After the cannon fodder father and daughter married into the family, the whole family regretted it

More than twenty fast horses set off from the Ministry of Justice, their hooves leaving marks on the snow, which were then covered by snowflakes in an instant.

It's snowing heavily again. This winter seems particularly cold. This white world seems to stretch on forever.

The yamen runners surrounded Yao Xin's villa, and Zhu Guanfeng personally went up to knock on the door.

Yao Xin, dressed in a deep blue silk roe deer costume, stood by the edge.

"Yao Xin, you colluded with Chen Yong, slandered the princess, and fabricated evidence. Your statements and testimonies are here. Come with me."

Zhu Guanfeng's expression was stern, his eyes cold and unyielding, a far cry from the smooth demeanor he had displayed when they first met.

He stared at Yao Xin's face, but she remained calm and composed, as if she had expected it and didn't care about anything.

"Since you are here in person, I will accompany you."

The way you're saying this makes it sound like someone's begging him to leave; this is detention.

Zhu Guanfeng didn't mind his tone and gestured for him to enter.

To everyone's surprise, Yao Xin cooperated fully without any resistance or questioning.

They arrived at the Ministry of Justice without incident. Fang Nanzhi, wearing a bright red cloak and holding a crescent-colored oil-paper umbrella, stood at the entrance.

A thin layer of snow had already accumulated on the umbrella, indicating that they had been there for a while.

"Greetings, Lord Zhu!"

The little girl bowed very properly, looking incredibly well-behaved.

Zhu Guanfeng felt a bit of a headache. Why was this little girl here? He hadn't let a word about Yao Xin's matter slip out.

Yao Xin's gaze also fell on the little girl's face.

Unlike last time when she pretended not to recognize him when they passed each other, this time Yao Xin looked very carefully.

From her forehead to her eyebrows, eyes, nose, and mouth, she resembles Ziju seven parts and Zixi three parts.

She's more like a member of the Chen family than that brainless Yiyang County Princess.

Yao Xin smiled, revealing a kind and gentle look in her eyes, like that of an elder.

Fang Nanzhi also greeted him warmly, "Is this Uncle Yao? I didn't recognize him last time. I just found out that Uncle Yao is my uncle's brother. I'm here to pay my respects to you."

Yao Xin nodded slightly, the interest in her eyes vanishing instantly.

No matter how similar they look, the little girl is not the same person she used to be.

Zhu Guanfeng waved his hand, signaling someone to take Yao Xin inside first, while he stayed behind to keep an eye on the girl.

"Why are you here instead of studying?"

"Let me help you." Fang Nanzhi smiled sweetly, her eyes crinkling, her intention to please him obvious.

Zhu Guanfeng turned his head away, unmoved.

"No need. This is official business of the imperial court. You are too young to be involved."

This is what it means to prioritize those who are useful and discard those who are not.

It's no longer the time for Zhu Guanfeng to come to her for help.

Fang Nanzhi raised her chin, blinked, and surprisingly wasn't angry; she looked quite docile.

"Ok."

As she spoke, she turned to leave, muttering, "I originally came because I had a clue..."

Upon hearing the clue, Zhu Guanfeng's eyebrows twitched.

He cleared his throat: "However, you are also one of the victims in this case, and there are some things you should know."

The victims refer to the several times she was stabbed.

Fang Nanzhi continued walking, deliberately saying, "Let's forget it, that would be too much trouble for Lord Zhu."

Zhu Guanfeng was amused and annoyed; the young girl had quite a temper.

He quickly straightened his posture, stopped her, and bowed.

"Please bless me, Miss Fang."

Fang Nanzhi then stopped walking.

The two entered the Ministry of Justice together, and this time the interrogation was conducted by Zhu Guanfeng in person.

Fang Nanzhi listened in, preparing to mention her uncle if necessary to disrupt Yao Xin's concentration.

In reality, she had no room to maneuver at all, and even Zhu Guanfeng didn't get the better end of the deal.

Yao Xin denied the alleged crimes outright.

That would require Chen Yong to confront him. Once they confronted each other, Chen Yong would say, "He is not Yao Xin."

It was thought that Chen Yong would change his story at the last minute, but the interrogation continued, and Chen Yong was asked to describe what Yao Xin looked like that he had seen.

The artist was on site and painted on the spot, and actually drew a person.

According to Yao Xin's servant, this person was a member of the Yao clan, the eldest son of a concubine in the main branch.

But three years ago, he suddenly developed an eye disease, his vision became blurry, and he would bump into walls from time to time. After that, his eyes were covered with a black cloth.

Yao Chengwen is four or five years younger than Yao Xin, but you can't tell from his appearance.

Now, all the previous testimonies and witness statements have become a joke.

Besides, all the people who have been secretly in contact with Chen Yong over the years have always communicated with him in person, never by writing notes.

In other words, there is no way to compare handwriting.

The person who contacted Chen Yong was a local gentry member, the sister-in-law of Master Wang's sister, who had become a concubine in the Yao family.

Because of this relationship, the Wang family was able to save face by doing things for the Yao family.

