Chapter 63 – Madame Jiang (1/2)

“It… It was Madame Jiang’s younger brother.” His voice trembled terribly as he said this.

‘Although it was circulated that the Jiang family had moved to the capital two years ago, why was the death of the master of the Jiang family not reported to the yamen? Or is there something fishy going on?’

Ji Yunshu had quite a lot of doubts so she walked forward two steps. As she thought about it, her expression became even more serious than before.

Hence, she asked him, “If that skeleton really was Master Jiang, why didn’t the yamen receive a report of his death? If it is as you said, that the murderer really was Madame Jiang’s younger brother, even if she wholeheartedly protected him and moved to the capital to avoid getting discovered, how could everyone else be so blind to miss a living, breathing human being? Even if they were afraid of being silenced like you said, it’s still… a bit far-fetched to believe!”

The old man felt grieved, for all his words were true!

The old man clenched his fists tightly, and a trace of fear could be felt in his tone. “Teacher Ji, I’m telling the truth. Look, Madame Jiang only found out that Master Jiang had a yin yang body when she married him, so she had always treated him badly. And the Master, he… he didn’t dare to fight back since he was ashamed! Nobody in the manor cared for him and the person in charge of the Jiang family is actually Madame Jiang.”

“What connection does that have to this case?”

“Teacher Ji, I know the Master was murdered because I saw with my own eyes that the Madame’s younger brother got into a disagreement with the Master, and it got physical. I didn’t really pay attention at the time, because it was a common occurrence, so I left.

However, when I went back, I saw him digging a hole to bury the Master’s body. I witnessed the whole process but did not dare to say anything.

After the Master disappeared, nobody reported it because the Madame said that the Master went mad and disappeared somewhere. Thus, we were forbidden from speaking of it.

Not long afterwards, the Madame dismissed a portion of the servants and moved to the capital with her trusted confidantes.”

‘What a fascinating story!’ Ji Yunshu listened attentively.

Her brows perked up. Ji Yunshu spoke, “I have memorised everything you just said.

However, the conclusion will still have to wait until I finish reconstructing the deceased’s appearance. After all, I can’t just determine the identity of the deceased based on your words alone.

Additionally, although you claim to have witnessed the murder, you don’t have any concrete evidence. Even if it was Lord Liu, he can’t arrest someone based on your words alone. You have to know that it all depends on evidence.”

The old man nodded. “I have long heard of Teacher Ji’s case-solving abilities. I believe you will give Master Jiang justice.”

“Rest assured, since this case has landed in my hands, I won’t rest till I find the murderer.” She paused before continuing, “Old man, I know you have certain… considerations. However, this is a case where a life was lost. Hence I hope that after I draw out the deceased’s appearance, and if it turns out to really be Master Jiang, could you perhaps take a trip to the yamen?”

“I-!” He panicked!

‘Who exactly is this Madame Jiang to cause the entire Jiang household to fear her so? In the modern world, she would be beyond the level of a powerful woman, she’d be a beast!’

Ji Yunshu showed her serious face as she continued attempting to persuade him, “Killers must be punished. If you can act as a witness, then it would increase the chances of bringing your Master justice.”

The old man’s expression remained panicked as his eyes darted around back and forth before finally clenching his teeth, “Okay. I’ll do it. I’ll- I’ll stand witness.”

“I believe if Master Jiang was watching, he would be very grateful to you.” She spoke.

The old man nodded, but his body trembled even worse than before.

Ji Yunshu stood rooted to the spot for a while as she thought, ‘If that old man was speaking the truth and the murderer really was the Madame’s younger brother, wouldn’t the case be considered solved once I draw out the portrait? Would it really be this simple?’