I called Liu Yuning again this time. There were no other cases at the bureau for the moment, so she had time to accompany me.
Even if there were, the minor cases wouldn't require our Punishment Group.
Upon arriving at Dahe Palace, this place was a historical tourist attraction in our Fuming City. It had been built as early as the Tang Dynasty. The palace housed a very dense collection of stone statues, and not far away was a sapphire-blue river, with towering mountains behind it. The palace area was remarkably vast. The film crew had rented out the entire palace. To the left, temporary shelters and accommodation were erected. The large central and right sections of the palace became the set for filming "The Grand Judge of the Southern Song Dynasty." In this episode, Song Qirong, played by He Qiming, was recruited by the government and returned to the city as a coroner. Xiao Kui, played by Gan Xiaorui, was also reunited with the prince and moved into a mansion. However, because of this, the prince looked down upon Song Qirong, who was still just a minor coroner.
By the time we arrived, rehearsals had concluded, and they were preparing for the official shoot. Director Yan and the producer were discussing some matters. Some actors greeted Liu Yuning and me, offering us some cake. They finally began filming at precisely 9:20 PM that evening.
Song Qirong was investigating a case here, seemingly a murder by burning within the palace. He, along with Song Ci, another veteran actor portraying the character, came here to investigate. Song Ci was played by another seasoned actor, but the protagonist of our drama was Song Qirong, the time-traveler.
While examining the body, I couldn't help but shake my head, thinking how television dramas were indeed just that—dramas. Many aspects lacked logic. For instance, why would they use red wine during a forensic examination?
I was somewhat speechless. Director Yan approached me, and I knew what he wanted to ask. Before he could speak, I offered my opinion. He seemed enlightened and immediately went to address it. I mused to myself, if you're going to film such a historical drama, can't you read a few more books? Viewers might not notice such errors, but those with some knowledge would certainly critique them.
Despite my suggestions, the drama still had some flaws. However, I didn't dwell on it. After all, it was a TV drama, not reality, and it was bound to have some logical inconsistencies. Why? Because if everything were too clearly explained, it could provide blueprints for criminals.
In Huaxia, whether it's novels or films, there's a tacit understanding about this.
I saw that the corpse on the ground was a prop, but with the aid of some software, it looked incredibly real. Liu Yuning asked curiously, "So this is how modern TV dramas are made?"
"Yes, some newborn babies are even created using these special effects. It's impossible to distinguish between special effects and reality."
Watching Song Qirong constantly sweating, enduring the heavy coroner's attire for an autopsy in this weather, was truly uncomfortable. Yet, they persisted and acted it out.
"Being an actor is really hard work!" Liu Yuning sighed.
"Of course. But compared to ancient coroners, without air conditioning and insecticides, it would be truly unbearable in hot weather!"
As we chatted, the actors took a break. Liu Yuning and I joined everyone in eating our boxed meals. Director Yan excitedly recounted the filming just moments before, "This one is bound to be a hit! The first two episodes that just aired have already gained much favor from the audience. The brave and kind time-traveler Song Qirong, who fears no authority and seeks truth, is portrayed vividly."
"Really? I thought people these days preferred those thrilling, fast-paced, brainless 'cool dramas'."
"Not at all. Even historical dramas incorporate many interesting elements, for example..."
Yaaaaah—!!
A piercing scream erupted from a room within Dahe Palace.
Liu Yuning and I immediately put down our boxed meals and stood up.
Director Yan also looked towards the source of the sound in alarm.
"Let's go see!" Director Yan said.
I nodded and headed straight for the source of the sound. After passing through some corridors, we arrived at a seemingly small room in Dahe Palace.
A girl sat on the ground in terror. Liu Yuning whispered to me that this girl was Xingzi.
I didn't reply. Liu Yuning and I helped the frightened girl up. Just as we were about to ask her what happened, she stiffened her arm and pointed to a slightly ajar wooden door in the room.
I stood up and cautiously pushed open the door. A pair of suspended legs kicked towards me!
A woman had used her own belt to strangle herself and hang from the ceiling!
I approached the woman and found she was no longer breathing. She was still wearing the costume from the historical drama. Her limbs hung limply. Due to prolonged strangulation, her tongue had even protruded. On the ground were some viscous substances. As with all mechanical asphyxiation, the blood didn't coagulate, and the sphincters were relaxed, leading to extreme cases of incontinence. Most faces were congested or even bled due to impaired venous return. If the hyoid bone was compressed, the tongue often protruded.
The deceased had clearly been strangled.
As the room was pitch black, I couldn't see the female deceased's face. At this moment, Liu Yuning turned on the light switch nearby. I hadn't realized it, but upon seeing her, I discovered she was Gan Xiaorui, who played Xiao Kui!
"How could this happen? Quickly, get her down and send her to the hospital!" Director Yan was clearly panicking.
For him, losing the drama's female lead meant the entire production would be ruined.
I calmly said to Director Yan, "She's already dead. I'll call the police to handle it."
"No! This news cannot get out. Gan Xiaorui is a very famous celebrity in Huaxia right now, and this drama..."
"Human life is paramount. Director Yan, you're still concerned about that? If you don't let the police come, I can suspect you of doing this at any moment!"
"Detective He, don't speak nonsense. Xiao Rui and I are in a symbiotic relationship. How could I harm her?"
I had only said that to startle him. Of course, I understood the situation. Liu Yuning picked up her phone and dialed the police station.
At that moment, I surveyed the room. I noticed there were no windows, only a wooden door, a very old-fashioned one with hook-shaped grooves. I found a tear in the deceased's sock and wondered what it was for.
The body was hanging not far from the wooden door. Apart from the door, there was no other exit from the room. After killing, the murderer could only leave from here. There were no surveillance cameras in the corridor outside, so he could leave safely at any time. Moreover, he was clearly familiar with the layout of Dahe Palace, indicating the killer was someone from the film crew. For the third time, this feeling surfaced. I believed this was definitely not a coincidence.