clean up their filth. The cell was saturated with a sickening stench.

The suspects of this world had no rights whatsoever.

The interrogation room was a completely different matter—clean, tidy, spacious, and bright.

Xue Xiangming thoughtfully brought over all the fire basins from the prison, quickly warming the room, and Qin Yu’s mood improved slightly.

Soon, the first maid was brought up.

The last time Qin Yu saw her, she followed the princess, radiating a fierce aura, her eyes sharp and piercing.

Now, her gaze was dull and lifeless. She knelt on the ground in a daze, utterly drained of spirit, not even bothering to salute Qin Yu.

Xue Xiangming shouted angrily, “You wretched thing! Show respect when you see the lord…”

Qin Yu waved him off, cutting him short, and said to Advisor Lin Jing, “You conduct the interrogation. I will observe and analyze.”

If there was anyone more skilled in interrogation, it was Lin Jing—far superior to Qin Yu’s former self, though Qin Yu had improved since then.

After all, each had their specialty.

Qin Yu planned to listen in and learn, using Time Reversal to review the maid’s past twenty-four hours, hoping to uncover something.

In truth, he had no real hope.

These eight had been locked up in the prison for the past day, with no contact with anyone. What could be discovered?

But there was no other choice.

It was the only thing he could do.

As expected, he found nothing.

Time Reversal could only be used three times a day. He had already used it twice this morning, leaving two uses remaining.

Advisor Xue Xiangming interrogated only two maids before nightfall.

Qin Yu told Lin Jing to end the interrogation.

After a moment’s thought, he said, “Issue my orders to release the two interrogated today. Inform them they must not leave the capital. I will summon them again at any time.”

Lin Jing was taken aback. “Sir, is that wise? What if something happens to them? Wouldn’t we lose the last clues?”

“Assign people to watch them secretly. Record anyone who contacts them. Anyone suspicious will be arrested immediately.”

“Sir, are you planning to fish for a confession?”

“Exactly.”

“What if the culprit silences them?” Xue Xiangming said with concern.

“That’s perfect. Then we can catch the murderer,” Qin Yu said, his gaze deep and resolute.