After finishing the first story, Song Jinzhao handed the manuscript to Song Anhao.
"Master Liu has a unique narrative style—many parts feel as if they were experienced firsthand."
Liu Ziyuan replied respectfully, "To be honest with you, County Princess, the elder next door was once a coroner. When I was young, I often heard him tell stories."
Song Jinzhao nodded knowingly. "I see."
She probed lightly, "I recall that in government records, there was a coroner surnamed Holmes. I found it strange at the time—I wonder if it’s the same person?"
Liu Ziyuan stared blankly, his eyes wide with confusion.
"Holmes? That surname doesn’t seem to be from our Eastern Zhao Kingdom."
"Our entire village is surnamed Liu. The elder next door is named Liu Zhaoxian—definitely not the same person."
Seeing that his reaction didn’t seem like a lie, Song Jinzhao had her answer in mind.
Liu Ziyuan probably wasn’t a time traveler; the similarity in his writing style was just a coincidence.
"Perhaps he was surnamed Fu, and previous records got it wrong."
She casually brushed off the topic and turned to look at Song Anhao, who had just closed the book.
"The plot was full of twists and turns, and the reversal was simply brilliant—Master Liu’s writing has truly improved."
"Not at all, it’s merely practice making perfect." Liu Ziyuan spoke modestly, but his eyes betrayed a hint of confidence and pride.
Having confirmed that Liu Ziyuan wasn’t a time traveler, Song Jinzhao lost interest in staying longer and planned to leave after the meal.
As she descended to the first floor, a gaze fell upon her, catching her attention.
With a slight sweep of her eyes, Qingshuang immediately lowered her head to scan the surroundings.
A young girl, simply dressed and no more than a teenager, was hiding behind a pillar, secretly watching Song Jinzhao.
Returning to the carriage as if nothing was wrong, after driving a short distance, the girl was still following them.
"County Princess, she’s the only one around, and she runs very slowly."
Song Jinzhao stopped Song Anhao, who was trying to look outside.
"Keep going. I want to know what she’s up to."
Song Anhao looked up. "Elder Sister, is someone following us?"
Song Jinzhao tapped his temple to scold him.
"Don’t think that just because we have guards, you can let your guard down. Stay alert in everything you do."
The carriage turned twice, and the figure behind them vanished.
Qingshuang reported, "County Princess, she didn’t keep up."
The carriage wasn’t going fast on the street, yet she still couldn’t keep pace—clearly, the girl knew no martial arts and had poor stamina.
On the other side, realizing she couldn’t catch the carriage, Liu Ruoxi gasped for breath and darted into a nearby alley. After winding through several turns, she dashed out in front of the carriage on another street.
Seeing someone suddenly rush out, Yao Ying yanked hard on the reins, causing the horse to rear up with a sharp neigh, its front hooves lifting into the air.
Song Jinzhao grabbed the window frame with her left hand and stopped Song Anhao, who was stumbling toward her, with her right.
Recognizing the girl’s face, Qingshuang’s brows furrowed in irritation, almost pinching a fly.
"What do you think you’re doing?"
The sharp interrogation made Liu Ruoxi’s face turn pale.
Trembling, she spoke, "My name is Liu Ruoxi. I’m Liu Ziyuan’s younger sister. I need to speak with County Princess Linghui."
Hearing that she was Liu Ziyuan’s sister, Qingshuang froze.
Looking closely, there was indeed a slight resemblance between their features.
She softened her tone slightly. "What business do you have with the County Princess?"
Liu Ruoxi pulled a stack of bound papers from her chest, the cover bright red.
"I’ve written a story manuscript, and I’d like the County Princess to take a look."
Hearing it was another story manuscript, Song Anhao was the first to lift the carriage curtain and step out.
"Since it’s a story, let me have a look."
Liu Ruoxi stepped back, pressing the manuscript against her chest.
"You can’t read it. It has to be for the County Princess."
