Chapter 39 Taking the Blame

The spring chill still lingered in the courtyard, and the newly sprouted buds trembled slightly in the breeze. A servant, carrying a newly arrived letter, shrunk his neck as he hurried across the courtyard.

At this moment, in the study of Lu Mansion.

Lu Zhong looked at the contents of the letter, his face pale.

He had a bad feeling after hearing the news of the incident at the Yongning Street residence, and now this letter had completely confirmed his worst suspicions.

He took a deep breath, slowly folded the letter, and stuffed it back into the envelope.

"Master, the young master is here."

There was a knock on the door from outside.

"Come in."

Lu Zhong's voice was hoarse, and he tried his best to keep it steady.

The door was pushed open with a creaky sound, Lu Ming walked in quickly and closed the door with his backhand.

"Father, what did the Li family say?" Lu Ming asked anxiously. He had been studying in his study this morning and only learned about this from his servants at noon. Such a big thing had happened, and his father hadn't even told him!

Lawrence Lu looked at his son silently with a complicated look in his eyes.

Lu Ming took two steps forward, his eyes falling on the letter in his father's hand. His heart tightened, "Is the Li family going to let my father take the blame?"

Lawrence Lu’s eyes darkened: “Things have come to this point, someone has to give an explanation.”

"Why should they let my father bear this guilt?" Lu Ming said angrily, "Is my father going to let others take advantage of him like this?"

"What else?" Lu Zhong suddenly raised his voice, and the suppressed emotions finally broke out. "If you hadn't been too close to Prince Su and the Li Party hadn't caught hold of you, why would we be forced to do those heinous things? We were responsible for exterminating families and kidnapping people. Even if we don't admit it, they still have a way to point the case to us. Instead of struggling fearlessly, it's better to confess. This way, at least you and your mother can have a way to live."

"master!"

There was another knock on the study door, and the steward's voice was filled with panic: "The officials from the government office are here and say... that you need to come over immediately."

Everyone knew that the government office was currently hearing the case of the second son of the Li family abducting a woman. Calling for help at this time was definitely not a good thing.

Lawrence Lu stood up, his eyes red: "The second son of the Li family said in the letter that he would take care of you, but you can't believe it. When the storm is over, you will take your mother away from the capital."

"Father! I won't leave! This is clearly their fault..."

"Shut up!" Lawrence Lu interrupted harshly, but softened his tone when he saw his son's red eyes, "Remember, this letter must be burned."

After saying that, he struggled to break free from his son's hand and walked out without looking back.

Lu Ming stood there in a daze, the letter in his hand crumpled into a ball. Outside the window came the impatient urging of the official and the sound of his father's receding footsteps.

He suddenly went crazy and swept the tea set on the table to the ground. The porcelain was broken into pieces, and his heart was broken into pieces too.

…

Inside the Tingyun cottage.

Ruyue came in quickly from outside with a cheerful tone.

“Sir, Lawrence Lu was really taken away by the officials!”

Earlier, when the officials first went to the Lu family, she reported the news to the adults, and the adults made such speculations.

Song Qianzhao pondered in his heart.

I'm afraid that Lu Zhong will never come back after he leaves.

Lu Zhongben was also involved in the affairs of Zhao Tinglan and Wang Mingfu, so he is not innocent. He deserves such a fate.

Li Linan actually wanted to use other people's mistakes to exonerate himself. He was really scheming.

"Kiragi—"

"I'm here."

"Send more people to keep a close eye on the movements of the government office and report any news immediately." Song Qianzhao ordered.

Ruyue replied yes, turned around and left quickly.

As dusk fell, the crowd outside the yamen grew larger and larger. Those in the front row, desperate to get a good seat to watch the action, even skipped dinner and waited there, terrified that if they turned around, they would be unable to squeeze in again.

The capital city is always full of new things, but it's rare to see such a lively scene as today. First, the second son of the Li family was identified in court, and then Lord Lu was also suspected.

The servants of that house had already confessed, insisting that their master was Lord Lu and that everything was ordered by Lord Lu. As for the second son of the Li family? He shook his head like a rattle, saying that he had never seen him and didn't know him at all.

The officer returned and presented a wooden box.

"Sir, this is evidence found in the Yongning Street residence. After comparison, the handwriting in the letter is an exact match to Lord Lu's handwriting."

He Jizhong took the wooden box and examined it carefully.

Lu Zhong, who was sitting in the hall, glanced at Li Lin'an and felt terrified.

The house on Yongning Street had long been sealed, so these letters couldn't have been put there later. It seemed the other party had a plan in place, hiding the incriminating evidence. Such meticulous planning was terrifying to contemplate.

