"Officer, please wait a moment." Cai Lihua, happy today, was the first to get up and open the door, respectfully leading the officer in.
"If I recall correctly, this is Niu Dasheng's home. Who are you people?"
The three officers began to search the rooms as soon as they entered.
Even though Ah Jiu was anxious, she had to tell the truth. Otherwise, if the investigation into Xiao Yanyan yielded no results, and they were arrested as refugees, it would be a losing proposition.
"My name is Meng Jiuer. Niu Dasheng is my grandfather. I was adopted recently. The village head has my household registration proof."
"Oh, so that's how it is. Then who are these people?"
The officer then turned to the civil official behind him, who was responsible for recording.
"They are my parents, and this is my aunt," Ah Jiu said, while Mao Junlan, frightened, shielded the two children.
"Their household registration is likely not within the Nanming City area, is it?" The leading officer, with sharp eyes, immediately saw that these people were not locals.
Seeing their tattered clothing: "You look more like refugees."
Ah Jiu's heart sank.
Meng Shaode and Cai Lihua, unaware of the real situation, had no idea how to interject.
They thought the officers were only here to investigate a murder, but who knew they were here to check household registrations first.
"Officers, we are definitely not refugees who rob and riot. We are law-abiding and have committed no offense." Meng Shaode, quick-witted, sensed the situation was not right.
The leading officer paced back and forth, his eyes scanning them like knives.
This made everyone uneasy.
"Zhang tou'er, how are things on your end? We've finished questioning on our side, and found nothing."
As he spoke, Tuoba Yan entered. Dressed in military uniform, he appeared even more slender.
Cai Lihua and Meng Shaode saw him as a lifeline: "Officer, Tuoba Yan is our godson!"
Upon hearing this, Ah Jiu's forehead broke out in a sweat. Her father was too good at talking nonsense.
But looking at Zhang tou'er, his expression instantly softened.
"Oh? Your godson?"
"Indeed." Tuoba Yan smirked, looking less like someone investigating a case and more like someone out for a stroll.
Wait, Zhang tou'er? Ah Jiu looked closer at this Zhang tou'er. She remembered Xiao Yanyan saying on the carriage the other day that he was a subordinate of Zhang Liang'ai.
Could this person be Zhang Liang'ai?
"Oh, then there's nothing else to ask." Zhang Liang'ai cupped his hands towards Meng Shaode and said, "We've troubled you."
Meng Shaode flinched back half a step, startled. Who could have imagined this officer would suddenly treat refugees so courteously?
"No... no trouble, no trouble." Meng Shaode was somewhat flattered.
Ah Jiu was confused. Even if they lied and said their parents were Tuoba Yan's godparents, there was no need to be so polite, especially since Tuoba Yan was just a minor figure.
"Then, just a few routine questions." Zhang Liang'ai's tone became polite. "Did you see anyone suspicious last night? Especially any refugees coming from the direction of Menghua City."
Everyone shook their heads.
Ah Jiu shook her head like a rattle drum, glancing worriedly at Tuoba Yan, who was leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed.
To her surprise, he winked at her, a look of triumph on his face.
Ah Jiu quickly averted her gaze, afraid of revealing any flaws.
"If you haven't, then that's fine. You've heard about the recent events. Don't go out at night unless necessary. We will patrol regularly, and you must inform us if you encounter any suspicious individuals."
After speaking, Zhang Liang'ai cupped his hands in farewell and turned to leave.
"Safe travels, officer." Meng Shaode, still bewildered, politely saw them out.
After they left, he closed the door and finally breathed a sigh of relief, looking at Ah Jiu and Cai Lihua with confusion.
"Wow, Xiao Yanyan is truly remarkable. I never imagined he, a mere errand boy, could have such influence."
Ah Jiu had more than just this question. She had never seen anyone who, after committing murder, not only wasn't frightened but also happily mingled with the officials investigating their own case. She, Meng Jiuer, had never met anyone like that.
Moreover, as Zhang Liang'ai turned to leave, he bowed slightly as he passed Tuoba Yan. When did a superior officer show such politeness to a subordinate?
"Miss Ah Jiu, what are you looking at?"