Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

After scratching Feng Fei for a while, Yang rushed back and hugged Yang Chang's body, crying bitterly. Her cries were full of sorrow and her condition was extremely tragic.

But at this moment, no one dared to sympathize with them.

The servants had already brought over what they had received. The housekeeper's wife, subconsciously ignoring Madam Xing, went directly to Jia Lian and reported, "Second Master, we were ordered to search the rooms of Aunt Yang and Qiu Tong. We found nothing in Aunt Yang's room, but we found this in Qiu Tong's room… a stove and a soup pot, with some ginseng soup remaining inside. We tested it, and it is indeed poisonous—arsenic…"

When Qiu Tong saw the stove and hot water bottle brought up by the old women, she was shocked and immediately cried out, "No, this isn't mine! These things aren't mine! I usually just go to the kitchen and ask for whatever I want to eat. I've never had these things before. This is hers! It must be her! This vile woman framed me! Please, Second Master, see the truth..."

The housekeeper seemed to have no particular intentions and continued, "Reporting to Second Master, the stove and the hot water pot were placed openly and honestly under the window. We servants saw them as soon as we entered and brought them over."

If Jia Lian hadn't reminded them earlier, some people might not have known what the housekeeper's wife meant by that, but now they probably all understand.

Qiu Tong was still trying to argue, but Jia Lian ignored her. He glanced at Madam Yang, who was only holding Yang Chang and crying, and ordered, "Bring everyone from Auntie's room, including the maids, the cleaning ladies, and the night watchwomen, all of them."

At this moment, almost everyone in the entire east courtyard had gathered here. As soon as Jia Lian spoke, the servants around Yang Shi were all terrified and rushed to the middle, kowtowing and begging for mercy.

My great-aunt's own brother, she just beat him to death like that. They don't think their lives are worth more than Yang Chang's.

One of Yang's personal maids could no longer contain herself. Before Jia Lian could interrogate her, she kowtowed twice and cried out in a panic, "I'll tell you everything! I'll tell you everything! These things were all put in Miss Qiutong's room by my mistress. At first, I didn't know why, I just did as my mistress told me to. Please, Second Master, spare my life! Please, Second Master, spare my life! I really didn't know that my mistress was trying to harm you..."

Once someone spoke up, the others couldn't hold back any longer and rushed to reveal their secrets.

"Yes, yes, this stove was found in the old storeroom yesterday by my great-aunt. She said she wasn't feeling well and didn't want to trouble the kitchen, so she brought it to brew her own medicine..."

An old woman reconciled the maid's words.

The truth came out, and everyone realized what had happened. They all condemned Yang, saying she was heartless and deserved to be torn to pieces... Some even brought up the fact that Yang had slapped a maid a few months earlier.

Almost everyone was terrified by Yang Chang's death, and at this moment they just wanted to make a good impression on Jia Lian to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

When a wall falls, everyone pushes it down; this is certainly true of the saying.

Jia Lian stood on the high corridor, looking down at Madam Yang who remained indifferent to the outside world, and spoke calmly, "Does Madam Yang have anything else to say?"

At this point, Yang finally realized that her brother was dead.

She recalled the panicked and worried look on her brother's face when she first revealed her thoughts to Yang Chang, but in the end, he was persuaded by her.

However, none of the benefits he had promised him have come true, and his brother has already lost his life for it.

She killed him.

She laid down Yang Chang's body, stood up, and looked at Jia Lian with hatred in her eyes.

But it was clear that the other party was not afraid of her at all; she only saw contempt and indifference in their eyes.

It was as if, in the other person's eyes, her and her brother's lives were as worthless as weeds, and even if they died right in front of him, they could not stir any emotion in him.

Yang let out a chilling laugh, and facing everyone, chuckled, "So what if I did it?"

Madam Xing walked over and slapped her hard across the face, cursing, "You rebellious whore! You've done such a thing, and instead of repenting, you dare to laugh! Guards, beat her to death! Beat her to death!"

Madam Xing is terrified now. She and Madam Yang were already close before. If people think that she and Madam Yang are in cahoots, she may not be able to hold onto her position as the first wife!

Unfortunately, at this time no one listened to Madam Xing; everyone was just waiting for Jia Lian's instructions.

"Good, it's good that you've confessed."

Jia Lian turned around and sat back down in his chair, no longer needing to do anything.

Judging by the time, most of the people who are supposed to come should be here by now. The grand finale should be shown to everyone.

Jia Lian's attitude further enraged Yang Shi, who pointed at him and cursed, "So what if I did it? What right do you have to interrogate me?"

What kind of good thing do you think you are?

Don't assume that no one knows what you've done.

Every single one of the concubines, maids, and servants in the master's mansion has been having an affair with you, with unclear and ambiguous relationships.

You rebellious beast, do you know why the master doesn't like you?

