“How dare Shimin suspect Er’niang? It’s just that within the entire Governor’s mansion, only Songtao Residence and Yuxiu Pavilion remain unsearched. Shimin is worried that if the assassin is truly hidden within, she might harm Er’niang. For the safety of Father and Er’niang, Shimin can only boldly come to search. I hope Er’niang won’t take offense.”

Wan Shi smiled faintly and said, “So it seems I should thank Second Young Master?”

Li Shimin lowered his head without speaking. Wan Shi looked at him deeply and said, “Since it concerns the Governor’s safety, I won’t obstruct your search of Yuxiu Pavilion. However, there’s one thing I want to ask Second Young Master – why did you exempt Wu Meixue from punishment? Don’t forget, the assassin was brought into Songtao Residence by her.”

“Shimin remembers, but Shimin questioned her, and Wu Meixue was unaware. She was also used by the assassin.” As soon as Li Shimin finished speaking, Wan Shi said, “Has Second Young Master heard of any murderer who would voluntarily admit to killing someone? At a time like this, Wu Meixue would naturally try her utmost to distance herself from the assassin. How can her words be trusted?”

Li Shimin lowered his eyes and said, “I sent people to investigate Wu Meixue’s background and also questioned those from her village. They can all testify that Wu Meixue was found by her father in the mountains, and from childhood to adulthood, she never left that village. Before entering the mansion, she was not acquainted with Shen Yunyi.”

Wan Shi slightly curved her lips and said, “Even so, this cannot prove that the assassination attempt has nothing to do with her. She still needs to be thoroughly interrogated and tortured – there can be no leniency.” After a pause, she said, “By the way, I heard you captured that Shen Moping last night, didn’t you? What, he refuses to reveal Shen Yunyi’s hiding place?”

“Yes, Elder Brother has already taken him to the dungeon for overnight interrogation. Additionally, there’s another matter to report to Er’niang. The people sent to investigate the Shen siblings’ backgrounds just came to report that there was indeed a pair of sisters in Little Yang Village whose parents died, but they went to Loufan Prefecture to seek refuge with relatives two months ago. It’s impossible for them to come work at the Governor’s mansion. The people responsible for investigating the backgrounds of new servants only checked superficially before reporting to Er’niang. In my opinion, they are the ones who should be punished most severely. If I remember correctly, this matter should be Steward Lin’s responsibility. He made such a serious mistake – even expelling him from the mansion wouldn’t be excessive. What do you think, Er’niang?”

Wan Shi’s complexion changed. Steward Lin was her confidant – if he were expelled, it would be like cutting off one of her arms. Hmph, this Li Shimin appears polite in speech, but his mind is actually more devious than his elder brother’s. The more a dog doesn’t bark, the more it will bite – this is absolutely true.

Weighing the pros and cons, she forced a smile and said, “Since the matter has already occurred, pursuing previous events is futile. The most important thing is still to quickly capture the assassin. Although Steward Lin made a mistake, he has followed us for many years and has always been conscientious in his work. This time was just a momentary carelessness – why not give him another chance? As for Wu Meixue… since Second Young Master believes she has nothing to do with this matter, then release her.”

Seeing her relent, Li Shimin naturally knew when to stop while ahead. “Since Er’niang says so, let’s give Steward Lin another chance. Regarding Meixue, I thank Er’niang on her behalf.”

Wan Shi suffered a silent loss, feeling vexed, and urged, “If Second Young Master wants to search, do it quickly. I still need to go to Wan’an Temple to offer incense later.”

Li Shimin acknowledged and ordered Duan Zhihong to lead people in carefully searching Yuxiu Pavilion, including Wan Shi’s room. The result was still no findings. Duan Zhihong came to his side and said quietly, “Second Young Master, there are no traces of the assassin here. It seems she must be hiding in Songtao Residence. We need to go there quickly, lest the Governor be in danger.”

“I understand.” Li Shimin acknowledged and cupped his hands toward Wan Shi, saying, “Sorry for disturbing Er’niang. Shimin takes his leave.”

After Li Shimin had gone far, a maid said quietly, “Although Wu Meixue appears unrelated to the assassin on the surface, no matter what, she still has close ties with the assassin. Just releasing her like this… might it be somewhat inappropriate?”

Wan Shi said irritably, “I didn’t want to release her either, but you heard what Second Young Master said. If I don’t release Wu Meixue, he’ll use this as an excuse to expel Lin Cai. This Lin Cai – I repeatedly warned him to be careful in his work, yet he still exposed such a huge flaw. He truly deserves to die.” She took a breath and said, “Fortunately, releasing that Wu Meixue isn’t a big matter. Even if she truly is the assassin’s accomplice, when it comes to accountability, that would be Li Shimin’s responsibility.”

“Master speaks correctly.” After a pause, the maid said again, “Speaking of which, it’s also strange – why does this Second Young Master protect a dancer so much?”

Wan Shi’s eyes narrowed as she said coolly, “Have you forgotten how Wu Meixue went to Songtao Residence to perform her dance?”

The maid understood and said, “You mean… Second Young Master has taken a fancy to this dancer? But after Second Young Master’s three-year mourning period ends, isn’t he supposed to marry the daughter of Right Xiaowei General Changsun?”

“What man in the world doesn’t have three wives and four concubines? Besides his legitimate wife Zheng Shi, doesn’t Elder Young Master also have several favored concubines? Or do you think Second Young Master would marry a dancer as his legitimate wife?” Having said this, she waved her wide sleeves and said, “Enough, go prepare the incense and candles.”

As for Li Shimin’s side, he went straight to Songtao Residence. He first went to see Li Yuan, who had rested for two days and looked much better in spirits. Seeing him enter, Li Yuan hurriedly said, “How is it? Is there any news of the assassin?”

Li Shimin performed a bow and said, “Reporting to Father, we only caught one. The other… your son suspects she is hiding within Songtao Residence.”

After Li Yuan carefully listened to his suspicions, he frowned and said, “Since the incident occurred, Songtao Residence has been constantly guarded. The assassin shouldn’t be able to sneak in, but since she can’t be found elsewhere, it would be good to search Songtao Residence.”

“Since Father agrees, your son will immediately lead people to search.” Saying this, Li Shimin searched Songtao Residence inside and out just as before, but the result disappointed him – he still didn’t find the assassin. Shen Yunyi… she seemed to have vanished into thin air, but Li Shimin knew clearly in his heart that she was hiding in some corner of the Governor’s mansion. Once she recovered, she would certainly threaten Li Yuan’s life again.

Seeing Li Shimin enter with his brows tightly furrowed, Li Yuan said, “What’s wrong? Still haven’t found her?”

Li Shimin rallied his spirits and said, “Father, rest assured. Your son will certainly find the assassin quickly and will never let anyone harm Father.”

Li Yuan’s eyes flickered slightly as he said to the attendants nearby, “All of you withdraw. I have a few words to say privately with Second Young Master.”

When only the two of them remained in the room, Li Yuan beckoned for Li Shimin to sit by the bedside. After studying him for a while, he said, “Jiancheng told you, didn’t he?”

Li Shimin lowered his head and said, “Yes, Elder Brother told your son everything. Has Father already made up his mind?”