Chapter 30 Section VII

Heishiro Izutsu climbed the taro washing slope. He had just finished negotiating with the leader of Boju Eight Assistant in Pokou himself. In order to see Saeki Jonosuke, who is served by the leader of Yasuke, I went to ask for arrangements.What I want to discuss is that Heishiro will re-investigate Aoi's murder, and promise that he will never embarrass Saeki or Yasuke, and will not cause trouble. Hei Shiro and others were allowed to handle cases everywhere. Although the jurisdictions are different, since they are both in the public service of the magistrate, Heishiro can directly talk to Saeki.However, in this way, Yasuke was excluded.Anyone who offends Yu Xipo in this case is not conducive to the investigation, so Heishiro proceeds as carefully as possible.

It is clear that there are only advantages and no disadvantages, but the leader of Yasuke is showing embarrassment, so Heishiro earnestly analyzes it. On the surface, Aoi died of illness, but everything has been settled and the body was solemnly buried. "We're not trying to reverse the case, we just want to know the truth, because Sakichi swears to God, he never killed Aoi." The leader of the eight assistants insisted on evading in every possible way. "The truth. In case... I don't think it will happen, but in case the real culprit is found, he should be arrested? In this way, Master Saeki and I will suffer."

"That's why I said, after finding out the real culprit, it's not for me to arrest, but for Master Saeki and you, the leader. In this case, you can make up any reason you want? For example, I thought I died of illness, but Hachimaki Yasuke really couldn't figure it out, so he continued to investigate." Such a coincidence, would the local people believe it?Hachisuke questioned. "Otherwise, don't just watch us handle cases everywhere, can you help me a little bit? You don't need the boss to go out in person, just borrow Taro for it." For Heishiro and others, it will only be more convenient to have the help of local Okabiki's subordinates.

It doesn't matter, the leader of Yasuke wavered. "What about the house?" "Oh, there's no problem over there, I won't come to talk too much, I promise." Don't worry about offending Kouya, I will come to you to ask for the red envelopes - Heishiro held back his words even as he reached his lips. "yes……" "yes." "What if, then the real culprit is the person in the house?" "Actually, sir." Hachisuke adjusted his sitting posture and said: "As for me, I also think that the man named Zuoji didn't kill anyone, but I just wanted to think it was him. I thought about it, maybe Zuoya also knew that the murderer was not Saji. Not only did he know, but he also knew who it might be. In order to protect that person, I was in a hurry to suppress the whole thing."

Heishiro was taken aback.This is a brand new view. Minaya knows who the real murderer of Aoi is, but deliberately conceals it?This is a new argument, and he has never thought about it until now, and he hasn't even heard it from Yukinosuke. "I see……" Heishiro expressed his admiration unabashedly and was greatly impressed.It turns out that Yasuke's Okabiki for so many years was not in vain. "But, boss, even if this is the case, you don't have to worry about joining the house to suppress the case again, as long as you agree to their conditions, you will be fine."

"Izutsu-san really don't mind?" Don't mind, Heishiro nodded vigorously, Ateng's face kept flashing in his mind.Yes, it might be that woman who did it this time.Thinking about it this way, all the tenons seemed to be snapping together one by one. It is not impossible to say that Atou learned the truth through some form during the period when Minaya Soemon demolished the Iron Ping Courtyard and built the Fuji Mansion. For Ateng, it was the burial place of the Aoi he "killed".And this matter has been tormenting her who is eager to win.Therefore, Soemon evacuated the Iron Ping Courtyard, and Iatou wanted to build a Fuji House, let her live there, and guard Aoi's tomb.In order to appease Ateng, and believe that the years of deception will be more practical.

However, Minaya Soemon and Jiubei, even Heishiro and Yumisuke have forgotten that Atou has Atou's heart.Soemon takes action, and Atou's past rises to the occasion.Atou has good ears and eyesight, and Soemon nonchalantly demolished the Tieping Courtyard and built a new Fuji House, carrying out a series of projects, she must have noticed it, and of course she would not miss Jiuhei's face. What if, during this process, their every move, word, and meaningful look made Ateng discover that Aoi was actually alive? This is the blind spot of Heishiro et al.Unknowingly, they are in the same tune as Minato, who concealed the truth about Ateng and deceived him. They blindly see things from this side, never thinking of looking at the scenery from the other side.

The cliffs are different, and the scenery you see is naturally different. Then Ateng suddenly hanged himself in Fujizhai, there is another explanation.Heishiro and others always believed that it was out of Ateng's remorse, but could it be regarded as an act of protest?After A Teng learned the truth, he realized that he had not only been deceived for a long time, but also suffered alone for it, so he was so desperate that he wanted to commit suicide? However, Ateng did not die, and Master Hanjiro saved her.Ateng regained his composure and thought to himself, why do I have to die?The real damn bad woman is that brazen Aoi lingering on her last breath!

Heishiro shuddered from his imagination, and felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. If Ateng deliberately said some riddles to disturb Saki's heart, it was a plan for the future, so that Saki would be suspected of killing Aoi... No, no, I think too much.There wasn't any solid evidence yet, so what was the point of thinking too much about the child's dreamlike plot. Still, this insight opened up a new avenue. Before negotiating with Banmaki Hachisuke, Heishiro thought that he only needed to threaten Minaya Soemon with one sentence. "If you dare to hinder us from finding the real culprit, I will tell Ateng the truth. I will tell you everything about Aoi's extremely happy life under your love and support until recently."

