“My Wenchang Marquis Manor has been a distinguished family for generations, and my maternal family was once incredibly influential. Today, to be so rudely insulted by someone as unreasonable as you… the Wenchang Marquis Manor will certainly not let this matter rest. If you are willing to back down now, I will not pursue this further. Otherwise, I will report this directly to His Majesty.”
Feng Jin scornfully glanced at Madam Ye. She couldn't win an argument with logic, so she resorted to bullying with power. Such behavior was truly despicable.
“If the Marchioness wishes to report, she is welcome to. As the saying goes, righteousness can travel the world, while ill-gotten gains will not take one far. Since I dared to have this polo field surrounded, I am not afraid of anyone finding fault.”
“You… you are simply…” Madam Ye was so enraged that she couldn't even form a complete sentence.
“Marchioness, anger is detrimental to your health. Please take care of yourself. Prepare a chair for the Marchioness to rest, lest you claim I angered you into illness. I cannot bear such a false accusation.”
After striking down Madam Ye, the prominent figure who stepped forward, everyone witnessed Feng Jin’s formidable prowess. Even the Marchioness of Wenchang was no match for her. Furthermore, with General Ling, Princess Jing, and Young Master Gu present, these others stood no chance and could only obey orders.
Feng Jin carefully examined the wound on the horse's leg. The cut was clean and showed no signs of blunt force trauma. The wound was only three inches long, and only a dagger could have inflicted such an injury.
Only someone who had been playing polo with Ling Muzhu could have gotten close enough to her with a dagger.
“Bring everyone who was playing polo together here.”
“Your subordinate obeys!” Upon receiving the command, Lu Shi quickly retreated.
“What have you figured out?” Gu Beichen asked from the side.
Feng Jin turned her head to look at Gu Beichen. “You were playing polo with them. Did you notice anything unusual about anyone?”
Gu Beichen shook his head. “No, everyone seemed quite normal. Perhaps the horse was truly spooked. It’s normal for a horse to be injured by a polo mallet during a game. Perhaps you’re just being overly sensitive.”
He had witnessed horses losing control on polo fields before, so he thought this situation was no different from the usual.
Hearing Gu Beichen’s words, Feng Jin gave him a look akin to viewing an idiot, glaring at him fiercely.
He was truly fortunate. If he had been the second son of the Zhennan Prince and had more sons, she could guarantee Gu Beichen would never have grown this old.
“Young Madam, the people have been brought.”
Soldiers behind Lu Shi escorted several individuals in.
“I am giving you all a chance. Speak the truth about who injured Ling Muzhu’s horse. If you don’t, and I find out, it won’t be as simple as this.”
Feng Jin got straight to the point. She genuinely wanted to give them an opportunity. Judging by their age, they weren’t very old. To be accused of attempted murder at such a young age would have a significant impact on their future careers.
The individuals exchanged glances, their minds made up. They all unanimously denied any involvement in the matter.
One of them, emboldened, even threatened Feng Jin.
“My father is a high-ranking official in court. If you treat me like this, my father will not let you off.”
Feng Jin scoffed dismissively. “A high-ranking official in court sounds quite important, but is he more influential than Ling Mohan?”
Ling Mohan was a General of the State personally appointed by Emperor Xuanwen, comparable to a prince, with ten thousand households of fiefs. He had also previously served as the Imperial Tutor. There seemed to be no comparison. Even a fool could understand whose official position was greater.
“You… I… no matter what, my father is still a Minister, a second-rank official. You should at least show him some respect and release me quickly!”
Feng Jin covered her mouth and chuckled. This child was pitifully naive, clearly spoiled rotten by his parents and utterly inexperienced in the ways of the world, completely unaware of the harsh realities of society.
“The Minister’s position is indeed not small, and in any other place, some deference would be shown. However, you seem unaware of a principle: one rank higher can crush another. Today, even if your father were here, facing us, he would only bow his head in deference. Therefore, the best you can do is to shut your mouth and remain silent!”
After reprimanding one, Feng Jin stood up and addressed the others. “If any of your fathers or brothers hold an official position higher than theirs, please step forward and state it. Then I can consider letting you go directly. Otherwise, you will have to stay here obediently for a while.”
Feng Jin observed the expressions of those present. They were all somewhat stunned with fear.
“Are you all truly uninvolved in the wounds on the horse’s legs?”
As Feng Jin finished speaking, all of them shook their heads in unison.
“Since you are all uninvolved, I will let you leave immediately. However, I have already smeared some Datura flower powder on the horse. If combined with Oleander flower powder, it would produce a potent poison, causing skin ulcers in mild cases and death in severe ones.”
“You all claim to be innocent. Truth will be revealed with a simple test.”
Feng Jin took off her purse and placed it before everyone. “This purse contains Oleander flower powder. To prove your innocence, you only need to place your hand inside the purse. Lu Shi, go get paper and pen. Have them sign it, then place their hands in the purse, and they can leave.”
“Yes, Young Madam.”
Lu Shi brought paper and pen, had them sign one by one, and then they proceeded to place their hands into the purse.
“Very well, you may go.”
“You are also fine. You may go.”
Feng Jin stood by the entrance, checking everyone’s hands before allowing them to leave.
“It’s your turn. Hurry up, don’t waste time here,” Feng Jin said to a man slowly approaching.
The man slowly stepped forward. His right hand, which had been hanging by his side, moved slightly, then he nonchalantly lowered it again and raised his left hand, placing it inside. Just as he was about to pull it out, his wrist was suddenly grasped.
“What are you doing? Let go of me… my hand isn’t ulcerated at all, let me go!” the man exclaimed in a panicked tone, struggling with all his might to break free from Feng Jin’s hold. He turned to run but was blocked by Ling Mohan, who was waiting outside.
Feng Jin stood up, looking at him coldly, and scoffed, “You were the one who cut the horse’s leg, weren’t you?”
“You have no proof. Why do you say it was me? And I also touched the Oleander flower powder, and my hand is fine. You’re trying to frame me!”
The man raised both hands, eagerly trying to prove his innocence.
Feng Jin found it amusing looking at his naive and earnest expression. With such shallow schemes, he dared to try and harm someone like others. He clearly didn't know his own limitations.
“There was no Oleander flower powder in this purse. It’s just flour.”
Feng Jin poured out the contents of the purse. Indeed, it was a handful of white flour, not Oleander flower powder at all.