"Your Highness, this evidence does not belong to me. To say that I am the murderer who framed Consort Hesheli is utter nonsense."
Zhao Jia's clear and calm voice was remarkably composed, and her words were forceful and clear, making everyone who heard them believe that she was indeed innocent.
Tongjia's eyes showed more appreciation. Judging by her face alone, one might think Zhaojia was a simple and cute girl, but her words just now made her seem not timid or weak, but rather quite strong.
Hesheli, the victim, was overjoyed when she heard the Imperial Noble Consort say that something had been found in her room. She pretended to be angry and kept glaring at Zhaojia, hoping that Tongjia would give her justice.
But Zhao Jia immediately said that she did not do it, and the situation took a turn. Hesheli put away her anger and prepared to see how things went.
Tongjia clansmen were quite interested and gestured to Zhaojia clansmen with their eyes, asking her to tell them what had happened.
Lady Zhaojia cleared her throat and slowly said, "Your Highness, I have just carefully examined the evidence, and it bears the mark of the Jinyu Workshop outside the palace."
Upon hearing this, one of the young women in the crowd couldn't help but reveal a smug smile.
Yunyi perked up as well. This Jinyufang was a joint venture between her and the Ninth Prince, Yinzhen, in which she held a 40% stake. Hearing that she would have her own shop, Yunyi listened to the story with even greater interest.
Of course, Lady Zhaojia couldn't see the smile on the face of the young lady just now. She continued to explain: "Although the bracelet that I often wear is also produced by Jinyufang, it was made by the old craftsman Chen in the workshop. In addition to the mark of Jinyufang, it also bears the personal mark of the old craftsman Chen."
At this point, many people realized that the evidence probably didn't belong to Zhao Jia at all; it was someone else framing her.
As expected, Zhao Jia continued, "The evidence just now, although it was also from Jin Yu Fang and had the workshop's mark, did not have the old craftsman Chen's personal mark, which is why I said it was not my own. Since it is not my property, then saying that I harmed someone else is even more of a lie."
After Zhaojia explained it this way, Tongjia gestured for the maids to look more carefully, and sure enough, they did not find a second mark.
This would prove that the bracelet did not belong to Zhao Jia, clearing her of suspicion.
Tongjia smiled slightly at Zhaojia, "Since it's definitely not yours, then someone is framing you. Don't worry, I will definitely find the person who harmed you and clear your name."
Zhao Jia bowed respectfully, showing no signs of the annoyance, grievance, or fear one would feel after being slandered; she remained calm and composed.
"Your Highness, I have something else to say. The jewelry made by Jin Yu Fang is all numbered, so we can find out who bought it. Since this item is also from Jin Yu Fang, Your Highness might as well send someone over to ask who bought this bracelet, and we can find that person."
Lady Tongjia nodded, gave a few instructions to the nanny beside her, and then sent someone out of the palace to inquire.
However, the palace investigation was not over yet. Lady Tongjia sent the maids to check each room again to see if there was any evidence that had been missed.
Upon hearing Zhao Jia's words, Li Jia was immediately flustered. Her hands, hidden in her sleeves, trembled slightly. She prayed incessantly that the Imperial Noble Consort would not agree with Zhao Jia's words.
But as soon as the Imperial Noble Consort spoke, Li Jia panicked and almost fell over.
The waiting was agonizing. Li Jia could do nothing but pray in her heart that the old woman who had gone to investigate hadn't gotten anything out of her, so that she could escape this ordeal.
But things didn't go as planned. A short while later, the old women who went to check the room came out and this time they found important evidence.
The nannies brought up the evidence they had found, and after lifting the red cloth, Tongjia Shi saw that there was a small box on it.
Opening the small box, I found a packet of osmanthus powder inside. I say this because the powder had a faint osmanthus fragrance.
Hesheli also smelled the odor, which startled her so much that she quickly took two steps back, continuing until she felt safe. At the same time, she had a guess in her mind.
Covering her mouth with her hand, Hesheli began to explain her actions.
"Please forgive me, Your Highness, I was rude just now. I have been unable to come into contact with anything related to osmanthus since I was a child. Whenever I do, I break out in a rash, just like on my face."
Tongjia nodded to indicate that she understood and did not blame her for her rude behavior earlier.
The old woman stepped forward with the evidence and reported that the item had been found in Zhao Jia's room.
Upon hearing this, Yunyi became even more curious. Just now they said that they found Zhaojia's things in Hesheli's house, and now they say that they found other things in Zhaojia's house.
Tongjia was equally curious, but before the nanny could finish speaking, she understood after hearing the report.
It turns out that although the small box was found in Zhaojia's house, it had nothing to do with Zhaojia. It was actually found in Lijia's jewelry box.
Then another person's name appeared, and Tongjia asked the nanny to summon Lijia for questioning.
Li Jia was not as calm as Zhao Jia. As soon as she came up, seeing her expression, Tong Jia knew that she had something to hide.
After only a few questions, Li Jiashi stammered and couldn't answer, making everyone look at her with increasing suspicion.
The situation became tense for a moment, but fortunately, the old woman who went outside the palace to ask questions returned shortly afterward.
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