There is a god in the sky

Chapter 193 Sowing Discord 10

Zhao Xuan's face was gloomy.

She first touched her temples, then picked a flower and held it in her palm.

Xiao Ji could clearly sense her anger, but he didn't know where it came from.

Did I say something wrong?

Xiao Ji realized that he truly didn't understand women's minds; they were even harder to fathom than solving a case.

"I heard you like calligraphy and painting. Do you prefer figures or flowers and birds?" Xiao Ji quickly changed the subject.

Zhao Xuan, however, was not to his liking and sneered, "I've also heard that the coroner Shen by your side is not only proficient in autopsy, but also skilled in painting."

Xiao Ji was somewhat surprised, because Shen Lan's painting skills should not have been displayed in Bianjing before.

But he answered with pride, "She is indeed skilled at painting, especially portraits, which even the hermit of Rongshan admires."

Such high praise suggests that the level of skill is far from ordinary.

Zhao Xuan was displeased. "I didn't expect that Young Master Xiao would even go so far as to ask the Hermit of Rongshan for her sake. I heard that he has been living in seclusion for many years."

Xiao Ji went to see the hermit of Rongshan because of Shen Lan.

He was at a loss for words.

Zhao Xuan was furious and questioned, "Does Young Master Xiao intend to take her as a concubine?"

Xiao Ji frowned and shook his head in rebuttal: "That's not true."

"Oh? So you mean you want to keep her as a mistress?"

"You've misunderstood. She's just my subordinate, and there's no romantic relationship between us."

Coroners had to be appointed by the government.

Xiao Ji has already presented the letter of appointment, and it is only waiting for the superior to stamp it. Shen Lan will then be the official coroner of the Capital Judicial Bureau.

Zhao Xuan, of course, did not believe it.

Her people had long ago discovered Xiao Ji's various special treatments towards Shen Lan.

Not only did he carry it with him at all times, but he was also given plenty of gold and silver jewelry.

Upon arriving in Bianjing, he even gave the woman the Jifeng Study.

If there were no romantic feelings involved, and if he had given her another shop instead, Zhao Xuan certainly wouldn't have been so certain.

Although Jifeng Study didn't make money, it was known to everyone in Bianjing.

Now that woman has benefited from the situation and become famous as well.

Many scholars know that the female manager of Jifeng Study was beautiful and capable.

“Miss Zhao, we have been engaged for many years, so you should know my character.”

If I intended to take her in, I wouldn't have kept her outside as a manager.

Xiao Ji said this not only to Zhao Xuan, but also to his family.

He has a female coroner by his side, so it's not just Zhao Xuan who might misunderstand.

Zhao Xuan didn't know whether she truly believed it or not, but she outwardly said with a relieved expression, "I'll believe you for now. It was my narrow-mindedness, Young Master Xiao, please don't take offense."

Xiao Ji smiled, "It's good that the misunderstanding has been cleared up. You can ask me in person if you have any questions in the future."

Zhao Xuan gave a wry smile.

She thought that he had found out about her going to the study to see Shen Lan.

Men really don't like me interfering in their affairs. Was this because that woman specifically told me to?

How could she believe that Xiao Ji didn't have that woman in his heart?

"Alright, my father should be back by now. I'll take you to his study."

Zhao Xuan had lost all interest in admiring the flowers and strolling through the garden.

Just then, Zhao Dalang also came to invite someone, so Xiao Ji and Zhao Huan left.

After he left, Zhao Xuan trampled the flowers in front of her.

Seeing the folding fan in the maid's hand, she swept it forcefully, and the perfectly good ivory folding fan fell to the ground and broke in two.

The maid said with concern, "Miss, even if you're angry, don't waste such good things."

"Do I care?"

"But if the son-in-law finds out, won't he be heartbroken?"

"Then don't let him know. Keep your mouth shut!" Zhao Xuan turned and left.

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. After entering her courtyard, she summoned her maid and whispered a command to her.

