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At the same time, within the main courtyard of the Lin family, Lin Congli sat in a high position with a solemn expression, looking at his younger brother who had rushed back overnight:
"Is there anything you need to report to me?"
Fourth Master was still wearing his official robes. He unhurriedly took a sip of tea: "Big Brother, the reason His Majesty ordered me to take charge of the flood disaster in the east of the city is because he values our Lin family's rigorous family style and the fact that we've never caused any scandals."
"Tomorrow, the Censor-in-Chief will visit. If he hears anything he shouldn't, what do you think His Majesty will feel when he learns of this matter?"
"At that time, your reputation for lax family governance will also spread. That would be a loss that outweighs the gain."
Lin Congli frowned: "Are you threatening me?"
"Big Brother, please calm down." Fourth Master pressed down on his teacup, a smile still in his peach blossom eyes: "I, as your younger brother, have always been respectful and courteous to you. How would I dare to threaten you?"
"I, ah, am discussing this with you."
Lin Congli's nostrils flared slightly, and he didn't respond for a moment.
That Fourth Master, however, unhurriedly took a sip of tea.
Just as the scene reached a stalemate, Lin Congli's attendant walked in:
"First Master, Miss Zhiqing requests an audience. She says she has found new clues."
Lin Congli and Fourth Master were both stunned. The next moment, a trace of impatience appeared on Fourth Master's face:
"The murderer has already been found, what new clues could there be? A mere woman, doesn't understand any rules at all. Tell her to go back to her own courtyard and stay there."
However, the attendant did not take his leave, but instead looked at Lin Congli with some hesitation.
Lin Congli's eyes were profound: "You don't know yet, do you? The Young Lord of Marquis Zhenyuan and those two from the Lu family are currently with Lin Zhiqing."
"I gave them three days to investigate the case. If I drive Lin Zhiqing away today, who knows how those young ones will slander the Lin family."
Reputation was always what officials cared about most.
Hearing this, Fourth Master suppressed whatever dissatisfaction he had in his heart.
The attendant understood and took his leave.
After Lin Zhiqing received the summons, she immediately looked at Lu Nanyue and the other two.
Jiang Liuyun's face was full of worry, and he was about to go in with Lin Zhiqing.
Fortunately, Lu Huai was quick-witted and quick-handed, and pulled him back: "Young Lord, Fourth Master Lin has just returned from a long journey, I'm afraid it's not appropriate for him to receive guests."
Lu Nanyue also understood Lin Zhiqing's meaning and nodded in agreement: "Exactly."
Only then did Jiang Liuyun belatedly scratch his head: "Then I won't disturb them. Qing'er, if you need anything, just call us."
Lin Zhiqing smiled and nodded, but the moment she turned around, the smile on her face immediately vanished.
This was her first time in the main courtyard. Perhaps because of the rain, this courtyard seemed somewhat dark.
Apart from the sound of rain, it was excessively quiet inside.
Aunt Mu, who was beside Lin Zhiqing, was stopped outside the door. She said nothing.
Because she was certain that the people inside wouldn't dare to do anything to her. After all, those few people outside had personally watched her go in.
The heavy, carved wooden door opened bit by bit, and then closed bit by bit.
Lin Zhiqing performed a curtsy, then looked at the young man sitting to the side: "Fourth Uncle, long time no see."
Her vermilion lips parted slightly, her voice very clear and bright, as she openly sized up this Lin family's only civil official.
Different from what she had imagined, this Fourth Uncle of hers was not only young but also exceptionally handsome.
That's right, handsome.
His pair of peach blossom eyes were truly exquisitely formed, adding a touch of enchanting allure to him, making it easy for one to get lost in them.
Lin Zhiqing's gaze was too direct. That Fourth Master very impolitely rolled his eyes at her.
Lin Congli coughed lightly: "Fourth Brother, Zhiqing has been handling this case all along. If there's anything you want to know, feel free to ask her."
"That's not right!" Before Fourth Master could speak, Lin Zhiqing interrupted: "First Uncle, I wasn't involved in this case from start to finish either."
"Just take this murderer, for example. To this day, I still don't know her motive for the crime, or—how did she die?"
Lin Zhiqing's words had a hint of "talking nonsense."
This matter had caused panic throughout the entire Lin family. Coupled with the fact that the Lin family hadn't deliberately concealed it, any small disturbance would spread out within half a day.
The reason she said this was to express her doubts.
Hearing these words, Lin Congli hadn't yet spoken, but Fourth Master had already revealed a cold smile: "Zhiqing, it's been a long time since I last saw you. Your ability to talk nonsense has indeed improved."
"This matter was originally your responsibility, but you didn't have the ability to pry her mouth open. We helped you, yet you show no gratitude. Are you here to question us now?"
As expected of a civil official, such a sharp tongue... Lin Zhiqing raised a brilliant smile: "Fourth Uncle, you're mistaken. I'm not here to question anyone. I've just discovered new clues."
"Ridiculous, the murderer has already been brought to justice, what need is there for your clues..." Fourth Master's voice carried a hint of mockery.
However, before he could finish speaking, Lin Zhiqing interrupted him: "What if, I found the poison that caused my cousin to fall into a coma?"
As soon as these words came out, before Fourth Master could speak, Lin Congli's expression immediately changed: "What did you say?"
Lin Zhiqing repeated her words: "I said, I found the reason for my cousin's poisoning."
Fourth Master watched Lin Congli's sleeve move, his fist tightening: "Big Brother, this girl is full of tricks. If even the family physician couldn't find the poison, how could she find it?"
Reminded thus, Lin Congli let out a breath of turbid air and sat back down:
"Zhiqing, explain what you just said clearly."
His reaction was within Lin Zhiqing's expectations.
After all, the one lying in bed now was Lin Congli's daughter. It would be strange if he wasn't agitated.
"First Uncle, please calm down." Lin Zhiqing smiled: "Although I have a guess in my heart, it is, after all, just a guess. I still need to see the murderer's suicide note and remains to corroborate my thoughts."
"Lin Zhiqing!" Fourth Master's voice suddenly rose, his peach blossom eyes filled with anger.
Seeing Fourth Master's reaction, Lin Zhiqing's guess was confirmed. Although there was a smile on her face, there was not a hint of warmth in her eyes.
"First Uncle, Fourth Uncle, I just want to seek peace and stability." Her tone suddenly softened, catching people somewhat off guard: "And currently, compared to an insignificant murderer, my cousin's safety is clearly more important."
She was unhurried, yet her words were quite methodical.
Fourth Master became anxious: "Big Brother..."
Before he could finish his words, Lin Congli stretched out a hand to interrupt him: "Yangyang is your own niece."
This one sentence silenced Fourth Master.
Fourth Master took a deep breath and said no more.
Only then did Lin Congli look at Lin Zhiqing again: "Zhiqing, I agree to your request."
"The murderer's body is still here, and the suicide note is also in my possession. But you should know in your heart what can be said and what cannot."
"If you do anything to damage the Lin family's reputation, even if the Emperor is standing outside, I will not tolerate it."
Her objective achieved, Lin Zhiqing smiled gracefully: "Zhiqing understands."