“These are the rules!”

This wasn’t the first time Li Cheng had heard the word “rules.”

His ears felt like they were developing calluses.

“What rules or not! In any case, I’ve already brought people here. Whether you want us to or not, we’re investigating. Hurry up and step aside—don’t waste my time.” Li Cheng was completely impolite.

He absolutely had to investigate.

Official Xiao He had, after all, been in official circles for so many years.

Dealing with Li Cheng, he could still handle it with ease.

So he said, “Young Master Cheng, my meaning is still the same as before. Coming to the literary hall to investigate a case is no problem, but you must have the Ministry of Justice’s approval. If they agree, no matter how many people you bring, I’ll let you all enter openly to investigate. But right now, that’s not possible.”

“I’ve already brought people here. There’s no reason to go back.”

“Young Master Cheng should go to the Ministry of Justice first.”

“You…”

“In any case, without approval from above, I won’t let you enter.”

Stubborn!

Official Xiao He’s attitude was extremely resolute.

This made Li Cheng so angry his eyes bulged.

“You’re even more difficult to deal with than that Official Zhong at the Ministry of Justice.”

Previously when he went to the Ministry of Justice to retrieve Du Mubai’s case file, he was also refused by Official Zhong with just a few words. He was already furious then. Now encountering someone even more formidable than Official Zhong, who spoke in a strictly rule-bound manner that left no room for maneuvering.

And even more detestable!

Official Xiao He’s expression didn’t change. He continued, “Today, no matter who it is, they would block Young Master Cheng just as I am. So I hope Young Master Cheng won’t make things difficult for me. Please return.”

Therefore, he absolutely would not back down.

Not even one step.

Just when Li Cheng was completely out of options—

A person walked out from behind him.

Ji Yinshu, dressed in elegant men’s clothing, her expression calm.

She cupped her hands toward Official Xiao He.

When Official Xiao He saw her, he was slightly surprised.

He looked her up and down.

Then asked, “You’re Master Ji?”

He hadn’t met that legendary Master Ji who could draw portraits from bones.

Ji Yinshu said, “Yes.”

“I’ve long admired your reputation.”

How polite.

Ji Yinshu said directly, “My lord, actually, coming to the literary hall today to investigate Du Mubai’s case was my idea.”

Yours?

“Master Ji, you’re not a government official.” Official Xiao He reminded her.

Ji Yinshu was very calm. She said, “I’m truly not a government official, nor am I from the Ministry of Justice. I’m just an ordinary commoner. But my lord, you keep saying you won’t let us enter to investigate because we haven’t obtained the Ministry of Justice’s approval—only if the Ministry of Justice agrees to reopen the case can we enter. However, my lord seems to have overlooked one point.”

“What?”

“To reopen a case, don’t we need evidence?”

“That’s naturally the case.”

“Since evidence is needed to reopen a case, if you don’t let me enter to investigate, where would we get evidence to take to the Ministry of Justice to reopen the case? Right now, the evidence that can prove Du Mubai was murdered is inside. Does my lord intend to block that as well? Also, the deceased in the stone case at the city gate this time is related to Du Mubai. These two cases may seem unconnected, but they’re secretly linked. Even if we’re not entering for Du Mubai’s sake, we must definitely enter to investigate for the stone case. If my lord obstructs this, wouldn’t that be hindering the Ministry of Justice’s work? This charge… seems rather serious. Can my lord bear such responsibility?”

Uh!

A series of questions completely stunned Official Xiao He.

Li Cheng stood at her side, turning his head to look at her.

With the expression of a complete fanboy.

Staring with adoring eyes.

Worshipping her to death.

Thinking: Young Master Ji still has the best methods.

And while Official Xiao He was stunned—

Jingrong and Bai Yin, who had been silently standing behind, looked at Ji Yinshu ahead.

Both their eyes carried a gleam!

Bai Yin smiled, then moved closer to Jingrong and said quietly, “I must say, Yunshu is very charismatic.”

Jingrong curved his lips in a smile, gazing at his woman’s back. He said, “This is the person I love!”

Extremely resolute!

Extremely proud.

Bai Yin was fed a mouthful of their affection!

Though Official Xiao He had suppressed Li Cheng, he was now suppressed by Ji Yinshu’s words just now.

He was actually somewhat at a loss for words.

After pausing a moment, he said, “Master Ji, you…”

“What? Does my lord not agree?”

“Of course not.”

“Since that’s not the case, then please do us a favor, my lord. Let us go in and verify once, and we’ll know whether Du Mubai committed suicide or was murdered.”

“…”

“My lord keeps talking about rules and procedures, so let’s follow the procedures. As long as we have evidence proving Du Mubai was murdered, then following the procedures at that point—wouldn’t that conform to the rules?” Ji Yinshu said.

Regarding procedures, Ji Yinshu was very clear!

She had served as Judicial Intendant and was more qualified than anyone present to speak of rules and procedures.

Just when Official Xiao He was left speechless, Li Cheng quickly said, “Everything that needed to be said has been said. Now what more do you have to say? We need to enter and investigate. If we’re delayed, that’s hindering official business.”

A very serious charge!

Official Xiao He’s expression was ugly.

He felt he had encountered a formidable opponent.

He swallowed nervously.

Helplessly he said, “Fine, I can let you enter. However…”

“However what?”

“We still need to wait a bit. After all, this is the literary hall. Inside live students who’ve come to take the examinations. If we disturb something, I’m afraid it would have a bad effect.”

“What do you intend to do?” Li Cheng’s tone carried interrogation.

And a hint of provocation.

With an expression of “if you dare not let me in, I’ll kill you.”

Official Xiao He didn’t dare truly enrage this young ancestor. If the literary hall were smashed up, that would be terrible. Everything should wait until after notifying the Marquis of Pingyang before deciding.

So now, he needed to delay as much time as possible—delay until the Marquis of Pingyang issued his orders.

He said, “I need to inform the students in the literary hall first, to avoid any negative effects.”

“How long will that take?”

“That’s hard to say—there are many students in the literary hall.”

Li Cheng said, “Are you deliberately trying to keep me out?”

“Young Master Cheng, I’ve agreed to let you enter, but after all, this is the literary hall, a place where scholars live. No matter what, things must be properly arranged first.”

“You…” Li Cheng grew anxious.

Ji Yinshu immediately stopped him, saying, “Fine, then we’ll wait in the main hall first. After you’ve made arrangements, my lord, we’ll go over.”

“Good!”

Ji Yinshu wasn’t foolish.

Actually, she knew Official Xiao He must definitely be scheming something—perhaps notifying someone.

She also wanted to see exactly who he was notifying!

Li Cheng then brought everyone inside, sitting in the hall.

Official Xiao He ordered people to pour tea and bring over heating braziers.

Then he quietly left and asked his subordinate, “How is it? Have we successfully notified the Marquis of Pingyang?”

That person said, “Still don’t know.”

“We can’t keep waiting like this. Go again.”

“Yes!” So that person also hurried off.