PCA Chapter 117

After all the commotion, no one was caught, and Huang Mian, who had finally managed to gather some sleepiness, was now wide awake, unable to sleep.

 

In contrast, Su Cen, who had narrowly escaped death, seemed unfazed, falling asleep as if nothing had happened.

 

Huang Mian looked at Su Cen’s half-profile, sighing at how different people could be. This Su Cen, who appeared younger than him, seemed to navigate through murder cases and corpses without fear. Wan’er had been missing for half a year, and he had found no leads, yet Su Cen had uncovered the body of a missing coachman on his first try. When Su Cen first visited, Huang Mian thought him as an arrogant guy, but now he saw that Su Cen had the right to be. No wonder Zheng Yang was friends with him, and Ning Santong willingly served as his coroner.

 

During the day, Su Cen had said they hit it off when they first met, but Huang Mian felt he wasn’t even qualified to have a pleasant conversation with him.

 

Huang Mian sighed again, unable to think of the next step since the murderer hadn’t been caught. What about this person? Was there still a way?

 

Su Cen, eyes closed, didn’t move but asked, “Brother Huang, am I good-looking?”

 

“Ah?” Huang Mian was startled. “You’re not asleep?”

 

“I was asleep…” but was woken up by someone staring at him creepily in the middle of the night.

 

Huang Mian blushed, embarrassed, and turned away. “You should sleep. I won’t look at you anymore.”

 

Su Cen grumbled, “You should sleep too. Rest up; we have work to do tomorrow.”

 

Huang Mian was taken aback. “What work?”

 

“Obviously, catching the murderer.”

 

Huang Mian frowned. “Didn’t the murderer escape?”

 

Su Cen, eyes still closed, smirked. “If he escaped, we’ll just catch him again.”

 

The next morning, Su Cen seemed in good spirits, washing up with some water and sharing two flatbreads with Huang Mian. After eating, the Dali Temple officials had mostly arrived. Once Qu Ling’er joined them, Su Cen led a team out.

 

Huang Mian followed Su Cen, puzzled. The night before, he was worried about how to lure the murderer out again, knowing it would be harder after the first attempt. Now, Su Cen was taking him out to catch someone. Could it be true, as the rumors suggested, that Su Cen had opened his third eye, or had the deceased appeared in his dreams? To Huang Mian, finding evidence to identify the murderer seemed far-fetched.

 

Su Cen led the group to the Marquis of Ding’an’s residence, politely presenting a visiting card at the gate. “Lord Su Cen from the Dali Temple requests an audience with the young Marquis.”

 

The gatekeeper, looking suspicious, took the card and asked Su Cen and his party to wait outside while he went in to seek permission.

 

“Song Fan? What do you want with him?” Huang Mian asked, frowning. It was well-known that he and Song Fan were not on good terms, having fought at the Xingqing Palace. Later, he heard Song Fan had become even more unrestrained, frequenting brothels and no longer taking his engagement with Wan’er seriously.

 

“Need his help?” Huang Mian said impatiently. “He doesn’t care about Wan’er. Asking him is pointless.”

 

Su Cen glanced at Huang Mian. “Be patient.”

 

Huang Mian reluctantly fell silent, not wanting to see Song Fan’s smug face.

 

After a while, the servant peeked out, returning the visiting card to Su Cen. “Our young Marquis said he won’t see any guests today.”

 

Just as he was about to close the door, Su Cen’s gaze turned sharp. “That’s not up to him.”

 

Qu Ling’er stepped forward and kicked the door open. Su Cen led the group confidently into the Marquis of Ding’an’s residence.

 

The servant, unable to stop them, went to report, but when he turned around, he saw his young master already seated in the main hall, smiling at them.

 

“Young Master…” the servant’s face looked troubled.

 

Song Fan waved him off, then turned to Su Cen with a playful smile. “Oh, isn’t this the famous Lord Su Cen? What brings you to my humble abode?”

 

Although Song Fan’s behavior was unruly, his appearance was indeed outstanding. Sitting there with a smile, his peach blossom eyes curved in a way that could be charming if not for his irritating tone.

 

“Young Marquis,” Su Cen greeted with a bow. “A case at the Dali Temple involves you, and I’m afraid you’ll have to come with us today.”

