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墨書 Inktalez
Liu Shenwei truly deserves to be the true disciple of Medicine King Sun Simiao. Just by looking at this recipe, he identified the cause. However, regarding the discussion about Pinellia, not only Old Steward but even Xu Zhen and others had their doubts.
Not to mention someone like Li Chunfeng, who is well-versed in pharmacology; even Xu Zhen knows that raw Pinellia is indeed toxic. Yet, how could the people from the Imperial Kitchen Bureau possibly use raw Pinellia in their dishes without proper preparation?
It should be noted that Fang Xuanling's imperial meals are on par with the current Sovereign's standards. Even if Changsun Wuji and Murong Hanzhu wanted to use poison, they would never do so so openly!
However, Liu Shenwei merely smiled lightly and tapped his fingers on the table as he said, "Raw Pinellia cannot be used directly in dishes. However, this recipe clearly states it is Pinellia stewed chicken."
"What doubts could there be?" Fang Yi'ai asked anxiously upon seeing evidence of her father's murder.
"The Pinellia in this stewed chicken is indeed not raw Pinellia; however, there is raw Pinellia inside the chicken!"
This statement seemed somewhat perplexing. Xu Zhen fell into deep thought, while Fang Yi'ai and Old Steward could only exchange glances. Only Li Chunfeng chuckled lightly and asked Liu Shenwei.
"Are you suggesting that someone fed raw Pinellia to this chicken beforehand and then used cooked Pinellia to cover it up?"
Liu Shenwei's eyes sparkled as he praised Li Chunfeng, saying, "Doctor Li is indeed very perceptive!"
"But raw Pinellia can kill a person; how could it not poison a chicken? The people from the Imperial Kitchen Bureau would never use a dead chicken in their dishes!" Old Steward shook his head, looking incredulous.
"All things in this world exist in mutual generation and restraint. Raw Pinellia is indeed highly toxic to humans, but for chickens, it is a great tonic. Just like how snakes and scorpions can consume each other without harm, they actually gain significant benefits!" Liu Shenwei replied somewhat proudly.
With this reasoning established, it became clear that Fang Xuanling must have died after consuming a poisoned chicken that had been fed raw Pinellia. The next question was simple.
Who exactly sent this chicken into the Imperial Kitchen Bureau?
Seeing that such a conclusion was reached in such a short time, Fang Yi'ai couldn't help but look up to the heavens with tears in her eyes, lamenting that heaven has eyes and expressing her gratitude for the assistance of Xu Zhen and others.
With a lead in hand, everyone was anxious about any changes and hurried to the Imperial Kitchen Bureau, specifically to the Pharmaceutical Temple.
The Pharmaceutical Temple had two officials in charge of medicine, ranked at the fifth grade, overseeing medical prescriptions and drugs. There were also two officials responsible for managing the medicines at the sixth grade, two more at the seventh grade, and four female clerks handling documentation.
Although these individuals were Court Ladies from the Inner Palace, they did not dare to act recklessly in front of the Xu Zhen, who was a prominent figure and commanded the Five Hundred Riders. The officials personally reviewed the Pinellia and brought the Xu Zhen and others to the Imperial Kitchen Bureau.
Seeing such a grand assembly, the Head Chef thought something serious had occurred. When he saw General Xu Zhen present, he felt even more anxious. He quickly checked the records and traced back the source of the chicken.
"This person is an adopted son of a purchasing eunuch, known to be trustworthy. He has been trading with us for several years without any issues..." The Head Chef explained somewhat nervously.
"Where is this person now?" Xu Zhen asked directly.
"At Longevity Square in the West Market. His surname is Wang, given name Duobao; neighbors call him Wang Erlang."
After receiving this information from the Head Chef, Xu Zhen and her companions rushed to Longevity Square. However, as soon as they entered the neighborhood gate, they encountered a large procession of mourners making a commotion at the intersection.
