Zhu Yan’s cheeks flushed crimson. Her previously calm heart now rippled like a still pond disturbed by a stone, beating wildly and erratically.
She remained silent, her mind seemingly unstrung, unsure of what to say.
Shen Du, gazing at the beautiful woman before him with reddened cheeks, felt a strange stirring in his heart. Zhu Yan possessed a unique beauty, one that left men utterly defenseless against her charms. Had it not been for his strong willpower, he might have already taken this woman into his arms.
As this moment lingered and Zhu Yan showed no sign of retreat, Shen Du felt his nervousness rising. Was she giving tacit consent? Why hadn’t she pushed his hand away? Could it be…?
Unconsciously, Shen Du found himself leaning forward, beyond his control.
Her luscious red lips, like peach blossoms in March, held a faint blush that beckoned to be tasted.
Closer… even closer.
Zhu Yan lost in thought, watched the handsome face approach and forgot to refuse.
Suddenly, a voice shattered the moment.
“Grand Secretariat, I’ve found…”
The words trailed off as Jing Lin froze in place. Had he just committed a grave error?
His mind exploded like fermented rice, and he desperately wished he could gouge out his eyes and unsee everything.
“I-I-I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to!” Jing Lin stammered, hastily retreating towards the door.
At that moment, Zhu Yan snapped back to reality and swatted Shen Du’s hand away.
“What do you think you’re doing? Is the mighty Grand Secretariat trying to take advantage of me?” Zhu Yan shouted at him, though her hands cupped her burning cheeks, which seemed to have reached an incurable fever.
Just as Jing Lin backed out of the doorway, Zhu Yan rushed past, nearly knocking him over.
Jing Lin stumbled, grasping the doorframe for support. The events unfolding before him left him at a loss. Madam had left, but should he go in? If he entered, would the Grand Secretariat grind his bones to dust on the spot? If he didn’t, would the Grand Secretariat resent his lack of tact for not coming in to speak after she’d gone?
To enter or not to enter – Jing Lin stood in the doorway like a helpless child.
“Come in,” a cold voice, as usual, emanated from the study after what seemed an eternity.
Jing Lin shuddered, composed himself, and entered the study with his head bowed. “Greetings… greetings, Grand Secretariat.”
Jing Lin’s voice trembled, his words stuttering.
Shen Du looked up at him, his expression as cold and detached as ever as if nothing had happened moments ago.
“What’s the matter with you?”
Hearing the Grand Secretariat’s inquiry, Jing Lin’s heart leaped into his throat.
“In… in response to the Grand Secretariat, this subordinate has been closely monitoring the Liang family for days and hasn’t noticed anything unusual. Only that Madam Tang from the Tang family has been visiting more frequently, but she merely sits with the other ladies, which seems normal.”
Hearing Jing Lin’s report, Shen Du furrowed his brow in thought.
“I see. Continue your surveillance and report any developments immediately.”
“Yes, sir.” Jing Lin quickly acknowledged and hastily retreated.
As if having survived a calamity, Jing Lin only realized his palms were drenched in sweat after leaving the study far behind.
In the study, Shen Du finally dropped his cold demeanor, his expression betraying a hint of embarrassment, though the corners of his mouth curled up ever so slightly.
What had just transpired seemed… quite interesting.
Two more days passed without any new murders in the city, leaving Zhu Yan and Shen Du at an impasse.
Carrying two jars of nü’er hong, Zhu Yan went to visit her master.
“Still no results?” Seeing Zhu Yan’s dejected appearance, Chen Wen knew his disciple had yet to find a breakthrough.
Zhu Yan nodded, sighing, “This disciple is useless. I can’t even save you, and the case remains unsolved. As the deadline approaches, we still can’t apprehend the culprit. I’ve failed your expectations, Master, and the Empress’s trust.”
“Don’t say that,” Chen Wen quickly consoled her. “Everyone has their low points. You’ve just hit a bottleneck. Once you break through, you’ll realize these past troubles were nothing. Tell me about the case’s progress, and let’s see if I can offer any insights.”
Zhu Yan sat outside the cell, hugging her knees and resting her head against the wooden bars, her expression forlorn.
In the flickering lamplight, master and disciple sat in quiet conversation within the prison.
During this time, Zhu Yan had endured many hardships, and the pressure of the case was nearly overwhelming her. Talking with her master like this brought her some measure of relief.
After listening to Zhu Yan’s account of the case, Chen Wen nodded slightly. “It seems you’ve found a breakthrough point, but lack evidence. Or perhaps you’re waiting for the right moment.”
“You’re right, Master. Both are essential, which is why I truly fear we won’t catch the murderer before the deadline,” Zhu Yan agreed.
Chen Wen pondered for a moment. “From what you’ve said, this Madam Wei from the Liang family must know something. Although she’s been in a state of madness for years, you should investigate her personal effects. You might make some discoveries.”
Zhu Yan seemed inspired but didn’t hold much hope. “She’s been mad for years. Even if there was evidence, it’s likely been destroyed by now. Is there any point in looking?”
“Whether it’s useful or not, you won’t know until you try. You’re at a standstill now, so why not give it a shot, even if it seems futile?”
“Master Chen has a point,” Shen Du’s voice suddenly rang out, startling Zhu Yan. How had he come here?
“Why are you…”
Before Zhu Yan could finish, Shen Du looked at her seriously and said, “For your safety, don’t act alone from now on. If you need to go somewhere, I should accompany you.”
It sounded like both an order and a warning. Zhu Yan could only nod.
“The Grand Secretariat is here too,” Chen Wen looked at Shen Du. “You’ve been here for a while, haven’t you? You heard our entire conversation, didn’t you?”
Chen Wen’s words made Shen Du appear somewhat embarrassed, while Zhu Yan looked at him in surprise.
He’d been here for a long time, listening to her conversation with her master.
“Ahem…” Shen Du cleared his throat to cover his embarrassment and bowed politely to Chen Wen. “Master Chen, thank you for your suggestion today. I’ve already arranged for two extra chicken legs and some peanuts to be added to your meals from now on. If you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Chen Wen waved his hand. “An old man like me can’t eat that much. If I have any unfulfilled wishes, there’s just one: I have only this one disciple, and I hope you two will take care of each other. I hope you’ll treat her well and be understanding. That would put my mind at ease.”
Zhu Yan couldn’t understand why her master would suddenly say such things.
Shen Du, however, seemed quite at ease. He cupped his hands and humbly replied, “Shen Du will not fail Master Chen’s trust and will take good care of Madam Shen.”
Zhu Yan could no longer bear it. She swatted Shen Du’s hands down and said, “Are we going to investigate or not? Time is running out. Are we going to waste it here?”
With that, Zhu Yan dragged Shen Du away.
Watching their retreating figures, the aging Chen Wen smiled contentedly. His disciple had finally come to her senses…