The next day, in the imperial court, Lai Luozhi reported to the Empress, “Your Majesty, rumors are rampant in Chang’an. The people are speculating that the ‘Buddha Swallowing Sins’ case has begun again. Currently, it’s just hearsay, but if not stopped in time, it may lead to public unrest and panic among the citizens.”
The Empress’s brow furrowed deeply, her authoritative voice echoing through the court, “Wasn’t that case already concluded? Why are there still rumors circulating now? Minister Shen,” she turned her gaze to Shen Du, “Is there any truth to this?”
Shen Du glanced at Lai Luozhi. The two had never been on good terms, and if given the chance to catch the other’s weakness, they wouldn’t hesitate to bring each other down.
Lai Luozhi’s statement was aimed at suggesting that Shen Du hadn’t handled the previous case properly, intending to use this to suppress him.
With the Empress asking, Shen Du had no choice but to respond. He quickly bowed and said, “Your Majesty, the ‘Buddha Swallowing Sins’ case has indeed concluded. The current case is merely imitating the previous one, attempting to confuse the investigation and buy more time for the culprit to continue their crimes.”
Hearing Shen Du’s explanation, the Empress was somewhat reassured. She then asked, “So what exactly is the situation with this current case?”
Shen Du lowered his gaze slightly and replied with clasped hands, “Your Majesty, this case bears a striking resemblance to a case from five years ago. We’ve preliminarily determined it to be the work of one person. However, the culprit from the case five years ago has already been brought to justice. Therefore, I am currently investigating and request Your Majesty’s patience to allow me to uncover the truth.”
“Five years ago?” The Empress’s frown deepened. “Which case from five years ago?”
“The Chen Huoe case,” Shen Du said calmly. Upon hearing this, the Empress’s expression changed slightly.
Five years ago, the Chen Huoe case had caused a sensation throughout Chang’an, spreading fear among the people.
The Empress remembered clearly that when Chen Huoe was executed, she had raved about being reborn after death.
Could it be that it had come true?
After the morning court session, the Empress summoned Shen Du to her study.
With a gloomy expression and furrowed brows, she asked, “Minister Shen, is the current case truly related to the Chen Huoe case?”
Shen Du remained silent, only nodding gravely.
The Empress’s expression grew more worried as she continued, “Could it be that her words about being reborn after death have come true?”
Hearing the Empress’s words, Shen Du quickly bowed and said, “Your Majesty, I have never believed in supernatural phenomena. Even if such things existed, it would be the ghosts in people’s hearts. Please rest assured, I will do my utmost to solve this case as quickly as possible.”
The Empress nodded, slightly relieved, “Very well. With this case in your hands, I can be at ease.”
“This subject will not fail Your Majesty’s expectations and will bring the culprit to justice soon.”
Returning to the Shen residence late at night, Shen Du didn’t see Zhu Yan return, which made him somewhat worried.
Where had this woman gone? Why hadn’t she returned so late? Just as he was about to go out and search for her, Zhu Yan appeared in his sight, looking dejected.
“Where have you been?”
As soon as Zhu Yan stepped into the room, Shen Du asked with a stern face.
Zhu Yan seemed to be in a bad mood, sitting down at the table like a wilted eggplant. “Nowhere special, I just felt stifled and went for a walk.”
“A walk that lasted until now?” Shen Du didn’t believe her.
Zhu Yan sighed, resting her chin on her hands as she confessed, “Alright, I went to the Jinxiu Workshop. Didn’t Yun Que say she saw a ghost there? I thought I’d go and see if I could find any new clues. But when I got there, forget ghosts, I didn’t even see a rat.”
Hearing this, Shen Du’s face immediately darkened, “You went to the Jinxiu Workshop alone?”
“Mm-hmm,” Zhu Yan nodded. “What else? Did you think I’d take Yun Que with me?”
Shen Du’s expression grew even more severe. Of course, that wasn’t what he meant.
He was upset that she had acted alone again, and at night in the Jinxiu Workshop no less. It was far too dangerous – did she not value her life at all?
“This is the last time. It won’t happen again!” Shen Du said coldly. “How many times have I told you, that if you have anything to do, you must tell me in advance? Why do you never listen?”
Zhu Yan was a bit bewildered. She had only explored the Jinxiu Workshop at night, why was Shen Du making it sound so serious as if she had committed some unforgivable crime?
Seeing Zhu Yan’s silence, Shen Du assumed she had realized her mistake and softened his tone, “So many people died unjustly at the Jinxiu Workshop. Even if we don’t believe in ghosts and spirits, that place is filled with resentment. It’s best if you don’t go there alone in the future.”
At this point, Zhu Yan suddenly realized Shen Du’s meaning.
So he had been worried about her.
Her face grew hot, and she nodded.
The next day, as Zhu Yan was patrolling the streets, she suddenly noticed a group of people pushing and shoving ahead, accompanied by the sound of arguments.
Curious and thinking there might be some excitement to see, Zhu Yan hurried forward. As she entered the crowd, she discovered that the leader of this group was no ordinary person, but Princess Yong’an, the English King!
At this moment, Princess Yong’an was behaving unusually. Though her voice was soft, her words were cutting, “You’re leaving today whether you want to or not!”
She was gripping someone’s wrist, while the person being pulled was trying to maintain as much distance as possible, clearly disgusted.
Two servants were holding the person’s arms on either side, creating a scene of forceful abduction.
What was going on?
Zhu Yan was puzzled. Could it be that someone from the Princess’s household had been caught stealing or doing something wrong?
If that were the case, they deserved what was coming to them.
Before Zhu Yan could finish her thoughts, the person being held suddenly spoke, “Your Highness, matters of the heart cannot be forced. Moreover, my heart already belongs to another. Please grant me your blessing and stop this absurd behavior!”
Hearing the voice, Zhu Yan was stunned.
Wasn’t this her third sister’s husband, Han Shiyuan?
Princess Yong’an was trying to forcibly take Han Shiyuan away in broad daylight. Where was the justice in that?
Zhu Yan was about to step forward and argue, but she suddenly stopped.
She recalled Shen Du’s repeated warnings not to act rashly and to always remain calm in such situations.
As she was thinking, Han Shiyuan had already been forcibly taken away by Princess Yong’an and her people.
Zhu Yan quickly returned to the Shen residence, bursting into the study and pulling Shen Du to leave.
Shen Du was completely confused. Seeing Zhu Yan so anxious, he quickly asked, “What’s wrong? Have you made some discovery?”
“No, it’s a matter of life and death. You must intervene,” Zhu Yan’s words left Shen Du even more perplexed. Life and death? Whose life?
Before getting a clear understanding of the situation, Shen Du grabbed Zhu Yan’s hand, making her calm down. “First, tell me exactly what happened.”
Zhu Yan was so anxious she could hardly breathe. Panting from her run, she explained, “Han Shiyuan… Han Shiyuan has been taken away by Princess Yong’an!”
“What?” Shen Du’s brow furrowed. “When did this happen?”
“Just now, on the street. She forcibly took him away in front of so many people.”