After lunch, Bai Lixin was summoned to the study by the County Magistrate Lin.
When he opened the door and entered the study, there was a stranger sitting there.
The man appeared to be in his forties, with a well-groomed beard, handsome features, and eyes as charming as falling peach blossoms.
He was tall and elegant, dressed in a magnificent bright purple robe with a jade belt, exuding a natural aura of nobility.
He was clearly no ordinary person.
With just one glance, Bai Lixin could tell who he was.
Before County Magistrate Lin could speak, Bai Lixin greeted the man, “Bai Lixin pays respects to His Highness the Prince.”
The middle-aged man seemed surprised, but County Magistrate Lin burst into laughter, “Your Highness, you see, I told you, my scribe is remarkable. He has an extraordinary insight into matters, he only needs a glance to understand the intricacies.”
The man was still surprised, “How did you know I am a prince? Have you met me before?”
Bai Lixin replied, “Your Highness, your majestic presence and demeanor set you apart from ordinary people like us. Recognizing you is not a rare feat, failing to recognize you would be peculiar.”
“Hahaha, well said, well said, Bai Lixin, there are no outsiders in this room. Please have a seat and let’s talk.” County Magistrate Lin laughed heartily and quickly gestured for Bai Lixin to sit.
As soon as he sat down, County Magistrate Lin poured him a cup of tea.
The prince across the table quietly observed Bai Lixin.
His expression remained calm, but his eyes had the intensity of a snake eyeing its prey, radiating a fierce aura.
Bai Lixin maintained his composure and looked back at the prince with neither humility or humbleness, “Your Highness, is there something on my face?”
Perhaps not used to being asked such a direct question, the prince was stunned for a moment and quickly averted his gaze, pretending to focus on his tea. “No, nothing. I just felt that you resemble someone.”
Bai Lixin continued the conversation, “Who is it that I resemble?”
The prince: “The statue of Guanyin in our ancestral hall. Your face shouldn’t suffer in this mundane world; it should be worshipped in the heavens.”
Bai Lixin: “…”
‘What a clichéd attempt at flattery.’
County Magistrate Lin chuckled again, “Your Highness, your charm and charisma remain as strong as ever.”
“Beauty is a gift from heaven to us mortals. I am not trying to be disrespectful, I am simply admiring the exquisite creations bestowed upon us by the heavens,” the prince said, glancing at Bai Lixin. “Master Bai Lixin, please don’t take offense.”
Bai Lixin turned to County Magistrate Lin, “Master, why did you summon me here?”
County Magistrate Lin played coy, “Well, I just praised your extraordinary intelligence. Why don’t you take a guess at the reason for our meeting? See if you can figure it out.”
Bai Lixin felt irritated; these two scheming bastards were toying with him.
Despite his annoyance, he patiently scanned County Magistrate Lin and the prince back and forth.
“I see a smile on the prince’s lips, but a hint of darkness in his eyes, and a subtle furrow between his brows suggesting worries. Could it be that you are facing some difficulties?” Bai Lixin said, meeting the gazes of both County Magistrate Lin and the prince.
County Magistrate Lin and the prince exchanged glances and burst into laughter.
The prince marveled, “Marvelous, truly marvelous, Master Bai Lixin, you are indeed remarkable.”
Bai Lixin maintained a polite smile on his lips, but internally, he was exasperated: “…”
‘Mind your manners.
“Do you think I’m a monkey for your amusement?’
County Magistrate Lin: “Since you’ve figured it out, let the prince explain himself.”
The prince: “It’s like this. Recently, I’ve been plagued by nightmares every night, unable to sleep well. A few days ago, while I was out during the day, I saw a woman in white resting in the garden. But when I rubbed my eyes, the woman in white disappeared. I’m afraid I’ve encountered a ghost.”
Bai Lixin frowned, “I’m just a scholar, I’m good with books, but I’m not skilled in dealing with ghosts.”
The prince: “I came to find you not to catch ghosts.”
