Chарtеr 98: Dоubts in thе Саse
Twо mоrе dауs passed, аnd lifе remainеd relativеlу саlm.
Shеn Du wаs not pаrticularly surprised by Zhu Yаn's рromоtion, аs if it hаd bееn within his eхресtаtions.
Аfter her prоmоtion, Lаi Luozhi visited the Мinistry of Justiсe agаin, аnd Zhu Yаn rесеivеd him with courtеsу—she hаd nо оther сhoiсе.
Finally finding а mоment оf leisure, Zhu Yan dеcided to rеvisit thе сasе.
By reviеwing thе Мinistry оf Justiсе's rесоrds, she unсоverеd a stаrtling clue.
It sеemеd thаt аll the viсtims hаd sоmе degree оf conflict with Lai Luozhi's аssociatеs?
What was gоing on?
With this сruсial lеad, Zhu Yan resolved to investigate thoroughly. The first person she sought out was Gao Xuecheng, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice.
"Vice Minister Gao," Zhu Yan greeted him politely with a bow. "There are some matters I don't quite understand and would like to seek your guidance."
Gao Xuecheng, ever humble, quickly replied, "Oh, Lord Zhu, please speak freely. There's no need for such formalities—you're making me feel unworthy."
What Gao Xuecheng feared was not Zhu Yan's new position but rather her husband, Shen Du, who stood behind her as Lady Shen.
Zhu Yan smiled faintly. "It's like this: I'd like to ask you about Vice Minister Lai."
At these words, Gao Xuecheng's face instantly paled, and the muscles at the corners of his mouth twitched. "Why would you be interested in his affairs, Lord Zhu? Besides, there are no major cases in our Ministry of Justice at the moment that involve him. Why investigate him?"
Zhu Yan lowered her head with a smile. "There may be no current cases related to him, but I still feel there are unresolved issues in that previous murder case. Vice Minister Gao, that—"
"Let's not bring up a closed case again," Gao Xuecheng interrupted before she could finish. "Moreover, that case was handled by your husband, the Grand Cabinet Leader, and has already been concluded to everyone's satisfaction. Why must you nitpick and stir up trouble?"
"But there are still many puzzling aspects to this case that we must clarify," Zhu Yan insisted, unwilling to give up.
At this point, Gao Xuecheng wore an expression of utter helplessness. "Lord Zhu, we all know you are upright and honest, but some matters cannot be judged solely by fairness without considering human relations. Who is Vice Minister Lai, and who are we? Please, do not investigate this matter any further."
After saying this, Gao Xuecheng shook his head and turned to leave.
Zhu Yan wanted to say more, but Gao Xuecheng had already walked away.
Just then, she saw Chief Clerk Wu Taiming approaching from a distance.
"Chief Clerk Wu," Zhu Yan hurried over, still determined to get to the bottom of things.
"Oh, isn't this the newly promoted Lord Zhu? Congratulations!"
Zhu Yan felt displeased. While Gao Xuecheng's flattery was one thing, even Wu Taiming, someone she considered an ally, teasing her like this was a bit too much.
"Please don't joke with me. There are some matters I'd like to ask you about."
Wu Taiming looked enigmatic and, without waiting for Zhu Yan's question, continued, "What's the matter? As a new official, unsure how to proceed?"
"Be serious," Zhu Yan said impatiently. "Chief Clerk Wu, there are still many unanswered mysteries in that murder case. I'd like to learn more about the details from you."
Hearing this, Wu Taiming's expression changed instantly. He glanced around cautiously and lowered his voice. "That case has already been closed. Why are you bringing it up again?""Precisely because there are still many unresolved clues, I can't let this matter rest in my heart."
"What is there to hold onto?" Wu Taiming spoke with righteous indignation. "The murderer has already been brought to justice, and the deceased have found peace. Why must you remain entangled in this?"
"But how can we let this matter pass so ambiguously?" Zhu Yan pressed immediately.
She couldn't understand why everyone seemed to feign ignorance about this affair.
It felt as though everyone else understood the inside story, leaving only her in the dark—utterly perplexing.
"Enough, don't ask any more questions." Wu Taiming made his stance clear regarding Zhu Yan's inquiries. "Some things are best left in the past. No matter how much you dwell on them, it's futile. After all, there are certain individuals beyond the reach of people like us."
Zhu Yan naturally understood Wu Taiming's meaning—in such peaceful times, no one wanted to stir up trouble.
Lai Luozhi's reputation was well-known; everyone avoided crossing him, let alone minor officials like them.
After bidding farewell to Wu Taiming, Zhu Yan encountered Jiang Ming, the squad leader.
Jiang Ming seemed already aware of Zhu Yan's setbacks that day. He offered comfort and also advised her to give up.
Zhu Yan could only manage a weak smile. She felt they were simply too insignificant, which was why they pretended ignorance about this matter.
And the more they acted this way, the more curious she became, determined to uncover the truth.
If the Ministry of Justice wouldn't reveal anything, she would have to turn to the Unrighteous Agents.
To ensure Xu Xiangren couldn't refuse, Zhu Yan specifically invited him to the Zhuqing Teahouse.
"Second Brother Xu." Zhu Yan pushed the teacup toward Xu Xiangren, her expression warm and enthusiastic. "This is a newly opened teahouse, and the flavor is quite good. I wonder if you've visited before?"
Xu Xiangren glanced around, quite satisfied. "Indeed, it's quite nice. Recently, the Unrighteous Agents have been rather busy. If not for your invitation, I truly wouldn't have had the time to come."
"Perfect timing then. Please, have a taste." Zhu Yan quickly agreed.
Xu Xiangren lifted the teacup, about to bring it to his lips, when he suddenly seemed to remember something. He looked meaningfully at Zhu Yan. "Such unsolicited hospitality—speak up. Is there something you need?"
Zhu Yan chuckled. "It's nothing major. I just wanted to ask you... about that matter we discussed last time..."
"Zhu Yan." Xu Xiangren called her name, his tone unusually serious. "It's not that Second Brother Xu doesn't want to tell you the inside story. You must understand, as the Unrighteous Commander overseeing all Unrighteous Agents, I am not alone. For the sake of my many brothers, on this matter, I can only say no comment."
His words left Zhu Yan speechless.
She understood Xu Xiangren's meaning well enough. Not wanting to put him in a difficult position, she didn't press further.
But Xu Xiangren could still see that Zhu Yan was stubborn by nature.
Once she grew curious about something, she wouldn't rest until she figured it out. Thinking of this, Xu Xiangren felt a twinge of concern for her.
"This case has already been closed. There are many other cases awaiting Lord Zhu to seek justice. Don't dwell on this one any longer."
After parting with Xu Xiangren, Zhu Yan remained unwilling to let go. If the Ministry of Justice wouldn't talk, and the Unrighteous Agents wouldn't talk, surely her master would.
She was his only disciple, and he had always doted on her. He would definitely tell her.Thinking of this, Zhu Yan brought two jars of fine Nü'er Hong wine and went to find her master, Chen Wen.
Chen Wen was delighted to see Zhu Yan arrive. Seeing the two jars of fine wine in her hands, he assumed she had come to celebrate his vindication and didn't think much more of it.
"Girl, I've been out for so many days now. Isn't it a bit late to come and congratulate me now?"
Hearing this, Zhu Yan immediately realized her master had misunderstood her intentions and quickly replied, "That matter has been over for so long. Of course, I didn't come for that reason, Master..."
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