Confessing Love

  As expected by Tang Chu Xue, this case was tried without any suspense.

  First, the evidence has been verified, and those who made trouble at Baicao Hall have all confessed. Qingcheng Prefecture Master Lei is also a strict and efficient master, with both human and physical evidence available. If they don't confess, they will be subjected to severe punishment. However, within an hour, everything had already been settled.

  Zhao admitted that she had sent several guards from the Ruan mansion to cause trouble that day, which was also the group of people who joined in later and helped speak up.

  Yin Jiuniang confessed everything before she was even punished, and her demeanor was completely different from the arrogance she showed at the beginning of the trial.

  The final result was that all were arrested and would be exiled to a cold and harsh land after the Ministry of Punishment reviewed and approved the case.

  After the case was over, Yu Lei invited Su San and An Yan to gather in the back hall. Today, Yu Lei had made great efforts to punish those who had caused trouble at Baicao Hall. Both emotionally and rationally, An Yan should thank Yu Lei in person. Therefore, when Yu Lei proposed a gathering, An Yan naturally agreed. Yu Lei added Zhang Jun and Shuimooniang, along with Su San and An Yan, five people set up a table of wine and dishes in a pavilion in the backyard of the prefecture, and they sat together, eating and chatting.

  An Yan raised a glass of wine and toasted Yu Lei, who nervously picked up his cup and said carefully: "Sister-in-law, are you sure big brother agrees with this?"

  Upon hearing this, An's mouth twitched at the corner, but his eyebrows rose as he turned to Su San and said, "Do you have an opinion?"

  Su San hastily shook his head and said, "No, no."

  Lei saw his eldest brother being extremely cautious, and he almost popped his eyes out in surprise. Eldest brother is becoming more and more henpecked...

  "Yu Lei brothers, this time it's really thanks to you. This cup is for you, thank you for taking care of Baicao Hall today."

  "It's nothing, just a small matter. They didn't even see who was behind Baicao Hall, that's the leader of our Bloodthirsty Army. They're simply tired of living, daring to do such a foolish thing." Yu Lei waved his hand, with an air of it being too insignificant to mention.

  On the other side, Zhang Jun heard this and couldn't help but add: "Exactly, especially that Yin Jiu Niang, who thinks she's in Nangong. As soon as she arrived, she didn't even kneel down, shouting that she was the ninth miss of the Yin family. What's so special about being the ninth miss? Even if Yin Zi Fu came, today she would still have to kneel."

  Zhang Jun finished speaking and immediately took a sip of wine to calm himself down.

  "If Yin Zifu were here, it wouldn't be as simple as today. That Yin Zifu is the master of the Yin family, and the Yin family is a royal merchant with a noble rank. In other words, that Yin Zifu is not an ordinary commoner, nor can she be made to kneel just by being told to."

  Yu Lei furrowed his brow and thought for a moment, unlike Zhang Jun, he was not optimistic.

  Zhang Jun originally felt quite refreshed, but after hearing Yu Lei's words, he almost choked on the wine that had not yet been swallowed. After finally swallowing it, Zhang Jun immediately said gloomily: "Yu Lei, how can you ruin your brother's show?"

  "I'm just telling the truth." Yu Lei used to be a straightforward person in the army, and now that he's become an official, he still hasn't changed his ways. His personality is still very direct and forthright. Fortunately, his family has some influence in the official circles, so it's okay for him to cover up for a city master. Moreover, Yu Lei's straightforwardness has also made him quite capable of handling things. As a result, everything has been going smoothly. It's worth noting that when people first heard that Yu Lei was going to become an official, they were all worried about him. Especially Zhang Jue, who had advised Yu Lei to be more tactful in his daily life. Unfortunately, although Yu Lei nodded and agreed at the time, he still remained straightforward and unchanged afterwards.

  "You're really helpless."

  Zhang Jun let out a weak sigh and then placed his gaze on An Yan's body, which was full of colorful lights.

  An Yan was looked at by him like that, and he couldn't help but touch his own face, wondering: "What's wrong?"

  Zhang Jun hadn't even had time to respond when he felt a sharp gaze on his face, like the edge of a knife. Without looking, he knew whose eyes they were. Zhang Jun looked at Su San with a helpless expression and said, "Boss, I didn't mean anything else, I just wanted to express that Eldest Sister's cooking is delicious. Since eating Eldest Sister's cooking, other dishes are really hard to swallow."

  Zhang Jun finished speaking and immediately looked at An Yan with eager eyes, waiting for An Yan to take the initiative to invite him to dinner. Unfortunately, before he could wait for An Yan's response, he felt a sharp pain in his foot under the table. His face twitched, and he almost jumped up. He gritted his teeth and turned to look at Shui Yue Niang beside him, but only saw her looking back at him with extreme gentleness.

  "What's wrong?"

