A female coroner arrived at the Jingzhao Prefecture.

Chapter 266 Headless Female Corpse (54)

On his way back to the yamen, Song Shuyu heard about the incident on Huimin Street.

He immediately rode back at full speed, but finding no one in the front office or the back residence, he went directly to the office of the civil officials.

"Master Mu?"

Hearing the familiar male voice, Mu Qingcheng looked up from the desk and asked in surprise, "My lord, what brings you here?"

Song Shuyu didn't have time to explain. She quickly stepped forward, pulled Mu Qingcheng up, and anxiously checked her body, "Are you hurt? Where are you? Tell me..."

"Don't worry, sir, I'm unharmed."

Mu Qingcheng quickly grabbed Song Shuyu's large hand that was groping and pressing around. Fortunately, at this time, her colleagues had all gone to lunch, and she was the only one in the office. However, to prevent someone from suddenly entering, she still pushed Song Shuyu away a little.

"Qingcheng, you worried me to death." Song Shuyu's anxious expression finally eased a little, but then her tone became serious again, "You were fighting seven people by yourself, how dangerous! Didn't I tell you? It's perfectly normal for us to win with numbers. We're the government, we don't need to talk about morality when catching thieves!"

Because of the early death of his birth mother and the abuse from his aunt, Song Shuyu was extremely insecure. Mu Qingcheng was a ray of light that he found for himself. In the painful years when he was stuck in the mire and struggling endlessly in the darkness, it was this ray of light that shone on him, giving him longing and hope.

Therefore, his reason and emotion are at odds.

I both long for her to soar high and fear that she might get even the slightest bit hurt by the wind during her flight.

His excessive concern and nervousness were even noticed by the emperor, yet he simply couldn't control his anxious heart.

Fortunately, neither of them are stubborn. He will find a way to back down, and she will avoid conflict and try to appease him.

Therefore, she put on a smile and said softly, "I have kept your teachings firmly in mind, sir. But today, due to the urgency of the situation, most of our men were injured in public. Since you are not here, I am their leader and I must stand up for them! If we can't get revenge, won't our Jingzhao Prefecture lose face? Who will the constables be able to keep in check when they patrol the streets in the future? Of course, I had a plan before I made my move. If I can't win, Liu Heng and Duan Qianzhong will step in, and the constables on standby will rush back to get reinforcements. Isn't Song Li at the yamen? With Song Li's help, who can hurt me?"

"I'm sorry." Song Shuyu forced herself to calm down. "I shouldn't have been so easily frightened. I should have trusted you more."

Mu Qingcheng didn't want him to be caught up in his contradictory emotions and feel conflicted, so she naturally changed the subject, "My lord, what I'm worried about now is whether I'll cause you trouble? What if the Prince of Zhongshan complains to the Emperor..."

Song Shuyu couldn't help but move closer to her, stroking her head with his large hand, and said with a smile, "Actually, your handling of the situation was correct and decisive, showing the demeanor of a great general! The Prince of Zhongshan and the Empress Dowager have a close relationship, and this return to the capital must be orchestrated by the Empress Dowager; I'm afraid he's up to no good. However, your actions were a preemptive strike, giving the Emperor the initiative!"

Surprised, Mu Qingcheng sighed and said, "I am not clear about the political struggles, nor have I thought about them in depth. I just did what I was supposed to do."

“Yes, it’s my duty, that’s what I should do.” Song Shuyu bent down and hugged her, his eyes full of joy. “Qingcheng, you’ve inadvertently saved the Emperor from this predicament. He will be overjoyed. Your future and our marriage are now set in stone!”

However, a look of worry appeared between Mu Qingcheng's brows. "I have accused the Prince of Zhongshan of treason. How will this be dealt with? Treason is a serious crime that I can't just define with words."

Song Shuyu reassured her, "Don't worry, leave the cleanup to me. No matter what, just do your job and don't worry about offending anyone. Your family will take care of everything!"

"Yes. Just knowing that I have adults standing behind me makes me feel at ease." Mu Qingcheng felt relieved, and her mood brightened considerably. Song Shuyu was moved. He glanced around and quickly and precisely stole a sweet kiss on her lips.

This action terrified Mu Qingcheng. She hurriedly pushed him away and nervously looked towards the door and window.

"Don't worry, no one saw." Song Shuyu was still not satisfied, but dared not be too presumptuous. The lesson of being fed sour fruit by her was still vivid in her mind.

Mu Qingcheng was filled with shame and indignation, "My lord, if you continue like this, I will..."

"Were you reading just now?" Noticing a book on her desk, Song Shuyu cleverly changed the subject immediately. "What book was it? Was it good?"

Mu Qingcheng was so angry that she didn't want to talk to him, so she picked up her book and walked out.

Judging by the time, her colleagues should be back soon. If this shameless man acts like a hooligan again, how will she ever face anyone again?
Song Shuyu quickly chased after him, "Hey, where are you going? I haven't had lunch yet, will you come with me?"

Mu Qingcheng kept her head down and didn't reply.

"Master Mu, I'm still waiting for your report on the case!" Song Shuyu walked beside her, his demeanor serious and upright. "Please, Master Mu, don't let personal emotions affect official business!"

Mu Qingcheng was both amused and annoyed. Just as she was about to retort, Lin, the clerk, approached. Mu Qingcheng wondered if it was just her imagination, but Lin's expression seemed a little strange. However, he quickly returned to normal and bowed to the two of them, saying, "This humble servant greets you, sir, Master Mu!"

"Hmm," Song Shuyu responded faintly.

Preoccupied with the case, Mu Qingcheng didn't have time to think further and immediately instructed, "Clerk Lin, find all of Imperial Censor Xu's estates in the suburbs of the capital, and then have Constable Liu investigate them one by one. This matter needs to be done quickly; it can't be delayed!"

"Yes!" Lin, the clerk, bowed and replied, his gaze falling on Mu Qingcheng's face. He explained in detail, "All property deeds and land deeds that have been officially registered are on file in our Jingzhao Prefecture, so it's quick to check. Hmm, once we've compiled them, would you like to take a look, Master Mu?"

Mu Qingcheng nodded, "If you want to see it, come to the front office with Constable Liu to find me."

"Understood." An unconscious smile appeared on Secretary Lin's gentle face.

Song Shuyu frowned. "Secretary Lin, there are many official duties at the end of the year. Do your job carefully and don't make any mistakes."

"Yes, sir, I will do my utmost and not disappoint you." Lin, the clerk, felt a pang of anxiety and immediately composed himself before replying cautiously.

Song Shuyu turned and left.

After walking a few feet, seeing that Mu Qingcheng hadn't followed, he strode back and dragged Mu Qingcheng, who was still talking to Lin Shuban, away!
Lin Shuban remained frozen in place, his face filled with disappointment...

(End of this chapter)