Book 19 Chapter 12

Autopsy

— A Tedious Procedure

Dawn broke.

At times, light would reveal the ugly truths hidden in the darkness of night. The night protested that its consent was not obtained, but its protests were always drowned out by waves of light.

Light does not judge good or evil. It merely shows. The act of drawing boundaries is always left to humans. This time was no exception; a boundary was drawn, and it made things rather troublesome for some people.

Murmur, murmur!

Martial artists, seemingly belonging to the Cheonmu Academy, had cordoned off the area with yellow ropes, preventing pedestrians from approaching. They had just been dispatched after receiving a report that morning. Their mission was to preserve the crime scene from being disturbed, and none of them felt the urge to test how many footprints could be imprinted per square meter. This was especially true at a murder scene where even a single fallen hair could not be missed.

As Nanchang is a large city, the influence of the government is also significant.

Typically, the government was responsible for handling and investigating such fatal accidents, and it had no intention of shirking that responsibility. However, when the victim was revealed to be a martial artist, the government’s attitude changed abruptly. The responsibility and authority for investigating the incident would then transfer to the Cheonmu Academy. More precisely, a brigade under the Cheonmu Academy would be assigned the task. This was made possible by a high-level political coordination between the government and the martial world. Of course, no matter how renowned someone was in the martial world, from the government’s perspective, they were clearly civilians. It was natural that civilians were not qualified to perform official duties.

Therefore, in such cases, the government would request the deployment of the ‘Muwon Unit’ in the form of a ‘request for cooperation’ from experts in the relevant field. Although the Muwon Unit is an organization under the Cheonmu Academy, it temporarily possesses legitimate authority as a temporary employee hired on a provisional basis. Through this series of complex, sophisticated, and high-level political transactions and coordination, the Cheonmu Academy gained lawful authority to legally intervene in incidents of assault and murder among martial artists occurring within Nanchang, which it had long desired.

The primary objective of this unit, whose name means "to eliminate resentment," was to conduct autopsies, determine the method of murder, and then apprehend the perpetrator based on that information. A notable point was that the accompanying autopsies and investigations were all conducted under the shield of legitimate authority.

Currently, the Muwon Unit is led by Baek Muyeong of Hyeongsan Ilgi and Cheong Heun of Samjeolgeom, both of whom were among the Nine Dragons and two pillars of the Gujeong Council.

Despite their status as government officials, they already held several important positions. Most martial arts-related incidents occurring in Nanchang are handled by the Cheonmu Academy, with students directly taking on the tasks. This is done with the aim of fostering student autonomy, so adults are not heavily involved. It is a consideration for them to gain direct experience. In reality, theory and practice often differ, and there are many things that cannot be known without direct experience. Therefore, accumulating various experiences at a young age when one is still learning is ultimately beneficial. What is in the head is often lost in the forest of forgetfulness, but what is etched in the body is not easily forgotten.

“Shall we begin then?”

“I’m ready.”

In response to Baek Muyeong’s words, Cheong Heun nodded and replied.

“…But I never get used to this, no matter how many times I do it.”

Cheong Heun frowned as he looked at the body covered with a shroud.

“Getting used to it is also an obligation, friend.”

Baek Muyeong said to his friend’s complaint.

“Obligation……”

They, too, were not doing this work out of pleasure. Engaging in this kind of special work never leads to spiritual elevation or a richer life. Rather, it is an environment that dries up emotions and withers feelings, making it difficult to find a better one. Therefore, everyone avoids and shuns this work. The two men also did not possess the perverted taste of getting excited by a mutilated corpse. However, paradoxically, it was precisely because everyone else avoided it that they volunteered for this task.

“Nothing in this world comes for free.”

Being above others does not only mean having more rights. One must fulfill obligations commensurate with exercising those rights. Only a select few who can strike a good balance between the two can earn people’s respect and the trust of their subordinates.

