Chapter 1166: False Accusation
Editor: Henyee Translations
All the neighbors laughed and looked at him disdainfully, pointing at him.
Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan lived there and were determined not to let those untrue rumors survive. Once the rumor started to spread, it would be challenging to eradicate it completely.
They had to act proactively and squash it before it even took root.
Qiao Xuan had already explained the situation to them, recounting the history between the Qiao Family and her own, earning sympathy and consolation from some of the neighbors.
Qiao Hongxi was unaware that the neighbors were informed. He had misunderstood Shao Yunduan’s behavior, thinking he was being disrespectful to the elders, which was a wrong assumption.
His confusion persisted when Shao Yunduan added, “Young Master Qiao, you haven’t forgotten our previous conversation, have you? If you can’t find anyone, you can join me. I suggest you visit the governmental office of the Heavenly Mansion Office and request an inquiry to get to the bottom of this!”
“How dare you…”
“Because I am more advanced than you, and you have falsely accused me. Shouldn’t you pay the price?”
Did he really believe he could act recklessly just because he felt indebted to the Qiao Family?
Qiao Hongxi was about to say something, but the guards from the Heavenly Mansion Office suddenly turned their attention to a prominent man from the Hanlin Academy. Furthermore, the Crown Prince was present, and they needed to ingratiate themselves with powerful figures.
The leader snapped, and two guards rushed up, dragging Qiao Hongxi away with his hands behind his back.
Qiao Hongxi almost exploded with indignation. He was a scholar, not a criminal. How could these people humiliate him like this?
He struggled and shouted, “Let me go!” But no one paid any attention.
In a sorry state, he was driven away.
Those idlers had to be brought back to the governmental office for interrogation. However, there were many people at the scene, and they were very cautious and quick-witted. Before the guards could catch them, they had already disappeared into the crowd.
They were merely some idlers who had offered their help. So, it didn’t matter much if they ran away, as long as the main suspect didn’t escape.
The magistrate of the Heavenly Mansion Office was familiar with Shao Yunduan’s reputation. He couldn’t believe that Qiao Hongxi would accuse the Crown Prince of being involved with someone of such importance.
They were all brought to the hall for interrogation.
As an officer, Qiao Hongxi felt he didn’t need to kneel down in front of the governor of Heavenly Mansion. However, he flushed with anger and cursed Shao Yunduan and the guards from the Heavenly Mansion. He couldn’t understand what was going on, and his behavior annoyed the governor to the point where he wanted to drag him down and discipline him.
The governor believed that a good beating might make him more compliant.
In order to resolve the case, the governor insisted on having concrete evidence before letting Qiao Hongxi leave.
Qiao Hongxi became anxious and said, “I have proof. Someone delivered the letter to me early this morning, and the letter is very clear!”
“What’s the letter about?”
The governor’s eyes sparkled, realizing they had hit the key point.
“You can see for yourself if I am lying or not!”
Qiao Hongxi’s face sank, and he stiffened.
He panicked and frantically searched for the letter in his arms.
But he found nothing.
The Heavenly Mansion governor’s eyes turned cold as he snapped, “Ridiculous!”
Qiao Hongxi also panicked and protested, “That is impossible! I put the letter away, how could I not have it?”
The Heavenly Mansion governor sneered and waited for him to find the letter.