Wen Ge, remembering Princess Lin’an’s instructions, immediately stepped forward and said: “Miss Guo, even if you want to shield your brother, there’s no need to blatantly lie! Before everyone’s eyes, do you still dare to deny it?”
Seeing Guo Dun bound tightly and Wen Ge’s righteous demeanor glaring angrily at Li Weiyang, the crowd couldn’t help but discuss among themselves. Within the crowd, maids that Wen Ge had already arranged began to embellish and exaggerate, describing the scene that had just occurred. Naturally, everyone discussed it extensively, saying that nowadays morals were declining – even the usually proper sons of aristocratic families harbored evil intentions, daring to act inappropriately toward a princess. This was truly detestable and deserved severe punishment. In fact, no matter how poor Princess Lin’an’s reputation was, she was still an imperial princess – no one could deny her status. Not to mention attempting impropriety, even being disrespectful to a princess in person was an enormous offense. This Guo Dun must have swallowed the heart and gall of a leopard to dare assault a princess on such an occasion.
Princess Lin’an rarely displayed such a vulnerable demeanor, weeping inconsolably. At this moment, the Crown Prince also came in from outside. Seeing this scene, he was naturally quite surprised. Princess Lin’an grabbed his sleeve and tearfully complained: “Imperial Brother, today I was bullied by an evildoer. You must seek justice for me!”
The Crown Prince’s expression changed. He surveyed the crowd and asked: “What exactly happened?”
Those around explained the situation to him. The Crown Prince’s face became unusually grim. He ordered: “If this is truly the case, then the situation is very serious. Someone! Bring everyone in this courtyard to the main hall. I will personally conduct the interrogation.” He looked at Duke Qi, his expression cold: “Duke, do you have any objections?”
Although Duke Qi knew his son was innocent, who would listen to his explanations? He replied impassively: “I will abide by whatever the Crown Prince decides. If it’s truly proven that Guo Dun dared to be disrespectful to the princess, I won’t spare him either, even without the Crown Prince saying so.” With that, he had already headed toward the main hall first, his expression seeming dark enough to drip water.
Seeing this, Guo Cheng gave Li Weiyang a meaningful look, deliberately walking behind everyone else, then briefly described the scene he had witnessed upon entering the courtyard. After listening, Li Weiyang said calmly: “It seems Fourth Brother has fallen into an enemy trap.”
Of course Guo Cheng knew this too. He deliberately lowered his voice: “What should we do now?”
Li Weiyang sneered: “When soldiers come, we’ll block them with generals; when water comes, we’ll cover it with earth. Didn’t Father say long ago? We won’t initiate trouble, but if others provoke us, don’t blame us for being impolite.” She gave Zhao Yue a look, signaling her to take the opportunity to go into the room and look around. Zhao Yue nodded slightly and disappeared in a flash.
Seeing her so composed, Guo Cheng’s heart also calmed. After Guo Cheng went ahead, Yuan Lie stepped forward: “For an imperial princess to use such despicable tactics truly disgraces Empress Pei’s reputation. But you must think carefully – generally, if a woman insists the other party intended impropriety and there’s no evidence proving Guo Dun’s innocence, this matter will be difficult to handle.” The charge of great disrespect depended on the person involved. What kind of illustrious family was Duke Qi’s household? How could they be unjustly condemned to complete family execution over such a charge? The Emperor and the imperial clan wouldn’t make such a judgment. However, for the innocent Guo family to be bitten by Princess Lin’an, that mad dog, would inevitably cause major trouble.
Li Weiyang sneered: “Yes, they’re not targeting Guo Dun – they’re targeting me.”
Yuan Lie smiled slightly: “In any case, I won’t let her harm you. Let’s go hear what this shrew has to say.” With that, the two headed to the main hall. By now, everyone had already taken their seats in the hall, while Guo Dun and Princess Lin’an stood below. Princess Lin’an still bore tear stains, looking completely wronged, while Guo Dun’s face was full of anger, his body still bound with rope.
The Crown Prince glanced at the Minister of Justice beside him and said mildly: “Minister Lin, you should handle the interrogation of this matter.”
