Female Forensic Doctor of Dali Temple

“You?” Zhou Chen struggled to understand for a moment.

Jian Yu gave Bai Yue a gentle look and said, “Bai Yue is my fiancée. We had a disagreement a few days ago, and she ran out, causing Sir Zhou to witness the commotion.”

Now both Zhou Chen and Bai Yue were stunned. The pain in Bai Yue’s reddened wrists seemed to fade away as they both stared in astonishment at this man named Jian Yu.

Her fiancé was a third-ranking official, and here she was, running out to do odd jobs. What kind of storyline was this?

Zhou Chen pondered for a moment and said, “Chief Jian, I’ve never heard about your engagement. In the capital, there doesn’t seem to be a prominent family with the surname Bai.”

In the capital, the marriages of eligible young ladies and young men were often subjects of gossip. Who got engaged, who had a falling out – Zhou Chen knew all too well and had heard it all. Jian Yu was known as a prominent eligible bachelor. It was widely known that he had not yet been engaged, and there were even rumors about him being chosen as a son-in-law.

Jian Yu patiently explained, “It was an arrangement made by our elders in the family. Yue’er is not from the capital; she has been living outside the city. She only arrived in the capital a few days ago. That’s why hardly anyone knows except for our family elders.”

Although it was strange, Jian Yu’s explanation was plausible and no one would doubt him. He wouldn’t joke about his own marriage.

However, Zhou Chen had been about to leave, but now he hesitated upon learning about Bai Yue’s identity. He explained, “Naturally, I trust Chief Jian’s commitment to upholding the law, but Miss Bai has been in Minister Wei’s residence for the past few days and is indeed a suspect. If Miss Bai is Chief Jian’s fiancée, it seems there might be a conflict of interest.”

“I should indeed step aside, but she is alone and vulnerable here. I wouldn’t feel at ease leaving her alone,” Jian Yu extended an invitation. “How about this: I’ll ask Sir Zhou to endure a bit more hardship and assist from the sidelines?”

One person for private matters, two people for public affairs. Since this case had fallen into Jian Yu’s hands, it was naturally his responsibility from above. Handing it over wouldn’t be appropriate. However, having Zhou Chen oversee it would also ensure transparency.

Zhou Chen readily agreed, “I’m willing to assist.”

Jian Yu nodded in appreciation and then turned to look at Bai Yue.

Bai Yue had yet to recover from the shock, and when her eyes met Jian Yu’s, she was at a loss for what expression to give.

Under the watchful gaze of everyone, Jian Yu gently squeezed Bai Yue’s wrist, leaned in, and whispered something in her ear.

Witnessing this, the onlookers couldn’t help but sigh. Truly, meeting one’s true love could transform even the toughest individual into something tender. Jian Yu, as the Chief of the Grand Court, was always known for his cold and unfeeling demeanor. No one would have expected such tenderness to emerge in front of his fiancée.

Bai Yue was equally astonished. She rubbed her ear vigorously.

Jian Yu’s words had been very soft, and only she managed to catch them. He had said, “If you dare to run away again, I’ll break your legs.”

This man could maintain such a gentle expression while saying something so ruthless. He must have a serious case of split personality.

After his words, Jian Yu released her wrist and walked over to address the members of the Wei family. “Madam Wei, rest assured. We will thoroughly investigate the unfortunate event that has befallen Minister Wei. We will bring the culprit to justice and let Minister Wei rest in peace.”

Being colleagues, Wei Cheng and Jian Yu were somewhat acquainted, despite not having a close relationship. While the Wei family initially worried that Jian Yu might actually have ulterior motives, now that he volunteered to have Zhou Chen oversee the investigation, there wasn’t much they could say.
Madam Wei responded, “Then we will trouble the two gentlemen.”

Jian Yu dismissed the others for now, had the few individuals with suspicious roles in the kitchen detained separately, and then walked up to the deceased’s body.

Bai Yue quickly followed suit.

