Chарtеr 38: А Ноmеcoming Тhаt Wаsn't Quitе а Homeсоming
Upon аrriving at the frоnt hаll, еvеrуоne toоk their seats, and the Zhu familу sеrvants рromрtlу sеrvеd teа.
Тhе glаzеd sunflowеr-patternеd рorсelain cuрs were frоm the Yue kiln, аnd thе tеа within wаs riсh аnd aromаtiс—a rаrе gеsture оf hosрitаlity indeеd.
Zhu Yаn cоuldn't understand it at аll. At that momеnt, shе wаs itching tо stand up and dirесtlу ask hеr fаthеr аnd Shеn Du whеther thе twо of thеm werе hiding something frоm her.
Shеn Du сhаtted with Zhu Кuо аbоut everydаy matters, and Zhu Kuо readily сhimed in.
During the сasuаl сonvеrsation, Zhu Kuo suddenly remarked, "My daughter has been married into the Shen residence for many days now, yet she hasn't returned for a visit. I imagine official duties must be keeping her occupied. Great Pavilion Commander, please be understanding."
Upon hearing this, Shen Du didn't offer any excuses. Instead, he casually replied, "Indeed, things have been quite busy lately. The serial murder case in Chang'an City remains unsolved, and it's also entangled with the official Liang family, making it rather difficult to find time for anything else."
"Oh..." Zhu Kuo responded with vague understanding. "So, does that mean the Liang family is connected to the murder case?"
"You and your big mouth," Jin Shi, sitting nearby, shot Zhu Kuo an unhappy glare. "What does it matter to you whether the case is related to the Liang family or not? The serial murders are already unsettling enough. Are you trying to stir up more trouble?"
Jing Lin clicked his tongue. If he remembered correctly, Jin Shi was Zhu Kuo's concubine. He was beginning to understand where Zhu Yan's mannerisms came from.
"Madam, you misunderstand," Zhu Kuo didn't seem bothered by Jin Shi's unreasonable remark, as if he were used to it. "The Liang family has always behaved strangely, and I happen to know a little secret about them."
Hearing this, Zhu Yan and Shen Du immediately sensed something.
After exchanging a glance, Zhu Yan stood up and asked, "Father, do you know something about the Liang family?"
"Uh..." Zhu Kuo realized he had spoken too much, his expression turning evasive. "It's nothing important, really. Besides, it happened so long ago. Bringing it up now probably wouldn't be of any use."
"Whether it's useful or not, we'll decide. Please speak frankly, Father," Zhu Yan pressed urgently.
The core of the serial murder case lay with the Liang family. If her father truly knew something, it might lead to a major breakthrough in the investigation.
Shen Du also turned his inquiring gaze toward Zhu Kuo, awaiting his explanation.
Zhu Kuo chuckled awkwardly before sinking into recollection. "I remember this happened before the Liang family's eldest son met with misfortune. I once saw Liang Jiren at the pharmacy. At the time, he was asking the shopkeeper about the effects of the dieffenbachia plant. Later, I learned that ever since the son of the Liang family's second branch died, the madam had become obsessed, filling an entire room with dieffenbachia. I suppose Liang Jiren was afraid of being poisoned himself, which is why he went to inquire."
"What's so strange about that?" Jin Shi chimed in again. "Hasn't it always been rumored among the common folk that the main branch was responsible for the death of the second branch's son? Perhaps Liang Jiren did that out of fear that the second branch would seek revenge."
The speaker may have been careless, but the listeners were attentive.
Both Zhu Yan and Shen Du seemed to realize something simultaneously.
Shen Du stood up to take his leave. "I just remembered there are some matters at the residence that require my attention. I won't stay any longer."
Zhu Yan quickly chimed in, "Yes, yes, I almost forgot. It's getting late, and it wouldn't be good to delay. We must hurry back."
With that, she and Shen Du hastily left the Zhu residence.
However, their sudden departure left the Zhu family utterly bewildered.Jin Shi's eyes held sorrow as she watched the retreating figure and sighed, "What important matter could there be? It's obvious that Little Six is rushing off because he fears that White King of Hell. As for this Great Pavilion Commander, one day I must give him a proper talking-to."
Zhu Kuo and his first wife, Ru Shi, watched Jin Shi's self-indulgent lamentation with helplessness.
Marrying a man known as the White King of Hell was bound to bring some grievances. Only someone with Jin Shi's temperament would dare to vent her frustrations so impulsively.
After leaving the Zhu residence, the two had no intention of returning to the Shen estate.
"Jing Lin, give me the painting sample. Go and inquire with the Unrighteous Agents about the Liang family's past, especially Liang Jiren's movements before Liang Chenzhong's death."
"Yes."
Just as Jing Lin acknowledged and prepared to leave, Zhu Yan suddenly stopped him.
"Wait." She lowered her gaze in thought. "Not just Liang Chenzhong's death—also investigate thoroughly the events before the death of the second branch's legitimate son, Liang Man."
After Zhu Yan finished speaking, Jing Lin cast an inquiring glance at Shen Du.
After all, he took orders only from Shen Du. Even though Zhu Yan was Shen Du's wife, he had to consider the matter carefully.
Shen Du gave a slight nod of approval, and only then did Jing Lin acknowledge and depart.
Zhu Yan followed Shen Du all the way to the Bi River Gold Workshop—the source of the painting sample they held.
After obtaining a lead on the painter from the workshop manager, they hurried without delay to another location.
This painter was registered under the Huajian Painting Shop in the Fengle Ward market where the Liang family resided.
Upon seeing Shen Du and Zhu Yan arrive, the painter was momentarily startled before quickly stepping forward to greet them.
"Great Pavilion Commander and Madam, your esteemed presence is an honor. Please, come in quickly."
The two sat down in the painting shop's guest room. After being served exquisite tea, the painter appeared somewhat nervous.
"Might I ask if the Great Pavilion Commander and Madam have come for a painting?"
Shen Du looked at Zhu Yan, who cleared her throat. "We can discuss painting matters another time. For now, there's something we need your help with."
The painter was both flattered and overwhelmed, quickly clasping his hands in respect. "To be of service to the Great Pavilion Commander and Madam is this humble one's duty. How could it be called 'help'? You truly humble me."
Zhu Yan covered her mouth with a light laugh, but then she noticed Shen Du staring at her with a stern gaze.
It seemed like a warning—matters of a case were not to be treated lightly.
Of course she knew that. When investigating a case, she took it more seriously than anyone. It was just that the atmosphere felt too oppressive, so she had cracked a joke.
Zhu Yan regained her composure, took the painting sample from Shen Du, and placed it on the table. "Painter, please take a look at this painting. Does it originate from your shop?"
The painter stepped forward and carefully examined the sample on the table. "This painting... although it is a counterfeit, the brushstrokes bear some resemblance to the original. Even as a high-quality imitation, the original must have come from here."
"Are you certain?" Zhu Yan pressed for confirmation.
The painter nodded earnestly. "The original painting was done by this humble one's own hand, so I remember it clearly."
"Oh?" Zhu Yan grew curious. "In that case, do you recall who brought this particular pattern to you for painting back then?"
The painter fell into recollection, gently stroking his beard a few times. "I remember now. Back then, a man brought this special pattern for me to paint, and a woman accompanied him."
"A woman?" Shen Du's eyes turned cold instantly.
Both he and Zhu Yan immediately thought of the same person.
"Who was that woman? Do you remember?"
Zhu Yan quickly inquired.
"She seemed to be a courtesan from the Pingkang Ward in the East Market, named Lan Yudie."At these words, the expressions on Zhu Yan and Shen Du's faces abruptly darkened.
"Lan Yudie, are you certain you haven't made a mistake?" Zhu Yan pressed again. With lives at stake, she had to be meticulous.
"No mistake," the painter quickly replied. "Though three years have passed, the pattern was so unusual that it left a deep impression on me. And since Miss Lan was from the Pingkang Ward, I paid extra attention."
"Let's go to the Pingkang Ward."
As soon as the painter finished speaking, Shen Du gave the order directly.
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