With the Empress’s permission, Zhang Xingwei gained some confidence. “People are heartless, the Buddha eats hearts, chaos under the Emperor’s feet, the Buddha hides sins…”
Zhang Xingwei’s words stirred the entire court into a frenzy. Such treasonous words, spoken openly before everyone, were shocking.
“Outrageous!” The Empress was furious.
Her authoritative voice echoed through the court, and all officials knelt, not daring to speak.
“Minister Zhang, are you certain that this is the nursery rhyme spreading through Chang’an?”
“To deceive Your Majesty would be a crime of treason. I dare not lie.”
Zhang Xingwei’s tone was firm, and his demeanor was unyielding.
At this moment, Lai Luozhi added, “Your Majesty, I can also attest to the nursery rhyme. It was upon hearing it in the streets that I became enraged and sought to punish the child. I ask Your Majesty to see clearly.”
Shen Du clenched his fists, remaining silent throughout.
He knew the nursery rhyme was detrimental to him, and now Zhang Xingwei and Lai Luozhi had reported it to the Empress.
It was rare for the two to agree on something, and their target was undoubtedly him.
The Empress remained silent, seemingly in thought.
Seeing the Empress’s silence, Lai Luozhi spoke again, “Your Majesty, since this matter involves the divine, perhaps we should resolve it through religious means. I suggest holding a Buddhist ceremony at Ximing Temple to drive away evil and demonstrate Your Majesty’s wisdom, calming the public.”
“Minister Lai’s suggestion is absurd,” Zhang Xingwei interjected before the Empress could decide. “The Phoenix rules the world; how can we speak of gods and ghosts? Moreover, if we follow Minister Lai’s suggestion, wouldn’t it confirm the nursery rhyme’s truth?”
“Does Minister Zhang have a better solution?” Lai Luozhi raised an eyebrow at the elderly Zhang Xingwei.
Zhang Xingwei was so angry that he blew his beard and glared, but he firmly opposed the religious ceremony.
“I believe the unsolved serial murder case is the responsibility of the Internal Affairs Office. Instead of debating whether to hold a ceremony, why not ask them for their opinion on this treasonous nursery rhyme?”
Zhang Xingwei emphasized “treasonous,” implying the Internal Affairs Office’s incompetence.
Shen Du did not speak, only looking at the Empress, who seemed to agree with Zhang Xingwei and awaited his opinion.
“Your Majesty,” Shen Du bowed to the Empress, “regarding the ceremony, I will follow Your Majesty’s decision. As for the serial murder case…”
He glanced at Zhang Xingwei and Lai Luozhi, “The Internal Affairs Office’s matters are not for others to question.”
The Empress lowered her eyes, contemplating Shen Du’s words, then concluded, “Enough. Since the murder case is handled by the Internal Affairs Office, no one else should interfere. As for the Buddhist ceremony…”
She paused, thinking again, “To appease the public, notify Ximing Temple to prepare.”
“Your Majesty,” Zhang Xingwei protested, but the Empress raised her hand to stop him.
“Enough, I am weary. Today’s court session is over. You may all leave.”
“Dismissed.”
“Long live the Emperor…”
Officials gradually left the main hall, and a young eunuch hurried to Shen Du’s side, announcing the Empress’s summons.
In the Imperial Study, Shen Du bowed to the Empress, having anticipated the private meeting, showing no surprise.
“Minister Shen, how is the murder case investigation?”
The Empress was direct, having not mentioned it in court to save Shen Du’s face.
“Your Majesty, the murder case involves many people and is complex. I…”
Before Shen Du could finish, the Empress waved her hand, “Spare me the excuses. You saw today’s situation. If the case isn’t resolved soon, even I may not be able to protect you.”
Understanding the Empress’s intent, Shen Du quickly knelt in gratitude, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your trust. I will do my utmost to capture the culprit swiftly.”
Leaving the palace, Shen Du felt the weight of Mount Tai on his shoulders, struggling to breathe.
The Empress had given him a face and a secret order to solve the case quickly. Though there was progress, it was a tangled mess.
Handling it alone was challenging.
He thought of Zhu Yan, a woman whose unrestrained words had angered him, but he knew she meant no harm.
After a night, his anger had dissipated. Moreover, her keen insight was invaluable in the investigation.
With this in mind, Shen Du returned to the Shen residence and opened Zhu Yan’s door.
Having not eaten or drunk all night, Zhu Yan looked haggard.
Seeing Shen Du, she remained indifferent, feeling wronged but also hurt by his attitude.
“From today, you are free to move, but only within the Shen residence or… or by my side.”
Shen Du meant she could investigate but only in his presence.
Zhu Yan sneered, feeling such restrictions were ineffective on her.
The more pressure she felt, the more stubborn she became.
“Imprison when you want, release. Where in the world is such convenience?”
Zhu Yan spoke coldly, “I’ve decided. We are incompatible, like water and fire. Grant me a divorce, and I’ll return to the Zhu family.”
Shen Du looked at her, his deep eyes mocking, “What did you say?”
Seeing his expression, Zhu Yan felt a chill but steadied herself, speaking righteously, “I said, I want a divorce letter. As for the case, rest assured, as a ninth-rank scribe, I will assist the Grand Secretary.”
“Heh…” Shen Du chuckled coldly, as if hearing a joke, “Do you think the Shen residence is a place you can come and go as you please? Once you enter, you follow our rules. In the Shen family, there is no divorce, only life and death.”
Shen Du’s words made Zhu Yan tremble, knowing he wasn’t joking.
She clenched her fists, contemplating. Though unsure of his intentions, her life was at stake.
The Empress planned a Buddhist ceremony, and Ximing Temple was heavily guarded.
Shen Du accompanied the Empress into the Ximing Temple.
Perhaps fearing Zhu Yan’s mischief or displeasure, he did not bring her along.
Seeing the group enter the temple, Zhu Yan, among the crowd outside, felt indignant.
She was part of the case, and if not taken, she would find her way in.