"Han Ying, have you completed the tasks I instructed you to undertake?"
With ten days to go before the Hou family banquet, Chen Jinheng has cancelled all his social engagements in the past few days.
He stayed at the Marquis's residence specifically to collect information related to Gu Qianluo.
"Reporting to General Chen, I have notified everyone in accordance with your instructions."
However, there was still no reply from Gu Zijun.
Upon hearing this, Chen Jinheng's gaze darkened slightly, and he asked in confusion,
"Gu Zijun? Do you know what he's been up to lately?"
"According to my information, he left the capital a month ago to go to Qizhou to handle the Gu family's business."
"Send a message for me: I must see him within a month, no matter what."
"Yes, Your Majesty! I obey!"
Time flows by, yet passes in the blink of an eye. The family banquet at the Marquis's residence was held as scheduled amidst laughter and joy.
Chen Jinheng, the eldest son Chen Jinran, and Madam Zhang stood together at the main gate of the Marquis's residence to welcome guests from all directions.
The Marquis was highly respected in the capital, and his guests arrived early by carriage, some bringing gifts as well.
Although Chen Jinheng was not the eldest son, his merits were outstanding, and in the eyes of the guests, he had long become a role model for the new generation of young people in the Marquis of Zhongyong's mansion.
"Congratulations, General Chen! You have achieved great things at such a young age. You will surely rise to great heights and have a bright future!"
"Thank you! Thank you! I merely did what I was supposed to do. This way, please!"
Led by Uncle Yin, the guests took their seats one by one.
Chen Jinran carefully reviewed the guest list and gently instructed,
"Jinheng, all the guests should be here! The banquet may begin."
"Thank you for your trouble, brother!"
The guests were all high-ranking officials and nobles, and all people who were serious in their dealings with others. On the surface, they were very respectful to Chen Jinheng.
In reality, they all wanted to see the Marquis's mansion make a fool of itself.
These people were all filled with curiosity about the affair between Chen Jinheng's wife and his secret guards.
The saying "good news doesn't travel far, but bad news travels fast" perfectly describes this situation.
"Many thanks to all the seniors, relatives and friends for attending the Hou family banquet today. To express our gratitude for your presence at the Hou family residence."
The Marquis's residence has prepared a sumptuous meal and a wonderful theatrical performance for everyone; please enjoy yourselves to the fullest!
As the banquet began, the hall was bustling with activity. Guests mingled and laughed, enjoying themselves immensely.
The children from the second and third wives all vied to step forward and clink glasses with Chen Jinheng.
Chen Jinheng, accompanied by Chen Jincheng who was embarking on his first campaign, greeted the guests one by one.
Fourth Young Master Chen Jinchu looked at Chen Jinheng with admiration, like a little adult, and congratulated him with his sword in hand.
"Congratulations, Second Brother, on being awarded the title of Grand General Protector of the Nation! This is an honor that Grandpa once received!"
Chen Jinheng raised an eyebrow slightly, raised his hand to touch Chen Jinchu's head, and said gently,
"Jin Chu, when you're a little older, how about your brother takes you to war?"
"Yes! Great! My biggest dream is to go into battle and fight for my country."
"Good, good, good! You have such awareness, you are indeed a descendant of the Chen family."
"Third brother, I've heard that there are many beautiful women on the frontier. Why don't you bring one back?"
"Third brother, you were promoted to lieutenant general on your first expedition, that's pretty good, isn't it?"
Chen Jincheng was shy by nature, and he dared not make any decisions about matters concerning marriage.
"What do children know? Your third brother prioritizes his career; how could he possibly have time for personal relationships?"
Seeing his embarrassed expression, Chen Jinheng quickly came to his rescue.
After dealing with the group of children, it was time to toast the visiting guests.
After a round of toasts, Chen Jinheng's face flushed slightly, but he showed no signs of drunkenness.
"General, shall we invite Magistrate Li over?"
"Uh-huh."
Han Ying glanced around and spotted Magistrate Li in a corner. She quickly stepped forward and invited him to the center.
"Distinguished elders and friends, welcome to the Hou family banquet today."
Actually, the reason I've invited everyone here today is to clarify something important: to clear my deceased wife's name."
As soon as Chen Jinheng finished speaking, a commotion broke out below, with continuous discussions.
The Marquis and his wife frowned, their expressions serious, and their eyes revealed surprise.
Lin Ruoyan's heart sank. Her hands, which were resting on the hem of her skirt, gripped the hem tightly. Due to her extreme nervousness, her hands were covered with a thick layer of sweat.
Zhang's eyes flickered, her expression darkened, and her gaze swept over Lin Ruoyan beside her, a bad premonition rising in her heart.
"Although I have not spent much time with Luo'er, I know that she is not a fickle woman."
A year ago, she was entrusted by the old lady to assist her sister-in-law in managing the Hou family's accounts.
She is straightforward and conscientious. After discovering a discrepancy in the accounts of Chaolu Manor, she took the initiative to go to the site with her personal bodyguard, Zhuying, to investigate.
After overcoming numerous obstacles, the accounting problems at Chaolu Manor were finally clarified, and the matter of the accountants Ling Xi and Ling Fan illegally collecting grain rent and abusing tenant farmers was handed over to Magistrate Li for handling.
After speaking, Chen Jinheng summoned Magistrate Li and instructed him to recount the entire case of Ling Xi and Ling Fan to the guests below.
Upon hearing this, the Marquis felt a sense of unease, as if he had understood something.
But now that Gu Qianluo has left, what's the point of saying all this?
Lady Hou, feeling guilty, suddenly stood up and asked,
"Jinheng, since you were with Gu Qianluo at the time, why didn't you send someone to inform the Marquis's residence sooner?"
Chen Jinheng sighed softly, "Mother, please calm down. Actually, I sent the letter to the Marquis's residence early this morning, but for some reason, it didn't arrive in time, and Luo'er has already..."
"This..." Lady Hou's heart sank, and she turned her gaze to Lin Ruoyan beside her, asking earnestly,
“Miss Lin, since Gu Qianluo’s accident, you have been in charge of all the affairs of this manor. Are you aware of what Jinheng said?”
Upon hearing this, Lin Ruoyan's heart trembled, and tears welled up in her eyes. She quickly ran to Chen Jinheng and knelt down, explaining with a face full of guilt.
"It's all my daughter's fault! If she had received General Chen's letter sooner, my sister Luo'er wouldn't have died so tragically."
"Waaah, I beg General Chen to punish me severely to appease your anger."
Upon hearing this, Lady Hou's heart trembled, and she suddenly realized that all of this was nothing more than Lin Ruoyan's scheme.
Upon hearing this, Zhang's eyes flashed with displeasure, and she quickly stepped forward to persuade her.
"Jinheng, the dead cannot be brought back to life, but Miss Lin's feelings for you are as clear as day."
Your heart cannot always lean to one side.
When Gu Qianluo had her accident, it was Miss Lin who arranged her funeral.
Regardless of any past favors, just considering her feelings for you, is your heart made of iron?
Seeing Zhang's coercion of Chen Jinheng, Chen Jinran's eyes flashed with anger. She quickly stood up, pulled Zhang back, and rebuked her angrily.
"Qinhe, this is not a place for you to speak!"
Chen Jinheng narrowed his eyes, looking at the humble Lin Ruoyan before him, his mind racing with thoughts, before coldly speaking,
“This matter concerns human life. Since Miss Lin feels that she has made a mistake, then she should go to Jing’an Temple to repent.”
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