Chapter 140: Affected

Xu Ruojin had no time to ponder further and immediately instructed Hong Xing to send a servant to the county magistrate’s office to investigate and report back at once.

The warning from Lady Liang had indeed left Xu Ruojin somewhat dispirited before.

But upon hearing the news now, all her resentment vanished like smoke, replaced by a smile that sprang from her heart, eagerly hoping for Zhang Zhongheng’s downfall to be as severe as possible!

Joy and excitement filled her, leaving no desire to read or concern herself with trivial matters.

What she most wanted to hear now was how Mo Rong had accused Zhang Zhongheng, and how the magistrate would adjudicate the case.

Yet, the trial would not be brief. Even her father was summoned to the county office. Though it was still the New Year holiday, the matter was serious enough to call everyone together.

Xu Ruojin sat before her desk, casually sketching the sequence of events with her pen.

Suddenly, she realized something.

Liang Xiao’s swift action meant he must have been prepared long ago.

Had he planned to deal with Zhang Zhongheng from the start?

Was it only after she sent the message through Jiang Biwu that he acted, or had he intended this all along?

Yet, in her heart, Xu Ruojin thought well of him.

Because he made her feel satisfied—that was enough.

The case was not complicated, but the Zhang family’s status was formidable. The accuser was the daughter of Inspector Mo, and after a whole day, no verdict was reached.

However, Mo Rong’s pale face and terrified eyes, her hysterical curses and cries upon seeing Zhang Zhongheng, had won everyone’s sympathy completely.

From her quarrel with Madam Yang at the magistrate’s residence, to being threatened by Zhang Zhongheng to feign illness, to being deceived into going out before the New Year and injuring her leg, and later, nearly poisoned by a bribed servant—Mo Rong’s accusations, though lacking evidence, carried weight.

She was a timid young girl; no one doubted her words. But Zhang Zhongheng adamantly denied everything, claiming Mo Rong slandered him.

Mo Rong, already filled with hatred, revealed that it was Zhang Zhongheng who pushed Xu Ruojin into the water, forcing Liang Xiao to rescue her.

This revelation caused an uproar.

Others recalled Zhang Zhongheng’s earlier coercion of Liang Xiao to admit intimacy with Miss Xu. Whatever the final verdict, Zhang Zhongheng had become a laughingstock.

Magistrate Yuan was overwhelmed and anxious at the sudden turn of events.

One was his subordinate, the other the Zhang family—what could he do?

The court was adjourned until the next day.

Zhang Zhongheng was not allowed to return home but was detained overnight in a separate room at the county office.

Though termed “lodging,” it was plainly imprisonment.

When Madam Zhang learned of this, her heart nearly leapt out of her throat. She immediately rushed to the magistrate’s residence with others to exert pressure.

But her hopes were dashed.

Because Magistrate Yuan was not at home but at the county office.

No matter how furious Madam Zhang was, she dared not cause a scene there.

Even if she did, Magistrate Yuan would not heed her.

At this moment, he held a letter.

Though unsigned, it clearly stated that Mo Rong’s injury had been orchestrated by his own daughter, Yuan Huiling, who sent someone to invite her out.

The time, place, and words of the invitation were all precise and irrefutable.

A cold sweat broke out on Magistrate Yuan’s back.

He could deny everything and exonerate his daughter completely.

But he understood clearly that this letter was a warning: if he dared shield Zhang Zhongheng, the Yuan family would be dragged into the whirlpool as well.

Xu Ruojin listened eagerly as Qi Er detailed what he had seen, growing more delighted. She even sent Xiao Ke to fetch some treats, encouraging Qi Er to eat while speaking.

Xu Zimo listened nearby, equally excited, occasionally slapping his thigh until it ached but grinning broadly.

“Just as I said, the Zhang family is so wicked to harm Second Sister. I’d be satisfied even if they cut off his head!”

“That depends on what Magistrate Yuan decides,” Xu Ruojin replied with some concern. Mo Rong’s accusations were fierce but unproven. If the Zhang family persisted in denial, the matter would indeed be difficult.

“Has Father returned yet?” Xu Ruojin asked Qi Er, who hurried to answer,

“Master is back but went straight to the study and hasn’t come out.”

“Second sister, should we go ask?” Xu Zimo hadn’t been able to attend and was eager for news.

“Better not. Let’s just wait till tomorrow,” Xu Ruojin said, her heart calm now. She awaited only the final outcome.

Not only would Zhang Zhongheng receive his due punishment, but her reputation would also be restored.

Wasn’t that a good omen?

As it grew late, Xu Ruojin dismissed Xu Zimo.

He left without complaint, promising to wait at the county gate early the next day and report back.

Chun Cao, exhausted from embroidering Xu Ruojin’s wedding dress, was told by Hong Xing to rest well and that she would take over the night watch.

Just after securing the doors and windows, a sudden clattering noise startled them.

Hong Xing was frightened and moved to open the door and window, but as the door swung open, a shadow slipped inside.

“Help…” came a whisper.

“Don’t shout!” Xu Ruojin immediately covered Hong Xing’s mouth.

Liang Xiao brushed off the cold from his clothes, showing some impatience. “It takes over an hour to say a few words. What a nuisance!”

“Who knew you’d come at this hour?”

Xu Ruojin rolled her eyes and pulled the stunned Hong Xing behind her.

“This was planned by you all along, wasn’t it?” she asked, speaking her doubt aloud.

Liang Xiao did not deny it. “Originally, it was to be after the wedding.”

“Why move it up?”

“To give you an explanation.”

“Your methods are ruthless. But I wonder how Magistrate Yuan will rule.”

Xu Ruojin avoided the flickering candlelight, not wanting him to see the joy on her face.

Liang Xiao stood in the corner. “He will be exiled to the northwest.”

“You don’t want him dead?”

“Keeping him alive to torment the Zhang family is better.”

His words made Xu Ruojin raise an eyebrow. “You even managed to manipulate Magistrate Yuan. I don’t know how to judge you.”

She did not believe he had not influenced the magistrate to convict Zhang Zhongheng.

“I need no judgment. I am who I am,” Liang Xiao said softly yet firmly.

Feeling Hong Xing tremble, Xu Ruojin knew it was time to end the conversation. “You shouldn’t have come. You’ve only diminished my anticipation for tomorrow.”

Liang Xiao raised an eyebrow and turned away. “Just wait patiently to marry, you dramatist.”

With that, he vanished quickly like a shadow.

Xu Ruojin opened her mouth wide, pointed at her nose, and murmured, “Me? A dramatist?”