The whip was hung back in its original place. Ji Yunshu stepped back, staggered, and nearly fell. Fortunately, Qiao Xin behind her caught and supported her. As Ji Yunshu grasped Qiao Xin’s arm to steady herself, she quickly lifted the girl’s sleeve for a glance, then immediately pulled it back down.

Done without anyone noticing!

“Are you alright, sir?” Qiao Xin asked.

Knowing the principle of “men and women should not have physical contact,” Ji Yunshu immediately stepped away and bowed her head. “Thank you, Miss Qiao Xin.”

“As long as you didn’t hurt yourself, sir.”

Just then, Old Master Zhou entered the room from outside. Ji Yunshu walked up to him.

“Old Master Zhou, I see it’s getting rather late. I wonder if I might impose upon your household to stay the night?”

“Of course you may. As long as you don’t mind the accommodations, I must trouble you regarding my daughter’s matter.” Old Master Zhou’s voice was desolate, tears hanging at the corners of his eyes, which he struggled to hold back.

This Old Master Zhou was truly suffering. His only daughter, perfectly fine, and now gone just like that?

“Please rest assured, Old Master Zhou. Once this case is submitted to the magistrate’s office, it becomes not only Magistrate Liu’s responsibility but mine as well. I will certainly see that justice is done for the young miss.”

“My daughter was so obedient, with such a good temperament. She never quarreled with anyone. I simply cannot understand who would commit such a vicious act.”

Old Master Zhou’s face was haggard, with dark circles layered upon dark circles under his eyes.

As for who the murderer was, Ji Yunshu could not yet determine, so naturally she could not say.

“If Old Master Zhou doesn’t mind, how about preparing two rooms?” A voice came from the doorway.

Without even looking, Ji Yunshu knew it was Jingrong. That man—had he decided to attach himself to her?

Jingrong entered the room with an air of elegant refinement, his bearing and manner exuding an innate nobility that was thoroughly incompatible with the Zhou household’s current atmosphere of mourning.

“And you are?” Old Master Zhou was puzzled.

Jingrong raised his deep eyes. “I am a friend of Scholar Ji, and came here with her today.”

“So you’re Scholar Ji’s friend—then naturally you are an honored guest as well.” Old Master Zhou immediately ordered the steward, “Ah Jing, quickly prepare two superior guest rooms.”

“Yes,” the steward responded.

Ji Yunshu glanced toward Jingrong, her gaze happening to meet his. Those eyes of his were filled with hidden amusement.

Look how pleased he was with himself. What was there to be happy about staying at the Zhou household?

Not wanting his dragon bed and warm pillows, but running over to sleep on a hardwood plank—this peculiar hobby of his was truly bizarre!

Truly bizarre!

In her heart, Ji Yunshu rolled her eyes at him countless times, though on the surface she remained calm and composed.

The hour was growing late, and the county magistrate prepared to return with his constables.

Just before leaving, Ji Yunshu pulled the county magistrate aside and whispered something in his ear. The magistrate nodded, blinked twice, then bent at the waist and walked over to Jingrong, bringing his mouth close.

“Prince Rong, this humble official will take his leave first. If you have any instructions whatsoever, simply send someone to notify the magistrate’s office.”

“Take Lang Bo back to the magistrate’s office with you. Have him stay at the office tonight and remain with you.”

“Wh… what?” The county magistrate’s eyes nearly fell out of their sockets.

Jingrong shot him a sharp look. “Are your ears not working?”

The magistrate waved his hand dismissively.

“Then hurry up and leave. Don’t get in the way.”

The magistrate nodded.

Lang Bo obediently complied and left together with the county magistrate.

The rear courtyard became much quieter all at once, though the entire Zhou household was suddenly shrouded in an eerie fog of mystery!

The steward led Ji Yunshu and Jingrong to the guest rooms in the eastern garden. The two walked together behind him.

One figure stood upright and imposing, commanding and dignified!

The other had a lean build, walking as though treading upon clouds!

Ji Yunshu kept her eyes straight ahead and gave a slight snort from the corner of her mouth.

“This humble one never said I wouldn’t help Prince Rong investigate the case. You don’t need to keep such constant watch over me, as though afraid I’ll run away.”

Jingrong curved his lips and retorted, “This prince doesn’t have the leisure to watch over you. Moreover, even if the monk runs away, the monastery cannot. Magistrate Liu’s official cap is still firmly in your grasp!”

“Is Prince Rong threatening me?”

“If you obediently handle matters for this prince, where is the threat?”

“…”

Ji Yunshu raised her eyelids and rolled her eyes.

This prince was sharp-tongued and caustic!