FIMA Ch58: Something

Xie Changyue was running out of patience.

From the moment these two first entered, he had been waiting for them to open their mouths and speak of actual business.

However, he watched helplessly as the two of them held their teacups, moistened their lips, and then set them down defensively, even with a hint of hostility. Then they just sat there until now. The tea no longer had a trace of steam rising from it, yet they hadn’t spoken a single half-word.

Is the seating in their own home so uncomfortable that they specifically ran over to his house to sit in silence?

Xie Changyue coughed lightly, preparing to take the initiative to speak.

However…

“Yue-er, it seems you have been living well these past two years. With that, I am relieved,” Second Madam Shen said softly.

Xie Changyue hooked up the corners of his mouth, his smile incomparably brilliant: “Thanks to Madam’s blessing. Madam also looks well.”

This was naturally just a polite remark.
Given Second Madam Shen’s current haggard appearance, she couldn’t be called ‘well’ by any stretch of the imagination.

Looking at Xie Changyue, whose countenance seemed even more flourishing than before, her mood was extremely complex and sour to the extreme.

Nineteen years ago, when she was pregnant at the Tongzhou estate, she had been truly very happy because that was her hope and proof for returning to the Suining Earl’s Mansion. She was full of anticipation for the child.

Later, she indeed returned to the Earl’s Mansion.
But she didn’t get to live in mutual respect and lifelong harmony with Second Master Shen as she had imagined.

Because she had given birth on a mountain, she had suffered a great shock. Added to the poor postnatal care at the estate, she suffered from continuous lochia after childbirth and was unable to share a bed with Second Master Shen.

Second Master Shen quickly took in concubines and rarely came to see her anymore.

Gradually, she developed feelings of resentment toward this child, blaming him for ruining her body. The more she looked at him, the more she felt the child was flawed everywhere, and for many years afterward, she wasn’t very affectionate toward him.

However, Xie Changyue was capable even from a young age. Not only did he grow up to be extremely good-looking, but among his siblings, he was the best at studying and the fastest at learning things.

The Old Master and Old Madam felt he might have good prospects in the future and could secure a good marriage alliance, so they both valued him quite highly.

Sure enough, when he grew to the age of twelve, Xie Changyue was engaged to the Zhennan General’s Mansion.

Second Madam Shen was also quite satisfied with this, counting on it to be beneficial to her eldest son’s official career in the future.

Therefore, three years ago, when she learned this child was not her biological son, a boundless wave of disgust welled up in her heart.

But the Earl’s Mansion shared her thoughts. Considering that years of painstaking cultivation couldn’t be wasted, they still indicated Xie Changyue could continue to stay, planning to send him into the palace the following year or to the mansion of some royal relative or important minister to serve as a concubine.

Unexpectedly, Xie Changyue flatly refused. He voluntarily asked to return to that dilapidated countryside village.

Second Madam Shen had always been someone who cared about ‘face’. Just thinking about how she had raised a peasant child as her own biological son for many years made her wonder how she would be gossiped about and mocked when she went out in the future.

And this guy was actually so self-important that he looked down on the path she had arranged for him, which added fuel to the fire in her heart.

So, she watched coldly as Xie Changyue returned to Huangyang Village, and she kept waiting for Xie Changyue to regret it, waiting for the day he would crawl back like a dog to beg her. But at that time, she wouldn’t pay him any attention anymore.

But who knew that this guy Xie Changyue would insist on stirring things up, absolutely refusing to walk the path she arranged.

Not only did he return titled as a County Lord, but the husband he married also became a favored minister before the Emperor.

Two years ago, he was already someone like weeds and rubble in her eyes, yet today, she actually had to come and beg him.

How ironic…

Second Madam Shen wanted to sneer, but it wasn’t appropriate.
She raised the teacup in her hand and took a sip to cover up her emotions, then casually said: “This is Lu’an Guapian (Melon Seed) tea. I remember you used to dislike drinking this tea.”

Xie Changyue blinked: “Sorry to trouble Second Madam to remember, but I actually quite like drinking this tea. Now, my husband has also fallen in love with this tea along with me.”

The air in the room went silent.

“…” Second Madam Shen.
She raised a hand to adjust her hair at the temples. She felt somewhat embarrassed in her heart, but even more displeased. If this were in the past at the Suining Earl’s Mansion, how would the person before her dare to speak to her like this?

