Jiang Si’s hand resting on her knee moved slightly.
She had to admit that Official Zhen before her possessed remarkably keen intuition.
For someone like him, lying would only invite humiliation.
Jiang Si was straightforward, curving her lips into a smile as she replied, “Perhaps.”
Zhen Shicheng stroked his beard rhythmically, finding the young lady before him increasingly intriguing.
“This official is curious – how did both Lady Xiu and Manager Chi happen to dream of his daughter’s wronged spirit at the same time?” This was Zhen Shicheng’s probe, his gaze fixed intently on Jiang Si as he spoke.
The young lady before him maintained a composed expression and spoke calmly, “As people often say, the gods watch from three feet above – heaven sees what men do.”
“Well said about heaven watching over men’s deeds!” Zhen Shicheng’s expression grew more serious. “When heaven wishes to punish evil, it must work through human hands. What does Miss Jiang think?”
Jiang Si smiled faintly, “Isn’t Your Honor exactly such a person? With an upright official like yourself, the Hereditary Prince of Marquis Changxing was brought to justice, allowing those murdered young women’s wrongful deaths to be cleared.”
Zhen Shicheng’s gaze burned as he studied Jiang Si.
Jiang Si lifted her elegantly curved chin, allowing his scrutiny.
She had nothing to hide, so naturally, she feared no questioning.
Even if he confirmed she had orchestrated the supernatural occurrences, what could he do? Surely Official Zhen couldn’t arrest her on those grounds?
Unexpectedly, Zhen Shicheng suddenly smiled and winked at Jiang Si.
Jiang Si was momentarily stunned.
It was rather unsettling to see such an expression from Official Zhen at his age.
“Young lady, forget about my position as the Metropolitan Magistrate. Just treat me as a friend you’ve met by fate, and tell me how you managed it?”
His sudden change in demeanor made Jiang Si’s mouth twitch as she feigned ignorance: “What does Your Honor mean? This young lady doesn’t understand at all.”
Zhen Shicheng: “…” To think he had cast aside his dignity only to be so mercilessly rebuffed by this young lady!
Amusement flickered in Jiang Si’s eyes.
She didn’t care what he suspected – when it was time to play dumb, she would play dumb.
Fortunately, Official Zhen wasn’t the type to force answers from a young lady to achieve his aims.
Zhen Shicheng heaved a long sigh: “Very well, perhaps this official was overthinking things.”
Since playing the fool hadn’t worked, he wondered if she might tell him the truth once they became better acquainted.
For someone used to maintaining control in all cases, encountering an inexplicable situation was frustrating.
Well, speaking of which, his eldest son was quite presentable and would soon arrive in the capital. Perhaps he could arrange for them to meet.
Several thoughts flashed through Zhen Shicheng’s mind, and he suddenly found this last idea particularly appealing.
Hmph, if this little miss entered his household, would she dare keep secrets from him as the head of the family?
Yes, he would need to properly instruct his son when he arrived.
On the main road, a young man riding a white horse beside a carriage suddenly sneezed three times in succession.
The carriage curtain lifted slightly, and a woman’s gentle voice came through: “A’yan, have you caught a chill?”
The young man rubbed his nose and smiled, “Perhaps Father is thinking of me.”
Whenever his father had him in mind, nothing good ever came of it! Who knew what trouble awaited him in the capital this time?
Jiang Si observed Zhen Shicheng’s barely contained excitement with some exasperation.
She never expected this brilliant case-solving Official Zhen to be so… approachable in private.
“Your Honor, how is Lady Xiu faring?”
Zhen Shicheng composed himself, returning to his serious demeanor: “Lady Xiu is currently staying in the guest quarters behind the magistrate’s office. Is Miss Jiang concerned about her?”
“I heard Lady Xiu’s story is quite pitiful – widowed early and raising her daughter alone, only to have her daughter meet such a tragic fate after finally growing up…”
“Indeed.” Zhen Shicheng sighed in agreement.
The most heart-wrenching aspect of solving cases was always the victims’ families, and Lady Xiu’s situation was particularly tragic.
“This young lady plans to open a cosmetics shop and needs female workers. If Your Honor has no other arrangements for Lady Xiu, perhaps she could work at my shop.”
Zhen Shicheng’s eyes brightened: “That would be perfect.”
While the case remained unresolved, it was acceptable for Lady Xiu to stay at the magistrate’s office, but it would be inappropriate once the case concluded. His family hadn’t yet arrived in the capital, and people’s tongues would wag if she stayed too long.
Providing Lady Xiu with an honest means of supporting herself was far better than simply giving her money.
Zhen Shicheng grew increasingly fond of the young lady before him.
This visit had yielded unexpected benefits.
“Haha, this official thanks Miss Jiang on Lady Xiu’s behalf.”
Jiang Si quickly replied: “Your Honor is too kind. However, as I prefer to maintain privacy in running my cosmetics shop, I hope Your Honor will keep this confidential and not reveal the owner’s identity to Lady Xiu.”
“Naturally, Miss Jiang can rest assured. However—”
“Does Your Honor have other concerns?”
After his initial excitement faded, Zhen Shicheng considered practical matters: “Lady Xiu is deeply grieving her daughter’s loss. It may take time for her to recover.”
Jiang Si recalled seeing Lady Xiu that night.
In her mental state, Lady Xiu was only a step away from madness.
She wanted to help Lady Xiu.
Everyone has compassion, and Lady Xiu’s daughter was another victim of the Hereditary Prince of Marquis Changxing, creating a sorrowful connection between them.
Now that Lady Xiu’s daughter had departed this world while she had escaped her previous life’s shadow, she could help the mother live on behalf of her daughter.
“When does Lady Xiu usually wake up?”
Zhen Shicheng was startled by the question and replied awkwardly: “This official hasn’t paid attention to such matters.”
Why would he notice such things?
Jiang Si realized her mistake and smiled: “This young lady has an idea that might help Lady Xiu recover.”
“Ah, please share your thoughts.” Zhen Shicheng’s eyes lit up.
Jiang Si spoke quietly for a few moments, and Zhen Shicheng first looked surprised, then nodded in agreement.
“This visit was worthwhile. Miss Jiang, until we meet again.”
“This young lady takes her leave.” Jiang Si curtsied and left the room.
To maintain appearances, Zhen Shicheng patiently met with Jiang Li and Jiang Pei before departing Earl Dongping’s residence.
Old Madam Feng never appeared but had servants monitoring the situation. Upon hearing of Zhen Shicheng’s departure, she exclaimed, “What misfortune for our family! How did we get involved with such people, bringing scandal upon ourselves? Tell Second Madam to keep Second Miss confined to her courtyard and not let her go out casually.”
If she had suffered abuse after marriage, she should have told her family elders early on. If she had divorced years ago, none of this would have happened!
Old Madam Feng felt complete disgust toward this once-favored granddaughter.
Upon receiving the news, Jiang Qian bit her lip until it bled.
Now that Cao Xingyu’s murders had been exposed, Grandmother spoke this way, but if she had asked for divorce two years ago because of beatings, Grandmother would have been the first to object!
She couldn’t accept this. She would take revenge on everyone who had caused her to fall into such circumstances!
Jiang Qian wiped the blood from her lips, her eyes showing a hint of madness.