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Chapter 425 - Arresting Yun Tongyang and Li Mingzhou
Chapter 425 – Arresting Yun Tongyang and Li Mingzhou
What? Yun Tongyang could not help but smirk at Li Mingzhou’s remark, “Fifth Brother, I’m doing this for both our sakes!” How magnanimous!
Li Mingzhou was close to breaking point. “You go on and on about how you’re doing this for me, so why did you kill him? Ah Yuan’s my younger brother, if you kill him, you kill me as well.” He had already known that Yun Tongyang was the killer, and had therefore asked Ji Yunshu to halt her investigation.
Yun Tongyang explained, “If I hadn’t killed Ah Yuan, he would have spilled everything about what happened in the past. If the yamen were to find out, neither of us could live!”
“But Ah Yuan’s my younger brother, you know how much he means to me.”
“So what if I did? I can’t let him destroy you or me – the yamen knows he’s been in contact with the murderer. What if through their interrogation, they ask about what happened to our Liu Sect all those years back? I can’t risk the smallest chance of that happening.” He spoke sternly, yet calmly.
Li Mingzhou clenched his fists and teeth as he spat, “Big Brother, Ah Yuan has already gone insane. He wouldn’t speak of the past, and even so, what if he did? Would anyone believe what a mad man said?”
“Whether they believe him or not, none of our pasts must be revealed. When the Liu Sect broke up, I established Longyang Escort Agency in Yuzhou City, slowly climbing my way up to where I am today, delivering tributes for the Imperial government. Hence, I can’t risk it – Ah Yuan had to die.”
“You…”
“Fifth Brother, why don’t you think about your wife and daughter first? If Ah Yuan spilled our secrets, how would your family live? Have you ever considered this? Could you bear to watch them suffer?” Yun Tongyang put down the two metal spheres in his hand and walked over. “Only with Ah Yuan dead can your family continue living in Yuzhou City. I’m doing you a favour!”
Saint! What a saint! Li Mingzhou stumbled, as if swayed by his argument as he weighed up his words. On one hand, Yun Tongyang wasn’t entirely wrong, but on the other hand, Li Yuan was his biological younger brother!
Yun Tongyang took the opportunity to persuade him further, “Only the two of us remain. You know it best; the two of us have had the best relationship these past twenty years. With Ah Yuan dead, everything in the past is truly and finally over. Nobody would know what happened back then, and we don’t have to live in constant fear anymore.”
Li Mingzhou fell silent for a very long time. He finally made up his mind, all tension seeping out from his body as he sighed. “With Ah Yuan dead, the yamen would step in and investigate – they’ll get to us sooner or later!” He panicked!
Yun Tongyang patted his arm comfortingly, “Don’t worry, I’ve already made plans beforehand. All we need is a scapegoat.”
“What do you mean?”
“Isn’t the purpose of the yamen’s investigation to find the killer? If we offer them the murderer, the yamen wouldn’t have to worry, and we could also live our lives in peace – it’s a win-win situation!”
“Can it be done?”
“Ah Yuan’s your brother – as long as you accept the case’s conclusion, no-one else will care. Plus, I’m sure the yamen’s happy to rid themselves of the trouble.”
Li Mingzhou’s unease disappeared as he was finally convinced by Yun Tongyang. He pulled him to sit down, then poured a cup of tea and pushed it towards Li Mingzhou. “Here, have a sip of tea first. We’ll talk about the rest later.”
Li Mingzhou did not think twice as he heaved a huge sigh, picking up the teacup but placing it down again. Yun Tongyang’s gaze darkened with that, his fists balling up even tighter.
Li Mingzhou questioned seriously, “Big Brother, tell me the truth. Are you responsible for Wu Lei’s, Liu Shuzhun’s and Chang Shiliang’s deaths? Did you kill them?”
“Why ask?”
“If Ah Yuan’s not the culprit, then who is?” He was obviously suspicious of Yun Tongyang.
Yun Tongyang’s brows furrowed as he replied with utmost sincerity, “I killed Ah Yuan because the yamen wanted to interrogate him, so I did what I did to prevent any secrets from leaking, but I didn’t need to kill Wu Lei and the others.”
