Mountain and River Festival

Chapter 329 Court Hearing (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Lu Xingzhou was stunned for a moment, then rolled over and got up.

Last night, he only asked Huo Zhang to test his strength by getting a few kills, and now he's already killed the fourth brother, Huo Lu?
Was this done by Huo Zhang? That's incredibly efficient!
This efficiency was anything but benevolent. After Huo Zhang and Lu Xingzhou were caught having a secret meeting with Huo Qi last night, this incident happened on the same night. It was clearly an attempt to drag him down with them!
Besides, what's the point of killing Huo Lu? Huo Lu was already paralyzed and his bones were shattered by Lu Xingzhou. The Huo family doesn't dare to use elixirs to cure him. With normal treatment methods, he won't be able to get up for at least ten years. What difference does it make whether he lives or dies?
That's so insincere.

wrong……

It's not necessarily true that Huo Zhang killed him.

Lu Xingzhou pondered for a moment, then slowly dressed and whispered to Pei Chuyun, "You hide first, and then leave quietly after I and the others have left."

Pei Chuyun nodded: "Do you need my help?"

Lu Xingzhou chuckled and ruffled her hair: "You're really rude now."

"Hmph. Anyway, I'm no longer the little maid you bullied." Pei Chuyun finished dressing and said with a grin, "I'll go listen to your interrogation later, you stinking murderer."

Lu Xingzhou chuckled and went out without a care. Two members of the Demon Suppression Division were already waiting outside. The other two were acquaintances he had met a few times before, and they all looked very serious: "It's just a routine inquiry, Young Master Lu, don't be nervous."

"I was nervous at first, afraid that someone would impersonate the Demon Suppression Division and kill me, but I felt relieved when I saw a familiar face."

The head constable of the Demon Suppression Division couldn't help but laugh: "Young Master Lu is really..."

"Is it funny?" Lu Xingzhou sighed. "These kinds of cases aren't necessarily all under the jurisdiction of the Demon Suppression Division. What are the Jingzhao Prefecture authorities doing? They should at least investigate first and get some results before transferring them to the Demon Suppression Division..."

The three walked out side by side. The head constable of the Demon Suppression Division chuckled, "Young Master Lu thinks a lot. Most people wouldn't think this way."

"If you don't think too much, you won't live long. Look at Huo Lu, he died without even knowing how."

We don't know how Huo Lu died, but he was lying in bed like a living dead person, which clearly shows that you did it, and yet you're still unharmed.

“Normally, this wouldn’t be our responsibility, but since it involves you, Young Master Lu, the Chief has intervened.” Both constables said, “Furthermore, this matter has directly alarmed the Emperor, and since His Majesty is paying attention, it’s considered a major case, so it’s only natural for the Chief to intervene. But it also means that this is not something to be ambiguous about, so you should be careful, Young Master.”

Lu Xingzhou smiled and said, "Your words are enough."

This was Lu Xingzhou's second visit to the Demon Suppression Office. Coincidentally, the last time he came was also for Huo Lu.

Upon entering the courtroom, a stretcher lay on the floor, with Huo Lu lying there lifeless. Sheng Qingfeng sat in the presiding judge's seat, watching Lu Xingzhou enter with annoyance. Beside him was a chair occupied by the aggrieved party, Huo Lu's father, the head of the Huo family, and Marquis Huo Xingyuan of Zhenyuan.

Huo Qi and Huo Zhang stood behind him.

When Lu Xingzhou came in, Huo Xingyuan looked at him calmly, his eyes revealing neither joy nor anger, and he did not seem to immediately suspect Lu Xingzhou.

As the constables said, it was just a routine interrogation.

The constables bowed: "Lu Xingzhou has arrived."

Sheng Qingfeng nodded, signaling them to leave, and then asked Lu Xingzhou directly, "Where were you last night?"

Lu Xingzhou said, "I'm going back to my cave at the Pill Academy to sleep. The gatekeeper can vouch for me."

