Chарtеr 72 Тhе Eunuch Gains Insight
Zhu Yаn’s сheeks flushеd crimson, hеr оnсе-саlm heart nоw like a tranquil river surfacе struсk by а stonе, riррling with сountlеss wаvеs, роunding uncоntrollably.
Shе did nоt reрly, her mind as if а snapрed string, unsure оf whаt tо sау.
Shеn Du, gаzing at the bеаuty bеfоrе him with flushed сheеks, аlso felt аn unusuаl stir in his heаrt.
Zhu Yan possеssed a unique kind оf bеаuty, sо captivаting thаt thе oрроsitе sех found it imроssible tо resist hеr.
If not for his оwn strong sеlf-соntrol, hе might hаvе lоng since takеn this woman into his embraсe.
This pоsture pеrsisted fоr а long whilе. Seeing that Zhu Yan showed no intention of avoiding him, Shen Du’s heart also grew somewhat tense.
Was she silently consenting? Why wasn’t she pushing his hand away? Could it be…
Unconsciously, Shen Du found himself somewhat uncontrollably leaning forward.
Her delicate, rosy lips resembled peach blossoms in March, tinged with a faint red, truly tempting one to taste their sweetness.
Closer… even closer.
Zhu Yan did not know what she was thinking. Watching the handsome face before her draw near, she actually forgot to refuse.
Suddenly, a voice interrupted everything.
“Great Pavilion Commander, this subordinate has discovered…”
Before he could finish, Jing Lin froze in place. Had he just committed a grave mistake?
His mind seemed to explode like raw pulp. At that moment, he wished he had gone blind and seen nothing.
“S-s-sorry, this subordinate didn’t mean to!”
As he spoke, Jing Lin hastily retreated toward the door. By then, Zhu Yan had also come to her senses and slapped Shen Du’s hand away.
“What are you doing? As the dignified Great Pavilion Commander, do you intend to take advantage?”
Zhu Yan shouted at him, but as she spoke, she tightly cupped her own burning cheeks, as if feverish beyond remedy.
Just as Jing Lin stepped out the door, Zhu Yan rushed out swiftly, nearly knocking him over.
Staggering, Jing Lin steadied himself against the doorframe. Everything happening before him left him at a loss. The lady had left—should he go in?
If he went in, would the Great Pavilion Commander grind his bones to dust on the spot?
If he didn’t go in, would the Great Pavilion Commander resent him for lacking awareness, not knowing to come in and speak after she left?
Neither entering nor staying out seemed right. Jing Lin stood at the doorway like a helpless child.
“Come in.”
After an unknown length of time, a cold voice, as usual, came from the study.
Jing Lin shuddered, straightened his posture, and entered the study with his head bowed. “G-greetings, Great Pavilion Commander.”
Jing Lin’s voice trembled, his words stumbling.
Shen Du raised his eyes to look at him, his expression as cold and detached as ever, as if what had just happened never occurred.
“What’s wrong with you?”
Hearing the Great Pavilion Commander’s inquiry, Jing Lin’s heart suddenly leaped to his throat.
“R-replying to the Great Pavilion Commander, this subordinate has been strictly guarding the Liang family these past few days and has not noticed anything unusual. However, Madam Tang has been visiting the Liang family more frequently, though each time she only sits with the ladies, which seems normal.”
Upon hearing Jing Lin’s report, Shen Du furrowed his sword-like brows, as if deep in thought.
“I understand. Continue monitoring. Report immediately if anything arises.”
“Yes.” Jing Lin hurriedly acknowledged and quickly withdrew.
As if having survived a disaster, only after leaving the study far behind did Jing Lin realize his palms were sweaty.
Inside the study, Shen Du finally dropped his cold demeanor, his expression somewhat awkward, yet the corners of his lips curled upward, intentionally or not.
What had just happened seemed rather interesting…Another two days passed, and no new murders occurred in the city. Zhu Yan and Shen Du were still at a loss.
Carrying two jars of Nü’erhong wine, Zhu Yan came to visit her master.
“Still no results?” Seeing Zhu Yan’s dejected expression, Chen Wen knew his disciple had yet to find a breakthrough.
Zhu Yan nodded and sighed. “I am useless. I can’t even get you out, and the case remains at a standstill. Time is running out, yet I still can’t apprehend the murderer. I’ve failed your expectations and betrayed the Empress’s trust.”
“Don’t say that,” Chen Wen quickly comforted her. “Everyone faces setbacks. Right now, you’ve just hit a bottleneck. Once you get past it, you’ll realize these troubles are nothing. Tell me, how far has the case progressed? Let’s see if I can help you analyze it.”
Zhu Yan sat outside the cell door, hugging her knees, and leaned her head against the wooden bars with a helpless expression.
Under the flickering lamplight, master and disciple sat quietly in the prison, talking freely.
During this time, Zhu Yan had endured too much hardship, and the pressure of the case was nearly overwhelming her. After pouring her heart out to her master, she finally felt a bit of relief.
After listening to Zhu Yan recount the case, Chen Wen nodded slightly. “It seems you’ve already found a breakthrough, but you lack evidence, or perhaps you’re waiting for the right moment.”
“You’re right, Master. Both are indispensable. That’s why I’m truly worried we won’t catch the murderer within the deadline.”
Chen Wen lowered his gaze in thought for a moment. “Based on what you’ve said, this Madam Wei of the Liang family must know something. Even though she’s now insane, you should investigate her surroundings. There might be some new discoveries.”
Zhu Yan seemed inspired but didn’t hold much hope. “She’s been insane for years. Even if there was evidence, it’s likely already destroyed. Is it still useful to go now?”
“You won’t know unless you try. Since you’re stuck anyway, why not give it a shot?”
“Master Chen makes a good point.”
Shen Du’s voice suddenly rang out, startling Zhu Yan. How did he get here?
“How did you…”
Before Zhu Yan could finish, Shen Du looked at her seriously and said, “For your own safety, don’t act alone from now on. If you need to go somewhere, I must accompany you.”
It sounded like both an order and a warning. Zhu Yan could only nod.
“The Great pavilion commander is here too,” Chen Wen said, looking at Shen Du. “You’ve been here for a while, haven’t you? You heard our conversation, right?”
Chen Wen’s words left Shen Du somewhat embarrassed, and Zhu Yan looked at him in surprise.
He had been here for a long time, listening to her conversation with her master?
“Ahem…” Shen Du cleared his throat to mask his awkwardness and politely cupped his hands toward Chen Wen. “Master Chen, thank you for your advice today. I’ve already arranged for two extra chicken legs and peanuts to be added to your meals from now on. If there’s anything else you need, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Chen Wen quickly waved his hand. “An old man like me can’t eat that much. If there’s any unfulfilled wish, I do have one. She’s my only disciple, and I just hope both of you stay well. In the future, let her suffer less and be more considerate of her. That would put my mind at ease.”"..." Zhu Yan was somewhat puzzled. Why would her master suddenly say such a thing out of the blue?
Shen Du, on the other hand, appeared quite composed. With hands clasped together in a respectful gesture, he humbly replied, "Shen Du will certainly not disappoint Master Chen's trust and will take good care of Madam Shen."
Zhu Yan could no longer stand it. She slapped Shen Du's hand away and said, "Are we going to investigate or not? Time is tight. Must we waste it here?"
With that, she pulled Shen Du along and quickly walked away.
Watching their retreating figures, the seasoned Chen Wen revealed a gratified smile. His apprentice had finally come to her senses...
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