Returning to the Kaifeng Prefecture and explaining the situation, even Tu Yao found it tricky.
He tapped the table with his fingers repeatedly and shook his head, saying, “Still lack of evidence.”
Let alone the weapon is only suspected now; even if it were confirmed to be a laundry bat, what then?
As Ma Bing pointed out, every household has them. Wang He had been dead for at least a month, so even if there were bloodstains, they would have been cleaned long ago.
Or it might have been broken or damaged and replaced with a new one. Would they keep the old one?
Burned it long ago!
Even if such an item is durable, its lifespan is still limited. They could simply claim it was worn out and replaced—what could you do?
Without physical evidence or witnesses, and even the coroner unable to find new clues from the skeleton…
Objectively speaking, to deduce this much from just a skeleton, anyone would have to say “impressive.”
Tu Yao circled the file, saying, “First, send someone to watch there for a couple of days and wait for developments. We’ll deal with the rest later.”
If the murderer was indeed one or several among Wang He’s family and neighbors, the sudden visits from the yamen for two days might already have unsettled the more timid ones.
Once people panic, they tend to reveal clues.
Xie Yu nodded, “Yes.”
At present, besides waiting calmly, there seems to be no better approach.
If the people of Baishizhen never reveal any clues, this case might become a cold case.
Tu Yao looked at Xie Yu, “Take it easy. Human effort has its limits. Do your best and leave the rest to fate.”
At first glance, this might not sound like something a Prefect should say, but it’s the truth.
No matter how hard people try, if fate doesn’t cooperate, nothing can be done.
With many years of official service, Tu Yao had handled countless cases, including many cold cases, so he was already accustomed to this.
In contrast, for Xie Yu, this should be the first case he’s encountered since joining the Kaifeng Prefecture that might become a cold case. It’s understandable that he would struggle to accept it.
When first entering the world, people are always full of confidence, thinking there’s nothing they can’t do.
But the longer you live, the more you realize there are many things you can’t reach even with your utmost effort.
However, Xie Yu was thinking about something else.
“Sir,” he asked, “if this case is solved and the murderer is indeed Wang He’s family or neighbors, how will they be sentenced?”
Tu Yao looked at him with some surprise and suddenly smiled, “Indeed, you’ve grown.”
The previous Xie Yu only focused on arresting people and solving cases, conscientiously fulfilling his duties, never inquiring about sentencing after solving a case.
Efficient, calm, rational, and fair, he could handle any case impartially, without any personal bias or favoritism.
To outsiders, he even seemed somewhat cold.
Of course, he was not wrong.
Not only was he not wrong, but he was almost perfect.
But precisely because he was too perfect in his work, he seemed less like a living person.
Now, Xie Yu had started proactively asking about the handling methods, which showed that his focus had expanded from merely serving the court and upholding the law to caring about the people.
Seemingly a small change, it was actually a significant difference, akin to the difference between an executor and a policymaker.
This proved that this young man, still seen as a child by his elders, was indeed ready to transform into an adult.
Tu Yao countered, “What does the law say?”
Xie Yu was already thoroughly familiar with the Great Lu laws and answered without hesitation, “If parents kill their child, they will be imprisoned for eight years or exiled for five hundred miles. If there are mitigating circumstances or if they are over sixty years old, the punishment will be reduced by one degree. For others, killing requires a life for a life, no different from a living person. If there are mitigating circumstances, the punishment can be reduced accordingly.”
According to the law, as long as someone kills another person, no matter the reason, they cannot be acquitted.
Unless…
“Unless there is a general amnesty,” Tu Yao extended two fingers, “or the victim was indeed a heinous criminal, and the murderer acted in self-defense or to save others, with sufficient guarantors.”
The requirements for the latter are extremely strict. Not only must the Emperor personally approve, but it is also difficult for ordinary murderers to find enough witnesses and guarantors.
In short, if the murderer and accomplices in Wang He’s death surrender themselves now, at least they can have their sentences reduced given the current public opinion.
But unless the parents were the ones who did it, they would still have to serve time in prison.
So from their perspective, keeping their mouths shut is the best outcome:
A worthless scoundrel is dead, no one is punished, and everyone is happy.
On the other hand, the case was at an impasse, and Ma Bing temporarily had nothing else to do, so she returned to the herb garden to sort the medicinal herbs.
In the middle, Wang Heng came to call her to roll some pills and asked about the case. After hearing about it, he also shook his head, “With just a few bones, it’s hard to imagine how far you’ve come.”
The pills needed to be first boiled into a paste, then rolled into small balls when slightly cooled but not completely solidified. Then they were wrapped in cut oil paper or wax for later use.
Ma Bing was quick and efficient, soon rolling a pile. Wang Heng scolded the two young apprentices, “Look at her. Look at you two, didn’t you eat today?”
The two apprentices, who had already been promoted, dared not be angry or speak, only putting in more effort.
What’s the big deal about rolling pills quickly or slowly anyway?
The master is just too competitive, always wanting to compare with others…
When there wasn’t much left, Wang Heng no longer needed Ma Bing’s help. He himself didn’t get involved either, just staring at the two apprentices, making them feel a chill down their spines.
The ointment was greasy, so Ma Bing and Wang Heng sat on stools by the well, fetching water bucket after bucket, repeatedly washing their hands and rubbing scented soap.
“Not to say something rude,” Ma Bing sighed, “but I actually hope this case is never solved.”
