The Crown Princess is busy fishing

"Lord Jia, we're in the same boat."

"I'm too soft-hearted. Even though I had a grudge against Jia Jingxue, I couldn't just stand by and watch her die!"

Lin Yuge slightly raised her chin, her eyes filled with undisguised mockery.

"Unlike Lord Jia, who would even harm his own daughter for his own selfish desires, he is truly despicable."

"No, I haven't lost yet. Jingxue is my daughter. She's not dead."

Without other evidence, you cannot convict me!

Jia Shi'an roared hysterically, trying to grasp at this last straw.

Xiao Yunqing stepped forward, his expression cold and stern:

"Jia Shi'an, you really won't shed a tear until you see the coffin."

Why do you think I've been stalling with you for so long? I wouldn't have so easily taken to court if I weren't absolutely certain.

At this moment, Mo Nan, soaked to the bone, hurriedly entered the lobby.

He handed a package to Xiao Yunqing, his expression excited, and said, "Your Highness, I have not failed you. All the evidence is here."

These are account books found in Jia Shi'an's secret residence outside the city.

The document contains detailed records of his transactions with pirates over the years, including the types, quantities, and prices of smuggled goods.

There was also a detailed list of the bribes he received, and letters proving his collusion with certain officials in the court.

Xiao Yunqing took the package and scanned the evidence inside with sharp eyes, his expression growing increasingly grim.

Then he displayed the account books and letters one by one in front of everyone, and said coldly:

"Jia Shi'an, look carefully at each and every stroke of the pen."

They attempted to collude with pirates to disrupt the peace and tranquility of the coastal areas;

He accepted huge bribes and corrupted the government;

They formed cliques with officials for personal gain and engaged in treacherous schemes.

Each and every one of these acts constitutes a grave crime. The evidence is now irrefutable; how can you still try to deny it?

Upon hearing this, the people below the hall were filled with shock and anger.

People pointed fingers at Jia Shi'an, and their scorn was incessant.

Jia Shi'an's face was ashen. After swaying a few times, he collapsed weakly to the ground, muttering to himself:

"It's over, it's over..."

Xiao Yunqing ignored him and turned to instruct the yamen runners: "Take Jia Shi'an into prison and await sentencing."

His associates and related individuals have been apprehended and are pending further investigation.

As Jia Jingxue watched her father being escorted away, tears finally welled up in her eyes, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

After these past few days of experiences, she finally lost her former arrogance, as if she had experienced the vicissitudes of life overnight.

Now all that remains is pain and confusion.

Xiao Yunqing continued, "Jia Jingxue, although you have assisted in the investigation of this case..."

However, as Jia Shi'an's daughter, you cannot escape responsibility. You must remain in the government office for questioning until the truth is fully revealed.

The imperial court will determine your merits and demerits according to the law.

Jia Jingxue could only nod, her heart filled with despair.

Xiao Yunqing, Lin Yuge, and the others left the government office.

Upon returning to his residence, he immediately instructed Mo Nan:

"Immediately investigate the Jia family mansion, register all assets, and properly seal up all stolen money and goods, as well as physical evidence related to the case."

He then summoned several lieutenants and gave them instructions:

"Geng Daowei, strengthen the city's defenses these next few days to prevent Jia Shi'an's cronies from resorting to desperate measures or other remnants from causing trouble in secret."

Jia Shi'an had been operating in Nanhai County for many years, and his network of connections was deeply entrenched.

Although we have apprehended him this time, we must not let our guard down.

Geng Daowei clasped his hands in acceptance of the order: "Rest assured, sir, this humble general will do his utmost and will not allow those treacherous officials any opportunity to take advantage of the situation."

Xiao Yunqing nodded slightly, then turned to another deputy general:

"Zhao Ming, you lead a team of elite cavalry to set up checkpoints on key roads outside the city."

Especially those who act suspiciously and want to leave the city.

"A thorough investigation is essential. Anyone found to be associated with Jia Shi'an should be detained immediately."

Zhao Ming responded loudly, then turned and quickly left to organize his men.

After arranging the defense matters, Xiao Yunqing rubbed his temples.

Then he turned to look at Lin Yuge and asked with concern:

“Yuge, were you injured in prison? I should have stopped you in the first place, and not let you put yourself in such danger.”

Lin Yuge gently held Xiao Yunqing's hand and said softly:

“Yunqing, Jia Shi’an’s target is me. If I don’t take the initiative to get involved, how can he easily reveal his true colors?”

All of this was done to thoroughly expose his crimes and restore peace to Nanhai County.

Besides, didn't you send people to protect me? You just made my uncle and Brother Lu worry.

At this moment, Lu Ziheng and Xie Chengzhu and the others also found Xiao Yunqing's residence.

As soon as Xie Chengzhu entered, he strode forward and carefully examined Lin Yuge, his brows furrowed.

"Yuge, you're really being too naughty!"

Do you know how dangerous that prison is? If something happens to you, how can I face your parents?

Lu Ziheng also shouted from the side:

"Yes! Little Lin, you're really something! You went to jail without saying a word. Do you know how worried we were about you?"

"If Yun Qing hadn't so confidently assured me that everything was arranged, I would have stormed in and forcibly dragged you out."

Lin Yuge smiled somewhat embarrassedly:

"Uncle, Brother Lu, I know I acted rashly this time."

However, the situation was urgent at the time, and if they did not take the initiative to attack, Jia Shi'an would have continued to cause trouble in Nanhai County for who knows how long.

I wasn't entirely unprepared; with Yun Qing protecting me, I felt somewhat reassured.

Xie Chengzhu asked in confusion:

"When did you discover Jia Jingxue?"

We came together, how come I didn't know?

Lin Yuge recalled the scene at that time and slowly said:

"Uncle, have you forgotten that I took Qianxia back to get something halfway through?"

Just then, Qianxia and I returned to the ship. As soon as we stepped into the cabin, we found her and her maid lying in a pool of blood.

Qianxia went forward to check and found that Jia Jingxue was still breathing.

We rescued her as a matter of course, but since it involved a life, I sent Qianxia to find Yunqing.

As you all know, after that, Jia Jingxue told us some things after she woke up, so we decided to play along.

"So, Chika also knows the truth. You've been pretending to be completely unaware of it all, you've really fooled us."

Lu Ziheng had a look on his face as if he had been tricked.

Qianxia said with a serious face, "I am worried about Miss's safety, so naturally I can only cooperate fully."

Lin Yuge gently patted Qianxia's shoulder:

"Chika, I'm so grateful to have you along the way."

This was something I insisted on doing; if anyone is to blame, it should be me.

Xiao Yunqing stepped in to defuse the situation:

"Alright, cousin. Yuge must be exhausted after going through so much trouble in prison. Let her go back and rest!"

Xie Chengzhu glanced at the sky outside and nodded in agreement:

“Yunqing is right, Yuge, let’s go back quickly. If we don’t leave soon, your mother might start to worry.”

Lin Yuge then realized that it was getting late.

He quickly stood up and walked out, saying as he went:

"Uncle, hurry up, and remember to keep it a secret from my mother when you get back."

Lu Ziheng teased from behind, "Sigh! Little Sister Lin is fearless, except for me!"

Xiao Yunqing also had a smile on his face and hurriedly instructed the coachman to take them to the boat.