Chapter 365: Chapter 364: People Like This Are Not Fit to Live
The matter remains unresolved, and the incidents at Zou Residence, through the arrangements of some interested parties, have blossomed throughout Shengjing City.
There are all sorts of rumors.
Especially on the street in front of Shu Mansion.
In these past days, Imperial Censor Shu has been preoccupied with official duties without a moment’s rest, and today he finally had half a day’s leisure. Holding a myna bird he had purchased from outside, he amused himself with it on his way back home.
The impassioned voices in the street also successfully reached his ears.
Upon hearing a few words about Duke Wei Mansion, Imperial Censor Shu’s face darkened.
Last time, Zou Wei could not escape humiliation in Jinluan Hall, and after being admonished, he finally made some achievements to quell the issues at Duke Wei Mansion.
As for capturing the Fourth Prince’s faults, Ji Zhui has also put in tremendous effort. It should be noted that he has close dealings with Duke Wei and Commander Yan.
What, the common people are still discussing it?
He didn’t want his ears soiled by those words, and just as he was about to hasten his step back home, he suddenly paused.
——Mr. Wei has kept a male concubine outside. The fact that he was injured below the waist and could not maintain relations, thus ending their association. Yet that male concubine refused to be cast aside and even brought trouble to Zou Residence. It is said that after a heated argument, Mr. Wei, in a moment of desperation, jumped into the river. Who would have thought he was such a person! Ignoring a perfectly fine girl, he indulged in such preferences. To each their own, but he didn’t even admit it! It is said that the male concubine was always the active party, while the Wei family’s member simply lay there and enjoyed it. That male concubine truly is tragic, finding himself with a master who wouldn’t acknowledge him once the pants were lifted.
——Absolutely. That Li San really couldn’t bear to see him die and actually saved him from drowning. It’s said that the two reconciled, and right in front of everyone, they couldn’t help but kiss each other without a care.
Imperial Censor Shu felt he was not in a good place.
——It’s really unbelievable, who knows why the Governor’s wife likes that Mr. Wei so much? It seems she’s gone blind. If I were Duchess Wei, I would rather drink the Governor’s wife’s daughter-in-law tea than cast a single glance at Li San at this point.
——Stop talking, the one who is most pitiful is Lady Yan. Dowager Yan has even left the house over this; by the looks of the direction, she is likely headed to Zou Residence, perhaps seeking justice.
Imperial Censor Shu could no longer stand to listen. He thrust the birdcage at a servant.
"To Zou Residence!"
"My lord?"
"Shameless! The sheer audacity!"
Imperial Censor Shu moved quickly; Minister of the Ministry of Justice Mansion was merely a street away from Imperial Censor Shu’s Mansion. By the time he arrived, seething with rage, the attendants were still shivering on their knees, swearing oaths before the Lord.
"My lord, if I speak anything but the truth, may the heavens strike me with five thunders!"
Duke Wei and his wife could not even afford to care about Wei Xiheng at the moment, not to mention utter a word about visiting him.
After all, the reputation of Duke Wei Mansion is of paramount importance.
But this damned servant does not have a clue!
"You—" Duke Wei was so angry he could barely contain himself, and in a rush of rage, he lifted his foot and kicked the attendant.
He used all his strength in that kick.
The attendant quickly fell to the ground, whimpering in pain.
"Wei Ce!"
"Are you trying to beat a confession out of him?"
Imperial Censor Shu strode forward.
"Your grandfather’s lifetime of merits, all squandered by his descendants! You have no talent, no virtue, no capability! Even if you had sons, you wouldn’t be able to teach them! The elder son has no sense of shame, and the younger one slanders the Cui family’s iron integrity!"
"Do you not feel disgrace and shame?"
"I think your Wei family is turning the world upside down!"
Xie Xun, counting the hours, hurried forward to soothe him: "The parents from the Wei family might temporarily be unable to accept it; we are all colleagues, Mr. Shu, do not be infuriated."
Seeing it was Xie Xun, Imperial Censor Shu’s face looked slightly better.
