“And? What are you getting at?”
She pondered for a moment then said, “When I was attacked, the back of my head was pressed against the other person’s chest. The odd thing was the height of that person which was a lot taller than me. However, Mei Xiang’er’s height is similar to mine, not to mention that fragrance… It made me suspect that the murderer is someone else. Unfortunately, Mei Xiang’er and her brother are already dead. I may just be overthinking, but after reading this message…” While she explained, she took out the note from her sleeve and gave it to Jing Rong.
Jing Rong surmised the problem. He took the note and looked at it. After reading it, his expression became the same as Ji Yunshu when she read the first time.
‘Tsk!’
Shock, sympathy and even hatred were seen on his face. In an instant, Jing Rong’s and Ji Yunshu’s mood became heavy.
After half the time it took for a joss stick to burn, they finally arrived at the burnt hut. Due to the fire burning for several hours, the surroundings were in ruins. Everything was burnt into ashes and covered in soot.
The scent of burnt wood permeated the air, overwhelming people’s senses. Ji Yunshu discovered that the capital governor was waiting for them as she got off the carriage. Apart from him, Master Ruan and Madame Ruan were also present. Both of them were dressed in gorgeous clothing and covered with gold and silver which made them dazzling to the eyes. They were supporting each other with tears glistening on their faces.
Madame Ruan grabbed the governor and started to sob. “Milord! You must find my daughter! You absolutely cannot let something happen to her.”
Although the governor was not a hot-blooded man, he still felt helpless when he saw her cry in front of him. He sighed and tried to comfort her, “Don’t worry, this Official will certainly find Miss Ruan.”
“Didn’t you say that the murderer was already caught? Then, how did our daughter get kidnapped?” Madame Ruan abruptly started to berate the governor, a complete turnabout from her previous worried and weeping appearance.
“This…” The capital governor didn’t know how to reply.
The next moment, Madame Ruan targeted Ji Yunshu. She stepped forward, consumed by anger and worry, she shouted, “Aren’t you Teacher Ji? Didn’t you say that this case is already solved? Didn’t the murderer die? Why is it now like this? If something has happened to my daughter, how will you compensate for her?”
She was filled with a bellyful of anger.
Ji Yunshu didn’t say a word. Contrary to Madame Ruan, Master Ruan still retained his rationality, thus he pulled back Madame Ruan.
Jing Rong, who was next to Ji Yunshu, showed an obviously sour expression. This was his woman. She helped with the investigation and didn’t complain even after getting injured. Whereas those people were criticizing her. This really infuriated him.
With a frown, he was about to say something, but Ji Yunshu tugged at him. She shook her head and whispered, “Forget it!”
Jing Rong grunted, but he dropped the matter as per her wish.
At this moment, the governor approached them and greeted Ji Yunshu. “Teacher, how did you determine that Miss Ruan is here?”
Ji Yunshu gazed at the ruins and observed many messy footprints within it. The certainty in her mind grew stronger. The murderer had brought Miss Ruan here and hid her in the basement.
“Governor, order people to create a security perimeter. I don’t want anyone to follow me. I will go in there alone.”
“Ah?”
While the governor was dumbstruck, Jing Rong stepped forward and barred her way. His expression was akin to an iceberg, yet his burning anger could be felt. He employed his princely tone and spoke in a commanding voice, “Ji Yunshu. This Prince orders that from now on, if I am not by your side, you are absolutely forbidden to act. Otherwise, I won’t let you off.” In other words, if she dared to put herself in danger, he will throw her on the nuptial bed and won’t let her off the hook.
Under Jing Rong’s cold and severe eyes, Ji Yunshu shrank back in fear and nodded.
Next, Jing Rong ordered everyone, “Wait outside, I will go inside with Teacher Ji.”
“Yes, your Highness!”
He held her slender wrist and together they walked into the ruined hut.
Meanwhile, within a dimmed room, a person draped in a cloak, with their face hidden under a hat, was standing beside an elevated wooden plank. A sharp butcher knife was held in his hand. Ruan Ya’er, the young miss of the Ruan family, was tied to the plank and because her mouth was stuffed with something, she could only struggle. Within her widened eyes, only endless despair was reflected.