Chapter 48: A Woman of Both Skill and Wisdom

Chapter 48: A Woman of Both Skill and Wisdom

Li Hu continued to answer with a vacant expression.

"The pier is about a mile west. There's a rocky outcropping where they often throw people into the river."

With the precise information, Peng Wang immediately instructed Zhang Qing to lead all the officials in search of the victim.

He also understood that He Zhiran likely had more questions, so he didn't rush to leave with them.

He Zhiran proceeded to ask Peng Wang in front of everyone,

"Why did you want to harm Zhou Laoba?"

"Only if he doesn't return can the charge of the Hes fleeing be confirmed."

"And why did you do this?"

"Because Li Rouer doesn't like the Hes, and I wanted to use this opportunity to suppress the Mo family."

By this point, He Zhiran was certain about her assumption.

Li Hu was undoubtedly an informant placed here by someone from the capital.

No wonder Mo Jiuye hadn't noticed being tailed...

Peng Wang knew that He Zhiran would next inquire about who had ordered Li Hu to do all these.

These were dirty dealings among the higher-ups, and he, a mere low-ranking officer, had no intention of getting involved in such matters.

The more one knew, the sooner they would die.

Thus, before He Zhiran could pose her next question, Peng Wang turned and left the room.

He Zhiran secretly admired Peng Wang's wisdom in staying alive while at the same time eagerly asked her next question.

"Who instructed you to target the Mo family?"

"I don't know."

"He doesn't know?" He Zhiran was well aware that Li Hu wouldn't lie at this moment. If he said he didn't know, then it must be the truth.

However, having finally found a sliver of a lead, she wasn't willing to give up just like that.

"Don't you even know who you were supposed to meet?"

"The one who assigned me these tasks, I've only met them once. It was dark, so I couldn't make out their features. However, their voice was rather high-pitched, suggesting they might be a eunuch."

Eunuch?

Only members of the royal family have the authority to command eunuchs.

Aside from the Emperor, princes, princesses, and the ladies of the harem could all be possibilities...

Upon this realization, the scope of suspects widened significantly.

However, He Zhiran was well aware that she wouldn't be able to extract any more useful information from Li Hu.

She stored the necklace in her space and turned to leave in search of Peng Wang.

"Magistrate Peng, I've finished my inquiries. Li Hu should regain consciousness soon."

At this point, Peng Wang was already flustered.

Even without hearing He Zhiran's follow-up questions, he could guess that Li Hu was in the employ of some influential figure higher up.

The fact that Li Hu had attempted to harm Zhou Laoba was clear. But how should he handle the aftermath?

In theory, Li Hu's crimes were heinous, and any punishment would be justified. But if he offended a high-ranking official, would his own head be safe?

He Zhiran had taken a few steps away but didn't hear Peng Wang entering the room. She turned back and saw, as expected, that Peng Wang was still standing there, dazed.

"Magistrate Peng, it is a fact that Li Hu has harmed others. Such matters are best left for the authorities to investigate," He Zhiran said, essentially pointing Peng Wang in the right direction.

Peng Wang nodded appreciatively towards He Zhiran. "Alright, I understand."

This plan was brilliant. Not only would it punish Li Hu for Zhou Laoba's revenge, but it also spared her the trouble of personally dealing with Li Hu, potentially angering influential figures above. It was truly killing two birds with one stone.

Peng Wang now admired He Zhiran even more. She was undoubtedly a woman of both skill and intellect.

He Zhiran knew she wouldn't stay at the inn for long. From Li Hu's words, Zhou Laoba was to be thrown into the river.

Zhou Laoba was a decent man, and if there was a chance to save him, she was determined to do so.

But before leaving, she needed to reassure the Mo family that they were safe from any danger.

Furthermore, someone had to receive the goods that would soon arrive from the grocery store and fabric shop.

The Mo family's womenfolk, anxiously awaiting news from He Zhiran, rushed to surround her upon her return, expressing their concern as if fearing she had suffered.

With these simple-minded sisters-in-law, He Zhiran merely assured them of her well-being to put their minds at ease.

When it came to Mo Jiuye, however, brushing off their concerns with a few vague words would not suffice.

Since overhearing the dispute between He Zhiran and Li Hu at the entrance, Mo Jiuye had stood by the door, ready to rush out and rescue her without hesitation if she found herself in any peril.

Upon learning that Peng Wang had intervened without causing trouble for He Zhiran, his tense heart eased slightly. Now, seeing He Zhiran return unscathed, he insisted on getting a clear answer before letting her leave. "Did you manage to extract any useful information from Li Hu?" "Yes, I did. He hired someone to abduct Zhou Laoba and planned to drown him in the river. Li Hu was acting under someone else's orders, but that's a long story. I'll save Zhou Laoba first and explain everything when I return." Upon hearing that Mo Jiuye was going to rescue someone, despite his numerous questions, he suppressed them for the time being. At this moment, he cursed himself inwardly for being incapacitated, preventing him from accompanying He Zhiran in facing these dangers. "In that case, take care of yourself." Mo Jiuye turned away, guilt-ridden, unable to bear watching He Zhiran. Not daring to waste time, He Zhiran hurried along with Peng Wang towards the location Li Hu had mentioned.

Peng Wang, driven by his urgency to save a life, pushed aside his own discomfort and wasted no time in rushing forward.

The two of them ran swiftly, reaching their designated spot in about a quarter of an hour.

There, apart from the officials, the area was swarmed with curious onlookers.

Peng Wang forced his way through the crowd, with He Zhiran closely following behind.

Zhou Laoba lay at the center, eyes tightly shut, seemingly devoid of any signs of life.

The officials wore grim expressions. Upon seeing Peng Wang, Zhang Qing wiped away a tear and stepped forward to meet him.

"Captain, Zhou Laoba... he... he's not breathing."

Upon catching sight of Zhou Laoba's condition, Peng Wang had already guessed the grim outcome.

It seemed they were too late.

However, He Zhiran paid no attention to the officials' sorrow. Swiftly approaching Zhou Laoba, she placed her fingers on his carotid artery, hoping to detect some vestige of his vital signs.

A weeping official approached them with reddened eyes.

"Madam He, we've checked – he's gone."

Instead of responding to the officer, He Zhiran began performing CPR on Zhou Laoba in full view of everyone.

Her unusual actions provoked a buzz of whispers from the crowd.

"What is this woman doing?"

"Yes, he's long gone. Why bother with this?"

"Just look at her, so casual and immodest about it."

He Zhiran ignored their remarks; in her mind, she wouldn't give up on saving him as long as there was even a sliver of hope.

Two minutes passed, yet Zhou Laoba showed no sign of response.

Peng Wang, though ignorant of the principles of CPR, understood that He Zhiran was attempting to save a life.

However, seeing Zhou Laoba still motionless, he couldn't help but step forward to advise, "Madam He, since Eighth Brother is already gone, let him rest in peace."

Peng Wang's words did not deter He Zhiran from her course.

Her next move once again stunned everyone present.