Madam Tang tilted her head and glanced at Zhuyan, seemingly recognizing her. “Madam Shen, for the sake of our acquaintance, please burn me to death. Only if I’m consumed by flames can I be reborn from the ashes, Madam Shen…”
As she spoke, Madam Tang knelt before Zhuyan like a wronged child, repeatedly begging Zhuyan to burn her to death.
Zhuyan was utterly bewildered. Madam Tang had truly gone mad…
Shen Du watched this scene helplessly. When dealing with a lunatic, nothing they say can be considered credible.
Moreover, they couldn’t extract any useful information now.
The case was thus concluded, with the final order that Madam Tang be executed after autumn, while Chen Wen was released without charge.
After settling her master, Zhuyan still felt perplexed.
The case hadn’t truly been resolved. Why was Shen Du so eager to close it?
Walking into the study, Zhuyan confronted Shen Du, “Why did you close the case? It’s far from resolved!”
“Madam Tang has already confessed. Everyone present can testify. Why can’t we close it?”
“But the hearts haven’t been found. Besides, Madam Tang’s ravings about us burning her to death – don’t you find that strange?”
“What’s strange about it?” Shen Du looked at Zhuyan with a serious expression. “She’s mad. Is it surprising that she speaks nonsense?”
“But why did she specifically ask us to burn her to death? And she has a fire moth tattoo on her shoulder. Could it be…”
“Enough.” Shen Du cut Zhuyan off before she could finish. “This case is closed. No further investigation is allowed.”
“You!” Zhuyan glared at him, clenching her fist. Just as she was about to berate Shen Du, Jinglin entered from outside.
“Grand Chancellor, Madam. The Zhu family, the Ministry of Justice, and the Local Constablensi have organized a celebration banquet. They’ve sent an invitation for both of you.”
Hearing this, Zhuyan swallowed her words.
She shot Shen Du a fierce glare before changing the subject, “Last time we attended together, you were as aloof as an otherworldly immortal. This time, let’s go separately. You can choose whether to attend or not.”
With that, Zhuyan stormed off angrily.
Jinglin was confused. What had happened to Madam? Had he said something wrong? Why did she suddenly change her attitude?
Shen Du’s eyes were also heavy with thought. Jinglin didn’t dare to ask more, simply placing the invitation on the table before retreating.
Back in her room, Zhuyan changed into casual clothes and began to dress up.
Her mind kept replaying the case. They wouldn’t let her investigate, but she was determined to do so anyway. She would uncover the truth behind this case.
After a simple makeover, Zhuyan’s gaze fell on the red hairpin beside the bronze mirror.
After a moment’s consideration, Zhuyan decided not to wear it and prepared to leave.
But as soon as she opened the door, she bumped into a familiar tall figure standing at the entrance.
“You… what are you doing?” Zhuyan stammered, feeling as if she’d been caught doing something wrong.
“Where are you rushing off to?” Shen Du inquired, his tone as cool as ever.
“To the banquet, of course,” Zhuyan said, giving Shen Du a once-over. He was still in his official robes and hadn’t changed, likely not planning to attend.
“You’re not allowed to go,” Shen Du commanded, leaving Zhuyan dumbfounded.
“Why not?” Zhuyan retorted. They were the guests of honor. If neither of them attended, what was there to celebrate?
“No reason,” Shen Du stared at Zhuyan sternly. “I say you can’t go, so you can’t go.”
“You’re being unreasonable,” Zhuyan grew annoyed, glaring at Shen Du. “If you don’t want to go, fine. But I’m going.”
As she spoke, Zhuyan prepared to leave, but before she could take two steps, a large hand firmly grasped her wrist.
“If you’re going, you must wear that,” Shen Du pointed to the hairpin in front of the bronze mirror, the one he had personally bought for her.
For some reason, Zhuyan’s heart fluttered, and her expression became uncertain. “My outfit today… doesn’t match that hairpin, so I won’t wear it.”
“Then change into clothes that match it,” Shen Du said calmly, but his tone left no room for argument.
“…” Zhuyan was speechless. “I’ve already changed. It’s troublesome to change again, and it’s getting late. Who am I wearing that hairpin for at this hour anyway?”
“For me,” Shen Du replied firmly.
Zhuyan felt suddenly nervous. After looking Shen Du over, she forced a smile, “You haven’t changed your clothes. I assume you’re not going?”
“Who said I’m not going?” Shen Du moved closer to Zhuyan. “If I go, you can go. If I don’t go, you can’t go either!”
Zhuyan swallowed hard, knowing Shen Du wasn’t joking.
But was it right to be so domineering?
After much delay, they finally left Shen Manor. By the time they arrived at the banquet, everyone else was already there.
“Grand Chancellor.”
Xu Xiangren, the head of the Local Constablensi, and Wu Taiming, the official from the Ministry of Justice, came forward to congratulate him. “The case has been solved, which is truly worth celebrating. Please, come in.”
Today, Shen Du was different from usual. He nodded politely at their invitation, showing a rare smile as he joined the others at the banquet.
Zhu Kuo had never seen Shen Du so approachable and felt somewhat uncomfortable.
He thought Zhuyan might have angered Shen Du, and this was the calm before the storm.
“Son-in… no, Shen… Grand Chancellor, has my daughter done something wrong at home? If there’s been any negligence, I apologize on her behalf. Please, don’t take it to heart.”
“…”
Zhu Kuo’s apology left Zhuyan bewildered and completely lost.
What had she done wrong? Why was her father apologizing on her behalf?
“It’s fine,” Shen Du replied calmly, looking at Zhu Kuo. “We’ve been married for many days now. I’m used to it. It’s not a problem.”
Hearing Shen Du’s response, Zhuyan’s mind exploded.
The way he spoke made it sound as if she had truly wronged him.
Nearby, Lu Chuichui watched in astonishment. He pulled Zhuyan aside to ask, “What’s wrong with the Grand Chancellor? Did he forget to take his medicine before coming out? Why is he suddenly so amiable?”
“You think he’s ill?” Zhuyan didn’t answer Lu Chuichui’s question but asked one in return.
This confused Lu Chuichui. After a moment, he quickly shook his head, “No, no, that’s not what I meant. I just feel that the Grand Chancellor seems different from usual today.”
“Hmph…” Zhuyan scoffed, glancing at Shen Du. “Who knows what he’s up to?”
Hearing Zhuyan’s words, Lu Chuichui didn’t dare to inquire further.
At some point, Jiang Langxing had also approached the two. “Madam Shen, the Grand Chancellor’s change must be largely due to your influence. Why don’t you share some tips on managing husbands, so Lord Lu can learn a thing or two?”