Chapter 38 Chapter 38 As if she had been violated, she struggled to stay...
The first person he dealt with was Madam Sun. How dare he?
Who's next? It must be Luo Ming'er.
Will the Duke find out that she has been to the Luo Mansion and talked to Luo Ming'er, and then come to punish her?
Yes, it would. It was she who, through her quick words, had reminded Luo Ming'er to sell her concubine.
But she, but she really was just saying it casually.
It was Luo Ming'er! How dare she actually collude with Madam Sun and enter the Duke's Mansion to kidnap someone!
If the innocent person had been rescued, everything would have been fine. But unfortunately, he was abused and lost his innocence!
The eldest young lady felt more fear and regret than ever before.
The Mansion of the Minister of Rites.
The old butler stumbled into the Shangshu's study and said, "Master, Duke Yan is at the door!"
"What is he doing here? Maybe he knows he's wrong and wants to apologize to me? He's got some sense."
The old housekeeper was so anxious that he turned around and around: "No, Master. The Duke is shouting at the door, demanding that we hand over the Madam."
"What did you say?"
The old butler leaned close to Minister Sun's ear and told him everything he had heard.
After hearing this, Minister Sun slammed his withered palm on the table: "She just came back, how dare you?"
Minister Sun suddenly thought of something else and gritted his teeth, saying, "She gave me advice on the new sacrificial ritual yesterday and even suggested that I bring Duke Yan along to ask His Majesty for instructions. I'm afraid she's been planning this for a long time!"
The old butler dared not answer.
Minister Sun remained silent after that, his face looking solemn as he thought of a strategy in his mind.
After a long pause, the old butler spoke anxiously again, "It seems to me that Duke Yan is unwilling to give up. I'm afraid he won't wait and will force his way in. Master, we must think of a solution quickly."
"Then just hand that evil creature over!"
Minister Sun was really angry, but after all, she was the first daughter he had watched being born and whom he had spoiled since she was a child. Minister Sun only said it with his mouth, but he was really reluctant to let her go in his heart.
Furthermore, if Madam Sun hadn't been divorced and sent home, if she had made a mistake, the Jingzhao Prefecture would have been held responsible. Right now, a vicious and evil woman had appeared in the Ministry of Rites's office. The entire Ministry of Rites's office would be affected!
Minister Sun questioned the old steward again before personally welcoming him out.
The Duke stood at the door of the Minister of Rites' residence like a devil and knocked on the door. How could the people not be surprised?
The area was already densely packed with spectators, but the Duke didn't notice it, and of course he wouldn't care even if he did.
Minister Sun was furious, yet he managed to maintain a smile as he addressed the Duke, "Duke Yan, did you want to discuss yesterday's palace meeting with me? If you have anything to say, please come into the palace and tell us in detail."
The Duke stood motionless, not giving Minister Sun the slightest bit of respect. He said in a cold voice, "Madam Sun is so vicious and shameless that she actually harmed my concubine. I have come here today only to seek justice. Minister Sun, please hand her over."
The old housekeeper glanced at the master and said with an apologetic smile to the outside, "Did the Duke misunderstand? My eldest lady hasn't left the house since she returned. How could she harm the Duke's concubine for no reason?"
The Duke said: "This matter will be entrusted to the Jingzhao Prefecture Governor to investigate. Whether it is true or not will be known after investigation."
Minister Sun's faint smile completely disappeared: "My lady is a lady, how can you let the Duke do what he wants?"
The Duke did not back down at all: "Since you have made a mistake, you should be punished."
Minister Sun: "What if I insist on not giving in?"
The Duke said, "Then, Lord Shangshu, please do not blame me for intruding. Madam Sun dared to instigate others to enter my mansion and kidnap someone. I will certainly let her know what it feels like to be kidnapped!"
Minister Sun remained motionless after his words fell. The Duke, too lazy to wait any longer, waved his hand, signaling to force his way through the door.
"Wait!" Minister Sun shouted, then said loudly to the outside, "My eldest lady is well-behaved and timid. Those who are innocent will be innocent. Today, I will let the Duke take the man away, but I will say this beforehand. I want Jingzhao Prefecture to find out that the concubine's affair has nothing to do with the eldest lady. I also ask the Duke to personally give her justice!"
