Wen Congrui called Wufu over simply to see her attitude; if she had wanted to protect her uncle, it wasn’t impossible—it would have just required a bit of effort on her part.
But it was clear that she didn’t even recognize this uncle of hers.
Wen Congrui didn’t ask why; considering the information he had gathered, how could someone as astute as he not guess the reason?
Changing the subject, Wen Congrui asked about the progress of the carving, to which Wufu, smiling, said, "Everything is under my control, Lord, you can rest assured."
"If there’s anything you need, feel free to seek out Shopkeeper Lin, or Nan Shan would also do," said Wen Congrui.
"In that case, thank you, Lord," Wufu said, rising to perform a courtesy.
After having a cup of tea, she didn’t linger and soon asked to take her leave; Wen Congrui had Nan Shan escort her out.
When they reached the outer doors, Wufu saw Lan Shu, Wen Congrui’s Chief Maid. She was standing at the door of a room, staring straight at her with eyes full of disgust and hatred.
Wufu was taken aback and frowned—she didn’t recall offending her. Why the gaze as if she was seeing the murderer of her father?
Upon closer inspection, Lan Shu’s expression turned indifferent, emotionless, as if Wufu had been mistaken just a moment before.
It was truly baffling.
Wufu followed Nan Shan outside, and before leaving, she slipped one ingot of five taels of silver into his hand.
"Lady, what is this?" Nan Shan was puzzled.
Wufu smiled and said, "Master Shan, I don’t have many talents, but I simply cannot abide those who, without any real capability, insist on causing mischief, such as cheating in the imperial examinations. Such people, even if they become officials, are nothing but parasites of the state, causing the common people to suffer, and are despised by all."
Nan Shan raised an eyebrow and listened attentively.
"Official Zhou and I have some history. He is arrogant and obstinately ignorant, and without the use of punishment, I fear he won’t confess to anything. This little silver is to trouble Master Shan to buy some drinks for those brothers who guard and interrogate prisoners day and night; they really have it hard," Wufu continued, her face beaming with benevolence. "Master Shan, some people need to learn a painful and unforgettable lesson before they will honestly confess. That way, Lord County Magistrate can resolve the case quickly. Don’t you think so?"
Nan Shan finally understood her hint; she was offering silver to trip up Zhou Xuennian.
Suppressing a laugh, he bowed respectfully, pretending to be enlightened, "Miss Wufu’s words are most insightful; this servant knows what to do."
Wufu hummed in approval, looking as though she was pleased with a pupil’s progress.
"With that, I must trouble Master Shan to take good ’care’ of certain stubborn individuals," Wufu said with a smile. "I wish Lord Wen success in resolving the case soon."
"Farewell, Lady!" Nan Shan watched her leave, then turned back to the study to relay Wufu’s words to Wen Congrui.
Wen Congrui, who was looking through old cases of injustice, chuckled after hearing this, "One wouldn’t expect it, but she’s a person who seeks vengeance for even the smallest grievance, always keeping her claws sharp."
Wen Congrui, without looking up, answered, "She made one valid point, even the Son of Heaven, when he breaks the law, faces the same punishment as the commoners; the state has its laws and, when violated, one should naturally be dealt with according to the law. I, as Lord County Magistrate, cannot disregard the law for personal reasons."
Nan Shan immediately said, "This servant shall make the arrangements right away."
These arrangements, however, were not about relieving any sufferings.
Therefore, that very night, Zhou Xuennian, who was eagerly awaiting an audience with the County Magistrate, was transferred to a dirtier, more chaotic cell, and was taken for a serious ’interrogation’.
Without much effort, the intimidated Zhou Xuennian that peed himself then honestly confessed.
If he knew that he could have comfortably stayed in a cell alone, but suffered a ’thorough care’ due to Wufu’s trip, would he be so furious that he’d spit blood three liters?