And this disappearance case!

After investigating for two months, it was indeed extremely difficult.

Aside from that one naked corpse, there was essentially nothing.

Whether this piece of white cloth was related to this case or not was unknown.

Ji Yinshu pulled her thoughts back and glanced at Jingrong’s chest, asking, “Is Your Highness’s injury better?”

“You’re concerned about this prince?”

“Your Highness was injured saving me after all. How could I not be concerned?”

This warmed Jingrong’s heart somewhat. He raised his hand and lightly patted his chest, saying, “I already told you it’s a minor injury, not fatal.”

“…”

It had clearly been words of concern, but somehow Jingrong’s response had twisted the meaning a bit.

Immediately after, Jingrong continued, “For now, you should set aside matters regarding the case. Although time is pressing, what’s most important is your health. It doesn’t matter that this prince suffered a small injury, but the injuries on your body need proper care. As for other matters, this prince will have people investigate.”

“Other matters? What does Your Highness mean?”

“The incident at Liang Mountain happened only a few hours ago. Those who injured our people—do they think they can get away scot-free?”

“So…”

“In any case, you don’t need to worry about this matter. Focus on recovering from your injuries—that’s most urgent. Don’t leave any lingering ailments, or in the future, it won’t be good for childbearing.”

Wait—

Childbearing?

Yes, Ji Yinshu confirmed she hadn’t misheard.

The corner of her eye twitched, her neck stiffened accordingly, and she averted her gaze. “Please watch your words, Your Highness.”

Jingrong was nonchalant, instead acting confused as he asked, “Why should I watch my words? The two of us have already embraced and slept together—this is an indisputable fact. Since ancient times, a woman’s chastity has been most important. This prince has slept with you and even kissed you while naked. Naturally, no one else would be willing to marry you now. This prince is condescending to your level—shouldn’t you be laughing secretly?”

Hey, hey, hey!

You’re getting a bit too full of yourself!

Whatever trace of guilt and gratitude Ji Yinshu had felt toward him in her heart was completely dispelled by his words.

They say that ancient princes were aloof and proud, sparing with words, and even kept their distance from women.

Yet Jingrong was different.

Perhaps from when he was still an embryo, his chromosomes had mutated.

Yes, it must be so!

Catching Ji Yinshu’s look of disdain and helplessness, the corner of Jingrong’s mouth curved upward.

“Is this prince wrong?”

No, no, no—everything you say is right.

Black lines appearing on her forehead, she stood up and looked at the plum blossom tree swaying in the cold wind in the courtyard, saying, “I will forget about last night’s events, and I also ask Your Highness to forget them. After all, before entering the capital, I told Your Highness that you are a prince, while I am merely a commoner.”

“You need not remind this prince again.”

Jingrong stood up and took a step closer to her.

But…

She retreated a step backward, once again creating distance, saying seriously, “Since Your Highness agreed to this, you should keep your word.”

“What if this prince goes back on his word?”

“Then I will immediately leave the capital.”

She wasn’t just talking!

Jingrong saw such determination in her eyes that a sharp pain struck his heart. Forcing himself to endure it, the corners of his mouth gradually developed a hint of bitterness.

He asked her, “It seems that in this world, only you can threaten this prince.”

“…”

She quietly retreated another step backward, averting her gaze, afraid that the inexplicable emotion in her eyes would show and be seen by Jingrong.

Seeing her like this, Jingrong’s heart sank.

“Why are you standing so far away? This prince already said he won’t eat you. You’re still injured—sit down properly.”

As he spoke, Jingrong took two steps forward and reached out to grab her arm, but this only made Ji Yinshu retreat several more steps backward.

Though her escape was fast enough, the piece of white cloth in her hand was firmly grasped by Jingrong.

Startled, she released her grip. The white cloth slipped from her fingertips and fell into Jingrong’s hand. The next moment, Jingrong also released his grip, and the white cloth was blown by the wind right before their eyes, falling into the nearby water wheel pool.

“Ah!”

Ji Yinshu was greatly alarmed. If that was evidence, it couldn’t get wet.

But it was too late!

The white cloth fell into the water without error.

Jingrong was also anxious. Just as he was about to immediately fish out the white cloth, before his hand could reach in, Ji Yinshu blocked him.

“Wait!”

“What’s wrong?”

“Something’s not right!” She furrowed her brows, her gaze fixed on a layer of oil floating on the water’s surface.

Seeing her like this, Jingrong said, “Could it be that there’s a problem with this oil?”

She nodded, her face showing an extremely disgusted expression, her brows knitted together.

“I think I probably know how the murderer secretly transported the deceased out of the city.”

Hearing this left Jingrong completely confused. Before he could react, Ji Yinshu immediately went into the room and came out carrying a sandalwood box.

Very urgently, “I need to go to the Li Manor immediately.”

“Alright.”

Without asking questions, Jingrong immediately ordered someone to prepare a carriage and hurried to the Li Manor.

Along the way, Ji Yinshu also told Jingrong everything she had previously discussed with Li Shiyan.

At this time, the entire Li Manor was hung with white satin. Shui Qing’s corpse had already been brought back to the Li Manor that same day, and tomorrow she would be buried.

The manor’s people immediately went to notify Madam Jiang.

When Madam Jiang came out, her complexion was somewhat better. Seeing Jingrong, she wanted to bow in courtesy but was stopped.

“No need. We’ve come this time because there’s an urgent matter to attend to.”

“Urgent matter? Has the murderer been found?” Madam Jiang’s voice was hoarse.

Ji Yinshu stepped forward and explained the reason. “Madam Jiang, I know Shui Qing is to be buried tomorrow, but the situation is urgent. I hope you can allow me to examine Shui Qing’s body once more.”

“No!”

The speaker was Li Zhao.

He strode forward quickly, his expression extremely fierce, his eyes still carrying hatred as he looked at Ji Yinshu.

Walking before her, he said with a resolute attitude, “I won’t agree. Shui Qing’s hands were cut off by someone, and her stomach was also cut open by you people. Are you still not satisfied? Must you dismember her completely before you’re content?”

What an injustice!

The cut that opened Shui Qing’s stomach was done by that unscrupulous coroner and had nothing to do with her, Ji Yinshu!

This mess had been dumped on her.

It was truly unjust!

But she was too lazy to explain.

She only said, “Young Master Li, Shui Qing was murdered. Don’t you want to find the real killer? I only need to take a piece of skin and flesh from her body for verification. I won’t damage her body.”

“No! I said no means no!” Li Zhao’s face turned red.

But Jingrong wasn’t one to dither. He simply said to Madam Jiang, “Madam Jiang, although this prince cannot use actual authority to command you, if you truly don’t want to find the real murderer, then so be it.”

Madam Jiang hesitated somewhat.

Li Zhao at her side quickly grabbed her, saying, “Elder Sister, you can’t agree!”

“Shui Qing is already dead. If we cannot find the person who killed her, what use is keeping her corpse?” Madam Jiang sighed and looked at Ji Yinshu, nodding. “The body is in the back courtyard. Follow me.”

“Elder Sister…”

Ignoring Li Zhao’s obstruction, Madam Jiang led the way, bringing Ji Yinshu and Jingrong to the mourning hall in the back courtyard.

Immediately after, she had people open the coffin and lift the corpse out from inside.