Re-examination (Revision)
Judging by the timeline, my maternal grandfather, who is now far away in Hecheng, must already know about this.
My maternal grandfather is quite old and has stopped getting involved in politics in recent years. If he were to suddenly receive this bad news, he would surely be extremely anxious, and things in Hecheng would probably already be in chaos.
Regardless of how Liang Si's case initially arose, it has now reached a point where a single move could have far-reaching consequences.
This was not only a matter of life and death for him, but also a crucial event affecting the Lin and Dou families, as well as the Liang family in Hecheng.
Therefore, even though she had exhausted all methods to investigate, she still could not let her guard down unless absolutely necessary.
She had been thirsty for a long time, and slowly drank the tea in her cup. Then she fumbled to take out the handkerchief hidden in her sleeve.
The touch of blue-purple adorning the brocade shone even more brilliantly under the glow of the candlelight in the room.
She gently caressed the flower petal with her fingertips, and smiled at Zhu Ling:
"Although you have never seen this flower before, you have embroidered it very well."
The rosemary flower has five petals. Burning it can ward off evil spirits and drive away ghosts. Apart from the leaves, you can put them in a bag and wear them. The fragrance is very strong. It has no other uses.
After being introduced from the Western Regions, it was sought after by people of several generations. However, today, it has long been abandoned by the people of Dayu who admire elegance and love simple and elegant flowers. Only a very small number of people in the southern coastal areas still use it as a decorative item for sachets.
The incident happened so suddenly that she didn't have time to search for the real Mystery, and could only have Zhuling embroider it according to the description in the medical book.
The patterns were merely imitations and not refined enough; her sole purpose was to ensure that the most expensive and unique silk threads were used for embroidery, and to ensure that the vibrant colors were dazzling enough.
Even a fleeting glance was enough to deceive Qin Ziyuan with that color, disturbing his mind and plunging him into boundless fear.
.
That night, Niu Wenyuan finished processing the case files at the yamen and it was already late. Still sleepy, he casually took the overcoat handed to him by his servant and put it on. Just as he was about to leave, he saw that the servant, who was bowing, remained motionless and still waiting in the same spot.
A hint of displeasure flashed across Niu Wenyuan's face immediately, and he asked in a deep voice:
"Is he/she new on duty?"
The servant, already hunched over, trembled at the sound and said in a slightly shaking voice, "Sir..."
Niu Wenyuan has always been known for his volatile temper, and his reputation as "Niu Yama" has long been renowned throughout Mujing. This reputation is well-deserved, and the minor officials and servants who accompany him are all on edge, fearing that they might anger Yama.
He immediately puffed out his beard and scolded:
"You scoundrel, where did you learn such manners? Is this how you work now? Speak your mind!"
The servant's forehead glistened with sweat in the dim moonlight, and he quickly begged for mercy in a low voice:
"I deserve to die... I beg your forgiveness, sir, but I just received orders..."
Niu Wenyuan was quick-tempered and couldn't stand people speaking haltingly. Just as he was about to explode, he heard a clear male voice behind him:
"Lord Niu, please don't take offense. This servant was only acting on my orders to ask you to stay. Perhaps I didn't explain myself clearly, which led to your misunderstanding. I should apologize to you, Lord Niu, both out of courtesy and reason."
Niu Wenyuan froze, then quickly turned around and saw what appeared to be a tall, thin figure under the bright moonlight.
Under the clear breeze and bright moon, the man had long since shed his official robes, his light blue long gown fluttering even more gracefully in the breeze. His sharply defined face and refined features, along with the willow branches swaying gently in the wind beside him, made him seem like a figure from a painting shrouded in mist.
He dared not be negligent, and immediately put on a smile, cupped his hands in greeting, and said:
"So it is indeed the Imperial Censor. I am unworthy of such a title. I hope Lord Jiang will not blame me for my negligence."
Jiang Heng slowly curved his lips into a smile, returned the greeting with a cupped hand, and smiled serenely.
"Lord Niu, there is no need for such modesty. It makes me feel ashamed. Just call me Wuqiao."
He paused, then continued:
"I've heard that Lord Niu's family has a chef from the Northern Plains, whose cooking of Northern Plains dishes is absolutely superb. I wonder if I, Jiang, will have the pleasure of tasting them today?"
Although Niu Wenyuan and Jiang Heng were not very familiar with each other, they were now in charge of the same case, so he did not refuse.
