Yu Mingyue’s stance was firm; she would not compromise on this matter. Personal relationships were personal relationships, and official duties were official duties; they could not be mixed.
Xie Jiayan knew it was difficult to persuade her. Making her compromise now would be tantamount to denying her own principles and efforts.
Xie Jiayan turned and left in silence. Yu Mingyue did not try to stop him. Liking him was her own affair, and it would not waver because of his rejection, just as her investigation would not be abandoned because of him.
...
Before Yu Mingyue could ask Song Yuming about the results of his investigation at the Meng family, Song Yuming came to find her.
“It’s good that you came, Brother Song. I found another wet nurse who escorted Meng Sanniang on her wedding day. She can testify that Meng Sanniang was forced onto the sedan chair by Madam Meng, and that she was already pregnant at the time. She also bought herbs for inducing abortion at a pharmacy, and the pharmacist can also testify. Furthermore…”
Song Yuming nodded and interrupted Yu Mingyue’s subsequent words at the opportune moment. “Sanniang’s death is indeed related to Madam Meng. Magistrate Meng has already sent Madam Meng to the ancestral temple for cultivation. To avoid affecting the official careers and marriages of the Meng family’s children, Magistrate Meng hopes this matter will end here,” Song Yuming said.
“End here? You know perfectly well why she was pregnant, why aren’t you investigating? And your young servant is still missing, are you not investigating that either?”
“The other party’s crime does not warrant death. Concubine Fang also does not wish to investigate further and ruin her daughter’s reputation, as the deceased is already gone. My young servant might be lingering in the beautiful scenery of Yangzhou and unwilling to return to the capital, who knows?” Song Yuming smiled. “It must have been hard for you and Brother Du to travel south with me. I’ve booked a banquet to thank you and Brother Du.”
“Brother Song is quite generous this time!” Yu Mingyue said with a half-smile.
“We are returning to the capital tomorrow, so naturally, we should have a good meal,” Song Yuming said, his tone relaxed, as if he hadn’t detected the sarcasm in Yu Mingyue’s words.
“Returning to the capital?” Yu Mingyue was utterly surprised.
Sending them back to the capital at this time indicated that the Cao Bang indeed had problems.
Song Yuming nodded. “Lord Di sent a letter urging us to return to the capital.”
Yu Mingyue sneered. “Is it Lord Di urging us to return, or is someone hoping we return?”
“Mingyue, this is Lord Di’s letter. Look for yourself,” Song Yuming pushed the letter towards Yu Mingyue.
Yu Mingyue recognized Lord Di’s handwriting; it was indeed written by Lord Di. Yu Mingyue closed the letter, her face full of disappointment. “Brother Song, do you also think this case shouldn’t be investigated?”
Song Yuming was silent for a moment. “Mingyue, I entered officialdom a few years before you, and you call me Big Brother. Listen to my advice: don’t investigate the Cao Bang case anymore.”
“Why?”
Song Yuming shook his head. “I don’t know. If I knew, I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to return to the capital.”
Yu Mingyue’s pupils contracted. Was it that serious?
As they were talking, Li Fu ran in, panting. “Miss, Young Master Meng and Luo Jingyu are dead.”
Yu Mingyue seemed to realize something and hurried out. “Brother Song, it seems we can’t leave.”
“Where are you going?”
“Chunhua Tower!”
Yu Mingyue was certain it had something to do with Xiuhe. This must be the reason Xiuhe refused to leave Chunhua Tower; she had planned everything long ago.
Song Yuming had finally managed to dissuade Yu Mingyue, but Luo Jingyu died again at this juncture. It was one crisis after another. He decided to go with her to prevent any further mishaps.
When Yu Mingyue arrived at Chunhua Tower, Xiuhe was no longer there. She asked the cook in the kitchen, who said Xiuhe had taken leave that morning and left, carrying a basket of flowers.
“This is bad, let’s quickly go to Meng Sanniang’s grave,” Yu Mingyue said urgently.