“Was there only this one man?”
“It was recorded as such.”
Ji Yunshu nodded, saying, “Since this Zhang Kui was only one to have ever been ill in the whole of the Imperial Duke’s estate, there is no need to sketch a portrait – this skeleton is Zhang Kui’s.” She declared there and then.
Lang Po was puzzled, “How are you so sure?”
Ji Yunshu flipped through the register in her hands until she reached Zhang Kui’s name and lightly struck him off with her fingernail. Removing this name would save her about a week’s time. She did not forget to explain to Lang Po. “Only those who were poisoned or had cancer while they were alive would have black bones when they died.”
“Cancer?”
“I guess it’s what you refer to as an incurable illness!” Lang Po seemed to understand but was still confused.
Ji Yunshu closed the register and had the men open another coffin. The skeleton in that one was not strange and looked intact, but it was difficult to be certain just by looking at its height and build. She had to sketch its portrait.
Ji Yunshu put on her gloves and removed the skull from the coffin, placing it onto the coffin cover, and said, “Could I please trouble Brother Lang to bring my two sandalwood boxes and some moulding clay from the Rong Estate?”
“I understand!” Lang Po was unbelievably efficient – he brought what she requested in no time.
Ji Yunshu held the skull firmly in her hands and headed for the study in the yard after instructing a servant to close the coffin. While she concentrated on reconstructing its face, Lang Po kept watch of the outside, keeping Ji Yunshu undisturbed.
“Zijin,” Ji Yunshu placed the skull on her desk and called out softly towards the air. A shadow flew down beside her. Shi Zijin was expressionless as usual, awaiting her orders.
Ji Yunshu took a furtive glance outside before saying, “There is something I need you to help me do outside the capital!”