Chapter 86 Taking Over the Prison as King
The prison of the Yingtian Prefecture in Yong'an City was far more bustling and lively than the secluded and quiet Criminal Prison.
Unfortunately, since the murder of Hou Qiaohe involved a princess, the Ministry of Justice ultimately took over the case and cooperated with the Yingtian Prefecture to solve it.
However, solving a case is easier said than done; it's a real headache because there are problems everywhere.
First, this case has both witnesses and physical evidence, and both the cause and effect point directly to Princess Mingguang, Song Jin.
Then, the brothers Dai Yuanhong and Dai Yuanhua risked their lives to correct him. Dai Yuanhua cried so much that his eyes were swollen like a frog's. If they hadn't stopped him, he would have tried several times to kill himself to avenge his mother.
Who can say he's slandering?
Moreover, Hou Qiaohe was already dead. How could they kill their own mother just to frame Song Jin?
It's not impossible.
But they couldn't find any other way to solve the case, so they had to start from this direction.
After all, Song Jin is definitely not the murderer.
Fan Wenbai, the superintendent of the Criminal Investigation Department, looked at the testimony of another witness on the table, so worried that a new wrinkle appeared on his forehead.
He picked up the red seal to the side and pressed it down, sighing, "Why are strange things happening one after another in the capital lately?"
Li Xian watched the tall figure disappear into the distance, then looked at the wooden handwriting on the testimony—neatly written in neat rows and columns, but without a trace of calligraphic skill—and sighed.
"It's not that the capital has been having a lot of trouble lately; it's clearly because as soon as Grand Secretary Song got into trouble, all sorts of demons and monsters started appearing. If the Grand Secretary were still alive..."
Those shady characters wouldn't dare show their faces, let alone directly attack his daughter.
Fan Wenbo remained silent for a moment, then sighed, "Although Chief Minister Song is autocratic, ruthless, and merciless in his actions..."
Li Xian looked over expressionlessly.
Fan Wenbai said awkwardly, "Alright, forget that your parents only survived because of him. Let's not talk about that. Lord Song is indeed extraordinary, alas, it's just a pity..."
Li Xian looked at his friend and said, "Do you think it's possible that Lord Song is still alive?"
Fan Wenbai sighed: "Since no body was found, that's certainly possible."
But it's been so long, if he's still alive, and never shows his face, he's probably in grave danger.
Li Xian didn't want to think about this possibility.
That year, his hometown was hit by a severe flood, which destroyed the crops and led to a significant reduction in grain production. This coincided with a tax increase by the previous dynasty, which also caused chaos among mountain bandits.
It was the sixteen-year-old Song Shang who led them all the way north, giving their entire family a way to survive. It was also he who shot and killed the bandits when they were attacked, suppressing the troublemakers with swift and decisive action.
Is it authoritarian? Is it ruthless?
That's because they've never been mermaids.
Li Xian didn't say anything more, but instead turned to the testimony on the table and tapped the table.
"Stop thinking too much. Send someone to investigate the Hou family, and give Hou Yuanhong a thorough interrogation. Regardless of what the people behind them are thinking, there's definitely something wrong with the Hou family."
When it came to serious matters, Fan Wenbai became solemn: "Alright, send people down to Yingtian Prefecture and the Ministry of Justice. Under the pretext of pressure from the Song family, openly investigate Dai Yuanhong, and secretly investigate the person behind him."
Li Xian did not object. Pointing to the testimony, he solemnly said, "The person behind this has countless hidden forces. Do not tell anyone about this except you and me. If anything goes wrong, your future will be over."
Fan Wenbo, who had originally intended to speak to his trusted confidant, said, "...I understand."
The testimony on the table was rolled up little by little, ending with a simple, square character, "铮" (zheng), which was the strongest testimony that could completely clear Song Jin's name. This testimony came from Qi Zheng.
Although his testimony might be false, his involvement makes the truth or falsehood irrelevant, because this matter can only be true.
And it is indeed true.
On the night Hou Qiaohe died, Song Jin, having nothing better to do, went to the Prince Qi's residence to harass Qi Zheng.
The two of them went to Jinling Mountain late at night to practice their swordsmanship. When they got tired, they caught two pheasants, roasted them, and ate them while drinking some wine.
As they drank, the two hit it off immediately.
He ran to the city gate.
