Butler Xu's face changed drastically, others might not have reacted yet, but he immediately knew what Tang Fan was planning.
The so-called Danshu iron coupons, except for conspiracy and treason, can be exempted from all death sentences. But the problem lies in this "treason of treason". If you are charged with treason, you will naturally not be able to protect the iron coupons.
"Tang Fan, don't forget, you don't have the final say in this Ji'an world!" In a rage, Butler Xu called him by his first name.
Tang Fan asked back: "Xu Sui and Shen Si, in order to frame Lin Zhen, single-handedly planned the case of cheating in the imperial examination. Now that the case has happened, you resist arrest and even threaten the officials of the imperial court and plan to fight against the government by force. Confession, that day he was worried that the five reviewers would leak information, so he turned to Xu Bin for help. Xu Bin told him not to worry, but turned around and the five people died. What is your explanation for the Xu family? The wound is exactly the same as the weapon used to assassinate this official that day, if the Xu family had not colluded with the traitor, how could they have raised such a powerful assassin, this official suspects that those assassins have something to do with the White Lotus Demon!"
Butler Xu said angrily: "You, you are trying to add a crime, why bother!"
Tang Fan said: "Whether you want to add a crime, you have to search to find out, search for me!"
Lu Lingxi took the lead and rushed forward with the officials and the officers. The crowd of Xu Zhai's family, seeing the menacing officials, how dared to resist, the men softened a little, and the people were rushed away at once, and Lu Lingxi and others had already rushed. go in.
Butler Xu's face was extremely ugly, and he looked at Tang Fan with hatred.
Tang Fan folded his sleeves with his hands and lowered his head slightly, unmoved.
Under the leadership of Lu Lingxi, Xi Ming and others, Xu's house was turned upside down, and even the inner house where the woman lived was not spared, but nothing was found.
After a while, Lu Lingxi and the others came out of the backyard with their hands empty, and shook their heads slightly at Tang Fan.
Butler Xu sneered: "Okay, very good! Didn't you say that the Xu family has rebels, why didn't they find anything!"
Tang Fan glanced at him: "Where's your eldest young master?"
Butler Xu: "You searched and searched, did you find out, don't you know better than me!"
Tang Fan raised his eyebrows: "It seems that you have already sent Xu Sui away? But I advise you to send him back as soon as possible to plan fraud in the imperial examinations. This crime is not a small crime, and the crime of absconding is one more crime."
Butler Xu looked at him indifferently and said nothing.
Fan Zhifu and others were a little apprehensive. They were reluctant to come over at first, but now seeing Tang Fan slumped and getting nothing, the original gloating has turned into worrying about whether they will be implicated.
Tan Qianhu said in a low voice: "Sir, this is the end of the matter, why don't you go back first and then make a long-term discussion, and stay here..."
In the eyes of others, Tang Fan was indeed a bit reckless tonight. Originally, he came over aggressively, but he ignored the Xu family and took out the iron vouchers of the Danshu. In the end, he found nothing, lost all face, and was laughable.
In front of Tang Fan, Fan Zhifu and Tan Qianhu didn't dare to say anything, but they couldn't help but slander in private, saying that this Censor Tang's case was like a god. fame
Tang Fan also seemed to be waiting to go down such a step, and nodded when he heard the words: "Well, I'll let you go for a while today. I hope you can correct your mistakes and hand over Xu Sui as soon as possible to avoid suffering."
Hearing his words, Butler Xu just sneered: "Tang Fan, wait, when our master comes back, we must get this shameful humiliation back with profit!"
Tang Fan just didn't hear it, and left with Fan Zhifu and others.
After leaving the gate of Xu's house, Fan Zhifu couldn't help but say: "Sir, Xu Bin must have gone to the capital to ask for help, please forgive me, even if Xu Sui is related to the fraud case, it is only Xu Sui's business, it is unnecessary. Involve the entire Xu family!"
