TSWRLM -Chapter 210 This Princess Finds Her Suspicious and Brings Her Back

“Cao Chun Xi, come out! I’ll kill you!”

By the time Xiao Yechen arrived with the officers of the Night Patrol Bureau, the fight had already ended.

The several desperate criminals had all been dealt with by the poisoned dagger. Madam Ning had been subdued, but she was raving mad, constantly shouting that she wanted to kill Chun Xi.

Madam Wang snapped out of her daze at Madam Ning’s screaming and lunged at her: “Where’s Zheng’er? Where did you take Zheng’er?”

The youth disguised as Chun Xi had already scouted the area and returned to Xiao Yechen, whispering, “Sir, Madam Shen and the child are gone.”

Xiao Yechen furrowed his brow: “Have someone draw a portrait of Madam Shen, make copies, and distribute them. Mobilize all connections to search.”

“Yes, sir.”

The subordinates acted quickly. By dawn, portraits of Chun Xi had been replicated and distributed. Yet two days later, the Night Patrol Bureau claimed they had found the bodies of Chun Xi and Cao Zheng.

The bodies were discovered downstream in a small creek. They had been soaked for two days, swollen beyond recognition, and impossible to identify by appearance.

When Xiao Yechen arrived at the Night Patrol Bureau, Cao Wu and Madam Qian had already seen the bodies.

Madam Qian fainted from the shock, and Cao Wu’s eyes were bloodshot, nearly crying blood.

He could not discern the faces, only judging by clothing and accessories. Chun Xi’s attire was unfamiliar, but Zheng’er’s little clothes, silver bracelet, and longevity lock necklace were unmistakable.

Cao Wu screamed in grief, nearly breaking down. Xiao Yechen glanced briefly before going directly to the coroner: “Is the identification confirmed?”

“The age and gender match. Based on the parents’ reactions, it seems correct. But Lord Shen has not returned to the capital yet, so he cannot confirm in person.”

Cao Wu was actually Chun Xi’s older brother, so he could have confirmed the identity, but without Shen Qingyuan present, the Night Patrol Bureau dared not jump to conclusions.

Xiao Yechen, unfamiliar with Chun Xi, could not judge either and reported the situation to Old Madam Xiao.

Madam Xiao and Old Madam Xiao were both shocked by the news.

“Chen’er, are you sure that body is really A-Xi?”

Madam Xiao asked in disbelief. Chun Xi had just arrived at the Xiao residence full of life a few days ago—how could she have become like this?

Qingyuan had finally married the girl he admired after struggling with a reputation for being unlucky with wives—how could he possibly accept this?

“According to the coroner, it’s likely accurate. But no one knows Madam Shen better than Lord Shen himself, so the Night Patrol Bureau still dares not conclude.”

After Xiao Yechen spoke, Madam Xiao immediately looked at Old Madam Xiao.

By now, Shen Qingyuan should have received word from the diplomatic envoy and be on his way back. Such a major incident would surely allow him to return early.

However, this would interfere with official duties, and hosting the envoy was a rare opportunity to make a good impression.

Madam Xiao was conflicted, but Old Madam Xiao had already made her decision: “Bring ink, brush, paper, and inkstone. I’ll personally write to Qingyuan.”

Madam Xiao showed some reluctance but then heard Old Madam Xiao continue: “I don’t believe the Night Patrol Bureau truly found A-Xi. Mobilize all of Xiao family’s contacts and continue the search secretly. Any couple or multiple people traveling with a child—keep a close watch.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Xiao Yechen left immediately.

Although Old Madam Xiao did not believe Chun Xi had been harmed, news of her supposed death quickly spread throughout Hanjing.

Princess Hengyang immediately arrived at the Night Patrol Bureau.

“Princess, the bodies are decomposed, riddled with wounds. Seeing them has given me nightmares for several nights. Perhaps it’s best you don’t look.”

The officer arrived quickly to try to stop her. A princess so noble and delicate should not go to the mortuary, a place so unlucky.

Princess Hengyang frowned: “The bodies are decomposed. How do you know one is Madam Shen?”

“I’m not certain, Princess. Only that the clothing and items belong to Madam Shen… and there was a child…”

The princess interrupted sharply: “If you are not sure whether these bodies are Madam Shen’s, why not continue the search? Rumors are already spreading that she was killed, and you don’t investigate?”

Her voice rose with each sentence, making the officer sweat. Rumors were rampant—what could he do? Besides, the bureau had indeed found one adult and one child body. If he dismissed it as a rumor now but later it turned out true, what would happen?

The officer hesitated, then heard the princess continue: “Have the rest of the Mo family been questioned?”

“Yes, Princess. Second Madam Mo confessed. She poisoned Madam Shen out of hatred for her daughter’s death and secretly orchestrated the kidnapping. The rest of the Mo family did not know.”

“You believe her because she said so? She plots murder daily. No one in the Mo family noticed?”

“Uh…”

The officer dared not guarantee anything. Before he could finish, Princess Hengyang declared: “I am sworn sisters with Madam Shen. Now that something has happened to her, and Shen Qingyuan is absent, I must act on her behalf. Gather your men and follow me to the Mo family. We will ask them again, in my presence.”

Her tone was not merely about questioning—they sounded more like a raid.

The officer frowned: “Princess, we already questioned them once. Isn’t that improper?”

“What’s improper? Do I need to go to the palace to request the Emperor’s order first?”

The princess’s tone was firm. Hesitant, the officer still led his men to follow her to the Mo residence.

By coincidence, upon arriving, they ran into Shen Qingchi.

Hearing of Chun Xi’s death, she did not react with happiness but stood frozen for a long moment, hardly believing it. She intended to ask for details at the Mo residence but was unexpectedly confronted by the formidable Princess Hengyang.

Shen Qingchi’s heart skipped a beat but she calmly stepped forward to bow: “Greetings, Princess.”

The princess scrutinized her with a frown: “What are you doing here?”

“Reporting, Princess, this is my maternal family’s home.”

“And so? Why are you here?”

The princess’s tone was sharp, full of suspicion. Shen Qingchi hesitated, then quietly said: “I heard something happened to my aunt-in-law, so I came to check.”

“You’re not worried whether your sister-in-law is dead or alive, yet you’re concerned about the murderer. The culprit is still in custody. What is there for you to see? Aren’t you a pregnant woman? Aren’t you afraid of contamination?”

Princess Hengyang spoke rapidly, leaving no chance for Shen Qingchi to answer, then turned to the officer: “I find her very suspicious. Bring her back for thorough questioning.”

Officer: “……”

Shen Qingchi: “……”