The last sliver of the setting sun was swallowed by the distant city wall.
Wei Qing was feeling restless.
She occasionally stood up, walked to the window, lifted the curtain, and peered outside.
"Why isn't he back yet..."
She muttered, turning back to look at Jiang Yuechu, who was sitting upright on a chair, resting with her eyes closed.
The young woman looked calm, her breathing long and steady.
Her composure made Wei Qing feel uneasy.
What private matter could she have with her father?
Could it be... she's taken a liking to my older brother?
Wait, no!
Although her older brother was considered handsome, how could he be worthy of Yuechu?
Just as she was letting her imagination run wild.
A burst of noise came from the front courtyard.
This was followed by the rumbling sound of carriage wheels rolling over bluestone slabs, and the greetings of the servants welcoming their master.
"The Master has returned to the Wei Residence—"
This long shout made Wei Qing quickly stand up... In the main hall of the Wei Residence.
Wei Wenda wore a scarlet robe and looked exhausted.
He rubbed his throbbing temples and handed his hat to a nearby servant.
This case involving Jiang Xun was becoming stranger and stranger.
First, Your Majesty had given the word to conclude the case as quickly as possible.
But unexpectedly, some time ago, another order came down, forbidding a hasty conclusion and demanding a thorough investigation... Even after decades navigating the officialdom, he couldn't fathom Your Majesty's intentions.
And especially today... "Master, dinner is ready. It's the duck soup you enjoy."
The butler bowed and stepped forward, handing over a hot towel.
Wei Wenda took the towel and hastily wiped his Face.
"I won't eat."
He waved his hand, his voice hoarse. "I have no appetite. Send a pot of strong tea to the study."
Having said that, he stepped toward the back courtyard.
"Well..."
The butler looked troubled, hesitated, but quickly followed him, lowering his voice:
"Master, the Young Miss... has a guest."
Wei Wenda did not stop walking, his brow furrowed slightly.
"Let her entertain the guest herself. Must she bother me with such a trivial matter?"
"It's not that..."
The butler swallowed, bowing even lower.
"That guest... specifically asked to see you by name."
Wei Wenda stopped abruptly.
He turned around, staring sharply at the butler.
"See me? Who is it?"
The butler said tremulously, "It is Lord Jiang Yuechu of the Demon Suppression Division, the one who visited earlier."
Hiss... Wei Wenda's pupils suddenly contracted.
This name had been ringing through the imperial court like thunder lately.
The seventeen-year-old Silver Robe, who killed a Seed Lotus at Taihu Lake.
More importantly... this woman is Jiang Xun's daughter.
"What does she... want to see this old man for at this hour?"
Wei Wenda muttered to himself.
After a long while.
He finally let out a long breath.
"Tell her... to wait in the study."
The butler dared not say more, bowed, and quickly retreated.
Wei Wenda stood still, straightened his slightly wrinkled scarlet official robe, and smoothed the white hair at his temples.
Only then did he let out a soft sigh.
"Jiang Xun, oh, Jiang Xun..."
"You certainly raised a good daughter."
...Inside the study.
Jiang Yuechu sat upright in the guest seat, her expression calm.
As the door was pushed open, Wei Wenda stepped inside.
He did not head straight for the main seat, but first reached back and closed the door, waiting until the heavy door panel was completely shut, isolating them from the wind outside.
Only then did he turn around, looking with a complicated gaze at the young woman sitting upright.
Their eyes met.
Jiang Yuechu stood up, cupped her hands, and performed a standard Junior's salute.
"Junior Jiang Yuechu pays respects to Duke Wei."
This address of Duke Wei showed that she was not relying on her status as a Silver Robe Inspector to be arrogant.
The corner of Wei Wenda's eye twitched slightly.
He walked behind the desk and sat down. Instead of rushing to speak, he pointed to a chair.
"Sit."
Jiang Yuechu sat down as instructed.
"Would you like some tea?"
"I am not thirsty."
Wei Wenda nodded, reaching out to rub his temples.
"Since you address me as Duke Wei, I will dispense with the formalities."
"You came urgently seeking this old man, presumably concerning your father Jiang Xun's case, correct?"
Although it was a question, his tone was certain.
Jiang Yuechu did not hide it and nodded slightly.
"That is correct."
"My father has been imprisoned for a long time. As his child, my heart is uneasy."
"I hope Duke Wei can enlighten me."
"Alas..."
Hearing this, Wei Wenda let out a long sigh.
"Girl."
"You are now an official, and furthermore, a Silver Robe Inspector of the Demon Suppression Division. You should be aware of the laws of Great Tang."
"According to the Great Tang Statutes, in all serious cases concerning the imperial court, to prevent collusion and favoritism, family members of the accused are strictly forbidden from privately contacting the presiding official."
"This is to avoid suspicion."
"If those idle censors from the Censorate were to find out and impeach me..."
"It would be a small matter if this old man lost his official position."
"Even with your outstanding talent, the Silver Robe you just put on might be implicated."
Jiang Yuechu remained silent.
Naturally, she understood these principles.
But some things, though known to be impossible, must still be attempted.
Just as she was about to speak.
Wei Wenda's tone suddenly shifted.
"However..."
"To be honest."
The old man's gaze passed over Jiang Yuechu, seemingly penetrating the study walls to look toward the distant past.
A trace of subtle nostalgia appeared in his eyes.
"Twenty years ago, your father Jiang Xun and I were classmates for ten years, sleeping side-by-side. We once drank wine, composed poetry, and discussed the affairs of the nation by the Qujiang Pond."
Wei Wenda shook his head, a bitter smile appearing on his lips.
"Although we later entered officialdom and our political views occasionally differed, causing us to drift apart, I have never forgotten our old friendship."
He raised his eyelids and looked at Jiang Yuechu.
"Furthermore."
"That useless girl of mine was spoiled since childhood and doesn't have many true friends."
"Since returning from the Region, she frequently mentions your name."
"This old man can tell that she genuinely regards you as a confidante."
Speaking of which.
Wei Wenda took a deep breath, as if shedding a heavy burden.
"On the public level, this old man should not see you, nor should I say a single word to you."
"But on a private level..."
"Whether it is for the sake of your father's past friendship, or for Qing'er's Face."
"There are no outsiders inside this study today."
"Ask whatever you wish."
"As long as it doesn't violate principles or reveal confidential information, this old man..."
"Will tell you everything I know."
As his voice fell.
Jiang Yuechu stood up.
This time.
She did not cup her hands, but straightened her attire, clasped her hands together, and bowed deeply to the floor.
"Thank you, Duke Wei."
Back in the Region, she had heard Wei He mention that Duke Wei governed his household extremely strictly and was utterly impartial in court, never engaging in corruption or favoring others.
But no matter how impartial he was.
Now, after almost half a year.
The case has still not been concluded.
Although she didn't understand imperial court affairs, she knew someone was enduring immense pressure to keep delaying it.
After finishing her bow, Jiang Yuechu took a deep breath and finally asked the question that had been weighing on her heart for a long time.
"May I ask, Duke Wei."
"What crime... has my father truly committed?"