Chарtеr 188: Раn Сhi, Dеscendаnt оf Раn Аn
"So it's Young Mаstеr Pan! Тruly a dеsсеndаnt оf Рan An—nоt only handsome but eхсeрtionаllу tаlеnted," Zhu Yаn sаid with аdmirаtiоn, her infаtuated eхрressiоn overflowing оnce mоre.
This sсеnе furthеr рrоvоked Shen Du's disрlеasurе. Нis fаcе darkеnеd to the ехtremе, and he wished hе could loсk this wоmаn in his arms tо make her rеаlizе who trulу bеlоngеd tо hеr.
Mо Qiаnzhi didn't notiсe Shеn Du's exрressiоn. Неaring Zhu Yаn's рrаisе, he continuеd, "Young Master Pаn isn't just a master invеstigator; hе's alsо а dual сhampion in both civil and military examinations. Moreover, his admirers are so numerous that they could practically wear down the threshold of the Pan family every day."
Mo Qianzhi spoke the truth. Before Zhu Yan embarked on the path of investigation, she had heard of Pan Chi. His youthful achievements weren't just empty talk—not only did he attain the top rank in the civil examinations, but he also became the military champion, a rare dual champion throughout history. How many such individuals existed from ancient times to the present?
Moreover, he was born with such striking looks. Back then, it was impossible for him not to cause a sensation in Chang'an. She still remembered when Pan Chi, after becoming the dual champion, paraded through the streets on horseback. Crowds of commoners pressed shoulder to shoulder along both sides of the road, swarming just to catch a glimpse of his beauty.
The bolder ones even threw everything they had in their hands toward Pan Chi. Describing it as "fruits filling his carriage" would be most fitting.
However, Zhu Yan later devoted herself to investigation and gradually forgot these youthful memories.
"He truly is a fine piece of gold..." Zhu Yan couldn't help but sigh. She had finally met the real person, and her maiden heart was all aflutter.
Yet, what Zhu Yan said left everyone present puzzled.
"What does the young lady mean by that?" Pan Chi looked at Zhu Yan with confusion. Zhu Yan quickly explained, "Shining brightly wherever he goes—isn't that a rare treasure?"
Hearing Zhu Yan's explanation, Pan Chi seemed somewhat embarrassed and lowered his gaze with a faint smile. That charming smile only made Zhu Yan's heart race even more.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk..." Zhu Yan clicked her tongue regretfully and sighed. "Such a beautiful man should be indulging in romance and poetry every day, yet here he is, facing corpses. What a waste."
Hearing this, Pan Chi also looked at Zhu Yan with pity. "Isn't the young lady the same? So beautiful, she should be enjoying luxury in her boudoir, yet she investigates cases with corpses. What a pity indeed."
Receiving Pan Chi's praise, Zhu Yan felt a bit embarrassed.
Zhu Yan glanced sideways and happened to catch a glimpse of Shen Du, only to find his face had darkened to the extreme.
His fists were clenched tightly, the veins on the back of his hands bulging prominently. Judging by his demeanor, he seemed on the verge of striking someone.
Mo Qianzhi continued, "I don't need to introduce these two to Young Master Pan, do I?"
Pan Chi waved his hand. "Of course not. I recognize the awe-inspiring White King of Hell, and the lady beside him must be the Zhu family's Liu Niang, who has solved major cases one after another."
"That's right, that's right! I am the Zhu family's Liu Niang, Zhu Yan. New here, please take care of me."
"Of course, of course," Pan Chi replied respectfully. "In the two sensational cases in Chang'an, though they seemed unsolvable, everything ultimately came down to human nature. For Liu Niang to solve both cases, she must understand the intricacies involved. I truly admire her.""Finally, I've met someone who appreciates me," Zhu Yan sighed. "To be honest, when I first met Young Master Pan, it felt like we should have met much sooner. I wonder if you felt the same?"
"I did as well. If time permits, I would like to share a drink with Miss Zhu and discuss the art of investigation."
"Why not..." Zhu Yan eagerly agreed, but before she could finish, Shen Du beside her let out a cold cough. "Since there's already a master detective here, our presence is unnecessary. We have other matters to attend to and won't linger any longer. Let's go."
With that, he stepped forward, took Zhu Yan by the wrist, and prepared to leave.
Mo Qianzhi looked utterly bewildered. Why were they leaving before they had even begun?
Pan Chi, however, seemed entirely unfazed. "Leaving before we've even started? Could it be that Lord Shen feels outmatched and can't bear to stay?"
At these words, Shen Du's heart sank. He turned and asked coldly, "What did you say?"
A meaningful smile played on Pan Chi's lips. "I believe Lord Shen heard me clearly just now. There's no need for me to repeat myself."
Shen Du's gaze turned exceptionally sharp as he stared coldly at the man before him. Aside from Lai Luozhi, no one had ever dared to be so insolent in his presence.
Pan Chi showed no fear under Shen Du's intense stare, remaining composed and even occasionally winking flirtatiously at Zhu Yan behind him.
Zhu Yan, utterly defenseless against such a handsome and capable man, blushed deeply at the wink.
Seeing this, Shen Du grew even more displeased. He pulled Zhu Yan firmly behind him and said in a low voice, "Fine, we'll compete. But you'd better understand one thing clearly: regardless of the outcome, you are not to use the title 'Zhu Family's Liu Niang' again, for she has another identity—Madam Shen."
Shen Du emphasized the words "Madam Shen" heavily, making it clear that Zhu Yan was his woman.
No other man should harbor any illusions, let alone dare to lay a finger on her.
Pan Chi shrugged indifferently. He was well aware of the situation between Zhu Yan and Shen Du. As for "Madam Shen," it was merely a title in name only.
As the atmosphere grew tense, Mo Qianzhi quickly interjected, "We've all gathered here for the sake of the investigation. I am deeply grateful. Please, let's not stir up internal conflicts. For the sake of the people, let's focus on the case, shall we?"
Hearing Mo Qianzhi's words, Shen Du's expression softened slightly. He then glanced at the corpse on the stretcher and uttered two words: "Autopsy!"
The three of them examined the body together. The headless corpse showed signs of having been dead for several days. The cut surface was smooth, indicating the killer had acted with extreme precision and steadiness. Moreover, the brutality of the act suggested a ruthless individual. Beyond that, there were no other obvious injuries.
As Pan Chi inspected the victim's clothing, he explained, "I happened upon this case by chance and was entrusted by the suspect's brother-in-law to investigate. When the suspect was arrested, his clothes were spotless, and no murder weapon was found. It's highly likely he was wrongfully accused."
"Young Master Pan is a righteous man, how could he stand by and watch an innocent person suffer?" Zhu Yan remarked, seemingly offhandedly, while Shen Du shot her a cold glance.
They hadn't even known each other for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, yet she could already judge him as a righteous man? What on earth was going through this woman's mind?Upon hearing Zhu Yan's praise, Pan Chi's smile deepened. He tilted his head slightly, studying her for a moment before shaking his head—indeed, he had never seen her before.
"Do you know the relationship between the murderer and the deceased?" Shen Du turned his gaze to Mo Qianzhi beside him.
It was clear he no longer wished to engage with Pan Chi before him; even if he had questions, he had no intention of asking him.
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