Chapter 191: Chapter 191: Imprisoned

Fu Shinian whispered, “I don’t know what benefits Xiao Fengxing promised Chang Tai. Chang Tai is involved and can’t escape, yet he’s willing to cover for Xiao Fengxing.”

“The time is too short. Given more time, perhaps we can find out,” Gu Yunze said in a deep voice.

At this moment, they heard Lord Tao in the hall saying, “Since both Xiao Fengxing and the Lins insist each other is the real culprit.”

“As for Chang Tai, being a close confidant of Xiao Fengxing, his words cannot be fully trusted,” Lord Tao said. “First, have the three of you arrested and brought to prison, awaiting another trial date!”

Upon hearing they were going to prison, Xiao Fengxing frowned and said, “My lord, how can you arrest me without evidence?”

“Although Chang Tai’s testimony accuses the Lins, he is your trusted aide. There are too many questionable aspects in this. As a key suspect in the case, it is only natural to have you imprisoned too.”

“Take them away!” Lord Tao commanded.

The bailiffs then took all three of them into custody.

Gu Yunze sighed with relief, “Lord Tao’s action has given us time.”

“Yes.” Xiao Chengyu nodded and said to Fu Shinian, “I’ll first send you back home, then I’ll join Little General Gu to find evidence.”

“Shinian?” Madam Fu exclaimed when she saw Fu Shinian, “Did you sneak out?”

Mr. Fu was right behind Madam Fu, “Did you come out alone?”

“I brought Chunmian and Chunyu,” Fu Shinian whispered, lowering her head guiltily.

“You dared to bring them out at such a late hour?” Madam Fu said angrily, “Do you know how dangerous that is!”

“The Marquis has already scolded me,” Fu Shinian said. “I just wanted to see how the trial was going.”

Xiao Chengyu said, “When I return, I’ll choose a maid skilled in martial arts to accompany Shinian.”

“This child always makes us worry,” Madam Fu could only say, casting another glare at Fu Shinian, “You’ll be punished when you get back!”

“You’re getting increasingly bold!” Madam Fu said, “If you’re not punished, who knows what dangerous things you’ll attempt in the future!”

It was only then that the old madam slowly walked out. Hearing Madam Fu’s words, she said, “In the future, if Shinian gets injured, it will be Chengyu’s failing, indicating that Chengyu has not protected her properly.”

“Old Madam.” Although Madam Fu was pleased to hear such words, she said on the surface, “It’s my daughter’s lack of consideration, how could the Marquis foresee this?”

“If you are to marry Shinian, you must take good care of her,” the old madam said. “You must not neglect Shinian’s care just because you are busy with your own affairs.”

“Besides, his negligence is a disservice to Shinian,” the old madam said discontentedly to Xiao Chengyu, “Since you value Shinian, you should understand her temperament better. Knowing she’s concerned about Mingzhu’s situation, she would definitely come to see what’s going on tonight, so arrangements should have been made early.”

The old madam’s words made Madam Fu feel a little guilty.

She, as the mother, had been negligent, and now wanted to blame it on Xiao Chengyu.

Even she felt a bit embarrassed.

But the old madam wasn’t speaking sarcastically; she truly believed that.

Xiao Chengyu honestly admitted his mistake and reflected, “It is my fault. I knew Shinian’s temperament but failed to make early preparations. Indeed, it was my negligence, and this will never happen again in the future.”

Only then did the old madam nod, “In the future, be sure to avoid Shinian getting hurt; don’t wait until something happens to regret it.”

“Yes.”

“Old Madam…” Fu Shinian felt even more ashamed, “I’m the one who lacked consideration…”

Mr. Fu thought to himself the old madam’s tactic is truly formidable.

Earlier, no matter what they said, Fu Shinian showed no sign of remorse.

As a result, after just a few words from the old madam, Fu Shinian obediently admitted her fault.

“It’s really not your fault,” said the old madam. “Your heart is with Mingzhu, and you want to know the outcome for those two vile people, so naturally, you wanted to come.”

“Even I came personally to the scene, didn’t I?” Was she really there to uphold the Marquis’ house’s reputation, purposefully coming to oversee things?

She came to see Xiao Fengxing have a hard time!

As the crowd gradually dispersed, Aunt Liu rushed over, “How did it go? What about Fengxing?”

Earlier, she had been outside, watching Xiao Chengyu and Gu Yunze escort Xiao Fengxing in.

“Since he has yet to be cleared of suspicion, he’s been arrested and put in jail for now,” the old madam said coldly.

“Marquis!” Aunt Liu said angrily, “Fengxing is your brother. Why do you treat him like this?”

“He is clearly innocent; it’s all the Lins’ doing!” Aunt Liu raged, “I know you have always guarded against him, afraid he’ll usurp your title. But now you are healthy and have nothing to worry about. Why are you pushing him to a dead end like this?”

“You are brothers; you should support each other. It’s one thing not to protect him, but this… this…” Aunt Liu wiped her tears with a handkerchief, “If the late marquis knew you bullied your brother like this, how could he rest in peace?”

Xiao Chengyu looked coldly at Aunt Liu and said, “Every time I started to recover, you and Xiao Fengxing would poison me. Did you really think I didn’t know?”

Aunt Liu wasn’t prepared for Xiao Chengyu to say such things suddenly, and was left stunned without adequate defenses.

She instinctively felt guilty, wondering if Xiao Chengyu had discovered anything.

Seeing Aunt Liu’s evasive eyes and shifty gaze, Xiao Chengyu knew that it was indeed Aunt Liu and Xiao Fengxing who were responsible.

Even though he was weak since birth, it shouldn’t have been this incurable.

He had just taken the opportunity while Aunt Liu was emotionally agitated and off-guard to test her, and to his surprise, she fell for it.

The old madam on the side didn’t miss Aunt Liu’s reaction, her internal anger rising.

So it was this mother-and-son duo causing Xiao Chengyu all these years of suffering!

She should have chased these two out of the marquis’ house as soon as the late marquis died!

To hell with reputation, Xiao Chengyu had been poisoned for it!

Aunt Liu finally gathered herself and hurriedly said, “Marquis, you can’t falsely accuse people.”

“Fengxing and I are often in the capital, doing things and going places where people from the household can see us!” Aunt Liu said, “You can’t blame us for your poor health.”

“Moreover, your health has improved now. If we were really behind it, would it be possible for you to be in such good health now?”

“Take Aunt Liu back home,” Xiao Chengyu said, ignoring Aunt Liu’s defense.

With Mr. Fu and Madam Fu present, Xiao Chengyu returned directly to the marquis’ house with the old madam.

Once back at the house, Xiao Chengyu instructed, “Keep a close watch on Aunt Liu’s courtyard. Until there’s a verdict in Xiao Fengxing’s case, she is not to leave the courtyard.”

“If she makes a fuss, say it’s by my order,” Xiao Chengyu said. “If she continues to cause a ruckus, then don’t give her food, lock her in the room, and nail the windows and door shut. Without food, she won’t have the strength to make a scene.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep