The system forced me to blow up the female lead's fishpond.

Xue Zhi's eyes remained blank as he stared intently at his young master. After a moment, he shook his head.

Zhang Jiali glanced at him slowly and smiled:

"The old beggar said that even coarse food can fill one's stomach, and he would leave the steamed buns for the other beggars. The scholar was very grateful. After passing the imperial examination in the capital, he took the old beggar home and recognized him as his father."

Zhang Jiali rose, gently placed the pear blossoms on the table, dusted off his plain robe, a faint smile playing on his lips, and continued speaking:

"For those who have no worries about food and clothing, the trivial things they give away are merely fulfilling their own desires. For them, there is neither great gain nor great loss."

"But what does this have to do with today's events?" Xue Zhi raised his eyes, still puzzled.

He simply wanted to know what the young master should do about the fact that the second prince was becoming increasingly popular with the people, and why the young master was telling him stories.

He was completely clueless about these complicated matters, but the young master was just so literary, and his words always left him bewildered.

Zhang Jiali chuckled helplessly, then turned to look at the three people still facing off below the window. "Regarding what I just said, does Xue have any thoughts?"

Xue Zhi remained silent for a long time, stumped by the sudden request to give his thoughts after listening.

After a long pause, he stammered, "That old beggar is a good person."

"Anything else?" Zhang Jiali asked with a smile, without looking at him.

Xue was stunned.

What else?

"And..." Blood hesitated for a moment, "was that old beggar an incredibly kind person?"

Zhang Jiali suddenly burst into laughter, his laughter as clear and melodious as an orchid in a secluded valley or a nightingale emerging from a valley.

He slowly turned around, staring at Xue Zhi with a puzzled expression, and said, "Why doesn't Xue Zhi say that the rich man who gave the scholar rations was also a good person?"

"A rich man?" Bloodthirsty stared at Zhang Jiali, then suddenly grasped a fragment of a thought, a flash of inspiration striking his mind, "Young Master's intention could not be—"

Seeing that he understood, Zhang Jiali smiled and nodded, "Blood is the kind of person who is in distress but still thinks of others and considers their needs. That is what moves people the most."

He strode towards the stairwell, his every step graceful and captivating.

After a moment, he paused slightly, then laughed loudly at the astonished Bloodthirsty One behind him:

"So what if things have changed? From this day forward, I am that old beggar, and as for the others—"

Zhang Jiali's eyes brightened slightly. He said nothing more and slowly descended the stairs.

Blood knew his master's meaning, sighed inwardly, and hurriedly hid in the shadows to follow him.

-

Meanwhile, on Shen Zhizhi's side, some people who had been bullied by Chu Tu on the street were eager to use Xiao Hang to eliminate him, and they all spoke up:

"This girl just risked her own life to block a sword; who knows if she's just talking nonsense?"

"That's right, Young Master Xiao, don't believe her so easily."

"The hatred for killing my father is irreconcilable."

......

Chu Tu's eyes turned slightly cold, and the sarcastic smile on his lips deepened.

"Ah, you all speak as if you've witnessed it with your own eyes. How about—" He lazily raised his eyes, his tone as cold as frost, "I will reenact what happened that day, shall I?"

With just one word, the crowd fell silent instantly, and no one dared to speak again.

Chu Tu's eyes remained calm, but his sweeping gaze was serious and sharp, as if he wanted to remember the person who had just spoken clearly.

They're quite eloquent, so let's make sure they can never speak again.

He narrowed his long, almond-shaped eyes, a hint of murderous intent flashing within them. "Then, who should go first? How about I just poison whoever gets poisoned?"

[Warning! Warning! Chu Tu's corruption level is rising. Host, please stop it as soon as possible.]

Ya Dan panicked, and the red light screen in her consciousness flickered on and off, accompanied by a loud electrical sound and an alarm.

While Shen Zhizhi was still locked in a tug-of-war with Xiao Hang, Chu Tu had another murderous thought, keeping them both incredibly busy.

She felt the little cartoon character in her heart weeping like a noodle.

Why can't these people just discuss it privately? Why do they have to bring it up in such a grand and respectable way?

Given Chu Tu's vengeful nature, those who spoke up earlier must already be on his death list.

She hurriedly tugged at Chu Tu's robe, trying to soothe him, "Third Prince, believe me, I will definitely not let you suffer in vain."

Chu Tu snorted coldly, dismissing it with disdain, "I don't care."

"But I do care."

The girl's voice wasn't loud, but it slammed into his chest.

Chu Tu was startled by these words. He looked down and saw the girl's wet, doe-like eyes staring at him without blinking.

Chu Tu was taken aback by the sudden exchange of glances.

He quickly looked away, his ebony eyes gleaming with a strange light, and his heart suddenly pounded, rippling with emotion.

[Congratulations, host! Chu Tu's corruption value has plummeted, currently at -90.]

The announcement made Shen Zhizhi's eyes light up.

As Xiao Hang listened to the people's discussions, his face turned as blank as a sheet of paper, and his anger was reignited. "What the people say is not without reason. You risked your life to block the sword, but who knows if you are giving false testimony?"

Shen Zhizhi had a large "囧" character written on her forehead.

No, buddy, I'm part of the main cast, can't I have some ideas of my own?

She paused, then straightened up slightly, her voice clear and bright: "I have not uttered a single falsehood. If you do not believe me, you can go and ask—"

Shen Zhizhi paused at this point in her speech.

The reason why Zhang Jiali was loved by the people in the original text was because of his character of not currying favor with the powerful and wealthy.

If the people found out that he had gone to Chu Tu's house to celebrate his birthday, it would likely tarnish his reputation for integrity and virtue.

Shen Zhizhi's eyes darted around, and she came up with another plan. "As you all know, there is a Junior Minister in Nanliyue Star City who is not afraid of powerful people and is deeply trusted by the people. If we ask him to solve this case, would you all feel at ease?"

Upon hearing Zhang Jiali's name, admiration flashed in Xiao Hang's eyes.

Although he did not live in Nanliyue Star City, Zhang Jiali's name had already spread far and wide, and he was a household name.

Xiao Hang nodded in agreement, "If Lord Zhang can investigate this case, Xiao Hang will be convinced."

"That's excellent!" Shen Zhizhi smiled faintly.

This action would not only save Xiao Hang from being poisoned and suffering from a crippled leg, but also prevent him from being poisoned.

This would also allow Xiao Hang to find Zhang Jiali, so that Chu Tu wouldn't offend Xiao Hang, and Xiao Hang could get to know Zhang Jiali and become a member of the main characters' group by doing so while searching for him to solve the case.

With his corruption level stabilized, Zhang Jiali's opportunity was also secured—a double win!

Overjoyed, Shen Zhizhi scratched her head and glanced awkwardly at Xiao Hang, "Uh, Lord Zhang is very busy, I don't know when he will have time..."

Before Shen Zhizhi could finish speaking, a soft laugh came from the crowd.

"Since it is Miss Shen's request, I will do my best to fulfill it."

That familiar voice was cool and gentle as jade, making one feel as if they were in spring breeze and summer moon, peaceful and serene.