The two got into their sedan chairs. The alley was empty and there was no congestion in the middle of the night. Before long, they arrived at the Niu family’s residence in the southern part of Mujing.
Since distinguished guests had arrived, and it was already late at night, the servants of the Niu family, who were always quite well-mannered, naturally dared not be negligent. So, before long, fine wine, delicious food, and fragrant, still steaming, local specialties from the Northern Plains were all prepared and presented to the front hall where Jiang Heng and Niu Wenyuan were.
Jiang Heng took a sip of the Golden Spring water; it was indeed refreshingly cool, and he couldn't help but praise it:
"Such fine wine! Indeed, only Lord Niu in the whole city can enjoy it here. Tonight has truly been a worthwhile trip."
Although Jiang Heng was young, he was quite experienced in dealing with people and things, and his actions were meticulous and flawless.
Niu Wenyuan already harbored resentment and didn't understand why Jiang Heng had come today, so he couldn't help but have more doubts. However, seeing that Jiang Heng was still relaxed after eating and drinking his fill, he couldn't help but become more and more uneasy.
Jiang Heng is currently a third-rank Imperial Censor, a young and promising official whose position and future prospects far surpass mine.
Moreover, he held significant power of oversight and impeachment, and there were many rumors that he had been favored by Emperor Su since the palace examination, and that he had not formed any close factions since entering officialdom, seemingly a proud and upright pillar personally cultivated by Emperor Su.
Niu Wenyuan didn't pay much attention to these rumors. He was focused on judging cases and rarely dealt with the Censorate. What he heard were mostly stories of which senior officials were impeached by the Censorate for failing in their duties, and which major cases were piled up in the Ministry of Justice but were taken away by the Censorate.
Apart from that, there was no other connection between the two. Although the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate both had jurisdiction over major cases, in recent years they had almost just been performing their respective duties and there had been no significant conflicts.
Jiang Heng's sudden visit today could not be explained by any other reason other than the sensational case he was currently handling.
Niu Wenyuan finally raised his wine glass, offered a toast, and said in a low voice:
"Lord Jiang's visit so late at night must be more than just asking me for a drink. Forgive my ignorance, but I humbly request your clarification."
As Jiang Heng picked up a crispy fried yellow croaker from the plate, his chopsticks paused, and the faint smile on his face deepened.
"After a few cups of wine, I feel warm all over," Jiang Heng said, putting the golden-brown crispy fish into his mouth and closing his eyes. "This crispy fish is also fragrant and delicious. No wonder the chef in Lord Niu's household is renowned throughout the capital. I must thank you for your hospitality today."
Jiang Heng smoothed the slightly wrinkled hem of his robe and stood up. He had only worn a light blue soft satin robe when he arrived, which, although warm during the day in early spring, seemed particularly thin at night and was not enough to keep him warm.
A cool breeze drifted in through the half-open window, causing Jiang Heng to cough a few times. He pulled a clean, plain-colored handkerchief from his sleeve, gently covered his mouth and nose, then cupped his hands in a gesture of apology to Niu Wenyuan, and said with a smile:
"Thank you for your hospitality tonight, Lord Niu. It is late and the dew is heavy, so I will not disturb you any longer. Please rest in peace, Lord Niu. I will take my leave at Wuqiao Bridge."
Niu Wenyuan was completely bewildered, but seeing Jiang Heng hurrying along, he had no choice but to politely see him off to the gate.
As Jiang Heng's sedan chair gradually disappeared into the night at the alley entrance, Niu Wenyuan heard a low voice coming from behind him.
"My lord, Lord Jiang just left something behind..."
Niu Wenyuan turned around in astonishment, and the servant's voice gradually lowered.
"It's an unsealed letter..."
.
Three days later, it was time for the retrial of Liang Zhengyuan's case.
Lin Xu did not sleep well all night and sat up early, watching the thin moonlight slowly fall outside the window, while the red sun hidden in the layers of clouds and mist did not appear for a long time.
In less than a few hours, the moment of life or death for Liang Zhengyuan will be decided.
After days of preparation, today... all the efforts she has put in will finally be put to the test...
She was filled with sorrow and couldn't help but sigh deeply.
Rongwei gracefully approached, carrying tea and snacks. Seeing that she was restless, she brought over the freshly brewed tea while gently advising her:
"Madam, the young master is blessed by the heavens, and with your and the master's secret assistance, today will surely be peaceful and smooth."
