“Official Zhen’s visit brings honor to our humble abode,” Marquis Changxing said warmly, though inwardly he felt uneasy.
Zhen Shicheng was the Prefect of Shuntian, a high-ranking court official, so naturally, he had to show proper respect. However, they had no prior acquaintance. Why would an investigator come to his mansion?
Those people loved to make mountains out of molehills. After Zhen Shicheng’s visit, who knew what baseless rumors might spread?
Zhen Shicheng smiled, “You’re too kind, Marquis. I’ve just arrived in the capital and was immediately faced with the case of Imperial Consort Yang’s brother’s sudden death. I’ve come to seek some information, if I may be so bold.”
The Marquis became even more annoyed upon hearing this.
What did the “Imperial Uncle Yang’s” sudden death have to do with the Changxing Marquis’s mansion? How inauspicious!
“What information does Official Zhen wish to know?” The smile on the Marquis’s face unconsciously faded.
Zhen Shicheng put down his teacup and stood up. “It’s stuffy in here. How about we take a walk outside and talk, Marquis?”
The Marquis’s curiosity was piqued, and he stood up as well. “After you, Official Zhen.”
As they walked out, the bright sunlight made Zhen Shicheng raise his hand to shield his eyes. He smiled, “What a beautiful day. I’ve heard that your mansion’s peonies are famous and still in full bloom. Might I have a look?”
The Marquis was bewildered. Had the esteemed Prefect of Shuntian come to his mansion just to view flowers?
Seeing the Marquis’s silence, Zhen Shicheng lowered his voice, “As you know, Marquis, the case of Imperial Consort Yang’s brother’s sudden death has caused quite a stir in the capital these past few days. Officials from the Three Judicial Offices and Shuntian Prefecture haven’t had a good night’s sleep. The reason for my visit is that I received some information.”
“What information?” The Marquis found himself following Zhen Shicheng’s lead.
Zhen Shicheng’s voice dropped even lower, “Someone said that the day before his death, Imperial Consort Yang’s brother had contact with the heir of Marquis Changxing.”
“What!” The Marquis’s expression changed dramatically.
Zhen Shicheng fell silent, stroking his beard with an air of mystery.
With two cases coinciding, he truly hadn’t slept well, and even meals were rushed. As he stroked his beard, a grain of rice fell from it.
Zhen Shicheng discreetly flicked away the rice grain, maintaining his inscrutable expression.
“Official Zhen, my son is gentle. He couldn’t possibly be involved in the case of Imperial Consort Yang’s brother!” the Marquis exclaimed.
Zhen Shicheng smiled, “Don’t worry, Marquis. I’ve heard that your son is a fine young man, certainly not a vicious criminal. It’s just that since we have this lead, and I didn’t want to make a big fuss by summoning your son to the yamen for questioning, I came to your mansion to inquire about the situation from you and your son.”
“Yes, yes, thank you, Official Zhen.” The Marquis appeared relieved.
Zhen Shicheng frowned inwardly.
Judging by the Marquis’s reaction, could it be that he was unaware of his son’s actions? Or was it possible that the heir of Marquis Changxing hadn’t abducted and killed any girls, and someone was targeting the Changxing Marquis’s family?
Zhen Shicheng didn’t think much of the second possibility.
He had already sent people to investigate. Miss Xiu’s daughter had indeed been missing for some time, and Landlord Chi had received a pigeon message from his subordinate in Yanzi Town.
The heir of Marquis Changxing must be connected to the disappearance of the two young ladies.
“Marquis, let’s walk and talk,” Zhen Shicheng suggested.
As Zhen Shicheng headed towards the garden, the Marquis tried to stop him, “Official Zhen, I’m afraid it’s not a good time. We’re hosting a flower-viewing banquet today, and many young ladies are in the garden admiring the flowers…”
Zhen Shicheng was taken aback, then showed disappointment, “Ah, that is unfortunate indeed. No matter, we can just stroll around here. Would you please summon your son, Marquis?”
