Final Conclusion

At least a portion of the wealth in the Left Vice Minister's residence was genuinely acquired through Xiao Bichang's years of corruption.

The materials so easily found in the Ministry of Revenue must also be real.

It was just that these things might have been previously hidden by Xiao Bichang himself, or by someone behind him.

And now, someone had proactively laid them out, delivering them right to the Censorate.

"What about Elder Zhang's autopsy results?"

Gu Chengyin turned to Zhu Qi and asked his final question.

Zhu Qi immediately replied, "Elder Zhang submitted the complete autopsy report this morning."

"He carefully examined Xiao Bichang's corpse, including the oral cavity, throat, stomach, blood, and even minute surface injuries."

"The final confirmation: no known toxic substances were detected in the deceased's body."

"Aside from the ligature mark on the neck caused by hanging and slight traces of struggle, there are no other fatal or suspicious external injuries."

"The internal organs show no signs of acute pathology or drug reactions."

Zhu Qi summarized, "Elder Zhang's conclusion is that homicide, poisoning, and sudden severe illness can be ruled out."

"Xiao Bichang indeed died by hanging himself."

"Mhm." Gu Chengyin gave a soft acknowledgment, leaning back into his chair.

Now, all the evidence and conclusions under normal procedures had been laid out before him:

Cause of death: The coroner confirmed through autopsy that Xiao Bichang committed suicide by hanging.

Motive: A suicide note expressing remorse was left at the scene.

Witnesses: A large amount of material was easily seized at the Ministry of Revenue, and the testimonies and whereabouts of the relevant individuals matched up.

Physical evidence: A massive amount of wealth of unknown origin was found in the Left Vice Minister's residence, confirming his corruption.

Everything was interlocked; the chain of evidence was complete.

According to normal investigative procedures and logic, the case could be completely closed at this very moment.

Gu Chengyin's gaze swept over everyone in the hall.

Zhu Qi's face bore the relief and anticipation of having completed his task.

Wang Gangfeng remained expressionless, but deep in his eyes, there was still a trace of doubt about closing the case so smoothly.

Behind them, Cui Zilu had his big eyes wide open, trying hard to understand the complex information from the recent conversation, his small face full of concentration.

"You two have worked hard."

Gu Chengyin finally spoke, breaking the brief silence:

"I believe that the truth of this case has come to light."

The atmosphere in the main hall of the Left Vice Minister's residence suddenly became subtle as Gu Chengyin spoke.

"Regarding the sudden death of Xiao Bichang, following the scene investigation, the coroner's autopsy, the search for evidence, and the questioning of relevant personnel, the evidence is now conclusive and the context is clear."

"The final conclusion of this case: Xiao Bichang committed suicide out of fear of punishment."

"Do you two have any objections?"

As his voice faded, the hall fell quiet for a moment.

Then Zhu Qi reacted, hastily cupping his hands in a salute, "I have no objections!"

However, Wang Gangfeng, sitting on the other side, furrowed his brows and looked at Gu Chengyin in confusion.

Something was wrong.

Based on his contact and understanding over the past few days, this man was by no means an ordinary official.

Xiao Bichang's death obviously involved something much deeper.

After Gu Chengyin went through so much trouble, was he really going to wrap it up so hastily?

Doubts sprouted in Wang Gangfeng's heart; he felt that something was amiss, as if a seemingly perfect answer was placed before him, yet missing the most crucial link.

Gu Chengyin noticed Wang Gangfeng's hesitation.

He looked at Wang Gangfeng and asked, "Does Lord Wang have an objection?"

"According to the rules, although I am the chief investigator, the final conclusion requires a unanimous vote. We cannot proceed if even one person disagrees."

Being called out by Gu Chengyin, Wang Gangfeng's heart skipped a beat.

He did have doubts, but these doubts were mostly based on his speculation about Gu Chengyin's style of doing things and the hidden concerns that might lie behind the case.

Given that the current chain of evidence was complete and conclusive, raising an objection would instead make him seem unreasonable.

After hesitating for a moment, Wang Gangfeng still chose to comply with the surface evidence and procedures:

"Marquis Gu, I have no objections to this final conclusion. The evidence is right before our eyes, and the conclusion is logical, it's just..."

"Good!"

Before he could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by Gu Chengyin, whose face showed a pleased expression:

"Since Lord Wang also has no objections, then this case is settled."

"Later, I will go to the Cabinet to report the final conclusion of this case."

"The rapid resolution of this case is due to the hard work of you two lords. I will certainly list your contributions one by one in the memorial."

After saying that, he turned to Zhu Qi and smiled, "Lord Zhu led the team in excavating and searching. It has truly been hard on you."

"When there's a chance later, how about I play host and we grab a drink?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Qi was absolutely elated.

Not only could he successfully close the case and claim credit, but he also received an invitation from Gu Chengyin. This was an excellent opportunity to build a closer relationship!

The smile on his face was so bright it almost overflowed as he hurriedly bowed, "Marquis Gu is too polite. It is my utmost honor. As long as Marquis Gu gives the word, I will be at your beck and call!"

Watching Gu Chengyin and Zhu Qi bonding so warmly, Wang Gangfeng sat to the side. Although he didn't say anything, a trace of displeasure and aloofness clearly flashed in his eyes.

He had a straightforward and upright personality and disliked such overly obvious official pleasantries, especially right in front of him.

Gu Chengyin continued, "Since that is the case, I won't delay Lord Zhu's rest. Rest assured, I will absolutely not leave out the credit you deserve."

Hearing this, Zhu Qi looked at Gu Chengyin, then glanced at the silent Wang Gangfeng beside him.

He suddenly felt as if he were a bit redundant?

Anyone who could mingle in the officialdom of the Divine Capital naturally had decent skills in reading people.

Rolling his shrewd eyes, he immediately took the hint and stood up, clutching his lower back and putting on an exhausted look:

"Oh my, Marquis Gu is right! These old bones really can't take it anymore. After digging dirt all day, my old back is about to break!"

"I need to hurry back, find a doctor to give it a good rub, and get some rest."

"Marquis Gu, then I shall take my leave first! Lord Wang, farewell!"

With that, he cupped his hands in a salute to Gu Chengyin and Wang Gangfeng respectively.

Then he walked away at a brisk pace, his back exuding a sense of urgency.

Wang Gangfeng saw Zhu Qi leave and also prepared to stand up and bid farewell.

The case was closed, so what was he still doing here?

Was he really waiting for Gu Chengyin to treat him to a drink? He asked himself, he wasn't that familiar with this Marquis Gu yet.

However, just as Wang Gangfeng made a move, Gu Chengyin's voice rang out:

"Lord Wang, don't be in such a hurry to leave. We haven't finished chatting yet."

Wang Gangfeng paused his movements and froze.

He blinked, looked at Gu Chengyin, and asked in confusion:

"Isn't this case... already closed?"

The case was closed, and Zhu Qi had left. What else was there to talk about?

Gu Chengyin restrained his smile, his expression turning solemn, and said slowly:

"Lord Wang, you are right. The case of Xiao Bichang's sudden death is indeed closed."

Then the conversation took a sharp turn, a chilling light in his eyes:

"But, the corruption case of the Left Vice Minister."

"Has only just begun."

Wang Gangfeng was stunned.

At first, he didn't react, but then his eyes widened abruptly, and he exclaimed in surprise:

"You want to... split the case?!"

Gu Chengyin's face showed a matter-of-fact expression: "Otherwise?"

"Did I go through all this trouble just to put the final nail in Xiao Bichang's coffin?"