Suspended authority!
Suspended authority again!
If Qin Shiyu was the first person, then now Ji Yinshu had become the second.
This was undoubtedly making Emperor Qi Zhen slap himself loudly once again. To negotiate terms with him in front of so many people, and about opening the coffins at Duke Yuguo’s manor, no less.
Absolutely audacious!
However, this was after all a pit Emperor Qi Zhen had dug himself. If he didn’t agree to Ji Yinshu’s request now, wouldn’t he become a tyrannical emperor?
Dumping the disappearance case on her while forbidding her to mention opening Duke Yuguo’s manor coffins?
Then it would truly become a case of only allowing Emperor Qi Zhen to set fires while not allowing Ji Yinshu to light lamps!
“You’re saying you want me to agree to open coffins and examine bodies in Duke Yuguo’s manor case?” Emperor Qi Zhen asked again.
“Yes.”
Emperor Qi Zhen’s expression darkened. He placed his hands on his thighs and lightly clapped them, his voice solemn. “It seems Qin Shiyu has set a good precedent.”
Ji Yinshu didn’t look directly at Emperor Qi Zhen on the dragon throne, her tone light. “If Your Majesty feels this commoner’s condition is inappropriate, then consider this commoner never mentioned it.”
…
Interesting!
This was clearly advancing by retreating. Emperor Qi Zhen wasn’t stupid either.
He smiled strangely and said, “Fine, I agree. If you can solve this disappearance case, I can issue an edict to open the coffins. However, Duke Yuguo’s family of five has already been buried in the imperial mausoleum and cannot be disturbed. If coffins are to be opened, only those at Lin Mountain can be opened.”
How straightforward!
“This commoner thanks Your Majesty.” Ji Yinshu bowed.
Immediately, Emperor Qi Zhen waved his hand. “Enough. Today is after all Consort Xiao’s birthday. This matter will not be discussed further today.”
Rising, Ji Yinshu returned to her seat.
The dancing girls entered, and the great hall became lively again.
From beginning to end, Ji Yinshu remained extremely cool and aloof!
Jingrong leaned slightly toward her, saying softly, “You truly weren’t afraid the Emperor would issue an edict to execute you?”
She wasn’t afraid to admit it. “Afraid!”
“Then just now you…”
“Without taking a risk to try, how would I know if it would work? Moreover, if His Majesty had truly executed me just now, the title of tyrant would naturally belong to him alone.”
Jingrong’s brow suddenly furrowed. “Those two words—don’t mention them casually.”
“Which two words?”
“The words ‘tyrant.'”
Pff!
Ji Yinshu smiled with lowered eyes, the corners of her lips lifting, and made no further response.
But Jingrong’s face twitched. This woman had actually trapped him. Taking a breath, he sat back upright in his original position.
In the distance, Jing Yi shook his head in secret admiration!
Ji Yinshu?
“This person is truly interesting!”
At this moment, Jing Xuan came in from outside and silently sat down beside Ji Yinshu.
A small, delicate face leaned toward her, tugging at her sleeve, eyes full of curiosity and admiration.
She asked, “Hey, who are you really?”
Ji Yinshu only squinted at her. How did this girl come over?
“The princess should sit farther away. After all, men and women should keep their distance.”
“How did you know I’m a princess?”
If she didn’t know, wouldn’t she be a fool?
Pressing her lips together, she simply stopped talking.
Yet Jing Xuan was someone who liked to wear down people’s patience. She tugged Ji Yinshu’s sleeve again, like sticky candy.
Continuing, “Just now I heard everything from outside. Can you really solve the Linjing Case? When I was young, I heard people mention it a few times, but it’s been fourteen years. Others couldn’t solve it—can you really? Also, this disappearance case, I’ve heard several palace maids around me discuss it. They’ve investigated for a long time without any clues. You’re not just boasting, are you? Be careful Father Emperor doesn’t chop off your head.”
“…”
“Hey, this princess is talking to you.”
“This commoner is listening.” She replied with a few light words.
