sbdcsierra Chapter 112 5 strokes of the cane, resulting in a demotion of 3 ranks.
Chapter 112 5 strokes of the cane, resulting in a demotion of 3 ranks.
Zhang Yue bears undeniable responsibility for Shen Siyi's fall from her horse two days ago, since he was the one who raced with Shen Siyi at the time.
The horses used at the horse farm are all carefully selected, and they can run all day without any problems.
However, the horse that Shen Siyi was using was fatigued and had made a mistake during the journey.
He also interrogated the people at the horse farm, but found no clues, yet something eerie was amiss.
As long as he does it, he will definitely leave clues; it's just that he hasn't found them yet!
During this period, the only person who had a grudge against Shen Siyi was Qin Wan, and he couldn't help but suspect her.
"As everyone knows, you have been in love with the Fourth Prince for many years, but he is already engaged to Siyi. You love him but cannot have him, and you harbor resentment in your heart. In addition, you had a conflict with him at Daming Lake that day, so you took revenge and plotted to hurt Siyi!"
The warm spring sun shines brightly, unlike the winter when everyone stays indoors. Today, quite a few people have come to Guangdelou for a meal.
Zhang Yue's roar had already attracted a large crowd of onlookers.
Upon hearing that he was talking about the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, everyone became even more curious and moved closer to hear what was going on.
Faced with Zhang Yue's accusations, Qin Wan remained calm and stood up.
"If you have evidence that I did all of this, then I have nothing to say."
"If you don't have it, then you are making a false accusation. As the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Pingding, a relative of an important official, and the future consort of the Fifth Prince, your false accusation is punishable by fifty strokes of the cane and a demotion of three ranks according to Fengling law. In serious cases, you will be exiled!"
Qin Wan wasn't exaggerating; this was indeed a law established by Emperor Xiao.
Zhang Yue was not yet of legal age, and the Marquis of Zhongyi wanted him to pass the imperial examinations and enter the cabinet, so he was familiar with the laws of Fengling.
Upon hearing Qin Wan's words, a moment of panic flashed through his mind.
Zhang Xiyue was also convinced that Qin Wan was behind this, otherwise, who would dare to lay a hand on someone of her high status like her cousin?
My brother once heard the third young master of the Qin family say that Qin Wan was possessed by an evil spirit. Only someone as heartless and insane as her could do such a thing!
Zhang Xiyue stepped forward, ignoring Xiao Jingyan who was still sitting, and pointed directly at Qin Wan's nose, cursing.
"Who else could this be but you? Now that your cousin is injured, you're the biggest beneficiary. If you know what's good for you, go kneel down in front of your cousin and beg for her forgiveness right now. Otherwise, we'll take you away!"
The onlookers were divided into two camps, one of which believed that Qin Wan was responsible for Shen Siyi's injury.
Another group believes that Qin Wan is currently dining with the Fifth Prince, which shows that the two have a very good relationship, and it is impossible for her to cause such a big trouble because of the Fourth Prince.
However, regardless of whether it was Qin Wan or not, they all wanted to see how this commotion would ultimately be resolved.
While they were talking, Xiao Jingyan ate five roast duck pancakes. After feeling slightly full, she wiped the corners of her mouth with a handkerchief.
“Young Master Zhang, you are the only son of Marquis Zhongyi. I heard that your father’s application for the position of heir apparent has not yet been approved. If you cause trouble now, you may lose your chance to become the heir apparent.”
Zhang Yue completely disregarded Xiao Jingyan's threats. As a useless prince, even if he knew about this matter, he would not interfere.
After all, his official document as heir apparent was just one stamp away from being stamped. His father had said that in three days at most, the position of heir apparent to the Marquis of Zhongyi would be his.
"Fifth Prince, the roast duck tastes especially good today. It should be eaten while it's hot; it won't taste as good when it's cold!"
The implication was that he should stay out of the matter and just enjoy his meal.
Xiao Jingyan was used to being ignored by others. If today's matter involved some unimportant person, he would naturally not care. But they were threatening Qin Wan.
