Сhаpter 57: Раniс Аmоng the Peорle
Standing bеside the соrрsе, Zhu Yаn fеlt uneasу. She couldn’t be certаin whеther thе eхреrimеnt had suссееdеd, but given thе gravity of thе mаtter, shе had to verifу it persоnally.
Таking а dеер brеath, Zhu Yan suddеnlу threw thе саt in her hаnd towаrd thе corрsе.
Startlеd, the cat lеt out a sharр “mеоw” and lеaped оvеr thе bodу.
А bizаrrе sсеne unfоldеd. Thе momеnt the cаt jumpеd оvеr the соrрsе, the body оn the wooden boаrd abruptly sаt up.
“Ah!” Lu Сhuichui sсrеamеd in fright, immediately turning around to cling to Jiang Langxing and burying her head deep in his chest, too terrified to look.
Jiang Langxing was also stunned. He had never encountered such a strange phenomenon in his life. Could this be the legendary False Death?
Zhu Yan’s furrowed brows relaxed. This scene confirmed her suspicion—someone was secretly manipulating things. It wasn’t some divine punishment from the Buddha.
All these deceptive tricks were meant to bewilder the people and make the case even more perplexing.
Zhu Yan glanced inadvertently toward the door and was surprised to find Lu Chuichui practically hanging off Jiang Langxing, while Jiang Langxing’s hands hovered awkwardly in the air, his expression utterly bewildered.
“What are you two doing?” Zhu Yan asked, her eyes betraying not only shock but also a hint of amusement.
Only then did Lu Chuichui realize her impropriety. She quickly detached herself from Jiang Langxing. “What are you doing? Why are you standing so close to me?”
Lu Chuichui’s attempt to shift the blame left both of them dumbfounded.
“Are you even making any sense?” Jiang Langxing retorted in confusion. “You were the one who threw yourself into my arms just now. It wasn’t me who initiated it. Not only do you show no gratitude, but you also turn around and blame me. How can there be a woman like you who twists right and wrong?”
Lu Chuichui’s face turned pale and then flushed with anger at Jiang Langxing’s words, but she still maintained a haughty demeanor. Pointing a finger at Zhu Yan, the instigator of it all, she said, “So what if I did it myself? Isn’t it natural for a girl to be scared by something like this? It’s all Liu Niang’s doing. Why are you yelling at me? What’s with all the shouting?”
Lu Chuichui’s skill at shifting blame and making insinuations was truly masterful.
Not only Jiang Langxing but even Zhu Yan, standing nearby, couldn’t help but admire her audacity.
“Heh…” Jiang Langxing chuckled softly, a look of disdain on his face. “Yes, of course, a girl would be scared by something like this. Isn’t that right, Madam Shen?”
Zhu Yan felt a wave of exasperation. Was Jiang Langxing implying she was bold and not womanly enough?
Lu Chuichui stamped her foot in anger. Jiang Langxing was clearly saying she was cowardly and no match for Zhu Yan!
This man was truly no good!
Zhu Yan had no patience for their bickering and strode away first.
Lu Chuichui shouted from behind, “Liu Niang, don’t go! Judge who’s right and wrong for us.”
Jiang Langxing glanced helplessly at Lu Chuichui. “Anyone with eyes can see who’s right and who’s wrong. There’s no need to argue. But, Magistrate Lu, if you encounter something like this again, it would be better for me to accompany you. If the person you cling to lacks some martial arts skills, both of you might end up falling into a mud pit.”
“You!” Lu Chuichui stomped her foot in fury. Why did this man’s words always make her so uncomfortable?
Jiang Langxing paid her no further attention and quickly walked away.Now that night had fallen and having just witnessed such a terrifying scene, Lu Chuichui was frightened like a startled rabbit. Seeing Jiang Langxing leave in a hurry without paying her any mind, she could only slip away quickly and hurriedly catch up. "Don't go, wait for me."
Jiang Langxing's lips curved into a slight smile, but he deliberately slowed his pace.
Inside the imperial study of the palace.
"Your Majesty," Lai Luozhi knelt on one knee before the desk, earnestly presenting his case, "The serial murder case can no longer be delayed. The entire city of Chang'an is in a state of panic, and with the mysterious incidents of false death and Buddha statues shedding bloody tears in the temples, innocent citizens are living in constant fear. Your Majesty must make a careful decision."