Relying on their superior martial arts skills and days of observation, the two managed to find an opening and escape. Then, they engaged in a contest of internal strength, venturing into the mountains behind Shangyang Village to continue their barbecue, drinking, and chatting.
The main reason was that Song Jin kept pestering Qi Zheng to tell him stories of the martial arts world.
She got sleepy as she talked, and then she overslept.
Song Jin didn't mention these things for two reasons. First, she wanted to use this opportunity to investigate the people behind Hou Qiaohe. If she spoke frankly, those people could simply hide again, continue to bide their time, and wait for the next opportunity.
She wanted to catch them off guard, and ideally wipe them all out in one fell swoop.
That's the main reason. Another reason is, is what she did something honorable?
Drinking, storming the city gates, and oversleeping—what's so admirable about any of that?
She was still leading the men to do what the honest prince did; Song Jin herself was too embarrassed to say it, fearing that if she did, the emperor would settle scores with her later.
That would be truly terrible.
With this in mind, Song Jin entered the prison cell with remarkable calm.
Although the prison conditions are bad, she received special treatment through connections. To say anything about being treated well or badly would be beneath her dignity.
She used the finest, softest cotton sheets, was covered with a precious silk quilt, and even the bed itself was replaced overnight with a sandalwood one.
It's like coming here for a vacation.
The stark contrast with everyone else around her made Song Jin feel a little embarrassed.
She sat cross-legged on the cushion, tossed the melon seeds in her hand to the side, and looked curiously at the woman next to her, a woman who was weathered yet still undeniably beautiful.
"Why were you brought in?"
"I am innocent; I just want to give them a home."
The haggard woman raised her head, her face filled with melancholy, like a small white flower in the rain, pitiful and pathetic. She murmured softly.
"My lord, you say those girls are almost beaten to death by their families, and they're constantly on edge like chickens and dogs. I just want them to have a better life. What have I done wrong?"
Song Jin cracked sunflower seeds: "So you were framed?"
The woman said tearfully, "I admit I was arrested, but all I want is to give those poor children a home and a better future."
"Pah! Your home is in those filthy places, you bitch. At least people at home, no matter how hard or tiring it is, have clean surroundings and family and friends. Don't believe her, sir; that bitch is utterly despicable."
In the opposite cell, a disheveled young woman spat again. She sat cross-legged on the bed, clearly just woken up. With a slap, she separated the carcass of an insect, picked it up, and chewed it.
Once upon a time, Song Jin also ate insects, but now, looking at the woman's expression, she picked up a piece of pastry from the side and threw it at her.
"for you"
The woman immediately beamed, picked it up, stuffed it into her mouth, and swallowed it whole, her words slurred: "Thank you, sir. Please don't be fooled by that slut. That slut is all pretense; she did such despicable things and deserves to be torn to pieces."
The haggard woman, her words exposed, retorted angrily, "She's still better than you, you vicious woman who killed your husband and children! Don't be fooled by her, sir. She killed her husband and children, set fire to her house, endangering several servants, and even burned down the neighbor's house, seriously injuring the neighbor's child. She's the most vicious woman ever!"
The woman with the messy hair's eyes dimmed, then she replied, "So what? I'd rather be beheaded than be a whore like you."
The slave trader screamed, "I didn't kill anyone, why should I behead someone?"
The man with the messy hair laughed loudly: "According to the law, he should be beheaded! He should be beheaded!"
...
The two started arguing, which Song Jin listened to with great interest. Then she walked to the side and beckoned to the screaming human trafficker.
The man immediately came over and pleaded pitifully, "Sir, I'm truly innocent! I just wanted to give them a home."
Song Jin nodded: "I understand, I understand. I also want to give you a home."
The slave trader's eyes lit up, and he quickly moved closer to Song Jin, his face full of flattery: "Is it true, sir?"
Song Jin raised an eyebrow: "Of course it's true."
As she spoke, she grabbed the slave trader by the hair and slammed him against the metal frame.
Clang, clang, clang, accompanied by the screams of the slave traders.
Song Jin said seriously, "I'm missing a musician at home, and I think your voice is quite suitable."
The slave trader was soon covered in blood, struggling and screaming wildly, "Help! Murder! Murder!"
Song Jin yawned, then forcefully knocked the person unconscious, silencing them. She tossed the person aside, took out a handkerchief, and wiped her hands.
The woman with the messy hair across from them stared in disbelief, and even those who had been eyeing her with interest earlier stopped looking.