Bai Lixin: “Then…”
The prince glanced at County Magistrate Lin.
County Magistrate Lin: “The prince finds it inconvenient to speak, so let me explain. The prince has a son who is preparing for this year’s provincial examination. He wants you to go and give him some guidance.”
“Me? Why would he think of finding me?” Bai Lixin was surprised. “Aren’t I working as a scribe in our yamen? How can I have the time to go there?”
County Magistrate Lin winked at Bai Lixin, “You can go there in the evening. After all, you are both men, there’s no need for etiquette. The prince has plenty of rooms, he will arrange a guest room for you. Besides, the prince is a refined person. You can have a pleasant conversation in the evening, isn’t that delightful?”
Bai Lixin: “…”
‘So, I get to have pleasant evening chats and still do daytime work?’
The prince: “Please don’t misunderstand, Master Bai Lixin . I won’t trouble you for free. You only need to spend one or two hours teaching my son every night. I will reward you generously with gold, silver, and pearls. You won’t be treated unfairly.”
County Magistrate Lin: “Exactly, Bai Lixin. The prince is of noble status. He personally came to invite you. It’s already a great honor for you. If an ordinary person had this opportunity, they would have already kowtowed and thanked him. What more rewards do you want? The prince is considerate and loves his people. He not only came to invite you but also promised to reward you. Isn’t this a stroke of luck?”
Bai Lixin: “Based on your words, the prince is esteemed, and I’m just a humble commoner. So, if the prince invites me, I should go. Your Highness, do ordinary people still have the right to refuse?”
The smiles on the faces of the prince and County Magistrate Lin vanished simultaneously.
Soon, the prince paused and replied, “Of course, it’s entirely up to you.”
“Upon hearing Your Highness’s words, I am reassured.” Bai Lixin pondered for a moment, and in the quiet study, his tense face slowly broke into a smile. “I knew it, Your Highness is just as rumored, compassionate and respectful. Since Your Highness has said so, I will obey. Shall I go tonight?”
The prince was stunned for a moment, “Do you mean to say that you agree?”
“Of course, Your Highness, if you insisted on my presence, I may not go. Better to be shattered jade than an intact tile. However, if Your Highness respects my wishes, I will respond with sweet peaches and precious jade. I agree to help Your Highness. But I have not prepared for the provincial examination for many years; I might be a bit rusty. It might be better for your son to study on his own or find another tutor.”
“If my teaching is unsatisfactory, I apologize to Your Highness in advance.”
The prince secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He and County Magistrate Lin exchanged a glance, and smiles returned to their faces.
The prince stood up from his chair. “Since that’s the case, I will prepare a feast at home tonight and await the teacher’s arrival. Oh, County Magistrate Lin, if you have no other engagements tonight, feel free to join us. It’s been a while since we had a gathering.”
County Magistrate Lin: “Since the prince has invited, I shall humbly accept and will definitely come, definitely!”
When the prince left, County Magistrate Lin personally escorted him to the door.
Zhang Biao also noticed the two of them exchanging pleasantries at the door. He stood behind Bai Lixin and asked quietly, “Is he the prince? They called you over, what did they say?”
Bai Lixin stared at the departing prince in the sedan chair. “They asked me to go to his house tonight and tutor his son.”
“Isn’t this too coincidental?” Zhang Biao furrowed his brows suddenly. “We were just investigating the case from two years ago today, and he comes to invite you to teach at his house. Sir, you can’t go!”
“Think about it. According to Master Cao and Ping’er, this prince is a lunatic. He did such unspeakable things in someone else’s house; what might he do in his own? Perhaps the steward saw your extraordinary appearance before leaving and secretly informed the prince. He might have some intentions regarding you.”
“This… damn it, that’s probably it, sir! I can think of it, and I’m sure you’ve considered it too. You must have refused, right?!”
Bai Lixin: “Well, you guessed wrong. I agreed.”
First, Zhang Biao looked shocked, then he appeared deeply moved. His eyes turned slightly red.
