Chapter 538 Whipping
Another mystery!
After investigating the scene of the arson and corpse burning case, Sun Shaozong took people to inquire about the situation of the Zhou family from the neighbors, but the result could only be described as unremarkable.
Just as we had deduced before coming here, it can be basically confirmed that the man with the burnt face was the culprit who shot and killed Zhou Xi.
But he killed Zhou's servant, committed suicide by taking poison in the study, and tried to destroy the body. What exactly he wanted to cover up was not known at all.
Zhou Xi had been studying hard at home when he was young, and rarely interacted with his neighbors after he became an adult. He even entrusted his own store to others to manage. He stayed out at night and stayed at brothels all day.
Therefore, the information provided by the neighbors was not as detailed and clear as Yun'er's confession.
However, the old neighbors still have fresh memories of Zhou Xiucai's parents who passed away early.
It is said that when Zhou's father was young, he worked in the Jiaofang Division of the Ministry of Rites. Later, he was exposed by his colleagues in the Jiaofang Division for marrying the daughter of a convicted official. Not only was he demoted to a commoner, but most of his property was also confiscated.
As a result, for two or three years, in order to make a living, Zhou's father had to work as a musician, moving between brothels and suffering from the fickleness of the world.
However, Zhou's father did not vent his anger on his wife Zhao because of this. Instead, he became more affectionate with her.
In the autumn of the eighth year of Guangde, Zhao was unfortunately infected with an epidemic. Zhou's father took care of her by her bedside for more than a month without taking off his clothes. Eventually, both the husband and wife died of the illness, creating a beautiful story of "sharing the same bed in life and being buried in the same grave in death."
"I think Mr. Zhou was too sad, so he spent all day drinking outside and even neglected his career in the imperial examination."
Thinking of the sighing expression of his neighbor next door, Sun Shaozong was speechless.
It seemed that no matter what the matter was, as long as it had something to do with the word "good story", there would be no taboos - even going to places of entertainment during the period of mourning, such a rebellious act, became a clear proof of missing one's parents.
As the sun was setting, Sun Shaozong called Qiu Yunfei over and said that he had another wanted criminal to try the next day, so the rest of the investigation could only be entrusted to him temporarily.
"I don't know what secrets are involved behind this case. You must not take it lightly. Clean up the fire scene tomorrow and see if you can find any clues."
"Remember, if you find anything, send someone to the Northern Pacification Division to inform me immediately!"
Seeing how serious Sun Shaozong's words were, Qiu Yunfei no longer dared to smile. He quickly puffed out his fat belly, which had lost a bit of weight, and said that even if he had to dig three feet deep, he would definitely find useful clues.
Sun Shaozong did not doubt his enthusiasm for investigating cases. After all, this kid had long been unwilling to be a low-level prosecutor, and now he was determined to get the position of Criminal Justice Judge.
Now that I have the opportunity to make a contribution, how can I miss it?
What we should be worried about is his safety - Lu Jianxing also has an official job and it is impossible for him to be guarding by his side all day long.
Fortunately, this guy has a father who is a general. He will send someone to inform General Qiu and let him worry about it.
After entrusting the investigation of the case to Qiu Yunfei, Sun Shaozong originally wanted to call Xue Pan and others to leave together. However, that fool became stubborn again, saying that this matter was all caused by him and insisted on staying to share the joys and sorrows with Qiu Yunfei.
Although Feng Ziying and Liu Xianglian did not want to get involved in this mess, they did not want to leave Xue Pan here alone, so they had to stay and accompany him to the end.
So in the end, the only ones who left with Sun Shaozong were Lu Jianxing and Shen Lian.
But Sun Shaozong left Zhou's house first, whipped his horse without saying a word, and galloped two blocks away before turning his horse into a remote alley.
Lu Jianxing and Shen Lian also hurriedly urged their horses to follow.
Seeing Sun Shaozong pulling the reins in the alley, the two men immediately dismounted from their horses and knelt down in front of Sun Shaozong's horse, one on one knee and the other on both knees.
Kneeling on one knee, Lu Jianxing said earnestly, "Thank you, Lord Sun, for your protection!"
Shen Lian, who was kneeling on the ground, had no expression on his face: "Please punish me, sir."
Sun Shaozong sat high on his horse, not even looking at his brothers. He combed the mane of the black horse under his crotch with a whip and asked calmly, "Since I took you to the banquet that day, has Xue Pan ever offended you?"
Shen Lian lowered his head: "No."
Bang!
A horsewhip landed on his shoulder, and a hideous bloody color suddenly appeared under his royal blue brocade clothes. It was obvious that he had been beaten to pieces!
