The warmth of her family’s concern touched Zhu Yan’s heart. She shook her head and said, “It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it. I’m doing very well in the Shen household. It’s just that the food doesn’t quite suit my taste, so I came home for a meal. That’s all.”
As she spoke, Zhu Yan quickly took a few bites of food. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she looked towards her third sister and brother-in-law.
“By the way, Third Sister, you and Brother-in-law should be careful. The recent case is quite complicated, and I’m worried it might involve you.”
Hearing this, Han Shiyuan’s expression changed. “Have they found anything related to us?”
“No,” Zhu Yan shook her head while eating. “I just feel this case isn’t simple. I’m just giving you a heads-up.”
Hearing Zhu Yan say this, everyone relaxed and returned to the warm atmosphere of the family dinner.
At that moment, a servant of the Zhu family hurriedly came to report that the Grand Commander had arrived.
Upon hearing this news, Zhu Yan almost choked on her food. She quickly put down her chopsticks and took a deep breath. Her mind was filled with confusion. Why had he come too?
Before she could finish her thought, Shen Du had already arrived in the main hall. Seeing the Zhu family gathered together for dinner, he felt a sudden stirring in his heart.
“The Grand Commander is here. Quick… quick, take the seat of honor,” Zhu Kuo hurriedly welcomed him, instructing a servant to add another set of bowls and chopsticks.
Mrs. Jin, sitting nearby, quickly exchanged places with Zhu Yan, leaving the two seats of honor for Shen Du and Zhu Yan. After all, rank took precedence, even in a family gathering.
Shen Du didn’t say much, simply sitting among everyone, watching the Zhu family eat their lively dinner. His heart was filled with unusual emotions.
It was at this moment that he suddenly understood the source of Zhu Yan’s determined and optimistic nature.
Tonight’s dinner was very warm, free from the troubles of cases and official ranks.
During the meal, Shen Du even picked up some dishes for Zhu Yan with his chopsticks. Though his expression was serious and affectionate, the reactions of those present varied.
Whether it was genuine or feigned, no one could tell, nor did they dare to comment.
After dinner, the servants set out tea, and the family sat together to enjoy tea and admire the moon.
This was a rare moment of peace and leisure, and Shen Du also enjoyed this moment.
Zhu Yan sat beside him, her chin resting on one hand as she gazed at the full moon in the sky. Suddenly, as if thinking of something, she turned her gaze to Han Shiyuan.
“By the way, Third Brother-in-law, on a night with such a full moon, do you ever think of your own family?”
Hearing this, Han Shiyuan’s face darkened. “I… I don’t have any family left.”
“…” Zhu Yan felt a bit awkward but pressed on, “Then… what happened to them?”
“It’s all in the past. Let’s not speak of it,” Han Shiyuan politely declined to answer Zhu Yan’s question.
But his face remained dark as if hiding something. Zhu Yan noticed this and glanced at Shen Du beside her.
Shen Du spoke up, “Do you not want to tell everyone?”
Hearing this, everyone present realized something was amiss and looked questioningly at Han Shiyuan.
Han Shiyuan’s expression changed slightly, his eyes showing a hint of panic. “Tell everyone what? Caiwei and I are truly in love. Isn’t that enough?”
“Even if two people are truly in love, they should understand each other’s family matters. What you’re doing is marriage fraud, do you know that?” Shen Du’s cold questioning left everyone present feeling confused. Marriage fraud was no joking matter.
“What are you saying? What marriage fraud?” Zhu Yan gripped Shen Du’s arm, questioning in confusion.
Everyone around fixed their gaze on Shen Du, seemingly wanting to get answers from him.
Han Shiyuan’s expression was very unpleasant as if he had some unspeakable secret he didn’t want to reveal but was afraid Shen Du would expose.
“What’s going on? Do you know something?” Zhu Yan continued to press.
Shen Du no longer concealed anything. His eyes, dark and determined, looked at Han Shiyuan. “Young Master Han is the brother of the current Minister Zhang Baohuan.”
Hearing this, everyone present was shocked. Han Shiyuan was Zhang Baohuan’s brother? This was unbelievable!
Before anyone could recover, Shen Du stepped forward and looked at Han Shiyuan with a scrutinizing gaze. “Since you’re Zhang Baohuan’s brother, why didn’t you use Zhang Baohuan’s position to protect yourself from Princess Yong’an’s harm?”
This was a question Shen Du couldn’t understand, and he wanted an answer from Han Shiyuan.
Hearing this, Han Shiyuan suddenly showed deep disgust. “What brothers? I don’t understand what Commander Shen is talking about. I have no relation to Minister Zhang. Commander Shen must have made a mistake.”
“A mistake?” Shen Du retorted, then asked, “Then you once had a sister. Is that also a mistake?”
Han Shiyuan’s expression became even more unpleasant. The disgust in his eyes remained firm, along with much displeasure. He glared fiercely at Shen Du.
“Commander Shen, everyone calls you the White King of Hell, but you can’t abuse your power to slander others. I have no relation to Zhang Baohuan, and that’s that. No matter how deeply you investigate, there is no connection between us!”
Shen Du laughed coldly. He certainly wouldn’t believe he had made a mistake in his investigation.
“Years ago, the Jinxiu House case involved many people. The owner and head embroiderer of Jinxiu House was beheaded because of the case, and her entire family was killed. Are you saying this has nothing to do with you either?”
As if mentioning a deep wound in his heart, Han Shiyuan’s whole body shuddered.
His fists were tightly clenched, making cracking sounds. Everyone noticed his change and was quite surprised.
“If Jinxiu House has nothing to do with you, why are you so agitated?” Shen Du continued coldly. “The head embroiderer of Jinxiu House should be your sister, right?”
With these words, everyone present was even more shocked.
Zhu Yan immediately thought of something. Years ago, the Jinxiu House case involved many people, and the manager’s entire family was beheaded, and implicated in the crime.
But if it was such a serious crime involving the execution of nine generations of the family, why was Han Shiyuan still alive?
Zhu Yan couldn’t understand. There must be some bigger secret here.
Zhang Baohuan had the status and position to protect himself, which was understandable. But Han Shiyuan should have been a nobody at the time and should have been executed in that unjust case. Why was he still alive now?
“No.” Han Shiyuan’s eyes were bloodshot as if suppressing a frenzied emotion within him.
“You’re all wrong. I have no connection to Jinxiu House and even less to Zhang Baohuan!”
Han Shiyuan shouted angrily, but whether there was any real connection or not, everyone already knew in their hearts.
The old case had been brought up again, and everyone felt pained by it. If he truly had no connection to these matters, why would he be so agitated?