Jing Xuan bit her red lips, cupping her cheek as she scrutinized her carefully. She couldn’t help reaching out to lift her mask, but before her hand touched it, Jingrong stopped her.
Her wrist caught in time, Jingrong still looked at her coldly. “Go to your own seat.”
“Imperial Brother.”
“Go quickly!”
Looking very petulant, she took one more good look at Ji Yinshu before reluctantly walking away, returning to her own seat, though her gaze kept staring at Ji Yinshu.
Full of curiosity!
After the songs and dances ended, everyone presented their gifts.
Especially Prince Yi’s gift was the most precious—a Herb of Eight Immortals that had grown for five years and been cultivated for five years. It was said he had spent half a year searching for it. This gift naturally made Consort Xiao very happy.
His Majesty also bestowed much gold and silver. Consort Xiao’s birthday banquet was considered complete.
After leaving the palace and returning to Prince Rong’s manor, Jingrong grabbed Ji Yinshu’s hand. He opened his mouth as if wanting to say something.
After thinking…
“Never mind.” Having spoken, he released her and said again, “You solved a difficult problem for this prince. This prince owes you one.”
“This matter concerns the Linjing Case. Solving a difficult problem for Your Highness—didn’t it also solve a difficult problem for me?”
“Your words always make it difficult for this prince to continue.” Sighing lightly: “Tomorrow, the Capital Magistrate will send all the materials on the disappearance case to you. Tonight, rest well.”
“Mm!”
“Don’t worry. This prince will help you.”
“Mm!”
Jingrong looked at her, then walked away without looking back.
Ji Yinshu returned to the courtyard. Wei Yi had already gone to sleep. She also washed up and went to bed to rest.
The next day.
All the materials on the disappearance case were personally delivered to Prince Rong’s manor by the Capital Magistrate.
You must know, after investigating for two months without finding any clues, now that someone was taking over this hot potato, he truly wanted to bow three times properly.
A large pile of materials was stacked on the desk in Ji Yinshu’s room.
The Capital Magistrate clasped his hands and very politely bowed to Ji Yinshu.
“I’ve heard Master Ji is an extraordinary person whom even Prince Rong admires greatly. You must certainly have exceptional abilities. What you did and said in the palace yesterday also made this official greatly admire you.”
“The Capital Magistrate overstates. I’m just a common person. This tall hat really doesn’t fit me.”
“It fits, it fits! For Master Ji to be so valued by Prince Rong and to gain His Majesty’s approval to open coffins and examine bodies in Duke Yuguo’s manor case—clearly Master Ji is no ordinary junior. This official rarely admires people. Master Ji, you are one.”
“I don’t deserve it!”
She truly didn’t know how to decline!
Could only laugh dryly.
Then quickly turning to the main topic, Ji Yinshu asked, “This case—has there been any progress?”
The Capital Magistrate smiled awkwardly and shook his head!
Fine, Ji Yinshu stopped asking.
The Capital Magistrate had many affairs to attend to and didn’t stay long. Lifting his robe, he hurriedly left again.
Ji Yinshu flipped through those materials. Very detailed.
Which household lost whom, the age of the missing person and various data—everything was complete.
Closing the materials, she casually tossed them aside.
“All raised on ink and water!”
These words were full of sarcasm.
Not doing practical work, only doing paperwork—also gave one a headache. If this were modern times, encountering such officials, the entire nation would probably revolt.
Suddenly, she missed the county magistrate a bit. At least he truly broke his heart working for the common people.
At this moment, Wei Yi came in from outside, holding a broken plum blossom in his hand.
“Shu’er.”
He called softly.
Ji Yinshu sat at the desk and glanced at him. “What is it?”
“Didn’t you promise to take me to eat meat? The meat here isn’t good. Will you take me out to eat, please?”
“Now?”
“Mm mm.” He nodded heavily.
She glanced outside. It wasn’t raining, and the weather was still fairly good.
She had originally promised to bring Wei Yi to the capital to eat meat. She couldn’t go back on her word!
“All right.”