“All personnel, immediately conduct a thorough investigation of the Zhen family. Dig three feet into the ground if you must, but you must find the lock that matches this key!” Robert Lincoln gave the order at once, and the people from the Ministry of Justice and the Imperial Capital Guards sprang into action with great efficiency.

The Zhen family’s residence wasn’t large, and the group spread out inside and out, searching every inch. Even after the moon had risen high into the night, they found nothing.

Henry Howard said, “Captain Lincoln, it seems unlikely we’ll find anything tonight. My men still have to patrol the streets day and night. Why not let them go back and rest early? Tomorrow, you can gather the Ministry’s best and search again?”

Although Robert Lincoln was reluctant, the Imperial Capital Guards weren’t directly under her command, and the search had indeed hit a dead end. She could only reply, “Alright, then seal everything here, and tomorrow I’ll ask the officers to send more people.”

“Sigh.” George Lambert let out a sigh.

It seemed that catching the culprit soon and clearing the brothers’ names wouldn’t be so easy after all.

“Sigh.” John Brooks looked over at Robert Lincoln and sighed as well.

“What’s wrong with you?” George Lambert asked.

“I fell in love with Miss Lincoln at first sight, but she barely pays me any attention. I’m really troubled,” John Brooks shook his head and sighed.

“Oh, come on, just a few days ago you said you fell in love with Miss Warren at first sight,” George Lambert said, not bothering to humor him.

“That’s right.” John Brooks turned his head and added, “If I could marry Miss Warren in this life, I’d gladly accept a promotion and a noble title too.”

“Why do you always want to have your cake and eat it too?” George Lambert was speechless.

Good grief.

It’s really late now, and he’s already off in his fantasies.

“I once heard a saying: ‘Lust is the first trial for young men.’” John Brooks said with feeling, “Right now, I’m facing that very trial. Whenever I see a beautiful woman, I can’t help but fall for her. I hope I can overcome it soon.”

“I’ve also heard a saying: ‘Men remain boys until death.’ I’m afraid you’ll never get past this trial in your whole life,” George Lambert said mercilessly.

“Huh?” John Brooks immediately looked utterly hopeless.

As they spoke, George Lambert looked around and asked, “Where’s David Clark?”

Just now, he’d been focused on solving the case and only now realized he hadn’t seen Daniel Parker at all.

“There.” John Brooks pointed to a shadow by the wall. “He’s been slacking off there ever since we came in.”

George Lambert walked over and saw David Clark standing in the shadows, his forehead resting against the wall, dozing off. His black Imperial Guard uniform blended so well with the night that he was hard to spot.

“David Clark!” George Lambert called out. Seeing he didn’t move, he lowered his voice and whispered, “Midnight snack is braised pork, alright? Isn’t that too greasy?”

“Not at all!” Daniel Parker’s ears perked up instantly. His eyes were still closed, but he mumbled, “Braised pork is my favorite.”

When he realized where he was—still inside the crime scene—he immediately looked disappointed. “George, why did you trick me?”

“It was the only way to wake you up. We’re about to wrap up, so stop sleeping,” George Lambert laughed. “Honestly, slacking off right in front of the Ministry’s people—aren’t you afraid Mr. Howard will scold you?”

“Heh, I’ve used this trick plenty of times. On night missions, I just nap facing the wall. Our uniforms are the same color as the wall—no one’s ever caught me,” Daniel Parker said proudly.

“You really are a little genius,” John Brooks teased.

Hearing this, George Lambert was about to laugh too, but for some reason, something struck him, and his eyes suddenly lit up!

He looked at David Clark and said sincerely, “That’s right, David Clark, you really are a genius!”

……

Meanwhile, Robert Lincoln was instructing the Ministry’s people to wrap up. “That’s all for today. Seal up everything here and don’t leave anything behind.”

Her expression looked a bit dejected.

After all, although there had been some progress today, they still hadn’t found the real culprit or uncovered any big hidden secrets.

She had only recently been promoted and was the least experienced among the Ministry’s captains. Today, she just happened to be on duty and took charge of such a major case for the first time. If she solved it, she’d make a name for herself; if it dragged on until tomorrow, the case might not even be hers anymore.

With things ending like this, it was inevitable for a rookie captain to feel a bit disappointed.

Henry Howard was also calling the brothers from the Fukung Ward station to assemble. Just as everyone was lining up, three people suddenly ran over from the wall. At the front, George Lambert shouted, “Wait! I think I’ve figured out where Zhen’s secret is hidden!”

“Hm?”

The disappointment in Robert Lincoln’s eyes was instantly replaced by excitement. Looking over, she saw it was the same guard as before.

George Lambert.

Him again.

At this moment, in Robert Lincoln’s eyes, George Lambert seemed to be shining all over.

“Oh? You found it?” Henry Howard was equally delighted.

The Imperial Capital Guards had always been looked down upon by the Ministry, seen as muscleheads who couldn’t solve cases and only did grunt work. Today, George Lambert had repeatedly shown his smarts, really bringing honor to the Fukung Ward station.

“Not yet, but I have a theory.” George Lambert strode straight back into the study. “Everyone, come with me.”