Everyone was both unconvinced and puzzled, yet no one could discern the mystery within the painting. Olivia Morgan cupped his hands in salute and said, “Please, Captain Carter, enlighten us.”

Brian Carter replied, “I wouldn’t dare. First, the atmosphere of this painting—its grandeur and magnificence are laced with a sense of grim determination. Clearly, it was painted by someone with great ambition…” He paused, “Or rather, someone with ambition and talent, yet harboring deep resentment.”

Olivia Morgan nodded slowly and said, “I share the same view.”

Brian Carter continued, “The fire-crane flower can only be seen in the palace; commoners have never even heard of it. From this, we can deduce that the painter must have some connection to the palace…” David Sullivan and Charles Thompson’s expressions changed, looking rather unpleasant.

Princess Taylor was also in the palace, but she usually only paid attention to the outside and never noticed what flowers grew within. Upon hearing this, she said, “You’ve said all this nonsense, but do you actually know who painted it or not?”

Brian Carter remained unfazed and went on, “As for the two lines inscribed on the painting, ‘Who will achieve fame and fortune? Killing fills the world!’—these were written by the great Ming scholar Gao Qi. The painter chose only these two lines from the poem, which shows this person’s grand vision, lofty ambitions, and a willingness to do whatever it takes…”

David Sullivan shouted, “Captain Carter, do not speak recklessly!” Brian Carter immediately fell silent, stepped back, and said cautiously, “I am merely discussing the painting itself. If I have spoken out of turn, I beg your forgiveness, my lords.”

Edward Cooper suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze falling upon Brian Carter, and said word by word, “Then who is the painter?” Seeing Edward Cooper’s expression, everyone felt a chill in their hearts for reasons unknown. In that moment, the meditating monk seemed to transform into a bloodthirsty demon…

When the master asks, even David Sullivan dared not interrupt. Brian Carter hesitated briefly, saluted, and said, “I dare not say…” Edward Cooper said calmly, “Speak. No one will blame you.”

With this assurance, a glint appeared in Brian Carter’s eyes as he slowly said, “I know the master is well-versed in calligraphy and painting, so it’s not surprising that you know the Huang school technique. I also know that the master and Mr. Walker are master and disciple. When Mr. Walker converted to Buddhism, he received his Dharma name, Fushan, from the master… Therefore, it’s possible the master has seen the fire-crane flower as well…” Everyone’s eyes widened, unable to help but look toward Edward Cooper.

Brian Carter took a slight breath and said in a deep voice, “The painter’s character is very similar to the master’s from more than ten years ago. Based on all this, I boldly guess that this painting was originally done by the master!”

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone was shocked.

People’s feelings were mixed; for a moment, they were at a loss, unsure whether Brian Carter was right or wrong.

Samuel Parker was overjoyed upon hearing this, thinking to himself, Brian Carter, oh Brian Carter, you may be a clever man, but you’ve done something very foolish. You just said the painter would stop at nothing and harbored resentment—aren’t you criticizing Edward Cooper? Edward Cooper has indeed killed countless people; killing you as well would hardly make a difference!

Edward Cooper kept staring at Brian Carter, and a strange smile suddenly appeared on his wooden face. That smile seemed both venomous and disdainful, as if mocking and toying with him… It was a smile that no enlightened monk should ever wear!

David Sullivan’s face turned grim. Seeing Edward Cooper’s expression, he immediately stepped forward and said, “Master, Captain Carter he…”

Edward Cooper smiled again, his smile carrying an unfathomable meaning. He simply waved his hand, cutting off David Sullivan, and said, “He… is very good. He will stay. The rest of you may leave.”

Chapter Three: The Murder Case

Spring flowers greet the wind, clouds gather at dusk.

The drizzling rain, like sorrow, not only did not cease, but instead fell even more densely, weaving into a curtain of rain that could not be cut or unraveled, as mournful as a sigh.

When Princess Taylor sat down, she suddenly slapped the table heavily and said angrily, “This Brian Carter, who is he to dare ruin this princess’s plans?”

Charles Thompson had just sat down, and was almost jolted back to his feet. He frowned and said, “Your Highness, please calm down. Commander Foster has already sent someone to investigate. I’m sure we’ll have an answer soon.”

Princess Taylor abruptly stood up and began pacing back and forth in the hall, constantly looking around. “William Foster is so slow in handling things—why is there still no news?”

Charles Thompson could only force a bitter smile, thinking to himself that this princess’s impatience was truly exhausting.

At this moment, Princess Taylor was not at Qingshou Temple, but at Charles Thompson’s residence.

No one had expected that the one to win Edward Cooper’s favor in the end would be the unremarkable Brian Carter. Because Brian Carter recognized the fire-crane flower and deduced that the painting was by Edward Cooper, he was kept behind by Edward Cooper.

Princess Taylor had been determined to succeed on this trip, but returned empty-handed, inevitably feeling extremely frustrated. After leaving Qingshou Temple, she immediately ordered William Foster to investigate Brian Carter’s background, and brought Emily Harris to discuss countermeasures with Charles Thompson.

Finally stopping, Princess Taylor looked at Emily Harris with a hint of expectation and said, “Sister Harris, you’re a constable and the best at guessing. What do you think that monk or priest wants with that damned Brian Carter?”

She loved those close to her, and hated those she disliked even more. Although Brian Carter had not offended her, she had already regarded Brian Carter as an enemy. Emily Harris had not won, but she did not blame her in the slightest—she only felt that Edward Cooper’s question was too tricky, and that Brian Carter’s luck was simply too good.