Chapter 232 I Know Who the Murderer Is
Nowadays, there are two types of maids.
One option was to sell oneself into servitude to a master's household. The master would pay a high price to buy the maid outright, and the maid would sign a contract of servitude, thus becoming a slave or servant in the master's household with no freedom.
Another option was to be introduced by a brokerage firm and hired to work for a master's household. In this case, instead of a contract of servitude, an employment contract was signed. The maid would live and eat at the master's house each month and receive a small amount of money to help support her family through difficult times. If she wanted to leave, she could return home after discussing it with the master.
Xiu Lu was the latter; she did not sell herself to the Shen family because her parents couldn't bear to let their daughter be a slave for the rest of her life.
However, she disappeared without a trace after only a few days in the Shen residence.
The Xin family was naturally unwilling to let the matter rest, and they quickly became suspicious of Jin Mama's son, Xiang Meng.
Xiang Meng was idle and lazy. Because of Granny Jin, he worked in the outer courtyard of the Shen family. He often took advantage of the fact that Granny Jin was Qi's personal nanny to bully the maids.
The maids in the Shen family were afraid of Granny Jin, and dared not utter a word when they were bullied. Most of them would endure it as much as possible, and occasionally those who could not bear it would complain to Madam Qi, but it was to no avail.
According to Granny Jin, it was all because of those little vixens who seduced her honest son.
As soon as Xiu Lu entered the Shen residence, Xiang Meng set his sights on her. On the first day, he forced himself on her. Xiu Lu struggled desperately and resisted to the death, even scratching his face. Afterwards, Xiu Lu complained to Madam Qi.
But Madam Qi didn't take it seriously at all. She even complained that Xiu Lu had caused trouble as soon as she entered the mansion, and warned her that if she caused any more trouble, she would be kicked out of the mansion.
Granny Jin gave Xiu Lu a severe scolding.
With someone backing him up, Xiang Meng became increasingly reckless.
The next day, he bought medicine, put it in the water Xiu Lu was drinking, and took advantage of her while she was unconscious.
When Xiu Lu woke up, she went to Qi Shi crying to complain. However, Qi Shi said that since she had already lost her virginity to Xiang Meng, she should just give herself to him.
Xiu Lu refused. She rushed out to go home and tell her parents, but Xiang Meng stopped her.
On the third day, Xiu Lu disappeared.
The Xin family naturally came to the Shen residence to demand the person back, and the incident caused quite a stir, eventually leading to a report to the authorities.
But after a few days, the rest of the Xin family, like Xiu Lu, mysteriously disappeared.
The authorities had suspected Xiang Meng, but firstly, there was no evidence, and secondly, the Xin family was wiped out, so naturally no one pursued the case.
Only now, after Xin Huailin returned from the battlefield, has the case been brought up for trial again.
When Xin Huailin returned home and found no one there, he immediately reported it to the authorities. Now, on the third day, news of the Xin family's situation has spread throughout the capital.
The emperor was also furious and ordered the Ministry of Justice to thoroughly investigate the case and give an explanation to the soldiers who had risked their lives on the scene.
Xin Huailin didn't go anywhere; he just stood at the entrance of the Ministry of Justice, his eyes red, waiting for an explanation.
However, Shen Wantang was not the only one paying attention to this case.
Star Harbour Courtyard.
As Xiao Qingyuan was chatting with Huo Yunzhou, Chu Yanluo walked in: "Your Highness, have you heard? The Xin Huailin family of thirteen has mysteriously disappeared. This major case has drawn great attention from the entire Ministry of Justice. I know who the murderer is..."
She paused for a moment, then looked at Huo Yunzhou: "Oh dear, I didn't know you had guests here, young master. Please forgive me."
She certainly knew Huo Yunzhou, but she pretended not to and bowed to him.
"Young Master, aren't you going to introduce me to him?"
Xiao Qingyuan frowned: "Why would I introduce him to a man from another family? Is one Gu Qianhan not enough? Do you want to meet more men to create more backup plans for yourself?"
Chu Yanluo's smiling expression froze instantly: "Xiao Qingyuan, what nonsense are you talking about! How could you humiliate me like this?!"
"You didn't treat me like this before. Before, when I asked you to introduce me to your friends, you always said I was poised and confident, unlike those women who become shy and timid around other men! Now you're saying I'm just trying to find more backup plans for myself?"
"I came here with good intentions to tell you about the murderer in the Xin family case, so that you could gain a good reputation in the capital, but you doubt my sincerity!"
"I shouldn't have agreed to be your concubine. After becoming your concubine, even you look down on me!"
"I want to leave the palace and go back to the Jixin Nunnery. Even if life there is hard, it's better than being doubted by you here!"
Xiao Qingyuan never expected that after he only said one sentence, Chu Yanluo would launch into a long tirade, clearly showing that she didn't take him seriously at all, making him lose face in front of Huo Yunzhou!
And to make matters worse, she brought up Jixin Nunnery, which was like stabbing Huo Yunzhou in the heart. He was already so worried about Lin Rouxin going to Jixin Nunnery that he couldn't eat or sleep!
"Chu Yanluo, how come you're becoming more and more rude! You already know I have guests here, why don't you get out of here? Get out!"
Why should I avoid being the Crown Prince's guest? Aren't your friends my friends too?
Seeing the two arguing, Huo Yunzhou couldn't help but say, "Qingyuan, don't argue with her. I heard her say that she knows who caused the disappearance of the Xin family's thirteen members?"
Chu Yanluo said proudly, "Of course I know!"
Who is it?
"I will only speak if the Crown Prince begs me."
Xiao Qingyuan's face was extremely ugly: "Chu Yanluo, don't push your luck! You've been in the Prince's mansion the whole time, how could you possibly know who the murderer is? Stop talking nonsense here and go back to your courtyard!"
Huo Yunzhou quickly said, "Qingyuan, to be honest, Xin Huailin is actually one of my subordinates. He fought bravely on the battlefield and made great contributions. He was awarded the title of Wuyi General of the fifth rank by the imperial court."
“I heard about his situation yesterday, and I promised him that I would help him find out the truth behind his family’s disappearance, but the Ministry of Justice has no leads yet.”
"If you... know any clues, I will reward you handsomely! Please help me this time, Qingyuan!"
His tone was very sincere, and his words carried a hint of pleading.
Xiao Qingyuan turned to look at Chu Yanluo and asked in confusion, "Do you really know the murderer? How do you know?"
"I know! As for how I know, you don't need to worry about that, I just know."
Chu Yanluo pushed Huayi, who was standing in front of Xiao Qingyuan, walked to his side, and sat down directly on the chair next to him.
She didn't consider herself a concubine at all; she felt that just because she was reborn, she was qualified to be on equal footing with them.
She glanced at Huayi with disdain. What was the point of her dressing up so extravagantly? It's no use for a woman to just be pretty; she also needs to be intelligent and have unique characteristics for a man to remember her fondly.
She withdrew her gaze and said in a commanding tone, "I want tea too. Xiao Qingyuan, pour me some tea!"
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