“Then who’s the murderer?”
“I’m not clear myself!” Yun Tongyang was indeed puzzled! Theoretically, there was sufficient motive for him to kill Wu Lei and the rest to cover up what happened all those years back, but it really was not him. Moreover, “I wasn’t even in Yuzhou City when Shiliang died, so how could I kill him?” He spoke honestly!
Li Mingzhou muttered to himself as he contemplated, “Then, were they really killed by vengeful spirits?” He looked up, “Big Brother, unless…”
Yun Tongyang interrupted him before he could finish, “Don’t think too much about it. There’s no such thing as ghosts and spirits in this world, nor is it whatever else you’re imagining. Maybe Wu Lei and the other three offended someone and brought this upon themselves.”
Li Mingzhou nodded! The two of them sat in utter silence before Yun Tongyang pushed the teacup towards Li Mingzhou again. “Drink some tea first while you take it all in, then quickly return to your estate. Make sure nobody sees you.”
“Mm!” Li Mingzhou nodded, picked up the teacup and downed it in one shot.
Yun Tongyang patted his back warmly, “That’s it, now go home.” Li Mingzhou obliged, releasing a sigh as he stood up, but making no further remark despite his slight uneasiness. Just as he pushed open the doors, burning torches illuminated their figures from the outside, giving them an orange twinge. The entire yard, including the surrounding rooftops were packed; they were surrounded from all four sides! Fang Mingsan and Constable Zhang stood in the middle of the yard with their men around them.
Yun Tongyang and Li Mingzhou belatedly realised what was happening, and the two brothers stood planted to the spot!
……
“Capture them!” Fang Mingsan ordered.
…
The yamen backyard.
Ever since her return from the Li Estate, Ji Yunshu kept herself busy inside the room filled with case files and scrolls. She found a twenty-year old case scroll and began to peruse it; time passed quickly while she read, and two hours were gone in a blink. Mo Ruo and Jing Rong sat amicably outside waiting, having a leisurely pot of tea!
Mo Ruo filled one of the teacups to the brim with hot tea, pouring it out into another cup. He repeated this over and over, until the hot tea finally cooled down. He spoke, “Do you think Teacher Ji really knows who the murderer is?”
Jing Rong thought for a moment. “Probably.”
“Probably? It’s going to be daybreak in another four hours – then, the five-day limit would be up. Whether she cracks the case or not, we’ll all be leaving. We can’t delay our journey to Yufu County any longer, and the same can be said for the investigation of the missing relief funds.”
Jing Rong shot him a hateful glance, “You also know that we couldn’t afford any further delay? So who was the one who convinced me to let her stay?” It was you, Mo Ruo! You dirty fellow!
Mo Ruo stopped short in his tracks and waved him away, “Forget it, pretend I didn’t say anything.” He poured the cooled tea out once more, then back again, before peeking into the room. He could not contain himself as he questioned again, “Do you think she can crack the case by dawn? There are heaps of evidence, but none of them point towards the killer! Also, what did Madam Li tell Teacher Ji? Are you not the least bit curious?”
“Of course I am!”
“Then let’s go and ask her?”
“And then?”
“And then… nothing.”
“So what’s there to know?”
Ugh! This logic… cat’s got his tongue! Mo Ruo was speechless. Fine, we’ll just sit here quietly.
Just then, Shi Ziran entered from the front yard, “Your Highness, Master Mo, the killer’s been apprehended.” He could not hide his excitement!
…
What? Yun Tongyang could not help but smirk at Li Mingzhou’s remark, “Fifth Brother, I’m doing this for both our sakes!” How magnanimous!
Li Mingzhou was close to breaking point. “You go on and on about how you’re doing this for me, so why did you kill him? Ah Yuan’s my younger brother, if you kill him, you kill me as well.” He had already known that Yun Tongyang was the killer, and had therefore asked Ji Yunshu to halt her investigation.
Yun Tongyang explained, “If I hadn’t killed Ah Yuan, he would have spilled everything about what happened in the past. If the yamen were to find out, neither of us could live!”
“But Ah Yuan’s my younger brother, you know how much he means to me.”
