Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

Chapter 739 Wanting to impose a crime
Jia Cong came out of the study and saw that the person coming was Su Yun, so he asked, "What's the matter?"

Suyun hurriedly said, "To answer the Duke's question, when the eldest grandmother heard that something happened to the master at home, she was almost dying of anxiety, so she specially sent me to find the master for advice.

If you have time, please come to the garden and have a chat. Grandma wants to ask you about this matter in person."

Jia Cong sighed and said, "Let's go. I'll go see my sister-in-law."

"Thank you for your kindness, sir." Suyun hurriedly led Jia Cong into the garden.

Not long after, they arrived at Daoxiang Village. Li Wan had already received the letter and brought people out to greet them. After exchanging pleasantries, she led Jia Cong in to sit down and asked Biyue to make some tea.

When Jia Cong came here for the second time, he saw that everything was still the same, so he said casually, "Sister-in-law seems to have lost some weight, how is Brother Lan?"

Li Wan forced a smile and said, "Thanks to you, everything is fine here. Brother Lang passed the Shuntian Prefecture exam last year and was selected by the prefectural governor Li as the first place."

"Well, Lang'er is a good student. If he keeps working hard, he will surely pass the imperial examination."

Li Wan was extremely worried and could not help asking, "Brother Cong, I heard that a big case happened in the Imperial College and my father... has been arrested by the East Factory. What's going on?"

Jia Cong had no choice but to tell the whole story of the demon book case, and sighed, "Sister-in-law, this case is very serious. If Your Majesty investigates it seriously, I don't know how many people will be killed.

Yinbo happened to be there at the right time. Although the evil book had nothing to do with him, the incident happened in the Imperial Academy after all, so he probably cannot escape blame. "

Li Wan was so frightened after hearing this that she lost her mind, tears welled up in her eyes, and she said in a trembling voice, "Brother Cong, do you think there is still hope? As long as he can keep his life, it's fine."

Jia Cong hesitated and said, "Sister-in-law, if he was in the imperial prison, I could still have a say, but in the factory prison...ah..."

"Aren't you good friends with Prime Minister Dai in the palace? Ask him to say hello. I think the Prime Minister won't refuse." Li Wan said hurriedly.

Jia Cong smiled bitterly and said, "Sister-in-law, it's been a long time since I've been friends with Dai Quan. I'm ashamed that you still remember it.

Now things have changed, he is sweet on the outside but treacherous on the inside. It would be fine if I don't ask him, but if I go to ask him, I'm afraid my uncle will be killed."

Li Wan's face turned pale and she said, "Is there no other way? Cong'er, you know my father was wronged..."

Jia Cong sighed and said, "Not only me, but everyone knows that my uncle-in-law doesn't have the guts to talk about the issue of establishing a crown prince, but since the incident happened in the Imperial College, someone has to be held responsible.

Now Cong can't protect himself, and I'm afraid I can't help my brother-in-law out of trouble. Please forgive me, sister-in-law."

Li Wan was shocked and sat in the chair in a daze. Even Jia Cong, who was like a god descending from heaven and single-handedly destroyed the Nan'an Palace, said that there was no way. How could Li Shouzhong still have a chance to survive?

Even though she was a housewife who never left her house, she had heard about what kind of place the Eastern Depot was. It was impossible for her to get out safely after entering the gate of the factory.

Jia Cong didn't know how to comfort him and could only sit there in silence. In the face of party struggles, a small character like Li Shouzhong was like an ant, and he could be crushed to death at any time if he had bad luck.

Unless he started a rebellion right now, there would be no way he could get him out of Dai Quan's hands.

Jia Cong did not think he was that desperate enough to rebel and risk his life and property just for Li Shouzhong.

Li Wan sat there for a moment, then turned her head to glance at Jia Cong. Seeing that he didn't say a word, she suddenly remembered his "character" and "battle record", and her face turned red. Both Sister-in-law Feng Jieer and Youshi were harmed by him, so could she also not escape his clutches?
Thinking of this, Li Wan thought she understood Jia Cong's meaning, and secretly cursed the despicable guy for taking advantage of someone's misfortune and trying to sell himself at a good price at this moment.

