She tidily pinned up her hair, with a pristine white camellia nestled in the bun.

But her clean face appeared somewhat haggard.

The dark circles under her eyes could not be concealed, even with powder.

Ruan Tianling held her shoulders, leading her slowly towards the castle.

...

Nangong Ruyue’s mourning hall was set up in a large parlor.

A long black carpet stretched out from the hall, spanning a full 200 meters.

On either side of the carpet, stood a black-clad bodyguard every meter.

Various wreaths piled high on both sides.

"Ruan Tianling and Jian Yufei, the couple here to pay their respects—" the ceremonial voice rose high.

Many members of the Nangong Family stood inside the mourning hall.

Upon hearing the voice, they stirred and looked toward the door.

Ruan Tianling and Jian Yufei walked in with straight backs, eyes forward—

Originally, they were Nangong Ruyue’s children and should be mourning as family.

However, the people here would not allow them to participate.

For Jian Yufei, the role she played did not matter; she just wanted to see her mother.

As the two entered, a middle-aged man on the right scoffed, "It’s been two days since she passed, only now do you come! As her children, don’t be too unfilial!"

His voice was neither too loud nor too soft, yet Jian Yufei and Ruan Tianling heard it.

They paid no attention.

Someone beside them handed burning incense to them.

Jian Yufei respectfully held three sticks of incense, looking at her mother’s photo on the shrine, unable to keep her eyes from reddening.

In front of the photo was a black box.

That was Nangong Ruyue’s ashes—

Jian Yufei knelt heavily, not even requiring a cushion.

Ruan Tianling knelt down with her.

"Mom, I’ve come to see you." Jian Yufei restrained her grief, bowed three times to her mother’s ashes, then rose to place the incense.

Whatever she did, Ruan Tianling followed suit.

Jian Yufei knelt again, eyes filled with sorrow, "Mom, I’m sorry I didn’t get to see you one last time. I’m sorry."

"I know, you were definitely murdered. Don’t worry, I will find the killer and make them pay with blood—"

Beside her, Ruan Tianling could not help but glance at her.

He had never told her he suspected Nangong Ruyue was murdered.

Turns out, she had already guessed.

Upon hearing Jian Yufei’s words, the scene grew even more chaotic.

"Jian Yufei, what do you mean? Do you suspect someone among us killed the madam?! How is that possible?!" someone angrily questioned.

Jian Yufei looked around, scanning each face.

Not a single person was truly grieving.

"Whether it’s true, you all know in your hearts." Jian Yufei sneered, her eyes filled with deep-seated hate.

"Having harmed my mother, don’t expect to have peace! The day I find the murderer will be the day of their demise!"

The scene suddenly erupted—

"Absurd, if you don’t have evidence, don’t insult us!"

"This concerns the Nangong Family’s reputation, stop spewing nonsense!"

"Jian Yufei, take back your words, or you won’t leave here today!"

...

Listening to their indignant words, Jian Yufei’s gaze turned icy, showing no response.

Ruan Tianling supported her to stand, his piercing dark eyes sweeping the surroundings.

He commanded much more authority than Jian Yufei, and with one glance, the scene grew considerably quieter.

"I want you all to listen to me, what my wife says is what I, Ruan Tianling, say! If you’re displeased, have the guts to come at me!"