The Duke: "Yes."
Madam Sun didn't understand why Duke Yan came to her house so quickly. She didn't understand why her father, who always loved her, wanted to hand her over now!
"Brother, save me!" Madam Sun held her brother's hand and refused to let go.
It was the eldest young lady who pried Madam Sun's hands apart one by one. "Don't worry, big sister. Daddy and I will find a way to save you. But Duke Yan is out there right now, and I'm afraid it will be difficult for Daddy to handle him. For the sake of our family, big sister, please bear with it. Besides, your ex-brother-in-law will definitely show some mercy because you gave birth to a legitimate son."
After a lot of effort, Madam Sun was dragged away by the servants.
The elder of the Sun family covered the bloody marks left by Madam Sun's pinching and asked anxiously, "What should we do? Should we find Youyou? Right now, only Youyou can plead for our elder sister, and the prefect will give a lighter sentence."
Madam Sun hugged the arm of the eldest master of the Sun family. "If this matter has nothing to do with Big Sister, are you still afraid that the prefect will deliberately put the blame on Big Sister? No matter how bad the relationship is, Big Sister helped the prefect give birth to his eldest son. But if this was really done by Big Sister, even if Youyou came forward, it would be useless. You are also making things difficult for Youyou. Youyou is a righteous and strict child, but he is also the grandson of our Shangshu Mansion. We can't control this matter, just let Dad worry about it."
Uncle Sun had a gloomy face and was eventually pulled into the house by his wife.
This is what Madam Sun said to the master, but she did not think that the lady of their house was innocent.
People outside may not know the good reputation of the eldest lady, but the Shangshu Mansion and the Jingzhao Prefecture know it very well!
When Minister Sun insisted on keeping the eldest lady at home, she was angry but dared not say anything. Her father was old and might be dismissed from office at any time.
There is no one in the Shangshu Mansion who can be relied upon. If we keep such a troublemaker, there will be trouble in the future.
Right now, Duke Yan is helping them get rid of the eldest lady. Youyou won't be able to blame the Shangshu Mansion in the future.
Madam Sun saw Minister Sun and cried anxiously, "Dad, I don't want to go to Jingzhao Prefecture. That damned wretch will definitely not help me. Dad, I can only rely on you to save my life!"
Many people were watching outside. Minister Sun sighed and brushed away his daughter's hands that were grabbing his sleeves with trembling hands.
"father!"
The Duke bowed to Minister Sun before mounting his horse and saying, "Let's go!"
Everyone was riding on horses, but Madam Sun had her hands tied and was being led behind the horse's butt.
The common people were horrified: "What on earth did this lady do to make the Duke so angry?"
"Didn't you hear? The Duke's concubine was bullied."
"No way, the Duke did it for a woman."
"What's wrong with doing it for a woman? I support the Duke. The Duke is willing to offend the Shangshu Mansion for a concubine. It shows that he is a courageous and responsible person."
"I also support Duke Yan. Have you heard that Madam Sun was divorced by the prefect because of the seven grounds for divorce? Our Duke is a top-notch man in Qi State. He must have gathered evidence to arrest her!"
"That's right."
"That's exactly what you said."
In short, the news that the Duke went to the Minister of Rites' Mansion to arrest someone and sent the Minister of Rites' Mansion's wife to Jingzhao Prison spread throughout the entire Kyoto city within two hours.
Naturally, the palace also heard about it.
When His Majesty heard this, his brow furrowed deeply. When did Duke Yan become so impulsive?
Even though Minister Sun is annoying and always brings up this and that, and even though everyone stayed up all night in the palace yesterday because of Minister Sun's insistence on discussing a new sacrificial ritual plan, the Duke couldn't be vindictive, could he?
In the evening, before the palace gates were locked, His Majesty heard the news from Jingzhao Prefecture.
The evidence of Lady Sun's guilt was irrefutable, and Duke Yan requested the Jingzhao Prefecture to sentence Lady Sun to ten years in prison.
While having dinner with the Imperial Concubine, His Majesty mentioned to her that the Duke was too picky.
