TGCFNM -Chapter 43 The Blacksmith’s Apprentice

On the main street, aside from a row of red lanterns swaying in the breeze, only the Fulai Inn had lit its oil lamps. The bright glow of the candles stretched everyone’s shadows long across the ground.

When Chu Ling announced that she would personally take on the investigation, the room fell silent. Everyone in Qingning County turned their eyes toward her.

Feigning ignorance, Chu Ling looked at County Magistrate Zhao and asked, “What exactly is the case that has you, Magistrate Zhao, so troubled?”

Zhao sighed deeply. “Lord Chu, it’s probably because of the coroner Su that you want to investigate the murder of Miss Hong. But in fact, as early as June 29th of last year, there was already a young woman, about to be married, who was killed.”

Wan Sanjin shouted, “What?!”

Zhao exhaled sharply, his gaze dark with resentment. “From June 29th of last year until now, including Miss Hong, ten women have been murdered. The method used is strikingly consistent.”

“Something like this happening under my jurisdiction—how could I not feel responsible?” Zhao continued. “So I led all the constables to search house by house, looking for witnesses or any clues. But that flower-thief disappears as if a drop of water had fallen into the river—there’s no trace to follow at all.”

Wan Sanjin frowned in astonishment. “How is that possible? You searched house by house and still found nothing?”

Chu Ling asked coldly, “This flower thief is so brazen… even under watch, he continues to harm people in secret?”

Zhao slammed his fist on the table, his eyes bloodshot, shaking with anger. “Yes! We patrolled the streets day and night, never letting a single unfamiliar face pass unnoticed. Women dared not leave their homes, and men took turns guarding at night… and still, still…”

Zhao couldn’t continue, his hands clenched tight, weighed down by helplessness.

“Has Miss Hong been buried?” Chu Ling asked.

Zhao shook his head. “Not yet.”

“Magistrate Zhao, I believe time is of the essence. Why don’t we go to the blacksmith Zhong’s house now and take a look? What do you think?” Chu Ling suggested.

Zhao stood. “Now? Yes… with coroner Su here, we can let him take a look.”

Chu Ling nodded and gave instructions. “Zhang Dong and Xiao Hua stay at the inn. Wang Long and Wang Hu can rest, and tomorrow they will patrol the streets with Qingning County’s constables. Wan Sanjin, come with me and keep records for Su He. Let’s go now.”

Zhao nodded and gave similar orders, taking only two constables with him. The group set off in the direction of the blacksmith’s shop.

On the way, Su He whispered, “Miss Hong’s skills were excellent, and she was strong too.”

Zhao looked troubled. “Besides Miss Hong, my niece also knows her way around blades and spears, and has some footwork. I never expected… she didn’t even have time to make a sound to warn anyone.”

“A sedative?” Chu Ling asked.

Zhao shook his head, frowning. “The coroner tested carefully and found no sedative.”

Chu Ling paused mid-step. No sedative?

Zhong Hong shook her head desperately, her face full of shock. “Impossible! I felt weak and dazed… if it wasn’t a sedative, then what could it have been?”

Chu Ling turned to Su He. “Have you ever encountered a situation like this? If it wasn’t a sedative, how could there be no sound at all?”

Su He replied, “My Lord, a sedative is a kind of poison. If inhaled, it would cause reactions in the body. I know the old coroner of Qingning County—he would never say there was none without evidence. So if he says there wasn’t one, it means the body showed no signs of poisoning.”

“Master Wan, you’ve seen and experienced a lot—have you ever encountered a poison that leaves no trace?” Although Chu Ling addressed Master Wan, her gaze fell on Bai Su.

Bai Su fell into deep contemplation.

After a moment, Magistrate Zhao called out, “We’re here. Right here. Blacksmith Zhong and his apprentice have been guarding the funeral hall, neither eating nor drinking. If it weren’t for the townspeople persuading them to take a little food, I fear both would be in grave danger.” He sighed, muttering softly, “It seems I am powerless after all.”

The forge, once steaming and ablaze with fire, was now eerily quiet. White flowers for the funeral trembled as they hung everywhere. The wind made the white cloth flutter, and the white lanterns looked out of place amidst a sea of red lanterns.

Magistrate Zhao stepped forward first. “Blacksmith Zhong.”

Chu Ling signaled Su He to go in ahead. At this moment, having a familiar face appear might ease Blacksmith Zhong’s suspicion and allow them to proceed with the investigation more quickly.

Zhong Hong stood by Chu Ling, blood and tears streaming down her face, yet she dared not step into the funeral hall nor look at her father.

Chu Ling spoke softly, “When the old see the young leave, how bitter it must feel. But bitterness is useless. Only catching the murderer is of any use.”

Zhong Hong bit her lip lightly, her gaze resolute.

Wan Sanjin exhaled and replied softly, “You are right, sir. Only catching the murderer matters.”

“Investigating the case?” A voice suddenly shouted from inside the hall, filled with rage. “My sister Hong is already dead, and you still want to disturb her peace? And you—a mortician, a man—want to… to undress my sister Hong? You must have other motives!”

Chu Ling’s expression changed. She dashed into the hall and, seeing the young man grabbing Su He by the collar in a frenzy, snatched a ceremonial banner and swung it at him.

Magistrate Zhao, who was holding him back, was caught off guard and narrowly avoided being hit, stepping aside quickly.

Chu Ling handed the banner to Wan Sanjin behind her, stepped in front of the young man, and coldly stared at him. “So you’re Blacksmith Zhong’s apprentice? You’re obstructing our investigation because you’re involved in Zhong Hong’s death. You fear that if the truth comes out, you won’t be able to inherit the forge, which is why you’re desperately blocking us!”

“You’re talking nonsense!”

“Am I? You know in your heart if I speak the truth. Whoever commits the act must bear it—walk too often at night, and be careful what you might see!” Chu Ling crossed her arms and mocked him.

“You—!”

“A-Zhong, step back!” Blacksmith Zhong steadied himself against the offering table, stood up, and bowed toward Chu Ling. “You must be the Magistrate of Sishui County, Magistrate Chu.”

“Bah, just a bought position,” A-Zhong sneered.

Chu Ling rolled her eyes and replied, “Bah! A shameless murderer, and yet you’re here whining and acting pitiful like a dog.”

“Sir, there’s no need to investigate further. The culprit is clearly A-Zhong. Otherwise, why would he obstruct us? He acted with malice.”

A-Zhong’s face changed drastically. “You cannot fabricate facts!”

“I am the magistrate, and you are a citizen. By defying me and obstructing the investigation, you are guilty,” Chu Ling sneered.

“All right, A-Zhong, kneel and apologize to the magistrate.” Blacksmith Zhong took a deep breath, steadied himself, and then bowed toward Chu Ling. “Sir, A-Zhong grew up with my Hong. Suddenly having to face dissection for an investigation was too much for him. I hope you can understand.”

Chu Ling glanced at Zhong Hong, who had been frowning since the beginning.

“He’s as reckless as ever. I wonder if, when the forge is in his hands, he will waste all of Father’s hard work,” Zhong Hong said with some concern.