The little heroine investigates a mysterious case

Chapter 326 The Mysterious Disappearance of the Orphan (2)

Gu Jiancheng took the list of orphans to be placed and spread it out on the table.

Gu Zhanghua and Zhao Xuan immediately leaned closer.

Gu Jiancheng used a brush to draw a thick ink line under the year written on the list.

"Now let's look at another group, these fifty-three people, who were placed in civilian homes during the period from mid-September to the end of the year when the Liyang branch was closed."

The resettlement locations for these people were not so concentrated; they were found in almost every county town of the Xia Kingdom, and in all directions.

Xiao Wu, you once told me that Qian Bin was selected as an outstanding student to study at the Liyang branch, which made me doubt the original intention of establishing the Liyang branch.

It is very likely that the purpose was not to adopt orphans, but to cultivate more outstanding talents selected by various branches. However, the government has no record of how many outstanding students were recruited by the Liyang branch that year, only the final placement record.

So I sent Xu Hu with my warrant to investigate the various branches of the Fuze Relief Home, and he discovered something else strange.

Gu Zhanghua and Zhao Xuan raised their heads at the same time, their four big eyes blinking as they looked expectantly at Gu Jiancheng.

They looked so well-behaved, so adoring.

Gu Jiancheng wanted to reach out and pat the tops of their heads, saying, "Be good, don't rush."

Gu Jiancheng smiled warmly at the two of them.

"When the Liyang branch was established in the second year of Xuanhe, a total of ninety-two outstanding students were selected from various colleges to study here. However, only eighty-three were eventually placed. Where did the other nine go?"

（选送优秀生入栎阳分院92人-最终安置83人=9人不知所踪+前文中分析的年初那批安置的有6人失踪=15人失踪？后续会继续解密。）

Gu Zhanghua slammed his fist on the table in amazement.

"Second brother, you're amazing! You managed to find out this!"

Zhao Xuan was somewhat puzzled.

"That Dean Li Chongxi, how could she let Xu Hu investigate each branch in detail without making a move?"

Gu Jiancheng smiled inscrutably.

"My original intention was to launch a large-scale investigation to see if she would take any action, but unfortunately, the people I sent to secretly monitor her did not find anything unusual about her."

Gu Jiancheng paused, then shook his head with some regret.

"Just like she did with Uncle Huang, she answered Xu Hu's questions truthfully. I didn't see her having any contact with any outsiders. She just stayed in the orphanage every day to teach or take care of the children's lives."

Gu Zhanghua found it strange that Gu Jiancheng emphasized the two "any"s.

The investigation has revealed that Fuze Relief Home definitely has problems, but as its director, Li Chongxi seems completely resigned to his fate.

When faced with this situation, a normal person would either run away or turn themselves in; in short, they wouldn't do nothing.

"How can she remain so composed? As the former director of the Liyang branch, she must know some unknown secrets."

“Yes,” Zhao Xuan agreed, “Where did these nine people who suddenly disappeared go? Li Chongxi must know!”

Gu Jiancheng shook his head regretfully again.

“I originally wanted Xu Hu to lead the investigation, but with the great war about to break out, and me having to go to the southern border to lead troops, and Xu Hu wanting to come with me to Fengcheng, this matter had to be put on hold for the time being.”

After Gu Jiancheng finished speaking, he folded up the list of orphans to be placed and handed it to Gu Zhanghua.

"If you two have time, you can continue to investigate further based on the clues you have found so far."

First, check if the other fifty-three people who were placed in shelters know martial arts. Second, investigate any unusual behavior they may have exhibited over the years, but safety must be a top priority.

Gu Zhanghua took the list, exchanged a glance with Zhao Xuan, and both saw the solemnity and determination in each other's eyes.

"Second brother, don't worry, you don't need to worry about this. Sister Xuan and I will take care of things from now on!"

"Second brother, thank you so much for helping us so much!"

Zhao Xuan also said sincerely.

Gu Jiancheng patted Gu Zhanghua on the shoulder with an encouraging expression.

"There's no need for thanks between brothers, Xiao Wu. I believe that you and Xuan'er will get to the bottom of this!"

The two chatted with Gu Jiancheng for a few more minutes before saying goodbye.

After returning to the Prince Xian's residence, the couple had lunch and then went back to their bedroom.

Gu Zhanghua walked to the door, beckoned to Chunlan, and whispered instructions.

Go and fetch some bathwater.

"Yes."

Chunlan responded and left.

