Tang Dynasty Prison Administration

093: The Birth of a New Buddha

"In my opinion, this case should be linked to the Youzhou Mystery Case and the Qingzhou Lotus Case. The murderer's plan was meticulous. Now that two pawns are dead, I think the plan to kill ten people will not fail. Soon, the next person will perish. In my opinion, it should be either an official or a patrol general!"

Cui Lin asked, "Oh, what do you mean?"

Su Wen replied, "Because Shen Qiushui and Lu Yao's target is Zhang Yi, the Xuanjie Colonel, and Zhang Yi's crime is likely related to the Buddhist ten sins, specifically the sin of not killing. Therefore, anyone who has killed, especially Tibetans, will become the killer's target!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's faces showed fear.

Cui Lin asked, "Do you have a way to deal with this?"

Su Wen shook his head and said, "I haven't thought of any good solutions yet!"

Cui Lin said, "The mastermind behind this case has gone to such great lengths; they must have a grand purpose. Judging from the memorial you sent to the Emperor, the other party used a flower shop to raise funds, and the fact that they went to such lengths suggests they intend to rebel. After hearing what you just said, I believe they are very likely using the pretext of killing ten people to promote Buddhism, or perhaps another religion. What you need to do now is to draw everyone's attention to this religious sect!"

"In Dunhuang, a region known for its numerous Buddhist sects, the intricate web of factions makes investigation extremely difficult. However, as you stated, the other side will undoubtedly take action. The best course of action would be to exploit the murder of ten people to promote a new Buddhism or a new sect. At that time, you can simply keep an eye on them!"

"While it may not be entirely accurate, it's at least very close!"

Upon hearing this, Su Wen was greatly shocked. Cui Lin was indeed worthy of being the prime minister; he was truly remarkable. He had guessed the other party's next move after only hearing it once.

Su Wen had previously thought that the ancients probably weren't very smart, but the words of Qin Zhan and Cui Lin were so shocking that they were beyond his comprehension.

Cui Lin said, "Alright, this is a banquet, let's not talk about official business, let's talk about personal matters. You can go back to your seat now!"

Su Wen responded.

After Su Wen returned to his seat, Cui Lin drank a glass of wine and then looked at Su Wen, saying, "I came to Shazhou for a reason, which I believe Qin Sima has already told you!"

Su Wen responded, "Yes!"

Cui Lin slowly said, "You should know that our Cui family is a prominent clan, the head of all families. Originally, with your background as a coroner, it would have been impossible for you to marry a woman from our Cui family. However, the Emperor valued you highly and appointed you to the fourth-rank official position in just over a year. Seeing you today proves that you are indeed very talented, and you have not disgraced the name of our Cui family!"

Cui Lin continued, "I know that your parents died early, and you have no relatives or friends, nor much money. However, you don't need to worry too much about that. The Emperor has already bestowed upon you a mansion in Chang'an, which is currently under renovation. The Emperor has also given me the betrothal gifts. The Emperor has arranged the marriage, and you and Lingyu will marry on the Double Ninth Festival next year!"

"The sage personally arranged the marriage, acted as matchmaker, and chose the Double Ninth Festival as the date, which shows that the sage has high expectations for you. I hope you will not disappoint the sage's expectations and the great trust placed in you!"

Su Wen hurriedly bowed and replied, "Prime Minister Cui, rest assured, I will certainly not let His Majesty have even the slightest disappointment!"

Cui Lin said, "That's good. Tomorrow, I will return to Chang'an. After tomorrow, Lingyu will accompany you. You two should cultivate your relationship first. After all, since the Zhenguan era in the Tang Dynasty, it seems that there is a popular custom among the people that women have the right to choose their husbands."

"Although it is a marriage arranged by the Sage, which I cannot refuse, I will not force Lingyu to pursue the man she loves. Therefore, you two should spend the next year getting to know each other and become acquainted. If there are any disagreements, you can speak to the Sage as soon as possible!"

Upon hearing this, Su Wen replied, "Yes!"

Cui Lin looked at Cui Lingyu and said, "Lingyu, stand up and toast your future husband!"

Upon hearing this, Su Wen hurriedly stood up, holding his wine cup: "Let me toast Lady Lingyu!"

