ATPnovel Chapter 1617: 12: Ever Present Fear
Chapter 1617: 12: Ever Present Fear
Chapter 1617: Chapter 12: Ever Present FearUpon suddenly hearing the news of Feng Gu’s death, even Jiang Wang, seasoned in weathering storms, was momentarily shocked beyond words.
Even Zhongxuan Sheng, who was originally casually drinking porridge in the courtyard, raised his eyes to look over.
Feng Gu was the eunuch director of the Long Life Palace, how could he just die like that?
Aside from his cultivation, his position wouldn’t allow him to die so easily. Especially since he died just after the funeral of the Longevity Palace Master ended at such a sensitive time…
The blood rain of that True Man of the Age had not long fallen on the execution grounds!
Pausing at the courtyard gate, Jiang Wang asked, “How did he die?”
Zheng Shangming said, “A three-foot-long white silk was wrapped around his neck; he was found hanging in the mourning hall.”
“It can’t be suicide, can it?” Jiang Wang said.
“It’s hard to say.” Zheng Shangming cautiously replied, “We need to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the result.”
“The time of death was at midnight, precisely when the Longevity Palace Master’s funeral had completely ended, and all guests had left the Long Life Palace.” Lin Youxie added information to the case on the side, “Feng Gu’s body was found hanging in the mourning hall, and apart from the neck marks, no other injuries have been discovered. There’s no sign of foreign Path Origin invasion in his body, and his Spirit seems very much like it naturally dissipated. At first glance, it matches the appearance of hanging.”
Jiang Wang was silent for a while before he said, “This is too absurd.”
A strong man who could make him feel threatened would be strangled by a three-foot-long silk, which in itself turns logic on its head.
“Why Jiang Wang?” Zhongxuan Sheng walked over at this time, the question directly hitting the core, “Famous arrest officers in Beiyaduwei are everywhere, surely they aren’t short of people. And Jiang Wang is currently at a crucial point in his cultivation… As Daqi’s greatest genius, cultivation is paramount.”
Jiang Wang also cast a questioning look.
After experiencing the tumultuous case of Huang Yixing, he was now quite wary of being named for case handling.
Though he wouldn’t say “afraid of shadows for ten years,” he was still apprehensive for three to five months.
Lin Youxie glanced at Zhongxuan Sheng and said calmly, “Zhongxuan, as it concerns the case, it is inconvenient for you to listen in, please understand.”
Zhongxuan Sheng was not someone easily put off, but facing Zheng Shangming’s apologetic eyes, he could only snort, “This is my courtyard!”
The three immediate blue plates decisively moved to Jiang Wang’s courtyard, displaying some mutual understanding and demeanor.
Zhongxuan Sheng sneered, curling his lips and walking back with his hands behind his back: “Few cases have been solved. Yet the arrogance is bigger than their faces! I don’t even care to listen! Shisi, don’t you agree?”
Shisi didn’t speak, just gently wiped away the porridge grain from the corner of his mouth.
…
…
Once inside Jiang Wang’s courtyard, Zheng Shangming took out a letter from his bosom: “This letter was handed over by a little eunuch who brushed horses after Feng Gu’s death. We’ve already investigated this little eunuch, he’s clean, no problems… Brother Jiang, why they seek you, you’ll know at a glance.”
Jiang Wang took the letter, clean on its surface, and extracted the sheet inside, unfolding it to find several rows of very neat characters—
“Lately, my mind has been uneasy, often gripped with fear, thus leaving this letter.
If I die, it must be murder.
Looking around, no one is without suspicion. After surveying Beiyaduwei, I only trust Jiang Qingyang.
My insignificant life is not worth regretting, once buried, let it be. If heaven grants pity, may it seek justice for this old slave in the Long Life Palace… only Jiang Qingyang overseeing the proceedings, can I rest assured in the Underworld.”
The signature is… “Feng Gu’s final words.”
This is a farewell letter!
Feng Gu had long foreseen his death!
Who would kill him?
And what killed him?
After Jiang Wuqi’s death, the Son of Heaven ordered the Long Life Palace to remain. As the actual acting chief of this palace, Feng Gu’s status and power, alone the legacy of Jiang Wuqi could ensure him a peaceful life. Yet why couldn’t he protect himself?
Having read the letter, Jiang Wang’s mood was indescribable.
He recalled the day when leaving the Long Life Palace, Feng Gu, in front of that screen wall, said something meaningful. He had planned to visit the Long Life Palace after the funeral ended, and ask about the hidden matters.
Unexpectedly, right after Jiang Wuqi’s funeral ended, Feng Gu was gone…
“The case has already reached the Son of Heaven’s ears.” Zheng Shangming said in a very formal tone: “According to Feng Gu’s will, Beiyaduwei specifically requests arrest officer Jiang to oversee this case, to ensure that it proceeds cleanly.”
That day, Feng Gu spoke out to help in the mourning hall, that favor dare not be forgotten.
Fulfilling his last wish, so he can rest without worries, is also a matter of clarity.
Jiang Wang had already agreed in his heart, but first, he asked, “Can I refuse?”
“Whether to refuse or not is your freedom.” Zheng Shangming said, “We are ordered to invite you to supervise this case, not to order you to join the case.”
Jiang Wang asked again, “Is this case under Brother Zheng’s charge?”
Zheng Shangming said, “I am jointly investigating this case with Deputy Lin.”
“Who’s taking the lead?” Jiang Wang asked.
“For now, it’s me.” Zheng Shangming said.
This means, judging by the clues they currently have, it’s not ruled out that this case could further expand.
“Do I have to follow the whole process?” Jiang Wang asked.
He was a bit concerned that the case might last too long, compressing his cultivation time.
Zheng Shangming said, “Your supervision of this case is to fulfill Feng Gu’s own last wish, not an appointment by Beiyaduwei or anyone. You can join if you wish, and stop anytime you choose.”
After thinking for a moment, he added, “The Son of Heaven also said, you may choose freely on this matter.”