Gu Zhanghua turned around and saw Zhao Xuan sitting at the table, lost in thought, with her chin resting on her hand. He walked over and sat down next to Zhao Xuan.

"Sister Xuan, don't think about anything right now. I'll have Chunlan bring some bathwater so you can take a nice bath and then have a good nap and get some rest."

Zhao Xuan looked at Gu Zhanghua and suddenly said:

"I want to go to the northern border with the soldiers escorting the crossbowmen!"

Gu Zhanghua originally thought that Zhao Xuan was thinking about the Fuze Relief Home, but he didn't expect Zhao Xuan to suddenly propose to go to the Northern Border. At first glance, he couldn't figure out Zhao Xuan's thoughts at all.

"Go to the North? Why?"

"Second Brother is right. We can put the matter of the Fuze Relief Home aside for now. The most important thing right now is that war is about to break out between the North and South!"

We taught Second Brother and Xu Hu step by step today, so they can naturally teach their soldiers. But I can't teach Uncle Qin step by step; I'm not comfortable with that.

Zhao Xuan's eyes were filled with worry.

"I thought it was something important that would make you travel all the way to the northern border. You underestimate Uncle Qin. He and his soldiers are veterans of countless battles. How could they not know how to use these crossbows?"

Gu Zhanghua shook his head in disagreement.

Zhao Xuan tried to persuade Gu Zhanghua by explaining her other concerns in detail.

"Knowing how to use it is only one aspect. After using a crossbow a few times, you need to readjust the aim and carefully wipe and clean it to prevent it from rusting."

So I want to go to Uncle Qin's army, and have my father go to the southern border with my second brother. That way, if there's any problem with the crossbows, it can be dealt with immediately. I think that's the safest way.”

Zhao Xuan's concerns were not unfounded. Gu Zhanghua could not guarantee that every crossbow would be used without any problems. After thinking about it, he felt uneasy about Zhao Xuan going to the northern border alone.

"How about I go with you?"

"I knew you would say that."

Zhao Xuan sighed inwardly. Habits formed since childhood are hard to break; the tendency to follow someone around is deeply ingrained. However, she believed that Gu Zhanghua could play a greater role if he stayed in Liyang.

"Second brother is going to the front lines. Father says he's not worried, but how can he really not be? Wouldn't it be better if you came to the palace more often to keep Father, the Empress, and Mother company?"

“If Zilan can go to the front line, why can’t I? Besides, I have my third brother at home, so he can come to the palace to keep Father and the others company often.”

If Gu Zhanghua hadn't mentioned it, Zhao Xuan would have completely forgotten about her third brother, Gu Jingfeng. She wondered how well he was doing learning medicine from Little Fairy Doctor.

However, Zhao Xuan now understood why Gu Zhanghua had implied something and expressed envy for Yang Zilan's progress; it turned out that he had long harbored the intention to contribute to the great battle.

Zhao Xuan was happy to see it happen, but when she thought of Consort Shu, her doting mother-in-law, would she agree?

A headache struck him. Just as he was about to discuss the matter with Gu Zhanghua, Chunlan walked to the door and curtsied.

"Your Highness, Your Highness, the performers have returned from the Flowing Water performance and are talking to Little Fairy Doctor and Hao Xiong in the courtyard!"

Zhao Xuan and Gu Zhanghua were overjoyed and hurriedly got up and left the dormitory.

In the courtyard, Guan Liushui saw Zhao Xuan and Gu Zhanghua walking towards them and hurriedly bowed to them.

"Sister, brother-in-law, how have you been?"

Zhao Xuan walked closer and carefully examined the flowing water.

"You've grown taller in just a few months! Didn't you say the tour would last three months? It's been almost four months now, where have you been playing?!"

Watching the flowing water, he sighed and looked like he had a deep-seated bitterness and resentment.

He pulled Zhao Xuan, Gu Zhanghua, Xiao Yixian, and Hao Xiong to his side, his face full of sorrow, like a young wife who had been alone in her empty room for over ten years.

"When I was filming in Daxin, the capital of the Song Dynasty, the Emperor of Song forcibly summoned me to the palace and tormented me for more than ten days!"

What kind of tiger-wolf talk is this? !

Zhao Xuan took a deep breath, her mind racing, and immediately thought of the letter she had seen in the box in Guan Liushui's boudoir.

The entire box was a riot of colors, mostly pink, and all the items were signed with the name of Emperor Xiao Zhensheng of the Song Dynasty, which naturally led to some inappropriate thoughts.

The fire of gossip burns fiercely!

"How did I manage to torment you? Did I break anything?"