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Lin Mingchang split the team into two groups, pairing up the officers. He took Xiao Zhou with him to investigate all the Funeral Paper Shops in Spring City, while the second group focused on delving into the commonalities among the recent three bizarre suicide cases.
The funeral industry in Spring City had been thriving since the mid-Qing Dynasty, with a total of twenty-seven Funeral Paper Shops currently registered. After two full days of investigation, Lin Mingchang had already eliminated several shops based on their locations, the quality of paper used, and the craftsmanship of the Paper Men.
Rubbing his aching temples, he stared at a list of names before him, realizing that it would likely be another all-nighter. Just then, he suddenly thought of someone who might be able to help.
The next morning, after the rain had cleared, the cobblestone streets of Spring City glistened with freshness. Lin Mingchang entered the Ju Xiang Yuan teahouse, a century-old establishment where the wooden stairs creaked underfoot.
In a corner of the second floor, he found the person he was looking for—a seasoned tea enthusiast. Lin Mingchang knew without guessing that he would certainly find him here. A thin old man dressed in a gray long gown was leisurely savoring his tea. The former Old President of the Spring City Chamber of Commerce had long since retired but still appeared wise and sharp. If anyone wanted to learn about the industry secrets of Spring City, he was like a living map.
Upon seeing Lin Mingchang, the Old President was slightly surprised. He nodded and gestured for Lin Mingchang to sit down, then poured a small cup of spring tea and placed it across from him.
"Officer Lin comes seeking an old man so early in the morning; it must be urgent," he remarked.
Lin Mingchang sat down opposite him and succinctly explained his purpose.
The Old President set down his teacup and slowly began to outline the history of Spring City's Funeral Paper Craft Industry: "The Funeral Paper Craft Industry in Spring City flourished during the Qing Dynasty's Tongzhi Era. If we talk about history, Fu Yuan Zhai and Shou An Fang are the oldest establishments here; both have been around for over a hundred years. Fu Yuan Zhai's techniques were brought from Xiangxi by the Hong Family ancestors, characterized by vivid facial features on their Paper Men and high-quality materials. Shou An Fang is known for its local Wang Family heritage craft, excelling in paper constructions, especially intricately made paper mansions."
He took a sip from his teacup and continued, "Later, in the early years of the Republic, Rui Ji emerged. Its founder, Du Ruisheng, was originally an apprentice at Fu Yuan Zhai but later established his own business and improved many techniques; however, when it comes to craftsmanship finesse, it still doesn't match Fu Yuan Zhai. Recently flourishing is Tian Yuan Zhai; this shop is somewhat unique. The shopkeeper's surname is Mo; he is originally from Jiangnan and reportedly traveled extensively in that region to gather various skills. Their Paper Men have a special method said to incorporate some ancient techniques that can 'guide souls and protect spirits,' which has garnered favor among certain discerning families."
Lin Mingchang produced a Paper Man found at one of the crime scenes for the Old President to examine.
The Old President scrutinized it closely and pinched it between his fingers. "The texture and patterns of this paper, along with its craftsmanship... there are only three shops in Spring City that could produce something like this: Fu Yuan Zhai, Shou An Fang, and Tian Yuan Zhai."
"However..." The Old President paused, frowning deeply as he added, "Ordinary paper effigies are meant for funerals; if they appear in a living person's home, it would be highly inappropriate."
Based on the clues provided by the Old President, Lin Mingchang arranged for undercover officers to visit all three funeral paper shops discreetly to avoid alarming anyone.
The officers first went to Shou An Fang and discovered that the shopkeeper had been bedridden since New Year’s Day. The shop was barely managed by his son and apprentices and had not received any significant orders recently—certainly none involving similar Paper Men. They then visited Tian Yuan Zhai and found that this shop's Paper Men were distinctly different in both form and talismans compared to those involved in the cases.
With these two shops ruled out, Lin Mingchang was now convinced that Fu Yuan Zhai was likely the source of these peculiar Paper Men.
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