At this time, another officer returned.

"Sir, the Ministry of Revenue has confirmed that this house is indeed the private property of Lord Lu."

Then he handed over a book.

After flipping through it, He Jizhong looked up and asked, "Master Lu, do you have anything to say?"

Lu Zhong fell to his knees and said, "I am obsessed with the devil. I am ashamed of the court and the grace of the emperor."

This is clearly an admission of guilt.

He Jizhong continued to ask, "Does Li Linan know about this? Is he in cahoots with you?"

Lu Zhong shook his head: "This is something I did alone."

The hall erupted in excitement. "Oh my goodness! After all this commotion, it was actually Lord Lu who did it? Wasn't that the second son of the Li family who was wrongly accused?"

But if that’s the case, why did Miss Zhao still want to sue Mr. Li Er?

Everyone's eyes were once again fixed on Zhao Tinglan.

She sneered and said, "I know who harmed me. Is the victim's testimony inferior to evidence that can be fabricated at will?"

Hearing this, Lu Zhong hesitated for a moment and then spoke again: "Miss Zhao has long been unconscious and often talks nonsense. I once heard her say that she has been in love with Mr. Li Er for a long time."

As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar in the hall.

"So she's in love with Mr. Li Er!"

"I'm afraid she's gone mad. Seeing that her face is ruined and her innocence is gone, and she's no longer worthy of the Second Young Master Li, she wants to drag the people she admires down to hell with her!"

"Tsk tsk, look at her attitude, she speaks and acts with such ruthlessness. It's really unlucky for Mr. Li to be liked by such a person!"

Zhao Tinglan's clenched hands trembled uncontrollably as she listened to these heart-wrenching words. The half-day trial had already drained her of her energy, and this situation now left her even more exhausted, both physically and mentally.

"How can Lord Lu determine whether I am crazy or not with just a few words? Besides, Lord Lu and I have never met before."

"Miss Zhao, why did you have to drag others into this and speak nonsense in court?" He sighed, "This is my fault. I didn't mean to say such embarrassing things in public..."

As he spoke, Lawrence Lu kowtowed again, “If Lord He doesn’t believe what I said, you can ask someone to check Miss Zhao’s waist and abdomen. There is a round birthmark there.”

He Jizhong's expression changed slightly. Revealing a woman's private parts in public was tantamount to secondary harm. But during the trial, this was a necessary confrontation, so he couldn't say anything.

Zhao Tinglan suppressed the anger surging in his heart.

This is really going to drive her crazy!

If she lost her composure at this moment, the stigma of "mad woman" would never be cleared away.

"Miss Zhao..." He Jizhong gave her an inquiring look.

This "evidence" itself does not mean anything. Whether it is verified or not depends entirely on the wishes of the parties involved.

"Your Excellency, there is no need to check."

Zhao Tinglan forced herself to sit up straight. "I do have a birthmark on my waist and abdomen. Li Lin'an did abuse me. Since Lord Lu wanted to take the blame for someone else, it's not surprising that he was told these details."

The more the other party wants to see her go crazy, the more she should remain calm.

Instead, she should thank the other party for reminding her of an important clue.

"Li Xiuzhuan, do you still remember the bite mark I left on your left arm when you assaulted me three days ago?"

Zhao Tinglan stared at Li Linan with sharp eyes.

Although her hands and feet were restrained at the time, she fought back desperately. The bite was very deep, and the scar must have not disappeared even after three days.

A strange look flashed in Li Lin'an's eyes.

He Jizhong asked, "Mr. Li, could you please roll up your sleeves to verify the truth?"

Li Linan hesitated for a moment. This subtle change in expression didn't escape Zhao Tinglan's eyes, and she couldn't help but hold her breath.

Under the scorching gazes of the crowd, Li Lin'an slowly rolled up his sleeves. His arms were white and smooth, and several scars of varying sizes, coated with ointment, were clearly visible on the inside.

"Second Master Li, these scars..." He Jizhong said.

Anyone with a discerning eye could see that these were definitely not bite marks.

"Your Excellency," Li Lin'an said calmly, "A few days ago, I and my colleagues were sorting ancient books in the Hanlin Academy when we accidentally knocked over a candlestick. To protect the books, I desperately put out the flames with my sleeve, resulting in several burns."

Zhao Tinglan's pupils trembled slightly. She had just remembered this detail. She didn't expect that the other party had been prepared in advance and had calculated everything so perfectly.

He had pretended to hesitate just now, clearly teasing her! Just like a hunter teasing his prey, enjoying her reaction.

"That day, all my colleagues from the Hanlin Academy were present, and the imperial physician also came to treat me. If you have any doubts, you can summon them to verify."

