A female coroner arrived at the Jingzhao Prefecture.

Chapter 196 Talented people emerge from generation to generation

The lanterns are on.

Song Li drove the carriage slowly out of Jingzhao Prefecture.

The bustling city of Kyoto, once night falls, is filled with taverns, music, and dancing, and the flickering lights make it even more vibrant and dazzling.

As the carriage passed Wangjing Tower, it saw crowds thronging both inside and outside the tower, creating a lively and bustling scene.

Mu Qingcheng lifted the carriage curtain to look around, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd. Sure enough, on the red-carpeted platform in the first-floor hall, the person jumping around the most happily was none other than Bai Zhizhi.

Beside her stood Prince Zisong, his eyes downcast and his mood low.

"Tonight's elegant gathering includes riddles, pitch-pot, couplet writing, traditional music, orchestral shadow plays... As long as you have talent, you can take any reward you want!"

As the carriage drove away, Bai Zhizhi's high-pitched and joyful shouts still echoed in my ears.

Mu Qingcheng couldn't help but frown slightly, "The little girl's so-called spiritual therapy is just dragging Young Master Zisong into romantic escapades?"

"Spiritual therapy?" Song Shuyu withdrew her gaze from the spectacle, her face showing surprise. "Miss Bai is spending so much money on Young Master Zisong, could it be that she has really taken a liking to him?"

Upon hearing this, Mu Qingcheng's delicate brows furrowed even more deeply. "How could that be? Zhizhi is just playful, likes to join in the fun, and has a chivalrous and righteous spirit. For her, Young Master Zisong is a friend she can make."

"Oh." Song Shuyu didn't say much. He only had a basic understanding of Mu Qingcheng's close friends and wouldn't care too much.

Maintaining distance from other women, besides his future wife, to avoid any misunderstandings, was a principle he set for himself.

"Young Master Zisong should already know about Huang Yiyi's death." Mu Qingcheng sighed, "Like a high mountain and flowing water, true friends are hard to find. Now that my friend is gone, who can understand my subtle words?"

Song Shuyu reached out and adjusted the cloak on Mu Qingcheng's shoulders, gently advising her: "Try to think things through and don't be too sad. Holding onto resentment is tantamount to slow suicide."

“I understand.” Mu Qingcheng smiled gently. “I have been immersed in the criminal investigation field in Jiangnan for many years. What I have heard and seen is mostly things that are heartbreaking. Over time, I have become accustomed to it. However, I am still human after all. I cannot be heartless and indifferent.”

Song Shuyu nodded. "Yes, that's what a normal person should be like."

The carriage slowly came to a stop.

Song Li's voice rang out from outside, "Master, we have arrived at Lord Ji's residence."

The two got out of the car and saw Ji Yue and his wife waiting at the gate to greet them.

Song Shuyu's arrival was sudden; he had sent a visiting card just an hour earlier and came to visit that very night.

The two sides exchanged greetings.

Song Li presented many gifts.

Ji Yue was flattered and overwhelmed. "Lord Song, you are too kind... I am unworthy of such praise!"

"Lord Ji, you are too kind." Song Shuyu cupped his hands, bowed, and said earnestly, "Coroner Mu accidentally injured you, Lord Ji. As his superior and the head of the Jingzhao Prefecture, I should personally come to apologize! I hope you will forgive Coroner Mu's unintentional mistake!"

Ji Yue was startled and quickly bowed in return, saying, "Lord Song, you flatter me!" The usually arrogant Song Shuyu had actually humbled himself for her sake. Mu Qingcheng felt a lump in her throat, her heart filled with emotion. She knelt down and sincerely said, "This humble servant was rash. Please forgive me, Lord Ji!"

"Since it was unintentional, why blame me? Coroner Mu, please rise quickly!" Ji Yue hurriedly helped Mu Qingcheng up, but halfway there, he caught a glimpse of Song Shuyu out of the corner of his eye and quickly withdrew his hand, expressing his feelings vaguely from afar.

