A female coroner arrived at the Jingzhao Prefecture.

Chapter 123 The Truth Revealed to the World (11)

Then, the autopsy began.

Because the corpse has stiffened and become a zombie, it is necessary to first use the rise in temperature to soften the flesh and change the flexibility of the corpse, so that the curled-up body can be stretched out before it can be examined.

Therefore, the three coroners worked simultaneously, each responsible for one corpse. They first laid a layer of hot charcoal ash on the ground, its length and width roughly the same as the length and width of the deceased's body. Then, they laid a thin cloth on top of the charcoal ash, its length and width equal to the charcoal ash, and sprayed it with water until slightly damp. The corpse was then placed supine on this cloth, and the head, face, and limbs were covered with the cloth. Next, hot charcoal ash was spread on the cloth covering the corpse, covering every area completely. Finally, the cloth was covered with the charcoal ash again, and water was sprinkled all over it.

The repeated bedding work left even the clerks who were helping out confused. "Coroner Mu, what's the purpose of all this complicated procedures?"

"To examine the injuries," Mu Qingcheng replied. "However, we'll have to wait an hour before we can proceed to the next step. So, during this hour, you all need to keep an eye on this place and prevent anyone from making any rash moves!"

The official readily agreed: "Alright!"

Mu Qingcheng then said, "Uncles, I need to go and see Registrar Zhang while I have this free time."

Coroner Jiang waved his hand, "Go ahead, we'll keep an eye on things here, don't worry."

Mu Qingcheng decided to go back to the side room to wash up and change clothes first.

As soon as she entered the courtyard, she saw Liu Mama leading people carrying things from inside the house to outside. Upon seeing her return, she immediately greeted her with a smile and said, "Miss Mu, we've been very quick. We've thrown away all the old furniture and replaced it with a whole new set. I've already prepared everything the master instructed. If you need anything else, just let me know."

Mu Qingcheng was stunned for a moment before remembering the special care Song Shuyu had given her. She then said, "I have no other needs. I'm sorry to have troubled you, Aunt Liu. Thank you, Aunt Liu."

Madam Liu bowed respectfully, saying, "You're too kind, young lady. Since the master values ​​you so much, we servants would never dare to neglect you."

Mu Qingcheng felt that the word "cherish" had a different meaning, but she was too embarrassed to ask further, so she took her leave and went directly to the south wing of the clerks' quarters.

While Zhang, the registrar, was still unconscious, Liu's mother considerately brought Zhang's wife into the yamen so that she could take care of her husband.

Mu Qingcheng sat in the room for a while, chatted with Zhang Niangzi for a few words, and then took out ten taels of silver and gave it to Zhang Niangzi as a token of his appreciation.

The amount was enormous, and Madam Zhang dared not accept it. As the two were politely declining, Granny Liu came over again, her face full of worry. She pulled Mu Qingcheng aside and whispered, "Miss Mu, please go see the master! I heard he returned to the yamen, so I rushed to serve him, but he's locked himself in his room and won't answer the door no matter who knocks. I'm afraid..."

"What are you afraid of?" Mu Qingcheng's breathing tightened. "Where did the master go before?"

After a moment of silence, Liu Mama said, "The Empress Dowager summoned you, and you came to the palace."

Mu Qingcheng wondered to himself, could it be that he had been reprimanded by the Empress Dowager? But that couldn't be right, the young master was the Empress Dowager's own nephew and was quite favored by her!

If I can't figure it out, I'll stop thinking about it. I'll understand when I see the adults.

Mu Qingcheng followed Liu Mama to the main courtyard of the back office.

Outside the tightly closed door, the maid Xue'er was extremely anxious. She knocked on the door again and again to ask, but the room was quiet, as if no one was alive, and there was no sound at all.

Hearing footsteps, Xue'er turned around, her gaze fixed on Mu Qingcheng's face, and asked in surprise, "Aunt Liu, what do you want with Coroner Mu?"

Liu's mother did not answer, but simply instructed, "Go and prepare the things."

Xue'er hesitated. Mother Liu snapped angrily, "What are you standing there for? Go now!"

Xue'er could only curtsy and quickly leave.

Mu Qingcheng was filled with doubt. "Aunt Liu, what exactly happened to the adults? What do they need us to prepare?"

Liu's mother remained silent, instead solemnly instructing, "Miss Mu, you must not utter a single word about what happened today, understand?"

Mu Qingcheng didn't understand, but she nodded to reassure Liu's mother.

"roll--"

Just then, a hoarse roar came from inside the house!
Mu Qingcheng was startled and looked at Liu Mama helplessly, "Sir, he, he..."

Liu's mother gave her an encouraging look and silently mouthed, "Go inside quickly! The master won't hurt you, young lady. Please take care of him!"

Mu Qingcheng swallowed hard, then stepped up the stairs, knocked on the door with his finger, and called out, "My lord, may I come in?"

No one answered.

Mother Liu gestured for Mu Qingcheng to push the door open and go in. Mu Qingcheng was taken aback. Wouldn't she be punished for trespassing into the adults' bedroom without their permission?
"quick!"

Mother Liu urged him again with her mouth, and Mu Qingcheng steeled his heart, gathered some strength in his palm, and pushed the door open with a "bang"!

The person inside the room suddenly became breathless and rapid!

Mu Qingcheng, being a martial artist, naturally had excellent hearing. She quickly stepped inside, glanced around the outer room, and seeing no one there, went around the screen and headed straight for the inner room.

However, what she saw before her eyes shocked her!
But then Song Shuyu was seen sitting at a mahogany round table, cutting his left arm with a dagger, one cut at a time!
The bright red blood stained his white undergarment, his long black hair was disheveled and draped over his shoulders, his face was pale, his eyes were bloodshot, and his pupils were lifeless and stiff, as if he were a puppet whose consciousness was controlled, mechanically hurting himself without feeling any pain!
It was as if she were a broken doll, causing Mu Qingcheng's eyes to instantly fill with tears.

"grown ups!"

Mu Qingcheng called to him gently, and slowly approached him with light steps. Before he could react, she suddenly struck and quickly and accurately snatched the dagger from his hand!

Song Shuyu froze, then suddenly looked up at Mu Qingcheng, a madness that wanted to overturn everything, as well as a terrifying ferocity and killing intent, flashing in his eyes!
Mu Qingcheng was secretly shocked; she had never seen such an adult before!
In a moment, she understood Liu Mama's intention, and she quickly forced a smile, "Sir, I...I am Qingcheng, do you still recognize me?"

Song Shuyu pursed his bloodless lips, remaining silent, his terrifying eyes fixed on Mu Qingcheng's face like the forked tongue of a venomous snake.

Mu Qingcheng glanced at his bleeding left arm, her heart aching with pain, and tears welled up uncontrollably in her eyes. "My lord, it's me, Qingcheng. Please don't be angry, please don't send me away, okay?"

Song Shuyu seemed to understand a little, and the coldness in his eyes dissipated somewhat, but a look of confusion appeared again, as if he was thinking, who is Qingcheng?

Mu Qingcheng panicked for a moment, hastily grabbing Song Shuyu's head and trembling, "My lord, what's wrong? Didn't you say you were going to marry me? Why don't you recognize me?"

(End of this chapter)