Brocade Robe Unparalleled

Chapter 165 The Zhao Family Crisis
The next day.

Lin Xuan got up a little later today.

I chatted with Qingluan through the telescope until late last night. He went to bed very late and deliberately slept in a little longer this morning.

Around the stone table in the inner courtyard, a group of maids surrounded Zhao Wan, listening to what she was saying.

Lin Xuan walked to their side, and the women immediately bowed to him.

Lin Xuan waved his hand and said, "You guys continue, don't worry about me."

Zhao Wan continued to explain the ten best poems from Jinxiu Tower yesterday to the maids, while Lin Xuan practiced his martial arts in a corner. After reaching the fifth rank, his cultivation speed had decreased significantly, and he had to work even harder than before.

It wasn't that his cultivation speed had decreased, but rather that the true energy required for a breakthrough was ten times that of the previous realm, so he couldn't feel any increase in true energy during each cultivation session.

After circulating his inner energy for several cycles, the maids in the courtyard gradually dispersed.

Zhao Wan walked over and handed Lin Xuan a handkerchief, saying softly, "My lord, wipe your sweat..."

Lin Xuan didn't stand on ceremony. She took the faintly fragrant handkerchief, wiped the sweat from her forehead, and then handed it back to Zhao Wan.

Zhao Wan put away her handkerchief, her lips trembling as if she wanted to say something. Lin Xuan asked, "What's wrong?"

Zhao Wan originally wanted to ask about the seven-day deadline, but she didn't know how to bring it up, so she changed the subject and asked, "Husband, did you hear about the poetry gathering at Jinxiu Tower yesterday?"

Although they were husband and wife, they had hardly ever spoken a word to each other, and she tried to find some topics to talk about.

Lin Xuan shook his head and said, "I've heard of some, but I don't know much about poetry and such things, and I'm not interested in them..."

He quickly took a shower and then had breakfast with Wenren Yue.

The light that had just ignited in Zhao Wan's eyes went out again.

It seems that his praise of her that night was just polite talk.

She so wished he also loved poetry, so they would have more to talk about...

Zhiqin was tidying up the young master's study when she heard footsteps behind her. She turned around, glanced at them, and immediately bowed, saying, "Madam..."

Zhao Wan walked over and said softly, "Zhiqin, can I talk to you?"

Zhiqin nodded quickly: "Of course, Madam, please ask whatever you wish. I will tell you the truth as long as I know the answer..."

Zhao Wan breathed a soft sigh of relief and mustered her courage to say, "I want to ask you something about my husband..."

……

When Lin Xuan returned from Wenren Yue's place, Zhao Wan glanced at him secretly before quickly looking away.

Judging from her husband's appearance and personality, she could not tell at all that he had gone undercover alone in the largest chieftain family in the southwest, helping the court to eradicate this major scourge, not only stabilizing the southwest but also bringing in millions of taels of silver in revenue for the court.

Compared to the great achievements he accomplished, his poetry seems insignificant.

While he risked his life for the court on the frontier, these women were in the capital writing poems, composing lyrics, playing the zither, and practicing calligraphy. Besides feeling ashamed, she also felt a deep sense of admiration.

Liuli, standing to the side, looked at her son-in-law's retreating figure and scratched her head in confusion.

She felt that this figure was strangely familiar, as if she had seen it somewhere else besides the Zhao and Chen residences...

At this time, the fervor surrounding the wedding of Chen Yu of the Sixteenth Guard and the talented Zhao family woman in the capital had gradually subsided, but the literary circles of the capital were in an uproar overnight.

In just one day, the ten poems that circulated in Jinxiu Tower yesterday spread at an astonishing speed and were hailed as the "Ten Wonders of Jinxiu Tower." Countless literati racked their brains to find the authors behind them, but to no avail.

The identity of the author of those ten poems, who is "anonymous," remains a mystery.

Chen Mansion.

On Zhao Wan's desk lay a sheet of Xuan paper.

