Man Tang Huacai

Chapter 200 In-laws

The prison in Chang'an County was dug several feet deep and covered with large rocks. It was called the "Hulao".

Although Xue Bai's teacher was once a Chang'an County captain, this was his first time coming to Chang'an County Prison. The big stone was slowly pushed away, revealing a staircase going down. The momentum was very impressive.

Even Liu Jing shook his head when he saw it and said: "Yesterday, tens of thousands of people in Chang'an were after your newspaper. Why would you go to a dungeon like this to look for people today? We are not brothers. It's better not to get into this kind of trouble."

"It doesn't matter, I've been through a lot of jail time."

"Okay, please."

Xue Bai walked into the dark prison and walked down the steps. A putrid smell hit his face, and there was dirty muddy water under his feet.

There were only two transoms above the head, and the torch could only shine a few steps ahead. When they arrived at the last cell, they saw Xue Xin crouching on the ground with his hands and feet shackled.

"I have been in prison, in Jingzhao Mansion, and in Dali Temple, but I have never been handcuffed like this."

Liu Jingdao: "Xue Lang forgives me. Although Xue Xin is young, he is extremely ferocious. When the Yamen captured him, he slashed two people and bit one."

Hearing the movement outside the prison, Xue Xin also woke up.

"Brother?"

Amidst the clanking of the iron chains, he climbed to the cell door.

This boy is only thirteen years old. He was still small last year. He has eaten a lot in the past year and has grown very fast. He is almost as tall as Du Wulang.

Xue Bai knelt down and took a torch to shine, and saw that Xue Xin's body was covered with scars.

He didn't ask any questions and asked Liu Jing, "Can I talk to him alone?"

"Xue Lang, please."

"Okay, tell me the truth." Xue Bai then asked: "Did you kill Xue Ling?"

Xue Xin was stunned for a moment, lowered his head, and after a while, he sobbed and nodded slightly.

"what happened?"

"I...I killed him..." Xue Xin was still crying, but he choked back his tears and said, "But he has not changed his ways... he deserves to be killed!"

"What exactly happened?"

"Yesterday, he came to see my mother-in-law and said that he wanted to change his ways. He hoped to wait until my sister got married and asked her to take us back to Changshoufang. My mother-in-law relented, so I had a quarrel with her... I When I came out, I saw Xue Ling coming out of sister's boudoir from a distance, with a bulging bag in his arms. I knew he was stealing something again, so I chased him out. He didn't go back to Changshoufang and went out of Zhuque Gate. At that time, Mu Gu The ringing was almost over, I, I still followed out..."

Obviously, Xue Xin was already panicking when he left Zhuquemen. It was inevitable for a thirteen-year-old boy to panic when he arrived on the outskirts of the city at night.

Xue Bai asked: "Fengweilou sent a guy to keep an eye on Xue Ling, have you seen him?"

"I didn't see it." Xue Xin shook his head, "I never saw him, but when he came, he seemed to have fallen. He told Aniang that someone was chasing him, but he got rid of him."

"Who's chasing him?"

"I don't know, maybe the creditor."

"go on."

"I followed him to carry a stick of incense and entered a village courtyard, where a group of scoundrels were drinking and gambling, and got to know him. Listening to their conversation, he planned to sell the house in Changshoufang and go to Hedong, but this time he did not go to Aniang. Then find the house deed. I have to trick Grandma out next time, but he can’t come forward, so he needs to ask someone to help him find a good buyer first..."

"That's all you said? Have you asked Xue Ling where he went before?"

"That's all I heard. I was lying there listening, and I was discovered. Rogues gathered behind me. I didn't beat them, so I was tied up."

After talking about it, Xue Xin's breathing gradually became heavier.

"Then, I was caught. Xue Ling recognized me, took me to a room, and said he would let me go with him and lead me to a life of great wealth. When he fell asleep at night, I wanted to take Hui Aniang's money escaped, but he was alarmed. He took a dagger to restrain me. I fought with him, grabbed the dagger and stabbed him. There was thunder and I saw that he was covered in blood... I I took his package and ran, but when I got to the back door, I was blocked by the gangsters and tied up in the woodshed. After dawn, the government officials came."

Xue Bai asked: "Is this what you and the government said? When you saw him covered in blood, your first reaction was to take the package and run away?"

"No, the government didn't ask about this."

"Did Xue Ling die at that time?"

"Should be dead."

"you sure?"

Xue Xin nodded, then shook his head.

Xue Bai asked some more details, stood up and prepared to leave.

"Brother." Xue Xin called out, lowered his head and said, "I thought about saving him..."

