Shen Du received the imperial edict, his deep eyes growing even more profound. Solving the case in ten days was the final order.

Ten days later marked the day of the opening fast at Ximing Temple, which meant the case had to be resolved by the end of the month. This was also an opportunity to stabilize public sentiment and demonstrate the power of Buddhism.

On Chang’an Street, Shen Du was about to return home with the edict when he saw Lai Luozhi and his entourage approaching from a distance.

As they reached Shen Du, Lai Luozhi wore a smug expression. “Lord Shen, it’s been so long since the murder case occurred, and yet it remains unsolved. Look at the chaos it has caused in the entire city of Chang’an. Can you rest easy with this on your conscience?”

Shen Du’s face turned cold, and he completely ignored Lai Luozhi’s words.

Seeing Shen Du’s silence, Lai Luozhi’s tone grew even more arrogant. “Lord Shen, you have nothing to say, do you? If you had handed over the case to us earlier, or if we had joined forces, it would have been resolved long ago. Why go through all this trouble and delay?”

“What exactly are you trying to say?” Shen Du could no longer bear it, his voice as cold as winter frost.

” I don’t have much to say. After all, we are colleagues. I’m just here to wish you success in solving the case soon, Lord Shen.”

As he finished speaking, Lai Luozhi stepped closer and whispered in Shen Du’s ear, “Make sure to catch the culprit and punish them severely.”

Shen Du clenched his fists, glaring at Lai Luozhi with an icy gaze. “Lord Lai, you worry too much. I won’t let the culprit escape justice. You should be careful not to let me catch you slipping.”

With that, Shen Du walked away.

Lai Luozhi’s smug face turned uncertain as he watched Shen Du’s departing figure, muttering coldly, “Let’s see how long you can remain arrogant!”

Back at his residence, Shen Du entered the house only to find Zhu Yan absent.

For some reason, Shen Du felt extremely agitated and turned to shout into the courtyard, “Where is Madam?”

A maid who was cleaning the courtyard quickly came over to pay her respects. “In response to the Grand Leader, Madam has not returned since she left this morning.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Du clenched his fists and punched the door beside him. “Damn it, she must have gone to report to Zhang Xingwei again. I refuse to believe I can’t solve this case without her!”

After saying this, Shen Du hurriedly left the Shen residence.

Zhu Yan and Lu Chui Chui were walking on Chang’an Street, their hands full of files on the new victims. Despite their investigations, they had found nothing.

Lu Chui Chui looked puzzled. “It’s really strange. There’s no connection between these victims. How did the killer find them? Even if the female victims were chosen based on someone’s appearance, what about the male victims? Were they just collateral damage?”

Zhu Yan remained silent, unable to connect the clues in her mind.

“Forget it,” Zhu Yan sighed. “Since we have no leads, let’s visit the Liang residence. This case has repeatedly been linked to them, so we should investigate thoroughly.”

“Agreed,” Lu Chui Chui nodded, supporting Zhu Yan’s suggestion.

As they walked a few more steps, Lu Chui Chui suddenly had an idea. “Liu Niang, you’ve been so gloomy lately that it’s affecting my mood too. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. When we visit the Liang residence, you should smile and be polite. Always having a stern face doesn’t leave a good impression.”

Zhu Yan took Lu Chui Chui’s words to heart, touching her cheek as she realized it had been a long time since she had laughed heartily.

She recalled the early days of her marriage to Shen Du. Although life was a bit tense, it was still harmonious.

Now, even if Shen Du had done something wrong, why was she so upset?

Was she worried about his current situation? Or angry that he had shifted suspicion onto her mentor?

Why exactly? Zhu Yan herself did not know.

When they arrived at the Liang residence, Zhu Yan had already suppressed all her emotions, wearing a smile that hid the turmoil inside.

“Madam Shen and Lord Lu are here, please come in.”

Madam Zheng of the Liang family’s second branch greeted them with a warm smile. “It’s been a while since I last saw Madam Shen. You don’t look as well as before. Is something troubling you?”

Madam Zheng’s words carried concern, whether genuine or not, Zhu Yan felt obliged to respond politely.

“It’s nothing serious, just the pressure of the unsolved case. I can’t eat or sleep well, and it’s affecting my skin.”

As the maid served tea, the three of them sat in a pavilion in the Liang residence’s courtyard.

“While the case is important, Madam Shen must also take care of her health,” Madam Zheng continued. “Look at Lord Chen, her skin is as smooth as a peeled egg.”

“Indeed,” Lu Chui Chui said proudly, almost wagging her tail. She rested her chin on her hands, eager to show off her complexion to Zhu Yan. “I worry about the case too, but I also pay attention to my diet and rest. A woman must take care of herself to find a good husband.”

“Pfft…”

Lu Chui Chui’s words elicited a chuckle from the other two, just as a servant announced, “Madam, Lady Tang has arrived.”

“Oh?” Madam Zheng showed no surprise. “That’s perfect. Madam Shen and Lord Chen are here too. Bring Lady Tang here so we can all enjoy some tea and chat.”

“Yes,” the servant replied, leaving Zhu Yan feeling slightly uneasy, though she didn’t show it.

“Lady Tang…” Lu Chui Chui tapped her cheek with her finger, curious about this Lady Tang.

“Lady Tang is a close friend of Princess Yong’an. She might be here on behalf of the princess to offer her regards,” Zhu Yan explained to Lu Chui Chui, whispering, “She’s not easy to get along with, so be careful with your words.”

Lu Chui Chui understood immediately, smiling innocently. “Got it.”

Led by a maid, Lady Tang soon joined them.

The three stood to greet her, and Lady Tang nodded in acknowledgment.

After the formalities, they all sat around the table again.

“Just now, we were talking about my good skin, but look at Lady Tang’s face. It’s truly flawless,” Lu Chui Chui remarked first, causing Lady Tang to pause.

Zhu Yan quickly pulled Lu Chui Chui aside, apologizing to Lady Tang. “I’m sorry, Lady Tang. This is my friend Lu Chui Chui, a secretary at the Ministry of Justice. She sometimes speaks without thinking. Please don’t take it to heart.”

Hearing Zhu Yan’s words, Lady Tang wasn’t offended. She chuckled softly and said kindly, “Madam Shen, you worry too much. Since we’re all friends, why would I mind? Besides, you have a kind heart and a sweet tongue, making you a delightful little joy.”

“Hee hee…” Lu Chui Chui genuinely believed Lady Tang was complimenting her, smiling adorably. “Thank you for the praise, Lady Tang.”

Lady Tang covered her mouth with a silk fan, laughing lightly, while Zhu Yan felt a bit embarrassed on the side.