aste. With Mu Qingwu’s cautious nature, he’d definitely notice something off. And for the poison to accumulate, it needed to be taken once every two or three days. No matter what, this poisoner had to be someone on intimate terms with the general’s estate. But they’d already investigated and interrogated all the suspects without finding anything.
Did they forget a detail or overlook someone?
To find the enemy within one’s ranks, there were only two methods: one was to continue investigation of the suspects in the General’s estate, the other was to track down those three seldom-seen snake poisons. The latter was the purpose for Han Yunxi’s visit. She took out the list of ingredients and gave them to Mu Qingwu.
“Young General, these are the other three poisons. They’re rarely seen toxins, so you won’t find them in most well-known pharmacies, much less common medicine shops. Perhaps the investigation will go faster with these three snake poisons.”
She’d held them back before, but now she could only give them to Mu Qingwu in light of Gu Beiyue’s absence. At the very least, he’d have more social connections than her and greater chances to find something. Mu Qingwu glanced at the prescription for a long while before raising his head.
His level gaze rested on Han Yunxi as he asked directly, “Qin Wangfei didn’t provide these three snake poisons beforehand because…because you were afraid that father and I would show favoritism, right?”
Such a question caught Han Yunxi unawares. But Mu Qingwu was right, she really did think this way. She and Mu Liuyue had bet on a month’s time that the loser would take off her outer robes and run around Xuanwu Street. The consequences were dire for both her and Mu Liuyue, but this kind of gamble only had a winner and a loser. There was no room for ties, so one of them would definitely lose.
If the investigation was completely in the Great General and Young General’s hands, then father and son were capable of stalling for time until the one month passed. The results would never hurt them or make Mu Liuyue lose. No matter what, she was still General Mu’s daughter. Of course Han Yunxi had to leave something for herself to do, but who knew that Gu Beiyue would be stuck in court?
Since Mu Qingwu asked her directly, there was nothing for Han Yunxi to hide. She laughed without misgivings and said, “Yes!”
And yet, the ever-modest and courteous Mu Qingwu suddenly grew solemn and serious. His clear eyes seemed to press against Han Yunxi as he spoke. “Esteemed wangfei, what kind of man do you consider me, Mu Qingwu, to be?”
This…
Looking at Mu Qingwu’s stubborn righteousness, Han Yunxi suddenly felt that she’d been treating a man of noble character with unwarranted caution. Despite this, she still felt that it was right to protect herself.
“Young General, supposing your little sister lost, would you really remain impartial enough to let her run around without her robes outside? Han Yunxi asked.
Mu Qingwu didn’t hesitate at all. “I would!” he replied.
Han Yunxi’s heart gave a small start. She didn’t want to believe it, but Mu Qingwu’s clear, shining eyes made it impossible for her to question him.
“Father and I tried to persuade her a few days ago to admit her loss and forget about this bet. But that girl won’t shed tears until she sees the coffin[3],” Mu Qingwu said mildly.
“So…you want to persuade me instead?” Han Yunxi knitted her brows.
“No, everyone has to take responsibility for their own decisions. Esteemed wangfei, this is a bet between you and Mu Liuyue, while this humble official and you are only working on the investigation. Please set your heart at ease, esteemed wangfei, because I will cooperate completely,” Mu Qingwu said earnestly.
Looking at Mu Qingwu, Han Yunxi could only feel like sighing with emotion. No wonder he’d been able to command so many troops at such a young age. He was born from a distinguished noble family but filled with principles as a seldom seen open, upright young man. How many existed like him amongst Tianning’s civil and military circles? Han Yunxi knew she could set aside a hundred cares now.
“Young General, I’ll believe in you. First find someone to track down these three snake poisons. Actually, as I see it, anyone close to you should be investigated regardless of their positions, including your own relatives,” Han Yunxi said seriously.
Hearing this, Mu Qingwu was astonished. “Relatives?”
“Yes, Young General. We’ve overlooked a critical detail. The poisoner could use the hands of others to do the deed, but the person being used might still be clueless up to this day!” Han Yunxi put it plainly.
-o-
[1] sycee (元宝) – yuanbao, a type of ingot currency used in ancient China from the Qin to Qing Dynasties. Has a very unique shape.
[2] Wang Xiaosi (王小四) – literally ‘little fourth Wang.’
[3] won’t shed tears until she sees the coffin (不见棺材不掉泪) – bujian guancai bu diaolei, a saying for someone stubborn until the grave.
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