“Sir!” He clenched his fist and extended it towards Bai Lixin with force. “You are the noblest person I have ever met. You risk everything for the case of a small courtesan, even daring to take a dangerous path. Sir, you are the direction I have been pursuing all my life!”
“Sir, rest assured, you won’t be alone. Whenever you go, I’ll be outside quietly keeping watch. If you sense anything amiss, just call out, and I’ll rush in immediately.”
“Wait, what if someone covers your mouth, and you can’t scream? How about we establish a secret signal, like the ancient people did with three cup tosses? Is that alright?”
Bai Lixin rubbed his temple. “Speak slowly, my head hurts.”
Zhang Biao was wasting his talent not pursuing a career in comedy; his words rushed out like popping beans.
While the two of them were talking, County Magistrate Lin had already finished sending the prince off.
His smile had disappeared, and his cold expression swept over Bai Lixin and Zhang Biao. After uttering the words, “Both of you, come with me,” he stormed back into the study.
As soon as the two entered the study, a teacup suddenly flew towards their direction.
Zhang Biao acted swiftly, extending his arm to block it. The cup’s direction changed and hit the wall with a loud crash, shattering into pieces.
Then they heard County Magistrate Lin’s furious voice, “Close the door!”
The two glanced at each other, and after Zhang Biao closed the door, he clasped his fists and asked respectful , “Sir, why did you summon us?”
“Why did I summon you? Why did I summon you…” County Magistrate Lin was so angry that he slammed the table. “Bai Lixin, tell me, why did I call you here?”
“For the suicide case of Xiao Cui from two years ago.” Bai Lixin replied calmly.
“Since you are so smart, why couldn’t you guess the stakes of this case? The case has been closed for two years. There are so many cases every day in Qingcheng Town. I am too busy to handle, do you have nothing better to do than investigate old cases? Are you that free? If you are, why don’t you re-copy all the case files from start to finish!”
“I saw this painting lying there and didn’t know what you were up to. Out of curiosity, I asked. I had no idea you were scheming behind my back. Both of you are quite something, Bai Lixin, I brought you here to help me, not to infuriate me!”
“From today on, you’re not allowed to investigate this case anymore. Otherwise, both of you get out, go back wherever you came from! This yamen isn’t dependent on anyone, it can function perfectly without you!”
Zhang Biao’s eyebrows furrowed, a hint of anger flickering in his eyes. His shoulders trembled slightly and just as he was preparing to retort, he was abruptly pulled back by Bai Lixin.
Bai Lixin: “Brother-in-law, I didn’t know that this case was related to the prince when I started. I was just flipping through the case files out of curiosity, thinking that if I could solve it, it would be an achievement for you. Later, as the investigation progressed, the prince’s involvement came to light, and we were also frightened. Rest assured, we understand now. We won’t investigate this case any further.”
Zhang Biao looked at Bai Lixin in surprise.
County Magistrate Lin, who was prepared to argue with them, suddenly found them surrendering. He was left breathless, unable to utter a word. He could only swallow his anger forcibly, and the swallowed rage settled painfully in his chest.
‘Damn it, Damn it, who came up with the idea that you shouldn’t hit a smiling face?’
He covered his trembling chest and let out a long sigh. “Alright, knowing your mistake is enough. You’re new to the yamen, and there’s much you don’t understand. I don’t blame you for this matter. If anyone is to blame, it’s Zhang Biao.”
Speaking of Zhang Biao, County Magistrate Lin’s anger flared up again. He pointed his finger at Zhang Biao, scolding him, “It’s all because of you. Stay away from my brother-in-law in the future, don’t corrupt him!”
Zhang Biao: “…”
‘Who’s corrupting whom exactly?’
Bai Lixin asked cautiously, “Brother-in-law, what kind of person is the prince? I can’t see through him. Could you tell me about him? I don’t want to offend him when I visit his house and bring disaster upon myself.”
County Magistrate Lin: “There’s no need to worry about bringing disaster upon yourself.”
Bai Lixin: “But wasn’t Xiao Cui killed by him? How can it not be serious?”