But at this moment, she could only continue to smile: “It seems I really am getting older and my memory is failing. But since Yue-er and Reader Gu both like this tea, it just so happens I have collected quite a bit of this year’s newly harvested Guapian. I can send some over later.”

“Thank you for your kind intentions, Madam.” Xie Changyue furrowed his brows, having no interest in playing riddles anymore: “However, one cannot accept a reward without merit. Whatever matter Second Madam came here for, please just state it directly.”

Hearing his tone, Second Madam Shen felt increasingly displeased, but remembering she was here to beg for a favor today, she maintained a polite, shallow smile.

She looked at Xie Changyue and asked: “I heard Reader Gu is investigating the Shenwu Guard’s stolen military equipment case. Do you know of this?”

At this time, Shen Changhuan, who had been pretending not to exist by the side, instantly focused his attention to listen closely.

Xie Changyue glanced at the two of them and nodded: “I roughly know.”

Second Madam Shen’s face relaxed slightly, and she continued: “Reader Gu is heavily relied upon at such a young age; it can be said his imperial favor is exceptionally generous. However, I wonder if there has been some misunderstanding, for him to actually arrest your older brother too?”

“Wait a moment.” Xie Changyue raised an eyebrow and lifted a hand to interrupt: “I do not have an older brother. I only have two younger step-brothers in Huangyang Village, Wuqing County.”

The corners of Shen Changhuan’s mouth hooked into a mocking smile.

Second Madam Shen gritted her teeth and immediately corrected herself: “It was a slip of the tongue. It’s just… Reader Gu has arrested our Changye. Yue-er, you know very well, how could our Suining Earl’s Mansion lack that little bit of silver from illicitly selling military equipment? There must definitely be some misunderstanding in the middle. Could you help put in a good word to have Reader Gu release our Changye?”

After finishing, she seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, looking at Xie Changyue with full anticipation, as if in the next moment, Xie Changyue would directly agree.

Meeting this gaze, Xie Changyue couldn’t help but chuckle lightly.

He remembered some past events.
In the past, when he was at the Earl’s Mansion, Second Madam Shen didn’t like him very much; she only valued Shen Changye.

However, Shen Changye had a fiery temper, disliked studying, and only liked practicing martial arts and fighting. Every time he made the Old Master and Second Master Shen unhappy, he was repeatedly punished by being made to kneel in the ancestral hall and face the family law.

At those times, Second Madam Shen herself didn’t dare plead for mercy, but she would look at him with this exact same gaze, saying that the Old Master and Old Madam valued him, and if he went to plead for his older brother, it would definitely work.

Back then, he still placed considerable importance on Second Madam Shen as a mother, and would always succumb to her requests.

But now…

The corners of Xie Changyue’s eyes swept to the side, his voice indifferent: “Second Madam, the state has state laws, and the family has family rules. In a case involving the illicit sale of military equipment, how can one just release someone on a mere say-so? You overestimate my abilities, and you overestimate my husband’s abilities.”

Second Madam Shen’s expression changed instantly, but she still closed her eyes to force herself to calm down: “Yue-er, I know you resent me, resent Changhuan, resent the Earl’s Mansion. That’s why Changhuan and I specially came together today to apologize to you. But your older brother has always been…”

Xie Changyue said flatly: “Madam, perhaps I need to remind you again. I do not have an older brother. And I have never resented anyone, because I am living ten thousand times better now than before.”

Hearing these words, Second Madam Shen’s eyes snapped open. Unable to suppress her emotions any longer, her entire body began to tremble: “Heh, yes, you have a noble status now! You are County Lord Changming, drawing a clean line with the Suining Earl’s Mansion!”

“Three years ago, when I resolved to leave the Earl’s Mansion, the line was already drawn cleanly.” Xie Changyue gave a light laugh, then looked at Shen Changhuan sitting to the side and mocked: “Even if that wasn’t enough, the October before last, when your two sons asked me for living expenses at Tianyun Pavilion and I had silver delivered to your door, the line was drawn cleanly then too. So, Madam, don’t try to play the emotional card with me. It’s useless.”