Expecting subordinates to work harder than oneself is not a hopeful outlook. Therefore, they had to fulfill their obligations for holding a higher position than others. That is why they chose this work, which others avoided and they themselves did not particularly desire. Of course, they could have forced others to do this work. Both of them possessed enough power to do so. However, doing so would lead to a gradual loss of support from those around them.

No subordinate likes a superior who only covets sweet power. In any organization, there are fewer superiors and more subordinates. Like a building, an organization needs strong and solid trust and support among its members to maintain stability. Trust is like glue that firmly binds the building of an organization. A system that loses it is inevitably bound to collapse.

“It is said that if one is unqualified, even a dynastic revolution is possible. What need is there to even speak of ordinary people like us!”

“Who are you quoting? You emphasize the past, so it must be a famous person’s words?”

“A very famous person. It is Mencius.”

“Even a clueless commoner like me has heard of them, so they must be quite famous.”

After the Han Dynasty, when Confucianism was adopted as a tool of state governance, its aspect of protecting vested interests was particularly strengthened. However, if one delves into its substance, it is a discipline that contains a rigor that absolutely does not permit such complacency.

‘Jeongmyeong’ is like that.

The ruler is a ruler, the minister is a minister! The father is a father, the son is a son!

Then what if the ruler is not like a ruler? If the name cannot be changed, then must not the entity bearing that name be changed?

‘Jeongmyeong,’ to put it simply, is a philosophy that is faithful to the law of equivalent exchange: if one does not live up to their name, they are not worthy of having that name.

At times, names tend to be undervalued compared to their market value. However, they are also characterized by always being non-negotiable.

Therefore, Cheong Heun and Baek Muyeong were no exception; they had to pay the full price even if they were unwilling. Otherwise, they would not be able to maintain their names even if they had them. It required continuous investment and management, and if investment and management were not done properly, it could lead to ruin, sharing a commonality with selling goods.

“Does the fact that the person was famous make their words endure, or did the words endure the ravages of time and become famous? What do you think?”

“Don’t ask me. I’m not a scholar, and I’m a Taoist. Surely you haven’t forgotten that I’m from the Wudang Sect, friend?”

“Are there boundaries to learning? If one’s perspective narrows, they are no different from a cripple, friend. The moment one fails to recognize diversity, that ideology is bound to rot. Much like this corpse.”

Saying this, Baek Muyeong tapped the shroud covering the body.

“My sect, the Hyeongsan Sect, is also Taoist, but Confucianism is also interesting. Learning about literature is just as exciting as practicing martial arts.”

“As expected of someone from the Gujeong Council’s literary faction. However, I bet most of the government officials at the Cheonmu Academy would disagree with you. They would say, ‘Why bother with such boring things? It’s much more exciting and satisfying to wield a sword like lightning and punch like thunder, sweating it out.’”

“That’s probably true. I admit it. But isn’t it good to have at least one person like this?”

“Enough of that.”

“Understood. Then let’s start with the scene description first.”

The basics of an autopsy begin with a description of the scene. Anyone who thinks that probing a corpse haphazardly is an autopsy is making a grave mistake.

Autopsy is a process conducted according to strict regulations and rules, and it is always a task that requires carefulness.

He loved procedures, and had absolutely no intention of disregarding the established formal process when there was no need to do so. Especially in official matters involving human lives, procedures must be followed to maintain consistency and ensure smooth workflow management.

“Are there any relatives of the deceased?”

Following procedure, Baek Muyeong asked.

“According to witnesses, there are no relatives, but they saw someone who appeared to be a colleague. They are not from around here, so the relatives must be far away.”

“Then we cannot use the relatives as witnesses for the examination.”

In such cases, it must be recorded that the relatives could not arrive, and the witnesses who participated in the examination must each give a pledge. This is a measure to expedite the process, as waiting indefinitely for relatives might lead to the body’s decomposition. Also, in such situations, neighbors or friends are sometimes used as witnesses.

Baek Muyeong scanned the body from head to toe. Judging by its demeanor, the deceased was undoubtedly someone who had come to Nanchang to take the entrance examination for the Cheonmu Academy, and in such cases, it was rare for them to come alone. This was especially true if the person belonged to a major sect rather than a minor one.