Zhang Biao turned his head, looking at Bai Lixin with shock.
Did he just say that?
County Magistrate Lin, who had just been about to sit back and relax, jumped up from his chair the moment he heard this sentence. “B-B-Bai Lixin, be careful of what you say! What do you mean Xiao Cui was killed by the prince? Don’t talk nonsense, I won’t be able to protect you even if you’re my brother-in-law, okay?”
“He’s the prince, of royal blood. Even if he did kill someone, can he be sentenced for it?” County Magistrate Lin paused and added, “Besides, it wasn’t him who killed her. He’s the prince, if he really wanted to kill someone, with a command, someone else would do it for him. Even if you investigated endlessly, even if you find evidence leading to him, he won’t suffer any consequences. At most, one of his subordinates would be pushed out as a scapegoat. That’s how this case will end. And then? Who will thank you? Xiao Cui, who’s already reincarnated? Or the brothel?”
“This is a case where no one will find redemption.”
Bai Lixin nodded earnestly. “I understand, brother-in-law. Don’t worry, I won’t touch this case anymore.”
County Magistrate Lin was still worried and cautioned, “And don’t speak a word about this to anyone, understand?”
Bai Lixin: “Brother-in-law, there’s something I don’t understand. Is what you told me today related to the prince’s visit?”
County Magistrate Lin: “What? Are you scared now? Don’t worry, the prince hasn’t found out. He just came to get help and didn’t mention anything else.”
Bai Lixin responded with an ‘Oh,’ nodding his head silently.
Seeing Bai Lixin’s agreement, County Magistrate Lin finally relaxed, his voice now feeble. “Alright, you two can leave now. I have a headache; I need to rest.”
Zhang Biao and Bai Lixin left the courtyard. When they were in a secluded place, Zhang Biao couldn’t help but ask, “Sir, are we really not going to investigate further?”
“We will, but we can’t investigate openly anymore.” Bai Lixin looked toward the direction of the study. “Just like County Magistrate Lin said, no one wants this matter to resurface. We have just started but are already facing constant obstruction during our investigation. It’s too draining to continue openly. From today, we’ll investigate this case secretly. According to the original plan, let your brothers discreetly inquire about the earring, see if we can find any clues.”
Zhang Biao hesitated. “But, Miss Ping Er said that Master Cao didn’t give any jewelry at that time. Do you suspect Miss Ping Er of lying?”
“People are selfish. Until we get the final truth, anyone could lie. We should be skeptical of what they say and not blindly trust them. You’ve been solving cases for years; you should understand this better than I do.”
Zhang Biao blushed. “Yes, sir, I’ve learned my lesson.”
“But if Ping Er lied, why did she lie? Could it be that she’s the killer? In reality, she stole her mistress’s money and framed the prince?”
“There are many possibilities. Perhaps she witnessed her mistress’s murder and, after the killer left, went to the scene, found her mistress dead, and saw the money scattered around. She might have seized the opportunity and took it for herself.”
“Or, as you mentioned, she might be the one who did it and then framed someone else.”
“Of course, the killer could also be someone else.”
“The time gap is too long. Without decisive evidence, it’s hard to burst the bubble of lies. We can’t solve the case in half a day. We need to take our time, there’s no rush.”
——————————-
In the live broadcast room
[God Xin’s meaning is, I can’t solve this case in half a day, but I can solve it in a day.]
[God Xin: Let me show you a one-day crime-solving stunt.]
[I think that prince is probably seeking death.]
[He dares to provoke God Xin, he’s just courting death!]
———————————
In the evening, Bai Lixin accompanied County Magistrate Lin to the prince’s mansion.
The prince’s residence wasn’t far from County Magistrate Lin’s home but wasn’t close either.
Both of them lived in secluded areas, away from the crowds. Although they weren’t in the town’s center, they weren’t far from it either.
There was a person already waiting at the door. When Bai Lixin came closer, he found that he looked familiar—Steward Zhao.