“Please wait a moment, Official Zhen. I’ll send someone to call my son right away. However, he’s a bit timid, so I hope you can be understanding.”
“Of course, Marquis. Don’t worry.” Zhen Shicheng laughed heartily, though inwardly he felt quite frustrated.
However, having investigated cases for many years, he had encountered all sorts of setbacks and had developed a calm demeanor. This small obstacle was nothing to him.
Meeting the heir of Marquis Changxing today would make the visit worthwhile.
Meanwhile, in the garden, Jiang Si was cornered by Jiang Qian.
“Third Sister, Fourth Sister, you only stayed for a day last time. I’ve been thinking about you. Why don’t you stay for a few days after the flower-viewing banquet?”
“Second Sister misses us so much?” Jiang Qiao unconsciously grasped Jiang Si’s hand, inwardly scoffing.
To outsiders, it looked like sisterly affection, but who knew this couple was like vicious dogs eyeing meat buns!
Jiang Qian’s gaze fell on the sisters’ clasped hands, and she answered irrelevantly, “I remember when you were little, Third Sister and Fourth Sister used to argue all the time. Look how grown up you are now, getting along so well.”
“People do grow up,” Jiang Qiao said with a mischievous smile, hugging Jiang Si’s arm with an innocent expression. “Second Sister knows I get rashes when I sleep in unfamiliar places, so I can’t stay overnight.”
“That’s no problem, Fourth Sister can—”
Jiang Qiao decisively cut off Jiang Qian’s words, “I’d be all alone at Earl’s mansion. Fourth Sister needs to return to keep me company. Hehe, Second Sister, you’ve noticed how close Fourth Sister and I are, so please understand and don’t separate us. If you want company, why not ask Fifth Sister and Sixth Sister to stay?”
Ahem, it’s not that she’s heartlessly pushing Fifth Sister and Sixth Sister into the wolf’s den. Since they escaped unharmed last time, it seems the heir of Marquis Changxing isn’t interested in them.
Jiang Qiao couldn’t help but glance at Jiang Si, inwardly sighing: It seems being less attractive is safer.
Jiang Qian’s expression stiffened slightly. If she didn’t have to maintain the appearance of sisterly harmony, she would have loved to tear Jiang Qiao’s mouth apart.
This troublemaker!
Taking a deep breath, Jiang Qian smiled, “Third Sister should be more understanding of your elder sister. Fourth Sister used to love playing with me, but since I got married, we haven’t been close for a long time. This time, I truly want Fourth Sister to stay for a few days.”
Shameless!
Jiang Qiao cursed inwardly, noticing Jiang Si’s silence. She anxiously tugged at her sleeve.
If you don’t speak up, the little white rabbit will enter the wolf’s den. Say something!
At this moment, Jiang Si was too preoccupied to care about these exchanges. Her entire focus was on how to naturally lead Official Zhen to discover the female corpse in the garden.
There couldn’t be a better opportunity than now. With so many noble ladies present, if the female corpse were discovered, the Changxing Marquis’s mansion wouldn’t be able to cover it up.
Jiang Si clenched her fist, her palm slightly damp.
Her phantom fireflies weren’t strong enough to make so many people fall into an illusion in broad daylight. Could she only use that other thing—
Suddenly, Jiang Si felt Jiang Qiao tugging at her sleeve too forcefully. She frowned, “Third Sister—”
She saw Jiang Qiao’s mouth slightly open, a look of great surprise on her face, followed by a chorus of screams from the noble ladies.
Jiang Si turned her head to see a large dog, about half the height of a person, wagging its tail happily.
How did Er’niu get here?
“Someone come quickly! Kill this mad dog and drag it away!” The sudden incident made Jiang Qian’s voice go off-key.
Er’niu, displeased, pawed at the ground.
Kill and drag away whom?
This crazy woman, I’ll give her a bite!
The large dog leaped into the air, pouncing towards Jiang Qian.