She pondered over it. Since Jian Yu could introduce her identity in front of Zhou Chen, it was evident that he acknowledged their relationship. Even if he didn’t like it deep down, he would have to maintain appearances. Therefore, her primary goal now was to clear herself of the suspicion of murder.

Jian Yu turned back to look at her. “Why did you follow?”

“To investigate the case,” Bai Yue replied matter-of-factly.

“You? Investigate?” Jian Yu’s expression seemed like a half-smile. “You’re capable?”

Bai Yue nodded.

Jian Yu was momentarily taken aback, then with a good-natured tone, he said, “Don’t be silly. I’ll have someone take you back first. Your grandfather and your parents have been worried sick during your absence. They’ve been searching everywhere for you.”

Bai Yue was momentarily blinded by his tenderness, but she firmly said, “I’m under suspicion now. It’s not appropriate to just leave like this. Let’s take a look at the deceased first. Perhaps we can find some clues.”

Jian Yu clearly didn’t approve, but Zhou Chen interjected, “Lord Jian, Miss Bai immediately noticed the bluish discoloration of Minister Wei’s face and the protruding eyes, indicating death by suffocation. It’s evident she’s knowledgeable in this area. Maybe it’s better to listen to her opinion.”
Jian Yu looked skeptical, but Zhou Chen wouldn’t lie.

Bai Yue nodded confidently; indeed, she was knowledgeable in this field.

With outsiders present, Jian Yu was filled with various doubts and impatience, but he ultimately suppressed them.

Seeing that Jian Yu didn’t object further, Zhou Chen immediately explained the situation.

The facts were straightforward, and Jian Yu said, “So, Minister Wei died from poisoning.”

Bai Yue immediately asked the question on her mind, “Then how do you explain his protruding eyes and the bluish discoloration of his face? Even if poison can cause facial discoloration, it couldn’t possibly lead to protruding eyes.”

For a moment, everyone fell silent. After a pause, Jian Yu proposed, “There’s a possibility that Minister Wei first consumed poisoned wine, but the poison wasn’t potent enough. The perpetrator might have noticed this and approached to strangle him.”

Bai Yue shook her head.

Jian Yu appeared somewhat displeased. “What’s wrong with that?”

Bai Yue replied, “In that case, how could the poisoner have stayed by his side, closely monitoring? If poison were used and it didn’t prove fatal, there would likely have been struggling, rolling, and commotion. If the perpetrator then proceeded to strangle him, it would be too audacious and too easy to be discovered.”

Zhou Chen agreed, “Miss Bai’s point is valid. When I was conducting inquiries at the residence, the Wei family mentioned that there were always two young servants stationed by Minister Wei’s bedroom door, and they didn’t hear any disturbances. This implies that there was no struggle when Minister Wei passed away.”

Bai Yue crouched down, turned her head to observe Wei Cheng’s face and neck, then suddenly said, “Can I have a silver needle?”

Jian Yu was taken aback. “What are you planning? Don’t do anything reckless.”

Bai Yue gazed at the smooth and unharmed neck. “Lord Zhou, is it through the mouth that the silver needle is inserted to examine the throat?”

“Of course, how else?” Zhou Chen responded.

“It’s not accurate,” Bai Yue stated. “Could I take a look at that silver needle?”

If Bai Yue were still the temporary kitchen worker, Zhou Chen wouldn’t have spared her a glance. But now she was Jian Yu’s fiancée. Moreover, judging by her demeanor, she didn’t seem like a mere kitchen assistant. After a moment of consideration, Zhou Chen nodded.

Zhou Chen instructed someone to bring over a wooden box and opened it, revealing various tools.

There were silver needles of various sizes, differently shaped small knives, awls, saws, and hammers. Bai Yue took a quick glance. “Lord Zhou, you’re quite the forensic examiner.”

This was a set of basic tools used for forensic autopsies. Although they appeared ancient and weathered across the span of centuries, Bai Yue recognized them.