Sure enough, Song Shuyu naturally reached out, grasped Mu Qingcheng's arm, and helped her up.

Mu Qingcheng bowed again, "This humble servant thanks Lord Ji!"

"It's cold outside, please invite Lord Song and Coroner Mu to my humble abode for a chat!" Ji Yue stepped aside to invite them, and quickly instructed Madam Ji, "Prepare some snacks and fruit tea that women like, as well as hand warmers and hot water bottles."

"Yes, my husband." Madam Ji was beautiful and gentle. She glanced at Mu Qingcheng more often, her heart filled with curiosity. What kind of ability did this female coroner have that could make the proud Song Shuyu personally stand up for her and make her husband treat her with such respect and attentiveness?

Song Shuyu didn't stand on ceremony, but smiled slightly and said, "I'm sorry to bother you."

Mu Qingcheng also politely curtsied to Madam Ji and said, "I'm sorry to have troubled you, Madam."

The group entered the Ji residence and took their seats in the main hall.

Madam Ji went downstairs to prepare tea and refreshments. Song Shuyu inquired about Ji Yue's injuries with concern and assured him that if any aftereffects of head injuries occurred, he would take full responsibility.

When Song Li opened the gifts, half of them were precious medicinal materials such as ginseng and deer antler. What was rather unexpected was that there was also a sword!

Song Shuyu picked up the sword and emphasized, "I have heard that Lord Ji has a nine-year-old son who loves martial arts and has become a disciple of Xu Sheng, the instructor of the Shenji Battalion. Xu Sheng used to be my father's subordinate, and his swordsmanship is superb, with few rivals in the army. Therefore, I have found this sword to give to young Master Ji. Speaking of this sword, it is quite old. It was the sword of an enemy general that my elder brother captured from the battlefield when he was fifteen years old."

He spoke in a casual tone, with a relaxed demeanor and a gentle smile, yet Ji Yue felt a chill run down his spine and his heart pound with unease. "My son is of limited talent and learning; how could he possibly be worthy of such a precious gift from Lord Song?"

Song Shuyu laughed and said, "Talented people emerge in every generation. Who can say that your son won't be the next invincible young general? You and I are both civil officials. Even the best sword has no use. It will only gather dust at home. It's better to give it to someone who needs it and let it play its greatest role!"

"Lord Song's kindness is beyond my ability to repay. I thank you on behalf of my son!" Ji Yue was moved and immediately accepted the generous gift without further hesitation.

Song Shuyu nodded, raising a slight brow at the corner of his eye, and said, "We are both ministers in the same court, serving the country and sharing the Emperor's burdens. Why be so polite?"

"I understand, thank you for your guidance, Lord Song!" Ji Yue straightened up, his face solemn, and bowed deeply.

Song Shuyu offered a slight gesture of support, a smile playing on his lips, "From now on, I'll have to ask Lord Ji to take good care of me!"

"Take care of me? I wouldn't dare. I'm actually hoping for guidance and support from Lord Song!" Ji Yue was apprehensive, thinking that Song Shuyu was still testing him, so he quickly expressed his determination.

Unexpectedly, Song Shuyu turned to the side, raised his chin, and gestured to Ji Yue, "The person I hope Lord Ji will take care of is Mu Qingcheng!"

Ji Yue was stunned and couldn't react for a moment. "What does Lord Song mean..."

Song Shuyu said, "Mu Qingcheng's abilities are evident to all, and I presume Lord Ji acknowledges and respects them, right?"

Ji Yue nodded, his gaze towards Mu Qingcheng filled with admiration. "Yes, Coroner Mu's talent in examining corpses and solving cases is truly convincing!"

Song Shuyu continued, "My appointment of Mu Qingcheng as a coroner in the Jingzhao Prefecture was merely a preliminary step. Facts have proven that women can also be capable of governing and serving as officials, and that women can also benefit the country and its people!"

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(End of this chapter)