Sizhou San

The next day.

Beili stepped into the side hall of Sizhou Baifu and saw the person sitting in the main seat. He bowed and said, "Sir."

"Awake?" Su Zirui said without raising his head while playing with the round and delicate teacup.

"Yes, Captain Li has questioned her, and she truly has no knowledge of the situation. Last night, the criminals first ordered someone to blow up the Sizhou granary, then broke into the prison while the government was dispatching personnel to put out the fire. The force that blew up the house looks like a thunder bomb or something like that, but we still have no clue. We've only apprehended thugs who were paid to do the job, and we haven't found the person behind it."

"This kind of stuff can also be bought on the black market, and it's difficult to track down. What does Captain Li say?" After all, he is a senior police officer in Sizhou, and Su Zirui feels that he should have some different opinions.

"Captain Li said the same thing. He believes the prison breakers are connected to the Drunken Begonia case. Miss Aruo was in a relatively deep area of ​​the prison, and the inmates went directly to her after breaking in, presumably hoping to take her away. But the way they held her hostage last night didn't seem like they were accomplices. They could have intended to create the appearance of absconding, or perhaps to silence her."

Su Zirui tapped the table with his finger. He was indeed very experienced. He said everything and yet said nothing.

She had indeed followed that man last night. Was it voluntary or forced? The man was quite skilled, but he kept restraining her at every turn, presumably because he was afraid of hurting her. But if he knew her, why would she ask for help?

Not necessarily. That girl was always alert and cunning. She might have pretended not to know him after seeing him. Su Zirui's eyes turned cold and he snorted softly.

"Sir, this Miss Aruo has only been here for a short time and has known Zui Haitang for only two months. The coroner testified that the victim was strangled to death before the show started. She should not have had time to kill anyone at that time." Beili thought about it and finally said a fair word for this acquaintance.

"I said, I only believe in evidence." Su Zirui frowned slightly, looking displeased. "If you believe she didn't kill anyone, instead of just talking nonsense here, you might as well go and catch the real murderer."

"Yes, I understand." Bei Li knew he was being a bit blindly credulous. Cai Xin had come to the house early in the morning with the female detective and recounted almost everything she had experienced over the past month. There was no motive for murder. He looked up slightly and saw a portrait of his master casually placed on the edge of the table.

Sensing his gaze, Su Zirui handed the portrait to Beili, "After Zui Haitang's incident, several members of the troupe dispersed, but only three actually left Sizhou. Two of them did return to their hometowns, but this one disappeared after leaving the city. Go find him, maybe he'll be of some use."

"Yes." Kitasato took the portrait. "Aruo and the others said that the adults wouldn't pay attention to this case. Really..."

Su Zirui raised his eyebrows slightly, pondered for a moment, then stood up and said, "By the way, please make arrangements. We will be staying at the government inn starting tomorrow. Also, we will go to the government prison. I need to interrogate... a prisoner."

"Yes." Beili followed with his head down, feeling that the word "prisoner" had some profound meaning, but he couldn't figure out what that meaning was.

As soon as he entered the prison, an officer with a sword drawn stopped him, saying, "This is the Sizhou government office. No one can interrogate the prisoners without the order of the prefect."

Showing his token, Bei Li said in a stern voice, "The Ministry of Justice is in charge of all prisons. I really don't know of any prisoners we cannot bring to trial."

The officers looked at each other, and the leader stepped forward to check. He nodded to the two men, put away his knife and made a gesture of invitation.

A moment later, in the prison cell.

In an area less than ten square meters, a man in a dark red official robe with gold patterns sat on the sole chair, his head lazily lowered as he toyed with a sharp knife, his handsome face serene and composed. Nearby, a square table and a bench sat. On the table, a collection of study tools lay, presumably used for writing confessions. On the other side, long and short torture instruments lay spread out, their sharp blades faintly etched with dark red marks.

Su Zirui raised his eyes slightly, looked coldly at the person who stood obediently after being pushed in, and said expressionlessly, "It's you again."

Feeling cold at his gaze, Aruo swallowed hard and forced a pitiful smile, "It's me again, Lord Su. Surprising or not? Surprising or not?"

Hearing this, his originally cold eyes were slightly icy, and he spoke with a hint of mockery, "The joy is gone, but the shock is shocking. You really are... restless wherever you go."

Aruo tugged at her prison uniform uncomfortably, biting her lip in grievance. The back of her head still ached slightly. She had been working honestly to earn money, and it was unfair for her to encounter such a thing.

The prison uniform was too big for her, and her black hair was loose, which made her look even more slender. Her aggrieved expression made her round face look cute and innocent, and her big black eyes seemed to be watery. She stood there honestly with her head down and admitted her mistake, which made people believe her a little before they even heard her.