He hesitated to speak, and Xue Bai waited for a long time before hearing him continue.

"I thought about saving him, but I thought it would be good for everyone if he died...at worst, I would go to the 18th level of hell..."

Xue Bai turned around and looked back. Under the dim light of the fire, he saw Xue Xin's eyes were fierce at the end of his words.

This kind of cruelty is not towards Xue Ling, but this young man is very cruel to himself. He clearly knows how big a sin it is to kill his father. He even thinks that the sin is much greater than it actually is. He would go to the 18th level of hell and have his nose cut off. If you dig out the core and fry it in a pan, it will never turn over.

It rained heavily last night, thunder crashed down like a punishment from heaven, and lightning illuminated Xue Ling's blood-stained body. The moment Xue Xin turned around and left, he was ready to accept all the consequences.

"understood."

Xue Bai left the county jail without saying anything.

Jia Jilin, the magistrate of Chang'an County, was already waiting outside the prison. He stroked his beard and said, "Xue Lang is here. Qing ministers have resigned from office. I didn't expect you and I to meet like this."

"I've seen the Ming Dynasty." Xue Bai saluted and said, "May I ask whether the new county captain is responsible for this case?"

"Yes, what does Xue Lang mean?"

"There are still some doubts about this case. Can you allow me to report it to the county captain in detail?"

~~

The new captain of Chang'an County was named Wang Zhixian, and he was the younger brother of Wang Zhihuan, a poet of the Tang Dynasty.

Wang Zhixian was fifty-four years old at the time. He had a long beard and elegant demeanor, but his energy was obviously not as good as that of Yan Zhenqing. He felt that he was unable to deal with the various trivial matters in his appointment as county captain.

When he saw Xue Bai, the first thing Wang Xianwei asked was not about the case, but about the affairs of Di Bao and the Secretariat.

Xue Bai patiently chatted with him for a few words, and then asked: "Have you examined Xue Ling's body? Are you sure that the dagger stabbed him was fatal?"

"Yes." Although Wang Zhixian was handling this kind of murder case for the first time, he still handled it completely according to the regulations. He said: "The work has been examined. There is only one wound on the deceased's body. The case has complete witnesses and material evidence. Please also ask Xue Lang understands.”

"Can I do another autopsy?"

Wang Zhixian asked: "Why is this?"

"I'm just talking about a few possibilities." Xue Bai said: "Maybe those scoundrels were greedy for Xue Ling's money and killed him, leaving Xue Xin to pay for their crimes?"

"Sigh. I know that Zhuangyuan Lang has a close relationship with Xue Xin, but this case has become very clear."

"It's my presumption." Xue Bai said casually: "By the way, the prince is very talented and learned. Would you like to go to the Secretary's Department to revise your books? I would like to introduce you to the left prime minister on your behalf."

The secretary, Provincial Secretary, is not of high rank and has no real power. But unfortunately, due to several major events that happened in Chang'an City, the Secretariat Ministry happened to become the yamen with real power recently.

Wang Zhixian smiled bitterly when he heard this, twirled his beard and thought deeply, saying: "Xue Lang still can't trust me. That's all, let's test it if you want."

……

Xue Bai opened the linen and carefully examined Xue Ling's body, finding that there was indeed only one wound.

The wound was under the right chest. It should have been inserted diagonally into the chest from bottom to top, but I didn't cut it open to see if it had injured the right lung.

"Look at the murder weapon."

"this."

It was a small dagger, half of which was stained with blood.

Xue Bai compared it, then moved his eyes elsewhere, observing Xue Ling's neck, hands, feet, mouth and nose.

"Is there water in his nose?"

Liu Jingdao: "It rained heavily last night. After he was injured, he struggled to crawl across the threshold and wanted help. He fell dead outside the door and the rainwater splashed into his mouth and nose."

"Did anyone see him climb out?"

"No, all those scoundrels have fled. It rained too hard last night, and no one in the village heard Xue Ling's cry for help."

"Is it possible that someone took advantage of Xue Ling's injury and covered him to death?"

Wang Zhixian had no choice but to say: "Just let them do the autopsy."

"Can you take me to the site to see it?"

"it is good……"

Xue Bai left the Chang'an County government office and was about to get on his horse when he saw a woman stumbling towards him from a distance.

He then led the horse and strode forward, supporting her.

"injured?"

"I received two stabs, skin injuries." Jiaonu glared at Xue Bai, looking very unhappy.

She must have been soaked in the rain and dried out in the sun, so she looked very embarrassed.

"I'll take you to the hospital first."

