C14 The Identity of the Deceased

Behind the massive rock loomed a towering mountain, once lush with vegetation, now only barren branches clung to its surface, encircling it protectively. Tang Wan'er glanced at the rock covered with maidenhair ferns and walked directly behind it. Her slender fingers traced the mountain's surface, about to tap the rock when a sudden noise came from behind.

"Who's there?"

Zhang Baigui drew his sword, only to see a large gopher scurry away in panic. As he cautiously scanned the surroundings, he said to Tang Wan'er, "Miss Tang, we should leave quickly. It's so dark, we can't see anything clearly."

Tang Wan'er looked at the rock and nodded. "You're right. Let's head back to the office and come back tomorrow."

They borrowed a donkey cart from the village and slowly made their way to the office.

After they left, a shadow emerged from behind the rock, stepping on the blood-stained maidenhair ferns, crushing them underfoot. The wind carried the crushed remnants away with a mournful howl.

The night was still the same, yet somehow different.

In the heart of Zhongshan County, the office entrance was unusually lively. The main gate was wide open, and a woman knelt in the center, sobbing uncontrollably. Surrounding her were dozens of empty bottles. She cried and drank wildly, her tears ruining her once-perfect makeup, leaving her looking disheveled and helpless. A crowd of onlookers gathered around, while Tang Zhong and the yamen runners stood awkwardly at the front, trying to calm the situation, but their efforts were in vain. The crowd continued to clamor for answers from the authorities.

Wan'er had just stepped out of the car when she heard a woman lamenting over her daughter's tragic death. She glanced thoughtfully at the woman, recognizing her as the victim's family.

"Dad." The moment Tang Zhong saw Wan'er, he rushed over like he'd found a lifeline, hugging her tightly. "Sweetheart, you're finally back."

Wan'er looked at the woman and pondered, "Has the victim's identity been confirmed?"

"Yes, the victim is the daughter of the tavern owner down the street, named Jasmine," Tang Zhong pointed to the woman who was crying her heart out. "That's Jasmine's mother."

"Oh, dear! My Jasmine died so tragically! You must catch the killer for us!" The woman cried until her voice was hoarse.

Wan'er walked over and crouched in front of the woman, asking gently, "Ma'am, if I may ask, how did you identify the victim as your daughter?"

"She's my Jasmine. Jasmine has a birthmark on her left shoulder," the woman sobbed, taking a swig from a bottle.

Wan'er helped her up, gently taking the bottle from her hands. "Ma'am, please hold off on the drinking. I have a few more questions about Jasmine."

Unfortunately, the woman was too drunk to stand on her own, and Wan'er couldn't support her by herself.

"Hey, give us a hand here!" The folks at the office helped the woman into the back room.

"Daughter, what's going on?" Tang Zhong looked at Tang Wan'er, puzzled. He was eager to see this guest leave, yet his daughter was inviting her in. How was this going to work out?

"Father, come along!" Tang Wan'er followed them inside.

Seeing this, Tang Zhong dispersed the onlookers, closed the main door, and quickly followed.

The office's back garden had five rooms. To cut costs, Tang Zhong lived there, using one room as an office and another as a kitchen. The rest were just enough for the two of them and a servant.