The Imperial Concubine and His Majesty were concerned with different things. The Imperial Concubine asked, "Your Majesty, do you know why the Duke is so serious?"
His Majesty tasted a piece of shrimp that the Imperial Concubine had picked and said without hesitation, "Why else could it be that the old minister must have upset him yesterday."
His Majesty was dissatisfied with the complicated annual sacrificial rituals and asked officials to make changes. As the Minister of Rites, Sun Shangshu planned a new sacrificial ritual.
As a result, before His Majesty expressed his opposition, Duke Yan, upon hearing it, actually spoke his opposition before His Majesty did.
The Duke criticized the new sacrificial ceremony for being a waste of money and time, and said that not only the procedures should be changed, but it should also be held once every three years.
These words touched the heart of His Majesty, but the old minister, a veteran of three dynasties, could not agree. An argument ensued, and it lasted all night long, both the emperor and his ministers.
Although Your Majesty is on the side of the Duke, it would be too much for the Duke to deliberately use Madam Sun to bring bad luck to Minister Sun because of this matter.
Imperial Concubine: "I heard that Duke Yan's concubine was kidnapped by Madam Sun. When Duke Yan retrieved her, she had lost her innocence."
His Majesty was unaware of this, and with a serious expression, he asked, "Are you serious?"
"Of course I take it seriously."
"No wonder." His Majesty no longer criticized Duke Yan.
He should have thought of it earlier. Duke Yan was not the kind of person who could not distinguish right from wrong.
"This Madam Sun is so bold! How unreasonable!" Duke Yan has only one concubine, and she is still being harmed.
Your Majesty, if you bring this up, you'll be furious. If it were him, he'd definitely skin Madam Sun alive!
The Imperial Concubine was eating melons in the afternoon, so she didn't know too much about the whole thing.
At this moment, I asked His Majesty: "I have a few questions. First, how did Madam Sun manage to enter the Duke's Mansion and arrest someone? Second, how did the Duke know it was Madam Sun who did it? Since Madam Sun wanted to do it, she must have thought of a countermeasure beforehand. The day the Duke found my concubine, he was sure that the murderer was Madam Sun. This is very strange. Third, why did Madam Sun attack my concubine?"
Of the three questions, His Majesty could only answer the last one. He said, "I remember this. The reason why Madam Sun targeted my concubine was because once, when Duke Yan went out for an outing, Madam Sun scolded my concubine. Duke Yan went straight to the prefect's mansion that day, and the prefect then demanded to divorce her. I'm afraid that this incident is the reason Madam Sun holds a grudge against my concubine."
The imperial concubine nodded, "I see. Then, Your Majesty, can you guess what my other two questions are?"
His Majesty had not expected that after a busy day at court, he would have to guess riddles when he returned. He shook his head and said, "I don't know. I heard it from the Imperial Concubine."
The Imperial Concubine said with a smug look, "Regarding the first suspicion, I think that Madam Sun must have had an accomplice in order to kidnap someone in the Duke's Mansion. And this person plays a very important role in the Duke's Mansion. The second suspicion is that the Duke knew that it was Madam Sun who did it that day because someone must have tipped him off. And the accomplice in the first suspicion might be the person who tipped him off in the second suspicion!"
His Majesty was puzzled: "Who do you think the spy is in the Duke's Mansion?"
The imperial concubine's rosy face lifted even higher: "Of course it's Madam Luo!"
The Imperial Concubine spoke with such confidence, His Majesty, who loved to expose the Imperial Concubine's small expressions when she was being criticized, retorted, "I'm afraid the Imperial Concubine is mistaken. Madam Luo hasn't even married into the Duke's Mansion yet, so how could she be colluding with Madam Sun?"
The Imperial Concubine stroked her chin and continued, "I haven't finished what I'm saying yet. Speaking of motives, Madam Luo is the most likely. Your Majesty, have you forgotten that Madam Luo was chosen by the old Duke's wife because she and her mother begged for it. This shows that Madam Luo is an ambitious person. She is the most likely person. And the person in the palace doesn't have to be Madam Luo herself, there might be a third person."
...
As soon as the Duke stepped into the mansion, he was blocked by the old lady.
