Mu Jingrui and Old Lady Xiao have an appointment for seven days.
These seven days are actually enough for both parties to do a lot of things.
However, Mu Jingrui and Shangguan Wanning finally realized it a little late.
Mu Jingrui sent people to investigate some past events of the Zhonglie Marquis' Mansion. In the eyes of most people, the Xiao family was kind to others and was a prominent family that passed down loyalty and righteousness from generation to generation.
but……
After investigation, Mu Jingrui's men reported that a few months ago, a woman in red was indeed hanged in front of the gate of the Zhongliehou Mansion.
This incident caused quite a stir, with many different opinions, but in the end the government explained that the woman was just an ordinary person with a mental disorder and had nothing to do with the Xiao family.
As the investigation deepened, Mu Jingrui discovered that Xiao Yikai had committed more than one crime.
He was extremely lustful and had defiled countless decent women, especially the maids in the house, almost none of whom could escape his clutches.
However, the Xiao family was wealthy and could always use money and power to settle the matter. If they really encountered someone who refused to listen, they would kill him to silence him.
The so-called Xiao family will find a good home for the maid, but it is nothing more than finding someone to clean up Xiao Yikai's mess.
"Tomorrow is the seven-day deadline. I'm worried..." Shangguan Wanning sat down next to Mu Jingrui and said softly, "Old Lady Xiao won't hand over Xiao Yikai so easily."
Mu Jingrui was silent for a while and couldn't help shaking his head.
"I'm not worried that the Xiao family will use force, even though the Xiao family still controls the power to deploy troops in the surrounding area. What I fear most is..."
Mu Jingrui frowned and sighed deeply.
"Forget it, let me worry about these things." Mu Jingrui pulled Shangguan Wanning to sit on his lap and gently stroked her cheek, "Don't think about anything, trust me."
Shangguan Wanning smiled slightly and leaned on Mu Jingrui's shoulder.
The next morning, Mu Jingrui brought Shangguan Wanning and his trusted followers to the government office.
The prefect received the news in advance and also knew what Prince Zhennan and Marquis Zhonglie would do at the government office.
He was very nervous and in great torment, like an ant on a hot pan, and he didn't sleep well for several days and nights.
"Your subordinate greets His Majesty."
When the prefect saw Mu Jingrui come in, he hurried forward to greet him and knelt down to pay homage.
"Get up."
Mu Jingrui had just sat down in the upper seat when a group of maids and servants came in one after another.
Old Madam Xiao walked in with Xiao Wenyuan and Xiao Yikai. The prefect did not dare to be negligent and walked forward to greet them.
Xiao Yikai's gaze immediately fell on Shangguan Wanning.
This is simply a provocation to Mu Jingrui.
Mu Jingrui secretly clenched his fists, and his eyes became more sharp.
"The old lady is indeed a person of her word. Since Young Master Xiao has arrived, please invite the prefect to come to the court to hear the case."
"Ah?" The prefect swallowed in fear.
Although Xiao Yikai currently holds no official position, he is the only hereditary descendant of the Marquis of Zhonglie.
Sooner or later, he will kneel down when he sees Xiao Yikai.
"No need to trouble the prefect." Old Lady Xiao walked over slowly and stood in front of Mu Jingrui.
The two men looked at each other, but Mu Jingrui was still sitting in his seat, with no intention of standing up to give way.
If it were seven days ago, Mu Jingrui would have stood up and given way because of Old Lady Xiao's advanced age and the fact that her family is full of loyal and brave people.
But now, Mu Jingrui has seen the true face of Old Madam Xiao and has completely lost his respect for her.
Seeing Mu Jingrui's firm attitude, Old Lady Xiao's face darkened.
Even if Mu Jingrui's title is higher than that of the Marquis of Zhonglie, he cannot be so arrogant and completely ignore her.
"Hmph, it seems... the Mu family's education is still lacking." Old Lady Xiao expressed her dissatisfaction.
Shangguan Wanning snorted softly.
"If the old lady thinks that the actions of her descendants can be regarded as good family education, then the Mu family really can't catch up even if they rush at full speed."
Old Madam Xiao looked towards Shangguan Wanning.
This girl has a very sharp mouth.
Mu Jingrui looked at Shangguan Wanning and gave her a doting look.
"Since Old Lady Xiao also thinks the case doesn't need to be tried, then..." Mu Jingrui's expression turned cold, "Someone, arrest Xiao Yikai."
"Wait." Old Lady Xiao knocked the ground with her dragon-headed cane and snorted heavily, "Let's see who dares to touch my grandson."
After saying that, Xiao Wenyuan carefully took out a letter from his sleeve and handed it to Mu Jingrui.
"Your Majesty, please read this letter first. Then make a decision."
Mu Jingrui suddenly had a bad feeling.
He hesitated slightly, took the letter and opened it, and the familiar handwriting came into his eyes.
Shangguan Wanning saw that Mu Jingrui's face was becoming increasingly ugly, and she had already guessed about 70% of what was going on.
"Well, my lord, if you have nothing else to do, we're going back."
Xiao Yikai walked up to Mu Jingrui arrogantly, bent down, and said in a low voice: "I think... we will meet again in the future."
After saying this, he ignored everyone else, gently waved his folding fan, and swaggered out of the government office.
Old Madam Xiao and Xiao Wenyuan also had smug looks on their faces, and they all left without any guilt.
The prefect was a little dazed. After a long while, he came back to his senses. He turned around and looked at the silent Mu Jingrui, and asked tentatively: "Your Highness...it's getting late. I'll prepare some wine and food for you?"
Mu Jingrui glared at the prefect fiercely, took Shangguan Wanning's hand and walked out.
"Is it the emperor's personal letter?" Shangguan Wanning asked in a low voice.
Mu Jingrui nodded helplessly and handed the letter to Shangguan Wanning.
Shangguan Wanning opened it and read it quickly.
In the letter, Xiao Yujue repeatedly told Mu Jingrui not to conflict with the Zhonglie Marquis's Mansion for the time being. Those detained concubines were regarded as rewards for Xiao Yikai.
Shangguan Wanning never imagined that Old Lady Xiao would have the courage to take the initiative to inform Xiao Yujue of the matter, and even shamelessly ask Xiao Yujue for those concubines.
"It's really lawless." Shangguan Wanning was so angry that her face turned blue. "Does it mean that those girls who were abused by Xiao Yikai can only die in vain?"
Mu Jingrui was also very unwilling, but Xiao Yujue had already made the decision and no one could disobey.
"Forget it, Ning'er, don't be too angry. Let's think of another way."
Mu Jingrui felt that although Xiao Yujue gave the concubine to Xiao Yikai, it was probably a helpless move. Otherwise, he would not have informed him in the form of a letter.
When the two of them walked out of the government office together, they saw a crowd of people not far ahead, so they immediately walked over.
The guards pushed the crowd aside for them, and Shangguan Wanning saw the middle-aged man who had complained to them about his grievances and wanted to seek justice for his daughter, now lying in the middle of the road covered in blood.
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