"I have applied a good gold wound medicine." Jiao Nu said: "I still have something to say..."

Xue Bai didn't care, pushed her onto the horse's back, led her away, and then asked: "What happened?"

"I killed Xue Ling."

"what happened?"

"Seventeenth Mother asked me to visit Xue Sanniang, and the old dog happened to come over. I retreated to the courtyard and let the father and daughter talk. Through the window, I saw the old dog steal Xue Sanniang's gold jewelry when she wasn't paying attention, so I put it on. "

"Why don't you tell me?"

Jiaonu said: "What are you talking about? This old dog made rude remarks. He thought I was your maidservant and said he wanted to sell me for money. I plan to find a place where no one is and kill him, pretending to be a creditor."

"and then?"

"Xue Qilang has been following the old dog. I followed him out of Chang'an without finding a chance. I had to wait until night to sneak into Xue Ling's house and stab him to death. I didn't expect that he had a group of rogue companions. They chopped me twice and captured him. Xue Qilang. It rained heavily at night, so I finally found a ruined temple to take shelter from the rain and wrap up my injuries. I rested until daytime and wanted to rescue Xue Qilang, but I heard that the government had finalized the case. Come and have a look."

Xue Bai asked: "Did you stab him with that knife?" "Yes."

"It's because you are from the Youxiang Mansion, right?" Xue Bai asked, "Those scoundrels are good at martial arts?"

"It's okay, mainly because there are so many people."

"Did you hear them?"

"No." Jiao Nu asked, "What's wrong?"

"They may not be Xue Ling's friends, they may also be creditors."

Xue Bai was not in a hurry and took Jiaonu all the way to the medical center. After that, he looked at the sky and headed to Jinwu Guard first.

~~

Du Zhai.

The courtyard hung with high red silk was already crowded with guests, the middle door was wide open, and singing songs came and went.

"The Duke of Yingchuan, the Grand Scholar of Chongxuan Hall, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel... Mr. Chen, the Prime Minister of the Left, has arrived!"

Du Youlin hurried out of the gate and greeted Chen Xilie respectfully.

This is the most distinguished guest today. Although the Du family also invited General Xue Hui, the more powerful Zuo Jinwu Guard, he made it clear that he would not come.

"What a joy."

Chen Xilie's face was full of smiles, but he felt very regretful. The reason why he came here was to get close to Xue Bai, but he never expected that in the blink of an eye he had become too close to Xue Bai.

But after sitting down and looking around, Xue Bai was nowhere to be seen. Chen Xilie asked again: "Why don't you see the Number One Scholar? I heard that he is the best friend with the Young Master."

"He has some official business and will be here shortly."

"Look, this school secretary is busier than us."

Chen Xilie only sat for a while and heard the guests on the other side talking quietly.

"When I came here, I learned that a major murder occurred last night and it had been spread outside the city."

"Well, the Xue family has committed patricide..."

"Then the bride should be in mourning, right? Can she still drink the wedding wine?"

Chen Xilie's news was slower than these people's, but he had long noticed that Du Youlin's expression was different, and he quickly called an entourage to inquire about it.

After that, he quickly called Du Youlin aside and whispered: "Tell me, do you still dare to have this marriage?"

"Go back to Prime Minister Zuo, we have to do something."

"Confused!" Chen Xilie shook his head and said, "If something like this happens, I advise you to stop as soon as possible."

"Now that the matter has come to this, what should I do if you ask Zuo quite?"

Chen Xilie didn't want to get involved in these troubles anymore, and said hurriedly: "You think about it yourself. I still have official duties, so I came here to give you a gift, so I'm leaving now."

He didn't dare to stay for a moment longer and hurriedly led the people outside.

As a result, the discussion could not be stopped.

"How come the Prime Minister left even after he sat down?"

"It seems like it's true. Did something so evil really happen?"

"A sin."

"The wedding can't be held, even the left prime minister has left."

Chen Xilie might as well not come, but he didn't care how much panic his coming and going caused to the guests in Du's house.

However, as they drove out of the middle gate, they saw a group of people striding towards them. The leader was tall and imposing.

Chen Xilie couldn't help but be stunned when he saw the other party.

"You're so polite, Prime Minister Zuo... Concierge, what are you looking at?! The guests are here, why don't they roll their names? Don't you recognize me?!"

"this?"

It was Quan Rui, the steward, who personally rushed out and called them names loudly.

"Doctor Jin Ziguanglu, Prince Zhan Shi...General Zuo Jinwuwei, Duke Xue, are here!"

"Ha ha ha ha."

