The Heir

Сhарter 234: Truth аnd Теstаmеnt

Though Third Маster Qin was vеhementlу dеnуing еvеrуthing at this momеnt, his heart was in turmoil. He hаd а feеling that this timе, hе wаs gоing to fаll.

In truth, his fоurth nерhеw, Qin Si Shaо, had disagreеd with this сollаboration with Сhunzhi and Wang Dеcai. Ноwеvеr, thеrе wеre cеrtаin things his fourth nерhеw didn’t know—thе Qin familу trulу had no оthеr pаth to take.

Тhe Suzhou Inspесtоr had sеt his sights on Feng Daniu, whilе thе Qi Fаmily Аrmу in thе nоrth wаs tаrgeting Lоrd Хuan аnd Lord Yаn. If the truth behind еither оf thеsе mattеrs wеrе еxposеd, it would be enough to drаg the Qin family tо the brink of ruin. Тherеfоre, thе Qin family had to take a gamble.

It was at this time that Third Master Qin received a letter from Wang Decai. He then traveled to Huizhou to learn about Wang Decai’s plan. Although Wang Decai was clearly using the Feng Daniu incident to threaten the Qin family and force them into cooperation—after all, with Wang Decai’s limited connections, he couldn’t have orchestrated such a grand scheme—this made Third Master Qin deeply displeased.

Nevertheless, it was undeniable that Wang Decai’s plan was extremely advantageous for the Qin family. First, it would frame Li Jingfu for the past robbery and murder, clearing the Qin family of suspicion. At the same time, it would implicate Luo Wenqian, eliminating the Qin family’s main competitor in the north.

This aspect pleased him even more. Everyone in the north knew that Luo Wenqian had an excellent relationship with Marshal Qi. If Luo Wenqian were implicated in colluding with the Tatars, Marshal Qi would also face trouble.

And if Marshal Qi encountered trouble, the Qi Family Army’s pursuit of Lord Xuan and Lord Yan would have to halt. In this way, the Qin family could proceed without any worries.

For this reason, even though Wang Decai was threatening him and he felt displeased about it, Third Master Qin truly didn’t take a small figure like Wang Decai seriously. As long as they dealt with Luo Jiu first, handling a petty person like Wang Decai later would be a matter of moments.

It could be said that the plan was excellent. However, up until now, what had seemed like a foolproof plan had spiraled out of control due to Feng Daniu’s sudden betrayal. It was only at this moment that Third Master Qin suddenly realized that the supposedly flawless plan was actually riddled with holes.

Thinking of this, Third Master Qin glared fiercely at Feng Daniu. “Feng Daniu, if you still value your life, tell the truth. Did Luo Jiu and Li Jingfu threaten you?”

Third Master Qin’s words carried an implicit threat, but such a threat was now useless to Feng Daniu.

Hearing Third Master Qin’s words, a bitter smile appeared on Feng Daniu’s face. “Third Master, you’re a smart man. Can’t you see? You’ve fallen, and it’s precisely because I want to keep my life that I’m telling the truth. Li Jingfu and Luo Jiu have long known about your plan. They dug a pit and were waiting for you to jump in.”

As he spoke, Feng Daniu pointed at Zhao Zhen, who was standing behind Magistrate Cai, and said to Third Master Qin, “Third Master Qin, look, who is he?”

As soon as Feng Daniu finished speaking, Magistrate Cai, who had been watching the drama unfold, let out a low “Hmm” and said to Zhao Zhen behind him, “Step forward.”

Thus, Zhao Zhen, who had been standing behind Magistrate Cai, stepped out.

“Who?” Third Master Qin said, turning his head to look at Zhao Zhen.

Zhao Zhen had been hidden behind Yao Qianshan and Magistrate Cai earlier. When Third Master Qin entered the hall, all his attention had been focused on dealing with the case, so he naturally hadn’t paid any attention to the attendants following Magistrate Cai.At this moment, Zhao Zhen stepped forward. Third Master Qin carefully scrutinized Zhao Zhen for quite some time before recognizing him, and he couldn't help but gasp in shock.

