With Jia Xu in charge, Sun Lang was at ease.
The two old foxes hit it off and immediately took action.
Jia Xu made some preparations before returning to Ning Guofu in a huff. Not long after, everyone on the street saw Duke Ning leading a group of henchmen out.
If Prince Xing knew about this, he would be so angry that he would vomit blood. This was because Jia Xu actually came to complain first, bringing a group of Ning Guo Mansion's hired thugs to the Wang Family's front door and started cursing and swearing.
Without a leader, the Wang Family was blocked by Jia Xu at the door and scolded. Some gossipers gathered around to listen to the conversation and got the gist of it. The general idea was that Wang Zixing dared to disturb Old Madam Jia. He was not a son at all. F * ck your father.
The Wang Family had no choice but to listen to Jia Xu's scolding. They couldn't just let him scold them in front of the door. Otherwise, where would the Wang Family put their face?
After a short discussion behind closed doors, a few reputable elders of the Wang Family came out to welcome him. Finally, they invited Duke Ning into the residence with drooping eyes.
— — They probably also knew what had happened, and secretly felt that it was embarrassing.
This was one of the drawbacks of democracy. When nothing happened, everyone would quarrel with each other, but when something happened, they would scramble to shift the blame. A few elders of the Wang family who held high positions first tried to distance themselves from the matter, then scolded Wang Zixing for his recklessness, and then carefully asked him what happened.
Duke Ning looked very angry. After drinking a mouthful of tea, he angrily told them what had happened.
After the inhumane Wang Zixing came to Rong Guofu, he said that he wanted to talk to Old Madame. After being rejected by Third Miss, he pretended to give up and found an excuse to send Third Miss away. Then, he took the chance to knock out the servant who served him and then ran around Rong Guofu, wanting to barge into the Jia Family to find Old Madame.
Fortunately, Jia Xu, who had received the news, arrived in time. The two of them quarreled fiercely and then fought. Jia Xu punched Wang Zixing's waist and Jia Xu's right shoulder was hit by Wang Zixing's palm.
Seeing that he could not gain any advantage, Wang Zixing said a few words and left in a hurry. Jia Xu was worried about the Matriarch's safety and did not have the time to chase after him.
The Third Young Lady of the Rongguo Manor was also frightened. She thought that she had almost killed the Old Ancestor due to her carelessness. She was so scared that she burst into tears and couldn't get out of bed. Just like that, the last person who could make decisions in the manor collapsed. The entire Rongguo Manor was in a mess because of the prince.
At this point, Duke Ning's expression became agitated. He tore open his shirt and revealed his right shoulder to show the evidence. As expected, there was a dark green palm print on the back of Jia Xu's right shoulder. The elders of the Wang Family present were all experts who had been immersed in their family's martial arts for decades. They could tell at a glance that this was the result of the White Dragon Palm. Only Wang Zixing would be able to leave such an injury.
Therefore, this was f * cking awkward.
The witness and material evidence were incomparably conclusive. The injury on his shoulder couldn't be faked, right?
This matter was more of a pain in the ass. The other party had come to settle the score. If a small family had a grudge with them, so what if they came knocking on their door?
They could just beat them out and sue them wherever they wanted.
However, the Ningguo Manor was different. The father and son were both heroes of Tianyuan. Although the son had become a monk, he was still a young man in his twenties. No one knew when he would change his mind. Sooner or later, he would come back to inherit the family business and make a name for himself. This was different from the situation of the Rongguo Manor where the bloodline had been cut off.
Now that Jia Xu had come personally, the Wang Family had to give an explanation.
Facing the furious Jia Ningguo, the Wang Family felt a toothache.
"Brothers, we are all from Jinling. The four great families are of the same branch. You all know my character. In my life, I have been kind to people, never speak ill of them, never frame the innocent, and never set up evil schemes. I believe that I am an indomitable spirit. However, this matter … even Buddha cannot tolerate it!"
The drama queen Jia Xu was performing.
He slammed the table and said angrily, "My aunt, ever since she married into the Jia Manor, she has been working hard. She is filial to her parents-in-law, assisted her husband, and taught her son. She has managed the affairs of the Rongguo Manor in an orderly manner for decades. Which one of the juniors of the Jia Family disrespects her?
