Chapter 326: Chapter 326: The Identity of the Deceased
326 The Victim’s Identity
Qiao Muchen nodded. "It seems the deceased was likely killed by the King of Chu, and Prince Liang placed the remains in this cave. Moreover, although the clothes are heavily corroded, they are clearly not ordinary. The victim’s identity must be significant. However, we can’t confirm it right now."
At this point, Zhao Zhitong thought for a moment, then said, "The body is severely skeletonized, so it’s difficult to get much useful information. However, I can try to reconstruct the deceased’s appearance from the skull."
As soon as this was said, the surrounding crowd was shocked, mostly finding it hard to believe.
"What? Is that possible?"
Zhao Zhitong nodded. "I can try."
She stood up and said, "Let’s take the evidence and the skull back to the inn first."
The sky was gradually darkening, and it was indeed not suitable to remain on the mountain any longer. Everyone decided to return to the inn first. They would decide what to do after Zhao Zhitong had reconstructed the deceased’s appearance.
Wei Zijian removed his coat, wrapped the deceased’s skull, and took it away. The other bones were buried beside Sun Moon Lake.
——
For the next few days, Zhao Zhitong holed up in the inn, studying a skull.
Song Renying had advised them before leaving the capital to consult Lord Zhang if they were unsure about anything. Recalling this, Qiao Muchen and Zhao Yue began organizing the evidence and then went to the Prime Minister’s Mansion to find Lord Zhang.
This case involved the emperor’s nephew and several highly favored officials, so it was no small matter. A single careless move could put their lives in danger, demanding they act with absolute certainty.
Lord Zhang stroked his beard and said, "The King of Chu and Zhuo An’s faction have plagued the court for a long time. They have deep roots. If we cannot crush them in one decisive blow, we must not act rashly."
Lord Zhang gave his instructions while Qiao Muchen and Zhao Yue listened carefully.
Lord Zhang thought for a moment before adding, "However, they are not invulnerable. Over the years, they have flaunted their power, secretly scheming and offending many people. We are not short of allies."
In saying this, Lord Zhang seemed to be intentionally reminding them.
Both of them simultaneously thought of one person—Princess Anping.
——
Zhao Yue and Qiao Muchen were busy forging an alliance with Princess Anping, plotting against the King of Chu and Zhuo An’s faction.
On Zhao Zhitong’s side, she was diligently working on reconstructing the face of the deceased.
Wei Shulan and Wei Zijian would occasionally swing by Zhao Zhitong’s room to lend a hand, both curious about how Zhao Zhitong planned to reconstruct the deceased’s appearance.
Zhao Yu stood guard at Zhao Zhitong’s door, sword in both hands, protecting her.
Wei Shulan, having watched for a long time, couldn’t help but ask, "Tongtong, aren’t you scared looking at a skull all day? Do you want me to sleep with you tonight?"
Zhao Zhitong smiled. "There’s no need. I’m not scared."
Wei Shulan couldn’t contain her curiosity. "Tongtong, what are you doing now? Are you making clay figures?"
Zhao Zhitong, holding soft clay, smiled and said, "This is something I learned from a book. A human skull has thirty-six specific bone points. By marking these points, one can infer the muscle structure and thickness, allowing for a rough sketch of the deceased’s living appearance. The process is just a bit complex and requires considerable patience." She chuckled. "However, I can’t guarantee its accuracy. This is my first time putting it into practice."
Wei Shulan smiled. "I believe you can do it, Tongtong. Do you want some fruit? I can peel an orange for you. What about water? Would you like a drink?"
Zhao Zhitong shook her head. "No, thank you. I’ll get water myself if I’m thirsty."
Wei Shulan nodded. "Alright, then take your time. No need to rush. We won’t disturb you."
As she spoke, she pulled Wei Zijian, who had been watching intently, out of the room as well.
Wei Zijian, being dragged away, was very reluctant. "Hey, why are you pulling me? I want to see how Master reconstructs it."
Wei Shulan forcibly dragged Wei Zijian out of the room. "What are you looking at? Don’t disturb Tongtong! What if you distract her?"
The two continued bickering as they left, closing the door behind them.
Zhao Zhitong couldn’t help but smile, then lowered her head to work on the skull again.
After nearly two days of continuous work, almost without sleep, Zhao Zhitong finally completed a charcoal sketch. She handed it to Qiao Muchen, saying, "This is roughly how he looked."
Zhao Yue eagerly leaned in for a look, exclaiming in amazement, "Wow, incredible! You actually restored his appearance! But who is this young man?"
Qiao Muchen looked at the drawing and thought for a moment before suggesting, "We can show it to Princess Anping."
Zhao Yue nodded in agreement.
If the young man’s identity was significant, Princess Anping would most likely have met him.
While everyone was marveling at Zhao Zhitong’s skill, she waved her hand modestly. "I’m not sure if it will be useful yet."
Having said that, she yawned involuntarily, her face showing exhaustion.
Qiao Muchen immediately took the drawing and ushered the curious onlookers out of the room. Then, with a hint of gentle reproach, he said to Zhao Zhitong, "You haven’t slept for two days, have you? No matter how urgent this is, you can’t go without sleep. Go rest now. Leave the rest to us."
He insisted on watching Zhao Zhitong lie down before he closed the door and quietly left.
Hearing the door close and Qiao Muchen’s footsteps walking away, Zhao Zhitong closed her eyes and gradually fell asleep.
She slept for a long time. When she woke up, it was already evening, and Qiao Muchen and Zhao Yue had returned.
Zhao Yue excitedly told Zhao Zhitong that the young man in her drawing had an extraordinary identity: he was the young prince, the emperor’s son and Princess Anping’s biological younger brother, who had disappeared from the autumn hunting grounds seven years ago.
Murdering a prince was a heinous crime. If the deceased’s identity was confirmed, the King of Chu would face grave charges. For this reason, Princess Anping decided to go to Sun Moon Lake herself to see the remains.
The following day, Qiao Muchen and Zhao Yue accompanied the princess to Sun Moon Lake. When Princess Anping saw the clothes on the body, she immediately recognized them.
"It’s my brother! It’s my little brother! This riding outfit he’s wearing—it was a gift I gave him!" Princess Anping’s eyes reddened as she spoke.
"Damn you, Pei Siqing! Such a heart of a wolf and wild ambitions!"
Princess Anping ordered her men to secretly take the young prince’s body back with them.
——
The capture of Prince Liang for his rebellion did not affect the arrival of Results Announcement Day.
Two days later, Results Announcement Day arrived as scheduled. Early in the morning, everyone rose to go and check the announcement lists.
Most of those staying at Wuyou Inn were scholars who had taken this year’s imperial examination. Consequently, they all rose early that day. Currently, they were gathered downstairs, eating and discussing anxiously.
"I hope I can make the list this time."
"Brother Ren, with your great talent, you’re sure to pass."
"Thank you for your kind words, Brother Wang. I’m sure you’ll also achieve great success!"
Many people remained both apprehensive and nervous.
There were also some who didn’t eat at all; they got up and went straight to the results announcement site to wait.
Zhao Zhitong and the others walked down the stairs together, found a table, and ordered a few bowls of plain noodles from the waiter.