Tianliangyuan

Chapter 189 It's Liu Huaien's turn to be unlucky.

Xu Han is the kind of person who is very easygoing and is known for his rough and unrefined nature.

It was precisely because of this that when his third son passed the imperial examination and his daughter Xu Zhaozhao was able to brew fine wine and run her business successfully, the civil and military officials of the court became quite curious.

Most people were just curious: how could a rough man like Xu Han raise such good children?

The Emperor would often use this opportunity to tease Xu Han, simply saying that he had married a good wife, which was why he had such outstanding children.

Liu Qi was a proper civil official, and in terms of wit and sharp tongue, Xu Han was naturally no match for him.

However, Xu Han was older and held a higher official position, so Liu Qi did not dare to show off his knowledge in front of him.

Xu Han took a sip of tea before slowly saying, "Magistrate Liu, I've heard some of the rumors circulating in the city, but they're just a bit of amusement. Let them talk! As the saying goes, 'People fear becoming famous, just as pigs fear growing fat!' It must be because of your virtuous reputation that some people are jealous. This is a good thing, though, as it shows that your talent and ability are both top-notch. Otherwise, those scholars wouldn't have come up with such a harmful method."

Literati?

Liu Qi was momentarily dazed.

Could it be that this matter truly has nothing to do with the Marquis's residence?

But this is such a coincidence!

Moreover, surely it couldn't be that the beating I received was done by a scholar?

Liu Qi understood that Lord Xu was pretending to be stupid, and after all, such methods were not honorable, so the other party would definitely not admit it.

But since we've come to him for help, surely Lord Xu will give us some face?

"What you say is true, my lord. However, I have only been in the palace for a short time and do not know much about the powerful and influential people in the capital. I may have offended someone without realizing it. I am shamelessly asking you to act as a mediator, hoping that the other party can calm down. After all, my reputation has been ruined. Even if the other party is very angry, it should be lessened by now."

Xu Han chuckled: "Magistrate Liu, rest assured, I will definitely inquire about this matter for you. However, I do not know the origins of the other party, so I must find out more."

"With your words, Lord Marquis, I am relieved."

Liu Qi knew that the matter had been clarified, and as long as the Marquis understood that he had come to admit his mistake, everything would be easy to handle.

After Liu Qi left, Xu Han chuckled, and Xu Zhaozhao walked out from the side hall.

"What can I say about you? How could a young lady come up with such a torturous method!"

It may seem like a complaint, but the tone is actually full of doting affection.

Xu Zhaozhao smiled and said, "Father, you don't know, Liu Qi and Liu Huaien conspired together, and I have only given them a slight punishment. If they succeed, it will be difficult for you to face the court."

"Yes, I know you mean well. But this kind of thing is better left to your brothers. You, as a young lady, should just enjoy your life."

Xu Zhaozhao did not argue. She knew that her father's intention was to keep her out of these matters for the sake of her reputation.

It's generally not good for a woman to have too many entanglements in this area.

"Father, do you know anything about Liu Qi's background?"

"Well, Liu Qi comes from a respectable family, which is moderately wealthy but not a prestigious one. However, he is studious and has a tenacious character, which is why he has been able to rise to this position."

Don't underestimate a county magistrate in the capital; he wields real power.

Although your rank isn't high, the area you're in is under their jurisdiction, so it would be easy for them to cause you trouble if they really wanted to.

What is His Majesty's opinion of this person?

“Very high. This person may not be the most incorruptible official, but the important thing is that he can get things done.”

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhaozhao understood.

Those in positions of power generally prefer only a few types of people.

They must either be capable of getting things done and relieving their superiors' troubles, or they must be eloquent and persuasive, able to please their superiors.

Another type is that they can serve as pawns in the hands of those in power, able to be used wherever they are told to go!

In short, people like Liu Qi are generally very popular with those in power.

Xu Zhaozhao knew that this matter could only end here with Liu Qi.

If a minor punishment is now imposed, the Emperor will not blame him. He will only think that the Xu family is resentful and is venting their anger in private.

If we go too far, the Emperor will blame us.

We must not jeopardize His Majesty's plan for employing people.

So, next, it's time for Liu Huaien to suffer.

The spies that Xu Zhaozhao planted in the Duke of Su's mansion last year are finally coming in handy.

Making Liu Huaien suffer is much easier than plotting against Liu Qi.

Xu Zhaozhao simply had someone put something in Liu Huaien's tea, and that was enough to throw the entire Duke of Su's mansion into chaos.

The key point is that they can't find anything out.

Just as Liu Huaien was enjoying a blissful moment with his beautiful wife, the door was suddenly kicked open, revealing his wife, Jiang Fu.

When Jiang Fu heard that Liu Huaien had brought back another woman and was going to take her as a concubine without her consent, how could Jiang Fu possibly stand it?

Enraged, he stormed over with his men to catch his wife in the act of adultery!

She was the legal wife, and Liu Huaien was not allowed to take a concubine unless she agreed.

Jiang Fu has the entire Jiang family behind her, so she has confidence, and naturally, she has a big temper.

When the door was kicked open, they realized that a huge mess had been made.

The woman Liu Huaien was having an affair with turned out to be one of the Duke's concubines, and she had been brought into the household two years prior.

This has really stirred up a hornet's nest!

Such a shameful affair must not be spread.

Now, all the people Jiang Fu brought with her were also dealt with by the Duchess.

Duke Su was so angry that he jumped up and down cursing, but the facts were already there, what else could he do?

The concubine who had been provoked by Liu Huaien was also drugged at the madam's behest and then dragged back to the backyard. If nothing unexpected happens, this concubine should be declared dead tomorrow.

As for Liu Huaien, he is the eldest son of the Duke's mansion and is now the heir apparent. If such a scandal were to be publicized, it would be a disgrace to the entire Duke's mansion.

Liu Huaien was kneeling on the ground, his face flustered, but he still didn't forget to exonerate himself.

"Father, I truly didn't know it was her! Besides, this is my courtyard. How could I possibly bring her here in front of everyone?"

That hits the nail on the head.

Several servants from the Duke's mansion also stated that they did not see anyone else enter besides the newly arrived young lady.

In other words, this concubine offered herself up?

As soon as this possibility surfaced, the Duke's expression grew increasingly grim.

Is this because he thinks he's a decrepit old man and is so eager to find a new patron?

"Bitch!"

Upon hearing this, Duchess Song Wanyi immediately breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that her son had passed this test.