Of course, Qin San was not unfamiliar with Zhao Zhen. On the contrary, he was very close to both Zhao Zhen and his brother Zhao Quan. However, after Zhao Zhen was captured, he was first imprisoned in the Qi Family Army's dungeon, where he suffered greatly. His body had lost over ten pounds, and his appearance had changed drastically. Combined with his different attire, he was almost unrecognizable compared to before. That was why Third Master Qin had not noticed him earlier.

"Third Master, it's been a long time. Walking by the river often, one is bound to get their shoes wet," Zhao Zhen said expressionlessly.

"Hmm, indeed. How is my Qin family now?" Third Master Qin asked. Seeing Zhao Zhen appear in this state, Qin San naturally knew that the Qin family was finished. No wonder his fourth nephew had not appeared in Huizhou during this period.

However, he still held a glimmer of hope, wishing that Zhao Zhen had not exposed the Qin family.

"I'm not entirely sure either. I've been locked up all this time. But I didn't hold back from confessing what needed to be confessed. You know in your heart what the Qin family's fate will be," Zhao Zhen replied.

Just then, another announcement came from outside the door: "Lord Qi has arrived..."

Qi Jiguang had arrived, and the Li family members listening to the trial in the crowd were finally completely at ease.

Accompanying Qi Jiguang were Luo Wenqian, Bahanaji, as well as Lord Xuan and Lord Yan. However, all of them were heavily guarded by soldiers.

Upon seeing Bahanaji, Third Master Qin, who had still held a sliver of hope, finally understood everything. He couldn't help but smile bitterly at Luo Wenqian and said, "Luo Jiu, you've won."

"Third Master, you're mistaken. I haven't won. It's just that you've lost—not to me, Luo Jiu, but to justice and righteousness. What is owed must always be repaid," Luo Wenqian calmly replied.

To be honest, there is no distinction between good and evil in business competition. However, the Qin family made a grave mistake by using the Tatars to deal with their commercial rivals.

"That's true," Third Master Qin nodded.

What followed was straightforward. With the testimonies of Bahanaji, Zhao Zhen, Lord Xuan, and Lord Yan, the truth about the Suzhou merchant caravan robbery and massacre case from years ago was finally revealed. Li Jingfu was innocent; it was the Qin family who had colluded with the Tatars. Meanwhile, Chunzhi and Wang Decai were guilty of false accusation.

"Jingfu, it's good that you're safe, it's good that you're safe," Wu Shi said excitedly. Zhen Niang stood beside her, smiling happily.

At this point, the prefect had no hesitation. He ordered Third Master Qin to be arrested. As for the Qin family, they had already been raided days earlier, and the head of the household had been imprisoned. Qi Jiguang had come this time under orders to arrest Third Master Qin, who was, in fact, the main culprit in the collusion with the Tatars.

With Third Master Qin arrested, Li Jingfu was released on the spot.

Next came the questioning of Chunzhi and Wang Decai for falsely accusing the Li family.

"Your Honor, this matter truly has nothing to do with us. I merely saw Feng Daniu entering the Li family's residence and heard that Lord Cai was pursuing Feng Daniu. Additionally, I fell for Third Master Qin's scheme, believing that the Li family had indeed colluded with the Tatars. That is why I reported the case together with Third Master Qin," Wang Decai hurriedly explained.

Indeed, Wang Decai's explanation was flawless. It had already been confirmed that the Qin family was the one colluding with the Tatars. Moreover, Feng Daniu was indeed guilty, and Lord Cai's pursuit of Feng Daniu was a fact. Thus, Wang Decai's report against Li Jingfu was, at most, a result of being deceived by the Qin family. This could hardly be considered a crime."Exactly. Exactly." Chunzhi also quickly chimed in from the side.

Hearing Wang Decai's words, Third Master Qin burst into loud laughter. After hunting geese all day, he had now been pecked in the eye by one.

Meanwhile, Li Zhenniang, looking at Wang Decai and Chunzhi still kneeling on the ground, clenched her fists tightly, her face as cold as frost.

Wang Decai had pinned the false accusation entirely on Third Master Qin, and his report on Feng Daniu clearly held no fault, as Feng Daniu being wanted was indeed a fact. Thus, although he still bore the crime of falsely accusing Li Jingfu regarding the dealings with the Tartars, on the surface, having been deceived by the Qin family, the charge was much lighter—at most, he would only face a beating with the board. And even that could be offset with silver.