While a benefactor might save their lives, this person looks more like someone who could execute them on the spot; it's best to keep quiet.
But while they shut up, Song Jin didn't. She pointed wherever her gaze fell.
"Come on, tell me what you did wrong."
...
The women's prison was unusually quiet today.
The accompanying jailer said cautiously, "Sir, don't be fooled by these seemingly weak female prisoners. Those who make it to the Prison of Punishments are all vicious criminals with several lives on their hands. They're just waiting for the cases to be judged before they're executed."
The person beside him remained silent, walking slowly and heavily down the damp prison corridor until he reached the middle.
In the gloomy cell, only the center spot was bright, with indigo silk bedding, a small elmwood bed and table...
As for the person being worried about, he was currently lying on his small bed, swinging his legs, leisurely reading a storybook, occasionally picking up a couple of candies, as relaxed as if he were at home.
Hearing the noise, she turned her head, closed her book, and jumped down. Her phoenix eyes were like candlelight, and her voice was light and cheerful.
"You're here? I thought you were avoiding me."
Qi Zheng glanced at the mottled bloodstains on her hands, then at the bloodied, mangled body in the prison cell beside her, and said in a low voice...
Did she bully you?
Song Jin was taken aback, then grinned: "How could that be? I just don't like her. Do you think I'd let someone bully me?"
Qi Zheng, his face tense, said, "We're already inside."
"That's different. I'm doing this because..." Song Jin retorted, but suddenly her expression changed, and she whispered, "Don't tell me you're here to pick me up."
How come this person talks so fast? She's only been in here a little while and she's already rambled on? She didn't even say anything herself, isn't that obviously because she has other ideas?
Song Jin glared at her, grinding her teeth: "You don't even have a brain!"
Qi Zheng didn't speak, staring at the mottled marks on her hands, then turned to the jailer: "Give me the key, and go fetch a kettle of clean water."
The jailer hesitated: "This...this isn't in accordance with regulations."
Qi Zheng didn't say anything, reached out and took the key from his waist, found the number and unlocked it directly.
After much hesitation, the jailer, seeing Qi Zheng's cold and stern face, ultimately dared not step forward to take it back and had no choice but to obediently retreat.
With a click, the prison door lock opened.
Song Jin couldn't help but tease, "What? Is Prince Qi going to help me escape from prison?"
Qi Zheng glanced at her, opened the cell door and went in, then locked it again with a click right in front of her.
Escape from prison? That's impossible.
Song Jin rolled her eyes: "No, is there something you can't say outside, that you insist on squeezing into this tiny room with me?"
Qi Zheng said calmly, "I'm willing."
Song Jin was taken aback by his words: "They say you become like the company you keep, but you've become corrupted way too quickly!"
Qi Zheng glanced at her, then sat down on her small cushion, quite taking the initiative.
Speechless, Song Jin put her hands on her hips and arrogantly stomped on his knee: "Are you here to annoy me?"
Qi Zheng looked at her bare feet and frowned: "Aren't they cold?"
Song Jin: "It's alright, wait, don't change the subject. Did you tell them everything?"
Qi Zheng nodded, and then saw Song Jin looking completely devastated. She lunged at him, grabbed his neck, and gritted her teeth, saying, "You're really something, you can't even keep something to yourself. You're going to drive me crazy!"
Qi Zheng pressed down on her hand, using the slightest force to pin her down, holding her hand tightly, and said softly, "You're the one who's capable. No matter what old grudges your mother may have, or what schemes she may have behind the scenes, she cannot overstep the bounds of the imperial court."
Song Jin looked slightly annoyed, turned around and grabbed his arm, binding him with one hand and clutching his chest with the other, grinding her teeth: "What do you know?"
Her mother has suffered too much over the years. With the practice of Gu poison imminent and her life hanging in the balance, why should those messy things from the past bother her again?
Even without mentioning those past events, she could still kill those people.
As long as she stays here and doesn't confess, they can't touch her. So they can only continue their actions, while the Song family is watching from the outside. As soon as they make a move...
She could then turn the tables on her.
Now it's all gone.
If it were unintentional, it wouldn't be so infuriating, but this person clearly did it on purpose.
Song Jin was so angry she wanted to bite him, and she actually did. While still holding him tightly, she bit down on his nearest left shoulder.
