Several shops owned by the Zhang family in West Market were all owned by Rong Xi.
After checking the accounts, the government found many errors and omissions, so it interrogated the shop owners.
Under the pressure of the government, several shopkeepers all told the truth.
The reason why these people did such immoral things was because they were instigated by Zhou.
After Rong Zhou gains the advantage, he will give some benefits to several people. People are greedy and money is attractive, so the theft lasted for more than ten years.
Over the past ten years, he had accumulated a huge amount of money that is unimaginable to ordinary people.
This case involved the wife of a third-rank official, and the Shun'an County Magistrate had no jurisdiction over it, so he reported it to the Jingzhao Yin.
When Jingzhao Yin received this case, he was also extremely troubled.
The evidence in this case is conclusive. It is ridiculous that the stepmother stole the stepson's property! In addition, the people involved in the case include the third-rank Minister of Personnel and the sixth-rank Junior Secretary of the Ministry of Works.
However, he had always been fair and strict. Although he was anxious inside, he remained stern and impartial on the surface and immediately sent people to arrest Rong Zhou.
Rong Zhou was crying to her relatives at the Zhou residence when she saw the bailiffs entering the residence. She couldn't help but scream and her face turned pale.
Everyone in Zhou's house wanted to stop them by force, but the prefect of Jingzhao was no pushover and the yamen runners were very tough, and they dragged Rong Zhou out of the house.
When Rong Zhou was struggling, her hairpins fell off and her hair was scattered, and she looked like a madman.
Arriving at the court, Rong Zhou pretended to be calm. She was the wife of a third-rank minister of the Ministry of Personnel, so what was there to be afraid of?
In the court, besides her, several shopkeepers also knelt on the ground.
Theft is a criminal case and there is no need to bring Xi to court for confrontation.
He was making glassware with Qin Ke in a glass workshop outside Beijing.
The craftsmen in the workshop did not recognize the two men, but since the owner of the workshop had given the order, they had no choice but to assist. I thought they were just playing around, but unexpectedly they actually made some exquisite artifacts.
After staying in the workshop for a full day, the two returned to the Prince's Mansion in the twilight.
As soon as I entered the mansion, I saw Chen Chuangu coming to greet me, looking quite excited.
"Da Lang, do you know how the trial went?"
Rong Xi smiled and replied: "Jingzhao Yin has always been impartial and will naturally make a fair judgment."
"That's right!" Chen Chuangu laughed loudly, "With both physical evidence and witnesses, he can't escape the charge of theft!"
Qin Ke asked: "How about the sentencing?"
According to Wei law, the government would convert the value of stolen property into the amount of silk. If the amount of silk reaches 50 pieces, the person shall be sentenced to exile 3,000 miles and three years of hard labor.
Generally speaking, many people cannot survive more than three years, let alone a delicate woman?
However, Rong Zhou was the wife of a third-rank official, and she stole property, most of which she used for household expenses, and only half of it was used to support her mother's family.
The Jingzhao Yin thought for a long time and gave a slightly lighter sentence.
Rong Zhou was sentenced to exile three thousand miles away and to serve one and a half years of hard labor.
When this verdict was announced, there was an uproar in the capital, and people were talking about it on the streets.
After hearing this, Rong Weijing felt that his colleagues were all mocking him and he was completely humiliated. Resentment accumulated in his heart and his eyes became red as fire.
What a great Zhou!
After leaving the court, he hurried to find the Jingzhao Yin and expressed his desire to meet Rong Zhou.
The laws of the Wei Dynasty allowed relatives to visit prisoners, and Rong Weijing's request was not excessive, so the Jingzhao Yin agreed.
The cell was dark, dirty and smelled terrible.
Rong Weijing covered his nose with his sleeve and was led by the jailer to the door of Rong Zhou's cell.
Hearing the sound of footsteps, Rong Zhou hurriedly raised her head, saw Rong Weijing, and immediately rushed forward. She was filled with fear and was about to cry out when she heard Rong Weijing scolding her.
"Why do you steal, you evil woman?"
It felt like a sharp knife pierced his chest, and Rong Zhou's heart was as cold as iron. He was stunned for a long time before asking, "Are you here to question me?"
Rong Weijing snorted angrily, "You have committed such a serious mistake, and you still don't repent?"