Considering Fang Yi'ai's feelings, everyone fell silent and proceeded to Wang Erlang's home. Upon arrival, they discovered that the funeral procession had indeed originated from Wang Erlang's household!
Wang Erlang had become quite successful in business, leading to a large household. The current uproar was not due to mourning but rather a dispute over inheritance.
The neighbors watched coldly, feeling that Wang Erlang was not worth it. Xu Zhen did not want to enter directly; instead, she blended into the crowd to listen for a while and quickly gathered information.
It turned out that Wang Erlang was relatively upright in his business dealings and had helped many neighbors, earning a good reputation. However, he was also known for his indulgence in women; despite having many wives and concubines at home, he remained unsatisfied. Last night, he went to Yankang Square for entertainment and ended up in an altercation. He was found dead in a ditch by dawn.
With Wang Erlang's death, this lead was cut off. Fang Yi'ai could not help but stomp her feet in frustration and curse. Qingxiazi and others were also disheartened; after working hard for half a day, they did not expect such an outcome.
Xu Zhen furrowed her brow tightly; Wang Erlang's death was too coincidental. If she continued her investigation, she might uncover the murderer behind Wang Erlang's death. However, even if she did find out who it was, it likely would not be connected to Changsun Wuji or Murong Hanzhu. Given their schemes, how could they overlook such a possibility?
If he were to return now to report back, with the wisdom of the Sovereign, he would naturally be able to see that someone was deliberately covering up this matter. In that case, it would confirm that Fang Xuanling had indeed been murdered; however, the identity of the murderer could only be speculated upon without any evidence.
Yet, even in the absence of evidence, it was sufficient because Li Shimin did not require proof.
However, Xu Zhen still had Fang Yi'ai and a few others wait outside while she entered Wang Erlang's home.
Although Xu Zhen was nearing thirty, her features were exceptionally delicate. Years of leading troops into battle had imbued her with a strong aura of valor. Having become accustomed to the power and nobility of the court, her dignity and temperament were outstanding. Upon entering the Wang residence, she immediately attracted the attention of many family members.
Among them, half of the older women approached her weeping. Xu Zhen snorted coldly, glanced at the matriarch without speaking, and directly walked into the hall, sitting down boldly.
"Who is in charge here?" Xu Zhen asked with an imposing presence. The family members who had just fought fiercely for the position of head of the household fell silent, none daring to step forward to support her.
"It doesn't matter if you don't speak. Wang Er owes someone two hundred thousand taels. If no one comes forward today, I will have this house seized and throw all of you out!"
Xu Zhen subtly used the Enhanced I Ching Cleansing Technique, channeling her internal energy into her right palm. With a slap on the table, it shattered into pieces with a loud crash, sending wooden splinters flying. The people inside turned pale as they saw the murderous intent in Xu Zhen's eyes and realized they were facing a ruthless character come to collect a debt!
These family members had long known someone would come to extort them; after all, Wang Er was already dead and could not testify against them. They expected some villains to take advantage of this situation for financial gain but did not anticipate facing such a fierce figure right away!
Fang Yi'ai and others waited outside, hearing the commotion within but unsure of Xu Zhenzhi's intentions. They exchanged glances and took control of the front gate.
Under Xu Zhen's intimidation, finally a frail Young Lady stepped forward. She appeared to be only around eighteen years old and was dressed differently from the other young matrons; she looked more like a maid in the household.
"I am willing to take on my father's debt; I hope the Warriors will not harm my family..." The girl bit her lip, struggling to suppress her fear as she slightly raised her head to meet Xu Zhen's gaze.
Xu Zhen glanced around and noticed that the surrounding women wore expressions of shock, followed by shame, delight, and even schadenfreude—each displaying various emotions. In that moment, Xu Zhen constructed a story about this girl in her mind.
This girl likely was not born of the main wife; perhaps she was a daughter born out of wedlock. Her mother might have passed away or fallen from grace and could not gain Wang Er's favor. Many concubines bullied and oppressed her. Judging by her attire, she resembled a maid and likely had no means to repay the debt.
