Chapter 144

Chapter 144: Being Ignored Is Worse Than Backtalk

The clerk looked over and saw that Yu Zhi Yi still had no plan to handle the case files, then asked curiously: “Official Yu, are you not ruling on cases today?”

Yu Zhi Yi said calmly: “I am, but I won’t touch the old cold cases today. A new case will arrive soon.”

The clerk raised his brows, clearly not believing her. [This is just an excuse to slack off.] He shook his head inside and grumbled in his heart: [Your Majesty trusted the wrong person.] If it were another official, like him, then when on duty they would work hard and never be lazy. If you want fun and rest, do it after work. Besides, he hardly even had time to be lazy. As for Official Yu across from him, she might have some skill, but [her character is not reliable at all].

Right then, a constable came in and said respectfully: “Official Yu, someone from the Court of Judicial Review asks to see you.”

Yu Zhi Yi nodded: “Let him in.”

Soon, an older constable entered and bowed to her, then said: “Official Yu, the Chief of the Court of Judicial Review invites you.”

The clerk frowned in confusion and said: “The Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review are different offices. Even if Official Yu was ordered to solve cold cases, she still belongs to our Ministry of Justice. Why does your chief want her?”

The constable hesitated, clearly unwilling to say more.

At that moment, Minister Gong of the Ministry of Justice walked in and said in a low voice: “Official Yu, go with them.”

The clerk froze. Yu Zhi Yi, however, was not surprised at all.

Time moved back one hour earlier.

At that time, Yu Zhi Yi had not yet reached the Ministry of Justice, and most officials had not started work. The Court of Judicial Review was swamped. As a department that focuses on investigating and trying cases, it has no fixed rest time. When there is no big case, officials and constables can sleep well. But once a major case breaks, everyone in the Court has to work nonstop until it is solved.

Lately, many people there had barely rested for half a month, because a murder happened in the capital. The victim was an old master who lived alone. He had two daughters and no sons. After his daughters married, he lived by himself. According to friends and neighbors, Old Master Wang was kind, gentle, and generous. He often helped travelers. He seemed like someone who would never make enemies.

Yet this man who should not have had enemies was found dead in his own home. The killer was careful and had strong anti-investigation skills, leaving no trace at the scene. It was a locked room. The doors and windows were all fastened. Even so, Old Master Wang was stabbed eighteen times and fell on the floor in the center of the room. Strangely, his face looked very calm, without a sign of pain. When he was found, he lay relaxed on the ground, and even had his hands folded over his lower belly.

The Court of Judicial Review had worked around the clock for half a month, but still had no clues. Because the crime was so bad, it alarmed the Emperor. He ordered the Court to solve the case within half a month. Today was the last day. If they still could not find anything useful, they would face the Emperor’s great anger.

Deputy Chief Peng had no other way, so he thought of Yu Zhi Yi. At the palace banquet that day, she was amazing. She not only pointed out the evil deeds of Duchess Yong, she also told them exactly where to find the evidence. Since normal methods were failing, why not borrow the power of the Mystic Arts?

Hearing this idea, the Chief of the Court and another deputy were stunned. Before Chief Song could speak, the other deputy, Lord Sun, snapped: “Nonsense. Solving a case is not a children’s game.”

Deputy Chief Peng frowned and said: “We both saw Official Yu’s skills. She is truly gifted. How is this a game?”

Lord Sun said coldly: “What happened at the banquet still needs to be examined. Don’t forget, Official Yu is Chancellor Du’s daughter-in-law, and she has long had a grudge with Third Young Madam Zhang. It is normal that she went to check Yong Duke’s Manor.”

He added: “As for Old Man Wang’s case, the deadline is today. If we don’t solve it now, His Majesty will punish us. At such a critical time, we must find evidence fast, not invite a woman who is obviously a fake to make trouble.”

Deputy Chief Peng said: “I don’t think Official Yu is making trouble. She earned her post by real skill.” He turned to the Chief and said: “Chief, because time is short, we should try both ways. Inviting Official Yu does not mean we stop regular work. We can keep both hands on the case.”

He explained: “Assign one or two men to assist Official Yu at the scene, find witnesses, and review testimony. The rest of us keep up the strict, normal investigation.”

Lord Sun still wanted to argue.

The Chief of the Court spoke: “Do as Deputy Chief Peng says. Invite Official Yu. We will attack from both sides.”

Lord Sun had to agree, but he was still angry. [Why should we rely on her?] He was also close friends with the former Minister Yu.

Yu Zhi Yi arrived at the Court of Judicial Review. The man who greeted her was a round-faced lord who smiled kindly.

“Deputy Chief Peng,” Yu Zhi Yi bowed.

Lord Peng smiled and said: “No need for ceremony, Official Yu. We invited you here to ask for help.”

Yu Zhi Yi was not surprised. Earlier she had cast a divination for herself, and the reading showed she would go out to help someone today, and the result would be very lucky. Although her Heavenly Eye cannot read her own face or predict her own future, she can still glimpse a little of the Heavenly Mechanism through divination.

She said: “Please speak, Deputy Chief Peng.”

He gestured: “Inside, please. We can talk as we walk.”

They headed into the Court. Suddenly, a tall, thin figure stepped out from a side room. When he saw Yu Zhi Yi, he snorted, lifting his nose so high it nearly pointed at the sky.

Lord Sun thought his attitude was rude enough that Yu Zhi Yi would rush over and start an argument, and then he could complain to the Chief and drive her away. But as she passed him, she didn’t even glance his way, as if he didn’t exist.

Lord Sun: “…”

Deputy Chief Peng was thinking how to ease the awkward moment, but before he could speak, Yu Zhi Yi walked straight past Lord Sun, as if she had never seen him at all. And that, more than anything, was what made him burn.

The Deputy Chief of the Court of Judicial Review is a fourth-rank official, one grade higher than Yu Zhi Yi’s rank as a physician. People always say “a higher rank can crush you,” and it is true. Lower-ranked officials normally bow and flatter those above them. But Yu Zhi Yi did not. She ignored him.

Many times, being ignored is more infuriating than being talked back to.