Chapter 686: A Death

Chapter 686: Chapter 686: A Death

"In the thirty-first year of Jing’s Old Calendar, on the ninth day of the fourth month, at the Hour of the Ox. When the prison guards were conducting their routine inspection of the cells within the Celestial Prison, they discovered Prince Qian collapsed on the ground. The prison guard was so startled he immediately blew his whistle, and by the time the Prison Director arrived with the key to open the cell door and investigate, the man had already ceased breathing."

The location was the Ministry of Justice Prison. More precisely, it was the Celestial Prison—an especially designated ward.

The Ministry of Justice’s prison held only serious offenders, while the Celestial Prison was reserved for the most exceptional among such criminals; the special ward within was even more extraordinary, set apart exclusively for detaining members of the Royal Family.

When members of the Royal Family break the law, handling the matter is, in truth, extremely troublesome. Though the laws on paper apply to all but the Emperor, in reality, those of royal blood still enjoy many privileges even within the Ministry of Justice; even with a capital sentence, they retain a measure of dignity before death.

For instance, the special ward in the Celestial Prison is kept immaculate, certainly unlike the filth typical of common cells. Instead, it is clean and orderly, with specially crafted beds and tables. There are even curtained partitions for the latrine.

Even their meals are as satisfying as possible, and they may be permitted to bring in books, writing materials, and paper from outside to pass the time.

As for corporal punishment, it is rarely administered to the Royal Family. Even should there be need for such, it would be carried out by members of their own clan, not by the Ministry of Justice’s men.

Though it brings much inconvenience, the Royal Family have, through generations, been remarkably disciplined. They might act flamboyant or haughty, but very rarely do they breach the law; their bottom line is firmly held. Thus, the special ward of the Celestial Prison has often remained unoccupied year-round.

It was only recently that Prince Jing and Prince Qian came to blows on Junhou Street. Their cultivator guards unleashed their full repertoire of magic, and even crossbows were drawn, leading to extensive collateral damage to the dwellings on either side—many collapsed and several were injured, though fortunately, no lives were lost.

This incident incited the Emperor’s wrath and spurred him to order the Ministry of Justice to investigate. Thus, Prince Jing and Prince Qian were both apprehended and confined in separate cells within the special ward of the Celestial Prison.

Anyone would recognize the gravity of the times, all the more so when matters arise between princes. Ma Xuanlin, Minister of Justice, repeatedly instructed that no one was to handle the case—delay was all. After ten days or a half month, he would submit a memorial, saying the two princes had repented, compensated the wounded for their medical expenses, rebuilt the ruined houses, and even provided additional restitution. The Emperor, he reckoned, would quietly let the matter rest.

But unexpectedly, before the memorial could be sent up, a calamity broke out within the Celestial Prison.

Prince Qian, confined in cell D, was dead.

The warden of the ward was so terrified he wet his own trousers, while, in haste, Prince Jing—also held in the special ward—was placed under strict protection by the Royal Guard. Yet without a direct edict from His Majesty, Prince Jing was not permitted to leave; indeed, not even to step beyond the cell’s door.

At the same moment, Minister Ma Xuanlin, hastening to the scene, was nearly driven mad—trouble had indeed descended upon an innocent at home. Who was so shameless, he wondered, as to dump this filth in his territory?

Gazing down at the corpse, already stiffening on the floor, Ma Xuanlin was seized by the urge to resign. He understood at once that if he did not handle this properly, his whole life might very well be forfeit.

He sent urgent reports to the Left Minister’s Office and simultaneously delivered news to the palace. At the same time, Ma Xuanlin gathered his most trusted subordinates; before the Emperor’s inquest arrived, they must uncover at least a few clues. If questioned, at least they would have something to say—remaining completely ignorant might very well provoke the Emperor’s wrath and see his head roll on the spot.

Thus, Ma Xuanlin anxiously hurried off to consult with the Left Minister, Ye Lansheng, leaving the matter of the corpse in the hands of the Ministry of Justice Major Case Department.

Chief Officer "Iron Face" Xue Gui, upon receiving the news, rushed to the scene. It was as if cold frost filled his eyes; his mere glance forced others instinctively to avert their gaze. Coupled with that cold, metallic mask upon his face, few dared even to stand beside him.

"Who has been at the scene?"

"At early 7 p.m., the meal was delivered, and just before mid-7 p.m., the dishes were collected, a pot of fruit wine also brought according to Prince Qian’s instructions. But all remained outdoors—none ever entered.

After the incident, the warden opened the cell and entered, as did two physicians, and three of Prince Qian’s guards, who arrived upon hearing the news."

Wherever Xue Gui appeared, his Deputy, Li Qing, was sure to be found. By the time Xue Gui had made a circuit of the cell, Li Qing had completed a preliminary investigation of the ward and hastened back to report.

The scene was crucial, but now, not only the footprints but even the arrangement of many objects in the cell had been disturbed. For instance, when Prince Qian was found, he was lying on the ground, but in his efforts to save him, the warden had lifted him onto the bed. Pills and magic were attempted, but, as proved, the deceased could not be revived, and so the scene was greatly compromised.

"There are no signs of poisoning on the surface of the body, nor any notable odor, wounds, or evidence of a struggle. The death... appears quite peaceful?" Xue Gui stood at the bedside, having just completed a cursory inspection of Prince Qian’s corpse. As expected, he found almost nothing in the way of direct clues.

"Where is the forensic doctor? When will they arrive?"

"They are already waiting outside. But, sir, do you truly wish to conduct an autopsy? This is Prince Qian, after all—should we not submit a report first before proceeding?" Li Qing voiced his concern. For this was a prince, and the Royal Family is very particular about the treatment of their dead. Should the forensic doctor wield a knife, though it would be in pursuit of justice, it could still bring no end of trouble if questioned afterward.

But Xue Gui shook his head and said, "We cannot delay. Nearly an entire hour has passed since the body was discovered. In so tightly guarded a place, if this were homicide, there are but a few possibilities; poisoning among them. Some toxins dissipate quickly within the corpse, so our examination must be prompt. You ought to know this."

"Yes, sir, but..."

Xue Gui interrupted him: "Enough, bring in the forensic doctor at once."

Seeing his superior had decided, Li Qing no longer attempted dissuasion. He turned and soon returned, escorting two forensic doctors, each around fifty years of age.

Xue Gui raised his hand to cut off their formalities, gesturing toward the corpse on the bed: "This is Prince Qian, second son of His Majesty. Cause of death presently unknown—you are to find out. Leave nothing unexplored on the body. Begin."

The two forensic doctors clearly trembled, though they were old hands who had handled over a hundred bodies in their careers. Even so, being tasked with a prince’s body, they could not help but be instinctively anxious. Yet they understood the rules of the Major Case Department—if you are assigned a task, you do it. Delays, sloppy work, or resistance would only court disaster. Thus they could only steel themselves and begin.

Beginning with the removal of clothing, one examined while the other recorded and supplemented. Inside and out, they labored for a full hour and a half before the final autopsy report landed in Xue Gui’s hands.