When we arrived at Dali Temple, Li Muyun had already waited here, saluted Yan Chi and Qin Wan before saying, "The files from six years ago have been found, and it took me a long time to find them. Now they are all ready, please come in—"
Qin Wan followed Yan Chi, looking at the familiar government system, he felt dazed again.
Just like the dream in the morning, she seemed to have seen the scene where her father brought her into the Yamen. It was a morning afternoon, and she came to Dali Temple for the first time just to help her father deliver the piles of official documents from the mansion. Dali Temple is the place with the highest supervisory authority in the Dazhou Criminal Prison. The entire yamen is majestic and majestic, exuding a cold and majestic legality. Her heart arose spontaneously, and she also understood that what her father was going to do was related to the righteousness of the world and the principles of life and the people. At that time, she didn't know what the various departments and departments of Dali Temple did.
Walking along the corridor all the way to the back office, Li Muyun invited a few people into a side hall, where more than a dozen volumes were placed on the table, all of which were very old official documents with yellowed paper, Li Muyun said, "Back then The confession, the certificate of inspection, the statement of the case, as well as the official documents submitted by the presiding judges, as well as the review and inspection official documents of the Dali Temple of the Criminal Ministry and the prefect Yamen Inspectorate are all here. There are so many official documents. Last night I have probably read a few volumes, Mr. Zheng is the clearest about the case, now I will read it together with His Highness and Princess, I think it will be rewarding."
Li Muyun ordered people to serve tea, and everyone watched it together. Qin Wan didn't look at anything else, but only picked out the statement of the case and the testimonial, as well as Zhang Taoist's confession. After a short time, he finished watching the first deceased.
The first skinned deceased died in a dilapidated dilapidated house in the south of Guanyin Town. The death was tragic. It was only discovered after three days of death.
The second deceased had his tongue pulled out and his fingers were severed, and he died by the small river ditch west of Guanyin Town. The deceased also committed the crime of talking and talking. There were no patterns of ashes or cinnabar around this person.
The third person was frozen to death in the forest north of Guanyin Town. It happened to be winter at that time, and the deceased was buried in the snow and froze to death alive. .
The three methods of killing people are all unusual methods, and they coincide with the teachings of the Moon Worship Sect. Taoist Zhang lives alone in the Taoist temple, and no one can prove his alibi. In addition, he is good at carving Buddha statues and Taoist heaven The official statue became the most natural suspect, and after the government arrested Taoist Zhang, they did not continue to die.
In prison, Taoist Zhang suffered a lot of torture, but he never confessed.
Qin Wan flipped through the dossier page by page, but at the end, the latter dossier seemed to be one volume short, Qin Wan said, "Master Li, it seems that one volume is missing, the death condition of the third deceased , and the records of the investigation site at that time are gone.”
Li Muyun frowned, "Then I'll look for it again. Most of the official documents from a few years ago are mixed together, and most of them were missed." After speaking, Li Muyun led the people towards the warehouse.
Zheng Baishi asked Qin Wan, "Does the princess find anything weird?"
Qin Wan shook her head, "It didn't say that all the crimes were committed on a night without stars and moons. Apart from the similarity of the killing method and the death pattern, I didn't notice more of them. It's just a pity that there is a missing volume."
The things recorded are not exhaustive, and this case happened in a very far place, there will be more omissions in the middle, but Taoist Zhang's confession is interesting. Sometimes he was fearless, at most he was just angry, his lute bone was pierced by a nail, even so, he did not admit his guilt, the chief officer at that time was afraid that he would be trampled to death, so he stopped using torture to torture him He was taken into custody, but his confession was that he didn't know anything about the case. The chief officer at that time believed that he was the murderer and didn't give him much chance to argue.
Afterwards, it is about how he said those disrespectful words in the cell, which is similar to what the prison chief said that day. Seeing this, not to mention Yan Chi, even Qin Wan was a little angry interest.
This Taoist priest also said that he was destined for such a calamity, so he took his time. Is there really anyone in the world who can calculate his own fate and calamity? Thinking of this, Qin Wan felt uncertain. She still remembered the way Taoist Zhang looked at her that day.
"We found pictures of ashes and cinnabar beside Zhao Jiaxu's body. Looking at the file, the person who died six years ago did not have these special features. Also, there is no record of the weather when the case happened."
Zheng Baishi and Zhan Yang had experienced that case, Zheng Baishi said, "At that time, the case happened in Guanyin Town, and there were only a limited number of officials sent to it, and many things were not considered thoroughly. Later, Taoist Zhang was suspected, so he decided to go to the police station again. Not much investigation..." Zheng Baishi said in a low voice, "At that time, the battle situation in the Northwest was tense, His Highness must have understood this point, both inside and outside were anxious because of the war situation, and it was unlucky for three people to die in this case, so several advocates Officers want to close the case as quickly as possible."