He said it euphemistically, but he was actually accusing Tang Fan of being too impulsive and reckless. He only listened to Shen Kunxiu's one-sided words and came to trouble the Xu family, but now the trouble was not found, but he was covered in fishy.
Shen Kunxiu laughed when he heard the words: "Xu Sui is the son of Xu's family, without Xu Bin's support, would he dare to be arrogant? With Xu Sui alone, it is even more impossible to kill the five judges. If Xu Bin did not intervene in this matter. , who would believe it?"
He actually hated Xu Sui so much that he encouraged Shen Si to commit such a big thing, but before, when his son was not exposed, he naturally wanted to do everything possible to cover it up. Now Shen Si has been led out, if Xu Sui is safe and sound, Shen Kunxiu It is not reconciled anyway.
So now he is doing everything possible to drag Xu Sui into the water.
Tang Fan didn't seem to see everyone's different thoughts, but he comforted Fan Zhifu very kindly: "Don't worry too much, I know this matter in my heart, I'll be the one to investigate the case, and the responsibility will naturally be borne by me, so I won't get involved. Yours."
Fan Zhifu laughed dryly: "What did the lord say, how can the lower official be such a villain who is greedy for life and fear of death!"
Tang Fan said to Shen Kunxiu: "The case is still unclear, and before the court has anything to do with it, I also asked Shen Xuetai and Young Master Ling to move to the official post where I live, so that I can take care of them nearby. Han Jin, you and Shen Xuetai go back. , be sure to ensure the safety of Lord Shen and his son."
Taking care of the nearest neighbor is actually the nearest surveillance.
Shen Kunxiu is surprisingly easy to talk now. He must have expected it. Hearing the words, he turned around and left with Han Jin.
After Shen Kunxiu left, Tang Fan said to the others: "There are still many unclear points in the case, but there is no doubt that the Xu family must have played a key role in it. If Party A really colludes with the White Lotus Sect, this is a major case that will attract the attention of the imperial court, and at that time, not only can contemplation be given lightly, but you can also receive praise and promotion accordingly.”
The implication is that the fraud case in the hospital exam is only a small case, and it is incomparable with the fraud in the township exam and the national exam. Even if Shen Kunxiu confessed his guilt and pondered the law, the result would be the same. of.
Fan Zhifu and others are amused. You can't even handle the Xu family, so what kind of big case are you going to make
After the incident just now, everyone regretted following Tang Fan tonight, and they were already thinking about what excuse they would use to shirk the rejection next time Tang Fan wanted to get along with the Xu family.
Faced with the absent-minded reaction of everyone, Tang Fan didn't care, and after a few more orders, he let them disperse with their respective horses.
After returning to the official post, Tang Fan said, "Everyone is tired tonight, let's rest early."
Xi Ming was sent by Wang Zhi to assist Tang Fan. He didn't speak often, which didn't mean he didn't know how to think. At this time, he couldn't help but say, "Sir, there is no evidence for the collusion between the Xu family and the White Lotus Sect. The death of the officer in charge is only a word of Shen Kunxiu, and it is difficult to convict the Xu family based on the testimony of Shen's father and son alone."
He thought Tang Fan would be unhappy when he heard what he said, but Tang Fan nodded: "Yes, the Xu family may have something to do with the death of the examiner, but it may not be the mastermind who colluded with the White Lotus Sect."
Xi Ming was stunned for a while, then since that's the case, you just charged the Xu family with random charges, didn't you give someone a handle
Lu Lingxi said, "In my humble opinion, is Big Brother Tang trying to use the Xu family to divert the attention of others?"
Tang Fan smiled and didn't deny it: "Actually, I didn't think about linking the White Lotus Sect and the imperial examination case at first, and they can be regarded as two separate but related cases for the time being. The cause is Xu Sui and The two of Shen Si wanted to tease and frame Lin Zhen for cheating and ruined Lin Zhen's reputation, Shen Kunxiu has also admitted this, do you have any objections?"
Everyone nodded.
