Han Congan's words were sonorous and forceful, his aura threatening. Although he was dressed in prison robes, he didn't lose the bearing of a head of house.
His words dispelled everyone's suspicions. After all, Han Congan's attitude didn't seem like he'd been forced, but very serious.
As soon as Han Congan finished speaking, Official Ouyang hastened to add, "Esteemed Imperial Concubine was benevolent today and only punished Madame Xu as a warning to others. She won't investigate the crimes of the others, so I hope that everyone will conduct themselves well! If anyone dares to carelessly criticize again, I won't let them off lightly! "
As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd fell silent. The crowd had all been scared witless and impulsive. Who knew things would turn out like this?!
Murong Wanru immediately shot looks at the crowd. Soon enough, several people took the lead in kneeling. "Esteemed Imperial Concubine is benevolent! We thank esteemed Imperial Concubine for not punishing us! "
As a result, the crowd all knelt down and shouted their thanks. It was a spectacular sight in front of the justice courts.
Mu Liuyue was the only one who didn't kneel. She stood in a corner with a cold gaze, coldly examining Han Ruoxue. Of course, Han Ruoxue saw her, but it was only a glance before she immediately lowered her head.
Seeing Han Ruoxue lower her head, Mu Liuyue grew even angrier. She'd always looked down on her foster daughter, Murong Wanru, and Lady Xu, who was condescending to be a concubine. For the sake of delaying Han Yunxi's investigation, she didn't hesitate to cooperate with the two of them. She never expected to draw water with a bamboo basket. It was fine if they didn't do anything to Han Yunxi, but they even cleared her name and gave her a proper reason to get the key to the Han Family storehouse.
Seeing Han Yunxi standing high above in the limelight, how could she swallow this?
Mu Liuyue's eyes narrowed, as if she was making a decision.
At this moment, the displeased Grand Concubine Yi's expression finally improved at the sight of the kneeling crowd. Still, she was as haughty as ever as she swept a disdainful glance at the crowd. Without a word, she prepared to leave.
Han Yunxi was also anxious to check on Seventh Concubine and little Yi 'er's situation. Just as she was about to turn and leave, Mu Liuyue suddenly walked out from the side and shouted loudly, "Qin Wangfei, I finally see you today. I thought you were afraid of losing and hiding!"
At these words, Grand Concubine Yi, Murong Wanru, and Han Yunxi all stopped at the same time to turn their heads. At the same time, the kneeling masses all looked towards the right in astonishment.
He saw Mu Liuyue standing there gracefully. Among the kneeling crowd, she looked especially high and mighty.
Mu Liuyue knew that if she exposed the bet today, it would affect her father and brother's investigation of the real murderer. But for the sake of toppling Han Yunxi, she was willing to risk everything!
Today, with so many people here, she was going to let everyone know that she and Han Yunxi had a bet. Three days later, she was going to fulfill her promise of stripping and parading through the streets!
She was certain that Han Yunxi still hadn't found the culprit. If she did, she would've flaunted her prowess to her by now. How could she still be hiding?
There were only three days left. She'd expose the truth now and let everyone know. In these three days, she had plenty of ways to cause more trouble and make her too busy to investigate.
In any case, Han Yunxi was bound to lose this bet!
Grand Concubine Yi glanced at Murong Wanru before a cold smile rose to her lips. She elegantly turned around and stopped in her tracks, not planning to leave. It looked like the curtains had fallen on the Han Family's show, but Han Yunxi's wasn't over yet!
One incident after another, Han Yunxi really didn't have good relations with people.
Murong Wanru never expected Mu Liuyue to jump out now. This was great! She shot Mu Liuyue a meaningful look, indicating that she could make as much of a fuss as she wanted. She'd definitely help out well over the next three days so that Han Yunxi wouldn't have the time or energy to find the real culprit.
Han Yunxi was the most surprised. She never expected Mu Liuyue to publicize the bet in public.
After her shock, she angrily rebuked, "Mu Liuyue, have some sense of propriety! Is there a need to talk about our private matters in public? You should know the consequences are very bad! "
Han Yunxi had already spoken very bluntly. Once the matter of the bet was exposed, it'd also expose the fact that she'd helped the young general investigate the culprit behind the poisoning. This matter involved a Northern Li spy, and the Long Fei Ye had always wanted to keep it a secret!
Had Mu Liuyue gone mad, or stupid?
But in the face of Han Yunxi's blunt warning, Mu Liuyue didn't restrain herself, but grew even more aggressive. "Qin Wangfei, could it be that you're afraid of losing? Is that why you don't dare to publicize the matter? In three days, the date of the bet will be up. Since everyone's here today, including esteemed imperial concubine, it's better to publicize the matter so that everyone can be witnesses. Otherwise, you'll regret it later. "
"You!" Han Yunxi was truly infuriated. She glanced at Madame Li and her daughter out of the corner of her eye, only to see Han Ruoxue rejoicing in her misfortune. Madame Li was as calm as ever.
If Madame Li knew about her bet with Mu Liuyue, how would she react?
Seeing Han Yunxi refuse to answer directly, Mu Liuyue intensified her attacks, feigning curiosity as she asked, "Qin Wangfei, could it be that you don't dare? You're not prepared to renege on the bet, are you? "
Han Yunxi narrowed her eyes, her entire being emanating a killing intent that kept people away. If it wasn't for the fact that everyone else was here, she'd really rush down and seal Mu Liuyue's mouth!
