Search!
The large-scale autopsy lasted for three days, keeping the coroners and the invited stable women occupied.
As the New Year approached, the governor's yamen was bustling with activity.
The yamen runners searched for the families of the deceased daily, registering and recording their information. Meanwhile, the coroners meticulously sorted through verification documents, cross-checking their findings multiple times.
The clerks barely slept as they compiled the data submitted by the yamen runners.
This investigation had shaken Weizhou Fucheng to its core.
Many common folk remained unaware of the horrors unfolding, yet rumors of a merciless murderer lurking in the prefecture city spread fear. The yamen was conducting rigorous interrogations.
However, the well-informed elite—the wealthy families and gentry of Weizhou Prefecture—had already caught wind of the scandal through hushed whispers.
Yet, because the case touched upon the royal family's honor, no one dared to speak openly.
Two days later, Governor Yu accompanied Chen Buyu to Mu Mansion to report on the situation.
Governor Yu had not slept in five days.
He was deeply troubled. His eight-year tenure had been plagued by King Liang, and now, Prince Mu had unearthed a massive injustice under his watch.
With King Liang dead, the court would surely hold him accountable.
The sheer number of lives lost under King Liang's rule made Governor Yu tremble. The thought alone brought tears to his eyes—he was certain his position as governor was doomed.
The prince sat behind his desk, with Lu Qian by his side.
Governor Yu stood behind Chen Buyu, ashamed, his head bowed.
"After days of intense excavation and inspection," Chen Buyu reported, "the yamen runners have unearthed a total of twenty-one female corpses from the underground chamber. If we include Wang Baitian's sister, that brings the count to twenty-two."
"The coroners have carefully examined the bodies and found several commonalities."
"First, the wrist and arm bones of the deceased show clear bending and friction marks, while the leg bones are unnaturally twisted."
"Second, forensic analysis revealed a distinctive round pattern on the backbones of fifteen victims, caused by repeated impact before death."
"Third, burn marks were discovered on the lower bodies of the victims, indicating that they endured unspeakable torture."
"Fourth—" Chen Buyu took a deep breath. "All the deceased showed signs of pregnancy. Though some fetuses had already detached from the corpses, their eyes, ears, and noses had formed. Miss Yu and the coroners estimate they were over six months along."
"Fifth, after repeated examinations, Miss Yu identified traces of white powder on the throat bones of seventeen corpses. After careful grinding and comparison, we confirmed it to be Lingshen Xiangxiang Ash."
Chen Buyu clenched his fists, veins bulging on his forehead.
"Miss Yu concluded that the evidence overwhelmingly suggests King Liang had a secret chamber where he carried out these atrocities. The burns, fractures, and lacerations on the victims' arms and torsos suggest they were bound or suspended while being subjected to his twisted pleasures."
"This is monstrous!" Chen Buyu couldn't suppress his fury. He clasped his hands together and demanded, "Please grant me permission to lead the yamen runners in searching the entire Liang Prince's Mansion."
Lu Qian lowered his gaze. "King Liang was royalty, and now he is the Imperial Uncle. If the prince orders a search today, he might face impeachment by the Censorate tomorrow. The Emperor's honor is at stake…"
"Search!" Mu Zhao's voice was resolute. "This is the golden medallion issued to me by the Emperor before I left the capital. To see this token is to see the Emperor himself!"
He tossed the medallion forward.
"Chen Buyu, I entrust this mission to you. Search every inch of Liang Palace. If anyone dares to obstruct the investigation, you are authorized to eliminate them. I will bear all consequences!"
"Yes!" Chen Buyu accepted the medallion with excitement, then swiftly led Wu Yong and the yamen runners out.
Governor Yu, drenched in sweat, hurriedly followed, his heart heavy with dread.
Lu Qian sighed and turned to Mu Zhao. "Have you considered how to frame your report?"
"I will draft it tonight and submit an urgent memorial to the capital at first light. This matter must be addressed at the highest level," Mu Zhao replied, unshaken by the impending storm.
"Huaizhi."
"I understand." Lu Qian nodded.
Mu Zhao patted him on the shoulder. "Don't worry. When the boat reaches the bridge, it will find a way across. There's always a solution."
---
That night, tension hung over Weizhou Prefecture like a storm cloud.
Those with connections caught wind of the news: Chen Buyu, the feared officer of the Demon-Suppressing Department, had stormed into Liang Prince's Mansion like a raging wolf.
Smart families discreetly warned their wayward sons to stay out of trouble. This was no time to seek pleasure in brothels—one misstep could mean ruin.
Meanwhile, torches blazed within Liang Palace.
Ye Wuchen sat in his wheelchair, his expression cold as ice, as a servant wheeled him into the garden.
His sharp eyes swept across the officers scouring the mansion. He sneered. "Chen Buyu, do you even know what you're doing?"
Hundreds of yamen runners flooded the palace, overturning furniture, checking hidden compartments, and questioning the servants.
"Mu Zhao dares to use the Emperor's decree to raid my family's residence?" Ye Wuchen's voice dripped with venom. "If you find nothing, I will personally report this insult to the Emperor. Accusing the royal family unjustly is a crime of treason!"
Chen Buyu met his glare with a smirk. "Twenty-two raped and murdered women were buried beneath this palace—every one of them pregnant. If His Majesty learns of this, how do you think he will deal with the Liang lineage?"
Ye Wuchen's eyes darkened. "My grandfather would never commit such acts!" His voice rose. "I have lived here for eight years and never heard of any secret chamber!"
Chen Buyu scoffed. "That's hardly surprising. You can't move freely, so you rarely visit the old prince's quarters. But your grandfather was worse than a beast—why would he reveal his crimes to you?"
"You dare slander him?!" Ye Wuchen nearly toppled from his wheelchair in fury. The servants rushed to steady him.
"My grandfather loved women, yes, but he had plenty of concubines. Why would he need to abduct married, pregnant women? What evidence do you have that these victims were murdered in Liang Palace?"
Chen Buyu's eyes glinted. "If we find the secret chamber, the truth will speak for itself."
"And if you find nothing?" Ye Wuchen's voice turned sharp. "You and Mu Zhao have disgraced my family and smeared the royal name. Can you bear the consequences?"
"I can!" Mu Zhao's icy voice rang out as he arrived with his guards.
"Assist the yamen runners! Search every corner of this palace! I refuse to believe that, under the laws of Great Qi, we cannot unearth the filth hidden here!"
"Yes, sir!" The guards dispersed at once.
Ye Wuchen's eyes blazed with fury. "Mu! Zhao!"
Moments later, an officer rushed forward. "Sir! We caught the butler, Liang Quan, trying to escape through the western wall's dog hole. Under interrogation, he confessed—he knows the location of the secret chamber!"