Hearing this, Lin Shan’s expression couldn’t help but change. In fact, he didn’t want to touch this hot potato at all. You see, Princess Lin’an was the Empress’s beloved daughter – if an ordinary person dared to act inappropriately toward her, they would have already been beaten to death on the spot. How would it be his turn to try the case? The key point was the party being tried – not some commoner or small household, but the famous Duke Qi’s household. This case was truly difficult to judge! His expression turned ugly: “Crown Prince, I…”
He had only said a few words when the Crown Prince made a gesture, cutting off what he was about to say, and said slowly: “I’m telling you to try it, so try it. Whatever result you reach, I will report to Father Emperor. Of course, you must enforce the law impartially. If I discover you’re favoring either side, I won’t spare you first!” Though he said this, the Crown Prince’s eyes swept over Duke Qi’s person, his expression very gloomy. In fact, he hadn’t expected Princess Lin’an to pull such a damaging trick – sacrificing the entire imperial family’s honor to frame the Guo family was simply too crude. If Empress Pei found out, she would certainly be furious. But having already half-poured this basin of dirty water, they couldn’t just retreat now. So even knowing the other party was foolish, he had to perform this entire act.
Having no choice, Lin Shan could only gather his spirits again, sitting in the side seat, cold sweat rolling down his forehead. He subconsciously wiped it and said respectfully: “Please, Princess, describe in detail everything that just happened.”
Princess Lin’an sneered and said slowly: “Earlier I came to pay respects to the late Marquis Qingping’s wife. I don’t know why I felt unwell. Miss Wen specially arranged a quiet courtyard for me to rest. Unexpectedly, the Fourth Young Master of Duke Qi’s household suddenly burst in. Seeing me resting there, he grabbed my clothes, intending to commit improper acts.” What followed was very detailed – she even described how Guo Dun spoke and moved, as if it had truly happened, with every detail seemingly authentic.
Minister of Justice Lin Shan’s forehead sweated even more profusely. He asked: “Does anyone bear witness?”
Princess Lin’an said slowly: “I’ve always preferred quiet. Moreover, this time I specially came to the Marquis Qingping’s household to pay respects, so I only brought two maids. Just now, one maid worried I’d catch cold and went to the carriage to fetch a cloak, while the other…” Her gaze turned to the side. That maid immediately said knowingly: “Reporting to Minister Lin, this servant happened to be making tea for the princess next door in the tea house when I suddenly heard the princess calling for help from the room. So this servant rushed over immediately.” As she said this, she stole glances at Princess Lin’an.
Princess Lin’an nodded with satisfaction: “Exactly so.”
Guo Dun couldn’t help but flush with anger. His nature was straightforward – he had never been able to bear injustice. Thinking how he had kindly saved someone, only to end up in this situation, he couldn’t help but shout angrily: “Princess Lin’an, you’re completely slandering me! When did I ever touch a single hair on your head?”
Minister of Justice Lin Shan, seeing this situation, had already quickly made his decision. Though Duke Qi’s household was powerful, it still couldn’t match the combined weight of Princess Lin’an and the Crown Prince. Behind them stood not only the Pei family but also Empress Pei, who wielded enormous influence at court. In comparison, Duke Qi was somewhat inferior. But even if this charge of great disrespect was imposed, it would be like striking a snake without killing it, leaving endless future troubles. Who knew how the Guo family would react… Thinking this, Lin Shan steeled his heart. It seemed he had to choose between the Guo family and Empress Pei. With this thought, he no longer looked toward Duke Qi but said coldly: “Guo Dun, confess truthfully to your crime of plotting impropriety and attempting to assault the princess.”
Guo Dun couldn’t help but grit his teeth: “Minister Lin, I’ve always followed my father’s teachings, conducting myself properly and matching my words to my deeds. How could I have improper intentions toward the princess? Moreover, my usual reputation is good – I’ve never engaged in dissolute behavior. Everyone knows this. In broad daylight, and at the Marquis Qingping’s household, to act improperly toward a princess – what kind of time and place is this? Would I be insane?”
Lin Shan sneered: “What a clever tongue! I can tell at a glance you’re an evil person. Let me tell you the truth – Princess Lin’an says you intended impropriety, and the evidence is conclusive. If you harbor illusions and attempt to argue, you’ll only bring suffering upon yourself in the future! You’ll regret it endlessly. I advise you to confess honestly.”
Li Weiyang sneered. Looking at Lin Shan’s manner, he had clearly sided with Empress Pei, wanting to solidify Guo Dun’s crime of assaulting the princess. Did they really think things would go so smoothly?