“Do you know where those who appeared to be colleagues are?”

Cheong Heun asked.

“Yes, according to the testimony, they are staying at the Cheongun Inn.”

“Then take five members of the unit and bring them here.”

“Understood.”

Before conducting an autopsy, it is necessary to obtain confirmation from witnesses. The Cheonmu Academy conducts autopsies in the same manner as the government. This is to minimize any potential issues when transferring data to the government later.

“Then, let’s start by examining the complexion.”

Baek Muyeong said, following the departing subordinates with his eyes.

Complexion is a very important indicator for determining the cause of death.

Therefore, blindly cutting open the body’s abdomen without even examining the complexion was a barbaric act that any sensible coroner should avoid.

Just as performing surgery on a patient is the last resort for a doctor, performing an autopsy on a corpse is the final step. In this regard, dealing with the living and the dead is both different and the same.

Baek Muyeong and Cheong Heun, who felt no need to be unconventional and incompetent coroners, slowly began to examine the body’s complexion in detail.

“Given the overall dark color, is it a wound from external trauma?”

Blackness is a significant indicator of wounds from beatings or strangulation.

“In that case, we won’t need to use this silver hairpin.”

Cheong Heun picked up a silver hairpin, gleaming pure white like a maiden, and said with a tone of regret.

It was a property of the Muwon Unit, managed directly by the government, and its quality had even been assessed. It was a genuine article among genuine articles.

However, unless it was a poisoning case, this expensive autopsy tool would have no opportunity to be used.

“Still, let’s try stabbing it at least. You never know, right? We shouldn’t overlook even the slightest possibility.”

Baek Muyeong said with an indifferent expression.

“You want to stab it just because you’re bored?”

It was not unreasonable for Cheong Heun to hear it that way.

“There’s no harm in being cautious about anything. Besides… it’s an expensive item, so we should use it often to get our money’s worth, shouldn’t we? Letting it sit idle is a waste of equipment. Tools reveal their value only when used. This silver hairpin isn’t for hair decoration, is it?”

Cheong Heun frowned at some unpleasant thought.

“If it were me, I wouldn’t wear a hairpin that has pierced hundreds of corpses on my head, even if it were of high purity.”

Furthermore, he tried his best to ignore a fact that was too unspeakable to mention. In cases of death by poisoning, a silver hairpin is used to test during the first or second examination, but the location of insertion is the problem. According to recommended autopsy procedures, the silver hairpin is inserted deep into the pharynx, and after a short time, it is removed to check if the hairpin’s color has changed. If the silver turns black, it is considered poisoning.

The fact that the place to insert the precious and expensive silver hairpin is the throat is a big problem, but there are frequent accidents where the location of the pharynx is misunderstood and it is inserted into the nostrils. At such times, whether fortunately or unfortunately, due to rigor mortis, there are rarely any snot streaks, but often, inexplicable yellowish fragments are found adhering to it. These are certainly not pleasant experiences.

The mere thought of a thing that was forcefully inserted into the corpse’s nostril being worn in one’s hair sent a cold sweat down Cheong Heun’s spine. Even the most beautiful woman would lose her radiance instantly.

“Just thinking about it sends shivers down my spine. At that point, wouldn’t it already be a murder weapon?”

At the very least, it was clear that it would be mentally debilitating.

“I agree. Then, this silver hairpin has only one use.”

Baek Muyeong added one more sentence.

“You never know. Perhaps they poisoned the victim first, and then attacked while the body was paralyzed and unable to move properly.”

It was a perfectly plausible inference.

“If you say so……”

Cheong Heun reluctantly agreed.

“Don’t mistake it for your nostril.”

Baek Muyeong kindly pointed out the most frequent mistake of coroners.

“I won’t mistake it for my nostril. So, don’t worry.”