Sheng Qingfeng sighed: "If you really want to leave at night, which security guard can see you? This kind of proof is meaningless."

Lu Xingzhou said, "Logically, I should be proven to be a suspect first. I was sleeping soundly, how can I prove that I didn't leave?"

"First of all, Huo Lu was seriously injured by you."

"So what? He's been injured for so long and he hasn't died. Oh, don't say he died as soon as I came back; I stayed in Beijing for quite a while before I left."

Sheng Qingfeng ignored him and continued, "Secondly, the fact that you got into a fight with Huo Heng as soon as you met him last night shows that you still harbor a lot of resentment towards the Huo brothers."

Speaking of this, Sheng Qingfeng was furious. They had agreed not to commit violence in public, but now they were being used as grounds for suspicion.

Instead of answering the question about "resentment," Lu Xingzhou first explained, "I didn't do it in public. There were at least three people in the audience, but only the Huo brothers, Huo Qi and Huo Zhang, were watching."

"?" Sheng Qingfeng was so angry he didn't know what to say.

Those watching didn't understand the subtle jabs between the father-in-law and son-in-law, so Huo Qi couldn't help but interject: "In short, you harbor deep resentment towards the Huo family. Your fourth brother was assassinated in bed as soon as you returned from your training trip. You can't escape suspicion."

Lu Xingzhou chuckled: "Where did this resentment come from? Why don't you mention that I was drinking with Young Master Huo? I didn't take my personal grudge against Huo Heng out on Huo Zhang, did I? I didn't even take it out on you."

Sheng Qingfeng gave Huo Qi a cold look: "This is the courtroom of the Demon Suppression Division, not your Huo family's torture chamber. Allowing Lord Huo and his family to observe is out of consideration for the victim. To interrupt the interrogation here is to show disrespect for the Demon Suppression Division."

Huo Qi felt a chill run down her spine after being glared at by Sheng Qingfeng.

Only then did he realize that the ruthlessness of this once-smiling head of the Demon Suppression Division was far beyond what a young master from the capital like himself could match. Sheng Qingfeng had climbed all the way to this position, killing countless vicious demons under his command. The bloodshed was astonishing, and the murderous aura was overflowing.

Huo Xingyuan waved his hand: "Apologize."

Huo Qi hurriedly bowed and apologized: "I am sorry. My younger brother was killed. I am heartbroken and my words and actions were inappropriate. Please forgive me, Chief."

Sheng Qingfeng snorted coldly, a hint of contempt in his eyes.

In fact, he had been staring coldly at Lu Xingzhou several times. You should know that Old Deng's murderous intent towards Huang Mao was definitely greater than Huo Qi's mere interruption just now, but Lu Xingzhou remained calm and composed.

Back then, that kid was only a fourth-rank official, twenty years old. Huo Qi, on the other hand, was over thirty, a third-rank official, and was sweating profusely after being glared at.

waste.

I still prefer this blond guy... he's just so infuriating.

Sheng Qingfeng paused for a moment and asked Huo Zhang, "Why did you two meet up for drinks with Lu Xingzhou last night? As far as I know, you two are complete strangers."

Huo Zhang said nonchalantly, "What are you talking about? Well, we are related, of course. I was dismissed from my post and was at home. I knew he had returned to the capital, so what's so strange about inviting him for a drink? We didn't go to any private place, just an ordinary hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Any Tom, Dick, or Harry can just walk in uninvited. Is that a big deal?"

Huo Qi's face turned green with anger at the uninvited cats and dogs that just wandered in.

Huo Xingyuan glared at Huo Zhang: "How dare you speak like that?"

Sheng Qingfeng asked, "What did you two talk about?"

Huo Zhang hesitated and said, "This is our private matter, it's not appropriate..."

"Since this involves suspicion of murder, there are no private matters involved," Sheng Qingfeng said. "Young Master Huo, you don't think that a conversation like this can be kept secret, do you?"