Nevertheless, he didn’t have time to scold Wei Ce.
He wanted to see the shameless Wei Xiheng!
Such a person, perhaps, does not deserve to live!
"Where is he!"
Xie Xun: "Young Master Wei has no more concerns for his life. He is currently resting in the side room."
Imperial Censor Shu’s face flushed with anger: "So while everyone has been worrying themselves sick over his issue, he’s been comfortably lying down! Clearly knows how to enjoy the good life!"
He always valued etiquette and propriety above all.
Cui Yun’s pedantry is just for show to others, but Imperial Censor Shu is really such a person.
Among the young gentlemen in Shengjing City, there are only a few that could catch his discerning eye. Wei Xiheng has been ill for years and seldom goes out, but the Wei Family has indeed put a lot of effort into their reputation. Ignoring the current situation, as long as you inquire around, all you hear are pleasant and elegant compliments.
He too was once deceived by the facade, truly believing him to be a promising young man.
"Lead the way! I want to see for myself whether he’s shamelessly wearing a mask of deception or truly has no shame at all!"
Ji Zhui couldn’t wait for Imperial Censor Shu to leave early so he could deal with Li San’s issue. He immediately ordered the Zou Family servants to lead the way.
Imperial Censor Shu arrived in a rush and left in a rush. Overcome with anger, he walked swiftly as if carried by the wind.
Sharing joy with others is better than enjoying it alone, and Ji Huo did not forget to call out to Zhao Wu at the side.
"Zhao Wu, come here! You stay dazed all day, and when there’s excitement right in front of you, you don’t even go to watch. Have you become a fool from all that reading!"
Wei Ce was pretty sobered by Imperial Censor Shu’s scolding.
"Mr. Wei." Xie Xun stepped forward, still the personable and amiable scholar in public.
"In my opinion, why not temporarily detain the attendants? If they need to be interrogated, it can be done at any time. Mr. Shu has gone to find your son, and I’m afraid it’s not good."
He paused slightly: "This matter truly cannot rely solely on the one-sided statements of two people. Li San has been questioned, the attendants have been questioned, but your son’s testimony is likely to be even more convincing. If he awakes, let’s hear what he has to say before confronting them together. That would be prudent."
His impartial words made everyone present nod in agreement.
Wei Ce forced a smile that looked rather unpleasant but still accepted Xie Xun’s favor.
"Your advice is sound."
He thought, at least Wei Xiheng is not stupid. Even if it were true, he would definitely not admit it!
Encouraged by Xie Xun’s reminder, he also had an idea.
Swiftly, he bowed deeply with great humility to everyone present.
"Esteemed gentlemen and madams, perhaps you could accompany us."
"My son has been framed, and we would be deeply grateful for your presence to help clarify things."
Princess Consort Gong adjusted her hairpin without a word.
She smiled gently: "Of course."
With her leading, these high officials and nobles naturally nodded in agreement, even if many of them were there more for the spectacle.
Thus, this group of people grandly made their way toward the side room.
Ji Zhui lagged one step behind. As the followers from the Zou Residence naturally obeyed his commands, he discreetly gestured a ’kill’ sign to several of them.
The words of those servants evidently had problems too, and it’s necessary to deal with them all at once, to avoid future problems.
Having seen to these arrangements, he then leisurely caught up.
Halfway through, a loyal retainer gave him a message from Fourth Prince Mansion.
Ji Zhui stopped to look at it twice, then burned the note and gave a few more instructions.
After finishing with the matters at hand and just passing by a rockery, someone hurried over with big strides.
Ji Zhui should not have to bother, but upon seeing the person’s face, his heart sank as though falling into an ice pit.
"You—"
The person saw him and quickly knelt down to pay respects.
"Greetings, Your Highness Crown Prince."
The attendant seemed frantic; he was one who served Wei Xiheng, but had been knocked unconscious by a sleeping potion until now. Awakening to find the young master gone, he couldn’t help but panic: "Have you seen my young master?"
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