Chapter 199: Chapter 142: The Matter Investigated Swiftly

Shen Ruoxi listened to the sour tone in his words, and the corners of her mouth slightly lifted, shaping a charming arc, “If I end up with my cousin, what about you, Prince?”

Jun Moling was first stunned, then his mood instantly brightened, “I will fight for it, but perhaps you aren’t interested in him?”

Shen Ruoxi glanced at him lightly and said slowly, “I never thought in that direction, I have always considered my cousin as an elder brother, just like Xu Ji is in my heart like a younger brother.

My cousin also saw that I have no romantic feeling towards him.

Plus, my aunt never favored me; since the passing of my parents and brother, people say I am a solitary star who cursed them to death.

She thought their words made sense, ever since I came home, all these tragedies occurred, she believed I was unlucky.

My cousin, fearing I wouldn’t be happy in the Prince Mansion in the south of the city, never mentioned this matter.

Actually, when I left home, I already guessed his feelings because he said…”

At this point, Shen Ruoxi’s words abruptly stopped.

Jun Moling’s curiosity was piqued, and he hurriedly asked, “What exactly did he say?”

She was silent for a moment, sighing inwardly, he would gamble his two lives against her one; if she were to really die at the border city, she was sure Lan Jue would follow her.

This kind of deep affection she truly couldn’t bear, so she kept telling herself that he only regarded her as a younger sister.

However, this is something that can never be known by Jun Moling, it could be considered a secret between her and Lan Jue.

Shen Ruoxi deflected the question, “He was just particularly worried that something might happen to me, and urged me to come back alive.

He said that we are cousins, bound by a lifetime of kinship. After all, some couples can turn into enemies, but not between us.”

Jun Moling suddenly squeezed her hand hard, his face full of anger, “Cousins, no matter how close, are still outsiders, relatives, not family.

Only spouses, children, and parents are true family, we will never turn against each other, let him give up that thought as soon as possible.”

Shen Ruoxi couldn’t help but laugh, “Prince, he is already married.”

“If he weren’t married, I would have conferred a marriage upon him,” Jun Moling said with a gloomy expression.

Seeing him like this, Shen Ruoxi could only shake her head and change the subject, “Didn’t you want to investigate what happened yesterday, Prince? Don’t let this delay you, if you feel there’s no breakthrough, pry open Can Hu’s mouth, he must know the whole truth.”

Jun Moling nodded, his expression serious, “Prying open Can Hu’s mouth is indeed the most direct way, but it also has drawbacks, as Cheng Caiyun is sure to claim it was coerced confession, so finding other witnesses is particularly important.”

Shen Ruoxi suddenly became serious and said solemnly, “This matter is entirely dependent on you, Prince, please seek justice for this girl.”

Jun Moling gently pinched her nose, speaking indulgently, “You talk too much, let me send you back to the Shen Mansion first.”

“There’s no need, I can go back myself, you handle your business,” Shen Ruoxi tilted her head slightly, her eyes smiling as she said.

Jun Moling chuckled, “It’s rare to have a chance to meet with my fiancée and even have a few words, I don’t want to give up easily, let’s go! I’ll take you.”

Shen Ruoxi really felt she couldn’t do anything about him, jokingly said, “Then I’ll trouble you, Prince.”

Meanwhile, on the luxurious carriage of the Eldest Princess, Cheng Caiyun appeared restless, unable to sit still.

The Eldest Princess noticed and thought she was still worried that Jun Moling would shield Shen Ruoxi, so she spoke to comfort her, “I can understand your unease over Li’s mother.

But you must trust Lord Chu, he is the kind of upright and just person who dares to challenge even the Emperor, favoritism and fraud are like death to him; rest assured with your heart at ease.

Don’t say she’s just Shen Ruoxi, Li’s fiancée, even if it was the Empress or Empress Dowager who committed this crime, mother will certainly seek justice for you, rest easy!”

Upon hearing these words, Cheng Caiyun was not relieved, but instead, cold sweat dripped from her forehead.

This incident was secretly conducted without her mother’s knowledge.

She knew her mother, though extremely doting on her, was a righteous and upright person.