Whether the person who had Master Wang keeping an eye on the Chen family was Yao Xin, or someone else acting in his name, is not something that can be found out in a short time.

What was once irrefutable evidence now seems somewhat laughable.

Zhu Guanfeng was initially caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events, but he calmed down later.

It was him who underestimated the enemy.

If it really is Yao Xin, having secretly plotted for so many years since the Chen family was exiled, how could the other party not have prepared some ways to escape?

After his initial anger subsided, Zhu Guanfeng regained his composure.

He looked directly at Yao Xin, a half-smile on his face: "Mr. Yao, are you at odds with the eldest son of the direct line? Why is the other party impersonating you?"

Yao Xin stood ramrod straight, remaining calm and composed even in prison, displaying a composure that seemed unperturbed even in the face of imminent collapse.

"Lord Zhu is so young, yet he is already the Vice Magistrate of the Capital Prefecture. I'm sure many people envy and are jealous of him."

The implication is that he was being envied for no reason.

A person who isn't envied is a mediocre person.

Zhu Guanfeng rested one hand on the chair, tapping his fingers occasionally, and said casually, "Mr. Yao's great talent is known to all."

"But the gentleman was seriously injured and has long since given up his official career, spending his days traveling and enjoying nature. Yao Chengwen is the eldest son of the Yao family. Surely he wouldn't even allow his cousin to indulge in such pleasures?"

Yao Xin has lost his eyesight and has no hope for his career. He is also just a member of a collateral branch of the clan. What can he possibly use to arouse the jealousy of the direct descendants?

Zhu Guanfeng had also heard of Yao Chengwen; he was cunning but lacked strategic thinking.

His mother was a concubine of the Yao clan chief and was very favored; otherwise, she would not have given birth to his eldest son before the principal wife.

Chief Yao also doted on his eldest son, even though he was born out of wedlock. It was his first time being a father, so his feelings for him were naturally different.

Yao Chengwen was spoiled and even dreamed of inheriting the family business. Unfortunately, he was too stupid and targeted his younger brother, who was born of the main wife, at every turn. He exposed his true colors and became a laughing stock in the capital, a laughing stock of the Yao family members killing each other.

Later, in order to salvage the family's reputation, the Yao clan chief forbade Yao Chengwen from staying in the capital, hastily arranged a marriage for him, and sent him back to his hometown.

Zhu Guanfeng had no idea how he had gone blind.

But judging from past experiences, Yao Chengwen and the Chen family have no major connection. Why would he target the Chen family and falsely accuse the princess?

Even Yao Chengwen and Yao Xin should not have had any grudges. Yao Chengwen was a member of a collateral branch of the family. The Yao family did not value him at first, but later they prepared to cultivate him properly. Then Yao Xin went blind.

The two rarely cross paths. If we're talking about people Yao Chengwen hates, his younger brother is probably among the top contenders.

Yao Xin's tone turned colder: "If you really want to know why, Lord Zhu should ask Chengwen."

Zhu Guanfeng smiled and agreed.

Therefore, Zhu Guanfeng had to return the person to the same polite manner he had brought them there.

Not only was he sent to the Ministry of Justice, but he also had to take the time to visit the Ministry of Justice to apologize.

Yao Xin merely glanced back at him and said, "No need. I don't like being disturbed by outsiders. Everyone says that Lord Zhu is a brilliant judge, but today it seems rather disappointing."

Faced with such overwhelming mockery, Zhu Guanfeng couldn't retort; he could only manage an awkward laugh.

"Lord Zhu, Brother Zijun's case was hastily concluded back then, and it's only recently been unearthed. Regardless of the conclusion, as someone from the past, I want the truth to come out."

Before leaving, Yao Xin said again.

"We will do our utmost," Zhu Guanfeng promised.

As the carriage drove away, Zhu Guanfeng's expression gradually faded.

After staying up all night and getting up early to arrest people, this is the result. It would be a lie to say I'm not disappointed.

This time, we've really alerted the enemy.

Fang Nanzhi also lowered her head. She had someone outside keeping an eye on the Ministry of Justice prison. She didn't need to find out what was going on inside; as long as there was any movement, it was reported so that she could arrive immediately.

In the end, it was all for naught.

Moreover, her uncle, her close friend, didn't seem to have any "love me, love my dog" mentality towards her.

Aside from the initial exploration, the rest was treated the same as when looking at a stranger.

Both the big and small ones looked a bit down.

Zhu Guanfeng glanced at her sideways: "The clue you mentioned earlier?"

"Are you familiar with the horses of Xiang County, Lord Zhu?" Fang Nanzhi asked.

"His Highness the Crown Prince is already investigating this matter. If you're too busy, Lord Zhu, please don't get involved for now. Instead, focus on finding out who's behind Chen Yong."

The young girl phrased it tactfully, but her doubt about his abilities was impossible to hide.

Zhu Guanfeng twitched the corner of his mouth.

"Haste makes waste; I have a long-term strategy."

Fang Nanzhi looked up and asked, "How far? Lord Zhu, the New Year is just around the corner."

We can't let a case drag on until after the new year.

