Chарtеr 128: Тhе Unmanageаblе Little Wife
Нowevеr, Наn Shiуuаn’s finаl words gavе everyone pаusе. “Bаck thеn, mу sistеr mеntionеd in раssing thаt shе was thе last persоn tо handlе that batch оf summer clоthes involvеd in thе саsе. Nоw thаt all the еvidеncе hаs bеen dеstroуеd, seeking justiсе and оverturning the verdiсt is almost impоssiblе.”
Тhe аtmospherе grеw hеavу оnсе mоrе, though аt lеast thеy hаd learnеd abоut Наn Shiyuаn’s bасkgrоund and some сlues from the past.
With Нan Shiyuan’s оrigins reveаled, if оthеrs werе to find out, the entire Zhu household could be implicated.
Everyone realized this, and it was then that Shen Du took the initiative to propose, “Why not let Young Master Han return with me and stay at the Shen residence? It would be relatively safer.”
No one objected, and Han Shiyuan expressed his gratitude to Shen Du.
Just as they were preparing to leave, Zhu Yan suddenly spoke up, “You all go back first. I’ll stay here.”
Zhu Yan’s words sent a tremor through everyone present and made Shen Du frown. “Why?”
“With such a big incident happening at home, I can’t rest easy. It’s better if I stay,” Zhu Yan explained.
But Shen Du gave her no chance to stay, coldly stating, “No. The case still needs to be investigated. You must come with me.”
“How can you be so selfish?”
Zhu Yan was somewhat angered. Whether it was lingering resentment from yesterday’s events or something that had upset her this morning, her words carried a sarcastic edge.
“I’m selfish? And what about you, holding a position but failing to fulfill its responsibilities?” Shen Du retorted coldly.
As the situation threatened to escalate, Zhu Kuo quickly stepped in to mediate.
“Alright, alright. A day as husband and wife means a hundred days of affection. Stop arguing. The case is important now, and there’s nothing happening at home. Little Six, don’t worry. You should go back with the Great Pavilion Commander.”
Although the Zhu family was reluctant, this was ultimately a matter between husband and wife. If they separated in a cold war, things might spiral out of control.
With everyone urging her and Shen Du standing firm, Zhu Yan reluctantly followed him out of the Zhu residence.
Upon returning to the Shen residence, Shen Du entrusted Han Shiyuan to the old steward, instructing him to show Han Shiyuan around.
Shen Du then turned to Zhu Yan and explained,
“I asked you to come back with me to ensure your safety. Don’t you understand?”
“Safety?”
Zhu Yan retorted, showing no sign of appreciating his concern.
“My safety alone is safety, but the safety of everyone in the Zhu household isn’t?”
“You are my wife. You’re different from them,” Shen Du replied, also growing irritated, his tone turning unusually sharp.
“Hah…” Zhu Yan sneered. “Yes, I’m different from them. And I’m even more different from Miss Yun Que and Han Shiyuan.”
Zhu Yan’s words left Shen Du momentarily speechless, unable to grasp their meaning.
“How can you be so unreasonable?”
After a moment’s thought, Shen Du fixed Zhu Yan with a scrutinizing gaze.
“I personally went to the crime scene to protect you, and I personally went to the Zhu residence to resolve matters. Whenever a murder occurs, the first thing I think of is your situation. Why are you so ungrateful?”
“Is that so?”
Zhu Yan retorted, exasperated.
“In that case, I really am as blind as Miss Yun Que said. The Great Pavilion Commander is so wonderful, yet I fail to see any of it. If that’s the case, why are we even together?”Zhu Yan seemed to have swallowed gunpowder, venting incessantly at Shen Du.
The two argued loudly, and the servants in the mansion dared not step forward to intervene.
At that moment, the old steward returned with Han Shiyuan. Seeing the two arguing, the old steward also dared not approach.
Han Shiyuan felt somewhat awkward. Thinking that as an outsider, he might be able to ease the situation, he stepped forward and said, "My lords, perhaps you could listen—"
"Shut up!"
For once, the two spoke in unison, silencing Han Shiyuan.
Startled, Han Shiyuan quickly closed his mouth.
The two glared at each other angrily, neither yielding, and stormed off in opposite directions.
Han Shiyuan stood there dumbfounded, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. He had been brought to the Shen residence, yet no arrangements had been made for him—truly awkward.
"Sigh..." Jing Lin, as if on purpose, walked up to Han Shiyuan and let out a long sigh. "Situations like this, you’ll have to get used to them. Don’t even think about trying to mediate. Both lords are formidable figures. The rule for survival in the Shen residence is to mind your own business."
Listening to Jing Lin’s explanation, Han Shiyuan suddenly understood. Indeed, one is never too old to learn. When in a new place, one must adapt to its rules of survival.
"But..." Han Shiyuan still felt awkward. Glancing at Jing Lin beside him, he scratched his head and said, "I was brought here by the two lords, but no arrangements have been made. Where am I supposed to stay tonight?"
"..." Jing Lin was momentarily speechless. Han Shiyuan’s question had hit the nail on the head.
The man had been brought here by the two lords, but now neither of them was taking responsibility.
The burden had fallen on him again. What kind of mess was this?
He had to ensure the safety of the Great Pavilion Commander, investigate the whereabouts of the case suspect, and occasionally entertain guests of the Shen residence.
It was as if all the miscellaneous affairs of the Shen residence fell on him to manage. Yet, he received only a meager monthly salary—it really didn’t make sense.
Seeing that Jing Lin didn’t answer, Han Shiyuan grew anxious. "Guard Jing Lin, you... you don’t know how to arrange things either, do you?"
"That’s not it," Jing Lin quickly replied. "Leave your matter to me. I’ll make arrangements and ensure you have a bright room by tonight."
"Thank you, Guard Jing Lin," Han Shiyuan promptly expressed his gratitude.
Jing Lin waved his hand. "Don’t always call me Guard Jing Lin. It’s too formal. Just call me by my name."
"Alright, thank you then."
Han Shiyuan thanked him again, and only then did Jing Lin nod in satisfaction before turning to leave.
Nighttime.
Shen Du had just returned to his room when he noticed it was unusually empty. Why were so many things missing?
Had there been a thief?
Shen Du was puzzled, but he soon realized something was amiss. The missing items were all feminine belongings.
In other words, everything related to Zhu Yan was gone. What did this mean?
He stepped out of the room and called over the servant guarding the courtyard gate. "Where have Madam’s things gone?"
The servant trembled and replied timidly,
"Great Pavilion Commander, after dinner, Madam moved all her belongings to the guest room and has settled there for the night."
This woman had actually moved out of their room!
What was she trying to do?
Even if she was angry, it was a matter between husband and wife. Could she really hate him this much?Shen Du clenched his fist, feeling this woman was being rather unreasonable. With a flick of his long sleeve, he returned to his room.
Not long after, the candle in the room also went out.
Early the next morning, as soon as Shen Du opened the door, he found Jing Lin waiting in the courtyard, his expression awkward as if he had something difficult to say.
"Why are you here?"
Shen Du asked, but Jing Lin only scratched his neck even more awkwardly.
"This subordinate... this subordinate has a proposal to discuss with the Great Pavilion Commander."
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