Chapter 289: Chapter 261: Hope You’re Lucky
Princess Rong has always looked down on her son-in-law, not because she underestimated his talent, but precisely because she knew he was talented and proud, and would never submit to her. That made her angry and hateful!
She didn’t need a son-in-law with too much of his own mind!
What she wanted was obedience, like Zhe Yu who followed her orders unquestioningly!
But for so many years, it was one thing for Xu Yin not to submit to her. She never expected that he would secretly raise such skilled guards!
These guards seemed unknown to Yongping as well, for Princess Rong had never heard her mention them!
This poor, lonely boy, who climbed the social ladder by becoming the Prince Consort of their manor, now dares to play tricks in front of her, which completely provoked Princess Rong’s anger!
As she watched the guards open the door and drag the guards away, a cold gleam flashed in Xu Yin’s eyes.
The Xu Mansion was only so big, and the number of guards it could accommodate was limited. Every one of them was extremely useful to Xu Yin.
Last night one already disappeared, and now if two more were to fall into Princess Rong’s hands, it would indeed be a significant loss for him.
And he had no doubt that Princess Rong was absolutely capable of carrying out her threats!
This mother and daughter duo were both madwomen!
He took a deep breath: "Consort, acting like this is purely venting your anger. Killing my guards is of no help to the matter of General Zhe’s assassination and will rather harm your reputation. Why do something that harms both sides?
"Although your son-in-law is not talented, he still holds some face among the colleagues in the court. Why not tell me who is stirring up trouble, sowing discord between us, so I can investigate and then give you an explanation, Consort?"
Princess Rong sneered: "Are you scared?"
Xu Yin said, "If I were truly the murderer, the two guards you have captured would keep silent until death.
"As long as you can’t prove my guilt, I am innocent. What is there to fear then? What do you think I should be afraid of?"
Princess Rong glared at him with a sullen face and snorted coldly.
...
As the Prince Mansion Guards dragged the Xu family’s two guards out the door, a shadow quickly flashed towards Mrs. Zhang from an unnoticed corner.
At this time, the people who went to the Zhang and Zhe Families had already returned, with the servants of the Zhe Family informing of last night’s assassination attempt on Zhe Yu.
Coupled with the considerable commotion from Princess Rong’s side, where she even had the guards close the main gate, that message could not have been false!
Zhe Yu was indeed assassinated, and the murderer was Xu Yin! Mrs. Zhang, understanding Princess Rong, realized that now with Yongping under house arrest, his future depended on Xu Yin’s mood. Princess Rong wouldn’t make such a big move and tear faces with Xu Yin unless she was certain.
Mrs. Zhang was relieved, at least the news was true, and the main culprit who had set up the Zhang family had been found!
But she then became furious, as the troublemaker was actually nearby, and she hadn’t guarded against the wolf Xu Yin at all!
When subordinates came to report on the situation from Princess Rong’s side, Mrs. Zhang immediately frowned: "Still procrastinating at this juncture, so this bone hasn’t been gnawed down yet?"
The attendant replied, "Vice Minister Xu is still standing in there intact!"
How could Mrs. Zhang sit still after hearing that?
If Princess Rong couldn’t take Xu Yin down and the accusation failed, wouldn’t the Zhang family have taken the blame for nothing, suffering a huge loss?
No way!
We absolutely cannot let Xu Yin get away with this!
Thinking of this, she immediately called for someone: "Go to the Zhe family directly and find Zhe Yu. Ask if he has any conclusive evidence against Xu Yin, and if so, make him declare it quickly!"
After the subordinate left, Mrs. Zhang frowned again and sat back down.
She didn’t have much hope for Zhe Yu because if there was evidence, he would have already handed it to Princess Rong, leaving no room for her to intervene. But this was just an effort.
Moreover, someone had anonymously placed the message left at the gate for Zhang Shicheng. Who could be the source of this information?
It certainly couldn’t be Zhe Yu.
Zhe Yu was straightforward, since childhood completely tamed by Princess Rong, always following their mother and daughter’s lead.
He was still hovering at death’s door and couldn’t play such mind games, nor had the energy to do so.
Who else could it be?
This person was able to secretly point out Xu Yin’s deep-hidden schemes without anyone realizing; quite a testament to their capability.
If they could be of use to her, there would be no fear of losing this battle.
Thinking of this, she suddenly asked, "How has Zhe Yu been recovering recently? Send some extra ginseng supplements over to express concern."
Zhe Yu must know who this person is, and at the moment, the only approach was through him.
...
After Liang Zhi went to the Zhang family to deliver the message, Fu Zhen also arrived at the Zhe family. Liang Chen and Pei Zhan originally intended to accompany him, but at the critical moment, it wasn’t a good time to reveal their identity to Zhe Yu. Hence, Fu Zhen sneaked into Zhe Yu’s room under the cover of Chen Shun alone.
Just as they learned from Zhe Yu’s account of his grievance to Princess Rong, a maid announced from outside the closed door that the Princely Heir’s consort had sent someone to ask whether Zhe Yu still had conclusive evidence of Xu Yin’s murder.
Zhe Yu hesitated for a moment and then turned his gaze to Fu Zhen.
The only existing evidence was the assassin caught last night. Although he hadn’t confessed, as attempted murder had indeed taken place, sending him to the Dali Temple would make him a criminal. The Dali Temple naturally had many ways to extract information from him.
But the person was in Fu Zhen’s hands, and only he could decide whether to hand him over.
After contemplating, Fu Zhen said, "I can hand the person over, but I have to ask you one question. If in the end, Xu Yin’s crime is not adjudged, what will you do?"
Zhe Yu’s eyes flashed with determination: "Even if he is not convicted, my enmity with him will be a death feud with no room for reconciliation!"
Fu Zhen frowned: "What if Princess Rong doesn’t allow you to do so?"
"That is absolutely impossible." Zhe Yu’s words were weighty as stones. "From the age of three, my aunt took me and raised me by her side. To her, I represent the entire Zhe family. Xu Yin’s attempted murder is tantamount to enmity with her. Put yourself in her shoes, would you tolerate it?"
Fu Zhen looked out at the half-open window: "But for someone high in rank and power, benefits and authority may be her utmost concern."
"Rest assured," Zhe Yu revealed a warm smile, "My aunt’s feelings for me extend beyond power; they include compassion. She will not tolerate Xu Yin’s actions."
Fu Zhen observed him for a moment, then turned his gaze away: "You seem quite sure of yourself."
Zhe Yu nodded: "I firmly believe my aunt won’t be indulgent. Whether from a standpoint of benefit or ethics, she will never let it slide!"
Fu Zhen stood up and took a stand by the window. After a moment, she turned and said, "I can hand the person to you. Hope you’re fortunate."