I'm telling you, I know everything you've done. It was me who told the master! Heh heh heh, didn't expect that, did you? Otherwise, why do you think the master beats and scolds you so much, and doesn't even bother with you anymore…

Tell me, what right do you have to inherit the patriarch's title and fortune?

Seeing Yang confront Jia Lian, everyone's expression changed drastically, unsure of what to do.

In fact, many people know that what Yang said is true...

The maids and concubines who were mentioned all lowered their heads and hid in secluded places.

Jia Lian looked at Madam Yang and said coldly, "It seems you are truly eager to die."

"Hahaha, do you dare kill me? I am the master's fair and just concubine, your stepmother. If you kill me, you will be committing the greatest filial impiety. Not only will the master not forgive you, but the world will also gossip about you behind your back. From now on, wherever you go, people will say you are a beast who murdered his stepmother..."

"Yeah?"

Jia Lian asked indifferently. He realized that the more he spoke to Yang Shi and the more displeased he showed, the more the other woman seemed to experience a perverse pleasure.

Therefore, he took out a silk ribbon from his pocket, threw it at Zhang Yong and Zhao Sheng's feet, and ordered, "Send Auntie on her way."

"Lian'er..."

Madam Xing was shocked and hurriedly tried to dissuade her.

Everyone else's heart skipped a beat. Was Master Lian really going to kill Aunt Yang?

Even Madam Yang couldn't help but show a hint of panic upon seeing this, and instinctively took a step back.

Zhang Yong and Zhao Sheng both glanced at Jia Lian, making sure he wasn't trying to intimidate Yang Shi, before picking up the silk and walking towards her.

Looking at the three-foot-long blue silk ribbon so close to her face, Yang's face flushed red, then turned pale, and suddenly she laughed even more heartily:

"Fine, so what if you kill me? Do you think you can rest easy and enjoy wealth and luxury from now on?"

Let me tell you, I'm not the only one in this house who wants you dead, hahaha, too bad, you'll never know who your real enemy is...

Everyone's expression changed again, all of them alarmed by the meaning behind Yang's words.

Besides Lady Yang wanting Jia Lian dead to seize the family property, who else could it be? Or was it Lady Yang's dying words, meant to disturb Jia Lian's peace of mind?

Jia Lian looked at Yang Shi quietly, and after she finished laughing, he said, "I don't need to know how many other fools like you there are. I only know that if any of them dare to show their faces, I will kill them."

Until everyone is too afraid to show themselves.

However, I am curious, since you know that there is more than one person who wants me dead, why did you dare to take the lead in doing this? Do you think that with your Yang family's meager foundation, you will definitely be able to successfully seize the family business after my death?

"Didn't you ever consider that after I die, your Cong'er will soon follow in my footsteps? After all, getting rid of an insignificant illegitimate son is much easier than getting rid of me."

Yang's smile remained on her face, and for a moment she looked at Jia Lian as if he were a ghost.

Just as everyone was puzzled and secretly wondering, Jia Zheng and Jia Zhen rushed over with a group of people. Before they even stepped into the courtyard, they asked, "What happened? What happened? How is Jia Lian (Brother Lian)?"

They were far away and only rushed over after hearing that Jia Lian had been poisoned. When they saw Jia Lian sitting peacefully, they hadn't even had time to breathe a sigh of relief before they saw Yang Chang lying motionless on the ground, blood streaming from his head. They were all filled with suspicion and uncertainty.

Jia Lian stood up again and gave a brief greeting to Jia Zhen, Jia Zheng, and You Shi.

He didn't need to answer their questions personally; someone else would explain the whole story to them.

Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng and the others were naturally shocked and furious.

As the clan head, Jia Zhen naturally had to speak up at this moment: "That damned servant dared to plot against Brother Lian, he deserves to die. Brother Lian, please rest assured, I will put in a word with the yamen later, and there will be no problem."

In this era, there aren't that many law enforcement officers. Tens of millions of people can't all be managed by just a few government officials.

Therefore, the government adhered to the principle of "no investigation unless the people complain." Thus, in addition to the national laws that the government had to enforce, there were also clan laws to maintain local stability.

The clan governs itself by clan law and punishes offending sons and servants, which is also permitted by the government.

As long as it conforms to the general clan laws and does not cause a great uproar or public outcry, the government will not interfere much.

Therefore, Jia Zhen's first thought was that the person had been accidentally killed, so he told Jia Lian not to worry. After all, in Jia Zhen's mind, Jia Lian was still a somewhat kind and timid person.

"Then thank you very much, Brother Zhen."

Jia Lian casually responded to Jia Zhen, then seemed to remember to have chairs brought for Madam Xing, Jia Zheng, Jia Zhen, and others.

Madam Xing did not sit down. She walked up to Jia Lian and advised, "Lian'er, although she deserves to die, she is right about one thing: she is, after all, your concubine. If you execute her, it will not be good for your reputation. Let's wait until the master wakes up before dealing with her."