It was rare for her to be so daring, and the Xu Zhen couldn't help but feel pity.
"With someone like you, what do you have to repay the debts of this family?" the Xu Zhen asked with a cold laugh.
The girl's face immediately turned crimson, and in a shy voice, she said, "Warriors... please come with me into the room..."
As soon as she spoke, the women around became agitated, whispering that the girl was shameless and lamenting the unfortunate fate of such a proper young lady. Meanwhile, the old servants and maids were in tears, filled with resentment towards the young wives and concubines.
"This family is truly heartless. I can't believe no one is stepping up to protect this girl!" Xu Zhenxin thought angrily, but he deliberately cast a glance at the girl. Then, expressionless, he stood up. The girl lowered her head even further, as if the Xu Zhen behind her was a wolf or a ghost, and quickly walked into the room.
The Xu Zhen slowed her pace, hoping someone would stand up for the girl. However, until they entered the room, no one was willing to step forward. She couldn't help but feel sorrow for Wang Erlang.
Suddenly, the girl stopped. Although her slender back was somewhat fragile, it was elegant and charming. With her back to the Xu Zhen, she gently untied her belt. The Xu Zhen sighed softly, took hold of the girl's hand without looking at her, and said quietly, "Miss, that's enough. You don't need to do this for those people; it's not worth it."
The girl stiffened instantly, tears streaming down her face. From between her smooth chest, she took out a piece of Golden Inlaid Jade Bi that carried a faint fragrance of youth and offered it with both hands in front of Xu Zhenzhi.
"Warriors, this was left to me by my father a few days ago. Although he instructed me not to show it to anyone unless absolutely necessary, now... I only hope Warriors will not harm my family..."
Xu Zhenxin felt overwhelmed; his gaze fell upon the girl's chest that she had not managed to cover up in time. What he saw was not boundless beauty but rather scars that had yet to heal. He initially wanted to refuse but found himself unable to look away from the Golden Inlaid Jade Bi.
He had intended to use this opportunity to extort money from Wang Er's family to settle matters quietly, perhaps even coaxing them into offering gifts from the Eastern Palace.
Although he knew that Changsun Wuji and Murong Hanzhu were meticulous and would never use items from the Eastern Palace as gifts for fear of leaving evidence against themselves, he still approached this situation with a trial-and-error mindset.
Unexpectedly, Wang Er had entrusted such an important item to this least favored daughter!
If he had kept it on him, perhaps it would have been taken when he died in the alley and handed over to any wife or concubine; it would have been safer in this daughter's hands. This also indicated one thing: Wang Er already understood how earth-shattering his actions were!
Moreover, this Wang Er may not simply be an ordinary merchant; he could very well be a spy from the Eastern Palace, as it would be impossible for him to receive such a precious gift without that being the case!
However, for the Xu Zhen, Wang Er's mysterious background had become less significant. He had taken away the Golden Inlaid Jade Bi, and the girl's eyes were filled with disappointment, as if the Xu Zhen had withdrawn the only pillar of her soul.
The Xu Zhen gently lifted her chin and looked directly into her eyes, then said clearly, "You must believe that good and evil will eventually be rewarded; it will always come."
The Xu Zhen left with the Golden Inlaid Jade Bi. In her hands, this jade disc was undoubtedly something she desperately needed, but for the girl, it would not fundamentally change her life; instead, it would bring her endless danger.
By afternoon, the Wannian County Office dispatched numerous officials under some pretext to raid Wang Er's home, and all the women were driven out.
The girl became the head of the household. By nightfall, someone secretly returned a portion of their assets to her. Among many boxes, she saw a wooden box with a small vial of Healing Powder resting on top.
She held the vial in her hand and placed it over her heart, murmuring, "It will always come..."
The Xu Zhen watched the girl's smile and felt quite pleased. However, this sense of satisfaction was soon overshadowed by gloom because she had to bring the Golden Inlaid Jade Bi into the palace to meet the emperor!
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