Chapter Twelve: Li Yi Judges the Case (Part One)

“Hm? Why are you here? This is no place for you to speak!” Li Zihao hadn’t taken a careful look around when he first entered. Only when Li Yi spoke did he recognize him, and immediately his expression soured.

“Silence! This is not the time for you to speak!” Though Li Junqian was also somewhat displeased at Li Yi’s interruption, his annoyance towards his own ill-mannered son, who had long been a source of headache, was even greater.

The moment Li Zihao saw Li Junqian’s anger, he dared not utter another word. He shot Li Yi a resentful glare and withdrew in dejection.

Li Yi, realizing his own breach of etiquette, stepped forward to apologize. “I was lost in thought and acted rudely just now. I beg your forgiveness, Uncle.”

Li Junqian waved his hand magnanimously. “Think nothing of it. But, what did you mean by ‘just these’ earlier?”

“Oh, that was merely my own idle speculation, not to be taken seriously. I dare not show off my meager knowledge in front of you, Uncle.”

Hearing this, Li Junqian guessed that Li Yi might have discovered something. Though young, Li Yi was the disciple of Wang Yuanzhi—who could say if he had learned some secret technique? Thus, he treated the matter with utmost seriousness. “This is no time for modesty. If you have something to say, speak plainly. Or do you think I am unworthy to hear your insights?”

Li Yi hadn’t intended to involve himself in this matter, but now, with no way to retreat, he decided it might not be a bad thing after all. If he could help the Li family resolve Li Zimo’s case, he would earn their deep gratitude, and whatever issues existed between himself and Li Zihao—whether they improved or remained at an impasse—would at least be addressed. As for investigating deaths, Li Yi did possess some knowledge. In his previous life, he had always enjoyed a thrill, and detective stories fascinated him even more. He had watched countless investigation dramas, and, inspired by “The Song Dynasty Magistrate,” had even read “Washing Away Injustice” several times, nearly committing it to memory. Thus, he felt some confidence in this area.

Without hesitation, Li Yi replied, “Uncle, it’s nothing so grand. I once read two miscellaneous books during my studies on Mount Mao, one of which happened to deal with the art of inference and post-mortem examination. I have never practiced it, so I was reluctant to speak. But since you ask, I will share my thoughts, if only as reference for you both.”

Li Junqian had expected a secret technique, but hearing it was merely from two books, he was immediately disappointed. If reading two books was all it took to solve a case, then anyone could become Minister of Justice. Nevertheless, he did not interrupt Li Yi, for it was a matter of basic courtesy. What Li Yi said next, however, astonished him.

“Sir, you have already conducted a thorough examination of the body, but there are two small matters I wish to ask you about.” Li Yi stepped forward confidently.

“You cheeky child, just call me Uncle. Speak your questions directly—there’s no need for circumlocution. I am not so petty,” said Dai Shunde, revealing himself to be a frank and straightforward man. Though his words sounded like a rebuke, they were in fact meant to encourage Li Yi.

Li Yi felt a bit awkward at first, but then relaxed. It seemed Dai Chunlin had not told Dai Shunde about the matter of the five hundred taels of gold. He also wondered how two such bold and forthright men as Li Junqian and Dai Shunde could have begotten sons like Dai Chunlin and Li Zihao.

After a fleeting thought, Li Yi returned to the matter at hand. He coughed to compose himself, then asked in a solemn tone, “May I ask, Uncle, did you examine the ligature marks on the deceased’s neck and the height of the object on which he stood?”

Dai Shunde considered for a moment and replied, “No, I did not. What use would that be?”

Li Yi sighed inwardly. The early Tang Dynasty’s criminal investigations were indeed lacking. The art of investigation seemed to have begun with Di Renjie and only became systematic in the Song Dynasty. At present, it relied solely on the experience of those on duty. Li Yi organized his thoughts. “As everyone knows, in all criminal cases, the most crucial verdict is that of the death penalty. To sentence someone to death, it is essential to ascertain the facts and clues. The key to uncovering the truth lies in careful examination. Whether the accused lives or dies, whether justice is served or miscarried, whether grievances are redressed or compounded, all depends on the conclusions drawn from the examination. Thus, the body of the deceased is paramount; sometimes, what the dead have to say is more valuable than the testimony of the living.”

At this, Li Yi paused briefly. The others in the room were already captivated; though he had only stated the general principle of investigation, he had pinpointed the essence of the matter. Dai Chunlin was already taking notes.

Li Yi pressed on, immersed in his role. “As for death by hanging, there are but two possibilities: either suicide, or homicide disguised to look like suicide. To determine which, there are two points that must never be overlooked.”

“The ligature marks on the neck and the height of the object underfoot?” Li Junqian interjected, now somewhat convinced of Li Yi’s abilities and eager for answers.