But now I have found a more effective way. "The one who killed Aoi at Yuxipo and let Sakichi take the blame may be Ateng." "You also know it well, so you try to cover it up, don't you?" If the murderer was really Atou, and Soemon knew about it and covered it up, then this matter would be over.But Soemon must kneel down and apologize to Sakichi, and he must apologize no matter what. However, if Soemon didn't know about it and just believed that Sakichi had killed someone, then instead of stopping Heishiro and the others, he would even take the initiative to help find out the truth about Aoi's murder.

Sakichi didn't kill anyone, someone else did.Ateng has every possibility.How, you also want to know the truth?Heishiro could almost see himself yelling at Minaya Soemon. "In short, all in all," Heishiro continued with a dry cough, "No matter what, Mr. Saeki and you will not suffer. It's the same with the house. I can guarantee it with my life." "My lord is really determined to go his own way." Hachisuke sighed, and finally responded, "Then, I'll discuss it with Mr. Saeki immediately." Although he frowned, his eyes showed joy.Of course, not only have I tasted the sweetness before, maybe there will be more sweetness in the future, and maybe I can record a credit. Heishiro thought to himself, I don't know how many red envelopes the house gave the old fox.But these thoughts are fleeting, and as soon as he leaves himself, his head is filled with things about Ateng again. This is not okay, you have to clear your mind.In short, we have to start from scratch.Telling himself this, Heishiro took a deep breath as he climbed up the Yuxi slope. The mansion where Aoi lives is right in front of you.Despite the death of the hostess, the building will not change.It's just that when I came here at night last time, the roller blind placed diagonally in front of the door was closed.I don't know where the fallen leaves are being burned, and there is a little smoke. It should have been negotiated with Saeki first, persuaded to join the house, and then take care of everything before acting, but after such a delay, the maid will leave the place without the master she should serve.This is what Heishiro is worried about.This maid named Ah Liu, who took care of Aoi's daily life and lived with her children under the same roof, was the first to discover Aoi's body and Sakichi beside her.In any case, Heishirou wanted to talk to her while she was still here.Moreover, if the house is vacant, it is really troublesome to obtain the consent of the landlord and the manager one by one if the house is to be inspected during the lease period. The old wooden door was closed, and it opened easily with a push, but there were webs woven by spiders in the lattice gaps on the door.Heishiro announced to himself with a loud voice. The room feels quite open.When I visited earlier, the house was no longer a summer compartment. Now I stretched my neck and stepped on my feet to look in, only to see the closed Tang paper door and lattice door.Even so, it still seemed empty. The place is too big.Wouldn't Aoi feel lonely or dangerous here? Like this, anyone can sneak into the house if they want to.It was not difficult at all to come in quietly, get close to Aoi's room, strangle her quickly, and then leave quietly. Heishiro yelled several times, but no one responded. Sakichi mentioned that he walked around to Aoi's room from the edge corridor.Heishiro was about to do so, and just took a step, and a woman appeared from outside the house on the right hand side of the building.She and Heishiro met directly, and quickly backed away as if they were bouncing off. "Oh, you are Ah Liu, right?" Her face and figure were petite, and she looked extremely intelligent.The sleeves are tied with red drawstrings. "Please, who is it?" Although she bravely asked back, her body was on guard, and then she opened her eyes wide and said: "Ah, it was a few days ago..." Heishiro smiled.Ah Liu remembered his appearance. "Last time I took the liberty to break in, I'm really sorry. However, thanks to this, I was able to visit Mrs. Kui's remains." He casually saw that Ah Liu was holding a bundle of thick ropes in his right hand. "Are you packing?" "Yes, yes." Ah Liu nodded, and hid the thick rope behind his back. "Have you found a new home?" Ah Liu, who was about to nod, rolled his eyes in embarrassment.Heishiro guessed from her embarrassment that she was not good at lying, that Jiubei must have confessed that no matter what the horse-faced man came to ask, he would not pay attention. "Is it the help of the housekeeper?" It must have been right, Heishiro couldn't help but feel pitiful when he saw Ah Liu coddling like a little girl. "Fortunately, I came here before you moved out. You were busy, and I still came to disturb you. I'm really sorry. But I just want to talk to you anyway. There are many