The little heroine investigates a mysterious case

Gu Zhanghua and Zhao Xuan repeatedly assured Gu Jiancheng that they would never act on their own and put themselves in danger, and that they would discuss any issues that could not be resolved with Gu Jiancheng.

Gu Jiancheng finally calmed down. He was worried that Ma Zhenzhen would feel uncomfortable after being frightened, so he wanted to send Ma Zhenzhen back to her room to rest, but Ma Zhenzhen insisted on staying.

"Jiancheng, I'm fine, really. The Jiaoyang Valley issue must be resolved as soon as possible. Just let me stay and listen. Otherwise, I won't feel at ease even if I go back to my room and lie down. Instead, I'll be even more worried about what solutions you guys will come up with, and I'll be restless."

Seeing that he couldn't persuade Ma Zhenzhen, Gu Jiancheng agreed to her wishes.

Gu Jiancheng asked Gu Zhanghua, "Fifth brother, what are you going to do now?"

Gu Zhanghua had already thought about it, and he looked at his second brother eagerly.

"Huang Huacai is currently being hunted by the Tiandao League, and his whereabouts are unknown. However, the second-in-command, Hao Xiong, and the main manager, Dong Tian, ​​have both been imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice. Brother, they are actually innocent. They are only trying to calm down the merchants who filed complaints with the Fucheng prefectural government. Brother, I want to go to the Tiandao League and talk to Hu Yiba. What do you think?"

"I already know the whole story. Do you want to reconcile with Hu Yiba? But getting the Evil-Slaying Blade back from Liang Changping is no easy task!"

Zhao Xuan looked troubled. "I have advised His Majesty that the most crucial thing is the Evil-Slaying Blade, but His Majesty insisted on going and giving it a try."

Gu Zhanghua walked up to Gu Jiancheng, his eyes burning, and grabbed Gu Jiancheng's arm.

"Second brother! You must help me find a solution! This time I must ensure that the people in Jiaoyang Valley are safe and sound and live a good life! I promised them!"

"Okay! Don't be so anxious, sit down and let's talk slowly!"

"How can I not be anxious? If we can't clear their names, it's still okay for the others, but what about Hao Xiong and Dong Tian? They're guilty of a capital crime according to the law! Second brother, you know this better than I do, but they're truly being wronged!"

Gu Jiancheng pondered, "Let me think about it. The most crucial thing right now is to retrieve the Evil-Slaying Sword. Only then can we negotiate with Hu Yiba. Ever since the Yue Emperor fell seriously ill, there has been constant strife in the Yue court. Liang Changping is on the side of the Crown Prince. If I report this to my father and get his approval, and then use open and proper diplomatic tactics to explain to the Crown Prince the importance of the Evil-Slaying Sword to our Xia Kingdom, perhaps he can mediate a little."

"Jiancheng," Ma Zhenzhen called out to Gu Jiancheng softly, pondering, "I think if we could exchange it for a treasure as valuable as the Evil-Slaying Sword, our chances would be much better!"

"You mean..."

Gu Jiancheng was undecided and stood up and paced back and forth.

Ma Zhenzhen stood up and walked to Gu Jiancheng, took Gu Jiancheng's arm, and stroked her slightly bulging belly.

"Jiancheng, human life is more important than anything else. I know you're reluctant to give it up, after all, I've followed you for over twenty years. But if Fifth Brother can accomplish this, it will be a great thing! First, the people of Jiaoyang Valley will no longer be burdened by the stigma of Yanwang Village and will all be able to live a good life. Second, those merchants will not suffer losses and can trade normally. Third, the Tiandao League will no longer stir up trouble in the martial arts world. Once the martial arts hunting order is withdrawn, the leader of Huanghuacai will have a way to survive and will no longer have to hide. Jiancheng, you see, giving up one thing can bring so many benefits, it's so worth it!"

Gu Jiancheng held Ma Zhenzhen's hand and sighed.

"That's the token of our love!"

Gu Zhanghua was confused as he listened.