Weak, helpless and pitiful... Tsk. Su Zirui thought of his subordinates' foolish rush to seek justice for her, and lowered his eyes to hide his sarcasm.

"Tell me, what did you do wrong this time?" Su Zirui turned the knife in his hand and asked directly.

Since she was little, Aruo had been particularly afraid of questions like "What's wrong?" She always had no idea how to answer because she never knew what the other person was asking. Before she could even think of a response, the person on the other side hummed impatiently, their cold eyes gleaming with icy shards as they swept over her.

"Master Su, I really didn't kill anyone!" Feeling the cold shoulder, Aruo took two steps closer and plopped down on the bench next to him, slamming the table and saying anxiously, "I was performing on stage at the time. How could I have the time to kill someone and hang them from the stage? What if it suddenly fell and hit me, or Xiao Caixin? How could I be that stupid?"

Su Zirui didn't say anything, but just turned his head to glance at her with a cold look.

A chill ran down Aruo's spine. She stood back awkwardly, took two steps back, and returned to her original position. Her indignant expression shifted back to one of pity and grievance. After all, after years of wandering around, the best lesson she'd learned was showing weakness.

"I'm really not interested in knowing how stupid you are. Everyone in the troupe said that you two don't get along with this Zui Haitang?" Su Zirui's sarcasm was very subtle, and she just happened to see it.

"That's just on the surface. Caixin sings well, and I wrote a new play that became unexpectedly popular. So, Zhang the actor suggested to the troupe leader that we sing. So we can perform on stage in a short time. She has endured so long to become a Huadan. She must be unhappy with this comparison, but it's an exaggeration to say that we don't get along. The relationship between us women is not so fragile. Besides, she knows that we are only following the troupe temporarily and will leave soon. How could she not get along with us?" Aruo said honestly. Zui Haitang was indeed a little angry at the beginning because her role was snatched away, but they were sweet-mouthed and could coax women, so there was no conflict.

Su Zirui narrowed his dark eyes and casually threw the knife, which landed on the torture instruments on the side. Aruo then noticed a row of knives of various sizes on the wooden board on the other side, some of which were stained with red marks, as if they were bloodstains.

Her little heart trembled again, and she looked at Su Zirui with an even more sincere and genuine look.

"Why are you with the opera troupe?" Su Zirui remembered that they used to run a breakfast stall.

"Because it's difficult to get a travel permit. If we follow a troupe, the troupe owner will be responsible for getting our travel permit." Aruo complained a little about Da Qi's travel system.

When she read various storybooks in the past, she thought that the young hero was happy to travel around the world and avenge his enemies, but when it was her turn to travel abroad, she realized how difficult it was to handle those official documents and how troublesome it was to travel in backward areas (the entire dynasty) with underdeveloped information.

The government has set limits on citizens' movements, usually around their registered residence. Since she was registered in Shu, she needed official documentation to leave. Getting a travel permit like going to various bureaus was like going to various bureaus. While I didn't have to prove my mother was my mother, the various arrangements were still difficult to make, and it was even more frustrating when someone deliberately made things difficult for me.

In order to save unnecessary expenses, Aruo often takes Caixin to join strange teams, including visiting relatives teams, part-time work in escort agencies, opera troupes, etc. If it really doesn't work, he will go through the back door to join the caravan of acquaintances.

This time, when they left the capital and headed south, they happened to join the new troupe of Zhang, an actor from the same courtyard.

Su Zirui was well-versed in the intricacies of document application procedures in this dynasty, but he hadn't expected this girl to go to a theatre troupe to save herself the trouble. He shook his head slightly, not wanting to delve into the relationship.

"Why is the deceased's bracelet in your room? Could it be that someone has framed you?"

Aruo thought for a moment and said cautiously, "That's not the case. Although she often argues with Xiao Caixin, she doesn't have any hostility towards me. Sometimes when she's in a good mood, she'll even give me some advice. She gave me the bracelet a few days ago, saying that after this play, she would retire and become a concubine to a wealthy family, never to show her face again. She didn't need these old things anymore, so she gave them to me. She also gave a few of them to the girls in the troupe. I thought she was joking, but I didn't expect she'd already hooked up with the prefect."

This wasn't much different from what the girls in the troupe had said. After all, she was a master at coaxing women, even the famous courtesans in the capital treated her like sisters. It wasn't surprising that Zui Haitang would give her her unwanted belongings. Su Zirui had only been lying to her earlier. The troupe members had indeed said that she and Zui Haitang had a decent relationship.

Su Zirui thought briefly and figured it out. She considered the position of the stage and the ropes used to hang the body. She really couldn't do it. Unless, she had an accomplice.

"The man from last night came, why didn't you go with him?" Su Zirui asked directly. When her eyes rolled, he added lightly, "If you don't tell the truth, believe it or not, I will directly sentence you as the murderer."