  Listening to the other's overly gentle tone, Zhang Junsun shrank back a bit, and suddenly swallowed all his words. This Shuimoyan was not someone to be trifled with; he himself was no match for her with his weak literary skills. Zhang Jun suddenly felt depressed - where had he offended him? After some thought, he finally discovered the source of the problem. Earlier, he had said that except for Da Sao's cooking, everything else was unpalatable. Very carelessly, he had forgotten that all the meals these past few days were cooked by Shuimoyan. Zhang Jun suddenly felt a bit embarrassed, and turned his head away, not daring to look at Shuimoyan again, nor did he dare ask An Yan to cook anymore.

  She secretly watched the small movements of the two, covering her mouth to stifle a smile. She really hadn't expected that these two people would end up together. Looking at the two individuals with vastly different personalities, they seemed to match surprisingly well. Shuixi's carefree nature and Zhang Jun's ruggedness, although seemingly worlds apart, somehow had an underlying tacit understanding. If these two were to get married in the future, there would definitely be endless interesting stories. She had a feeling that Zhang Jun would eventually become a hen-pecked husband...

  "Can your elder sister cook?"

  Lui was rather rough and didn't notice those small movements at all. His attention was attracted by other things instead.

  Upon hearing this, Zhang Jue suddenly became spirited and immediately laughed, saying: "Of course, if you eat the dishes made by my sister-in-law, I guarantee that later on you will want to swallow your own tongue."

  Yu Lei was skeptical at first, but looking at the other people at the table, who all had confident expressions, he suddenly became very curious. Was this older sister's cooking really that delicious? He couldn't help but glance sideways at An Yan, whose medical skills were unmatched and whose intelligence was also exceptional - if she also had incredible culinary skills, then... Yu Lei thought of a very serious problem: with such an excellent older sister, what would happen to Big Brother? Yu Lei suddenly began to worry about Su San, and just as he did, Su San turned his head around and happened to see the concern and sympathy in Yu Lei's eyes.

  Su San: "......" What's good about being worried by others, and why would Yu Lei look at him with a pitiful gaze.

  "It's a small matter, as long as you want to eat, come to the White family, I'd be happy to cook for you. At the same time, you three brothers can also gather together more often."

  An Yan thought that Su San was quite hardworking, following her around all day and helping with everything. Every time she thought about it, she felt heartbroken. So now was a good opportunity to use food to entice Su San's two brothers to come visit often. With the men together, Su San could also do some things he liked. Seeing that Su San often said he wanted to spar with Zhang Jue, maybe because he was too busy and didn't have time, she hadn't seen them fight yet.

  If Zhang Jue heard this, he would definitely be moved to tears. Eldest sister, you really don't understand the eldest brother at all. The eldest brother wouldn't have that kind of leisurely and elegant demeanor, acknowledging and comparing martial arts skills. That's intimidation, every time he bullies me, this weakling. And with the eldest brother's skills, whoever spars with him is just asking for trouble...

  Su San's intuitive feeling about An Yan's words was: would this little woman be tired because of this?

  Wei Yu finally showed interest this time and nodded in agreement, saying that he would definitely go in two days.

  Next, Su San and the others started chatting about some interesting things on the battlefield before. An Yan was also listening with great interest on the side, her eyes shining with a strange light. It turned out that this was what Su San's life used to be like. Her understanding of Su San was becoming more and more substantial, from the indifference when they first met to the flesh-and-blood person he was today. She was getting to know Su San step by step, and stepping into his life step by step. This process might be a long one, but she was full of anticipation.

  A few people here are chatting happily and feeling joyful, while some others are getting anxious and flustered at this moment.

  Just like Li Yutong, he originally thought that with Yin Jiuniang around, the Qingcheng Prefecture would at least show some restraint. Since they were restrained by Yin Jiuniang, the people of the Ruan family would also receive some consideration and naturally be treated a bit better. Who would have thought that the Lord of Qingcheng City was so ruthless and impartial, not giving any face at all, and directly held the trial. Now, several people have already been thrown into prison, just waiting for a period of time to be exiled to a harsh and cold place.

  Exile, this punishment is really too severe. He thought that at most it would be a dozen or twenty slaps on the face, and if so, he could grit his teeth and bear it. Later, he would find a good doctor for Ruan Yuqing to treat him, and after a period of recuperation, everything would be fine. Who could have imagined such an outcome? This result left him no room to struggle. Today, he also went outside the prefectural government office to hear the trial, and as soon as he got the result, he followed Ruan Yuqing to prison, wanting to see him one last time. However, the jailer was unwilling to bend the rules, and no matter how much silver he promised, it was all in vain.

  He had no choice but to return to the Li residence in a huff. The more he thought about it, the more annoyed he became, and in his anger, Li Yutong randomly swept everything off the table beside him onto the floor. Suddenly, cups and plates fell to the ground, and the crisp sound entered his ears, but it didn't help at all.

