Chapter 495: with translation of chapter title

Xiao Yin's words had just fallen when everyone around changed expression, instinctively looking toward Cao Maolin.

Mentioning the Zheng clan, everyone in Yangzhou sighed with sorrow.

A perfectly fine family was wiped out overnight; even the dogs in the manor were not spared.

The Zheng family's eldest daughter suffered even more fate; shortly after marrying into the Cao household, her husband took a dislike to her. She once had her natal family to rely on, but now none remain. It is said that the Zheng lady, grief-stricken to the point of despair, went mad and was locked away by the Cao family in the rear courtyard, never to be seen.

Moreover, it is heard that Cao Maolin bought a concubine from somewhere, whom he dotes on intensely; this concubine is also shrewd, having bewitched Cao Maolin to the point of desperation, to the extent that he neglects his principal wife.

Later rumors spread that this concubine was actually the concubine-born daughter of the former Minister Gu's residence, Gu Nanxiang, which further elevated her status in the Cao household.

From then on, no matter what occasion Cao Maolin attended, he always had this noble concubine, Lady Gu, by his side—truly unrivaled in splendor.

This time, Prince Rui suddenly brought up the Zheng family—isn't this just stirring trouble?

Cao Maolin's hand hidden in his sleeve slightly clenched into a fist, then relaxed; a hint of sorrow appeared on his face, even the corners of his eyes reddened, as if he were about to burst into tears.

He let out a heavy sigh, looked at Xiao Yin, and said: "Your Highness, the Zheng family is my wife's natal clan; perhaps during my earlier merchant travels I offended someone and provoked enemies."

"It… it was annihilated by a jianghu assassin organization; these jianghu folk come and go without a trace, and to this day the case remains unsolved."

"Indeed…" Cao Maolin sniffed, eyes welling up, "It's truly tragic!"

"If I ever capture those heinous criminals, I will surely make them pay with their lives!"

"Alas, up to now there is not a single clue!"

When Cao Maolin spoke of his grief, he fiercely slapped the chair's armrest, feeling as if he were about to cry himself to death.

Gu Jiu Ling secretly gave a thumbs-up, admiring his acting—such genuine emotion, utterly without exaggeration; not awarding him a little golden Oscar would be inexcusable!

The people around also began to offer comfort.

"Eldest Sir, don't grieve! mourn and adapt!"

"Eldest Sir, take care!"

"Eldest Sir…"

"Come!" Xiao Yin's clear, cold voice rang out amid the chorus of hollow condolences, sounding unexpected.

Those around fell silent at once; Ling Feng had already entered with several personal guards.

Xiao Yin pointed at Cao Maolin and said: "You few, go investigate the Zheng case immediately; report this case to the Yangzhou Supervisory Commission for direct trial. Minister Gu, what do you think?"

Gu Kang slowly said: "As Minister of Justice, how could such a heinous extermination case be left unresolved?"

"Come!"

"Minister!" Two of Gu Kang's attendants stepped forward and half-kneeled before him.

Gu Kang unfastened his waist tablet: "Hurry to the nearby prefectures to summon personnel; thoroughly investigate the Zheng clan extermination case, and grant justice to the innocent victims!"

The Yangzhou prefect seated nearby instantly changed color, unconsciously lowering his head as fine beads of sweat seeped from his forehead.

If Gu Kang let the Yangzhou constables investigate this case, it would be fine; they could at least drag it out.

But this person actually summoned people from other prefectures; these individuals have no connection whatsoever to the locals of Yangzhou—how could they possibly shield the Yangzhou natives?

Long ago it was heard that a ruthless official had emerged in Shang Jing, a favorite of the emperor—this very iron-faced, merciless Minister Gu.

This time he's bound to suffer!

Cao Maolin seethed with hatred in his heart, yet he could not stop Xiao Yin's investigation.

That bastard saved that lowly Zheng Yan, fearing that the secrets he had hidden would no longer stay concealed.

Every path has been blocked by Xiao Yin; now he truly has been driven to the brink, with no room to maneuver.