"Sir~" Aruo couldn't help but stretch out the words after hearing this. Her light, coquettish words were not charming, but they made people soften their hearts. "Don't threaten me like this."

His dark eyes narrowed, and he glanced at her unhappily. Su Zirui said coldly, "Why, is this how Miss Qi always responds to interrogations?"

As a woman, what's wrong with her occasionally being a little coquettish? Why didn't even the hardcore coquettishness that would grant a monk's wishes work on him? Aruo was puzzled. Could it be that after years of being a tough guy outside, his skills had declined?

The watery eyes were struck down by the inky black cold gaze.

"I won't leave. If I leave, wouldn't that be fleeing from the crime? I didn't do it. They will definitely find out the truth if they investigate. The prefect can't force me to confess just for Zui Haitang, right?" Aruo unconsciously snapped his fingers, neither denying nor admitting that he had anything to do with the person from last night.

A hint of sarcasm flashed across Su Zirui's eyes. If he hadn't intercepted her just in time, who knows what decision she would have made?

"Even if you're forced to confess, you have to be beaten." Su Zirui hinted at something.

Aruo shuddered inexplicably. She had always felt strange that the prefect inexplicably determined that she was the murderer, but did not interrogate her after coming in. Li Xiaoman could still come in at the beginning, but he was not seen today.

Could it be... that I was really made a scapegoat?

"Lord Su, I haven't seen you for more than a month. You seem to be more humorous now." Aruo forced a smile.

"Who is that person?" Su Zirui smiled coldly, his face darkened, and asked directly.

If she could say it, she would have said it earlier!

Aruo gritted his teeth and looked back with innocent eyes, vaguely aggrieved. His stubborn look made people feel distressed for no reason.

Su Zirui glanced at her coldly, then suddenly smiled and stood up and walked away. "Since Miss Qi has no grievances, I will handle this matter impartially."

Eh?

Aruo didn't expect him to leave without mercy, so she quickly reached out to stop him. Judging from the current situation, someone wanted to make her a scapegoat. If she didn't want to cause more trouble, the only person she could cling to was Su Zirui.

"Master Su, wait a minute..." In a panic, he stepped on the prison uniform that was too long and fell forward. With an unconscious tug, Aruo fell to the ground, and instead of hugging his thigh, he hugged someone else's boots.

Goodness! The gold pattern on the toe of this guy's boots isn't embroidered, it's a hollowed-out gold cover! He's a silver player indeed! Aruo became even more determined to cling to the thigh.

Su Zirui had seen many desperate prisoners begging for mercy in his life, but it was the first time that he had seen a young girl hugging his legs like this.

Resisting the urge to kick the person away, Su Zirui steadied himself and asked coldly, "Miss Qi, what are you doing?"

"Su Feng, no, Master Su..." Aruo raised his head timidly, not daring to let go, "I really was wronged."

"As a girl, can't you behave yourself?" Su Zirui frowned, his tone sounding strange as if he was disappointed in someone.

My life is about to be lost, what else can I do? Aruo didn't say anything, but her big eyes were full of joy, and she honestly expressed her thoughts. Su Zirui was so angry that he said, "Get up and answer!"

"I was obviously answering honestly, but you are moody and leave without saying anything." Aruo muttered, let go of him and climbed up, folding his pants that were too long twice, revealing a pair of cloth shoes.

"Tell me, what's the grievance?" Su Zirui calmly pointed at her knee with his long fingers and glanced at her expressionlessly.

Aruo took a look and saw that he had a look of disgust on his face and his legs were crossed, so he probably didn't want her to hug him.

Throwing away his fear, Aruo simply plopped down next to him and spoke passionately, "I've been wronged! I really didn't kill Zui Haitang. Not to mention there's no evidence now, I was too busy rehearsing and performing that day to kill anyone. What's more, Actor Zhang, I, and Cai Xin were never alone! If there's a suspect, you might as well investigate someone else. Zui Haitang even told me to be careful of Yanhong. But she ended up hooking up with the prefect's brother-in-law. As for that guy last night, sir, I was almost silenced. Why don't you investigate and ask me? If I knew, I would have reported it long ago! Who knows if someone wants me to take the blame and kill me."

"Now I'm giving you a chance to report to the police." Su Zirui changed his posture to isolate the girl who was too close and emotional.

"Master Su, I'm just redressing my grievances, aren't I?" Aruo tugged at his sleeve and said righteously, "I beg you to investigate this matter, apprehend the murderer and the jailbreaker, and clear my name!"

I would rather die than let my friend die. If I am really that unlucky and get caught by the government, I will just admit it.

The sharp gaze was like a knife that cut through all disguises and went straight to the heart. Aruo felt her legs go weak unconsciously. Fortunately, she was sitting down, barely straightening her back, and using all her strength to maintain a normal facial expression.

