A female coroner arrived at the Jingzhao Prefecture.

Chapter 140 The Truth Revealed to the World (26)

Lu Xun was taken aback. "Brother Song, do you know Lord Mu?"

"I was fortunate enough to meet you a few times when I was young." Song Shuyu said this casually, not wanting to explain further. His connection with the Mu family was a private matter, and he did not want to involve the Song family, much less cause any complications or changes before his relationship with Mu Qingcheng was confirmed.

For the sake of the safety of the Mu family father and daughter, Lu Xun kept silent. They had kindly taken him in for nine years, and he could not repay their kindness with enmity, thus allowing the murderer to target them!

Song Shuyu tried his best to calm himself down and said, "Lu Xun, starting tomorrow, you will officially enter the world and stand in the court! Your sudden rise to the position of Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review will inevitably attract attention from all sides. You must be careful with your words and actions and never make a mistake that would give others a handle to use against you! Also, the Empress Dowager dislikes you and may target you. Whether you suspect her or hate her, you must never act rashly!"

“I understand, Brother Song, don’t worry!” Lu Xun nodded solemnly.

Song Shuyu suddenly remembered something else, "Oh right, I lied to the Empress Dowager and said that I recommended you because my father had taken a liking to you and wanted to arrange a marriage between you and the Marquis of Huai'an. If the Empress Dowager asks, don't let it slip."

"What?" Lu Xun exclaimed in surprise.

Song Shuyu said nonchalantly, "At worst, we can make this a real show. There are many women in the Song family, and I have several cousins ​​who are still unmarried. When the time comes, whichever one you take a fancy to, I'll act as your matchmaker."

Unexpectedly, Lu Xun firmly refused, saying, "Brother Song, marriage is a serious matter, not a child's play. Please forgive me for not agreeing!"

"Why?" Song Shuyu frowned. "Are you worried that the Song family will eventually fall into ruin?"

"Brother Song, you've misunderstood." Lu Xun was rarely cheerful, and a shy smile appeared on his handsome face: "I am already engaged, and I cannot break my promise and marry someone else."

A hint of interest appeared in Song Shuyu's eyes as she asked in surprise, "Oh? When did you get engaged? I've never heard you mention it before. Which family's daughter is your fiancée?"

Lu Xun's ears turned slightly red as he whispered, "She is the daughter of my benefactor. I once promised my benefactor that I would marry her once I passed the imperial examination."

"Young Master Lu is loyal and righteous, truly admirable!"

"I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Brother Song."

Song Shuyu smiled and said, "In that case, you can handle the Empress Dowager's side yourself."

Lu Xun cupped his hands in thanks, "Thank you for your kindness, Brother Song!"

As the sun continued to set, the afterglow of the sunset gradually spread throughout Changqiu Garden.

Song Shuyu said, "It's getting late, I should go back to the yamen."

"Alright, I'll see Brother Song out of the mansion."

In front of the mansion gate, Lu Xun handed two jars of peach blossom wine, which the steward had brought, to Song Shuyu. Song Shuyu sighed inwardly, regretting that such fine wine could not be shared with Mu Qingcheng.

However, thinking of Mu Qingcheng, he remembered another purpose for coming here, so he said, "Lu Xun, after you take office, find an opportunity to help me retrieve a case file."

"What case file?" Lu Xun asked casually.

Song Shuyu smiled and said, "I don't know. I'm just doing my job. I'll have her tell you herself later."

"Hmm, since he can get Brother Song to do something, he must be a very important person," Lu Xun casually guessed.

Song Shuyu's brows furrowed with embarrassment. "She's not a big shot, but to me, she's an extremely important person."

"So that's what it was..." Lu Xun understood instantly, his eyes full of mockery.

Song Shuyu mounted his horse and said solemnly, "Minister Lu, I will see you at the Jingzhao Prefecture at 9:00 AM tomorrow!"

"Please wait, Lord Song!" Lu Xun cupped his hands in a formal salute.

Song Shuyu rode away. Lu Xun stood with his hands behind his back, his heart filled with lingering emotions.

Tomorrow, he will be able to see Mu Qingcheng, to look at her openly, yet he still cannot acknowledge her as his own. How will she react then? Will she weep with joy, or be consumed by resentment?
"Your Highness, it's getting windy, it's time to go back inside."

"it is good."

Lu Xun regained his composure, turned around, and stepped through the gate.

The steward made a gesture, and the gatekeeper immediately closed the gate.

……

Back in the room, Lu Xun had just sat down when Lu Zhao peeked out from behind the screen, blinking his eyelashes, and teased, "Brother, you've finally come out of seclusion! My future sister-in-law is getting on in years. If we keep delaying, she might end up marrying someone else."

"Nonsense!" Lu Xun's handsome face hardened. "We grew up together, how could Qing'er abandon me to marry someone else? If you can't speak properly, then sew your mouth shut!"

Lu Zhao scoffed, "Tch, in your future sister-in-law's eyes, you're a dead man, okay? Does she expect her to remain unmarried for life because of a dead man?"

"I..." Lu Xun choked.

“However, my future sister-in-law has actually become a female coroner in public. I’m worried that your marriage won’t go smoothly.” Lu Zhao sat down next to Lu Xun with a carefree expression, as if he was enjoying the show. “You are the heir apparent and will inherit the title of Marquis of Huai’an in the future. I estimate that your parents will not agree to you marrying Mu Qingcheng. Otherwise, our Marquis of Huai’an’s mansion will become the laughing stock of the entire capital!”

Lu Xun immediately flew into a rage, "I personally promised my godfather this marriage, how can you break your promise?"

Lu Zhao leaned closer, a smile he couldn't suppress, "Brother, are you just doing this to repay a debt of gratitude? There are countless ways to repay a debt of gratitude, there's no need to offer yourself in return!"

“No, gratitude is gratitude, and feelings are feelings.” Lu Xun calmed down and said seriously, “I like Mu Qingcheng, and marrying her is my wish.”

Lu Zhao clicked his tongue and sighed, "Oh my, I never expected that my old-fashioned, cold-faced brother would fall in love!"

Lu Xun's handsome face instantly turned bright red. He rolled up his sleeves, grabbed Lu Zhao, and began to beat him mercilessly. Lu Zhao's screams echoed through the courtyard at dusk...

……

The public trial was scheduled for September 20th.

The Jingzhao Prefecture issued a proclamation, demonstrating the imperial court's determination to solve long-standing cases and uphold justice and the law, and allowing the public to observe the trial process.

The people applauded and dispersed immediately, planning to return the next day.

Song Shuyu summoned people to discuss matters overnight, carefully reviewed all three related cases, examined all the evidence, and summoned the relevant witnesses to the Jingzhao Prefecture in advance to be guarded by special personnel to ensure that there were no oversights.

After all the arrangements were made, the officials went off to carry out their respective duties.

In the afternoon, Mu Qingcheng discussed the poisoning of Madam Liu with the court judge. The judge said that a pulse diagnosis was needed to determine the extent of the poison's damage to the body in order to decide whether an antidote could be administered.

Therefore, Mu Qingcheng, accompanied by the court judge disguised as a constable, went to General Ningyuan's mansion under cover of night.

"Coroner Mu!"

Just as she was about to step out of the yamen, Song Shuyu's voice suddenly came from behind her. She froze, turned around and bowed: "What are your orders, sir?"

Song Shuyu said, "I will go with you."

Mu Qingcheng refused without hesitation, "No need. I may not be able to return for a long time. You have been working hard all day, so please get some rest."

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(End of this chapter)