Gu Jiu Ling looked at Xiao Yin and smiled: "Your Highness is wise! Truly benevolent-hearted!"

The rest could only echo in unison: "Yes! Prince Rui is benevolent-hearted! A blessing for our Yangzhou!"

Gu Jiu Ling smiled at the already slightly discomposed Cao Maolin, feeling the timing insufficient, and decided to add more fuel to the fire.

"Master Cao, why didn't you bring your lovely wife today?"

Cao Maolin's eyes twitched violently; "lovely wife?"

"My lovely wife isn't in your hands—where am I supposed to find her?"

He drew a breath and deflected: "My humble wife, due to the tragic extermination of her natal family, has gone mad with grief; she has been sent to the rear courtyard to recuperate, and it's not proper to bring her out."

"Madness from grief? Why didn't you say so earlier? This princess consort is most skilled at treating such madness!" Gu Jiu Ling quickly laughed.

Gu Nanxiang, seeing Cao Maolin pressed to this point, quickly took up the conversation with a smile: "Everyone knows the Princess Consort of Rui possesses superb medical skill, yet not every ailment can be cured."

"Her husband has already summoned countless renowned physicians to examine her! They all say it's excessive sorrow, and now repose is the best recourse!"

Gu Jiu Ling snorted: "The Cao family, though considered a prominent Yangzhou clan, when have the masters ever allowed a concubine to chime in? After all, they are merely merchants, ignorant of propriety, unfit for polite company."

"You…" Gu Nanxiang hated most when people called her a concubine; she was clearly the Second Miss of the Gu family, and she could easily have been a crown princess.

It is all because of that wretched woman before us.

If Gu Jiu Ling hadn't spoken, it would have been fine; but now that she did, all the prominent figures of Yangzhou city turned their gazes toward Gu Nanxiang.

Gu Nanxiang, in order not to lose face before Gu Jiu Ling today, has indeed been rather active.

Present were the Prince and Princess Consort, the high-ranking court official Minister Gu, and the Yangzhou prefect.

No matter who steps forward, it would never be her turn to speak as a mere concubine—truly lacking decorum!

At this moment, everyone's gaze carried a hint of contempt.

Even Cao Maolin, who doted on Gu Nanxiang, found his expression somewhat strained; he glared fiercely at Gu Nanxiang.

Gu Nanxiang felt a surge of stifled anger; in front of so many people, she dared not defy Cao Maolin.

Outwardly Cao Maolin appears mild-mannered, but once the doors of the Cao household are shut, his violent nature is unmistakable.

Even when doting on her, should he grow angry, he will slap her face just the same, showing no tenderness.

At this moment Gu Nanxiang faintly felt her cheeks ache, and she hastily withdrew.

Gu Jiu Ling's spark was just right, moreover making Cao Maolin's heart feel as if it were being fried in oil.

Who would have thought that this time the Imperial Envoy arrived in Yangzhou, not actively investigating the salt merchants, but instead fixing his gaze directly upon the Zheng family.

Cao Maolin suddenly thought of the ledger that the Zheng clan had hidden away, and their heart began to panic.

They should have killed Zheng Yan initially; they still wanted to extort the ledger's whereabouts from her mouth, but who would have thought that woman was a tough nut, and no matter how they tortured her, she wouldn't speak.

Gu Nanxiang even severed her tendons in the hands and feet, cut off her tongue, yet such torture did not make her yield.

At this moment, Zheng Yan had fallen into Xiao Yin's hands; if Gu Kang were to step forward and investigate again, the case of the Zheng clan's extermination would proceed further, and their life would not be guaranteed.

This meal left Cao Maolin feeling uneasy; after much difficulty waiting for the banquet to end, everyone present, harboring ulterior motives, scattered in all directions.

Xiao Yin still brought Gu Jiu Ling to take up residence in the Cao clan, which left Cao Maolin feeling even more stifled.

They brought Gu Nanxiang to their western courtyard; as soon as they entered the gate, they slapped Gu Nanxiang's face hard.