Сhарtеr 113: Тhе Unexресtеd Guеst
“I am thinking of yоu,” Shеn Du said cоldly, his gazе fiхеd intеntlу оn Zhu Yan, hoрing she would understand his conсеrn.
But Zhu Yаn resроndеd with rightеous соnviсtiоn, “Didn’t уou оften teaсh mе that оne must bear thе respоnsibilities of thеir роsitiоn? Nоw thаt а casе is right bеforе us, уоu want mе to stаnd аside and рrоteсt only mysеlf. Do you think I саn dо that?”
Shеn Du fell silent. Zhu Yan wаs nоt wrоng.
Hе undеrstооd hеr mindsеt—onсе she еncоuntered а cаsе, shе would рursuе it rеlеntlessly, spаring no effort.
But if she wеre to faсe dangеr during the invеstigаtion, hоw could he protect her?
Seeing Shen Du remain silent, Zhu Yan thought he had conceded. She smiled and said, “I am your wife. Assisting you in investigating cases is my duty. If I were to stand aside, what would I do if you encountered danger?”
Zhu Yan’s question left Shen Du speechless. For some reason, her words struck a deep chord within him.
Was she concerned about him?
Whether sincere or not, at least in this moment, this woman was worried about his safety.
Recalling this, Shen Du found himself unable to refuse her any longer.
“From now on, no matter what happens, you must discuss it with me before making any decisions, especially regarding cases. You must not act on your own.”
“I understand,” Zhu Yan quickly replied, adopting a serious tone. “Since I am now a married woman, I should prioritize my husband and consider his well-being in all matters. Are you satisfied with that?”
This last question made Shen Du frown. He had initially felt pleased, but then realized Zhu Yan was teasing him.
“Ridiculous,” Shen Du responded with a stern expression, though there was no trace of gloom in his eyes.
Zhu Yan was not angered. She shrugged and turned to leave.
Two more peaceful days passed, and Shen Du lifted the restrictions he had placed on Zhu Yan.
The previous events were now behind them, and life returned to normal.
Zhu Yan began shuttling between the Ministry of Justice and the Zhu family home, assisting Shen Du with the investigation while also caring for her family.
One day, while Zhu Yan was organizing case files at the Ministry of Justice, a bailiff hurriedly reported that His Highness the Prince of Ying had arrived.
Zhu Yan furrowed her brows. Princess Yong’an had been visiting the Ministry of Justice rather frequently lately. Could there be some ulterior motive?
Before she could ponder further, the visitor had already reached the entrance of the Ministry of Justice. Zhu Yan had no choice but to rise and greet her.
“Your humble official greets His Highness the Prince of Ying.”
Zhu Yan stepped forward and bowed. Princess Yong’an was amiable, nodding for her to rise.
After tea was served, Zhu Yan bowed again and said, “The Ministry of Justice is no match for the comforts of home. If there is any neglect, I hope Your Highness will not take offense.”
“It is of no consequence,” Princess Yong’an replied, her gaze lingering on Zhu Yan. “It has been some time since we last met. Is the Hall Leader’s Wife well?”
“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am doing well.”
“That is good to hear.”
As she spoke, Princess Yong’an stood up, her tall and upright posture exuding an air of superiority. “The Hall Leader’s Wife is intelligent, capable of both investigating cases diligently and managing household affairs skillfully. Truly, she is a rare and talented woman.”
Hearing the praise, Zhu Yan’s expression remained unchanged. She knew very well that this was merely polite flattery.
“Your Highness,” Zhu Yan bowed once more. “The Ministry of Justice still has matters to attend to. May I ask the purpose of Your Highness’s visit today? Please speak plainly.”
Seeing that Zhu Yan left no room for pleasantries, Princess Yong’an’s expression turned serious. “Hall Leader’s Wife, allow me to address you as Zhu Yan.”Zhu Yan quickly nodded. Since Princess Yong'an had called her like this, there must be important matters to discuss.
