The grandmother and grandson must have had a discussion about such a big matter, so Lu Nianfu prepared to leave as soon as she finished speaking.
Just as she turned, the man in the wheelchair spoke: "Will you really help us?"
"As long as you have a grievance."
Lu Nianfu was quite confident about this. In her past life, Gu Yanchen was in charge of the Dali Temple. During his tenure, he repeatedly solved difficult cases and was just and upright. As long as they fell into his hands, no matter their identity or who pleaded for them, they would eventually receive due punishment.
The capital had been much more peaceful in those years.
Whether officials or rich young masters, they would consider whether a crime would fall into the hands of Dali Temple before committing it. If it would, they wouldn't do it.
After all, there was only one life.
The old lady probably guessed what her grandson intended to do, and called out uneasily: "Zizhou."
Fan Zizhou patted her withered hand: "Grandma, I know what you mean. If we hand over the shops, our family can naturally survive. But my sister's revenge cannot be avenged, and you would have to beg humbly before the enemy. It would be too stifling to live like this. I've been reading since I was young, and I dare not say I'm learned, but I understand the meaning of integrity."
He turned to Lu Nianfu: "Madam, please wait a moment, I'll write you a plea."
The old lady wiped her tears: "Zizhou, Grandma only hopes you are safe."
But Fan Zizhou was very firm: "Grandma, please prepare the brush and ink for me."
The characters on the plea were strong and vigorous, magnificent, and in a few words, they wrote down all the evil deeds committed by Marquis Qiying's mansion. Lu Nianfu solemnly put it away: "Don't worry, I'll go to Dali Temple now."
"Madam, since you are helping, before the case opens, could you please help us find a safe place for the two of us?"
Wang Shouchang looked surprised: "It's not necessary, is it? Although your home is not in the East City, it's still a bustling commercial area."
Fan Zizhou lowered his head, his voice hoarse: "Better safe than sorry."
Lu Nianfu nodded: "Young Master Fan's words are reasonable. Steward Wang, take them to Hulu Street to settle them."
"And you?"
"There's no time to delay, I'm going to Dali Temple now."
After spending a few copper coins, a young beggar on the street found her a sedan chair. Lu Nianfu, clutching the plea, got into the sedan chair. In her carriage, the grandmother and grandson, carrying two bundles, sat upright. With a neigh of the horse, they left the house where they had lived for a long time.
Shortly after they left, two servants in blue clothes kicked open their door with fierce expressions.
A moment later, they ran out with grim faces and hurried back to report to their master.
Dali Temple was a little livelier than yesterday, but only with a few more constables. Officials of higher rank were still claiming to be sick or on leave. After Lu Nianfu announced her name, she was quickly led to Gu Yanchen. Gu Yanchen was organizing case files and was quite surprised to see her: "Is it a bit early to go for lunch at this hour?"
Lu Nianfu handed him the plea: "What are you thinking about? I have something serious to discuss with you."
"Isn't eating a serious matter?" Gu Yanchen said with a smile, but after seeing the content of the plea, the upward curve of his lips straightened into a line: "Is what's written here true?"
"Of course. I just don't know if taking this case will affect you, as you are new to the capital."
"One should do one's job when one holds a position. If there's a case, of course, one must take it."
He strode to the door: "Someone."
This call was quite effective. The few remaining staff members of Dali Temple quickly ran over. Lu Nianfu counted: six constables, one cleaner, and one doorkeeper, a total of eight people.
Gu Yanchen didn't feel awkward at all. He pointed to two constables: "You two come with me."
Then he turned to Lu Nianfu: "Are you returning to your residence first, or coming with me?"
How could he bring his wife along while on duty?
Lu Nianfu decisively shook her head: "I still have things to do at home. You go ahead and do your work. I'll call for a sedan chair to go back."
So Gu Yanchen left with two constables.
With the plea received, Gu Yanchen righteously demanded to take the relevant person in the case – Fan Wei.
The jailer had never seen Gu Yanchen before, but he recognized his official uniform. The Dali Temple Minister personally came to the prison to pick up a person, and it was legal and compliant. Even if he wanted to please Jian Shizhao, he wouldn't dare to act rashly. He could only wait for Gu Yanchen to take the person away and then quickly report to Jian Shizhao.
In Zui Xiang Lou, Jian Shizhao gave the jailer two taels of silver and sent him away. He closed his eyes and pondered for a moment, then called for his subordinate: "A Mu, I remember you handled all the matters of the Fan family."
A Mu nodded, then nervously pledged loyalty: "Second Young Master, please rest assured, I will speed up the process."
"You don't need to handle this matter anymore?"
"Ah? Second Young Master, please trust me one more time. I'll go to the Fan family now and make sure they hand over the shops."
"I said you don't need to. I have another task for you."
A Mu patted his chest: "Second Young Master, please give your orders. I will go through fire and water without hesitation at your command."
Jian Shizhao smiled: "It's not that difficult. You just need to take the blame."
Take the blame?
A Mu's fawning smile froze on his face, wishing he could kill himself from a moment ago when he was willing to give his life for the Second Young Master.