Yuan Mengzhu and Fang Dehua’s faces turned exceptionally ugly on the spot. How could this be? An incident like this happening right under the noses of everyone in the house—then...
The couple didn’t dare to think further.
Having come from a large household and managed the Fang Family affairs for so many years, Yuan Mengzhu was naturally no pushover. Before, when her son was unwell, she let many things slide, but to have someone poison her son right under her watch was outrageous.
Fang Dehua was even more angered. Wasn’t this a challenge to his authority? If he couldn’t manage his own household, how could he seek justice for the common people?
An investigation had to be conducted, thoroughly and without exception.
"The poison must have been placed in the water," Yang Ruxin didn’t want to get involved in the dark private matters of a grand household, but she also didn’t want Fang Tianze to suffer unjustly. "There are still many guests in the house; it would not be good to alarm them. Let’s start the investigation from the moment Zeze changed his clothes."
Fang Dehua’s gaze towards Yang Ruxin suddenly brightened.
"I will go with the authority," Yang Ruxin didn’t care to consider others. She wanted to find the culprit because looking at Fang Tianze reminded her of Gu Qingheng—such a peerless individual had nearly perished. Therefore, she hated those who operated in secret, "I might be able to find some clues." She was not sensitive to poison, but Xiaolun was.
Fang Dehua naturally welcomed the help.
Fang Tianze had changed his clothes not in his own Xiyue Residence, but in a small courtyard next to the flower hall, which was normally used to store some clothing and food and facilitate rest for those who were tired from strolling. It was also guarded and cleaned by servants.
However, just as they reached the courtyard called Zhi Academy, they saw a servant running over in a panic, whispering something in the butler’s ear, and then retreating.
The butler’s complexion became somewhat poor.
Fang Dehua looked over.
"Master, a maid named Xixi at Zhi Academy hanged herself," the butler’s brows were tightly furrowed.
"Take me to see," Yang Ruxin’s anger in her chest flared even more. Was it a suicide out of fear of punishment, or was someone silencing her? She had to find out.
The butler glanced at Fang Dehua—Fang Dehua nodded and also called for a coroner and an arrest officer to come, both trusted subordinates of his.
"Aunt Yuan, there are still so many guests up front; please continue to attend to them. Remember, don’t let anyone leave during this time," Yang Ruxin’s tone was decisive.
Yuan Mengzhu subconsciously nodded and then led her people away. However, after a few steps, she suddenly stopped. Why was she listening to that girl? Then, with a shake of her head and a smile, she thought, let it be. Maybe this would lead to the culprit.
Since Xixi had just died, her body had not yet undergone any changes.
Yang Ruxin laughed with just one glance, "Authority, this maid was killed and then hanged."
The coroner was also examining the body and finally nodded in agreement, "Indeed." He was astonished inside, marveling that this girl had seen it with one glance. Her forensic skills must be superior to his. He immediately became more alert, fearing that he might fall behind in whatever came next.
Fang Dehua was also surprised by Yang Ruxin’s acuteness, but he knew now was not the time to ask questions. Instead, everyone in Zhi Academy had to be called for questioning.
"No need to question," Yang Ruxin laughed lightly, "This Xixi was the one who poisoned Zeze’s water." She continued, "There’s a scent of poison on her body." Xiaolun had been restless on her wrist, which was enough to prove it. "Now, all we need to do is find the person who gave her the poison..."