This is a manuscript that she borrowed from a poetry academy through connections.

This manuscript is one of the ten manuscripts that the mysterious scholar submitted to the poetry gathering at the Brocade Pavilion that day.

After the poetry gathering, the manager of Jinxiulou sold the manuscripts for 500 taels of silver each, and they were quickly snapped up by various poetry societies.

Any one of these ten poems is a masterpiece that will be passed down through the ages.

For those who love poetry, it naturally holds extraordinary significance.

Even with Zhao Wan's influence, they could only borrow it for three days to look at.

Looking at the manuscript in front of her, a hint of surprise appeared on her face.

This master's poetry skills can be described as unparalleled, but his calligraphy... can only be described as mediocre.

She studied calligraphy from a young age, and the characters she wrote when she was six were better than those in this manuscript.

However, she quickly realized that the owner of the manuscript seemed to have deliberately altered the handwriting, which anyone skilled in calligraphy could tell.

He didn't seem to want people to know his identity.

This made Zhao Wan admire him even more.

If she were to write such poetry, even if she were to appear humble, she would secretly wish the whole world to know...

Suddenly, hurried footsteps sounded outside the door. Liuli rushed in, panicking, "Miss, something terrible has happened! Young Master has been arrested and taken to the county government. Master forbade us to tell you, and Madam is keeping it from him. She sent Xue'er to the Chen residence secretly to deliver the news..."

"what?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Wan's expression changed, and she said, "What exactly happened? Why was Zhao Jing arrested and brought to the county office? Tell me slowly..."

Liuli shook her head and said, "I don't know either. Xue'er is waiting outside. I'll ask her to come in and talk..."

A moment later, in the inner courtyard, a maid from the Zhao family said with a distressed expression, "A month ago, the young master met a girl, and the two of them have been secretly meeting in secret ever since. This morning, the girl went to the county government to file a complaint, saying that the young master had raped her, and the county government sent people to arrest him..."

Zhao Wan's face was pale, and she murmured, "How could this happen..."

She knew why her mother had sent Xue'er to the Chen residence to deliver the message. Her father was always strict, and if her younger brother had really made a mistake, he would not protect him.

Even if the father wanted to protect her, he couldn't.

As a sixth-rank official in the Ministry of Rites, he had no authority over the affairs of the county government.

The mother's meaning was clear: she wanted her husband to save her younger brother...

However, her mother had no idea that her relationship with her husband was not as they perceived it to be, so how could she possibly bring it up with him?

Just as Zhao Wan was in a state of confusion and didn't know what to do, she heard footsteps behind her.

Lin Xuan walked in, his gaze sweeping over the maid who brought the news, finally landing on Zhao Wan's pale and helpless face. He nodded and said, "I've heard the gist of what happened. Let's go, I'll accompany you back to the Zhao family."

Zhao Wan froze, staring blankly at Lin Xuan. She hadn't even spoken yet, or even figured out how to begin...

"Husband, I..."

Her voice choked with emotion, and she didn't know what to say for a moment.

Lin Xuan didn't say much, but said, "Let's go, let's go to the Zhao family first."

A surge of warmth and a sense of security instantly enveloped her. Zhao Wan quickly wiped away the tears welling up in her eyes with a handkerchief, silently took Lin Xuan's arm, and whispered, "Thank you, my husband."

Lin Xuan gently patted the back of her hand to comfort her, saying, "We're family, no need to be so polite."

Zhao Mansion.

The atmosphere was heavy and icy. Several maids and servants stood outside the door, not daring to breathe.

Zhao Runzhang's face was ashen. He paced back and forth in the hall, his chest heaving, repeatedly saying, "You unfilial son! You unfilial son!"

Zhao's mother sat to the side, weeping. When she saw Lin Xuan and Zhao Wan come in together, she stood up as if she had seen a savior.

"My dear son-in-law, Wan'er, what brings you here..." Zhao Runzhang was taken aback when he saw them, then realized what was going on and glared sternly at his mother, "Was it you? You fool, who told you to disturb your son-in-law!"

