Chapter 254 - 252: Husband and Wife Join Forces (Second Update)

Chapter 254: Chapter 252: Husband and Wife Join Forces (Second Update)

The courtroom was unexpectedly crowded with people, and as one glanced around, several familiar faces could be seen.

The Xu Family was represented by Xu Guangyi, Mrs. Wen, Xu Ya, and Xu Jie.

Among the Wang Family, Xu Jing didn’t recognize many, only knowing Wang Qilang. However, standing in the middle was a man with graying hair yet a vigorous spirit, with eyes that seemed to pierce one’s soul. This was evidently the current head of the Wang Family, Duke Qiao, Wang Qingshan.

When Xu Jing and Xu Sihai’s father and son entered, all eyes swiftly focused on them. Xu Guangyi, looking anxious and angry, strode over and said through gritted teeth, "Xu Jing! Did you instigate this! You’ve truly outdone yourself, but Guang’er is your only brother! Tell me immediately where they are, and where those damn kidnappers are!"

Mrs. Wen glared at Xu Jing with a look that seemed ready to swallow her whole. If not for Xu Ya holding her back, she would have rushed forward.

Xu Jing, however, coldly regarded Xu Guangyi before her and said, "Minister Xu, heaven gave you a mouth not for slandering others. Those two children were not kidnapped by me, nor by my cousins!"

No sooner had Xu Jing spoken than Jiang Zhaoyin, sitting high in the courtroom, frowned at Mr. Yao.

Xu Jing, aware of Jiang Zhaoyin’s displeased gaze, understood that Mr. Yao had briefed her on the case, something Jiang Zhaoyin would find out soon enough, leaving her to plead for Mr. Yao afterward.

She stepped past Xu Guangyi, whose face was flushed red from their exchange, advanced one step, and bowed to Jiang Zhaoyin, saying, "This common woman greets Jiang Zhaoyin. I must clear the names of my cousins, Xu Huaiyang and Xu Huaijin. They would never commit such a heinous act of kidnapping! They are victims of a malicious plot!"

"Xu Jing!"

Xu Guangyi turned his head and roared lowly, "With witnesses and evidence at hand, how dare you still cry for injustice! And what is this attitude toward your father!"

"My father? Minister Xu, have you grown forgetful in your old age? You long ago expelled me from the family yet have the gall to claim to be my father."

Xu Jing gave a cold laugh, saying, "You insist I ordered my cousins to kidnap Xu Hanguang and Wang Baojun, relying on the fact that I am no longer part of the Xu Family so that even if there was wrongdoing, it wouldn’t implicate the family. Why don’t you take up the fatherly role now?

As for your so-called witnesses and evidence, where is it? Your so-called witness, is it that servant from Baoyue Pavilion? But the servant only said he saw Xu Hanguang and Wang Baojun seeking my cousins yet never saw them appear together. Is that a witness?

Regarding your so-called evidence, is it the ransom note? Such a letter can be forged through imitation. I could produce countless such copies for you!"

Xu Guangyi was left speechless by Xu Jing’s retort, his face alternating between green and white, "You... you rogue! Still so glib at a time like this!"

At that moment, a low, icy voice sounded from the side, "It seems Miss Xu knows this kidnapping case well. Miss Xu has solved numerous cases recently, recognized by even the Holy Emperor. I have heard of it too."

Xu Jing was slightly taken aback and turned to look at Duke Qiao walking slowly toward her.

He showed no expression, not the slightest hint of anger, yet exuded an oppressive aura akin to thunder crashing overhead, surpassing even a hundred Xu Guangyi’s.

Xu Jing slightly furrowed her brows imperceptibly.

Duke Qiao suddenly raised his voice, eyes as sharp as a hunting beast in the night, locking onto the woman before him, and sternly said, "However, Miss Xu should never have, ever, involved the Wang Family’s child, my grandson! Young people who achieve too much too soon often become arrogant and lose their senses, mistaking their path, not knowing what to do and what not to. Someone should show you the cruelty of this world.

If any harm comes to my precious grandson, I will ensure Miss Xu pays back a thousandfold!"

In his younger days, Duke Qiao led his army across the battlefield. His fury would terrify even the most battle-hardened soldiers in the barracks.

