If nothing else, the fact that Prince An had traveled a great distance by imperial decree to personally investigate and adjudicate this case was enough to make these people nervous.
Chu Chu followed closely beside Xiao Jin Yu, dressed in practical coroner's attire. After Leng Peishan welcomed them inside, he stared at Chu Chu for a long moment before finally addressing her as "Imperial Concubine." To his surprise, Chu Chu waved her hands repeatedly, "I'm here to work as a coroner. Just call me Chu girl!"
Recalling how Chu Chu's face had lit up with excitement while rummaging through Xue Qin's intestines that night, even Leng Peishan—a veteran general who had beheaded countless enemies—couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine. "That won't do, that won't do... Even as a coroner, you're still the Imperial Concubine..."
Before Leng Peishan finished speaking, Xue Ming standing beside him frowned and scrutinized Chu Chu with a cold tone, "Chu girl?"
Xiao Jin Yu stepped slightly in front of Chu Chu, "She is Princess An, and also the coroner of Prince An Manor... She is responsible for the autopsy in this case."
Xue Ming stared coldly at Chu Chu and snorted, "How efficient of Prince An—finding a wife who can also arrange funeral affairs..."
Just as Xiao Jin Yu's face darkened, a clear laugh came from outside the tent, "You shouldn't say such things carelessly! Be careful or Prince An will skin you alive!"
Chu Chu turned to see Ashina Suwu in full Turkic ceremonial dress entering the tent, escorted by two Han army generals. He was accompanied by Du Li dressed in Miao attire. When Du Li saw Chu Chu, he grinned widely. Xiao Jin Yu quietly pulled Chu Chu closer to his side.
Ashina Suwu squinted at Xiao Jin Yu with a meaningful smile, "Prince An, you're looking much better!"
Xiao Jin Yu replied indifferently, "Thank you for your concern, Prince Su Wu."
"General Leng," Ashina Suwu turned to Leng Peishan, who was staring at him with fire in his eyes. His gaze was as soft and affectionate as if looking at a long-lost wife, "I hope you've been well."
Leng Peishan snorted coldly, his fists clenched so tightly behind his back that they cracked audibly. Chu Chu even faintly heard the sound of teeth grinding.
Ashina Suwu smiled at the frosty-faced Xue Ming, "I've heard Minister Xue is famously hot-tempered. I'm truly flattered that you've tolerated all the trouble I've caused over these years... Since this is our first meeting, I've brought two jars of fine Turkic wine—the same we served Prince An at the last banquet. Her Highness quite enjoyed it. I hope you won't disdain it, Minister Xue!"
☆、83 Fragrant Roasted Whole Lamb (Nineteen)
Xue Ming's face darkened, fury gathering in his eyes. Just as he was about to speak, he caught sight of a figure approaching the central army tent from his peripheral vision. He froze, and the anger in his eyes instantly dissipated.
Xiao Jin Yu had been hesitating whether to stop Xue Ming's words or let the two of them bicker for some entertainment. Noticing Xue Ming suddenly staring blankly outside the tent, he followed his gaze.
Outside, goose-feather snowflakes drifted quietly. A tall, graceful woman wearing a pomegranate-red ceremonial dress walked unhurriedly toward the tent, holding a red oil-paper umbrella. The long pomegranate skirt trimmed with snow-white rabbit fur trailed on the snow-covered ground. Though the accumulated snow reached ankle-depth, the woman moved with such lightness that she seemed to float slowly on clouds.In the vast expanse of white snow, this woman was like a blooming pomegranate flower—alluring yet not seductive, ethereal and pure, so delicate it evoked pity, so fervent it stirred hearts. Even seated inside the grand tent, Xiao Jin Yu could clearly sense the wolfish gazes the entire army cast toward her.
Ashina Suwu also narrowed his eyes to watch, irritating Du Li so much that his cheeks puffed up as he jumped and waved his hands in front of Ashina Suwu to block the view, only to be grabbed and pulled behind him. Xue Ming stared as if his soul had been snatched away, watching the woman walk to the edge of the tent, gently shake the snow off her umbrella, set it aside, and then bow gracefully as she knelt before Xiao Jin Yu. "Greetings, Prince An."
Her voice was soft yet not weak, humble with a hint of timidity. As she bowed and knelt, a few strands of her dark hair cascaded down, spreading like a waterfall over her shoulders and back. Xue Ming felt a sensation he had never experienced with any woman before; without even seeing her face clearly, his entire being seemed to melt, his body and mind heating up. His Adam's apple bobbed, and he nearly rushed over to help her up.
Xiao Jin Yu frowned slightly. To his knowledge, there were only two women in this military camp: Chu Chu, who stood beside him, her eyes shining brightly as she watched the beauty, and Leng Yue, whom he had sent away on an errand. This woman was not as curvaceous as Leng Yue but was taller, her movements carrying more elegance than allure. As he observed her, he vaguely felt a sense of familiarity...
Xiao Jin Yu's face remained impassive as he replied vaguely, "Rise."
"Yes."
When the woman lifted her head, Xiao Jin Yu froze, his face instantly darkening like the bottom of a black pot.
Even with such exquisite and delicate makeup, Xiao Jin Yu recognized Jing Yi's pitiful, fox-like eyes at a glance.
He knew Jing Yi feared Leng Pei Shan, but he hadn't realized the extent of that fear...
It was too late to make him change back now, especially after seeing Xue Ming's dazed expression...
Xiao Jin Yu took a deep breath and forced a twitching smile. "This is Xiao Yi, the newly appointed archivist of Prince An Manor. Once this case is concluded, the records must be submitted to the palace immediately, so Xiao Yi will directly handle the documentation for the public trial."
Leng Pei Shan's brow furrowed slightly. "When did this young lady arrive? I didn't hear Prince An give any orders..."
Jing Yi silently lowered his head and took a step back. Xiao Jin Yu calmly fabricated, "Xiao Yue brought her here yesterday. She's staying with Xiao Yue."
Leng Pei Shan clasped his hands seriously. "My apologies for the neglect, miss."
Jing Yi bowed meticulously. "I dare not accept such an apology."
Ashina Suwu pulled Du Li behind him and scrutinized Jing Yi seriously several times, finally fixing his gaze on the slightly padded chest and squinting with a laugh. "Prince An, you Han people always boast of your land's abundance and prosperity, so why are your women's figures flatter than the last?"
Jing Yi's lips twitched, and his forehead faintly darkened.
Xiao Jin Yu frowned slightly as he glanced at Jing Yi's chest. With Leng Yue's full assistance, it looked much more convincing than the last time he had disguised himself as a woman...
OpenNovel