Zhao's mother sobbed, "Master, we only have this one son..."

"shut up!"

Zhao Runzhang abruptly waved his sleeve and roared, "That unfilial son deserves to suffer such a disgraceful and lawless act. I, Zhao Runzhang, have no such son. Let him fend for himself!"

He turned to Lin Xuan, his face filled with guilt and determination, and said, "My dear son-in-law, this matter has nothing to do with you. You must not interfere. If that unfilial son has indeed done evil, he should be punished by law!"

Zhao's mother grabbed his arm and cried out, "Master..."

Looking at her furious father and weeping mother, Zhao Wan felt an indescribable sorrow in her heart.

Faced with such a huge misfortune in her family, she felt powerless and overwhelmed by a deep sense of helplessness.

Lin Xuan listened quietly, then said slowly, "Father-in-law, please calm down. I will go to the county government to find out what happened. If Zhao Jing is indeed guilty and deserves his punishment, the law is as solid as a mountain, and there will be no leniency. But if he was framed, my Zhao family members cannot be bullied and wronged for no reason..."

Zhao Runzhang was filled with complex emotions. He also wanted to save his son, but he was too proud to do so and unwilling to use his connections. His son-in-law's words gave him a way out and a glimmer of hope.

He remained silent for a long time, then finally let out a long sigh, as if he had aged several years in an instant. He nodded gently and said, "Then I will trouble you, my son-in-law. If that rebellious son really breaks the law, you must act in accordance with the law..." He knew that with the power of the Sixteen Guards, even if Zhao Jing really broke the law, his son-in-law could get him out of prison with just a word.

But he didn't want it to be like this.

Don't be fooled by the fact that your son-in-law is currently enjoying the Emperor's favor. If he falls out of power in the future, this seemingly small matter could become a handle that others can use against him...

Lin Xuan looked at Zhao Wan and said softly, "Wait for me at home, I'll be right back."

Watching Lin Xuan's departing figure, she subconsciously chased after him, saying, "Husband, be careful..."

After leaving the Zhao residence, Lin Xuan did not go directly to the county government office, but instead went to the Commandery first.

A moment later, he led two Heavenly Guards straight to the Wanping County Government Office.

The capital city had two attached counties, separated by the central axis. The eastern part belonged to Daxing, and the western part belonged to Wanping. The two county governments were responsible for all local administrative affairs within their respective jurisdictions, including civil affairs, taxation, litigation, and public security.

The Zhao residence was located in the west of the city, and Zhao Jing was taken to the Wanping County government office.

He didn't disturb too many people. A Heavenly Guard showed his waist token, and Lin Xuan quickly met the magistrate of Wanping County.

At the Wanping County government office, a middle-aged official with a capable-looking face strode over, bowed, and said, "Lord Chen, it is an honor to have you here. I am sorry for not greeting you properly..."

Lin Xuan looked at him and asked, "Do you know me?"

Magistrate Zhou Xian of Wanping County chuckled and said, "A month ago, during the Jingye Division's grand competition, I still vividly remember your heroic feat of fighting four opponents single-handedly..."

He invited Lin Xuan to sit down in the hall, personally poured him a cup of fragrant tea, and then asked, "I wonder what brings Lord Chen here? I will certainly do my utmost to comply..."

Lin Xuan took a sip of tea and said, "It's not really an order. I heard that the county government arrested a prisoner named Zhao Jing today. Is that true?"

The magistrate of Wanping County seemed to remember something, suddenly slapped his forehead, and said regretfully, "It's all my fault, it's all my fault! I forgot for a moment that Zhao Jing is Miss Zhao Wan's younger brother and Lord Chen's brother-in-law..."

He looked regretful and quickly said, "I'll release him right away, I'll release him right away. It's such a small matter, Lord Chen, you didn't need to come in person. You could have just sent someone with a message..."