Huo Zhang sighed: "I just invited Lu Xingzhou home for dinner."

Huo Xingyuan paused, and Huo Qi narrowed his eyes.

Huo Zhang continued, "Father invited me before, and although I did not ask him for permission to do this, I believe he will not object. As for whether Lu Xingzhou agrees or not, it doesn't matter. What's wrong with simply making friends? I have been in the northern frontier for a long time and rarely see the talents of the capital. Lu Xingzhou is young and has already made it onto the list of heroes. Who does it bother if I make friends and build relationships in private?"

Sheng Qingfeng said indifferently, "Your fourth brother is dead, and Lu Xingzhou is at least a suspect, but you don't seem to care at all?"

That was a rather sinister remark. On the surface, it implied suspicion of Lu Xingzhou, but in the eyes of the Demon Suppression Division, Huo Zhang was also a suspect. Your fourth brother's death is completely unconcerned, and you even call the "suspect" brother—is there any possibility that you were the one who killed him?
Huo Zhang said, "So what if I don't care? Lu Xingzhou isn't out of his mind. He wouldn't kill someone the night he returns to the capital. If he really wanted to kill someone, he could have returned to the capital a day earlier, killed him, quietly left the city, and then swaggered back the next day. Wouldn't that have left no suspicion?"

Sheng Qingfeng laughed in anger: "Do you think my Demon Suppression Division is so cunning that it would fall for your childish deception?"

Huo Zhang snorted twice and muttered under his breath, "I don't think you guys are that smart."

I've said what I needed to say. What I really wanted to say is that Lu Xingzhou isn't stupid enough to kill someone on the night he returns to the capital.

Lu Xingzhou, who had been observing their conversation, smiled slightly and cupped his hands, saying, "Thank you for speaking up for justice, Second Young Master."

Huo Zhang said, "Of course. If I hadn't treated you to drinks, none of this mess would have happened, right? Damn it, don't let me find out who killed my brother and framed my other brother... um."

Huo Zhang's words were practically a direct message to Lu Xingzhou that he hadn't killed anyone. He knew that killing someone at this time would lead to "framing Lu Xingzhou," and that this wasn't the right time to test someone's strength by taking their head.

Of course, we cannot rule out the possibility that it was intentional.

"Alright." Sheng Qingfeng said calmly, "You brothers can talk about it later. Lu Xingzhou, you said you needed to give your suspicion first, and you have already done so. Although it can't prove you have a motive, you should know that after searching the entire capital, you are the only suspect left."

Lu Xingzhou thought for a moment: "Indeed, if we're talking about suspects, it seems like I'm the only one."

"So after you returned to Dan Academy last night, who can prove that you didn't leave?" Pei Chuyun, who had been fanning herself in the crowd outside the hall, was listening with a smile, but at this moment she lost her composure.

Strange, is Sheng Xiaogua's father planning to take advantage of this opportunity to kill the blond-haired man who kidnapped his daughter? Why is he putting Lu Xingzhou in such a difficult position with every word?
Or perhaps it was because the emperor was watching, and he had to show that he had no favoritism or bias towards Lu Xingzhou?

If that's the case, then Lu Xingzhou's situation is probably going to be difficult, and he might need help.

Lu Xingzhou was speaking in the hall: "But have you ever considered that with Huo Lu dead, everyone is guessing it was me? Could someone take advantage of this mentality and deliberately frame me?"

Sheng Qingfeng said calmly, "Of course, we can't rule out that possibility, but the Demon Suppression Division needs to investigate each candidate one by one. First, we need to find out where you went. It would be best if you could clear yourself of suspicion. Otherwise, even if there is insufficient evidence to close the case, you will have to live with this suspicion all the time, which is not a good thing."

That's true. Pei Chuyun squeezed through the crowd and said, "Last night he was with me..."

Lu Xingzhou's ears twitched, and he was deeply moved.

