Someone had died, so the constables naturally had to handle the matter.

Moreover, since Ji Yunshu had stated the cause of death, there was naturally no mistake.

Therefore, the lead constable ordered Ji Muqing to be apprehended.

“Take her to the Capital Magistrate’s Office for the magistrate to decide.”

“Yes!”

Ji Muqing struggled desperately, still shouting that she hadn’t killed anyone. The loose pearl hairpins on her head all fell to the ground in succession.

Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders.

Truly a pitiful sight!

Seeing she was about to be taken away, Ji Wanxin chased after her a few steps but was held back by Ji Yunshu.

“If she didn’t kill anyone, then nothing will happen to her.”

Ji Wanxin immediately grabbed her arm, worried and anxious: “Yunshu, although Elder Sister is usually arrogant and domineering, at the end of the day, she’s our elder sister. You must save her.”

“It’s useless to say these things now. You should immediately go to the General’s Manor and notify Big Brother and Second Brother to have them go to the Capital Magistrate’s Office.”

“Mm!”

Nodding heavily, she then began coughing.

Her face became even paler.

Ji Yunshu put her on the carriage, gave a few instructions to the coachman, then returned to the rouge shop.

Just as she turned around, Ji Wanxin inside the carriage slightly lifted the curtain, looking at her upright and delicate figure.

Who would have thought that the scar on her face…

Was actually gone!

Her brow furrowed tightly. Her slender fingers dropped from the cloth curtain, concealing that fair and clean yet extremely sinister face of hers.

The carriage also headed toward the General’s Manor.

Not long after, the Liang family learned of Miss Liang’s death. Liang Zongzheng even brought his own yamen personnel and directly surrounded the Capital Magistrate’s Office.

He also had his daughter’s corpse moved to the Capital Magistrate’s Office.

Demanding a life for a life!

Seeking justice!

Naturally, Ji Yunshu also went, standing in an inconspicuous place, observing the situation.

“Magistrate Yi (the surname of the Capital Magistrate), this is my only daughter. Now she’s been killed. No matter what, the murderer must be punished.”

His weathered face carried profound grief.

This Liang Zongzheng had always been an inconspicuous person in the court. Though he handled imperial clan affairs, he was as low-profile as a shadow.

Yet it was precisely such a shadow figure who was highly favored before the Emperor.

After all, he was from the Court of Imperial Clan, handling internal imperial family matters.

For this consort selection, he was the “host”!

Although he had long known the Crown Princess candidate was already predetermined, his daughter could still compete for the position of secondary consort. Perhaps if the primary Crown Princess died in the future, his daughter could become legitimate.

But who knew that just as he had finished calculating today, news came that his daughter had been killed.

He nearly tumbled down the steps!

So his current grief and fury were justified.

Naturally, the Capital Magistrate was also a perceptive person. Although he himself was like a discipline secretary, managing all matters big and small within the capital, the Court of Imperial Clan was not only at the same official rank as himself, but they also frequently attended to the Emperor.

Then—

Official rank became merely decorative.

The Capital Magistrate hastily said: “Director Liang, rest assured, this matter will definitely be handled according to the law. You’ve suffered the loss of your daughter—this official understands.”

Understands my ass!

Burning with rage, Liang Zongzheng was both angry and regretful, his eyes reddening as he looked at his daughter wrapped in white cloth.

His heart like dead ashes!

Then he looked toward Ji Muqing, who was kneeling on the ground tidying her appearance, and waved his sleeve.

“A life for a life. You killed my daughter. Don’t think you can escape with your life.”

Ruthless!

Ji Muqing said: “I didn’t kill anyone. She fell on her own. It has nothing to do with me.”

“What an arrogant woman! This happened in full view of everyone, yet you still deny it outright. This old man will take your life today.”

Having spoken, he pulled out the large blade from a constable’s hand, intending to strike.

Fortunately, the Capital Magistrate stopped him!

“Director Liang, you mustn’t! This official will definitely give you an explanation. Please don’t be angry.”

“Stand aside.”

He pushed the Capital Magistrate aside with one hand, raising the large blade to strike at Ji Muqing.

Ji Muqing’s eyes widened as her body fell backward.

Just as the large blade was about to fall, it was instantly deflected by a small stone.

Clang—

The blade left his hand and fell to the ground.

Because the stone’s force was too great, Liang Zongzheng also retreated several steps, his shoulder hitting the Capital Magistrate’s arm behind him.

The next moment—

“Big Brother, Second Brother.”

Ji Muqing, as if grasping a lifeline, sprang up from the ground and ran toward Ji Li and Ji Huan.

One could see Ji Li with a cold expression, accompanied by the fierce-looking Ji Huan and several stalwart soldiers, walking in from outside the door.

Standing ramrod straight!

That imposing and majestic bearing was simply overwhelming!

If the Capital Magistrate and Liang Zongzheng hadn’t heard wrong just now, the murderer had actually called Ji Li and Ji Huan “Big Brother” and “Second Brother”?

Which meant the murderer was none other than the future Crown Princess?

Of course, the Capital Magistrate didn’t know this detail; only Liang Zongzheng understood it in his heart.

The several constables from before were also dumbfounded!

What kind of situation was this?

Hadn’t Master Ji said this person was talking nonsense? How come now she was really calling Ji Li and Ji Huan her elder brothers?

One could see Ji Li carefully protect Ji Muqing behind him, glance at the corpse, then walk toward Liang Zongzheng in his blue jade-inlaid boots.

Coldly saying: “Liang Zongzheng, what does your daughter’s death have to do with my sister?”

A completely “utterly unrelated” expression.

Although Liang Zongzheng had never dealt with Ji Li before, he knew this person was outwardly courteous but actually ruthless.

Otherwise, how could the position of Ministry of War Director be so easy to occupy?

But as the saying goes, reason prevails everywhere under heaven.

Moreover, Liang Zongzheng was now suffering the pain of losing his daughter.

He solemnly declared: “Everyone saw that she personally pushed my daughter, causing her tragic death.”

“Where are the witnesses?”

“Bring them up!”

Liang Zongzheng waved his hand!

Immediately, the female shopkeeper from the rouge shop and two other women who had been present at the time walked in.

They all knelt on the ground together.

Liang Zongzheng said: “You three, tell everything that happened at the time. Do not conceal even half a detail.”

The female shopkeeper and the two other women looked at each other.

After a moment, the female shopkeeper trembled, lowering her head.

She said: “At the time… both young ladies took a liking to the same box of rouge, so they had a verbal dispute. Miss Liang struck first. At the time, there were also many people crowded around, and the two struggled for a while. But because people were packed together, I couldn’t see very clearly. I only saw Miss Liang retreat several steps backward, her feet seeming to step on something, then… she fell backward.”

Having finished, Ji Huan couldn’t restrain himself and stepped forward to question: “So did you personally see who pushed her at the time?”

She shook her head!

Her shoulders shrank even lower.

She said: “I don’t know.”