Once aware that she used despicable means against Shen Ruoxi first, the consequences would be unimaginable.

At this moment, she was truly afraid her scheme against Shen Ruoxi would be exposed; if it did, it would be a self-inflicted disaster, retribution from heaven, truly scorned by everyone.

The Eldest Princess, seeing her daughter’s current state, felt a sudden jump in her heart, an ominous premonition arose.

Her eyes instantly turned cold, asking sternly, “Caiyun, tell me honestly, are you hiding something from your mother?”

Cheng Caiyun’s palms broke out in nervous sweat, and her heart was in her throat.

But at this point, she absolutely couldn’t admit it.

Her eyes turned red, tears welled up, choking as she said, “Mother, how could your daughter possibly remain calm after suffering such an event?

Plus, with cousin’s relationship with Shen Ruoxi, I fear being falsely accused to death.”

The Eldest Princess, hearing these words, felt a pang of heartache, instantly regretting her earlier harsh words.

She hurriedly comforted, “Mother was also anxious, failed to fully consider your feelings.

You were wronged in this matter, no need to hang your head low. Though a woman’s reputation is critical, you, as a County Princess, can remarry a county horse after your separation from Fu Chao.

Rest assured, your mother is the Emperor’s aunt; whoever dares to slander you, their head will be cut off.”

These words had no comforting effect on Cheng Caiyun.

Her heart remained filled with fear and worry, constantly thinking about the dreadful situation that might unfold at dawn.

She was filled with regret, lamenting not having eliminated those she bribed in the Prince Mansion in the south of the city.

But now, with the situation as it is, she dared not act rashly, only silently praying they would keep their mouths shut.

She thought secretly, if they couldn’t withstand the interrogation, she would claim they were forced into confessing, deliberately framing her.

Thinking this, her anxious heart was slightly calmed.

After safely seeing Shen Ruoxi back to the Shen Family, Jun Moling rushed non-stop, and his first stop was straight to the Prince Mansion in the south of the city.

He had just arrived when Chu Teng hurriedly followed.

With the Ministry of Justice assisting, Jun Moling felt much more at ease.

Without needing much to say, the stewards, maids, unsupervised ladies, guards, servants, and laborers of the backyard were all summoned by Chu Teng.

With rich experience in solving cases, Chu Teng immediately got to work.

He meticulously investigated and questioned, not missing any clue.

Soon, he made a preliminary judgment in his mind.

Time quietly passed in the tense investigation until night fell.

Jun Moling, looking at the detailed dossier Chu Teng handed him, slightly curled his lips, smiling, “Thank you, Lord Chu, for helping this time, your efficiency in solving cases truly impresses me; I’ll definitely invite you for a drink in the future.”

Chu Teng, thirty-five years old, had been well-known for his case-solving abilities during his time at Six Gates and was personally promoted to Minister of the Ministry of Justice by the late Emperor five years ago.

This man was just and upright, like the incorruptible Bao Zhen, showing no mercy even to the Royal Family.

“Prince, investigating cases is my duty, how dare I bother the Prince for a drink; reporting to His Majesty tomorrow is enough,” Chu Teng refused without hesitation.

It was the first time for Jun Moling to be brushed off so directly, he couldn’t help but tease, “Lord Chu, being so unsociable, you might end up having no friends.”

Chu Teng was slightly stunned, showing a hint of confusion, “Prince, what’s the use of having friends? Won’t it affect the case solving?”

Jun Moling approached him, speaking earnestly, “Lord Chu, you shouldn’t think this way.

You have parents and relatives, would you abandon all personal ties just for solving cases? I truly admire your just and upright character, earning respect.

But some appropriate relaxation and adjustment aren’t impossible, don’t live too tightly wound.”

Chu Teng slightly frowned, seemingly not understanding Jun Moling’s meaning.

Jun Moling pushed the dossier towards him, “When Lord Chu is ready, tomorrow we’ll appear before the Emperor together.”

After contemplating for a moment, Chu Teng suddenly bowed, “Prince, I have learned, I will take my leave.”

With that, he gathered the dossier and turned to leave.

Jun Moling watched his back thoughtfully, truly valuing him, but there are things he still needs to be reminded of, lest his life be short…

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