Qiao Dongzi had just reached the palace gate when he was stopped by Hongmi.
Upon learning that Mu Run had ordered him to follow Hong Mi to investigate the cause of Yao Yao's daughter's death, he readily agreed.
"It's rare for us to do a favor for His Majesty, should we take care of the Zhang family as well? That grandson is no good, he might end up in jail if we investigate."
Although Qiao Niangzi looked robust and carefree, she was actually a shrewd and tactful person who could handle anything. She noticed at a glance that Yao Yao was not in a good mood. She asked Qiao Dongzi to check on Yao Yao more than once and to find out if Zhang Duo was really good to Yao Yao.
As it turned out, when Qiao Dongzi investigated, he actually found something.
Redmi replied, "Of course we have to do it! Let's go!"
The two had worked together a lot in the past. Although they now each had their own roles, their tacit understanding remained, and they discussed how to deal with Zhang Duo.
...
The Zhang residence was in complete chaos.
When Zhang Duo learned that Yao Yao had left the Zhang residence, he flew into a rage. He first beat the servants who served Yao Yao with a cane, and then found the servant who had helped Yao Yao leave the residence.
Because of the Minister of Justice in Qiao Dongzi's possession, along with more than a dozen palace guards, the gatekeeper was terrified and didn't have time to report.
Just as Zhang Duo was whipping the servants with a whip dipped in chili water, Qiao Dongzi and Hongmi entered the courtyard.
"Wow, you've got everything done." Qiao Dongzi looked at Zhang Duo with a smile.
When Hongmi saw Zhang Duo's ferocious face, and then thought of Yao Yao's dazed state and how she cried when she mentioned her daughter, her anger flared up.
"The Chongming Law strictly prohibits the abuse of private punishment against servants regardless of status. Zhang Duo, you are breaking the law."
When Zhang Duo saw them arrive suddenly, he was taken aback at first, but he quickly reacted. He signaled the steward beside him to take the servants away, and then bowed deeply to Hongmi and Qiao Dongzi, saying, "Lord Hong, Lord Qiao, it is an honor to have such distinguished guests. I am sorry for not welcoming you properly. Please forgive me."
"Lord Qiao, you are the Minister of Justice, what do you think should be done about this?" Hongmi asked Qiao Dongzi.
Qiao Dongzi coughed softly, then looked at Zhang Duo, "Whether it's a private punishment or not depends on the reason. If someone has committed a heinous crime, it's not impossible to make an exception. The law is not without human sentiment."
"Yes, yes, Lord Qiao is absolutely right. I will definitely change my ways in the future and will never punish my servants privately again. Heaven bears witness." Zhang Duo raised his hand and swore an oath to the heavens.
Qiao Dongzi seemed to believe his sincerity, "For Yao Yao's sake, everything is negotiable. Hmm? Where's Yao Yao?"
Zhang Duo had a sudden inspiration. "She went to visit her older sister and isn't home. Are you two looking for her? I'll send someone to fetch her right away."
Hongmi pulled out the divorce agreement from her sleeve. "I'm afraid it's going to Qiaoyu's place."
When Zhang Duo saw the divorce agreement written in Yao Yao's own handwriting, his face suddenly twitched, and he could no longer pretend. "She! What does she mean by this? Where is she?"
"Sign it." Hongmi placed the divorce papers on the stone table in the courtyard. There was still a patch of blood on it that hadn't dried; it was where Zhang Duo had placed the torture instruments when he had tortured the servants.
"The blood hasn't dried yet, otherwise if we waited any longer, you'd have to use your own."
Upon hearing Hongmi's words, Zhang Duo's face turned completely dark. "Lord Hong, are you trying to force me into submission?"
"That depends on whether you cooperate or not." Redmi snapped its fingers.
The guards immediately and silently surged into the courtyard.
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