Xue Hui laughed, met Du Youlin who was rushing over, and patted him on the shoulder.

"Don't be too polite, father-in-law. From now on, you and I are in-laws, so we have to move around more. Come and see, I'm here to deliver the dowry!"

"Woo!"

There was a loud sound of suona.

Du Youlin was pushed by Xue Hui and looked towards the long street, only to see a team of laborers walking towards this side carrying a big red box.

"This is?"

"I told you, dowry!"

Xue Hui ignored Chen Xilie, hugged Du Youlin and walked inside.

"Don't mind, Mr. Du. I am a man of temperament. Do you know what I appreciate most about the Du family? They don't abandon their friends in times of crisis. They have the loyalty of our military personnel!"

"Yes Yes."

"What do you think my uncle has done?!"

Behind Xue Hui, Xue Chang, the commander of the Right Guards, walked arrogantly, glared fiercely at the guests in the courtyard, and shouted: "Why don't you sing with joy on this great day?!"

Suddenly, there was great joy.

No one among the guests dared to discuss the serious crime and smiled.

"Is the Du family really married to the Xue family of Pingyang County?"

"After all, the bride is the genuine descendant of General Xue."

"..."

Over there, Du Youlin introduced Xue Hui into the study, drove away the others, and whispered about today's case.

"General Xue must have heard about it, right?"

"Nonsense." Xue Hui said: "If Xue Ling hadn't died, I wouldn't have come!"

Du Youlin was very embarrassed.

"In the past, I always felt that I was following my brother. If I had known that he was dead, I would have felt better, and I would have taken action." Xue Hui said: "In short, if you die, you will die. Instead, I will treat you as your in-laws from now on. "

"This is really...unbelievable."

Xue Hui said: "Xue Bai came to see me just now. There is some truth in what Zhuzi said. Death is over, but living people have to live on. Xue Ling can die, but the Xue family cannot have the reputation of committing evil, do you understand? "

"I understand."

"That's it. You don't need to open the dowry box. It's empty. Where can I find gifts in a minute? I'll just fill it up later."

Xue Hui was born in a general family and had an aloof status. He spoke without scruples and was straightforward. He added: "Okay, don't just stay here. Take me to a wedding banquet. If I am willing to come, I think the Du family is worthy of marriage."

"Okay, okay, General Xue please!"

~~

In the imperial city, there is the Yamen of Zuo Jinwu Guard.

Xue Bai sat in the veranda and looked at Jiao Nu's injuries. Seeing that she was really injured, he sat there and meditated.

The two of them used to be alone together. Jiaonu was never afraid of him and asked, "What are you thinking about?"

"I'm thinking about what I should do in this case."

"Then what do you do?"

At this time, a Jinwu Guardsman opened the door and came in, saying: "Found it."

Da Xi Yingying had always sent a boy to look after Xue Ling, but the boy went nowhere last night, so Xue Bai asked Jinwu Guard to investigate the matter.

Starting from the fire watch tower and the gate of Changshou Square, we found out that yesterday, a patrol saw a group of scoundrels making trouble and chasing Xue Ling and the guy.

"They fled to Wubenfang, but were caught. When Wuhou at the gate saw someone making trouble, he went over to ask. The other party revealed his identity and took Xue Ling away, saying he was collecting debts."

"Collect debt for whom?"

"Li Shi of Zhao County, grandson of Duke Qinghe County, son-in-law of Duke Zhang of Shangzhu State, brother-in-law of the prince, Li Tan."

"It's him again?"

"Xue Lang knows him?"

"It's a little holiday." Xue Bai pondered for a moment and asked, "Where's the guy from Fengwei Building?"

"It should still be in Li Tan's hands."

"Since Li Tan captured Xue Ling, why did he let him go again?"

"I don't know."

Xue Bai already had a rough guess.

Li Tan would not suddenly be kind-hearted, and there were only two possibilities for releasing him. There was a way to get Xue Ling to pay back the money, or Xue Ling confessed some clues, such as where he was imprisoned last year and who sent someone to imprison him.

After all, in addition to asking for gambling debts, Li Tan also wanted to find out who bullied Zhang Si and vent his anger.

Xue Bai then said: "Then it seems that the case has been revealed. Please ask the general to take me to get this guy back. By the way, if you can make it in time, how about we go to Du's house for a wedding drink?"

"I will cooperate fully. The general said, they are all our own people."

From this point of view, if some troubles can be dealt with clearly, Xue Ling's death may not be a bad thing.

　Please give me a monthly ticket~Please give me a monthly ticket~~

　　

　

(End of this chapter)