The next morning, as soon as the Yingtian Prefecture opened its government office, people from the Changping Marquis' Mansion came to report another case, bringing with them physical and witness evidence. Not long after the previous incident was settled, another major case of a theft in which someone set fire to the old lady's yard after failing to steal broke out.
The Marquis of Changping once again dominated the conversation at banquets and on the streets. Su Chengang often encountered people who were talking excitedly but would shut up when they saw him.
"The fire started by the Marquis of Changping is so strange. A steward sneaked into the old lady's yard, was discovered, and set fire to it. The most important thing is that he burned himself to death."
"He must have been silenced."
"You mean there's something wrong here?"
"There must be something wrong. Think about it, the old lady was just over 40 years old, and Liu Yong was in his thirties. He died in the old lady's house."
"You doubt them? Impossible. The old lady is a first-rank lady. How could she be interested in a small steward?"
"It's hard to say. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The old lady has been a widow for many years."
"I heard that the old lady fought with him, and the Marquis, desperate to save his mother, pushed her down and burned her to death. Many servants were there and saw it. There were indeed marks of beating on the old lady's face, which the officials verified."
"Can you believe this? They are all from the Marquis' Mansion, and they can even fake traces."
"But your speculation is too far-fetched. The physical and human evidence are all there, and the lady is surrounded by a bunch of maids and servants. How could such a thing happen?"
Some people guessed the truth and some people thought in other directions.
"Do you think the Marquis of Changping has offended someone? Otherwise, why do things always go wrong?"
Of course, I offended Bai Zhiyue.
"Who knows? Liu Yong is an external manager and has plenty of money. Is there any need for him to steal?"
"It's hard to say. Perhaps he's just had it too good and forgotten his responsibilities. I heard he has two small houses in the capital, a small farm outside, and two shops. Thousands of taels of silver were found in his house. Even an ordinary official couldn't afford such wealth."
"The Marquis' Mansion has risen again in recent years thanks to the Bai family. Even the steward is so rich, but it makes jokes every other day."
"How could he have entered the Marquis' Mansion without an insider? I haven't heard of anyone being beaten to death in the mansion?"
"He often goes into the mansion and is very familiar with it. I heard he got the key to the back door."
"No wonder, it's no surprise that he was able to steal something."
It’s not that Su Chen just wanted to become famous, it’s just that the fire was so big and there were many people outside seeing it, so he couldn’t hide it. Instead of letting people make random guesses, it’s better to let them know what he wants outsiders to know.
Although it is inevitable that people will talk about it, it is better than knowing that the old marquis is cheating on him and that his position as a marquis is unstable.
He suppressed the discomfort in his heart, went to court as usual every day, and even went to the backyard less often.
"What's the situation outside?"
The old lady has been very nervous these days, and today she felt a little dizzy. Every day when she gets up, she has to ask about the rumors.
"Everything is under the control of the Marquis. He found a dozen ruffians and beggars and gave them some money. Whenever they heard unfavorable rumors, they would divert the situation as instructed. So far, no more rumors unfavorable to you have appeared."
"Gang'er did a good job, but we won't have peace until the arsonist is caught."
Aunt Hua lowered her head so that Zhang wouldn't see her expression.
"The Marquis has been sending people to track him down. I believe he will be caught soon."
"It's all your fault. I clearly ordered you to guard outside, but you still managed to have someone set the fire and successfully lure Gang'er in, leaving me in this predicament."
"Yes, it's all my fault, but I was afraid of getting too close so I stood in the courtyard. Who could have imagined this? I am truly to blame, and even if I die a hundred times, I can't wash away the guilt in my heart."
The old lady had an inexplicable look on her face. Ever since that day, Aunt Hua often didn't dare to look up at her. No matter how she looked at her, it seemed like she had done something wrong.
"What did the Marquis say to you that day?"
"As for the matter of Liu Yong, I had no choice but to confess everything. I told the Marquis everything. The Marquis wanted to execute me, but because he was afraid of arousing suspicion, he spared my life."
Hearing that she had confessed everything, Zhang was a little unhappy, but then she thought, she had no choice but to confess, as Gang'er would surely be even angrier.
The more I think about it, the more upset I feel and my head becomes dizzy.
"Maybe I was shocked that day, and I caught a cold again. I just don't feel well anymore. I've asked someone to call the imperial physician."
"Old Madam, if you feel unwell, I will go find the Marquis immediately!"
Aunt Hua asked anxiously, raising her hand to touch Zhang's head.
"Oh, the old lady has a fever. Jinling, quickly help her lie down and bring a wet towel. I'll go find the Marquis and ask for the imperial physician."
"Yes, Aunt Hua, please go quickly. The old lady has a servant here."
Aunt Hua's heart was pounding. For three consecutive days, she would get up and open the window every night while waiting for the old lady to fall asleep, and then close it when the maid was about to wake up. The old lady was indeed sick.
Su Chen had just finished his meal and was having lunch, and had not yet gone on duty.
"My Lord, the old lady has a fever. Please send someone to call the imperial physician!"
Su Chengang hasn't seen the old lady these days. He doesn't know what to say if he sees her, and he doesn't dare to go.
"How can you servants serve me so carelessly? If anything happens to the old lady, I will never forgive you. Yan Dong, take my letter and ask for the imperial physician. Hurry!"
"Yes, I'll go right away."
Yan Dong trotted away
Aunt Hua was terrified. She knew that once the old lady died, her own death would also come, but there was nothing she could do.
"My Lord, I only beg you to spare my son and his family."
"You must serve the old lady well. This marquis keeps his word. Put away your desperate look. If the old lady finds out, I will not forgive them either."
Aunt Hua quickly collected her thoughts,
"I will serve the old lady with all my heart. I will go back now."
The one who came this time was Doctor Zhong, who had made great achievements in treating colds and fevers. Su Chengang also accompanied him to his mother's yard.
After diagnosing Zhang, he prescribed a prescription
"The old lady was frightened, causing an evil wind to enter her body, which is why she got sick. Boil three bowls of water into one bowl of this prescription. Take it once in the morning and once in the evening. Take it for three days first, and then I will come to see you again."
"Thank you, Doctor Zhong. Please come this way."
After seeing off Doctor Zhong, Su Chen sat down opposite his mother.
"Don't worry about what's happening outside, son. Just take good care of yourself."
When Zhang heard her son finally talking to her, she couldn't stop crying.
"It's my fault. I made Gang'er so tired. From now on, I will no longer be involved in the affairs of the mansion. Everything will be decided by you."
"Don't think too much. If the servants don't care, just send them away. The Marquis' Mansion has no shortage of servants who can serve the master."
"It's my own business not to blame them."
"I have something to do outside. I'm going to work now."
"Go ahead, don't delay your work."
The two seemed to have made peace, but there was still a river between them.
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