The little vixen had always been reluctant to reveal her true identity, wanting to project an image of aloofness and unattainable beauty so that Lu Xingzhou would "pursue" her. Mainly, she had just returned to the Pei family and needed to cultivate a certain image; she also didn't want Pei Qingyan to think of her as a slut from a brothel.

Now that her reputation as the most talented woman in the capital has spread throughout the land and her value has increased even more, it is even more inappropriate for rumors of her having secret rendezvous with men at night to circulate, otherwise her reputation, which she has built up over so long, would collapse instantly.

As a result, the little demoness remained resolute, determined to clear his name and prevent the emperor from having any opportunity to target him.

What a lovely little vixen.

However, Pei Chuyun's attempt to risk her reputation to clear her lover's name was thwarted. Lu Xingzhou reacted quickly, and before she could finish speaking, he subtly tickled her armpit with magic.

The little vixen's words got stuck in her throat, turning into giggles.

Sheng Qingfeng finally looked over: "Miss Pei, this is not a place for jokes."

Clearly, what was said halfway through turned into a giggle, and everyone saw it as a joke.

Pei Chuyun gave Lu Xingzhou a resentful look, and was about to say something when the old man's deep voice came from behind her: "Lu Xingzhou was with me last night."

Pei Chuyun turned her head in surprise and saw A Nuo leading an old man in a Taoist robe quickly towards her.

The newly appointed acting national advisor, Su Yuan, is an elder of the Tianyao Holy Land.

He wasn't a monk; he was dressed in a Taoist robe, looking rather aggrieved. He hadn't even taken his Taoist name or warmed his seat before being hastily pulled over by Anuo to save the day.

Pei Chuyun's expression became very strange.

Hmm, he was with you last night... So, the person he was so enthusiastic about last night, biting cherries with his teeth, was it you?

Su Yuan entered the main hall, and Sheng Qingfeng, with a hint of a smile in his eyes, asked, "Is the Grand Preceptor's statement true? Is Lu Xingzhou leaving the Alchemy Academy to meet the Grand Preceptor, or has the Grand Preceptor secretly entered the Alchemy Academy to meet with Lu Xingzhou?"

“Of course it is true.” Su Yuan said calmly, “But I must correct Chief Sheng, there is no such thing as infiltration or secret meeting. I was at the Dan Academy last night, studying His Majesty’s medical records. When I learned that Lu Xingzhou had returned, I drank and talked with him until late at night.”

The hall was completely silent. Huo Xingyuan's eyes flickered, and he remained silent in contemplation.

When the Imperial Advisor speaks, even if he is only a temporary one, it carries a different meaning.

His position was such that his words were considered law; whatever he said was considered evidence.

In reality, he was at some damn Dan Academy yesterday, and no one could investigate him; whatever he said was law.

After all, he represents not only the position of Imperial Preceptor, but also Ye Tinglan, the number one person in the world.

Su Yuan thought to himself, "The person who truly represents Ye Tinglan is being questioned by you... Damn it, do you even know why I'm in this position? First, it's because I'm familiar with Lu Xingzhou, and I was specifically sent to help him. Second, it's because I used to work at the National Affairs Bureau and am familiar with its affairs."

Helping Lu Xingzhou is the first priority, you know?

Otherwise, with so many elders in the Tianyao Holy Land, why should it be my turn?
As a result, Lu Xingzhou had just returned and hadn't even met him when you all started interrogating him as a suspect. If the sect leader finds out, I'll be skinned alive.

Sheng Qingfeng asked, "I wonder why the Imperial Preceptor would condescend to have a late-night talk with Lu Xingzhou?"

Su Yuan said calmly, "When Lu Xingzhou went to Tian Shuang for the trials, he had a very pleasant conversation with me and we became friends despite our age difference. His alchemy was unconventional and thought-provoking, and we had much to discuss. Are you all unaware that the currently popular method of treating blood carbuncles through marrow replacement was actually Lu Xingzhou's medical theory during his alchemy exam? There is always something to learn from others. Although I am a first-rank official, I should still be humble."

