Amidst the laughter and joy, Magistrate Qiao was deeply moved and immediately instructed his servants, "Quickly, welcome the distinguished guests into the inner room and have my wife entertain them warmly on my behalf."
In a short while, Jiang Huaiyu was led into an exquisite side hall, where Madam Qiao personally came out to greet her.
After exchanging pleasantries, they were actually trying to find out her true intentions.
After all, as an outsider with no connection to the Qiao family, her sudden delivery of such a valuable gift must have some ulterior motive.
Therefore, although Qiao Tongzhi was deeply fascinated by Ling Mo's authentic work, he had to think twice before acting.
Faced with Madam Qiao's inquiry, Jiang Huaiyu did not hide anything. The two chatted casually for a while. Madam Qiao saw that she spoke elegantly and was calm and composed. She realized that what she asked for was insignificant, so she gradually felt at ease.
Madam Qiao sat for a while, then made an excuse to leave. Soon after, Magistrate Qiao entered the side hall.
"So you are the virtuous wife of the newly appointed top scholar, Bai Siye. My apologies for not recognizing you. I never expected that Madam Bai would have businesses in Wusu."
"Lord Qiao, I greet you."
News from the capital may not have reached Wusu yet, but the Wusu government must have heard of the new top scholar's fame. Therefore, Jiang Huaiyu did not stand on ceremony and openly revealed Bai Yujing's name.
Qiao Tongzhi smiled calmly, his tone revealing both friendliness and amusement: "Madam Bai is too modest. How could a mere visit to the prison warrant such a generous gift from you? It's a trivial matter; a mere word from me is all it takes to make proper arrangements."
Jiang Huaiyu thought to himself that if he didn't first use Ling Mo's name to attract their attention, even if he brought up Bai Yujing's prestige, these local officials probably wouldn't easily buy it.
"This may be insignificant to Lord Qiao, but it is of utmost importance to me. Lord Qiao, please speak frankly. In addition to requesting a visit to the prison, I have another matter to ask of you."
"Madam Bai, please explain."
Jiang Huaiyu earnestly said, "Your Excellency, as the Assistant Magistrate of Wusu, you are in charge of the judicial and criminal justice system in this region, and you are personally handling Miss Cao's case. This case remains unresolved, and I believe Your Excellency also has some doubts. Miss Cao may very well have suffered an injustice, therefore, I implore Your Excellency to conduct a thorough investigation and clear Miss Cao's name."
Upon hearing this, Qiao Tongzhi remained silent for a moment, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes, before slowly speaking.
“I was indeed in charge of this case, and I also felt that Cao’s slender build seemed unlikely to be fatal with a single kick. However, after my investigation, I found that the deceased had no illnesses and had not been in any disputes with others. The only cause of death was that Cao’s kick caused organ rupture, and he unfortunately died two days later. Apart from that, there was nothing else suspicious.”
Jiang Huaiyu was stunned, her doubts deepening. How could a frail woman kick a strong man to death? Unless Miss Cao possessed superhuman strength, which was clearly illogical, why had she been bullied in the past?
Qiao Tongzhi sighed helplessly, his tone carrying a hint of resignation and determination: "Madam Bai, you may have heard that I am about to return to the capital to report on my duties. Before I leave, I must bring this case to a close. However, judging from the current situation, it seems that no new breakthrough has been found."
Jiang Huaiyu's heart skipped a beat, "So, Miss Cao, she..."
Qiao Tongzhi nodded slightly, his tone calm, "She hurt others first, and the Cao family can only suffer the consequences."
Jiang Huaiyu composed himself slightly, then his tone became serious: "May I ask, Lord Qiao, when will the verdict be delivered at the latest?"
After a moment's thought, Qiao Tongzhi slowly said, "It is currently the ninth day of the sixth lunar month, and I will be setting off at the end of the month. Therefore, this case must be resolved by the twenty-fifth of June at the latest. Otherwise, I will have no way to explain to the deceased's family."
Jiang Huaiyu's expression was stern, and his tone was firm: "In that case, I hope that Lord Qiao can take good care of Miss Cao in the remaining half month. I will do my best to search for more evidence."
Qiao Tongzhi glanced at her and thought to himself, even his own constables were helpless, so what could a weak woman possibly do?
However, he did not say these words aloud, but simply nodded slightly and agreed, "That's how it should be."
Upon learning of Jiang Huaiyu's purpose, Qiao Tongzhi felt somewhat relieved and then eagerly inquired about Ling Mo's calligraphy and paintings.
Jiang Huaiyu took out the calligraphy and painting, and said with a smile, "I have long heard that Lord Qiao is of noble character and loves to collect calligraphy and paintings. This painting, 'Autumn Colors of Yunling,' was painted by Young Master Ling himself. I am presenting it to Lord Qiao today. Only when this painting is in your hands can its true value be revealed."
Qiao Tongzhi's gaze fell on "Autumn Colors of Yunling", and his eyes sparkled with surprise.
Although he was not as eloquent as Jiang Huaiyu, as a scholar, who did not know the name of Ling Mo, and who did not yearn to own a piece of Ling Mo's calligraphy?
Ling Mo, in particular, is aloof and rarely associates with officials. Obtaining his paintings often requires overcoming numerous obstacles and cannot be easily achieved with money alone. Furthermore, it is said that not long ago in the capital, Ling Mo actually declined a generous invitation from Princess Linchuan. The princess personally issued an order strictly prohibiting any official from putting pressure on Ling Mo. Since then, Ling Mo's reputation has once again soared.
To own a masterpiece by Ling Mo is undoubtedly a great honor. Upon returning to the capital, this painting may play an even more important role.
"Not at all, Madam Bai, you flatter me too much!"
Although he was verbally responding to Jiang Huaiyu's praise, his eyes remained fixed on the painting. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Young Master Ling's 'Autumn Colors of Yunling' is truly unparalleled. The lush forests and slender bamboos create a beautiful scene at every turn. The colors are vibrant and elegant, and the brushstrokes are delicate and exquisite!"
Suddenly, he looked up. "Madam Bai, the distinguished guests in the front hall are eager to see the original work by Young Master Ling, having learned that you have brought it with you. I wonder if I may take this painting so that everyone can appreciate it together?"
Jiang Huaiyu readily agreed, "Now that the painting belongs to you, it is naturally up to you to decide how to dispose of it. It's getting late, so I should take my leave."
Upon hearing this, Qiao Tongzhi immediately understood and whispered a few instructions to his attendant.
He then added, "I have made all the arrangements. If you wish to visit Madam Cao, the prison warden will be responsible for receiving you."
"Thank you, Lord Qiao."
After leaving the Qiao residence, Jiang Huaiyu went directly to the state prison. The prison warden, having learned of Qiao Tongzhi's instructions, treated Jiang Huaiyu with great courtesy, but upon hearing that she wanted to see Cao Shi, he couldn't help but sigh deeply.
"Alas, speaking of her, she was truly a woman with a tragic fate."
Jiang Huaiyu noticed that his expression was a bit off, as if he was implying something, and couldn't help but ask curiously, "What do you mean by that?"
The jailer gently shook his head and said with a hint of helplessness, "You'll see for yourself when you do. It's fortunate that someone came to visit her; otherwise, I would have been truly worried that she might have died before her mother even received her sentence."
Jiang Huaiyu frowned slightly, asking with a puzzled expression, "What misfortune befell Miss Cao's mother?"
(End of this chapter)
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