With a dazed expression and a stream of words pouring from her mouth, she appeared quite concerned.
Perhaps hearing the commotion, Wei Shi turned her gaze toward the crowd. “Who are you? What are you doing here?”
Wei Shi stood up, her face filled with vigilance as she scrutinized everyone. When her eyes landed on Liang Jiren, she suddenly screamed in terror, “Don’t come any closer! You, you’re a bad person!”
Wei Shi’s ramblings were not surprising to anyone present; they had all heard such things before.
Liang Jiren shook his head and sighed, “Ever since Man’er left, she has been like this. Years have passed, and despite seeking medical help, there has been no improvement. Alas…”
“Don’t be sad, elder brother. Sister will get better,” Madam Zheng quickly stepped forward to comfort him. Then she turned to Zhu Yan and said, “With sister in such a state, it must be difficult for Madam Shen to approach her. Why don’t you let me take the calming incense? I can place it by sister’s pillow to help her relax.”
“That would be fine.” Zhu Yan tightened her grip on the calming incense; she wanted to approach Wei Shi herself.
Seeing Zhu Yan’s determination, Madam Zheng said no more and stood aside.
Zhu Yan stepped forward with the calming incense, but as she did, the edge of her long sleeve accidentally brushed against a nearby plant.
Suddenly, Wei Shi seemed to go into a frenzy, letting out a wild scream as she charged at Zhu Yan. “Don’t hurt my Man’er!”
Everyone present was taken aback, even Madam Tang instinctively took a few steps back.
Wei Shi lunged at Zhu Yan, her expression terrifying, as if she intended to tear Zhu Yan apart.
Just as Wei Shi was about to reach Zhu Yan, Shen Du stepped forward, shielding Zhu Yan behind him and firmly grasping Wei Shi’s outstretched hand.
The crowd was still in shock when Liang Jiren quickly reacted, shouting, “What are you all standing there for? Hurry, grab her! Don’t let her hurt the lady!”
The household servants responded and rushed forward to restrain Wei Shi, quickly escorting her back into the house.
Zhu Yan, still shaken, hid behind Shen Du, breathing rapidly.
“Are you alright?” Shen Du turned to her, his tone unusually gentle, his eyes filled with concern.
Zhu Yan felt uncomfortable with the sudden attention. With so many people around, she tried to appear casual. “I’m fine, thanks to you.”
Their moment of affection made everyone present feel awkward.
Especially Madam Tang, whose gaze seemed to harbor a mix of emotions that were both fearful and envious.
“I’m not feeling well, so I’ll take my leave,” Madam Tang said, clearing her throat lightly before turning to leave. Madam Zheng quickly sent someone to accompany her.
Lu Chui Chui seemed to realize something as well. “Well, I just remembered I have matters at home to attend to, so I’ll be leaving too. If there’s anything regarding Sixth Miss, we can discuss it at the Ministry of Justice.”
Zhu Yan nodded slightly, and Lu Chui Chui turned to leave.
The courtyard finally returned to calm. Liang Jiren quickly turned to Shen Du and Zhu Yan, bowing apologetically. “I’m truly sorry for the disturbance today. It’s all my fault; please forgive me.”
“Lord Liang, there’s no need for such formality. Wei Shi has been in this state for many years; everyone knows this. Her actions are understandable,” Shen Du reassured him, then shifted the topic. “To be honest, Lord Liang, I have a request to make. I hope you can assist us.”
Upon hearing this, Liang Jiren’s expression changed slightly. “What does the lady wish to request?”
Shen Du took a deep breath. “Although Young Master Liang has been laid to rest, the case remains unsolved, and the true culprit has yet to be found. I wonder if Lord Liang could allow us to enter Young Master Liang’s room to see if we can find any clues?”
“Uh…” Liang Jiren looked troubled, but he didn’t seem to have much to hide.
“Is there something inconvenient?” Zhu Yan asked quickly.
“Not exactly,” Liang Jiren replied. “It’s just that ever since Chen Zhong left, I ordered the servants to seal the room, and no one has gone in to clean it. It’s been a while, so it’s probably covered in dust. If you wish to go in, I can have someone clean it up first.”
“That’s not a problem,” Shen Du said. “If it’s convenient for you, please lead the way.”
After a moment of contemplation, Liang Jiren nodded. “Alright, please follow me.”
They arrived at a door, and Liang Jiren used a key to unlock it. A cloud of dust rushed out, causing discomfort to everyone present.
As if returning to a place of sorrow, Liang Jiren’s eyes turned red. “You may look at whatever you wish. Being back here weighs heavily on my heart, so I won’t accompany you.”
“Please, Lord Liang,” Zhu Yan quickly nodded in acknowledgment.
The two were eager for Liang Jiren to leave so they could search for clues seriously.
Once Liang Jiren departed, they entered the room one after the other.
Indeed, it had been a long time since anyone had come here; the dust on the floor was enough to leave footprints.
They exchanged glances, seemingly in sync as they began their respective searches.
Shen Du examined the desk, while Zhu Yan checked the bookshelf. Shen Du inspected the bed, and Zhu Yan looked at the paintings.
They worked in harmony without disturbing each other, but suddenly, Zhu Yan noticed something in a jar containing paintings—some shredded paper scraps.
“Come here quickly,” Zhu Yan urged.
Shen Du hurried to her side. “What is it? Did you find something?”
Zhu Yan pulled out the paintings from the jar and shook them, producing a rustling sound from within.
“There’s something in here.” Shen Du took the jar from Zhu Yan, turned it upside down, and gave it a firm shake, causing some paper scraps to fall out.
Among the scraps was a crumpled piece of paper, torn and then hastily reattached.
It was a poem, a tribute to Liang Man!
Zhu Yan gathered the scraps together; they were all poems related to Liang Man.
“After Liang Man’s death, Liang Chen Zhong wrote so many tribute poems. It seems their relationship was indeed very close.”
Zhu Yan stroked her chin thoughtfully. “But why has the Liang family never mentioned this?”
Shen Du furrowed his brow, his gaze fixed on the reattached paper. “Look at this piece. Since it was torn, why was it put back together? And judging by the edges, it seems to have been violently ripped.”
“How could this be?” Zhu Yan was even more puzzled. “These things have been here for so long without anyone noticing. It seems even the Liang family is unaware.”
As she spoke, Zhu Yan carefully collected the paper and scraps from the floor. “This is important evidence; it might come in handy later.”
After tidying up, Zhu Yan wiped her face and looked at Shen Du. “We’ve searched this place thoroughly; there shouldn’t be any other clues. Let’s head back.”
Seeing Zhu Yan’s face covered in dust, Shen Du suddenly chuckled.
“What are you laughing at?” Zhu Yan asked, confused, looking at Shen Du as if he were a fool.
Shen Du raised his hand and unexpectedly touched her face with his finger.
Zhu Yan was startled, her face instantly flushed, and just as she was about to protest, Shen Du quickly said, “Don’t move.”
Zhu Yan froze, unable to move as Shen Du gently wiped the dust from her face.
Her eyes were a bit lost, and once Shen Du finished cleaning her face, she awkwardly said, “Let’s go back. Today was a significant discovery.”
After saying that, Zhu Yan lowered her head, blushing, and hurriedly ran out of the room.
Watching Zhu Yan’s hurried figure, Shen Du felt a strange sensation in his heart, and the corners of his lips began to rise.