 

“Oh?” Song Fan raised a hand nonchalantly. “Unfortunately, I have an appointment with Lady Zizhu from the Hongxiao Brothel to listen to her play the zither. I might not have time to assist you with your investigation.”

 

Su Cen said seriously, “It’s not assistance; it’s an arrest.”

 

Huang Mian was stunned. “Him? How could it be him?!”

 

“Yes, on what grounds are you arresting me?” Song Fan stood up, still looking relaxed and confident, certain that Su Cen had no evidence.

 

Su Cen wasn’t in a hurry, smiling lightly. “I mentioned before that I had a theory, do you remember, Brother Huang?”

 

Huang Mian nodded behind him.

 

“On the first day, Huang Wan’er went to the temple to offer incense and drew a fortune stick. The stick said: ‘Let nature take its course, and fate will come.’ The next day, she went back to fulfill her vow. We deduced from the Caotang Temple that she was praying for a good marriage, but did you guess who she was praying for?” Su Cen slowly walked over to Song Fan. “Huang Wan’er comes from a scholarly family with strict rules. She wouldn’t do anything improper. Knowing she was engaged to the young Marquis of Ding’an, I guess she was praying for a kind husband who would treat her well, right?”

 

Su Cen stared intently at Song Fan. “So, Young Marquis, who do you think made Huang Wan’er feel her wish was fulfilled at the Wanqing Pavilion that day?”

 

Song Fan snorted. “How would I know? I’ve never met Huang Wan’er, so how would I know what she prayed for? Lord Su, let me give you some advice: you can know a person’s face but not their heart. How do you know that little wench truly adheres to virtue?”

 

“You!” Huang Mian was furious, ready to confront Song Fan, but Su Cen’s glance held him back.

 

Turning back, Su Cen continued, “Since the Young Marquis has never met Huang Wan’er or been to the Wanqing Pavilion,” his eyes suddenly turned cold, “then why did you break into the Dali Temple last night to see if I had evidence to confirm your identity?”

 

“Is… is it him?” Huang Mian stood frozen. “But he, he can’t even beat me?”

 

Song Fan, hands in his sleeves, chuckled. “Yes, I can’t even beat Huang Mian, this waste. How could I break into the Dali Temple?”

 

Before he finished speaking, something whizzed towards him. Song Fan’s pupils contracted, reflecting a butterfly dart aimed at his face!

 

For anyone else, it would have been fatal, but at the last moment, Song Fan dodged, catching the dart between two fingers.

 

Looking in the direction the dart came from, Song Fan sneered at Qu Ling’er. “Little brother, you don’t hit someone in the face. That’s against the rules.”

 

If it hadn’t been aimed at his face, he would have taken the hit.

 

“Young Marquis has impressive skills,” Su Cen couldn’t help but laugh.

 

“Even if I can catch this dart, so what?” Song Fan laughed dismissively. “Lord Su, you can’t arrest everyone who can catch this dart and call them the murderer, can you?”

 

“Young Marquis, since I dared to bring so many people to the Marquis of Ding’an’s residence, I naturally have solid evidence.” Su Cen smiled at Song Fan. “Last night, I had Qu Ling’er sprinkle phosphorescent powder on that assassin. Even if he discarded his night clothes, there would still be traces in his hair. We just need to check your room, and the truth will be revealed.”

 

Song Fan clenched the butterfly dart in his hand, assessing the consequences of making Su Cen bleed on the spot, then could only sneer. “What if I say no?”

 

Su Cen looked up coldly. “It’s not up to you. Men!”

 

The officials immediately headed to the back courtyard to search.

 

Song Fan’s smile faded. “How dare you! This is the Marquis of Ding’an’s residence!”

 

The officials couldn’t help but sneer inwardly. Their Lord Su could even go to the Xingqing Palace in the middle of the night to demand someone, let alone a mere Marquis of Ding’an’s residence.

 

Just as they were about to move forward, a man slowly walked out from the back hall.

 

Unlike Song Fan’s flirtatious peach blossom eyes, this man exuded an aura of authority and coldness, his presence commanding respect. “What’s all this noise so early in the morning?”

 

Song Fan’s face lit up. “Father!”

 

Su Cen had to bow in greeting. “Marquis.”