Xiao Ji and Minister Zhao talked for a long time.

Compared to Xiao's father, his father-in-law, Minister Zhao, was more concerned about his career. He not only analyzed the current situation for him but also gave him a lot of advice.

"Don't think I'm being long-winded. After all, we'll be family soon. If you're well, my daughter will be well too," Minister Zhao said earnestly.

Xiao Ji stood up, bowed, and said, "Lord Zhao is right. I will do my job well."

"Hey, given our relationship, it's too formal to call you Lord Zhao. Just call me Uncle for now."

Xiao Ji readily agreed and said, "Uncle Zhao, there is another matter I would like to discuss with you today."

Minister Zhao looked puzzled.

Xiao Ji pulled out a scroll from his sleeve. "This is the scroll of the Wu family massacre case in Jianzhou Prefecture. Please take a look, Uncle."

Minister Zhao asked, puzzled, "This is official business. Why not just have Jianzhou Prefecture send it to the Ministry of Justice for review?"

“I feel there are still doubts about this case. The initial judgment was too hasty, so I would like to ask my uncle to be lenient and send an official to re-examine the case.”

Minister Zhao opened the file and glanced through it, his expression indifferent.

“Nephew, you’re taking some things too seriously.”

As stated in your case file, the murderer has been apprehended and confessed voluntarily without any evidence of torture or coercion. The case is also clear. Why do you still feel there are doubts surrounding this case?

Xiao Ji shared his thoughts, but these were merely his intuitions and guesses, far less convincing than evidence.

Minister Zhao did not want to cause any more trouble.

Moreover, from a personal perspective, he didn't want the case to be overturned.

He subtly reminded Xiao Ji: "You need to understand, this case caused a sensation in the imperial court back then, and it was done to enhance the case. If the case is overturned, what will happen to your reputation and future?"

Xiao Ji certainly knew this.

He insisted, "Uncle's concerns are valid. Why don't you send someone to investigate secretly? If there are no discrepancies, that would be best. But if you find out that the murderer is someone else, please correct my mistake."

Minister Zhao agreed on the spot.

But as soon as Xiao Ji left, he immediately wrote "verified" on the file and ordered it to be sent back to Jianzhou by fast horse.

"He's still young, and he still has some backbone, but unfortunately, it's not good."

Xiao Ji walked on the street.

The Lantern Festival is just around the corner, and the streets are filled with vendors selling lanterns.

Sui Feng picked out a few pretty ones, intending to take them back and give them to the maids he knew well in the mansion.

"Master, please also choose one for Miss Zhao."

Xiao Ji thought of his unpleasant conversation with Zhao Xuan and was in low spirits.

However, he was not in Bianjing in previous years and neglected these matters. Now that the two are about to get married, it is time to repair their relationship.

He took a fancy to an octagonal lamp, each side of which was decorated with exquisite pictures of beautiful women, and when it turned, it looked like a beautiful woman dancing.

Sui Feng bought the octagonal lantern and asked with a smile, "Shall I deliver it to the Zhao residence? And while I'm at it, shall I invite Miss Zhao out for a stroll during the Lantern Festival?"

Xiao Ji nodded lightly.

He carried the lantern and left with the wind.

Xiao Ji walked alone on the street, the words of Marquis Pingyang and Minister Zhao floating in his mind.

That day at the Marquis of Pingyang's residence, he had a long private conversation with the Marquis of Pingyang.

From the moment Xiao Ji returned to the capital and delivered the gunpowder to the Marquis of Pingyang, the two became much closer.

In the imperial court, everyone needs to rely on their personal connections.

Xiao Ji helped Marquis Pingyang return to the court, though he also had his own selfish motives.

My father held a high-ranking official position, but he did not participate in party and government affairs, nor did he have much ambition.

The Xiao family is considered part of the Qingliu faction, but it's difficult for the Qingliu to remain neutral forever.

Marquis Pingyang is related to the Xiao family by marriage, and being on good terms with him will help repair the relationship between him and his aunt.