The Return of the Seventh Young Lady-Chapter 115 - 114

Chapter 114

Zhao Chundi took a long time to finish examining Shin Wang’s ledger. When he compared the summary documents he had recorded from Shin Wang’s ledger with the summary documents prepared by the inspecting official responsible for the previous inspection, his eyes immediately sparkled with intensity.

So, there was corruption even within the Investigation Bureau itself!

It seemed likely that someone from Shin Wang’s side had bribed or offered some benefit to the inspecting official in charge; otherwise, how could the summary documents and the ledger be so inconsistent?...

If even Shin Wang was interfering with the investigation, it was almost certain that the rumors were true. The Mu family was also likely to have bribed the inspecting officials.

No!

He couldn’t let this happen!

How dared they commit such corruption right under his nose. This was an outright insult!

“Come in,”

Zhao Chundi shouted to his subordinate stationed outside the office. Soon, the door opened, and an official hurried in to face his superior.

“Master Zhao, do you have any orders?”

“You will personally take over the inspection of the Mu family’s ledger. Remember this well: you must start the inspection from the beginning. Do not allow any errors,” Zhao Chundi commanded sternly, his face serious.

“Yes, your excellency,” the official immediately responded. Although he was somewhat puzzled by the order, having served under Master Zhao for a considerable time, he complied without question.

After issuing his orders, Zhao Chundi allowed the official to leave and take over the inspection of the Mu family’s ledger from the current inspector. Zhao Chundi’s heart was now filled with heaviness. He had no idea how many people in the Investigation Bureau had been bribed. The only thing he could do was assign the task to his most trusted subordinate.

Since Shin Wang was making such an effort to conceal this matter, Zhao Chundi would be the one to expose it to everyone!

Later that evening, after the inspecting official responsible for examining the Mu family’s ledger—who had also been bribed by Mu Cui Ming—was replaced by Master Zhao’s trusted subordinate, a sense of impending danger surged within him.

Master Zhao had never replaced or reassigned inspecting officials in such a manner before. This sudden change suggested that Master Zhao had learned something significant. The only thing that could lead to such a reassignment during the inspection process was a concern about the integrity of the inspectors.

Perhaps...Master Zhao had discovered their bribery!

When the inspecting official who had been relieved of his duties realized the risk that their bribery might be exposed, he immediately sent a message to secretly meet with Mu Cui Ming in the evening.

When Mu Cui Ming arrived at a private room in a small, inconspicuous restaurant and saw the pale, worried face of the inspector, his heart sank.

"Calling me hear like this, did something happen?"

Mu Cui Ming asked directly, his foreboding intensifying upon seeing the anxious demeanor of the man before him.

"Master, this is the gift you once gave me, but it is too valuable. I cannot accept it."

The inspecting official quickly picked up a small wooden box and placed it in front of Mu Cui Ming. Seeing the confusion on his face, he hurried to explain further.

"Today, out of the blue, Master Zhao sent his trusted official to take over the inspection of the ledgers. This has never happened before during an ongoing investigation. I fear..." He paused for a moment before continuing in a low voice,

"...I fear that the matter of bribery has reached Master Zhao’s ears, which is why he replaced the inspecting officials."

Mu Cui Ming involuntarily held his breath for a moment, his mind going blank. If the bribery was indeed exposed, not only would the falsified ledgers be revealed, but his own bribery of the officials would also come to light.

This would mean he would face charges of accepting bribes from a member of the royal family and deceiving the throne, in addition to bribing officials. What was initially just a demotion could now escalate to a death sentence!

Heavens!

What kind of cruel joke was this!?

"Master Mu, it is not that I wish to refuse your kindness, but my life is at risk here. I hope you understand," the inspecting official said with a worried face. Seeing that Mu Cui Ming appeared dazed, he quickly excused himself and left.

If anyone saw him secretly meeting with Master Mu, his life would be over...

After the inspecting official left, Mu Cui Ming remained in a daze for a long while, his mind repeatedly dwelling on the punishment he might face. His face turned pale, almost devoid of color, as fear consumed his heart entirely.

No!

He did not want to die!