How could Li Zhenniang accept this? Thinking this, she clenched her fists even tighter and turned her head to glance at Luo Wenqian, who was walking over.

Luo Wenqian naturally understood Zhenniang's feelings, but at this moment, he shook his head at her and said, "Don’t rush. There’s more to come. Keep watching."

Zhenniang couldn’t help but be taken aback.

Just then, the sound of a drum being struck echoed from outside the gate—someone was beating the drum to appeal for justice.

"It’s Tian Benchang beating the drum." The onlookers began whispering among themselves again. Today’s trial was unfolding one scene after another, leaving them spellbound. Who would have thought that at this moment, the Tian family’s eldest son would also join in?

Everyone speculated about what Tian Benchang intended to accuse. It was likely about Chunzhi’s scheme to seize the Tian family’s property, right? After all, this matter had yet to be settled, and since his release from prison, Tian Benchang had been hiding in the Tian residence. Many had been wondering whether the Tian family’s eldest son had resigned himself to fate or was simply biding his time.

Zhenniang glanced at Luo Wenqian again and whispered, "Is Tian Benchang going to accuse Chunzi of seizing the family property? But Chunzhi has Master Tian’s will. Can such a case be won?"

Luo Wenqian leaned close to Zhenniang’s ear and whispered something.

"Really?" Zhenniang couldn’t help but feel a surge of delight upon hearing his words.

Luo Wenqian nodded.

"Summon the drum-beater to the hall," the prefect declared, striking the magistrate’s block.

Before long, two bailiffs escorted Tian Benchang into the hall.

"Who kneels below? What grievance do you bring?" the prefect asked.

"Your Honor, this humble one is Tian Benchang, the eldest son of the Tian family. I accuse Concubine Chun of conspiring with the steward Wang Decai to cause my father’s death and seize the family property—a grave act of treason. I implore Your Honor to uphold justice for this humble one." Tian Benchang kowtowed heavily. As everyone had expected, it was indeed about Chunzhi conspiring with Wang Decai to seize the Tian family’s property.

For a concubine to plot against her husband and a servant to scheme against his master were both grave acts of treason.

"Your Honor, there is absolutely no truth to this. During my lord’s severe illness, this humble concubine cared for him with all her heart. It was because my lord was moved by my devotion, and also because the two Tian sons were unfilial, greatly disappointing him, that he entrusted the property to me before his passing. There is a will as proof. I beg Your Honor to investigate thoroughly." Chunzhi knelt on the ground, looking aggrieved, her eyes red as she pleaded her case.

Regarding Chunzhi’s scheme to seize the Tian family’s property, the Tian family had indeed filed a complaint when the incident first occurred. Even Tian Ronghua had accused her back then. The prefect was aware of this matter, and in the end, it had been settled based on Old Master Tian’s will.

"Tian Benchang, this case was brought before this court before. With Old Master Tian’s will as evidence, Madam Chun’s acquisition of the Tian family’s property is lawful. Since you accuse Madam Chun of seizing the property, what evidence do you have?" the prefect asked."Your Honor, the will obtained by the Chun family is forged and cannot serve as evidence," Tian Benchang stated at this moment.

"Oh, you claim the will obtained by the Chun family is fake? What evidence do you have?" the prefect inquired further.

In truth, the authenticity of the will had always been a contentious issue. The will of Master Tian was first drafted by Chunzhi, but it bore the Tian family's seal and Master Tian's fingerprint, thus making it legally valid.

However, ever since Master Tian fell ill, all matters in the Tian household, big or small, had been managed by Chunzhi. Therefore, it would have been quite simple for Chunzhi to obtain the seal. As for the fingerprint, to be honest, Master Tian was already in a state of confusion by the end, and Chunzhi could have easily pressed his hand onto the document.

In other words, the presence of the seal and fingerprint did not necessarily prove that the will was truly established by Master Tian, but at the same time, no one could prove that it was not established by Old Master Tian. This was precisely why Tian Ronghua's previous lawsuit had failed.

"Because while my father was still alive, he had already established a will. Therefore, it is impossible that he would have drafted another unreasonable will on his deathbed," Tian Benchang declared, enunciating each word clearly.