Сhaptеr 28: Rеturning tо thе Liаng Residencе
Zhu Yаn had alwаys beеn thе siхth уоung lаdy at hоme and a mere clеrk in thе Ministrу of Justiсе—hоw сould shе еvеr hаvе reсeived such рrеferеntial treatmеnt? She hastilу declinеd Маdаm Zhеng’s оffеr and simplу tоok а sеаt on а chаir in thе left row.
Sееing this, Mаdam Zheng naturаlly found it inaррrоpriаte to sit besidе Shеn Du аnd had tо rеmаin stаnding аs shе askеd, “Whу would уou sаy that, Мadаm Shеn?”
Аpаrt frоm thе stеward and the Unrightеous Agents who had аccomрanied thеm, sevеrаl Liang hоusehold servants had also entered with them.
Each of them was robust and burly. When Madam Zheng saw them, she quickly glanced behind her. Finding no one outside, she couldn’t help but frown delicately. “What’s going on? Where are the people you were supposed to apprehend?”
It turned out that after the incident, Madam Zheng had concluded that Rong Zhui was venting his anger and causing trouble over Kuang Zhanxin’s death. While sending someone to summon the Unrighteous Agents, she had also ordered the servants to apprehend the culprit at the Bright Hall.
Shen Du and Zhu Yan had just been in the courtyard when they happened to run into the servants returning from the Bright Hall.
The servants exchanged glances and pushed one forward to reply, “Madam, when we arrived at the Bright Hall, not only did the Brothel Matron refuse to see us, but the brothel’s hired thugs also hurled insults and curses at us.”
“We intended to charge in and seize the Brothel Matron, but those thugs outnumbered us and ended up driving us out instead. The area around the Bright Hall was bustling with people coming and going. Fearing that the situation might escalate and damage the family’s reputation, we returned first to seek your instructions.”
Some of the servants had bruises on their cheeks, while others had tears in their clothing—it seemed they had suffered some hardships at the Bright Hall.
Madam Zheng’s face flushed with anger, but mindful of Shen Du’s presence, she had to restrain herself for the time being.
Just then, a voice rang out, “If she refuses to come out, it must be because she has a guilty conscience. You should simply report it to the authorities and have the officials apprehend her! You’re kept in the household, yet you can’t even handle such a simple matter.”
Several people emerged from behind the rosewood screen adorned with eagle and rock motifs. In the center was a woman in embroidered robes, looking haggard and supported by two maidservants, occasionally covering her mouth with a handkerchief to cough.
Recognizing the newcomer, Madam Zheng’s expression changed slightly as she forced a smile. “Since you’re unwell, sister-in-law, why not rest properly? Matters like these can be left to me to handle.”
“My son lies wronged in the underworld, and the murderer remains at large. Yet the Liang family is now being humiliated by lowly prostitutes from a brothel—how can I sit idly by?”
The newcomer was none other than Madam Liu, the wife of the eldest branch of the Liang family and Liang Chenzhong’s mother. She bowed to Shen Du before being helped to a seat. Lifting her eyes to look at Madam Zheng, she snorted lightly. “Leave it to you? I’d like to see how you handle it! The incident with Nanny Jiang was one thing, but today, all of Chang’an is probably laughing at our Liang family, and you couldn’t even bring back a single person.”
The implication was a clear accusation of Madam Zheng’s incompetence.
Madam Zheng’s expression grew increasingly unpleasant, but since the words held truth and there were many people present, she had no choice but to show Madam Liu some respect.
“You are absolutely right, sister-in-law. From now on, I will devote myself wholeheartedly to managing household affairs properly.”
“Enough, enough.”
Madam Liu appeared thoroughly ill, covering her mouth with a silk handkerchief to cough softly several times as she spoke. “Household matters should be handled among ourselves. There’s no need to discuss them in front of outsiders.”
Her tone carried a sharp edge as she turned her gaze to the many servants at the door. “Why are you still standing there? Take more people with you. Today, even if you have to tie her up, bring that old brothel matron back to me!”
“Yes.”
The servants acknowledged the order and turned to leave.