"You don't repent?" Rong Zhou smiled sadly, her eyes full of resentment, "Rong Weijing, are you here today just to scold me?"
She was now unkempt and dirty, no longer as pretty as before. Her expression was strange and she looked like a madman, which made Rong Weijing feel disgusted.
"You have committed the crime of theft and tarnished the reputation of the Rong family. You are unfit to be the mistress of the Rong Mansion."
Theft is one of the seven grounds for divorce, and Rong Weijing can divorce his wife based on this ground.
Rong Zhou suddenly widened her eyes and shouted bitterly, "Are you really going to divorce me?"
The rumors in Shengjing have made Rong Weijing lose all face. If he does not divorce his wife and cut off ties with her, he doesn't know how others will talk about him.
Thinking of this, he no longer looked at Rong Zhou and turned to leave.
"Rong Weijing!" Rong Zhou suddenly shouted, "You think you are innocent, but do you know that you have already fallen into the quagmire?"
If you are unkind, I will be unjust!
Rong Weijing glanced at her in surprise and said, "I have a clear conscience."
Rong Zhou sneered in her heart, but pleaded: "Han'er is still young, can you treat him well?"
After all, he is his own flesh and blood. He has been raised by his side for so many years, so he has quite some affection for him. Rong Weijing nodded and replied: "I will raise him to be a talent."
Rong Zhou lowered her head and said no more words. Rong Weijing turned and left without a trace of coldness in her eyes.
Minister Rong divorced his wife!
The news spread like wildfire and reached the ears of the people of Shengjing.
Some people said that Minister Rong had always been honest and upright, and that was why he could not tolerate his wife committing a serious crime.
Some people argued that Minister Rong was cold-hearted and divorced his wife just as she was imprisoned, regardless of their marriage love of more than ten years.
The two sides argued for a long time, and neither side was able to convince the other.
Suddenly someone mentioned that on the day of the Empress Dowager's birthday, Minister Rong did not recognize his own son in the hall. How should this matter be judged?
Everyone was silent.
Although Rong Dalang looked thin, his facial features remained unchanged and even his stepmother could recognize him. Why did Rong Shangshu, the biological father, fail to recognize his own son?
"Rong Dalang is a traitor to the world. He returned to the capital but did not go home. He refused to recognize his own father. What does this have to do with Minister Rong?"
In the teahouse, someone fought back in anger.
Everyone thought about it carefully and it seemed to be true.
From ancient times to the present, parents' unkindness is a minor matter, while children's unfilialness is a major matter. Rong Xi's behavior has aroused public anger.
Even the imperial palace had heard of it.
The emperor had just appointed him as Junior Minister of Works and felt that he could not lose face, so he summoned Rong Xi to the palace for questioning.
"Da Lang, have you ever heard the rumors in the market?"
Rong Xi knew what was going on. "I wonder what rumor your majesty is referring to?"
The emperor asked bluntly: "I heard that you never went home after returning to the capital, why is that?"
Filial piety is so important that even the emperor has to follow it.
Rong Xi looked ashamed and replied, "Your Majesty should know why I left the capital in the first place."
The emperor nodded. He already knew the reason and Rong Dalang was an innocent person.
"My father ordered me to go to Linxi to reflect on my actions. Without your order, I cannot return to the capital." Rong Xi explained calmly, "Without your majesty's order, I cannot even return to the capital, so how can I talk about returning home?"
It seems to make some sense.
After the emperor found out the reason, he no longer took it to heart, but he was still somewhat unhappy with Rong Weijing.
He then asked about the Military Equipment Bureau, and Rong Xi told him in detail. When he talked about the interesting stories, the emperor laughed so hard that he fell over and clapped his hands in admiration.
The two of them had a pleasant conversation and an hour passed in a flash.
At three quarters past noon, the emperor finally allowed Xi to leave the palace.
Rong Xi walked out of the palace slowly. Seeing Qin Ke standing quietly outside the palace waiting, he felt relieved immediately. He smiled and said, "Thank you for waiting for me, Your Highness. I apologize to you."
His teasing words made Qin Ke laugh, and Qin Ke's brows softened, diluting some of his coldness, making his appearance even more handsome.
"Go home."
The two of them returned to the Prince's Mansion together, and Chen Chuangu came to join in the fun.
"The Queen Mother's birthday has passed. When will you two return to Mount Meng?"