 

The famous Marquis of Ding’an, Song Yi, whose ancestors had fought alongside the founding emperor, earning the title of Marquis for their bravery and numerous military achievements. Song Yi himself was a fierce general, having fought in the battle of Yuanqu Spring, defeating the main force of the Turks, adding to the Song family’s legacy.

 

How it turned out like this with Song Fan was beyond understanding.

 

Su Cen, neither humble nor arrogant, bowed. “The Young Marquis is involved in a murder case the Dali Temple is investigating. We request his cooperation in the investigation.”

 

“Now it’s cooperation?” Song Fan laughed, his eyes curving. “Didn’t Lord Su just say he was going to arrest me?”

 

Su Cen ignored Song Fan’s impudence and addressed Song Yi. “Please, Marquis, allow us this convenience.”

 

Song Yi sat down unhurriedly. “To take someone from my Marquis of Ding’an’s residence, have you sought the Emperor’s approval?”

 

Su Cen couldn’t help but frown.

 

“The Song family has the imperial edict of the founding emperor, the Iron Certificate,” Song Yi said leisurely while sipping tea. “Lord Su, without consulting His Majesty and coming directly to arrest someone, isn’t that a bit overstepping?”

 

This was something Su Cen truly didn’t know. The Iron Certificate granted immunity from death penalties, except for treason, and this privilege could be inherited by descendants. In other words, even if Su Cen took Song Fan away today, he couldn’t do anything to him.

 

With all his plans coming to naught, Su Cen felt frustrated but had to change his approach. “Then, may we search the residence to see if there are any traces of Miss Huang, to clear the Young Marquis’s name?”

 

Since Huang Wan’er didn’t die at the Wanqing Pavilion, she was most likely taken elsewhere by Song Fan. Su Cen wasn’t sure if Huang Wan’er was in the Marquis of Ding’an’s residence, but he had to try.

 

Song Yi pondered while drinking tea. Although Su Cen was just a minor official, he was favored by both the young Emperor and Prince Ning. While he couldn’t let them take Song Fan away, there was no need to offend them.

 

After a while, Song Yi nodded, giving Su Cen permission to search the residence.

 

Su Cen instructed his men to be careful not to damage any property or disturb the family in the back courtyard. He also signaled them to search thoroughly, not missing a single detail.

 

The officials went to carry out the search, while Su Cen, Qu Ling’er, and Huang Mian waited in the main hall. Song Yi didn’t bother with hospitality, leaving them standing. Su Cen didn’t mind, but Huang Mian felt uncomfortable. His father was a fourth-rank official, always treated with respect wherever he went. Even when he visited Su Cen’s home, the servants served him well with tea and water. He had never experienced such treatment.

 

“Lord Su,” Song Fan, emboldened by his father’s presence, smiled even more charmingly. “I must say, I underestimated you. To be honest, I was the one who met Huang Wan’er at the Wanqing Pavilion, and I was also the one who broke into the Dali Temple last night.”

 

“Song Fan, you…” Huang Mian stepped forward angrily. “Where have you hidden Wan’er?!”

 

Su Cen pulled Huang Mian back. Confronting Song Fan physically would not be to his advantage.

 

“I don’t know where Huang Wan’er went,” Song Fan said with a playful smile. “I had agreed to meet her again at the Wanqing Pavilion the next day, but… on the way, I met Little Peach from the Yichun Courtyard, so I didn’t go. Hahaha!”

 

“You, you!” Huang Mian’s eyes were bloodshot, unable to bear the comparison of his pure sister to those courtesans.

 

Su Cen frowned. “Ling’er, take Brother Huang back first.”

 

“Brother Su…” Qu Ling’er glanced at Su Cen, seeing his determination, and reluctantly led Huang Mian away.

 

After an incense stick’s time, the officials returned, having found only a pillow with phosphorescent powder, nothing else.

 

Su Cen realized the likelihood of Song Fan hiding someone in his own home was slim. He had to swallow his pride and bow. “I apologize for the intrusion. We will take our leave.”

 

Just as he turned to leave, Song Fan suddenly sneered. “Hold on.”

 

Su Cen frowned.

 

“Everyone else can leave, but Lord Su must stay,” Song Fan said, taking advantage of Qu Ling’er’s departure, knowing no one could stop him now. He walked up to Su Cen. “I feel an affinity with Lord Su and would like to invite him to stay for a simple meal. What does Lord Su think?”

 

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