Chapter 184

The Marquis of Zhenyuan glanced at Shen Lantang. She caught his meaning and hurried forward, calling sweetly, "Grandfather."

Only then did the marquis nod in satisfaction.

How could this be?!

Zhang Xiaoqing and Lin Jin widened their eyes at the same time. What were they doing here?

Zhang Xiaoqing's heart lurched. He suddenly remembered that the men who should have returned long ago to report back had sent no word.

Could they have—

"Grandfather." After exchanging family pleasantries with the Marquis of Zhenyuan, Xie Jin returned to the matter at hand.

He declared, each word ringing clear, "Lin Jin, prefect of Qingzhou, conspired with Zhang Xiaoqing, the County Magistrate of Cang'an County, and a local notable surnamed Liu. They deceived their superiors, bullied those beneath them, oppressed the people, and secretly sold off property and grain from the County Office storehouse. For these crimes, they deserve death!"

"Oh? Is that so?"

Lin Jin understood now. Xie Jin had been targeting them from the start. He hurriedly said:

"Of course not! None of that happened!"

"Xie Jin, you can't make accusations like that. Do you have proof?"

"I do," Xie Jin said, enunciating every word.

"And the people of Cang'an County can all serve as my witnesses."

He turned to the crowd. "People of Cang'an County, before you stands the Marquis of Zhenyuan, Divine Capital General Xie, personally appointed by His Majesty. Though he has retired from official life, he still holds his title. You may tell him of the grievances you've endured all these years and ask him to seek justice for you!"

So much had happened that night. First the prefect's son had set fire to the Residence, then the prefect himself had arrived, and now a marquis had appeared. Every important person they had ever seen in their