things I want to ask you, and there are many things I want to tell you." Ah Liu seemed to want to argue, before he opened his mouth, Heishiro waved his hand to stop her. "Kyubei and Mr. Boman must not allow you to talk about Mrs. Aoi, right? Of course. If I were Jiubei, I would do the same. But Liu, you like Mrs. Aoi very much, right?" Being asked such a question for no reason, Ah Liu's eyes were clouded with vigilance and suspicion. "You and Mrs. Kui get along very well, right? Otherwise, how can you live in this empty and lonely mansion! It's so boring. I heard that your children also live here together? Can you rest assured that the children can stay here? , and get along well, which shows that she also likes you very much." After saying this in one breath, Heishiro's tone became severe: "It wasn't Sakichi who killed Mrs. Aoi. The real murderer is still at large." Ah Liu took a quick breath, which sounded like a dry flute. "We just couldn't get enough of this, so we tried to find out the truth. It has no other meaning. Even so, you probably won't be able to believe it right away." Heishiro stretched his chin deliberately, made a funny expression, and scratched the back of his neck. "Anyway, would you like to hear me tell the story from the beginning?" "Excuse me... what is it?" Ah Liu ticked the box.Even though it was expected, Heishirou breathed a sigh of relief. "Biography of Mrs. Aoi—it's too exaggerated to say so, but the meaning is similar. Liu, Jiubei told you that the one named Sakichi is Aoi's son?" There was a slap.Ah Liu was so surprised that the thick rope in his hand fell to the ground. "Son? Mrs. Kui's biological child?" "Yes, that's right. The child who broke up eighteen years ago. No, there is no need to pretend. Sakichi, the son abandoned by Aoi." Ah Liu even forgot to pick up the thick rope that fell to the ground, and stroked his cheeks with both hands. "Ah, sure enough," a moan-like voice came from between his fingers. "Sure enough? Did you see anything? Or, it was Jiubei who said it?" "No, Lord Jiuhewei only said that the man named Sakichi was a relative of Koya, and for some reason he had an old grudge against Mrs. Aoi. He didn't elaborate on the reasons, and said that it was not my business." That's it, it really looks like Jiubei's style.Presumably, he put on the tone of scolding the tenants when he was the manager in the past, and warned Ah Liu with full majesty. "But... I thought about it secretly. I guessed it randomly. I really feel sorry for Madam, but I can't help but think about it." "Did Aoi ever say anything that made you suspicious?" Ah Liu nodded impatiently, so strong that he almost moved his body.Then he seemed ashamed of his reckless behavior, and stopped himself.Presumably, he thought that no matter what the reason was, things about Mrs. Aoi should not be said lightly.On that small face, there was clearly the warmth of nostalgia for the lost Aoi, without the slightest intention to show off. Heishiro felt more at ease.From the looks of it, Ah Liu is very reliable.What a capable and sincere maid! Heishiro approached Ah Liu, helped her pick up the thick rope that fell at her feet, and said, "Since this is the case, it should save you a little time. If you are afraid of disobeying Jiubei's orders and feeling uneasy about the future, Then you can rest assured. No matter what you tell us, you don't have to be afraid of being scolded by the house, absolutely not. Why I dare to make this promise, you will understand after listening. By the way, before that, you can Can't you give me a glass of water? Then, can you sit on the edge of Aoi's room? Because it's a long story." Ah Liu is not only loyal, but also quite intelligent.The relationship between Minaya Soemon and Aoi, the "Killing Aoi" case committed by Ateng, the Iron Ping Zain incident, and even today's events, a series of stories are not only long but also intricate.But Ah Liu could follow everything he said to Heishiro unequivocally, except for occasionally asking people's names and confirming their ages. "Here, quite a wonderful life!" Heishiro quietly smiled at Ah Liu.Ah Liu's eyes were wet when he heard it halfway, and now he was wiping the corners of his eyes with his sleeves, and the ends of his eyes were red. "Even if we want to find the murderer who killed Aoi, these things can't be said casually, of course I know that. But you have witnessed how Aoi went through the last journey of her life and lived happily under the same roof with her, you know We—even Sakichi, who is a son—don’t know the face. If we want to win your trust, we must also show all the cards in our hands.” However, it will inevitably cause you some pain, Heishiro added. "After all, I didn't have the chance to meet her before Aoi, and I didn't hear what she said, so I will be partial to Sakichi anyway. Please forgive me if you have any words of