After leaving the State Preceptor’s residence, Wen Ningwan straightened her back proudly and declared, “Xiao Ran, starting today, you’re moving to the Dali Temple to live with me.”
“What?” You Ran looked at her with displeasure.
“What kind of attitude is that? Don’t forget the bet we made last night. You’re now my little follower, and I’m your boss. You have to protect me at all times, sticking close to me!”
“Hah!” You Ran’s face twisted in frustration.
“What? Is the renowned You Ran of the State Preceptor’s residence going to renege on a bet?” Wen Ningwan eyed her up and down with disdain.
“Who said I’m reneging? I’m just worried the State Preceptor won’t allow it. After all, I’m part of the State Preceptor’s household.”
“The State Preceptor has already agreed, you’re to protect me personally,” Wen Ningwan said smugly.
You Ran stared at her in disbelief. “Really? You’re not tricking me?”
“Of course not. I don’t have the guts for that.”
“Hah.” You Ran gave her a look of disgust. “Right. Only someone as ignorant as you would dare make such a request to the State Preceptor.”
“A bet is a bet. Have you ever seen a follower who doesn’t protect their boss?”
“No, but I’ve seen bosses who are supposed to protect their followers.”
“Nonsense! Since you acknowledge me as your boss, you have to follow my orders. Protecting me personally is my command!”
The Capital Prefect watched the two bickering figures approach with a complicated expression. Could people like this really solve cases?
Wen Ningwan took one look at the gruesomely murdered corpse lying in a pool of blood, jumped back in fright, and let out a shrill scream before immediately hiding behind You Ran. “Little follower, you go first!”
“…”
“…”
The onlookers erupted in murmurs. Was this really the legendary Wen Shaoqing, the swift solver of cases?
You Ran spread her hands helplessly and smiled at the bewildered prefect. “Wen Shaoqing doesn’t like seeing corpses.”
“Right, right! I don’t like it,” Wen Ningwan chimed in awkwardly, turning her head away to avoid looking at the body.
“Please,” the prefect said, gesturing to You Ran, who stood in front of the terrified woman.
You Ran examined the scene, and soon, officials from the Dali Temple arrived. Miao Shiyi glared at You Ran. “What are you doing? Is the State Preceptor’s residence now taking over cases from the Dali Temple too?”
Wen Ningwan looked at Miao Shiyi in confusion, sensing a strong hostility toward the State Preceptor’s household.
You Ran smiled faintly. “Well, blame your Dali Temple for being too slow. Also, let me clarify something.”
She turned to Wen Ningwan, deliberately raising her voice for everyone to hear. “I am now Wen Shaoqing’s personal guard. Any investigations I conduct are under her orders. If anyone has any issues, please take them up with Wen Shaoqing.”
“Huh?” Wen Ningwan was startled. She glanced at the murmuring crowd, then at You Ran’s sly expression, gritting her teeth in anger.
“Sir, what’s going on here?” Miao Shiyi frowned, looking at Wen Ningwan in confusion.
You Ran walked over cheerfully. “I lost a bet last night, so now I’m Wen Shaoqing’s personal guard. Got a problem with that?”
Miao Shiyi clenched her teeth. “What scheme is the State Preceptor’s residence plotting now?!”
“This was all Wen Shaoqing’s idea,” You Ran said, standing beside Wen Ningwan. She smirked at Miao Shiyi, enjoying the confusion on Wen Ningwan’s face. “I’m even moving into the Dali Temple.”
“You!” Miao Shiyi glared at her furiously.
“Alright, alright,” Wen Ningwan quickly intervened. “You Ran, did you find anything?”
“Stabbed to death with multiple wounds, no resistance throughout. The first stab was from the front but not fatal. The lack of resistance is strange perhaps the killer was someone familiar.”
“Oh.” Wen Ningwan nodded, casting a glance at Chief Clerk Liu, who was conducting the examination.
“Take the food and drinks back for inspection,” Wen Ningwan instructed Miao Shiyi.
Miao Shiyi nodded, shooting a hostile look at Youran before walking away.
Wen Ningwan turned to leave. In the original story, the murder of the Yan Kingdom’s prince was committed by a fugitive assassin aiming to incite war, forcing the Grand Preceptor to take up arms again and leave the capital.
However, the plan ultimately failed, the Grand Preceptor did not march to war at this time.
Wen Ningwan was confident. As long as she could prove that the prince’s death had nothing to do with their kingdom, her mission would be accomplished. But this proof would be difficult she had forgotten the details, just like with the Beauty Alley murder case, where there were significant discrepancies.
“You, go and secure the merchant convoy. No one associated with it is to be released screen them one by one.”
Youran froze, pointing at herself. “You’re ordering me?”
“Obviously! I’m the boss here!” Wen Ningwan planted her hands on her hips, looking smug. “Get moving!”
“Hmph!” You Ran gave her a forced smile. “Fine. But don’t regret this.”
“Hmph!” Wen Ningwan pouted, smirking. “The Grand Preceptor is responsible for the capital’s security. With something like this happening, she can’t escape blame either. Solving this case quickly is in her best interest.”
You Ran paused, brows furrowing slightly, as if struck by realization. Without another word, she turned and left.
Wen Ningwan gloated to herself, “Having such a smart, top-tier fighter as my subordinate is so convenient!”
“Indeed!”
Startled, Wen Ningwan turned to see a kind-faced middle-aged woman studying her with gentle eyes. “Assistant Minister Wen, what skillful maneuvering even the Grand Preceptor’s right-hand woman has become your personal guard.”
“And you are?” Wen Ningwan looked curiously at the warm, amiable woman.
A guard beside her spoke up, “Assistant Minister Wen, don’t you recognize General Kanai?”
“Ka—” Wen Ningwan stared in disbelief at the gentle woman before her. So, this was the cunning antagonist from the original story General Nanchuan Kanai, whose smile hid a dagger!
Seeing her stunned expression, General Kanai sighed. “Does Assistant Minister Wen only know the Grand Preceptor? I’ve always been quite fond of you.”