"How could you, Lord Duke, humiliate Madam Sun like this? She's the apple of the Shangshu Mansion's eye, and she even gave birth to the Jingzhao Prefecture's handsome eldest son. By sending her to Jingzhao Prefecture, aren't you directly offending both the prefectures?"
The old lady was extremely anxious. Who had prevented the Duke's Mansion from being divided? Prosperity and adversity all belong together. If the Duke did this, it would inevitably bring trouble to the entire Duke's Mansion!
The Duke's face was still gloomy, and he looked even more frightening because he hadn't washed for a day and a night.
Under the Duke's calm gaze, the old lady slowly fell silent. Then she continued, "Mother doesn't mean to blame you. I'm just afraid that you're young and impulsive, and it will be too late to regret it later. Otherwise, we should..."
"No need to say more."
The old lady really stopped talking.
The Duke continued, "Ten years in prison is already a gesture of respect for my colleagues. Ten years, not a day less. If the Jingzhao prefect dares to release him early, I will not let it go."
After saying this, the Duke strode towards the backyard.
The old lady knew that there was no turning back and was extremely anxious.
"What should I do?"
The First and Third Young Madams did not come out. Only the Fourth Young Madam stayed with the old lady and said, "Mother, don't take it too seriously. We are the Duke's Mansion. Not to mention the title of being second only to the Emperor, our Duke is also a favorite of His Majesty. Besides, Minister Sun is old and I'm afraid he won't be able to hold on for much longer. The Jingzhao Prefecture Governor has always disliked Madam Luo, so why would he go against the Duke's Mansion for her? What do you think, Mother?"
The old lady could only use these words to comfort herself. But in her heart, she was still very dissatisfied. She didn't understand how the Duke could go to such lengths for a concubine.
The Duke stepped into the main courtyard gate and saw his concubine standing in the yard waiting for him.
The Duke stepped forward quickly and asked, "Why don't you rest more?"
"I have laid down enough."
The Duke did not respond immediately. Jasmine looked at his expression and realized that he was overthinking it.
Jasmine explained solemnly, "Master, I'm fine. Nothing happened. I was wearing the beggar's clothes because he stole them. And that beggar brought disaster upon himself. He was mistaken for a slave and captured by Madam Sun's men."
The Duke nodded: "I see. I understand."
Shouldn't he be happy and excited? Why is he still looking so dead?
Jasmine: "Master, do you really believe what I say?"
The Duke nodded again, "Yes." Then, "Let's not talk about this anymore. If you don't want to lie down, then I can sit with you, or we can go for a walk."
Jasmine confirmed that this guy just didn't believe her!
Jasmine thought about it and finally figured out where the problem lay.
It's not because of the clothes.
This man saw the injuries on her body. Her hands and feet had marks of being tied, and her face looked like she had been beaten. It was as if she had been violated and struggled.
Jasmine is tired.
She thought she'd talk about it later when she had the chance. After all, he said he didn't care. And she just happened to enjoy being cared for so attentively by his.
"Master, may I rub your back?"
"No need. Just take a break."
Is her grandfather afraid that she will be traumatized by seeing a man's body?
Although the Duke refused, the concubine insisted on coming in, so the Duke had no choice but to agree with her.
As the concubine helped her change her clothes, the Duke held her face in his hands and said, "Jian'er, do you know that Madam Sun has been imprisoned in Jingzhao Prison? I have avenged you. Jian'er, you don't have to worry anymore."
On their way back, Jasmine was thinking about how to explain this to her grandfather. She knew that it was Madam Sun, Luo Ming'er, and the Third Master who had committed the crime together.
But she only told the master that she recognized that it was the Third Master who kidnapped her, and the Third Master inadvertently revealed that it was Madam Sun who asked him to do so.
The Duke had no suspicion and immediately ordered people to arrest the Third Master. After returning, he went straight to settle the score with Madam Sun.
The only person Jasmine didn't mention was Luo Ming'er. She couldn't help but want to say, "Luo Ming'er is the most despicable person!" She wanted her grandfather to bring Luo Ming'er to justice as well.
But Jasmine couldn't tell. If the Third Master didn't know Luo Ming'er was involved, how could she possibly know?