blame for the Aoi lady you miss." Ah Liu sniffed loudly, pursed his mouth tightly as if trying not to cry, and after a while, lowered his eyes, and responded in a slightly hoarse voice: "Ma'am... I haven't forgotten Zuoji either." Heishiro stared straight at Ah Liu. "I said 'Sure enough' just now, it was just a momentary feeling, and there is no deep reason, because Madam didn't mention the past to me." "Really? I never mentioned it." Ah Liu still pressed the corners of his eyes with his cuffs, and raised his head. "Before this happened, I didn't even know that Madam's master was Koiya from Tsukiji. I took it as something I couldn't get involved in. Even so, it's not inconvenient. Madam has always been very kind to us, and she couldn't be more kind and considerate. gone." The tears welled up again and were sucked dry by the sleeves. "Only once did Madam say something like this: Liu, I'm a ghost, and I'm a mother who abandons her child, worse than a robber. That tone seemed to be blaming herself." Heishiro pondered the words in his mind, imagining Aoi's expression—bringing that dead face to life, those lips parting, uttering the words in self-mocking.A mother who abandoned her child. So it seems that Aoi is not without pain in her heart? "I think Ma'am also feels sorry for the son named Saki. Always." "Yes. Since you think so, it must be so." Ah Liu nodded frequently, and murmured again and again in a low voice: Poor Mrs. Kui, what a miserable life!It doesn't seem to be talking to Heishiro, but it seems to be thinking about it. "I think this son named Zuoji must have suffered from loneliness and bitterness. If he has resentment towards his wife, he can't be blamed. But the wife is so pitiful, and both of them are so pitiful." Ah Liu wept quietly. A bird chirped from nowhere.Even though it's in Edo, the area is pretty quiet.Presumably, the walls built by the numerous samurai mansions surrounded the vast land and swallowed up the hustle and bustle of the life of the machiya people. Heishiro looked up at the sky behind the wall, waiting for Ah Liu to stop crying.Soon, Ah Liu seemed to have wet his sleeves from crying, and saluted Heishiro, saying "I'm sorry, I lost my composure". "It's all right. You must be surprised to hear these words suddenly." However, what did you just mention about Thief Devil?When Heishiro asked, Ah Liu's eyes lit up. "Oh, by the way, if you don't explain it clearly, the uncle will not know. But, haven't you heard of it in this area? They all say that there are robbers haunting this house." Speaking of this, Heishiro patted his knee. "Bojuan's subordinates have said that the mansion on the slope is a haunted house, and there are thieves and demons." At that time, 杢太郎 also warned Heishiro that he must not take Yumi nosuke there.Because of this, Kuminosuke (Kumutaro that night) was able to enter Banya. That's right, the Thief Devil has really come!Ah Liu said. "It's just that the thief demon didn't live in this house, but came with me, and Madam drove away the demon." Ah Liu stood up from the edge corridor. "My story is also very long. Although not as good as Madam's, it is quite complicated. So let me serve you a cup of tea first, it's cold." Hearing her mention, Heishiro realized that his body was indeed chilled by the autumn chill.It would be nice to have a cup of hot tea, but he didn't want Ah Liu to be distracted. "No, no need, just give me another glass of water. The water here is really good, better than the one sold by Shenchuan. Is it well water?" Ah Liu smiled. "Yes, there is a well in the back. My wife also said the same. Although I have lived in many places, the water here is the best to drink." This seemed to trigger her tears again, and she quickly wiped away her tears. "Madam's favorite tea is still left. I usually order it from the same store and ask me to drink it together. Normally, I would never be able to drink tea at that price. Although it is extravagant, I Honestly, I also drink with Madam. I hope Grandpa will try it too, so maybe you can also understand how generous Madam is, and she is so kind to a servant girl like me." Then it would be inconvenient to decline, Heishiro stood up. "Then, I'll follow you to the stove too! Go drink the tea you mentioned." The two walked around to the front, took off their shoes and entered the house.The stove is on the other side of Aoi's room.When passing by, Heishiro caught a glimpse of two pieces of luggage that looked like Ah Liu piled up with an open wooden box in the small room next to the entrance. If she was one step later, she would not be here. Fortunately, she caught up in time. Ah Liu was diligently preparing tea under the stove, chatting with Heishiro about many things.Every time he took out the trays, teacups, and dishes, he showed them to Heishiro, saying that they were his wife's favorite, and that he was deeply proud