  Can it be that now he can only sit and wait for death, waiting for Yin Zifu to make a move? But Yin Zifu doesn't even know if she will come or not, although that fool is indeed Yin Zifu's biological younger sister. However, Yin Zifu is a person with extremely deep thoughts, said to be the coldest of all people. Now that Su Bai has personally intervened, if Yin Zifu doesn't have any intention of cooperating with the Su family, then this matter will really become quite tricky. So, who can he find now?

  Big brother has a crush on Tang Jinxiu, this matter will definitely not be intervened. Going to persuade him yourself is definitely useless, unless it's mother who says so.

  Right! Mother!

  Li Yutong's eyes lit up, and her footsteps quickened by a few paces.

  It's natural to mention Big Brother, since he is the Flower Explorer and has a special status, so he can go negotiate with the Lord of Qingcheng City and Su San. Mother seems to have a good relationship with Tang Jinxiu, so she can go talk to her. Seeing how well Tang Jinxiu treats Mother, it's like a junior treating an elder, with some respect. So if Mother speaks up, Tang Jinxiu might not refuse. Thinking of this possibility, Li Yutong suddenly felt a sense of clarity in his heart. What was originally thought to be a dead end now seemed to have a new opportunity, and he discovered a new way out.

  This time, Mother is the key figure!

  Li Yutong didn't hesitate any longer, turned around and walked out of the room door. He strode towards his mother Li Furen's courtyard, and in a few steps he arrived at the entrance of the yard. He took a deep breath, then stepped inside, but collided with Li Yuzhu who had just come out of the room.

  Li Yuzhu looked at Li Yutong and said calmly, "Yutong, Mother is resting now. It's better not to disturb her."

  Li Yutong's eyes flickered, and a hint of resentment flashed across his face. If it were Tang Jinxiu who had gotten into trouble today, your heart's desire, would you still be so calm and composed, unmoved? At this moment, Li Yutong was filled with resentment towards Li Yuzhu in his heart, but his face showed no signs of it. He raised his eyes, quietly meeting Li Yuzhu's gaze, his words laced with a chill, "Big brother, isn't this going a bit too far? Ninth Lady is your future sister-in-law, are you willing to give up on her for the sake of a daughter who may not even become your wife?"

  Li Yutong's words were sharp, and Li Yuzhu was temporarily unable to refute them. He indeed wanted to ignore it because the matter involved An Yan. At this moment, hearing Li Yutong speak so bluntly, he suddenly felt a few points of anger and shame in his heart.

  "Hmph, this matter was originally Silver Nine's fault. If she hadn't gone to the Hundred Herb Hall to stir up trouble on a peaceful day, would we have today's disaster? With such a woman, do you want me to put my face out to save her? Moreover, Lord City Master is fair and strict, all the people of Qingcheng are watching, no one says anything bad. In this situation, how can I go rescue her? Yutong, are you going to abandon the Li family for a woman? Silver Nine has the support of the Silver family in Nanguan, if they make a move later, our Li family will naturally not stand idly by. But now, that Silver family is completely silent. Do we want the Li family to be the ones to take the lead?"

  Li Yutong's mouth was tightly pursed, and his heart felt a bit uncomfortable. He also knew that this was the current situation. Today's case had attracted many onlookers among the common people, and City Master Lei was impartial and strict, not showing any favoritism or bias, following the rules to the letter, without overstepping even a little. The entire trial process left no room for criticism. At the same time, this case also received the support of nearly half of Qingcheng's citizens. In such circumstances, the possibility of turning the case around was extremely small. However, Li Yutong knew that there was still a breakthrough point in this case - Tang Jinyu.

  If the victim had spoken out, everything would have been different.

  "Big brother, you have your persistence and I have mine. Don't use the Li family to bind me. If you really care about the Li family, then why would you have those thoughts that shouldn't be there? You should know, if people find out about those thoughts of yours, it will also be a disaster beyond redemption."

  Li Yuzhu took a step back, looking somewhat incredulous. He suddenly couldn't understand this younger brother of his, who had once encouraged him to be brave and pursue the woman he liked, but now turned around with an accusatory face. Li Yuzhu felt a sense of panic in his heart at this moment, as the words that had originally supported him were now tinged with doubt, making him uncertain. But the emotional roots ran too deep, and the thought was no longer just a thought, it had become an obsession. Even if he knew now that he had been misled, it was already too late. He felt that he couldn't turn back anymore.

  Li Yuzhu's mind was in a flurry, and he quickly turned around and rushed out. At this moment, he just wanted to find a place where there was no one, to think carefully.

  Li Yutong stood there, coldly watching Li Yuzhu's disheveled figure leave. The brothers were so similar, both suffering for love, neither more fortunate than the other. Big brother, I've long escaped that devilish obstacle. Then, come with me too, we're brothers after all, and should naturally share good fortune and bad together.

