Chapter 76

  Bao Qingtian finally arrived in Xizhou under the eager expectation of the people of Xizhou.

  Zhan Zhao rushed to the meeting at the first time.

  Of course, he also brought Lu Xiaofeng, Chen Qian and Yan Wushuang along when he went.

  Bao Zheng and Xi Zhou Magistrate Chen Qian had a set of official etiquette, while Lu Xiaofeng simply bowed and said "wan fu" to get by.

  It was unnecessary for Little Phoenix to dislike being an official when there was no need.

  After saying a few words to Chen Qian, Bao Zheng couldn't help but show concern for Little Phoenix, who had almost perished in the fire: "Miss, you've had quite a shock."

  "It's okay, fortunately, the security guard arrived in time."

  "Luckily, the girl is all right."

  "Can Zhang Long and Zhao Hu bring people to the big man?"

  Bao Zheng nodded, "Don't worry, miss. We have both eyewitnesses and material evidence. That young Prince Wang will not be able to escape punishment."

  "That makes me feel at ease." Let you burn the house again, this is a crime evidence that has been handed over, and it's really a waste not to take advantage of it.

  "The young lady has just recovered from a serious illness, so it's better for her to go and rest first." Gong Sun Ce chimed in.

  "Alright, since Master Bao and Master Chen have matters to discuss, I'll take my leave."

  "You're welcome."

  As for her usual behavior of not putting on airs, neither Bao Zheng nor Chen Qian, who had been with her before, was accustomed to it and didn't think there was anything strange about it.

  Strictly speaking, this girl is a strange person herself, so when she does something strange, everyone else doesn't find it strange.

  I guess this is just getting used to it.

  After so many days, Lu Xiaofeng was finally able to sleep soundly for a whole day.

  It really startled Zhan Zhao at first, and only after checking her body temperature with his hand did he feel relieved. It seemed that although she looked fine these days, she was still tense, and now that she had relaxed, her fatigue showed.

  Xiaohe went to the kitchen to cook nutritious and delicious food for her young mistress, to help her recover well.

  Lu Xiaofeng finally woke up from his sleep and learned from Gong Sunce that his idol, Bao Qingtian, had already met with the King of Jing Shan. However, the King refused to give in and insisted on taking the two young princes back to the capital first.

  The imperial sword of the founding emperor's royal guard is locked in a stalemate with the current emperor's treasured sword.

  Bao Qingtian personally tested the power of that purple gold hammer and ultimately chose to retreat first.

  The imperial sword of the founding emperor, on the battlefield, has drunk countless enemies' blood, and no one can match its power. The purple gold hammer has been through many battles and has been worshiped by human smoke and fire for a long time, and over time, it has something that should not exist inside, and then it was touched by Zhao Qiutang with evil intentions, causing the evil spirit to revive and repeatedly create killing karma through Zhao Qiutang's body.

  This is what is meant by "the origin of evil thoughts in the mind of a hammer holder and its verification".

  However, what Little Phoenix Maiden found strange was - wasn't it said that as long as the hammer holder had a heart of justice, they would bring blessings to one side? So why did her idol personally sense something for half a day and then... withdraw?

  "The evil spirit in the hammer has been born, and it's rare for a strong person to be able to wield the hammer without being counterattacked." Gong Sun Ce understood her confusion and made an explanation.

  "That's right." "But doesn't that mean we're completely helpless against the Violet Gold Mallet?"

  Gongsun Zhi said: "The Violet Gold Mallet has now become an extremely evil object. I have carefully considered this, and if there is a purely righteous and unyielding object, it may be able to restrain it."

  "Did Mr. think of that?"

  Gongsun Ce stroked his chin and slowly nodded, "There's a bit of a plan."

  Lu Xiaofeng didn't ask further, wasn't it the Shangfang treasure sword? This was a gift from the emperor to his idol and could be considered the most righteous thing in the world. It was on par with the Zi Jin hammer, another imperial treasure, and they were evenly matched.

  Gongsun Ce didn't continue speaking either. When talking to intelligent people, sometimes it's not necessary to finish what you're saying because the other person already knows what you're going to say next.

  "It's a pity that the Jing Shan Wang Fu should thank the young lady, but unfortunately, Zhao Qiutang gave the young lady a fire."

  Lu Xiaofeng couldn't help but roll his eyes, "Mr. Gong Sun, are you teasing me now?"

  Gongsun Ce smiled and said, "No, I just think that Miss is good at guiding people towards goodness."

  "The master directly said I didn't have the ability to directly eliminate the villain, so it's better to take a detour."

