Making money, taking exams and supporting the family

chapter 57: The Truth of the Beginning 2

The Wei Family’s steward, Liu Youtian, did not look remarkable, but generally, people who could climb the ranks were not fools.

When Liu Youtian was brought up, Lin Ze could tell that he was not easy to deal with. Facing Magistrate Wang’s questioning, Liu Youtian remained respectful and calm, showing the demeanor of someone from a wealthy family.

He answered the questions of the interrogation without missing a beat.

“In response to Your Honor, I am innocent. I originally came from the same village as Mr. Wei and have had a relationship with him since childhood. Later, when Mr. Wei passed the imperial examination and became successful, knowing that my family was poor, he let me become the steward of the house to make a living. The master has shown me great kindness. How could I dare to commit such a wicked deed…”

“On that day, although there were many servants in the front courtyard, after excluding those who were specifically serving the lady and those who were serving the writing materials, there weren’t enough left to serve tea and pour water. That’s why I went to call for help from the servants in the back courtyard…”

“As for Xiao Xing and Xiao Ping leaving without my knowledge, I really don’t know. I stayed in the front courtyard waiting. The master can testify for me. After calling for help, I stayed by the master’s side. These are all coincidences. I ask Magistrate Wang to see through them.”

Liu Youtian pleaded his innocence, bowing deeply and speaking with genuine emotion.

Having served in the Wei Family for many years and earned the appreciation of Wei Hongjue, Liu Youtian’s explanation dispelled Wei Hongjue’s doubts. He nodded and said, “Indeed, on that day, you were away only to call for help and then stayed by my side.”

If this was the case, Liu Youtian did have witnesses and evidence to prove his innocence. Could it be that everything was indeed just a coincidence?

Magistrate Wang looked at Lin Ze. “Mr. Lin, do you have anything else to say?”

Although Lin Ze had been proclaiming his innocence and claiming that someone had framed him, it had all been speculation without concrete evidence.

Now that others had witnesses and evidence, Lin Ze’s situation was quite delicate.

“Yes, Your Honor. Many things can be done without one’s own hands.”

Lin Ze stepped forward, looked around at the trembling servants, and then fixed his gaze back on Liu Youtian, his eyes sharp.

“Mr. Lin…” Liu Youtian felt inexplicably uneasy under his gaze.

“Very well, you still recognize me.”

Lin Ze suddenly smiled, his hearty smile making it seem like they were long-lost friends.

Liu Youtian was unsure of his attitude and respectfully bowed, “Mr. Lin was once a famous scholar in Nanyang Town and was also the master’s proud student. Of course, I recognize you.”

“Since you recognize me and know that I was once your master’s proud student, then why did you try to harm me?!”

Lin Ze’s smile instantly turned into a look of indignation.

Taken aback, Liu Youtian did not have a chance to speak before Lin Ze continued,

“Steward Liu, your explanation is indeed perfect, flawless even. But… is there someone you’ve overlooked? Where was your son on the day of the banquet?!”

His son? Liu Youtian’s son? How did this come into play?

The crowd was puzzled, but Wei Hongjue’s heart skipped a beat.