Firefly Journey

Chapter 262 Thunderous Sound from an Earthenware Pot (9)

Upon hearing that Lu Yong had betrayed the Lu family, the faces of all the family heads present turned ashen.

Especially Lu Xianju and his son, who never expected this outcome. Their beloved eldest son and grandson were actually standing on the opposite side of their own family.

The two found it hard to accept.

Imagine a child you've had high hopes for since infancy, showering him with love and resources, only to have him grow up and say, "Sorry, our beliefs are different."

No one could accept that.

Although the two were convinced that Duan Feibai was setting a trap, they weren't entirely convinced. They reasoned that he was a superhuman and it wasn't surprising that he obtained the accounts through unknown means.

But who would have thought that the evidence against them was provided by Lu Yong?

"Minister Lu, what else is there to say?" Duan Feibai stared at the group, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

I already said I wouldn't disclose it, but you insisted on pressing me for details. Now look what's happened; you're probably furious when you find out the truth.

The Lu family father and son clearly felt that the other prominent families around them were looking at them with anger.

There's nothing we can do. After all, the evidence was provided by the Lu family. Even if the Lu father and son are also victims, things have come to this point. Everyone is facing imprisonment, and even protecting themselves is a problem. Who would give you a friendly look?

"Your Excellency, I am innocent!"

Lu Xianju knew that even with irrefutable evidence, he couldn't admit it. Denying it might offer a sliver of hope, but admitting it would mean the end.

Not only that, the other family heads also clamored and stubbornly refused to admit it despite the double evidence, demonstrating what it means to be as thick-skinned as a wall.

Duan Feibai was too lazy to pay attention.

“After all, this happened in Yunzhou, and now that the evidence is conclusive, I would like to ask Lord He to determine the guilt. I cannot overstep my bounds.” Duan Feibai turned to look at He Changqing.

He Changqing nodded expressionlessly and said in a serious tone, "As a prominent family, the Lu family should have taken the lead and set an example for the people of Yunzhou. However, they have been blinded by greed and have used their power to oppress the villagers, exploit the people, and commit all kinds of evil."

For many years, I, the prefect, have also suffered greatly from this, but I dared not speak out against it. Fortunately, the Emperor is so benevolent that he specially dispatched the governor to Yunzhou to save the people from their suffering and restore peace to Yunzhou.

The Lu family and their cronies have committed too many evils; only His Majesty can decide their fate. They must be immediately imprisoned in Taiqian Prison and, at a later date, escorted to Danyang.

He Changqing threw out a command arrow, and the yamen runners on both sides immediately stepped forward, tied two people together, and escorted the heads of the Lu, Wu, and Zhu families away.

Lin Yuanran seemed to be deep in thought.

He Changqing had served as an official in Yunzhou for many years, and Lin Yuanran didn't believe he was unaware of the disgusting things the Lu family had done. Yet, judging from his appearance, he seemed to have escaped punishment, and was even acting as the judge.

He was completely baffled.

until……

Duan Feibai smiled at He Changqing, and He Changqing returned the smile.

Are these two flirting with each other?

In an instant, Lin Yuanran understood something. Could it be that He Changqing, the prefect of Yunzhou, was actually arranged by the imperial court and deliberately came to Yunzhou to make arrangements in advance?

It seems there might actually be such a possibility.

Duan Feibai didn't tell Lin Yuanran everything. For example, Lin Yuanran naturally wouldn't ask about He Changqing's background.

That was Chu's own business. In the end, he was just an outsider, a passerby.

Even though he seemed to have secured a decent position, everyone knew in their hearts that he was merely a superhuman with the Crown Prince's recommendation and protection.

In less than half a month, they've opened their hearts to you? Absolutely not.

Duan Feibai slammed his gavel, announcing the adjournment of the court. Seeing the excitement was over, the people dispersed. However, every face beamed with happiness.

The Lu family and their cronies have dominated Yunzhou for many years, and the local people have long harbored resentment towards them. Now that justice has been served, they are not just happy, they are celebrating like it's New Year's Day!

So the people spread the word and told each other, believing that it wouldn't be long before the news would spread throughout Yunzhou.

……

After leaving the state government office, Duan Feibai changed into civilian clothes and, together with Lin Yuanran and the witness Hu Jun, returned to the Qingsong Inn.

To be honest, Hu Jun was an unexpected surprise.

Duan Feibai's purpose in coming to Yunzhou was merely to use the courtesan case as a pretext to punish the powerful families of Yunzhou.

The case itself is actually not important. Even without this case, he would have found another way to get involved until the Lu family was imprisoned.

The three of them sat together in Lin Yuanran's room.

Lin Yuanran asked, "What are your plans for the future?"

Because of the Lu family's destruction, Hu Jun is now all alone and extremely pitiful, Lin Yuanran asked casually.

Hu Jun didn't speak, took a swig of wine, and stared blankly.

Lin Yuanran and Duan Feibai exchanged a glance, thinking to themselves, even if you really suffered a terrible ordeal, you should at least be happy today, even if you're not excited. Why are you still looking so gloomy?

After a long while, Hu Jun suddenly stretched out his hands, closed his eyes, and said, "Grab me."

"Ok?"

Hu Jun's actions stunned the two men. Why are you being arrested?

Lin Yuanran's thinking was rather unconventional. He felt that Hu Jun might know he was all alone and had lost all desire for life. He didn't want to work hard anymore and wanted to go to prison to get a long-term meal ticket.

His malicious speculation was, of course, untrue.

Hu Jun said, "I killed someone."

He killed his fiancée.

……

Three days later, Lin Yuanran boarded the beast-drawn carriage to return to Danyang.

Their entourage consisted of about ten beast-drawn carts, which looked quite impressive. Most of these carts were used to transport the criminals who had been imprisoned that day.

Lin Yuanran told the driver to go and rest, while he sat in the driver's seat and ate a flatbread.

Duan Feibai flew over at some point and sat down next to him.

"Aren't my mom's pancakes delicious?"

"Not as good as the Black Gold Beef Burger."

"what?"

"Uh, it's nothing." Lin Yuanran made up for his slip of the tongue and changed the subject, "Do you think Hu Jun's behavior was excessive?"

Duan Feibai shook his head.

"He had no power or influence, so the best way he could think of to take revenge was to smear his enemies. In the end, he succeeded."

Lin Yuanran frowned: "But he shouldn't have killed someone."

"The truth of the matter may not be what he says."

"How to say?"

"You've seen the coroner's report. The marks on his body may have been inflicted by him, but he may not have been the one who did it."

Think about it, he's just an ordinary person. How could he kill his fiancée and escape from Jade Pavilion without anyone noticing?

Lin Yuanran took a big bite of the pancake and remained silent for a long time.

“We’ve always believed she was murdered, but it seems we’ve forgotten that there’s another possibility.”

Lin Yuanran replied, "Commit suicide."

"Yes."

Duan Feibai sighed: "None of that matters anymore. What matters is that with Gu Bingyan dead, Hu Jun lost all hope of living. Now that his great revenge has been achieved, he has no regrets and it's normal that he doesn't want to live anymore."

Lin Yuanran looked up at the bright sun overhead.

"Where there is life, there is hope."

“Not everyone thinks that way.” Duan Feibai smiled. “Leaving that aside, Hu Jun’s experience is just a drop in the ocean of injustices in this world. What you and I can do is try our best to prevent such things from happening.”

Lin Yuanran nodded in agreement. At that moment, a yellowish-brown object climbed up the frame.

Lin was in a good mood, picked up the little clay figure, and walked towards the carriage.

"Master, could you please go out and drive the car for a bit?"