After lunch, Bai Lixin was summoned to the study by the County Magistrate Lin.
When he opened the door and entered the study, there was a stranger sitting there.
The man appeared to be in his forties, with a well-groomed beard, handsome features, and eyes as charming as falling peach blossoms.
He was tall and elegant, dressed in a magnificent bright purple robe with a jade belt, exuding a natural aura of nobility.
He was clearly no ordinary person.
With just one glance, Bai Lixin could tell who he was.
Before County Magistrate Lin could speak, Bai Lixin greeted the man, “Bai Lixin pays respects to His Highness the Prince.”
The middle-aged man seemed surprised, but County Magistrate Lin burst into laughter, “Your Highness, you see, I told you, my scribe is remarkable. He has an extraordinary insight into matters, he only needs a glance to understand the intricacies.”
The man was still surprised, “How did you know I am a prince? Have you met me before?”
Bai Lixin replied, “Your Highness, your majestic presence and demeanor set you apart from ordinary people like us. Recognizing you is not a rare feat, failing to recognize you would be peculiar.”
“Hahaha, well said, well said, Bai Lixin, there are no outsiders in this room. Please have a seat and let’s talk.” County Magistrate Lin laughed heartily and quickly gestured for Bai Lixin to sit.
As soon as he sat down, County Magistrate Lin poured him a cup of tea.
The prince across the table quietly observed Bai Lixin.
His expression remained calm, but his eyes had the intensity of a snake eyeing its prey, radiating a fierce aura.
Bai Lixin maintained his composure and looked back at the prince with neither humility or humbleness, “Your Highness, is there something on my face?”
Perhaps not used to being asked such a direct question, the prince was stunned for a moment and quickly averted his gaze, pretending to focus on his tea. “No, nothing. I just felt that you resemble someone.”
Bai Lixin continued the conversation, “Who is it that I resemble?”
The prince: “The statue of Guanyin in our ancestral hall. Your face shouldn’t suffer in this mundane world; it should be worshipped in the heavens.”
Bai Lixin: “…”
‘What a clichéd attempt at flattery.’
County Magistrate Lin chuckled again, “Your Highness, your charm and charisma remain as strong as ever.”
“Beauty is a gift from heaven to us mortals. I am not trying to be disrespectful, I am simply admiring the exquisite creations bestowed upon us by the heavens,” the prince said, glancing at Bai Lixin. “Master Bai Lixin, please don’t take offense.”
Bai Lixin turned to County Magistrate Lin, “Master, why did you summon me here?”
County Magistrate Lin played coy, “Well, I just praised your extraordinary intelligence. Why don’t you take a guess at the reason for our meeting? See if you can figure it out.”
Bai Lixin felt irritated; these two scheming bastards were toying with him.
Despite his annoyance, he patiently scanned County Magistrate Lin and the prince back and forth.
“I see a smile on the prince’s lips, but a hint of darkness in his eyes, and a subtle furrow between his brows suggesting worries. Could it be that you are facing some difficulties?” Bai Lixin said, meeting the gazes of both County Magistrate Lin and the prince.
County Magistrate Lin and the prince exchanged glances and burst into laughter.
The prince marveled, “Marvelous, truly marvelous, Master Bai Lixin, you are indeed remarkable.”
Bai Lixin maintained a polite smile on his lips, but internally, he was exasperated: “…”
‘Mind your manners.
“Do you think I’m a monkey for your amusement?’
County Magistrate Lin: “Since you’ve figured it out, let the prince explain himself.”
The prince: “It’s like this. Recently, I’ve been plagued by nightmares every night, unable to sleep well. A few days ago, while I was out during the day, I saw a woman in white resting in the garden. But when I rubbed my eyes, the woman in white disappeared. I’m afraid I’ve encountered a ghost.”
Bai Lixin frowned, “I’m just a scholar, I’m good with books, but I’m not skilled in dealing with ghosts.”
The prince: “I came to find you not to catch ghosts.”
