Demon Suppressing Department
On the second day after the governor's daughter returned to the mansion, she fainted from anger in bed. This incident was quickly spread by those interested in gossip, and soon, almost everyone in the mansion knew about it.
Had Governor Yu not been furious and issued a strict ban, this matter might have spread beyond the mansion, causing much controversy.
The culprit, Yu Linlang, felt no psychological burden. She ate, drank, and slept as usual. In her free time, she read Yu Pianpian's treasured books.
Most of them were nothing more than The Analects of Confucius, The Book of Filial Piety, Female Precepts, and Inner Rules—all rather dull to read.
After searching through the bookshelf, Yu Linlang found an intriguing travelogue. As she read, she quickly became absorbed in its contents.
Jiujin entered the room, carrying freshly washed clothes. Seeing her mistress lying on the beauty couch by the window, she hurriedly fetched a quilt to cover her.
Just as she tucked in the corners of the quilt, the sound of hurried footsteps came from outside the courtyard.
"Miss Qiuping and Miss Linlang, are you both in the house? Madam asks that you come to the main hall immediately."
Yu Linlang opened her eyes in a daze. "Why are they summoning us again?"
Yu Qiuping's soft voice came from outside the door. "Madam, don't panic. What's wrong?"
"Miss, please go ahead. I will fetch Miss Linlang."
Yu Linlang stepped out of the east wing and arched an eyebrow at the flustered servant. "You're sweating and panicking—did someone die in the mansion again?"
Madam Hu opened her mouth but hesitated to speak.
Someone had indeed died. And it was none other than Niu Erji, who had been interrogated just the day before.
When Yu Linlang arrived at the main hall with Jiujin, she saw the old lady seated in the center, her silver hair neatly combed. The concubines and young ladies of the mansion had also gathered.
As she entered, all eyes turned to her.
She was the true daughter of the governor's mansion—everyone knew it.
But now, the seat beside the governor's wife had been taken by a false daughter.
This impostor had not only stolen her rightful place but also everything she once had.
Pampering, status, reputation—everything that should have belonged to the legitimate daughter had been taken away.
It was heartbreaking to think about. Anyone else in her position would have been enraged.
Yet, Yu Linlang remained composed, as if she were merely an outsider. Her cold gaze swept across the room indifferently.
She stepped forward and greeted the old lady and the governor's wife with a proper bow.
Huo, the governor's wife, clenched her teeth upon seeing the girl. The mere sight of her made her recall the fit of rage she'd suffered just the day before. She could hardly bear to look at her.
Unhappily, Huo put down her teacup and turned away.
The old lady, however, remained kind. After exchanging pleasantries with Yu Linlang, she motioned for her to sit.
"The mansion has seen two murders in as many days," she said gravely. "Your father is greatly troubled by this."
"Though only a couple of servants have died, the fact that it happened in our mansion has stirred unwanted rumors."
"Yes, Mother," one of the concubines chimed in. "I don't know how this will spread outside, but I've felt uneasy these past two days. Sometimes, when I walk through the corridors, I feel an eerie chill."
The concubine was a delicate woman in her thirties, her voice as soft as a yellow oriole singing in the valley.
Before she could continue, Huo turned and glared at her. "Cui, what nonsense are you spouting? You hardly step outside your courtyard. Don't spread fear."
The old lady frowned. "Regardless, we must remain cautious. Everyone should stay inside and refrain from unnecessary outings."
"Oh, Mother," Aunt Cui said in a coquettish tone. "If this case drags on, will it ruin your birthday banquet in half a month? I heard the investigation is being conducted in the servants' quarters… Could it be true, as some are saying, that the demon who vanished years ago has returned?"
The old lady's expression darkened. She struck the table with her palm. "Do not speak of baseless rumors!"
At that moment, a servant rushed into the hall, his face pale. "Old Lady! Master! Lord Lu and the others are at the main entrance… They say… the Demon Suppression Department has arrived!"
A wave of shock rippled through the room.
"The Demon Suppression Department?"
The legendary department?
Aunt Cui covered her mouth with a silk handkerchief. "Is it really a demon causing trouble? What should we do?"
Huo shot her a cold glare before turning to the old lady. "Mother, what should we do now? If this escalates, it will bring shame upon our governor's mansion."
The old lady stood up with the support of her maid. "Let's go and see for ourselves."
The women of the household were both frightened and curious about the Demon Suppression Department's methods. They quickly followed behind the old lady.
Yu Linlang exchanged a glance with Jiujin.
"Sister Linlang," Yu Pianpian said with a smile, "let's go see as well. You lived in a small village before, so you must have never encountered something like this. The mansion has been in turmoil these past two days, but don't be afraid—Father will do everything to protect us."
Yu Linlang merely glanced at her, then nodded slightly and walked ahead without a word.
Yu Pianpian frowned.
Her personal maid, Qingju, whispered, "Miss, why do you even bother speaking to her? She acts like the whole world owes her silver."
"Watch your words," Yu Pianpian warned. "Miss Linlang is still a proper lady of the household. Mind your manners—have I not taught you better?"
Qingju pouted, glancing at Yu Linlang's back. "I understand, Miss."
Yu Linlang, as if oblivious to their conversation, silently followed the old lady and the others toward the entrance.
As they crossed the Sichuan-style corridor, they came face-to-face with an unfamiliar pair.
The women of the household discreetly examined the newcomers.
The two were a man and a woman, both in their twenties. They wore matching indigo brocade uniforms with intricate patterns, their tall hats casting shadows over their faces.
The woman held a rattan cage in her hand, her expression cold and unreadable. Without any courtesy, she spoke.
"Governor Yu, remove all unnecessary people. Where is the body?"
The old lady and the others exchanged glances.
Did she mean them when she said 'unnecessary people'?
A hint of embarrassment flashed across Governor Yu's face. Bowing slightly, he turned to his mother. "Mother, these are Master Chen Buyu and Master Wei Ling from the Demon Suppression Department."
Huo frowned. "Isn't this case being handled by Lord Lu from the Criminal Prison Department?"
Wei Ling responded flatly, "As of now, all three stomach dissection cases have been fully transferred to our department. The rest of you need only cooperate."
Her blunt tone unsettled everyone present.
Governor Yu forced a smile, smoothing over the tension. "The two officials are acting on a cabinet-issued mandate. Let's not question their presence. For now, everyone, please return to the main hall. We will call for you when necessary."