Сhаpter 60: Invеstigаting thе Liаng Fаmily
Her ехpressiоn was vaсаnt, уеt hеr wоrds were vеhement, a sight that stirred cоnсern.
Рerhарs hеаring the соmmоtiоn, Мadаm Wei turned her gаzе towаrd the group. "Whо are уou? What аrе уоu dоing hеrе?"
Madаm Wеi stoоd uр, еyеing evеrуone with wаrinеss. But whеn her eyеs fell upon Liаng Jirеn, shе suddenlу let out a lоud сrу, aрреаring uttеrlу terrifiеd.
"Dоn't cоme nеar, don't сomе nеаr! You wiсkеd mаn, уou're a wiсked man!"
Madam Wеi's delirious ramblings sеemed unsurрrising to еvеryоne present, and none took them to heart.
Liang Jiren shook his head and sighed. "Ever since Man'er left, she has been like this. Many years have passed, and we've never stopped seeking medical treatment, yet there has been no improvement. Alas..."
"Elder brother, do not grieve. Sister's illness will surely improve." Madam Zheng quickly stepped forward to console him, then turned to Zhu Yan. "Sister is in such a frenzied state that I fear it may be difficult for Madam Shen to approach her. Why not entrust the calming incense to me? I will place it by her pillow to soothe her nerves."
"That won't be necessary." Zhu Yan tightened her grip on the calming incense, determined to personally interact with Madam Wei.
Seeing Zhu Yan's resolve, Madam Zheng said nothing more and simply stood aside.
Zhu Yan approached with the calming incense, but along the way, the corner of her long sleeve accidentally brushed against a nearby Alocasia plant.
Suddenly, as if possessed, Madam Wei let out a furious roar and charged toward Zhu Yan. "Don't harm my Man'er!"
Everyone present was startled, and even Madam Tang instinctively took a few steps back.
Madam Wei lunged at Zhu Yan with clawing hands and a terrifying expression, as if intent on tearing her apart.
Just as Madam Wei was about to reach Zhu Yan, Shen Du stepped forward, shielding her and firmly grasping Madam Wei's outstretched hands.
While everyone was still in shock, Liang Jiren quickly regained his composure and shouted, "What are you waiting for? Hurry, restrain her! Do not let her harm the Great Pavilion Commander!"
The servants responded in unison, rushing forward to subdue Madam Wei before escorting her back to her room.
Zhu Yan, also shaken, hid behind Shen Du, breathing rapidly.
"Are you all right?" Shen Du turned to her, his tone unusually gentle, his eyes filled with concern.
This sudden display of care made Zhu Yan uncomfortable, but given the presence of others, she responded naturally. "I'm fine, thanks to you."
This affectionate exchange left everyone present feeling awkward.
Especially Madam Tang, whose eyes held an indescribable emotion—both intimidating and seemingly tinged with envy.
"I am not feeling well and shall take my leave." Madam Tang suddenly coughed lightly a few times before turning to depart. Madam Zheng quickly sent someone to accompany her.
Lu Chuichui also seemed to realize something. "Well, I just remembered there is something I must attend to at home, so I'll be going now. If there's anything, Liu Niang, we can discuss it at the Ministry of Justice."
Zhu Yan nodded slightly, and Lu Chuichui also turned to leave.
The courtyard finally returned to calm. Liang Jiren hurriedly apologized to Shen Du and Zhu Yan. "I sincerely apologize for disturbing you both today. It is entirely my fault. I beg your forgiveness."
"There is no need for such apologies, Lord Liang. Madam Wei has been in this frenzied state for many years, as everyone knows. Her actions are understandable." Shen Du offered comfort before shifting the topic. "To be frank, Lord Liang, I have come here today to ask a favor. I hope you will grant me this convenience."Upon hearing this, Liang Jiren's expression turned somewhat peculiar. "May I ask what the Great Pavilion Commander seeks?"
Shen Du took a slight breath. "Although Young Master Liang has been laid to rest, the case remains unsolved, and the true culprit has yet to be found. I wonder if Lord Liang could grant us the convenience of entering Young Master Liang's room to see if we might uncover any clues?"