  Gongsun Ce waved his hand and smiled: "It can't be said that way. Making good use of the situation and putting oneself in a favorable position is what wise people do."

  Lu Xiaofeng rubbed his forehead with his hand, "Mr. Gong Sun, don't tease me anymore, I'm not a wise man at all, just taking things one step at a time."

  "Drinking tea, drinking tea, the girl originally came to drink tea with me, but instead listened to me ramble on about some unimportant things."

  Little Phoenix Maiden was speechless, this is really a black-bellied bamboo!

  "The maiden is a profound law, not for killing, but for not killing."

  Little Phoenix Maiden was originally about to send the tea into her mouth, but Gong Sun Ce's words made her pause, and she lowered her head and laughed, "Mr. Gong Sun, this tea of yours is really not good to drink."

  Gongsun Ce burst out laughing.

  "What's with Mr. Gong Sun being so happy?"

  "Really? Is Master back?"

  "Yes."

  Gongsun Ce looked at Lu Xiaofeng and then at Zhan Zhao, smiling: "I'll go see the master, you two chat for a bit."

  Lu Xiaofeng watched Gong Sun Ce leave and couldn't help but ask Zhan Zhao, "Zhan Xiao Mao, have we been ridiculed?"

  Zhan Zhao smiled and asked, "Had a good sleep?"

  Lu Xiaofeng nodded, "Mm, slept well."

  "Looks like you've regained your spirits."

  "What did you go and do with Bao?"

  "Open granary and distribute grain."

  "This is indeed an urgent matter at present, but what about Zhao Qiutang..."

  Zhan Zhao sat down beside her, took over the tea she had poured for him and drank a mouthful, saying: "He will never let King Jing Shan take him away."

  "He's lucky to have one son left, Zhao Qiutang, humph. If people like him don't die, who will?"

  "But what about Zhao Qiu Jie's safety?"

  "Does Lord Bao really want to offend all the royal families? Shouldn't he leave some room for future relationships?"

  Zhan Zhao couldn't help but laugh, "You..."

  "It's impossible to kill off all the evil people in the world, so we should still try to persuade and reform them."

  "The adults will summon Zhao Qiutang tomorrow."

  "Huh?"

  "Is it strange?"

  "Isn't King Jing wanting to take Zhao Qiutang away first? But it seems that the idol has also chosen temporary retreat, how did he suddenly turn back now?"

  "The adults told Jing Shan Wang Ye that as long as they confirmed Zhao Qiutang was indeed innocent, then they would let the father and son go."

  Lu Xiaofeng smiled and shook his head, "That's what I said, never reveal all your trump cards ahead of time, there's no surprise." The idol in his hand not only held the account book, but also grasped the Wangfu guard sent by Zhao Qiutang to set fire to the Yanzhou Prefecture government office, which were all ironclad evidence. Even the original Yanzhou Prefecture governor and chief catcher, Feng Da Kai, was a strong witness.

  With such sufficient human and physical evidence, how will King Jing Shang plan to clear his youngest son's name?

  Is Zhao Qiu Jie?

  King of Qing Shan shouldn't be so stupid, right?

  Although Zhao Qiutang looks more promising, the current situation has made it clear that keeping him is much more difficult than keeping Zhao Qiujie, and there is no comparison.

  If King Jing really wants to sacrifice his eldest son to save his second son, then Little Phoenix says: Zhao Qiujie this bear child is really too tragic!

  Zhan Zhao naturally didn't know that at this moment Lu Xiaofeng was already thinking of many things, and directly asked her: "Do you want to go to the trial tomorrow?"

  "Go ahead, why not? But Lu Xiaofeng still had doubts. "However, Zhan Zhao, do you really think we can bring Zhao Qiutang to justice tomorrow?"

  Zhan Zhao raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean by this?"

  "What if they sneak away at night? As long as we return to the capital ahead of time, things won't be as easy for them as they were in Xuanzhou."

  "Will the teacher help?"

  "Hey," Little Phoenix patted the table, "Zhan Xiaomao, my adoptive father is indeed not on good terms with the Kaifeng Prefecture, but you can't doubt his official wisdom. In this kind of event, his skill in cutting both sides smoothly like a knife through tofu is still quite admirable."

  The words were spoken, and both Xiao He, who was walking over with a tray of food, and two of the four great marshals of Kaifeng Prefecture, who happened to be passing by, couldn't help but stifle a smile.

  Xiaohe: Miss, if Master Ta heard you praising him like that, he probably wouldn't be pleased.