of the Arita ware he found from an antique shop in Bun City. The tea that was served shortly after was indeed, as Ah Liu said, a good tea with both depth and sweetness.Heishiro tasted it carefully, and when he praised the taste, Ah Liu clapped his hands and smiled. "Madam knows tea quite well and taught me a lot. I heard that she also sold tea when she was doing business in the capital." It turned out that Aoi had left Edo, but she did not expect to go to business.It turned out that she was not only supported by Soemon. "The madam closed the store, ended the business, and moved here because of poor health. She said that she was getting old and living a leisurely and peaceful life here, which can be regarded as a rest. Before that, life seemed to be pretty good Busy and lively." Ah Liu said that she would never take the initiative to inquire about the host's family. These are probably heard from the words that Aoi accidentally mentioned.Even so, it was the first time Heishiro had heard of it. When Ah Liu made tea, he poured the first brew with a strong aroma into a teacup commonly used by sunflower, put it on a tray, and put it in a corner under the stove, where a meal was quietly served.Then he knelt down straight, clasped his hands together and worshiped there, and then took a sip of his own tea, and finally told the story of Thief Demon. Heishiro listened so engrossed that he almost forgot to taste the high-quality tea. "It is indeed as you said, it was Aoi who drove away the Thief Demon." The man named Sun Ba wanted to take away the child and Ah Liu's life from Ah Liu.His sinister eyes and the greedy corners of his mouth can be seen vividly just by listening to it.It was Aoi's credit to drive away this troublesome evil spirit with scheming, manpower and material resources, and the technique was really clever. However-- "Then what happened to Sun Ba later, do you know?" "You mean he was deceived by tricks and illusions and escaped from here?" Ah Liu shook his head. "I don't know the details." Aoi said to Ah Liu, "For the rest, the local Okabiki will take care of the aftermath".Heishiro sat upright when he heard this. "That refers to Hachisuke Hachimaki. In this way, Aoi and Kubei told the chief about this, and only after everything was arranged properly, did they design this big show." "I think so." Is Hachimaki helping the aftermath?Then there should be no omissions.Probably not, but... Seeing Heishiro think deeply, the uneasiness on Ah Liu's face became more and more intense. "Master, actually..." She suddenly leaned over and said in a low voice: "At this time, I don't know whether I should say this." "It doesn't matter, just say it." "When the illusion mechanism was running smoothly, I just felt happy and wanted to shout long live, and didn't care what happened to Sun Ba. However, as the days passed, I somehow became more and more uneasy in my heart, and I would think about that What happened to the person. Because the wife and Lord Jiubei only said that there is no need to worry anymore, so I won’t talk about it.” "Uh-huh." Such a state of mind is normal.Ah Liu looked unspeakable, and Heishiro echoed and expressed his urging. "So, although I didn't mean that, I seem to ask Madam from time to time." As a result, Aoi said this in a somewhat instructive tone: ——Ah Liu, let me tell you, Sun Ba will never bother you again. ——It’s just that he didn’t die, the man was still alive.I don't want to tell you the details of that person. "Madam said, if I knew about his situation, I would...how should I explain it?" Heishiro offered a helping hand. "Will you feel compassion?" "Yes. Yes, Madame said I would feel sorry for him, as if he had gone too far. I'm sorry for him." "When the scar is healed and the pain is forgotten, Ah Liu will definitely have such a state of mind," Aoi said.And worse, the urge to take a look may arise, which is dangerous. ——Ah Liu, you are a soft-hearted person, that's why you were entangled by that man.That kind of idiot just takes advantage of well-meaning people. "I see." Heishiro patted his knee lightly, and smiled at Ah Liu. "I also feel the same way as Mrs. Aoi. Did you really have that thought?" Ah Liu shook his head violently, as if he wanted to shake off the thing that was stuck to his hair. "No, no, how could I! Not a single bit!" It's hard to say, Heishiro secretly worried.Fortunately, people who follow the rules make up the vast majority in this world. No matter how cruel they are treated, they cannot repay the other party with the same cruel revenge.Even with the help of a noble person like Ah Liu, who successfully seeks justice, he will still feel guilty about it afterwards. "Forget it. However, Aoi speculated that your husband's death was also caused by Sunba, which I am quite curious about. Since Yasuke helped with the aftermath, it should be asked from Sunba's mouth, right? Didn't