Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 275 - 274: Clinging for Favor

Zhu Cheng’s face was dark and foreboding, like a storm about to break.

Wen Qiming grew increasingly fearful. Initially stammering, he realized these words were impossible to say to Zhu Cheng in front of everyone. Without searching for excuses, he mimicked the Jia Family’s actions and knocked his forehead heavily on the ground.

"Prince, this subordinate is wrongly accused! I have no connection, no hatred, nor grievances with Jia Jun. There’s no reason for me to want his life!

Any other punishment I can accept, but as for murder, I truly cannot. You can kill or beat me, and I’ll have no complaints, but I genuinely did not kill anyone!"

Although Wen Qiming knocked his head heavily, nobody present was moved.

On the one hand, Mrs. Jia was a woman who had just lost her husband, with elderly parents and young children, right at a painful and helpless point. Her pitiful kneeling and kowtowing would stir empathy in anyone who saw her.

However, Wen Qiming had visited the Jia Family before Jia Jun’s death, acting mysteriously. After he left, Jia Jun was found dead. His answers to questions were incoherent and unclear.

Comparing the two, those unaware might believe Wen Qiming to be pretending, failing to gain sympathy and instead increasing suspicion that he’s guilty and nervous.

"So you say you waited for Jia Jun for a long time in that study, didn’t see anyone, and then left? You didn’t see Jia Jun at all?" Zhu Cheng inquired further.

"That’s correct, that’s correct!" Wen Qiming quickly replied.

Zhu Cheng motioned to the personal soldiers beside him, "I asked you several times, and you refused to change your story. Let me have you see for yourself how outrageous your lie is!"

The two personal soldiers lifted Wen Qiming from the ground and dragged him towards the study room. Before crossing the threshold, the rope hanging from the beam, illuminated by the doorway, was already in plain sight.

Upon seeing the hanging rope, Wen Qiming’s face turned pale: "This... This isn’t right! It wasn’t like this when I came!

When I entered, there was a large painting hanging there. I sat beside it on a chair waiting for a long time without seeing anyone, then left!

The painting... Where did it go???"

"Take him away, take him away!" Zhu Cheng impatiently waved his hand, signaling the soldiers, "Even now, he dares to lie! Lock him in jail!"

Frightened and pale, Wen Qiming pleaded continuously, but it was to no avail; he was forcibly dragged away.

After he was taken out, Jia Jun’s two younger brothers quickly kneeled to express gratitude to Zhu Cheng, and Lady Jia Jun also followed suit, kneeling.

"Thank you, Prince, for seeking justice for my brother!" Jia Jun’s second brother, Jia Hui, said with a sobbing tone while kowtowing, "Our parents are elderly and frail, and my third brother and I are still studying, hoping to gain achievements. The heavy burdens have fallen on my brother’s shoulders.

Over the years, my brother diligently supported our family, working meticulously for Weapon Supervision.

If it weren’t for the Prince standing up for him, I’m afraid my brother would not rest in peace!"

With a blank expression, Zhu Cheng listened to their lamentations, glancing subtly at Lu Qing and Zhu Yu, noticing Zhu Yu giving a slight nod. He then addressed the Jia Family members, "Since you all wish for your brother not to die unjustly, follow my men for investigation.

Chief Historian Zuo did indeed visit your home before Jia Hui was found dead, but neither have we seen him commit murder, nor can anyone prove he did not. Without clarity in this matter, I cannot give Chief Historian Zuo’s family an explanation.

Take the child home, but the three others must come along."

Jia Hui, his brother, and Lady Jia Jun probably thought Chief Historian Zuo had been caught and that things were clear. Unexpectedly, they were also taken for questioning, and before realizing it, the personal soldiers had already led them away.

After the three were taken, Zhu Cheng ordered the Jia Family servants to take the two children inside, his soldiers barricading the study room to prevent unauthorized access.

"What do you think is happening?" Once the others had left, Zhu Cheng personally entered the study to examine and asked Zhu Yu in confusion, "Based on your advice, upon hearing Jia Jun of Weapon Supervision had died, I had some understanding. Accordingly, this connects with the Right Chief Historian.

Why did Chief Historian Zuo visit Jia Jun’s house today, insist on his innocence, claim no murder while being reluctant to explain why he suddenly went to the Jia Family?" 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"Father has always been fair with his subordinates, never granting them special favors, right?" Zhu Yu sighed helplessly, questioning Zhu Cheng.

Zhu Cheng paused, then nodded.

Not allowing subordinates to curry favor—isn’t this a good thing?

Why did it seem like a mistake coming from Zhu Yu’s mouth?

Zhu Cheng didn’t conceal his thoughts, and Zhu Yu clearly understood. She sighed lightly, "Father has no favoritism, but doesn’t prevent them from currying favor elsewhere.

Chief Historian Zuo, Wen Qiming, eagerly hoped for Father’s favor, but despite his attempts, Father never gave him special attention.

The Right Chief Historian, Yang Chengxuan, seeing no privilege from Father eventually sought favor with the Pang Family.

Previously, regarding weapon quality investigations, Yang Chengxuan returned hurriedly from outside, and I noticed the faint scent of sandalwood on him—identical to the Pang Family housekeeper’s today.

Therefore, it is evident where he returned from that day.

I suspect Wen Qiming watched as Yang Chengxuan colluded with the Pang Family, thus gaining greater influence. Naturally, Wen Qiming felt discontent.

Upon hearing Jia Jun, once submissive to the Right Chief Historian, suddenly invited him, possibly suggesting important matters only he could hear, Wen Qiming believed it was his chance to topple Yang Chengxuan, rushed over without caution.

Now realizing he’s been trapped, he feels bitterness but dares not admit before you he intended to compete with Yang Chengxuan for power and influence, hence suffering in silence.