Guo Dun was nearly ready to explode with anger on the spot, but Duke Qi said coldly: “Minister Lin, if my son truly did such a thing, I would never tolerate it. However, if someone has falsely accused him, I won’t stand by and watch either. You just asked Princess Lin’an about what happened – why don’t you carefully question Guo Dun’s testimony instead of immediately insisting he plotted impropriety?”
Minister of Justice Lin Shan couldn’t help but freeze. In fact, he had been too hasty. Seeing the Crown Prince present, he had even forgotten his usual procedures, only thinking of quickly establishing Guo Dun’s guilt and concluding the matter early. He sighed: “Duke Qi, I am the one conducting this investigation, not you. Please stand aside. I will naturally ask what needs to be asked.” He then said to Guo Dun: “Tell me in detail what happened today.”
Guo Dun said: “Originally, I was heading toward the main hall with my mother and sister when I saw a white-clothed figure flash past, as if spying. I chased after them and was led by that white-clothed person to the central courtyard. I couldn’t find that white-clothed person and was about to turn back when I heard a woman’s cry for help from inside the room. I burst in and saw that Zhou Kang trying to commit impropriety against the princess. Out of righteous indignation, I saved the princess. Who knew that after I drove Zhou Kang away, I was falsely accused by the princess instead? She tore her own clothes and blamed everything on me. Please, Minister Lin, see clearly.”
Hearing this, Lin Shan couldn’t help but freeze. He then called out loudly: “Where is Zhou Kang?”
At that moment, the crowd parted, and a handsome young gentleman with a face like fine jade stepped forward, saying: “Guo Dun, you’re spouting complete nonsense. My younger brother is bedridden with illness – when did he ever come to the Marquis Qingping’s household?” This was Zhou Zhen, Marquis Chengting’s third son Zhou Hong, Zhou Kang’s third brother. He was a Vice Minister in the Ministry of Personnel, always upright in his duties and of good character, quite trusted by everyone. When he said this, everyone’s expressions changed.
Lin Shan asked: “Are you saying Zhou Kang didn’t come to pay respects?”
Zhou Hong said: “That’s correct. This time, only I came from the Zhou family. My younger brother Zhou Kang caught a cold a few days ago and has been bedridden these past days. How could he possibly run here and cause trouble? Guo Dun, not content with humiliating the princess, you actually falsely accused my brother. What exactly do you mean by this?”
Guo Dun’s face turned pale. He suddenly realized that Princess Lin’an and Zhou Kang had deliberately staged this scene to frame him. Zhou Kang must currently be at the Marquis Qingping’s household, just not having entered through the main gate. Everyone thought he hadn’t come at all, and with the always upright Zhou Hong providing testimony… This way, everyone would think Guo Dun deliberately framed Zhou Kang.
Zhou Hong declared loudly: “My brother has always been somewhat unruly and dissolute – I admit that. But humiliating a princess is something he would never do. Master Guo, to clear your own name, you actually falsely accused someone who didn’t even come to pay respects. This is simply the height of absurdity.” Having said this, his face showed clear anger.
Lin Shan sneered, looking at Guo Dun: “It seems you’ve run out of tricks and can only falsely accuse Young Master Zhou.”
The Crown Prince coughed lightly: “Master Guo, I advise you to confess. Not only is there Princess Lin’an’s testimony, but also the maid’s, as well as those who rushed into the room. Can you still argue?”
In fact, whether this matter was true or false, as long as it could damage the Guo family, the Crown Prince would spare no effort. Although Lin’an’s methods were rather despicable, given people’s sympathy for women and precedents in case judgments, everyone sided with Princess Lin’an. Guo Dun really couldn’t produce any concrete evidence – how could he make everyone believe him? Lin Shan sneered, his expression darkening like water: “Since that’s how it is, don’t blame me for being merciless. According to precedent, offending the imperial family requires fifty heavy strokes of the cane without question. Someone!”
The guards nearby responded in unison: “Here!”
Lin Shan’s expression was cold as he said word by word: “Give Guo Dun fifty heavy strokes!”
“Yes!”
