The words struck Li Wangshi like a bolt from the blue, leaving her momentarily stunned and unable to believe what she had just heard. Despite the fear and reluctance swelling within her, she mustered her strength and followed Yayi and the others to her family's fabric shop.
From a distance, what had once been a bustling and lively fabric store now lay in ruins, reduced to ashes and crumbling walls. As she approached, she saw a body covered with a white cloth lying silently there. Trembling hands slowly peeled back the cloth, revealing the familiar yet unrecognizable face of Li Haoran.
In an instant, overwhelming grief surged through her like a torrential flood. Li Wangshi could no longer contain her sorrow and burst into tears, her cries echoing across the land that had once been filled with hope.
At the Inspection Office, Zhang Ting listened to Li Wangshi's account and asked, "Li Wangshi, did your husband ever mention anyone from the Fourth Prince's household? Have you seen them with your own eyes?"
Li Wangshi shook her head and replied, "Sir, I only heard that it was someone from the Fourth Prince's Mansion who came to our fabric shop, but I have not seen them myself."
Zhang Ting's expression turned serious as he inquired further, "Do you have any other evidence to support this claim?"
Standing in the hall, Li Wangshi showed signs of distress. After a moment of hesitation, she slowly shook her head and answered softly, "Sir, I truly have no other evidence."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Ting furrowed his brow slightly. After contemplating for a moment, he said, "In that case, Li Wangshi, please step aside for now."
Li Wangshi hurriedly bowed respectfully and cautiously moved to the side. At that moment, a slightly shorter man stepped out from the crowd and approached the center of the hall. He bowed to Zhang Ting and said, "Sir, I am a neighbor of Li Haoran from the fabric shop!"
Zhang Ting looked him over and nodded before asking, "On the day of the incident, did you notice anything unusual or any suspicious individuals?"
The neighbor quickly replied, "Sir, a few days ago I saw someone from the Fourth Prince's Mansion visiting Brother Li's shop. However, I was too far away to hear what they were saying. Just two nights ago, I happened to catch sight of several people sneaking into the fabric shop under the cover of darkness."
Zhang Ting's eyes gleamed with interest as he pressed on, "Did you see their faces clearly?"
The neighbor frowned and scratched his head as he tried to recall but ultimately sighed in frustration. "Alas, sir, it was simply too dark at that time; I couldn't make out their appearances."
After listening to his account, Zhang Ting had a rough understanding of the situation. However, it was regrettable that while the information provided seemed detailed at first glance, it lacked concrete evidence to substantiate any claims.
At this moment, word of this case had already reached Your Majesty's ears! It was important to note that when the Emperor took an interest in a matter, it signified that it was far from trivial.
With numerous eyes closely watching the progress of this case, Zhang Ting undoubtedly felt immense pressure, forcing him to tread carefully as if walking on thin ice.
After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Ting slowly raised his hand and gently waved it, then spoke in a steady tone: "You two may step back for now, but remember, do not leave Wu City without permission."
The two nodded obediently in response to his command and then turned to leave. Once they exited the hall, the entire space fell silent.
At this moment, an officer from the inspection department, who had been standing quietly to the side, could no longer contain his anxiety. With a worried expression, he turned to Zhang Ting and asked, "Sir, given the current situation, how should we proceed?"
Zhang Ting did not answer immediately; instead, he closed his eyes and fell into a brief yet profound contemplation.
After a while, he suddenly opened his eyes, determination flashing within them. He then instructed the officer: "You must quickly go to the Yamen and post a notice. Clearly inform the citizens of the city that anyone who can provide important clues related to this case will be generously rewarded!"
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