Chapter 274 Slap in the Face
Zhan Xingzhuo was taken aback and frowned.
He turned and left, while Minglu stayed behind, continuing to stare at Yao Qingling.
When Zhan Xingzhuo went outside, he saw Lin Shiyuan standing in the corridor with his hands behind his back.
Lin Shiyuan's demeanor became even colder, his face completely expressionless, resembling a treacherous minister who committed all sorts of evil deeds.
Zhan Xingzhuo glanced into the room, then looked at Lin Shiyuan: "Lin Langzhong, how dare you lie and claim to be from 'the higher-ups'? My official rank is above yours, are you trying to commit insubordination?"
Lin Shiyuan said calmly, "It is not that I am issuing this order under false pretenses, but this is the Emperor's decree, and none of them can be let off the hook."
"Yao Qingling's involvement in Hui Bafang has not yet been cleared of suspicion, and she is the key suspect. Neither she nor her son can be allowed to leave."
"If I have done Lord Zhan a favor, and something happens afterward, will Lord Zhan take responsibility for Yao Qingling?"
"Even if the Grand Princess of Deyang came in person, I would say the same thing," Lin Shiyuan said, bowing slightly towards the Duke's mansion.
He added this extra sentence to prevent the Duke's mansion from sending people to intimidate him again later.
This is the second time Zhan Xingzhuo has been asked this question.
Yao Qingling or her future—which would she choose?
When the Zhou family was in trouble before, the emperor's power was still unstable, and he could still protect Zhou Zhining. But five years have passed, and the emperor's methods have become tougher. Zhou Zhining's demotion to a government slave is proof of that.
If he chooses to protect Yao Qingling this time, it might be seen as a sign of disrespect for imperial authority in the emperor's eyes.
As a member of the royal family, he is more likely to be suspected of colluding with other princes and challenging imperial authority. In that case, his fate might not just be going to Luozhou.
It will be more serious than last time!
Zhan Xingzhuo's eyes flickered slightly as he quickly calculated in his mind.
He looked at Lin Shiyuan indifferently. Although Lin Shiyuan was of low rank, he already had power comparable to Lin Shiyuan's.
This man, from being locked in a cage, step by step, actually rose to this position!
Zhan Xingzhuo thought about it carefully. The emperor had only given Lin Shiyuan one month to handle the case. If he didn't do a good job, he would be beheaded.
A month has long passed, and Lin Shiyuan is not only alive, but his power is growing stronger, while the entire court is in turmoil because of this major case.
He truly lives up to his reputation as a butcher; he fears no threats, no death, no power, and is ruthless and cold-blooded.
"Lin Shiyuan, the woman inside is the one who saved your life. Do you really want to watch her die?"
Lin Shiyuan gave a mocking smirk: "My lord, I have heard of something. It is said that on the night Yongning Temple was attacked by bandits, the mountain was ablaze with fire, and hundreds or even thousands were killed or injured. When you heard the news, you did not go up the mountain to rescue people. What were you thinking at the time?"
"Knowing she could still be saved, yet you waited for news of her murder? I heard that you didn't even go up the mountain to verify it, and went straight to the funeral. Is that true?"
Every cold word that Lin Shiyuan uttered felt like a slap across Zhan Xingzhuo's face.
Zhan Xingzhuo's face was extremely ugly, his fingers were clenched into fists, and the veins on the back of his hands were bulging.
Lin Shiyuan felt extremely pleased to see Zhan Xingzhuo's humiliation.
During this period, he has been criticized by the people a lot, and Zhan Xingzhuo actually wants to kick him while he's down. Does he even have the right to do so?
"Lord Zhan, compared to you, I am far inferior."
After all, Yao Qingling was his first wife at that time, the woman he always said he pampered.
Zhan Xingzhuo was so angry that he gritted his teeth and shouted, "Lin Shiyuan, I don't need you to lecture me. You know nothing, what right do you have to speak?"
He coldly turned his head away: "Yao Qingling never saved me. On the contrary, I protected her for three years. And you, you were the man she saved and took in." He paused, then sneered, "You, such an ungrateful person, can you even be considered a man?"
Lin Shiyuan seemed to be stung by Zhan Xingzhuo. After a moment of silence, he said, "Your teachings are reasonable."