He still wanted to enjoy a long and prosperous life. How could he die so soon?

He would never allow it!

Mu Cui Ming rolled his eyes, trying to think of a way to escape this dire situation. Since the new inspecting official in charge was Zhao Chundi’s confidant, he feared that bribery would no longer work.

If he left things as they were, the fake ledgers would surely be discovered!

So, what should he do...

As Mu Cui Ming found himself at a loss, he suddenly recalled the words Mu Gongzhen had said to him the day before. Mu Gongzhen’s words echoed repeatedly in his mind, as if reminding him that this was the last way to save himself from this crisis.

But what he had to exchange was the document of separation!

One document of separation in exchange for his life, allowing him to escape this severe punishment...

Was it truly worth it?

Mu Cui Ming frowned deeply, almost knitting his brows into a knot. He argued with himself over and over again, weighing the pros and cons of this exchange.

If he gave the document of separation to his son, it would mean that from now on, his three children would no longer be connected to his Mu family, and he would not gain any glory from their progress.

Was it really a good decision?

However, if he didn’t receive help from his son, he might not even be able to save his own life. In that case, how could there be any future glory!?

After hesitating for a long time, Mu Cui Ming finally made up his mind. The most important thing now was to preserve his life. He could think about pursuing glory in the future...

Having made his decision, Mu Cui Ming grabbed the wooden box on the table, stood up, and walked out of the restaurant through the back door. He then boarded his carriage and headed back to the manor immediately.

Zhuiping Residence

In the study, Mu Gongzhen was seated, managing documents in the tranquility of the room. His handsome face remained expressionless, and his sharp eyes meticulously read through each document.

Since becoming the Left Side Chancellor, Mu Gongzhen had much more to handle than before. With matters involving Shin Wang, this had made his schedule even tighter. He had to handle official duties, assist the Emperor, and continuously plan against Shin Wang with caution.

While the young man was drafting a report with his brush, Ding Yang came in to report something to his master.

"Young Master, Mu Patriarch has come to see you."

"Have him wait in the guest room,"

Mu Gongzhen responded indifferently, as if he had already anticipated that the other party would come to see him today. His broad hand continued to write the official report with his brush.

"Yes, sir," Ding Yang replied and immediately turned to carry out the order.

Time passed for more than an hour, yet Mu Gongzhen remained seated, continuing his work as if he had forgotten that a guest was waiting for him...

In truth, it wasn’t that he had forgotten; he was simply more focused on the task at hand. After all, if his father did not get what he wanted, he would surely not leave. So why should he hurry to meet him?

Although he knew that leaving his father waiting for so long would likely incite his anger, the one who would suffer from this anger was not himself but his father. Since the other party wanted to ask for his help, he would have to wait patiently!

Mu Gongzhen continued his work for a while longer. Finally, after an hour had passed, he stood up, stretched to relieve the tension in his muscles, and then walked to the guest room at the front of the quarters.

Upon entering the room, he saw his father’s face twisted in anger, looking almost like a vicious beast. His face alternated between a dark red and purple hue. When Mu Cui Ming saw his insolent son, his pent-up rage immediately exploded.

"You..."

Before he could utter a single word of reproach, Mu Gongzhen interrupted, "If Father continues to scold me as before, I might change my mind."

Instantly, the torrent of words Mu Cui Ming had intended to release got stuck in his throat. He could only gape silently. Despite his intense anger, he realized that if his son refused to help, things would be far worse for him...

Mu Gongzhen glanced at his father’s strained expression for a moment before sitting down in the chair opposite, appearing completely unconcerned.

"Father has come to me today, I assume you’ve made your decision."

"Mm, I accept your offer. However, you must provide some guarantee that you will succeed. Otherwise, I cannot give you the document of separation,"

Mu Cui Ming said forcefully, clutching the document of separation tightly beneath his sleeve. If he handed it over, there would be no turning back.

Mu Gongzhen smirked slightly and said, "I have no guarantee to offer. All you can do is trust me. I am your last option...am I not?"

"You!"

Mu Cui Ming ground his teeth, his eyes filled with suppressed rage as he glared at the person before him. What his son had said was true. He had no other options and thus had no right to demand assurances. All he could do was place his trust in him.

