King of Hundred Victories Saber-Chapter 555 - 188: The Lotus in the Rain – Strange Case, Sword Shadows Amidst Gathering Storms (Part 5)
"Grand Squad Leader Shi, who do you think is responsible for this? Why use such a bizarre method to commit murder?" a hero couldn’t help but ask, his tone full of anxiety and confusion.
Shi Feiyang shook his head slightly, his gaze determined and steady, saying, "We have very few clues at present, and it’s hard to conclude anything. But the Siamese rice fragments and the gunpowder scent in the lotus stalks are surely key to unraveling this case. We need to start investigating from these two aspects."
His words were like a powerful reassurance, instantly calming the previously panicked heroes. In their hearts, as long as Shi Feiyang was there, there was hope of solving even the most challenging problems.
Thus, Shi Feiyang led the group of heroes, starting to search for clues all around Zhuozheng Garden. They didn’t overlook a single corner, no matter how inconspicuous, examining it closely.
They questioned everyone who might know the situation, from the gardeners and servants in the garden to the occasional passing tourists, not missing a single detail.
However, as the investigation deepened, they discovered numerous forces were involved behind the case, making the situation increasingly intricate and complex. It was as if they were stepping into a massive enigma, and they were just beginning to touch the edge of the puzzle, with the truth still hidden behind layers of fog.
In the Mid-Autumn of Suzhou Prefecture, night quietly descended, draping the Shi Mansion in a veil of mystery.
The bright moonlight softly fell on the ancient-style architecture of the Shi Mansion, casting fuzzy shadows of pavilions and towers under the moonlight, resembling a delicate ink landscape painting. The flowers and trees in the courtyard gently swayed in the breeze, making a rustling sound. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎
Shi Feiyang, together with Gong Simeng, Yili, Qi Meizhen, and Bai Zhi, sat around the spacious and bright dining room. The table was filled with a sumptuous spread, steaming with enticing aromas.
The gentle candlelight flickered on the dining table, illuminating everyone’s faces, creating a warm and serene atmosphere.
Shi Feiyang smiled, serving each of the four ladies a bowl of soup, and then slowly spoke, "Today at Zhuozheng Garden, I encountered a perplexing case. Five corpses, with dried lotus stalks inserted into their throats, and Siamese rice fragments stuck to their palms. There was even a smell of gunpowder in the lotus stalks." His voice was calm and steady, yet it couldn’t conceal the seriousness in his words.
Gong Simeng slightly furrowed her brows, asking with concern, "Oh, is there really such a bizarre case? What connection could there be between those Siamese rice fragments and the gunpowder scent in the lotus stalks?" She said this while accepting the bowl of soup passed by Shi Feiyang, her eyes full of concern for her husband and curiosity about the case.
Shi Feiyang placed a piece of dish into Gong Simeng’s bowl with tenderness, saying, "It’s still unclear for now. This is precisely the key that needs investigation. However, we will definitely get to the bottom of it."
Yili set down her chopsticks, her gaze firm as she said, "Husband, I’ll go with you to investigate the case tomorrow. Another pair of hands may just find different clues." Her eyes shone with confidence and determination, full of enthusiasm for solving the case.
Shi Feiyang looked at Yili, his eyes filled with affection, nodding, "Alright, having you by my side gives me peace of mind, but the investigation might be dangerous, so be careful."
Qi Meizhen quickly added, "I want to go too! I don’t want to stay at home worrying. With my martial skills, I can help too." She patted the Miao Saber at her waist, looking eager.
Shi Feiyang smiled, looking at Qi Meizhen, and said, "Alright, the two of you will come with me tomorrow. However, we must remain vigilant at all times, never letting our guard down."
Bai Zhi listened quietly, eyes full of worry, her hands unconsciously gripping the edge of her clothes.
After hesitating for a moment, she gently spoke, her voice trembling slightly, "With the case being so complex, wouldn’t it be dangerous? You must take care of yourself." As she spoke, she slightly raised her head, her eyes intensely fixed on Shi Feiyang, her concern evident.
Shi Feiyang reached out, gently touching Bai Zhi’s head with a soft smile, comforting her, "Don’t worry, I’ll be careful. You stay home and look after the kids."
Bai Zhi slightly bit her lower lip, nodding gently, and said, "Alright, I will. You must be very careful outside, and if you encounter danger, don’t be reckless." Her gaze was full of reluctance and concern, fearing that Shi Feiyang might face any mishaps.
Shi Feiyang looked at Bai Zhi tenderly, softly patting her shoulder again, saying, "I understand, don’t worry. Stay well at home and wait for my return."
Bai Zhi slightly raised the corners of her mouth, showing a smile tinged with worry, and said, "Alright, I’ll wait for you."
Shi Feiyang turned to Gong Simeng, saying seriously, "Si Meng, you stay at home to take care of the children as well. Also, lead some maids and teach Bai Zhi the Jiangnan dialect. In Jiangnan, it’s convenient to learn the local dialect for the future."
Gong Simeng smiled and nodded, "Alright, rest assured. I’ll take good care of the children, and I’ll also teach Bai Zhi to learn the dialect well."
The dinner continued in a warm atmosphere, with Shi Feiyang occasionally serving dishes to the ladies, who in turn asked about the details of the case with concern.
Outside the window, the moonlight was like water, and the autumn night was quiet, while inside the Shi Mansion, a strong familial atmosphere prevailed. At this moment, all the disturbances outside were irrelevant here, only the deep family affection flowed in the air.
Early the next morning, as the sky barely began to lighten, Shi Feiyang hurried to the Confucius Temple Stele Forest.
Here, the Ancient Wood blocked out the sky, with its sturdy branches intertwining like a massive green dome, isolating the noise of the outside world.
