"Feng Xiao, go investigate Zhao Hongchang and Chen Haijuan's situation. I need to know every detail!"
Upon entering the courtyard, Zhao Jiaqi's first words were a command to the imperial guard Feng Xiao to investigate the two of them.
If they dared to abuse their power, she would absolutely show them no mercy.
Feng Xiao left after receiving the order. Chen Haijuan looked a bit unnatural and said awkwardly, "You child, why are you investigating me and your father? We are just farmers, how could we shame you and your son-in-law!"
After speaking, she tugged at Zhao Hongchang several times, constantly winking at him, "His father, say something! You're just a block of wood, can't even let out a fart!"
Zhao Yaru saw that her father remained silent and evasive, and wanted to slap him twice out of frustration.
Where was his usual boisterous demeanor?
He was just a paper tiger!
He could bully the weak but feared the strong; when faced with trouble, he only knew how to hide.
Her gaze swept past her elder sister Zhao Jiaqi and landed directly on her brother-in-law, who stood tall and noble not far away.
He was even more handsome than before, with not an ounce of excess fat on his body. His inverted triangle waist looked strong and robust, and she imagined his arms must be even more powerful.
The thought of those muscles made her eyes sparkle. She adjusted the floral bead in her hair, held a brocade handkerchief embroidered with butterflies, and swayed her willow-like slender waist as she approached. Her body was soft as if boneless, and her voice was soft and gentle.
She said coyly, "Zhao Yaru greets brother-in-law!"
Zhao Jiaqi: "..."
Fan Zehao completely ignored her existence and led the two children into the house, wanting to avoid the unpleasant sight and corrupting his own children.
"Brother-in-law, it's Yaru, look at me..." Seeing him walk away, Zhao Yaru hurried forward to grab him, not forgetting to call out to him.
Shi He intercepted her again, threw her back with a flick of his wrist, and exuded an aura of coldness, saying, "If you dare to step forward again, beware of my sword. It has no eyes!"
With a swoosh, the sword was unsheathed, emitting a humming sound. The blade gleamed with a sharp white light under the sun.
Seeing this, everyone realized that the guard was not joking and took two steps back.
Seeing that they had settled down, Zhao Jiaqi finally spoke, "Chen Haijuan, I remember that the day you wanted to marry Zhao Yaru to us, our two families cut ties. What is this performance you're putting on today?"
She walked around the group with her hands behind her back, a mocking smile on her lips, "You think I am the Empress now and see an opportunity for gain, so you've come to curry favor, haven't you!"
"Failing that, your daughter then tried to seduce the Emperor? Heh... do you really think you're as beautiful as a celestial being!"
Zhao Yaru and Chen Haijuan's faces turned red with shame. They dared not speak out in anger, only lowering their heads and cursing Zhao Jiaqi's entire ancestry in their hearts.
Zhao Jiaqi didn't care what they thought.
Thinking of how the original owner had been tormented by them to the point of near death, and then sold off when she had barely a breath left, she felt like biting them to death.
"Imperial Guard Feng is investigating your past. If you haven't broken any laws, so much the better. But if you have been oppressive and abusive, I will not forgive you!"
Chen Haijuan frowned and took a step forward. Seeing Shi He holding the sharp sword, she swallowed and involuntarily took half a step back, looking embarrassed.
She said, "Child, what are you talking about? Even if we severed ties, your father gave you a life, didn't he? Family ties can't be broken just like that. They say even if the bones are broken, the tendons are still connected."
She had given the original owner a life, and that life had ultimately been returned to them.
The current her had a new spirit; she was no longer the weak, incapable, and helpless unfortunate original owner.
She chuckled at Chen Haijuan with a hint of sarcasm, "That life was settled when you sold me for five taels of silver, and when you slandered me throughout the village and town, saying I was infertile. We have been clear ever since. I made that very clear that day!"
She had too bad an impression of this family and was too lazy to look at their faces again. She instructed Shi He to keep an eye on them, and then she returned to her room.
Seeing that the situation was unfavorable, Zhao Yaru tugged at her mother's sleeve, "Mother, I think things aren't looking good, let's withdraw!"
Zhao Dagou also agreed with his sister, joining the persuasion, "Yes, Mother. If she's serious about this, we'll be in deep trouble. It's better to leave now!"
Zhao Hongchang, who had been silent for a long time, also looked up. Zhao Jiaqi, who was leaving, seemed like a stranger to him. He had no idea how she had become so formidable.
Not only did she sever ties, but she was also willing to mete out justice against her own family.
After much hemming and hawing, he pulled Chen Haijuan and mumbled, "Let's go!"
Seeing that she couldn't gain any advantage, Chen Haijuan pinched Zhao Hongchang's arm fiercely to vent her anger, "You useless wretch, you can't even control a mere girl!"
Zhao Hongchang dared not say more.
As the family was about to leave, Shi He intercepted them again, "You cannot leave. You may depart only after Imperial Guard Feng returns and confirms you have committed no crimes!"
There's a limit to how many times one can do something. He had been the one stopping them all along.
Zhao Hongchang was enraged. He straightened his neck and stepped forward, "Come, come, kill me. Let everyone see how the Emperor tolerates his subordinates killing people."
Zhao Jiaqi and Fan Zehao, inside the house, heard these words clearly.
They say a barking dog doesn't show its teeth, but Zhao Hongchang immediately resorted to harsh words, looking like he had something to hide.
Before Zhao Hongchang could utter a second sentence, Shi He knocked him unconscious. Seeing him collapse limply on the ground, unmoving, he felt his ears quieten considerably.
Chen Haijuan thought he had killed someone. The moment she opened her mouth to speak, Shi He pressed her acupoint of muteness. She could open her mouth and shout, but no sound came out.
This was the first time everyone had witnessed such a scene. Zhao Dagou was very curious and stared at his mother.
After more than half an hour, Feng Xiao, who had gone to gather information, returned, followed by a large group of people, all heading towards their courtyard.
Looking at the formation, it seemed like they were here to demand an explanation.
Shi He fetched a basin of cold water and poured it directly onto Zhao Hongchang's head. The man woke up instantly. He then released the pressure on Chen Haijuan's acupoint of muteness.
Only then could they hear her curse incessantly. Her voice was hoarse, almost to the point of losing it, but it was still clear that she was cursing the Emperor and the Empress.
The faces of the people brought by Feng Xiao were contorted with anger. They looked at Zhao Hongchang's family as if they wanted to tear them apart.
"Your Majesty the Empress, the people behind your subordinate are villagers from the same village as Zhao Hongchang, and they are also victims!"
Zhao Jiaqi scanned the crowd. The courtyard was filled with people, and more were still squeezing into the courtyard from outside.
Had the entire village mobilized? There were quite a number of victims!
"All victims... Then let's hear from each of you. Since everyone is here, let's have a confrontation!"
Chunfen brought a stool and placed it on the steps in front of the house. She sat down and listened to each person who came to lodge a complaint.
"I'll go first."
"I'll go first!"
Everyone scrambled to be the first, and Zhao Jiaqi could see that they all seemed to have a belly full of grievances.