Her eyes moved for a moment, sizing up Jia Cong. Although he was wearing plain clothes and a silver crown, it could not hide his extraordinary bravery and outstanding qualities. Thinking of the previous times she was "teased" by him, she felt a little flustered and could no longer feel resentful.

Seeing her strange expression, Jia Cong thought she was too sad, and asked hurriedly: "How is my sister-in-law? I will do my best for my uncle's marriage, but man proposes, God disposes. If it doesn't work out, please don't blame me."

Li Wan wiped her tears and said, "I can't thank you enough, how can I blame you." Then she glanced and said, "You go out and serve. I want to talk to the Duke about the case. No one else is allowed to disturb me."

"Yes." Suyun and Biyue hurriedly asked a few little girls to go out and closed the door.

Li Wan thought to herself that this was the only thing that could possibly move Jia Cong's heart. In order to save her father, she made a decision, slowly stood up and bolted the door.

Jia Cong was startled and stammered, "Sister-in-law...what are you doing?"

Li Wan bit her lip, pinched her belt with her hand, turned around and walked slowly, lowered her brows and said tactfully: "Brother Cong, if you are willing to save my father, I, your sister-in-law, will do anything you want..."

After saying this, his face turned red, and he stood in front of Jia Cong, looking like he was ready to take whatever he wanted.

Jia Cong was startled. He did not expect that Li Wan would use the beauty trap. He stood up and backed away in a hurry. With a clang, the round mahogany marble stool with jade bi pattern under him tripped over and rolled to the side.

"Why do you say that, sister-in-law? Cong has absolutely no such intention." Jia Cong waved his hands quickly.

Li Wan said shyly, "Last time, you advised me to choose another man. Why are you so hesitant today? What are you pretending to be? Do you think I'm too old and not as pretty as your sister-in-law Feng and sister-in-law You?"

Jia Cong laughed dryly and said, "Sister-in-law, please don't misunderstand me. This is not what I meant. Besides, you are different from Sister Feng and the others."

"What's the difference? Am I not your sister-in-law?" Li Wan pressed on. Since she had lost face, she had to take down this pervert.

Seeing her approaching, Jia Cong hurriedly backed away from the small round table, and said with a wry smile, "Sister-in-law, if I take advantage of your misfortune and... do that to you, would I still be a human being?
Besides, even if I kill you, you will feel relieved, but if I can't get things done later, won't you hate me to the core?"

Li Wan said, "As long as you try your best to save him, I won't blame you whether it succeeds or not. You can rest assured."

When Jia Cong saw her rosy face and shy look, he couldn't help but feel his heart beating fast. But he restrained himself and thought to himself that even if he wanted to eat Li Wan, he shouldn't choose this way of transaction. What's the point?
Yin bowed his hands and said solemnly: "Sister-in-law, please be merciful. I am in mourning. It will not be too late to discuss it later."

Li Wan blushed and spat, "Pah. What a filial son! If you are in mourning, why do you keep going to Xiaoxiang Pavilion? What kind of mourning are you in?"

Jia Cong smiled awkwardly and said, "Sister-in-law, do you think you have clairvoyance? I admire you." Then he wanted to slip away.

Li Wan was also in a desperate situation, so she turned around and blocked the door, saying angrily, "You bastard, if you don't give me an explanation, I will not let you go."

This was the first time that Jia Cong was pushed to this point by a woman. He helplessly spread his hands and said, "Sister-in-law, what do you want to say?"

Li Wan said boldly, "Unless you promise to save my father, I will go to your house and make a scene, and I will also tell Bao and Lin that you bullied me."

"Why are you saying the opposite?" Jia Cong was so angry that his teeth were itching. He said, "How dare you threaten my duke? I think you are tired of living."

