Fang Rui was brought in by two sturdy female servants.

She wore a green jacket with purple flowers on top and a matching dark-patterned pleated skirt below. Her hair was arranged in a married woman’s style with hairpins and jade ornaments. She had almond eyes, dark eyebrows, and an oval face. Her slender waist and tender white skin seemed ready to drip water. She didn’t look like a farmer’s daughter, yet from years of farm work she appeared healthier than typical boudoir ladies. Her cheeks needed no rouge to have a rosy glow like sunset clouds. She was truly a beauty in her prime at sixteen or seventeen – how could she not be enchanting?

However, though the young woman was beautiful, upon entering she gestured wildly, sometimes glaring at Gu De with hatred and shouting, sometimes shaking her hair and crying.

She had gone mad.

If not for the two female servants firmly holding her shoulders and hands, no one knew what crazy actions she might take.

“You killed He Shu! You wrongly accused my father, you wrongly accused my father.”

“Father, take me home. That day you said you would take me home…”

Her eyes were red, swollen, and haggard. Her mouth repeated only these two phrases over and over.

Everyone stared in shock, while Gu De’s expression was utterly nonchalant: “Ask whatever you want to ask.”

No wonder Gu De was willing to let Fang Rui meet guests. Whether Fang Rui had witnessed or merely guessed Gu De’s crime, she could no longer testify.

Originally, as Old Man He’s daughter, Fang Rui’s position was awkward and her testimony might not be admissible in court. Now that she was mad, how could a madwoman’s words serve as court evidence?

Wu Yan and Miao Yin’s eyes showed sympathy.

“Boss Gu, we’ve disturbed you.”

Seeing no more leads, Lian Yue simply stood to take leave.

Gu De smiled: “I’ll see you out.”

Lian Yue coldly refused: “No need.”

Su Zhen, who had been silent, suddenly spoke: “Boss Gu, you don’t need a mad woman as your wife and concubine. Why not let her return to her old home?”

Gu De grabbed Fang Rui’s chin: “Abandon my wife? I, Gu, cannot do such a thing. Though she’s mad, we’ve been harmonious these days. I’m still hoping she’ll help me bear a chubby baby.”

His eyes flashed with bestial lust. Lian Xin almost rushed forward to hit him, but was fortunately held back by Wu Qing who grabbed her collar.

Leaving the main hall, Miao Yin unexpectedly spoke to Su Zhen: “If this were in Da Wei, I would have gone up to teach him a lesson long ago.”

Su Zhen smiled slightly: “You should go beat him up – no one would object.”

Huo Chang’an spread his hands: “Shall we form a team?”

Little Zhou: “Count me in.”

“Me too,” Lian Xin said hatefully. “This man dares to be more arrogant than me.”

Everyone laughed, slightly relieving their anger, but they really couldn’t touch Gu De now. Gu De despised the law, but they couldn’t.

“Elder Sister, what does Master mean keeping a fool at home? Master’s business is large with many colleagues coming and going. These people love to gossip – isn’t he afraid of becoming a laughingstock?”

A voice came from the garden ahead, sweet and somewhat resentful.

They heard her continue: “Elder Sister, I’m insignificant and powerless. Even if I wanted to advise, it wouldn’t work. But you’re different—”

“Oh, insignificant and powerless? Third Sister, someone wants Elder Sister to be the bad person while enjoying the benefits herself?” The woman’s words were quickly interrupted by sharp laughter.

“Second Sister, don’t slander me!”

“Indeed, Master only craves novelty. Wild flowers are exciting but thorny. The little slut cried constantly on her wedding day. Master was quite interested initially, personally receiving the sedan and supporting her through the ceremony. But that slave kept weeping. When Master went to rest and came out to toast guests, he was too lazy to put his wedding clothes back on after taking them off during his noon rest – he just threw on everyday robes. This shows their affection won’t last. When he’s tired of her, he’ll cool off. The reason is like why he marries one after another.”

Miao Yin instantly smiled: “This lady sees things quite clearly.”

“Enough, there are people here. Stop talking!” An authoritative female voice silenced everyone.

Several women quickly emerged surrounded by maids – painted and powdered beauties, some alluring, some charming. One older woman frowned sternly at them. The steward, escorting guests, looked uncomfortable and made introductions. These were obviously Gu De’s wives and concubines.

The women were quite apprehensive. Though it wasn’t exactly secret, they naturally didn’t want outsiders hearing their domestic affairs. After greetings, the head wife instructed the steward to see the guests out properly.

Everyone had no interest in these women’s jealous quarrels, briefly acknowledged them, and left.

This visit had taken considerable time. Emerging to see the moon overhead, having only had tea and snacks at the village teahouse at noon, everyone was starving. They found a nearby restaurant and, eager to return, though they were dignitaries, quickly had simple meals before hurrying back to the inn.