Shen Lian's body trembled slightly, but he said: "Shen Lian thanks you for the reward, sir."
"Don't thank me yet, I haven't finished asking the question yet."
Sun Shaozong said, still calmly asking: "Before Yun'er was kept by Xue Pan, did you have any private relationship with her?"
“No.”
Another bloody whip mark was left on Shen Lian's shoulder.
"Have you ever told Xue Pan that you like Yun'er?"
“No.”
Bang!
"Have you ever tried to persuade Xue Pan not to mistreat Yun'er?"
“No.”
Bang!
Four consecutive lashes of the whip broke the resilient brocade clothes into pieces. Shen Lian was in so much pain that his forehead was covered in sweat, but he refused to utter a single groan from beginning to end.
It was not until Sun Shaozong stopped questioning that he knocked his head to the ground again and said in a muffled voice: "Shen Lian thanks you again for the reward."
"If I really want to thank someone, I'd better thank your elder brother."
Sun Shaozong sneered: "Of course, if you are resentful, you might as well try to take revenge on me."
"Shen Lian doesn't dare!"
Shen Lian said in a deep voice: "If it weren't for your introduction, my elder brother and I..."
"It is because I introduced you that I cannot tolerate you attacking Xue Pan!" Sun Shaozong's voice suddenly turned harsh, and he fell to the ground and stared at Shen Lian viciously: "For the sake of your eldest brother, I will spare you this time. If there is a next time, you may have a chance to review the methods you learned in the Northern Pacification Division!"
After saying this, Sun Shaozong straightened his back and rode away.
Only when the rumbling sound of horse hooves gradually faded away did Lu Jianxing stand up from the ground and take out a small porcelain bottle from his waist.
Pah~
Without waiting for Lu Jianxing to pull out the stopper from the bottle, Shen Lian waved his hand violently and swept the porcelain bottle away.
珰~
The porcelain vase was quite sturdy. It hit the moss-covered wall once but did not break. It rolled a few times on the ground and finally landed at Lu Jianxing's feet.
Lu Jianxing leaned over to pick up the porcelain bottle, pulled out the cork, and then, as if nothing had happened, he carefully peeled off the rags on Shen Lian's wound and poured the black and yellow medicine powder on it.
It was not known whether it was because of the pain or because of Lu Jianxing's attitude, but Shen Lian's stiff face finally became lively again. The skin on his face twisted a few times and he said with foul breath: "Brother, I... Ugh!"
It turned out that Lu Jianxing poured half a bottle of medicine powder, and suddenly reached out and pressed it, kneading the bloody wound and the medicine powder on it hard.
This time, it was as if countless steel needles were piercing his flesh. Shen Lian cried out in pain and sweat poured down his forehead.
"Are you awake?!"
Lu Jianxing gnashed his teeth and questioned, "Didn't you say that one day, you would sit upright at the top, letting those young masters fawn over you like dogs?!"
"Is this how you fulfill your vow?!"
"You're just throwing all your ambitions away for a cheap prostitute?!"
Shen Lian fell silent again, gnashing his teeth until they made a clattering sound. After a long while, he finally managed to squeeze out a sentence from between his teeth: "Let's go, return to the camp to stand guard for the night!"
As he said this, he ignored the injury on his shoulder, grabbed the reins and climbed onto the horse's back.
Two flowers bloom, each showing its own beauty.
Not to mention Lu Jianxing and Shen Lian, how could they return to the military camp outside the city.
However, Sun Shaozong was thinking about the case all the way back to his house. He handed his mount to Zhang Cheng in front of the stable near the corner gate. Just as he was about to rush to the backyard, he suddenly saw two unfamiliar carriages parked inside.
After asking casually, I found out that Mother You had fallen seriously ill, so the eldest lady of Ningguo Mansion came to visit her specially.
After hearing this, Sun Shaozong was a little surprised again.
This is because since Yu's mother moved into the Sun family, she didn't have to worry about food, clothing, housing and transportation. Everything was of the best quality. She became healthy and well-fed in just a few months. How could she suddenly develop an acute illness?
Seeing that the sun was still setting in the sky, Sun Shaozong hesitated for a moment and then walked towards the west wing - although she was not a formal mother-in-law, since she fell ill in her own house, he should go over and show some respect.
When we arrived at the west wing, we saw several maids and old women guarding the three main rooms where Yu's mother lived.
Seeing that it was Sun Shaozong who arrived, they quickly split into two groups. One group went forward to greet him, while the other group lifted the curtain and went in to report the news to You's mother and daughter inside.
Soon, the tall and plump figure of You Erjie came out from inside and greeted him. She stepped forward and saluted, saying, "Thank you for your concern, sir. I would like to thank you on behalf of my mother."
