Phoenix Reborn: the Prime Minister’s Scheming Daughter - Chapter 329

The expression of guilt on Zhou Ziqing’s face intensified, and even his eyes were filled with grateful tears. “Thank you, everyone. Even when my servant had committed such heinous crimes, you still support me.”

His actions inadvertently gained the support of the people even more. At this moment, everyone took Zhou Ziqing’s side, and many of them thought that Baili Junyi was making a big fuss over a small matter. It was not a big deal at all. How could he implicate Patriarch Zhou for the crimes his servant committed? This was outrageous.

Seeing Baili Junyi suffer, Baili Jinchuan secretly grinned, a trace of satisfaction flashing through his eyes. His relationship with Baili Junyi would never be good. He was glad to see him being defeated.

On the side, Shen Ninghua slightly held Baili Junyi’s fingers with a comforting look in her eyes. Baili Junyi turned back to look at her, and a smile appeared on his face.

This time, because of Baili Jinchuan’s interference, he could not make his move on the Zhou Family, but he would have many opportunities. This defeat might come in handy in the future.

Seeing their intertwining fingers, Baili Jinchuan squinted in great dismay, his eyes as cold as knives. At this moment, he wanted to barge forward and separate them.

A large part of the reason why he had agreed to marry Yang Yingxue was that she bore a stark resemblance to Shen Ninghua. Not only that, but their personalities were also similar.

He had originally thought that he could more or less appease the throbbing and yearning in his heart when he married a similar person. However, he had not expected that with the contrast of a fake, his desire for the real person was even greater. When he saw Yang Yingxue, he felt that everything was wrong. Her appearance, her voice, her talent, her movements, and her expression were all wrong!

When he learned that Baili Junyi and Shen Ninghua were heading northwest, he secretly made a decision in his heart: If Shen Ninghua still contacted him when she arrived in the northwest, this was God’s will to rekindle their relationship, and he would believe their fate again. Fortunately, even God was on his side. Shen Ninghua actually came to Zhou City and even mingled with the Zhou Family. He immediately asked for an imperial edict to come to the northwest to send disaster relief. He wanted to test and see how solid their relationship was.

“Silence!” Baili Jinchuan suddenly slapped the gavel in his hand, and the noisy hall immediately quieted down.

“Sun Da, Sun Er, the culprit who persecuted you, Zhou Qing, has confessed. Are you satisfied with his confession?”

Sun Da and Sun Er nodded. “Yes, we’re satisfied.” Originally, the person who harmed them was Zhou Qing, but they diverted their frustration toward Zhou Ziqing because no one had helped to redress their grievances for a long time. Now that Zhou Qing pleaded guilty and Zhou Ziqing promised to compensate them, they were satisfied and at ease.

Baili Jinchuan nodded, and his tone carried a trace of dissatisfaction as he turned to Baili Junyi and conceded, “Fifth Younger Brother, you should have explained the reason why you arrested Patriarch Zhou earlier. This way, this interrogation would have ended long ago. There is no need to go through so much trouble.”

Baili Junyi raised his chin proudly. “Since I know that some people have been wronged, I have to investigate it clearly. If I let go of the vicious people hiding in the dark, it will harm Zhou City’s people.”

Zhou Ziqing lowered his eyes, a tolerant smile on his face. “I have to learn Prefectural Prince Yi’s attitude of being responsible for the people. As it turns out, it’s all a misunderstanding.” So what if he was vicious? Someone had to be able to uncover the sinister things he was hiding. Otherwise, he would always be known as a good person!

“Zhou Qing, you forcefully took possession of someone else’s property and even wanted to murder them for money. Although you did not succeed, your actions were extremely vile. Now, you have to return the property and compensate Sun Da and Sun Er for all the losses. I will write this matter as a letter to Father Emperor, and His Majesty will decide how to punish you. Patriarch Zhou, what about the compensation you just mentioned? ”

Zhou Ziqing’s attitude was firm. “Royal Prince De, I’m regretful that I didn’t supervise my housekeeper properly. He even caused such great harm to Sun Da and Sun Er. They would have died by now had they not been alert. My promise stands. I’ll compensate them with half of my assets.”

“You don’t have! You don’t have to do that!” Sun Da repeatedly refused. They felt very satisfied by the verdict and did not want to stir up any more trouble. After all, even half of the Zhou Family’s family property was too much. Even if they obtained it, they might not be able to manage it.

Zhou Ziqing seemed to see through their concerns and smiled faintly. “Since that’s the case, I’ll change the way. Now that the number of disaster victims multiplies, I will convert this half of the family property into money to buy food and medicine to help them.”

“Awesome!” As soon as he finished speaking, it immediately caused a wave of cheers from outside.

Shen Ninghua’s expression sank. It seemed that after this matter, the Zhou Family’s prestige did not decrease but instead rose. In the future, if they were to make advancements on the Zhou Family, the people, as well as the disaster victims, would immediately take the Zhou Family’s side.

There were too many disaster victims in the northwest. When the drought was relieved and they returned to their hometown, they would remember the Zhou Family’s great kindness.

The grace of survival was greater than anything.

Baili Jinchuan nodded and praised, “Patriarch Zhou, you’re so righteous. In that case, I thank you on behalf of the disaster victims in the northwest.”

