Capítulo 1591: Chapter 1598: Mo Ziqi Protects His Wife (4)
This matter is indeed riddled with suspicious points. After initially experiencing heartache and pain, Nangong Yi gradually calmed down. He repeatedly pondered and examined several critical points in the case, finding them full of doubt. Hearing the words of the Empress Dowager, he said, “Mother, please calm yourself. The doubts in this matter are not limited to the one or two points you mentioned. I have carefully considered it and believe there are still many questionable aspects. For instance, Yu’er was pushed into the creek and struck her head against a stone. However, I find it difficult to believe that Mo Madam, given her age and stature, could so easily push down Yu’er, who is both younger and larger. Furthermore, I have seen Yu’er’s wounds. While they are deep, they are not immediately fatal. Yet Lan’er claims Yu’er died on the spot. Also, Lan’er stated that Ying Chun stopped her some distance from where Mo Madam and Yu’er were. She never actually confronted Mo Madam face-to-face, so how can she be sure that it was Mo Madam and not someone disguised to frame her?”
The Empress Dowager Mo, hearing Nangong Yi’s words, immediately shouted, sensing they hinted at defending Mu Caifei: “What do you mean by this, Your Majesty? Are you trying to exonerate that slut? Yu’er was your own younger sister! Her body isn’t even cold yet, and you want to shield the murderer who killed her?”
Nangong Yi replied, “Mother, I am merely addressing the facts. If Mo Madam truly is the one who murdered Yu’er, I certainly would not show leniency. However, there are undeniably doubts in this case. Does Mother wish for justice to be hurriedly decided based on subjective assumptions, allowing the real murderer to escape?”
“What ‘real murderer’? Mu Caifei is the real murderer! Yesterday, when Yu’er was harmed, everyone was at the bonfire party except for her, so she had the perfect opportunity to commit the crime. Moreover, about your claim that Mu Caifei could not push Yu’er, Yu’er is Golden Branches and Jade Leaves, delicate and cherished—how could she possibly rival the strength of a girl raised in the mountains? Of course she’s no match! Yu’er fell face down; it’s likely she was knocked unconscious and drowned as a result. Furthermore, that girl Ying Chun, who could have been the most important witness, conveniently hanged herself at this very moment. All things point clearly to one conclusion: Mu Caifei is the murderer of my Yu’er! Your Majesty, if you do not handle this case impartially and instead protect that slut, I—I…”
As the Empress Dowager spoke, she suddenly removed the grand phoenix hairpin from her head, aimed it at her neck, and shouted, “I will follow my poor Yu’er to the Palace of Hell to file a complaint!”
The Empress Dowager was so emotionally agitated that she had lost all sense of reason. Her eyes were bloodshot, and she looked as if she wanted to tear Fei’er apart. The sight left Fei’er trembling with fear.
This was a family matter of the Emperor’s, so the ministers naturally did not dare to involve themselves. However, the matter was inextricably connected to Duke Li Guo. Both the victim and the suspected perpetrator were close relatives of his. At that moment, no one’s heart was heavier than his.
Previously, he had remained silent, contemplating the case and observing the developments. But now, seeing the Empress Dowager losing her composure, he hurriedly stepped forward and petitioned, “Empress Dowager, please calm yourself. Allow this old minister to speak. This case involves the Princess’s life and is of utmost importance. This old minister earnestly volunteers to take on the investigation. I respectfully request His Majesty’s and the Empress Dowager’s permission to entrust this case to me. I guarantee to bring clarity to the matter within three days, uncovering the true culprit who killed the Princess and ensuring justice is served. I will neither let the true murderer escape nor allow the innocent to be wronged.”
Nangong Yi heard this and immediately replied without hesitation, “Permission granted!”
Duke Li Guo was known for his meticulous thinking. In his younger years, he had served at the Temple of Dali, where he gained a reputation for his expertise in investigations and logical reasoning. Thus, Nangong Yi felt entirely at ease entrusting the case to him.
However, the Empress Dowager did not feel the same confidence in her own father. She knew that the people of Duke Li Guo’s Mansion did not favor her Yu’er. Therefore, she tearfully pleaded with her father, “Father, do not think only of your granddaughter-in-law while forgetting your granddaughter. If a granddaughter-in-law with no children dies, she can be replaced. But Yu’er was born of your very own daughter—her life is irreplaceable!”