As he said this, he reached out and pulled her over, pressed her on the round table, and slapped her round and plump buttocks several times.

"Ouch! It hurts so much, you...you be gentler, I'm dying!" Li Wan cried out in pain, her voice surprisingly gentle.

Jia Cong's heart was moved and he almost couldn't help but do it first as a sign of respect. He quickly rubbed her buttocks twice and said, "Tell me, do you dare to seduce your brother-in-law? Don't you know that I am Liu Xiahui of the imperial court?" Li Wan was so angry that she wanted to curse.

Seeing that the situation was not good, Jia Cong said, "I'll send someone to check on my uncle-in-law." After saying that, he opened the door and ran away.

"What a filthy creature!" Li Wan stood up quickly, put her hand back on her hip, and cursed in her heart as she looked at Jia Cong's back, "What Liu Xiahui, bah!"

What Jia Cong didn't expect was that rejecting the initiative of a beautiful woman was the greatest humiliation for her, because she not only gave up her dignity and decency, but also failed... This was unacceptable.

Li Wan felt a little embarrassed when she thought that although she took the initiative, she was taken advantage of by Jia Cong. What made her even more indignant was that Jia Cong pretended to be serious in the face of her advances. Doesn't this mean that she is not as good as Sister Feng and Youshi?

Thinking of this, Li Wan felt ashamed and angry, and secretly made up her mind to save her father first and then settle the score with that bastard.
-
There were gusts of cold wind in the factory prison, and a strong smell of mold and blood swirled in the dim cell. The dirty blood froze into ice on the ground, and the early spring in the north was still cold.

Li Shouzhong was locked up in solitary confinement in a torture chamber, covered in blood, curled up in a pile of straw and dying. He had been interrogated once and had confessed everything he should have.

It was obvious that the Eastern Depot had no intention of letting him go, but they also took into account that the scholar was weak and old, and were afraid that if he was accidentally killed, it would be difficult to explain, so they let him rest for the time being.

A jailer came in with a tray containing wine, meat and plenty of food. It was not because the East Factory had sufficient food funds, but because they were afraid that Li Shouzhong would die of illness or hunger.

"Hey, get up and eat!" The jailer kicked Li Shouzhong's calf and shouted.

Li Shouzhong had been hungry all day. When he smelled the delicious food, he quickly got up, trembling, picked up the bowl and started eating.

The jailer looked around, squatted down and advised: "I say, Lao Li, you are already an adult, why are you so unreasonable?

No matter how tough you are, can you be tougher than our methods? You will have to confess sooner or later, so why suffer the consequences? We are happy to save trouble, right? "

Li Shouzhong cried, "Your Excellency, it is not that I do not confess, but I have been kept in the dark about this case, and there is nothing I can confess."

Seeing that there was no one around, the jailer took out a piece of paper from his sleeve and handed it to Li Shouzhong. There was no word on it, only a newly made seal of Duke Dingguo.

"You..." Li Shouzhong was overjoyed, thinking that Jia Cong had sent someone to rescue him.

The jailer whispered, "The young master ordered me to tell you that you should not suffer any loss. You should give the East Factory any confession they want. Save your life first. Do not fight in vain. Do you understand?"

Li Shouzhong said hurriedly, "I understand. Please thank Shao Bao for my grace."

The jailer ignored him, stuffed the piece of paper into his mouth, swallowed it, and turned away.

The next day, Hua Yuanliang, the chief judge of the Eastern Depot, continued to try the case of the evil book. Before he started to torture Li Shouzhong, he kept saying, "Sir, I confess, I confess, please don't torture me."

Hua Yuanliang smiled and said, "Okay, since Lord Li is willing to speak up, I will not have to worry about it. After all, as the ancients said, doctors should not be punished. I am disrespectful to you, old sir, and I feel bad about it.

Then tell me, what is the origin of this case? "

Li Shouzhong hurriedly said, "Sir, I am old and confused. I don't know where to start. Please give me some advice."

