Wu Caiwei changed her surveillance target. From the situation of the old doctor, it was clear that he would no longer help anyone or cause any more trouble. Therefore, this Master Wu, who had suddenly appeared in her sight, was a potential new focus.
One day, as soon as she landed on the roof of his study, she heard him roaring in anger and the sound of smashing cups.
"This old scoundrel, truly refusing a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit. If I weren't afraid of implicating myself by exposing his past, do you think I would have let him off so easily?" Master Liu exclaimed furiously. He had given him a few days, but he hadn't expected him to refuse to help this time.
"What should we do now?" The Liu family's butler looked at his master, awaiting his command.
"Has the Prefect's wife replied?" Master Liu looked at the butler with anticipation, but to his disappointment, the butler slowly shook his head and then lowered it cautiously, fearing the master's wrath.
"They all say they are good to me, but when trouble arises, none of them help. Especially the Prefect's wife, who claims to be sworn sisters with my mother. Bah! With her status, it would be a matter of minutes to bring down the Liu and Meng families. After going through all this, Master Liu is dead, but I'm almost dragged down with him, while Meng Changqing is still alive and well. When will I become the richest merchant in Wuhu?"
Hiding on the rooftop, Wu Caiwei listened quietly to his complaints, feeling her trip was not in vain. She had unexpectedly gained so much information, but unfortunately, there was no evidence.
The previous year, in order for the martial world elder to enter the Wucai Guard, he had spread a rumor outside that his maternal grandfather was the old doctor's nephew. Although he knew this would implicate the old doctor, he had already done it. If it weren't for him, a certain madam would surely have died. How could he be blamed?
Indeed, this news caused a sensation throughout Wuhu. Unexpectedly, two unrelated people had a blood connection, and the county magistrate also turned his attention to Master Wu.
The fact that the old doctor lied was not enough to make him suspect Master Wu. It was because after Master Liu's death, all his businesses were divided between him and Meng Changqing. The Meng family's madam was involved, and it seemed like they were behind it. In reality, it was not the case. Because of a remark from the old doctor, Madam Meng was almost sent to prison. Clearly, they were not allies.
This led people to suspect that the old doctor and Master Wu had colluded to eliminate the Liu and Meng families, so that he could become the premier magnate in Wuhu.
When Master Wu was brought to court for questioning, he kept crying injustice. He didn't know who had discovered his relationship with his uncle. He had been very discreet every time he visited his uncle's courtyard.
"Your Honor, I am wronged. While it is true that we have this relationship, we are mortal enemies and can never reconcile." The master did not want to admit it, but their connection was there for all to see. It was well known that his mother had lived there with him for twenty years. A little inquiry would reveal it.
"Oh, what do you mean by that?" The county magistrate looked at him with interest. Even the onlookers pricked up their ears.
"You may see him as respectable now, but he was once a member of a martial sect. He offended many people during his travels and committed many misdeeds, thus accumulating many enemies. He hadn't contacted his family for so many years. My parents, by chance, moved here and discovered him. He shamelessly came to borrow money. When his enemies discovered the impending danger, he fled with his family. Pity that they couldn't catch him, so they took our family as a vent. How can I ever forgive him in this life? We are enemies."
Speaking of this, Master Wu became somewhat emotional. In his youth, he had loving parents and was never bullied. After his parents passed away, he experienced all sorts of human suffering. Although the old doctor took care of him intentionally or unintentionally, he had his own children to consider.
Moreover, looking at him from the outside, he had food, drink, and servants. How could he be living in hardship? But sometimes, without spiritual comfort, living every day amidst the mockery of others made him gradually become psychologically twisted.
At this point, everyone finally understood the truth behind the massacre of the Wu family. It was related to the old doctor. At this moment, the old doctor, tears streaming down his face, was helped to the court by his wife.
"I beg your pardon, your honor. I have sinned. Regarding Master Lai Liu's case, I did lie. As your honor surmised, it was for my nephew. But this case has nothing to do with him. The reason I wanted to help him was, just as your honor suspected, after Master Liu passed away, he began frantically acquiring his shops and encroaching on his market. I suspected he was involved in this case and wanted someone else to take the blame."
As he spoke, he couldn't continue. After a while, he calmed himself down and continued, "Everything was my own doing. I will never forget the scene when I rushed back that year to the scene of the massacre. Blood was everywhere, and only my sister was barely alive. When she saw me, she didn't say any blaming words. She just held my hand and asked me to take good care of him. I contacted him many times over the years, but he ignored me, full of hatred towards me. I wanted to eliminate all hidden dangers for him, but it backfired."
The worry in Master Wu's heart gradually subsided. He hadn't expected that he would appear in court to protect him at this time. However, it was impossible for him to forgive him just for this.
The situation remained shrouded in mystery. Although the old doctor intended to help Master Wu, he had not killed Master Liu. So, how did Master Liu die? And who was the murderer?
At this moment, Wu Caiwei again took the initiative to provide a clue. "I beg your honor, this humble woman has received some information, I don't know if it is helpful to this case."
"Speak quickly," the county magistrate urged, feeling that the matter was becoming increasingly complicated and needed to be resolved quickly.
"This humble woman heard that Madam Shifu and Master Wu's mother were sworn sisters. Master Liu and they were from the same hometown. I also learned that Master Liu was once engaged to the Prefect's wife." Wu Caiwei truly dropped bombshells.
"How is this possible? If Master Wu's mother were still alive, she would be over ten years older than the Prefect. When she got married, the Prefect was probably still a baby." The county magistrate found it illogical at first. He didn't want to involve the Prefect.
"This is what this humble woman has gathered. If your honor wishes to investigate the case, you can send people to their ancestral hometowns to inquire. I believe you will find something. Also, I heard that the reason they became sworn sisters is related to the older generation." Wu Caiwei knew his concerns, but she just wanted to drag the Prefect's wife into it.
"This official will definitely investigate. Court is adjourned." Except for the old doctor, everyone else left unscathed this time.