Deng Shen nodded and said with certainty, "That's right. That's exactly what the deceased's son accused Miss Cao of, so it's highly credible."
Jiang Huaiyu couldn't help but chuckle, saying sarcastically, "Miss Cao is just a weak woman who can't even kill a chicken. How could she possibly knock down a grown man? It's truly unbelievable."
Deng Shen was also puzzled. He scratched his head and explained, "However, many residents of Wusu Ancient Town witnessed the scene when Miss Cao took action, so she cannot deny it."
"So, did those witnesses see that uncle die on the spot?"
"No, that's not true. It's said that after that uncle was carried home, he lay in bed for two days before passing away."
Yingxiang also sensed something amiss and frowned, saying, "Since she didn't die immediately, how can we blame Miss Cao for her death?"
Deng Shen replied, "I also find this matter strange, but that person has already passed away. Apart from being beaten by Miss Cao, there is no other cause of death, so Miss Cao naturally becomes the culprit."
After pondering for a long time, Jiang Huaiyu suddenly made up his mind: "The truth may only be revealed by asking Miss Cao in person. I must see her."
Since the authorities have not yet made a judgment, there are indeed many doubts in this case, and Miss Cao is most likely innocent. Jiang Huaiyu is determined to find a way to clear her name.
Upon hearing these words, a shadow fell over Deng Shen's face.
“Madam, the jailer I bribed could only confirm that Miss Cao is indeed imprisoned in the death row. I asked if I could visit her, but he told me that prisoners in the death row are not allowed to be visited by anyone, not even with bribes…”
Ling Mo sighed softly to himself; this was also why he hadn't told Jiang Huaiyu directly from the beginning. Although the case was shrouded in mystery, saving Miss Cao remained a thorny path.
Jiang Huaiyu frowned, quickly calculating various possible countermeasures in his mind.
"If the prison guards are powerless, what about the warden? We'll spare no expense, no matter how much silver it takes, as long as we can pull some strings."
Deng Shen shook his head again. "I have already inquired from many sources. If we were from Wusu, there might be a chance. But unfortunately, we are all strangers. It is simply impossible for us to suddenly visit a death row inmate."
Jiang Huaiyu's mood also became heavy, and she was at a loss for what to do.
Seeing her helplessness, a glint flashed in Ling Mo's eyes, and he suddenly suggested, "Above the warden are the assistant prefect and the governor. Why not start with them and look for a glimmer of hope?"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Huaiyu's eyes immediately lit up with hope, "Young Master Ling, you..."
Ling Mo smiled lightly and said, "I have said before that my name may have some influence, but I don't know if it can provide you with any help this time."
However, Jiang Huaiyu's joy was fleeting, and she immediately shook her head firmly.
“Young Master Ling, I cannot let your personal feelings lead you to break the principles you uphold.”
Upon hearing this, Ling Mo's expression softened even more.
“Master Jiang, the rules I set will not be compromised for anyone, just as I resolutely refused the Princess’s invitation last time. But this does not mean that I will never have any contact with officials for the rest of my life. For example, you come from an official family, but I regard you as a close friend because you have never used my reputation to seek any benefit or prestige.”
"The current situation is the same. I will not try to curry favor with officials for any purpose, but that does not prevent my paintings from circulating here, nor does it prevent you from using the name 'Ling Mo'."
Although his paintings were never directly presented to officials, many powerful and influential people still collect his works.
This is because after donating a painting, he never interfered with how others disposed of it, which is why his works were able to circulate in various places.
Jiang Huaiyu immediately understood his intention, "Young Master Ling, are you saying you don't need to show up in person?"
Ling Mo smiled and nodded, "That's right. Since we are close friends, it is only natural for me to give you this painting. As for how you use it, that is not my concern."
A hint of joy flashed in Jiang Huaiyu's eyes.
"If that could be achieved, it would be the most ideal situation!"
Ling Mo enjoys a great reputation in Western Wei. If we can use his paintings to get in touch with the officials in Wusu City, it will surely be more effective than bribing a jailer, and it will definitely be of great benefit to Miss Cao's case!
...
As night fell and twilight deepened, everyone returned to their respective homes to settle down and rest.
The next morning, after having breakfast, Jiang Huaiyu instructed his maid Yingxiang to summon the inn's staff.
The young man, though young, had a sharp eye. Upon seeing Jiang Huaiyu, he greeted her with a beaming smile, bowed respectfully, and asked, "May I ask what your orders are, Madam?"
Jiang Huaiyu asked with a smile, "How should I address you, young man?"
The waiter was slightly surprised. He was just a errand boy, and few guests asked him his name, let alone such a gentle and kind young lady. So he respectfully replied, "Madam, my name is Jiu Jin."
“Jiujin, I noticed from the moment I checked into this inn that, although there are many employees, the innkeeper treats you differently. This shows that he values you highly, which proves that you are a trustworthy person.”
Jiu Jin scratched his head shyly and said with a smile, "Madam, you flatter me. I am not worthy of such praise."
However, the corners of his mouth turned up so high they almost touched his ears.
Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly and said, "Brother Jiujin, as you can tell, we are from out of town and don't know much about the situation in Wusu City. We invited you here today precisely to ask you for some information."
When Jiu Jin heard her use the word "please," he was even more delighted.
After all, someone of his status is usually bossed around and has never been treated with such politeness before.
"Madam, you are too kind. Please feel free to ask me any questions. I will tell you everything I know without reservation."
Jiang Huaiyu nodded to Yingxiang, who took out a small piece of silver and handed it to Jiujin, smiling, "Young man, my wife doesn't want to bother you for nothing. Please accept this small token of our appreciation."
Overjoyed, Jiu Jin patted his chest and said proudly, "Madam, if you're looking for information, you've come to the right person. I've worked at this inn since I was a child, for over ten years now. There's nothing in Wusu City that I don't know!"
That's wonderful.
Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly, gesturing for him to sit down, and then slowly began to speak: "Actually, we are merchants from out of town, and we are currently encountering some obstacles in our business, requiring the assistance of the government. However, we are unfamiliar with this place and do not know how to establish contact with the government. Do you know any connections, young man?"
She knew almost nothing about the inner workings of the Wusu government. Even if she wanted to give a gift, she had to first thoroughly understand the intricacies and details to ensure that Mo's painting could showcase its unparalleled value at the right time and in the best way.
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