At this moment, the Zhu family was in turmoil!
They couldn't understand what kind of ability this Liu had that could make such desperate people work for her.
Zhu Ziqian had to re-evaluate his second wife once again.
They had lived together for two or three years, and before, Liu had always been so submissive and obedient in his presence…
But what exactly caused her personality to change so drastically?
Just then, another group of people rushed over.
The visitors arrived in an official sedan chair, accompanied by five or six constables.
Liu Yingying, with her sharp eyes, spotted Cheng Zhuo in the crowd.
Cheng Zhuo also secretly gave her a look, as if to tell Liu Yingying that they were here to support her.
Liu Yingying remembered that after Lord Shen was promoted and transferred to Ningzhou as the prefect, he also transferred Cheng Zhuo there.
But today he's here...
Liu Yingying actually knew what was going on; she figured it must have been Lord Shen who arranged for him to come and help her.
A young official, about the same age as Lord Shen, stepped down from the sedan chair. He was quite handsome and refined.
Zhu Ziqian quickly stepped forward to greet him, "I am Zhu Ziqian, a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, and may I ask who you are?"
The refined scholar did not answer his question; instead, his advisor answered for him.
"My master is Lord Yang, the newly appointed magistrate of Furong County, a sixth-rank official, whose rank is above that of Lord Zhu!"
With just one sentence, Zhu Ziqian's pride was wounded once again.
Despite the fact that he married the legitimate daughter of a marquis and remained in the capital as an official, he still managed to escape the consequences.
However, its grade is only a mere seventh grade.
In a place like the capital, even two leaves falling from a tree could hit several princes and nobles.
A seventh-rank official is really insignificant.
Not to mention that a higher rank can have an advantage, this Lord Yang is of a higher rank than him.
As for the power they wielded, it was incomparable. Lord Yang was in charge of the entire Furong County's livelihood, economy, criminal laws, and regulations, and he truly wielded real power.
To put it bluntly, Zhu Ziqian was nothing more than a scribe in the Hanlin Academy!
"So it's Lord Yang. This humble official greets you. May I ask what brings you to our small village?"
In fact, from the moment Lord Yang appeared, Zhu Ziqian had a bad feeling.
Could this person have come for the Liu family?
"I have come for the sake of nature and for the sake of the Lady of Ning'an County!"
One sentence made everyone present prick up their ears, while Zhu Ziqian's family felt a tightness in their chests.
Lord Yang ignored everyone else and walked directly to Liu Yingying.
"Greetings, Lady Ning'an!" he said, bowing respectfully to Liu Yingying, his words and actions utterly courteous.
"You're too kind, Lord Yang. I'm grateful for your help today."
Liu Yingying remained composed in front of Yang Shijie, a demeanor that contrasted sharply with Zhu Ziqian's earlier attitude.
Soon someone discovered the problem.
"It's strange. Zhu Ziqian is also an official, but when he sees Lord Yang, he has to bow to him. This shows that his official rank is not as high as Lord Yang's."
"But why is Lord Yang bowing to the Lady of Ning'an County? Is the Lady of Ning'an County of a higher rank than him?"
Most of the villagers who were watching were illiterate and had no clear concept of the ranks of officials.
However, some knowledgeable people offered an explanation: "That's because the rank of the Lady of Ning'an County is higher than that of Zhu Ziqian. I remember she was a fifth-rank Lady of Ning'an County!"
I see…
Yang Shijie glanced around and said, "The Lady of Ning'an County is a meritorious official who has made significant contributions to our Great Xia. Before I came here, Prefect Shen instructed me to take good care of her. But what's going on today?"
Although Yang Shijie had never met Liu Yingying before, he had done enough research on her before coming here.
So you can probably understand what the situation is like today?
Zhu Ziqian stepped forward and answered quickly: "Lord Yang, please don't misunderstand, we are just dealing with some family matters."
"Oh, really?" Yang Shijie clearly didn't believe him and looked at Liu Yingying again.
I want to hear what she has to say…
“My lord, this is a family scandal. My husband went to the capital to take the imperial examination a year and a half ago, and I disappeared on the way. It wasn’t until recently that I received news that he had passed the examination and become an official.”
"I thought that our lives as an orphan and widow were finally coming to an end, but who would have thought that as soon as he came back, he would accuse me of adultery and even coerce my clan to punish me!"
Liu Yingying paused several times and choked up several times while saying this, which made Lord Yang feel the grievance in her heart.
"How outrageous!"
You are a county magistrate who has rendered meritorious service to the imperial court; who would be so blind as to slander you like this?
Although these words were spoken to Liu Yingying, Lord Yang's murderous gaze was fixed on Zhu Ziqian.
Zhu Ziqian; ...
"Although this is my first time meeting Lady Ning'an, I have long heard of her selfless act of saving the entire population of Jinling City, and I admire her greatly!"
As Yang Shijie spoke, his threatening gaze swept over everyone present, "Therefore, I'm making this clear today: anyone who dares to slander or frame the Lady of Ning'an County will not be spared!"
A flash of hatred crossed Zhu Ziqian's eyes. Yet another unexpected obstacle had come along and ruined his plans!
Ma Qiumei subconsciously exchanged a glance with Su Daqiang, both of them feeling extremely guilty.
Last time, Ma Qiumei was arrested and imprisoned for several months for framing Liu Yingying. Is she going to repeat the same mistake this time?
After learning the details of today's events, Lord Yang's stern gaze fell upon Su Daqiang.
"Is this what you're saying, that you and the Lady of Ning'an County have an affair?"
At this moment, Su Daqiang was filled with regret. He originally thought that with Zhu Ziqian's support, this matter would definitely be accomplished, but he did not expect that Magistrate Yang would suddenly appear halfway.
What should we do?
"I'm asking you a question! Are you mute? Do I have to beat you with a stick before you'll tell the truth?"
Su Daqiang was so frightened that he dared not raise his head. "Replying to your question, sir, I... I said the truth, without the slightest falsehood."
Zhu Ziqian was secretly pleased, thinking that Su Daqiang was quite sensible.
At this point, his only chance of survival was to go down a dead-end road...
Yang Shijie took a deep breath and immediately ordered the constables behind him, "Take this man into custody and torture him until he tells the truth!"
"My lord, I've been wronged!"
Zhu Ziqian also stepped forward and said, "Lord Yang, I'm afraid this is inappropriate?"
Yang Shijie raised an eyebrow; "What's wrong?"
"Su Daqiang merely revealed the nature of his relationship with Liu, and he hasn't broken any laws. How can you rashly imprison him, Lord Yang?"
"Hmph, Lord Zhou, you keep referring to Lady Liu, but do you know that if you weren't the husband of the Lady of Ning'an County, you would have to bow to her right now!"
Yang Shijie bluntly reminded Zhu Ziqian of his identity.
Zhu Ziqian's face turned red and then pale with embarrassment, which was quite a sight.
But he absolutely cannot let Lord Yang take Su Daqiang away today!
What kind of person is Su Daqiang?
He knew.
This person will surely succumb to severe torture and will reveal the truth.
If he were to betray you, that would be troublesome...
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