Everyone’s expressions changed. Li Weiyang now understood that today’s plan consisted of three steps. First, deliberately lure Guo Dun to that courtyard. Second, let him see Princess Lin’an being assaulted by Zhou Kang. They had calculated Guo Dun’s temperament, knowing he wouldn’t stand by idly and would certainly help the princess. Then Princess Lin’an would blame the matter on Guo Dun. Third, when Guo Dun raised his suspicions and named Zhou Kang as the one who assaulted the princess, the Zhou family would counter-accuse, saying Zhou Kang had never come to pay respects. This way, everyone would believe Guo Dun was framing Young Master Zhou, who had a poor reputation, in order to escape. This would solidify Guo Dun’s crime of attempting to assault the princess and showing great disrespect to the imperial family. Though simple, some people really believed it.
The guards had already received their orders. They immediately rushed forward, pressed Guo Dun to the ground, took out the cane, and prepared to strike.
Li Weiyang had lived in the palace for many years and was intimately familiar with such framing tactics. When she heard they were about to strike, her eyes swept toward the cane. She saw that as the cane surface lifted carelessly, it seemed to faintly emit a subtle glow – so quickly she thought she was seeing things. She froze, then took a few quick steps forward but stopped again, giving Yuan Lie a meaningful look.
Seeing her expression, Yuan Lie quickly stepped forward and called out loudly: “Wait!”
Everyone froze. The Crown Prince said coldly: “What instruction does Prince Xu have?”
Yuan Lie smiled slightly: “After all, Brother Guo holds an official position – he’s not an ordinary commoner. For Minister Lin to ask just a few questions and immediately order the cane – isn’t that too harsh? Too hasty as well, isn’t it?” At his words, those in the crowd who had always been on good terms with the Guo family voiced their agreement. Duke Qi had wanted to step forward and stop this, but since Guo Dun was his son, whatever he said now, others would think he was being protective. The Guo family’s other two brothers also couldn’t speak because they had no way to prove Guo Dun’s innocence either. Since the interrogation required severe questioning, naturally beatings were involved. Fifty strokes should be endurable. As long as he stubbornly refused to confess, there would be a chance to turn things around. However, he hadn’t expected that the one to finally speak up would be Prince Xu Yuan Lie, who had always been at odds with them. Guo Dun glanced at Yuan Lie – that look was very complex, wondering what he was thinking.
The Crown Prince sneered: “I know Prince Xu has always been on very good terms with the Guo family, but our dynasty’s Ministry of Justice has always conducted interrogations this way. Minister Lin has already questioned carefully, yet Guo Dun still refuses to confess. Without using punishment, I fear we won’t get the truth.” He looked at Li Weiyang with a half-smile, then said slowly: “Personal feelings are personal feelings; principles are principles. If Guo Dun truly offended the princess, then the Guo family has committed the crime of great disrespect. This matter could be major or minor. If it reaches Father Emperor, I fear even you, Prince Xu, couldn’t bear the consequences.”
The Crown Prince wasn’t afraid of Prince Xu Yuan Lie at all – in fact, he wished they would make an even bigger fuss. That way, it would alarm the imperial clan, and even if the Emperor wanted to cover it up, he couldn’t. By then, Duke Qi’s household might not be fundamentally shaken, but Guo Dun would certainly meet disaster.
Yuan Lie sneered and walked straight to the guard’s side, weighing the cane in his hand, saying with a full smile: “Minister Lin is quite interesting – today is merely a funeral visit, yet you carry this cane with you?”
Lin Shan glanced at the Crown Prince and said in a somewhat sunken voice: “The two guards were borrowed from Marquis Qingping. Naturally, this cane also belongs to the Marquis Qingping’s household.”
A flash of cold light passed through Yuan Lie’s eyes, making his features appear even more handsome. Somehow, everyone felt this person was radiating brilliance from head to toe, making it impossible to look away. He said unhurriedly: “This cane seems somewhat suspicious.” He deliberately raised the cane high, letting everyone see that layer of subtle silvery light on it. Then Yuan Lie called out loudly: “Is there an imperial physician in this hall?”
At this moment, an imperial physician emerged from the crowd and called out: “This humble official is Liu Zheng from the Imperial Medical Bureau. What are Prince Xu’s orders?”
Yuan Lie tossed the cane to him and said loudly: “Since you’re an imperial physician, examine this cane for anything suspicious. Looking at that silvery light on it, something seems wrong!” By now, Marquis Qingping’s forehead was covered in cold sweat, his heart filled with waves of panic. Wen Ge, seeing her father’s expression, felt something was wrong and quietly asked: “What’s the matter? Is something bad?”
Marquis Qingping turned to look at his daughter, his eyes revealing infinite terror, unable to say a word.