The reaction of the magistrate of Wanping County was perfectly normal.

The Jingye Division was in charge of the Qinglong Guard in the capital region. Although he was not his direct superior, no official would want to offend such a formidable figure. Even if his brother-in-law really committed evil deeds, the county government would not dare to arrest him.

He gave a wink to one of the constables, who immediately ran outside.

At this moment, Lin Xuan gently put down his teacup and said, "Wait a moment."

He looked at the magistrate of Wanping County, his face calm and expressionless, and said indifferently, "I am merely inquiring about the case. If Zhao Jing has indeed committed a crime, then Lord Zhou can handle it according to the law..."

The magistrate of Wanping County froze.

Things didn't turn out the way he expected...

As one of the Sixteen Guards, he could have resolved this with a single word; why make such a fuss...?

He looked embarrassed and murmured, "Lord Chen, this..."

Lin Xuan glanced at him and asked, "What's wrong? Does Magistrate Zhou not know how to handle a case?"

The magistrate of Wanping County snapped out of his daze and immediately replied, "I know, I know..."

This reaction from Lord Chen really caught him off guard. He hadn't been told what to do if Chen Yu didn't order him to release the person...

But at this moment, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and go for it.

Soon, the Wanping County government office held a grand ceremony.

Upon seeing Lin Xuan, Zhao Jing cried out excitedly, as if grasping at a lifeline, "Brother-in-law, I'm innocent! Aru and I were in love, I didn't rape her..."

Lin Xuan glanced at him and said calmly, "In the courtroom, the law will make a fair judgment. If you have a grievance, you will have your chance to plead your case later."

The magistrate of Wanping County looked at Lin Xuan and said, "Lord Chen, that young lady is traumatized and unwilling to appear in court again. Here is her testimony, which was recorded at the county office this morning. Your Excellency can send someone to verify it at any time..."

Lin Xuan took the testimony and glanced at it.

The testimony was very detailed. The woman was the daughter of a minor official in the capital. A month ago, she met Zhao Jing by chance while strolling in a garden. She fell in love at first sight and took the initiative to pursue him. The two quickly became a couple and had been meeting secretly at a certain villa for the past month...

Despite their secret meetings, the most intimate thing they did during this time was hugging and cuddling.

But last night, Zhao Jing wasn't satisfied with just embracing her; emboldened by alcohol, he forcibly took her...

Lin Xuan then reviewed Zhao Jing's testimony. He admitted to having relations with the woman the previous night, but denied rape, and his testimony contradicted the woman's claims. In his testimony, the woman had initiated the encounter last night…

Based on these two testimonies, the situation is very unfavorable for Zhao Jing.

He had been drinking last night, so his testimony was not as credible as the woman's.

Moreover, in such cases, both the public and the government are more inclined to believe the woman's words.

After all, in this day and age, what woman would joke about her chastity?

Whenever a woman accuses a man of rape, unless he has sufficient evidence to prove his alibi or that he did not have sexual relations with the woman, he is rarely able to escape punishment.

Zhao Jing himself has admitted that the two had relations last night. Under these circumstances, the authorities will most likely accept the woman's testimony directly...

The magistrate of Wanping County quietly approached Lin Xuan and whispered, "Lord Chen, in my opinion, this case should be tried privately. If things escalate, Young Master Zhao will not only be sentenced to three years in prison, but he will also be barred from taking the imperial examinations again. Rest assured, I will handle this matter properly..."

Lin Xuan shook his head and said, "It's alright. I'll trouble Magistrate Zhou to bring that woman to court. I have my own way of finding out whose testimony is true and whose is false..."

The magistrate of Wanping County could only say, "Fine, alright..."

Before Lin Xuan had even finished his cup of tea, several county yamen runners brought a young woman into the courtroom.

Zhao Jing looked at the woman anxiously and said, "Aru, quickly tell them that we are in love with each other, and I didn't force you..."

