Li Zhengxuan, the prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture, decided to reopen the court to re-examine the case of Zhang Ruoshu. He sat upright in the court, his eyes as sharp as torches, scanning the people in the court.

Zhang Wang, Big Zhang, Little Zhang and other people involved in the case were brought to the hall. The atmosphere was tense and solemn.

"Bring Da Zhang!" Li Zhengxuan gave an order, and Da Zhang was brought to the hall by the yamen runners.

Li Zhengxuan looked at Da Zhang and asked in a deep voice, "Da Zhang, do you know about the poisoning of the honey hawthorn?"

Mrs. Zhang remained calm and replied, "Your Excellency, I know nothing about this matter."

Li Zhengxuan frowned slightly and continued to ask, "Then why did you poison Zhang Ruoshu's honey hawthorn?"

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Zhang's expression changed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. "Sir, you misunderstood. I didn't poison it, and I didn't even know there was poison in the honey hawthorn."

Li Zhengxuan sneered, "You thought you were doing it perfectly, but you didn't realize that the law is so strict that nothing can escape it. We've already found evidence of poisoning. What else do you have to say?"

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Zhang's face turned pale. She said in a trembling voice, "Sir, I... I really didn't poison you. Please understand."

"Humph, still quibbling!" Li Zhengxuan slammed the gavel, "Call the witnesses!"

Following the summons from the yamen runner, a maid trembled as she entered the hall. She lowered her head and whispered, "Sir, I saw with my own eyes that the Madam put something into the honeyed hawthorns."

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Zhang's eyes widened in horror. "You...you're talking nonsense! I never did such a thing!"

"Shut up!" Li Zhengxuan shouted angrily, "The witness has already testified against you, what else do you have to say?"

Da Zhang's face was pale now, she knew she could no longer escape the blame. She slumped to the ground, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Li Zhengxuan looked at Da Zhang and felt a wave of sadness. He shook his head and said to the crowd, "The case has been solved. Da Zhang poisoned and murdered Zhang Ruoshu out of personal vendetta. Her crime is heinous. I will sentence her to death according to the law!"

Upon hearing this, the people in the hall began to discuss the matter. They expressed indignation at Da Zhang's crime and approval of the Jingzhao prefect's fair judgment.

Li Zhengxuan then turned to Zhang Wangshi, his tone much softer. "Zhang Wangshi, although Zhang Ruoshu's death was not caused by you, you are guilty of assault. Considering that you have surrendered yourself, I will give you a lighter sentence."

After hearing this, Zhang Wangshi burst into tears and choked up, saying, "Thank you, sir... I... I really regret it..."

Da Zhang sat on the ground with a deathly pale face. She knew that she had no way to escape and could not escape the death penalty.

In full view of everyone, she suddenly took out a small porcelain bottle from her bosom, quickly poured out a black pill, and swallowed it without hesitation.

"Oh no! She took poison!" shouted a sharp-eyed yamen runner.

There was an uproar in the hall, and Li Zhengxuan stood up in shock. He hurriedly ordered, "Quick! Call a doctor!"

However, it was too late.

Da Zhang's body began to twitch violently, black foam oozing from the corners of her mouth. Her eyes gradually became unfocused, finally settling into a state of despair and emptiness.

The doctor rushed over, but just shook his head and announced helplessly: "He is dead."

Li Zhengxuan sighed, feeling mixed emotions.

Although he was deeply indignant about Da Zhang's crimes, he couldn't help feeling sad when he saw her end her life in such a tragic way.

The crowd in the hall was silent, deeply shocked by the scene before them. Although Da Zhang deserved her punishment, her death still made people feel an inexplicable heaviness.

Li Zhengxuan slowly sat down and after a moment of contemplation, he said, "Properly dispose of Da Zhang's body. This case will come to an end."

Liang Fushan had been standing silently in the hall. Although he was not involved in the case, Zhang Ruoshu was his wife after all, and Da Zhang was also his grandmother. All this was a heavy blow to him.

At this moment, when he heard that Da Zhang had committed suicide by taking poison, a complex emotion flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

After Li Zhengxuan finished handling Da Zhang's funeral, he turned to Liang Fushan and said in a gentle tone: "Sir Liang, the case has been settled. You are not involved in the case. You can return home."

Liang Fushan bowed and said in a slightly hoarse voice, "Thank you, Lord Jingzhao Prefecture Governor, for your fair trial."

After saying this, he slowly walked out of the courtroom, looking somewhat lonely.

Back at home, Liang Fushan remained indoors, lost in thought. He knew that while he wasn't directly implicated in the crime, he couldn't escape the guilt of his poor family management. He decided to report to the court and request a transfer to a government post to atone for his sins.

A few days later, Liang Fushan's memorial was presented to His Majesty Li Longze's desk.

Li Longze unfolded the memorial and read it carefully, a thoughtful look on his face. He knew Liang Fushan's talent and ability very well, and he also understood his feelings at the moment.

After some consideration, Li Longze approved Liang Fushan's appointment as the prefect of Shaanxi and Ningxia, and sent him to serve as an official in a remote area. He believed that with Liang Fushan's talent and determination, he would be able to govern the people well, and it was also a kind of comfort to him.

Liang Fushan was overwhelmed with emotion when he received the letter of appointment. He understood that this was the emperor's trust and expectations of him. He vowed to live up to the trust and work hard for the welfare of the people to atone for his negligence in managing his family.

…

In the Xingyuan Marquis's mansion, Young Madam Jiang Shuxiu, after a long wait and an arduous pregnancy, finally gave birth to a baby boy. As the baby's resounding cry echoed through the mansion, the entire residence erupted in celebration.

At this happy moment, old lady Hong Yingrong was even more excited.

She quickly ordered the maid to prepare paper and pen, as she wanted to write a letter herself to inform her son Xue Yuanchu, who was far away at the border, of the good news.

The pen in Hong Yingrong's hand slid gently across the paper, and every word revealed her inner joy and expectation.

She described the birth scene of the baby in detail, praised her grandson's cuteness and health, and expressed her longing and expectation for Xue Yuanchu.

After writing the letter, Hong Yingrong checked it carefully again to make sure every word was correct.

Then, she solemnly handed the letter to the messenger in the mansion, and instructed him to deliver the letter to Xue Yuanchu as soon as possible.

The messenger took the letter, carefully placed it in his arms, and then galloped out on his horse, heading straight for the border. His heart was also filled with joy and anticipation, as he knew that this letter would be such important good news for Xue Yuanchu.

In the mansion of Marquis Xingyuan, Hong Yingrong stood at the window, gazing into the distance, silently praying in her heart that Xue Yuanchu could return safely, reunite with his family, and witness the growth and glory of this new life together.