"Brother Li Xu, if it is really because of Zhen'er that you went to jail, then I would rather stay in the Jiaofangsi for the rest of my life." Su Zhen couldn't stop crying, looking at Li Xu with tears in her eyes, "Why are you so stupid? Do you know that embezzling the official silver for dredging the silt in the imperial court will result in death? If you die, how can you let me live? Even if I lose my status as a slave, I will never be at peace in this life. Do you want me to live in guilt and regret for the rest of my life? If I had known that it would cost so much to let me lose my status as a slave, I would rather be a guest!"
Li Xiu was at a loss when he saw Su Zhen crying. He did not dare to wipe Su Zhen's tears because of the difference between men and women. He just kept saying, "It has nothing to do with you. Zhen'er, please stop crying. I am just greedy for money..."
Gu Yun didn't have the patience to watch the two of them being so affectionate. He brought Su Zhen here just to find out the truth from Li Xu.
"Who instructed you to frame Xu Youzhi?" Gu Yun interrupted the two.
Li Xu didn't expect that Gu Yun knew that he was deliberately framing him. He panicked and shook his head to deny it, "No one instructed me. I don't understand what the young marquis said."
"You really don't understand?" Gu Yun raised his chin slightly, glanced at Su Zhen, and spoke slowly, "The person behind you can allow you to let Su Zhen leave the Jiaofangsi, but, if you say a word from me, she can't go anywhere and can only stay in the Jiaofangsi for the rest of her life."
Li Xu's eyes flashed with panic, and anger appeared on his face, "You... all these things have nothing to do with her." There was a hint of pleading in his voice, "Zhen'er is just a girl, Young Marquis Gu, please let her go. The Su family is full of loyal people, Zhen'er should not stay in a place like the Jiaofangsi and be abused by others."
Gu Yun snorted coldly, with a completely inhuman face, "You still know that the Su family is full of loyal bones? Is Xu Youzhi not a loyal minister? You framed Xu Youzhi and put him in prison. The Su family suffered the same punishment after Su Maoan was convicted. Don't you think the word "loyal bones" is shameful when it comes from a mouth like you?"
Li Xiu was so embarrassed by his accusation that his face turned pale. A deep sense of guilt flashed across his eyes. He just lowered his head and dared not say another word.
"You don't want to say it, right?" Gu Yun glanced at Seventeen, "Send her back to the Jiaofangsi, and tell the Ministry of Rites to tell them that no one is allowed to remove Su Zhen from the family register, and keep her in the Jiaofangsi."
Seventeen immediately stepped forward and restrained Su Zhen.
Li Xu was immediately panicked. Shiqi was already pulling Su Zhen to go outside. Li Xu quickly stopped them, "No!"
He bent his knees and knelt down towards Gu Yun, pleading, "Young Marquis Gu, I beg you, please let Su Zhen go. She has nothing to do with this case. I did everything. I will die to atone for my crime."
He tapped the ground and knocked it hard.
Gu Yun was not moved at all, and sneered, "Dying to pay for your sins? What's your life worth? Your death would put an end to everything, but how innocent are the people in the north who lost their lives in the floods because of the failure to clear the silt in time? Their wives and children were separated, their families were broken up, there were starving people on the road, and their fields and houses were destroyed. Can your life compensate for those innocent souls?"
Li Xiu paused in his kowtow, his dry lips trembling slightly. After a long while, he closed his eyes and said regretfully, "It can't make up for it..."
He opened his eyes, not daring to look at Su Zhen, and whispered, "I'll tell you the truth, can you let Zhen'er go? I'm guilty of a heinous crime, but all of this has nothing to do with Su Zhen, she knows nothing."
Gu Yun looked down at him and responded, "Tell me everything you know, and I will have someone send Su Zhen away from the capital."
"You keep your word?" Li Xu was afraid that Gu Yun would go back on his word.
Gu Yun raised his eyebrows, "I, Gu Yun, never speak without a purpose."
Being in the same capital city, Li Xu was aware of Gu Yun's behavior. Although this dandy young marquis had no taboos and was extremely arrogant, he was a favored child of heaven and always acted in an upright manner.
"I believe you." Li Xiu uttered these three words with great emphasis. He had reached the end of his rope and had no other choice.
"Can you let Zhen'er leave first?" Li Xu's eyes quickly swept over Su Zhen. He knew that in Su Zhen's heart he had always been a kind and upright person. He didn't want Su Zhen to see himself being so despicable and selfish.
Knowing too much is not a good thing, and he doesn't want to involve Su Zhen in this case.
Gu Yun raised his chin and gestured to Seventeen.
Shiqi led Su Zhen out of the prison. Su Zhen turned around and looked at Li Xu from afar. She choked but said firmly, "Brother Li Xu, I will always be waiting for you outside. If you are sentenced to beheading, I will cut my neck and accompany you to the underworld to atone for your sins!"
Li Xiu's heart choked, and his nose was slightly dry. "Don't wait for me, and don't do anything stupid. Leave the capital and live a good life."
Shiqi had already dragged Su Zhen out of the prison. It was unknown whether Su Zhen heard what he said. After coming to his senses, Li Xu and Gu Yun said, "I did not embezzle government funds. It was the Minister of Revenue Qin Huaiyuan..."
As soon as Li Xu said the name, he was interrupted by Gu Yun's gruff voice, "Bullshit! You just framed Xu Youzhi, and now you want to frame Qin Huaiyuan? I can't believe you are so dishonest. If you keep playing tricks, do you believe that I will send Su Zhen to Mobei to be a military prostitute to reward the soldiers?"
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