"Three years ago, my father was convicted for dereliction of duty. My mother hoped the Lin family would lend us a hand, but no matter how I begged my husband, he feared the old villain like a tiger. Not only did he not dare plead with him, he even forbade me from mentioning the matter to my father-in-law."
"In my desperation, I went to beg the old villain behind his back. Who knew he would pretend to be drunk and mad, and actually... actually force himself on me..."
"Enough!"
Hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan could not help but slam the table and rise, angrily declaring, "My father was of noble character, incorruptible and upright, as recognized by both court and commoners alike. How dare you slander him like this?!"
Then he sighed in bitter grief. "The Lin family believed we had always treated you well, yet we never imagined this would be the repayment we received!"
At his words, Shen Peilan indeed lowered her head in silence and said not another word.
But in this flower hall, aside from Lin Xiuyuan, there were also Sun Shaozong and Left Vice Director Yang Zhiming. How could they possibly allow the interrogation to end so anticlimactically?
Sun Shaozong said loudly, "Lin Yuanwai, please calm yourself. Your father's character needs no defense, but according to procedure, an interrogation must produce a statement. As for whether that statement is true or false, it will not be too late to discuss it after she has finished speaking."
As he spoke, he tilted his chin toward Shen Peilan, who knelt in the center. "Continue."
Ever since Sun Shaozong had pulled the silk handkerchief from Shen Peilan's mouth earlier, Lin Xiuyuan had been deeply displeased with him. Hearing this now made his teeth itch with hatred.
Ignoring all manners