Qi Zheng's usually cold and stern face changed slightly. He immediately broke free from her grasp and tried to pull her closer.
But Song Jin was prepared. After he struggled free, she immediately wrapped her arms around his neck and increased the force of her kiss.
The two were pressed tightly together, and the more they struggled, the greater the friction between their bodies.
Qi Zheng reached out to push the person away, but the next second he withdrew his hand as if he had been touched by fire, somewhat at a loss.
He frowned, looking down at the black head on his shoulder and neck, feeling the stinging pain of the wound, and smelling the faint scent of blood.
His eyes darkened slightly, then he relaxed and let her fuss.
His sudden stop left Song Jin feeling utterly powerless, like a fish on a chopping block. She gritted her teeth, a metallic taste of blood filling her mouth.
She raised her head, licked the blood from the corner of her mouth, tilted her head to look at Qi Zheng, who was frowning slightly, and then leaned closer.
"Hey, why are you so nice to everyone?"
After a playful tussle, Song Jin was now squatting on Qi Zheng's lap, her arms half-circling his neck, practically nestled in his embrace. Her warm breath brushed against his earlobe as she leaned close.
Qi Zheng tensed, his expression one of restraint, and said in a deep voice, "Besides you, no one else dares to be so arrogant."
Song Jin raised an eyebrow, reached out and touched the wound on his shoulder, deliberately grinding her teeth: "Is this what you call arrogance?"
Qi Zheng's face darkened, and his gaze turned fierce.
Song Jin glared and puffed out her chest.
Qi Zheng suddenly stood up, unexpectedly throwing her off him and onto her soft bed, then unlocked and closed the door.
The entire movement was fluid and seamless, without the slightest hesitation.
Song Jin scrambled to her feet in surprise, then gave him the middle finger in an annoyed tone: "Are you really that good at acting?"
Qi Zheng remained silent, standing outside the cell tidying up his disheveled clothes. After a short while, the jailer who had left returned carrying a jug of clean water.
He nodded: "Go out."
The newly arrived jailer: "..."
After the person left, Qi Zheng didn't open the door again. Instead, he squatted down outside the iron bars, took out a handkerchief, and soaked it in water: "Come here."
Song Jin pouted, her hair a mess from the commotion, and slowly walked over: "What?"
Qi Zheng glanced at her and whispered, "Hand."
Song Jin glanced at him, then at the bucket, plopped down on the ground, put her hand over it, and muttered, "What a fuss."
Qi Zheng remained silent, holding her hand and bending down to wipe away the remaining bloodstains.
'The Criminal Investigation Bureau and Yingtian Prefecture possess exceptional investigative abilities; entrusting this matter to them is the most suitable course of action. They are aware of the suspicious circumstances and will not disclose them to outsiders.'
Song Jin lowered her head and reluctantly used her internal energy to send back: 'What if?'
Qi Zheng: 'What if? Do you really think you can wipe out everyone behind this?'
Song Jin retorted, "How will we know if we don't try?"
Qi Zheng rarely mocked: 'Just because you're in jail? They all rushed at you?'
Song Jin angrily slapped him back.
Qi Zheng calmly took the hand and continued, "They will investigate this matter thoroughly. Be careful inside, don't trust anyone, don't eat anything, watch out for insects and snakes, candlelight and hay..."
Another round of nagging
Song Jin, unusually good-natured, listened to him finish speaking using his internal energy, her hands also being wiped clean.
Qi Zheng looked up and said, "I'm going back now. You stay put, and I'll clear your name and send you out in a couple of days."
Song Jin said dejectedly, "I know. Go out and check on my mother for me; she needs to take her medicine tomorrow."
Qi Zheng replied, "I know, don't worry."
Song Jin nodded, her head hanging low. "Then you can go."
Qi Zheng looked at her messy, even frizzy hair, his knuckles twitched slightly, and he raised his hand to cover it, gently rubbing it.
Song Jin slapped him across the face and glared at him: "Are you petting a dog? Get out of here, go back to your Prince Qi's mansion and act like a monkey."
The golden monkey from last time was eventually sent to the Song residence, but Song Jin can't keep it. If Huang Huang really notices it, the tiger won't stay obediently in the mountains anymore.
After much deliberation, Song Jin decided to give the monkey to Qi Zheng. After all, his place was big enough that raising a monkey would be easy.
Having received another slap, Qi Zheng glanced at Song Jin and said indifferently, "What's so fun about a monkey compared to you?"