"This..." Liang Jiren appeared troubled, though he did not seem overly evasive.
"Is there some inconvenience?" Zhu Yan quickly inquired.
"Not exactly," Liang Jiren replied. "It's just that since Chenzhong passed away, I ordered the servants to seal off the room, and no one has entered to clean it. After so many days, I fear it must be covered in dust. If the two of you wish to inspect it, perhaps I should first have someone go in and tidy up."
"That won't be necessary," Shen Du stated. "If it is convenient for Lord Liang, please lead the way."
Liang Jiren lowered his gaze in thought for a moment, then nodded. "Very well, please follow me."
Arriving before a room, Liang Jiren used a key to unlock the door. A wave of dusty air rushed out, causing discomfort.
As if returning to a place of sorrow, Liang Jiren's eyes reddened. "Please look around as you wish. Returning to this place weighs heavily on my heart, so I will not accompany you further."
"Please do as you see fit, Lord Liang," Zhu Yan promptly turned and nodded to him.
Both of them secretly wished for Liang Jiren to leave quickly so they could focus on searching for clues.
After Liang Jiren departed, the two entered the room one after the other.
Indeed, no one had been there for a long time; the dust on the floor clearly showed their footprints.
Exchanging a glance, they seemed to understand each other's intentions and began their respective tasks.
Shen Du examined the desk, Zhu Yan inspected the bookshelf; Shen Du checked the bed, Zhu Yan looked over the calligraphy and paintings.
Working in tacit understanding without disturbing each other, Zhu Yan suddenly noticed something like shredded paper inside a vase containing scrolls.
"Come here quickly," Zhu Yan urged.
Shen Du swiftly approached Zhu Yan's side. "What is it? Have you found something?"
Zhu Yan removed the scrolls from the vase and shook it gently, producing a rustling sound from within.
"There's something inside," Shen Du took the vase from Zhu Yan, turned it upside down, and gave it a firm shake. Some shredded paper-like fragments scattered out.
Among these fragments was a crumpled piece of paper, battered and torn as if it had been shredded and then pieced back together.
It was a poem, mourning Liang Man!
Zhu Yan reassembled the other shredded fragments, all of which were poems related to Liang Man.
"After Liang Man died, Liang Chenzhong actually wrote so many mourning poems. It seems their relationship was truly close," Zhu Yan remarked, stroking her chin. "But why have we never heard the Liang family mention this?"
Shen Du frowned deeply, his gaze fixed intently on the reassembled paper. "Look at this one. Since it was already torn, why would someone bother to piece it back together? And judging by the edges, it appears to have been violently torn."
"How could this be?" Zhu Yan grew even more puzzled. "These things have been here for so long without anyone discovering them. It seems even the Liang family was unaware."
As she spoke, Zhu Yan carefully gathered the papers and shredded fragments from the floor. "This is important evidence. It might prove useful later."After tidying up, Zhu Yan casually wiped her face and looked at Shen Du, saying, "We've searched everywhere here. There shouldn't be any other clues. Let's go back."
Seeing Zhu Yan's face smudged like a little tabby cat, Shen Du suddenly chuckled softly.
"What are you laughing at?" Zhu Yan was completely puzzled, looking at Shen Du as if he were a fool.
Shen Du raised his hand and unexpectedly touched Zhu Yan's cheek with his fingers.
Zhu Yan was startled, her face instantly flushing and her heart racing. Just as she was about to resist, Shen Du quickly said, "Don't move."
Zhu Yan froze, not daring to move, as Shen Du gently wiped the dust from her face.
Zhu Yan's eyes were somewhat flustered. Only after Shen Du finished wiping away the dust did she awkwardly say, "Let's go back. Today was a major discovery."
After speaking, Zhu Yan lowered her head, her face still red, and hurriedly ran out of the room ahead of him.
Watching Zhu Yan's hurried figure, Shen Du felt a strange sensation in his heart, and the corners of his lips began to curl upward.
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