In addition, the Guo family, the Cao family and the Sima Mansion were all looted on the same night. Everyone realized the seriousness of the matter and surrounded the courtyard that could produce mysterious power.
"Dad, please believe me. This definitely wasn't done by my friends. They're very kind and innocent people. I can guarantee it!"
Zhu Jintai was now as anxious as an ant on a hot pan. He had finally made a few friends, but in the end, they treated him like this. How could he explain this to his friends?
"Shut up! Three houses were robbed at the same time. Do you know how serious this matter is?" The prefect glared at his unprogressive son fiercely, feeling extremely depressed.
Cao Hui stood next to the Grand Marshal, and looked like he almost wanted to eat Zhu Jintai alive.
"If you ask them to return all the money they stole from the Guo, Cao, and Sima families, maybe my eldest brother will spare their lives. Otherwise, just wait to collect their bodies!"
"What makes you call my friend a thief? Yesterday, our two groups were clearly guarding this courtyard the entire time. They stayed in their rooms the entire time and never came out. You're framing them by accusing them of stealing!"
"Master Zhu, I respect the governor, so I'll give you some face. The Zhu family's sons are all outstanding, but you alone... you already have a bad reputation, and you've even associated with such dishonest people, such petty thieves, that you're holding the Zhu family back!"
The Grand Marshal scoffed. He had been so angry about the theft that he'd vomited blood. He was still patient and gentle, which was a great honor for the governor.
Zhu Jintai could tolerate people saying that he had a bad reputation, but he couldn't bear it when people said that his friends were bad.
"What's this about dishonest chicken-stealing and dog-stealing? What gives you the right to say that, Da Sima? My friends are upright people, how could they steal your things? Don't slander me!"
"If they didn't steal it, did you steal it?"
"you……"
"Okay, shut up." The prefect interrupted the two of them unhappily, suppressing his displeasure.
"Sir Cao, although my son is not talented, he is definitely not one to associate with petty thieves. The case hasn't even been resolved yet, and the Grand Marshal is slandering him at will. Isn't that a bad idea?"
"Hmph, does this case still need to be resolved? The facts are clear before our eyes. Several of your son's friends...had a dispute with our Cao family, and in a fit of rage, they sent people to rob the Cao and Guo families. The prefect won't protect those people just because they are your son's friends, right?"
"Of course not! But if they didn't steal it, or if you, Da Sima, don't have evidence, then I can't make a random judgment, right? Jin'er said that his friends didn't leave this courtyard yesterday."
"You are the governor, and you have the final say. However, your Excellency the Governor is aware of the losses suffered by my family, the Cao family, and the Guo family. You must give us an explanation.
"I simply feel that there's no need for you, Governor, to upset everyone just for a few outsiders. I heard those people were all handsome men and beautiful women, dressed elegantly. If we let them compensate, everyone will be happy. Otherwise, if the thieves can't be found, are you going to use your own property to pay?"
When the prefect heard this, he became angry.
"Does the Grand Marshal think that the thief was Jintai?"
"Dad, I didn't steal it, he's slandering me!"
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