Xue Shengzao's anger hadn't subsided when the soldier, jogging over from the search within the pavilion, came to report to the two senior officials with a fist-clasped bow, "Prefect Zhu, Supervisor Xue, the Marquis's corpse... has been found."
The messenger seemed hesitant to speak, and Zhu Changyun, feeling a headache coming on, said irritably, "Speak quickly if you have something to say."
"The Marquis died in his bed surrounded by scattered ledgers. It seems those were left by the thieves."
Xue Shengzao asked, "What ledgers?"
Zhu Changyun, whose reaction was nothing if not swift, interrupted the soldier's response, "I understand, you may leave us for now."
"Yes, sir."
After the soldier turned and left, Xue Shengzao glanced at Zhu Changyun and sneered before speaking, "My lord, now that the situation has reached this point, both the Imperial Cabinet and the Emperor will inquire. When they ask why would thieves kill the young Marquis, do you think you can brush it off?"
