Geng Zhong was a handsome man in his thirties. He had a stern face, unsmiling expression, and a tall and straight back. He exuded the temperament of a military man. He had been in charge of prisons for many years. Thus, he emitted a majestic yet cold aura. The people standing in front of him didn't dare to move.
The moment Huang Bei Yue walked in, Geng Zhong could immediately tell that she was Princess Bei Yue. He immediately stood up. Geng Zhong stepped forward, his clothes fluttered as he knelt on the ground, bowing to her.
"Commander of Justice, Geng Zhong greets Princess Bei Yue!"
"Commander of Justice, please get up," Huang Bei Yue quickly said. The official position of the Commander of Justice was very high. Even though she is a princess, there was no need for him to be so courteous!
Yet Geng Zhong had performed all the etiquette before he was willing to rise. This action made everyone in the hall extremely unhappy, they all felt resentment in their hearts.
"This time, I will investigate the matter of the arson and find out what happened. I will give the princess an explanation," Geng Zhong said in a serious tone. He swept his cold eyes across everyone's faces in the hall. Everyone shuddered and shrank back simultaneously.
"Thank you, Commander of Justice." Huang Bei Yue slightly helped him up.
"Serving the princess is my duty." Geng Zhong took out a brocade box from his storage ring as he said this, "These are two sleeping pills. The princess must've been frightened and feel uneasy. Princess should place these sleeping pills in the incense burner to calm your nerves and heart."
Huang Bei Yue took it and laughed, "How can I let you spend so much money? Dong Ling, bring the White Jade Snow Ginseng Pill that was given to me by Old Master and give it to the Commander of Justice."
Geng Zhong quickly stood up, "Princess, you mustn't. I can't accept this gift."
"Uncle Geng, this isn't a bribe. My mother had often mentioned you when she was alive but I never got the chance to meet you. So treat this as Bei Yue is showing you filial respect. If you don't want it, then it shows that you don't consider me your friend."
The way she called him 'Uncle Geng' made Geng Zhong's heart heat up. When he heard her mention Princess Zhang, he was even more moved. He sighed, "You've grown so much now and had become more sensible. Uncle Geng hasn't taken good care of you I'm ashamed to face your mother."
"Don't say that, Uncle Geng. I'm already really sorry for troubling you this time."
Geng Zhong said seriously, "This time, I will investigate this matter thoroughly and definitely not hold back!"
Although this Geng Zhong was recommended by Princess Zhang for the position of Commander of Justice, he was still investigating both the residence of Duke An and Princess Zhang. Duke An's residence wouldn't hold any influence over him. However, in Princess Zhang's residence, there is Xiao Yuan Cheng. He is the emperor's brother-in-law as well as Huang Bei Yue's father. So if he investigates, he would have his hands tied.
However, when Huang Bei Yue mentioned Princess Zhang, Geng Zhong couldn't help but think about Princess Zhang's sudden death that year. What's more, he had just seen how emaciated and haggard she (HBY) is with her own eyes so he would investigate everything without any leak!
When the people under the Commander of Justice came to investigate, the people in the residence naturally took a leave of absence. They didn't attend Ling Yang College, and Xiao Yuan Cheng didn't go to the military base.
Flowing Cloud Pavilion, which had been half burnt, now looked exceptionally desolate. Steward Zhou's corpse was carried out, while Pei Yu could only kneel on the ground, crying incessantly.
Only after seeing Steward Zhou's corpse with his own eyes did Xiao Yuan Cheng feel truly relieved.
The news regarding Princess Zhang's residence being set on fire had already spread through Lin Huai City. By noon, young master Luo Luo of the Bu Ji Er family had personally come to visit. As soon as he entered, Princess Ying Ye had also arrived.