Chapter 514 Taking the Blame
After leaving the Pei residence, Luo Xiangfu was taken to the Ministry of Justice prison.
However, this time no one dared to easily torture her.
Wei Liangchen had just returned to the Ministry of Justice when he heard that Bai, the head of the Thousand Birds Division, was requesting an audience.
Bai Juanjuan arrived at the Ministry of Justice's reception room with a thick file.
Wei Liangchen stepped forward and asked, "What business does Master Bai have with me?"
Bai Juanjuan handed over the file.
"Minister Wei, these are the autopsy results for Luo Chengzhi's frightened horse and the man's body."
The horse was shot with a poisoned needle while walking, not because it was startled, but because the drug made it go mad. If Luo Chengzhi hadn't been skilled, he would probably be dead by now.
The male corpse did not die from being trampled by a startled horse. His multiple fractures were caused by being deliberately broken by heavy objects, and he must have died one to three hours before he appeared under Luo Chengzhi's carriage.
The horse and the man's body are both at the Thousand Birds Bureau. If Vice Minister Wei has any objections to the autopsy results, he may request any coroner to conduct an examination. I, Bai, take my leave.
Before Wei Liangchen could speak, Bai Juanjuan had already turned and left.
What's there to not understand?
Luo Chengzhi was framed.
This Master Shiro is Chidori Tsukasa's trump card.
She could find hidden evidence on any corpse.
The three judicial departments repeatedly sought help from this Chief Clerk Bai.
No one in Beijing would question the results of her autopsy.
This autopsy result is a lifesaver.
This hot potato can finally be thrown away.
Just then, a yamen runner came to announce the news from outside the door.
"Minister, there is someone outside who wants to plead for justice."
Wei Liangchen frowned. "Do I have to teach you the procedure?"
The constable quickly said, "They said they came to seek justice for Mr. Luo, the owner of Tianxiang Restaurant."
Wei Liangchen raised an eyebrow. "Let them all in."
Heaven did not forsake Wei Liangchen.
Wei Liangchen thought there would only be a few people, but when he arrived at the interrogation hall, there were nearly a hundred people.
There wasn't enough room for everyone in the hall.
Wei Liangchen coughed lightly, "What grievances do you have to defend?"
The woman in the lead spoke up:
"Your Honor, we must seek justice for Boss Luo!"
Boss Luo is a good man. All the girls at Tianxianglou only joined the brothel because they were in trouble.
All the girls signed flexible contracts, so they could leave anytime they wanted to redeem themselves.
All the girls at Tianxianglou were legally registered with the government; it was impossible for them to be forced into prostitution.
We implore you, sir, to do us justice for Boss Luo!
Wei Liangchen was somewhat surprised to hear this.
Ordinary brothels do not officially register all their girls with the government.
Because every time a legitimate path is taken, an additional tax is levied.
These taxes were all paid by the owners of the brothels.
But this clear path can provide the greatest guarantee for these girls' lives.
The people entertained by brothels came from all over the country, a mixed bag.
This Mr. Luo does have some guts.
Wei Liangchen looked at the large group of women kneeling there.
They were all beautiful, but they were dressed in the clothes of ordinary women.
The woman leading the group continued, “My mother suffers from a serious illness and needs expensive medicine every day. If it weren’t for Boss Luo, my mother would have died long ago. After I redeemed myself, Boss Luo even gave me some of her own money to do some small business. How could she possibly force a good woman into prostitution?”
Hearing the pleas of the crowd, Wei Liangchen nodded and said, "I am aware of what you have said. Once I have investigated the truth, I will naturally clear Boss Luo's name. You may go back now."
In this dynasty, running a brothel was not illegal; at most, it would draw some criticism.
But forcing a woman into prostitution is illegal.
This means someone is targeting the Pei family.
However, he was not some scapegoat; he wouldn't fall for anyone trying to use him to oppose the Pei family.
Wei Liangchen watched the departing figures of the group.
