The beauty was like a poisonous flower, fatal with a smile.
Chen Zhao's body softened. He felt that Jiang Ruan's gentle words had already dug countless traps. No matter how he answered, it would be wrong. From the beginning, he had lost.
Qian Wanli was not much better off than Chen Zhao. Jiang Ruan's actions made it impossible for the case to continue. However, Qian Wanli had accepted money, so he had always done a good job on the surface. Today's thorny situation had already exceeded his expectations. Moreover, there was Wang Daren watching from the side. If he helped Chen Zhao, it would be difficult to convince the masses. He did not know what Wang Daren was thinking by helping Jiang Ruan. He had eaten Chen Zhao's money but was unwilling to spit it out. Moreover, he still planned to make a profit from Jiang Quan. How could he think of a way to satisfy both sides?
However, reality did not allow Qian Wanli to think. In a moment, the sound of drums could be heard from outside. Li Mi walked in and cupped his fists towards Qian Wanli, "Daren, someone is beating the drum for grievances outside."
Beating the drum for grievances, it had been a long time since anyone on Dong Street did such a thing. Everyone was well aware of what kind of place the yamen was. If there was really a grievance, silver was much more useful than beating the drum. If there was no silver, even if they were beaten for a year and a half, no one would pay any attention. Perhaps they would even be arrested and thrown into prison.
Qian Wanli was also stunned, "Who is crying for grievances?" He then looked at Wang Daren and asked, "Daren, what do you think?"
"Bring her in." Wang Daren coldly snorted. This snort struck Qian Wanli's heart and he could not help but feel apprehensive.
The person was quickly brought in. It was a young lady dressed as a servant. As soon as she entered the court, she knelt down.
"Who are you? What grievances do you have? "Without waiting for Qian Wanli to speak, Wang Daren had already spoken first. Qian Wanli did not dare to stop him. He could only complain in his heart. It seemed that Wang Daren was determined to intervene in this case. Unfortunately, he could not refuse. This Imperial Censor Wang was the Emperor's favorite. Normally, he would submit many memorials. This person was like a smelly and hard rock, unable to withstand thousands of strands. In the end, all the officials who were implicated by him did not end up well. It could be said that Censor Wang was the God of Plagues in the hearts of the officials. Now that this God of Plagues had spoken, he did not dare to be negligent. Even though silver was good, he had to protect his position first. Qian Wanli made up his mind. He did not care about Chen Zhao's money or Jiang Quan's side. Today, with Imperial Censor Wang in front of him, he wanted to play the role of a righteous and just official.
Thinking of this, Qian Wanli said kindly, "If you have any grievances, feel free to tell us the truth. This official and this official will seek justice for you."
The people outside roared with laughter. Qian Wanli's words made them laugh their heads off. A dog official who did all kinds of evil making such a solemn vow would only make people think that he was putting on an act. Chen Zhao looked at Qian Wanli in shock. Suddenly, a wave of panic rose in his heart. Things did not develop as he had expected. Qian Wanli's attitude was unclear. What if he changed sides at a critical moment?
The young lady respectfully rushed forward and kowtowed, "Thank you, daren, for seeking justice for this servant. This servant is not complaining for myself, but for Young Lady Jiang. This servant is the head maidservant of the Jiang Family's Manor. This servant can testify for Young Lady Jiang. The one who killed Chun Ying was not Young Lady Jiang, but him — — Chen Zhao! "
She raised her head and revealed a familiar face. It was Qiu Yan.
"Qiu Yan … you, what nonsense are you talking about?" After Chen Zhao's initial panic, he was in disbelief. No matter what, Qiu Yan should be on his side. There was no reason for her to help Jiang Ruan. Now that she had come out to testify against him, what was her purpose?
"This servant is not lying," Qiu Yan did not even look at Chen Zhao, "This servant and Chun Ying are both the head servant of the manor. Normally, we live together. That day, this servant went out to buy something. When I returned, I heard a strange noise in the house. For a moment, I did not dare to enter. So, I peeked through a small hole in the window and saw Chen Zhao pressing Chun Ying to the ground. Chen Zhao covered her mouth and nose. At that time, Chun Ying was no longer struggling. This servant was scared to death and was afraid of being discovered by him, so I escaped. After that, I did not dare to mention this matter to anyone. Who knew that yesterday, Miss would be imprisoned. Although this servant is a person who is greedy for life and afraid of death, I cannot watch an innocent person take the blame for this demon. After thinking about it for a long time, I came out to testify. "
"Dead wench, what nonsense are you spouting? How many benefits has Jiang Ruan given you for you to slander my son like this? The great and just God is impartial. Naturally, he will know who is lying. Be careful not to be thrown into prison! Little whore, when you come out, see if this old woman will not tear your mouth apart! " Among the crowd, a familiar voice shouted loudly. It was Zhang Lan. Initially, when she saw that everything was going smoothly for Chen Zhao, she saw that Jiang Ruan's words were already somewhat anxious. Now that Qiu Yan had come out to stir things up, Zhang Lan was already aware of the danger. She did not care about the situation and started cursing like a shrew.
When these kinds of words reached Qian Wanli's ears, he did not feel happy. Looking at Imperial Censor Wang, who was already frowning, Qian Wanli slammed the gavel, "Silence!" When the crowd quietened down, Qian Wanli then asked Qiu Yan, "Do you have any evidence for what you have said?"
Jiang Ruan smiled lightly. In the quiet court, her smile was especially clear. It felt as if a gentle breeze blew into one's heart. Seeing everyone's gaze on her, Jiang Ruan slowly said, "Daren, you don't have to think that Qiu Yan is speaking up for me. Everyone in the manor knows that other than Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao, we are not familiar with all the servant girls in the manor."
Jiang Ruan's smiling gaze fell on Qiu Yan, "I am also very surprised that Qiu Yan is willing to testify for me."
Qiu Yan somewhat avoided Jiang Ruan's gaze, "This servant, this servant just does not want to go against my conscience."
"You are lying!" Chen Zhao said angrily, "You are obviously talking nonsense! You are colluding with him to frame me! "
"You are really funny." Jiang Ruan raised her eyebrows and looked at him, "I have been staying in the prison all day and have never had the chance to communicate with Qiu Yan. Could it be that we have colluded before? But how did we know that you, Chen Zhao, would bring officials to the courtyard to arrest people yesterday? Could it be that I am a ghost or a demon? "
Chen Zhao looked at the absolutely beautiful and elegant face in front of him. Her eyes were limpid like spring water, but they could make one unconsciously fall into a trap. Her lips were full like flower petals, but they always spat out harsh words. Her eyebrows were moving like a demon, but there was a faint murderous aura. She was not a fairy, but a demoness. She was not a beauty, but a viper.
A trace of panic flashed in Chen Zhao's heart. He only felt that the other party had changed from a charming beauty to a terrifying demon, and her entire body was filled with an inauspicious aura.
"This servant can also testify for Miss Jiang, the murderer was not Miss Jiang!" Another voice cut in at the right time.
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