Marquis Qingfu heard his servant's words, but his mind was in such a muddle that he couldn't quite process them.
"Arrest... why arrest him? Which Lord Chen? Go tell him to release my son..."
Before he could finish the sentence, he collapsed with a thud and was soon snoring loudly.
The servant was speechless.
In the dungeon, Zhu Minghao was still in a daze.
When he was first brought in, he hadn't stopped his endless raging, cursing Lu Zhaoling, Magistrate Chen, the bailiffs, and the person who had delivered the message to him. He had thrown out threat after threat, vowing to kill them all, to maim them, and to see Magistrate Chen lose his head and his post!
Unfortunately, no one paid him any mind, and no one came to spare him a second glance.
Zhu Minghao screamed until his throat went hoarse. When he finally found he couldn't make a sound, he grew quiet. His throat felt as if he had swallowed razor blades. He called for someone to bring tea, but there wasn't a single stir of movement.
Sitting on a straw mat, he couldn't understand how things had reached this point. Once his head cooled down, he felt a sudden chill. Usually, no matter how arrogant he acted, he wouldn't be so foolish as to scream his inner thoughts out loud!
Zhu Minghao couldn't help but slap his own mouth.
Once he got out, he would have to complain to the Empress Dowager and offer an apology at the same time; he truly had no grievance against the Emperor. It was just that dog Chen Deshan he would see that man's black gauze cap stripped away! How dare he side with Lu Zhaoling!
Did they really think they could hold him for long? In less than half an hour, his father would surely come to fish him out!
Zhu Minghao waited and waited until nightfall.
The bailiffs brought him dinner. They were mindful of his status and didn't dare wrong him when it came to food. They provided a meal with meat, greens, and rice, and even added a bowl of Eight-Treasure Soup. The other prisoners were lucky if they received two steamed buns.
But in Zhu Minghao's eyes, this was pathetic. He swiped the tray aside with a single hand.
"What is this trash? My servants eat better than this!"
The tray of food splattered across the floor.
"Heir Zhu, what a waste!" the bailiff snapped, his temper rising.
"Consider this a reward for you. You eat it," Zhu Minghao snorted.
"Fine. If you won't eat, so be it. Just don't go claiming we didn't feed you later!"
The bailiff had originally thought that if Heir Zhu were a bit more reasonable, he would bring him some blankets, tea, or incense to improve the conditions of the cell as much as possible. But seeing him like this, the bailiff was infuriated. Remembering how Heir Zhu had brutally beaten their comrades earlier that day, he abandoned the thought entirely.
After cleaning up the mess on the floor, the bailiff turned and left.
For the rest of the night, not a single person came to check on Zhu Minghao.
At this time of year, the temperature difference between day and night was quite large, and it was even more pronounced inside the cold dampness of the jail. Furthermore, Zhu Minghao had fallen into the water twice that day and was covered in injuries. His wounds had been soaked, and by the middle of the night, he began to feel the cold. His injuries began to itch and throb with pain.
Zhu Minghao's sleep was restless. He scratched at himself unconsciously, unaware that his wounds were oozing fluid again. Gradually, a foul stench began to shroud the entire cell.
Lu Zhaoling, meanwhile, slept quite well.
She'd had a successful day finding a clue about the Thousand-work Lantern, earning several thousand taels of silver, and sending Zhu Minghao to prison. Her mood was nothing short of joyful.
Lu Ming and his household weren't as well-informed. They hadn't yet learned what a major event Lu Zhaoling had caused today. If they knew, they would have jumped out of their skins.
The next morning.
In the teahouses and taverns, the latest issue of the Capital News was released.
Technically, one could buy a copy of the Capital News and transcribe several more, but the copies never quite captured the essence! The paper they used was unique thicker than common paper and embossed with patterns of silver thread!
Furthermore, the ink was special, coming in several colors that were exceptionally beautiful. The fonts on the Capital News changed frequently; sometimes they were flashy and technical, sometimes neat and elegant, sometimes airy and light, and other times rounded and nimble.
In any case, before even seeing it, people began to feel a sense of anticipation, wondering what style the latest issue would take. Besides, holding a genuine copy was a matter of prestige; transcribing one would be considered losing face, and the reading experience just wasn't the same.
"The Capital News is out again! One tael of silver per copy!"
"So expensive?"
"Today's calligraphy is spectacular! It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it rivals the masters of our time! For the handwriting alone, it's worth the silver!"
"Truly? Then I must buy one and see! If the words are really that beautiful, I can use them as a model for my own practice!"
"You all should go read the news! There's shocking information inside!"
"Go buy it quickly! There's even a painting in today's issue—the bamboo stalks have the air of a grandmaster!"
Similar conversations broke out in several teahouses and taverns. Today's Capital News sold like wildfire, and its fame grew even greater.
The news written within shocked many to their core.
Stench Fills Yanbo Pavilion, Noble Young Master Falls into Fish Pond Twice.
Prince Jin's Fiancée Sues Marquis Qingfu's Heir Abduction or Murder? Lustful Intent or Wicked Malice?
In the Courtroom, Lord Chen Performs a Masterful 'Face-Changing' Act; Heir Zhu Cast into the Dungeon.
Those few lines were so eye-catching that every copy of the Capital News was passed around until they were nearly falling apart. Many people even ran to the Prefecture Office to ask around, wanting to confirm if these stories were actually true.
Prince Jin also received a copy of the Capital News. Upon seeing the contents, his breakfast suddenly lost its appeal.
"Did those two maids not have the slightest intention of looking back after being sent away?"
Prince Jin's sudden question left Qing Feng, who was arranging the meal, somewhat bewildered.
"Does your Highness mean Qingyin and Qingbao?"
"Who else?"
"Well, when you gave them to Second Young Miss Lu, did you expect them to observe for a few days and then return to the Prince's Manor of their own accord?" Qing Feng asked.
Otherwise, what did he mean by "looking back"?
"Nonsense." Prince Jin shot him a sideways glance. "My meaning is that with such a major event occurring yesterday, those two maids should have been clever enough to send word."
"That is likely because Second Young Miss Lu did not command them to," Qing Feng replied without hesitation.
Wasn't it obvious? Now that Qingyin and Qingbao were Second Young Miss Lu's maids, why would they send messages to the Prince's Manor without her orders?
Hearing such a matter-of-fact answer, Prince Jin paused.
"Regardless, Lu Zhaoling is currently my fiancée. Leaving her to handle these matters alone and unsupported was my failing. If word spreads, the world will think I can't even protect a single woman."
Qing Feng remained confused. So, what exactly do you want to do, Your Highness?
"Your Highness!" The steward entered quickly.
"What is it?"
"Lord Chen, Chen Deshan, requests an audience."
Prince Jin's gaze fell back on the Capital News. Magistrate Chen, was it?
"Let him in."
Last night, Lord Chen hadn't started feeling the dread until he laid down in bed.
Good heavens... did I really just arrest Heir Zhu??
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