Forced to marry, I picked up a young powerful official

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire front hall fell silent, and then everyone started talking.

"Master Zhang, what did you say? Cai Ling, is that Mr. Cai, the number one painter of the Tiansheng Dynasty? Is he here too?"

"Mr. Cai has arrived in Yongzhou? Then I must send an invitation immediately and go visit him on a certain day."

"No, no, what Mr. Zhang just said was the authentic work of Cai Ling, not the real person. Could it be that someone came to give a gift to Mr. Zhang?"

"..."

Zhang Tongzhi was also in a daze. He glanced at the boy and said, "Tell me more about what's going on."

The servant had not expected that the name Cai Ling could make so many distinguished guests change color at the same time.

He said cautiously, "Your Excellency, a young lady came to the door and said she wanted to present Cai Ling's original work to you."

Everyone looked surprised.

"It really is Mr. Cai's authentic work!"

"Master Zhang is really very generous. Now that you have been promoted to a Beijing official, even Cai Ling has come to congratulate you!"

"Hey! Mr. Cai is unruly by nature and doesn't deal with people in the government. This may not be a gift from him. However, if this is really a painting from his pen, it is rare to see it."

"Zhang Tongzhi, please don't be stingy. Please let us join you to enjoy the feast for the eyes!"

As everyone was talking and laughing, Zhang Tongzhi was also very excited and said hurriedly, "Go and invite the people in quickly. Let my wife entertain them well on my behalf."

Soon, Shen Nankui was invited into the side hall and received by Mrs. Zhang personally.

In the final analysis, it was actually just about questioning her purpose of coming.

After all, she was a foreigner and had no connections with the Zhang family. It was impossible for her to come to their house and deliver such a precious gift without any ulterior motive.

Therefore, even if Zhang Tongzhi wanted Cai Ling's original work, he had to think carefully before making a decision.

Facing Mrs. Zhang's inquiries, Shen Nankui did not hide much. The two chatted for a while. Mrs. Zhang saw that Shen Nankui was well-spoken and calm, and what she wanted was just a trivial matter, so she gradually let down her guard.

Mrs. Zhang sat for a while and then made an excuse to leave. After a while, it was Tongzhi Zhang who came in.

"So she is the wife of the newly crowned number one scholar, Gu Siye. I am sorry for not welcoming her in person. I never thought that Mrs. Gu actually has property in Yongzhou."

"Master Zhang, I am honored to be here."

People in Yongzhou might not know what happened in the capital, but the title of the new top scholar was certainly known to the Yongzhou government, so Shen Nankui did not hesitate to use Gu Yichuang's name directly.

Zhang Tongzhi smiled and said, "Mrs. Gu is really polite. She just wants to visit the prison. It's just a small matter. You can just let Zhang know. Why do you need to send such a generous gift?"

Shen Nankui thought that if he didn't use Cai Ling's name to attract his attention first, even if he brought up Gu Yichuan, the local officials might not buy it.

"This is a small matter for Lord Zhang, but it is a very important matter for me. To be honest with you, Lord Zhang, I came to see you this time because I wanted to visit you in prison, but I also have something to ask for."

"Mrs. Gu, please speak."

Shen Nankui said, "Mr. Gu is the co-magistrate of Yongzhou, in charge of the criminal cases of the state. You are personally in charge of Miss Tao's case. This case has not been judged yet. I know you must feel that there are many doubts in it. Miss Tao is very likely to be framed, so I beg you to investigate this case strictly and clear Miss Tao's name."

After hearing her say this, Zhang Tongzhi was silent for a moment before he slowly spoke.

"It's true that I'm in charge of this case. I also feel that Tao's size and physique are not enough to accidentally kill an adult man. But I've checked many places and found that the deceased had no illness and had no conflicts with others. Apart from being kicked by Tao, which caused his organs to rupture and he died two days later, there are no other suspicious points."

Shen Nankui was stunned, "But this is impossible..."

Even a strong man can’t necessarily kick someone to death with one kick, let alone a thin girl. Unless Miss Tao is born with supernatural powers, which is obviously impossible, otherwise why would she have been bullied in the past?

Zhang Tongzhi sighed, "Madam Gu, I'm sure you already know that I will be returning to Beijing to report on my work soon. Before I leave, I need to settle this case, but as of now, there is no other way out."

Shen Nankui was shocked, "So, Miss Tao..."

Zhang Tongzhi nodded and said, "She was the one who hurt people first. Tao can only consider herself unlucky."

Shen Nankui paused before asking, "When will Lord Zhang issue his verdict at the latest?"

Zhang Tongzhi pondered and said, "It is now the ninth day of the sixth lunar month, and I will be leaving at the end of the month. Therefore, this case must be concluded by the twenty-fifth of June at the latest. Otherwise, I will not be able to explain to the family of the deceased."

Shen Nankui said sternly: "In this case, in the remaining half month, please protect Miss Tao for a while, Master Zhang. I will find a way to find evidence again."

Zhang Tongzhi glanced at her and wanted to say that even his own officers were unable to do anything, let alone a woman like her, what could she find out?

But he didn't say that in the end. He nodded and said, "It's natural."

Knowing Shen Nankui's purpose, he felt relieved and turned to ask about Cai Ling's calligraphy and paintings with eager eyes.

Shen Nankui took out the calligraphy and painting and said with a smile: "I have heard that Mr. Zhang is a man of elegance and refinement, and he likes to collect calligraphy and paintings. This scroll is the Yunling Autumn Scenery Painting by Mr. Cai. Today I will present it to Mr. Zhang. This painting will not be disgraced in your hands."

Zhang Tongzhi's eyes almost popped out as he stared at the picture of the autumn scenery of Yunling Mountains.

Although he is not as flattering as Shen Nankui, as a literati, who doesn't know the name of Cai Ling? Who is not proud to own an authentic work of Cai Ling?

Cai Ling was particularly arrogant and did not like to make friends with officials. It often took a lot of trouble to get a painting of his. It was not something that could be bought with money alone. Moreover, it was heard that Cai Ling had refused the invitation of Princess Le Kang in the capital some time ago. The princess personally ordered that officials were not allowed to embarrass Cai Ling. Since then, Cai Ling's reputation has skyrocketed again.

Now, I can hold the original work of Cai Ling in my hands. This is a very honorable thing. When I arrive in the capital, maybe I can make greater use of this painting...

"Thank you so much, Madam Gu is so polite!"

Although he was responding to Shen Nankui's words, his eyes never left the painting. He sighed and said, "Mr. Cai's painting of the autumn scenery of Yunling, with lush forests and bamboos, changes with every step. The colors are rich and beautiful without losing their elegance. The brushstrokes are precise and meticulous. No one can compare to it!"

He suddenly looked up and said, "Madam Gu, the guests in the front hall know that you brought Mr. Cai's original work, and they are all waiting to see it. I wonder if I can take this painting and share it with everyone?"

Shen Nankui nodded happily, "The painting is now yours. It's up to you how you deal with it. It's getting late, so I should leave now."

After hearing this, Zhang Tongzhi understood and whispered a few words to his attendant.

He added: "I have already made all the arrangements. If Madam Gu wants to visit Mrs. Tao, the warden will receive you."

"Thank you, Master Zhang."

After leaving Zhang's house, Shen Nankui went straight to the provincial prison.