Liu Zheng carefully examined the cane, quietly touching and scraping at that silvery light. After fiddling with it for a long time, his expression suddenly changed. He quietly said a few words to Yuan Lie, but Yuan Lie smiled: “Speak up! Let everyone hear!”
Cold sweat also appeared on Liu Zheng’s forehead. He hadn’t expected that coming to pay respects today would involve such an incident. Had he known earlier when Prince Xu Yuan Lie called for an imperial physician, he shouldn’t have been so meddlesome and stepped forward to examine the cane. He stole a glance at the Crown Prince, a flash of surprise crossing his face, then called out loudly: “This cane is coated with deadly poison!”
Yuan Lie sneered: “Did everyone hear? Imperial Physician Liu says this cane is coated with deadly poison!”
“Imperial Physician Liu, explain clearly – what exactly is going on?!” The Crown Prince couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows and ask sternly.
Princess Lin’an’s expression changed slightly, her gaze unusually cold.
Liu Zheng said: “This surface is coated with a deadly poison. If this cane were used for punishment, the poison would seep through contact with human skin, penetrating through the pores into the skin and then into the bloodstream, taking effect. If Master Guo had just been punished, he would certainly be poisoned. Within six hours, he would have difficulty breathing. On the surface, it would look like he caught a cold – ordinary people absolutely couldn’t detect anything unusual. But after another six hours, he would die!”
Yuan Lie sneered twice: “It seems someone wanted to take Master Guo’s life right before our eyes! Marquis Qingping, how do you explain this!”
Marquis Qingping was already drenched in sweat. He swallowed and said tremulously: “Prince Xu! I… I don’t know what’s going on either!”
Yuan Lie didn’t believe him. Those amber eyes became increasingly bright and piercing: “The guards are from your household, and this cane is also from your household! Are you saying you didn’t know this cane was coated with deadly poison?! Do you take me for a fool, or do you think everyone in this hall is a fool you can toy with?!”
A flash of cold laughter crossed Li Weiyang’s heart. So Princess Lin’an wasn’t satisfied with just framing Guo Dun – she had prepared to silence him permanently after establishing his guilt! That way, she could say he committed suicide in prison out of fear of punishment, truly solidifying his crime of great disrespect to the imperial family! What vicious scheming. Twelve hours – that’s a full day. If Yuan Lie hadn’t stopped them just now, by this time tomorrow, Guo Dun would have already been labeled with the crime of suicide to avoid guilt.
Yuan Lie laughed loudly: “Crown Prince, it seems this case is extremely complex. If Master Guo truly is guilty, then who put deadly poison on the cane, determined to take his life? In my view, someone must have deliberately framed him and deeply feared keeping Master Guo alive would allow him to recant his confession later, so they’re eager to end his life!”
The Crown Prince looked coldly at Marquis Qingping: “Marquis Qingping, explain exactly what’s going on?!”
Marquis Qingping dropped to his knees with a “thud,” saying tremulously: “Crown Prince, I… I truly don’t understand who put deadly poison on this cane.”
Yuan Lie didn’t even look at him, his voice carrying a forest-like coldness: “Minister Lin, if you had beaten him with that cane just now, Master Guo would have lost his life! Does your Ministry of Justice always conduct interrogations this way? One can imagine how many people have been wrongly killed in the cases you’ve tried over all these years?!”
Lin Shan couldn’t help but stand up and bow: “Prince Xu, I was too hasty just now.” How could he have known the cane was coated with deadly poison? Now that it had been publicly exposed, he had become an accomplice! Duke Qi’s gaze already revealed a hint of killing intent. Thinking of his decisive actions on the battlefield and his current forbearance… A trace of fear crossed his heart. He felt this fog of confusion growing thicker and thicker, making him afraid to get involved… He couldn’t help saying: “Since that’s the case, this case… perhaps the Crown Prince should preside over it personally!”
The Crown Prince sighed: “Very well. Since Minister Lin is unwilling to continue the interrogation, then I shall serve as chief judge. Prince Xu, do you have any objections? You shouldn’t think I would deliberately favor Lin’an, should you?!”
Prince Xu Yuan Lie smiled slightly, that smile actually quite brilliant, as if it could illuminate the entire hall, dazzling everyone’s eyes. Those amber eyes flashed with a subtle glow, completely unafraid of the Crown Prince’s imposing manner. He responded: “If the Crown Prince wishes to preside, I’m naturally happy to see it. However, I will also watch from the side. If the Prince favors Princess Lin’an, we should still go find His Majesty and ask him to personally preside!”