This idiot!
The suspect was right here, so what was she muttering about?
"Sister-in-law, just what did you bet with Miss Liuyue? It's not something shameful, so tell us all. "How could Murong Wanru remain silent at a time like this?
"That's right, it's nothing shameful. Qin Wangfei, I'll tell you," Mu Liuyue pressed on.
"Miss Liuyue, just what is it? Speak as you please. With me here, I won't allow anyone to act shamelessly!" Grand Concubine Yi spoke up as well.
Under everyone's gaze, Mu Liuyue felt a sense of accomplishment. As she walked over, the crowd automatically opened up a path for her.
Leng looked at Mu Liuyue. Han Yunxi had no way to stop things from developing, so she might as well throw caution to the wind!
In any case, this was the capital, Long Fei Ye's territory. It wouldn't be easy for Madame Li to escape. Before the tea leaves test results came out, she'd take this as a chance to sound out Madame Li and her daughter.
Han Yunxi was looking forward to Madame Li's reaction.
When Mu Liuyue reached the bottom of the steps, she couldn't hold back anymore. "To reply Grand Concubine Yi, Qin Wangfei and I made a bet to find the true culprit who poisoned the young general within a month. If she loses …"
Mu Liuyue gave Han Yunxi a provocative look before continuing. "If she loses, she'll take off her outer robes and run a lap around Xuanwu Street. Three days from now will be the agreed date!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the entire place was silent at first, but very quickly, it burst into an uproar!
"Heavens! This bet … is too much! "
"Who proposed this bet? Isn't it too ruthless?!"
"Tsk tsk tsk … I'm so looking forward to it!"
… …
It had to be said that this bet was too shocking. Many people had forgotten what they were betting on. Han Yunxi's first reaction was to look towards Madame Li and her daughter, only to discover that Han Ruoxue was still rejoicing in their misfortune, while Madame Li was as calm and silent as ever. She didn't show any signs of shock or guilt.
They … how could they be like this?
At least give some reaction!
Han Yunxi couldn't believe it. She couldn't help but wonder if she'd guessed wrong again.
But in reality, Madame Li's heart was already in a state of upheaval.
She assumed that Han Yunxi would be in trouble as soon as she returned and wouldn't have time to worry about Mu Qingwu's matters. Who knew that she'd make a comeback in just half a day?! Who knew that Han Yunxi had a bet like this?
There were only three days left to the bet, and the stakes were so high. With Han Yunxi's personality, how could she be willing to lose?
If she didn't lose, then she had to win. This meant that Han Yunxi would be able to uncover the true culprit in three days.
But who would she be able to uncover in three days?
Last time, Han Yunxi and Long Feiye had secretly investigated her courtyard without finding anything. Although they'd already suspected her, they had no evidence to back up their claims.
Moreover, Han Yunxi had been kidnapped for the past few days. Where would she find the time to investigate the poison?
Could it be that she already had some evidence in her hands? Was that why she dared to place such a high bet?
Could it be that jar of tea leaves?
Thinking of this, Madame Li became more and more uneasy. She had always been the most meticulous. Other than that jar of tea leaves, she didn't leave any evidence. Even if Han Yunxi suspected her, she couldn't do anything to her.
But that jar of tea leaves …
The more Madame Li thought about it, the more anxious she became. However, she had been hiding for so many years, so she was able to remain calm and collected.
Soon, she comforted herself. No matter what, nothing had happened, so she shouldn't jump to a conclusion so quickly!
Moreover, her method of poisoning was very tricky. Even if that jar of poisonous tea leaves fell into Han Yunxi's hands, Han Yunxi might not be able to find out the cause.
One had to know that the poisonous tea leaves that she personally made, other than her master, there shouldn't be a second person in the world who could detoxify it.
Madame Li mentally prepared herself in the shortest time possible. The expression on her face became more and more calm, without the slightest flaw.
The more Han Yunxi looked, the more puzzled she felt. She couldn't admit that she'd guessed wrong, but Madame Li's reaction …
Aye, just what was Long Fei Ye doing now?
Did it take that long to find a poison master to look at the report? Once they got the report, they'd have evidence to arrest the culprit!
"Han Yunxi, is Miss Liuyue speaking the truth?"
Grand Concubine Yi's words silenced the noisy crowd and pulled Han Yunxi back to reality.
Murong Wanru was close behind her. "Sister-in-law, it can't be true, right? You went missing for a few days just to avoid this bet, right? Sister-in-law, although … although this bet is too much, a person has to keep their word! "
Han Yunxi was too caught up in her thoughts to see if her guess was correct that she'd forgotten about the stakes. Hearing Grand Concubine Yi and Murong Wanru's echoes, she finally realized that things were far from good.
These people were too abominable. Every single one of them had bad intentions and hit her while she was down. They were waiting to see her make a fool of herself!
Han Yunxi was still fuming. She hadn't even replied to Grand Concubine Yi when an unexpected person spoke up as well.
"Big sis, I heard Miss Liuyue talk about this bet long ago. You're not going to go back on your word now, are you?" The speaker was none other than Han Ruoxue!
Han Ruoxue!
This was the suspect Han Yunxi had identified, the person who'd personally given the poisoned tea leaves to Mu Liuyue. But she wasn't guilty at all, and was even helping Mu Liuyue?
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