Сhаpter 48: Тhе Еmрrеss's Fury
With the Emрrеss's permissiоn, Zhang Xingwеi gаinеd sоmе сonfidenсe. "Men without hearts, Вuddhаs devоur heаrts, сhаоs under thе Sоn оf Неavеn's feet, the Вuddhа hides sins bу eating heаrts..."
Zhang Xingwеi's words stirred murmurs thrоughоut thе соurt. Тhеse werе trеasоnоus stаtemеnts, yеt hе dared sреak thеm before еveryonе.
"Оutrаgeоus!" the Emprеss thundеrеd in fury.
Неr аuthоritаtivе voiсе eсhoеd through the hаll, and аll оffiсials knеlt, nоt dаring tо utter a word.
"Мinister Zhang, is what you sрoke truly thе nursery rhуme sрrеading thrоugh Chang'an?"
"Deceiving Your Majesty is the crime of defying the sovereign. I dare not lie."
Zhang Xingwei's tone was firm, his demeanor unyielding.
At this moment, Lai Luozhi added, "Your Majesty, I can also testify regarding the nursery rhyme. That day on the street, it was upon hearing this rhyme that I grew enraged and sought to punish the child. I beg Your Majesty to investigate clearly."
Shen Du clenched his fists tightly. From beginning to end, he had not uttered a word.
He knew full well that the nursery rhyme matter was unfavorable to him, and now both Zhang Xingwei and Lai Luozhi had reported it to the Empress.
It was rare for these two to align on the same topic, and the combined target of their words was undoubtedly him alone.
The Empress fell silent, as if in thought.
Seeing the Empress quiet, Lai Luozhi cupped his hands and spoke again, "Your Majesty, since this matter has already involved gods and Buddhas, I propose we resolve it along this path. I suggest performing Buddhist rites at the Western Brightness Temple to exorcise evil, thereby demonstrating Your Majesty's wisdom and silencing the murmurs of the world."
"Minister Lai's proposal is utterly absurd." Before the Empress could decide, Zhang Xingwei voiced his opposition. "The imperial countenance reigns over the world; how can we recklessly discuss spirits and ghosts? Moreover, if we proceed according to Minister Lai's suggestion, would that not precisely confirm the truth of this nursery rhyme?"
"Does the Prime Minister have a better solution for this matter?" Lai Luozhi raised an eyebrow, looking at the elderly Zhang Xingwei.
At this moment, Zhang Xingwei was so angered by Lai Luozhi that his beard bristled, but he remained opposed to performing the rites.
"I believe the serial murder case remains unsolved because it is the responsibility of the Inner Guard Bureau. Rather than arguing here about whether to perform rites to dispel rumors, why not ask the Inner Guard Bureau personnel for their views on this treasonous nursery rhyme?"
Zhang Xingwei emphasized the words "treasonous" heavily, implying blame on the Inner Guard Bureau for their ineffective handling.
Shen Du did not speak, merely shifting his gaze to the Empress. The Empress also looked at him then, as if agreeing with Zhang Xingwei's approach, awaiting his opinion.
"Your Majesty." Shen Du bowed to the Empress. "Regarding the performance of rites, I will only follow Your Majesty's decision. As for the serial murder case..."
As he spoke, Shen Du turned his gaze toward Zhang Xingwei and Lai Luozhi. "The affairs of the Inner Guard Bureau, I still prefer that others not interfere."
The Empress lowered her eyes slightly, pondering Shen Du's words, then concluded, "Enough. Since the murder case has always been handled by the Inner Guard Bureau, let no one inquire further. As for the Buddhist exorcism rites..."
Her tone shifted slightly as she considered again. "To pacify the people's hearts, notify the Western Brightness Temple to make preparations."
"Your Majesty." Zhang Xingwei, unconvinced, was about to speak when the Empress raised her hand to stop him.
"Enough. I am weary. Today's morning court ends here. All of you may withdraw."
"Court is dismissed."
