Shen Jintang took the paper, her fingers tightening slightly, and the paper crumpled into a ball in her hand.

She looked up at Gu Zhixing, her voice slightly cold, carrying a hint of accusation: "You knew all along?"

Gu Zhixing nodded frankly, his eyes deep and his voice low and serious: "I have some guesses, but I'm not sure."

Shen Jintang was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Why are you helping me?"

Gu Zhixing looked at her with deep eyes and said seriously, "Because I want to stand by your side, not be excluded by you."

Shen Jintang's fingertips trembled slightly, but she quickly looked away, her tone still indifferent: "Whatever you want."

Gu Zhixing chuckled softly, not annoyed at all. He simply took her wrist, took the crumpled paper from her hand, and smoothed it out: "Lord Siyan, remember to call me next time you interrogate someone."

Shen Jintang withdrew her hand, turned and walked away, her back view cold and resolute, like a gust of cold wind, carrying an unquestionable determination.

Gu Zhixing watched her retreating figure, his eyes darkening slightly. After a moment, he slowly followed.

Outside the dungeon, the night was deep and as dark as ink. A cold wind swept by, dispersing some of the stench of blood and bringing a touch of chilly tranquility.

Gu Zhixing stood beside her and whispered, "What do you plan to do next?"

Shen Jintang looked up at the distant lights, their faint glow appearing particularly lonely in the night. Her voice was clear and firm: "Investigate to the end."

Gu Zhixing smiled, his tone resolute, as if he were making a promise about something as simple as it could be: "Okay, I'll go with you."

Shen Jintang glanced at him sideways. The moonlight shone on his face, making his features exceptionally clear in the silvery glow, with a touch of gentle determination.

She remained silent for a moment, but ultimately did not refuse; she simply nodded slightly, which was taken as acquiescence.

——

Princess's residence, evening.

The candlelight flickered gently in the night breeze, casting swaying shadows throughout the room and giving everything a hazy glow.

Shen Jintang frowned, her gaze falling on Gu Zhixing at the table, her tone tinged with doubt: "Aren't you going to sleep yet?"

She clearly remembered that Gu Zhixing used to hate reading the most and would always avoid it if he could. But now, even though the palace examination was over, he ignored the banquet hosted by the emperor and came back here to bury himself in his studies. It had been almost two hours and he showed no signs of wanting to rest.

Gu Zhixing did not stop turning the pages of the book; his eyes were focused and deep, as if he was deeply attracted by the contents of the book.

He said softly, "If I don't finish reviewing this backlog of cases in the Ministry of Revenue, I won't know what you're up to if you suddenly run off somewhere again."

His voice was deep and firm, revealing an undeniable seriousness.

Shen Jintang remained silent for a moment. She understood what Gu Zhixing meant; he wanted her to be more honest with him.

However, understanding is one thing, being able to do it is another.

She sighed softly, turned around, her back to Gu Zhixing, and began to prepare for bed: "Then you can watch."

Her voice carried a hint of helplessness, yet also a touch of stubbornness.

Gu Zhixing watched Shen Jintang's retreating figure, shook his head slightly, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and continued to focus on the things in his hands.

He knew in his heart that, according to Wang Mian, they had sent people to Qingfeng Temple, but the account books were not there.

What Wang Mian said was true; the ledger could only have been transferred by someone.

No more valuable information could be obtained from Wang Mian.

Shen Jintang would not let this matter go. If he didn't take a closer look at these files, he would be unable to keep up with her pace. She might just abandon him again one day and go about her own business without a word.

He won't allow it!

However, trying to change Shen Jintang is unlikely; he can only try to learn more and keep up with Shen Jintang.

Just as the room fell silent, a knock on the door broke the tranquility.

Gu Zhixing frowned, glanced subconsciously at Shen Jintang lying down, and seeing that she did not move, got up and walked towards the door.

As he walked, he asked in a low voice, "Who is it?"

There was a hint of wariness in his voice.

"It is I, Your Highness."

Xinghui's voice came from outside the door, her tone urgent.

Gu Zhixing felt a slight unease upon hearing the voice. He quickly walked to the door and opened it.

Xinghui stood outside the door, slightly out of breath, with an anxious expression on her face. Upon seeing Gu Zhixing, she immediately bowed and then hurriedly went inside.

"master!"

Upon hearing Xing Hui's voice, Shen Jintang abruptly sat up in bed, her sleepiness instantly dispelled.

Her gaze was fixed on Xinghui, her tone urgent: "What happened?"

She knew Xinghui's personality well; he would never bother her late at night unless it was something important.

Xinghui's face was somewhat pale. She took a deep breath and said in a low voice, "Fifth Miss's merchant caravan has been intercepted."

Shen Youyi, the fifth daughter of the Shen family, was the only person who came to see Shen Jintang off when he left the capital.

Although Shen Jintang didn't care whether she was given a gift or not, she still felt a little warmth, so she had a pretty good impression of her.

However, finding Shen Jintang was really of no use in dealing with the hijacking of the convoy.

Shen Jintang isn't a bandit leader; he can't exactly lead his men to steal the things back, can he?

Even if you manage to steal it once, can you steal it a second or third time?

Banditry is something that should be dealt with by the government.

Thinking of this, Shen Jintang frowned and said firmly, "This matter should be handled by the government."

Xinghui stood to the side, lowered her head slightly, and whispered a few words in Shen Jintang's ear.

As soon as she finished speaking, Shen Jintang's expression changed instantly. A hint of surprise flashed in her originally calm eyes, which was then quickly replaced by seriousness.

She stood up abruptly, grabbed her shoes, quickly put them on, and strode towards the door, her movements swift and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.

"Hey? Where are you going so late?"

Gu Zhixing was taken aback when he saw Shen Jintang's actions, and then quickly followed, asking as he walked, his tone filled with doubt.

Shen Jintang didn't turn her head, but only glanced at Gu Zhixing, while instructing Xinghui: "Go prepare the carriage."

Xing responded and immediately turned to make the arrangements.

After Xing Hui left, Shen Jintang stopped, turned around, looked directly at Gu Zhixing, and asked, "Are you aware of Shen Youyi's marriage?"

Her voice carried a hint of urgency, as if she were waiting for Gu Zhixing's reply.

Gu Zhixing was slightly taken aback, then frowned and pondered for a moment before saying, "I have heard about it, but I don't know the details. I only heard that some scandals happened, which is why she got married in a hurry."

"Furthermore, the Shen family had no elders left at that time. I heard that Shen Huaixu was notified, but he didn't tell you?"