Upon hearing this, Bai Zhi’er couldn’t help but sneer.

What escape.

Surely someone released him.

The real murderer is still at large, and Duke Huan actually wants Guoguo to take the blame.

The nature of this matter is extremely vile, so the people want an explanation.

The more the government conceals, the more enraged the people become.

So much so that the Emperor became aware of it.

After a few questions from the government officers, Long Xiyuan suddenly raised his hand and called a halt.

"I’ve been watching for a while, where are the records of this case? Why aren’t they brought out for comparison during questioning?"

The records typically contain information provided by eyewitnesses.

For incidents like galloping a horse down the street and trampling an elderly person to death, injuring several others, it’s impossible no one saw the culprit’s appearance.

Given that the people dared to report the crime, they must have provided useful information.

All cases must be documented to form records, facilitating inquiry by the presiding official.

Yet Long Xiyuan waited and found these officers were asking questions that seemed impromptu.

Moreover, there were deliberate traps to mislead Song Yingchuan into answering wrongly.

Luckily, Song Yingchuan was clear-headed and did not fall for them.

Upon hearing the Emperor’s questioning, Duke Huan immediately said, "That’s because..."

Before he could finish, Long Xiyuan asked with a dark expression, "Was I asking you? Why are you rushing to respond?"

Thus, Duke Huan had to lower his head.

An officer stepped forward and saluted, saying, "Since today’s task was only to apprehend, we didn’t bring out the records; please forgive us, Your Majesty."

Long Xiyuan raised an eyebrow, "Oh? Is that so? Then I must have misunderstood you."

His tone was indistinct between wrath and calm, yet it made the officers shiver.

"Not at all, not at all, whatever the Emperor says is correct."

"Since you came to arrest someone, you must be familiar with the case. Then recite the characteristics of the perpetrator; I believe the people have already provided them."

The officers exchanged glances, "This..."

Duke Huan desperately signaled them with his eyes.

Hinting to them to describe appearances matching Guoguo’s.

However, Long Xiyuan noticed his subtle actions.

Long Xiyuan sneered coldly, his tone enigmatic, "Duke Huan, why all the winking and nodding, are you uncomfortable?"

"Would you rather step aside so I can make my inquiries without your company? You’re of no help here, standing there is just blocking my view."

Duke Huan forced a couple of laughs, "The Emperor is already troubled by the case, how could I dare to rest, thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty."

Long Xiyuan no longer paid him heed.

"Speak now, how do the people describe the appearance of the perpetrator?"

The officers rolled their eyes and lowered their heads to say—

"They say he is quite handsome, rather tall and slim, around fifteen or sixteen years old."

Bai Zhi’er heard and couldn’t help but frown. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

This is simply describing Guoguo’s appearance as seen on the spot.

Long Xiyuan propped his forehead, raised his eyebrows, and said, "Oh? Truly? You haven’t misremembered, have you?"

The officer affirmed, "Certainly not, as this case is of major significance, I have already reviewed the records over dozens of times."

Once back at the government office, the details in the records can be altered.

Doesn’t Prince Li Zheng run the entire office?

For now, fool the Emperor; surely, if the Emperor later sends someone to inquiry the records, they will be looking at the already modified version!

However, Long Xiyuan reached out, signaling to the Imperial Guard, "Bring the records here, I want to verify if what they’re saying matches."

The officer was shocked.

Duke Huan almost collapsed to his knees in fright.

The Emperor actually came with the records!?