Returning to the inn, Qing Long and Bai Hu had been waiting and welcomed everyone into the main hall. Lian Yu, Lian Jie, Lian Qin, Yan Da, and Gao Chaoyi were in the hall. To everyone’s surprise, Quan Feitong and Li Zhaoting were also there.

Quan Feitong and Lian Yu were playing chess in the center. Seeing everyone enter, Quan Feitong put down his piece: “Since everyone’s here, I should take my leave first rather than delay His Majesty’s discussion of the case with everyone. This game ended without clear victory, but it was enjoyable. I’ll seek His Majesty’s guidance another time.”

Quan Feitong held himself in high regard and disdained listening to case information for planning. Lian Yu was naturally happy to go with the flow: “Prime Minister Quan has excellent chess skills. As monarch and subject, playing a game and drinking together isn’t difficult? There will be future opportunities. Originally, such an important case should have Prime Minister Quan’s superior wisdom to consult together, but since Prime Minister Quan came to vacation and rest, I shouldn’t burden you with extra duties. Please retire early.”

He looked up to see Li Zhaoting’s lips move, then smiled faintly and spoke first: “Minister Li, please see Prime Minister Quan out.”

This meant Li Zhaoting couldn’t stay either. Su Zhen thought: Lian Yu, you’re truly cunning – not being emperor would be a waste of your talents. Li Zhaoting’s face remained peaceful as he bowed and said “Yes.”

As they left, Quan Feitong stopped beside Su Zhen: “Originally I wanted to hear what ideas and strategies you had this time, but I never like taking advantage. Never mind – I’ll see at the trial. Don’t disappoint your big brother.”

Su Zhen saw his smiling eyes and wanted to punch him, thinking: Didn’t you say you’d temporarily not harm me? Lian Yu is right here – why are you greeting me?

However, she proved her concern unnecessary. Ahead, Lian Yu sat upright, not looking their way at all, only casually glancing toward Li Zhaoting and Shuangcheng.

Shuangcheng had just said something to Li Zhaoting, who nodded slightly. Su Zhen mouthed “scram” to Quan Feitong while watching Lian Yu peripherally, feeling bitter inside. Finally she thought: Gu Shuangcheng, aren’t you trying to harm Li Zhaoting, knowing Lian Yu now has feelings for you?

Still, that Li fellow deserved it – when she spoke to him, did he have to respond?

Since Li Zhaoting wrote that letter to her, Su Zhen’s feelings toward him had changed somewhat.

In her heart, he was no longer her Young Master Li.

Perhaps she should indeed thank Lian Yu for letting her know she was worthy of being loved. If he had no feelings, she would let go.

Of course, complaining aside, she really couldn’t bear to see Li Zhaoting in trouble – she’d rather be in trouble herself than see him harmed.

She raised her hand: “Your Majesty, this subject has something to report.”

Lian Yu’s gaze fell on her, expression indifferent with some severity between his brows. But since it concerned the case, he didn’t stop her. However, facing her, he seemed unwilling even to speak, just looking at her coldly, waiting for her report.

“Your Majesty, reporting – this subject wants to relieve herself.”

Though everyone had grown accustomed to Su Zhen’s various antics, they were still stunned by this statement, looking at her in amazement. Lian Qin, who was drinking tea, spilled it all down his collar.

Lian Yu’s eyes flickered for a long moment. His lips pressed together as he pointed toward the door: “Scram!”

The hall fell quite silent – everyone could see Lian Yu was extraordinarily furious this time, veins showing on his clenched fist.

Su Zhen seemed oblivious, bowed, and walked out.

Beside them, Quan Feitong looked like he’d been hit in the face with gold, covering his mouth and bending over with Li Zhaoting as they left together.

Little Zhou’s face twitched as she grabbed Wu Qing and Leng Xue, whispering: “The Ministry of Justice is finished. Let’s find other employment. Like this – I’ll take a loss and go with that unfriendly-looking Miss Gu. What about you? Miss Miao has prospects. Leng Xue, you…”

Before she finished, Lian Xin leaned over, staring at Wu Qing: “Cripple, come with me.”

Leng Xue remained expressionless. Wu Qing stared at Lian Xin and coldly uttered one word: “Scram.”

In the hall, Lian Yu’s anger hadn’t subsided. He sat motionless in his chair with fierce eyes. Lian Jie and others looked at each other, finally settling on Xuan Wu. Xuan Wu steeled herself, poured tea, and walked over—

Placing it before Bai Hu. Bai Hu was dumbfounded: “You…”

She bit her lip, stamped her foot, and walked to Lian Yu: “Your Majesty, please have some tea…”

Before she finished, Lian Yu picked up the cup and without a word, smashed it directly.