"I arrived at her courtyard just as my uncle sent someone over. I haven't had a chance to ask her yet. What was the reason for San Niang's sudden death?" Song Yuming asked frankly.
Song Yuming's gaze was direct, making Meng Tongpan somewhat hesitant to meet his eyes.
Meng Tongpan felt a surge of anger under Song Yuming's stare. What was this? A mere illegitimate son, unworthy of notice, dared to question him? It was utter insolence.
"She had an accident on the boat. How would I know? The wet nurse who cared for her said it was probably too hot. She was always kept in the inner chambers and was delicate. She couldn't adapt and fell ill with a sudden fever." Meng Tongpan's tone was perfunctory and somewhat impatient.
"Since the cause of death is unclear, why wasn't a coroner called to examine the body?"
"In this heat, the body would have been rotten by the time it returned to Yangzhou. There was no way to wait for a coroner. Alright, everything has been explained. You should return to the capital as soon as possible to avoid worrying your mother. I have matters at the yamen to attend to shortly, so I won't keep you." With that, he stood up and left, showing no regard for them.
"Everyone, please!" the managing wet nurse said with an arrogant tone.
The group exited the main gate, which was then slammed shut with a bang. Yu Mingyue glanced back at the closed door, shook her head, and thought that even the imperial palace wasn't like this.
"Brother Song, it seems there is indeed something suspicious about Meng San Niang's death. That Meng Tongpan is practically begging us to leave Yangzhou immediately."
Du Rui agreed, "Yes, he clearly doesn't want us to investigate. The more he acts like this, the more it seems like he's trying to cover something up."
"My servant is likely in grave danger, otherwise he wouldn't have disappeared by now." Song Yuming looked back at the Meng mansion's plaque. "The death of one Meng San Niang wouldn't make him this nervous. It seems we've come to the right place."
"Let's return to the inn and make plans."
Jiangzhou
Xie Jia'an had just finished discussing matters with several teachers at the academy. In less than a year, the academy had been put on the right track.
The Cui family's extensive collection of books was housed in the Jiangzhou Academy, available for all students to borrow and copy. With renowned teachers, students from all over traveled great distances to attend.
To encourage literacy among the populace, the imperial court had also implemented a series of tax exemptions. If even one person in a family achieved official status, it was considered a great fortune for the entire household. Those who found life unbearable would send their children to study.
Even if they couldn't attain official rank, knowing a few characters would allow them to manage a shop, which was better than toiling in the fields.
"Young Master, Hua Louzhu has returned," Liao Kong reported.
Whenever Hua Zhaofei arrived, it was always for important matters. Xie Jia'an, having just concluded his discussions, returned to his dormitory at the academy.
"That young lady from the Yu family really goes wherever there's excitement," Hua Zhaofei said, fanning himself.
"What happened?" Xie Jia'an already knew about the events in Rong County. Had she taken on another dangerous case?
"She's in Yangzhou right now." Yangzhou was a beautiful place, but also a dangerous one.
"Investigating the漕帮 (Cao Bang) case?"
"Three years as a知府 (Zhifu) yields a hundred thousand taels of silver." Moreover, in a prosperous place like Yangzhou, the entire漕运码头 (transportation docks) were now under the control of the Cheng family.
"The son of Qianniuwei Song Wei got married last month. The bride died on the way. She was investigating this case with Song Wei's son. The bride's surname was Meng, the illegitimate daughter of Meng Tongpan."
A group of reckless youngsters who loved to champion justice. With them on the case, it would only escalate.
"How did the bride die?"
"How would I know how she died? I'm not a god. Since you're so worried, why don't you go yourself?"
"..."
Xie Jia'an was silent for a moment, then went into the inner room to pack his clothes.
Hua Zhaofei laughed heartily, "Why aren't you pretending this time?"
Xie Jia'an ignored him, focusing on packing. He had almost lost his life in Rong County last time. If this case involved the漕运 (transportation), it would be even more dangerous than Rong County. At least then, they were closer to the capital and could dispatch troops in time. This time, they were thousands of miles away. Her courage was indeed growing.
"However, don't worry too much. I think the little girl is very clever, and that Young Master Song is also accomplished in both literary and martial arts. He saved her in Rong County last time. With him as her protector, you don't need to be so anxious..."
Xie Jia'an took a step, and Hua Zhaofei followed, his words not of comfort but of deliberate provocation.
Xie Jia'an flicked the clothes in his hand, almost hitting Hua Zhaofei in the face. Hua Zhaofei touched his face with satisfaction and continued.
Although Jiangzhou was not far from Yangzhou, it would still take several days. The academy was now on track, and he was no longer essential.
Seeing Hua Zhaofei follow him onto the boat, Xie Jia'an finally said, "Weren't you unwilling to go?"
"I'm idle anyway, so I might as well accompany you. Don't worry, I won't compete with you." Hua Zhaofei rarely saw Xie Jia'an flustered and had no intention of letting him off the hook.
Meanwhile, after Yu Mingyue and her group were expelled from the Meng Tongpan's residence, it became difficult to re-enter.
"That Meng mansion is large, but it's not impossible to get in," Yu Mingyue said.
"Does the Young Master have a plan?" Du Wei asked.
Yu Mingyue nodded. "I observed the terrain the entire way. This is the map I drew. Fang Yiniang's courtyard is in the northwest corner. We can enter from here." Yu Mingyue pointed to a spot on the map.
"I had almost forgotten, your Yu family members are naturally sensitive to directions." Song Yuming recalled that in Youzhou, it was Yu Mingjing who found the missing Crown Prince.
"Li Fu found out that Meng San Niang had a personal maid named Xiu He, who was reportedly sold off due to a mistake. If we can find that maid, it might provide another clue."
"Alright, then let's split up. I'll go see Fang Yiniang, and you and Lord Du can inquire with some of the matchmakers in Yangzhou." Song Yuming said.
Li Fu, with his many friends, managed to get acquainted with a constable named Yang, who was well-known locally. With his help, they soon got some news.
"Well, I do have some impression, but as you know, in our line of work, too many people pass through our hands. I don't know..." The matchmaker had a thin mustache, narrow eyes, and a cackling voice, giving him a sinister appearance.
Li Fu directly handed him some silver. "Do you remember now?"
The man grinned slyly. "I do remember. That girl, I don't know what mistake she made. She was supposed to be sold out of town. She knelt and begged me, saying she had an elderly mother at home and couldn't travel far. She begged me to sell her closer. I was kind-hearted, so I agreed. But then she got a scar on her face. No respectable family in Yangzhou would want her. I had to feed her for seven or eight days for free. Later, the manager of Chunfeng Tower took her to be a kitchen maid."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely, I'm sure."
Li Fu immediately knew that Chunfeng Tower was not a good place and hesitated. "Perhaps the young lady should return to the inn and wait for news. I'll go and inquire."
"That maidservant disfigured herself. She must know something. To be safe, I'll go myself."