Chapter 339 - 337: Talent for Killing (First Update)

Chapter 339: Chapter 337: Talent for Killing (First Update)

Xu Jing glanced at him and said, "When tenants check in, the inn records their basic information. This Mr. Fan left his home address because he is a local from the Western Capital. I have already sent someone to check it out."

The government mandates that when a tenant stays at an inn, the innkeeper must record their name, origin, destination, and the reason for their stay. Visiting guests must show a road permit, while local guests must provide their detailed address, which the government periodically inspects.

Because this is the Western Capital, inspections are particularly frequent and strict. If deficiencies are found, the penalty could range from a fine and a temporary closure to a complete revocation of business licenses, which is why businesses in the Western Capital are generally meticulous about this.

However, in ancient times, news did not spread easily, and falsifying tenant information was common. Visiting tenants were easier to verify since road permits were not easily forged. Local guests, on the other hand, could provide any address, and the innkeeper could not verify each one.

Thus, Xu Jing did not hold out much hope for the address left by this so-called Mr. Fan.

Soon enough, the person Xu Jing sent out returned, saluted, and said, "Madam, we went to the address you gave us, but the family living there is named Liu. They said they’ve never had a Mr. Fan living there, and there are no neighbors by that surname either!"

Having expected this, Xu Jing nodded lightly and said, "Thanks for your hard work."

Manager Cao’s face paled slightly, fearing reprimands from the authorities for being careless, hastily explained, "This gentleman spoke with a Western Capital accent and claimed... claimed to be running a shop nearby. He said he had quarreled with his wife at home, so he rented a room here to stay when he felt upset. I thought his story made sense, so I didn’t suspect anything. Besides, the inn was busy then, and I didn’t have time to think much about his affairs. He only came once or twice after that, though I found it odd; I just thought he had reconciled with his wife..."

Mr. Yao reassured him, "We understand that sometimes guest information is hard to verify."

However, Mr. Qu looked defeated, "How can this be! Then, how can we find the murderer who killed my mom?"

Though a Scholar, in the end, he was still a bookish student buried in texts.

Xu Jing looked at him and comforted, "This murderer is very cautious; every detail is meticulously planned. It won’t be easy to catch him, but it doesn’t mean we can’t at all."

Mr. Yao also said, "Indeed, rest assured, Mr. Qu. We misjudged your mother’s case before, but now we will catch the one who harmed her, ensuring she doesn’t suffer injustice in the afterlife. From what we see, your mother’s case and the one this morning are likely by the same perpetrator. Do you know if your mother went anywhere or was close to anyone prior to her murder?"

Mr. Qu shook his head, filled with sorrow, "I... I’m not sure. I told you before; I’m often at the academy and rarely return home. I only know my mom would sell tofu in the city daily, and when I’m home, she’d always be there with me. So, I don’t know where she usually goes...

As for close acquaintances, my mom didn’t seem close with anyone. She was too wary by nature, and the villagers didn’t like interacting with her, nor did she seem fond of engaging with others...

Perhaps people in the village might know more than I do."

After all, the villagers were the ones who spent every day with his mother.

Mr. Yao nodded, then turned to Xu Jing, "Miss Xu, I plan to visit White Jade Village again. Would you like to come along?"

Xu Jing looked at the sky, which was already darkening as it was afternoon.

She thought of Little Point at home and smiled helplessly, "I have matters to attend to at home and won’t be going. We have now determined that Sister-in-law Wu’s case is likely connected to Jiang San’s case. So, finding someone they both interacted with recently might break the case.

Additionally, I believe the criminal’s acts began recently. He is cautious by nature but seems unfamiliar with official methods for solving crimes."

The common term for this is lack of anti-detection ability.

Mr. Yao was taken aback, "What makes you say so?"

"Because both cases left a crucial clue behind."

Xu Jing said solemnly, "The footprints. In Jiang San’s case, we noticed something amiss through the footprints. Although we didn’t see the footprints left by the perpetrator in Sister-in-law Wu’s case, the impressions left by new and old shoes differ. Had Chief Fang been here, he would have detected it as a murder case.

He was fortunate to have committed the crime near year’s end, when the office was busy and understaffed. If he had used similar methods earlier, we’d have known of him sooner.

Of course, he might not have used this method to kill before. However, he used it twice consecutively, indicating he has formed a habit. I worry that he might change his methods upon realizing this method’s flaw."

This murderer is evidently very intelligent, with methods that, while immature, highlight a talent for killing.

Many people’s first kills are messy, often leaving numerous flaws. This murderer, through his cautious nature, hid his immaturity well, only revealing minor flaws through the footprints.

Xu Jing had no doubt that this murderer would grow quickly. If he wasn’t caught soon, it would likely become much harder to catch him later.

Mr. Yao’s expression became grave, "Rest assured, Miss Xu. Without solving this case, none of us can enjoy the New Year peacefully; everyone will do their utmost!"

Xu Jing nodded and said, "Then I’ll leave the investigation of the two deceased to you. Tomorrow, I will visit the Western Capital office for more information."

She said this and then turned to leave.

Jiang Yu, who had been silent the whole time, lifted his deep, inscrutable gaze to look at her and, without a word, straightened up to follow.

Xu Jing immediately sensed Jiang Yu following her, halted slightly, and gave him a strange look, "Isn’t Jiang Erlang interested in following this case? I have to return home, so you can stay with Mr. Yao and the others..."

"Mr. Yao and others are just gathering information, while I saw who was truly pushing the case just now."

Jiang Erlang lowered his eyes to her, tugging his lips into a cryptic expression, "With you investigating my sister’s case, I’m at ease. My sister, if aware in the afterlife, would surely be pleased that you’re investigating."

Xu Jing was confused by his expression.

Was he... giving her backhanded praise?

Xu Jing couldn’t comprehend his intentions and said cautiously, "So, did you come along today to see if I’m capable of investigating your sister’s case?"

Jiang Yu slightly started, then lowered his head with an involuntary, wry smile, "Miss Xu is sharp in business and investigation but incredibly clueless in some aspects. Do you remember when Tianyi Hall’s branch opened in the Western Capital, I visited? You asked how my sister was doing after returning to the Jiang family. I said you should visit when you have time; my sister liked you, and she’d be happy to see you."

Xu Jing did remember. However, she and Jiang San were not that familiar, and Tianyi Hall was a rival to Guangming Hall supported by the Jiang family, so visiting Jiang San was unthinkable.

She couldn’t say that, though, and gave a rather false smile, "I was busy back then, but I wanted to visit Jiang San."