My low-key cultivation of immortality was discovered by the emperor in my diary.

Chapter 41 Lou Qing intervenes, quickly turning the tide.

"An unfilial daughter."

"White-eyed wolf."

"spendthrift."

……

Hearing the people's various insults and curses against Chu Lengyu, Steward Zhao laughed triumphantly.

He glanced sideways at Chu Lengyu beside him, as if to say: Dare to fight against the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion? Do you think you can win?

Chu Lengyu's face remained calm, as if no amount of noise could disturb her peace of mind.

Her calm and composure made the crowd who were criticizing and accusing her begin to doubt: How could a teenage girl who had not yet married be so calm and composed? Was she not as the housekeeper Zhao said?

The Prefect of the Capital believed that she was probably too frightened to stand there and not defend herself.

Just as he was about to say something, a constable suddenly came out from the back door, leaned close to his ear, and whispered, "Sir, a Night Guard officer wants you to adjourn the court temporarily. He has something to say to you."

Upon hearing this, the Prefect of the Capital immediately struck his gavel and said, "This matter is, after all, a private affair of the Chu family. I request that Steward Zhao and Miss Chu discuss it further. It would be best if it could be resolved privately. This court hereby adjourns temporarily and will resume the trial later!"

After saying that, he lifted his official robe and hurriedly left his seat.

backyard.

Lou Qing was waiting anxiously here.

The Prefect of the Capital dared not neglect this Night Guard who carried the Night-Slaying Blade, and hurriedly led his men over.

He smiled politely and said, "I didn't know Lord Night Guard was here. Please forgive me for any shortcomings in our hospitality."

"Let's skip the formalities." Lou Qing wasn't used to such things.

Besides, he couldn't really be called an adult. He knew very well that he only had some influence here because of his Night-Slaying Blade.

"Yes, yes," the Prefect of the Capital quickly replied with a smile, waiting for him to continue.

"To be honest, I came to see you because of the case that is currently in court."

"Your Excellency is doing this for the sake of the Duke of Zhenguo, isn't he?" The Prefect of Jingzhao said with some pride. "Don't worry, Your Excellency, I understand what you mean. I will make sure this matter is handled perfectly for you, and I will not allow the Duke of Zhenguo's reputation to be damaged in the slightest."

Lou Qing frowned upon hearing this: "You've misunderstood. I came here for Chu Lengyu."

"Her? Is there something wrong with her?" The Prefect of the Capital frowned as well. "She seems unruly and undisciplined. Could she have done something improper?"

Lou Qing thought to himself: I really didn't expect that you, the Prefect of Jingzhao, would have such a rich imagination.

Seeing Lou Qing's strange expression, the Prefect of the Capital quickly waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, sir, I know the rules. I won't ask, and you don't need to say anything."

Lou Qing couldn't hold back any longer and said, "Things aren't as complicated as you think. I won't beat around the bush with you anymore. My team is on a secret mission and happened to witness everything last night. It was indeed Duke Zhenguo, Chu Wenchen, who secretly hired someone to try and harm Chu Lengyu. I was the one who led the men to capture those dozen or so bandits in front of the hall."

"Huh?" Lou Qing's words confused the Prefect of the Capital more and more. This... seemed to be different from what he had guessed.

"Sir, what do you mean?" he asked cautiously.

"I want you to give Miss Chu justice and stop favoring the Duke of Zhenguo. I've long heard that the Prefect of Jingzhao is a smart man and should be able to distinguish who should be helped and who shouldn't," Lou Qing finally revealed his purpose.

He had intended to leave here, but seeing the bewildered look on the Prefect's face, he couldn't help but worry, and finally added, "You'd better not upset Miss Chu."

Although the Prefect of the Capital did not understand why this Night Guard said such a thing, or why he valued Chu Lengyu so much.

But he knows what's important and what's not.

……

after awhile.

The Prefect of the Capital returned to his seat in the hall.

He hadn't been outside long, but he was already drenched in sweat. He was surprised to see Chu Lengyu still waiting quietly below the hall.

Recalling her calm and composed demeanor throughout, he suddenly realized that she might have known all along that His Majesty's people would step in for her.

He truly hadn't expected that Ye Wei would actually step forward to support her. He realized he had misunderstood him, repeatedly making things difficult for Chu Lengyu while deliberately siding with the Duke of Zhenguo, causing her to be vilified.

This has really offended someone quite badly.

The Prefect of the Capital felt uneasy. He quickly wiped his sweat, struck the gavel again, and announced, "The break is over. This case will continue."

Butler Zhao believed he had the upper hand, but still pretended to be a victim, pleading with a pained expression, "Sir, Miss Chu refuses to reconcile, but please, please don't punish her. My master is kind-hearted and can't bear to see the only adopted daughter left behind by the eldest master go astray and end up in prison."

The more the Prefect of the Capital looked at him, the more displeased he became.

With such words, does he intend to imprison Miss Chu? If I dare to make her suffer today, the Night-Slaying Blade might come looking for me tonight.

Thinking this, the Prefect of the Capital slammed his gavel and ordered, "Men, seize Steward Zhao!"

Steward Zhao thought the Prefect of the Capital was referring to capturing Chu Lengyu, but he was surprised to find out it was about himself, and he stood there stunned.

It wasn't until he saw the constables arresting him as ordered, and the Prefect of the Capital looking serious, that he realized he hadn't misheard and the Prefect wasn't joking with him.

He said angrily and defiantly, "My lord, I am a member of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion!"

His tone was full of threat.

"We're arresting people from the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion!" the Prefect of the Capital shouted sternly.

He thought to himself: You still want to use your master's name to intimidate this manor? Now it's the Night Guards who are backing Chu Lengyu up, which is like the emperor standing up for Chu Lengyu.

Times have changed. Steward Zhao, no one can save you today. You'd better just confess your sins.