When I arrived at the Island Lord's Mansion with Fan Dazhi, Liu Lan was already waiting there.
She gave me a complicated look, then said to Fan Dazhi, "You go handle your business first. Mr. Jiang and I need to talk."
Fan Dazhi acknowledged her and led his men into the courtyard. He did not leave, instead having his people stand guard there, as though afraid I might harm Liu Lan.
Liu Lan closed the door. "I know you definitely didn't do it, but a murder like this has to be investigated. And you are the prime suspect. All the unfavorable evidence points to you."
"Did no one see anyone else enter the Old Patriarch's room?"
"No. You were the last person to see the Old Patriarch."
"Have you found the weapon used to kill him?"
"The dagger was left at the scene, but there were no fingerprints on it at all. More importantly, Little Barren Island has never had this kind of dagger, and lately, you've been the only outsider here. The dagger came from outside, and you are the only outsider. Don't you think that says a lot?"
That really was difficult to explain.
A dagger that did not belong on the island was enough to direct every suspicion at me.
And even if I tried to defend myself, it would be useless.
"The island's rule is simple: a life for a life, a debt repaid. This matter is too serious. Even if I wanted to help you, I couldn't. Unless we find the real murderer. But you know as well as I do that the killer left no clues at all. And this was clearly aimed at you."
I said nothing. She was right. The other party was obviously targeting me.
But had it been someone from