He dipped the water in the teacup with his index finger, then drew a line on the red sandalwood table, and another forked line in the middle of the line: "Xu Sui and Shen Si just want to ruin Lin Zhen's reputation and can no longer participate. There is no need to kill people at all, so from Lin Zhen's death, another case can be separated."
Lu Lingxi thought thoughtfully: "Lin Fengyuan insisted that Lin Zhen was forced to commit suicide by Shen Kunxiu, which is so conclusive that it makes people suspicious, and we also saw Lin Zhen's body with our own eyes. He did not commit suicide, but he killed him. All of this, Lin Fengyuan obviously was informed."
Tang Fan nodded: "Yes, he not only knew about it, but also deliberately leaked it in his words and deeds to draw our attention to the painting."
Sitting at the table with his cheeks supported, Qiao Shi asked curiously, "You always talk about that painting, what kind of painting is it?"
Lu Lingxi glanced at Tang Fan, and seeing that he had no objection, he said, "A landscape painting with mountains, water, trees, people, and boats. There are also poems on it."
Qiao Shi frowned: "Isn't this kind of painting very common, why is there a problem?"
Tang Fan said: "The two lines of poetry on the painting, the reflection of two lines of mountains in the distance, and the horizontal flow of one leaf in the light boat, together they are exactly one word."
Before that, no one thought about this direction. They always thought that there was some secret hidden in the painting, and even thought that maybe the back figure in the painting was the murderer.
As soon as Lu Lingxi heard it, he immediately imitated Tang Fan's style, dipped his finger in water, and scratched on the table.
"The reflection of the mountain should be the word hum, tree... Does the tree mean wood? Or is it abundance?"
Tang Fan said: "Feng, one Feng, one line, Er Feng, two lines, the light boat is Yi, one leaf of the light boat travels on the river surface, there must be water splashing out."
There was no need for Tang Fan to unravel the mystery. At this time, even Qiao Shi responded: "Is it a wise character?"
Lu Lingxi shuddered: "What he wants to say is Fang Huixue?!"
Tang Fan said: "Judging from the silver ingots found by the Lin family, Lin Fengyuan and the other party have long been in collusion. Assuming that Lin Zhen's death and the disappearance of the second child of the Lin family are related to this, then when we went last time, Lin Fengyuan was It was this way to hint us. Unfortunately, we didn't realize it at the time, and Lin Fengyuan was killed afterwards, and even the painting disappeared, which is why the other party wanted to silence it."
Lu Lingxi also said, "I remembered that when we were talking to Lin Fengyuan, his senior was also present!"
After a pause, he frowned again: "But I don't quite understand, from the beginning to the end, it doesn't seem to have anything to do with Fang Huixue, the people who killed the judge and assassinated you were the same group of people, but it was the Xu family. Suspect more."
Facing his questioning expression, Tang Fan laughed: "Don't look at me, I'm not an immortal. Like you, I still have many questions that I can't figure out."
Qiao Shi said with a smile: "In my opinion, my cousin is already very powerful. I can infer so many things with a word puzzle, but I can't do it!"
Lu Lingxi: "..."
Anyone who wants to say is robbed will be a little depressed.
However, Tang Fan shook his head: "If I was really good, I should have found out when Lin Fengyuan behaved abnormally, but now Lin Fengyuan is also dead, and he got into trouble with the Xu family, and I don't know what trouble it will be, etc. with me."
He stood up: "It's getting late, everyone rest first, it's not too late to say anything tomorrow."
Mrs. Qiao glanced at her maid without a trace, pouted and said coquettishly, "Cousin, after so many years of separation, you are always busy with business, and we haven't said anything sincere!"
A hand suddenly stretched out next to him, separating Qiao's body from almost sticking to Tang Fan's body.
The voice came from Xiaozhou, who has been silent: "Girl, please respect yourself."
Qiao Shi shyly stomped her feet: "I have a marriage contract with my cousin, so what are you talking about!"
