A fine drizzle began to fall outside, and faint white mist rose in the air, swirling within one’s line of sight like an ethereal fairyland.

The rain threads drifted diagonally into the pavilion with the gentle breeze.

Occasionally, one or two droplets splashed onto Ji Yunshu’s face, feeling somewhat cool and warm.

A visitor approached the pavilion, dressed in a long ink-black robe with auspicious cloud embroidery along the edges, a translucent purple jade pendant hanging at his waist. His hair was bound high, with a gray-white ribbon tied to the crown and falling to his waist. This person had handsome features and an imposing bearing, his entire being exuding an air of wisdom. Those eyes were both gentle and proud—if one gazed too long, one would become deeply entranced.

He was an elegant and graceful gentleman.

However, his intentions were not benevolent!

Wen Shisan entered, cupped his hands and bowed, “Greetings, Prince.”

Jing Yi: “Shisan, there are no outsiders here, no need for such formality.”

“Thank you, Prince.”

“This prince shall introduce you to someone.” Jing Yi was very enthusiastic, his gaze turning toward Ji Yunshu sitting opposite, raising his hand to make introductions. “This is the renowned Mr. Ji from the capital. Not only is he exceptional at solving cases, he can also reconstruct faces from bones. The sensational missing persons case that shocked the capital was solved entirely by his hand. Furthermore, he is highly valued by both His Majesty and Prince Rong, truly a rare talent.”

Thank you for the praise!

Wen Shisan bowed to her, “I am Wen Shisan. I have long heard of Mr. Ji’s exceptional intelligence. The countless cases solved by your hand have all been brought to light, every single one revealed in truth. Meeting you today is truly Wen’s honor.”

Though gentle and courteous, he clearly had the heart of a wolf and tiger.

But out of politeness, Ji Yunshu stood and returned the bow, “Master Wen is too kind.”

Her tone was cool!

“Wen has learned that the ‘Linjing Case’ has now been taken on by Mr. Ji. The case of Duke Yuguo’s estate from fourteen years ago involved over seventy skeletal remains burned to death. If one is to investigate, it won’t be simple—after all, it’s been fourteen years, and they died by fire. I truly admire you, sir. But if there’s anything you need help with, or rather, if you encounter something difficult with those skeletal remains, just say the word. I would be most willing to assist and resolve any problems for you, sir.”

What?

Ji Yunshu’s eyes widened slightly, not in surprise, but in astonishment as she looked at the man before her.

Meanwhile, Jing Yi held his tea, took a sip, gazed at the half cup in his hand, gently swirled it, then raised his head indifferently and stood up, saying, “This prince forgot to introduce him to you, Mr. Ji. This person is Wen Shisan, a retainer this prince has recruited, and also a capable assistant. Like you, Mr. Ji, he is also talented, an extraordinary person who has solved countless cases. Last year’s serial family annihilation case in Jiangzhen was solved by Shisan in merely three days. Not only the annihilation case, but also the terrifying White Bone Murder Case in Liusu County was solved by him, bringing the true culprit to justice. And not only that…”

He paused!

He revealed a face full of pride, meeting Ji Yunshu’s consistently cold gaze, his thin lips parting, “He can also reconstruct faces from bones.”

Showing off!

So he was a fellow practitioner!

Wen Shisan?

Ji Yunshu had not heard this name before.

She had only heard the name Zhou San, a villain who had parted ways with her four years ago!

Ji Yunshu’s brow furrowed, her words calm, “I did not expect Master Wen to possess such abilities. I, on the other hand, am merely a scholar and naturally cannot compare.”

“Why must you be so modest, sir?” Wen Shisan said, “Your great name, sir, I had already heard before coming to the capital. If I could solve cases together with you, Wen would truly die without regrets!”

I don’t believe you’d actually go die!

Jingrong picked up the conversation, “Mr. Ji, this prince originally wanted to extend an olive branch to you, thinking to have you work with Shisan to help this prince solve cases. But how could I know that you would be just like Jingrong—stubborn and inflexible. One could clearly be a carefree prince in comfort at the Yu estate, but insists on returning to the capital only to bloody his head against the wall. And the other could clearly help this prince solve the case and safely bring that fool home, yet insists on trampling this prince’s goodwill underfoot. This prince is truly both heartbroken and deeply disappointed!”

He displayed a look of distress.

Disgusting!

Ji Yunshu felt her stomach churning. Just looking at Jing Yi’s face made her feel utterly nauseated.

She lifted her chin slightly, resolute, “You abducted Wei Yi precisely to coerce Prince Rong and me, didn’t you? You want to achieve your goals—forgive me for being unable to cooperate.” Then she glanced at Wen Shisan and smiled lightly, “Since Master Wen can solve cases and also reconstruct faces from bones, with you helping Prince Yi, I shall simply sit back and watch the show.”

Wen Shisan responded, “Wen cannot compare to you, Mr. Ji. Now that the prince sincerely wishes you to handle the case, why must you refuse his goodwill? Moreover, not being able to solve this case together with you is truly regrettable.”

“No need for regrets!” she said coldly, “You and I becoming opponents is far more interesting than cooperation.”

Hmm?

Opponents?

So she means…

Ji Yunshu: “Originally, I did not intend to take on this Dry Well Case, but at this very moment, I have decided to help Prince Rong find the murderer and bring them to justice without mercy.”

Her words rang out with determination.

Wen Shisan: “How extremely interesting. Since that is the case, then Wen shall give his full effort and seek instruction from you, sir.”

He cupped his hands.

Ji Yunshu nodded slightly, looked toward Jing Yi, “I still have important matters. Thank you for the tea, Prince. I take my leave.”

“Farewell, Mr. Ji.”

She prepared to step forward!

But just as she took two steps, passing by Wen Shisan, whether the man did it intentionally or not, he actually stuck out his foot and tripped her.

She stumbled suddenly, her body pitching straight forward.

Fortunately, Wen Shisan reached out to steady her.

The next moment, Ji Yunshu immediately sprang away, glaring at him fiercely.

“Mr. Ji must be careful—it’s raining today, and the ground is very slippery.”

“Thank you, Master Wen.”

“No need.”

Immediately after, Ji Yunshu’s slender figure stepped into the rain.

Moving forward into the rain.

Watching that figure, Wen Shisan’s eyes grew somber, though a smile played at the corner of his mouth.

Counting the time, it had been about four years since they’d last met!

He probably never thought he would come back.

After she left, Jing Yi’s face grew serious as he asked, “Shisan, do you have confidence in this case?”

Wen Shisan: “The prince appreciates and values Wen. Wen will certainly help the prince find the murderer.”

“As long as you can solve this case, this prince will reward you handsomely.”

“Thank you, Prince.”

…

Ji Yunshu left Prince Yi’s estate. Shi Zijin waited for her at the gate, now holding two umbrellas, handing one to her.

She took it and opened it over her head.

“Where does sir wish to go?”

“Prince Rong’s estate.”

Shi Zijin didn’t ask questions, merely following silently behind.

Ji Yunshu held the umbrella in front, seemingly gripping something in her palm. She opened her hand—it was a small rolled-up paper note.

It was what Wen Shisan had secretly slipped into her palm when he steadied her.

She unfolded it!

Written on it in very neat characters was a single line: Master, long time no see.

Her face darkened. She gritted her teeth, crumpled it into a ball, and casually tossed it on the ground.

It gradually became soaked by the rain!