  Wang Chao, Ma Han: This Pang girl is really outspoken, saying whatever she wants.

  Zhan Zhao couldn't help but smile wryly, "Aren't you afraid that this conversation will reach the ears of the Empress Dowager?"

  Lu Xiaofeng said solemnly: "Anyway, I'd rather die than admit it, what can you do about it?"

  Zhan Zhao: “......” This is really lovably willful and spoiled.

  "Miss, have some food, specially made your favorite lotus leaf rice."

  "Xiaohe is still the kindest to me, helping me make lotus leaf wrapped rice every season."

  Xiaohe glanced at the person beside her and smiled slightly, saying: "It was Master Zhan who helped find the lotus leaves." She didn't want to take credit, but rather let Miss know how thoughtful Master Zhan was towards her.

  As a result, the young lady of the house just took one glance at Master Cat and happily went to fetch that rice wrapped in lotus leaf.

  Xiaohe sincerely felt that with a mistress like her at home, Zhang Gongzi was truly worthy of sympathy.

  "You eat slowly, I'll go see the adults."

  Lu Xiaofeng looked up at him in confusion.

  Zhan Zhao said: "You're right, we must prevent someone from sneaking away at night."

  "I think Lord Bao will definitely think of it."

  "I'll go one more time." Zhan Zhao begged for perfection.

  Lu Xiaofeng could only say: "Then go."

  Watching Zhan Zhao leave, Xiao He let out a sigh in his heart. The young lady was always so careless and sloppy, but Master Zhan was also being unreasonable. It was rare to have the opportunity to spend more time with his master's daughter, yet he was in such a hurry to leave.

  "Xiaohe, your expression is quite strange." Lu Xiaofeng couldn't help but tease.

  "Miss, if you want to invite Master Zhan to dinner, just say so. You're being too roundabout and polite, but Master Zhan will understand."

  Lu Xiaofeng said with a strange tone, "Why should I leave him some food? The amount you cooked is obviously only enough for one person, isn't it? If Zhan Xiaomao stays to eat together, won't I go hungry?"

  Xiaohe stretched out her hand and touched her forehead, wondering if she had been thinking too much after all?

  Obviously she felt that things were different between Mr. and Mrs. Zhang than before, so why was Miss still like this?

  Actually, Xiaohe, you haven't thought too much, but also indeed thought too much. Your family's young lady is a case of easy to change the dynasty, hard to change one's nature. This lifetime even if she marries a certain cat, it's likely still this kind of behavior, the tone can't be changed.

  Bao Daren indeed sent someone to keep watch outside the Imperial Commissioner's office, in case Jing Shan Wang carelessly took Zhao Qiutang away.

  At night, something indeed happened.

  Kaifeng's seven sons all went to the scene of the imperial commissioner's office.

  At that time, Little Phoenix was having a great time on a date with Lord Zhou.

  However, the next day when she heard that Zhao Qiutang was taken back to Xin'an County government office last night, Little Phoenix didn't show any surprise, after all, this was a matter of course in her mind.

  Due to the big fire a few days ago, the prefectural government is still under repair, so the public hall was set up in Xin'an County Government Office. As one of the defendants, Lu Xiaofeng naturally also arrived at the scene.

  As soon as she appeared, Zhao Qiutang, who was kneeling in the hall, suddenly changed his face and exclaimed: "How are you still alive?"

  Lu Xiaofeng said seriously to him: "The eight characters are too hard, Yan Wang won't accept them."

  Gongsun Zhi was in charge of recording the thin Tao. Gong Sun Ce lowered his head and smiled.

  "Little Prince, you wouldn't really want me to become a ghost and come back to find you, would you?"

  Zhao Qiutang was startled by her slightly ominous words and stuttered, "Y-you..."

  Lu Xiaofeng spoke to him in a ghostly and eerie tone, "Young Master Wang... return my life to me... I died unjustly..."

  Zhao Qiutang was frightened by her, cold sweat dripping down, because this was exactly what he had seen in his dream last night, the words shouted from Cuiyu's mouth, eerie and terrifying.

  Not to mention Zhao Qiutang was frightened, even the upper yamen's runners were shocked and broke out in a cold sweat. For an instant, they almost thought that Lord Feng had been possessed by a ghost.

  This effect is of course due to the developed film and television industry in the 21st century. Those ghostly and strange films are too common, and a girl like Xiaofeng who doesn't follow the usual path must have had a little hobby, such as loving horror movies!

  Bao Zheng saw that Zhao Qiutang had been frightened to the point of having a pale face, and he couldn't help but cough once and slap the alarm wood, saying: "Zhao Qiutang."

