Investigating two cases simultaneously left Zhu Yan overwhelmed. So far, the murder weapons differed, and it was unclear if the perpetrator was the same. The only similarities were the fire moth marks on the victims and the displayed list of crimes.
While working on the cases, she constantly worried about Ji Dafu interfering again. Perhaps Pan Chi’s intimidation had been effective, as Ji Dafu hadn’t returned to the yamen in days.
However, rumors of the Half-faced Ghost-eating people spread rapidly through the city. Whispers could be heard everywhere among the common folk.
The people spoke of the Half-faced Ghost with a mix of reverence and fear, clearly terrified by the notion.
Zhu Yan had come to terms with much of it, realizing such rumors only frightened the common people. For her and Shen Du, it was mere fantasy.
After all, they both came with a mission.
Although Shen Du had assured her that Mo Qianzhi wasn’t problematic, she still felt uneasy.
She needed to verify things herself to put her mind at ease.
To understand a person, one must understand those around them. After much thought, Zhu Yan devised a plan.
Lord Mo’s wife seemed kind-hearted and approachable. To understand Lord Mo, why not start with his wife?
With this in mind, Zhu Yan began planning how to approach Madam Mo.
To her surprise, just as she was pondering this, there came a knock at the door.
Opening it, Zhu Yan was even more surprised to see Madam Mo herself.
“Madam Shen.” Madam Mo greeted Zhu Yan politely, her face exuding warmth.
“Madam Mo, what brings you here? Please, come in.” Zhu Yan quickly stepped aside, inviting Madam Mo into the room.
Madam Mo didn’t stand at on ceremony. She nodded slightly and entered with Zhu Yan. Once seated, Zhu Yan promptly poured her a cup of tea.
“Madam Shen, there’s no need for such formality,” Madam Mo said, raising both hands in protest.
Though Zhu Yan was younger, her status was much higher. Having her pour tea was too much for Madam Mo to accept.
“Madam Mo, what are you saying? We’ve been imposing on you for days, thanks to the care of Lord and Madam Mo. I should have visited you, but I’ve been so busy with the cases that I forgot. Seeing Madam Mo here today makes me feel quite ashamed.”
“The cases are indeed demanding. It must be exhausting for Madam Shen and the Grand Secretary,” Madam Mo said humbly. “It’s just that my husband is always busy with official matters. We haven’t even held a welcoming banquet for you two since your arrival. I feel quite guilty about that.”
“Lord Mo’s diligence and integrity are admirable. You needn’t feel responsible for this,” Zhu Yan quickly reassured her. “The people here are fortunate to have such a father figure in Lord Mo as their official.”
“While that may be true, certain courtesies should still be observed,” Madam Mo replied. “I’ve come today to inform you that I’m holding a family dinner at our residence tonight. I hope you and the Grand Secretary can join us. It’s to make up for the missed welcoming banquet and fulfill our duties as hosts.”
“Madam Mo, there’s no need for such formality. We’re here on official business to investigate cases. Many days have passed; there’s no need to go to such trouble.”
While Zhu Yan said this, she was inwardly eager to attend the banquet.
Whether a welcoming feast or a family dinner, getting close to Madam Mo was her true goal.
“Madam Shen, you and the Grand Secretary have been busy with cases every day since your arrival. You haven’t even had a proper meal. Please don’t refuse.”
Zhu Yan feigned reluctance, nodding very hesitantly.
Satisfied, Madam Mo took her leave.
When Shen Du heard the news, he didn’t say much, but he was puzzled by Zhu Yan’s display of surprise and delight.
“It’s not like you’ve never attended a banquet before. Why so excited?”
Shen Du removed his clothes, preparing to change for dinner.
Zhu Yan, already fully prepared and ready to depart, replied, “This is different from the others. I was wondering how to approach them, and they’ve come to us instead. It’s the perfect opportunity.”
Shen Du raised an eyebrow. “There’s no harm in getting to know them better, but do be careful.”
“I understand,” Zhu Yan nodded repeatedly. “Hurry up, don’t be late.”
The couple set off for the banquet together.
To their surprise, not only was Mo Qianzhi himself honest and upright, but all the other officials in Yingzhou seemed equally incorruptible.
The dishes on the table were quite simple, typical of what common people would eat. None of the guests seemed surprised; rather, they appeared accustomed to it.
Their manners were warm and natural, and even their speech was refreshingly straightforward.
This behavior made Zhu Yan doubt the authenticity of the rebellion rumors.
Could it be, as Shen Du suggested, that this information was deliberately fed to the Empress by the Lai Party?
“Grand Secretary,” Mo Qianzhi poured a cup of wine and raised it towards Shen Du. “We’ve been so busy with the cases that I haven’t been able to properly host a welcoming banquet for you. Please forgive me.”
“Lord Mo, you’re too kind,” Shen Du quickly raised his cup in return. “We’re old acquaintances; there’s no need for such formalities. Besides, Lord Mo’s diligence and integrity, working solely for the people’s benefit, are admirable. We deeply respect that.”
As Shen Du finished speaking, another elderly official, past sixty, raised his cup and said, “Exactly! We’re all familiar faces here. Why be so formal? You know, back then, our Lord Mo was still Shen Du’s—”
“Ahem!” Before he could finish, Mo Qianzhi suddenly coughed, interrupting him.
The old official’s expression changed abruptly, but he seemed to understand why Mo Qianzhi had done so. Forcing a smile, he awkwardly said,
“This is supposed to be a welcoming banquet. Look at me, going off-topic. Come, let’s all raise our glasses and properly celebrate the arrival of the Grand Secretary and Madam Shen.”
With that, everyone raised their cups and drank.
The atmosphere returned to its previous cordiality, but after this incident, both Shen Du and Zhu Yan had their thoughts.
Though neither showed any awkwardness, Zhu Yan noticed that Mo Qianzhi was deliberately avoiding associating himself with the current Shen Du.
It made sense. The last time they met, Shen Du was still in disgrace. Now, he had risen rapidly to become the Empress’s favorite.
People dared not contemplate how much power such a man held, nor did they dare to casually ponder his thoughts.
Maintaining some distance was simply a way of self-preservation.
The other officials, understanding the situation, closed their mouths and refrained from further comments.