Chapter 2981 - 2982: False Accusation

Chapter 2981: Chapter 2982: False Accusation

Bai Yihong also sold an antique vase and a sheep-fat jade ring to gather enough silver to purchase all the land, managing to get it for about 20% less than the market price.

He didn’t press hard on the price. He thought moving house wasn’t easy for others, so he’d rather find a way to manage himself.

In fact, if it weren’t for the other party saying they feared trouble and begging him to buy it all, he only intended to buy half. He didn’t want to use all his silver, as it left him feeling insecure.

Very soon Bai Ruozhu and Bai Zehao arrived, but Jiang Yichun, who went out early to meet Meng Liangshen, was not there.

Bai Yihong sighed with relief; after all, causing trouble made him a bit embarrassed to let his son-in-law know.

"Dad, I just heard from the steward, what is going on?" Bai Zehao asked.

Bai Yihong scratched his head, "We were definitely set up."

He then recounted the land purchase, his interactions with the other party, and the request to buy all the land.

"I’ll contact Second Brother through the Commerce Association to see what’s going on." Bai Ruozhu instructed Jianqi to investigate the plaintiff swiftly and also retrieve information on that man’s son from the Capital City.

Jianqi quickly proceeded, and Bai Ruozhu gave her father a reassuring smile, "Dad, don’t worry too much. This isn’t your fault. They set a trap for us, anyone could have fallen for it."

Bai Yihong waved his hand, "It was my oversight. I should have investigated thoroughly before buying so much land. I only checked the land deed to ensure it wasn’t a scam; I hadn’t anticipated such matters."

Coming from a farming family, he only thought of avoiding scams, not realizing how fickle situations could be, with some acting underhandedly.

"Who was the middleman at that time? Can he testify?" Bai Zehao asked.

"It was the previous Deng Zhongren. He shouldn’t have been bought off." Bai Yihong replied.

Bai Ruozhu called Wei Jiu, "Investigate Deng Zhongren in secret — find out if he was bought off."

Their family had dealings with Deng Zhongren before but they couldn’t guarantee his integrity. People can be swayed by money, and if someone pays him, he might have bad intentions. It would be troublesome if, at a crucial moment, he suddenly turned against Bai Yihong.

In the Government Office, Li Ming rubbed his temples, troubled, finding the accuser Xun Kai. Why was Bai Family accused?

The City Lord of Beiyu was Meng Liangshen, but typically, cases were handed over to his subordinate Li Ming, as Meng Liangshen had numerous duties.

Who didn’t know about Bai Family’s relationship with Meng Family? Bai Ruozhu was Meng Liangshen’s adopted daughter, held in high regard by Meng Family.

How should he proceed?

"Do you have any evidence proving Bai Yihong forced you to sell the land?" Li Ming asked.

Xun Kai knelt on the floor, a look of distress and indignation, "Sir, Deng Zhongren can testify. My family’s field is better than most; even if sold, it should be 20-30% above market price, but it was forcibly pressed down by 20%."

"Business dealings are consensual; you both signed the contract. How did this become a forced seizure of land?" Li Ming asked.

"My son is a registrar at the Ministry of Finance. Recently, he faced some issues being investigated in the Capital City. Bai Yihong’s second son, Bai Zepei, works in the Capital handling such matters. He used this to threaten me into transferring the land, so my son could receive leniency. Worried about my son’s safety, I had to agree."

Xun Kai said tearfully, "I didn’t expect my son to send word a few days ago; he said Bai Zepei deliberately framed him, advising caution against Bai Family even back home. But I’ve already lost the land!"

Li Ming felt troubled too; he pondered and said, "I’ll send someone to summon the accused for confrontation."

He gestured, and an officer promptly went out to summon the person, while the staff quickly informed the City Lord.

Meanwhile, Bai Family was discussing; the guards came to deliver the news that officers had arrived to summon the master for a public confrontation.

"Ruozhu, what do you think..." Bai Yihong, even now, has the habit of consulting his daughter on matters.

Bai Ruozhu thought for a moment, smiled and said, "Li Sir is just examining you; there’s insufficient evidence, especially since it involves Second Brother. It won’t conclude quickly, so just this way..."

She leaned in close to her father’s ear and whispered.

Bai Yihong nodded repeatedly, earnestly memorizing his daughter’s words.

"I’ll accompany Dad; Little Sister, it’s better you don’t appear for now." Bai Zehao said, worried the Xun family might claim Bai Family was bullying people.

"Alright, I’ll see you to the door." Bai Ruozhu said.

Lin Pinger, having received the news, brought the children out, repeatedly saying, "Dear, whatever you do, don’t admit it, don’t let them manipulate you."

"I know, it’s alright, hurry back." Bai Yihong said.

Lin Pinger glanced at Bai Ruozhu, "Your dad is quite confident now, he used to be terribly scared."

"When you have integrity, you fear no shadow. Dad didn’t do it; of course, he’s upright." Bai Ruozhu laughed.

"Indeed, I’m not afraid of shadows when I’m upright." Bai Yihong gained more confidence.

The family reached the door, noticing the officer delivering the news was Wan Minglu. Bai Yihong immediately thanked him.

"Minglu, it’s bothersome for you."

Wan Minglu felt a bit embarrassed, scratched his head and said, "Uncle, no need for courtesy. Without your help, I wouldn’t have transferred to the Beiyu City Government Office so soon."

Previously, he was working at the County Government Office in Anyuan Town, and has now been promoted.

"Your outstanding performance merited it." Bai Yihong laughed.

Bai Ruozhu stepped forward to greet Wan Minglu, "Second Brother Wan, long time no see."

Wan Minglu’s eyes moistened slightly, "When did Ruozhu return?"

"Arrived just yesterday; had intended to visit friends and family, but who knew such things would occur." Bai Ruozhu said helplessly.

"Don’t worry, they seem to be making false accusations; it’s not their word which counts at Beiyu City." Wan Minglu reassured.

Bai Ruozhu smiled, "You should go quickly, Dad, just follow what I said and don’t say too much else."

"Alright, alright."

Wan Minglu glanced at the radiant Bai Ruozhu with curiosity about her counsel, though he’d find out during the public hearing.

"I’ll take my leave first." He saluted Bai Ruozhu, who returned the gesture smilingly, "Second Brother Wan, come over for dinner tonight."

"Alright." Wan Minglu agreed, blushing.

He hadn’t seen her for a long time, thinking he’d almost forgotten her. Unexpectedly, upon meeting again, his heart raced; perhaps he’s beyond saving.

Over these two years, many things happened; someone fell for him, but he remained uncertain. If he couldn’t let go of Ruozhu, it wouldn’t be fair to other ladies.

Quickly, Bai Yihong and his son entered the Public Hall, seeing Mr. Xun, who had dealt with him not long ago.