“So what if I did? I can’t let him destroy you or me – the yamen knows he’s been in contact with the murderer. What if through their interrogation, they ask about what happened to our Liu Sect all those years back? I can’t risk the smallest chance of that happening.” He spoke sternly, yet calmly.
Li Mingzhou clenched his fists and teeth as he spat, “Big Brother, Ah Yuan has already gone insane. He wouldn’t speak of the past, and even so, what if he did? Would anyone believe what a mad man said?”
“Whether they believe him or not, none of our pasts must be revealed. When the Liu Sect broke up, I established Longyang Escort Agency in Yuzhou City, slowly climbing my way up to where I am today, delivering tributes for the Imperial government. Hence, I can’t risk it – Ah Yuan had to die.”
“You…”
“Fifth Brother, why don’t you think about your wife and daughter first? If Ah Yuan spilled our secrets, how would your family live? Have you ever considered this? Could you bear to watch them suffer?” Yun Tongyang put down the two metal spheres in his hand and walked over. “Only with Ah Yuan dead can your family continue living in Yuzhou City. I’m doing you a favour!”
Saint! What a saint! Li Mingzhou stumbled, as if swayed by his argument as he weighed up his words. On one hand, Yun Tongyang wasn’t entirely wrong, but on the other hand, Li Yuan was his biological younger brother!
Yun Tongyang took the opportunity to persuade him further, “Only the two of us remain. You know it best; the two of us have had the best relationship these past twenty years. With Ah Yuan dead, everything in the past is truly and finally over. Nobody would know what happened back then, and we don’t have to live in constant fear anymore.”
Li Mingzhou fell silent for a very long time. He finally made up his mind, all tension seeping out from his body as he sighed. “With Ah Yuan dead, the yamen would step in and investigate – they’ll get to us sooner or later!” He panicked!
Yun Tongyang patted his arm comfortingly, “Don’t worry, I’ve already made plans beforehand. All we need is a scapegoat.”
“What do you mean?”
“Isn’t the purpose of the yamen’s investigation to find the killer? If we offer them the murderer, the yamen wouldn’t have to worry, and we could also live our lives in peace – it’s a win-win situation!”
“Can it be done?”
“Ah Yuan’s your brother – as long as you accept the case’s conclusion, no-one else will care. Plus, I’m sure the yamen’s happy to rid themselves of the trouble.”
Li Mingzhou’s unease disappeared as he was finally convinced by Yun Tongyang. He pulled him to sit down, then poured a cup of tea and pushed it towards Li Mingzhou. “Here, have a sip of tea first. We’ll talk about the rest later.”
Li Mingzhou did not think twice as he heaved a huge sigh, picking up the teacup but placing it down again. Yun Tongyang’s gaze darkened with that, his fists balling up even tighter.
Li Mingzhou questioned seriously, “Big Brother, tell me the truth. Are you responsible for Wu Lei’s, Liu Shuzhun’s and Chang Shiliang’s deaths? Did you kill them?”
“Why ask?”
“If Ah Yuan’s not the culprit, then who is?” He was obviously suspicious of Yun Tongyang.
Yun Tongyang’s brows furrowed as he replied with utmost sincerity, “I killed Ah Yuan because the yamen wanted to interrogate him, so I did what I did to prevent any secrets from leaking, but I didn’t need to kill Wu Lei and the others.”
“Then who’s the murderer?”
“I’m not clear myself!” Yun Tongyang was indeed puzzled! Theoretically, there was sufficient motive for him to kill Wu Lei and the rest to cover up what happened all those years back, but it really was not him. Moreover, “I wasn’t even in Yuzhou City when Shiliang died, so how could I kill him?” He spoke honestly!
Li Mingzhou muttered to himself as he contemplated, “Then, were they really killed by vengeful spirits?” He looked up, “Big Brother, unless…”
Yun Tongyang interrupted him before he could finish, “Don’t think too much about it. There’s no such thing as ghosts and spirits in this world, nor is it whatever else you’re imagining. Maybe Wu Lei and the other three offended someone and brought this upon themselves.”
Li Mingzhou nodded! The two of them sat in utter silence before Yun Tongyang pushed the teacup towards Li Mingzhou again. “Drink some tea first while you take it all in, then quickly return to your estate. Make sure nobody sees you.”
