NOVPUB28: Chapter 24 Analysis of the Scene
28 -24 Analysis of the Scene
At this loud cry, everyone turned to look outside the door.
Ran Yan also paused and lifted her gaze toward the door.
The morgue door was half-open, with blinding light pouring in, making it only possible to see the tall figure of the newcomer, dressed in a moon-white gown with wide sleeves.
The gown’s collar and cuffs were embroidered with silver cloud patterns on dark blue brocade.
“Liulang,” the County Chief said.
The man walked in slowly, followed by an old man carrying a box.
As he moved away from the glaring light outside, Ran Yan could see his face clearly.
The man was about twenty-six or twenty-seven, with distinct angular features, deep black eyes, and a fair and clean complexion.
Yet, he did not have the gentle demeanor of Southern people.
He flicked his wide sleeves, approaching the County Chief with an air as steady as Mount Tai.
When he stood beside the County Chief, he was indeed a head taller than his brother.
“Liulang,” the elderly woman greeted the man with excitement, her voice thick with intense grief and trust, “It’s good that you’re back, it’s good that you’re back!
Shan’er died unjustly; if it really was Qin Silang who killed him, you must seek justice for your nephew!”
Han Liulang soothingly patted the old woman’s back and said, “Mother, rest assured, I’ve come back specifically for this matter.”
After Han Liulang finished speaking, his eyes fell on Ran Yan, displaying a hint of surprise.
But it was fleeting, and his expression returned to its usual calm, as if no emotional ripple had ever occurred.
He asked indifferently, “Where did this forensic doctor come from?
A young woman?”
Since the Han Dynasty, the practice of autopsy reasoning for case resolution had become popular, and the role of the forensic doctor was unquestionably critical.
However, it was always a low-status profession, generally held by the lower classes or slaves.
Besides performing autopsies, forensic doctors were also involved in the burial of bodies.
It was very rare for women, much less young women like Ran Yan, to take on this role.
Seeing that Sang Chen’s complexion was ashen and his gaze vacant, the County Chief took over the conversation and said, “This is a forensic examiner invited by Mr.
Sang.”
“Oh,” replied Han Liulang indifferently.
Then he turned and introduced, “This is Feng Sanxun, a famous forensic doctor from Suzhou, with over thirty years of experience and no mistakes in his work.”
The atmosphere became somewhat awkward for a moment.
Sang Chen was someone the County Chief had pleaded with to help draft the legal complaint, and Feng Sanxun was also a renowned expert.
Han Liulang had specially invited him to help after learning of his nephew’s murder.
But with Sang Chen’s mind blank, he could not offer any polite words.
There was silence for two breaths, which felt like an eternity.
The County Chief cleared his throat to break the silence, saying, “In that case, let’s have both experts examine the body in turn to ensure there’s no mistake.
What do you think, Mr.
Feng?”
The term “Mr.” was usually reserved for highly respected and knowledgeable individuals.
By addressing Feng Sanxun this way, the County Chief not only showed him ample respect but also saved face for Sang Chen.
That said, deciding who would examine first posed another problem.
“Mr.
Feng is the senior, so let this young lady examine first.
Mr.
Feng can provide guidance from the side.
If the young lady can’t determine the cause, or if Mr.
Feng has any objections to the results, then he can perform his examination afterward.
How does that sound?” intoned Han Liulang.
For some reason, he had proposed that Ran Yan be the one to begin the autopsy.
Everyone in the Han Family accepted this proposal, as they were more concerned with the results than the process, viewing this approach as a double assurance.
“What do you think, Mr.
Feng?” Han Liulang asked.
Bowing his head, Feng Sanxun replied calmly, “That sounds very good, I have no objections.”
Despite saying this, when Feng Sanxun glanced at Ran Yan, his eyes carried a clear disdain.
Even though everyone saw it, they didn’t think there was any issue.
After all, between a young woman and an old forensic doctor with over thirty years of error-free experience, who would seem more reliable?
Most people would naturally trust the latter.
“Please go ahead, young lady,” said Han Liulang, looking at Ran Yan with a hint of curiosity and amusement.
Ran Yan just happened to be standing in the shadow of the curtain, her face covered with a mask, so no one could see her expression.
After Han Liulang spoke, Ran Yan straightened her sleeves slightly, pulled her gloves up over her sleeves, stepped closer to the coffin, and began swiftly undressing Han Shan.
Han Liulang and the County Chief moved closer to the coffin to observe the proceedings, partly to ensure the process’s credibility and partly to prevent the forensic doctor from tampering with Han Shan’s remains.
Ran Yan deftly stripped Han Shan completely, leaving him naked, which made both men somewhat embarrassed.
Han Liulang glanced at Ran Yan, noting her composure, as if the naked man before her was nothing more than a block of wood.