So even though Taoist Zhang never admitted it, the case was shelved.
Qin Wan has been with Shen Yi for many years, so he naturally understands that the matter of punishment and prison is not a simple matter of right and wrong. Once it is involved in the officialdom, there will be too many unclear actions. It is common for officials to play favoritism for the court and their own interests. At least it is good that the chief officer at that time did not falsify Zhang Daoshi's confession.
"Master Li wonders if he can find those files..."
Qin Wan frowned slightly, and she remembered what Taoist Zhang said. The teaching of the Moon Worship Sect is to punish evil and atone for sins, and most believers believe in the power of gods and Buddhas, and they must seek something. What is this murderer seeking
Yan Chi looked at the file but was thoughtful, "Master Zheng, make a rubbing copy of the cinnabar pattern, and I will go to the prison."
Zheng Baishi was slightly surprised, and Yan Chi said, "It's neither Taoist nor Buddhist. It's most likely something from the Moon Worship Sect. It's the most appropriate question to ask Taoist Zhang."
Zheng Baishi's eyes lit up, "Ah, why didn't I think of this?!"
Qin Wan was also slightly surprised, she hadn't thought of this layer yet, the cinnabar pattern looked like some kind of spell, Taoist Zhang believed at first, and later believed in Moon Worship Sect, seeing this thing, most likely would know what.
Zheng Baishi continued, "Then the official will go and ask someone to bring the pattern."
As he spoke, he ordered Zhan Yang, and Zhan Yang asked another clerk to run around and was waiting, but Li Muyun came out from inside, with a thin layer of sweat on his forehead, "Only the last roll is left I don't know where I fell, the people below are looking for it, but I don't know when I will find it... "
Dali Temple has a backlog of official documents for decades, and this case is an old case from six years ago, so it is normal not to find it, Zheng Baishi said, "Don't worry, after all, it has been a long time, although the third case is missing a file, But it seems that the two cases are indeed exactly the same, but when Daoshi Zhang was arrested, I don’t think Daoshi Zhang is like the real murderer. As for who the real murderer is, there are no key clues found in these files.”
Yan Chi said, "Wait until I go to the prison to see what the Taoist priest says."
Li Muyun didn't know that Yan Chi was going to the Heavenly Prison, Zheng Baishi explained something before Li Muyun came to his senses, busy also felt that this idea was very reasonable, and at this time, the Yacha also sent the pattern over.
Yan Chi took the pattern and wanted to leave, then asked Qin Wan, "Do you want to go with the princess?"
Qin Wan thought for a moment, then nodded, the Taoist priest was very strange, she was a little nervous, but wanted to explore.
Qin Wan's identity is now able to intervene in the case. Li Muyun and Zheng Baishi were not surprised when they heard it. Qin Wan and Yan Chi resigned. other people at home.
After leaving the gate of Dali Temple, Qin Wan stopped and turned around to take a look. The plaque of the yamen gate of Dali Temple hung tall and tall, subconsciously making people feel very strict. Qin Wan withdrew his gaze and followed Yan Chi quickly.
When Taoist Zhang went to the prison for the first time, he didn’t know what to ask, let alone those high-ranking people like them. Can Yan Chi really ask anything this time? Qin Wan is not sure, but she wants to know what Taoist Zhang has. None of the supernatural powers she's worried about.
After getting into the carriage, the two of Qin Wan and Qin Wan arrived at the Yamen of the Ministry of Criminal Justice after a short walk. As soon as they entered the Ministry of Criminal Justice, they heard that Yan Chi was about to enter the Heavenly Prison. .
"Your Highness and the princess don't know something. Daoist Zhang hasn't been frightened at all these two days, but he has been muttering something in his mouth. He doesn't know what he is talking about, and he doesn't know if he feels that he is going out."
Yan Chi didn't say anything, and led Qin Wan outside Taoist Zhang's cell again.
Just like that day, Taoist Zhang was asleep again, and the master said impatiently, "Daoist Zhang, His Royal Highness and the princess are here, get up and answer quickly! If you have made meritorious service, you can go out, right?"
Zhang Daoshi moved his body, said without opening his eyes, "I don't know anything."
The master was angry and annoyed, Yan Chi said in a low voice, "The second person died the day before yesterday, and this second person died after pulling out his tongue and cutting off his fingers, and we found this under his body. You should recognize something from the Buddhist family."