Aoi tell you what was found? ?” Ah Liu's shoulders drooped. "Oh, that matter... I am also very concerned, but I don't know anything. Sun Ba's mind is in a mess, and his whole body is abnormal." Then Ah Liu suddenly pursed his lips and looked at Heishiro. "Master, I'm really stupid. Madam has repeatedly warned me so repeatedly, but at that time I suddenly thought of something. I thought, Madam will encounter such a thing, could it be Sun Ba's revenge? So..." "Have you asked Kubei?" "yes." "What did the old man say?" "He scolded me severely, saying that I was worrying unnecessarily. This incident has nothing to do with Sun Ba, and told me not to think about it." Perhaps recalling the scene at that time, Ah Liu shrank his neck, as if Jiubei was right in front of him. "It's no wonder you think so, even I thought about it just now." "Is the uncle too?" "Well. However, since Jiubingwei is so sure, there should be no need to suspect Sun Ba. If Sun Ba has a little suspicion, Jiubingwei will be the first to die of sudden death without your reminding." Oh, you are right.Although there was anxiety in Ah Liu's eyes, he still nodded in agreement. "Just to be on the safe side, I'll ask Jiubei and Yasuke about the matter. I'll tell you when I know it. But, Liu." Heishiro emphasized his tone, Ah Liu immediately turned to him. "I also want to advise you like Kui. Even if you know Sun Ba's current situation, don't get close to him, and don't pay attention to him. Just by listening to you, I understand that the man deserved what he deserved, and you don't have to feel guilty at all." Ah Liu performed a salute. Therefore, as far as Hei Shiro is concerned, although he can't say that he is perfect, he still has eight points to put Sun Ba aside.On the contrary, he thinks that things like Aoi's business and the fact that he can command the weird and brilliant illusion troupe with a single sentence are more important.Aoi's actions are naturally backed by Minaya Soemon, but even so, Aoi did not blindly hide behind Soemon, she also has considerable power to drive others.This is a major discovery. Could it be that the murderer who killed Aoi was hiding somewhere in these connections? Sakichi is not the only one who is suspicious.Of course the number one suspect is Atou, but there may be other monsters hiding in "Aoi's World" unknown to Heishiro and others. "By the way, Liu, I have to remind you of some sad things. When you found Aoi and Sakichi, where were they and what did they look like? How did Aoi fall on the ground? Where are you in the house and where did you come from?" Where did you get to Aoi's room? Who else was in the room at the time? Thank you for the good tea, can I trouble you to do it all over again according to the situation of the day?" This is also the reason why Heishiro skipped other procedures and rushed to wash the slope.He wanted to ask Ah Liu before his memory faded. Ah Liu said that she was drying clothes in the backyard that day, and Jing was there.She leads the way for Heishiro. Compared with the courtyard facing Aoi's room, the backyard is more rustic.To put it bluntly, there is no trimming.But the weeds were cut down, and a circle of camellias was planted as a fence.There is also a miscellaneous forest and a bamboo forest, as if a gap has been drilled through it, there is a gentle downhill road leading to a vast vegetable garden, and the peasant woman wearing a sister's headscarf can be seen working diligently. The mouth of the well was about three feet wide, and when Heishiro looked in, it was quite deep. "I heard that there used to be a big house next door to this house, and the two families shared the well. But the big house over there burned down and was never rebuilt. Now it's only used by us here." It is said that the fire happened about ten years ago, of course Ah Liu knew nothing about it.What used to be the neighboring house now appears to be part of the vegetable garden. There is also a verandah facing the backyard of the house, but it is not as delicate as the one in Aoi's room. It is not so much a narrow corridor, but more like the wooden floor of the workshop directly laid out. "I was busy drying clothes, and my two children, A Dao and A Xing, were also playing ball on the porch." The ball was bought by Jiubei.The old manager also taught the children the football song. "At that time, Jiubei didn't live here anymore, right?" "Yes. After solving the matter of Sun Ba, I went back to the house." Sojiro was still recuperating in Kawasaki's villa, and Jiubei could not live here for a long time.What's more, if you stay in Edo, unfortunately, you may meet the residents of the former Tie Ping Zayuan. However, until now, it is not difficult to explain even if we meet the former residents such as Ade and others.As long as you use your three-inch tongue, it must be easy to get rid of it on the spot.But