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The two returned to the residence, and Luo Zuo glanced at the strange fish in the basin, scratching his head in confusion. "What kind of fish is this? I've roamed the rivers and lakes for many years and have never seen it before."
"This fish is called Red Golden Dragon, a royal ornamental species. Not to mention ordinary folks, even high-ranking officials rarely get to see it. I only had the fortune to see it once at the Prince's place. One must wonder how such a precious species ended up in the drainage ditch. Head Constable Luo should take the fish to the backyard pond to find out."
Luo Zuo carried the copper basin to the Marquis Residence's backyard pond, where he indeed spotted several plump Red Golden Dragon swimming in the water.
His eyes widened in surprise as he hurried back. Yu Yan chuckled, "I've visited all the noble residences in Yanzhou City, and none of them have Red Golden Dragon except for this Marquis Residence. How could the fish from the Marquis Residence pond end up outside?"
"Could it be that there’s a waterway leading from the pond to outside?"
"Actually, that's not unusual. Normally, servants would regularly drain the pond water into the sewage ditch, using it to wash away the filth at the bottom of the ditch, which eventually flows into the city moat. However, this fish was found in Clear Water Canal, not far from the Marquis Residence, indicating that there must be a direct waterway connecting the Marquis Residence's pond to Clear Water Canal..."
"I'll go find the construction supervisor of the Marquis Residence!"
"No need... That person is already dead..." Yu Yan said as he pulled out a construction roster from his sleeve and handed it to Luo Zuo. Luo Zuo opened it to find Xue Cen's name prominently listed under the supervisor.
Yu Yan continued, "Initially, we focused solely on the footprints found in Duke's room but overlooked an important detail. The Yuchang Sword is an extraordinary treasure, one of a kind in the world. Qin Ping is a martial artist who surely treasures it dearly; he didn’t hide it in his bedroom but rather in the western courtyard. Isn’t that peculiar? We should discover the waterway of Red Golden Dragon; there must be something valuable!"
Yu Yan and Luo Zuo gathered a dozen skilled aquatic soldiers and arrived at the riverbank. Yu Yan looked firmly at the soldiers and commanded loudly, "All soldiers listen up! After entering the water, spread out every fifty meters and search upstream for any openings. Those who find an entrance will be heavily rewarded!" The soldiers responded in unison and jumped into the water. About an hour later, one soldier emerged from beneath and reported that he had found a loose stone on the riverbed; upon pushing it aside, there was indeed an opening.
Luo Zuo took a deep breath and followed this soldier to the entrance. The opening was small, just enough for one person to pass through. After catching his breath, Luo Zuo swam inside.
The cave was pitch dark; he couldn't see his hand in front of his face. Fortunately, it wasn't winding or complicated. Using his keen sense of touch and direction, Luo Zuo swam straight ahead until he reached dry land. He lit a firestarter and followed this dark passageway upward for about two miles before reaching a dead end.
Luo Zuo, feeling helpless, climbed up from the waterway and reported what he had seen to Yu Yan.
Yu Yan furrowed his brows as he listened to Luo Zuo's report, then smiled and nodded, a glimmer of light flashing in his eyes.
The group returned to the Marquis Residence, arriving at the place where Qin Ping had been killed. Yu Yan carefully stepped on the footprints on the ground, his gaze focused. However, the footprints only wandered in the middle of the room, with nothing else around.
Yu Yan instructed the soldiers to thoroughly examine every item in the room. The soldiers searched diligently but found nothing.
Tonight marked the seventh day since Qin Ping's death. Lin Quan and several officials gathered at the mourning hall to pay their respects to the deceased. The atmosphere in the hall was solemn and dignified, with flickering candlelight and curling incense smoke.
Afterward, Lin Quan publicly bowed to Yu Yan, clasping his hands together and slightly bending at the waist. "Please, master Yu, return the Yuchang Sword. This item was my adoptive father's most cherished possession during his lifetime and should rightfully be buried with him. Tomorrow, after I have cremated my adoptive father's body and returned his ashes to Luoyang for burial, I hope you can understand a son's feelings."
Yu Yan frowned in silence, his hands clasped behind his back. In his heart, he thought: All of Qin Ping's offspring have died in battle; it is reasonable for Lin Quan, as his adopted son, to request the sword. If I return it to him, this case may never see resolution; if I do not return it, it would go against human decency...
Seeing Yu Yan hesitate, Lin Quan stepped forward again, hands clasped in front of him, earnestly suggesting, "In recent days, master Yu has worked tirelessly over my adoptive father's death. I am truly grateful and only wish to repay your kindness in the future. Once I have buried my adoptive father's remains, I will definitely return to assist you in finding the true culprit. I want to personally tear him apart!"
As Lin Quan spoke passionately, his emotions intensified; his eyes widened as he inspired those around him to echo his sentiments.
Another brave official stepped forward and bowed deeply while saying, "This case has been delayed for too long. Each of us has urgent matters to attend to and must hurry back to our posts to prevent further troubles. Moreover, everyone present is an old acquaintance of the Duke; it is only right that we pay our respects during this time of mourning. We wish to return during tomorrow's funeral."
Yu Yan showed signs of difficulty as he pondered this dilemma when a messenger from the Crown Prince arrived outside the Marquis Residence. The messenger raised a token high and strode into the mourning hall. Upon seeing this, all officials knelt in reverence.
Clearing his throat, the messenger proclaimed loudly, "The Crown Prince's decree! Marquis of Resolute Valo has served our nation well but has met an untimely demise; this pains me deeply. This matter concerns the state’s integrity; therefore, I order Yanzhou Prefect Yu Yan to thoroughly investigate this case. All officials involved shall be under his jurisdiction."
After Messenger left, the faces of the assembled nobles turned ashen. The earlier discussion about escorting the coffin out of the city was now a topic no one dared to bring up.
Yu Yan smiled slightly, addressing the crowd, "Filial piety is paramount. With general Lin's sincere heart, how could this manor let him down? You all should return to your rooms and rest. As for the funeral arrangements for the Duke, this manor will make its own decisions."
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