Having said that, Taoist Zhang opened his eyes and looked at Yanchi.
He glanced at the rubbings in Yan Chi's hand, and then at Yan Chi again, then got up and walked over. When he saw the incompletely drawn rune, Taoist Zhang's face changed, "Zhu Curse?"
Yan Chi knew that Taoist Zhang would know where this thing came from, "What is the curse of killing evil?"
Daoist Zhang's face was a bit solemn, and he rolled his eyes twice, "The evil-killing curse is the most powerful mantra of my Moon Worship Sect, and it is used in conjunction with the evil-killing dojo."
As he spoke, his eyes widened, "It turns out that he killed people for this!"
His expression was a bit strange, and his words were even more naughty.
Qin Wan couldn't help but said, "What is the Punishment Dojo? Do you know why he killed people?"
Daoist Zhang looked at Qin Wan, paused, and then said, "The Punishment Dojo is the most sinister dojo of the Moon Worship Sect. Although punishing evil can redeem sins, my disciples don't want to kill evil in vain, and this Punishment Dojo It is a kind of dojo for saving the dead, the difference is that the souls who have committed bad karma are used as sacrifices, that is to say, the living people are killed alive, and then they are used to resolve grievances, release knots, and eliminate disasters. It is very sinister, but it is pursued by an evil sect in my religion, and it is rumored that if this dojo is successful, it can defy the sky and change your life and bring you back to life."
Qin Wan's heart skipped a beat, and he changed his life against the sky and came back to life...
Yan Chi said, "Are you sure this is the murderer's plan to punish evil?"
Taoist Zhang nodded grimly, "I'm sure, I will never misread this rune. Why are you asking me now? Could it be that the murderer did it for six years ago?"
Daoist Zhang looked at Yan Chi, then sighed, "Forget it, you weren't in Beijing six years ago."
Yan Chi frowned. No one introduced his identity to Taoist Zhang when he came to this prison last time. If so, how did Taoist Zhang know that he was not in Beijing six years ago? The master is only called His Royal Highness, so that he knows who he is
The common people in the ordinary mountains and fields may not all know his past, but Taoist Zhang said it easily.
"How do you know I wasn't in Beijing six years ago?"
Daoist Zhang didn't want to talk to people, but he seemed to be different towards Yan Chi. He glanced at Yan Chi up and down, and replied, "This nobleman has a lot of evil spirits. He should have just returned from a place of war, and so With a strong evil spirit, it is not enough to just stay there for a day or two, not only that, but the nobleman has also committed many murders."
Yan Chi's brows were tightly frowned, does Taoist Zhang know his identity
"You know my identity?"
Daoist Zhang snorted, "I don't care about the identity of the nobleman."
Yan Chi only felt that it was a bit difficult to deal with, there were quite a lot of cultivators in the world, and there were also quite a few Taoists on Ruo Zhang's side who set up their own teachings, but he could see his past with just a few glances, and it seemed that he was really capable.
Qin Wan on the side raised his heart.
"Since you know this evil-killing dojo, then you should know how to set up this dojo."
Taoist Zhang's expression became solemn, "The more people ask for in this dojo, the more people will die. The Moon Worship Sect has seven layers of hell, and each floor has to be sacrificed to bring the dead back to life. Six years ago, only three people died. This time I don't know how many will die."
After a pause, Taoist Zhang pinched his fingers and said, "This dojo depends not only on the time, but also on the weather, geographical location, and the five elements of the worshipers. In addition, the people who set up the dojo Is the purpose of survival? Is it for luck? Is it for wealth? The purpose is different, and the method of setting up the dojo is also different."
What Zhang Daoshi said was very complicated, and it sounded like he couldn't explain it clearly.
Qin Wan frowned and said, "Where did this Moon Worship Sect come from? Did you create it yourself, or did you get it from somewhere else?"
Daoist Zhang looked at Qin Wan, and the keen insight in his eyes made Qin Wan feel a little uncomfortable, but he just said in a normal voice, "Nine years ago, I went to the south and met a man who called himself Moon Worship Sect." Elder, the first time this person saw me, he calculated all my life and past, and also calculated how many dooms I had, and he calculated everything that happened before. The things I read on weekdays are useful, so I worship him as my teacher. What I know is what he told me. He is one of the elders of the Moon Worship Sect. Me, he said that the relationship between me and his master and apprentice was only three months. Sure enough, after three months, he disappeared inexplicably. worship the moon."
Daoist Zhang felt a little embarrassed when he said it, but this adventure sounded even more magical to Yan Chi and Qin Wan.