"Well said," Sheng Qingfeng exclaimed.

He stopped pretending; he had no intention of interrogating Lu Xingzhou. His words, though seemingly interrogative, were actually steer the conversation toward clearing Lu Xingzhou's name. Now that the Imperial Advisor had given his endorsement, Sheng Qingfeng didn't bother with pretense anymore and simply announced, "Young Master Lu, please don't be offended. This is just a routine inquiry. Since Young Master Lu was with the Imperial Advisor last night, you are naturally innocent. Please return."

"Wait a minute." Lu Xingzhou, however, began to take advantage of the situation: "The Chief said earlier that we should investigate one by one, and eliminate my suspicion before considering others. Now that my suspicion has been eliminated, what about the second suspect?"

Sheng Qingfeng smiled and said, "There is no second suspect at the moment."

"I have an offer," Lu Xingzhou said leisurely. "As I just mentioned, someone started causing trouble as soon as I arrived in the capital, with the aim of framing me. That's the motive. So, shouldn't we start investigating my enemies as suspects?"

Sheng Qingfeng asked, "For example?"

Lu Xingzhou said, "It's Huo Heng, the third young master of Huo, who fought with me last night."

Sheng Qingfeng's smile deepened: "He and Huo Lu are brothers."

"What a coincidence," Lu Xingzhou said casually. "Me too."

The entire audience erupted in uproar. Huo Xingyuan's eyes suddenly flashed with a sharp light, Huo Qi's expression turned ashen, and Huo Zhang wore a half-smile.

Is this the first time Lu Xingzhou has publicly stated that he and the Huo family are brothers?

Even though he used to call him Fourth Brother or Sixth Brother randomly, the concept is different!
Ignoring the various gazes of the crowd, Lu Xingzhou said calmly, "So since I'm to be interrogated, Huo Heng naturally has to be interrogated as well... even..."

He then pointed to Huo Qi, who was standing behind Huo Xingyuan: "Huo Qi, you want one too."

Whispers filled the courtroom, creating a chaotic and disorderly atmosphere.

So, Lu Xingzhou meant that the entire Huo family was a suspect. And not just the brothers; look at where he was pointing—was he really pointing at Huo Qi?
He even wanted to drag Huo Xingyuan into this mess!

Sheng Qingfeng, who was well-trained in suppressing his laughter, almost couldn't hold it in. He said calmly, "I have my own plans. I will report the conclusion to His Majesty first, and then adjourn the court for now."

After saying that, he stood up and asked Su Yuan, "Since the Imperial Advisor has come, would you like to have a meal before you leave?"

"No need," Su Yuan said calmly. "I am busy with many matters, so please don't stand on ceremony, Chief."

The two chatted idly, their eyes constantly glancing at Lu Xingzhou.

Huo Xingyuan was walking towards Lu Xingzhou, standing in front of him and staring intently into Lu Xingzhou's eyes. Lu Xingzhou calmly met his gaze.

The two stared at each other for a long time before Huo Xingyuan slowly spoke: "How about we have dinner at the Huo family home today?"

Lu Xingzhou smiled slightly: "Okay."

The eavesdroppers' expressions changed slightly as Lu Xingzhou returned to the Huo family for dinner...

The implication here...

“However…” Lu Xingzhou smiled and said, “Lord Huo, please go back first. I need to talk to a friend. I’ll come back later.”

Following his gaze, everyone saw Pei Chuyun standing there like a little white flower.

To "talk" to a woman, he left his first-class lord, who was suspected to be his biological father, standing aside and making him wait... How arrogant...

Huo Xingyuan said, "With Huo Lu dead at the moment... when is it not appropriate to talk about trivial matters?"

"I apologize, Lord Huo." Lu Xingzhou's smile vanished, and he said coldly, "Even if ten thousand Huo Lus died, they wouldn't be worth a single hair of hers."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

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(End of this chapter)