On the carriage returning to the manor.

Jingrong held Ji Yunshu, letting her rest against him, carefully protecting her.

He appeared expressionless, but in reality, his face was like a mass of dark clouds gathering, refusing to dissipate for a long time.

Even more terrifying than the sky outside.

Lang Bo at his side truly didn’t dare say a single word this time. He turned away, not even daring to look.

Wondering in his heart what had happened in the palace?

Could his prince have gotten into a fight with His Majesty?

He didn’t dare—didn’t even dare breathe too heavily.

Upon arriving at the manor, Jingrong carried Ji Yunshu back to the room and sent everyone out.

Lang Bo stood at the doorway, inexplicably panicked in his heart, glancing inside from time to time.

Before long, Lu Jiang came over.

He asked worriedly, “What’s going on?”

Lang Bo shook his head. “Not sure. Anyway, when we picked up Miss Ji, His Highness was already like this.”

Lu Jiang sighed.

“Uncle Lu, do you think His Highness and His Majesty… wouldn’t…” He lowered his voice as he spoke.

Not stating his thoughts directly.

Lu Jiang immediately shot him a glare. “Stop making wild guesses.”

He shut his mouth.

“You guard outside. Don’t go anywhere.”

“I know.”

Inside the room.

Jingrong sat at the bedside, his burning large hand touching Ji Yunshu’s ice-cold face.

His other hand gripped hers tightly, refusing to let go.

He didn’t know why, but at this moment, he suddenly felt somewhat afraid—afraid of losing this woman who was more important than his own life.

That feeling coursed through his chest, both painful and bitter.

Because he knew very clearly that no matter when, Wei Yi would forever be a concern in Ji Yunshu’s heart, and even no matter what happened, this would never change.

“Yunshu, perhaps we really should leave the capital.”

…

The next day.

When Ji Yunshu woke, faint light pierced through, making her instinctively blink her eyes before gradually adjusting.

What entered her vision was the thin gauze canopy above her head.

This was… her own room?

When she had fainted yesterday, she was still in the palace.

She moved her body slightly. Her head ached a little, and her hand seemed to be held by someone. Glancing sideways, she discovered it was Jingrong.

He was gripping her hand, lying collapsed at the bedside.

That face with clear contours met the morning light streaming in from outside the window. Like a carving knife in a craftsman’s hand, it sculpted his features into something “feast for the eyes.”

She seemed unwilling to wake him, so she obediently lay in bed, completely still.

But even the small movement disturbed Jingrong. He raised his head and met Ji Yunshu’s ink-dark eyes.

Those eyes met the light. Though they appeared weary, they inspired pity in one’s heart.

Jingrong extended his hand, tucking the stray hair on her forehead behind her ear, and asked, “Are you uncomfortable anywhere?”

She shook her head.

“I’ll pour you some water.”

Just as he was about to go, Ji Yunshu held him back.

She propped herself up to sit on the bed.

Jingrong asked, “What’s wrong?”

Ji Yunshu looked up and said, “Yesterday… you went to the palace to bring me back?”

Jingrong paused for a moment. “Seeing you hadn’t returned, I was worried, so I rode at full speed into the palace to fetch you.”

His tone was completely bland.

Ji Yunshu explained, “Yesterday, because of the heavy rain and it was getting dark, plus I hadn’t seen Wei Yi for a long time, I agreed to stay.”

These words made all the displeasure in Jingrong’s heart dissipate. He smiled. “What? Are you worried I’m upset?”

Wasn’t that the case?

Ji Yunshu stared at him.

Jingrong sat back at the bedside, holding her hand. “How could I not know what you’re thinking?”

“Jingrong…”

“We’ve been through so much and finally made it to today. Yunshu, I trust you, and you should trust me too. Between us, there has never been any lack of mutual understanding.”

Her eyes suddenly reddened, and she threw herself into his embrace.

Jingrong held her and said, “After the case is closed, let’s leave the capital.”

Hm?

She looked up at him with tear-filled eyes and nodded emphatically.

At this moment, Lang Bo happened to enter carrying a bowl of medicine. Seeing this scene, his entire person froze.

Why did he always stumble upon such things?

Looked like he needed to wash his eyes!

But now neither leaving nor entering seemed right. After standing frozen in place for quite a while, he finally said, “Your Highness, Miss Ji’s medicine is ready.”

Interrupting that loving pair of mandarin ducks!

Jingrong glanced at him. “Bring it here.”

After Lang Bo handed over the medicine, he turned and left.

Making Ji Yunshu burst out laughing.

But Jingrong was puzzled and somewhat angry, saying, “Sooner or later, I absolutely must skin him alive.”

That day, Wei Yi sent people from the palace with many more supplements.

They piled up an entire room.

As a result, Jingrong had people take them all away to the warehouse.

Ji Yunshu rested for two days, and her spirits improved considerably.

Occasionally, some official documents from the Ministry of Justice would be sent over to her. Once or twice was acceptable, but later Jingrong directly blocked them and issued orders: “Before Master Ji’s health recovers, no one is permitted to come and disturb her.”

Therefore, things became much more peaceful.

In the courtyard, the early morning sun was exceptionally warm.

Ji Yunshu sat in the courtyard drinking porridge while flipping through a book at hand.

Jingrong sat nearby polishing his black longsword.

That sword had accompanied him for many years. Its surface was carved with patterns, somewhat mottled, yet it exuded the same cold severity as his temperament.

He polished it over and over until it gleamed with an oily sheen.

Ji Yunshu asked, “Is there any news about this case?”

Jingrong didn’t look up. “The murderer hasn’t appeared yet. We can only wait.”

She made a sound of acknowledgment and didn’t ask further.

Suddenly—

Lang Bo rushed over in a hurry, his head covered in sweat.

“Your Highness, Miss Ji.”

His expression was grave.

“What is it?”

He hesitated for a long while.

Jingrong set down the sword in his hand, his cold eyes narrowing. “Speak!”

“Just received news that… the president of the Qiyang Commerce Association, Zhao Zhiwen… is dead.”

The president of the Qiyang Commerce Association, Zhao Zhiwen, was dead?

“Clang.” The spoon in Ji Yunshu’s hand fell to the ground.

Breaking into two pieces.

Shock!

“What happened?”

“The body was discovered in an abandoned pond behind the Wenlan Pavilion. Same as the previous two murders—on the face… wearing a mask.”

So… the murderer’s third target was Zhao Zhiwen!

The Court of Judicial Review, the Capital Magistrate, the Censorate Inspector, the Ministry of Justice, and Commander Xiao—so many eyes watching every part of the capital. They had thought the murderer at the scene would definitely be unable to escape, yet they were still able to commit murder right under everyone’s noses with such ease.

It seemed the court’s salaries were indeed being taken for nothing!

It also showed that the murderer was truly formidable.

Half an hour later.

Jingrong and Ji Yunshu hurriedly rushed to the crime scene.

All around were bailiffs who had surrounded the place.

The Capital Magistrate and Chief Justice Yu had already arrived.

This location was a pond behind the Wenlai Pavilion. Because it had long been abandoned, the entire pond was covered with various weeds and algae. When the wind blew, it emitted waves of foul odor. The surrounding area was overgrown with weeds, and a massive tree stood towering nearby. Very few people would ever come to this place, and even fewer knew there was actually a pond here.