Bai Lixin: “Then…”
The prince glanced at County Magistrate Lin.
County Magistrate Lin: “The prince finds it inconvenient to speak, so let me explain. The prince has a son who is preparing for this year’s provincial examination. He wants you to go and give him some guidance.”
“Me? Why would he think of finding me?” Bai Lixin was surprised. “Aren’t I working as a scribe in our yamen? How can I have the time to go there?”
County Magistrate Lin winked at Bai Lixin, “You can go there in the evening. After all, you are both men, there’s no need for etiquette. The prince has plenty of rooms, he will arrange a guest room for you. Besides, the prince is a refined person. You can have a pleasant conversation in the evening, isn’t that delightful?”
Bai Lixin: “…”
‘So, I get to have pleasant evening chats and still do daytime work?’
The prince: “Please don’t misunderstand, Master Bai Lixin . I won’t trouble you for free. You only need to spend one or two hours teaching my son every night. I will reward you generously with gold, silver, and pearls. You won’t be treated unfairly.”
County Magistrate Lin: “Exactly, Bai Lixin. The prince is of noble status. He personally came to invite you. It’s already a great honor for you. If an ordinary person had this opportunity, they would have already kowtowed and thanked him. What more rewards do you want? The prince is considerate and loves his people. He not only came to invite you but also promised to reward you. Isn’t this a stroke of luck?”
Bai Lixin: “Based on your words, the prince is esteemed, and I’m just a humble commoner. So, if the prince invites me, I should go. Your Highness, do ordinary people still have the right to refuse?”
The smiles on the faces of the prince and County Magistrate Lin vanished simultaneously.
Soon, the prince paused and replied, “Of course, it’s entirely up to you.”
“Upon hearing Your Highness’s words, I am reassured.” Bai Lixin pondered for a moment, and in the quiet study, his tense face slowly broke into a smile. “I knew it, Your Highness is just as rumored, compassionate and respectful. Since Your Highness has said so, I will obey. Shall I go tonight?”
The prince was stunned for a moment, “Do you mean to say that you agree?”
“Of course, Your Highness, if you insisted on my presence, I may not go. Better to be shattered jade than an intact tile. However, if Your Highness respects my wishes, I will respond with sweet peaches and precious jade. I agree to help Your Highness. But I have not prepared for the provincial examination for many years; I might be a bit rusty. It might be better for your son to study on his own or find another tutor.”
“If my teaching is unsatisfactory, I apologize to Your Highness in advance.”
The prince secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He and County Magistrate Lin exchanged a glance, and smiles returned to their faces.
The prince stood up from his chair. “Since that’s the case, I will prepare a feast at home tonight and await the teacher’s arrival. Oh, County Magistrate Lin, if you have no other engagements tonight, feel free to join us. It’s been a while since we had a gathering.”
County Magistrate Lin: “Since the prince has invited, I shall humbly accept and will definitely come, definitely!”
When the prince left, County Magistrate Lin personally escorted him to the door.
Zhang Biao also noticed the two of them exchanging pleasantries at the door. He stood behind Bai Lixin and asked quietly, “Is he the prince? They called you over, what did they say?”
Bai Lixin stared at the departing prince in the sedan chair. “They asked me to go to his house tonight and tutor his son.”
“Isn’t this too coincidental?” Zhang Biao furrowed his brows suddenly. “We were just investigating the case from two years ago today, and he comes to invite you to teach at his house. Sir, you can’t go!”
“Think about it. According to Master Cao and Ping’er, this prince is a lunatic. He did such unspeakable things in someone else’s house; what might he do in his own? Perhaps the steward saw your extraordinary appearance before leaving and secretly informed the prince. He might have some intentions regarding you.”
“This… damn it, that’s probably it, sir! I can think of it, and I’m sure you’ve considered it too. You must have refused, right?!”
Bai Lixin: “Well, you guessed wrong. I agreed.”
First, Zhang Biao looked shocked, then he appeared deeply moved. His eyes turned slightly red.