Jiubei felt guilty about deceiving everyone, and it is only natural to want to avoid falling into such a predicament as much as possible.Heishiro can understand this. "On that day, Sakichi said that he heard children's singing in front of the house, and it must have been a football song." "Ah, is that so?" Ah Liu said, frowning in pain.Looking for the home of the mother who abandoned him back then, but the joyful singing of young children came from it.Ah Liu must have sensed Sakichi's feelings at that time.Seeing Ah Liu's intelligence even more from this, Heishiro admired her very much. "I didn't have anything to do when I went to Madam's room. I just dried and put away my clothes. I wanted to ask Madam if there is anything I want to order. Ah, that's right!" Ah Liu patted his hand lightly. "Madame has a cold." "This is the first time I've heard of it." "It's not the level of bed rest, but, I think about it, it seems to be three days before the accident. Madam said that she had a sore throat and her voice was a little hoarse. Look at this area, surrounded by grass, forests, farmland, and sooner or later. It's much cooler in the district. That's how Madame catches a cold." Coupled with the fact that the body is already weak, it is even more difficult to recover from the disease.Ah Liu said. "Madam felt that it would be a big fuss to ask a doctor to see a doctor, so she bought medicine and decocted it, and took it three times a day. Yes, I thought it was time to take the medicine, so..." The two went to Aoi's room.He took off his shoes at the clothes drying place in the backyard and went up to the porch, Ah Liu led Heishiro through the spacious mansion. Heishiro followed Ah Liu while counting how many rooms there were.Every room is clean, but there are many empty rooms.The hostess plus a maid, together with the two children brought by the maid, must have limited space for such a family. Heishiro expressed his thoughts, Ah Liu replied: "Yes, Madam said that the tatami mats can be lifted up in unused rooms, but it feels so desolate, so I mentioned to Madam that it's not troublesome to clean anyway, so let's keep it as it is." "However, it takes half a day just to open and close the rain-shielding sliding door every day?" Ah Liu finally showed her motherly side and smiled proudly. "I want the children to help, and the two children are happy to have something to do." The room Ah Liu and the children were assigned to was the six-mat room adjacent to the stove. "When Sun Ba's incident happened, Madam asked us to live in the room next to her in order to strengthen our precautions. However, there was no need to worry about that incident, and we returned to the original room." That's Madam's room, Ah Liu was about to go there, but Heishiro stopped her. The Tang paper door leading from the corridor to Aoi's room was open. "Is Tang Zhi's door open that day?" Ah Liu put his fingertips on his forehead and thought for a while. "have no idea……" "Is it always on when you're doing things inside the house during the day? Or is it always off?" "uncertain……" "Does it depend on the sunshine?" "That's right. In the summer, the partitions will be removed, regardless of whether the Tang paper door or the lattice door will be removed, and they will all be closed in the winter. How was that day?" Ah Liu slowly approached Tang Zhimen as if he was searching his memory with his toes.Heishiro looked at her silently. "I think . . . it's open." She stopped, looked at the room and said. "Well, it's open. Because I came here and saw that the latticed door to the verandah was open." Ah Liu sat behind Tang Zhi's door and called Ma'am.He didn't hear a response, and thought he was relieved, so he poked his head inside—— "There," Ah Liu's cheeks tightened, and he pointed to the corner of the room. "The madam is lying there." The room has been tidied up and is empty, only the tatami mats are bathed in the autumn sun. "Which side? You stand in that position." Under Heishiro's urging, Ah Liu stepped into the room anxiously. "There is a small square table here, which is used by Madam when she writes letters. In winter, a brazier will be placed beside it. But that day, because the place faces south and the sun is warm, I only put a small square table. No, that, Madam Sometimes I smoke, so I bring out a tobacco bowl." "where to put?" Ah Liu bent over and pointed out that it was just in front of Xiao Fang. "Although it is a tobacco basin, it is not just a basin. It is very exquisitely made. There is a place to put tobacco, a small charcoal bowl, a pipe holder, and a handle like this, which can be carried around, and the bottom is made into a drawer. .” Ah Liu was holding a box about a foot in size. "Madame doesn't smoke when she has a sore throat, so she didn't light the charcoal fire for a while, but that day the lady got better and smoked some after