If I say trust, then trust!
Li Cheng and Jingrong now stood on a unified front.
That Yan couldn’t help but smile, shifting his gaze from Li Cheng’s body back to Jingrong’s.
The two pairs of eyes met.
Neither backing down in confrontation.
Between them surged an undercurrent of tension!
And neither gained any advantage.
“It seems this prince now has no say in matters anymore.” His tone carried self-mockery.
In Jingrong’s profound gaze, cold and composed.
He only knew that anyone who intentionally made things difficult for or intended to harm his woman was an enemy!
That Yan was now deliberately finding fault, intentionally making things difficult for Ji Yinshu.
Moreover, this case—Li Cheng had come seeking their help to handle it.
Suddenly—
“Oh my, truly unexpected! The City Bureau Department’s morgue is so lively today.”
That Tuo’s voice rang out from outside the door.
Everyone turned to look at the sound.
They all bowed their heads one by one: “Greetings to the Third Prince.”
That Tuo walked in with a face full of smiles.
Early this morning, he had entered the palace to visit Prince Huyi, and only just now left the palace.
Just as he exited the palace gates, he was blocked by a small guard from the City Bureau Department, who hurriedly explained the general situation.
Hearing this at the time, how could he not respond?
And so, he hadn’t even had time to return to his residence to change out of his court robes before rushing over.
He waved his hand at the people in the room who were bowing to him: “No need for such grand ceremonies.”
One by one, they raised their heads.
Yet no one spoke.
They knew there would surely be a “good show” momentarily.
Sure enough, That Tuo walked before That Yan: “How refreshing! Why is Second Prince Brother also getting involved in the City Bureau Department’s case handling?”
His tone was strange and mocking.
That Yan hadn’t expected this fellow’s sources to be so well-informed, to actually arrive at this inopportune time. But on the surface, he maintained a calm appearance, laughing lightly: “How did I hear that the reason the Ministry of Justice agreed to retry Du Mubai’s case in such a short time was because you personally made a trip to the Ministry of Justice, using your princely status to have the Ministry of Justice officials reopen this case? Since you could interfere in this matter, why can’t I?”
“But in my view, Prince Brother’s arrival here today seems to be more than just simple interference.”
“What makes you say that?”
“I heard everything you all said just now! You kept demanding that Master Ji produce evidence to prove what she said, otherwise you wouldn’t be convinced and wouldn’t allow further investigation! But you mustn’t forget—this matter is ultimately being presided over by the City Bureau Department. Even if you and I, as princes, can interfere a little, we ultimately have no authority to obstruct the entire case! Otherwise, if something is delayed, the consequences are not something you or I can bear. Does Prince Brother understand?” That Tuo raised his eyebrows, drawing out the last sentence extremely long.
That Yan’s complexion was poor.
That Tuo continued: “Moreover, Father King fell gravely ill early this morning. Instead of going to the palace to visit him, you ran here to pick at others’ faults. How leisurely.”
“What did you say? Father King is gravely ill?”
“What? So Prince Brother didn’t know! Father King truly raised a fine son!” That Tuo snorted.
“You…” That Yan was choked to the point his expression became extremely unpleasant.
He had absolutely no idea!
No one had notified him.
He’d received not half a bit of information!
As for why That Tuo knew, it wasn’t strange at all. After all, the person by Prince Huyi’s side every day now was Li Qiao, the son of Marquis Pingyang. So when something happened to Prince Huyi, the first to know would also be Li Qiao, and the person he would notify first would naturally be That Tuo.
Clearly, Li Qiao had deliberately concealed it.
That Tuo, seeing his unpleasant expression, felt quite satisfied in his heart. He moved close to his ear and said softly: “Lord Huang and Lord Zhong both fell from grace. You must feel quite uncomfortable, don’t you?”
“…”
“That Yan, I said before—you were able to scheme against me before Father King, and in time, I will certainly repay you double.” That momentum of having gained the upper hand was displayed thoroughly on That Tuo’s face.
Previously, That Yan had deliberately exposed before Prince Huyi the matter of him being injured by assassins, nearly causing him to stumble badly!
Now he could turn the tables!
Truly, fortune rotates in cycles.
But That Yan was not one to admit defeat.
Only, looking at the current situation, it wasn’t good for him to stay longer.
Even if anger raged in his heart, before everyone, he still had to maintain his princely dignity.
He swept his wide sleeves: “Fine, since this is the City Bureau Department’s matter, this prince will no longer interfere.”
He left with his people.
He needed to hurry to the palace to visit Prince Huyi!
Everyone also breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, the innocent weren’t implicated.
The smoke of battle ended, That Tuo won a great victory.
His face wore the victor’s smile as he looked toward Ji Yinshu with great appreciation, saying politely: “You must be Master Ji? This prince heard of you long ago. To be able to read bones and draw portraits—truly rare in this world! It’s just that this prince missed your autopsy today. What a pity.”
He truly felt it was a pity!
And from the bottom of his heart wanted to know about that bone reading—how exactly does one read bones?
Unfortunately, he couldn’t see it.
Ji Yinshu cupped her hands toward him, saying: “This humble one is merely someone who slightly understands bone structure and meridians.”
“Truly too modest.”
“…”
That Tuo turned to look at Jingrong beside her.
His eyes suddenly tightened.
This person’s gaze…
Why did it seem somewhat familiar?
As if he’d seen it somewhere before!
For a moment, he couldn’t quite recall.
“Who might this be?”
As soon as Jingrong saw that face, he recalled how Jing Xuan had been tormented by him. The fury in his heart rolled like molten lava, ready to erupt at any moment.
Ji Yinshu understood his thoughts and gently tugged at his sleeve.
Jingrong came back to himself and replied: “This humble one is surnamed Jing, traveling with Master Ji.”
“Jing? That’s quite a rare surname!”
“The world is vast, countless people have this surname.”
“That’s also true.” That Tuo smiled, didn’t pursue it further, only saying: “Alright, you people at the City Bureau Department hurry and have someone handle this case. Since it’s already been handed to you, it’s your matter. Don’t learn from Lord Huang and Lord Zhong and judge another wrongful case!”
Everyone responded: “Yes!”
That Tuo was about to leave, then remembered something. With a smile on his face, he looked toward Ji Yinshu and said: “Originally, this prince was planning to host a banquet tomorrow evening and wanted to invite Master Ji to honor us with your presence. Since this prince has already come now, rather than choosing another day, let’s make it today. Tonight, this prince will host a banquet at the residence, quietly awaiting Master, and also…” He looked at Jingrong, “Please also honor us with your presence, Young Master Jing.” He added another sentence: “Young Master Cheng, you should also come together.”
Not giving anyone a chance to refuse, after speaking he left.
The morgue finally returned to peace.
Only, what medicine was this Third Prince selling in his gourd?
Why so enthusiastic?
The three exchanged glances.
After leaving the morgue, Li Cheng said to them with a grave expression: “In any case, whether it’s the Second Prince or the Third Prince, they’re both untouchable. They’re like poison. You must be careful. However, tonight’s affair probably can’t be avoided. When the time comes, respond as the situation demands, but absolutely don’t casually agree to anything.” First, give them a preventive warning!