The gentle drizzle was slowly falling, bringing a bit of coolness to the sweltering weather. The entire capital city was enveloped in the hazy misty rain, just like the line “The gentle rain on the capital street moistens like fine cream.”
Today, Liu Rumei was alone. The Yun Xi brothers had been called away by Mo Liandi, who said he wanted to invite another teacher to instruct them. She approved of this and didn't say much.
Sixi had gone with Uncle Zhang to pick up the clothes that had been sent for tailoring a few days ago.
For the time being, she could only stay alone in the coroner's office. She pushed open the window and looked at the capital city in the misty rain, a faint smile on her lips.
Just as she was about to enjoy this rare rainy scenery, a voice came from downstairs. “May I ask if Miss Liu is here?”
Liu Rumei snapped back to her senses instantly and turned to walk downstairs.
A Bi put away the paper umbrella in her hand and placed it beside the door. Then she stood respectfully beside Ning Yan'er.
Her eyes casually sized up the surrounding environment, filled with disdain and disgust.
Ning Yan'er had a smile on her lips. As she watched the figure slowly coming down from upstairs, there was an unfathomable look in her eyes.
When she saw the jade hairpin on Liu Rumei's head, her face instantly changed.
A Bi was also slightly shocked. “Your Highness, that is...”
Ning Yan'er's heart was already in turmoil. Thinking of the way that person had carefully selected it, her slender hand tightened into a fist.
When Liu Rumei came down and saw the strange expressions on their faces, she couldn't help but frown. “Is there something wrong with me?”
Ning Yan'er took a deep breath to calm her inner coldness. She forced a smile and, looking at the jade hairpin on Liu Rumei's head, gritted her teeth and asked, “Miss Liu, this hairpin on your head is really nice. May I ask where you bought it?”
Liu Rumei replied calmly, “Sixi helped me choose it a few days ago. May I ask what important matter brings Your Highness here?”
Seeing her calm expression, Ning Yan'er instantly understood. The items made by the Gao Lou were always high - quality and unique. This hairpin must be the one the prince had chosen yesterday! She almost gritted her silver teeth, but still managed to maintain the smile on her face. “I'm just out for a walk today. By chance, I passed by here and suddenly remembered that Miss Liu's coroner's office was here. I have the intention of making friends with you. I wonder if Miss Liu could accompany me for a chat?”
Since the guest had already entered the house, it was not good to drive her away. So Liu Rumei had to fetch some tea to entertain her. “My place is rather shabby. I hope Your Highness won't mind.”
Everyone loves beauty. Ning Yan'er was very beautiful, and looking at her was a pleasant sight.
However, looking at those eyes that didn't show real smiles, Liu Rumei was secretly on guard. She had only met this person a few times. As the saying goes, “No one visits the temple without a cause.” It seemed that this princess didn't just pass by by chance.
Ning Yan'er gave a gentle smile. “It doesn't matter.”
Seeing this, Liu Rumei didn't say anything more. She sat leisurely at the table beside and said, “Your Highness, please.”
Ning Yan'er sat down with a smile. “This location is really good. The prince has chosen such a good place for Miss Liu. He's really thoughtful.”
After saying that, she suddenly sighed.
Liu Rumei looked puzzled but didn't ask. She just said with a faint smile, “This place is really excellent.”
Seeing that Liu Rumei didn't ask why she sighed, Ning Yan'er felt really frustrated. This person didn't follow the script she had envisioned at all.
She pursed her red lips, with a bit of melancholy and shyness in her eyes. “The prince came to the Huaiyuan Marquis Mansion to propose marriage yesterday.”
Liu Rumei was slightly stunned but then said with a shallow smile, “Congratulations, Your Highness.”
The Huaiyuan Marquis Mansion had great influence. If the two of them could get married, Mo Liandi's path would be smoother!
Hearing this, there was a bit of sorrow in Ning Yan'er's eyes again. “It's a pity that my father rejected him.”
Then she reached out and held Liu Rumei's slender hand. Her eyes were full of grievance. “Miss Liu, I really want to marry the prince, but... Miss Liu, I don't have any close friends. I can only talk to you about these things.”
Liu Rumei was a bit confused. What on earth was Ning Yan'er here for? To show off? Was it necessary? “Since the prince proposed marriage, he will surely marry Your Highness. Why does Your Highness worry? Did Your Highness come here today to ask me to pass a message to the prince?”
Ning Yan'er immediately smiled. She took out the note she had prepared and handed it over, her eyes full of shyness and her cheeks slightly flushed. “Please pass this to the prince. He will surely understand when he sees it.”
Liu Rumei nodded with a smile. “Your Highness, please rest assured. I will surely pass it to the prince.”
Ning Yan'er's face immediately lit up with a smile. She said to Liu Rumei, “Thank you, Miss Liu, for your help.”
Liu Rumei's smile remained unchanged. “It's just a small thing.”
“Then I won't bother Miss Liu anymore.”
“Your Highness, take care!” After seeing the guest off at the door, Liu Rumei returned to the house and couldn't help but smile. She had become a matchmaker for once.
At this time, the smile in Ning Yan'er's eyes had disappeared, replaced by a cold frost.
A Bi couldn't help but feel a bit worried. “Your Highness, will this plan succeed?”
Ning Yan'er sneered. “Have all the arrangements been made?”
A Bi nodded respectfully. “Your Highness, please rest assured. We will surely make it undetectable.”
Not long after the mistress and maid left, Zhang Yan rushed over. Seeing Liu Rumei pour a cup of tea and drink it in one gulp, he then said, “Miss Liu, the identities of those deceased have been found out. My lord asks you to go there.”
Liu Rumei immediately nodded. “Okay, I'll go right away.”
She immediately closed the shop without hesitation and was about to head towards the yamen when Zhang Yan stopped her. “Miss Liu, this way!”
Liu Rumei was slightly stunned. “Isn't Lord Xue in the yamen?”
Zhang Yan nodded. “Two of the deceased were from other places, and one was from the Flower Pavilion.”
“The Flower Pavilion?” Liu Rumei couldn't help but frown slightly.
“The situation in the Flower Pavilion is rather complicated. Only my lord can go there to investigate in person.”
Liu Rumei didn't think much about it and immediately headed towards the Flower Pavilion.
At that time, Xue Zhan was sitting among the beautiful women, enjoying being fed by them. He looked extremely comfortable.
When Liu Rumei and Zhang Yan entered, they saw him in this state.
Liu Rumei couldn't help but raise her eyebrows and pointed at the half - dressed man. “Is he here to investigate a case?”
It seemed more like he was here for pleasure!
Seeing Liu Rumei's arrival, Xue Zhan immediately straightened his expression. He struggled out of the group of beautiful women and showed a bright smile on his face. “Miss Liu is here. Were you tired on the way?”
Zhang Yan couldn't help but shake his head. It seemed that he was bound to drink some wine!
The beautiful women on the side also left tactfully. A voluptuous woman in a red dress walked over charmingly. “I wonder if Lord Xue is satisfied?”