The young woman was pale, her eyes filled with intense hatred as she looked at Zhao Jing. She gritted her teeth and said, "Zhao Jing, I misjudged you. I thought you were virtuous and respectable, but I never imagined you were a beast in human form..."

Zhao Jing swayed and collapsed to the ground, pointing at the woman and stammering, "Aru, you, how could you..."

Lin Xuan slowly stood up and took out a palm-sized silver mirror with patterns engraved on the back from his bosom.

"The Mirror of Inquiry!"

The magistrate of Wanping County raised an eyebrow, his heart skipped a beat, and then he immediately smiled ingratiatingly, "Lord Chen, this is just a minor case, there's no need for the 'Heart-Searching Mirror'..."

He genuinely couldn't understand why Chen Yu was so stubborn. It was something he could have done with just a word, so why bother...?

Lin Xuan ignored the magistrate of Wanping County, walked up to the woman, and a white light instantly enveloped the young woman's face. He looked at her and asked, "You said you were raped last night, is that true or false?"

The woman looked blank, then nodded and said, "It's true."

Lin Xuan's eyes flickered, and he asked again, "Who raped you?"

The woman's expression was blank as she slowly said, "Zhao Jing, son of a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Rites..."

Zhao Jing's face turned pale, and a look of bewilderment appeared on his own face.

Did he really do that last night?
Could it be that the memories of Aru that he actively recalled were all hallucinations caused by his drunkenness?
Looking at the woman, Lin Xuan first ruled out the possibility that her spiritual power was above the fifth rank.

He scanned her with his spiritual power but found no treasure on her that could shield her from the detection of the Mind-Asking Mirror.

This leaves only two possibilities.

Either Zhao Jing really did rape her.

Either a fourth-rank or higher sorcerer intervened and deeply hypnotized her, making her believe that she had been violated by Zhao Jing, and the Mind-Questioning Mirror inquires about her true feelings, but if she subconsciously believes that Zhao Jing violated her, the Mind-Questioning Mirror won't be able to get any information from her...

This mirror of self-reflection offers one more chance to examine one's conscience.

He could also ask Zhao Jing, but he was drunk last night, so even if he denies it, he still can't clear his name...

At this moment, inside a grand gate somewhere in the capital city.

A figure looked at a middle-aged man with admiration and smiled, "Young Grand Secretary is truly a prophet. Chen Yu really did use the Heart-Searching Mirror. However, what he didn't expect was that Young Grand Secretary was prepared. His actions have only confirmed the suspicion against the Zhao family boy..."

The middle-aged man stroked his short beard and said in a low voice, "This man enjoys immense favor with the emperor, and the Zhao family is a member of the 'pure stream' faction. Even if we can't win him over, we'll definitely have some leverage over him. If he doesn't help, he'll inevitably have a falling out with the Zhao family. If he does help, it'll be seen as abusing his power for personal gain. We can both gain leverage over him and make him owe us a favor..."

Wanping County Government Office.

The magistrate of Wanping County walked up to Lin Xuan, sighed, and said regretfully, "Lord Chen, why did you have to do this? Now that you've made such a scene, it won't be as simple as it was before if I wanted to help you..."

Before he could finish speaking, a beam of white light suddenly shone on his face.

Lin Xuan looked at the expressionless magistrate of Wanping County and asked calmly, "Magistrate Zhou, why do you want me to bend the law for personal gain? And who is behind you?"

The magistrate of Wanping County murmured, "For... in order to gain leverage over Lord Chen and make you owe a favor, I have... behind me..."

Before he could finish speaking, the Mirror of Inquiry flashed for a moment, then dimmed completely.

The magistrate of Wanping County gradually regained his composure. He glanced at the Mirror of Inquiry in Lin Xuan's hand, then looked down at himself, and tentatively asked, "Lord Chen, did I say something just now?"

Lin Xuan put his hand on his shoulder and said, "This isn't the place to talk. Let's go to the Commandery to say what we need to say..."

(End of this chapter)