Zhu Guanfeng laughed and said, "Don't worry, I'll make sure you have a peaceful and worry-free New Year."

He never investigates just one route.

Moreover, this time, the fact that he was caught only changed his testimony, but did not clear Yao Xin of suspicion.

Fang Nanzhi also left for the Yun residence. It was Madam Yun who sent a message saying that she was feeling unwell again.

Fang Nanzhi was much more cautious this time when she went to the Yun residence.

Because Yun Congsheng's attitude was very strange after he took over Shadow Six.

After taking her pulse, Fang Nanzhi thought for a moment and then gave Madam Yun a massage.

Despite her small hands, she was quite strong, causing Madam Yun to scream in pain from time to time.

By the time the massage was finished, Madam Yun was drenched in sweat.

But after moving around a bit, she felt that the soreness and weakness in her body had been relieved somewhat.

"Every medicine has some side effects. Given your current condition, you should stop taking the medicine after two more days and switch to dietary supplements."

Madam Yun readily agreed.

This time, the wet nurse happened to bring the child over, and Madam Yun also asked Fang Nanzhi to take a look at the child.

This child has never drunk his mother's breast milk; unfortunately, Madam Yun had no milk after giving birth.

Yun Congsheng had prepared a wet nurse early on, and she came in handy.

But deep down, Madam Yun always felt that she had wronged her child.

Fang Nanzhi touched the child's little hands and feet; they were incredibly soft.

"He's quite chubby, what does his wet nurse eat on a daily basis?"

Children of this age get all their nutrition from breast milk.

"It's all pig's trotters, fish soup, and the like." Madam Yun glanced at the maid with some uncertainty.

She wouldn't bother to check on the servants' food for no reason.

The maid stepped forward and said, "Miss Fang, these are all top-quality tonics. Even the porridge is made with finely minced meat."

Fang Nanzhi nodded.

She read many medical books about raising children, all of which were found through the system, and shared them with Mr. Zhou.

Old Zhou was very interested in pediatric diseases, but there were very few medical books on raising children written specifically in their area.

The imperial court valued population, which was generally reflected in urging eligible men and women to get married, but there was really no policy on raising children.

This results in many women giving birth multiple times in their lifetime, with only a few children surviving.

Miscarriage harms the mother's body and also brings psychological stress.

Fang Nanzhi then took the opportunity to teach some childcare skills, such as how many meals a day a child should eat, how to take a child's temperature, what children under three should not be exposed to, and how to prevent children from getting sick.

Madam Yun listened intently. How could she not care about the son she had gone through so much trouble to have?

The two chatted for a while until noon.

Madam Yun invited her to stay for lunch, but Fang Nanzhi did not want to disturb her. Just as she was about to take her leave, Lord Yun returned.

"We are very grateful to Miss Fang for her repeated trips. We would like to ask Miss Fang to give us the opportunity to stay for a meal so that we can express our gratitude."

The clouds grow in a very low posture.

Fang Nanzhi really wanted to have a "casual chat" with him, so she agreed and sent Anmei back to report the news.

The dark plum blossoms remained motionless.

She couldn't bear to leave her young mistress alone at the Yun residence.

Upon seeing this, Yun Congsheng pointed to one of his servants and ordered him to deliver a message to the general's mansion.

The chef at Yun Mansion was specially hired from outside; he was an expert at steaming dishes.

Today I really showed off my skills, steaming minced meat with eggs, steaming eggplant, steaming fish, steaming beef...

It's a steamed dish, but most of it is sprinkled with bright red chili peppers and bright green scallions.

The taste is mild yet spicy.

It was Fang Nanzhi's first time eating authentic steamed dishes, and she couldn't stop eating with her chopsticks.

A half-grown boy can eat his father out of house and home. Don't underestimate her just because she's a girl; anyone her age has an enormous appetite.

Fang Nanzhi ate three bowls of rice in a row and felt very satisfied.

Little Yunyun was so surprised that she opened her mouth wide and reached out her chubby little hand to touch her sister's belly.

After touching her, I was still quite puzzled: "Sister eats so much, why isn't her tummy bloated?"

As he spoke, he lowered his head to look at his bulging belly, somewhat bewildered.

She only ate a little bit, so how come her tummy is full?

This little gesture was incredibly cute, and Fang Nanzhi affectionately touched the little girl's face.

"That's because your older sister has grown up. When you grow up, you can eat a lot of food. You should also grow up well."

Yunyun nodded her little head earnestly, like a chick pecking at rice.

This made everyone at the table burst into laughter.

After dinner, they were supposed to go for a walk to digest their food, but a maidservant told them that the young master was crying and the wet nurse couldn't soothe him, so Madam Yun had to go herself.

Only Yun Congsheng, Fang Nanzhi, and Yun Yun remained in the courtyard.

The servants were all sent away.

"Miss Fang, thank you for helping me catch the person."

"I'm just glad you don't mind my overstepping my bounds, Lord Yun," Fang Nanzhi said, feeling embarrassed.

If you discover someone suspicious in someone's home, the proper thing to do is to inform the homeowner immediately. Arresting someone without authorization is not legitimate.