Chapter 108 Dispute
Just then, an officer came running over in a hurry.
Officer: "Sir, we found a footprint in the corner of the cell, and it was covered with mud."
The prefect immediately ordered: "Take a copy of the footprint and compare it with the footprints of everyone in the Imperial College."
The coroner and the officers got busy. They took footprints and then compared them one by one with those of the people in the Imperial College.
After some comparison, the coroner finally found a matching footprint. He excitedly reported: "Sir, the footprint matches a student named Luo Xiwen in the Imperial College."
The prefect immediately ordered: "Bring Luo Xiwen back to the prefect's office. I want to interrogate him personally."
At the prefect's mansion, Luo Xiwen was brought to the court. He looked a little flustered, but there was a hint of determination in his eyes.
Prefect: "Luo Xiwen, why did you kill Zhang Xinyue?"
Luo Xiwen shook her head: "My Lord, I am innocent! Zhang Xinyue and I have no grudge against each other, and I will never hurt her."
The prefect looked at Luo Xiwen coldly: "So, are the footprints in the corner of the house yours?"
Luo Xiwen was silent for a moment, then said: "I did go to the dormitory that night, but I just wanted to see Zhang Xinyue. I don't know how my footprints appeared there."
The prefect nodded slightly and turned to Shangguan Zhengming: "Sir Shangguan, what do you think?"
Shangguan Zhengming pondered for a moment, then said: "Although Luo Xiwen's footprints match those at the scene, he does not seem to have the motive to kill Zhang Xinyue. We need more evidence to confirm his guilt."
The prefect nodded and ordered Luo Xiwen to be temporarily detained and the case to continue investigation.
Officer: "Sir, we found a painting on the wall of the cell. In the painting, there is a hand holding a knife."
The prefect immediately brought Shangguan Zhengming to the cell, and they saw that the hand in the painting was holding a knife, with the tip of the knife pointing at Zhang Xinyue's body.
The prefect said coldly: "This painting seems to imply that the murderer is an insider and is related to Zhang Xinyue's death. We must find out who painted this painting."
Shangguan Zhengming nodded, his eyes flashing with determination: "Sir, I believe the truth will eventually come out. We will continue to investigate until we find the real culprit."
As the investigation deepened, the atmosphere in the Imperial College became increasingly tense. The students were uneasy, and the teachers were worried. The coroner and the guards were carefully searching for clues in the dormitory.
Just then, an officer came running over in a hurry.
Officer: "Sir, we found a pair of scissors under the bed in the cell, and there was blood on the scissors."
The prefect immediately ordered: "Send the scissors to the coroner for examination to see if the bloodstains belong to Zhang Xinyue."
The coroner took the scissors and after some examination, he reported: "Sir, the blood on the scissors is indeed Zhang Xinyue's."
The prefect said coldly: "It seems that the murderer used this pair of scissors to cut the rope for skipping and then killed Zhang Xinyue."
Shangguan Zhengming pondered for a moment, then said, "Sir, I think we should re-examine all the people related to Zhang Xinyue to see if they have the motive and opportunity."
The prefect nodded and ordered a reinvestigation of all people related to Zhang Xinyue. The coroner and the officers continued to search for clues in the cell.
……
Many disciples of the Imperial College knew that Zhang Xinyue was the apple of Grand Tutor Zhang's eye, and most people did not dare to provoke her.
Zhang Xinyue has always been arrogant and willful. What could have made her so desperate that she couldn't live anymore?
Upon hearing the news, Master Zhang and his wife hurried over. At this time, the body of his daughter Zhang Xinyue was covered with white cloth and placed in the open space outside the cell.
Master Zhang's footsteps were heavy and hurried, his eyes were full of grief and confusion. Madam Zhang followed closely behind him, her face was pale, tears welled up in her eyes. The atmosphere in the Imperial College became depressed and heavy because of this sudden change.
Master Zhang's voice trembled: "This...what's going on? Xinyue...Why is Xinyue like this?"
Shangguan Zhengming, the director of the Imperial College, walked over quickly, with an expression of surprise and sorrow on his face.
Shangguan Zhengming said sadly: "Master Zhang, Madam Zhang, I am really sorry. We have been investigating this matter, but we have not yet found the exact cause of death."
Mrs. Zhang was heartbroken. She rushed forward, uncovered the white cloth, and saw her daughter's pale face. She could no longer hold back her tears.
Mrs. Zhang burst into tears: "My son, what kind of hardship have you encountered? Why did you leave like this?"
The disciples of the Imperial College gathered around, and the prefect of Jingzhao also hurried over, and the scene was a little chaotic for a while.
Jingzhao Prefecture Governor said solemnly: "Master Zhang, Madam Zhang, please accept my condolences. I have ordered people to seal off the scene and will definitely investigate thoroughly."
Master Zhang wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes, and a hint of determination flashed in his eyes.
Master Zhang said firmly: "Xinyue's death must be suspicious. I request that an investigation team be set up immediately to find out the truth."
Shangguan Zhengming nodded: "Don't worry, Master Zhang, I will personally supervise this case and will never tolerate any murderer."
Everyone present started to discuss the matter, and the cause of Zhang Xinyue's death became the biggest mystery. Master Zhang and his wife were grief-stricken, but they still suppressed their grief and asked about their daughter's life.
Mrs. Zhang choked up: "Xinyue... is there anything unusual about her recently?"
Shangguan Zhengming pondered and said, "Master Zhang, Madam Zhang, as far as I know, Zhang Xinyue seems to have had a dispute with some people recently, but she did not elaborate."
Master Zhang asked sharply, "Dispute? Who is she disputing with?"
Shangguan Zhengming hesitated: "This...I'm not too sure about this, but she is indeed a little abnormal recently."
The prefect of Jingzhao took a step forward, a sharp look flashing in his eyes.
"Master Zhang, Madam Zhang, I have sent people to investigate Zhang Xinyue's past relationships. I believe we will find some clues soon."
Master Zhang and his wife nodded silently, their eyes filled with expectation and sorrow.
Master Zhang was puzzled: "Luo Xiyi? I don't think I have heard of this name before."
Shangguan Zhengming pondered: "Master Zhang, Luo Xiyi is Zhang Xinyue's classmate and roommate, and they seem to have a good relationship."
Jingzhao Prefecture Governor ordered: "Find Luo Xiyi immediately. She may be the key to solving the mystery of Zhang Xinyue's death."
Not long after, Luo Xiyi was found. She looked pale and haggard, obviously frightened by Zhang Xinyue's death.
Luo Xiyi trembled: "I... I don't know what happened. I just had a small dispute with Zhang Xinyue."
Master Zhang said sternly, "A small dispute? You'd better tell the truth, otherwise you will bear serious consequences."
Luo Xiyi was so frightened that her face turned pale, and she finally told the truth.
It turned out that Zhang Xinyue had been investigating some shady transactions within the Imperial College recently, and Luo Xiyi had an argument with Zhang Xinyue because she was afraid of being implicated.
Master Zhang was furious: "These damn deals actually involve my daughter!"
The prefect of Jingzhao immediately issued an order: "Immediately conduct a thorough investigation inside the Imperial College and bring all the criminals involved to justice!"