One is the Chief Inspector of Military Equipment, and the other is the Junior Secretary of the Inspectorate of Military Equipment. How could they leave their posts without permission?
"After properly arranging the shop, I will return to Mengshan." Rong Xi replied.
He agreed with Shopkeeper Du to meet tomorrow to discuss the operation of the shop. The owners of the other several shops in the West Market have all been convicted and sentenced, and they still need to find suitable people to run them.
The next day, Qin Ke wanted to accompany Rong Xi, but because he received a message from the Changxin Marquis Mansion, he went to the Changxin Marquis Mansion.
Princess Mingyi held a delicate glass mirror in her hand and saw the fine lines at the corners of her eyes clearly visible in the mirror, and she couldn't help but sigh.
Qin Ke asked: "What is the matter that worries you, mother?"
Princess Mingyi glared at him and said, "The Queen Mother asked me earlier when you would get married. I also want to know if you have someone you love now."
She doesn't care about family background, she just wants her son to have a close friend to accompany him.
Qin Ke was silent for a moment, and Princess Mingyi suddenly sighed.
As a mother, she knows her son. She already had her suspicions on the day of the Queen Mother's birthday banquet.
"Who is he?"
Qin Ke knelt down suddenly, without any hesitation, and said: "I think mother has guessed that my son and Rong Dalang..."
"Qin Ke!" Princess Mingyi slammed the table and stood up, looking extremely angry. "Do you really want to stay with a man for the rest of your life? Are you worthy of the Qin family?"
Qin Ke suddenly raised his head and said firmly: "I have not violated the will of my ancestors. I have always guarded the border and have never let down the Qin family."
"You!" Princess Mingyi's beautiful eyes widened, and she wanted to scold him, but suddenly she fainted and fell down.
Fortunately, Qin Ke was quick-witted and caught him.
He was anxious to find a doctor, but he noticed something unusual. Suddenly, he had a flash of inspiration, and the panic in his eyes faded away. He ordered the servants, "Go find a doctor and the Marquis quickly."
After saying this, he placed Princess Mingyi on the couch and waited beside her.
After a while, the doctor and Marquis Changxin arrived.
When Marquis Changxin saw Princess Mingyi fainted, he was extremely anxious and hurriedly ordered a doctor to treat her.
After the doctor felt his pulse, he replied respectfully, "Your Highness is suffering from a heart attack due to anxiety, but he is fine and will wake up soon."
Marquis Changxin immediately looked at Qin Ke and asked fiercely, "Are you mad at your mother?"
At the same time, Princess Mingyi woke up faintly. When she saw Marquis Changxin, her eyes suddenly turned red and she cried sadly, "My Lord, I failed to educate this rebellious son. I am ashamed of the Qin family's ancestors!"
Qin Ke signaled to the doctor, who understood the situation and left the room.
Marquis Changxin felt extremely distressed and quickly comforted him: "How did this rebellious son annoy you? Tell me, and I will teach him a lesson for you!"
Qin Ke sighed secretly, he missed Lan Zhi a little.
"He, he..." Princess Mingyi covered her face with a scarf and sobbed softly, "It's really hard for me to speak."
The sky is big, the earth is big, but my wife is the biggest.
Marquis Changxin glared at Qin Ke with a fierce look on his face, "What on earth did you do to make your mother angry?"
Qin Ke glanced at Princess Ming Yi and said helplessly, "Mother, you are ashamed of the Qin family's ancestors."
"Have you done something evil?" Marquis Changxin asked.
Princess Mingyi suddenly grabbed the sleeve of Marquis Changxin and blamed herself: "My Lord, this is my fault."
"What have you done wrong? It must be this rebellious son who did something evil!" The firmness of Marquis Changxin's position was simply jaw-dropping.
Fortunately, Qin Ke was used to it. He pretended to smile bitterly and said, "My mother knew that my son and Rong Dalang had secretly decided to spend their lives together, so she blamed herself and was so distressed that she fainted."
Marquis Changxin: “…”
Wait a minute, let him digest it for a moment.
The room was silent. Princess Mingyi clutched her handkerchief and sobbed softly. Marquis Changxin was dumbfounded. Qin Ke looked at his nose and his heart.
After a long while, Marquis Changxin came back to his senses, glared at Qin Ke, gently hugged Princess Mingyi, and said softly, "Don't be upset, this matter has nothing to do with you. If a son does not teach well, it is the father's fault. I will beat him up to vent your anger."