Hua Yuanliang smiled and said, "Let's start with the mastermind behind the scenes. If someone above you takes the blame, the guilt on you, Lord Li, will be lighter, right?"

Li Shouzhong said, "Yes, the person behind this is of great importance. I am forced to follow him under his tyranny. I have absolutely no intention of being disloyal or unfilial. Can you guess who this person is?"

Seeing him coming forward, Hua Yuanliang said in agreement, "Could it be Duke Dingguo?"

"That's right." Li Shouzhong saw that the East Factory was indeed targeting Jia Cong, so there was no need for him to be polite. Inspiration flooded his mind, and he instantly made up a tortuous and bizarre case of the evil book that seemed both loyal and treacherous.

Hua Yuanliang smiled so hard that he couldn't close his mouth. He nodded repeatedly and praised: "Your Excellency is eloquent and has clear ideas. I admire you. Have you written it down?"

"Your Excellency, I've made note of it."

"Sign it for him."

After receiving Li Shouzhong's confession, Hua Yuanliang was overjoyed and hurried to the palace to report to Dai Quan.

"Governor, Li Shou has fallen into the trap. The evil book case was clearly planned by Duke Dingguo behind the scenes. His intention was to take advantage of the great victory in the Western Regions to cheer for the Second Prince and gather his prestige. He tried to force the Emperor to obey the will of the people and enthrone him as the Crown Prince in order to gain the credit of following the Emperor." Hua Yuanliang said.

Dai Quan looked at the confession with a smile on his face and said, "Okay, it's good that we have found out the truth. I will report it to His Majesty right away. You have done a good job in this case, and I will reward you handsomely later."

"The Governor has shown such great appreciation for us, how dare we not serve him till death?"

Dai Quan smiled and sent him away, then went straight back to the Yangxin Palace to present his confession.

"Your Majesty, Li Shouzhong has confessed that the case of the evil book was instigated by Duke Dingguo, because he has a close relationship with the Second Prince and he is eager to support him to ascend the throne.

It happened that the Western Regions had won a great victory, so he fabricated this evil letter and ordered Li Shouzhong to secretly distribute it in the Imperial College to appeal for the Second Prince, hoping to use the public opinion of the scholars and the people to force Your Majesty to make the Second Prince the Crown Prince." Dai Quan said.

Emperor Xifeng had a sinister look in his eyes and snorted coldly. He took the confession and read it. Although he knew that this might not be the case, it was quite to his liking. He took the opportunity to deal another blow to Jia Cong, and no one dared to disobey.

He thought for a moment and said calmly, "Recently, there have been many strange and bizarre opinions in the government and the public. This is just one example. You, the commander of the East Factory, must be careful and not let rumors confuse the public."

Dai Quan bowed hurriedly and said, "I obey your order. Your Majesty, rest assured. I will have my subordinates investigate the evil rumors as soon as possible and restore order to the capital."

"Ah."

The next day, there was a court meeting.

Emperor Xifeng ordered the Dongchang's report on the case, which had been copied many times, to be shown to the ministers, and said calmly: "The Dongchang has already solved the case of the Imperial College's evil book the other day. What do you think, my dear ministers?"

All the ministers read the memorial quickly and were secretly shocked. Could it be that the Duke Dingguo, who had risen like a comet, was about to fall?
The New Party members hurried out and said, "I think Dingguo was engaged in private transactions and manipulated the fight for the throne, which is extremely treasonous and should be severely punished."

"I believe that Duke Dingguo has ulterior motives, is disloyal and unfilial, and has made friends with the prince with ill intentions. I ask the emperor to punish him severely."

"Duke Dingguo knew the law but broke it, was arrogant because of his achievements, interfered in the selection of the crown prince, secretly spread rumors, and disrupted the government. If he is not severely punished, it will be difficult to rectify the country's laws."

"minister……"

At that moment, dozens of New Party officials and important ministers such as Li Meng and Wang Ning took turns to attack Jia Cong, intending to put him to death.

(End of this chapter)