Su Wen walked up to Cui Lingyu, who slowly raised her head to look at him. This was the first time Su Wen had ever truly seen Cui Lingyu.

While her appearance wasn't exactly stunning, she was certainly a beauty. Although it was still somewhat difficult to see clearly through the jade curtain, Su Wen quickly bowed and said, "Last time in Youzhou, I haven't yet thanked Lady Lingyu for painting my portrait. Now I'll thank her all at once. Thank you so much for your help, Lady Lingyu, which allowed me to solve that case of the imposter!"

Cui Lingyu smiled slightly and said softly, "Young Master Su, there's no need for thanks. It was merely my duty. I hope you will show me kindness in the future!"

Upon hearing this, Su Wen gave an awkward smile.

Cui Lingyu picked up her wine cup, covered it with her sleeve, and drank it down. Then she put the cup down and said softly, "Since Mr. Su and I are engaged, I hope that in the future Mr. Su will address me as Lingyu, as it would seem more intimate!"

Su Wen responded, "Yes, Lingyu!"

Upon seeing this, Cui Lin couldn't help but laugh, and even the people below the hall laughed along with her.

Su Wen's face was as red as a monkey's bottom, completely unaware of it. No wonder everyone was laughing, even Xu Ge couldn't help but laugh.

Cui Lin laughed and said, "It seems my son-in-law is still a naive young man who hasn't experienced much intimacy!"

Upon hearing this, everyone burst into laughter, making Su Wen so embarrassed that he almost dug his toes out of a three-bedroom apartment!

Cui Lingyu said, "Father, please don't corrupt Su Lang!"

Upon hearing this, Cui Lin hesitated for a moment, then said with a smile, "Okay, okay, okay. They're not even married yet, they've only met a few times, and you're already making an effort to win her over, even calling out to Su Lang!"

Upon hearing this, everyone laughed again.

Su Wen returned to his seat, his face as red as a monkey's bottom!

Although it sounds strange that a young man who has never been intimate with women is a virgin, Su Wen is indeed a pure and innocent virgin.

After all, Su Wen had been studying all along. After graduating, he entered the criminal investigation field, and after three years, he became a forensic doctor. He simply didn't have time to meet girls, mainly because he was of average appearance and didn't have any money. Of course, money was the most important thing.

Not only is he broke, but he also spends all his time with dead people. If he can even see a woman, it's a miracle that his ancestors' graves are emitting auspicious smoke. Let alone finding a wife.

After transmigrating, the original owner was also a coroner, also penniless, so poor that his bell rang, and it was even more impossible for him to get a wife!

Although Su Wen considered going to PC, he ultimately didn't go. After all, he had finally found a stable job with government support, and he didn't want to lose it.

After that, everyone discussed various topics, including interesting stories and folk tales, and the banquet lasted until almost midnight.

As the banquet ended, Cui Lin placed Cui Lingyu's hand in Su Wen's before leaving, and whispered, "Su Wen, I'm entrusting Lingyu to you. I hope you can protect her well and not let her suffer any injustice. Otherwise, I, and the entire Cui family, will not let you off the hook!"

Su Wen bowed and said, "Please, Prime Minister Cui..."

"Hmm?" Cui Lin asked doubtfully.

Su Wen said, "Please rest assured, Father-in-law, I will definitely protect Lingyu, treat her the best, and never let her suffer the slightest grievance!"

Cui Lin smiled, then turned around and, with the help of her servants, boarded the carriage and gradually drove away.

After seeing Cui Lin leave, Su Wen turned to Cui Lingyu. Cui Lingyu kept her head slightly lowered, while Xu Ge secretly glanced at her and whispered, "Master, where will Master's wife stay? You two aren't married yet, you shouldn't live together, right?"

Seeing this, Su Wen quickly released Cui Lingyu's hand and said, "Lingyu, why don't you stay in the room next to mine for now? Hurry up and tidy up your room!"

Xu Ge smiled, turned and left.

Su Wen said softly, "Lingyu, would you like to take a carriage, or would you like the two of us to walk back to the office?"

Lingyu looked up at the starry sky and said, "Such a beautiful day, let's take a walk back!"