"Tsk, idiot." Su Zirui raised his eyebrows, and sarcasm spread in his deep eyes. It would be problematic if he could have such a normal expression under the urgent interrogation.

Aruo slowly curled his fingers into fists, closed his eyes and suppressed the crazy thought of beating him and some idiot, "Master Su, please believe me."

"I only believe in evidence."

Aruo pursed her lips, feeling a little aggrieved. Was it so difficult for her to live an honest life? As the thought came to her mind, her expression darkened, and with her head drooped, she looked even more pitiful, like a banana tree after being soaked in the rain.

"What? Didn't you just look like you were refusing to accept your fate?" After a moment of silence, Su Zirui suddenly said.

I behaved so unkindly, and yet I still had the nerve to say that she gave up quickly?

Aruo curled her lips, adjusted her expression, and then looked up at him eagerly, "Um, Lord Su, you will catch the murderer and clear my name, right?"

"If you haven't done anything bad, the government will definitely clear your name. No matter if it's murder or framing, you won't be able to escape." Su Zirui said nonchalantly, his eyes calm and sharp.

The boss is the boss. The haze that had shrouded her for a long time was slowly dispelled by his words that sounded like a promise. Aruo finally found some sense of security and was in the mood to maintain everyone's meager face.

"Lord Su is indeed very perceptive and would never wrongly accuse any innocent citizen. If I can escape this calamity, I will definitely chant the mantra for you for several years~" Aruo said with gratitude, patting her chest generously. "I am very familiar with Master Yiyuan of Yangzhou Dayin Temple. He is very good at chanting. Tell me my name and I will give you a 20% discount."

Even though they hadn't seen each other for a few years, that guy wouldn't refuse business if it came his way. She was going to go back to find him anyway, and she didn't know if he had passed away yet.

"Miss Qi," Su Zirui felt something was wrong when he heard this, and his face gradually darkened. "It's fine if you curse me, but you also want me to pay for chanting scriptures?"

"Well, I'll pay for the money." Thinking that the guy would be embarrassed to accept it since he was much richer than her, Aruo pouting and said reluctantly.

"I really have to thank you for thinking about me and hoping I can return to the west soon." Su Zirui laughed angrily.

Ever since he entered the Ministry of Justice, he had been met with countless people who wanted him dead or cursed him for a miserable death, but he had never seen a suspect so far-fetched as to offer to pay him to chant sutras. This kind of offer really made him want to beat up a non-suspect prisoner, which was a rare thought.

"No! Isn't this... a discount?" Aruo shook his head and quickly changed the subject. "Actually, Zui Haitang is a nice person. He was so young, and he left without saying a word..."

Thinking of her full of expectations for the future and even her longing for having children, Aruo felt a little emotional.

"Yes, like some people, a simple goodbye may mean that they will never see each other again." Su Zirui paused, his expression unpredictable and his tone dangerous.

She seemed to be implied.

Was this boss alluding to their departure from Beijing? She had clearly said goodbye; after all, she wasn't used to parting scenes. It wasn't like she was leaving without a word, so why was he making her sound like a fugitive? Was he planning to throw her a farewell banquet?

No matter what he thought, his words made A Ruo feel inexplicably guilty. He touched his nose and said, "Well, all good things must come to an end."

A cold gaze swept over him, and Aruo quickly smiled, "May fate bring us together, even though we are thousands of miles apart, just like you and me..."

"It's always related to murders. It's better not to meet." Su Zirui was full of sarcasm. The look of disgust in his eyes made Aruo feel even more aggrieved. It was not what she wanted.

Although she wasn't Conan-like, she really didn't want to get involved in this kind of thing. No, she didn't want to get involved in anything that would make her conspicuous.

Aruo secretly decided that after this matter was over, he would go to those happy people to get some blessings and take good care of his body and mind that had been damaged in the past few years.

"How can I not see you? Lord Su, you still have to help me clear the charges." Smiling, Aruo leaned forward on his knees, his eyes full of trust.

Now she remembered that she was his savior and he had not yet repaid her for this favor. If he didn't help her, she would use the favor to force him to save her.

Su Zirui scoffed unhappily and gestured lazily for her to go away. "You trust me so much."

"Of course, you are omnipotent in my heart." Aruo stubbornly ignored his gesture of disgust and said with a smile.

"What is omnipotence?" She leaned too close, her face almost touching his, yet she was completely unaware. Su Zirui shifted his posture imperceptibly, leaning to the other side, and asked with a slight raise of his eyebrows.

"That's right, except getting pregnant and giving birth to a child, you can do everything else." With a pair of smiling eyes curved like crescent moons and bright stars hidden in the black pupils, Aruo grinned, revealing cute little fangs.

Su Zirui was stunned, and his mood inexplicably improved. He couldn't help but curl the corners of his lips, "You are flattering."

“No, no.”