Under his cold, fierce gaze, Xu Jing subconsciously pressed her lips together yet still stood straight, her eyes unwavering as she declared, "Your Grace, perhaps you didn’t hear me clearly before. The kidnapping of the Young Master Wang has nothing to do with me, nor my cousins!"

The Wang Family members were all somewhat stunned.

For an ordinary person, facing such intimidation would leave them trembling, unable to stand firm.

This woman, however, only showed a slight change in complexion, not even moving her gaze an inch!

Duke Qiao was also taken aback, a cold sneer tugging at his lips momentarily, "This little girl truly has some mettle, not just bluff and bluster. Yet even the lowest soldiers know that the enemy’s accomplice’s words are not to be trusted!"

Xu Jing said, "However, investigating a case is different from fighting a war. Before a conviction, no one can haphazardly name someone a criminal..."

"A little girl, what makes you think you can teach me how to do things!"

Duke Qiao sharply interrupted Xu Jing, "When dealing with potential enemies, it’s better to err on the side of caution than to let them slip by! Those unwilling to cooperate will soon fall in line after a few lashes!"

Then he glared at Jiang Zhaoyin on the stand, his voice cold, "Jiang Zhonghe, you know what to do next, don’t you? Jun’er is not just the heart of the Wang Family but also of the Empress Dowager. Now it is only me standing here; you should be thankful. When the Empress Dowager arrives in person, punishing this ignorant Xu Family girl with a few beatings will be the least of your worries!

My patience is limited. If Jun’er is not found today, don’t blame the Wang Family for being ruthless!"

Jiang Zhaoyin, name Shaobai, courtesy name Zhonghe.

This Duke Qiao, plainly using sheer force to overpower!

Going on like this will only end in a deadlock!

Both Xu Sihai and Xu Huai’an turned pale, Wang Qilang watched Xu Jing with contempt and satisfaction, while Xu Ya secretly hid a fleeting smile while holding onto Mrs. Wen tightly.

Watching Xu Ya closely, Xu Jing noted her fleeting smile, feeling a cold scoff inside, she suddenly inhaled deeply and raised her voice, "I’ll say it again, this has nothing to do with me nor my family. Even if Duke Qiao beats me to death, he won’t find Young Master Wang. If after wrongfully killing the innocent, Duke Qiao’s reputation is harmed, does Duke Qiao not care at all about the Wang Family’s name?!

Rather than beating me, Duke Qiao should trust me. Just give me one day, and I will prove my cousins and I are innocent and find the real kidnappers!"

Duke Qiao never expected this girl to remain unfazed and even dare to ask for time to solve the case!

He stared at Xu Jing with bulging eyes, teeth gritted, "Why should I trust you? If you’re bluffing and something happens to Jun’er, how will you answer?!"

Xu Jing coldly replied, "Because I am a female detective acknowledged by the Holy Emperor! Because I have the capability to find the true kidnappers!"

No sooner had Xu Jing finished speaking than a deep, mellow male voice sounded from outside, "Also because she is my fiancée, and even Duke Qiao cannot overlook the Great Chu’s legal principles to arbitrarily convict someone."

Immediately, under everyone’s astonished gaze, Xiao Yi strode over quickly, standing in front of Xu Jing, and said coldly, "Duke Qiao is pressuring my fiancée like this. If it turns out the kidnappers have nothing to do with her, how will Duke Qiao answer?"

Duke Qiao’s eyes widened slightly, "Xiao Family boy! I’m not like your father, don’t expect to bully your way past me..."

"I’m merely stating facts, not daring to bully in front of Duke Qiao, and I hope Duke Qiao will adhere to the facts as well."

"You!"

Xiao Yi suddenly let a cold gleam flash in his eyes, walked to Duke Qiao’s side, and whispered, "Speaking of which, in the case that my fiancée solved earlier involving Imperial College students, it uncovered an illegal drug known as Five Stone Powder in Great Chu. His Majesty is furious about people still secretly selling and consuming this drug and has ordered a thorough investigation. In my inquiries, I’ve come across some interesting things. Might Duke Qiao be interested?"

Duke Qiao was taken aback, his expression changing slightly.

After a moment, he abruptly flung his sleeve in anger, "Fine! Fine! Fine! I’ll see what you can uncover! If anything happens to my Jun’er, even the immortals won’t save those who harmed him!"