breakfast. Yes, so the charcoal fire was lit too. I added fire before noon. It was me who watched the fire." part of the job." Ah Liu said that Madam would light a long brazier and sit in front of the brazier all day long. She really looks like a concubine who has been fostered, and she doesn't like to do this. "Speaking of which, just once, Madam called herself 'Little Wife'." Ah Liu was talking about the tobacco bowl, and he changed the subject, but Heishiro pulled her back. "Then, how did Aoi fall down? I'm sorry, but please do the same." Ah Liu was inevitably at a loss, but he still fell on the tatami and stretched his arms and legs. With the toes facing the courtyard, the head facing the corridor, and the face facing Heishiro, the left side is down. "Madam's eyes are open." Ah Liu fell down at Heishiro's feet and said. "When I saw Madam's wide-open eyes, my legs went limp on the spot." "Really? It's ok, thank you." Ah Liu got up immediately, his face was tangled up, flashing an expression that he might cry at any moment, but then he gasped for breath and calmed down bravely. "You knew right away that Madam was dead?" "Yes, at a glance." Ah Liu said that Kui's neck was tightly wrapped with a handkerchief, and it was obvious that she had been strangled to death. After speaking, Ah Liu suddenly turned blue. “我什么都不懂，把手巾解下来了。” “解下来？是你解下那条手巾的？” 阿六应声“是的”，发起抖来。 “夫人很难过的样子——不是的，尽管知道夫人已经死了，我还是无法忍受，连连喊着'夫人、夫人'，只顾着要帮夫人解开。上面没有打结，一下子就解下来了。” “是什么样的手巾？” “夫人一早便围在颈子上，是印染的格纹手巾。” 这是阿六的建议，围上手巾疼痛的喉咙才不会受凉。 “是怎么个围法？你围给我看看。” 阿六连忙取来手巾，折成细长条，先挂在后颈上，在前方交叉，剩余的部分便分别垂在左右肩后。 “没有打结吧。” “没有。有时会将手巾塞进领口，但夫人说那样太挤了。” 平四郎思忖：有人绕到面向小方几的葵身后，拉住那条手巾的两端，用力一扯。杀人恐怕便是如此进行的。 如此一来，光凭这点便知佐吉不可能是凶手。佐吉绝对办不到。 那可是十八年来母子首次意外重逢。在那种状况下，佐吉不可能会绕到葵身后，总不可能演变成“娘，十八年不见了，我来为您捶捶背”的情形吧。 或者，葵并没有面对小方几，而是因某些原由面朝缘廊，背对唐纸门。此时有人悄悄接近，从背后抓住手巾一绞。葵一声尖叫，稍加抵抗，随即气绝身亡。于是，凶手为防止有人从庭院一览无遗，将葵的尸身由缘廊拉到小方几后头才逃逸…… “那个叫佐吉的人，”正全心思索的平四郎，在阿六的话声中回过神，“就坐倒在那里。”阿六指着房内一角。 “在倒下的夫人脚边。一看便知他吓瘫了，整张脸又青又肿。” 是这个样子吗？平四郎坐倒在阿六指示的地方。对对对，就是这样——阿六点点头，但又突然像有哪里不妥般，皱起眉头。 “好难呀，大爷。那明明是想忘都忘不了的情景，但这时要说，却又记不清了。我进到房里，一看见夫人便吓坏了，赶忙解开手巾，然后才看到佐吉，是这样吗？或者，我一开始就看到佐吉，但见到倒下的夫人，大吃一惊，没空理会他？实在分不清哪个先哪个后。” 阿六似乎正为力不从心而焦急。平四郎瘫坐在榻榻米上，安慰阿六。 “这不能怪你。遇到这种时候，任谁都是如此，因为当场一次看到、听到的东西太多，事后再回想，便分不清先后顺序了。” 阿六抚着额头，歪着脸。 “或许，我一进房间便发觉佐吉也在，心想原来夫人有访客，然后才瞥见夫人。顺序也可能是这样。” “你记不记得自己曾'呀'或'哇'地出声惊叫？” “也许叫了。我记得我连声喊着'夫人、夫人'。啊，还有，”阿六喉咙发出咕嘟声响，“我好像大声问佐吉'你是什么人，你对夫人做了什么'。” 平四郎身子一震。 “佐吉怎么回答？” “什么都没说。我想，他没开口，只是慢慢地摇头，一直不停地摇头。嗯，的确是这样没错。” 阿六于是奔出房间，直接从房门口跑到外面。 “我心想得通知番屋才行，但走到一半突然惊觉，孩子还在家里。我不能留她们两个和贼子在一起。嗯，大爷，我当时大概把佐吉当成盗贼了。” 事出突然，当下也只能这么想吧。 “我不能只顾着自己逃，心想先大声呼救再说，便喊：救命、救命！快向番屋通报！有贼，有贼闯进来了！” 大宅前那条路行人不多，但正巧有个背着包袱、商人打扮的男子经过。他大吃一惊，但似乎立即明白事态紧急，奔下坡去。阿六见状，才返回屋内。 “现在想起来，应该有更好的做法才对，但当时我整个人都慌了。我赶到后院，阿道和阿幸还在缘廊下玩，于是我二话不说，一手抱起一个，又直奔屋外。接着要孩子们跑到番屋。” 或许是听到阿六大声呼救，这附近大宅及民宅商家的人们，也开始聚集到葵居住的宅邸前。其中也有为武家宅邸看守辻番的年轻武士，阿六这才放下心来。 “有人问我贼子逃走了没，我回答还在里面，就坐倒在地了。赶来的众人进了屋，但接下来的事我就不知道了。不久，来了两个番屋的人，立刻带走了佐吉。像这样一左一右，从腋下架住他。” 接着，钵卷八助头子也喘着气赶到，开始主持场面。阿六揪住头子的袖子追问：夫人呢、夫人呢？夫人还是去世了吗？是啊，可怜哪，断气了。 “听到这里，我哭了出来。时间可能不长，但却是放声大哭，众人想必都不知如何是好。” 平四郎盘腿而坐，摸着下巴。由于回想起当时的情景，阿六脸色有些泛白，一屁股坐在地上，抚着胸似地调整气息。真是我见犹怜。 辻番是武家宅邸为自卫而共同设置的监视小屋，也就是武家的自身番，因此是不会理会一般民间纷争的。连那里的人都来了，可见阿六求助的叫声多么凄厉。佐吉没被仓促赶来的武士一刀砍死，真是万幸。若当时他稍加抵抗或试图逃跑，可就危险了。 “谢谢你，我都知道了。你好些了吗？” 阿六坚强地点点头。“好些了，不好意思。” 听到阿六呼救声而来的街坊当中，应该有人进了葵的房间，看到人在房里的佐吉，也许曾和他说话。若是如此，平四郎也想知道说了些什么。问八助应该就晓得了。凭他再怎么圆滑世故，毕竟是老练的冈引，想必不会轻忽这部分，定会将话问清楚。 阿六深深叹口气，泄了气般无精打采地坐好。可怕又痛苦的记忆再鲜明，也都过去了，事情既已发生便无可挽回，这才让人伤感吧。 八助头子待阿六止住啼哭，便将她带回屋里，命她查看是否丢失了什么值钱的物品。阿六照做了。但她说，当时见葵的尸身仍倒在地上便激动不已，实在没把握有好好检查。 “原本钱就是夫人掌管的……久兵卫爷在的时候另当别论……所以我实在帮不上什么忙。” “没关系，按规矩是该那么做。” 看在钵卷八助眼里，这是桩轻而易举的命案。再怎么说，一副脸上写着“我是凶手”的男子，就在被勒死的女人尸身脚边，吓得腿软。 真是得来全不费工夫。 平四郎“唔”的一声伸了懒腰。阿六略带倦容地看着他。 “葵夫人有访客，”平四郎眯眼望着小方几原本所在之处问：“而你不知道，这种情形发生过吗？也就是说，你忙着做事时有人来了，葵没喊你来奉茶备烟，自行招待，而你也没发觉，客人便走了。” 阿六想了想。 “和服铺的人。” “有过吗？这类事情。” “是的，不过那真的只是来跑腿的小学徒。” “但你没发觉，夫人也没特地喊你。” “是的……是事后才告诉我的。” 那么，其他客人来访时，同样的情形也可能发生。 无论如何，事情已清楚了。 凶手与葵相熟，是能进这个房间、找借口轻易绕到葵身后的人。 或者，凶手相当熟悉这座大宅的构造，窥探过状况，发现趁葵望着庭院时，便能从走廊这边悄悄潜入。 无论何者，都不会是佐吉。这名凶手知道大宅里人丁稀少，白天门户敞开，只要避开阿六的耳目，便可轻易接近并潜入葵的居室，光凭这点就不可能是佐吉。 “你解下手巾时，葵夫人的身体还是暖的吗？” 阿六失去血色的脸颊上多了道泪痕。 “是的，还是温暖的。” 刚遇害不久。若阿六早来那么一步，也许会在走廊那侧的唐纸门撞见逃离的凶手。 “阿六，你们在这房里会焚香吗？” 阿六仍挂着泪痕的脸愣住了。 “焚香吗？不会。” “从来没有过？” “是的，我们连香炉都没有。不过夫人会用香袋。” 这么一来，佐吉闻到的香味，是来自葵挂在衣架上的和服吗？ “那天，这房里的衣架上，是不是挂着桔梗图案的和服？” 阿六随即想起，确实如此。刚缝制的新和服，挑掉绷线挂了起来。 “若没出事，夫人原本隔天要穿那件衣服出门的。” 和老爷一起，阿六失神地低语。 平四郎没理会感伤的阿六，继续问房里有无怪事，葵的模样是否有异，当天或前一天是否有来客。阿六老实准备回答：“怪事……”又差点哭出来。 “好，阿六，抱歉要再多花你一点时间，不过就当是为了夫人。接下来，请仔细回想那阵子的事情，不管发现了什么，都写下来。你会写字吧？” “平假名的话，勉强还能应付。” “好。还有，把进出这屋子的人全写下来。什么时候有谁来过，只要你记得的、想得出来的，一个不漏地记下来。凑屋、久兵卫，还有那个每天都来的小学徒就不用说了，无论是为什么事上门的，凡是来过的都要写。办得到吧？我会再来，在那之前，你好好翻出脑子里的记忆。” "But I..." 平四郎“哦”了一声。“对了，你接下来要到哪儿做事？” 阿六一脸过意不去。“久兵卫爷替我找的，所以是请凑屋当保人。” “要离开江户吗？” “不不不，是在神田多町的一家小饭馆，我要搬到附近的杂院。这回得出门上工，但久兵卫爷说，杂院的主妇很多，留孩子在家里也不必担心。” “那真是好极了。”平四郎为她高兴，之后才发觉： “提到孩子，你那两个孩子现在上哪儿去了？” “这后面，沿路上去有座叫法春院的寺庙，到那里上学了。哎呀，现在是什么时刻了？钟响过了吗？我一点儿都没留心。我想差不多该回来了。” 接着阿六似乎有些顾虑，问道： “我怕孙八怕得不得了那时，不敢让孩子们上法春院，出入这里的卖菜大叔好意帮忙接送。那位大叔也得写吗？” “嗯，要写。只是写下来而已，所以一个都别漏。” 再三叮嘱时，正面传来八刻（下午两点）的报时钟声，阿六说那便是法春院的钟。 平四郎瞪着秋阳清朗地照进空无一人也空无一物的房内，紧锁眉头了好半晌。