The four great families are of the same branch. She is my elder, your elder, and Wang Wangxing's elder, isn't that right? "
The more he spoke, the angrier he got. He stood up with a murderous look on his face. "You all know what kind of life my aunt has been living these years!
In the Great War of Tianyuan, her heroic spirit died in battle. She sent her husband to the battlefield, then her son, and then her grandson!
"Almost all the men in the Rongguo Manor died. Her only insensible grandson was also lost!
How hard has her life been?
After a few years, the heavens took pity on her and found her missing grandson. He even made a name for himself and brought glory to his ancestors. Isn't that beautiful?
But he died in the Great Desolate Mountain! "
His sharp eyes swept over everyone, making them involuntarily lower their heads: "This old lady, when Rongguo Manor was in a precarious situation, she forced herself to support the situation, and these two days she was bedridden. Even the manor's Third Young Lady knows that we must not disturb the Old Ancestor with this matter, but what about him, Wang Zixing!
How dare he! "
Jia Xu clenched his teeth. "Luckily, I returned quickly this time. If he had really barged into the Old Ancestor's courtyard and alerted her with those annoying matters, or even something bad had happened to the Old Ancestor, the entire Wang Family would have to be buried with her!"
Being scolded like this, the Wang Family's expressions turned ugly. However, they were indeed in the wrong. Jia Xu's anger was rooted in filial piety. No one could find fault with that.
No one was willing to speak up. The one who did this was Wang Zixing, not me. Why should I stand out and face Jia Xu's wrath?
Why?
What good would it do?
Yes, that was the crux of the problem.
The advantage of democracy was that the minority obeyed the majority. After something happened, everyone could quickly vote and choose the scapegoat through the minority obeyed the majority.
In this situation, the scapegoat had to be Wang Wangxing. But …
But he was not here.
Everyone looked strange and exchanged glances. One of them reluctantly stood up and said, "Duke Ning, please don't be angry. Wangxing acted arbitrarily. Although he is the acting master of the Wang Family, there are laws in the country and rules in the family. If he does something wrong, the Wang Family will never cover it up!"
Jia Xu shouted righteously, "Then ask Wang Wangxing to come out and give me an explanation!"
His expression was so natural, full of twisted anger. His tone was so firm, expressing his thoughts and feelings that he and Wang Zixing could not live under the same sky.
In short, no one could tell that this person had stood beside Wang Wangxing's corpse and discussed with another drama queen how to trip up the Wang Family and the Shi Family.
Everyone in the Wang Family looked embarrassed and said in a low voice, "Duke Ning, the acting head has not returned yet … We don't know where he is."
Jia Xu glared and sneered, "Do you think I am a three-year-old child?
He, Wang Zixing, has done such a heartless thing. Other than hiding at home, where else can he hide? "
That person raised an eyebrow. The Wang family naturally had their own pride. They were already unhappy that Jia Xu had come knocking on their door and insulted them. Now that he was being so aggressive and pestering them, why would they lie to you?
Why are you so stubborn?
The two sides quarreled for a while and gradually became angry. Jia Xu said coldly, "Well, he is a coward, and you Wang Family are going to protect Wang Wangxing to the end?"
The other party also felt that he had been cowardly enough today and couldn't continue to be a coward, so he also gave tit for tat, "Our Jinling Wang Family is a family of gentlemen who keep etiquette. We will never deceive Duke Ning. The acting patriarch is really not here. Even if we tell the truth, we can't do anything. Why bother you?"
Jia Xu was furious, "Are we just going to let this go?"
That person waved his sleeves, "When Wang Wangxing returns, the family will hold a meeting to discuss how to solve this matter and give the Jia Family an explanation!"
At this point, there was naturally nothing more to say.
Jia Xu left in a rage. The Wang Family members behind him sneered.
Even a clay Buddha would be angry.
Both sides parted on bad terms.
Jia Xu walked out of the Wang Family's gate with a pale face and murderous aura. He got on his horse and left with the Ningguo Residence's knights. The passersby saw the commotion again.
— — Master Jia of the Ningguo Residence did not get any benefits from the Wang Family.
— — Sigh, the Jia Residence is doomed.
After putting on a show, Jia Xu brought his men back to the Jia Residence. He sent the knights back to the Ningguo Residence and rode his horse to the Rongguo Residence.