Shen Changhuan looked at Xie Changyue from the corner of his eye. He had already married Xiao Jingchuan and was a member of the Xiao family. If his mother hadn’t dragged him here by force, he wouldn’t have come to look at Xie Changyue’s face; he only came hoping to pry some information out of here.

“You…” Second Madam Shen grew increasingly furious. Pointing at Xie Changyue, she completely lost her reason: “A fickle and heartless little Ger like you—hah, thank goodness you didn’t come out of my belly! You deserve to be abandoned and sacrificed by your biological mother from birth! A person like you doesn’t deserve happiness!”

Shen Changhuan couldn’t help but hook up the corners of his lips slightly.

Xie Changyue’s expression turned cold. He looked at the two of them as if looking at corpses.

A short while later, he exhaled a breath and opened his mouth: “Get lost! I don’t want to fetch a broom to chase people out!”

Second Madam Shen’s face was deathly pale. When had she ever thought that one day she would suffer such humiliation at the hands of Xie Changyue?

She lifted her legs and slowly walked toward the outside of the main hall. As she raised her eyes, she noticed an unknown number of horse carriages had parked outside the County Lord Mansion. They were likely all families whose members had been arrested by Gu Siyuan, coming to inquire about the situation.

A flash of inspiration crossed her mind as she thought of an idea, and her gaze abruptly turned venomous and spiteful.

Xie Changyue just happened to be watching her.
After sixteen years of living together, his understanding of Second Madam Shen could be described as quite thorough. He immediately spoke without hesitation: “Madam, if you intend to stage a scene outside the main gates of the County Lord Mansion, I guarantee you will quickly regret it. Any actions you take that displease me will be repaid double upon Shen Changye in prison—for example, missing an arm or lacking a leg.”

Second Madam Shen’s body trembled.
She had genuinely been planning to do exactly that just now.

Supporting her, Shen Changhuan felt it very clearly and couldn’t help but glance at Xie Changyue. What a pity. This person was actually so sharp; otherwise, he would have loved to watch the drama unfold.

Xie Changyue continued: “Furthermore, if you truly throw a hysterical fit today and make a scene regardless of your image, then even if Shen Changye is cleared and released in the future, he will probably only feel that your actions today have completely destroyed his face, causing him to be endlessly mocked by his old friends. You know his fiery temper. When the time comes, a fierce argument will be unavoidable.”

Second Madam Shen bit her lip so hard it almost bled.
Then, supported by Shen Changhuan, she boarded the horse carriage and left the County Lord Mansion without a moment’s pause.

…

At this time, inside the interrogation room of the Ministry of Justice’s Imperial Prison.

The Left Vice Minister of Justice, Qin Huai, sat right in the middle of the long desk. Seated on the two sides were the Chief Minister of the Court of Judicature and Revision, Hou Ji, and the Censor-in-Chief, Yu Qiu.

As for Gu Siyuan, he sat in a chair just below the Chief Minister of the Court of Judicature and Revision.

With such a massive quantity of stolen military equipment and a case of such broad implication, if it were only overseen by Gu Siyuan—a minor fifth-rank official—it naturally wouldn’t convince the public, and even if a result was reached, it would lack authority.

Therefore, Emperor Yongjia had decreed during the morning court today that this case would be jointly tried by the Three Judicial Offices and Gu Siyuan.

The Left Vice Minister of Justice, Qin Huai, turned his head to glance at Gu Siyuan. Knowing he came bearing the imperially bestowed gold medallion, he spoke politely: “Reader Gu, since the people in the prison were all arrested by you, why don’t you start first?”

Not long ago, the Minister of Justice had retired due to old age, so His Majesty had Qin Huai temporarily act in his stead for all Ministry affairs. This major case of the Shenwu Guard’s stolen military equipment was the biggest case since he took office.

During the morning court today, although the Emperor stated it was a joint trial between the Three Judicial Offices and Gu Siyuan, he also specially reminded them that Gu Siyuan was to lead. As long as Gu Siyuan wasn’t going too far, they just needed to fully cooperate.

Although Qin Huai’s official rank was much higher than Gu Siyuan’s, he didn’t want to touch His Majesty’s bad luck at this time.

Hearing this, Gu Siyuan nodded, not feigning much modesty.
He tilted his head back slightly and called out: “Bring Jia Tongguang over first.”

