As Shen Du and the others arrived at the yamen, the clerks quickly presented all the records concerning Ji Dafu. Mo Qianzhi carefully reviewed them multiple times, afraid he might have missed some clue.
“This can’t be right,” Mo Qianzhi said after confirming once again. He placed the records on the table and looked at the people before him. “These records clearly show that Ji Dafu was just an ordinary merchant. His movements can be traced, and there’s nothing suspicious at all. Could it be that you’ve made a mistake?”
“What?” Zhu Yan was puzzled. Everything that happened today was her personal experience; how could it be wrong?
Disbelieving, she stepped forward to examine the records herself, but they matched exactly what Mo Qianzhi had said.
Could they have made a mistake?
Shen Du and Pan Chi also furrowed their brows, pondering on the side. How could they have been mistaken? If there was an error, it must be in these records.
Seeing that no one spoke, Mo Qianzhi continued:
“Esteemed officials, forgive my frankness, but I have served in Gannan Dao for many years and have never heard of the Fire Moth Party. Although today’s events were peculiar, the facts are before us. Without evidence, it’s difficult for me to act. Moreover, we’re currently investigating the Half-Face Ghost murder case. Could it be that today’s events were deliberately orchestrated by the killer to mislead us and make us lose our way in the investigation?”
Though Mo Qianzhi blamed everything on the killer, the three present understood that he was implying they had easily fallen for the killer’s trap, leading to the current situation.
After he finished speaking, no one said much, while Shen Du furrowed his brows, contemplating the course of events.
After a long while, he finally said, “Magistrate Mo’s reasoning is not without merit, and it’s very likely to be the case. Perhaps we have fallen for the killer’s scheme.”
Hearing this, Zhu Yan’s expression immediately turned sour, especially feeling guilty towards Pan Chi, as she had initiated today’s events.
“If that’s the case, this killer is quite interesting, making things so complicated. I almost believed it,” Pan Chi said, teasingly looking at Zhu Yan and asking, “Don’t you find it hard to understand? They made it seem so real.”
Zhu Yan glared at him, annoyed. “It wasn’t intentional. Besides, when we entered, that man with the broken arm looked like he was about to die.”
“I didn’t mean to blame you,” Pan Chi quickly explained, hearing the tone in Zhu Yan’s voice. ” I admire your ability to adapt. Today was truly eye-opening for me.”
“Really? Did I not embarrass you all today?” Zhu Yan was easily appeased, and Pan Chi’s few words made her smile.
“Of course it’s true. I admire your courage. Speaking of admiration, I’ve rarely admired women in my life, but you…”
“Ahem!” Shen Du suddenly let out a cold cough, stopping their conversation.
The two were whispering and occasionally laughing, which greatly displeased him. They should be treating the case seriously, not taking it so lightly.
The pair, realizing their mistake, quickly fell silent.
Shen Du turned his gaze to Mo Qianzhi:
“Magistrate Mo, today’s events are indeed suspicious. Although we lack evidence, we can’t be careless. To prevent anyone from taking advantage of the situation, please lead the way. I’d like to inspect Yingzhou’s military camp layout and review the city’s defense work while we’re at it.”
“Yes, I’ll arrange it right away,” Mo Qianzhi said and hurriedly left.
Zhu Yan, however, pouted, showing no intention of going.
Seeing this, Shen Du didn’t care whether Zhu Yan wanted to go or not. He directly grabbed her wrist and ordered, “You’re coming with me.”
“I’ll go too,” Pan Chi quickly volunteered, seeing Shen Du was taking Zhu Yan.
This earned him a fierce glare from Shen Du. “I’m taking my wife for a stroll. What are you going for?”
Pan Chi was stunned. “Who goes to a military camp for a stroll? You could’ve come up with a better excuse. I don’t believe that one.”
“Whether you believe it or not, you’re not allowed to come today,” Shen Du gave his final ultimatum, his tone firm and leaving no room for discussion.
As the atmosphere was about to become tense, Zhu Yan quickly stepped in to mediate. “Alright, alright, it’s not even a nice place. Why do you insist on coming along?”
Hearing Zhu Yan say this, Pan Chi stopped arguing. His eyes darted around as he came up with an idea. He quickly approached Zhu Yan and whispered, “I’ll go continue the investigation first. I’ll wait for you at the Kelai Residence Tavern.”
After saying this, he stepped away from Zhu Yan and said, “I heard they recently introduced several delicious new dishes there, and it’s frequented by many guests. We might even gain some new insights.”
Hearing this, Zhu Yan was about to ask for more details when she suddenly felt a tightening grip on her wrist. She then realized that Shen Du was still holding onto her.
She glanced at Shen Du’s face, which had turned even darker than the bottom of a pot, and immediately felt afraid.
“I’m talking to you. Why are you looking at his face? Don’t mind him,” Pan Chi said, surprisingly grabbing Zhu Yan’s arm. His words were full of provocation, greatly displeasing Shen Du.
Today’s events had already been troublesome enough, and now Pan Chi was not only failing to avoid conflict but escalating it. Without much thought, Shen Du lifted his foot to kick Pan Chi.
Pan Chi was quick to react, dodging Shen Du’s attack and leaping to a distance. He looked at Zhu Yan with a smile, “You must come. Let’s meet without fail.”
With that, he disappeared from their sight.
Truly infuriating, Shen Du’s facial expression had reached a murderous level of horror. Zhu Yan stood by, not daring to breathe.
She really couldn’t understand if Pan Chi was helping or harming her by angering Shen Du so much.
Sure enough, once only the two of them were left in the room, Shen Du suddenly pulled Zhu Yan tightly into his arms and asked in a deep voice, “What did he just say to you? Where are you meeting without fail?”
Zhu Yan’s body stiffened. The killing intent emanating from Shen Du could shatter her into pieces.
Apart from being nervous, her body was also under great strain. The large hand on her waist was incredibly firm, like an iron clamp that prevented her from moving.
“Nothing… it’s just…”
“Grand Commander.”
Before Zhu Yan could finish her sentence, Mo Qianzhi’s voice suddenly rang out, truly saving her life.
“This official has made all the preparations. When would the Grand Commander like to depart?”
It was a rare timely rain. Zhu Yan quickly pushed Shen Du away and said, “Alright, alright, let’s not keep Magistrate Mo waiting.”
At this point, Shen Du didn’t say anything more. He just led Zhu Yan out with a cold face.