Rebirth: After Becoming the Villainess-Chapter 134: Why Did He Blush When He Saw You?
Jing Ye still blushed when he looked at Song Lianhe. Especially when she was staring right at him without blinking, he grew so flustered he didn’t know what to do with himself.
"Prince Qing, County Princess, Lord Zhen has sent a message. He requests the County Princess to wait, as he has a few questions to ask."
The words were polite, but it was really just a routine inquiry. Song Lianhe had come to testify for Zhou Cangyan, so she agreed at once.
Jing Ye went outside to await orders.
Zhou Cangyan was frowning, looking none too pleased.
Song Lianhe glanced at him, then scooted closer with a suspicious look. ’Who’s managed to offend this lordling now? I’m running around busy for his sake, so what does he have to be unhappy about?’
"Er, Prince, if you have any questions or are dissatisfied with something..."
"Why did he blush when he saw you?"
Song Lianhe: "..."
’What kind of question is that?’
「Right Temple Deputy Hall.」
The Minister of the Ministry of Justice, Zhen Yongming, was known as the "Iron-faced Judge," a name that spoke volumes about his methods. When handling cases, he was impartial and incorruptible. As long as he presided over the Ministry of Justice, there was absolutely no possibility of favoritism. Even Emperor Cheng Xiao had praised him: "My minister, your integrity is pure and your conduct humble. You stand on principle and are a pillar of our nation’s defense!"
Seeing Jing Ye lead the person in, he slowly rose to his feet. His gaze toward Song Lianhe held a hint of disdain. After all, this County Princess’s reputation preceded her, and Zhen Yongming had always despised spoiled aristocrats who bullied men and tyrannized women.
"This subordinate greets the County Princess."
He lifted his head, his eyelids drooping. As the highest-ranking official in charge of the nation’s justice system, Zhen Yongming held the rank of Senior Third-Grade. Even if Song Lianhe was just a County Princess in name only, he still had to observe the proper etiquette. However, he truly looked down on her, so even as he bowed, his posture remained proud and aloof, a clear display of his contempt.
The moment Song Lianhe saw him, she was reminded of the series of cruel methods he used against the original owner of her body in the book.
The original owner had indeed been at fault, but Zhen Yongming had nearly crippled both her hands without even hearing her defense. Fortunately, her maternal grandfather had arrived in the nick of time with a sword.
Her expression darkened, and she didn’t give Zhen Yongming a pleasant look either.
Since Zhen Yongming had already learned about the relationship between Song Lianhe and King Qing from Cao Jin, King Qing’s series of reactions the previous night now made sense.
Just think, what kind of person was Zhou Cangyan? The name "Heavenly Kill Slash" wasn’t something just anyone could be called! Don’t be fooled by the fact that he was currently marginalized by the Holy Emperor and had handed over his military authority to become an idle Prince. The scent of blood on him had never dissipated. Anyone who got too close felt as if a blade was hanging over their head, their very breathing suppressed.
For a man like that, how could he possibly tolerate his future Princess Consort being tormented to such an extent by some "aunt" who had appeared out of nowhere?!
It was just that Zhen Yongming privately felt that for the iron-willed Prince Qing, a woman like Song Lianhe was simply not worth it.
The two clearly disliked each other. Zhen Yongming wasted no more time and proceeded directly with his duties as the Minister of the Ministry of Justice.
Those involved in the case held high official positions, and some were even from the Imperial Family. Before there was evidence to convict, Zhen Yongming still had to consider the dignity of the Royal Family, which was why he chose to conduct the questioning personally in the deputy hall.
No matter how poor Song Lianhe’s impression of him was, she couldn’t deny that he was extremely serious and responsible, asking about every last detail.
Nearby, Jing Ye quietly glanced at Cao Jin, who had remained by her side the entire time, and found it novel. Cao Jin’s status was unique; he spent most of his time in the Imperial Palace, and Jing Ye had never seen him so attentive to matters outside of his official duties.
He asked in a low voice, "Brother Cao, are you taking such good care of the County Princess on the Empress’s orders?"
