TEFSCBSS Chapter 102

Chapter 102: Case Closed (Part One)

Everyone split up and moved quickly, but that didn’t mean the others just sat around. Some chatted, some offered their thoughts and commentary.

The Minister of Justice, besides Su Li, had been nodding along ever since No. 2 and No. 5 began coordinating the operation. “These two are real talents,” he said. “Sharp minds, excellent at solving cases.”

Su Li was quite pleased as well. No. 5, Wang Qingmu, hadn’t wasted his time at her script store—his reasoning skills and thought process were impressive. He even brought up folk tales, showing a wide imagination. Truly not bad.

Minister Zhao stroked his beard and said with admiration, “Miss Su Li, this was a brilliant idea. If we keep hosting events like this every few years, it’ll surely attract even more talent to Great Yin.”

Su Li returned the compliment politely. “Only because you, Minister Zhao, were willing to cooperate. And Zhao Wen helped a great deal, too—many of the classic cases were adapted thanks to his ideas and suggestions.”

Hearing someone praise his wayward son made Minister Zhao beam with pride, though his face remained modest. “You flatter us—it’s your guidance that made the difference.”

The two exchanged more compliments until Minister Zhao suddenly changed the subject, bringing up the visiting diplomatic delegation.

“Miss Su Li, when the foreign envoys arrive and challenge us, how are you planning to handle it? Will you use old cases again, like this time?”

Su Li understood the hidden concern behind his words. Using adapted historical cases might not be the best choice when trying to impress foreign guests. After all, it’s more important to showcase Great Yin’s peace and prosperity, not expose old murders and unrest.

Even if… well, the unrest part was true enough.

As she recalled the many murder mystery games and variety shows she had seen in her past life, an idea struck her.

If murder was too sensitive, what about theft?

Instead of using old cases, they could stage a theft live and challenge everyone to find the culprit and recover the “stolen treasure” based on the clues. Add a series of physical and mental challenges—wouldn’t that just wipe the floor with the foreign delegates?

She smiled to herself but didn’t reveal the plan, only saying it wouldn’t be anything like today’s small match. No matter how Minister Zhao tried, he couldn’t get any more information out of her.

…

Elsewhere, Su San and his lackeys had been hiding in ambush for a while.

“Heh, didn’t expect Su Li to use this case first. Talk about not giving Prime Minister Su any face. But whatever—our orders are to assassinate her. We’ll just use the death method she devised to give her a ‘fitting end.’”

One of the low-tier fighters behind him shivered. Something felt off.

Prime Minister Su is treating his own “daughter” like this… ruthlessly.

The man’s thoughts turned to Jiang Liang, who had been missing for some time. He’d been a brother, roommate, sparring partner, and even made a pact to marry their kids someday. And now he was dead. Word was, Su Li had arranged his death in prison.

He clenched his jaw. If Prime Minister Su wanted Su Li dead, then he’d gladly take the job—avenge his brother.

And since Jiang Liang had always dreamed of marriage, well… even in death, a burial with a “bride” could be arranged.

Su Li, your time is up.

Tonight, you die.

…

Meanwhile, back at a proper, respectable tavern, a masked figure was watching the crowd, eyes pausing briefly on Su San and his men.

“Hmph. Prime Minister Su suits my taste—if someone gets in the way, kill them. That’s it. Can’t believe someone still trusts Su Yao and her ridiculous schemes.”

She looked at Su Li and smiled cruelly.

“What a shame. That mind of hers—so clever, creating all these fun games. If she wasn’t a threat to that person, I might have liked her.”

“Such a pity.”

She toyed with a few cards from a game of Werewolf, plucking out the one symbolizing the Hunter. She lifted it to her nose and took a slow sniff.

…

Back to our ever-lovable candidates—they had regrouped once more.

No. 5 looked a bit tired. He led them to a large table at the Moon Immortal Pavilion, where they all sat down to catch their breath and sip some water.

“I’m sure everyone’s found something,” he said. “Let’s go around and share.”

The others nodded in agreement.

No. 5 started with his team’s findings.

“We investigated several graveyards on the southern outskirts of the city. In one of them, to the east, we found several corpses with matching characteristics.”

“Though most were in various states of decay, we could still see that their faces had been deliberately mutilated.”

“And all of them were missing their hearts.”

“Other than that, there were no major wounds—just some ligature marks on the wrists and ankles.”

“And their expressions were twisted in fear. Signs of struggling were clear. The chest wounds were messy, torn open.”

“Our theory is that they all died from having their hearts cut out—alive.”

Everyone shuddered. Whoever was behind this… was truly cruel.

But No. 5 wasn’t done.

“Based on case records, we were able to identify most of the victims. However, Liu Xiaolan’s body wasn’t found. Either the disposal location changed, she escaped, or her disappearance isn’t related to this case.”

“We also found clear cart tracks nearby, leading east.”

“Such deep ruts mean someone made trips regularly. But as you all know, the east side of the city is where the powerful and wealthy live. Even when someone dies, they have the means to bury them properly. Even a servant wouldn’t end up dumped in a mass grave.”

“Which means… the person behind this case is most likely in the east.”

At this conclusion, everyone looked grim. It made sense—only someone with power and influence could act so recklessly.

Once No. 5 finished, No. 1 spoke up.

“We took a closer look at Moon Immortal Pavilion. Secrets are hiding there.”

He looked around the group. “You remember the ‘curse’ that Xiaoyu mentioned before she was silenced?”

Everyone nodded.

No. 1 continued, “Well, when the ladies left, Yue Niang slipped me a note. It told me to go to the City God Temple—alone—after leaving you guys. Said we’d meet there.”

The City God Temple?

No. 5 blinked. So it was connected. He’d already thought Chun Ya’s final behavior was odd. The vagrants, too—they’d all acted nervous, like they were hiding something. But without triggering the right clues, they wouldn’t speak.

So there was indeed a connection between the temple, Moon Immortal Pavilion, Chun Ya, and the others.

He glanced at No. 1 and felt a sudden pang of jealousy.

Seriously, why did she give him the vital clue and not me?

His expression turned resentful. No. 8 was more direct—he slapped No. 1 on the shoulder.

“You had this info the whole time and didn’t say anything?!”