nucmednet Chapter 180 Investigation of Zhao Family Village
Chapter 180 Investigation of Zhao Family Village
In the hall, the crowd was in an uproar. Cui Zhihao, his face grim, finally lost his temper, slammed his gavel, and shouted, "Silence!"
The crowd was startled by the sudden noise and immediately fell silent. Cui Zhihao glanced at the people below and said coldly, "There are many suspicious points in this case. I need time to investigate clearly. Guards, take these suspects to the jail temporarily to await their fate."
Miss Shi stood aside, quietly observing everything. She knew that this case was not simple, and that a deeper conspiracy might be hidden behind it.
Cui Zhihao turned his head, looked at Miss Shi, and said, "Miss Shi, pack your things and come with me to Zhao Family Village." Miss Shi nodded, turned around and followed Cui Zhihao out of the main hall.
Shi Wanxia took paper and pen and followed Cui Zhihao to the outside of the yamen, where they boarded a carriage. He remained silent throughout the journey, his brow furrowed. Zhao Family Village was located more than thirty li south of Xinyang Town, a rather long distance.
The carriage bumped and jolted along the rugged mountain road, and Shi Wanxia's mood, like the carriage's swaying, rose and fell. He didn't know what awaited them, and his heart was filled with worry and unease.
Cui Zhihao sat to the side, silently watching Shi Wanxia, his own thoughts racing. He knew this trip would be anything but simple, requiring their full effort.
As the carriage moved forward, the surrounding scenery gradually became desolate. Shi Wanxia looked out the window, silently praying that this trip would go smoothly.
Finally, the carriage stopped at the entrance of Zhao Family Village. Shi Wanxia and Cui Zhihao got off the carriage and looked at the peaceful village in front of them, their hearts filled with emotion.
The village head and elders of Zhao Family Village followed Cui Zhigao and the others anxiously, hurrying towards Zhao Laosan's house. Their hearts were heavy as they journeyed, unsure of Zhao Laosan's condition.
When they arrived at Zhao Laosan's house, they found the room in a mess. Zhao Laosan's father was lying on the bed, pale and weak. The village head and the clan elders quickly gathered around and inquired about his condition with concern.
Cui Zhihao stood aside, carefully observing Zhao Laosan's father's symptoms. He frowned, silently pondering a solution.
After a while, Cui Zhihao spoke up: "Everyone, don't worry, I've already sent someone to fetch a doctor. In the meantime, we should try our best to keep Old Man Zhao quiet and not disturb him too much."
The village head and elders nodded in agreement. They quietly stayed by Zhao Laosan's bedside, not daring to do anything rash.
The villagers of Zhao Family Village, upon hearing that the county magistrate had personally come to the village to investigate a case, all came to watch, each with their own thoughts. Among the crowd were many young women, called over by their families.
Several young women thought the magistrate was an old man in his fifties or sixties, but they never expected him to be such a refined, elegant, and dignified young man.
Many girls were overjoyed. The more reserved ones lowered their heads, blushing shyly, while the bolder ones frequently cast flirtatious glances at the magistrate.
Shi Wanxia looked at the scene before her with amusement. She hadn't expected Cui Zhihao to be so popular. Wasn't it said that women in ancient times were more reserved and demure?
Such a bold display of affection and subtle flirting is truly rare these days!
Out of the corner of his eye, Cui Zhihao noticed that Miss Shi was gloating, her face full of novelty and joy, and he felt a pang of resentment. What kind of time is this girl to still have the leisure to laugh at him? This girl…
Feigning slight anger, Cui Zhihao loudly ordered the constables to disperse the villagers, while he led Miss Shi to Zhao Laosan's room to examine the scene. The room was sparsely furnished, containing only a dilapidated bed and a rickety table. Cui Zhihao carefully examined every corner of the room, hoping to find some useful clues.
Miss Shi watched quietly from the side, a hint of worry in her eyes. She knew this case was not simple, and if the murderer wasn't found soon, many more people might suffer.
Suddenly, Cui Zhihao discovered a black cloth bag under the table. He opened it and found it contained gold and silver jewelry and some loose silver. He was overjoyed; these things were likely left behind by the prisoner.
"Miss Shi, look at these things." Cui Zhihao handed the cloth bag to Miss Shi.
Miss Shi took the cloth bag, examined it carefully, and then said, "These things look very valuable, unlike what a poor man like Zhao Laosan would own. I think these things are very likely left behind by the murderer."
Shi Wanxia also handed Cui Zhihao a medicine packet she had found in her dressing case. Cui Zhihao opened it and saw that it contained some common herbs; he had no idea what they were for.
Cui Zhihao nodded, agreeing with Miss Shi's analysis. He decided to take these items back to the county office and have the coroner examine them carefully to see if they could find any useful clues.
The two wanted to investigate further, but the head constable pushed open the door and entered, bowing respectfully and reporting: "Reporting to Your Excellency, Miss Shi, a murder has occurred at the Zhao residence in the city, and the victim's family has come to the county office to report the case."
Cui Zhihao and Shi Wanxia quickly stood up. How could there be a murder case here? "Someone, return to the city and go to the Zhao residence."
Cui Zhihao handed the cloth bag and medicine packet he received to the head constable, ordering him to send someone back to the county office and hand them over to the coroner for examination.
Cui Zhihao hurriedly led Shi Wanxia onto the carriage and left Zhao Family Village. The village girls looked back at the carriage with reluctance and chattered among themselves as it drove away.
"I never imagined that the legendary magistrate would be so young and handsome!" one of the girls exclaimed, her face beaming as she recalled the magistrate's dashing figure.
"Yes! I wonder if such a handsome magistrate is married."
Shi Wanxia leaned against the carriage and closed her eyes to rest. These days were too exhausting; being an official wasn't easy! After a swaying and rocking ride of almost an hour, they finally arrived at the Zhao residence.
Master Zhao of the Zhao family personally came out to greet them. Cui Zhihao and Miss Shi entered the living room, and Master Zhao had tea served. He then asked, "Master Cui, may I ask what brings you here today?"
Cui Zhihao took a sip of tea and said, "Master Zhao, I have come here to investigate a case." Master Zhao's heart tightened, and he asked, "What case is it?"
Choi Ji-ho said, "Recently, a murder occurred in the city. The victim was a young woman. According to my investigation, this woman had worked as a maid in your household before her death."
Master Zhao's expression changed, and he said, "Lord Cui, what...what does this have to do with my Zhao family?"
Cui Zhihao said, "Master Zhao, please don't be nervous. I just want to understand the situation. As far as I know, this woman had contact with one of your young masters while she was working as a maid in your household."
Master Zhao said, "Lord Cui, this...this is all a misunderstanding. My son and that woman are only master and servant, and he has no other intentions."
Cui Zhihao said, "Master Zhao, I also hope this is just a misunderstanding. However, human life is at stake, and I must investigate thoroughly. I ask for your cooperation." Master Zhao sighed helplessly and said, "Alright, Lord Cui, I will fully cooperate with the investigation."