This appeal for justice came at just the right time.
He not only managed to get rid of this hot potato.
It would also allow them to claim credit in front of His Majesty.
His Majesty is currently showing great favor towards the two deceased emperors.
He not only had to help the Pei family, but also Qin Jinzhi.
Those who are praised by the people are slandered.
He, the one who uncovered the truth, will naturally be remembered by everyone.
That night, Luo Chengzhi and Luo Xiangfu were released without charge.
Wei Liangchen entered the palace overnight.
The accusations that Luo Chengzhi killed someone on horseback and that Luo Xiangfu forced a woman into prostitution were fabricated.
The person who made the false accusation has committed suicide at home.
Luo Xiangfu, as the daughter-in-law of the Pei family, ran a brothel in secret. Although she was morally flawed, she did not break the law. Moreover, most of the women in the brothel were desperate people who had nowhere else to turn. Now that we are living in a prosperous era, most of the women in the brothel have redeemed themselves.
Furthermore, it has been determined that the person behind the frame-up of the Pei family is suspected of being an accomplice to the forces behind the slander against the Crown Princess. We request the Emperor and Empress to make a decision.
The Emperor and Empress were furious and bypassed the Three Judicial Offices, having the Thousand Birds Office take over the matter.
The next day, Cui Ying received the imperial decree in the main hall.
Her gaze swept indifferently over the princes and the others.
His eyes were blatantly filled with sarcasm.
Among these princes were those who, instead of succeeding in their attempt to steal a chicken, lost their rice instead.
After the Emperor and Empress announced the decree, Pei Jinnian stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, I have something to report."
Luo Xiangfu, the owner of Tianxianglou, was the wife of Chen Dabo.
Over the years, she has raised her young son alone to preserve her uncle's bloodline.
Although opening a brothel was a last resort, it ultimately violated personal morality.
Tianxianglou has now closed down and will no longer engage in brothel business.
"I am willing to accept a pay cut and a demotion as a form of punishment."
The people in the court looked at Pei Jinnian with great surprise.
Taking the blame on someone else's behalf is tantamount to acknowledging Luo Xiangfu's identity as a member of the Pei family.
After all, running a brothel is not a respectable business.
The emperor looked at Pei Jinnian and nodded in satisfaction.
"Therefore, I hereby punish you by suspending your salary for one year and demoting you by one rank as a form of punishment."
Pei Jinnian kowtowed, "Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty!"
After the court session, he stayed by Pei Qing's side.
“Grandfather, I have an idea, which is absurd but is becoming increasingly clear.”
Pei Qing said calmly, "We'll talk about it when we get back to the manor."
Pei Jinnian nodded, and then the voice of the Third Prince came from behind him.
“Jin Nian is willing to take the blame for his elders. He is truly responsible. I have not yet congratulated the Grand Tutor on the exoneration of his wrongdoing.”
Pei Qing said, "We are grateful for the wisdom of His Majesty and the Empress."
The Third Prince looked at the two seemingly unperturbed individuals and smiled, "I just wonder if this person has always had good luck."
Pei Jinnian looked at the Third Prince and said, "Your Highness is joking. Most people who rely on luck are gamblers. Your Highness should know what happens to gamblers."
The third prince sneered and turned to leave.
Pei Jinnian turned around with a cold gaze.
Just as I was about to leave, I heard applause behind me.
He turned around and saw Cui Ying clapping her hands, looking on with amusement.
"Lord Pei seems like a completely different person now; his eloquence is truly remarkable."
Pei Jinnian looked at Cui Ying, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping himself.
Cui Ying wanted to make a few more jokes, but seeing Pei Jinnian's expression, she immediately said, "I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave first. Lord Pei, please keep it up."
Could it be that he's guessing Qin Jinzhi isn't dead, given his ghostly appearance?
Pei Jinnian felt a little strange watching Cui Ying stride away.
Could it be that Cui Ying guessed he was going to ask if the Crown Princess was still alive?
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