“I’m ashamed to receive your gratitude. It’s my fault, to begin with, and I feel fortunate that the people are tolerant and do not despise me for it. I’m just doing whatever I can to help. I’m already very grateful to be able to get forgiveness. I’m too ashamed to accept your thankfulness.”

Baili Jinchuan smiled. “Patriarch Zhou, you don’t have to blame yourself too much. I will report what you have done to Father Emperor. I believe that Father Emperor will not blame you.”

Baili Junyi and Shen Ninghua stood at the side indifferently, listening to Baili Jinchuan and Zhou Ziqing flattering each other. When they felt that it was enough to win the hearts of the people and raise the Zhou Family’s good reputation to another level, they stopped talking.

“Fifth Younger Brother, the misunderstanding has been resolved clearly. Patriarch Zhou is innocent. I’ll give the order to release him.”

“Second Royal Brother, you go ahead and make the decision.”

“Patriarch Zhou, you can go home and rest.”

Zhou Ziqing bowed gratefully. “Thank you, Royal Prince De. Thank you, Prefectural Prince Yi.”

The moment Zhou Ziqing walked out of the government office, someone among the crowd started cheering, and the people started clapping and cheering joyfully. The warm and lively atmosphere was as if they had won a victory.

After a long while, the people clustered around Zhou Ziqing and sent him to the Zhou Mansion.

When everyone had left, Zhou Da tactfully left. Baili Jinchuan informed unhurriedly, “Fifth Younger Brother, Patriarch Zhou has decided to hand over half of the family property to the disaster relief. So the property that you have raided…”

“When I go back, I will ask someone to return it immediately.”

“Okay. I’ll rest assured then.”

Baili Junyi held Shen Ninghua’s hand, got up, and walked outside.

Baili Jinchuan suddenly narrowed his eyes and crowed, “Fifth Younger Brother, in the future, you must keep an eye on your actions. Don’t always go against everyone. You can retreat once or twice, but that doesn’t mean you can be so lucky every time.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Previously in the capital, you offended most of the officials in the capital, and then you left to Zhou City. Now, if you want to make a move on the Zhou Family, it is to offend all of Zhou City’s people. Where do you think you can go after Zhou City?”

“Second Royal Brother, what I do has nothing to do with you. In fact, I think you should be happy to see me offend so many people, right? After all, you have always disliked me.”

Baili Junyi’s gaze was filled with ridicule. He could feel Baili Jinchuan’s hostility towards him even though they were thousands of miles apart. Yet now, he warned him not to offend too many people? He should be over the moon if he offended all the people in the Da’an Kingdom.

The disguised concern on Baili Jinchuan’s face faded away. “I’m not worried about you. Whatever happens to you is none of my business. But don’t implicate Ninghua and that child with the name Baby Girl.”

Baili Junyi tightened his grip on Shen Ninghua. “I didn’t expect you to care so much about my wife and daughter. I thank you on their behalf.”

Baili Jinchuan stared at Shen Ninghua, and his eyes were filled with intense affection. “Ninghua, a woman only wants a man who understands her, children, and stable life. If you are tired, tell me. No matter what, I will…”

Shen Ninghua interrupted him coldly, “Second Royal Brother, I have Junyi to worry about my matters, so I won’t trouble you.”

Baili Junyi smiled and tightly clasped his hands with Shen Ninghua, his expression carrying a hint of intimidation.

The affection in Baili Jinchuan’s eyes suddenly retracted. The thick gloomy vibe caused his expression to distort for a moment. Only after a long while did he control his temper, his expression returning to his previous cold and indifferent expression, “I will send my men to take the Zhou Family’s property. I hope that there will be no lack of things.”

Shen Ninghua always knew what kind of words and attitude could irritate him. However, he just had to be so foolish. Even if he was rejected, plotted against, and retaliated by her, he always loved her in his heart. She even appeared in his dreams.

After getting out of the government office and getting on the carriage, Baili Junyi squinted, and his expression became cold.

Shen Ninghua sat at the side in silence, complicated feelings surging inside her. If possible, she did not want to hurt someone who had a good impression of her. However, she was already married and a mother to two children. When it was time to be decisive, she must not hesitate, or she would harm others and herself.

“Ninghua, Baili Jinchuan…”

Shen Ninghua looked at him with a calm expression. Suddenly, Baili Junyi stopped and held her in his arms. “Ninghua, I am so worried. I am worried that you will be moved by Baili Jinchuan. I am worried that you will hesitate.”

Shen Ninghua pushed him away and punched him in the chest. “Does it hurt?”

“Not really.” Baili Jinchuan rubbed his chest. He did not show it on his face, but he secretly gritted his teeth in pain. Shen Ninghua had hit his acupuncture points. Although she did not use much strength, it was really painful.

Shen Ninghua glanced at him, her eyes full of anger. “What do you think I will do? Moved? Hesitate? Then turn around and throw myself into his arms?”

Baili Junyi abruptly hugged her. “No, you won’t. I know you won’t. I was just too worried.” Because he cared too much, he was afraid of losing her.

Shen Ninghua pinched his waist hard. “If you continue to be so dramatic and melancholy, I might really get sick of you.”

Baili Junyi hugged her and kissed her. His voice was full of certainty. “Darling, I know you won’t.”

Shen Ninghua sighed slightly. She knew that it was not that Baili Junyi did not trust her, but he wanted to hear her confirmation. The usually shrewd man was silly and cute in front of her, so she must say something to ease his worry.