"I will send someone to verify it myself."

But seeing his expression of such conviction, whether he investigated or not, the outcome was already clear. At this point in the case, even with Lu Zhong's confession, the testimony contradicted Miss Zhao's, so it was impossible to close the case. But officials should enforce the law impartially, so how could they favor either side?

However, judging from the current testimony, Lu Zhong's words are more credible. If Miss Zhao wants to accuse Li Lin'an, she will probably have to produce more powerful evidence.

"Sir! This man has committed a grave sin!" Zhao Tinglan saw that the case was about to be concluded and could no longer hold himself back. He stood up suddenly and said, "Is it more than just me who was victimized? Back then..."

Before she could finish her words, she met that teasing gaze, and she froze in place as if struck by lightning. She swayed several times before finally slumping back onto the stool.

Cannot...

She has no evidence at all.

If she acted impulsively at this moment, not only would it not help, but it would only solidify her reputation as a "madwoman." Then everyone would think she was talking nonsense and no one would believe her anymore!

This way, there was truly no way to save the situation. She absolutely could not fall into Li Linan's trap and let him get away with it!

"Miss Zhao, do you have any other witnesses?" He Jizhong asked.

Zhao Tinglan's injury caused beads of sweat to appear on his forehead, and his voice sounded a little weak.

"I am unable to give you the details at this moment. I beg you to give me a few days to sort out the clues."

She must not give up at this point. The only way she can delay time is to plan a countermeasure.

He Jizhong nodded. The case was still unclear, so he would wait for retrial.

But if Miss Zhao still cannot produce conclusive evidence during the retrial, he will have no choice but to make a judgment according to the law.

He gestured with his head to assign two officers to "escort" Li Lin'an back to his residence. While the case was pending, these two officers would follow Li Lin'an closely.

This is the rule. Li Linan, who was always gentle, polite and courteous, showed no sign of displeasure.

Only after the elegant figure calmly stepped out of the yamen did Zhao Tinglan slowly loosen his clenched fists.

The news that the trial had come to a temporary end spread like wildfire.

After a night of fermentation, the incident had become the hottest topic in the capital. It was said that Zhao Tinglan had failed to produce conclusive evidence against the Second Young Master Li in court, and instead, the newly promoted Minister of Revenue, Lord Lu, had confessed his guilt in the face of irrefutable evidence.

Logically, the case should have ended there. However, Zhao Tinglan insisted that it was the Second Young Master Li who did it, and that Lord Lu was merely a scapegoat. The authorities had no choice but to announce a retrial in five days.

Thus, the public opinion had changed. However, this change was not complete - with the Li family secretly fanning the flames, the negative impact of this incident on the Li family could not be completely eliminated.

Those old foxes in the officialdom knew this all too well. When the children of officials got into trouble, it was perfectly normal for them to find a scapegoat to take the blame.

Li Shufeng scoffed at these idle talks. In his opinion, these villains who only dared to gossip behind people's backs were not worth mentioning at all.

But there was one person's attitude that he had to take to heart.

After the morning court session today, the Emperor summoned him to Chongming Palace to inquire about the matter. Although the Emperor wasn't furious, he was clearly displeased and ordered him to quell the situation as quickly as possible.

Upon returning home, Li Shufeng immediately changed his clothes and urgently summoned his staff to his study for a meeting. While the situation was currently under control, he could not relax his efforts in the follow-up response. He particularly needed to identify the mastermind behind the incident as quickly as possible to prevent future trouble.

Soon, a carriage quietly stopped at the back door of the government office.

A woman dressed as a maid got out of the carriage and whispered a few words to the gatekeeper, offering him the full reward. The gatekeeper looked at the carriage hesitantly, but eventually turned back and went inside to pass on the message.

Zhao Tinglan was placed in a small courtyard in the back court.

After taking the medicine, she handed the bowl to the waitress and said, "Thank you, auntie."

The old woman sighed inwardly and retreated. In her opinion, Miss Zhao was very clear-headed, and it was those who took advantage of their power to bully others and help take the blame who had truly lost their consciences.

Not long after, the old woman came back and said, "Miss, the second young lady of the Li family wants to see you."

Zhao Tinglan's brow furrowed slightly. She was about to refuse, thinking the other party's intentions were self-evident and not worth wasting words on. But on second thought, she nodded and said, "Please let her in."

Perhaps we can get some clues from the second young lady.

"Young lady, be careful," the old woman warned in a low voice, "I heard that this girl is pregnant and almost had a miscarriage a few days ago."

She has been working in the yamen for so many years. What kind of strange cases and gossips about family life has she not heard of?