Most importantly, Magistrate Xu didn’t rebuke the interruption for disturbing the court. Immediately, the crowd parted, and two people emerged, one after another.

The first wore a brocade robe, with a broad forehead, sword-like eyebrows, and bright eyes. As he walked in, he stood out like a crane among chickens, naturally imposing with a commanding presence. One glance was enough to know he had long held a high position.

He too was a rare specimen of male beauty, but compared to the person behind him, he immediately paled into insignificance.

It was now the transition between spring and summer. Although mornings and evenings were slightly cool, it was approaching noon and growing hot. Even Magistrate Xu, sitting for a long time, felt his back becoming damp. Yet this person wore a snow-white light fur robe with a glistening white otter fur collar.

This was winter attire. Wrapped up so tightly, others felt hot just looking at him, yet his complexion remained so pale it was almost transparent, his forehead smooth without a trace of sweat.

Suddenly the entire hall fell silent. Whoever gazed upon his face couldn’t look away—who had the leisure to ridicule him?

Descriptions like “jade tree in the wind” or “immortal banished from a painting” all seemed inadequate. The common people searched their minds and vocabulary, but ultimately gave up, using only one word in their hearts to describe him:

Handsome to the point where not a single feature held any flaw, handsome to the point of having no friends as if heaven had concentrated all its favor upon him, unwilling to spare even a fraction for others.

If it were just this, it would have been enough, but his gaze was as elegant as a spring pool. At first glance, it appeared clear, bright, and tranquil, but if one tried to explore its depths, one could no longer discern how deep it was. Instead, they would find themselves deeply immersed, unable to look away.

It was precisely these eyes that ensured no one would mistake his gender, no matter how beautiful he was.

His gaze swept across the gathering, and those caught in it couldn’t help but lower their heads, feeling unworthy.

Madam Xu on the stand naturally didn’t dare to look too long. Just as she was about to avert her gaze, she felt her foster daughter trembling in her arms. Looking down, she saw that Feng Miaojun’s face had turned as pale as that of the handsome young man who had just entered.

While others felt the courtyard brightened by his presence, Feng Miaojun felt as if a lightning bolt had flashed before her eyes, nearly sending her unprepared soul flying.

Even if it had been just a fleeting glimpse in the past, she would never mistake this person, even if he were burned to ashes.

Yun Ya!

Who could tell her why this fellow had suddenly appeared in Zi County, suddenly appeared before her?

Just when she had relaxed, thinking the crisis had passed.

Feng Miaojun stood in the courtroom, one of the most conspicuous people. Finally, Yun Ya’s gaze fell on her.

This was the second time she had locked eyes with him, but the feeling was completely different. Though his expression was calm, his eyes concealed unfathomable depths; others couldn’t see through to his true emotions.

Then, his gaze swept past her without lingering.

Although he looked toward the crowd, his eyes were vacant, as if seeing nothing, as if no one was worthy of his notice.

Feng Miaojun slowly and inconspicuously took a deep breath, forcing herself to relax.

It was fine. Although they had once been less than ten zhang apart, he hadn’t discovered her in the deep pool. Since he hadn’t seen her then, he naturally had no impression of her now.

To Yun Ya, she was just a stranger he had never met, just like the common people inside and outside the court.

Don’t be afraid, don’t lose your composure, and this storm will pass safely!

At this moment, Magistrate Xu came to his senses, stood up, and bowed deeply to the man in the brocade robe: “Prince Xiao Yan has arrived! My apologies for not welcoming you from afar!”

A commotion immediately arose among the onlookers. The Wei King Xiao Pingzhang had three sons, the second was named Yan. Today they had the fortune to see a member of the royal family!

Xiao Yan waved his hand: “I’m just bringing a noble guest to see the excitement. Continue with what you were doing.”

Magistrate Xu arranged two chairs on the side. Xiao Yan made a gesture, actually intending to lead the person behind him to the seat of honor!

This action left the crowd looking at each other in bewilderment and made Feng Miaojun’s eyebrows twitch. She had thought Yun Ya was merely skilled in martial arts, but now saw how well-connected he was, even with the royal family. This complicated matters; sometimes power was more useful than martial prowess. Now even a prince was showing him respect—this man whose fate was linked to hers seemed increasingly unfathomable.

This was not good news.

She watched as Yun Ya sat down casually, smiling without speaking, not offering even a word of humility. Most remarkably, as Xiao Yan picked up the tea served by the yamen runners and drank, he didn’t even introduce his background.

This wasn’t a sign of disrespect; rather, it suggested that those present simply weren’t qualified to know Yun Ya’s identity!

Magistrate Xu’s expression also became subtle. Originally, he had found it strange that a prince would involve himself in minor local affairs. Now it was clear that it wasn’t Xiao Yan who wanted to intervene, but this extraordinarily handsome and mysterious noble guest!

Just as he was about to speak, he saw Yun Ya glance at Xiao Yan. The latter quickly swallowed his tea: “Right, wait… Who else heard this young girl”—he pointed at Feng Miaojun—” and the deceased arguing?”

“There’s also this humble woman, Hu Ping.” The kitchen maid from the Feng estate stepped forward and bowed. “This humble woman is responsible for the daily meals of the two mistresses. That day, I happened to be close by and heard the young Miss Feng say to old woman Wang…”

“What’s with this problem again?” Xiao Yan waved his hand, interrupting. “Don’t say it here.” Turning to Magistrate Xu with a smile, he said, “We must prevent these two from coordinating their testimony. I’m overstepping, but I have a method.”

Magistrate Xu could only respond with a smile: “Please speak.”

“Take these two people to separate dark rooms and question them individually.”

Magistrate Xu exclaimed “Excellent!” and ordered it done.

During this time, everyone could only wait. Magistrate Xu asked about some details of the incident, including the coroner’s report, which ruled out the possibility that Wang had been killed elsewhere and her body thrown into the river. It was determined that she had drowned. “Could your mother swim?” he asked.

Zhao Dazhao shook his head.

People who couldn’t swim instinctively avoided rivers and ponds, so the possibility that Wang had accidentally fallen in could be ruled out. It seemed the likelihood of murder increased, and therefore the person who had argued with her before her death was indeed highly suspicious.

Although Feng Miaojun was just a young girl, while the Feng family might not be as prosperous as before, they still had the money to hire an assassin. However, an ordinary dispute wouldn’t constitute a motive for murder, unless the little girl had inadvertently said something terrible to Wang—something that could bring trouble to the Feng family. Otherwise, why would they risk hiring someone to kill?

Under these circumstances, the testimonies of the two witnesses became particularly important. Xiao Yan’s approach was correct; questioning them separately would ensure their statements weren’t contaminated by each other.

Madam Xu answered all questions, her demeanor resolute. Whatever tricks Peng Bai might have played, at least she was innocent in this matter, so her expression and gaze were open and honest. She was born with beauty like a flower, and now, with her head held high, she added a stubborn, unyielding dignity. Xiao Yan found himself staring, thinking to himself that even in this small rural place, there was such beauty.