Ji Donghe, who had been vomiting all night in the prison cell, staggered as he walked. He knelt to pay respects to Xiao Jinyu a few steps later than others, his voice also unsteady, "Your humble official Ji Donghe, Magistrate of Shangyuan County in Shengzhou, pays respects to Prince An."
Chu Chu stood with two guards, secretly watching Xiao Jinyu.
Xiao Jinyu had changed into his deep purple official robe, sitting upright in the chair with his back straight. Though his frame was slimmer than anyone present, his aura was sharper than all others combined. His expression was as cold as winter, commanding authority without showing anger.
Compared to Xiao Jinyu, the bearded old man didn't even look like an official anymore.
Xiao Jinyu spoke in a deep, cold yet polite tone, "This area falls under your jurisdiction. Tan Cishi and Magistrate Ji need not stand on ceremony. Please rise."
As soon as Xiao Jinyu began speaking, Chu Chu shrank back a small step. For some reason, she found his manner of speaking... quite frightening.
Tan Zhang was the first to scramble up from the ground, bowing with an ingratiating smile toward Xiao Jinyu, "The wind outside is strong and the cold harsh. Would Your Highness please come inside?" As he spoke, he moved to push Xiao Jinyu's wheelchair, but before his hand could touch it, Tang Yan struck him hard with his sword scabbard.
Though Tang Yan used only a fraction of his strength, Tan Zhang was already grimacing in pain. Yet with the prince present, he dared not cry out despite wanting to.
Tang Yan glared at him unceremoniously, "Next time, it won't be the scabbard that lands on your wrist."
By the time Xiao Jinyu was escorted into the Ji residence by Tang Yan, Tan Zhang remained standing frozen in place, clutching his wrist and covered in cold sweat. Tang Yan hadn't been such a fearsome figure when they were drinking together last night...
While still dazed, he suddenly felt someone tug at his sleeve. Turning, he saw it was the young girl who had descended from the carriage with the prince.
The girl leaned close to him and whispered mysteriously, "Sir, that man is a wandering martial artist who kills without blinking, eats raw flesh and drinks blood. His temper is even worse than the prince's! Be careful not to provoke him!"
"Ah... ah?"
When Tan Zhang scurried into the main hall with his forehead covered in cold sweat, Xiao Jinyu was already seated. A maid from the Ji residence brought over a tea tray. Just as Ji Donghe was about to offer a cup to Xiao Jinyu, Tan Zhang rushed forward in two steps, snatched the teacup first, and presented it to Xiao Jinyu, "Your humble official knows Your Highness particularly favors Longjing tea. I specially prepared this year's freshly picked premium Longjing for you, brewed carefully with mountain spring water. Please enjoy it, Your Highness.Xiao Jinyu's arm resting lightly on the wheelchair armrest didn't move at all. "This prince is unwell and must avoid both tea and wine. This prince appreciates Lord Tan's kind intention."
Tan Zhang's teacup-holding hand froze momentarily before quickly returning the cup to the tray. "Your humble official was negligent, terribly negligent. Please forgive this offense, Your Highness... If that is the case, perhaps Your Highness would prefer to stay at your humble official's residence. Though crude, we have several chefs with exquisite skills. If Your Highness eats well, your illness will naturally recover faster."
Xiao Jinyu glanced faintly toward Chu Chu. "This prince's meals and daily needs are managed by the princess consort. There's no need for Lord Tan to trouble himself."
Princess consort? Where?
Tan Zhang looked around, and Chu Chu also looked around. The guard standing beside Chu Chu couldn't bear watching anymore and quietly tugged her sleeve, whispering, "He means you."
Chu Chu froze for a moment, then realized - of course, the prince's wife is the princess consort! She immediately raised her hand and waved at Tan Zhang, "Don't worry, Lord Tan! I'll definitely make delicious food for the prince every day!"
Tang Yan nearly failed to maintain his stern expression.Tan Zhang stared blankly at Chu Chu for quite some time before snapping back to reality. Just where did this Imperial Concubine spring from...
With great effort, Tan Zhang managed to reassemble his smiling face. "Wang Ye, this residence has just witnessed a murder case. The heavy Yin energy makes it inauspicious and truly unsuitable for recuperation... When the Sixth Prince visited earlier this spring, he stayed at this humble official's residence. Since his departure, no one else has occupied that courtyard. If Wang Ye doesn't mind, this official will have it prepared immediately."
Xiao Jin Yu's eyebrows lifted slightly. "The courtyard where the Sixth Prince stayed?"
Tan Zhang's small eyes narrowed into thin slits. "Indeed, indeed..."
"Then this prince truly minds."
"...This official has been foolish! Wang Ye solves cases with divine skill, embodies righteous energy, and is revered by all living beings. Such minor Yin energy is truly not worth worrying about, not worth worrying about..." Having barely managed to climb down the steps he'd built for himself, Tan Zhang remained persistent. "Wang Ye, this official recalls that today is your birthday. I've specially reserved an elegant seat at Huixianju restaurant in the city to welcome you and celebrate your longevity, while also seeking your guidance on this peculiar case."
Even Chu Chu was growing impatient with this bearded Cishi's speech. She glanced at Xiao Jin Yu - not a single ripple of emotion showed on his face.
Who said the prince had a bad temper? His patience was truly remarkable.
Just as Chu Chu was thinking this, she heard Xiao Jin Yu speak in his characteristically light tone, "This prince has been in Shengzhou for two days already, so there's no need for welcoming festivities. As for birthday celebrations, according to our dynasty's etiquette, a Cishi's official rank doesn't qualify him to host birthday banquets for imperial relatives. Considering your good intentions, I'll overlook this transgression... Regarding the case, since Tan Cishi, Magistrate Ji, and Tang Butou have all consumed parts of the victim's body, you are considered involved parties in this case and have no authority to investigate it. Effective immediately, this case is under this prince's jurisdiction. Anyone who dares interfere with this case without this prince's order will be executed."
After Xiao Jin Yu finished speaking, Tan Zhang's face turned pale, Ji Dong He's turned yellow, and Tang Yan's turned black, though all three had equally turbulent stomachs.
Chu Chu stared blankly at Xiao Jin Yu. With these words paired with that expression, was he actually angry... or not?
Xiao Jin Yu turned to the two guards, his voice still light and calm. "Go with Lord Tan to transfer all documents and evidence related to this case. Be thorough and ensure nothing is missed."
"Yes, Wang Ye."
"Yes... yes, this official takes his leave, takes his leave..."
Xiao Jin Yu looked at Chu Chu, his voice softening a degree. "Go help me bring the corpse."
Ji Dong He couldn't help but take another look at Chu Chu. This was the first "me" Prince An had uttered since getting out of the carriage, and it was directed at this young girl.
"Okay."
After Tang Yan escorted Xiao Jin Yu to the room arranged by Ji Dong He and closed the door, he burst into laughter.
"Wang Ye, could you give me a heads up next time before you start throwing around 'this prince' like that? I almost couldn't keep a straight face... When was the last time you kept saying 'this prince' like that? Wasn't it when you lost at drinking games during New Year's at the Royal Mansion two years ago and tried to weasel out of it? Ah? Hahahaha..."
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