Immediately, two Longxiang Guards walked down.

“Do you know who I am? How dare you arrest me… I’m telling you, I didn’t do anything, and I won’t say anything…”
An extremely indignant male voice rang out.

In the next moment, a withered figure was dragged in like a piece of broken cloth.

“Heh…” Gu Siyuan shot him a glance and waved a hand at the jailers standing on both sides: “Apply torture.”

Hearing the order, the two Ministry of Justice jailers immediately stepped forward, hauled Jia Tongguang up from the ground, dragged him back a few steps, and bound him to a thick wooden cross-shaped rack, wrapping thick hemp ropes around his wrists several times.

Jia Tongguang’s leg was already broken. Even without doing anything right now, just making him stand forcefully caused a piercing pain. He couldn’t help but cry out in pain, “Ah, ah, aiyoh…”

At this time, the two jailers already each held a long whip in hand and lashed down forcefully.

These whips were made of cowhide and had been soaked in tung oil, making them tough and solid. A casual strike from one could bring bone-scraping pain.

The reason Jia Tongguang had dared to spout such nonsense just now was because his family background was indeed quite good. His great-grandfather was the Duke of Ying. Although the mansion had now declined and no one held actual office, the family fortune was still there, and he had grown up wearing fine clothes and eating fine food since childhood.

After getting a sinecure position as a Commandant in the North First Camp of the Shenwu Guard through his ancestors’ connections, he spent most of his time coasting along, rarely even participating in drills. When had he ever suffered such pain? He instantly shrieked with heart-tearing, lung-splitting agony.

After three lashes, the man was already covered in snot and tears.

Jia Tongguang couldn’t endure it any longer, crying out: “I’ll speak… I’ll confess…”

Hearing this, the two jailers looked at Gu Siyuan.

Leaning lazily in his grand armchair, Gu Siyuan said flatly to the two jailers: “A man of iron bones and unyielding spirit like Commandant Jia will surely not confess so easily. Just casually serve him with twenty lashes. Remember to use some strength, don’t let him look down on your craftsmanship.”

“Yes.” The two gave a sinister laugh.

“Swish…” Several more lashes swung down.
These jailers, staying in the sunless heavenly prison year-round, had more or less some psychological issues. For them, watching prisoners suffer torture was a different kind of thrill.

“…” Jia Tongguang.
Who said I have iron bones and an unyielding spirit? I want to confess!

His entire body trembled violently. As he tried his best to dodge the whips, he screamed at the top of his lungs: “I confess… I beg you, I’ll confess… I want to confess!”

In the next instant, a whip lashed onto his neck, and Jia Tongguang’s words halted.
Immediately after, he started screaming continuously again: “I beg you, let me confess…”

“Are you listening? I want to confess… I want to confess…”

Gu Siyuan sat with his hands clasped together, looking indifferent, as if he hadn’t heard a thing.

To the side, Vice Minister of Justice Qin Huai furrowed his brows. Afraid the man would be beaten to death if this continued, he reminded softly: “Reader Gu, this person wants to confess.”

Jia Tongguang hurriedly shouted: “Yes, I want to confess, I’ve wanted to confess for a long time…”

Gu Siyuan raised his eyes: “Is that so? Since that’s the case, then stop for now.”

The two jailers instantly stopped their hands.

Jia Tongguang let out a breath of relief, feeling like he had come back to life.

Gu Siyuan looked at him and cut straight to the point: “Speak!”

“Speak, I’ll speak…” As Jia Tongguang spoke, he froze, momentarily failing to react: “Speak what…”
Isn’t interrogating a case supposed to be you ask a question, and I answer a question? If you don’t ask, what am I supposed to say?

Gu Siyuan glanced sideways at the two jailers and waved his hand: “Continue.”

The two immediately reacted, raised their whips, and swish swish, delivered a few more lashes.

Qin Huai and the others’ eyebrows twitched. They were considered veterans at interrogating cases, but they had never seen anyone with such rough methods. One wrong sentence and he orders a beating.

Jia Tongguang cried for his father and mother: “I’ll speak, I’ll speak, I remembered what I’m supposed to say…”

Gu Siyuan nodded: “It’s good that you know what to say. Alright, stop.”

