Chapter 1418: Chapter 82: This Vengeance, This Wine!
"Ju Xiu Shui began investigating this matter."
"After investigating thoroughly, it came down to the Lin Family. It started when Ju Xiu Shui went to a restaurant to eat, coincidentally the Lin Family was there with their eleven-year-old young master, Lin Ao, in the restaurant’s private dining area."
"At the restaurant entrance, an old man with his granddaughter was singing for money. When the young master Lin Ao was leaving, he saw the singing girl and suddenly rushed over, biting through her throat, killing her."
"Ju Xiu Shui came out of the restaurant, just as the young master was about to leave, immediately stopping him, engaging in a fight with the Lin Family. The Lin Family insisted on the child’s young age and promised to compensate with a large sum of money to settle the matter; and did so on the spot. The girl’s grandfather accepted the money and agreed to let the matter rest without pursuing it further."
"Ju Xiu Shui insisted on checking Lin Ao, demanding action to be taken. This led to a conflict with the Lin Family, where Lin Ao’s two guardians argued with Ju Xiu Shui, resulting in a fight where Ju Xiu Shui was injured, his internal organs were shaken. Both parties parted unhappily."
"After returning, Ju Xiu Shui reported the matter to me."
Qi Lie said: "I immediately ordered an investigation, summoning the Lin Family members to the hall, and the old man who lost his granddaughter had already accepted one million taels from the Lin Family, giving up pursuit, even desperately speaking well of the Lin Family, expressing gratitude, even saying ’A granddaughter’s worthless life in exchange for one million is Mr. Lin’s merciful kindness.’
"As the saying goes, if the people do not raise, the officials do not investigate; under this final operation, and after all, the Lin Family’s young master is just a child, only eleven years old; was sentenced to house arrest for Lin Ao, warning and education; apart from this, according to current laws, punishment cannot be realized."
"Three days after this matter, Ju Xiu Shui was suddenly attacked while chasing a fugitive late at night, dying on the spot. Afterward, I investigated everything, even the hidden weapons and wounds on the corpse, all were prepared by the fugitive. I once suspected the Lin Family, but from all trace evidence, it showed no connection to the Lin Family."
Qi Lie sighed: "Regarding this matter... although I’m unwilling; but..."
Fang Che listened silently, coldly said: "But you just have to let it go."
Qi Lie was silent, said: "Recently, I have mobilized all forces to capture this fugitive."
"Caught him?"
"Caught him."
"What does the confession say?"
"It’s indeed his doing, but what he didn’t expect was that Ju Xiu Shui was hit by his hidden weapon! This was an unbelievable thing, considering Ju Xiu Shui’s skills, even if severely injured, he shouldn’t have failed to evade."
"So?"
"So there’s more to it, but I can’t continue investigating."
Qi Lie exhaled helplessly, looked up at Fang Che’s mocking gaze, said: "Inspector Fang, I understand your intention. But I am just the Hall Master of the Guardian Hall!"
"Moreover, the Lin Family has a good attitude, and besides, the perpetrator is indeed just an eleven-year-old child."
Qi Lie said powerlessly: "Eleven years old... and moreover, the victim shows gratitude and thankfulness towards the family of the perpetrator..."
Song Yidao, on the side, also felt troubled.
Because this case, even if placed in his hands, would yield the same result.
Everyone knows there are internal discrepancies regarding Ju Xiu Shui’s death.
With the experience of the two Hall Masters, surely it can’t be missed?
But... the problem lies here, there’s no evidence, not even any suspects; no clues whatsoever.
The only clue is the Lin Family’s child who bit someone to death, this matter was once enforced by Ju Xiu Shui; however, those enforced by Ju Xiu Shui in Baixiang Continent, if not ten thousand, they are eighty thousand.
Could they all be suspects?
All that can be done is to quietly wait and proceed with a slow investigation.
Fang Che took a deep breath, said: "What is the Lin Family’s usual reputation?"
"Average."
Qi Lie said: "But the Lin Family frequently buys young children, brings them home for training as maids and servants; every now and then, they buy a batch. However, they all have selling contracts, their lives belong to the family, it’s a real transaction with silver..."
He subtly hinted: "Over recent years, they’ve bought quite a number, and... many disappeared after entering the house."
"But... the Lin Family is robed in the heroic reputation of Lin Pingjiang on the Continent, we guardians of the hall cannot easily intervene... after all, this reputation affects ordinary people’s perception and the honor of guardians..."
Qi Lie spoke with difficulty, finally sighed heavily: "...Inspector Fang, we really... find it difficult."
Fang Che nodded calmly: "Understood. So... these matters, don’t require your intervention."
He quietly stood up, said: "Today’s conversation ends here. I hope this matter won’t be discussed once it leaves this tea room."
He said lightly: "You cannot help, but don’t make things worse!"
"We understand."
Song Yidao and Qi Lie nodded simultaneously.
Light glimmered in their eyes.
Song Yidao made a request: "Fang Che, if you truly uncover the reasons behind Chief Steward Ju’s death, and if it relates to the Lin Family, when you’re about to act, could you inform me?"
Fang Che furrowed his brows, didn’t answer, instead asked Qi Lie: "Master Qi, where is Ju Xiu Shui’s grave?"
"In our Baixiang Continent Guardian’s graveyard."
"Zuo Guanglie and Ju Xiu Shui were mutually admiring in life... though not married, but both are resting now..."
Fang Che probed: "Could they be buried together?"
"This..."
Qi Lie and Song Yidao exchanged glances, both feeling somewhat helpless, such matters truly haven’t had any precedents.
Mutual admiration in life yet without a marital bond.
Now both are deceased, what can be done?
"Really don’t know what to do."
Qi Lie said: "And Ju Xiu Shui had no family, lacking someone to decide..."
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