Chapter 057 The Corpse on the Bed

Chapter 057 The Corpse on the Bed

In the afternoon, the Jinyiwei sealed off all roads leading to and from Baifeng Temple. Troops from the Capital Commandery cooperated, surrounding the entire mountain.

The market at the foot of the mountain, the young acolytes in the mountains, and all the pilgrims were repeatedly questioned. At the same time, more people who had come to Baifeng Temple for worship were asked to return there. This included Lin Yingxue and Fu Wanan.

Fu Heng couldn't help but pinch Fu Wanan's ear, "Look at you, always causing trouble. Now we have to go back to Baifeng Temple late at night."

Lin Yingxue quickly said, "No one could have predicted this, after all, it's a matter of life and death."

Fu Heng said, "It's only because your sister-in-law cares about you. Don't be naughty, put on a thicker cloak."

Fu Jiaze wrapped Lin Yingxue in a heavy fur coat, "This matter has nothing to do with us. Just answer truthfully. The Jinyiwei know our identities; they won't make things difficult for us."

Lin Yingxue nodded, "I'm not upset about going out now, but I can't stop thinking about that young master. He was very polite and kind-hearted. And An'an said..."

Lin Yingxue didn't finish her sentence as Fu Jiaze covered her lips, "Don't think too much."

Sometimes, the more you think about something, the more painful it becomes.

The fact that the search had reached such a stage indicated that the child was likely in grave danger.

Fu Jiaze thought, this is a reminder. In the future, even if it's for rituals like praying, we must never leave the servants behind again.

Lin Yingxue swallowed her unfinished words and walked to Fu Wanan's side, who was also being fastened into her fur coat by Fu Heng.

Fu Wanan was not only unbothered by the night journey but was actually delighted. After all, she had never traveled in such icy conditions before.

The three got into the carriage, which creaked as it moved through the snow.

Fu Wanan swung her legs back and forth, carefree, even lifting the curtain to look outside at the falling snow. However, it was too dark to see clearly, so she gave up.

While their journey to Baifeng Temple was relatively relaxed, the carriage of Weiwu Marquis Mansion was filled with Ma Ruolan's sighs.

Ma Ruolan complained, "What kind of situation is this? It has nothing to do with us. My stomach is uncomfortable, and I just went around once and came back, yet I still have to go to Baifeng Temple. Moreover, Lord Marquis has been there all along, why call us?"

Lin Baozhen said, "Yongning Marquis Mansion lost someone. The last time I saw Lady He, she treated Young Master Yan like he was more precious than her own eyes. Now that the child is missing, how could she not be worried? She probably knelt before the Jinyiwei, which is why they're making such a fuss."

"That makes sense," Ma Ruolan said, "Well, when I see her later, I'll try to persuade her. I think she shouldn't remain a widow. She had a child before, but now that the child is gone, she should consider herself more."

Lin Baozhen's eyelids twitched. If He Lanting felt relieved about the child's disappearance and didn't seek justice, there wouldn't have been any commotion, nor would there have been the Emperor's favor towards He Lanting, and Concubine Chen might not exist.

So Lin Baozhen straightened up, "Mother, Lady He is already heartbroken over losing her child. Don't say such things now. At least wait until she's had some time to recover before discussing other matters. Right now, she's truly suffering. Suggesting remarriage would be like pouring salt on her wounds."

Xie Jingzhi, who had been silent, spoke up, "Mother is right. We should show more empathy."

Xie Jingzhi realized that Lin Baozhen was more considerate than he had imagined.

Lin Baozhen smiled at Xie Jingzhi, her eyes sparkling.

She felt that this trip was worth it.

The carriage of Weiwu Marquis Mansion met Fu's family's carriage on the narrow road. Fu's family's carriage voluntarily made way.

Lin Baozhen lifted the curtain and smugly glanced at Fu Jiaze, who had offered to let them pass.

Fu Jiaze chuckled and shook his head, telling Lin Yingxue that he had let the carriage of Weiwu Marquis Mansion pass.

Lin Yingxue could almost imagine Lin Baozhen's arrogant demeanor, "Don't take it to heart."

Fu Jiaze squeezed his wife's hand, "I know."

Given Lin Baozhen's character, becoming a prominent lady would eventually bring more trouble to Weiwu Marquis Mansion.

/

Before reaching Baifeng Temple, they saw the flames of torches burning in the distance. Upon closer inspection, they realized the Jinyiwei's presence was overwhelming.

Fu Jiaze recognized a familiar face, someone who had broken his arm recently and should still be on leave, yet was here.

The person questioning the pilgrims was a Supreme Court official known for his sharp investigative skills.

Seeing this, Fu Jiaze told Lin Yingxue, "Answer truthfully and in detail."

Lin Yingxue nodded.

Fu Jiaze tapped his sister's forehead, "An'an, answer the adults' questions honestly. Don't hide anything."

Fu Wanan nodded.

Yan Ji had interacted with two groups of people: first, Lin Yingxue and Fu Wanan, and second, Ma Ruolan, Lin Baozhen, and Xie Jingzhi.

