Seeing that Zhu Yan had stopped speaking, everyone thought Zhu Kuo’s words made sense and couldn’t help but worry again.
Zhu Caiwei remained silent. She already felt guilty towards Zhu Yan, and now that her husband was missing, it was even harder for her to ask for help. She had only spoken those few words earlier out of urgency, and now looking back, she deeply regretted it.
Seeing that no one was speaking, Zhu Yan became somewhat confused and spoke to comfort them, “It’s alright. After all, I’m now Madam Shen. If anything happens, I’ll take responsibility for everyone. Shen Du can’t be that heartless. Right now, the most important thing is to handle the matter of Third Sister and her husband.”
Hearing this, everyone felt slightly relieved, except for Father Zhu Kuo and the two mothers, whose eyes still showed lingering worry. As experienced adults, they understood why Zhu Yan was comforting them. But whether things were really that simple, they had a better grasp than these young people. It was truly hard on Zhu Yan.
Zhu Caiwei stood to one side, head lowered and silent, her eyes full of concern, not knowing how to speak up.
Seeing this, Zhu Yan understood somewhat. “Third Sister,” she said, approaching Zhu Caiwei’s side, “Are you still feeling guilty about the escape from marriage?”
Zhu Caiwei opened her mouth, wanting to speak but hesitating. After pondering for a while, she slowly uttered three words, “I’m sorry.”
Zhu Yan let out a long sigh and patted Zhu Caiwei’s shoulder. “It’s been so long since that happened, Third Sister. You don’t need to apologize to me. We’re all family; we shouldn’t let these things damage our relationship. Besides, aren’t we still standing together now? It shows that Third Sister’s decision back then wasn’t wrong. You’ve found your ideal husband, and I’ve become Madam Shen. Isn’t this a happy ending for everyone?”
Hearing Zhu Yan’s words, Zhu Caiwei’s eyes reddened again. She knew Zhu Yan was comforting her, but she didn’t know how to reciprocate.
“So, you’ve forgiven your sister?” Zhu Caiwei’s eyes were full of guilt as she looked at Zhu Yan expectantly, afraid she might say no.
Zhu Yan nodded, “Let’s put the past behind us. We’re sisters after all, so let’s not dwell on it anymore.”
Zhu Caiwei once again hugged Zhu Yan tightly. How fortunate was she to have such a forgiving and understanding sister?
After this emotional exchange, the two sisters finally reconciled, and all the Zhu family members were happy to see it.
Zhu Kuo’s eyes also welled up with tears as he nodded repeatedly, “Seeing you two reconcile makes me, as a father, very pleased. Family is family, let’s not mention the past anymore.”
“Yes,” Zhu Caiwei nodded firmly, looking at Zhu Yan with gratitude.
Zhu Yan didn’t say much more and shifted the topic to the main issue, “Third Sister, what exactly happened with Brother-in-law?”
As Zhu Yan asked again, Fifth Brother Zhu Mojie quickly chimed in, “That’s right, Third Sister. Just tell Little Six what happened. She might be able to help. She’s quite skilled at solving cases. The serial killer case that shocked all of Chang’an recently was solved with her help alongside Magistrate Bai.”
Being praised like this by the Fifth Brother made Zhu Yan feel a bit uncomfortable. Investigating cases was simply their duty in the Ministry of Justice, and now Fifth Brother was praising her as if she were above all that, which truly embarrassed her.
However, upon hearing this, Zhu Caiwei seemed to realize something. She grasped Zhu Yan’s hand, almost kneeling, “Little Six, you must help Third Sister. I can’t live without him. You must help me.”
Zhu Yan quickly supported Zhu Caiwei’s arm, nodding continuously, “Don’t worry, Third Sister. Tell me slowly what happened. If I can help, I’ll do my utmost.”
Reassured by Zhu Yan’s affirmation, Zhu Caiwei nodded repeatedly. Before she even began, tears started falling uncontrollably.
“After we left Chang’an together, we planned to run far away and settle in a place where no one knew us. But after a few days, we heard about you taking my place in the marriage and that Shen Du wasn’t treating you well. I felt so guilty. So I discussed with Shi Yuan about returning to resolve this matter. But who would have thought…”
Before she could finish, the sorrow and worry on Zhu Caiwei’s face deepened.
“On our way back, we stayed at an inn. That night, he told me he felt uneasy and wanted to go out for some air. But once he left, he never returned. I’ve searched everywhere but there’s no trace of him. That’s when I realized something was wrong. I rushed back home to ask for everyone’s help to find him together. A grown man can’t just vanish into thin air.”
After hearing Zhu Caiwei’s account, Zhu Yan was full of questions. She also believed Zhu Caiwei’s statement that a grown man couldn’t just disappear without reason.
But where had he gone?
After finishing, Zhu Caiwei’s lowered eyes flickered a bit. Zhu Yan noticed this and asked again, “Is there something Third Sister hasn’t clarified?”
Fear and unease flashed in Zhu Caiwei’s eyes as she said uncertainly, “I’m not sure if this has anything to do with Shi Yuan’s disappearance. When I was looking for him, I saw…”
Before she could finish, a servant of the Zhu family rushed into the main hall.
“Master, Grand Coordinator…”
The servant’s words were cut short as Shen Du led his men into the main hall.
Upon seeing Shen Du arrive, everyone in the Zhu family except Zhu Yan reacted as if they had seen a fierce beast. They quickly stood up, their faces showing fear.
Third Sister Zhu Caiwei instinctively stood in front of Zhu Yan, shielding her, and coldly addressed Shen Du, “If you have any business, deal with me. Don’t trouble Little Sister anymore.”
Shen Du looked this person over. Though unfamiliar, judging by her demeanor and attitude, she must be the Zhu family’s third daughter.
Knowing her identity, Shen Du didn’t respond to her words. Instead, he spoke coldly, “I’m here to see Zhu Yan. This doesn’t concern you.”
These words startled everyone present.
Even Madam Jin didn’t dare to cause trouble for Shen Du anymore. She stood to one side, just looking at Zhu Yan with great concern.
Stepmother Ru Shi now appeared very enthusiastic, “Grand Coordinator must be thirsty from your journey. Please, sit down and have some tea to moisten your throat before we discuss matters.”
Excessive courtesy doesn’t offend, so Zhu Kuo also quickly nodded and bowed, agreeing.
At this moment, his mind was racing, trying to think of a solution that would both avoid offending Shen Du and rescue Third Daughter and Han Shi Yuan.
But with his limited intelligence, after much thought, he couldn’t come up with a perfect strategy. He could only turn his uneasy gaze towards Zhu Yan.
Shen Du had always been perceptive. He immediately noticed that something was amiss in the Zhu household.
And Zhu Caiwei had just returned home, the redness in her eyes not yet fully faded. The matter must be related to her.
Shen Du didn’t think much more about it. He just fixed his meaningful gaze on Zhu Yan, waiting for her to speak.