Cheong Heun felt a slightly sweet and dark temptation, but exercising appropriate restraint, he directly inserted the silver hairpin deep into the corpse’s pharynx with his own hand. He consoled himself that this place was at least more clean and wholesome than the other few openings. Although it was somewhat regrettable for the corpse, the fact that the deceased could not complain was a great consolation.

After a while, Cheong Heun pulled out the silver hairpin from the pharynx and held it up, shining it in the sunlight. He called out to his friend.

“Hey, Muyeong.”

“What is it?”

Baek Muyeong, who was examining the body and recording it in the autopsy record, ‘Gyeol-an Jeong-sik,’ replied without turning his head.

“A question suddenly occurred to me……”

“What is it?”

“Is it not the case that there are specific punishments for creating poisons, raising venomous insects, collecting plant toxins, selling poisons, and causing harm to human life?”

“That’s right.”

That was the law.

“Then, how long would the Sichuan Tang family have to serve their sentence?”

Only then did Baek Muyeong realize his friend was joking.

“Hmm… we probably won’t have to buy tofu for the rest of our lives.”

Was it not the infamous Tang family of Sichuan, who experimented with and created new poisons day after day? Their obsession with poisons and hidden weapons could be described as paranoid.

What was the Tang family’s motto! Ilil-il-dok!

It means to experiment with and create one new poison each day.

“Perhaps the Tang family was created because they had to be imprisoned for too long. Maybe the Tang family’s buildings are classified as prisons in official documents.”

Baek Muyeong cautiously presented a hypothesis.

“Hmm… that makes sense.”

Since their sentences would only continue to accumulate, imprisonment itself might be futile. It might be much easier to simply register their homes as prisons.

“Nothing unusual here.”

Fortunately, they did not have to turn their suspicions to the Tang family. Just then, it caught Baek Muyeong’s eye.

“There’s something unusual here!”

Startled!

Cheong Heun’s head slowly turned.

Blood vessels, crisscrossed like a spiderweb. The wounds were clearly not ordinary.

“Bright red.”

Cheong Heun said, his brow furrowed.

“Then it’s a stab wound. A sword wound?”

“No. The wounds are too fine to be from a sword. Even the most precise sword cannot create such thin wounds.”

“Not a sword… Then what do you think the weapon was?”

After a moment of contemplation, Baek Muyeong finally spoke.

“It seems to be a wound from a silk sword.”

Cheong Heun seemed to find it hard to believe his friend’s judgment.

“You mean the technique of cutting people with something like a flimsy thread? Can such a fatal wound be inflicted with that?”

“A skilled master can certainly do so. This is a situation that favors us.”

“Why is that?”

“There aren’t many people who use such unique secret weapons. Even fewer are skilled enough to cause such a fatal injury. By identifying this murder weapon, we have narrowed down the suspect pool as much as possible, so how can this not be advantageous?”

“Now that you mention it, that’s true. It seems our rummaging through the corpse is finally paying off. By the way, who could it be? I’ve never heard of any martial artist renowned for silk swords in Nanchang.”

“That’s our job to find out.”

Baek Muyeong said, without taking his eyes off the red wounds crisscrossing the corpse like a spiderweb.

“Moreover, I seem to recall seeing wounds like this before.”

Baek Muyeong said, recalling a young man with long bangs who had been at the center of turmoil for the past two or three years.

Four friends who were alive at the time of death were summoned as proxies for the deceased. All of them looked anxious, unsure why they had been brought in.

“Don’t be so nervous. We just need to confirm a few things.”

First, Cheong Heun stepped forward to reassure them.

“Yes……”

They all replied meekly, hesitantly.

“Come on, relax. In the past, we used to beat people first, regardless of whether they were suspected or not, but that’s not the case anymore. So, don’t be so tense.”

Although he might have said that to comfort them, it was counterproductive. Cheong Heun addressed the young men who had become even more rigid.

“Then, let’s start with identity verification.”