The Crown Prince sneered inwardly but said: “Prince Xu, rest assured, I will handle this fairly.” He looked at Guo Dun again: “Master Guo, although there was a slight incident just now, your guilt has still not been cleared. Think carefully – do you have any way to prove your innocence?”
Guo Dun stood there rigidly. Right now, no one would testify for him. Princess Lin’an and that maid insisted he had improper intentions. How could he prove his innocence? Even though the cane had been poisoned, this didn’t prove Princess Lin’an was the one who deliberately framed him. So after standing dazed for a long time, he still couldn’t say a word.
Duke Qi watched with a face like still water, but he was precisely the suspect’s father – whatever he said, others wouldn’t believe. At this moment, Guo Cheng stepped forward: “My fourth brother has always been a proper person. He wouldn’t even glance twice at young ladies. How could he assault a princess? Moreover, we came to attend our aunt’s funeral. No matter how improper or disrespectful of etiquette we might be, how could we possibly do something so scandalous and reputation-destroying at a funeral! Please, Crown Prince, see clearly!”
Princess Lin’an sneered: “In the end, you’re just repeating these tired old phrases. Would I, a young woman, falsely accuse him?!”
Guo Cheng sneered: “Princess Lin’an has never cared about her reputation, but we sons of the Guo family are absolutely not people like you!”
Princess Lin’an’s color changed dramatically: “Guo Cheng! What do you mean by that?”
Guo Cheng smiled slightly: “What I mean, everyone understands clearly. Princess, you keep countless male favorites in your household, living dissolutely with countless admirers. That my fourth brother would have improper intentions toward you – who would believe it if word got out? I’m not afraid he’d humiliate you – I’m afraid you’d seduce him!”
Princess Lin’an’s face alternated between pale and flushed. She said coldly: “No matter how many male favorites I have, what concern is it of your Guo family? If you can’t produce concrete evidence, shut up! Otherwise, before questioning Guo Dun’s guilt, I’ll charge you with disrespect to the imperial family!”
Li Weiyang smiled slightly, stepped forward, and said: “Princess, do you truly want to see evidence publicly?”
Princess Lin’an’s gaze fell on Li Weiyang’s face, hatred churning within. She sneered: “Miss Guo, can you produce evidence?”
Li Weiyang remained composed, a faint three-part smile spreading across her lips: “Yes, what if I can produce evidence? Princess, how would you compensate then?”
Everyone thought that if Li Weiyang could produce evidence proving Guo Dun’s innocence, then Princess Lin’an would be guilty of false accusation. Although humiliating the imperial family equaled great disrespect and warranted complete family execution, what crime would it be for a princess to falsely accuse a son of an aristocratic family? Princess Lin’an absolutely didn’t believe Li Weiyang could produce evidence. She sneered: “If you can truly produce evidence, I’ll take those fifty strokes on Master Guo’s behalf!”
Li Weiyang smiled warmly. She glanced at the Crown Prince and said mildly: “Crown Prince, do you agree with what Princess Lin’an said?”
The Crown Prince looked at Li Weiyang, but a trace of unease crossed his heart. Though he didn’t fully understand how formidable she was, he knew Lin’an had been too rash in speaking. For a noble family to assault a princess meant great disrespect to the imperial family, warranting complete family execution. But for a princess to falsely accuse someone wasn’t such a serious matter. Yet Princess Lin’an had just boldly declared that if Li Weiyang could prove Guo Dun’s innocence, she would voluntarily receive those fifty strokes. The Crown Prince thought for a moment and looked at Lin’an: “Lin’an, don’t speak nonsense. What fifty strokes? Do you want to die on the spot?”
Princess Lin’an sneered: “Imperial Brother, the facts are already before us. I’m merely forcing Miss Guo to admit it. What use is a dying struggle? I’ll say this clearly – if she can truly prove Guo Dun is innocent, what does it matter if I voluntarily receive those fifty strokes? Unfortunately, can she really produce evidence?”
Li Weiyang’s eyes never moved, staring intently at Princess Lin’an. Those bright star-like eyes made one’s heart turn cold: “Everyone heard what Princess Lin’an said, didn’t they?” Everyone nodded. Li Weiyang merely sneered: “Since everyone heard it, then this matter is settled. Someone, bring a bowl of clear water.”