Yan Chi said, "Since you know about this evil-killing dojo, you might know who the next person will be killed?"
Daoist Zhang yawned, "You're embarrassing me. I only know about this dojo, but I haven't gotten over it. You must not understand the complexity of it. I can only help you so much..."
Qin Wan said, "Can't figure it out at all?"
Qin Wan saw Daoist Zhang pinch his fingers a few times, but didn't say anything, only felt that he might be hiding something.
Daoist Zhang was stunned when he heard the words, and seeing Yan Chi and Qin Wan looking at him, he sighed, "When the third person dies, you can come to me again..."
Both Qin Wan and Yan Chi frowned, what do these words mean!
How could they just wait for the third person to be victimized? !
Daoist Zhang looked at Yan Chi, then at Qin Wan, but shook his head and didn't say anything more. He turned around and went back to sleep. After lying on the dirty mattress, he said calmly, "Please go back, both of you." , Now I really can't help, I can only say that the one who harmed people must also have the essence of Moon Worship Sect, but I don't know who it is, and this person must not just listen to what I say and dare to do it At this point, this person has probably been to the west, and I don't know why he chose Guanyin Town to attack, as for me, I was implicated at all, who knows how coincidental it is."
While talking, Daoist Zhang said helplessly, "Forget it, let's take it as a tribulation. After this calamity is over, I will live a lifetime of glory and wealth." Daoist Zhang glanced at Yan Chi and Qin Wan, "Both of you If you really have the heart, come to me after the third person dies, at that time, I may know what the murderer is going to do, if you don't have the heart, it doesn't matter if you don't come."
After Zhang Daoshi finished speaking, he raised his legs and began to close his eyes and rest his mind.
Seeing his appearance, Yan Chi and Qin Wan naturally knew that there was nothing they could do with him again.
Forget it for Qin Wan, but Yan Chi didn't like this feeling very much. With his identity, it would be nothing to kill this Taoist now, but he subconsciously felt that this person was very important and capable. It's a pity.
Yan Chi folded the rubbing paper and put it in his sleeve, "In that case, see you some other day."
After speaking, he led Qin Wan out.
Turning a corner, Yan Chi told the cell master, "Take him for a few days to get better, and keep him for use."
When the master heard this, he quickly nodded in response.
After leaving the dungeon, Yan Chi's expression turned serious. Daoist Zhang's words made them feel powerless. If they couldn't find any clues, they really had to wait for the next dead person to appear, but this was really cruel.
After getting into the carriage, Yan Chi's expression was still grim, "Northwest soldiers and enemies have invaded the territory for many years, and there are not many exchanges between Da Zhou and the southwestern countries. This Ruoqiang country is the westernmost country in the Western Regions. Far."
Qin Wan said, "Starting from Dazhou, it takes at least three years to go back and forth to the west. Ordinary people do not have the financial and material resources, and dare not set foot on this road. However, there are many people who have been to the west in the whole Dazhou. It is the capital city. There are many, so it’s another needle in a haystack.”
Even so, Yan Chi's trip was not fruitless, they drove straight to the magistrate's yamen in a carriage, Zheng Baishi had already returned from Dali Temple, heard that they were coming, and came to greet them.
When they met, Yan Chi relayed Taoist Zhang's words, and Zheng Baishi had a strange expression on his face, "Change your life against the sky? Bring the dead back to life? How is this possible! Only a cult can fabricate such nonsense, and now it takes human life Just kidding, this is absolutely vicious and insane!"
Most scholars don't talk about strange powers and distractions, but Qin Wan felt a little uneasy while listening.
She didn't believe this at all, but she herself is the best example!
She died once, and she has never seen a ghost or a god, but the resurrection of the soul through corpses really exists. The moment she heard Taoist Zhang say this, she wondered whether her life was also the result of someone else's death
While talking, Zhan Yang came back from outside. Zhan Yang entered the door and greeted him politely, "Your Highness, Princess, Your Excellency, my subordinates still haven't found out whether Zhao Jiaxu has any friends outside, but my subordinates have found out about Weiyuan." One thing about Bofu."
Zheng Baishi frowned, and said, "It turns out that the three sons of Uncle Weiyuan's mansion were not descended from Uncle Weiyuan. Mrs. Uncle Weiyuan married Uncle Weiyuan as a remarriage. I put in a lot of effort to get an errand, but at that time the eldest son brought the brothel girl back to his mansion and asked to take the brothel girl as his concubine. The second son owed a lot of debts in the gambling house, and the fourth son was also useless. Yes, only the third son is innocent..."