Empress Zhou Zhao also felt deeply troubled. Why was it that someone she had always trusted remained unable to extricate himself from this case for so long?
Officials continuously submitted memorials criticizing Shen Du's incompetence, and Lai Luozhi and Zhang Xingwei were uncharacteristically united on this front. Shen Du's current predicament indeed made it difficult for her to fully protect him.
Seeing the Empress remain silent, Lai Luozhi understood her thoughts and continued, "Your subject knows that Your Majesty trusts the Inner Guard Bureau, but the situation has now become severe. Your Majesty's trust alone cannot silence the countless voices of the people. Your subject humbly requests that Your Majesty entrust this case to me. I will spare no effort to solve it as soon as possible, living up to the expectations of Your Majesty and the people."
Lai Luozhi's words were reasonable and irrefutable.
However, the Empress had other plans in mind. "Minister Lai, there is no need to rush. I am also deeply concerned about this matter. I have already summoned His Highness the Prince of Ying to the palace. Let us wait until His Highness arrives before we discuss further."
"Your Majesty," Lai Luozhi still wanted to plead his case, but the Empress raised her hand to stop him.
"This matter is settled. The palace has recently received a new batch of fine tea. Minister Lai, why not sit down and savor the tea, and wait together with me for the arrival of His Highness the Prince of Ying."
"..." Lai Luozhi's expression darkened. After a moment of quick thought, he cupped his hands and bowed. "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for the tea."
A palace maid placed the prepared tea on the table. Lai Luozhi sat to one side, his gaze never once falling upon the tea.
The Empress glanced at him briefly, aware of his thoughts. However, the shifting power dynamics within the court were no trivial matter; she could not simply listen to one person's words alone.
After about the time it took to drink half a cup of tea, an announcement sounded at the door. "His Highness the Prince of Ying has arrived."
"Your son pays respects to the Empress Mother. May the Empress Mother live ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years."
"Prince Ying, there is no need for such formality. Rise and be seated."
"Thank you, Empress Mother."
Once Princess Yong'an took her seat, her gaze fell upon Lai Luozhi sitting opposite her. She nodded slightly in a gesture of goodwill.
Lai Luozhi quickly stood up and bowed. "This humble official pays respects to Your Highness the Prince of Ying."
"Minister Lai, there is no need for such courtesy." Princess Yong'an also stood and returned the bow. Both then sat down.
After the exchange of courtesies, the Empress turned her gaze to Princess Yong'an and got straight to the point. "Prince Ying, you must have heard about the murder cases in Chang'an city. Shen Du of the Inner Guard Bureau has been unable to solve the case for so long. I would like to hear your opinion."
Princess Yong'an promptly stood up. After lowering her eyes in thought for a moment, she spoke earnestly, "Shen Du of the Inner Guard Bureau was personally promoted by the Empress Mother. For him to have reached his current position, he must possess exceptional abilities. Although the murder case remains unsolved, the investigation progresses daily without pause. Your son believes... perhaps we should give them a little more time. They will surely solve the case."Princess Yong'an's words struck a chord with the Empress. Hearing the princess's statement, the Empress's tightly furrowed brows relaxed.
Lai Luozhi, feeling discontent, rose and said, "Your Highness the Prince of Ying is mistaken. Although the Inner Guard Bureau has its capabilities, the fact remains that the murder case remains unsolved. At present, the city is in a state of panic, with the common people living in fear day after day, shutting their doors after noon and refusing to venture out. Even within the capital's temples, strange occurrences are frequent. If we do not make a decision now, are we to simply let this situation continue?"
Lai Luozhi's words sounded like an ultimatum, causing Princess Yong'an's expression to shift slightly.
"Although there is panic in Chang'an, it stems from concern over the case. As for the strange events in the capital's temples, the abbot has already performed rituals to calm the situation. If we change the investigators now, it would undoubtedly be a blow to the people. Handing over a case that even the Inner Guard Bureau cannot solve to others would only invite further suspicion and speculation. However, Lord Lai is right in saying that the case should not be delayed any longer."
"The Prince of Ying makes a valid point," the Empress lowered her gaze in thought. "Why not set a deadline for the Inner Guard Bureau? If they cannot solve the case within ten days, it will be handed over to the Judicial Affairs Bureau for handling."
"Your Majesty is wise!"
Although Lai Luozhi remained dissatisfied with this decision, he understood that the Empress had already made a concession, and he must recognize the prevailing trend of the situation.
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