You Have a Big Face?
"Master, no assassin was found."
Governor Yu rushed over in a panic, looked up at the roof, and cursed, "Did they escape?"
Chen Buyu quickly entered the scene, his eyes landing on the three people sitting in a row by the door. His mouth couldn't help but twitch.
Had this master and servant trio really moved a bench just to watch the spectacle?
With Yu Pianpian's support, Huo rushed into the garden, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "Master, did you catch anyone?"
Governor Yu shook his head, his expression dark. "No."
Huo stomped his feet anxiously. "How could you let them get away?"
But Governor Yu had no time to pay attention to Huo. He turned to Chen Buyu and said, "The assassin took the old woman—right under our noses. You..."
Before he could finish, a slim figure rushed up to them and came to a sudden stop.
Yu Shoudao was startled. He looked closely and saw that it was Wei Ling.
"What happened?" Chen Buyu hurriedly stepped forward and asked.
Wei Ling shook her head, her expression grim. "The intruder was highly skilled in light-body techniques. I chased them across three streets but couldn't catch up."
"What?!" Yu Shoudao stomped his foot in frustration. "What should we do? What should we do? The assassin got away, and the old woman was taken! This is a disaster!"
"Father, why don't we ask Sister Linlang and the others?" Yu Pianpian said softly, her gaze sweeping over Yu Linlang and the two girls beside her. "The assassin was just here. The two girls with Linlang are highly skilled. Why didn't they try to stop them?"
The master and servant trio, who had been leisurely eating peanuts and watching the commotion, turned to look at her in unison. Yu Pianpian quickly lowered her eyes.
"Linlang, did you see the black-clad assassin?" Yu Shoudao finally noticed his daughter and her two companions sitting at the door.
They had rushed here in a panic, drenched in sweat, while these three were casually eating peanuts as if watching a play.
Yu Linlang nodded honestly and gestured with her hand. "Swish—just flew past."
Chen Buyu's mouth twitched. He felt like he was being toyed with.
Huo was so anxious he could barely contain himself. "The assassin came and went freely in our mansion! Since you saw them, why didn't your maid try to stop them?"
Hearing this, Yu Linlang raised an eyebrow and replied calmly, "As Madam just said, the assassin moved freely. How could a powerless woman like me possibly stop them?"
"Sister Linlang, you jest!" Yu Pianpian laughed softly, her eyes gleaming. "Mother meant for you to command your maids, not put yourself in danger."
Yu Linlang gave her a cold look. "Oh? Do you think you have a big face? You knew it was an assassin, and you expected them to charge forward?"
"Your life is valuable, but mine isn't? If you pity your Qingju so much, why not send someone from your own family to stop the assassin?"
Yu Pianpian's face burned with embarrassment.
Yu Linlang marveled at the person in front of her. Just this afternoon, she had been humiliated, yet by nightfall, she had already adjusted her mindset and resumed her pretenses.
Truly impressive.
Huo knew that when Yu Linlang chose to speak, her words could be sharp enough to cut.
Sensing the rising tension, he quickly tugged at Yu Pianpian's sleeve in an attempt to calm her down.
Yu Pianpian bit her lip and lowered her head slightly.
At that moment, Wei Ling stepped forward and bowed. "Miss Yu, did you get a clear look at the murderer? Could you sketch a portrait for us? Even a rough drawing would be helpful, but more details would be ideal."
Governor Yu, who had been pacing anxiously, suddenly brightened. He looked at his daughter with eyes full of hope.
"I'll have it ready by noon tomorrow," Yu Linlang replied.
"Thank you!"
Yu Pianpian pursed her lips, clenching her fists tightly beneath her sleeves.
Why did Yu Linlang command such respect from these Demon Sect officials? Was it because of her so-called mysterious test technique?
---
The Next Day at Noon
Governor Yu personally arrived to collect the drawing, as if his seat were on fire.
At that time, Yu Linlang had just finished speaking with the old shopkeeper of Huichuntang about medicinal materials and hiring female workers. The shopkeeper had readily agreed, treating her with great respect.
Since her assistance at the city gate last time, Yu Linlang had maintained a good relationship with Huichuntang.
They had sent gifts to her multiple times, most of which she declined.
But this time, she had come to them for help, and they were eager to oblige.
As soon as Yu Linlang escorted the shopkeeper and the medicine boy out through the side door, Governor Yu arrived, urging her anxiously.
"Take the painting and come with me, quickly."
"Today, Lord Wei and Lord Chen went out of the city to search for Old Lady Niu. We just received news from the prince—another murder has occurred in Prince Liang's mansion."
"Although two coroners have been sent to examine the body, you have some familiarity with the murderer. If you come with me, you might be able to help."
Yu Linlang looked at Yu Shoudao and said flatly, "I am not familiar with the murderer."
"Of course, but since you were able to depict the murderer's back, you must have some impression of their face. If the prince and Lord Lu ask, you can provide some answers!"
Yu Linlang scoffed inwardly.
So he wanted her to help, yet expected her to answer on his behalf?
"Fine, I'll help. But I have matters to attend to tomorrow and may return home late."
"Good!" Yu Shoudao agreed hastily, as if afraid she would change her mind. "I'll inform your mother. She won't trouble you over it anymore."
"I'll also arrange for you to have a waist token so you can come and go freely. Just don't stay out too late—after all, your mother worries about you."
Worry?
Yu Linlang remained silent.
When she returned to her room to retrieve the scroll, a servant rushed in to urge her to hurry.
She boarded the carriage, placing the scroll on her lap, and sat in silence.
Yu Shoudao, seeing his daughter's composed demeanor, suddenly found himself at a loss for words.
This girl was only fifteen, yet her calmness and maturity far exceeded her years.
Since returning home, she had never shown any strong emotional fluctuations.
Even in the face of her mother's disdain, her eyes remained as placid as still water.
"Linlang," Governor Yu finally spoke, but even he found his voice oddly strained.
It had been twelve years since they had been separated.
He barely knew the daughter in front of him.
He wanted to say something, to connect with her, but didn't know how.
"I know you've suffered," he sighed. "Your mother… she has a sharp tongue and a difficult temper. As her daughter, try to be more understanding. With time, the two of you will grow closer."
Yu Linlang stared ahead, not acknowledging his words, as if he were speaking to empty air.
An awkward silence settled over them.
When they finally arrived at Prince Liang's mansion, father and daughter had exchanged no further words.
The carriage halted, and the butler, Liang Quan, rushed forward.
"Sir, we've been waiting for you."