“Exactly. Consider this: if it were homicide, the most common method would be to strangle the victim from behind. In that case, the ligature mark would be centered at the back of the neck. But if it were suicide by hanging, the mark would pass behind the ears. That is the first point. Second, the object beneath the victim’s feet: if the deceased hanged himself, his feet would be suspended. For him to kick away the object, it must be higher than the distance his feet were above the ground. If it was homicide, the murderer might not take such details into account. Thus, these two points are crucial in cases of alleged suicide by hanging.”

“You are truly gifted, nephew. But let us dispense with pleasantries. Tell me, will you help find my son’s murderer? If you can avenge him, the entire Li family will be forever in your debt,” said Li Junqian, bowing deeply to Li Yi. It was clear that he was devastated by Li Zimo’s death. Though his admiration for Li Yi’s words played a part, desperation had driven him to clutch at any straw.

Li Yi hurriedly stepped forward and helped Li Junqian up. “Uncle, you do me too much honor. If I can be of use, it is my privilege. How dare I refuse? Rest assured, if you trust me, I will do my utmost to assist you.” Whether his intentions were sincere or not, Li Yi was now fully involved in the case. He might as well see it through—who knew what unexpected gains might lie ahead?

Li Junqian’s burden seemed to lighten at Li Yi’s words.

“Thank you, Brother Li!” said Li Zixuan.

“Wen Yong, I am indebted to you, brother!” added Li Zihan. Both felt a warmth in their hearts at Li Yi’s skill and loyalty. Li Zimo’s death had been a heavy blow to them.

“There is no need for such formality among family,” Li Yi replied gently.

“Well then, enough talk for now. Nephew, come with me to the scene of the crime,” said Li Junqian, anxious to solve the case and ready to take charge himself.

“Indeed, the case is urgent. Investigate as you must—do not hesitate. I will assist you in any way I can,” said Dai Chunlin.

“This...” To have both a provincial governor and a senior official acting as his assistants—Li Yi’s status was now unparalleled.

“No more dawdling—let’s go!” they urged him.

“All right, then!” Li Yi decided not to worry about it. Whether he succeeded or failed, he would examine the body first.

By this point, everyone present had unconsciously begun to look to Li Yi for guidance. Perhaps it was the shock and confusion caused by Li Zimo’s death—or perhaps it was simply a case of desperation.

“Brother Yi, good luck!” Li Xueyan was filled with pride, realizing in that moment that her Brother Yi was capable of anything. She did not even notice when her tone of address changed.

What Li Yi did not notice was the flicker of panic in Li Zihao’s eyes as he lingered at a distance.

The group hurried to the crime scene. Upon arrival, Li Yi first thoroughly examined the entrance and found that the door had indeed been locked from the inside. He then strode into the room, which turned out to be a study. Li Zimo’s body lay on a simple wooden bed.

“A study? Why here?” Li Yi was puzzled. The crime had occurred late at night—why would anyone come to the study at such an hour?

“Ah, the New Year has just passed, and there was much official business to manage. Zimo, concerned for my health, often helped me with my duties. Perhaps he worked too late last night, giving a thief the chance to strike,” Li Junqian explained, his grief surfacing once again.

Li Yi nodded in understanding and then glanced upwards. “Wait, where is the rope? The rope is missing!”

He noticed that the hanging implement was gone—a crucial piece of evidence now lost.

“The rope isn’t here... What? Who removed it? I specifically ordered that this room not be disturbed!” Dai Chunlin, who had overseen the initial examination, was furious, for he now bore a heavy responsibility.

“Find out who did this, and I will...” Li Junqian was even more incensed, nearly losing his reason. His most outstanding son had died in their own home, and now even the investigation was being sabotaged—this was beyond mere provocation.

“Father... it was I who had it removed. I thought it was already confirmed as suicide, so I disposed of that ominous thing,” Li Zihao confessed.

“You unfilial child, you wretch! I—” Li Junqian was so shocked and enraged to discover it was his own son that he spat a mouthful of blood.

Li Yi shot a suspicious look at Li Zihao and hurried to check Li Junqian’s pulse. Though Wang Yuanzhi had not taught him Daoist arts on Mount Mao, he had imparted some basic medical skills—enough to diagnose common ailments.

“It’s nothing serious. Uncle has merely suffered a fit of rage. A dose of medicine will suffice.” Li Yi helped Li Junqian to a seat and reassured him, “Do not worry, Uncle. The loss of the rope complicates things, but it is not insurmountable. We may just need to examine the body more thoroughly.”

Hearing that it was not a major issue, Li Junqian relaxed. “Do as you must, nephew. If anyone interferes again, no matter who it is, I will see to it they have nowhere to hide!” He cast a meaningful glance at Li Zihao, clearly having lost all faith in him.

“Rest assured, Uncle, I will do my utmost.”