She had to find another way to remind her grandfather.
Jasmine was worried. What could she do?
She couldn't be too impatient, as she wouldn't be able to eat hot tofu in a hurry. This matter needed to be considered carefully.
On the second day, the Third Master lived up to everyone's expectations and was kidnapped back by the Duke's men.
The old lady pleaded with the Duke: "After all, he is your brother. Duke, why don't you just turn a blind eye?"
"He knew Jasmine was my aunt, yet he committed the crime knowingly. Even if the person he kidnapped was just an ordinary citizen, it would still be a heinous crime. How could I knowingly break the law?"
The old lady was helpless and didn't say anything else.
The Third Master was sent to Jingzhao Prison together with Madam Sun.
Jasmine felt helpless as she looked at the Third Young Master's wife kneeling in front of her, refusing to get up no matter how she called her.
Jasmine was curious and squatted in front of the Third Young Master's wife and asked, "The Third Master treated Madam and her daughter so badly, why did Madam still plead for him?"
The Third Young Master's wife looked haggard, clearly having not slept soundly. Her voice was hoarse as she spoke, "He's done many wrong things, and has brought terrible harm to us, mother and daughter. Sometimes I wish he'd just die out there, and it would all be over. But then I think about the day he really does die, with no one around to collect his body, and I feel heartbroken. Aunt, do you know why he gambles?"
Is that even a question? Jasmine: "For money."
The Third Young Master's wife forced a bleak smile. "What Auntie said is right. He is after money. He said that once he has money, our Third House will be able to live a good life, a better life than the First Young Master's wife."
The Third Young Master's wife grabbed Jasmine's hand, tears streaming down her face. "Auntie, he wasn't doing this for himself. He was doing this for Qi'er and me. So... even if... how could I watch him die?"
Jasmine: "Don't worry, Madam Sun was only imprisoned for ten years. The Third Master won't sentence her any more severely than Madam Sun."
The Third Young Master's wife said, "But the Third Master is so conceited and stubborn. I'm afraid he'll be in trouble in prison. Jasmine, I know I don't have the right to beg you. It was the Third Master who harmed you, but I have no other choice. I don't know what to do with him."
The Third Young Master's wife cried helplessly.
Jasmine thought of the Third Master. He was indeed just like what the Third Young Master's wife had said, very conceited and strong-willed. Even when he knew he was wrong, he would never turn back.
Jasmine didn't know what to do.
"I'm sorry, Jasmine." The Third Young Master's wife quickly stood up and turned away.
Shan Cha: "Has the Third Young Master's wife given up?"
"She's in a dilemma too." Jasmine was surprised. "I thought the Third Young Master's wife would threaten me, saying that she'd help me and save the Third Master. But she didn't."
Shancha: "She didn't help. I was still kidnapped by the Third Master. I even suspect she and the Third Master were in cahoots."
Jasmine shook her head: "No."
"How do you know it won't happen, Auntie?"
Jasmine had no evidence, but she just felt that it was not the case. Jasmine recalled the scene that day when the Third Young Master's wife, wearing a straw raincoat and looking very embarrassed, shouted "Hurry up and save my aunt!"
"If the Third Young Master's wife knew that the Third Master was doing such a thing, she would definitely try to stop him no matter what. She would definitely not pretend to come in the rain."
When the master came back, Jasmine told him that the third young master's wife had come to see her.
Her grandfather's face was grim, and he was furious. "She knew you were wronged, yet she still came after you. This couple is truly vicious."
Jasmine discovered that the Duke had become a completely different person since he rescued her and brought her back to the palace. He had once been gentle and cheerful, but now he had become gloomy and fierce, his ferocious eyes making it difficult to even look directly at them.
Jasmine knew why, so she had to repeat the old words: "Master, this servant is really fine."
Whenever she said this, her grandfather would look at her with a distressed and sad look and stop her from continuing.
Jasmine was so helpless.
The Duke caressed the bruise on her face. It was from when she was on the boat, tripped by the Third Master and fell. It had only bled that day, and nothing had happened since she returned. But the next day, it had become a large red and swollen area, and today it had turned a shocking purple. Jasmine's nose looked especially scary.