She was his future wife, and he secretly vowed to protect her for the rest of his life.
Seeing Zhang Yueyu about to forcibly take Qin Wan away, Xiao Jingyan frowned and stood sideways in front of Qin Wan.
If they dare, he'll make them regret it.
Qin Wan, standing behind Xiao Jingyan, silently pulled out a dagger from her sleeve; it was for self-defense.
If Zhang Yue really attacks her without evidence today, then she won't be polite either.
Nianqi was also ready.
The onlookers retreated, sensing that the situation was about to erupt.
"Qin Wan, I'll give you one more chance. If you go to Si Yi and kowtow to apologize, I'll spare your life today. Otherwise..."
"What else can you do? Are you going to kill her in public?"
A clear, melodious voice, like that of a nightingale, rang out behind them.
That distinctive voice—even before anyone saw the person, they already knew who it belonged to.
They all made way for her, and a woman with a graceful figure, dressed in a moon-white gauze dress, walked over.
The person who arrived was none other than Emperor Xiao's sixth daughter, Xiao Lingyun.
"Sixth Princess!" Zhang Yue was somewhat surprised. What was she doing here?
Xiao Lingyun was born to Consort Yan, Emperor Xiao's favorite concubine. Consort Yan only had this one daughter, and she was lively and cheerful.
Not only Consort Yan, but Emperor Xiao also doted on her.
After several rounds of dealings, Zhang Yue and his group were considered to be on Empress Shen's side. They also knew that Consort Yan and Empress Shen were at odds, so they naturally harbored resentment when they saw Xiao Lingyun and the others today.
Xiao Lingyun finally managed to leave the palace today to eat roast duck at Guangdelou Restaurant, but she never expected to witness such a good show.
After looking at it for a while, she finally understood: the Zhang siblings were trying to kidnap someone without any evidence!
She had heard about Shen Siyi's affairs, and in her mind, anyone related to Empress Shen was a bad person.
Including Qin Wan from before.
However, that's no longer the case. Qin Wan is going to marry Xiao Jingyan, and it has nothing to do with Empress Shen.
"Zhang Yue, you say Qin Wan is the murderer who framed Shen Siyi, do you have any evidence?" Xiao Lingyun is here today to intervene and settle this case.
Zhang Yue didn't, but he was quite frank: "Sixth Princess, although I don't have evidence right now, but..."
"To convict someone without evidence, is this what Marquis Zhongyi taught you?"
Xiao Lingyun's words implicated his father, and the matter became serious.
"Your Highness, you may not know, but this person had a conflict with my cousin, so it must be..."
Xiao Lingyun turned around and looked at Zhang Xiyue behind Zhang Yue. Before she could finish speaking, she interrupted her again.
"According to you, if the Japanese princess is in danger today because of a dispute with you two siblings, then it's your fault?" Xiao Lingyun's words left the two speechless.
The onlookers also began to chime in.
"I thought they were making such a show of force because they had evidence, but it turns out they were just arbitrarily framing someone!"
"This is the son of the Marquis of Zhongyi; you can't speak carelessly about him, or he might take you away too!"
"In broad daylight, under the clear sky, with the Fifth Prince and the Sixth Princess both here, I want to see if he can take Miss Qin away without any evidence!"
"..."
The onlookers' words became increasingly offensive, with some even resorting to profanity.
Hearing this, the Zhang siblings turned pale and wished they could disappear into the ground.
Qin Wan and Xiao Lingyun knew each other but were not acquainted. Today, Qin Wan was very grateful for Xiao Lingyun's righteous words.
The Zhang siblings didn't get any benefits from Xiao Lingyun, and they knew what kind of person she was. A wise man doesn't fight a losing battle, so they left in the same way they came.
The troublemakers were gone, and the onlookers dispersed.
Qin Wan walked up to Xiao Lingyun and bowed.
"I am deeply grateful to the Sixth Princess for speaking up for me today!"
"If you want to thank this princess, then you should pay for my meal!"