Li Fu's expression changed. "Poisoned? How is that possible? All the food in the residence is inspected. No one could have poisoned it!"
"There are many ways to administer poison. It doesn't necessarily have to be through food," Lin Taichu said. "Tea, clothing, even objects someone has touched could all be possible."
Master Zhang immediately gave the order. "Someone, bring in the cooks, maidservants, and guards in the residence for questioning. Search the city lord's bedchamber and storeroom thoroughly as well. See if there's anything suspicious."
The constables immediately sprang into action. Lin Taichu said to Master Zhang, "Master Zhang, I need to take some of the city lord's saliva samples back for testing to determine the poison's components. That will make it easier to track down the poisoner."
Master Zhang nodded in agreement. Lin Taichu carefully collected the samples and placed them in his medicine chest. At that moment, he noticed Li Fu standing off to the side, his gaze flickering as though he wanted to say something but did not dare.
"Steward Li, are you hiding something from us?" Lin Taichu asked.
Li Fu stiffened and hurriedly shook his head. "No, I don't know anything."
Lin Taichu did not press him further. He knew Li Fu must be hiding something, but without evidence, he could only return first to test the poison's components.
He said to Master Zhang, "Master Zhang, I'll notify you immediately once I have news. Before I identify the poison, I hope you can protect the scene and not allow anyone to destroy it."
Master Zhang agreed. Lin Taichu left the City Lord's Mansion with Wang Xiaohu and Chen Zhiming. Once they exited the gates, Wang Xiaohu let out a breath. "That was really dangerous. If the villagers hadn't helped, we would've been in serious