  Li Yutong entered Mrs. Li's room and saw that she was leaning against the headboard, looking very tired. When Mrs. Li turned her head and saw it was Li Yutong, she beckoned him to come closer.

  Li Yutong quickly walked up to Mrs. Li and squatted down beside her, so they were at the same height. He reached out and took Mrs. Li's hand in his, speaking softly: "Mother, are you not feeling well?"

  Mrs. Li's eyebrows and eyes were warm and gentle, her loving gaze fell on Li Yutong, and when she saw his furrowed brow, she couldn't help but reach out to gently smooth it out.

  "Mother..."

  Li Yutong's heart ached as he let out a cry, and at this moment, the words he had originally prepared were stuck in his throat. Mother, his love for her had never changed. Facing his mother, he felt somewhat ashamed, but those words could not be spoken.

  But Mrs. Li sighed lightly and said, "I know what you want to say, it's about Jiuniang and the Ruan Mansion affair, right? I know Jiuniang is your fiancée, and Yuke is your close friend, you want to save them, Mother understands. And Mother Yu Zhao also wants to intervene, now seeing her like this in prison, it's also unbearable."

  "Mother, then you..."

  Li Yutong raised her eyes, and her gaze was full of longing.

  Mrs. Li, however, rubbed her temples at this time, and the headache started to get worse again. Originally, under An Yan's care, it had improved a bit. But recently, because of Yin Jiu Niang's affairs, the headache symptoms recurred, getting more and more severe, three times worse than before. It was as if someone was hammering inside her brain with a chisel at this moment. Mrs. Li pressed her temples hard, but the pain didn't decrease in the slightest.

  She was most afraid of getting anxious and flustered with this headache, and An Yan had also instructed her to calm down and take care of herself. Originally, she had already seen some improvement, but now being disturbed by Yin Jiu Niang and the Zhao family's affairs, Madame Li's headache suddenly became unbearable.

  Li Yutong looked at Mrs. Li, who was pressing her forehead with her hand, trying to suppress the pain, and his heart felt a pang, almost wanting to speak out and put an end to this matter. However, thinking of Ruan Yugeng in prison, he ultimately suppressed his filial piety. He lowered his head, gritted his teeth, and swallowed all his reluctance into his belly.

  After a while, Mrs. Li's headache eased a bit, she lowered her head to look at Li Yutong, looking at his humble and obedient appearance, that pitiful air, instantly made all of Mrs. Li's worries disappear. She reached out to touch Li Yutong's head, speaking softly: "Alright, Mother will go later. Mother will put aside her old face today, and whether things can be done or not, it depends on fate."

  Mrs. Li's eyes seemed to be deep in thought, that clever and wise woman, although she was close to her, looked very gentle. But that woman knew at first glance that she was the kind of person who was soft on the outside but firm on the inside. If she had made up her mind about something, it would be hard to shake her off. However, for the sake of her son, she had to put aside her pride and beg for mercy. Thinking about these things, Mrs. Li felt a mix of emotions in her heart. Her first half of life was quite difficult, supporting Li Hui all the way, making the Li family have today's glory. Half a year ago, her younger sister was doing well in the palace, her eldest son passed the imperial examination and became a high-ranking official, with a bright future ahead. And her youngest son was also handsome and elegant, engaged to the Silver family of Nangong, with a promising future as well. Although her husband had some mistresses on the side, he ultimately respected her as his wife. But now, her husband's health was not what it used to be, and the Li family business was declining. It felt like they had just reached the peak of their lives, but before they could even enjoy it, they found themselves facing a downhill road.

  "Mother, I am unfilial."

  Li Yutong looked at the desolation and endurance in his mother's eyes, and finally couldn't bear it, shouting out in a pained voice. At the same time, he was also filled with hatred in his heart, hating An Yan and Su San's ruthless and cruel actions. The incident had already passed, and on that day, Baicao Hall didn't suffer any impact, still bustling as usual. It could even be said that because of the commotion that day, Baicao Hall gained fame overnight, its name spreading throughout Qing City in just a few days. Li Yutong's heart was already twisted with guilt towards his mother and regret for being unable to save Ruan Yuqing from harm. He blamed everything on Su San and An Yan, the anger in his eyes burning fiercely. Waiting for the day when opportunity would arise, he would vent all his hatred.

  Mrs. Li did not notice her son's abnormality, and at this moment she slowly got up, called the maid to re-dress, and was about to go find An Yan to plead for him.

  Li Yutong stood at the door of the room, watching his mother's back as she left, with an inexplicable emptiness on his face. He stretched out his hand wanting to grasp something, but found that he couldn't grasp anything.

  Digression

  You guys think if Mrs. Li goes to plead for mercy, should An Yan show some leniency?