His entire family perished in battle; he rose from the ashes to conquer the world.

Su Wanqing shook her head and said:

"I only drew this conclusion based on the bluish lips and dilated pupils. As for what kind of poison it was... I can't figure it out in a short time!"

At this moment, the new recruits who witnessed the scene saw that Feng Zhong was dead and that they had nowhere to go, so they started to cause trouble again.

"General, now that Vice Commander Feng is dead, what should we do with him?"

"Only you can make that decision now; you must give us a satisfactory answer!"

"We all saw you kill Vice Commander Feng. If you don't give us a satisfactory result, we can't guarantee that the news won't leak out!"

Feng Zhong's death led many new recruits to openly threaten Mu Yuan.

Mu Yuan felt a headache coming on.

When Feng Zhonggang returned, he had a big argument with him in public, and then committed suicide by poisoning himself. Unfortunately, the new recruits witnessed this scene.

They concluded that he was responsible for Feng Zhong's death and used this incident to blackmail him.

All of this is too much of a coincidence.

Thinking of this, Mu Yuan looked at the new recruits present and said:

"I will give you an answer after I have investigated Feng Zhong's death. You can remain in the Western Army for the next few days."

However, some of the new recruits were unhappy.

"General, do you take us for three-year-olds? Investigating Feng Zhong's death is just a matter of a word from you, isn't it?"

No sooner had he finished speaking than someone echoed his sentiments:

"That's right. Vice Commander Feng just said that if he's dead, it must be because of you. Now you're investigating Vice Commander Feng's death, but who knows if it's just a formality? And then you'll kick us to the curb afterward?"

"The Marshal is definitely not what you all say!" Qin Hongxiu quickly clarified for Mu Yuan, "Since he has already said that he will investigate the cause of Feng Zhong's death and give everyone an answer, he will definitely do so!"

Qin Hongxiu's clarification did not dispel the new recruits' doubts; on the contrary, they felt that Qin Hongxiu and Mu Yuan were in cahoots.

Seeing that his explanation was weak and unconvincing, Mu Yuan thought for a moment and said, "Tomorrow morning, I will send someone to invite the governor to investigate this case. Is that alright?"

The governor was in charge of the administration of the southwest, and his official rank and status were almost the same as Mu Yuan's.

Only then did the new recruits reluctantly agree.

The next day.

Upon receiving the news, Ma Chengwu hurriedly traveled by carriage to the Xifu Army's garrison.

Also arriving on a whim were Prince Ning, Zhu Zheng, and Lan Que.

Ma Chengwu did not rush to meet with Mu Yuan, but instead conducted visits within the military.

After all, Feng Zhong, the deputy commander of the Western Army, had died, and the other party was personally appointed by the imperial court. This was a major event, and if he did not handle it well, he could not bear the blame from the imperial court.

After making some inquiries and finding some leads, Ma Chengwu led Prince Ning, Zhu Zheng, and Lan Que to see Mu Yuan.

"General."

When Ma Chengwu met Mu Yuan, he didn't rush to the main topic, but instead exchanged some polite greetings first.

As Mu Yuan responded, he caught a glimpse of Prince Ning and Lan Que, who had come with Ma Chengwu, and a hint of wariness flashed in his eyes.

"Your Highness," Mu Yuan said, cupping his fists in greeting.

"I have heard that Feng Zhong is dead. He was the deputy commander of the Western Army appointed by the imperial court. Now he has died under mysterious circumstances. Mu Yuan, what is your crime?" Prince Ning, Zhu Zheng, questioned.

"Feng Zhong's death is still under investigation. Why is Your Highness so eager to take the blame for me? Do you perhaps know something?"

Mu Yuan asked indifferently.

"Still trying to win with words!" Prince Ning, Zhu Zheng, snorted coldly, glancing intentionally or unintentionally at Lan Que beside him.

Mu Yuan happened to notice this scene.

Thinking of Feng Zhong leaving the Xifu Army's garrison yesterday and disappearing without a trace, and considering that Feng Zhong used to serve under Lan Shi, and Lan Que is Lan Shi's son, based on this interpersonal relationship...

Mu Yuan guessed that Feng Zhong had most likely gone to see Lan Que.

And Feng Zhong's death.

It must be related to Lan Que.

"Mu Yuan, Feng Zhong was a capable general under my father, and now he's dead in the Western Army. Furthermore, during my visit with Lord Ma, many soldiers said you killed him. If you don't give me a satisfactory explanation today, don't blame me for reporting this to the imperial court!!!"

Lan Que threatened.

"Young Master Lan, it's not too late to say these things after we've investigated the truth!" Mu Yuan said coldly.

Upon hearing this, Lan Que merely snorted coldly.

The small porcelain bottle he gave Feng Zhong yesterday did not contain any drug to induce a state of suspended animation, but rather real poison.

The purpose was to use Feng Zhong's death to take revenge on Mu Yuan.

Furthermore, in order to make this happen, he told the plan to Prince Ning, Zhu Zheng, that very night.

With his help.

It will be difficult for Mu Yuan to turn things around this time!

"Let's go check on Feng Zhong's body." Having witnessed Mu Yuan's methods, Ma Chengwu has learned his lesson. He plans to examine Feng Zhong's body himself and wait until the truth comes out before giving Mu Yuan a good thrashing.

Mu Yuan led Ma Chengwu and his two companions to the morgue at the base.

Having learned some skills as a coroner, Ma Chengwu arrived at the morgue and personally examined Feng Zhong's body. His expression turned solemn.

At that moment, he already had the answer in his heart.

But I didn't dare to say it.

On the one hand, if he lies at this time and insists that Feng Zhong died at Mu Yuan's hands, what if Mu Yuan has a backup plan?

Having experienced Mu Yuan's prowess firsthand, Ma Chengwu was now conflicted.

Conversely, if the truth were told at this time, that Feng Zhong died of poisoning, it would be a better approach.

Then, the matter becomes complicated and confusing.

While Mu Yuan is a suspect, it's hard to say whether he's the murderer.

"How did he die?" Prince Ning, Zhu Zheng, noticed Ma Chengwu's continued silence and finally asked, "How exactly did he die?"

"Lord Ma, the Prince is asking you a question!!!" Lan Que deliberately raised his voice to urge Ma Chengwu to make a decision quickly.

Ma Chengwu glanced at Prince Ning, Zhu Zheng, then at Mu Yuan beside him, hesitated for a long time, and said:

"Based on my examination, Feng Zhong died from...poisoning!"

Upon hearing this, Prince Ning, Zhu Zheng, and Lan Que's expressions immediately turned gloomy.

Clearly, they had no idea that Ma Chengwu would tell the truth about Feng Zhong's death, especially since Ma Chengwu and Mu Yuan had a previous feud.

Logically speaking, Ma Chengwu shouldn't have missed such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to kill Mu Yuan.

But he chose a different path.

Noticing the hostile gazes from Zhu Zheng and Lan Que, Ma Chengwu quickly added:

"Perhaps my autopsy method is wrong. As you all know, I have only learned some coroner skills and am not very proficient."

His additional words were a way of saving face for both sides, offending neither Mu Yuan nor Prince Ning and Lan Que.

"In that case, let's find an experienced coroner to perform the autopsy!"

Prince Zhu Zheng of Ning was furious at Ma Chengwu's attempt to please both sides, but he could not show it on the spot. He could only suggest that an experienced coroner be found to examine the body.

Mu Yuan did not object to Prince Ning Zhu Zheng's suggestion. If he had objected at this time, it would have given Prince Ning an excuse to make a fuss.

In addition, Lan Que was also watching from the sidelines, eager to seize the opportunity.