  Zhao Qiutang was frightened again and fell softly to the ground.

  Luk Siu Fung: Idol, you really didn't do it on purpose? Really? Really, really, really?

  Why do I feel like you're doing it on purpose?

  When Bao Gong took out the account book, Zhao Qiutang was almost unable to refute and could only plead guilty.

  Here is the translation:

  Just then, a figure emerged to shield his son from the wind and rain, and that was none other than Jing Shan Wang Ye, who made a dazzling appearance, bringing with him a scapegoat to take the fall for Zhao Qiutang - the steward of the Jing Shan Wang Fu, Zhao Fu.

  "Master Bao, I have something to ask Steward Zhao."

  "Excuse me, miss."

  Lu Xiaofeng had an official salary, so he didn't kneel in the hall. He circled Zhao Fu and said, "Zhao Fu, do we have a grudge?"

  Zhao Fu shook his head, "No, Miss is kind and benevolent, how could Zhao Fu have a feud with Miss?"

  "Since we have no grudge against each other, why did you send the imperial guards from the palace to kill me?"

  "I dare not."

  "Look, you've already admitted to the account book matter, why not just admit to ordering the murder of the imperial officials as well? Those two guards who set fire to the yamen have already confessed."

  As soon as these words came out, Jing Shan Wang Ye and Zhao Qiutang's faces changed color at the same time.

  "Old slave..."

  Lu Xiaofeng looked suspicious, "But, Director Zhao, those two guards said the mastermind was not you, the testimony of the witnesses and the confession of the criminal do not match, isn't there a problem here? The handwriting on the account book is indeed yours, but we can't say that just because the cook added poison to the ingredients and killed the people who ate it, we should convict the cook of the crime just because he cooked the meal, right?"

  What a vivid and striking metaphor!

  "The handwriting on the account book is indeed yours, but it's also possible that you deliberately copied it out as evidence, isn't it?" Little Phoenix Maiden struck again.

  "No, no... I dare not, even if it's just a small amount of ten thousand." Zhao Fu's face changed color in fright.

  "Look, the handwriting on the account book is yours. There are two possibilities: one is that you are indeed the mastermind and you will die without a complaint. Two is that you have a sense of justice in your heart and can't stand what young Master Wang has done, so you secretly recorded an account book as evidence. In this case, not only are you innocent, but you also have merit for the imperial court."

  Then let's analyze it again.

  You're just a steward of the Qing Shan royal manor, where did you get such great authority?

  "Hey, look at this, the bribes on here... tsk tsk... and Little King Wang has enjoyed quite a few of these things too. Is he an idiot or something? Doesn't he know how to ask where these things came from?"

  "If he knew about it and still enjoyed it, isn't that being an accomplice too?"

  "Enough, Pang Niang!" Jing Shan Wangye angrily interrupted, if he let her continue with this line of reasoning, Zhao Fu would be completely convinced.

  "Your Highness." Bao Zheng also spoke at the right time, "Miss Pang also has some power over various prisons and courts. She asks questions and analyzes in a very ordinary way."

  Idols are idols and will absolutely not favor bad people!

  Good job!

  "Since the two young masters are both imperial envoys, it's not quite right to only announce one of them. It would be more proper to let the other young master enter as well, wouldn't you agree, Lord Bao?"

  "The girl is right."

  Then Zhao Qiujie was taken to the hall.

  He let out a shout of surprise as soon as he saw Lu Xiaofeng, and quickly hid behind the crowd, his teeth chattering, "Y-y-you..."

  "Speak clearly and speak human language." Little Phoenix was very impolite to him.

  Zhao Qiujie was so frightened that his tongue suddenly stiffened, "How are you still not dead."

  "Who told you I was dead?"

  Zhao Qiujie was stared at by her pair of eyes, and her heart felt a chill, blurting out: "Autumn Hall said you were burned to death by him."

  Lu Xiaofeng smiled and turned around to face Bao Qingtian on the stage: "Sir, I have nothing more to ask."

  The King of Jing Mountain glared at his eldest son.

  Zhao Qiujie saw the situation and panicked, speaking even more recklessly, "It was Autumn Hall who said it, he said they dislike Pang Niang, saying she doesn't give our Wang Fu face..."

  Brat, you're talking nonsense, and giving your brother a chance to strike back is totally fine, isn't it?

  "Qiu Jie, you are no longer allowed to speak." Finally, King Jing Shan had no choice but to give this order to his eldest son who was all talk and no action.

  Zhao Qiujie immediately covered his mouth and nodded repeatedly.