Lin Zhengyang lowered his head, “…I know. A capital offense.” He looked up resolutely, “But this is my doing alone and will not implicate the Ning family.”
Ning Wanwan stared at Lin Zhengyang, creating an oppressive atmosphere. He couldn’t meet her gaze, knowing their father-daughter relationship had reached its end.
“Have you ever cared about me as a daughter?” Ning Wanwan shouted, tears in her eyes.
Lin Zhengyang looked up in shock, “Waner…”
Xu Niang and her servant stared in surprise at Ning Wanwan, who they had always thought was emotionally distant from her father.
The prison guard returned, urging them to leave.
“Take care of yourself in there,” Xu Niang said, squeezing Lin Zhengyang’s hand before being forced to leave.
Ning Wanwan stood motionless until the guard prompted her to leave. She wiped away her tears, returning to her usual detached expression.
Now, this copper coin smuggling case has implicated many officials from the Maritime Trade Bureau, the Goods Bureau, the Convenience Money Bureau, the Exchange Bureau, and the Exchange Certificate Library.
Several officials had direct transactions with Wu Deng, who insisted that all dealings were instigated by Lin Zhengyang. Consequently, Lin Zhengyang became the main suspect in this significant smuggling case in Qi Song history.
Due to the case’s sensational nature, the emperor issued an order for personal oversight by the Crown Prince’s envoy Si Yi. The Three Departments would conduct a joint trial, with the emperor reviewing the final verdict.
Despite Ning Guo Mansion’s wealth and influence, no one was willing to risk their position to defend a son-in-law during this incident. Ning Wanwan could only resign herself to fate and await the outcome.
A gust of wind blew, causing withered plum blossoms to fall from the old wintersweet tree in the courtyard.
Fuwyi said, “Miss, the wind is rising. It looks like it’s going to rain. Let’s go inside.”
Ning Wanwan nodded, about to turn when she suddenly heard Xu’s anxious voice calling from the courtyard gate.
Ning Wanwan paused, turning as Xu rushed in unsteadily.
“What’s wrong, Little Mother?”
Xu stammered, “I heard there’s a plague in the prison. Wu Deng died from it, and they just burned his body. They also said the Old Master seems to be sick. What should we do?”
