The scene fell silent as Chen Ping stormed off in a huff.
After a long pause, the old ancestor turned to Chen Xiaobei and said, "Perhaps we should report it to the authorities. We need to get to the bottom of this, for Anbang's sake, and to quell the unrest among the villagers."
Chen Xiaobei nodded. Indeed, if the truth remained undiscovered, suspicion would forever linger over him. They said three people could make a tiger appear in the market; if this rumor persisted, it might actually become believed that he had framed Chen Anbang to secure the position of village chief.
"Alright, I'll go to the county office first thing tomorrow."
The crowd dispersed slowly, but Chen Xiaobei felt no sleepiness. His mind raced, replaying the events of the past few days like lightning. He found no clues. Chen Anbang's death was no accident. It was deliberate. But was the motive revenge, or was it aimed at him? And who could obtain the green bamboo viper, a snake not found even in the Great Cang Kingdom?
Since Liu Tie had dared to speak to him about these matters, Chen Xiaobei ruled him out as a suspect. Besides, the Liu family had no reason to target such an insignificant figure.
Hearing his restless tossing and turning, Cui Hongyu, also worried, tentatively asked, "Husband, who do you think could be so heartless?"
Chen Xiaobei turned his head towards Cui Hongyu's direction. Although the room was dark, he knew she was looking at him with concern.
"I don't know who it could be. We'll have to wait for the county officials to investigate tomorrow."
"Husband, do you think it might be aimed at you? Just as Chen Ping said, to make everyone believe you want the position of village chief."
Chen Xiaobei sighed. "Although I'm uneducated, I haven't deeply offended anyone. Who would wish to see me have a good life?"
They continued their desultory conversation until dawn began to break. In this era, death was a significant event for wealthy families, often celebrated. But for ordinary folk, it meant a considerable expense. Even a simple coffin was exorbitantly priced, which explained the tragic scenes of people selling themselves to bury their parents.
Therefore, the day's construction progress would be affected. Some artisans had to attend Chen Anbang's wake, while others had to help out. Chen Xiaobei decided to inform Li Dong that the construction would be paused for the day. Of course, while the work stopped, Li Dong and Da Yong were assigned a special task: guarding Chen Xiaobei's home to ensure the safety of Cui Hongyu and Chen Qiao'er, preventing Chen Ping from causing further trouble.
With everything arranged, Chen Xiaobei hurried to the county office in his donkey cart. County Magistrate Hu Fan listened to his report with commendable diligence and immediately dispatched He Lao Qi with a contingent to Riverhead Village, accompanied by Chen Xiaobei.
Upon seeing the arrival of the constables, Chen Ping immediately rushed forward, theatrically lamenting to He Lao Qi about how Chen Xiaobei had wronged his grandfather. Since the Liu family had already shown concern, He Lao Qi was aware of the situation.
He gently patted Chen Ping's shoulder and said in a deep voice, "Chen Ping, is it? Don't get so agitated. Chen Xiaobei dared to bring us here, which shows he has nothing to hide. Rest assured, we will uncover the truth."
Chen Ping was inwardly indignant but powerless. Since the constables said so, he dared not speak further. "I beg the officers to grant me justice."
He Lao Qi nodded, called him aside, and inquired in detail about the day's events. He then presented the dead green bamboo vipers. "Officer, you see how this person chopped the snake into pieces? Clearly, it was to silence him."
Mirroring Chen Xiaobei's reaction, He Lao Qi almost burst out laughing. Suppressing his amusement, he nodded. "I have noted the matter. Please accept my condolences."
"Let me ask you, did your grandfather offend anyone in particular?"
Chen Ping shook his head. "He had no enemies. Most people in the village are from our clan. Grandfather was of high seniority and was the village chief."
"What about people from other villages?"
"Grandfather didn't interact much with people from other villages. Besides reporting to the township, he occasionally drank with Cui Banxian."
He Lao Qi nodded. A fortune teller drinking with a village chief was commonplace and didn't warrant suspicion. However, Chen Xiaobei, overhearing this, felt a jolt. Yesterday, Chen Xiaowei had mentioned that Cui Banxian had visited Riverhead Village. And Cui Banxian often drank with the village chief. Could this be mere coincidence?
Yes, He Lao Qi, having heard Chen Xiaowei's doubts, shook his head slightly. "Cui Banxian's frequent drinking with him only indicates a cordial relationship. Besides, Mr. Sun Aimin walking the streets is a normal occurrence."
"Moreover, the green bamboo viper is not a local snake species. How could a fortune teller obtain one?"
Chen Xiaobei's view was the opposite of He Lao Qi's. Cui Banxian, traveling and meeting people from all walks of life, could have acquired the venomous snake. The other villagers were honest folk; where would they get such a thing? However, He Lao Qi did not accept his opinion, which frustrated him somewhat.
Fine, if you won't listen, I'll investigate myself to resolve this lingering doubt. To avoid alarming the suspect, Chen Xiaobei only brought Chen Xiaowei with him to Cui Family Village. Two sixteen- or seventeen-year-old youths would likely lower Cui Banxian's guard.
Indeed, Cui Banxian greeted them with a smile. "Captain Chen, what brings you here?"
Chen Xiaobei deliberately frowned. "Alas, did you go to our village yesterday?"
Cui Banxian's smile stiffened slightly. He nodded. "Ah, I go there every few days. What's the matter?"
"Alas, yesterday, Chen Anbang died mysteriously. Chen Ping reported it to the authorities, and the county office has sent someone. Someone saw you there yesterday, and Constable He asked me to inquire about the situation."
Cui Banxian hesitated for a moment, then suddenly burst into tears. "Brother Chen, how could you leave so suddenly? My heart aches. What am I to do?"
This sounded like a wife weeping for her husband, despite their distant relationship. Chen Xiaobei watched silently, without rushing or speaking. Cui Banxian wailed for a few moments and finally stopped, unable to continue the act.
"Captain Chen, what do you mean by coming to me? Do you suspect I harmed Chen Anbang?"
Chen Xiaobei shook his head. "Not at all. I just wanted to ask if you saw any strangers going to Chen Anbang's house or near his home."
Cui Banxian shook his head like a rattle. "No, no, I didn't see anyone."
Chen Xiaobei asked a few more casual questions and then signaled Chen Xiaowei to leave.
"Brother Xiaobei, you don't seriously think he harmed the village chief, do you?"
Chen Xiaobei remained silent. However, he understood that Cui Banxian's answer just now had...