The next day, it was already late in the morning when Elias Graves leisurely made his way to Lord Zhang's mansion.
As he reached the main hall, he saw Keqing leading two officials from the Justice Division, circling the body of Lord Zhang in the ice coffin to conduct an autopsy.
Hu Tao was watching with great interest from the side, occasionally chiming in with her own bizarre and imaginative theories.
Meanwhile, Zhongli was sitting in a chair, completely absorbed in reading the recently popular novel, *Battle Through Liyue*.
Elias Graves had little interest in autopsies. He found a reasonably comfortable-looking chair outside the hall, sat down slowly, and then closed his eyes to rest.
The warm spring sunlight felt very comfortable on his body, making him want to take a good nap.
Just as he was about to be completely overcome by drowsiness and drift off to sleep, Keqing unceremoniously shook him awake. "Elias Graves, the Justice Division needs to take your statement."
Elias Graves reluctantly opened his sleepy eyes, a hint of resentment at being disturbed in them. "Master Ke, can't you let a person dream in peace? I was just about to kiss my master."
"Stop calling me Master Ke!" Keqing's temper flared the moment she heard the name.
Elias Graves replied casually, "Alright, Master Ke!"
Keqing was so angry her chest heaved slightly. She shot Elias Graves a harsh glare, forcefully suppressing the urge to rush over and beat him senseless.
Next, the Justice Division officials asked him a few questions and quickly concluded the statement.
As soon as the statement was over, Elias Graves hurried over to Keqing, his face wreathed in smiles, and asked, "Master Ke, when can Lord Zhang be properly buried?"
Keqing shot him a glare and replied, "Not until the Justice Division closes the case."
Although Elias Graves had expected this answer, he was still disappointed.
Based on his past experiences dealing with the Justice Division, even a case as straightforward as this would take ten days to half a month to close.
This meant he would have to spend more money hiring Hu Tao and Zhongli to guard the body.
The thought of it made his heart ache.
Clinging to a tiny sliver of hope, he tried again, "Master Ke, the Justice Division should provide a subsidy, right? After all, guarding a body has its costs."
Keqing mercilessly shattered his illusions. "According to the laws enacted previously, there was indeed a subsidy. But last year, Ningguang amended the law, classifying such incidents as force majeure events, with any losses to be borne by the individuals involved."
At this, she lifted her chin slightly, a look of schadenfreude in her eyes, and suggested, "Why don't you go and have a debate with Ningguang about it?"
Without a second thought, Elias Graves flatly rejected the terrible suggestion.
What a joke, go debate with Ningguang?
Just getting an audience with her would cost at least ten million Mora.
And ten million Mora was enough to hire Hu Tao and Zhongli to guard the body for a whole year.
Elias Graves didn't dwell on the matter. He changed the subject, "By the way, Master Ke, have you thought any more about the land issue? I think that spot on Mt. Tianheng..."
Before he could finish, Keqing turned and walked away briskly without a word, clearly not wanting to deal with him anymore.
Elias Graves wasn't particularly bothered by her attitude. He turned and walked towards the Justice Division officials who were packing up to leave.
When he reached the two men, he took out two envelopes from his coat and slipped one to each of them.
The envelopes were heavy, and the two officials instantly felt his sincerity.
They exchanged a look, knowing smiles appearing on their faces. They both patted their chests and assured Elias Graves, "Mr. Graves, don't you worry! We'll close the case as soon as possible."
Elias Graves quickly thanked them profusely with a smile, saying, "Then I'll leave it to you two. Thank you so much!"
However, he knew very well in his heart that even after taking the money, these guys might not necessarily do their job diligently. But if he didn't give them money, they would definitely drag things out on purpose.
To his surprise, however, just before they left, the two officials leaned in close to Elias Graves and said in a low voice, "Mr. Graves, here's a tip for you. You know the wealthy Lord De'an in the city? His youngest daughter jumped into a well and took her own life not long ago, and her family hasn't held a funeral yet."
Elias Graves was overjoyed. Ten years ago, Lord De'an had been the richest man in Liyue. Although he had fallen on hard times since, he was still one of the wealthiest men in the city.
If he could secure this deal, he could start looking at properties in the bustling city center.
Elias Graves repeatedly thanked the two men and promised that if he managed to land the business for Lord De'an's daughter, he would definitely send them a reward.
After bidding them farewell, he first went to the treasury to discuss the subsequent funeral expenses with the bookkeeper.
The bookkeeper told him that Lord Zhang had an illegitimate daughter, who would now be in charge of all the mansion's affairs. Therefore, the agreement he had made with Pan Huilian was temporarily invalid.
Upon learning this, Elias Graves felt quite helpless, but getting the two-million-Mora deposit was already a huge win.
According to the rules of Liyue contracts, deposits did not have to be returned, which was why he had asked Pan Huilian for a deposit in the first place.
Next, Elias Graves immediately set off for Lord De'an's residence.
Before long, he arrived at his destination.
There, in the most prosperous part of Liyue's city center, stood a magnificent and vast mansion. It faced south, imposing and grand, its area roughly equivalent to a modern residential complex.
However, times had changed, and this once-glorious mansion now appeared somewhat dilapidated.
The main gate, which should have been bustling with people, was now guarded by a lone, gray-haired old man.
Elias Graves walked up and politely informed the old man of his identity and purpose.
After a moment's hesitation, the old man let him in.
As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, Elias Graves's brows furrowed tightly.
A pungent, foul stench of decay assaulted his nostrils, permeating the air. The further he went in, the stronger the smell became.
By the time he followed the corridor and carefully made his way to the hall where the body was laid out, the stench of decay was so thick it was suffocating.
Elias Graves couldn't help but cover his nose and mouth with his sleeve, trying to block the unpleasant odor.
Yet, in this unbearable environment, Lord De'an, sitting beside the body covered with a white sheet, seemed completely oblivious to the pungent smell.