The crying stopped abruptly. Princess Mingyi was about to stop it, but she saw Marquis Changxin had grabbed Qin Ke's clothes. The two of them went to the courtyard together and started to...discuss with each other.
Princess Mingyi stared blankly for a while and then laughed out loud.
The father and son fought until the sky was dark and the ground was dark. The dust in the yard was flying. After a long time, Marquis Changxin captured Qin Ke with one move, pinned him to the ground, and laughed loudly: "You are no good!"
Qin Ke's face was slightly purple, and he nodded calmly.
No matter what, A Niang and A Ye always need to be coaxed, and it is not shameful to let A Ye win once.
Marquis Changxin did not appreciate his kindness and let him go. He asked Princess Mingyi with a smile, "I beat him up. Please don't get angry and hurt yourself."
Qin Ke stood up and dusted off the dust on his body.
Princess Mingyi couldn't help laughing, "I was worried that you would be angry."
"He can be with whoever he wants," said Marquis Changxin heartlessly, "but don't come to me to cry if he regrets it later!"
Although he is a rough man, he is not stupid. He knew Princess Mingyi's little thoughts, but so what?
Her happiness is more important than anything else.
"Ake, go to the ancestral hall and kneel for a day." Princess Mingyi ordered.
Qin Ke obediently went to the ancestral hall and knelt down, and secretly told his servants to inform the Prince's Mansion.
The servant went to the Prince's Mansion to inform the housekeeper, and happened to meet Rong Xi returning.
"The prince is not coming back tonight? What happened?"
Seeing the servant's eyes flickering, he asked again.
The servant knew that he was a newly appointed sixth-rank junior official by the emperor, and that he had a close relationship with the prince, so he answered honestly, "The prince was punished by His Highness to kneel in the ancestral hall."
"Why?" Rong Xi was shocked.
The servant didn't know the specific reason, so he shook his head.
Rong Xi frowned.
Logically speaking, Qin Ke's actions had always been impeccable, but today he was suddenly summoned to the Marquis' Mansion and punished to kneel in the ancestral hall, which was really puzzling.
Could it be because of that incident?
His heart suddenly beat a few times, Rong Xi did not think much, and asked hurriedly: "I would like to pay a visit to Your Highness and the Marquis, is it possible?"
The servant was stunned. It was getting dark, and it didn't seem appropriate to visit at this time.
However, in response to Rong Langjun's sincere request, he had to take Rong Xi with him to the Marquis Changxin's Mansion, where Rong Xi waited outside the mansion for the message.
After a while, the servant returned and said with embarrassment, "Please forgive me, Your Highness will not see any guests today."
Is it really because of me?
Rong Xi felt awe in his heart. Even in later generations, there was discrimination against same-sex love, let alone this era?
In the original book, Rong Lian fell in love with a man and was driven out of the Rong Mansion by Rong Weijing, severing the father-son relationship.
It can be seen that people at that time were deeply prejudiced against this matter.
If Qin Ke had really confronted Princess Mingyi and Marquis Changxin, he would have been only punished by kneeling in the ancestral hall, which would have been considered a light punishment.
"Thank you." He thanked politely but did not turn around and leave.
The servant was puzzled and asked, "Shaoqing Rong?"
Rong Xi smiled faintly, "Nothing, I'll wait for the prince here."
Someone was kneeling alone in the ancestral hall, and he felt distressed.
The Marquis Changxin's residence was adjacent to the residences of many princes and important officials. To avoid being talked about by others, Rong Xi found a secret place and stood there waiting quietly.
The servant had no choice but to return home and close the door.
Princess Mingyi asked him, "Did Rong Dalang leave?"
"He didn't leave," the servant shook his head and said honestly, "He said he wanted to wait for the prince."
Princess Mingyi waved her hand and the servants left.
She glanced at Marquis Changxin, who immediately asked with a smile, "Can't bear it anymore?"
"He kidnapped my son, why should I not bear it?"
Marquis Changxin massaged her shoulders and carefully retorted, "As far as I know, Rong Dalang is only seventeen years old, much younger than that rebellious son."
It’s hard to say who abducted whom.
Princess Mingyi was startled, and the image of Rong Xi appeared in her mind.
