Chapter 135 is quite ironic.
"Since when can the words of a five-year-old child be taken as evidence? Kid, can you even tell east from west? You're the one who has to testify."
Yuan Shijie looked at Yun Zhao with a mocking expression.
"Bad brother, don't think you can fool me just because Zhaozhao is young! I'm already a five-year-old!"
Your residence has a secret room, which naturally provides evidence of Sister Lu's imprisonment. Unless you admit to who imprisoned Sister Lu...
It's your father! Will you act as a dutiful son, or will you testify against your father?
Yun Zhao looked at him with an innocent expression.
When Yuan Shijie heard her mention the basement, he immediately understood that she had indeed rescued Lu Xinnian from the underground secret room.
In this way, he can never get rid of the crime of imprisoning Lu Xinnian.
He thought for a moment, then seized the opportunity and said, "Sir, regarding the matter of the secret room..."
I truly had no knowledge of this, and I did not steal the official seal.
As for the charges of imprisoning respectable women and the loss of the official seal, were these crimes committed by Wansheng's father?
That depends on how the adults judge the case! As a son, I...
If Father truly did these things, I, your humble servant, will certainly uphold justice and even kill my own father!
Upon hearing this, everyone present almost gave him a thumbs up and praised him as "a truly filial son."
Yang Jingyan sneered inwardly.
What he despises most is this kind of shameless person who has no sense of responsibility and even shifts the blame onto his own father.
"Guards, bring Yuan Hongyang to me!"
When the officials brought Yuan Hongyang up, his face was full of resentment.
"Treason!"
Knowing he was in the wrong, Yuan Shijie quickly turned his head away, not daring to look his father in the eye.
Seeing this, Yuan Hongyang laughed sarcastically, "What, is Young Master Yuan too guilty to look at your father?"
Even the shameless Yuan Shijie blushed deeply.
"Father, your son has not said anything. Everything depends on how Lord Yang decides!"
If you really did these things, then just admit it. Your son is still young.
If you are able to get out of prison in the future, your son will definitely take care of you in your old age.
This sentence was meant for Yuan Hongyang.
He was old, and if his son were really imprisoned, Yuan Shijie's future would be ruined.
Even in his old age, he had no one to see him off in his final days.
For a moment, Yuan Hongyang hesitated.
Once he admits to this crime, this Lord Yang might impose multiple punishments on him.
If the matter is reported to the capital, and after some further complications, the person might be sentenced to execution in the autumn, losing their life in the process.
Seeing his expression change repeatedly, Yuan Shijie immediately replied, "Father, rest assured..."
Although I am not very talented, I know a few gentlemen who will surely plead on my father's behalf.
Yang Jingyan's expression changed drastically. He wondered who else, besides the uncle they had mentioned earlier, could possibly save them.
"Lord Yuan, rest assured, you and your son, I will not let either of you escape punishment!"
"Men, go to the Yuan residence and find the underground secret chamber!"
The secret room has been found, and there are witnesses and physical evidence to prove it. They won't admit it until they've found out!
After imprisoning the two separately, Yang Jingyan turned to Wei Jingchen and the others.
"These two probably have more than just the prefect's influence behind them; in fact, the strongest influence likely lies with their son."
Lu Xinnian frowned slightly: "I hadn't heard before that they knew any powerful officials."
However, the Yuan family truly acted arrogantly and domineeringly in An County. Yuan Hongyang had served in An County for three years.
He was supposed to be transferred this year, but does Lord Yang know which department he'll be transferred to?
Upon hearing Lu Xin's words, Yang Jingyan realized that this woman was no ordinary countrywoman.
Wei Jingchen spoke up at the opportune moment: "Lord Yang, this is the daughter of Lu Yuan, the former Minister of Works."
Yang Jingyan immediately understood.
"So it's Miss Lu. No wonder you weren't afraid at all when facing such a villain as Yuan Shijie!"
"Don't worry, Miss Lu. I will put a lot of effort into Yuan Shijie's transfer. Once the new magistrate takes office, An County will have a brand new look."
Yang Jingyan did not delve into the matter further; he only needed to confirm that there were traces of imprisonment in the underground chamber to establish Yuan Shijie's guilt.
He didn't inquire about the details of his imprisonment.
Lu Xinnian knew that Yang Jingyan hadn't pressed the matter further, so she quickly curtsied and said, "Thank you, sir."
"This is all I should do as a county magistrate, there's no need for thanks, Miss Lu."
You and Yuan Shijie just mentioned the issue of signed letters; what about the seal on these letters?
If it can be confirmed that Yuan Shijie affixed the seal privately, then the charge of stealing the official seal will also be established.
"Since it was stamped with the official seal, someone must have seen the moment he stamped it."
Wei Jingchen suddenly spoke up.
Lu Xinnian shook her head helplessly.
"Logically, that's how it is, but my uncle might not be willing to give up those fifty taels."
After her mother passed away, her father never remarried, leaving her as the only daughter in the vast mansion.
Since her father's unexpected death, the relatives who had been attached to him have tried to embezzle the pension money given to her by the imperial court.
After much arguing, her uncle ultimately won.
After all, he was his father's only younger brother.
It's quite ironic.
Looking at her like this, Wei Jingchen probably understood that the imperial pension had likely already been swallowed up by those relatives.
Otherwise, with the pension that the imperial court provides to a second-rank minister, why would they covet a mere fifty taels?
"How will we know that among so many victims, no one is willing to stand up if we don't try?"
To prove that Yuan Shijie stole the official seal and used it for non-official purposes, it is crucial to find out the reasons, the documents affixed, and the witnesses.
Yun Zhao held Lu Xinnian's hand with heartache and asked, "Sister Lu, do you know whose official seals he affixed?"
Lu Xinnian felt her heart soften as she held her own hands in those soft, warm hands.
“There are two in Lujia Village, and three others who testified today. The others are so well hidden that they probably won’t come out to admit it.”
"Then I will go there myself."
Yang Jingyan felt that if he went in person, he might still have a chance to persuade them.
"As for the Lu family, I..."
Lu Xinnian lowered her eyes slightly, but her gaze fell into Yun Zhao's clear and lively eyes.
"Don't be afraid, Sister Lu. Zhao Zhao and Hua Hua are here and won't let you get hurt!"
How could anyone bear to hurt such a lovely and lively child?
Lu Xinnian placed her hand on the top of her head, her eyes gentle: "Thank you."
At this moment, Lu Xun stood silently outside the county government office. Wei Jingchen noticed him and was somewhat surprised.
Lu Xun nodded slightly without saying anything, but Wei Jingchen understood what he wanted to do.
“Lord Yang, I will go with you. Let Uncle Lu accompany Zhaozhao and Miss Lu to Lu Family Village. With him there, he will surely be able to protect them.”
"Alright."
After a moment's thought, Yang Jingyan agreed.
After all, there are some things that can only be said by people outside the government.
Yun Zhao found it rather strange.
She thought Wei Jingchen would choose to go to Lujia Village!
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