Shen Shixu and Xiao Jinyi ate breakfast in their room, then went to the County Office after saying goodbye to Shen Father and Shen Mother.
Xu Wanda had been waiting at the entrance since early that morning. When he saw Shen Shixu arrive, he stepped forward with a smile to greet him.
"Lord Shen, you're here! Heroes truly do emerge young. The first time I saw you, I knew you were exceptional and destined for great things.
"And sure enough, in just a few short years, you've become Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. Truly admirable!"
Shen Shixu did not interrupt his flattery. Only after Xu Wanda finished did he reply modestly, "You flatter me, Lord Xu. Whatever our rank, we all serve the people. There's no need to stand on ceremony. Let's attend to the case first!
"By the way, where is the victim's body? I'd like to examine it myself."
Xu Wanda led him and Xiao Jinyi to the autopsy room, sizing up Xiao Jinyi along the way.
Xu Wanda did not know Xiao Jinyi, nor had he heard about Shen Shixu's imperially bestowed marriage. But judging by Xiao Jinyi's clothing and the way he walked beside Shen Shixu, Xu Wanda knew he was another person he could not afford to offend.
They soon reached the autopsy room, where Miss Wu's body was still being kept. To prevent decomposition, a great deal of ice had been placed inside, all paid for out of Xu Wanda's own pocket.
Shen Shixu and Xiao Jinyi felt a chill as soon as they entered. They saw basins of ice arranged around the room, along with others filled with water from ice that had clearly melted.
Shen Shixu thanked Xu Wanda. "Thank you, Lord Xu!"
Xu Wanda waved a hand politely.