Cao Jin’s gaze darkened slightly as he said slowly, "I promised someone I would bring the County Princess back completely unharmed."
Jing Ye had a flash of understanding. "That must have been Prince Qing."
It was hard to imagine, but he had just seen it with his own eyes. Everyone in the Capital City said King Qing was a misogynist, but that was only because they had never seen him with the County Princess. His eyes never left her side!
Cao Jin didn’t speak, but a flicker of emotion crossed his face.
Meanwhile, Zhen Yongming had asked most of his questions and now had a good grasp of the situation.
Song Lianhe said coldly, "Lord Zhen, to be clear, Prince Qing administered punishment because Xin Haiyun bullied me and was disrespectful to my mother. Regardless of what she did to me, my mother followed my grandfather into battle and served the nation. She was a Commandery Princess personally ennobled by the Holy Emperor! How dare she insult the deceased! Forget just skinning her alive, even flaying her tendons would have been what she deserved! I would dare say this even before the Emperor himself! The laughable thing is, instead of shutting their doors and reflecting on their misdeeds, the Xin family dares to come here demanding justice? Who gave them the nerve?"
As much as Zhen Yongming detested Song Lianhe, he had no way to rebut her.
Insulting the deceased, especially a renowned national hero who had achieved military merit, was not only a crime punishable in itself but could also bring disaster upon the entire family.
He pondered for a moment before saying, "The Forensic Doctor has examined the body. Xin Haiyun died by hanging herself."
Song Lianhe sneered. "Hanging herself? She certainly took the easy way out."
She seemed unwilling to drag the matter on, saying impatiently, "Since the facts have been investigated and are clear, why haven’t you released him?"
Zhen Yongming looked at her, his voice also tight, stiff, and formal. "County Princess, please be patient. It’s just that Prince Qing, he..."
Just then, someone came to announce the arrival of the National Guardian General.
The moment she heard who it was, Song Lianhe’s mood soured. She leaned back in her chair, resting her injured hands on the armrests, her gaze turning icy.
Cao Jin moved impassively to her side.
Zhen Yongming went to greet him personally. Before the man even entered, they could hear Song Xingfeng’s furious voice. "...I will absolutely not let this matter rest! So what if he’s a Prince? Not even a Prince is above the law! I will get justice for my wife today!"
As he spoke, Song Xingfeng stormed in.
When he saw Song Lianhe, he froze for a second, then his face twisted with a look of pure hatred. He snatched a teacup from the table and hurled it violently at her—
Song Lianhe jumped in fright. ’Has he gone mad?’
Cao Jin reacted in a flash, stepping sideways to shield Song Lianhe.
Zhen Yongming and Jing Ye were stunned for a moment, then quickly had people come over to restrain Song Xingfeng. "General Song, please, sit down and let’s discuss this calmly."
"You disloyal and unfilial creature!"
Song Xingfeng, with people between them, pointed a finger straight at Song Lianhe. "Even if she wasn’t your birth mother, she raised you for so many years! Is this how you treat her? If I had known you were so cold-blooded, why would I have ever kept you in my house? I should have handed you over to that arrogant, high-and-mighty Lord long ago! Then I wouldn’t have raised an ungrateful wretch to bring disaster upon my family!"
Song Lianhe narrowed her eyes, her chest heaving. ’After seeing me get bullied and my mother’s memorial tablet nearly smashed, he doesn’t even ask if I’m okay? He just rushes to demand justice for his mistress?’
She scoffed and asked unhurriedly, "So, what happened to Mrs. Liu? Is she dead?"
"You—"
Enraged, Song Xingfeng grabbed the teapot, about to hurl it at his younger daughter. Cao Jin’s brows furrowed, and he shot out a hand to grab his arm. "What do you think you’re doing, General Song?"
Zhen Yongming, who also disliked scenes, stepped forward with a cold expression and reminded him, "General Song, this is the Ministry of Justice."
Song Xingfeng gritted his teeth and resentfully lowered his hand. "Where is my wife?"
