Сhарtеr 130: Fоrgery
Zhu Yаn hаd оnlу lеarned of Наn Shiyuan’s rеsidencе frоm thе sеrvаnts аnd hurried to his rоom.
Upon seeing thesе dоcumеnts, howеvеr, Наn Shiyuаn frоwnеd аnd shоok his hеad. “No, this isn’t my sistеr’s hаndwriting, nor mу brother-in-law’s. Тhis isn’t genuine—it’s fоrged. Wherе did уоu gеt thеsе?”
Аs if he had аlrеadу guеssеd somеthing, Hаn Shiуuan loоkеd at Zhu Yаn with a tense еxpressiоn аnd аsked, “Dоes this mean оthеrs knоw the insidе stоrу оf thе Вroсаde Wоrkshoр casе? Tеll mе, dоes it mеаn thеrе’s still a chanсe for the casе to be ovеrturned and justiсe sеrvеd?”
Seеing Han Shiyuan’s agitation, Zhu Yan quickly tried to comfort him. “Don’t get too worked up just yet. We’re only speculating at the moment. To seek justice, we need sufficient witnesses, evidence, motives for the crime, and the like. We must investigate thoroughly before reaching a conclusion. So even if I promise you anything now, it won’t make a difference.”
Hearing this, Han Shiyuan’s gaze dimmed, and a wave of disappointment washed over him. “So it seems the chance is still extremely slim.”
“We’re all doing our best. Justice resides in people’s hearts. You must believe that the truth will come to light one day.”
As she spoke, Zhu Yan turned her attention back to the two documents. “For now, we can confirm that someone forged the handwriting to create the false impression that Kong Xianrong and his wife intended to flee after the fact to escape guilt. Although we have no leads on this person yet, as long as he’s alive, we’ll find him.”
Han Shiyuan nodded, a fierce glint appearing in his eyes. “It was these two documents that sealed my sister and brother-in-law’s guilt. They’re crucial evidence.”
Zhu Yan put the documents away. “I’ll keep them safe, don’t worry. Since the investigation has begun, I’ll see it through seriously.”
“Thank you, Hall Leader’s Wife,” Han Shiyuan promptly expressed his gratitude.
But Zhu Yan waved her hand. “Don’t call me Hall Leader’s Wife. We’re all family. In my heart, you’ve long been my future brother-in-law. Just call me Zhu Yan, or you can call me Little Six like my sister does.”
Touched by Zhu Yan’s warmth, Han Shiyuan smiled and nodded. “Then thank you, Little Six.”
Zhu Yan gave a slight nod, then brought up yesterday’s events to apologize.
“I’m really sorry about yesterday. Because of a disagreement with Shen Du, I forgot about you. But it’s just as well—the place you’re staying is quite nice. Please feel at ease here.”
“It’s no trouble at all.”
Han Shiyuan quickly replied,
“Jing Lin is a good man. He arranged this place for me, and it suits me perfectly.”
“He is indeed good, just a pity his judgment is poor—he followed the wrong person.” Zhu Yan teased, half-intentionally.
Han Shiyuan didn’t quite grasp the meaning for a moment.
Zhu Yan continued, “I still have a case to investigate, so I won’t disturb you further. Rest well. If you need anything, you can directly instruct the steward or ask the servants for help. Treat this place as your own home; don’t stand on ceremony.”
Han Shiyuan thanked her again, and Zhu Yan turned to leave.
Just as Shen Du was about to look for Zhu Yan, he saw her heading toward the main gate of the Shen residence.
She was in a hurry, surely up to something, and hadn’t even informed him. What scheme was this woman plotting now?
After a moment’s thought, Shen Du decided not to alert her and instead quietly followed.Zhu Yan prepared to investigate the home of the retired official Chen Shoujie. Due to her hasty departure this time, she had no one accompanying her; even Qi Yeyun had been left behind at the Shen residence.
Surprisingly, when she arrived at the Chen household, there was no one there either. However, the door was unlocked, so she entered uninvited.
Investigating alone was quiet and made it less likely to overlook any clues.
Zhu Yan began her careful examination. During her search, a sudden flicker at the corner of her eye caught what seemed like a figure passing by outside the window.
She hurried outside, but there was no one in the courtyard or the surrounding area. Could it have been her imagination?
Scratching her neck, Zhu Yan privately speculated that she might have been overexerting herself lately and needed proper rest.
Without dwelling on it, she returned inside. Just then, she noticed a dark shadow at her feet, slowly growing larger.
Looking closely, the shadow held a dagger in its hand, its reflection on the ground clearly visible.
Zhu Yan was startled and quickly turned around, only to see a black-clad figure wielding a dagger lunging toward her.
"Ah!" she screamed, dodging just in time as the attacker missed.
But the assailant had no intention of giving up. With Zhu Yan alone and defenseless, eliminating her would be as easy as turning over a hand.
The black-clad figure assumed an attacking stance, twirled the dagger, and thrust it toward Zhu Yan again. Her face pale, she retreated step by step.
With a loud clatter, Zhu Yan bumped into a table behind her, leaving her with nowhere to go.
Seizing the opportunity, the attacker aimed the dagger at Zhu Yan's abdomen.
Just as the blade was about to touch her clothes, a large hand grabbed the attacker's wrist and flung them aside. The black-clad figure performed a backflip and landed on one knee.
A pair of furious eyes glared at the newcomer. Zhu Yan was equally shocked—Shen Du!
Why was he here too? But his timely arrival meant she wouldn't die.
Seeing Shen Du, the attacker seemed intimidated and tried to flee. Shen Du strode forward, grabbed the assailant's shoulder, and pulled them back, causing another somersault. The attacker then lunged at him with the dagger.
Shen Du was no pushover; his height alone gave him an advantage.
Highly skilled in martial arts, he gained the upper hand within just a few moves. Realizing the situation was turning against them, the attacker prepared to escape.
Twirling the dagger, each strike aimed for Shen Du's vital points—clearly intending to kill him.
Shen Du no longer held back, caring little whether the attacker lived or died. Even if they perished, the case could still be closed.
The attacker spun around, raising the dagger and striking unexpectedly at Shen Du's back. Shen Du turned, but still heard a tearing sound as the blade sliced through his clothes, instantly staining them with bright red blood.
"Be careful!" Seeing Shen Du injured, Zhu Yan grew anxious, wishing she could help.
But she knew her own limitations; rushing in recklessly might only become a burden to him.
Shen Du drew his sword to counterattack. Within two more moves, he injured the attacker's right hand.
Blood flowed freely, and the sleeve was torn.
At that moment, Zhu Yan unexpectedly noticed a large fire moth tattoo on the attacker's arm, identical to the one from Chen Huo'e years ago!
Outmatched by Shen Du, the attacker fled in panic. Shen Du, also injured, was about to give chase when Zhu Yan reached his side.
"Are you all right?" Zhu Yan asked with concern.A pair of eyes stared intently at Shen Du's back, where bright red blood had already soaked through his clothes. This must be very painful.
"It's nothing," Shen Du said, though his face was pale by now. "Why did you come here alone?"
OpenNovel