Zhu Yan quickly rose to stop them. “Madam Liu, please don’t act hastily. Allow Zhu Yan to say a word.”Madam Liu had never held any favorable opinion of the Ministry of Justice. If Zhu Yan were not Shen Du's wife, she would not have paid her the slightest attention.
Out of respect for Shen Du, Madam Liu suppressed her displeasure and asked calmly, "Madam Shen, please speak plainly."
With Madam Liu's permission, Zhu Yan glanced at Shen Du's expression—neither warm nor cold, his stern face unchanged as ever.
"The matter between Young Master Liang and Kuang Zhanxin is already widely known. If Rong Zhui truly believed the Liang family were the murderers, she could have reported it to the authorities at the very beginning, rather than resorting to such petty tricks to arouse suspicion. If she were truly the one behind it, wouldn’t that be like lifting a stone only to drop it on her own foot?"
Although Zhu Yan's analysis was not absolutely conclusive, it held some reason.
The servant who had retreated to the doorway halted, unsure of what to do.
Madam Liu lowered her gaze slightly, her breathing slightly ragged, as if suppressing some emotion. "Then, in Madam Shen's opinion, who do you think is responsible for this?"
"This matter still requires investigation. Without evidence, Zhu Yan dare not make any assertions."
"Hmph..."
Madam Liu sneered with sarcasm. "I thought Madam Shen must have had a suspect in mind to speak so boldly. It turns out it was just empty words."
Shen Du, standing nearby, suddenly spoke. "I, however, find Madam's words quite reasonable. Rather than focusing on those who seem incapable, it would be better to pay attention to those who are capable."
After speaking, Shen Du gave a meaningful glance to Jing Lin, who was standing nearby.
Jing Lin bowed with clasped fists and withdrew. The corners of Zhu Yan's lips lifted into a smile.
It was rare for the two of them to share the same perspective.
"What does the Great Pavilion Commander mean by this?"
Madam Liu's face showed anger, and Madam Zheng beside her also turned her gaze toward the door.
Could it be that they had discovered something?
In just a moment, Jing Lin brought a maidservant before everyone.
The maidservant looked panicked and, after kneeling, dared not raise her head to look at those present.
"Sir,"
Jing Lin said with a cupped-hand salute, "This subordinate went out earlier to investigate the situation. Just as I stepped outside, I saw this person eavesdropping beneath the window during your conversation. I found her highly suspicious and brought her here. I await your judgment."
"Isn't this... Cui'er, the maidservant recently assigned to serve Madam Wei?"
Madam Zheng was the first to recognize the maidservant.
Hearing this, Cui'er was terrified, her face turning pale as she collapsed to the ground, kowtowing and begging for mercy. "Madam, spare me, spare me! I was just momentarily confused. Please forgive me this once."
Madam Zheng furrowed her delicate brows. Although she was the principal wife of the Liang family, in the front hall, not only was Madam Liu present, but also the Great Pavilion Commander. As merely the second wife, she had no authority to speak.
"What exactly happened? Speak quickly!"
Shen Du's voice filled the entire front hall with a chilling coldness, sending shivers down everyone's spine.
Cui'er trembled, nearly biting her tongue as she spoke. "R... replying to the Great Pavilion Commander, I am indeed the maidservant serving Madam Wei. A few days ago, while cleaning the room, I accidentally broke a leaf of her Alocasia plant. Madam scolded me severely, and I received twenty strokes of the rod as punishment. I... I know I was wrong. Please, Great Pavilion Commander, show mercy and spare me this once."
"Was the chicken blood on the door your doing?"
Zhu Yan turned and asked.Cui'er nodded timidly, her expression like that of a startled fawn. "It was a moment of foolishness on my part. I only wanted to cause a bit of trouble for the household with this method. I never imagined it would involve so many matters. I know I was wrong, truly I know."
"How despicable!"
Madam Liu slammed the table. "The Liang household has always been clear about rewards and punishments. You committed a wrong, not only failing to repent but even attempting revenge. Guards, take this servant to the authorities and await judgment."
"Yes."
Several household servants responded, stepping forward to bind and escort Cui'er out.
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