CHAPTER 250: CHAPTER 247: URGENCY

The Xingzhou County Magistrate recalled the recent events from start to finish, considering that although he had attended a banquet hosted by Third Master Du and sided with the Du Family, he was thankful that he hadn’t made a verdict against the Chen Family Village in crucial moments, or he might have lost his position.

Cold sweat covered the back of the Xingzhou County Magistrate. If he had known even the Du Family wouldn’t support Third Master Du, he wouldn’t have attended that meal.

Song Xian set down the tea in his hand, and Du Zhuo spoke, "The case of the embroidery shop, was it Du Yi who came to you?"

The Xingzhou County Magistrate dared not hide anything: "Indeed, it was Third Master Du, but I also said that I wouldn’t act recklessly. Third Master Du mentioned he had other evidence."

Du Zhuo took a deep breath; indeed, Du Yi had disgraced the Du Family. That beast hadn’t acted like this in Sui State; here, he colluded with mountain bandits and bribed court officials. The remnants of sympathy he had for Du Yi dissipated completely.

Du Zhuo asked, "Besides him, did anyone else secretly inform you?"

The Xingzhou County Magistrate immediately shook his head: "No... no."

Du Zhuo looked at Song Xian, it seemed that Princess Jiahui hadn’t left any evidence at the government office.

The Xingzhou County Magistrate disclosed everything he knew, then sensibly retreated, carefully closing the door behind him, leaving the two to discuss important matters.

With no one else in the room, Du Zhuo said, "It seems like the Xingzhou County Magistrate was telling the truth."

Song Xian replied, "If Princess Jiahui had informed him, the Xingzhou County Magistrate would have taken action against Chen Family Village."

Du Zhuo didn’t need to think to understand Song Xian’s meaning; Du Yi and Princess Jiahui together were reason enough for the Xingzhou County Magistrate to take risky actions. The reason he didn’t was because he feared Song Xian.

Du Zhuo continued, "I have informed Mrs. Lin’s uncle’s family. When the Shen family arrives, Mrs. Lin will surely plead with me. By then, I’ll have her tell the truth."

Mrs. Lin’s unclear relationship with Du Yi meant her uncle’s family would never allow her to marry again, so now Mrs. Lin had only Du Yi to cling to.

Song Xian nodded, "I will interrogate Princess Jiahui’s people and gather as much evidence as possible before the court’s decree arrives."

The conversation concluded, each went about their own tasks. Du Zhuo looking at Song Xian, who had been campaigning in the North with Song Qizheng, connected to him through the Northwest. Although he knew of Song Xian, they had no dealings until now.

Du Zhuo said, "Princess Jiahui has her eyes on the eight states held by former dynastic remnants?"

Given her elaborate scheme to pit the Du Family against Song Xian, it was clear she had ulterior motives. Du Zhuo thought deeply; the only link between the Du and Song families was those eight states.

When seeking Du Zhuo, Song Xian hadn’t spoken plainly, preferring Du Zhuo realize the matter himself.

Du Zhuo remarked, "It seems Princess Jiahui already has a plan, using us to clear her path, allowing her chosen people to take the credit and justifiably seize control of the Eight States."

Understanding the situation, Du Zhuo left Song Xian no need to elaborate.

Du Zhuo looked at Song Xian, "When this is over, I’ll visit Commander Song in Zhenzhou to discuss this carefully, how about it?"

Among the military generals of the West and North, Du Zhuo found Song Xian most suitable. After this ordeal, they’d developed an understanding, and when seeking an alliance, one needed a partner both morally upright and intelligent.

Song Xian agreed, "If Military Governor Du is eager to return for official matters, I can head to Sui State."

Du Zhuo’s eyebrows eased slightly, so this time he would ally with Song Xian against Princess Jiahui, not only to make her pay but to pave the way for future matters.

Du Zhuo departed, and Song Xian turned to Chang An, "We’re going to the prison."

Miss Xie was in the prison speaking with Princess Jiahui’s people.

...

In the dim cell.

Cui He looked at Liu Erniang, listening to her talk about their homeland. Since his capture, Cui He had thought about many things and wasn’t surprised to see Liu Erniang again.

Her presence here might be a coincidence, but as fellow countrymen, Song Xian allowed Liu Erniang to meet him.

This was a common interrogation tactic, and although Cui He knew of it, it was effective for him because he couldn’t ignore many issues.

Liu Erniang said, "I came here on my own, I just want to ask you a few questions."

Cui He remained silent, waiting for Liu Erniang to continue.

Liu Erniang asked, "Are the Death Warriors that were captured from our territory’s people?"

It was like a knife piercing straight into Cui He’s chest, leaving him nearly breathless.

Her gaze was intense, fixed on Cui He, and before coming, she didn’t know what to do. Until Miss Xie told her, "If you have something you want to ask him, just do it. Don’t worry about what General Song wants to know, ask what you want to know yourself."

This was precisely what Liu Erniang wished to know.

Cui He clenched his fist, struggling, and finally replied in a hoarse voice, "Yes."

Hatred flashed in Liu Erniang’s eyes, "Do you know they’ve gone silent now, desperately seeking death upon capture, unclear even about their own identities?"

Cui He lowered his head, not daring to meet Liu Erniang’s gaze.

Liu Erniang continued, "Princess Jiahui’s people have also taken several young girls from the subregion, thirteen or fourteen years old, where did they go?"

Cui He lifted his head once more, shock evident on his face.

In a cold voice, Liu Erniang said, "You don’t know?"

Cui He shook his head, "No... I don’t know."

Liu Erniang went on, "Do you know about the events in Tong Family Village? The village chief had a conflict with the former dynasty’s leaders, and nearly half the village was massacred. The remaining villagers wanted revenge, but that Sun Ao enjoyed the former dynasty’s trust, with his daughter as an imperial consort.

The Tong Family Village case was ultimately judged as rebellion, claiming the villagers were traitors left behind by Prince Guangyang. Several who went to the government office to appeal were beheaded as traitors, the rest sent to hard labor, and the elderly, women, and children left to bear heavy taxes.

The survivors deeply resented the remnants of the former dynasty.

Old General Zhang wanted to avenge Tong Family Village, but found himself powerless. Some villagers, blinded by hatred, sought to ally with Princess Jiahui.

When persuasion failed, several women in the village were convinced to leave for her domain."

After finishing, Liu Erniang took a deep breath: "Two winters ago, Old General Zhang finally found a chance to assassinate Sun Ao. Before dying, Sun Ao confessed that his foster son was indeed killed by someone from Tong Family Village, which prompted his actions against them.

However, the village chief of Tong Family Village had written to Old General Zhang, detailing the whole story, stating they had merely shown disrespect towards Sun Ao’s adopted son, and had been beaten by the Sun Family servants, never daring to harm anyone.

Old General Zhang suspected someone deliberately incited the conflict, asserting this wasn’t the only case like Tong Family Village."

Cui He’s eyes widened, a realization beginning to take shape. Clutching the wooden bars of the cell tightly, he urgently asked, "Did you investigate further? Is someone behind this? Have you uncovered the truth?"