Lu Zheng's words had already sparked a discussion among the onlookers at the entrance.
What kind of business deal did Madam Cheng do with Gu Shouxin?
Didn't they say there was cheating in the county exam? Why are they talking about business again?
Could it be that the message was passed from one person to ten, then from ten to a hundred, and then it got wrong?
"Oh, I know about this!" Mrs. Li heard the old ladies gossiping next to her and asked Da Hong and Da Zi to join in the gossip.
So, before long, the onlookers learned from the bright red and purple words that the increasingly popular Zuijianglou was owned by the county magistrate's wife.
Zuijianglou used to have a bad business, but after cooperating with the Gu family, the Gu family developed new dishes, and Zuijianglou's business has been booming.
Furthermore, the interior design of Zuijianglou is different from other restaurants; it was suggested by the wife of a candidate who was caught in the examination hall.
The Gu family also mentioned a hair care set, which was made by them. However, because they didn't want to cooperate with Madam Cheng, Madam Cheng hated the Gu family. When the Gu family came to pay their respects on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, they were thrown away.
The people were stunned. Was this some kind of forced cooperation? How could this be reasonable?
The people chattered incessantly, and Gu Shouxin's lips curled up slightly. Hmm, this Madam Li is indeed more clever than Madam Cheng.
"Silence! Silence!" Lord Cheng slammed his gavel a few more times, his lungs practically bursting with rage!
The Gu family is really audacious to fabricate such a thing!
"My lord! I have something to say!" At this moment, Madam Li stepped forward and walked into the hall.
Lu Zheng silently stepped aside; with Madam Li present, he could keep quiet.
"Who are you? What is your connection to this cheating incident?" Lord Cheng asked, frowning.
"Oh, me! My sister-in-law is the prefect's brother. I can barely be considered a relative of the prefect. Lord Yao said that as long as I don't commit any crimes, I won't kneel in court. He'll back me up!" Madam Li raised her chin, looking like she was bullying someone with power.
"Absurd! The law stipulates..."
“Lord Cheng, even my relative who is a prefect can’t be more outrageous than you! Don’t think I didn’t hear it. People outside are saying that your family tried to steal the formula for the Gu family’s toiletries, but failed. The Gu family is determined to resist to the death. You’re framing them! The imperial examination is a big deal, much more important than money. You’ve ruined this student Gu’s future! Isn’t that right, student Gu?” Madam Li interrupted Lord Cheng and looked at Gu Shouxin.
"Thank you for speaking up for me, elder sister!" Gu Shouxin bowed with a wronged expression.
"Oh dear! That's exactly right! We all know how difficult it is to be a scholar, how could you do this, Master Cheng?" Da Hong said with a regretful expression.
"That's right! What witnesses and evidence? I just listened and didn't hear any concrete witnesses or evidence. Maybe the Cheng family fabricated them to ruin the Gu family!" Da Zi said indignantly.
Cai Xiaolian looked at the two women, whom she had seen many times before, in surprise. They were so into their roles, playing the kind old woman and the young woman who helped those in need. They were acting so well!
"Nonsense! Absurdity!" Lord Cheng was furious and slammed his gavel a few more times. "Silence! Silence!"
"Lord Cheng is enraged!"
"Shut up! Lord Cheng wants the constables to arrest us commoners!"
"These corrupt officials are heartless; they treat the people like straw dogs!"
"..."
Among the crowd, several rough male voices grew louder and louder. When Lord Cheng sent someone to check, they found that they were all women. The men were either young or old and could not produce such powerful voices.
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