“Mm!” Li Mingzhou nodded, picked up the teacup and downed it in one shot.
Yun Tongyang patted his back warmly, “That’s it, now go home.” Li Mingzhou obliged, releasing a sigh as he stood up, but making no further remark despite his slight uneasiness. Just as he pushed open the doors, burning torches illuminated their figures from the outside, giving them an orange twinge. The entire yard, including the surrounding rooftops were packed; they were surrounded from all four sides! Fang Mingsan and Constable Zhang stood in the middle of the yard with their men around them.
Yun Tongyang and Li Mingzhou belatedly realised what was happening, and the two brothers stood planted to the spot!
……
“Capture them!” Fang Mingsan ordered.
…
The yamen backyard.
Ever since her return from the Li Estate, Ji Yunshu kept herself busy inside the room filled with case files and scrolls. She found a twenty-year old case scroll and began to peruse it; time passed quickly while she read, and two hours were gone in a blink. Mo Ruo and Jing Rong sat amicably outside waiting, having a leisurely pot of tea!
Mo Ruo filled one of the teacups to the brim with hot tea, pouring it out into another cup. He repeated this over and over, until the hot tea finally cooled down. He spoke, “Do you think Teacher Ji really knows who the murderer is?”
Jing Rong thought for a moment. “Probably.”
“Probably? It’s going to be daybreak in another four hours – then, the five-day limit would be up. Whether she cracks the case or not, we’ll all be leaving. We can’t delay our journey to Yufu County any longer, and the same can be said for the investigation of the missing relief funds.”
Jing Rong shot him a hateful glance, “You also know that we couldn’t afford any further delay? So who was the one who convinced me to let her stay?” It was you, Mo Ruo! You dirty fellow!
Mo Ruo stopped short in his tracks and waved him away, “Forget it, pretend I didn’t say anything.” He poured the cooled tea out once more, then back again, before peeking into the room. He could not contain himself as he questioned again, “Do you think she can crack the case by dawn? There are heaps of evidence, but none of them point towards the killer! Also, what did Madam Li tell Teacher Ji? Are you not the least bit curious?”
“Of course I am!”
“Then let’s go and ask her?”
“And then?”
“And then… nothing.”
“So what’s there to know?”
Ugh! This logic… cat’s got his tongue! Mo Ruo was speechless. Fine, we’ll just sit here quietly.
Just then, Shi Ziran entered from the front yard, “Your Highness, Master Mo, the killer’s been apprehended.” He could not hide his excitement!
…
Bone Painting Coroner
Updated to Chapter 783: War Secretary Ji, the Fisherman
100Chapter 100
101Chapter 101
102Chapter 102
103Chapter 103
104Chapter 104
105Chapter 105
106Chapter 106
107Chapter 107
108Chapter 108
109Chapter 109
110Chapter 110
111Chapter 111
112Chapter 112
113Chapter 113
114Chapter 114
115Chapter 115
116Chapter 116
117Chapter 117
118Chapter 118
119Chapter 119
120Chapter 120
121Chapter 121
122Chapter 122
123Chapter 123
124Chapter 124
125Chapter 125
126Chapter 126
127Chapter 127
128Chapter 128
129Chapter 129
130Chapter 130
131Chapter 131
132Chapter 132
133Chapter 133
134Chapter 134
135Chapter 135
136Chapter 136
137Chapter 137
138Chapter 138
139Chapter 139
140Chapter 140
141Chapter 141
142Chapter 142
143Chapter 143
144Chapter 144
145Chapter 145
146Chapter 146
147Chapter 147
148Chapter 148
149Chapter 149
150Chapter 150
151Chapter 151
152Chapter 152