Jia Tongguang nodded vigorously. He knew the person before him was a demon, and didn’t dare say another extraneous word, speaking directly: “Two years ago, at the Jitong Gambling House, I met Huo Bin…”

Gu Siyuan narrowed his eyes, recalling: “Huo Bin from the Fourth Line of the North First Camp?”

Jia Tongguang gave him a strange look, then nodded forcefully, saying with a crying tone: “Yes, it’s him! He’s the one who ruined me to this point! I only lost a hundred taels of silver at the time, I could have gone back to my dad for the money to cover it. But he said he could lend it to me first, and then that day, by the end, I lost five thousand taels… Five thousand taels! If my dad knew, he would definitely beat me to death…”

The rest of the interrogation was very easy. It was mainly Jia Tongguang speaking; whatever he thought of, he said. Occasionally, Gu Siyuan would voice a reminder.

The clues gained this way were much more abundant than a rigid Q&A format.

When Jia Tongguang had wracked his brains and couldn’t think of anything else to say, Gu Siyuan began asking repeated questions. The questions were all based on what Jia Tongguang had confessed earlier. By suddenly repeating the questions out of the blue, if he had lied earlier, it would easily expose flaws.

However, to Gu Siyuan’s satisfaction, although this guy wasn’t the mastermind, he was fairly honest.

Next, Gu Siyuan interrogated several more people. The jailers also figured out his style and liked it very much.

Regardless of anything else, when someone was brought up, if they dared to say one extra word, they would first be given a fierce beating right to their face, beating them until they took the initiative to cry and beg to confess.

And when they confessed, if they were honest, they wouldn’t have to suffer anymore.
If they were dishonest and dared to play little tricks, hehe, then they would make them regret being reincarnated into this world.

Anyway, in the end, apart from a few who didn’t care about their lives, everyone confessed very honestly, wishing they could dig out their ancestors from eight generations back to talk about them.

Qin Huai and the others gained a new understanding of Gu Siyuan’s methods. They didn’t expect that this tactic of ignoring everything and just beating them up first would be even more effective than progressing step by step and using a wide variety of torture instruments.

Because those prisoners couldn’t figure out what you were thinking, they didn’t dare play any tricks.

Not only did they obtain a lot of information related to the illicit sale of military equipment and claiming empty salaries, but many people even confessed things like who in their barracks snored loudly, who liked taking petty advantages, who kept a mistress outside the household, etc.

Gu Siyuan narrowed his eyes and said to the Longxiang Guards protecting him nearby: “Keeping an outside mistress is no small expense. Go use the confessed information to take all those mistresses into custody, especially taking special care of the ones with children.”

“Yes.”

Although there were still a few main ringleaders who hadn’t confessed, as the interrogation reached this point, the specific operations of the illicit military equipment sales gradually became clear, and the mastermind behind the scenes slowly began to surface.

And all the black hands uniformly pointed to the same person: Zhonglang General Kou Yuanwu of the North Main Camp.

When Kou Yuanwu was brought up, he cursed loudly: “You dare arrest me so casually? Wait until I get out, I’ll make you eat the consequences and walk around with them!”

Gu Siyuan couldn’t even be bothered to look at him. The corner of his mouth slanted slightly, and he raised his hand: “Apply torture.”

At this time, the Chief Minister of the Court of Judicature and Revision suddenly reminded him: “Reader Gu, this person is quite special…”

Gu Siyuan glanced at him: “How is he special? A royal relative?”

“…You could say so. This person is the son-in-law of Minister Wang, the cousin-in-law of the Fifth Prince.” Saying this, Vice Minister of Justice Qin Huai couldn’t help but glance at him as well: “It is said that Reader Gu has quite a bit of friendship with the Wang family’s Sixteenth Young Master.”

Gu Siyuan narrowed his eyes: “Heh, the Fifth Prince’s cousin-in-law. This case of stolen military equipment indeed has ties to a prince! Apply torture!”

“…” Qin Huai and the others were stunned.
Truly a young person, blurting out whatever comes to mind! Can such things be said so casually?

But… why did you still order torture?

Gu Siyuan kindly explained a sentence: “He’s just Wang Sixteen’s brother-in-law, not his biological son. I heard that brothers-in-law are natural enemies. If I help him beat this guy up, maybe Wang Xu will even be happy.”

“…” Qin Huai and the others were stunned once again.
Your logic is very novel.