In principle, a healer should treat all lives equally, but everyone has their own preferences.
She could understand Xie Yu’s position and thoughts, but personally…
Well, anyway, she was just a biased person.
Wang Heng laughed, “Not such rude words, though a bit too much hatred for evil.”
“What a strong mint smell,” just then, Madam Zhao came in from outside. Seeing the courtyard full of large round trays holding pills, she couldn’t help but laugh, “Seems I came at a bad time, disturbing your important work.”
“We’ve already finished.” Wang Heng shot a glance at the two apprentices, his whole body screaming “disappointing.”
The two apprentices were on the verge of tears.
Ma Bing quickly washed her hands, first running into the house to get a cushion, then inviting Madam Zhao to sit at the stone table under the grape trellis, and went to brew a pot of honeysuckle tea.
“Don’t be busy, you’ve been tired these days,” Madam Zhao held her hand, “Look, your chin has become sharp.”
Wang Heng laughed, “This kid is just too diligent.”
She can’t sit still; she always rushes to help whenever anyone needs something, just like a spinning top.
Seeing this, Wang Heng knew they wanted to have a heart-to-heart talk. After a brief exchange of greetings, he took the two apprentices to the other end of the courtyard and started quizzing them with some medical cases.
After some small talk about weight gain and loss, Madam Zhao suddenly asked, “Why haven’t I seen the Yuan family’s little girl around these days?”
Ma Bing’s body stiffened, unsure how to respond.
Seeing her expression, Madam Zhao gently patted her hand, “You girls occasionally have a quarrel, it’s quite common. Don’t take it too much to heart; it’ll be fine in a few days.”
Ma Bing gave a bitter smile, thinking this matter probably wouldn’t be resolved in a few days.
Seeing her silent and her expression changing, Madam Zhao said, “If you two can’t face each other, maybe I can host a gathering, inviting several ladies to come play, and have them bring their daughters along. Once you meet and chat, everything will be fine again.”
She naturally knew that Ma Bing had excellent relationships, or rather, Ma Bing was very good at getting along with people. As long as she wanted to befriend someone, she never failed.
For example, from the guards, gardeners, cooks, to the suppliers at the yamen, everyone spoke highly of her.
Another example, she had even heard that some girls from the Hundred Flowers House were waiting day and night for her to visit…
When Madam Zhao first heard about it, she was both amused and exasperated.
It wasn’t that she deliberately looked down on those courtesans; many were indeed pitiful souls. But was that really a proper place?
How could a decent young lady be so fond of going there?
But the more she did this, the more Madam Zhao felt distressed (distressed means feeling heartache, which can be translated as heartache or compassion).
At such a young age, what kind of experiences must she have gone through to develop such skill in socializing?
Madam Zhao felt the child had a hard life. It was rare for her to have a decent young lady to talk to, and it would be a pity if they drifted apart over a small matter.
Ma Bing sighed, “Madam, you mean well, and I’m truly touched, but this matter is really hard to speak of.”
Even though Madam Zhao was perceptive, she couldn’t imagine Yuan Yuan had such thoughts.
But seeing Ma Bing’s words, she didn’t insist further.
“Alright, I know you have good judgment. Since you say it’s difficult, it must indeed be complicated. It’s better not to meddle carelessly, which might backfire. You two can handle it yourselves.”
Her thoughtfulness and understanding made Ma Bing even more grateful.
“But one thing at a time,” Madam Zhao patted her hand, “you’re always so busy, following the investigation and helping to heal people, you hardly have time to play. You’ve become dull.”
Ma Bing laughed, deliberately rolling her eyes quickly, “Look at what you’re saying, where have I become dull?”
Madam Zhao couldn’t help but laugh, pointing at her, “You’re a grown girl now, acting like such a mischievous monkey.”
They laughed for a while, then Madam Zhao said, “On the sixteenth of this month, a high monk will be giving a lecture at Fuyun Temple. Since we’re bored anyway, let’s go play.”
Fuyun Temple?
Ma Bing was stunned.
Hmm? She was just worried about not having a good reason to go there, and now this good thing came up?!
Seeing her look dazed, Madam Zhao asked, “What’s wrong?”
Ma Bing quickly came to her senses and smiled sincerely, “Nothing, I’ve just never been to a temple before, I’m afraid I might offend something.”
She didn’t believe in gods or Buddhas, or in karma of this life and the next.
If there were really gods and Buddhas, why do good people die young and evil ones live long?
Nonsense about retribution, all fake!
Therefore, Ma Bing had no reverence for monks.
Madam Zhao suddenly lowered her voice, rarely showing a hint of girlish mischief and charm, “Don’t worry about offending. Paying homage to Buddha is just pretense. I don’t really like it either. But the vegetarian meals at Fuyun Temple are excellent, and the scenery is beautiful. We can just go for a walk, and spend a couple of days eating, drinking, and having fun.”
Who among the wives and daughters of officials and nobles doesn’t go to temples to worship and burn incense every few days? But how many of them truly believe?
Buddhism says sincerity is the key. As long as one is sincere, it’s the same whether one is at home or in a monastery. If one truly believes in Buddhism, isn’t setting up a Buddhist altar at home enough for worship? Why bother going out?
It’s just an excuse to relax and have fun!
Ma Bing was stunned again.
Didn’t expect you to be this kind of Madam Zhao.
They looked at each other and burst into laughter.
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