Xiaozhou's face was expressionless: "Men and women don't kiss."
Qiao Shi sneered: "Xiaozhou, do you think that you will definitely be brought into the house by your cousin, so you don't even care about me? Think beautifully, my cousin and I haven't gotten married for a day, so you will Don't try to get close to cousin for a day!"
This, which one is this singing
Everyone stared at this scene in astonishment.
Even before they were officially married, the master and the maid had an infighting
Tsk tsk, the adults are really beautiful and blessed!
But where is Yanfu, Tang Fan felt a little numb when he watched the other party play, so he could only hold his forehead and said, "Cousin, you should go and rest, I'm tired."
Qiao Shi didn't dare to play too much. Hearing the words, he stuck out his tongue secretly, and smiled slyly: "Well, cousin, I will cook tomorrow and cook some good dishes for you, okay?"
"Okay!" Tang Fan agreed, and said to Xiaozhou again, "Xiaozhou, go back to your room with me, I have something to ask you."
Xiaozhou: "Yes."
Tang Fan turned around and walked towards his room, followed by Xiaozhou, Qiao looked reluctant and didn't dare to stop, stared at Xiaozhou's back fiercely, and finally snorted and left angrily.
Lu Lingxi stood there, looking at the back of the maid, who seemed to be a little taller than Tang Fan, with a stunned expression and a shock in her heart.
Difficult, could it be that the woman that Big Brother Tang likes is like this
After struggling for a long time, he looked around and saw that everyone was gone, so he couldn't help but follow the direction Tang Fan and the other left, all the way to the outside of Tang Fan's room.
The candles were already lit there, and the light flickered from the window.
On the one hand, Lu Lingxi felt that he should not listen to injustice, but on the other hand, he couldn't stop his steps and curiosity.
The closer you get, the clearer your voice will be.
Listening carefully, it seems that the maid is talking.
"Sir, do you like to come dressed or take it off? The maid thinks it is better to take off your clothes..."
At this time, he heard Tang Fan cough again: "Just wear clothes."
Has it all come this far?
There was a buzzing sound in Lu Lingxi's head, a little dazed.
Afterwards, the voices of the two of them were much lower, but Lu Lingxi had no intention of continuing to listen. He left as quietly as when he came, but his heart was lost, and his footsteps were inevitably a little messy.
Inside the room, Tang Fan looked at the slightly curved corner of the other's mouth, and said helplessly, "Are you so happy that you lost your popularity?"
In fact, there is no one who is as ambiguous as others think, it is just one person rubbing the shoulders of another person, but someone insists on telling good things to mislead people.
Suizhou pinched his chin, bent down and kissed: "Of course I'm happy."
However, Tang Fan called Sui Zhou in alone, naturally not to let him rub his shoulders, but to have other important things. It's just that before Sui Zhou's identity is revealed, Lu Lingxi wants to misunderstand, so he can only temporarily let it go. He misunderstood.
"Fang Huixue, send someone to watch him. Xi Ming and Lu Lingxi have already shown up. If they go, Fang Huixue will immediately know that we have already suspected him." Tang Fan said.
Sui Zhou hummed: "I'll mobilize people tomorrow to spy on it. What are your plans for the Xu family?"
Tang Fan smiled wryly: "What else can I plan for this? My side is just to elucidate the facts of the case, but Xu Bin will definitely not give up. I hope Eunuch Wang can help me for a while, until the White Lotus Sect is put to death, everything will be done. It all came to light, and the truth came out.”
Sui Zhou stroked his hair on the temples, although he didn't speak, his consolation was obvious.
Tonight Tang Fan went to the Xu family to search, although Tang Fan did it intentionally, but in the eyes of those who didn't know it, he would inevitably think that he was too reckless.
The two were silent, but the atmosphere was somewhat warm. Since they left the capital, it was rare for them to have such a quiet leisure time together. Naturally, they cherished this moment of tranquility.
