She personally went to instruct the highly skilled physician to select the finest medicinal herbs and do everything in her power to heal her injured companions.
Jiang Huaiyu had just managed to sit up when he inadvertently caught sight of two faint drops of blood at the foot of the bed in the inner room. His heart tightened, and he called out urgently, "Young Master Ling!"
In an instant, Ling Mo appeared at the door, his gaze fixed on her, and asked with concern, "Is something wrong?"
Jiang Huaiyu smiled and replied, "I heard a commotion outside; it seems the doctor has arrived. How are the Zhao brothers?"
Although she asked this question aloud, her finger secretly pointed under the bed.
Ling Mo immediately understood her hint, and quietly drew his sword, walked to the bedside, the tip of the sword trembling slightly, emitting a clear and melodious vibrating sound.
Show yourself.
In the blink of an eye, a figure slowly crawled out from under the bed; it was the bearded man.
Ling Mo lightly touched his throat with the tip of his sword and asked in a chilling tone, "Are you a fugitive wanted by the government?"
The bearded man, however, seemed unafraid of death. He closed his eyes tightly, showing no intention of struggling or begging for mercy, and simply said calmly, "Your martial arts are superb. Now that you have discovered me, you may kill me or torture me as you please."
Jiang Huaiyu gently pressed down on the sword blade tightly gripped in Ling Mo's hand, shook her head slightly, and said in a gentle tone: "Young Master Ling, it was he who saved my life from the blades of those four men. I still remember that time in the bustling market when my valuables were robbed, it was he who stepped forward and helped me get them back."
Ling Mo slowly sheathed his sword, his brows furrowed, and asked warily, "Who exactly are you?"
The bearded man remained silent, his face serious.
Jiang Huaiyu pondered for a moment before speaking, "Hero, you once saved my life, and tonight you saved mine again. I firmly believe you are not a bad person. However, the government's warrant for your arrest must be for a reason. If you tell me the truth, I will do my best to repay your life-saving grace. Otherwise, I'm afraid I can't help you."
The bearded man gave her a deep look and asked, "If I reveal the truth, would you be willing to lend me a hand?"
Jiang Huaiyu firmly stated, "Whether or not to provide assistance is a decision we must make ourselves."
The bearded man remained silent for a moment, then suddenly let out a long sigh.
"My name is Gong Tao. I was originally a wanderer in the martial world, and I set foot in Wusu a few months ago. What I say is true. The death of the prefect was not my doing, and the recent massacre in this city has nothing to do with me. This is the truth. Are you willing to believe me?"
Jiang Huaiyu asked in confusion, "Since you did not commit the crime, why should you bear this fabricated charge?"
Gong Tao looked grief-stricken and indignant. "This means we have to question those corrupt officials. I don't understand why I, an innocent person, have become an unforgivable villain?"
Ling Mo pondered for a moment, then said as if he had just realized something, "I have heard that there is a chivalrous hero in Jiangnan, known as Hero Gong. He is known for his chivalrous spirit and often helps the people, eliminating evil and making him famous far and wide. Could this hero be you?"
Gong Tao smiled bitterly, "That was just the glory of the past. Now, I am burdened with a false charge, wanted by the government everywhere, like a stray dog. Where is the dignity of a great hero?"
Jiang Huaiyu recalled Gong Tao's conversation with the bandit leader when he first appeared that evening and couldn't help but ask, "Could it be that those four people secretly framed you?"
Gong Tao nodded heavily, "That's exactly right."
Jiang Huaiyu frowned and asked in confusion, "What exactly is their purpose in doing this?"
Gong Tao remained silent, his eyes deep and thoughtful.
"Just tonight, those four thugs broke into my house, committed robbery and assault. Based on the few words they left behind, I suspect they are responsible for the recent bloodshed in the city. It seems their goal is to lure you out. Master Gong, according to you, do they intend to use you to take the blame?"
After saying this, Jiang Huaiyu couldn't help but shake his head slightly, "However, upon closer examination, it seems that's not entirely true..."
"The prefect of Wusu is fair and honest, and deeply loved by the people. The imperial court also praises him highly. But now news has spread that he was murdered by a Jianghu figure. The people are indignant, and Wusu City is suffering from bandits. The situation is getting worse."
"The imperial court will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly. And the government has put a reward on your head for your capture. There are soldiers checking the city gates every day, so you can't leave the city at all. Unless you can hide in Wusu, you will eventually be caught by the government. In that case, why would those thieves risk being arrested to lure you out?"
This was precisely what puzzled her.
What exactly was the motive that drove those thieves to insist on pinning the blame on Gong Tao?
Gong Tao's gaze lingered on her for a moment, and after a brief hesitation, he slowly spoke: "Madam is exceptionally wise. Have you not noticed anything strange about tonight's events?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Jiang Huaiyu and Ling Mo exchanged a glance, both of them showing a hint of surprise.
"If there's anything suspicious about it, it certainly is..."
Jiang Huaiyu carefully chose his words and said, "It is only natural for officials to arrest thieves after they invade. However, what I saw tonight was neither officials nor bandits."
When the officials entered the house, instead of arresting the thieves, they began to berate those around them.
The thieves, facing the officials, showed no fear whatsoever; in fact, they seemed to harbor a desire for revenge, attempting to frame Jiang Huaiyu and the others for colluding with the wanted criminals and drag them down with them.
Judging from the soldiers' actions tonight, if Jiang Huaiyu hadn't revealed her distinguished identity to intimidate them, these men might have genuinely disregarded right and wrong and escorted her back to the government office. This also explains why, upon sensing the situation was turning against her, she immediately invoked those awe-inspiring titles.
Although, strictly speaking, most of these titles were merely nominal and could not withstand scrutiny, the soldiers were unaware of the truth behind them. As long as they could be temporarily intimidated and made to hesitate and not provoke him, the objective would be achieved.
Gong Tao let out a cold laugh. "Madam has a keen eye; her words are indeed insightful. Now, let me ask you further, Madam: the recent brutal murders in the city have left the citizens in a state of constant fear. The government has also implemented measures such as curfews and martial law. However, after so many days, have we seen any substantial results?"
Jiang Huaiyu shook his head slightly, "Those four people are indeed quite capable, but it's absurd to think that they can fight against the government with just the strength of four people."
"That's true. Since they can't fight against the government, yet they manage to escape unscathed time and time again, do you know why?"
After saying that, Gong Tao turned his gaze to Ling Mo, "If it weren't for this young master's intervention today, those lawless criminals would probably have vanished like the wind before the soldiers arrived."
"Disappeared like the wind?"
These four words only strengthened Jiang Huaiyu's suspicions. She clenched her fists, her eyes resolute.
"Has the government in Wusu really degenerated to such a level, colluding with lawbreakers?"
"Outlaws?" Ling Mo shook his head slightly. "I don't think they are like that."
Jiang Huaiyu asked curiously, "Why do you say that, Young Master Ling?"
(End of this chapter)
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