Chapter Forty-Three: Turmoil at the Opera House

But it was not wise to act rashly.
It was still necessary to wait for the right moment.
No one had expected that the incident with the troupe would weigh so heavily on the mind of Master Zhao.
He had immediately taken a liking to those star performers and developed a particular appreciation for Spring Pavilion.
Yet a week had passed, and the case at the Court of Justice remained unresolved.
Naturally, he was dissatisfied.
“What’s going on? Still no explanation for the victims? All of us opera enthusiasts are waiting for answers.”
His aggressive manner was truly repugnant.
At that very moment, Han Qing happened to be present, having been dragged along by Young Master Zhu.
“No wonder the case can’t be solved—anyone can enter the Court of Justice these days?”
Young Master Zhao’s tone dripped with sarcasm.
Having lost face at the poetry gathering, seeing Han Qing now, he couldn’t resist the urge to vent.
“Master Zhao, we conduct ourselves with fairness. What you speak of is beyond my understanding,” Wen Qi replied calmly, never one to be ruffled by doubts about her capabilities.
Were it not for her deep admiration for Han Qing,
she would never have consulted him so many times.
“How did this outsider get in?”
“I invited him to assist with the investigation. As of now, our clues are almost nonexistent.”
She responded coldly.
“What a ridiculous joke—someone who fancies himself a ‘sage of poetry’ after a few lines, how could he possibly solve murders?”
Master Zhao refused to believe, suspecting that some were bewitched by clever words.
Perhaps these people were deliberately delaying the conclusion of the case?
“You don’t understand either.”
“I may not, but I was commissioned by Spring Pavilion to seek justice for them.”
He was ever proud and conceited.
But here in the Court of Justice, no one was obliged to cooperate with him.
“Has the coroner examined the bodies?”
“They have been inspected. There are faint marks of strangulation on their necks—someone must have attacked from behind, leaving no time to react, and they died instantly.”
“Let me take a look.”
Han Qing examined their clothing and scars on their bodies.
Indeed, there was the possibility they’d been strangled.
However, the patterns and shades on their skin
were enough to determine that the killer did not rely solely on this method for their sudden deaths.
There must have been another motive.

“Are there signs of poisoning in their bodies?”
“None have been found.”
Upon hearing this, he shook his head.
These people merely used silver needles to test for toxins, yet some poisons do not react with silver, nor produce visible changes.
“Bring me a few tweezers and something to cauterize.”
Though Wen Qi was puzzled, she realized he might truly alter the situation,
and promptly gave the order.
Sure enough, his suspicions were confirmed.
Both victims had been poisoned with the Five Venoms, and because they’d been exposed long-term, their bodies had adapted to the toxins.
Ordinary physicians could never detect it, but under the heat of cauterization, subtle changes occurred in the poisons.
“Poisoned, then. Investigate Spring Pavilion thoroughly; only someone close could administer it.”
“But I’ve already looked into it. Her sisters at the theatre treated her well, and the master, though strict, harbored no malice.”
Wen Qi spoke slowly,
explaining why after so many days, not a single clue had been found.
“Keep investigating.”
Master Zhao remained restless. Seeing others involved, he immediately made a grand fuss, even spreading rumors,
claiming that the Court of Justice now harbored outsiders ignorant of the truth, and in such a serious case, they’d brought in unqualified people to assist.
As a result,
the townsfolk flocked to watch the spectacle.
But debate abounded—some came for the drama, others sought to undermine him.
“Wasn’t it said the Han family’s son was exceptionally talented? Now he’s working at the Court of Justice?”
“Who knows? He’s not a professional, yet insists on meddling.”
“I can’t fathom what he’s thinking.”
Truth and falsehood blurred together.
Repeated gossip inevitably affected his reputation.
“Has that Zhao boy been kicked in the head? Does he know what to say and what not to say? Has all his learning gone into someone else’s stomach?”
Young Master Zhu, upon reading these articles,
was furious.
He felt his friend had been wronged,
being entangled by such a petty villain—
it was truly troublesome.
“Pay them no mind.”
Han Qing was calm and serene, as though those rumors could not touch him.
His heart was intent on finding the murderer for those two star performers.

He made a special visit to Spring Pavilion.
Most there expressed deep regret over the matter.
The master of the house, who appeared to be over thirty, had likely devoted his entire life to the troupe.
The tragic deaths of those two brought great sorrow.
Was there truly no trace to follow?
Impossible.
“Sir, we apologize for our earlier rudeness. If there’s anything else you wish to know, we’ll answer everything.”
Their demeanor was earnest,
yet their hands were placed oddly, and some fidgeted excessively.
Clearly, their consciences were uneasy.
But he did not expose them.
“The two side rooms at the back were their residences. If you wish to see them, I can accompany you.”
“You need not guide me. I’ll take a brief look around; the departed are gone, you must take care.”
He spoke gently.
Passing by the rooms, he noticed an elderly woman weeping nearby.
Who was she?
“Are you the caretaker here?” Han Qing asked tentatively.
“Poor girls, why did you leave? It was him, it must have been him!”
The old woman babbled incoherently.
At this moment, the composed master hurried over.
“Sir, forgive us for making you laugh. She was a renowned performer in her youth, but her voice was ruined. I took pity and kept her here.”
He spoke unhurriedly.
“You have a kind heart. We’ll do our utmost to solve the case!”
Wen Qi replied, troubled.
Still, no clues had been found.
She could sense the sorrow of the fellow disciples.
Growing up together, and suddenly one of them was gone?
“Yes, I fear some people are truly beasts in human guise.”
Han Qing gazed meaningfully at the master, studying him for a moment without further explanation.
Perhaps it really was him.
The master who painstakingly managed Spring Pavilion for decades, who had personally destroyed those stars—
If word got out, no one would believe it.