Zhu Yan appeared somewhat embarrassed, unsure how to explain to Shen Du. She quickly changed the subject, “Why are you so concerned about that? Look at the state you’re in. You’ve lost so much blood, yet you claim it’s nothing.”
“Are you worried about me?” Shen Du’s lips curved upward involuntarily, carrying a hint of deeper meaning.
“Don’t flatter yourself. You got injured while saving me, so of course I have to take responsibility for you.”
Her voice grew softer as she spoke, but Shen Du still heard it, feeling a wave of pleasure. This woman was indeed concerned about him.
Upon returning to the Shen residence, Zhu Yan carefully tended to Shen Du’s wounds, but her movements seemed hurried as if she had other matters to attend to.
Shen Du grew increasingly puzzled. It was already dark outside; surely she wasn’t in a rush to retire to her chambers?
“Do you have other business to attend to?” Shen Du inquired, causing Zhu Yan’s hand to pause momentarily as she applied the medicine. “What’s wrong?”
“You seem to be in a hurry. Surely you’re not eager to go rest?” Shen Du asked casually, though his words carried a hint of intention.
“Of course not,” Zhu Yan replied frankly. “I’ve already made arrangements with the people from the Ministry of Justice. We’re supposed to review the case details tonight, so after I finish treating your wounds, I need to go to the Ministry. I won’t be coming back tonight.”
Upon hearing this, Shen Du felt an inexplicable displeasure. She wouldn’t be returning tonight, intending to stay at the Ministry of Justice.
“Is the case so urgent?” Shen Du’s tone carried a hint of sharpness. “You need to work on it in the middle of the night?”
“Everyone wants to solve the case as soon as possible. For those of us specializing in this, working late isn’t a problem,” Zhu Yan replied casually as if the suggestion had been her own.
“But I’m injured. Shouldn’t you stay and take care of me tonight?” Shen Du’s question made Zhu Yan realize something, and she adopted a troubled expression.
Shen Du continued, “You should remember who I got injured for. Now you want to go to the Ministry to work on the case and not return for the night. Can you do that with a clear conscience?”
“I…” Zhu Yan was left speechless by Shen Du’s words, feeling as if she were the guilty party.
Seeing Zhu Yan at a loss for words, Shen Du’s expression darkened as he muttered, “This murderer is quite skilled. I will investigate this case thoroughly.”
Hearing this, Zhu Yan understood. Shen Du must know some inside information. Rather than going to the Ministry to review the case, it would be better to stay and learn about new leads.
“Don’t you have work to do? You don’t need to take care of me here. Go ahead,” Shen Du said coldly, dismissing her.
Zhu Yan’s expression turned somewhat endearing as she scratched her head and said, “Who said I was leaving? As you said, you got injured because of me. If I just left like that, even the heavens would think I’m heartless. What if I get struck by lightning? That would be too unfair.”
Hearing that Zhu Yan intended to stay, Shen Du’s lips curved upward involuntarily, but he quickly composed himself and said seriously, “After all, reviewing the case is important. Moreover, you’ve already made arrangements with the people from the Ministry. If you don’t go, won’t they be waiting in vain?”
“It’s fine, we’re all on the same side. Even if they wait for nothing, they won’t do anything to me. At worst, I’ll apologize to them another day.”
“But if you lose face in front of them, will they still respect you?”
“I’m just a woman, what authority do I have? Besides, I’m now known as the Duke’s wife outside. With you by my side, they wouldn’t dare to gossip.”
Zhu Yan persisted shamelessly, making it clear that she wouldn’t leave today no matter what, insisting on staying to take care of Shen Du.
Of course, the most important reason was to learn more about the case.
Shen Du, having achieved his goal, felt quite pleased inwardly, but outwardly he put on a reluctant expression. “Fine, you’ve stayed in this room before anyway. One more night won’t hurt.”
Seeing Shen Du agree, Zhu Yan nodded repeatedly and then began to bandage his wounds with gauze.
Zhu Yan’s movements were gentle, no longer hurried as before, and Shen Du felt quite gratified.
“Do you know why I suddenly decided to thoroughly investigate this case?” Shen Du asked unexpectedly.
Zhu Yan shook her head, “I don’t know.”
Shen Du took a deep breath and continued, “From the current situation, looking out across Chang’an, everything seems harmonious and peaceful. However, the turmoil in the imperial court is unknown to the public. Secret factions have begun to form among the various court parties, and their symbol is a giant fire moth. His Majesty has become suspicious, believing that someone is using this to kill people and eliminate political enemies.”
Hearing Shen Du say this, Zhu Yan was stunned.
The wound had been bandaged, and Zhu Yan sat in front of Shen Du, speechless.
The situation was far more complex than she had initially thought. These cases were entangled with court politics, which was completely unexpected.
Zhu Yan felt a wave of oppression in her heart, and the light in her eyes dimmed, becoming somber.
This crime was just the perpetrator imitating the “Buddha Swallowing Sin” method of killing to cover up their true purpose.
Even if they caught the real killer, it would probably just be a scapegoat like Madam Tang.
The real mastermind behind it all remained out of their reach.
Seeing Zhu Yan fall silent, Shen Du noticed her change in mood.
“What’s wrong? Didn’t you consider these possibilities from the beginning?”
Shen Du seemed to be asking a question he already knew the answer to. He had always thought Zhu Yan was Zhang Xingwei’s person, so shouldn’t she have anticipated these things?
Zhu Yan hadn’t thought that far at all. She just shook her head, looking dazed, “I hadn’t considered it. It’s too unexpected. If I had known these cases were so complicated, perhaps… I shouldn’t have gotten involved in the first place.”
Zhu Yan spoke with deep emotion, and whether it was genuine or not, Shen Du couldn’t bring himself to blame her at this moment.
“It’s done now. Even if you regret it, it’s useless. We’re already involved, and none of us can stay out of it. We can only press on.”
Zhu Yan looked up, her complex gaze unfathomable. It was both profound and sparkling, somewhat beautiful.
They both fell silent. The candlelight in the room flickered gently, casting shadows on their faces.
The atmosphere felt strange, even… warm.
The woman before him looked particularly perfect in the dim candlelight, truly resembling a gentle, kind, beautiful, and virtuous wife.
When Zhu Yan looked at Shen Du, her heart began to race. He already had exquisitely handsome features, and in the warm candlelight, they appeared even more striking and elegant. He was truly a jade tree in the wind, a graceful and handsome man.
Both of them were somewhat entranced. Shen Du unconsciously leaned forward.
Zhu Yan’s heart beat faster. This time, she didn’t retreat. Her hands fidgeted nervously, palms growing cold with sweat.
She knew very well what was about to happen, but she was surprised by her thoughts.
Not only did she not want to avoid it, but she also felt an irresistible urge to lean in.
It was too strange.
Involuntarily, Zhu Yan also began to lean forward slightly.