153Chapter 153
154Chapter 154
155Chapter 155
156Chapter 156
157Chapter 157
158Chapter 158
159Chapter 159
160Chapter 160
161Chapter 161
162Chapter 162
163Chapter 163
164Chapter 164
165Chapter 165
166Chapter 166
167Chapter 167
168Chapter 168
169Chapter 169
170Chapter 170
171Chapter 171
172Chapter 172
173Chapter 173
174Chapter 174
175Chapter 175
176Chapter 176
177Chapter 177
178Chapter 178
179Chapter 179
180Chapter 180
181Chapter 181
182Chapter 182
183Chapter 183
184Chapter 184
185Chapter 185
186Chapter 186
187Chapter 187
188Chapter 188
189Chapter 189
190Chapter 190
191Chapter 191
192Chapter 192
193Chapter 193
194Chapter 194
195Chapter 195
196Chapter 196
197Chapter 197
198Chapter 198
199Chapter 199
200Chapter 200
201Chapter 201
202Chapter 202
203Chapter 203
204Chapter 204
205Chapter 205
206Chapter 206
207Chapter 207
208Chapter 208
209Chapter 209
210Chapter 210
211Chapter 211
212Chapter 212
213Chapter 213
214Chapter 214
215Chapter 215
216Chapter 216
217Chapter 217
218Chapter 218
219Chapter 219
220Chapter 220
221Chapter 221
222Chapter 222
223Chapter 223
224Chapter 224
225Chapter 225
226Chapter 226
227Chapter 227
228Chapter 228
229Chapter 229
230Chapter 230
231Chapter 231
232Chapter 232
233Chapter 233
234Chapter 234
235Chapter 235
236Chapter 236
237Chapter 237
238Chapter 238
239Chapter 239
240Chapter 240
241Chapter 241
242Chapter 242
243Chapter 243
244Chapter 244
245Chapter 245
246Chapter 246
247Chapter 247
248Chapter 248
249Chapter 249
250Chapter 250
251Chapter 251
252Chapter 252
253Chapter 253
254Chapter 254
255Chapter 255
256Chapter 256
257Chapter 257
258Chapter 258
259Chapter 259
260Chapter 260
261Chapter 261
262Chapter 262
263Chapter 263
264Chapter 264
265Chapter 265
266Chapter 266
267Chapter 267
268Chapter 268
269Chapter 269
270Chapter 270
271Chapter 271
272Chapter 272
273Chapter 273
274Chapter 274
275Chapter 275
276Chapter 276
277Chapter 277
278Chapter 278
279Chapter 279
280Chapter 280
281Chapter 281
282Chapter 282
283Chapter 283
284Chapter 284
285Chapter 285
286Chapter 286
287Chapter 287
288Chapter 288
289Chapter 289
290Chapter 290
291Chapter 291
292Chapter 292
293Chapter 293
299Chapter 299
308Chapter 308
365Chapter 365
487Chapter 487
488Chapter 488
489Chapter 489
490Chapter 490
491Chapter 491
492Chapter 492
493Chapter 493
494Chapter 494
495Chapter 495
496Chapter 496
497Chapter 497
498Chapter 498
499Chapter 499
500Chapter 500
501Chapter 501
502Chapter 502
503Chapter 503
504Chapter 504
505Chapter 505
506Chapter 506
507Chapter 507
508Chapter 508
509Chapter 509
510Chapter 510
511Chapter 511
512Chapter 512
513Chapter 513
514Chapter 514
515Chapter 515
516Chapter 516
517Chapter 517
518Chapter 518
519Chapter 519
520Chapter 520
521Chapter 521
522Chapter 522
523Chapter 523
524Chapter 524
525Chapter 525
526Chapter 526
527Chapter 527
528Chapter 528
529Chapter 529
530Chapter 530
531Chapter 531
532Chapter 532
533Chapter 533
534Chapter 534
535Chapter 535
536Chapter 536
537Chapter 537
538Chapter 538
539Chapter 539
540Chapter 540
541Chapter 541
542Chapter 542
543Chapter 543
544Chapter 544
545Chapter 545
546Chapter 546
547Chapter 547
548Chapter 548
549Chapter 549
550Chapter 550
551Chapter 551
552Chapter 552
553Chapter 553
554Chapter 554
555Chapter 555
556Chapter 556
557Chapter 557
558Chapter 558
559Chapter 559
560Chapter 560
708Chapter 711
709Chapter 712
710Chapter 713
711Chapter 714
712Chapter 715
713Chapter 716
714Chapter 717
715Chapter 718
757Chapter 760
758Chapter 761
763Chapter 766
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