He feigned surprise, “A murder here? I’m new to Long Du City. I’m just taking a leisurely walk today, found this scenery interesting, and wandered around. I didn’t expect such a beautiful place near the bustling capital would have criminals. I shouldn’t have come alone.”
Guan Yue, seeing his worried expression, said, “Young Master Meng, don’t worry. This isn’t a typical robbery. It’s a revenge killing. The murderer has extremely high martial arts skills, killing the victim in just a few moves before quickly leaving. They weren’t after money and didn’t intend to harm the accompanying guards. But if you’re truly afraid, you can return to the city with me after I finish investigating.”
Meng Qing stood by the road, learning from Guan Yue that the victim was a Ministry of Justice official named Chen. Not wanting to pry further, he said, “Since it wasn’t a robbery, I suppose I needn’t worry. It seems Chief Constable Guan needs to stay here a while longer, so I’ll take my leave.”
Leaving the constables, Meng Qing returned to Long Du City. He vaguely felt this case was related to his lost memories. Arriving at the Zhong Yi Marquis Residence near dusk, he scaled the back wall and arrived near the octagonal pavilion where he had suddenly appeared.
He looked toward the pavilion and saw the young lady he’d seen during the day, this time not painting but playing with something. After watching for a while, he realized his current position was perfect for observing the pavilion.
Meng Qing grimaced, wondering if he had a split personality. If he could speak with the girl, he might learn more, but he didn’t want to startle her and have the household servants or guards come running.
He heard the girl mumbling to herself but was too far to hear clearly. Seeing her half-lowered head facing him, he shot a listening device into the nearby grass, which she didn’t notice.
Switching his earphones to the device’s frequency, he was shocked to hear a male voice. Listening carefully, he was stunned.
It was his own voice.