Jia Zheng and the others were startled upon hearing this. What? Jia Lian was going to execute Yang Shi?

Jia Lian said, "The master is currently unconscious, how can he possibly handle such a dirty matter?"

As the eldest son in the family, am I not allowed to deal with her at this time?

Even if I can't handle it, now that Brother Zhen is here, surely Brother Zhen, as the clan leader, can't deal with this shameless and wicked woman who plots against the eldest son and tries to seize the title and family property?

Madam Xing didn't dare to speak much. Actually, she was usually someone who didn't care about things that didn't concern her, and even enjoyed watching others make fools of themselves or suffer misfortune. But now, she just wanted Jia Lian to calm down as soon as possible. Otherwise, she always felt that Jia Lian would hold a grudge against her too and deal with her in the future.

Jia Lian ignored her, turned around, bowed to Jia Zhen, and pointed behind him, saying, "The matter of Yang poisoning me is now covered by witnesses and physical evidence. So many people have seen it. Even if she goes to the yamen, she will ultimately not escape death."

However, I think that since we are a respectable family, it wouldn't be good for us if this got out and caused a huge uproar. So, it's better for us to handle it ourselves.

What do you think, sir and Brother Zhen?

While Jia Zheng was still frowning and pondering how to answer, Jia Zhen nodded repeatedly: "Brother Lian is right. If this gets out, it will damage the reputation of our Jia family, so it's best if we handle it ourselves."

Jia Lian nodded. "Then, Brother Zhen, do you think that the charges against the concubine—coveting the family property, poisoning the legitimate son, and framing others—are enough to warrant a death sentence?"

"That's enough, but..."

Jia Zhen was surprised by Jia Lian's murderous intent and wanted to say something, but was interrupted by Jia Lian.

"Alright, since even Brother Zhen, as the clan leader, thinks she deserves to die, then there's nothing more to say. Let's do it."

Zhang Yong and Zhao Sheng had already secured Yang's position, and now they were to obey orders and take action.

Having been hiding behind Madam Xing, Jia Cong, who was watching the group of adults in fear, could no longer hold back and cried out:

"No, don't kill my aunt...!"

He rushed over and hugged Yang, his small eyes filled with terror.

Yang immediately hugged him tightly, stroking his head while crying and gently comforting him.

At this moment, she remembered that she had a son, so she put away her unruly demeanor.

Jia Lian's men walked over with cold expressions, as if they could strangle her on the spot if Jia Lian gave the order.

In an instant, feelings of regret, guilt, and pleading swept through his mind.

But after glancing at Jia Lian from afar, she knew that Jia Lian would never let her go.

She pulled Jia Cong down to kneel, kowtowing to him and saying, "Everything was done by me, it has nothing to do with Cong'er. I only beg you, brother, for the sake of your brotherhood with Cong'er, not to hold a grudge against him, he's just a child..."

"If you would agree, I would gladly die, only asking that you spare him."

Jia Cong cried out, "Auntie..."

Jia Lian glanced at Jia Cong and nodded. "As long as Cong'er really wasn't involved in this, I won't make things difficult for him."

Yang Shi, who already distrusted Jia Lian, immediately turned around and kowtowed to Jia Zheng and the others, saying, "Please have mercy, sir. Today's matter really has nothing to do with Cong'er. It was all my fault. I was blinded by greed and deserve to die."

"I beg you, sir, that Cong'er is also your nephew, and from now on, please take good care of him. If you do so, I will be eternally grateful for your great kindness even in the afterlife."

Many people only truly wake up at the last moment.

She now understood that if Jia She were gone, she would die too, leaving Jia Cong all alone. If Jia Lian were to do anything even slightly disgusting, Jia Cong would die without a burial place!

Her son is only seven years old; how could he possibly protect himself?

Looking at her pitiful appearance, Jia Zheng sighed, "If only I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have done it in the first place... Alas..."

Upon hearing this, Yang looked ashamed. Finally, she bowed to each of the powerful figures in the Jia family, including Jia Zheng, Jia Zhen, and You Shi, before slumping to the ground.

Jia Lian had Jia Cong carried away, and finally descended the steps to Yang Shi's side, saying, "Don't worry, even when fighting against foreign tribes, I will not kill innocent children."

If Cong'er doesn't repeat your mistakes in the future, I guarantee he'll grow up safe and sound.

Although Jia Lian's words were calm, they briefly brought a glimmer of light to Yang's eyes.

Looking at Jia Lian, who stood tall and imposing over seven feet in front of her, the regret in her heart reached its peak in that instant.

After tidying up her makeup, she got up and silently kowtowed to Jia Lian, then said, "It's too late to say anything about regret now. I only ask that you keep your promise and let Cong live."

I had intended to offer you a word of advice, but judging from your words just now, you seem to know more about everything than I do, so I will refrain from further comment. I only have myself to blame for my foolishness; please grant me a swift and decisive end.

Please remember the original domain name of this book: _wap.