“Sir!” He clenched his fist and extended it towards Bai Lixin with force. “You are the noblest person I have ever met. You risk everything for the case of a small courtesan, even daring to take a dangerous path. Sir, you are the direction I have been pursuing all my life!”
“Sir, rest assured, you won’t be alone. Whenever you go, I’ll be outside quietly keeping watch. If you sense anything amiss, just call out, and I’ll rush in immediately.”
“Wait, what if someone covers your mouth, and you can’t scream? How about we establish a secret signal, like the ancient people did with three cup tosses? Is that alright?”
Bai Lixin rubbed his temple. “Speak slowly, my head hurts.”
Zhang Biao was wasting his talent not pursuing a career in comedy; his words rushed out like popping beans.
While the two of them were talking, County Magistrate Lin had already finished sending the prince off.
His smile had disappeared, and his cold expression swept over Bai Lixin and Zhang Biao. After uttering the words, “Both of you, come with me,” he stormed back into the study.
As soon as the two entered the study, a teacup suddenly flew towards their direction.
Zhang Biao acted swiftly, extending his arm to block it. The cup’s direction changed and hit the wall with a loud crash, shattering into pieces.
Then they heard County Magistrate Lin’s furious voice, “Close the door!”
The two glanced at each other, and after Zhang Biao closed the door, he clasped his fists and asked respectful , “Sir, why did you summon us?”
“Why did I summon you? Why did I summon you…” County Magistrate Lin was so angry that he slammed the table. “Bai Lixin, tell me, why did I call you here?”
“For the suicide case of Xiao Cui from two years ago.” Bai Lixin replied calmly.
“Since you are so smart, why couldn’t you guess the stakes of this case? The case has been closed for two years. There are so many cases every day in Qingcheng Town. I am too busy to handle, do you have nothing better to do than investigate old cases? Are you that free? If you are, why don’t you re-copy all the case files from start to finish!”
“I saw this painting lying there and didn’t know what you were up to. Out of curiosity, I asked. I had no idea you were scheming behind my back. Both of you are quite something, Bai Lixin, I brought you here to help me, not to infuriate me!”
“From today on, you’re not allowed to investigate this case anymore. Otherwise, both of you get out, go back wherever you came from! This yamen isn’t dependent on anyone, it can function perfectly without you!”
Zhang Biao’s eyebrows furrowed, a hint of anger flickering in his eyes. His shoulders trembled slightly and just as he was preparing to retort, he was abruptly pulled back by Bai Lixin.
Bai Lixin: “Brother-in-law, I didn’t know that this case was related to the prince when I started. I was just flipping through the case files out of curiosity, thinking that if I could solve it, it would be an achievement for you. Later, as the investigation progressed, the prince’s involvement came to light, and we were also frightened. Rest assured, we understand now. We won’t investigate this case any further.”
Zhang Biao looked at Bai Lixin in surprise.
County Magistrate Lin, who was prepared to argue with them, suddenly found them surrendering. He was left breathless, unable to utter a word. He could only swallow his anger forcibly, and the swallowed rage settled painfully in his chest.
‘Damn it, Damn it, who came up with the idea that you shouldn’t hit a smiling face?’
He covered his trembling chest and let out a long sigh. “Alright, knowing your mistake is enough. You’re new to the yamen, and there’s much you don’t understand. I don’t blame you for this matter. If anyone is to blame, it’s Zhang Biao.”
Speaking of Zhang Biao, County Magistrate Lin’s anger flared up again. He pointed his finger at Zhang Biao, scolding him, “It’s all because of you. Stay away from my brother-in-law in the future, don’t corrupt him!”
Zhang Biao: “…”
‘Who’s corrupting whom exactly?’
Bai Lixin asked cautiously, “Brother-in-law, what kind of person is the prince? I can’t see through him. Could you tell me about him? I don’t want to offend him when I visit his house and bring disaster upon myself.”
County Magistrate Lin: “There’s no need to worry about bringing disaster upon yourself.”
Bai Lixin: “But wasn’t Xiao Cui killed by him? How can it not be serious?”