He is indeed still immature. Although his appearance is not as good as Ake's, his charm is unmatched. He also has the ability to create tools. His talent is valued by the emperor and is worthy of Ake.
"Send someone to secretly check and see how long the Rong family member can hold out."
When Marquis Changxin received the order, he immediately called the gatekeeper and gave him clear instructions.
As night fell, the mansion was brightly lit.
Princess Mingyi was upset and called the gatekeeper again, asking, "Has Rong's son left?"
She both wanted Rong Xi to leave the house and hoped that Rong Xi would persist.
Seeing her like this, Marquis Changxin said softly, "If you are really worried, why not invite him into the mansion to meet him? If he is really a good boy, it would not be bad."
"You are so heartless!" Princess Mingyi glared at him.
I have never seen anyone like Qin Yuan who doesn't care about the incense of his descendants. It is really surprising.
Marquis Changxin said aggrievedly, "I have given you my all."
Well, we can’t talk.
At 11 p.m., the gatekeeper came again to report that Rong's son was still waiting outside the door.
Princess Mingyi couldn't bear it, so she ordered, "Let him come to see me."
After a while, Rong Xi arrived nervously and performed great etiquette to show his respect and guilt.
He was born so well-behaved and gentle that Princess Mingyi felt that she had been too cruel just now, so she said in a gentle voice, "Sit down and talk."
Rong Xi was worried about Qin Ke, still kneeling on the ground, and said sincerely: "Xi is presumptuous to come and disturb you, I hope Your Highness will forgive me."
"What crime have you committed?" asked Princess Mingyi.
Rong Xi was silent for a few breaths, and then he replied solemnly: "Xi is innocent. However, the matter between Xi and the Prince displeased His Highness and the Marquis, which is a great crime."
"Rong Dalang, do you know how many noble ladies in Shengjing want to marry Ake?"
"I know."
"Do you know that the Marquis of Changxin has only one son, Ake?"
"I know."
"Do you know that if A Ke sets his mind on someone, he will never let him down?"
Rong Xi's chest suddenly felt like a drum beating and his eyes trembled.
"I know."
Princess Mingyi was unwilling to give in, and sneered, "If that's the case, why do you think I would watch A Ke jump into the fire pit?"
"Because you love him."
Rong Xi said softly.
His eyes were filled with gratitude and longing. He could see that Princess Mingyi truly loved Qin Ke.
He had never experienced selfless maternal love in either of his two lives, and he actually felt a little envious from the bottom of his heart.
Princess Mingyi was suddenly stunned.
She stared into the boy's eyes, but could sense some sadness.
Thinking of Rong Xi's life experience, her heart softened, but she couldn't hide it on her face. She just said coldly: "Then are you willing to share the joys and sorrows with him?"
Rong Xi's smile was so heartbreaking.
"I do."
Princess Mingyi held her face in a tense manner, stood up, waved her sleeves and said, "Since that's the case, you go to the ancestral hall and kneel with him."
Rong Xi was extremely delighted, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your help."
The candlelight in the ancestral hall flickered. Qin Ke knelt alone on the mat. His mind was full of Rong Xi's figure. He couldn't help but chuckle.
I wish you a good dream tonight.
Suddenly, there were several footsteps outside the ancestral hall.
"Mr. Rong, please come in." This was the voice of a servant.
Qin Ke's body suddenly stiffened, and after a few breaths, he suddenly turned his head.
The door of the ancestral hall was pushed open, and the young man walked in under the moonlight, smiling and looking very happy.
The two men looked at each other without saying anything, but they both understood.
Rong Xi knelt beside him, head lowered and eyes dropped, with a very solemn expression.
After a while, Qin Ke broke the silence in the ancestral hall.
"Lanzhi, I am both happy and worried."
I am happy that you are fearless and steadfast; I am worried that you are not strong enough and kneeling for too long will hurt your body.
Rong Xi understood the meaning of his words and chuckled and shook his head.
“For me, it’s a blessing.”
The author has something to say:
Don't worry about the ending of Rong Shangshu~
PS: Jinjiang has been quite slow recently. I found that many fairies read all the way through but just couldn't get to the latest chapter. I tried it myself and found the same situation. If you find that there is no update, you may try clicking into the directory. Generally speaking, it is updated between 6pm and 9pm, and you can check it after 9pm.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
