Zhu Yan had only learned of Han Shiyuan’s whereabouts from the servants and hurried to his chamber. Upon examining the documents, Han Shiyuan furrowed his brow and shook his head. “No, this isn’t my elder sister’s handwriting, nor my brother-in-law’s. It’s a forgery. Where did you obtain this?”
Han Shiyuan, seeming to have guessed something, anxiously inquired of Zhu Yan, “Does this mean others know the inner workings of the Jinxiu Workshop case? Tell me, is there still hope for redressing this injustice?”
Observing Han Shiyuan’s agitation, Zhu Yan swiftly reassured him, “Calm yourself. We’re merely speculating at this point. To seek justice, we require ample witness testimony, physical evidence, and a motive. We must investigate thoroughly before concluding. Even if I made promises now, it would be of no avail.”
Upon hearing Zhu Yan’s words, Han Shiyuan’s gaze dimmed, a wave of disappointment washing over him. “If that’s the case, the chances seem slim.”
“We’re all striving diligently. Justice will prevail; you must believe that the truth will come to light,” Zhu Yan said, turning her attention back to the two documents. “We can now confirm that someone forged the handwriting, creating the illusion that the Kong couple intended to flee out of guilt. Although we lack leads on this person, as long as they draw breath, we shall find them.”
Han Shiyuan nodded, his eyes flashing with determination. “These two documents sealed my sister and brother-in-law’s fate. They are crucial evidence.”
Zhu Yan carefully tucked away the documents. “I’ll safeguard them, have no fear. Now that we’ve commenced the investigation, I shall pursue it with utmost diligence.”
“My gratitude, Madam Cabinet Leader,” Han Shiyuan quickly expressed his thanks.
But Zhu Yan waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t address me so formally. We’re family now. In my heart, you’re already my future brother-in-law. Simply call me Zhu Yan, or Xiao Liu as your sister does.”
Touched by Zhu Yan’s warmth, Han Shiyuan nodded, saying, “Then, thank you, Xiao Liu.”
Zhu Yan nodded slightly and then broached yesterday’s events, apologizing, “I’m sorry about yesterday. Due to a minor disagreement with Shen Du, I neglected you. But fear not; your lodgings are quite pleasant. Please make yourself at home here.”
“It’s of no consequence,” Han Shiyuan quickly replied. “Young Master Jinglin is a good man. He arranged this place for me, and I find it most agreeable.”
“He is indeed admirable, but alas, his judgment is poor. He follows the wrong person,” Zhu Yan teased casually.
Han Shiyuan failed to grasp her meaning.
Zhu Yan continued, “I have cases to investigate, so I shan’t disturb you further. Rest well, and should you require anything, don’t hesitate to ask the steward or the servants for assistance. Treat this place as your own home.”
Han Shiyuan expressed his gratitude once more, and Zhu Yan took her leave.
Shen Du was about to seek out Zhu Yan when he spotted her heading towards the main gate of the Shen residence. Her hurried demeanor suggested she was up to something, and she hadn’t even informed him. What scheme was this woman hatching now?
After a moment’s contemplation, Shen Du resolved to follow her discreetly.
Zhu Yan was preparing to investigate the home of Chen Shoujie, a retired official. Having come in haste, she had no one accompanying her, not even Qi Yeyun, whom she had left at the Shen residence.
To her surprise, upon arriving at the Chen residence, she found no one present, but the house unlocked. She entered uninvited.
Investigating alone afforded her peace and reduced the likelihood of overlooking clues.
As Zhu Yan meticulously examined the premises, she caught a fleeting glimpse of a figure passing by the window.
She hastened outside, but the courtyard and surrounding area were deserted. Had her eyes deceived her?
Scratching her neck, Zhu Yan speculated that fatigue might be affecting her senses and resolved to rest properly later.
Without dwelling on it further, she returned to the room. Just then, Zhu Yan noticed a dark shadow at her feet, slowly expanding.
Upon closer inspection, she discerned the shadow’s hand clutching a dagger, its reflection on the ground unmistakable.
Startled, Zhu Yan swiftly turned to find a black-clad figure lunging at her, dagger in hand.
“Ah!” Zhu Yan cried out, dodging hastily. The assailant’s attack missed its mark.
But the attacker showed no signs of relenting. With Zhu Yan alone and unskilled in martial arts, her demise seemed a simple task.
The black-clad figure assumed an attacking stance, twirling the dagger before lunging at Zhu Yan again. Pale-faced, she retreated step by step.
With a resounding clang, Zhu Yan collided with the table behind her, cornered with nowhere to flee.
The assailant seized this opportunity, thrusting the dagger towards Zhu Yan’s abdomen.
But just as the blade was about to graze her garments, a powerful hand seized the attacker’s wrist, hurling them into a backflip. The black-clad figure landed on one knee.
A pair of eyes, brimming with fury, fixed upon the newcomer. Zhu Yan was astonished – it was Shen Du!
How had he come to be here? Regardless, his timely appearance had spared her life.
Perceiving Shen Du’s arrival, the attacker appeared somewhat fearful and turned to flee. Shen Du lunged forward, grasping the assailant’s shoulder and yanking them back. The black-clad figure flipped once more, stabbing at him with the dagger.
Shen Du, however, was no easy prey. His superior height already granted him an advantage.
With his masterful martial arts, he gained the upper hand after merely a few exchanges. The attacker, sensing the unfavorable turn of events, prepared to escape.
Brandishing the dagger, the assailant aimed for Shen Du’s vital points with each strike, intent on taking his life!
Shen Du abandoned all restraint, indifferent to whether the attacker lived or perished. Even the assailant’s death would aid in resolving the case.
The black-clad figure executed a spin, knife raised high, and unexpectedly stabbed towards Shen Du’s back. He turned, but not before a ripping sound pierced the air as the dagger tore through his attire, instantly staining it crimson.
“Take care!” Witnessing Shen Du’s injury, Zhu Yan grew anxious, longing to render aid.
Yet, she recognized her limitations; rushing in recklessly might only encumber him.
Shen Du unsheathed his sword to counterattack. After two more swift moves, he wounded the attacker’s right hand.
Blood flowed freely, and the assailant’s sleeve lay in tatters.
At that moment, Zhu Yan’s gaze fell upon a large fire moth tattoo adorning the attacker’s arm – identical to Chen Huoe’s from years past!
Unable to match Shen Du’s prowess, the black-clad figure fled in panic. Though injured, Shen Du prepared to give chase when Zhu Yan rushed to his side.
“Are you unharmed?” Zhu Yan inquired, her voice laden with concern.
Her eyes fixed upon Shen Du’s back, where crimson blood had saturated his garments. The pain must be excruciating.
“It’s of no consequence,” Shen Du replied, though his countenance had paled considerably. “Why did you venture here alone?”