Seeing that the servants of Ningguo Mansion had all retreated more than two feet away, Sun Shaozong lowered his voice and asked, "Wasn't your mother fine the day before? Why did she suddenly become ill?"
You Erjie covered her mouth and laughed secretly. She glanced back at the servants in Ningguo Mansion and then lowered her voice and said, "Mother's illness was caused by you, Second Master."
Is this disease caused by me?
Sun Shaozong's heart shuddered. Given You's mother's age and status, could it be that she is in love with him?
Thinking about You Erjie's promise, the answer becomes obvious.
This mother and daughter really are a pair of 'good matchmakers'!
"Don't mess around!"
Sun Shaozong immediately frowned and scolded: "If you bring any trouble to our family, I will not forgive you!"
Although Sun Shaozong would think of Youshi's petite and delicate body when he had some free time occasionally, he was far from being willing to take risks for her.
"Don't worry, Master."
Seeing his serious words, You Erjie's family quickly stopped laughing and said cautiously, "If they really want to match you up with me, they wouldn't dare to do it in our house. Today we are just testing my heart. If you agree, we will work out a safe way and ask for your approval."
I thought that after I threatened her, she would stop.
Who would have thought that he would still persevere!
Does she really want to help Youshi?
Or...
Does You Erjie actually have other plans?
He was suspicious, but now was not the time to discuss the details, so Sun Shaozong thought about waiting until night, when he would find a chance to press the matter.
Therefore, he loudly reminded You Erjie that no matter what medicinal materials she needed, she could just withdraw them from the treasury, and then he went straight out of the west wing.
However, after You Erjie sent Sun Shaozong away, she returned to the main house under the envious gazes of the maids and old women.
After locking the door in the hall, she peeked into the inner room through a beaded curtain and saw her mother sitting on the bed, chatting with Youshi about some trivial family gossip.
But Youshi listened absent-mindedly, her eyes kept looking out the window. Her bare feet in the embroidered shoes kept twisting for some reason, as if there was a wet, wriggling caterpillar wrapped in the white silk stockings.
"Second sister."
You Erjie was looking inside when You Sanjie suddenly came out from the corner. She cast a and whispered disdainfully, "As soon as she heard that the Second Master was coming, this slut became restless - don't worry about what she says later, just settle the matter!"
As she spoke, she could not help but sneer, "When she used us sisters to consolidate her favor , she probably didn't expect this day to come, right? Once we find out her weaknesses, I wonder if she still has the nerve to show off in front of us!"
It turned out that the idea of bringing together Youshi and Sun Shaozong was the work of You Sanjie.
The reason she did this was naturally to avenge the old hatred of being molested by Jia Zhen and his son when she was in Ningguo Mansion!
However, You Erjie was a little timid at this time, and hesitantly said: "Second Master just told me outside that I must not cause any trouble..."
"What are you afraid of?!"
Third Sister You interrupted her without question: "As long as they choose the right time, and with us and mother to take care of them, who can catch them?"
Seeing that You Erjie was still a little hesitant, she came up and said jokingly, "Sister, don't forget, we are going to make a big profit from her. Could it be that you are not tempted at all by the gold and silver jewelry in her makeup box?"
Hearing the words "gold, silver and valuables ", You Erjie's eyes lit up. Thinking that with the help of her sisters and mother, this matter would not be too risky, she became more determined.
Seeing this, Third Sister You immediately rushed into the room and said a few words to Mrs. You, who then came out of the room and asked in surprise, "I heard from Third Sister that you have something important to discuss with me?"
You Erjie nodded heavily, and suddenly knelt down in front of You Shi, saying, "Sister, please save me!"
Youshi was frightened and reached out to help, but how could she support You Erjie with her petite body?
He could only hurriedly ask, "What are you doing? If you have anything to say, just tell me directly. Is there any need to be so polite?"
"Now that things have come to this, I won't hide it from my sister anymore."
You Erjie had already rehearsed the speech countless times, and now she blurted out: "Recently, our Second Master has often asked about the past in Ningguo Mansion, and his words are full of impatience towards me, as if he still has a grudge against what happened in the past..."
Youshi naturally knew that this was referring to the incident when she watched her two sisters being molested by Jia Zhen and his son, and she couldn't help feeling ashamed.
"Back then... let's not talk about what happened back then." She said awkwardly, "But now you're asking me for help, but how would I know how to save you?"
"Sister, of course, has a way!"
You Erjie hurriedly said, "As the saying goes, 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth'. Besides, the Second Master has mentioned you several times, saying that you are pretty..."