The group of people who were responsible for guarding the door had been replaced by loyal servants from the Ning Guo Mansion. They were well-trained and knew what to say and what not to say.
He handed the horse to the coachman and signaled that there was no need to report. He entered the Rongguo Residence alone and went straight to the East Garden where the incident happened.
This place had become a forbidden area. Everyone in the residence had been warned not to spy on this place except for those with ulterior motives. Thus, this place became the location for a secret meeting.
When Jia Xu arrived, he saw that Sun Lang was already waiting there.
Seeing him, Sun Lang turned and smiled, "Uncle's acting is extraordinary."
Previously, when Jia Xu went to the Wang family for a performance, Sun Lang also snuck into the Wang family. Naturally, he saw his uncle's superb acting skills. Without a doubt, Jia Xu's thick skin and extremely profound acting skills made Sun Lang feel a sense of empathy.
"I'm not as scheming as you."
Jia Xu put on a fake smile, "If only he had 30% of your temperament … He's too weak and doesn't seem like my son."
Sun Lang waved his hand and smiled, "Uncle, you can't wear this hat so casually."
Duke Ning's fake smile froze on his face.
— — This nephew is good at everything except for his foul mouth.
He had to change the topic, "You said you had something to do in the Wang Family. What did you do?"
Sun Lang smiled, "I brought Wang Ren's body back and buried it in the ground. I can't just leave it like this. What if it stinks?
His death is very strange. There might be clues in the body that we haven't found yet. Let's keep it for now … Uncle, you can study it when you have time. Maybe you'll find something. "
Jia Xu nodded, "You're right. Where did you put the body?"
Sun Lang smiled, "I put it under the bed in your study."
"…"
Jia Xu's expression changed slightly.
F * ck, if you were my son, I'd beat you up five times a day.
"What about Wang Zixing's body?"
Sun Lang stretched, "Of course it's in the Shi Family. I'll do it right away."
Jia Xu thought of the abominable faces of the Wang Family and Wang Zixing's hateful plan. Putting everything else aside, this fellow had schemed to alarm the Old Ancestor and deserved to die. Coupled with the trouble caused by Wang Xifeng, at this moment, Duke Ning's impression of the Wang Family had dropped to the negatives.
He sneered, "Today, I went to the Wang Family and made a scene. Unknowingly, I've removed a lot of the responsibility. When they find out that Wang Zixing hasn't returned, they'll start to panic. Then, we'll lead them to the Shi Family. The Shi Family stole Wang Ren's coffin first and killed Wang Zixing later. No matter how cowardly the Wang Family is, they won't let it go so easily …"
Sun Lang smiled, "It's a pity that the Shi Family didn't get Wang Ren's body and they're not the ones who killed Wang Zixing. Yet, they've taken the blame for two incidents …"
Jia Xu said coldly, "Who asked them to covet the Rongguo Residence, be rude to the Dowager Duchess, and be suspected of colluding with the royal family … They'll have to be taught a lesson."
Sun Lang nodded, "But the Wang Family will need some time to realize that Wang Zixing is missing. I think it'll take at least a day or two … Just enough time for me to go back."
Jia Xu was stunned for a moment before he reacted and sighed, "That's right … You still have things to do in Qinzhou. You can't do two things at once …"
Sun Lang said faintly, "It's not that I can't do two things at the same time. I can combine two things into one thing … As for how to operate it, I already have some ideas."
Jia Xu reached out to pat Sun Lang's shoulder, and his tone was unusually gentle. "Thank you for your hard work."
His expression was no longer as calm as before. Instead, it was filled with sincerity and love. This was the praise and encouragement from a senior to a junior, an expression of kinship based on blood.
Sun Lang was taken aback before he nodded slowly. "It's nothing."
"Your grandmother will be happy."
Jia Xu said slowly, "She once lost you, and then lost you again. You can imagine the pain she's been through, and I'm sure you can empathize with her. The past two years have been very difficult for her … So, don't make her sad this time."
Sun Lang was silent.
Jia Xu pressed his shoulder. "You're a sensible child who always has your own ideas. I don't know where you've been these two years, and I don't know why you've been hiding, but since you've done this, you must have your reasons, just like how you've reappeared now … Don't do anything you'll regret."
Sun Lang didn't seem to want to talk about this topic. He just nodded and said, "I'll return to Qinzhou after dealing with Wang Zixing's body … Uncle, please take care of Rongguo Mansion when I'm not here."
