Tomas Chapter 22 (1/2)

Chapter 22 Wind Crane: Leads

A group of servants crowded around the front door of Moonglade, all clad in the different uniforms of their households. They demanded to know a date for the reopening of the parlour, and insisted on being given an explanation for the delay in the investigation. Although they were mere servants, they represented the will of their masters, and the owner had to take care not to offend them. He smiled apologetically at each of them, rea.s.suring them that the investigation was “well under way” and to remind their masters to be patient with Moonglade.

Constable Zheng glanced at the crowd cl.u.s.tering at the door and shook his head. “Moonglade has only been closed for a couple of days, and the young masters are already impatient to come back to all the girls and artists they admire. Especially Miss Linglong – the young masters adore her most of all.”

Showing their badges at the side door, they were led inside by a manager, who quickly sent word to the owner as well. Following the manager, they wound through the long corridors, heading straight for the crime scene. As they rounded a corner, a couple appeared in the pa.s.sageway in front of them. It was the famous zither artiste Linglong, accompanied by the Third Master of Chang’an Gan Qingjia. The two quickly stopped their conversation and stopped in their tracks, standing close together.

Constable Zheng furrowed his eyebrows. “What is the meaning of this? Didn’t the Administrator give the order to close off Moonglade from any guests? This could contaminate the crime scene.”

“I am a personal friend of Linglong, not a guest of Moonglade today. I’m sure inviting a friend for tea isn’t prohibited by the Administrator?” Gan Qingjia spoke up, undaunted by the Constable’s unfriendly att.i.tude.

Constable Zheng looked at him, disdain apparent in his eyes. Although Gan Qingjia is one of the Four Masters, the t.i.tle was not given because of his ability, but because of his birth status and attractive looks. He was known for being ignorant and playful, to the point where not even his father, the Left Minister, could control him. “Regardless, you are neither from Moonglade nor part of the yamen…”

Before the constable could continue, Linglong spoke up in defence of Gan Qingjia. “Oh? What about Miss Feng behind you, Constable Zheng? She isn’t part of Moonglade, nor is she from the yamen as far as I know. Wouldn’t it disrupt the investigation further if she went to the crime scene?”

The owner arrived right then, and upon hearing Linglong’s words quickly interjected and waved his hand at the constable. “I apologise for her lack of manners, Constable. Please forgive her rude rebuke.”

Gan Qingjia glanced bemusedly at the constable, who looked upset as expected. Feng Luodi smiled at Linglong and took out the badge she was given. “Seems like Miss Linglong is mistaken. I have been approved to join the investigation, by the Administrator himself.” She ignored the look of surprise that crossed Linglong’s face and continued. “Time is tight, and we need to process the clues left behind at the crime scene. If you will excuse us.” She stretched out her hand, motioning for the Constable to walk ahead.

Constable Zheng’s expression softened somewhat and walked behind the owner of Moonglade, who shot a warning look at Linglong before he left. As Feng Luodi followed, Gan Qingjia laughed lightly. “It’s just as Moyin said. Miss Feng, you are a very interesting girl.”

Upon hearing that, Feng Luodi stopped and motioned Constable Zheng to carry on in front. Then, she turned to look closely at Gan Qingjia. An intricate jade crown sat on his head. His tunic was an ashen grey, embroidered with depictions of animals and plants, his collar upright and gilded. Coupled with his attractive looks and the beauty Linglong beside him, the two of them looked like a match made in heaven.

“I’d wanted to thank Master Jiang for his a.s.sistance that day, but I haven’t had the chance to meet him after that incident.” Feng Luodi curtsied.

Gan Qingjia raised an eyebrow. “Oh? If that’s the case, why don’t you bring a gift to his household as thanks? You’ll be able to meet him then.”

“That’s a great idea, Master Gan.” Feng Luodi smiled at him. “If there isn’t anything else, I have to go. I promised the Administrator my help in the investigation, and it won’t look good if I spend all my time chatting here.” She turned to leave, and had barely taken a few steps before she was called again.

“Miss Feng.” Linglong smiled. “Seeing how you’re willing to personally partic.i.p.ate in the investigation, you must be quite interested in Wind Crane. As a token of appreciation for your efforts, I’ll lend the Guqin to you for a couple of days, if you’re interested. What do you say to that?”

Feng Luodi looked at her carefully, and took a moment before she replied. “Then, I’d best find Wind Crane quickly. Thank you again, Miss Linglong.” She nodded at Gan Qingjia and quickly followed in the direction the constable had left.

When they were out of earshot, Scarlet lowered her voice and said, “Young miss, I feel like Linglong is always up to something. I can never decipher the meaning behind her smile.” Feng Luodi smiled. Scarlet was young, but she was intelligent and sensitive to the intentions of others. “I’m afraid you’re probably right, Scarlet.”

They quickly approached the crime scene, and Feng Luodi stopped Scarlet from entering the room. “Stay here and wait for me, it wouldn’t do you any good to see what’s inside. I don’t want you getting any nightmares from this.” Scarlet nodded obediently and sat down by the bannister in the corridor.

When Feng Luodi entered the room, Constable Zheng had already examined the scene. Feng Luodi looked around the room, specifically at the bloodstains on the floor. She furrowed her brows.

“Constable, is this really the room that the two bodies were found?”

“Yes, it is, no doubt about that. The bodies were discovered when another handmaiden came to retrieve a zither the next morning. Why? Is anything wrong?”