Chapter 143: Chapter 143: Your Xiao (Part 1)
"It was indeed arson," Pei Ji’an said.
"We asked Jin Sheng, and he mentioned feeling inexplicably tired while reading that night, and unknowingly fell asleep in the study, along with the guard outside the door. Coincidentally, we found burnt incense in the study, Ruchang."
As soon as the Heir Pei finished speaking, Prince An produced a packet of paper containing the remnants of the incense inside.
Qu Fulan took it and sniffed slightly, "This is Superior Sandalwood. Superior Sandalwood has greater effects than ordinary sandalwood. Besides aiding sleep, excessive burning can also cause unconsciousness."
The books scattered in Mr. Jin’s study were deliberately messed up, convenient for starting a fire.
"Now we have the evidence. I’ll report it to the authorities and get the second branch of the Jin Family arrested!" An Ruchang exclaimed eagerly. After all, it was his brother who was plotted against, so he was naturally anxious.
Wei Xu, being involved in the Ministry of Justice, saw things more clearly than An Ruchang and held his shoulder, "This is just physical evidence. We still don’t have proof that the second branch of the Jin Family is responsible. How do you plan to arrest them?"
Ruchang was momentarily stumped.
Chu Jin also added, "This is just our investigation’s conclusion. We have the physical evidence, but there’s still the need for witness testimony, which takes time."
An Ruchang was somewhat impatient, "What needs to be investigated? Just grab them and interrogate them, starving them for a couple of days should make them spill everything!"
There is some truth to this, but such methods are usually employed in the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Justice, or in matters concerning one’s own family.
But now, in someone else’s home, oh, as a guest, you put their family in custody for interrogation? That would be no different from being bandits!
"Let’s not be hasty. Let’s see what Jian says," Wei Xu suggested.
"Don’t rush and alarm them. Wait until all evidence is collected. When we have both witnesses and physical evidence, hand it over to the local authorities," Pei Ji’an advised.
The task of finding evidence fell on Qu Fulan, as she was the least conspicuous among them; her lack of status made her inconspicuous compared to the others, whose prestige attracted attention wherever they went.
Qu Fulan didn’t refuse. She didn’t mind doing favors for others, and the more people owed her favors, the better.
However, investigating was not a matter of immediate action. Qu Fulan sat down and took a sip of tea.
Pei Ji’an’s gaze fell on the items she had brought back, then looked at her, "Was it fun?"
"Fun, and lots of stuff too," Qu Fulan replied, having finished her tea and revealed plenty of things, "I also brought some local specialties for you."
The Heir Pei raised his eyebrows, a slight smile on his lips, ready to speak.
Qu Fulan added, "Of course, Prince An, Mr. Wei, and Mr. Chu, you all have your share too."
Prince An, Mr. Wei, and Mr. Chu instantly looked expectant. Even though they were noble and had everything at their disposal, being remembered and gifted something was a unique thought, ultimately making it different.
"What’s the good stuff?" They were eager to know.
The Heir Pei rubbed his tea cup, his expression slightly frozen, saying nothing.
It turned out that Qu Fulan had bought them local delicacies, carefully chosen to suit her taste. The group devoured the food as if they hadn’t eaten anything good in ages, quickly finishing and still wanting more.
"It’s not the first time I’ve been to Ganhe Town, how come I never found such delicious things before?"
"Which shop did you buy it from? I’ll have someone buy another set later."
"I want it too; it’s quite tasty."
Qu Fulan smiled, "Because I bought it from street vendors."
Everyone’s expression immediately froze.
Qu Fulan continued, "Don’t worry, I’ve checked the hygiene. If I found it clean, I bought it. Many people can’t afford a storefront, but that doesn’t mean it’s dirty. Besides, I’ve tasted it myself, and only brought back the delicious ones, so don’t worry, gentlemen."
Street vendors inherently possess an indescribable charm; many delicacies originate from street vendors. These noble young men usually disdain street vendor goods and naturally had not tasted them.
However, for those who love cleanliness, street vendors can also be clean, while some shops are far from clean. Qu Fulan had seen plenty during modern times; many retail kitchens were unsightly.
Prince An and others were convinced. Although they initially found street vendor items dirty, they weren’t unfamiliar with street vendor delicacies. Besides, since she’d assessed them and tasted them personally, they didn’t mind.
Furthermore, the taste was undeniably good.
Sometimes, when something is tasty, people won’t fuss over whether it’s from a stall or shop. They had indulged in street vendor delicacies in the Capital City.
The group finished eating and remembered Qu Fulan’s gift for the Heir Pei had not been revealed, inviting curiosity.
It turned out to be a model boat, an exquisite one.
Noble scions liked collecting knives, guns, fans, and also model ships, especially boats. Seeing something unique prompted a desire to collect.
"Why give him a boat but us food?" Prince An voiced what everyone was thinking.
Qu Fulan blinked, "Because Heir Pei doesn’t pursue gourmet food, so I bought him a boat." She said, handing the boat over to Heir Pei, "I hope the Heir likes it."
However, she spent quite a bit of money on the model, which wasn’t cheap, especially since it was imported from overseas.
Considering that the Heir Pei had rewarded her with plenty of good things before, spending some money now seemed only right.
The Heir Pei’s frozen expression softened, "Thank you."
Qu Fulan added, "Actually, I did buy some delicacies for the Heir too; I’m just not sure if he likes them. If the Heir doesn’t eat them, he can give them to Prince An and the others, lest they go to waste."
The Heir Pei was quite picky at times; as long as he was full, he didn’t indulge in food. Despite her making many delicious items, she rarely saw him eat much.
Just as she finished speaking, Prince An and the others’ eyes shone brightly. It was well-known that Heir Pei wasn’t fond of gourmet food. If he didn’t eat, they would. Miss Qu really knew how to select delicacies; they hadn’t had enough yet!
But Pei Ji’an glanced at them, "No, I’ll eat it."
Prince An and others: "..."
And they watched him leisurely begin to enjoy the food.
The Pei Family Heir eating street vendor goods?!
Prince An and others’ shock wasn’t feigned.
Despite his indiscriminative eating during battles, upon returning to the Capital City, he was more fastidious than these pampered young men.
Many times, they frequented restaurants and if the food was unappetizing, he wouldn’t take a second bite after the first.
Even more extreme, there was a popular street vendor delicacy in the Capital City. Despite their frequent visits, after he noticed it, he stayed away from them for days.
Just avoiding their contamination.
But now...
"Greetings to the gentlemen." A servant from the Jin Mansion arrived at the door.
"What is it?" Prince An asked.
The servant replied, "Miss Feng from the mansion wishes to see Mr. Qu, saying she knows what you want to know."