At that moment, a tall figure approached the three women from a distance. It was Shen Du returning.
Seeing Shen Du coming directly towards them, the three quickly stood up. Zhu Caiwei and Zhu Manshu nodded slightly, bowing to Shen Du.
Zhu Yan, however, was not at all subdued and spoke directly, “You’re back.”
Shen Du’s expression was unusual, his brow slightly furrowed as if displeased with Zhu Yan. “It’s rare to see such a sisterly gathering today. What were you discussing?”
“Nothing much, we were just chatting about everyday matters,” Zhu Caiwei quickly responded.
Shen Du’s face darkened further, his eyes never leaving Zhu Yan, as if waiting for her answer.
Zhu Yan composed herself and smiled, “Indeed, it’s nothing. My sisters came to visit me, and we were just talking about family matters. Is there something specific you wanted to know, husband?”
After hearing this, Shen Du snorted coldly and said in a sarcastic tone, “Already working for the Li family, and now acquainted with Lai Luozhi, meeting frequently without any regard for appearances. Aren’t you afraid of inviting gossip and trouble?”
Zhu Yan was completely bewildered, utterly confused about the meaning behind Shen Du’s words.
As Zhu Yan struggled to respond, Zhu Caiwei and Zhu Manshu watched the scene with growing concern. Just moments ago, their sixth sister had told them that her marriage was harmonious and everything was fine. Now it seemed she had merely been reassuring them.
Seeing the couple fall silent with gloomy expressions, the two sisters sensed the awkwardness.
“Since you two have matters to discuss, we’ll take our leave,” Zhu Caiwei said, not waiting for Zhu Yan to say goodbye before quickly pulling Zhu Manshu away.
Even at a distance, they couldn’t help but look back at Zhu Yan with sympathetic gazes.
Poor sixth sister…
“What do you mean?” Zhu Yan asked Shen Du after watching her sisters leave.
Shen Du let out another cold snort, his lips curving into an eerily strange smile. “What do I mean? You know very well.”
With that, Shen Du left without another word, leaving Zhu Yan standing there, bewildered and speechless.
The next day, Qi Yeyun delivered a letter. It was sent by Lu Chuichui, stating that the Ministry of Justice had received a case from a lower division: a murder had occurred in Xuanping Fang of Wannian County (Chang’an was divided into Chang’an County and Wannian County, separated by Zhuque Avenue, both part of Chang’an). The victim was a retired official’s wife.
The Local Constable Xu Xiangren, responsible for investigating the case, had heard that Zhu Yan solved the Buddha Swallowing Sins case and wanted to borrow her expertise.
Learning of this, Zhu Yan smiled faintly. Given her recent discord with Shen Du, continuing to investigate Han Shiyuan’s case would surely lead to more disagreements. Rather than facing another confrontation, it might be better to handle a different case, allowing both of them to cool off.
With this in mind, Zhu Yan made her decision. She quickly got ready and prepared to leave for the Ministry of Justice.
Just as she and Qi Yeyun were about to leave the Shen residence, they encountered Shen Du blocking their way, as if he had been deliberately waiting for them at the gate.
“Where are you going?” he asked coldly, causing Qi Yeyun to feel intimidated. As Qi Yeyun was about to answer, Zhu Yan stopped him and replied, “It’s too stuffy in the mansion. We’re going out for a walk.”
Shen Du saw through her lie immediately. If she wanted to go for a walk, why would she be concerned about Qi Yeyun revealing their destination?
“I asked for a specific location,” Shen Du pressed.
Qi Yeyun’s lips twitched. It was clear that Zhu Yan didn’t want Shen Du to know their intentions, and as an outsider and a child, he felt even more uncomfortable speaking up.
“We’re just going for a stroll. Is the Minister not allowing even such a small matter?” Zhu Yan retorted.
Shen Du’s eyes narrowed. “If it’s just a stroll, then I’ll accompany you.”
Hearing this, Zhu Yan’s heart sank. She quickly said, “There’s no need. We’re just going for a walk. Don’t trouble yourself, husband.”
Upon hearing Zhu Yan address him as “husband” again, Shen Du’s heart softened slightly. This woman was indeed strange; whenever she called him “husband,” he felt an inexplicable comfort.
“Has something happened at the Ministry of Justice?” Shen Du glanced at Qi Yeyun, voicing his suspicion.
Zhu Yan’s pupils dilated. This man was too clever; there was no fooling him now.
“It’s nothing major. The Local Constable encountered a tricky case and wanted my help. We’ll be back soon,” Zhu Yan explained to Shen Du, no longer trying to hide the truth. “I promise we’ll be back before dinner.”
Shen Du clenched his fist as if calculating something. A moment later, Jinglin appeared at his side and whispered in his ear.
Shen Du unclenched his fist and said in an indifferent tone, “Go if you want. Whether you come back for dinner or not is your business. It’s no concern of mine.”
With that, Shen Du turned and left.
Both Zhu Yan and Qi Yeyun were surprised by Shen Du’s attitude today. It wasn’t until they had left the Shen residence that Qi Yeyun turned to Zhu Yan with a puzzled expression. “Sister, didn’t you find brother-in-law strange today?”
Zhu Yan furrowed her brow but didn’t dwell on it. “Never mind him. His temperament is unpredictable. Let’s not try to fathom his thoughts. The case is what’s important now.”
“Mm.” Qi Yeyun nodded firmly, agreeing wholeheartedly with Zhu Yan’s words.
The two arrived at the Ministry of Justice, where Lu Chuichui was already waiting. She knew Zhu Yan would come.
“What’s the situation?” Zhu Yan asked while examining the case files.
Lu Chuichui shook her head. “I’m not too clear on the specifics of the case. However, Captain Xu coming to borrow personnel from the Ministry today was within my expectations.”
“Oh?” Zhu Yan was curious. “Why do you say that?”
“The serial killing case earlier made you quite famous in Chang’an, and then you were promoted by Her Majesty. Isn’t it natural for someone to seek help from a rare talent like you?” Lu Chuichui said matter-of-factly. “Moreover, you and Captain Xu are old acquaintances. If he doesn’t come to you, who else could he turn to?”
Zhu Yan rolled her eyes and pursed her lips, then returned her gaze to the case files.
Just then, Zhu Yan discovered unexpected information in the files: the victim had a large moth tattoo on her back!
Zhu Yan’s heart sank. She immediately thought of Madam Tang, who also had a moth tattoo on her shoulder. Could there be a connection between this victim’s moth tattoo and Madam Tang’s?
With this in mind, Zhu Yan decided to visit Madam Tang in prison.
Initially, Zhu Yan was worried that Lu Chuichui might be afraid of Madam Tang and decided to go alone.
However, Lu Chuichui was concerned for Zhu Yan’s safety and insisted on accompanying her. Zhu Yan had no choice but to agree, feeling fortunate to have such a good friend.