However, this Kou Yuanwu was considered a tough bone.
The two jailers delivered dozens of lashes, yet he forcefully gritted his teeth and said it had nothing to do with him.

There was no other way, so they could only use branding irons, bamboo splinters, and the like on him.

The several older officials couldn’t bear to watch anymore, advising: “General Kou, you’d better confess honestly. If you continue to suffer like this, even if you have the chance to get out in the future, your body will be mostly ruined.”

Kou Yuanwu’s head drooped sideways on his shoulder. Hearing this, he suddenly burst out laughing. However, because he was tortured too heavily, with a soft laugh, blood flowed down the corners of his mouth.

Yet he acted as if he couldn’t feel it, instead laughing louder and louder, until his throat caught and he began coughing earth-shatteringly, unable to speak a single word.

Gu Siyuan’s expression remained unchanged, saying carelessly: “It doesn’t matter if you can’t speak. You can write with a pen. If that really doesn’t work, I’ll write it, and you can confirm it word by word by shaking or nodding your head.”

“…” Qin Huai and the others exchanged glances.
There’s no need, there’s no need.

At this time, Kou Yuanwu seemed to have finished coughing up the blood in his mouth, and finally voiced: “What do you want me to confess? That I indeed sold the military equipment? And ideally… conveniently confess the mastermind behind the scenes, right? Ideally the Fifth Prince, right?”

Qin Huai and the others’ eyes flickered.

Gu Siyuan, however, gave a light chuckle: “Well said. But it isn’t us who want you to confess, it is His Majesty who wants you to confess. As for the mastermind behind the scenes, whoever it is, is who it is. How could it be what we want? Since you brought up the Fifth Prince, is it him?”

Kou Yuanwu forced his head up to look at him: “Hmph, if you say it is, then it is, alright? Anyway, I’m relatives with the Fifth Prince.”

Hearing these words, Gu Siyuan nodded and said: “Good, you all heard him. Commandant Kou has confessed that it was the Fifth Prince who instructed him. Immediately prepare brush and ink and begin recording.”

After speaking, he looked back at Kou Yuanwu: “Since you’ve admitted it all, then write out the detailed process of your negotiations with the Fifth Prince, and then confess the whereabouts of the military equipment. I’ll go into the palace early later to report back to His Majesty. This official truly dislikes such bloody and messy scenes as well.”

“…” Qin Huai and the other two hurriedly reached out to grab him: “Reader Gu, you… this Kou Yuanwu was clearly speaking out of anger just now, how could you take it seriously?”

Gu Siyuan sneered: “Who knows if he’s deliberately using words of anger to conceal his true objective? As the Art of War says: ‘Truth in falsehood, falsehood in truth’…”

Seeing that this person didn’t give the slightest leniency on account of the Wang family’s face, and that nothing after the interrogation followed the script he imagined, Kou Yuanwu felt utterly stifled and unwilling to accept it.

Overcome by anger and fury, he fainted directly.

Qin Huai and the other two subconsciously breathed a sigh of relief.

“Hmph, looks like he can’t confess anymore. It’s getting late, this lower official is going to head home.” Gu Siyuan stood up, curled his lips, looking as if he found it utterly boring. He then said to Qin Huai: “This person is abnormally stubborn, he must be a big fish. I’ll have to trouble the Ministry of Justice to keep a close eye on him.”

“Reader Gu, rest assured,” Vice Minister of Justice Qin Huai hurriedly nodded. “Once a person enters the Heavenly Prison of my Ministry of Justice, do they still think they can turn the world upside down? Reader Gu, just go home and rest with peace of mind.”

Gu Siyuan shot him a glance. Could that ‘seeing off the plague god’ expression on your face be any more obvious?

After leaving the Ministry of Justice, Gu Siyuan first made a trip to the imperial palace to report today’s interrogation progress.

Afterward, Emperor Yongjia furrowed his brows: “Kou Yuanwu… where have I heard this name?”

Gu Siyuan introduced: “This person is the son-in-law of Minister Wang of the Ministry of Personnel.”

Emperor Yongjia’s eyes flashed: “Hmph, to think it actually involves Minister Wang.”

Gu Siyuan thought to himself: The fact that it involves your good son is the key point.