Cheong Heun, with the four trembling men reduced to the size of fingernails, led them across the yellow ropes. The four following behind them changed their expressions. The atmosphere of the members guarding the ropes was ominous. Moreover, this was undeniably a murder scene. They could potentially be considered suspects. So, how could they not be anxious?

Cheong Heun lifted the shroud covering the body.

“Do you recognize this face?”

“Gasp!”

The four men’s eyes widened, and a collective gasp of shock erupted. Lying there was undeniably their friend with whom they had been laughing, chatting, drinking, and singing just yesterday.

“Aaaaah!”

One of them, evidently weak-hearted, fainted on the spot. At the pathetic sight, Cheong Heun sighed involuntarily. He understood the psychological shock they had received, but collapsing so openly was problematic. Especially for someone who intended to enter the Cheonmu Academy.

“Wake him up!”

Once the weak-hearted friend who had fainted regained consciousness, Cheong Heun asked again.

“Do you suspect anyone? Did they have any grudges against anyone?”

To their surprise, all four nodded simultaneously!

“Yes, we do.”

A glint appeared in Cheong Heun’s eyes.

“Really?”

“Yes.”

They replied in mosquito-like voices, still anxious.

“Call Battalion Chief Baek here for a moment.”

“Yes!”

Baek Muyeong was an expert in this area, and he respected his friend’s expertise.

“Hmm, this is an unexpected harvest.”

They had been struggling because witnesses rarely appeared.

“First, let’s separate the four of them and hear their statements.”

“Why? Isn’t it easier to hear them together?”

Cheong Heun raised an objection.

“It would be difficult to tell if they colluded. By hearing their accounts separately, any discrepancies will become clear when we compare them later.”

“Indeed! There was such a profound meaning behind it!”

Cheong Heun exclaimed, clapping his hands.

“Profound? It’s just common sense. Moreover, it provides a double benefit of being able to objectify observations based on four different subjective viewpoints.”

“We’ll do that immediately.”

“And don’t forget to take their statements twice in a row.”

“Why is that?”

“That’s the custom. It makes it difficult to lie.”

“That’s troublesome.”

“Bear with it! Even government offices have a legal procedure of three re-examinations for major cases like murder! We have two, so it’s still fortunate!”

This procedure, carried out under the philosophy of handling cases involving human lives with caution, was called the ‘Sam-bok-je’ (Triple Examination System).

“How was it?”

After all the interviews were completed, Cheong Heun asked.

“Hmm, the statements of the four people regarding the suspect’s physical description were all consistent.”

Baek Muyeong replied in a grave tone.

“Shall we hear it?”

His friend nodded silently and opened the form containing the testimonies.

“The gender is male, age around twenty, wearing a long-sleeved black martial arts uniform, and a golden armband on his right arm.”

“What! A golden armband?”

“Yes, that’s what it says.”

“Then the culprit is among the entrance examiners? Who? Why?”

Everything that happens has a cause and reason. Murder is no exception.

“We haven’t been able to determine that yet. However, a few assumptions are possible.”

And Baek Muyeong mentally reviewed a few matters. Several hypotheses immediately came to mind. None of them were uninteresting. He carefully chose one of them.

“If you have to pick one?”

He did not particularly care for ambiguity.

“The most probable one is an incident where emotions could not be controlled.”

“You mean killed in a fit of anger?”

“Simply put, yes. You know, everyone’s on edge these days, aren’t they? If we weren’t in charge of this, we would have received that golden armband too. Wouldn’t we?”

“Even if I were in that situation, I couldn’t guarantee I could maintain my composure.”

That was his honest feeling. It was certainly not unrelated to the fact that there were an unusual number of indigestion and abdominal pain patients around these days.

“Are there any other distinguishing features?”

“Actually, there’s one more important characteristic left.”

“Why are you telling me this now?”

“Because we need to be cautious.”

‘Cautious?’

What could possibly make this friend, whose caution was unparalleled, so tense?

“The last characteristic, which all four agree on, is that the perpetrator… had very long bangs that covered their eyes.”

At that moment, a single name flashed through both of their minds.