After a while, Tang Fan lifted his spirits: "Actually, you don't have to worry about me, although there are doubts about this case of imperial examination fraud, Shen Si and Xu Sui have conclusive evidence, and it's not all fruitless, as long as Now that Xu Sui is found, the fraud case will be solved."
Sui Zhou smiled slightly: "I never doubted this."
Tang Fan took his hand out from under his collar with a sullen face: "Xiaozhou, it's time for you to go back."
Sui Zhou bent down and easily wrapped his whole body around him, spitting hot air in the ear of the other party, and his low voice was seductive: "Don't you want me to serve you? I can serve you all night, no matter if you want to knead your shoulders. , or knead somewhere else... As long as there is life, there is nothing to do."
Tang Fan twitched the corners of his mouth: "Do you know what I want to say?"
Suizhou: "What did you say?"
Tang Fan: "Miss Xiaozhou, your beard has come out."
Suizhou: "..."
Not to mention how Xiaozhou girl was depressed and internal injury, after all, the capital is thousands of miles away from Jiangxi. Although Butler Xu said harsh words, Fan Zhifu and others also felt that Tang Fan was acting inappropriately, but even if Xu Bin was full of energy, he could speak well. Ken interceded for the Xu family in front of the emperor, and caused trouble for Tang Fan by the way. It would take at least five or seven days for the imperial court's decree to arrive here.
During this period, Tang Fan had personally finished the interrogation and meditation, and handed in a memorial, stating the case one by one, and explaining Xu Sui's escape and the suspicious points of the case above, hoping that the emperor would give time to let him Find out the truth.
Because there was no conclusive evidence, Tang Fan did not mention the White Lotus Sect in his memorial, but Suizhou got a piece of news that was probably related to the White Lotus Sect.
It is said that a few days ago, villagers near a mountain on the outskirts of Luling County suddenly heard the sound of thunder in the middle of the night. I went in to find out, but I found a lot of corpses inside, and rumors spread one after another that there were man-eating monsters in the mountain. Report it to the government immediately.
According to the official procedures, after Ji Min knew about this matter, he should discuss it with the prefect, and then report it layer by layer. When he got to the capital, the cabinet would finally issue an order, either let the locality investigate by itself, or send Jin Yiwei over, at least in the middle. It will take a month or two.
Although Tang Fan was an imperial envoy, he was only in charge of investigating and handling cases of corruption in the imperial examination, but he had no right to intervene, so Ji Min, Fan Zhifu and others did not need to report to him.
But even if they don't say it, Jin Yiwei may not have no way to know it. Suizhou thinks that this matter is most likely related to the private mining and casting of money by the White Lotus Sect in Ji'an, so he left half of his staff to monitor Fang Zhai, and the other half of his staff followed him. Go there and find out.
However, Tang Fan said that on the surface, Tang Fan asked Lu Lingxi, Xi Ming and others to look for Xu Sui's trace, while he went to find the trouble of the Xu family every three days, but secretly kept an eye on the Fang family's movements.
Fang Huixue is said to have contracted the cold, and has not stepped out of Fang's house for two or three days. Due to the status of Fang's family in Ji'an, there is an endless stream of people who come to visit him. Tang Fan also sent gifts to him, and it is said that he came out to receive him. It was the housekeeper of the Fang family, and Fang Huixue himself did not show up.
This is normal. If Tang Fan went in person, Fang Huixue would definitely greet him in person, but if it was just someone he sent, Fang Huixue didn't need to come forward to receive him.
Other than that, the Fang family has not changed out of the ordinary. People still come in and out every day. Fang Huixue has two sons and one daughter. The daughter is the one who is the successor to the provincial governor. He has already become a biological son, and the other is still studying. It is said that he wants to obtain a title. Except for his married daughter, the two sons are often seen in and out of the square house. mouth, into Tang Fan's ears.
But Tang Fan always felt that something was wrong, and there was always an indescribable strange feeling lingering in his heart.
Until Lu Lingxi brought him news about Fang Huixue's daughter.