This sensational case that rocked the entire city ended with the imprisonment of two female relatives of the general's family, a result that surprised the people.
Even Song Ziyu was surprised that the merchant would suddenly change his mind and write such a statement.
He wanted to ask the matriarch.
On the very day she returned to the General's Mansion, the old lady fell ill from exhaustion and remained in bed for two days, as if her body had been severely depleted.
Song Ziyu was about to go to the palace to fetch the imperial physician when Wu Mama stopped him, saying, "The imperial physician cannot treat the old lady's illness. She will be fine after a few more days of rest. General, you don't need to worry too much."
Song Ziyu then went to Aunt Ru's place and teased Song Zhao.
Aunt Ru's topic kept circling back to Jiang Wan: "Did Madam Jiang really commit a crime? I heard that the Ministry of Justice prison is gloomy and damp. May I go and see her?"
"What's there to see? She brought this on herself!"
Song Ziyu snorted coldly and frowned at her.
"Why didn't you come to visit me once when I was in prison? Now that Jiang is in prison, you're so concerned about her?"
Aunt Ru chuckled, "At the time, I was pregnant and was afraid it would be bad for the child."
Song Ziyu held Song Zhao, completely satisfied.
"Jiang's imprisonment is also a good thing for you. Now that your grandmother is bedridden, the management of the household is entrusted to you, and you will be in charge of the inner courtyard from now on."
Aunt Ru was startled: "I am of lowly status, is this inappropriate? Madam Gu is still here."
“Her?” Mentioning Gu Yurong, Song Ziyu’s face turned cold. “If we give her the power to manage the household, who knows when she might sell the General’s Mansion!”
After he came out, he heard from Steward Zhao about Song Lin poisoning Madam Yuan, which made him even more certain of his guess.
Gu Yurong and her son definitely did something wrong.
Moreover, it is highly likely that they are colluding with Bi Yuan to covet the General's Mansion's assets.
I really don't know what benefits a mere merchant gave this mother and son that made them so determined to betray the Song family!
"I'll lock them up for a few days, and then I'll settle accounts with them properly after I've finished dealing with what I'm doing!"
Song Ziyu held and comforted Song Zhao for a while before leaving.
Aunt Ru held the key to the household, but there was no joy on her face.
The autumn wind is picking up outside, the leaves are falling, and the weather is turning cold.
She summoned her personal maid: "Inquire with Steward Zhao about the rules of the Ministry of Justice. Even if we can't visit them in person, it would be good to send some warm clothing or other items."
Aunt Ru sighed softly.
I wonder how much suffering Madam Jiang will endure in prison.
In the Ministry of Justice prison.
Jiang Wan was holding a bowl of steaming hot milk and bird's nest soup, sipping it slowly.
This is the innermost cell of the Ministry of Justice prison, specifically for imprisoning offending members of the imperial family and nobility. The cell is simple and clean, with a soft blanket covered with floral patterns on the bed, wisps of smoke rising from the bronze incense burner, and two budding magnolias in a plain jade vase on the table.
Ordinary prisoners naturally don't receive this treatment.
Jiang Wan put down the bird's nest and looked at the man in black opposite her: "Thank you for your trouble, Your Highness."
Pei Xuan waved his hand: "I heard you had an accident, and my mother specifically instructed me to take care of you."
The jailer at the door twitched his face.
How can this be considered showing any care? Even princes and princesses might not receive this treatment if they were imprisoned.
Jiang Wan looked around and frowned. "Isn't this a bit too conspicuous? If others see it, it will cause controversy."
No one will see it.
Pei Xuan pointed to the door and said.
"The jailer's name is A-Si. He's one of my men and is responsible for guarding this place. Just tell him what to do."
Jiang Wan nodded and asked, "How did the autopsy of the businessman go?"
“He Xingyun handled it personally, and he found the best coroner in the capital,” Pei Xuan said slowly. “The conclusion was that he died by poisoning, and… it was a secret medicine from the Ministry of Justice.”
The Ministry of Justice's secret medicines were never revealed. The merchant was poisoned by this medicine, and Ji Rong could not clear his name.
Moreover, there were only two people present in the hall that day.
Jiang Wan listened without showing any expression: "What did Uncle say?"
"Ji Rong claimed that the merchant was emotionally agitated and took the medicine from his sleeve, then committed suicide. Now that he is dead, there is no way to verify the story, and it will be difficult for the Prefect of the Capital to investigate."
Seeing that she showed no surprise at all, Pei Xuan's eyes flickered slightly.
What exactly do you want to do?
"Your Highness, what makes you say that?" Jiang Wan raised her eyes and said seriously, "As you can see, I have been framed. I hope Lord He will find out the truth as soon as possible and clear my name."
Pei Xuan said, "Your case is being handled by the Ministry of Justice. If Ji Rong wants to put you to death, no one else can interfere."
What puzzled him was that the Ji family had a very good relationship with Jiang Wan in the past, and Madam Wang was also very kind to her.
Even setting aside personal relationships, Ji Rong was an upright and honest official.
He wouldn't falsely accuse someone, especially his own niece.
It was precisely for this reason that even though Emperor Jingyuan had considerable doubts about the outcome of the case, he was still willing to believe Ji Rong's account.
Just as Pei Xuan was about to ask another question, someone came in to report that the young master of the General's Mansion had come to visit Jiang Wan.
"Your Highness, please return."
Jiang Wan smiled at him.
“Tell Your Majesty that there is no need to plead for me before the Emperor. I believe in the fairness of the laws of the Great Yong Dynasty and that no innocent person will be wronged.”
Pei Xuan chuckled and turned to leave.
In the narrow corridor, I brushed past Song Yu.
Song Yu nodded and bowed, maintaining his usual calm and composed expression, showing no sign of anxiety.
Pei Xuan frowned slightly.
What are this mother and son planning?
What could possibly require Jiang Wan to take such a risk, even risking her life by going to prison, to accomplish this...?
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