Being an emperor is not something he can do, so he can only rely on his connections.

Liu Yanzhi stared helplessly at the stubborn student in front of him, and slowly said, "Jingwei..." There was a hint of powerlessness and regret in his voice.

Zhang Jingwei, who was standing opposite, had a firm look on his face and interrupted the teacher without hesitation: "Teacher, you don't have to say anything more." His eyes were like torches, revealing a determination.

Liu Yanzhi sighed and tried to explain to the students: "I have worked with him for many years and know him well. He is definitely not a cruel and ruthless person. Perhaps all this is just due to the pressure of political achievements."

However, his words didn't sway Zhang Jingwei in the slightest. Zhang Jingwei declared righteously, "I understand the reasons behind this, but I simply cannot stand idly by. Abusing one's wife as Tian Cao did is a violation of the law. Such evil is unforgivable! Furthermore, this case involves many individuals. I will ensure that all those implicated receive the punishment they deserve. Not a single one will escape!" He unconsciously clenched his fists at the end.

Liu Yanzhi's heart tightened, and he quickly admonished, "Jingwei, don't act on impulse. Although you've been nominated as a filial and honest official, you haven't yet become a juren. The prefect can easily revoke your status with just a word! If that happens, all your previous efforts will be in vain."

Faced with his teacher's concerns, Zhang Jingwei showed no sign of backing down. He held his head high and replied, "If I turn a blind eye just to seek the reputation of being filial and honest, how can I be filial and honest?"

Liu Yanzhi looked at the upright student before him and exclaimed in admiration, "How magnificent! As expected of a student from Yunzhou. With such integrity, I am ashamed to be inferior to him!"

Zhang Jingwei's expression was solemn as he reiterated his resolve: "Teacher, don't worry. I'm only pursuing justice. I'll take charge of Yang Xier's case! I won't back down even a little bit!"

……

Just after noon, the sun shone like golden arrows, bathing the entire Yunzhou government office in a blazing heat. At this moment, a rapid and heavy drumbeat suddenly shattered the silence, resounding through the sky like thunder—the Dengwen Drum was struck once again.

The yamen runners who came out upon hearing the noise quickly gathered around, and one of them asked in a loud voice: "Who is beating the drum for reporting here?!" They saw a middle-aged couple standing beside the drum with anxious expressions. The man had a sad face, and the woman had already burst into tears.

The woman wiped her tears and said with a sob, "Brother, my son is missing! He is a scholar in our Yunzhou and a student on government academy!" After hearing this, the yamen runner's face turned serious and he hurriedly said, "Since such an important person is missing, you two wait here for a moment. I will go and inform the adults." After that, he turned around and ran away.

Soon, the couple was led to the Fumin Hall. Liu Yanzhi was seated behind the main desk in the hall, gazing down with a serious expression. As the couple entered, Liu Yanzhi asked, "Who is kneeling at the desk? What is your complaint?"

The middle-aged man looked around with a look of hesitation on his face, muttering to himself, "This... this isn't the Yunzhou court." Liu Yanzhi frowned slightly and explained, "This is the Yunzhou Fumin Office, specifically responsible for overseeing all matters related to arrests and tracking within Yunzhou. Feel free to tell me the whole story!"

Hearing this, the middle-aged man calmed down and continued, "Your Excellency, my name is Tian Fu, and my son is Tian Cao. Last night, he suddenly disappeared for unknown reasons. My wife and I have searched everywhere for him, turning almost the entire Hunyuan County upside down, but we still can't find him. What's even more strange is that officials came to look for our son yesterday, which makes us feel that this matter is very serious."

Liu Yanzhi nodded and asked, "Did your son leave any clues before he disappeared?"

Tian Fu thought for a moment, shook his head and said, "At first, I didn't find any clues... Oh, right! My daughter-in-law is missing too!"

Liu Yanzhi asked suspiciously, "Your daughter-in-law? Are you talking about Yang Xier?"

Mother Tian nodded hurriedly and replied, "Exactly! It's that evil woman! She and my Cao'er don't get along well on a daily basis. She's been married to our Tian family for several years, but there's no sign of pregnancy. In my opinion, it must be this vicious woman who kidnapped my Cao'er!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Yanzhi's face darkened and he sternly said, "Do you have any solid evidence? If you are talking nonsense here without any basis, I will punish you according to the law!"

Tian's mother trembled with fear, but she managed to remain calm and defended herself, saying, "How dare I speak so rudely? They have always had a bad relationship, and the neighbors can all attest to that!"

Liu Yanzhi snorted coldly and scolded, "As a parent, you have the nerve to bring your own children's marital discord before me as evidence. You are clearly deliberately protecting them!"

At this moment, Tian's father, who had been kneeling silently beside him, quickly stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Master Tongzhi, please calm down. We have come here to find our son's whereabouts. As for the relationship between my daughter-in-law and her husband, it is just one clue! I hope you will understand!"

Liu Yanzhi narrowed his eyes slightly, thought for a moment, and then said, "Well! Quickly go and invite the governor to the court! Summon Yang Xier to the court immediately for confrontation!"

Soon, Tian Fu and his wife were brought to the main hall by yamen runners. Lu Hui sat in the courtroom with a displeased expression, while Liu Yanzhi sat at the desk beside him, his expression not much better.

Lu Hui frowned, his face full of suspicion as he said, "Tian Cao has disappeared! This is truly bizarre! We just traced the clues to the case back to him. How could he just vanish without a trace at this critical moment?"

Tian Fu, who was standing nearby, quickly knelt and kowtowed, his voice trembling as he said, "Sir, my poor son Tian Cao would never do anything illegal. Please be discerning and clear my son's name!"

Lu Hui's eyes widened with anger, and he shouted loudly: "Where the hell did he go!?"

Tian Fu was so frightened that he trembled all over and stammered, "Fuck...I really don't know!"

Lu Hui was so angry that he slammed the gavel and pointed at Tian Fu, cursing, "You are so bold and unruly! How could such a big living person disappear in your home without saying anything? As the head of the family, how could you not know about it? It's obvious that you are deliberately making fun of me!" Then he waved his hand and ordered, "Come here, give this couple ten lashes each, and then lock them up in the detention center and let them reflect on their mistakes!"

Upon hearing the order, the yamen runners in the court rushed forward like wolves and tigers, dragging Tian Fu and his wife away without mercy. The only sound was the dull thud of the clubs falling and the miserable cries of Tian Fu and his wife, intertwined and echoing throughout the court.

At this moment, Zhang Jingwei, who was outside the hall, saw this scene and couldn't help but feel a little guilty. However, this slight change on his face did not escape the eyes of Liu Yanzhi, who had been secretly observing him.