Chapter 92: Chapter 092: He is Nothing
Translator: 549690339
Li Fang was malicious and cunning, and Chang Yuanda had orchestrated a cunning plot, however, neither of them were willing to admit it nor were they especially virtuous characters.
What needed to be established for now was who had masterminded the plot and who were in collusion.
Ding Gaochang stroked his chin.
Meanwhile, Zhang Yongchang was stunned.
Had Chang Yuanda, impacted by his tofu business, conspired with Li Fang to order the kidnapper to sell Zhuang Qingning elsewhere?
The kidnapper had always been ruthless; individuals that fell into his hands were either beaten or scolded. For the sake of making more money, he discarded any thought of where he should sell his victims. If someone offered a high enough price, he would even sell a living person into a ghost marriage.
This was a matter of a person’s life and future – a real human life.
Had Chang Yuanda, because his tofu business was negatively impacted, decided to rob a young girl of her life and potentially claim others’ lives as well?
Such actions were truly despicable!
He definitely should be arrested for this! He should be properly punished and spanked, only then would he realise the consequences of his evil deeds.
Otherwise, who knows what other despicable acts he’ll commit in the future!
“Sir,” Zhang Yongchang said as he bowed.
Ding Gaochang glanced at the composed Zhang Yongchang and raised his hand slightly: “There’s no need for further pleas, the details of the case at hand will be thoroughly investigated by the county government. We will never overlook any criminal actions.”
“Sir, I don’t intend to plead for leniency for Chang Yuanda. I merely wish to inform you about the intricate details of the matter. When Chang Yuanda previously came to complain about his tofu business being impacted, he mentioned that it was Li Fang who first informed him about the matter. I suspect that Li Fang has maintained a connection with Chang Yuanda for quite some time.”
“And considering that Li Fang was able to approach Chang Yuanda even after being evicted by Fushun Tower, it’s clear that he must have suggested to Chang Yuanda their collaboration regarding the tofu stand. That’s how the two profited.”
“If Chang Yuanda claims ignorance regarding this matter, it seems highly unlikely. However, Li Fang, by his gift of smooth talk, must have manipulated him.”
“Sir, may I request you to pass a word to Chang Yuanda when you reach the county government? I would like to tell him: ‘if one commits too many wrongs, they will eventually meet their end. If you don’t want your wrongdoings to be known, then don’t commit them in the first place. It would be better to accept your wrongdoing earlier and endure your punishment, then reform and move on with your life.’
Zhang Yongchang made a salute.
Ding Gaochang paused slightly.
Normally, under such circumstances, most people would beg for mercy for their relatives or friends. They would claim that they were innocent, or that they’d been framed, and such.
Ding Gaochang had heard such claims so often that his ears had become calloused. Today, Zhang Yongchang’s impartial attitude felt pretty fresh to Ding.
However, this approach was right under the given circumstances.
If anyone thought they could deceive the government officials, they were dreadfully mistaken. Once the beatings started and the skin was ripped, not only would the pain be unbearable, they would still have to confess everything in the end. Moreover, because they didn’t confess the crime earlier, their punishment would be even more severe.
On the contrary, confessing earlier might lead to a more lenient sentence and an earlier conclusion to the case.
Ding Gaochang laughed lightly: “I’ll be sure to pass on your words.”
“My gratitude, sir.”
“No need for formalities, it’s my duty,” replied Ding Gaochang, who as a county magistrate hardly ever seemed overly imposing. He didn’t put on airs and he managed to get through smoothly with the questioning process. Seeing his approach, everyone seemed pleased, hence a smile was constantly present on his face.
“I have asked nearly everything I needed. We have also recorded all the important points. You can all go and carry on with your own work, I must now go and question others.”
The more people he talked to, the more accurate his conclusions would be.
“Farewell, sir.”
Zhuang Qingning and Zhang Yongchang along with others watched as Ding Gaochang and his men gradually disappeared into the distance.
“This Chang Yuanda has really done such despicable deeds!” Zhang Yongchang was still filled with rage and spat on the ground: “How dare he!”
“That Li Fang, I believed he was up to no good ever since I met him. He was always causing trouble in Fushun Tower and spoke of his virtues. He seemed dodgy right from the start, and now it turns out he really is a bad egg!”
Lian Rong also chimed in agreement.
“Miss Ning, you’ve been wronged and narrowly escaped such a disaster.”
“Considering I am Chang Yuanda’s brother-in-law, we are considered a part of the same family. It’s disgraceful to hear members of our own family commit such shameful acts. I should be the one to apologize to you,” Zhang Yongchang said with a look of guilt on his face.
“Uncle Zhang, you mustn’t say that. People often say ‘misfortune does not befall parents or children’ and thus Chang Manager’s actions have nothing to do with you,” Zhuang Qingning quickly interjected.
“Since the matter has already reached the county government office, the officials will certainly come to a verdict and give justice to those wronged.”
That was true.
However, it was he who had initially decided against using Changji tofu, leading Chang Yuanda to bear a grudge against Zhuang Qingning. In a bid to chase Zhuang Qingning away and protect the tofu business, Chang Yuanda resorted to such drastic measures.
No matter how one saw it, he felt somewhat responsible.
But at this point, saying too much would seem like over-dramatization. After letting out a long sigh, Zhang Yongchang decided not to say anything more. He returned to Fushun Tower with Lian Rong to take care of business.
Meanwhile, Zhuang Qingning continued to sell tofu with Zhuang Qingsui.
“Sister, why didn’t you tell me earlier about that big incident?” Zhuang Qingsui unavoidably pouted, “You looked really scared that day when you returned, and your face was so pale.”
The thought of her sister, Zhuang Qingning, going through such an ordeal while she could do nothing, not even knowing what had happened, left Zhuang Qingsui feeling terrible inside.
“I’m okay. I was just a bit scared at the time, but after a good night’s sleep, it passed,” Zhuang Qingning patted Zhuang Qingsui’s head, “I was worried that you’d be frightened, which is why I didn’t tell you immediately. I was planning to tell you in a few days.”
The more time had passed since the incident, the calmer she felt. When recounting the events, she could be more nonchalant, minimizing the impact on others and preventing additional worry.
This was particularly true for Zhuang Qingsui.
Surprisingly, the hidden details of the incident were exposed and even the county magistrate had quickly come to question them about the matter, so it was impossible to hide it any longer.
“So in the future, sister, don’t ever keep such matters from me.” Zhuang Qingsui looked up at her and said.
She was already a grown girl now, and should be able to share her sister’s burdens.
“Alright,” Zhuang Qingning responded with a smile and playfully pinched Zhuang Qingsui’s cheek.
This time, Zhuang Qingsui didn’t react, but laughed instead.
The crisis had finally passed, and the sisters continued to sell tofu as they engaged in friendly chatter with the customers.
The sun gradually climbed its zenith, and by the time the weather started getting a bit hot, all the tofu had been sold out. Zhuang Qingning started to pack up..