The Duke said in a deep voice, "The court doctor said it won't leave any scars, don't worry, Qiang'er."
Jasmine was a little reluctant to speak up for the Third Master. How could she possibly let her master down? Now, it wasn't just her who was hurt, it was the Duke as well.
But Jasmine still told her grandfather everything that the Third Young Master's wife said, word for word.
"The Third Young Master's wife said she wasn't afraid of the Third Master going to jail, but she was afraid he would become depressed. If the Third Master were to die, I would never be able to rest in peace. So, could you find a different way to punish the Third Master?"
The Duke refused, for his concubine's sake, and also to teach the Third Master a lesson.
But unexpectedly, that evening, the Jingzhao prefect came to report that the Third Master had hit the wall in prison. Fortunately, the Jingzhao prison guards were strict and rescued him in time. If it had been later, and the Third Master had hit the wall a few more times, even a living god would have been unable to save him.
Jasmine went to see her grandfather again, and this time the Duke nodded in agreement.
The Duke ordered the third wife to move out of the Duke's Mansion within three days. As for where to go, the third wife could decide for herself.
And the Third Master, the Duke, certainly wouldn't let him go so easily.
It wasn't until many days later that Jasmine learned that the Duke had assigned the Third Master a hard labor job to pay off his debts. There were special people watching over the Third Master, and not only was he forbidden to harm himself, he was also forced to work.
If you don't work, you won't be given food. San Ye is hungry, but he won't die of hunger for a while, but it will be unbearable. What can San Ye do?
...
In twenty days, it will be the wedding of the Duke and Mrs. Luo.
The entire Duke's Mansion had been set up a month earlier. They compiled a guest list, prepared drinks, set up a stage to entertain the guests, and brought in jade, paintings, and rare flowers for them to enjoy.
The Duke's Mansion also hung colorful silks and large red lanterns over the past two days, looking extremely festive.
However, on this day, the Duke gathered everyone in the Duke's Mansion in the front yard living room, except for the concubine.
At this point, everyone had been sitting there for a while, but the Duke didn't say anything, leaving everyone guessing. The old lady couldn't help but ask, "We're all family, so just say whatever the Duke wants to say."
The Duke: "Everyone hasn't arrived yet."
The old man thought to himself, “Who else?”
The Fourth Master thought, "Could it be that they are waiting for the Third House?"
Everyone couldn't understand what the Duke wanted to say that required everyone to be present before he could tell him.
A moment later, the doorman came hurriedly to report: "Duke, Lord Luo is here."
Everyone was shocked when they heard this.
When they saw that not only Minister Luo, Madam Luo, and Luo Ming'er had arrived, but also the eldest son of the Luo family, the master and the others were even more surprised.
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The author has something to say: Li Youyou: He is the male lead in "The Princess Only Wants to Be a Coroner".
The eldest son of the Jingzhao prefect, he is upright, righteous, and unlike his father, he is cunning and shrewd. In the middle and late stages of his reign, he replaced his father as the new Jingzhao prefect.
Because the previous emperor was cruel and there were too many princesses in the palace, the princesses of Daqi's generation were not valued and lived a worse life than the daughters of officials from other places. Their fate was either to marry off to a foreign country or to marry off to anyone else.
The fifteenth princess did not want to be bullied. Inspired by the imperial concubine, she had an ideal, which was to become a coroner and support herself with her skills from then on!
The imperial concubine chose Li Youyou, the eldest son of the Jingzhao prefect, on her behalf, but even with the imperial concubine's intervention, the Jingzhao prefect refused to agree to the marriage.
The Fifteenth Princess thought she hadn't agreed yet! After solving a case of "concubine hanging" in the palace, she asked the imperial concubine to leave the palace to take on work.
Unexpectedly, he was assigned to the same department as Li Youyou, who was also on duty in Jingzhao Prefecture.
A story about a detective, an autopsy, and the two ending up together!
This is a long novel! 70% plot, 30% emotion. It will focus primarily on the case! It's a unit story!
The Fifteenth Princess* is a hardworking, brave, and resourceful criminal solver with sharp eyes and a sharp mind.
Ask for collection.
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