Jia Xu said, "Don't worry."
Sun Lang nodded.
He stood up and looked at the courtyards and houses around him. This was Rongguo Mansion, a place that was both real and fake to him, strange and familiar at the same time.
There were some things … that would come to an end here.
"Let's go."
He left Rongguo Mansion with Jia Shidao and Wang Zixing's body.
This time, it was a different carriage. Jia Shidao was the driver, and Sun Lang and Wang Zixing's body were in the carriage. Sun Lang was patting Wang Zixing's body to create some vicious evidence for framing.
Jia Shidao was unhappy.
Sun Lang's voice came from inside. "You were just hiding from your father. Do you have to do this?"
Jia Shidao sighed. "I really don't know how to face him … Just like how I can't agree with the way he does things. Those are innocent lives. Those people didn't know anything, and they were even loyal to their duty. But my father wanted to kill them …"
He swung the horsewhip and seemed to be very resentful. "And he killed those followers of the Wang Family without any explanation. Why did he kill them?
It's okay to leave them alive!
We can tell the Wang Family that Wang Zixing trespassed into the Old Ancestor's courtyard and was repelled by Father after being discovered. He then retreated in shame and didn't even care about his attendants. Those attendants can be used to prove this story! "
Sun Lang smiled. "First, your father didn't think of taking advantage of the situation to trick the Wang Family and the Shi Family when he killed them. Second, he doesn't think like you. He's used to having everything under control, so he has to eliminate as many uncertain factors as possible. And the human heart is the most uncertain thing in the world. It's better to kill them all than to leave them alive."
"He's always so domineering and self-opinionated!"
Jia Shidao swung the horsewhip and complained. "I've had enough of his control since I was a child. He doesn't seem to care about me, but in fact, he has to care about everything. He always thinks that I don't know anything and always wants me to be like him!"
Sun Lang just laughed.
Jia Shidao was still angry. "Don't even think about it!
I don't want to be as cold-blooded and heartless as him. I don't want to listen to him!
When I left home and went north to join the army, I made up my mind that from now on, I will control my own destiny and never listen to anyone! "
Sun Lang suddenly said, "Let the horse go faster."
"Oh …" Jia Shidao responded subconsciously. Then he realized and said angrily, "Brother!"
Sun Lang laughed.
They chatted all the way until the carriage slowly came to the Shi Family's house.
Jia Shidao was still holding a grudge against his father, which was normal. Sun Lang didn't bother to talk to him. He jumped out of the carriage and looked ahead. "This is the Shi Family's house?"
Jia Shidao nodded. "Yes."
"It's much shabbier than the Wang Family and the Rong and Ning Mansions."
Indeed, in terms of size and area, the Shi Family's house was much smaller than the Wang Family and the Jia Family.
Jia Shidao explained, "The Shi Family's style is simple and they don't like to be extravagant and wasteful. That's their explanation. In fact, they don't have money. There were rumors that the Shi Family's women had to do needlework to support the family. It's unbelievable."
Sun Lang said curiously, "How is that possible? The Shi Family now dominates Jinling by stepping on the faces of the other three families. Without money, how can they afford to raise so many servants and children?"
It was true that the poor studied and the rich learned martial arts. Practicing martial arts required not only the guidance of a famous teacher, but also the support of logistics. Not only did they need to have high-calorie and high-protein food, but they also needed rare and precious herbs to improve their physique. How could they do it without money?
Jia Shidao scratched his head. "I don't know … I don't really care about these things."
"Forget it. No matter what kind of little secret the Shi Family is hiding, we'll get the answer sooner or later."
Sun Lang dragged Wang Zixing's body out of the carriage. "I'm going to put the body down. You stay here …"
Jia Shidao said, "Don't move. I know."
The Shi Family's house.
Sun Lang skillfully climbed over the wall and entered the Shi Family's house with Wang Zixing's body. No matter who killed Wang Zixing, he was going to put the blame on the Shi Family.
He dodged all the way, moving swiftly in the manor. There was a technique involved in framing someone as a scapegoat. The corpse had to be placed in a very exquisite place that could not be discovered by the Shi family. It could also be easily found by the Wang family who came knocking on the door, so that it could be used to its best effect at the right time and place.
As for where to put it … Was there a need to say?