Chapter 640: Confess the Truth
Translator: Henyee Translations | Editor: Henyee Translations
When the assistant heard this, his smile widened. “We’ve got dice, Pai Gow, and leaf cards here. What are you into?”
Tang Jinghong glanced at Chu Qingzhi, who pointed towards the coachman’s table, “Let’s roll some dice,” she said, heading over to the coachman.
“We’re game for anything,” the attendant hurried after them.
Chu Qingzhi and Tang Jinghong approached the coachman.
At this moment, someone beside the coachman teased, “Saw you lost all your silver yesterday, and now you’re back with more? What, does your family own a money tree?”
The coachman was very confident. He gestured two with his fingers. “I don’t just have one money tree, I have two.”
“Ha, one’s impressive enough, but two? You’re blowing it way out of
proportion.”
“Don’t believe me? Suit yourself.”
“Alright, alright, let’s place our bets.”
The crowd stirred, “Bet big, bet big…”
“Bet small, bet small…”
Chu Qingzhi and Tang Jinghong stepped back from the crowd, finding the gambling frenzy frightening, almost as if they were among mindless beasts.
Tang Jinghong whispered to Chu Qingzhi, “What s next?
Chu Qingzhi glanced at the coachman and the bag in his hand. She took a stick from the side and gently knocked on the coachman’s shoulder. “Someone is looking for you outside. They said that they’re here to give you money.” “Money?” The coachman’s eyes lit up as if he had thought of something. He immediately rushed out.
Chu Qingzhi and Tang Jinghong exchanged a glance and followed.
Seeing them leave, the attendant blocked their way, “Why not try your luck? I guarantee you’ll win.”
With a flick of her wrist, Chu Qingzhi sent the attendant sprawling to the side. By the time he collected himself, they were already out of the gambling den. Outside, Chu Qingzhi knocked the coachman unconscious with the stick and dragged him into an alley.
Chu Qingzhi kicked the coachman, and he woke up.
The coachman lay on the ground. When he saw the two unfamiliar people, he shrank back in fear. “Who are you? What do you want?”
Chu Qingzhi posed as a robber, “You mentioned owning two money trees earlier, what’s that about?”
Unable to hide his truth, the coachman spilled, “Those ‘money trees’ are Second Master Ning and Third Master Ning. I have dirt on them, so every time I approach, they pay me off.”
“What kind of dirt?”
“Originally, the young master was distraught over losing his parents and went out to oversee the shops and clear his mind. They ordered me to kill him on the road. I couldn’t bring myself to do it, so I staged a carriage accident to let fate take its course.”
“Never thought the young master would survive such a disaster and make it back!”
“Seeing him return, Second and Third Master Ning panicked and paid me a hefty sum to keep quiet.”
“I got a taste for it and kept blackmailing them for money, did it many times.”
“They’d love to kill me, but I’ve safeguarded myself.”
“I told them that I left a letter for my brother who was a constable. As long as I died, he would immediately open that letter. At that time, not only would they not be able to get the Ning family’s assets, but they would also lose their reputation and go to jail.”
Chu Qingzhi confirmed, “They aimed to kill Yuting for the inheritance, right?” “Yes and no.” The coachman revealed a crazy smile. “Do you know how much money the Ning family has? It’s indescribable. It’s too tempting, too tempting!”
“But with all that wealth, the old master planned to leave just a tiny fraction to the second and third branches. Such favoritism would breed resentment in anyone.”
According to Daling Dynasty’s customs, the eldest son would usually inherit the family assets. When inheriting, a portion of the assets would be distributed to other children. It could be considered a separation of the family assets.
Tang Jinghong inquired, “So, Second and Third Master Ning harbored murderous intentions?”
“Yes, they not only plotted against the eldest young master but also each other, each wanting the entire fortune to themselves. Greed knows no bounds.” Hearing this, a troubling thought flashed through Tang Jinghong’s mind, “Did Ning Yuting’s parents really die in an accident, or is there more to the story?” “I don’t know about that. I’m just a coachman. I don’t know much.” Chu Qingzhi’s brow furrowed, “Now that they’re implicated, it might be worth investigating them thoroughly.”
Tang Jinghong offered to help, “Do you need more hands?”
“You’ll be busy with the investigation into Lord Zhang. You won’t have enough people to spare for me.”
“If you need it, I’ll find a way.”
Chu Qingzhi smiled, “I can handle it on my own, don’t worry about me.”
“Let me know if you need anything.”
“Okay.”
The coachman was taken away by Tang Jinghong’s men. He was a key witness against Second Master Ning and Third Master Ning and needed to be kept under watch.
At the Chu Residence.
Li Qingyu pondered, “Xuhua, the house can’t be left unattended, and Xuyuan and Xuyao need to go back to school. Wiry don’t you head back with them later?”
Chu Xuhua thought for a moment and said, “Mother, I’ll go tell Second Sister immediately. Get everyone to pack up first. I’ll wait for the people from the school at the city gate when I come back later.”
“Okay.”
Li Qingyu watched Chu Xuhua walk away and sighed in her heart. Qingyue had encountered such a thing from the beginning and did not know what to do in the future.
Shen Ruyue comforted her, “Mother, Qingyue will be alright.”
Li Qingyu’s eyes filled with worry, “They say big families are never peaceful, always embroiled in strife. Now, I see it firsthand.”
Shen Ruyue helped Li Qingyu sit down, “Mother, things will get resolved, don’t be so pessimistic.”
Li Qingyu looked at Shen Ruyue. “You don’t have to take care of me here. Go pack your things and go back first. We still have to rely on you at home.” “Mother, I’ll make sure everything’s fine.”
“Thankyou for your hard work.”
At the Ning Residence.
A maid escorted Chu Xuhua to the living room, “Please wait, Young Master and Young Madam will be here shortly.”
“Okay.”
When Chu Qingyue found out that Chu Xuhua was looking for her, she hurried over. “Big Brother, you came here personally. What happened?”
Chu Xuhua smiled and said, “Nothing. I’m here to say goodbye to you. We’re taking some people back soon. Given the situation at home, if we don’t return, there might be issues.”
Chu Qingyue nodded reluctantly, “Big brother, let me see you off.”
Chu Xuhua, not fond of farewells, said, “No need, stay and take care of things. You’re the one I’m most worried about.”
Chu Qingyue felt guilty, “I’m sorry, big brother, for making you worry.” “It’s okay, every household has its own troubles. As long as things are settled, that’s what matters.”
“I’ll try not to cause any more worry for the family.”
“Okay.”
At the Chu Residence.
When Chu Xuhua returned home, he bumped into Chu Xujin, who was walking out. “Xujin, are you going back?”
Chu Xujin hesitated for a moment before saying, “I’m not going back. I’ll leave after I’m done with the case.”
Chu Xuhua nodded, “It’s good to see things through. Then we’ll head out first.’
“Big brother, take care on the road.”
“Okay.”
Chu Xuhua, Shen Ruyue, and the two children all left for home.