"Wait a minute! Second brother and sister-in-law, we were talking about going to the Tiandao League to negotiate, but how come we ended up bringing up your token of love? This won't do. Let's think of another way!"

Ma Zhenzhen smiled: "The relationship has been confirmed, and the token of love should play a greater role."

Zhao Xuan asked curiously, "I wonder what it is that could bring about this lifelong bond between my second brother and second sister-in-law?"

Gu Jiancheng couldn't help but smile.

"I still remember it was the Dragon Boat Festival three years ago. The weather was beautiful and the third brother was the most playful. He insisted on taking me on an outing in the countryside. I am still grateful to him to this day. Playfulness has its benefits!"

Ma Zhenzhen pulled Gu Jiancheng's sleeve in annoyance.

"No nonsense!"

Zhao Xuan became even more curious and could not suppress her burning curiosity. She knew Ma Zhenzhen too well. She had been a serious scholar since childhood, and when she grew up, she became the most talented woman in Xia Country. There were countless talented men and nobles from all walks of life surrounding Ma Zhenzhen. No matter how outstanding Gu Jiancheng was, it would be difficult for him to be a couple with Ma Zhenzhen. It would take a lot of trouble. How could he get in touch with the big gangster Gu Jingfeng?

Zhao Xuan winked at Gu Jiancheng: "Second brother, tell me!"

Ma Zhenzhen's face turned red immediately.

"If you dare to say that, I'll leave."

Gu Jiancheng smiled at Zhao Xuan and said, "You can ask my fifth brother. Zhenzhen and I are going to the study to get some samples. You can follow us."

Gu Jiancheng carefully helped Ma Zhenzhen out of the reception room.

Zhao Xuan looked at Gu Zhanghua eagerly.

Gu Zhanghua scratched his head.

"I only know a rough outline. That year, my third brother took my second brother out for an outing. They saw a large group of people gathered under a peach tree in the peach blossom forest. They heard that it was Ma Zhenzhen, the daughter of Censor Ma, who was out for fun. Many talented men came to admire her and competed to show off their talents to Ma Zhenzhen. Some recited poems and composed couplets, and some played the zither and music, hoping to win her favor. It was really a case of a beautiful lady and a gentleman seeking a match! Anyway, it was quite lively. My second brother couldn't even squeeze in."

"You mean, Second Brother has already had a crush on Ma Zhenzhen? And Ma Zhenzhen hasn't had a crush on him?"

"Not really. The palace school closed down after just two years. Ma Zhenzhen stayed at home the whole time, being taught by her father himself. Master Ma was very lax with his son and very strict with Ma Zhenzhen. She was rarely seen outside all year round, but her reputation as a talented girl had already spread. If she hadn't just reached the age of marriage three years ago, her father wouldn't have let her go out for an outing. That was the first time my second brother and Ma Zhenzhen met after they grew up."

"Let's get to the point. Who fell in love with whom first?"

"Don't be impatient, listen to me! My second brother wanted to see if Ma Zhenzhen lived up to her reputation, so my third brother gave my second brother an idea. He told him to use his Qinggong to fly to the peach tree and swing his sword to chop off a peach blossom, preferably one that landed on Ma Zhenzhen. This way, he could attract her attention!"

"and then?"

"Then my second brother did as I told him. As light as a swallow, he flew up to the peach tree like an immortal, drew the long sword from his waist, and with a graceful swing, he cut down a blooming peach blossom, which happened to fall into Ma Zhenzhen's hand. Ma Zhenzhen looked up at my second brother, and no, their eyes met!"

Zhao Xuan's eyes lit up as she listened, imagining the scene—it was so romantic! But when she heard the last sentence, she almost lost her breath and coughed twice.

"You said your second brother and your second sister-in-law were attracted to each other like a toad and a mung bean? What kind of nonsense is that? It's called love at first sight. It's a love that lasts forever. I don't know where it comes from, but it's deep and lasting!"

Gu Zhanghua gave Zhao Xuan a thumbs up.

"Well said, I really admire you!"