The little heroine investigates a mysterious case

Gu Zhanghua brought Zhao Xuan to the study, where Gu Jiancheng and Ma Zhenzhen were waiting for them.

Gu Jiancheng held a long sword of ancient style in his hand and looked at Ma Zhenzhen. He saw his wife nodding at him affirmatively, her eyes full of tenderness and encouragement.

Gu Jiancheng handed the sword in his hand to Gu Zhanghua.

"Fifth brother, you know this is the sword I've carried with me for many years. Back then, my eldest brother, third brother, and you didn't like martial arts, so our father gave it to me. It's also the token of our love between me and your sister-in-law."

Zhao Xuan asked, "Is that the sword you used to fly and cut down the peach blossom?"

Gu Jiancheng smiled and nodded: "That's right."

Gu Zhanghua took the sword and examined it, unable to discern its special features. The scabbard was plain and unadorned, and the hilt wasn't even inlaid with a single gemstone.

"Second brother, what's so special about this sword? How can it be on par with the Evil Slaying Sword?"

Zhao Xuan took it and stretched out her hand to pull the long sword out of the scabbard. Suddenly, a cold light flashed, and the blade of the sword was like a sharp blade condensed from eternal ice, flashing a heart-pounding cold light, which made people afraid.

Zhao Xuan pulled out a strand of her hair and blew it at the sharp blade. The hair immediately broke into two pieces and fell to the ground.

Zhao Xuan couldn't help but exclaim in admiration: "What a fine sword!"

Ma Zhenzhen was a little surprised when she saw Zhao Xuan practicing her sword skills. "Sister-in-law, you're really brave. You even know this move! If it were me, I wouldn't even dare to touch it."

Zhao Xuan hurriedly put the sword back into the scabbard and handed it to Gu Jiancheng: "Excuse me."

Gu Jiancheng looked at the sword in his hand with reluctance.

"This sword is called the God-Slaying Sword. It's a legendary sword, on par with the Evil-Slaying Blade. It was also forged by Xiang Huaizi and his wife, renowned for their forging skills throughout the Qiankun Continent. Even my father doesn't know how many generations this sword has been passed down through our family. It's said there's a manual on the God-Slaying Sword, documenting the 108 sword techniques from the beginning of the universe. But by the time it reached my father, the manual had vanished."

Having said this, Gu Jiancheng placed the sword solemnly on the table.

"Fifth brother, tonight I will draft a document with the Crown Prince of Yue, explaining the truth to him. Then I will use this God-Slaying Sword to exchange for the Evil-Slaying Knife in Liang Changping's hand. It's a sure thing!"

Upon hearing this, Gu Zhanghua looked at the sword again, feeling heavy in his heart. He looked at Gu Jiancheng with gratitude.

"Brother, this sword is so valuable, I always feel a little guilty..."

Before Gu Zhanghua finished speaking, Zhao Xuan had already lifted the front of her long skirt, knelt on the ground, and kowtowed three times solemnly to Gu Jiancheng and Ma Zhenzhen.

"On behalf of all the elders, brothers and sisters in Jiaoyang Valley, I bow to thank Prince Cheng and Princess Cheng for their great kindness!"

Gu Jiancheng and Ma Zhenzhen were both stunned for a moment, and Gu Jiancheng hurriedly bent down to help Zhao Xuan up.

"Sister-in-law, there's no need to be so polite. This is what your sister-in-law and I should do!"

Ma Zhenzhen looked at Zhao Xuan and saw that her eyes were filled with tears and her lips were trembling with excitement. She couldn't help but ask in confusion.

"Why do you say that, sister-in-law? You're not from Jiaoyang Valley, so there's no need to be like this!"

Zhao Xuan finally realized what had happened. She'd been so excited that she'd been possessed by the head of Jiaoyang Valley, Daylily! But she was now the virtuous Princess Tian Shilichee. Why was she kowtow-ing to Prince Cheng and his wife? She kowtowed three times in a row, each one sounding like a solid thud!

Zhao Xuan didn't know what to say for a moment and stood there speechless.

After spending these days together, Gu Zhanghua has basically understood Huang Huacai's character. She is a passionate and emotional person who speaks up for justice and likes to act on impulse. It is really difficult for her to play the role of the virtuous princess.

Gu Zhanghua gave Zhao Xuan a reassuring look, and then explained to Gu Jiancheng and Ma Zhenzhen.

"Second brother and sister-in-law, Shi Liu and I have been staying in Jiaoyang Valley for a few days. Perhaps the plight of the people in the valley has deeply touched Shi Liu's heart. She didn't grow up in luxury and has suffered a lot over the years. Now that we are in the valley, we have become one family. That's why I want to thank you on behalf of the people!"

Only then did Ma Zhenzhen feel relieved.

"Fifth brother's wife is truly kindhearted, able to empathize with the sufferings of others. No wonder they are so deeply in love after being married for so long!"

Gu Jiancheng thought for a moment and said to Gu Zhanghua, "Fifth brother, there is no time to lose. I will go to the palace and report this to our father. You and your sister-in-law should go back home and wait for my news."

Gu Zhanghua and Zhao Xuan returned home to wait, and Gu Jiancheng entered the palace and immediately went to the imperial study to meet Emperor Xia Gu Li.

After listening to Gu Jiancheng's statement, Gu Li couldn't help but sigh, "Hua'er has indeed grown up and has taken on responsibilities. He really still remembers what Ming'er taught him and wants to make the world peaceful so that the people can live and work in peace. However, I think this matter is a little inappropriate."

Gu Jiancheng asked hurriedly, "What does your Majesty think is wrong?"

Gu Li looked at Gu Jiancheng: "Cheng'er, have you already noticed something wrong? Why don't you tell me first?"

"Father, I understand Fifth Brother's sincere devotion to the people, and I also empathize with his resentment towards the people of Jiaoyang Valley being framed by the Tiandao League. His plan, at first glance, seems flawless, but he overlooked the most important thing: Hu Yiba, leader of the Tiandao League, is the biggest variable in this entire incident!"

Gu Li nodded. "You're right. Since Hu Yiba was able to use such despicable means to frame Jiaoyangyu, and openly hunt down Huang Huacai under the pretext of being a legitimate person, even if he obtained the Evil-Slaying Blade, I'm worried that he might not be willing to come forward to testify for Jiaoyangyu and clear his name."

Gu Jiancheng said anxiously, "But my fifth brother is determined to accomplish this, and I really can't bear to dampen his enthusiasm."

Gu Li waved his hand and smiled, "No, no, no, I'm not against you helping him do this. Who hasn't had impulsive and unrealistic ideas when they were young? Who hasn't taken a wrong turn and fallen? At this critical juncture, the more we oppose him, the more he will refuse to turn back, which will be counterproductive. It would be better for us, father and son, to be ready at any time and be the hands that help your brother up when he falls!"

Gu Jiancheng understood after a brief thought.

"I understand! I will hand over the God-Slaying Sword to the Crown Prince of Yue, Tian Yuan, as soon as possible, along with a formal document explaining the entire situation. It will then depend on how Yue responds. Regarding Hu Yiba's matter, I will carefully consider it and come up with several plans, just in case."

Gu Li gave another warning: "I think this is a great experience for Hua'er, and it's also a test for you. Don't let your father down!"

"Your son will do his best!"

After Gu Jiancheng returned home, he drafted the official document with the Crown Prince Tian Yuan of Yue overnight. The next morning, he handed it over to the captain of the guards Xu Hu along with the God-Slaying Sword, and rode at full speed to Chuyang, the capital of Yue.