However, Han Shiyuan’s final words made everyone think: “My sister once mentioned unintentionally that she was the last one to handle that batch of summer clothes involved in the case. Now that all evidence has been destroyed, it’s almost impossible to appeal and overturn the verdict.”
The atmosphere became heavy again, but at least they now understood Han Shiyuan’s background and some clues from back then.
If others were to learn about Han Shiyuan’s identity, the entire Zhu residence might be implicated.
Everyone realized this issue, and Shen Du proactively suggested, “Why don’t we have Young Master Han return with me to stay at the Shen residence? It would be relatively safer.”
No one objected, and Han Shiyuan expressed his gratitude to Shen Du.
Just as they were preparing to leave, Zhu Yan suddenly said, “You all go back first. I’ll stay here.”
Zhu Yan’s words made everyone’s hearts skip a beat, especially Shen Du, who frowned and asked, “Why?”
“With such a big incident at home, I’m worried. It’s better if I stay,” Zhu Yan explained.
But Shen Du didn’t give Zhu Yan a chance to stay, coldly saying, “No. The case still needs investigation. You must come with me.”
“How can you be so selfish?” Zhu Yan was somewhat annoyed. Whether she was still holding a grudge about yesterday’s events or this morning’s incident had angered her, her tone was always sarcastic when speaking.
“I’m selfish? You must fulfill, how can you neglect it?” Shen Du coldly questioned.
Seeing the atmosphere about to become tense, Zhu Kuo quickly stepped in to mediate, “Alright, alright. A day of marriage brings a hundred days of affection. Stop arguing. The case is important right now, and there’s nothing urgent at home. Xiao Liu, don’t worry. You should go back with the Grand Secretary.”
Although the Zhu family was reluctant, this was ultimately a matter between husband and wife. If they were to separate due to a cold war, things might become even more unmanageable.
After everyone’s persuasion and Shen Du’s firm attitude, Zhu Yan extremely unwillingly followed Shen Du back to the Shen residence.
Upon returning to the Shen residence, Shen Du handed Han Shiyuan over to the old steward to familiarize him with the environment.
Then Shen Du turned to Zhu Yan and explained, “I asked you to come back with me for your safety. Don’t you understand?”
“Safety?” Zhu Yan retorted, her words showing no appreciation for this sentiment, “My safety alone is safety, but the safety of everyone in the Zhu residence isn’t?”
“You are my wife, different from them,” Shen Du was also becoming annoyed, his tone becoming unusually sharp.
“Heh…” Zhu Yan sneered, “Yes, I’m different from them. I’m even more different from Miss Yunque and Han Shiyuan.”
Zhu Yan’s words left Shen Du momentarily speechless, not even comprehending their meaning.
“How can you be so unreasonable?”
After a moment’s thought, Shen Du stared at Zhu Yan with a scrutinizing gaze, “I went to the crime scene to protect your safety, and personally went to the Zhu residence to smooth things over. Whenever a murder occurs, the first thing I think of is your situation. Why are you being so insensitive?”
“Is that so?” Zhu Yan retorted sarcastically, “In that case, I am as blind as Miss Yunque said. The Grand Secretary is so good in so many ways, yet I can’t see any of it. If that’s the case, why are we even together?”
Zhu Yan seemed to have eaten gunpowder, constantly venting at Shen Du.
The couple’s argument was loud, and the servants in the residence didn’t dare to intervene.
At this moment, the old steward returned with Han Shiyuan. Seeing the two arguing, the old steward didn’t dare approach either.
Han Shiyuan felt somewhat awkward. Thinking that as an outsider, he might be able to ease the situation, he stepped forward and said, “My lord and lady, why don’t you listen…”
“Shut up!”
The two rarely spoke in unison, telling Han Shiyuan to be quiet.
Han Shiyuan was startled and quickly closed his mouth.
The two glared at each other, neither giving in and angrily stormed off in opposite directions.
Han Shiyuan stood there, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. He had been brought to the Shen residence, yet no one had made arrangements for him. It was quite awkward.
“Sigh…” Jing Lin, as if intentionally, walked up to Han Shiyuan and let out a long sigh, “You’ll have to get used to situations like this in the future. Don’t even think about trying to mediate between them. Both of them are tough characters. The rule for survival in the Shen residence is to mind your own business.”
Listening to Jing Lin’s explanation, Han Shiyuan finally understood. Indeed, one never stops learning. In a new place, one must adapt to the rules of survival there.
“But…” Han Shiyuan was still awkward. He glanced at Jing Lin beside him and scratched his head, saying, “I was brought here by the lord and lady, but there’s no arrangement for me. Where am I supposed to sleep tonight?”
“…” Jing Lin was also at a loss for words. Han Shiyuan’s question had hit the nail on the head.
The two masters had brought him here, but now neither of them was taking care of the matter.
The burden had fallen on his shoulders again. What kind of situation was this?
He had to protect the Grand Secretary’s safety, investigate the whereabouts of the case suspects, and occasionally entertain guests of the Shen residence.
It was as if all the miscellaneous affairs of the Shen residence needed his management, yet he only received a pittance of silver each month. It didn’t seem fair.
Seeing that Jing Lin wasn’t answering, Han Shiyuan became anxious, “Guard Jing Lin, you… you don’t know how to arrange this either, do you?”
“That’s not the case,” Jing Lin quickly responded to Han Shiyuan’s words. “Leave your matter to me. I’ll make some arrangements. I guarantee you’ll have a bright and spacious room for the night.”
“Thank you very much, Guard Jing Lin,” Han Shiyuan quickly expressed his gratitude.
Jing Lin waved his hand, “Don’t always call me Guard Jing Lin. It’s too troublesome. Just call me by my name.”
“Yes, thank you then.”
Han Shiyuan thanked him again, and Jing Lin nodded with satisfaction before turning to leave.
That night.
Shen Du had just returned to his room when he found it strangely empty. How had so many things disappeared?
Had there been a thief?
Shen Du was puzzled but soon realized the problem. The missing items in the room were all women’s belongings.
In other words, everything related to Zhu Yan had disappeared. What did this mean?
He walked out of the room and called over the servant guarding the courtyard gate to inquire, “Where have all of Madam’s things gone?”
The servant trembled and stammered in response, “In reply to the Grand Secretary, after the evening meal, madam moved all her belongings to a guest room, and she is also resting in the guest room.”
This woman had moved out of their room!
What was she trying to do?
Even if she was angry, it was still a matter between husband and wife. Did she hate him that much?
Shen Du clenched his fist, feeling that this woman was being unreasonable. He swung his long sleeve and returned to the room.
Not long after, the candle in the room was extinguished.
Early the next morning, as soon as Shen Du opened the door, he found Jing Lin waiting in the courtyard, with an awkward expression on his face, as if he had something difficult to say.
“Why are you here?” Shen Du inquired.
Jing Lin scratched his neck even more awkwardly, “This subordinate… this subordinate has a suggestion to discuss with the Grand Secretary.”