"Then... I assure you in front of you, sir, that until the case is settled, I will allow Yao Qingling and her child to stay in this cell, with fresh, hot meals provided daily, as a way of repaying her for saving my life and taking me in. Furthermore, the child is the grandson of the Grand Princess of Deyang, and the Emperor's nephew. This way, I will give face to both the Grand Princess and the Emperor, and it will not go against the Emperor's will. What do you think, sir?"
Zhan Xingzhuo: "..."
He suddenly felt something was off.
Lin Shiyuan was giving face to the Duke's mansion, so Yao Qingling and her son could receive special treatment, but that had nothing to do with him.
But if you look into it in detail, you can't find anything wrong with it.
The man snorted heavily through his nose, indicating that the matter would be left at that for the time being.
"Lin Shiyuan, you'd better keep your word. If either of them loses a single hair, I won't let you off the hook."
Lin Shiyuan then feigned a respectful bow, while Zhan Xingzhuo took a deep breath and exclaimed, "Minglu!"
Hearing the call, Minglu came out of the room, saw Zhan Xingzhuo leave, and quickly followed.
Lin Shiyuan remained in the same position, watching Zhan Xingzhuo's figure disappear into the corridor, then turned and took a few steps to the other side.
His footsteps were very light; if one's martial arts skills were not as profound as his, one would not be able to hear them.
His sudden appearance startled Tianzhu, who was hiding behind the wall.
Lin Shiyuan stared at him indifferently: "You heard everything?"
Tian Zhu feigned ignorance: "What did you hear?"
Lin Shiyuan was too lazy to waste words with him and said directly, "Until the case is resolved, Yao Qingling and her son must be placed in that cell without any mishaps, understand?"
Tian Zhu lowered his head: "Understood."
Zhan Xingzhuo has the power of the Grand Princess of Deyang and the Duke's Mansion behind him, Lin Shiyuan is under pressure from being cursed by the people, and Yao Qingling and her son cannot be harmed, not even a single hair can be lost.
...
Although Yao Qingling's movements were restricted, she acted somewhat like a "tyrant" in this prison cell.
She summoned her maid and Zhao'er's wet nurse.
The reason given was that she and her child needed someone to take care of them.
Tian Zhu wanted to make things difficult for her, only allowing her one maidservant, but Yao Qingling said, "My child is precious and not even half a year old yet. This prison cell has bad air, and who knows how many people have died here; it's full of gloom. Shouldn't we have some human presence to calm the child's nerves?"
Tian Zhu was so exasperated by her that he had no choice but to agree.
At night, while other prisoners could only eat hard, rock-hard steamed buns and drink cold, thin porridge, Yao Qingling was enjoying a hot meal.
It couldn't compare to the Marquis's mansion, but with vegetables, eggs, and a few slices of meat, it was quite satisfying.
Lou Yue looked at her clothes: "If only I could change into some clean clothes."
The pattern on the clothes was still visible when they came in, but now they're filthy.
Xia Chan said, "You should be content. If it weren't for Miss, we'd still be there, being eyed by those women."
Lou Yue sighed and tried to rub off some of the dirt on her clothes. Qing Ling said, "It's just changing clothes. We'll just tell Lord Tian later and ask him to send a message back to the Marquis's residence. Uncle San's family is still at the Marquis's residence; they'll send it to us."
Lou Yue blinked: "Huh? Would he agree?"
Qing Ling smiled and said, "I have to agree."
Otherwise, Lin Shiyuan would find fault with him.
Yao Qingling is now getting a taste of "privileges," albeit in prison.
Ah, no wonder so many people try to climb the social ladder, desperately trying to trample others under their feet.
If you don't trample others underfoot, you'll be trampled by them.
She curled her lips in a mocking smile, but felt weary inside.
She got up and sat down on the edge of the bed, looking listless.
He Yin walked over and gestured with her fingers: "Are you feeling unwell anywhere?"
She took Qingling's wrist to check her pulse.
Qingling shook her head: "I took the pills you gave me before I came in. I'm fine, just a little unhappy."
After Lin Shiyuan's visit last night, the two of them discussed and devised a plan. Knowing that she was facing imprisonment, Qingling calculated the time and had several people in Mulan Courtyard take the pills prepared by He Yin.
This medicine can prevent colds. They originally planned to use it when they went to that valley again, but they took it ahead of time.
He Yin blinked: "How long are we going to be here?"
Qingling shook her head.
She wasn't a fortune teller; she could only guarantee her own safety. As for how long it would take, that would depend on how many obstacles Lin Shiyuan would encounter next.
Zhan Xingzhuo wants to save her, will Zhou Zhining agree?
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