Zhang Biao turned his head, looking at Bai Lixin with shock.
Did he just say that?
County Magistrate Lin, who had just been about to sit back and relax, jumped up from his chair the moment he heard this sentence. “B-B-Bai Lixin, be careful of what you say! What do you mean Xiao Cui was killed by the prince? Don’t talk nonsense, I won’t be able to protect you even if you’re my brother-in-law, okay?”
“He’s the prince, of royal blood. Even if he did kill someone, can he be sentenced for it?” County Magistrate Lin paused and added, “Besides, it wasn’t him who killed her. He’s the prince, if he really wanted to kill someone, with a command, someone else would do it for him. Even if you investigated endlessly, even if you find evidence leading to him, he won’t suffer any consequences. At most, one of his subordinates would be pushed out as a scapegoat. That’s how this case will end. And then? Who will thank you? Xiao Cui, who’s already reincarnated? Or the brothel?”
“This is a case where no one will find redemption.”
Bai Lixin nodded earnestly. “I understand, brother-in-law. Don’t worry, I won’t touch this case anymore.”
County Magistrate Lin was still worried and cautioned, “And don’t speak a word about this to anyone, understand?”
Bai Lixin: “Brother-in-law, there’s something I don’t understand. Is what you told me today related to the prince’s visit?”
County Magistrate Lin: “What? Are you scared now? Don’t worry, the prince hasn’t found out. He just came to get help and didn’t mention anything else.”
Bai Lixin responded with an ‘Oh,’ nodding his head silently.
Seeing Bai Lixin’s agreement, County Magistrate Lin finally relaxed, his voice now feeble. “Alright, you two can leave now. I have a headache; I need to rest.”
Zhang Biao and Bai Lixin left the courtyard. When they were in a secluded place, Zhang Biao couldn’t help but ask, “Sir, are we really not going to investigate further?”
“We will, but we can’t investigate openly anymore.” Bai Lixin looked toward the direction of the study. “Just like County Magistrate Lin said, no one wants this matter to resurface. We have just started but are already facing constant obstruction during our investigation. It’s too draining to continue openly. From today, we’ll investigate this case secretly. According to the original plan, let your brothers discreetly inquire about the earring, see if we can find any clues.”
Zhang Biao hesitated. “But, Miss Ping Er said that Master Cao didn’t give any jewelry at that time. Do you suspect Miss Ping Er of lying?”
“People are selfish. Until we get the final truth, anyone could lie. We should be skeptical of what they say and not blindly trust them. You’ve been solving cases for years; you should understand this better than I do.”
Zhang Biao blushed. “Yes, sir, I’ve learned my lesson.”
“But if Ping Er lied, why did she lie? Could it be that she’s the killer? In reality, she stole her mistress’s money and framed the prince?”
“There are many possibilities. Perhaps she witnessed her mistress’s murder and, after the killer left, went to the scene, found her mistress dead, and saw the money scattered around. She might have seized the opportunity and took it for herself.”
“Or, as you mentioned, she might be the one who did it and then framed someone else.”
“Of course, the killer could also be someone else.”
“The time gap is too long. Without decisive evidence, it’s hard to burst the bubble of lies. We can’t solve the case in half a day. We need to take our time, there’s no rush.”
——————————-
In the live broadcast room
[God Xin’s meaning is, I can’t solve this case in half a day, but I can solve it in a day.]
[God Xin: Let me show you a one-day crime-solving stunt.]
[I think that prince is probably seeking death.]
[He dares to provoke God Xin, he’s just courting death!]
———————————
In the evening, Bai Lixin accompanied County Magistrate Lin to the prince’s mansion.
The prince’s residence wasn’t far from County Magistrate Lin’s home but wasn’t close either.
Both of them lived in secluded areas, away from the crowds. Although they weren’t in the town’s center, they weren’t far from it either.
There was a person already waiting at the door. When Bai Lixin came closer, he found that he looked familiar—Steward Zhao.
