First watch seeks the person, second watch seeks the soul, third watch seeks the corpse.

Who would have thought this folk song actually described a person!

But—

Jingrong didn’t understand, “Who exactly is this person? Why does mentioning him make you so deeply concerned, even… using the word ‘afraid’?”

She only said, “Just an… old acquaintance.”

Old acquaintance?

“I’ve never heard you mention him.”

“It was many years ago. There’s no meaning in bringing it up. However, this person is not simple at all. Compared to Prince Yi, he’s not inferior in the slightest. Though in terms of methods, he may fall short, when it comes to schemes and strategies, he’s absolutely not half a point inferior to Prince Yi. In any case, this time with him helping Prince Yi investigate the case, we must be on guard.”

“From what you’re saying, since Jing Yi could invite him here, this person naturally has exceptional qualities. Could it be… like you, he can also reconstruct faces from bones?”

No, no, no—that Wen Shisan is a counterfeit!

She took a deep breath, looking at him seriously, “Four or five years ago, he was called Zhou San, just an inconspicuous minor coroner. At that time, because we lacked people to help, he was invited to the yamen to assist. I saw he was eager to learn and truly had talent, so while investigating cases, I taught him. He was also very intelligent—almost learning everything as soon as it was taught. But later…”

Waiting for her to continue.

Who knew she would shake her head, “Forget it. It was many years ago. I don’t want to mention it again.”

Unwilling to say more.

Jingrong was not one to get to the bottom of everything. Since she was unwilling to speak, he didn’t press further.

But a great question settled in his heart.

Who exactly was that person?

What exactly had happened between him and Ji Yunshu years ago?

To the point where Ji Yunshu used the word… “afraid.”

The next day.

Early in the morning, Jingrong and Ji Yunshu took people to the Ministry of Justice.

Just as they entered, the Minister of Justice hurried over.

“Greetings, Prince Rong.” He cupped his hands and bowed.

“Minister Li, this prince has brought Mr. Ji today to examine the bodies. Please lead the way.”

“This…”

“What’s wrong?”

The Minister of Justice stammered, lowering his head before saying, “To be honest with Prince Rong, actually Prince Yi… has already brought people to examine the bodies in the mortuary. They went in not long ago and probably won’t be finished quickly.”

This wasn’t surprising.

Right now, Jingrong and Jing Yi were in a standoff, racing against time to solve the case. Whoever got ahead first would seize the initiative in the court.

Jingrong showed no intention of leaving, saying, “Since this prince has come, there’s no reason to return. Although Prince Yi arrived first with people to examine the bodies, he surely won’t need an entire day. This prince can still afford to wait.”

“In that case, please, Prince Rong, move to the great hall to wait. If Prince Yi finishes, this official will immediately notify you.”

“Mm.”

The group proceeded into the Ministry of Justice’s great hall and took their seats.

The Minister of Justice ordered people to serve several pots of fine tea and several plates of pastries.

The service was thorough.

However—

The tea cooled and was replaced with hot, grew hot then gradually cooled, replaced several pots in succession. The sun had already risen high, yet still no news came.

Ji Yunshu wasn’t anxious, sipping tea while waiting.

But the emperor wasn’t anxious while the eunuch was. Lang Bo gave a muffled grunt and stepped forward, saying, “What is Prince Yi up to? It’s already this late—how has he not finished examining them?”

Jingrong’s brow furrowed slightly. In his heart, he knew Jing Yi was doing this deliberately.

His fingers tapped lightly on the table, “Let’s wait a bit longer.”

Continue waiting!

Half an hour, one hour, two hours…

Finally, Jingrong swept his robe aside and stood, “Let’s go. Let’s take a look.”

He left the hall, taking people to the mortuary.

Ji Yunshu paused in place for a moment, but still followed.

The mortuary was a small square courtyard. Jing Yi’s guards stood at the entrance, watching strictly—outsiders couldn’t advance a single step.

The Minister of Justice saw this and quickly came out, speaking pleasantly, “Prince Rong, Prince Yi is still inside. Probably… it won’t be quick. Perhaps…” you should return today.

Before he could speak the last few words, Jingrong raised his hand to interrupt him.

“This prince knows.” His voice was cold to the extreme.

“This official is also helpless. After all, the Ministry of Justice has long-standing regulations—case investigations follow a first-come basis. Please forgive me, Prince Rong.”

“Minister Li, when did this prince blame you?”

“Then Your Highness…”

“Minister Li.” A voice came from inside the mortuary.

Jing Yi strode out, his countenance aloof, imposing and majestic. He walked to the Minister of Justice’s side, “Minister Li, Prince Rong is not some common citizen. Of course he knows the Ministry of Justice’s regulations and naturally won’t overstep. How could he blame you?”

“…”

Then Jing Yi looked at Jingrong, feigning an apologetic expression, “I’m truly sorry—I got here one step ahead to examine the bodies. But you know, this case is really too difficult. After all, it’s not just one or two skeletal remains, but one corpse and seven skeletal remains. So examining them one by one, investigating one by one—of course it takes more time. But as for when the examination will be complete, that’s uncertain.”

His voice carried a lilt!

So very smug.

Jingrong’s eyes grew cold as he asked in a deep voice, “How much longer?”

“Hard to say.”

“How can your people be so incompetent?”

Uh?

Jing Yi’s brow tightened slightly.

Jingrong said, “I heard that Wen Shisan you invited back is quite talented, having handled quite a few major cases. But how is it that after examining all day, he still hasn’t produced a single result? You’d better keep your eyes sharp and not trust the wrong person, lest your ship capsize in mid-ocean.”

He retorted.

Jing Yi’s expression changed dramatically.

He gritted his teeth, then forced a smile, “The outcome hasn’t been decided yet—it’s not your turn to remind me. In any case, today I arrived earlier than you. I’ll examine for as long as I want, and no one can obstruct me. Moreover, this case involves so many lives and happened right within the capital. We must proceed slowly to ensure no evidence is missed or overlooked. Otherwise, if Father Emperor blames us, I cannot bear the responsibility.”

His eyes were cunning.

He immediately added, “I forgot to tell you—when I just came out, we’d only examined the second skeletal remains. By the looks of it, it might be very, very late. If you can wait, then wait. If you can’t, then please come early tomorrow.”

Jingrong wasn’t angry either, maintaining his composure. Instead he said, “Fine. Then you take your people and examine slowly. I’ll come again tomorrow.”

“I won’t see you out.”

A cold laugh.

Jingrong then led his people away.

Behind him, Jing Yi’s eyes grew deeper and deeper, and the smile at the corner of his lips gradually tightened.

“Compete with me? You’re not worthy.”

…

After leaving the Ministry of Justice’s gates, Lang Bo didn’t understand, saying, “Your Highness, Prince Yi is clearly doing this deliberately. We’re just leaving like this—doesn’t that play right into his scheme?”

Indignant.

Clenching his fists.

But—

Jingrong looked toward Ji Yunshu and asked, “What do you think?”

She stopped in her tracks, her thoughts settling. Meeting his gaze, she said, “I would do the same as you. Because even if we continued waiting, it would only be futile.”

As expected, the two were of one mind.

Lang Bo felt quite embarrassed.