"I have also heard about the recent affairs of the Zhu residence. Everyone in the Zhu household is troubled by this matter. I do have a plan, but I need you to work with me to fully resolve the current situation at the Zhu residence."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Yan’s brows furrowed even deeper. She did not understand which matter Princess Yong'an was referring to.
Was it about Third Sister and Han Shiyuan? Or was it about Fourth Sister’s broken engagement?
Seeing that Zhu Yan did not respond, Princess Yong'an continued, "I have always admired talented individuals. You are not only intelligent but also courageous, and I have always held you in high regard. So... if you are willing to take a position at the Judicial Affairs Bureau, I will personally petition the Empress to arrange a marriage, thus fulfilling the wishes of your Third Sister and Han Shiyuan, this pair of lovers."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Yan’s heart sank.
She naturally hoped that Third Sister could stay with the man she loved, but although Princess Yong'an’s conditions did not sound unreasonable, Zhu Yan understood the deeper implications.
She was currently investigating Han Shiyuan’s case with Shen Du, and at this moment, Princess Yong'an’s attempt to win her over was clearly meant to stop her from continuing the investigation. However, the more Princess Yong'an acted this way, the more it indicated that this case held unexpected secrets.
Zhu Yan was caught in a dilemma. She wanted to uncover the truth, but she also wanted Third Sister and her beloved to be together in the end.
Zhu Yan did not agree to Princess Yong'an’s proposal, only saying she would consider it for now. Princess Yong'an then excused herself, citing matters in the palace, and left the Ministry of Justice.
"I hope the Hall Leader’s Wife will give me a reply as soon as possible. I am quite busy."
Her objective had been achieved, and the final outcome would depend on Zhu Yan’s own decision.
As dusk approached, Zhu Yan was about to leave when she was informed that Zhang Baohuan had also arrived.
Today truly was an eventful day, with unexpected guests arriving one after another.
Zhu Yan straightened her official robes and stepped forward to greet him with a bow. Zhang Baohuan was rather amiable, immediately excusing Zhu Yan from formalities upon entering.
"Lord Zhu, there is no need for such courtesy. As dusk falls, I hope you do not mind my untimely visit."
"I would not dare, Your Excellency. If you have something to say, please speak freely."
Zhang Baohuan relaxed slightly, pondered for a moment, and then looked at Zhu Yan seriously. "I have come here for no major reason. I simply wanted to ask... is Young Master Han doing well at your residence?"
Hearing Zhang Baohuan inquire about Han Shiyuan, Zhu Yan was puzzled, and then, as if thinking something inappropriate, the corner of her mouth twitched.
"He is doing well," Zhu Yan replied politely. "Might I ask if Your Excellency has any unusual thoughts about my Third Sister’s husband?"
"Heh..." Zhang Baohuan let out a light laugh, as if mocking Zhu Yan’s words. "What unusual thoughts could I have? Lord Zhu, you are overthinking. It is merely that we are old acquaintances, and I wanted to inquire about his well-being. Lord Zhu, please do not misunderstand."
"Of course, of course," Zhu Yan replied awkwardly. "Your Excellency’s concern for the people is a common duty, understanding their sentiments. How could I possibly misunderstand?"
"It is good that you understand," Zhang Baohuan said calmly, then glanced around the main hall of the Ministry of Justice. "The Ministry of Justice is rather modest. It must be quite demanding for Lord Zhu to remain steadfast in her duties. When I have the opportunity, I will certainly speak to His Majesty on your behalf. Lord Zhu must continue to serve the court diligently.""In that case, I thank you, Lord Zhang. I shall certainly live up to your expectations, serving the court with utmost loyalty."
"Good." Zhang Baohuan responded, then glanced at the sky outside. "It's getting late. I must return to the palace. Lord Zhu, you should head back early as well."
"I respectfully bid you farewell, Lord Zhang."
Zhu Yan bowed and saw Zhang Baohuan off, yet his mind grew increasingly puzzled.
Zhang Baohuan had come here without reason to inquire about Han Shiyuan's situation, and his words were deliberately vague—there must be some hidden truth behind this.
Without dwelling on it further, Zhu Yan left the Ministry of Justice and headed for the Zhu residence.
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