Chapter 543 - 530: Grievances

Chapter 543: Chapter 530: Grievances

A weighty case had reached a conclusion. Ding Gaochang heaved a long sigh of relief. At dawn the next day, he and Xu Zhengping arrived early at Qingzhuyuan to report the detailed findings of the previous night to Chu Jinnian.

“Thanks to your presence, Sir, we were able to identify the murderer so quickly. We greatly admire your enlightened wisdom,” said Ding Gaochang. His voice trembled slightly as he spoke.

The case that had kept him busy for a month was solved by Chu Jinnian in just two days, a feat beyond average abilities.

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“Master Ding, you flatter me. I just happened to notice some details. However, over the past month, you have been running around tirelessly gathering clues. It must have been exhausting. If not for all the information you collected earlier, it would have taken me a lot longer to make headway,” replied Chu Jinnian.

Caught off guard by Chu Jinnian’s compliments, Ding Gaochang modestly replied, “All my efforts were just shallow investigations, nothing worth bragging about in front of you.”

“Master Ding, you shouldn’t belittle yourself. What I said was true. Just like a towering skyscraper requires a firm foundation, your groundwork for this case was indispensable,” Chu Jinnian continued, “But I have a question, Master Ding. How do you plan to record this case in the official documents?”

“Of course, we will…” Ding Gaochang stopped mid-sentence before uttering “record the facts.”

If they could record the truth, Chu Jinnian would not have asked.

Grasping the underlying meaning, Ding Gaochang respectfully asked for Chu’s guidance.

“Master Ding, being a straightforward person, you naturally think about reporting the case as it happened. However, in my opinion, it would be better if this case is recorded as being more complex, even extending its timeframe,” Chu suggested.

This advice left Ding Gaochang momentarily stunned.

Recording the case as it happened should have showcased Chu’s remarkable speed in solving the case, even those that were outstanding or controversial. Considering Chu’s reputation, this would have been meritorious. Yet Chu didn’t seem to want that.

Seeing Ding’s confusion, Chu Jinnian explained succinctly, “If we record it truthfully, it would indeed favor me. However, my reputation is already well-established, so the benefits won’t make much difference. But it wouldn’t be suitable for Master Ding.”

“Master Ding and Mr. Xu are diligent and dedicated workers. If this case becomes public knowledge, people might wrongly suspect you of negligence and incompetence. That would be unjust,” noted Chu.

“Hence, I suggest we make this case appear more complex and let the public know how difficult it was to solve.”

From everyone’s perspective, the case was challenging, even for Chu. It doesn’t reflect negatively on Ding Gaochang or Xu Zhengping’s capabilities.

Chu Jinnian was providing them help in a discreet manner.

“I understand. I thank you for your guidance,” Ding Gaochang and Xu Zhengping replied, bowing deeply in gratitude.

“It’s nothing you need to worry about,” Chu Jinnian said dismissively. “In fact, I have some selfish reasons. If the case isn’t promptly closed, I can use it as an excuse to spend more time here. As the New Year is approaching, it gives me an excuse to take it easy.”

Chu Jinnian was telling the truth.

With this excuse, he could delay his return to the capital city without raising eyebrows.

However, to Ding Gaochang and Xu Zhengping, Chu’s desire to “take it easy” was nothing more than a casual remark. Consequently, they felt even more gratitude towards Chu Jinnian.

After discussing the case further, Ding Gaochang and Xu Zhengping politely excused themselves in order not to overstay their welcome.

After seeing off his guests, Chu Jinnian changed his clothes and prepared to leave.

Just as he stepped into the carriage, a young face appeared from the side. “Where are you rushing off to, Big Brother?”

“I’m off for a walk,” Chu Jinnian replied, clearing his throat. “Aren’t you supposed to be fishing with Mr. Fan today? It’s a contest to see who can catch a fish first during the winter. Why aren’t you leaving yet?”

“Mr. Fan woke up with a severe headache this morning. The housekeeper had already called for a doctor. It turns out he’s caught a cold, but it’s nothing serious. He’ll be fine after taking a couple of doses of medicine,” Chu Jinzhou replied, “Since Mr. Fan needs to rest after his medication, he couldn’t go out.”

“I see,” Chu Jinnian nodded slightly, his eyes flickering.”

He then advised Jinzhou, “As a student, staying by your teacher’s side, serving him medicine, and taking care of him is appropriate.”

“Originally, I wanted to do that, but Mr. Fan and the housekeeper didn’t allow me near him. They worried that I might also catch his cold. Despite my insistence, I was not allowed to enter his room.”

Jinzhou scratched his ear and continued, “Seeing Big Brother preparing to leave, I thought maybe you could take me along. Maybe we can buy something Mr. Fan likes to eat, and bring it to him. In this way, I could convey my sincere appreciation.”

Chu Jinnian carefully observed Jinzhou for a moment. After some thought, he said, “Let the housekeeper take you around the county town then, while you familiarize yourself with the surroundings.”

“I… have some matters to attend to and won’t be able to accompany you.”

Jinzhou blinked and continued, “Big Brother, are you going to visit Big Sister Ning’s house?”

“Well…” Chu Jinnian’s eyes darted around in panic. “I… I have some business to discuss with Big Sister Ning. About the matter we discussed last time.”

“I see,” Jinzhou tilted his head and thought for a bit. “Then how about this, I’ll go with you to Big Sister Ning’s house. Let’s see if she has made any yam and jujube paste cakes recently. If so, we can bring some back for Mr. Fan.”

“Mr. Fan has missed Big Sister Ning’s cakes for a long time. If we can bring some back, he would surely be delighted. Perhaps his illness would be cured instantly.”

Positively!

Last time when his big brother came back, the cakes from Big Sister Ning disappeared almost instantly. Big Sister Ning had been busy these days and hadn’t made any cakes for a long time. They also missed those cakes very much.

Watching Jinzhou’s earnest expression, Chu Jinnian sighed deeply.

He did not detest his little brother. However, if Jinzhou accompanied him, he would definitely ask Zhuang Qingning for yam and jujube paste cakes. In that case, she would need to spend time making the cakes, and he wouldn’t have time to chat with her.

How annoying!

Younger brothers must be creditors from previous lives.

Chu Jinnian reluctantly nodded, “Alright then, I’ll take you with me. But you mustn’t bother your Big Sister Ning. If there are cakes at her home, you can ask for some. But if not, don’t force her to make any.”

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