CHAPTER 347: CHAPTER 347: SILENCE

Zhu Dewang and Yang Zhuge looked at each other.

In the past, they wouldn’t have taken Feng Zhiyuan seriously.

But things are different now; Feng Zhiyuan has backing, and their juniors have fallen into his hands.

All they can do is apologize cautiously without daring to show any other emotion.

"Lord Feng, do you think there is some kind of misunderstanding here?" Zhu Dewang was the first to speak.

The truth is, they’re almost certainly related to their own children, but at this time, they mustn’t admit it, no matter what.

"Are you questioning this officer’s ability to investigate cases?" Feng Zhiyuan said with a grim face.

Ever since he came to Le’an to take up his post, he has felt stifled, as the Zhu, Yang, and Niu families, though not doing anything to him directly, have hindered him at every turn.

Now, he finally has a chance to fight back.

"No, no, we would never question you, my Lord. It’s just that we are all parents, and when our children get into trouble, we inevitably become worried and confused." Zhu Dewang quickly apologized.

"I’ve also sorted out information about the victims. Instead of questioning this officer, you both should focus on pacifying the victims," Feng Zhiyuan said. "Don’t think you can handle things like before. I have all the information about the victims. If anything happens to the victims’ families, it will all be on your sons."

So don’t think about using suppression tactics.

"Yes, yes, my Lord, you are right. We will certainly resolve this to your satisfaction," Zhu Dewang and Yang Zhuge said in unison.

"To satisfy this officer? Wrong! To satisfy the victims!" Feng Zhiyuan glared and said, "They committed the wrongdoings against the victims, not this officer!"

"Yes, yes, we misspoke. We will definitely follow your guidance and placate the victims." Zhu Dewang and Yang Zhuge quickly said.

"Alright, then go quickly," Feng Zhiyuan waved to dismiss them.

"Lord Feng, may we see our sons?" Zhu Dewang and Yang Zhuge asked.

"Do you think the Government Office is your family’s place? The case hasn’t been judged yet, so no visits are allowed," Feng Zhiyuan decisively refused.

With these old schemers, who knows if they’d instruct those involved to retract their confessions?

It was only through Bai Su’s help that he managed to get them to confess to their crimes.

"Lord Feng, aren’t you being too unkind!" Zhu Dewang couldn’t hold back.

"Unkind? Did they consider ’kindness’ when they wronged the victims?" Feng Zhiyuan retorted mockingly.

Yang Zhuge pulled Zhu Dewang, "Lord Feng is handling affairs impartially; we shouldn’t make things difficult for him."

For now, the best they can do is obediently follow what Feng Zhiyuan says.

Zhu Dewang left disgruntled, or rather, he was dragged away by Yang Zhuge.

After the two left, Feng Zhiyuan felt refreshed.

Bai Su remarked, "Lord Feng, you’re truly impressive. You had them at a loss!"

These past few days, Bai Su had been shadowing Feng Zhiyuan and had learned quite a lot about the Zhu, Niu, and Yang families.

The heads of these two families were keeping a low profile before Lord Feng, which was truly satisfying to see.

"It’s not my credit; without Miss Bai’s help, they wouldn’t have confessed so easily. Without leverage, they wouldn’t act so humble before me," Feng Zhiyuan said, "So, this credit belongs to you."

"Sister Meng asked me to help you, so naturally, I must do my best. Lord Feng, if you need anything, just instruct me," Bai Su replied.

It wasn’t tiring, and there was good food to eat too.

Feng Zhiyuan took her to eat delicious food every day, and she patted her stomach, noting she had gained a bit of weight.

She understood the saying, "When you eat someone’s food, you should soften your stance."

So, she intended to work more to repay Lord Feng.

"I won’t hold back in asking," Feng Zhiyuan said, "What do you want for lunch today?"

"Roasted lamb," Bai Su’s eyes lit up immediately at the mention of food.

The roasted lamb in Le’an was truly a delicacy, incredibly tender without any gamey taste; she loved it immensely.

Feng Zhiyuan weighed his money pouch; over the past few years, he had barely spent his salary. Yes, it should be enough to treat Miss Bai to good food and drink for some time.

"Alright, then we’ll have roasted lamb," Feng Zhiyuan decided.

——

Zhu Dewang and Yang Zhuge went home separately, and before reaching home, Yang Zhuge couldn’t help but complain a bit, saying Feng Zhiyuan was too overbearing, presenting a helpless look, claiming they were like meat on a chopping block, ready to be cut.

Zhu Dewang also cursed a bit, though he understood the situation clearly.

Yang Zhuge’s words were merely to provoke him into anger, thinking he’d impulsively take the lead.

Whether or not he takes the lead is something he decides upon himself, not swayed by a few words from others.

Zhu Dewang took some people to visit those victims. Though he held disdain in his heart, outwardly his attitude remained proper; apologizing when necessary, compensating with silver where required. Even with those emotionally agitated, he showed no impatience.

He spent two days pacifying those victims wronged by the Zhu family’s young ones.

When Zhu Dewang was thinking of meeting Yang Zhuge at the Yang family, he finally received a message from the Capital City.

The letter clearly detailed the origin of the County Princess.

She was initially a rural woman; upon seeing this, Zhu Dewang was delighted, thinking she was someone not to be taken seriously.

However, the more he read, the more disheartened he became.

This was not something they could contend with.

He initially thought the County Princess’s husband gained a general’s title by association with her, yet unexpectedly, he was a real Great General, a favorite before the Emperor.

The Qi family was even more remarkable, being a top-ranking Duke family.

The future Duke of the Qi family was the County Princess’s son.

Zhu Dewang felt utterly dejected.

What are such people doing in Le’an instead of staying in the Capital City?

"No matter what method you use, find out if these incidents accused against our sons could threaten their lives. As long as their lives aren’t at risk, we’ll accept everything else," Zhu Dewang instructed his subordinates.

If they must suffer a little, so be it, as long as their lives are safe, he’ll accept it.

Zhu Dewang also called back his eldest daughter. This daughter of his was intelligent from a young age, though a daughter, she was Zhu Dewang’s most prized child. Currently, she managed affairs with desert bandits, and her husband was a chieftain of a nomadic tribe.

"Father, why did you urgently summon me back?" Zhu Xianxian asked.

Zhu Dewang briefly explained the situation with Meng Yao to Zhu Xianxian.

"Father wants me to take care of this County Princess?" Zhu Xianxian asked.

Zhu Dewang hurriedly waved his hand, "No, no, of course not. I want you to find a way to befriend this County Princess."

Zhu Xianxian was puzzled, "Isn’t she targeting our Zhu family?"

"Yes, but we can’t target her!"

The disparity in strength is too great; there is no chance of winning.

"Father, why are you so indecisive in dealing with matters nowadays?" Zhu Xianxian frowned.

"Xianxian, look at this," Zhu Dewang pushed the letter from the Capital City in front of Zhu Xianxian.

Zhu Xianxian quickly skimmed through the letter and fell silent.