Chapter 210 - 208: Impure Intentions (First Update)

Chapter 210: Chapter 208: Impure Intentions (First Update)

After listening to Madam Cen’s words, everyone felt the reason for Steward Liao’s poisoning was somewhat far-fetched, but when Xu Jing stated it so clearly, they were still a bit stunned.

Qingyu bit her lip and said, "Then why did Steward Liao falsely claim in the afternoon that Madam wanted him to take something and entered their room?"

Feng Zhao, worried that others might think he’s lying, quickly said, "I did indeed see Steward Liao. Chen Sheng has been on duty with me all day, he saw it too, and Qingyun inside should have seen Steward Liao as well!"

Chen Sheng nodded and said, "Yes, Steward Liao did come over."

However, Qingyun said, "I didn’t see Steward Liao... perhaps I walked away at that moment."

Today, Madam Cen was very busy, almost always working outside, only going back to the room to rest at noon; other times, only Qingyun stayed in the courtyard.

If Qingyun happened to leave when Steward Liao came, then probably no one else knew what Steward Liao did in Madam Cen’s room.

Nevertheless, Xu Jing remained calm and said, "The murderer wants to make Steward Liao his scapegoat, so they would certainly let others see him enter Madam Cen’s courtyard; therefore, he was very likely called over by the murderer for some reason. As for the reason, I don’t know, but if Steward Liao is really the murderer, there’s only one reason for him to flee Duke Mansion so hastily—fear of his crime being exposed.

But why didn’t he leave right after the poisoning, instead staying in the Duke Mansion until nearly an hour after the poisoning to leave? Compared to the signs of hasty escape in his room, it seems somewhat contradictory. Moreover, he still has his wife and elderly mother at home. From your descriptions, Steward Liao doesn’t seem to be the type who could so decisively abandon his family.

Most importantly, he doesn’t have sufficient reason to commit such a crime. His disappearance at this time is almost like telling everyone that he’s the killer, which seems too deliberate. So, I tend to think he’s being used by the real murderer."

Zhao Jingming quickly asked, "If that’s the case, where is Steward Liao now? Why did you say earlier that Steward Liao might be in grave danger?"

Xu Jing looked at him and said, "Qingyi said she saw Steward Liao around 3:35 PM, which means whatever happened, it occurred after that. By that time, many guests had already arrived at Duke Liang Mansion. Because there were many guests today, the guards were stricter than usual. I remember that the guards at the main gate were more numerous than usual, and there should have been no fewer guards at the back gate either.

In such circumstances, if Steward Liao left Duke Mansion, the guards at the gate would surely notice. I suggest immediately sending someone to ask the guards at each gate. If none of them saw anyone resembling Steward Liao leave, then Steward Liao himself..."

Xu Jing paused and said, "He is most likely still in the mansion!"

Zhao Jingming was taken aback. At this moment, Madam Cen, who had been silent, said in a deep voice, "Qingyu, run again and send someone to ask the guards at each gate if they saw Steward Liao leave Duke Mansion."

A stunned Qingyu snapped out of her daze, agreed, and quickly went to carry out the task.

Xu Jing couldn’t help but glance at Madam Cen.

Since she began treating Duke Liang, Madam Cen had not mentioned her deception, but her attitude had clearly cooled down.

She didn’t expect Madam Cen to trust her words so easily.

As if sensing Xu Jing’s thoughts, Xiao Yi glanced at her and softly said, "Madam Cen is a reasonable person. She was just taken aback by your identity earlier."

Xu Jing couldn’t help but raise her eyes to look at him, smiled helplessly, and said, "I understand."

After all, the original master’s reputation was really bad. If she hadn’t hidden her identity and spent some time with Madam Cen and the others, even if Xiao Yi and others spoke for her, it wouldn’t be so easy for her today.

She paused and said softly, "You should have also noticed the oddity of Steward Liao’s involvement in this matter, right? Why didn’t you say anything?"

When it comes to investigations, as a Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, he should take the initiative.

Xiao Yi raised his eyebrows slightly, "Isn’t Miss Xu here? Miss Xu will inevitably need Madam Cen’s help when doing business in the Western Capital in the future, right?"

Xu Jing: "..."

Indeed, she involved herself in this matter partly to owe Madam Cen a favor, not a purely noble thought. Of course, she genuinely wanted to help Zhao Jingming too.

This man is understanding her more and more, she thought. What surprised her was that she thought he would dislike her calculating nature, yet he seemed so calm, even willing to help her realize this less than noble idea.

He really... is getting further and further from the upright and stern Vice Minister Xiao she first knew.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Qingyu finally returned, frowning tightly and said, "Madam, the guards at each gate said they did not see Steward Liao leave Duke Mansion today."

Everyone was shocked. They had previously thought Steward Liao certainly escaped, so there was no need to specifically ask the guards at each gate.

Unexpectedly, they almost took a big detour.

Zhao Shao Hua immediately said, "Could it really be like Doctor Xu said, that Steward Liao is still in the mansion?"

Madam Cen’s face turned completely dark. Anyone who realized they might’ve been played by the real murderer wouldn’t be in a good mood. She gripped the armrests tightly and said sternly, "Jingming, go find your second brother immediately, bring a team of guards, and even if you have to turn the entire mansion upside down, you must find Steward Liao!"

A restless Zhao Jingming immediately replied, "Yes, Mom!"

After Zhao Jingming left, Madam Cen turned her head to look directly at Xu Jing for the first time since she started speaking, her eyes full of guilt and sighs, and said, "Miss Xu... no, you will soon remarry Yanci. I have always regarded Yanci as my own child, so Yanci’s wife is just like my daughter-in-law. Can I call you Jing? Jing, I was biased earlier, and I apologize to you. I thought I could see through people better than some younger ones did.

You... are a very kind and intelligent child. Thanks to you, the Lord was saved earlier."

Xu Jing was slightly stunned, then quickly bowed and said, "Madam Cen, you flatter me. I did keep my identity as Xu Siniang a secret, which was indeed my mistake..."

"Enough, let’s stop apologizing to each other here."

Madam Cen smiled slightly, raised her lips, and said, "Now, I just want to find the villain who poisoned the Lord, and thanks to you, we didn’t end up taking a longer detour."

"Right, aunt, I told you Doctor Xu... no, Jing is incredible!"

Zhao Shao Hua couldn’t help but say, "Last time at Marquis Huaiyin’s mansion, Jing quickly figured out the plot against Young Madam Jiang. I even wondered if Jing had an extra brain, how can she always think of things I can’t! With Jing here, the person who poisoned uncle will surely be found soon.

But Jing, don’t think you can get away with deceiving us. You have no idea how shocked I was when Mrs. Wen said you were Xu Siniang. Then, Yanci came forward and said he was going to remarry you. Oh my, I felt like my jaw was going to drop. I’ve never seen Yanci so concerned about someone! Later, you’ll definitely have to tell me in detail how you reunited with Yanci and made him regret his past actions!"

Seeing the unmistakable curiosity in someone’s eyes, Xu Jing fell silent for a moment.

Isn’t it that you just want to hear it yourself?

After all, Duke Liang hasn’t fully recovered yet, and the person who poisoned him hasn’t been found. Xu Jing replied amusedly to Zhao Shao Hua, then looked at Madam Cen and said, "Madam Cen, earlier Qingyi mentioned that Duke Liang was angered by Vice General Sun and drank two cups of cold tea. Who is this Vice General Sun?"