Chapter 2070: The Worst Move

Chapter 2070: The Worst Move

Cao Jiang's parents, although often disappointed with him and would say things like wishing he had died outside, were truly devastated when they received the news of his murder. They were in a state of shock when they heard the news.

The constables led them up the mountain, and when they confirmed that the body was indeed Cao Jiang's, the Cao family nearly fainted.

Constable Jiang asked them a few questions, but the Cao family didn't know much. They only mentioned that they hadn't seen him for over half a month, and they had no idea where he had gone or who he had met before his disappearance.

Constable Jiang and his constables searched the area but found no more clues. So, they had Cao Jiang's body carried down the mountain, and everyone headed back to the county yamen.

With Shu Yu present, Ruan Hai's plans to incite the villagers to sabotage and shift the blame to Ruan Jinqian had to be temporarily put on hold.

Upon seeing Constable Jiang and the others coming out, Ruan Hai hurriedly asked, "How is it? Do you know who harmed Cao Jiang?"

Constable Jiang gave him a sideways glance. "It's still unclear. We will take Cao Jiang's body back to the county yamen and conduct a thorough examination by the coroner before proceeding with the investigation."

Then, he led Cao Jiang's body, Cao Jiang's parents, the alleged weapon provider Ruan Jinqian, and the first eyewitness Ruan Chengqian back to the yamen.

As the village head, Ruan Hai naturally had to go along. After all, he wanted to stay updated on the progress of the case and ensure that nothing unexpected happened in the process.

At the foot of the mountain, a few clan elders discussed the situation and decided to have two clever young men from the village and one elder ride in Ruan Hai's mule-drawn cart, and they all set off for the county town.

With a murder case in Ruan's Village, others had no desire to continue their businesses. Shu Yu and Da Niu both agreed to discuss their sunflower cultivation plans after the case had been thoroughly resolved.

They, too, boarded the cart and headed back.

Only after getting into the carriage did Shu Yu turn to Ying Xi and ask, "How is Ruan Kewei doing?"

"Ruan Kewei managed to escape the village, and constable He has been tailing him from behind. Don't worry, Miss," Ying Xi replied. When they realized the body was found, he had slipped away unnoticed from the crowd and headed straight for Ruan Hai's house.

Indeed, not long after, Ruan Hai sent someone back with the news. Upon hearing it, Ruan Kewei had panicked and immediately started packing to run away.

Ying Xi had followed him and, once he saw Ruan Kewei leave the village, she signaled constable He, who had been stationed outside the village just in case.

Regarding this murder case in Ruan Village, when Ying Xi returned, she immediately briefed Magistrate Xie on the details. However, catching suspects and delivering judgments required evidence. Ruan Kewei could only be treated as a suspect, and his immediate flight upon hearing the news didn't help his case. It was more like fleeing in fear of punishment.

As Ying Xi followed up on Ruan Kewei, she still had some doubts. "Miss, this case may take several days to solve. During this time, do you think Ruan Hai might cause trouble again?"

"Whether he causes trouble or not, letting Ruan Kewei escape in a moment of panic is the worst move he could make. He will regret it," Shu Yu replied with a smile.

Ying Xi didn't quite understand, and Da Niu, who was also in the carriage, looked puzzled.

Shu Yu just smiled and said, "You'll understand soon enough."