However, if his son failed, wouldn’t he lose everything while the other party could escape unscathed with the document of separation?

Mu Gongzhen observed his father’s hesitant expression for a long moment before speaking in a calm, seemingly offhand manner, “I’ve heard that Master Zhao is personally overseeing the investigation of Shin Wang’s ledgers. The inspecting official assigned to take over the investigation of your ledgers is one of Master Zhao’s confidants. Given that he is the person Master Zhao trusted, I doubt that person would fail to spot a fake ledger.”

“Moreover, I’ve also learned that Master Zhao has ordered a secret investigation into certain matters without anyone knowing. It’s said to involve the inspecting officials previously responsible for investigating the ledgers of both parties. It might be a major anti-corruption sweep.”

Hearing this, Mu Cui Ming felt his hair stand on end, his heart twitched at each word. Mu Gongzhen noticed his father’s shifting emotions and smirked slightly before continuing.

“I fear the new inspecting official is currently scrutinizing the Mu family’s ledgers. Father...if you delay any longer, I won’t be able to act in time.” 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Mu Gongzhen’s words were like a wake-up call, snapping Mu Cui Ming out of his hesitation. He quickly retrieved the document of separation he had written and stamped himself, without anyone else in the household knowing, and placed it before his son.

“This is the document of separation you wanted! I’ve given you what you asked for. Now, don’t forget your promise!” Mu Cui Ming said through gritted teeth.

This decision was the greatest pressure he had ever faced, equivalent to cutting off future progress he could gain from his son in order to save his own life today...

“I need to check it first.”

Mu Gongzhen reached out to inspect the document of separation. The content clearly outlined the agreement to separate the Mu family from the three siblings, bearing the current patriarch’s seal.

All that remained was for the three siblings to sign, and the family separation would be complete!

“The document of separation is in order. I hope Father, no, Deputy Chancellor Mu, understands that from now on, we and your Mu family are no longer connected,”

Mu Gongzhen said with a cold smile, feeling very pleased about the family separation. In contrast, his father’s face was dark and haggard, as if he hadn’t slept for three or four days.

“You promised not to make this public...” Mu Cui Ming quickly reminded of his promise.

“Of course, as long as you behave and don’t cross our line, this matter will remain private.” Mu Gongzhen narrowed his eyes at the man who was once his father, giving Mu Cui Ming a peculiar spine-chilling look.

“Now that you have the document of separation, don’t forget to help me! If you go back on your word or fail, I’ll make sure you regret it!” Mu Cui Ming threatened fiercely, glaring at him.

Which wasn’t just an empty threat. If Mu Gongzhen went back on his word or failed, he would do whatever it took to exact his revenge on Mu Gongzhen!

“Oh...”

Mu Gongzhen drew his word, his eyes cold and intimidating. "...As for keeping my word, I fulfill everything I say, including making someone regret it later."

“If Deputy Chancellor Mu doesn’t believe me, we can wait and see.”

As Mu Gongzhen finished speaking, Mu Cui Ming couldn’t help but feel a chill of fear. It seemed as if Mu Gongzhen’s words were a warning specifically for him. The cold, piercing eyes that gazed at him felt like a deep abyss, evoking a profound sense of terror.

What...on earth was happening?

While Mu Cui Ming was being overwhelmed by the pressure and threats, Mu Gongzhen lowered his gaze briefly. When he looked back up, his eyes were calm and indifferent as usual, devoid of the previous coldness and pressure, allowing Mu Cui Ming to escape his inner fear.

“I must excuse myself to handle the situation. If I delay any longer, it might be too late.”

Mu Gongzhen said with a faint smile, standing up to return to his study. Before leaving the room, he turned and instructed Ding Yang calmly,

"...Don’t forget to see our guest out."

“Understood,” Ding Yang replied briefly, casting a glance at Mu Cui Ming, who looked bewildered and confused.

Mu Patriarch dared to threaten the young master first, but when the young master threatened him back, he completely lost his composure...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Read ‘The Return of the Seventh Young Lady’ before anyone else with more Chapters at http://www.jinovel.com/en