Those nearby didn’t know what Li Weiyang intended to do, but since she was Miss Guo, they could only obey. Soon, a maid brought a bowl of clear water and placed it on the tea table. Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “Fourth Brother, please come over.” Guo Dun stepped forward. He was still bound with rope. Li Weiyang smiled: “Please have the Crown Prince order someone to untie my fourth brother first.”
The Crown Prince said: “Miss Guo, what do you mean by this? This case hasn’t been resolved yet!”
Li Weiyang smiled, but her gaze was very cold. Her voice carried a clear spring-like chill: “Crown Prince, since I have a way to prove my fourth brother’s innocence, and this is before everyone’s eyes, are you still afraid he has the ability to fly to heaven or burrow into the earth?”
The Crown Prince thought about it and agreed, so he ordered someone to release Guo Dun. Guo Dun looked at his sister with surprise and suspicion, not knowing why she wanted the clear water – could this bowl of clear water prove his innocence?
Li Weiyang’s face bore a warm smile as she said: “Take off your outer robe and soak the corner that was wetted most by the spilled tea earlier in this bowl. After rubbing it, squeeze it dry with force.” Guo Dun froze, then obeyed. However, even after doing this, the water showed no unusual changes – only some sediment floated up. Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “Miss Wen, do you dare drink this bowl of water?”
Wen Ge’s expression changed. Then she retreated half a step, saying instinctively: “Guo Jia! You… you… what are you doing?”
Li Weiyang smiled. She said slowly: “Well, I’ve already proven my fourth brother’s innocence. Please have the Crown Prince release him.”
The Crown Prince froze and couldn’t help saying: “Miss Guo, what do you mean? The more I look, the more confused I become. Can you prove your fourth brother’s innocence with just this bowl of clear water?”
Li Weiyang’s eyes were sharp, cold, and unrippled, but her tone became increasingly gentle, carrying an imperceptible chill: “Crown Prince, just now my maid discovered a broken cup in that room and noticed some marks on my fourth brother’s robe that had just dried. I guessed that Princess Lin’an had deliberately brought a cup of tea, wanting Fourth Brother to drink it, but my fourth brother absolutely refused. So during their struggle, that cup of tea was knocked over. Fourth Brother, do you remember this?”
Guo Dun froze. He thought carefully and seemed to recall something like that.
Yuan Lie’s smile deepened. Li Weiyang’s powers of observation were second to none – if she claimed second place, no one in the world would dare claim first. This was her ability.
Li Weiyang, seeing everyone’s uncomprehending expressions, said slowly: “At the time, I wondered why Princess Lin’an insisted on forcing Fourth Brother to drink that cup of tea. I feared there was something suspicious in the tea. However, that cup of tea had already been spilled. Just now I had Zhao Yue check – the water stains on the ground had long since dried, and nothing could be detected. Fortunately, my fourth brother’s robe was soaked with quite a bit of tea. Although it had also dried, rubbing and squeezing it in this clear water would certainly release some tea stains. Imperial Physician Liu, you’re skilled in medicine – why don’t you smell what’s unusual about this tea water?”
Imperial Physician Liu walked forward skeptically, picked up the water, extended his index finger, dabbed a bit, put it under his nose to smell, then carefully examined it for a long time, even tasting it, before saying: “The taste is already very faint, but it seems… there’s a bit…” He said “there’s a bit” but couldn’t continue.
Li Weiyang smiled: “If Imperial Physician Liu doesn’t dare say it, let me say it. This tea water must have been drugged with an aphrodisiac!”
Hearing this, everyone’s expressions changed. Especially Wen Ge – by now she was trembling with fear. It was Princess Lin’an who said she borrowed this place and wanted her to arrange everything. Now Li Weiyang had discovered it all.
The Crown Prince couldn’t help but explode in anger: “Miss Guo, are you saying my imperial sister deliberately drugged the tea to confuse Master Guo?”
Li Weiyang suddenly smiled, her eyes containing no mirth, only a trace of mockery: “No! Not to confuse, but to make my fourth brother lose his senses and commit improper acts, so everyone would see and solidify the Guo family’s crime of great disrespect. Otherwise, why would she insist he drink this cup of tea?”