"Long live the Emperor, long live, long live..."Officials filed out of the main hall one after another, when a young eunuch hurried to Shen Du's side, announcing that the Emperor had summoned him.
Arriving at the imperial study, Shen Du bowed to the Empress. Having been summoned privately, he seemed to have anticipated it, his expression showing little fluctuation.
"Your subject Shen Du pays respects to Your Majesty."
"Minister Shen, how is the investigation into the murder case progressing?"
The Empress got straight to the point. Not addressing the matter openly in court had already shown Shen Du considerable face.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, the murder case involves numerous individuals and is shrouded in mystery. Your subject—"
Before Shen Du could finish, the Empress waved her hand. "Do not waste words with useless talk. You saw the situation today. If the case is not closed soon, I fear even I may not be able to protect you."
Hearing this, Shen Du deeply understood the Empress's intention and quickly knelt in gratitude. "Your subject thanks the Empress for her trust. I will spare no effort to apprehend the culprit as soon as possible."
Leaving the palace, Shen Du felt as if Mount Tai were weighing on his shoulders, leaving him breathless.
The Empress had shown him face and issued a secret order for him to solve the case quickly. Although there had been progress, the case remained a tangled mess with no clear leads.
Handling it alone was indeed quite challenging.
At that moment, Zhu Yan came to his mind. Though this woman was outspoken and often infuriated him, he knew in his heart that her mistakes were unintentional.
A night had passed, and his inner anger had long since dissipated. Moreover, she was meticulous and skilled at uncovering details, making her assistance in the investigation invaluable.
With this in mind, upon returning to the Shen residence, Shen Du opened the door to Zhu Yan's room.
Having consumed neither food nor water all night, Zhu Yan looked considerably haggard.
Seeing Shen Du arrive, Zhu Yan still ignored him. Though she knew she was in the wrong, his attitude toward her had truly chilled her heart.
"From today onward, I am releasing you, but your activities are limited to the Shen residence, or... by your husband's side."
Shen Du's meaning was clear: he would let her out, but she could not wander freely. If she wished to investigate the case, she could, but only in his presence.
Zhu Yan sneered. Such restrictions seemed ineffective on her.
The more she was pressured, the more stubborn she became.
"You lock people up as you please, release them as you please—since when does the world work so conveniently?"
Zhu Yan spoke coldly. "I have made up my mind. Our personalities are incompatible, like fire and water. Grant me a letter of divorce, and I will return to the Zhu family."
Shen Du looked at her, his deep eyes carrying an unusual glint, almost mocking. "What did you say?"
Seeing Shen Du's expression, Zhu Yan felt a chill in her heart, but she steadied herself and spoke with righteous determination. "I said, I want you to grant me a letter of divorce and cast me aside. As for the case, you need not worry. As a Ninth-rank Clerk, I will naturally assist the Great Pavilion Commander."
"Heh..." Shen Du seemed to have heard a joke. He let out a cold laugh and scrutinized Zhu Yan. "What do you think the Shen residence is? A place you can come and go as you please? Let me tell you this: once you have entered the gates of the Shen residence, you must abide by its rules. In the Shen family, there is no amicable separation—only life and death."
Shen Du's words sent a shiver through Zhu Yan's body. She knew he was not joking.
Zhu Yan clenched her fists, lowered her gaze, and pondered. Though she did not know Shen Du's intentions for keeping her in the residence, her life was still of utmost importance.
Her Majesty the Empress was to hold a Buddhist ceremony, and the Western Brightness Temple was heavily guarded.
Shen Du followed Her Majesty the Empress into the Western Brightness Temple.Perhaps fearing Zhu Yan would cause trouble, or perhaps worried she might be unhappy and lose her composure before the Empress, he did not take her along this time.
Seeing the group enter the temple, Zhu Yan, standing among the crowd outside, felt a surge of resentment.
She had been involved in this case too. If they wouldn’t take her inside, she would find her own way in.
OpenNovel