Ji Yinshu knew who the murderer was!

The glowing phosphorus powder had already proven her hypothesis.

Jingrong looked at the phosphorus powder scattered and extending into the distance…

Gradually disappearing from sight.

It was clear that Ji Yinshu hadn’t sprinkled much phosphorus powder.

The murderer would only drop phosphorus powder from their body when making large movements.

Li Cheng quickly lit the already extinguished lantern and anxiously pointed into the distance, saying, “What are we still waiting for? Let’s hurry and follow those light spots to find them! That way we can find the murderer.”

Following the phosphorus powder was indeed correct!

That way they could find the murderer.

But—

Jingrong said, “There’s not much phosphorus powder, and there’s wind here. The phosphorus powder will definitely be blown away by the wind—there’s no way to track it.”

“Then what do we do?” Li Cheng turned to look at Ji Yinshu. “Didn’t you say you already know who the murderer is? Then let’s hurry to the yamen and have Lord Zhuo arrest them!”

He was very anxious.

Ji Yinshu had reservations.

She said, “Even if I know who the murderer is, what of it? There are still many things about this that I haven’t figured out.”

“What do you mean?”

“I need to confirm one more thing!”

…

Huyi, Gaoding.

Marquis Pingyang’s Manor.

Marquis Pingyang Li Wenshi was entertaining a guest at his manor.

That guest was none other than his old friend Gong Chi.

Gong Chi was now a court official of Huyi, enfeoffed as Left Chancellor! Decades ago, he and Li Wenshi had been in the same military camp, both junior officers. The two were life-and-death brothers who had gone to the battlefield together and weathered great storms together. Over twenty years ago, he and Li Wenshi had both been important ministers who helped the current King of Huyi conquer his kingdom—one could say they were founding meritorious officials! So when the King of Huyi ascended the throne, he immediately enfeoffed him as Left Chancellor, equivalent to the head of civil officials, directly answerable to the King of Huyi.

Now, both men held extremely important official positions at court.

Even the King of Huyi had to give them face.

The two men could be said to be united in purpose at court, controlling more than half the imperial court.

Today, Li Wenshi had specially invited Gong Chi to the manor for tea. Though it was called having tea, there was actually another purpose.

A servant was bringing a pot of hot tea from the back kitchen to the pavilion in the courtyard.

To pour tea for the two men!

Li Wenshi waved his hand and said, “We don’t need you here anymore. Go.”

“Yes.”

The servant put down the tea and left.

Li Wenshi smiled and said to Gong Chi across from him, “General Gong, then this matter is settled.”

Gong Chi also smiled until his eyes disappeared. “Naturally, this matter is settled! Wenshu is a good girl. For my Shilin to take her as wife is Shilin’s good fortune.”

“What words are these, General Gong? Your Shilin is a scholar, exceptionally talented, and handsome—how many young ladies from prestigious families want to enter your Gong family’s gates? Rather, my Wenshu may not be worthy of Shilin.”

“You and I need not be so polite with each other. Now that you and I can become in-laws, from now on we’ll be one family.”

“Yes, yes, yes.” Li Wenshi raised the teacup in his hand. “Come, let’s drink tea in place of wine.”

The two drank a cup.

Gong Chi put down his teacup, his brow showing more concern as he asked, “By the way, why haven’t we seen Wenshu and Li Cheng return after so long?”

Li Wenshi sighed, “They said they encountered something on the road and might be delayed for some time. They’ll probably return in a few days. As you know, Cheng’er has a wild temperament—if he doesn’t make enough trouble on the road, he won’t feel comfortable.”

A tone of disappointment at his failure to meet expectations!

After listening, Gong Chi said, “Actually, Cheng’er is a very clever child, just with a slightly wayward temperament. After all, he’s still young and doesn’t consider many things thoroughly. But after a few more years he’ll be fine! By then, he’ll definitely settle down. You don’t need to worry too much.”

“That’s what people say, but… ah, let’s not talk about this. Anyway, I just hope he doesn’t cause trouble outside!”

“Cheng’er knows his limits—he won’t provoke anything.”

“I hope so!” Li Wenshi sighed.

After finishing his tea, Gong Chi worried again, “Wenshu has stayed at the academy for so long—I wonder if she’ll adapt after returning?”

“There’s no need to worry about that. Although she left Gaoding for two years, she’s not like other young ladies from great families who are delicate.”

“True!” Gong Chi said, “If Wenshu were male, she would definitely be your right-hand man.”

Speaking of this, it was Li Wenshi’s greatest regret. He sighed, “Isn’t it so? Wenshu is not only intelligent but has greater ambitions than many men. It’s just that heaven is blind and wrongly gave her a female body. But since things are already this way, there’s nothing to be done. It’s just that Cheng’er is really too useless. If he had half of Wenshu’s sense, I wouldn’t worry myself sick over him.”

Li Wenshi had three children in total! His eldest son Li Qiao currently held an important position at court, responsible for protecting the King of Huyi and the palace’s safety—one could say he was the person closest to the King of Huyi. The King of Huyi had even wanted to recognize Li Qiao as an adopted son back then, but at that time many matters were piling up together, so it was delayed. The King of Huyi never brought it up again.

Li Wenshi’s favorite was his daughter Li Wenshu, while his greatest worry was his youngest son Li Cheng.

Gong Chi suddenly asked again, “By the way, have you mentioned this marriage to Wenshu?”

Li Wenshi shook his head. “I’ll tell her when she returns.”

“Will she be unwilling?” “Children’s marriage is always decided by parents’ orders and matchmakers’ words. Wenshu has always been obedient—she will definitely agree. Moreover, Shilin is a great talented scholar, Wenshu loves reading, and from childhood has liked those literati. So what reason would there be to refuse?” Li Wenshi thought he understood his daughter very well.

Gong Chi said, “I did tell Shilin. He’s always liked your Wenshu. When I mentioned this matter, he was so happy.”

“Then when Wenshu returns, we’ll settle this matter as soon as possible, lest there be complications from delay.”

“Exactly.”

After discussing the two families’ marriage, naturally they should also discuss political matters.

Gong Chi said, “By the way, recently the King’s health has been getting worse and worse. He’s summoned me into the palace multiple times to discuss the matter of establishing an heir. I don’t dare say much—I can only listen and echo a few words on the side, lest the King become suspicious and think I already have an opinion.” Li Wenshi stroked his beard and thought with narrowed eyes, “The King has always favored the Third Prince, but the Second Prince is the most suitable candidate for heir apparent—this is something everyone knows in their hearts. Plus, over these years, the Second Prince has achieved countless merits, and more and more people stand behind him. Although the Third Prince has the King’s favor, in some areas he’s not as good as the Second Prince. The King’s mind isn’t muddled—he’s just still deliberating. Looking at it now, there’s indeed a great possibility he’ll establish the Second Prince as heir apparent.”

“But you and I are standing on the Third Prince’s side.”

Gong Chi said in a reminder tone.

The two had always been standing on the Third Prince’s side. After all, the Third Prince was deeply favored by the King of Huyi. He was the person most likely to become the next King of Huyi!