The official named Xue Kuan carefully questioned Lin Yingxue and Fu Wanan about their interactions, recording Fu Wanan's gift of a grasshopper made from grass.

For Xue Kuan, the focus was on Lin Baozhen and Xie Jingzhi, as they were the last ones seen with the old lady before Yan Ji entered Fox Fairy Hall.

Lin Baozhen had hidden something, while Xue Jingzhi had nothing to say.

Xue Kuan suddenly looked at Lin Baozhen intently, "Lady Marquis, why did you suddenly go to the tree? Did you see something?"

"What could I have seen?" Lin Baozhen replied calmly, "If I had seen the kidnapper, I would have shouted. Even though Fox Fairy Hall was closed, there were still others nearby. Besides, if there was something, why would I involve Lord Marquis?"

Xue Kuan, experienced in investigations, sensed something odd about Lin Baozhen and noted his suspicions. He planned to inform Eunuch Fu and have the Jinyiwei further investigate Weiwu Marquis Mansion's recent activities.

He Lanting had stayed in the temple and, upon learning that these two groups were the last to see her son, immediately sought out Lin Yingxue and Fu Wanan, who had already been questioned.

He Lanting was no longer a helpless orphan. She was the Lady of Yongning Marquis Mansion and secretly the Emperor's beloved. With her son missing, she shed her usual pretense and spoke with an air of authority.

Fu Wanan felt uncomfortable but answered seriously under Lin Yingxue's persuasion.

He Lanting scoffed at Fu Wanan's mention of the resemblance between her brother and Yan Ji. How could anyone resemble Jier? But she still subconsciously looked at Fu Jiaze.

When He Lanting saw Fu Jiaze, her heart skipped a beat. She suddenly saw Fu Jiaze and thought she was seeing Yan Ji grown up.

He Lanting carefully compared Yan Ji and Fu Jiaze before rushing over.

Her sudden movement startled the maid beside her. "Madam!"

He Lanting's hood fell off, revealing her face, and the pursuing maid quickly adjusted it for her.

He Lanting asked, "Are you Fu Jiaze?"

Fu Jiaze took half a step back due to He Lanting's actions and bowed to her. "This Fu has met the Lady of the Marquis."

He Lanting pressed on, "Do you have a good relationship with your sister?"

Fu Jiaze found He Lanting's tone strange but still answered seriously, "Indeed so."

He Lanting thought that if a sister-in-law is willing to bring along a not-so-bright younger sister, it shows a good relationship between the couple and also indicates that the elder brother loves his sister.

He Lanting could now completely rule out any suspicion about these two people. Moreover, facing Fu Jiaze, she felt as if she was seeing Yan Ji grown up, and her tone softened unconsciously: "It's quite cold outside. I've finished asking my questions; you should go back early."

The group bowed to He Lanting, wishing her luck in finding Yan Ji. Especially Fu Wanan's sincere words made He Lanting smile.

He Lanting, who had captured the emperor's heart, naturally had her unique qualities. This immediately left Fu Wanan in awe.

She whispered to Lin Yingxue, "This Lady of the Marquis is truly beautiful, more beautiful than the other Lady of the Marquis."

The other Lady of the Marquis naturally referred to Lin Baozhen.

He Lanting's expression became even gentler. She nodded and gestured to the Jinyiwei to let them leave.

However, the Weiwu Marquis Mansion group did not have such good luck. After all, they had a slight suspicion hanging over them, and Lin Baozhen's gaze always made He Lanting uncomfortable. So, she decided to detain them at Baifeng Temple temporarily.

He Lanting herself was repeatedly persuaded to return to the mansion earlier. Fu Bin even hinted that the emperor would visit her after she returned.

He Lanting then returned to the city.

The Yongning Marquis Mansion was mostly empty, with only the gatekeeper and a few maids responsible for the old lady's daily life remaining. Even the lights were not lit.

The maids hurriedly lit the lamps, and He Lanting watched Zeng Xiu rush over.

"Ting'er," said Zeng Xiu, "any good news?"

He Lanting shook her head wearily. "I couldn't bear it anymore, so I came back. The Jinyiwei will continue searching and investigating."

"Will you go tomorrow?"

He Lanting paused. "No."

Zeng Xiu understood. He Lanting clearly planned to meet the emperor tomorrow, which was why she wouldn't go to Baifeng Temple.

"Good," the old lady nodded. "You should rest more. Let's go."

Zeng Xiu seemed ready to escort He Lanting to her room.

He Lanting found this odd but thought perhaps the old lady wanted details about the interrogation.

Feeling tired, He Lanting didn't want to talk to the old lady. If it weren't for Zeng Xiu, Yan Ji wouldn't have gone missing.

He Lanting decided to send Zeng Xiu away once they reached the room.

They entered the room.

Zeng Xiu sat down and suddenly exclaimed, "Hmm?"

He Lanting looked up. "What's wrong?"

"This maid is too careless, not even tidying the bedding properly."

He Lanting stood up and casually lifted the bedding, only to find her long-lost child there. Yan Ji's face was the grayish-blue of a corpse, his eyes closed forever, never to see the world again.