Goodness
She reached out her hand, but Qi Zheng deftly dodged it, taking a few steps back with the keys in his hand, a slight smile playing on his lips: "I'll come see you tomorrow. Goodbye."
Song Jin grinned: "Don't bother coming. I think you're just here to annoy me."
Qi Zheng's dark eyes watched her flustered state, and he smiled, a rare occurrence for him. He didn't leave immediately, but instead squatted there, pulling open the shirt on his shoulder.
He was tall with broad shoulders, his muscles were very strong, the lines were smooth and beautiful, not exaggerated, but full of power.
Now, a complete tooth mark has been left on the perfect line, and it is very obvious.
The teeth marks were quite deep, surrounded by bloodstains; in the deeper areas, blood was gushing out, soaking large patches of fabric.
Song Jin, the owner of the teeth, touched his nose and unconsciously licked his lips, where a lingering taste of blood remained.
Feeling guilty, she said, "What? Don't expect me to wipe it for you. Men and women shouldn't touch each other, you know?"
Qi Zheng closed his clothes and calmly said, "I just wanted to show you."
As he spoke, he picked up the small bucket and slowly walked away. His tall figure made the wooden bucket in his hands look like a toy.
Song Jin peered at him from the cell doorway, then touched her clean hands, suppressed a smile, and muttered, "Silly girl, what are you meddling in for?"
Just like she said, climbing over the city wall late at night is not something to be proud of, and if you really want to hold a grudge, it's not a small matter.
He's a prince, and he has just as many troubles around him as she does; there's no need for him to get involved.
After all, his testimony wouldn't affect the case's progress; she has many ways to extricate herself.
The people behind that are scheming and plotting, but they're as crude and boring as a wicked child.
No wonder he was born a merchant.
Song Jin clicked her tongue, recalling the character "Yu" that Hou Qiaohe had written that day, and sneered inwardly, her eyes filled with hostility.
Jiangnan Yu Family
Even if a family has been established for a century and is as wealthy as a country, what does it matter?
If her mother's treatment hadn't been so urgent, she could have been even more straightforward and brutal.
Just go to their door and wipe them out.
They should be secretly pleased that she's now willing to patiently cooperate with the investigation and collect evidence; they'll see when she loses patience.
Go to hell!
...
Qi Zheng walked out of the Prison Temple; it was already dusk outside.
The autumn air was chilly, and the evening breeze was particularly biting.
He glanced at the slender figure standing to the side, strode over, and said with concern, "It's damp and cold outside; Madam should wait in the car."
Niu Tielan's face was a little pale. She shook her head: "It's nothing. I brought a hand warmer. Jinjin, is she alright?"
Qi Zheng paused for a moment, then said, "Full of vigor and vitality, he who occupies the stronghold reigns supreme."
Niu Tielan's worry turned into speechlessness, a mixture of amusement and exasperation: "That brat, she's always the most conspicuous wherever she goes."
Qi Zheng gently reassured him, "That's excellent."
Niu Tielan's expression darkened, and she murmured, "Yes, she's doing fine. She's doing well wherever she is, so why should anyone worry about her?"
Seeing her like this, Qi Zheng frowned slightly and continued, "It's no use worrying others. As for the princess, it's enough that you, Madam, are worried."
Niu Tielan shook her head with a wry smile: "She's always been strong-willed since she was little, what do I need to worry about? This is fine too. Tell me, can we let her stay in there for ten days?"
Qi Zheng: "...Even if the princess is innocent, escaping from prison is a major taboo."
He also knew about Niu Tielan's plan to practice Gu poison in ten days.
Niu Tielan: "Can't it be locked up?"
Qi Zheng shook his head
A look of regret appeared on Niu Tielan's face.
Qi Zheng said helplessly, "The princess had previously asked me to accompany you to the doctor tomorrow; she's very worried about you."
Niu Tielan's eyes darkened, and she said softly, "We should go and take a look."
Qi Zheng: "Madam, please don't overthink it. I'll take you to see a doctor first thing tomorrow morning. You should prioritize your health; worrying too much is bad for your well-being."
"Yes, thinking too much is bad for your health. Even you, a young person, know this, but he..."
As Niu Tielan spoke, his eyes gradually turned cold, and his voice became almost inaudible.
"I won't trouble Your Highness with seeing the doctor tomorrow; please have someone come in person."
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