Lin Xu looked back and saw that the right side of the bed behind the gauze curtain was empty, without a trace. She had woken up before dawn, but there was no sign of Dou Yanxun beside her.
It was as if he hadn't returned all night.
She had been busy with Liang Si's matter for many days and was exhausted both physically and mentally. Thinking about it carefully, she realized that she hadn't had a proper conversation with Dou Yanxun for many days.
The only time they could be considered intimate was when she tearfully nestled in his arms, sobbing softly about her worries about Liang Si.
At that moment, Dou Yanxun remained silent, simply listening to her sobs. Then, he gradually pulled her into his arms, letting her tears soak his shoulders and neck.
She still remembered the faint scent of cedar on him, as always, a pleasant and comforting aroma.
His body temperature was not warm, but rather slightly cool, while his arms were exceptionally strong, as if they could bear anything.
She hadn't felt that way in a long time. It was as if she was no longer alone, but had someone by her side to weather the storm, no matter how difficult the road ahead.
After a long while, she finally heard his voice coming from above her head, steady with a slight tremor that was easily overlooked.
"Xuxu, don't be afraid."
"Xuxu, I will help you get through this difficult time."
She stared at the half-empty bed for a long time, unable to come back to her senses.
Seeing her wistful expression, Rongwei assumed it was due to disappointment, and softly continued:
"Second Master got up early this morning. Afraid of disturbing you, he reviewed some official documents in his study and then went out. He should be back by evening."
"...Did he leave any message?"
Rongwei shook her head.
"Perhaps the master left in a hurry and did not say anything."
Seeing that Lin Xu's eyes dimmed considerably upon hearing this, Rong Wei perhaps thought of something and continued:
“This morning, Nongyu was on duty in the study. I didn’t go there, so perhaps Second Master instructed Nongyu without my knowledge. Would you like me to call Nongyu over, Madam?”
She put down her teacup; it was already late, and Liang Si was still in prison awaiting trial, his life hanging in the balance.
It's time to get going.
A sedan chair was already prepared and waiting in front of the mansion gate. Zhou Qi, with a knife at his waist, was pacing back and forth with his arms crossed. When he saw her coming, Zhou Qi strode forward and clasped his hands in a salute.
With their former master in danger, loyal servants Zhou Qi and Zhou Quan were naturally extremely anxious. Zhou Qi's face was pale, and his eye sockets were sunken from not having slept well for a long time. His already stern face was now covered with stubble.
If Lin Xu hadn't been familiar with him, she might have been frightened by his face if she had just bumped into him on the street.
As she bent down to get into the sedan chair, Zhou Qi whispered:
"The Second Young Master and the Third Young Master have already given us a reply. They said that during today's trial, they will have people mixed in with the onlookers. They have already made the arrangements and will act according to the circumstances."
Lin Xu gazed quietly from behind the sedan curtain at that now exceptionally weathered face. After a long while, he lowered his eyelashes and nodded gently.
Outside the sedan curtain, Zhou Qi raised his head and glanced at the red sun breaking through the clouds. His bloodshot eyes slowly closed, and he clenched his fists without making a sound.
All preparations have been made, and today is the day to clear Liang Zhengyuan's name. If it succeeds, all will be well; but if, by some chance, all our efforts are in vain...
Then naturally someone will pay for the Liang family's lives!
He and Zhou Quan had been ordered to follow Liang Zhengyuan to the death since childhood, and were the Fourth Master's loyal followers. Now that the Fourth Master had been unjustly wronged and imprisoned, how could they not avenge him! Naturally, they would pay for the blood debt in blood!
.
The Princess's Residence.
Inside the layered, flowing crimson gauze curtains, Liao Yan leaned against a daybed by the window, her moon-white dress simple and serene, her long hair tied up with only a plain hairpin.
Outside the window, willows drooped like silk, gently brushing against the green water. The warm morning light shone into the palace, but it could not dispel the slightest chill between her brows.
Liao Yan slowly brushed his fingertips across the table beside him, his gaze unusually deep and cold.
Six days later, the willow leaves had already sprouted new buds, while she had been imprisoned in her boudoir by her mother for a full six days.
These days, she was forced to cut off all contact with the outside world and knew nothing about Liang Zhengyuan's safety. Although she was extremely anxious, the area was heavily guarded, with the Princess's spies everywhere, leaving her with no chance of escape.
The mother... clearly spared no effort to sever all ties with this case.
But without her, how could Lin Xu, all alone and weak, possibly turn the tide?
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