The case was transferred to the Dali Temple. Based on the charges and content and the interrogation of several servants, several members of Zhang Zitong's small group were brought to the hall for trial.
The other two were fine. They were just Hao Nanfeng, who was just playing with Zhang Zitong and Luo Tianhao. Their reputations were definitely not good, but at least they were not involved in the torture and death.
So after the trial, he was released.
Zhang Zitong’s case was not so easy to deal with. What he did was not much different from Luo Tianhao’s. The only difference was that the one who died was a purchased indentured slave.
Another point was revealed by Luo Tianhao's servant, that the plan against Bai Zhiyue's Caixiangzhai was his idea.
Since it involved two marquisates, many people were paying attention to it, so no matter whether they were commoners or people from various mansions, there were people outside the hall listening or inquiring. Once the news came out, it quickly spread to all the major mansions.
Which family does not care about their own safety? Especially those who love to eat Caixiangzhai cakes, most of them are either the elderly in the mansion or the young masters and young ladies, and of course the mistresses also like it.
The more he thought about it, the scarier it became. If the store hadn't been shut down for three days due to a shortage of materials, and if that little thief hadn't been disgusted by Luo Tianhao's actions, he didn't know if he or his family and children would still be alive today.
Putting aside any grudge they may have against Bai Zhiyue, using them as pawns is absolutely intolerable.
Luo Tianhao is already dead, and Luo Jinhu is a serious criminal. It is not a good time to settle accounts with him, so he has to come to the Zhang family.
Therefore, there was a powerful person who was not afraid of being scolded by the Zhang family. They angrily accused him of being a bad parent and killing people. He dared to set his sights on them. This was intolerable.
"This matter is indeed my fault. I didn't discipline my son enough, and I really didn't know he could do such a thing. But as you all know, my son has never been very ambitious since he was young, so I just raised him as a playboy.
Who would have thought he'd end up hanging out with someone like Luo Tianhao? He's always been timid, so how could he understand those conspiracies? Speaking of which, I'm not afraid to be embarrassed. He never had any male chauvinism before. Alas! He met the wrong person, and not only did he become like this, but his mind also became poisonous.
"Oh, don't talk like your son is the victim. Everyone is pointing fingers at him because he was the one who suggested it. How can he be so cowardly? I think he's very brave. Humph! You're just trying to excuse him."
"If he didn't have the cunning to come up with such a vicious plan, it's a good thing that something happened to the Luo family. I heard from the servant that everything has been arranged. He just needs to find out the intended family and then poison them once they have chosen."
"Yes, they specifically targeted the family's favorite sons and grandsons, just to provoke us into becoming their thugs and punishing Lord Rongfu."
"My heart trembles when I think about it now. I only have one precious grandson at home, and he loves the cream cakes from Caixiangzhai the most. Your son's proposal is to cut off my family. It's so cruel, so cruel!"
Marquis Cheng'en was so embarrassed that he couldn't even raise his head.
"I know it's useless to say anything. He did something wrong and must bear the consequences. I have nothing to say. If a son doesn't teach his parents well, it's the fault of his father. I understand you're angry, and I deserve it."
Marquis Cheng'en was very good at pretending, which helped some people calm down.
At this time, the son of the Marquis of Cheng'en fell to his knees and kowtowed to several people.
"I'm willing to apologize on behalf of my father. We were negligent in discipline. As long as it helps everyone vent their anger, you can beat or scold me as you please. Although my second brother is a bad boy, he only came up with this evil plan out of loyalty and to vent the Luo family's anger. He is not usually like this."
Seeing that his eldest son had taken over the difficulties faced by everyone, Marquis Cheng'en felt very relieved. After all, his eldest son was raised by himself and could be a good heir. As for other aspects, forget it. With him taking care of it, he could just leave more money for his younger son to rely on.
If the prince heard this, he would probably hate Zhang Zitong even more. Why was he still staring at him even though he had already become useless? Why couldn't he stand his mother doting on his second brother and just wanted to have him all to himself? And his father actually wanted to keep some more for him, huh!
"He wants to sacrifice us just to avenge the Luo family. Does he still have the law and humanity in his eyes?"
"yes,"
"Everyone, rest assured, we will never shield our second brother. He will definitely bear the punishment he deserves. I hope things will change from now on."
Prince Zhang's words put an end to Marquis Cheng'en's idea of reducing the boy's guilt. He even had the reason ready, and he couldn't arouse public anger.
Marquis Cheng'en felt a pang of pain in his heart, and he couldn't describe the feeling in his heart. His son would suffer more in the end.
"Yes, I promise I won't speak for him. I'll take whatever responsibility I should take. Please rest assured."
Most of the people who came this time were people who really cared about their families and children. They came only to denounce the Zhang family and cursed them to vent their anger. They couldn't do anything to them. At this moment, Marquis Cheng'en had already admitted his mistake, and the prince even knelt down and kowtowed, leaving them unable to say anything.
However, Zhang Zitong in prison will definitely not have a good life. He can't influence the trial of the Dali Temple, and he can't find an opportunity to beat him up a few more times to vent his anger.
"Hmph, I hope the Marquis will keep his word. We will be watching closely!"
"Everyone can bear witness."
It's not that he wants to bow his head. He has already displeased the emperor some time ago. If he angers the public again and everyone reports him, his position as marquis may end immediately without having to wait for his son's generation.
Seeing that everyone's anger had almost subsided, the prince hurriedly said,
"To express our apology, the Marquis' Mansion has prepared a gift of compensation for you all. Please accept it."
Servants came in a row, carrying several trays covered with red cloth, and presented them to the visitors.
For some, it is a few good inkstones and inks, for some, it is a few boxes of good tea with a set of exquisite tea sets, for some, it is a piece of jade carving, and for some, it is a set of ornaments, which fully caters to their tastes.
Prince Zhang is really amazing in this regard. He has a thorough understanding of the preferences of the masters of various families.
Everyone took it and looked at it. Although they didn't show it on their faces, they were satisfied in their hearts and accepted it happily.
Just when everyone thought it was time to go home, Bai Zhiyue appeared.
"Your business is settled, now let me tell you about mine!"
When the father and son came over to Bai Zhiyue, they both felt alert and felt something was wrong when they saw her.
"Mr. Rongfu invited you."
"Well, I don't need to explain what your son did. Let's talk about how to compensate me. In case you haven't thought it through, let me remind you: loss of reputation, mental damage, malicious harm, and loss of income for Caixiangzhai for a period of time in the future."
The other people were about to leave, but when Bai Zhiyue came, they immediately became interested again. They had heard that the Bai family was good at blackmail, so they would definitely not return empty-handed today.
I didn’t have the chance to see it before and only knew the results. This time I have to learn from it on site. Maybe it will be useful in the future.
Marquis Cheng'en didn't know how to respond for a moment, but whenever Bai Zhiyue asked for something, it was always a big sum. He had already lost enough, and he couldn't agree unless it was absolutely necessary.
"Don't worry, Lord Rongfu, there will be no reputational issues. Everyone is aware of this, and it will definitely not affect Caixiangzhai's business."
"Why does this mean you don't want to pay?"
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