The princess regretted it.

The people from the Dali Temple who went to capture Manager He returned soon, but they did not bring Manager He back alive.

It turned out that when the officials from the Dali Temple arrived at the Grand Tutor's Mansion, they showed the arrest warrant issued by the Grand Tutor's Mansion to the doorman of the Grand Tutor's Mansion. Not long after the doorman informed, Zhang Hengrui came out with the steward He.

Seeing this, the Dali Temple officials assumed Zhang Hengrui was trying to stop them, so they showed him the arrest warrant again. Instead, Zhang Hengrui, with a look of deep sorrow, berated He Guanshi and bowed deeply toward the palace, claiming it was their fault for failing to understand their subordinates' actions and truly betraying the emperor's grace. This action caught the attention of the onlookers.

Then, Zhang Hengrui personally tied up Steward He. As the two sides were handing over, Steward He turned and knelt before Zhang Hengrui, tearfully pleading, "Young Master, it's my own narrow-mindedness and confusion! It was my son who made the mistake, and he was the one who made the mistake first. He deserves to be taught a lesson. I, out of resentment, committed such a mistake, and I truly deserve it. It's my fault that I brought such trouble to the Grand Tutor's Mansion. I bear the consequences alone. I beg you not to blame my family; they don't know. Especially my grandson, he's still in his infancy. I feel so bad for them."

Zhang Hengrui's face was filled with sorrow, and he said, "Don't worry, your family will not be implicated. The Grand Tutor's Mansion will treat them well. Don't worry about your grandson. With the protection of the Grand Tutor's Mansion, he will be fine." His words made most of the onlookers secretly praise the benevolence of the Grand Tutor's Mansion.

Upon hearing this, Manager He kowtowed to Zhang Hengrui several times, then stood up and quickly rushed to the stone lions nearby. The Dali Temple officials reacted and tried to grab him, but they were too late. Manager He's head slammed heavily into the stone lion, blood splattering everywhere, his brains popping out, and he died instantly.

Zhang Hengrui was so heartbroken that his face turned pale and his body trembled slightly, as if he had suffered a great blow. The surrounding people watched this scene, some sighing, some lamenting the fate of the Grand Tutor's Mansion, and some expressing shock and regret at this sudden change.

The officers from the Dali Temple looked at each other, unsure what to do. They had been ordered to arrest He Guanshi, but they hadn't expected such a turn of events. One of the officers examined He Guanshi's body, confirmed his death, and shook his head helplessly.

Zhang Hengrui was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke, "My dear officers, this incident happened so suddenly and is truly heartbreaking. However, since Steward He committed such a serious crime, he deserved it. He has now committed suicide and apologized. I hope that when you report to Lord Wang, you will explain the situation truthfully and prevent the Grand Tutor's Mansion from being unnecessarily implicated."

Although the officers were filled with misgivings, they knew it was best not to speak out. They bowed to Zhang Hengrui and said, "Don't worry, Master Zhang. We will report the truth. However, this matter is of grave importance, so we must return to report to Master Wang." With that, the officers carried Steward He's body and left the Grand Tutor's Mansion.

Zhang Hengrui watched the officials retreating, a subtle, complex expression flashing across his eyes. He turned back to the Grand Tutor's residence and hurried toward his father's study.

Meanwhile, at the Dali Temple, upon learning of Steward He's suicide, Lord Wang frowned. Just as the man had predicted, Steward He had taken the entire blame in front of the crowd, confessing to all his crimes. However, now that Steward He was dead, there was no witness to prove his guilt, and the case could no longer be investigated.

Just as Lord Wang was feeling lost in thought, a trusted confidant entered and secretly handed him a small piece of paper. Upon examining it, Lord Wang understood. He took a deep breath, compiled all the evidence, and wrote a memorial. He decided to follow the confidant's advice and report the matter truthfully to the Emperor. Although the Emperor would undoubtedly be furious, the decision on whether to investigate the case further rested with the Emperor.

After completing all preparations, he returned to the Imperial Study and reported the entire matter to Changsun Hongze in detail. Changsun Hongze's face darkened. He hadn't expected the Grand Tutor's Office to respond in this manner, and this move only deepened his suspicions. "Lord Wang, how do you suggest this matter be handled?" Changsun Hongze asked.

Lord Wang considered his words and replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, the testimony of the three arrested individuals directly points to Steward He. Furthermore, Steward He's son once verbally offended Miss Lin on the street and was beaten by Miss Lin's followers. It's understood the beating was quite severe, and Steward He's son was bedridden for over a month. Therefore, Steward He certainly has a reason to be guilty. The groom, Qi Kui, was also related to Steward He, which is why he was introduced to the palace. Therefore, based on all the testimony so far, Steward He is the primary culprit. However, whether there is another hidden plot remains to be seen, as we haven't yet found conclusive evidence."

Chang Sun Hongze didn't say anything, just sat quietly. After a while, Chang Sun Hongze sighed slightly and said slowly, "Well, since we have all the evidence, and the main culprit has confessed and committed suicide out of fear of punishment, this matter ends here. There is no need to investigate further."

Lord Wang was startled and puzzled, but he didn't dare to say anything. He could only respond respectfully, "I obey your command. But what about Princess Jin'an and the Lin family..."

"I understand. You should immediately issue a written announcement revealing the truth of the case and the outcome of the trial, sentencing the three accomplices according to the law. Clear Jin'an of any involvement in this matter. As for the principal offender, Manager He," Changsun Hongze paused, "Fuquan, you must immediately go to the Grand Tutor's Mansion and convey my oral instructions. The Grand Tutor's Mansion failed to supervise their subordinates properly, allowing them to commit this murder. They are ordered to cover all medical expenses for the daughter of Minister Lin's family, as well as pay three thousand taels of silver in compensation, having Zhang Hengrui personally deliver the compensation to the Lin Mansion. As for Jin'an, I have other arrangements."

Lord Wang and Eunuch Fuquan bowed and received the order before leaving the palace.

At the same time, Princess Jin'an also learned about the progress of this matter. She knew her father's concerns, so she was not disappointed. She had never thought that such a great effect could be achieved all at once.

However, she believed that with her father's intelligence, he would definitely have some doubts. Although he would no longer pursue the matter openly, he would definitely investigate secretly. Then, as long as her father was willing to investigate, some things would slowly surface.

This was her ultimate goal. She didn't have many people, but her father did. And it was much easier for her to investigate than it was for her.