Princess Lin’an’s face turned deathly pale. She hadn’t expected Li Weiyang to deduce so much from such a minor detail. She couldn’t help stepping forward and sternly rebuking: “Guo Jia! Don’t speak nonsense! How could I do such a thing!”
Li Weiyang merely smiled. She said mildly: “Why is the Princess so anxious? You instructed Miss Wen to specially prepare this room for you, along with this cup of tea. The real purpose was to leave some traces on your person. If my fourth brother truly intended impropriety toward you…” She looked at Guo Dun and smiled: “With his martial skills and strength, in half an hour, he could have done many things. Why would he let you, Princess Lin’an, cry out? Otherwise, everyone can look right now – if my fourth brother truly wanted to commit impropriety against Princess Lin’an, he could subdue her in just two or three moves, guaranteeing she couldn’t say a word.” Everyone was shocked and suddenly understood.
This was a blind spot that everyone had overlooked due to shock. Guo Cheng couldn’t help but realize as well: “That’s right! My fourth brother’s martial skills are absolutely not something Princess Lin’an, a weak woman, could resist. He had already been gone for half an hour. If it were truly as Princess Lin’an claimed, with the two of them struggling together, and Princess Lin’an still able to cry out – wouldn’t that deliberately attract people? How does that make sense?”
Guo Dun was a martial arts master. Otherwise, he couldn’t have risen to the position of Capital Guards Commander, a fourth-rank official. How could Princess Lin’an, a delicate woman, possibly resist him? Guo Dun only needed to cover Princess Lin’an’s mouth to prevent her from saying anything. How could he give her the opportunity to cry out and draw everyone to the courtyard? Put this way, the matter was already very clear.
Li Weiyang merely smiled faintly. Before everyone, she declared: “Princess Lin’an first schemed to lure my fourth brother to that courtyard, then deliberately staged that act with Young Master Zhou to make my fourth brother save her. Then she poured a cup of tea drugged with an aphrodisiac, trying to seduce my fourth brother into drinking it. But my fourth brother didn’t fall for it. In her panic, she smashed the teacup to hide the evidence. When my fourth brother tried to leave, she grabbed him, struggling and calling loudly for help, pinning the crime of attempted impropriety on him. When my fourth brother tried to defend himself, he would naturally mention Young Master Zhou Kang. At that point, you only needed to say Young Master Zhou hadn’t appeared at the household, and everyone would believe my fourth brother was lying to escape guilt. Wouldn’t the crime be solidified? Minister Lin would be enraged and naturally order punishment. These fifty strokes – whether they would force a false confession aside – the cane was coated with deadly poison. After twelve hours, if my fourth brother died in prison, then my Guo family would truly have to bear this black pot! This scheme links one trap to another. Though it seems crude, it’s actually very effective. If it were an ordinary woman trying to frame someone, she’d succeed every single time!”
Hearing Li Weiyang reach this point, a flash of cold laughter crossed Yuan Lie’s face: “If everyone doesn’t believe me, I still have evidence.” He clapped his hands. At this moment, a tall guard entered from outside, pushing a young man to the ground. The man’s mouth was stuffed with cloth, his arm bones seemed broken by someone, and he could only make muffled sounds – who else could it be but Zhou Kang?
Yuan Lie’s smile was cold: “Vice Minister Zhou, look – is this your younger brother? Ah… I forgot, Young Master Zhou is bedridden at home and didn’t attend today’s funeral. In that case, this person merely resembles Young Master Zhou somewhat but also intended impropriety toward the princess. I think we should just beat him to death on the spot.” He made a gesture to the guard. The guard stepped forward and grabbed Zhou Kang’s neck. Zhou Kang began squealing like a pig being slaughtered, but because of the cloth stuffed in his mouth, he could only make whimpering sounds.
Zhou Hong quickly said: “Wait! Prince Xu, please show mercy!” His face was already full of anxiety.
Yuan Lie smiled: “Oh? Does Vice Minister Zhou have something to say?”
Zhou Hong was drenched in sweat. He said quietly: “Please, Prince Xu, spare my younger brother’s life.”
Li Weiyang turned around but no longer paid attention to the Zhou brothers. Instead, she narrowed her eyes slightly, seeming casual: “Princess Lin’an, can you take these fifty strokes?”
Princess Lin’an retreated half a step in shock, a tingling coldness slowly creeping up her spine. She was shocked and afraid, even her fingertips trembling slightly.