Chapter 33: Running Away to Roam the World

Chapter 33: Running Away to Roam the World

Upon seeing Xue Dongyang enter in search of him, Fang Mingyan waved him off, asking him to wait a moment.

Ma Xiuneng's parents, in their daze, didn't notice this exchange.

Xue Dongyang understood and promptly retreated to the side.

This residence belonged to Ma Xiuneng, to the Ma family. After Fang Mingyan inspected it and found no further leads, he didn't linger.

All servants within the household were potential suspects until proven otherwise. They would be taken back to the Criminal Bureau for further interrogation.

When Fang Mingyan said they should leave, Jiang Yunxin followed without attracting the attention of the Mas.

Nonetheless, she felt deeply uncomfortable.

She hadn't committed any unlawful or immoral act; despite her dislike for Ma Xiuneng, his death had nothing to do with her. Why should she have to hide like a suspect, cowering in fear?

But while she grumbled inwardly, Jiang Yunxin wasn't reckless. The Ma family had just lost a son, and their grief likely fueled their anger. It was wise to avoid direct confrontation, especially since there was no underlying conflict between her and the Mas.

Back at the Execution Bureau, Fang Mingyan finally asked, "What just happened?"

Xue Dongyang promptly took out the portrait and recounted the incident.

"Fancy that?" Fang Mingyan remarked. "Long Qiao, take a look."

Long Qiao examined the photo—it was indeed a striking resemblance.

"It's Miss Cui Yun," Long Qiao said. "It was her last night, but she couldn't have had the opportunity to commit the crime. We were together the whole time. There's no way she could have knocked us all out, killed Ma Xiuneng, hypnotized us, and then brought us back to consciousness, right?"

If Jiang Yunxin had been alone last night, the perpetrator might have pulled it off with some skill.

But Long Qiao was there, as was a physician. It was implausible for anyone to put three people under hypnosis, commit a murder, and then awaken them without any of them noticing or losing their memories.

If the culprit possessed such formidable abilities, why resort to such a complicated method to kill Ma Xiuneng? They could simply find an opportunity to speak with him and hypnotize him directly.

But how could two people in the world resemble each other so closely? The group wondered—could they be twin sisters?

Fang Mingyan promptly responded, "Long Qiao, take some people with you and go there."

Long Qiao acknowledged and left with his team.

Then, Fang Mingyan said to Little Jiang, "Come to my study for a moment."

With that, Fang Mingyan turned and walked away.

Jiang Yunxin's heart was in turmoil. What did the official mean by this? Was there something he needed to discuss privately, away from others?

Entering the study, she closed the door behind her. Fang Mingyan sat down on the large chair behind his desk, looking straight at Jiang Yunxin.

Feeling a bit uneasy, Jiang Yunxin took the initiative to speak, "Your Excellency, please just say what's on your mind."

No need for guessing games; I'll guess, I'll keep guessing.

Fang Mingyan replied, "Sit down."

Jiang Yunxin sat down, observing Fang Mingyan's expression, which didn't seem to bode well.

Fang Mingyan said, "Just now, Matthew's parents had a conversation with me. Losing their son, they're deeply grieving."

Jiang Yunxin furrowed her brow, sensing an ominous premonition.

Fang Mingyan continued, "They know that you're here with me, and mentioned... that they paid a visit to your home to propose marriage just the day before yesterday, which your father agreed to."

Jiang Yunxin was aware of these events, but she found it all rather peculiar.

Matthew was already dead; why were they still discussing the marriage? They hadn't even been formally engaged, merely having shown initial interest in a union. Wouldn't the death of one party end everything?

Fang Mingyan explained, "From what I gathered from the Ma family, they believe Matthew was murdered. Since he didn't get married before his demise, they're worried about his loneliness on the journey to the afterlife. They're considering a ghost marriage for him?"

Jiang Yunxin stood up abruptly with a snap.

"They want to kill me?"

No, could this era be so barbaric and ruthless? This was still the capital, and she was a noble lady's daughter – would such a thing be allowed?

Fang Mingyan chuckled, amused. "No, where did that thought come from? Who would dare to carry out such a deed as killing someone for a ghost marriage in the capital?"

Absolutely terrifying.

Jiang Yunxin sat down slowly, relieved.

Fang Mingyan continued, "So here's the thing: the Ma family claims that when he proposed to your family yesterday, your father agreed. That counts as the will of both parents and the matchmaker's blessing. Even though you two haven't officially married, you're already considered fiancés. Thus, they hope you'll still uphold your commitment and become Ma Xiuneng's widow."

A stunned expression spread across Jiang Yunxin's face.

Since arriving in this era, she had encountered her fair share of bizarre incidents due to cultural differences, but Fang Mingyan's revelation topped them all.

"They want me to marry their deceased son, to a spirit tablet?"

Fang Mingyan nodded.

Though he found the idea absurd back then, that was indeed what Ma Xiuneng's parents had proposed.

Considering the current situation, if the Ma family offered an extravagant dowry, Jiang Yunxin's parents might just consent.

Firstly, it would earn them a substantial sum. Secondly, they might even gain a reputation for being loyal and steadfast in their affection.

As for Jiang Yunxin's future, if her parents truly cared, they wouldn't have agreed to marry her off to Ma Xiuneng in the first place.

Jiang Yunxin thumped back down onto her seat with a clatter.

Never in a million years did she expect this.

Living, Ma Xiuneng was a headache; even in death, he turned out to be no better.

"How could this be?" Jiang Yunxin muttered, frowning deeply. "What should we do?"

Fang Mingyan looked at Jiang Yunxin with sympathy. He too felt that the Jiang family had gone too far. Even if her birth mother was no longer around, they shouldn't treat a young girl so callously.

But it wasn't his place to interfere in the Jiang family's affairs. It made no sense to meddle in someone else's business when it came to marrying off their daughter.

After considering her options, Jiang Yunxin asked directly, "Sir, can you help me?"

"F-me?" Fang Mingyan was taken aback.

"Yes," Jiang Yunxin replied without hesitation. "Now that I'm part of the Criminal Affairs Bureau, it's only natural for me to rely on your assistance when in need. I believe you will undoubtedly lend a helping hand and rescue me from my predicament."

Fang Mingyan looked at Jiang Yunxin and smiled. "Are you trying to flatter me so that I won't be able to refuse your request?"

Her attempt at flattery was too obvious.

Jiang Yunxin nodded vigorously.

What else could she do? What other choice did she have but to heap praise upon Fang Mingyan or set out on a journey alone? In her time, one could easily travel with just an identification card as long as they were capable of working and avoided remote wilderness areas, which weren't particularly dangerous.

But things were different now. Even though the Flourishing Empire was prosperous, there were many constraints, and the outside world was fraught with danger. Leaving the capital city, a vulnerable young woman would be constantly on edge.

Seeing how Jiang Yunxin so boldly relied on him, Fang Mingyan chuckled.

He said leisurely, "What if I can't help? What's your plan then?"

Jiang Yunxin replied earnestly, "I'll run away from home and explore the world."