…

When Gu Siyuan walked back to Yushu Alley.
At a glance, he saw Xie Changyue at the doorway, sending away guests from who knows which mansions, his mouth speaking righteously: “Everyone, there is no need to come to our mansion to seek personal gains anymore. My husband only wishes to solve the case. If your family members are innocent, I guarantee they will be released to you in the future, not missing a single hair. If they are guilty, begging me is useless. Go directly to beg your ancestors, beg them not to let an unfilial son implicate the entire family.”

After speaking, he directly turned around.
As a result, he saw a horse carriage parked not far away, with a familiar figure standing beside it.

For some reason, thinking of the words he had just spoken, Xie Changyue suddenly felt a bit shy.

Gu Siyuan walked over, looking at that group of people indifferently: “The County Lord speaks reasonably. Everyone, go back. Do not stray onto the wrong path and harm both others and yourselves.”

Afterward, he reached out, took Xie Changyue’s hand, and walked straight toward the mansion without looking sideways.

As they walked, Xie Changyue asked curiously: “Why are you back early today? Didn’t you say you were handling the case in the Ministry of Justice prison?”

Gu Siyuan said expressionlessly: “I used heavy torture on everyone today, the interrogations are about done. Tomorrow, the results can be submitted to His Majesty. Those who should be killed will be killed, those who should be sliced will be sliced.”

Those people from various mansions who hadn’t had time to leave yet heard these words, and their expressions instantly changed, almost fainting directly at the gates of the County Lord Mansion.

Xie Changyue tilted his head to glance at his husband. He was absolutely certain and highly suspected that he did it on purpose, just wanting to make these people’s hearts hang in suspense.

However, realizing this was highly likely to vent anger on his behalf, Xie Changyue felt as if a honey pot had tipped over in his heart.

Once they entered the mansion, he immediately reached out to hug the person’s arm, clinging to him and confessing sweetly: “Husband is so good, I like you the most.”

“Good that you know.” Gu Siyuan raised a hand to pinch his cheek and gave him a kiss.

When they entered the main hall and sat down, he saw the few teacups on the table at a glance and furrowed his brows.

Gu Siyuan pulled his little husband over, holding the person to sit on his lap, and asked softly: “Did people from the Suining Earl’s Mansion come?”

Xie Changyue wrapped his arms around his neck and nodded: “Husband predicts things like a god.”

Gu Siyuan looked at him: “They didn’t say any unpleasant words, did they?”

Xie Changyue raised his slender eyebrows, smiling smugly: “Thanks to my husband, they came here begging me for a favor! How would they dare say unpleasant words…”

Looking at his smug little appearance, Gu Siyuan couldn’t help but lower his head and kiss him a few more times, even unavoidably biting those soft petals of his lips a few times.

A long moment later, he asked deliberately: “Who came? Was it Second Madam Shen? She came to beg you, so did you agree to her request?”

Xie Changyue licked his bitten, red and swollen lips, glaring angrily at the person in front of him: “Naturally not! What kind of person am I? Would I drag you down in such a major matter?”

Hearing this, Gu Siyuan narrowed his eyes: “What a pity.”

Xie Changyue looked at him, bewildered: “What pity?”

The corners of Gu Siyuan’s mouth hooked up slightly, and he said flatly: “Actually, temporarily agreeing to her would have been fine.”

“Ah…” Hearing these words, Xie Changyue couldn’t help but widen his eyes, looking at his husband. With earnestness and a bit of anxiety on his small face, he said: “Did you have some plan to lure the enemy in deep or beat the grass to scare the snake? Then why didn’t you tell me earlier when you were at home? Otherwise, I could have at least helped you deal with it…”

“Not really,” Gu Siyuan shook his head.

“Eh?” Xie Changyue was confused: “Then what…”

Gu Siyuan’s expression remained unchanged, his voice faint: “I just wanted to see how you would beg me when the time came. Last time when you begged me to write the memorial, your performance wasn’t bad.”

Xie Changyue’s face turned pink almost instantly.
Last time he begged his husband to write a memorial… wasn’t that the time he slapped Princess Liyang’s son?
And then he was forced to do ‘that’ in the study, and he even had to sit on top and move himself…

“…” Xie Changyue.
This husband of his is truly so… ‘something’!

Support me on Ko-fi