Boss Zhang, the Third Madam, and Jiang Fuyue all changed their expressions abruptly.
What accounts did Jiang Fuying plan to settle with them?
The answer came in the form of the hastily - arriving Prefect of the Capital and a thick stack of account books.
Lu Huaizhou was so well - known for his dissipated reputation that even the Prefect dared not provoke him easily, so he was extremely polite.
"Your Highness the Prince and Princess, may I ask what this official report is about?"
"This craftsman has slandered my name without any sense of right or wrong." Jiang Fuying took the stack of account books from Caizhi personally and said loudly, "My Lord, all these are the evidence I've collected. Please be a witness for me."
The Prefect hesitated a bit.
But Lu Huaizhou folded his arms and gave him a seemingly cynical glance.
The Prefect immediately read a lot of meanings from this look:
"Being a witness is no big deal for you, right?"
"If you're not willing to be the witness, I don't mind going to the palace to see His Majesty."
The Prefect nervously wiped the sweat off his forehead.
The Duke of Zhennan was highly regarded by the Emperor and had made numerous contributions in defending the southern border. This Prince Lu was the only son of the Duke of Zhennan. He couldn't afford to offend him.
"As a parent - official, I'm willing to be the witness."
Jiang Fuying curled her lips into a smile, opened the account book, and read out item by item.
"On the fifth day of October, Bank No. 9078... Purchased ten inferior nanmu logs from a timber shop in the east of the city for a total of 300 taels of silver."
"On the sixth day of October, Bank No...."
With each item read out, Boss Zhang's face grew paler.
He never thought in his wildest dreams that the Princess had a backup plan and actually checked where the silver from the bank had been spent.
Finally, Jiang Fuying calmly closed the account book and simply said, "Every silver note I gave to this craftsman was drawn from the Changyu Bank. This account book in my hand is enough to prove that he used inferior materials instead of good ones and embezzled the master's money. I believe everyone can judge who is right and who is wrong!"
There was a dead silence in front of Yuejiao Pavilion.
The look of pride and provocation on Jiang Fuyue's face disappeared. She quietly shifted her feet, trying to return to the place where the guests were watching.
As for the Third Madam, who was standing at the front "upholding justice", before she could even defend herself, she was first bitten by Boss Zhang.
"My Lord Prefect, I know nothing!" Boss Zhang pointed at the Third Madam solemnly and kept begging for mercy, "I was all instructed by this Madam! She promised to give me 5,000 taels of silver, so I..."
The surrounding gazes made the Third Madam feel like she was on pins and needles. She flatly denied it, "Don't talk nonsense! If you say I instructed you, show me the evidence!"
"I have evidence. The evidence is in..."
Halfway through his words, Boss Zhang suddenly fell silent.
He suddenly realized that he had no evidence to prove that he was instructed by the Third Madam.
Seeing his expression, the Third Madam secretly felt lucky.
Fortunately, she had always been meticulous in her actions. Most of the stolen silver she got before had been returned to Jiang Fuying, and she had specifically asked Boss Zhang to destroy the letters between them.
Now, although she failed to frame the Jiang family, at least she had cleared herself of any suspicion and protected herself!
Jiang Fuying took in all the expressions and small movements of the Third Madam and Jiang Fuyue.
Did they still want to escape at this time?
No way!
Jiang Fuying blinked innocently, "Didn't Third Auntie advise me and my husband to 'forgive when one can'? Didn't younger sister apologize on my behalf? Why are you both silent?"
Jiang Fuyue froze in her steps, and the Third Madam forced a smile.
"Sister/Fuying, I..."
"Don't say any more." Lu Huaizhou reached out his hand and made a stop gesture, "I understand what you mean."
"Because I've seen too many people like you who deliberately pour dirty water on others and slander their reputations."
Saying that, he turned his head and said briskly, "Madam, have you ever heard a story?"
"Hmm?"
"The forest is big, and there are all kinds of birds in it. Among them, there are especially many bad ones!"
There was a low laugh among the guests, and even the Prefect couldn't help but curl his lips.
This remark was clearly insinuating. How could the Third Madam and Jiang Fuyue not understand?
One of them looked for help from the Second Madam, but the Second Madam looked away and didn't even meet her eyes.
The other one hoped that Pei Qing'an would speak up for her, but instead, she was met with a pair of angry eyes.
Both of their hearts sank to the bottom, especially Jiang Fuyue.
She bit her lip tightly, with only one thought in her mind: She not only failed to show off but was also outwitted. With the reputation of a "bad bird", Qing'an and her mother - in - law would surely not forgive her.
Seeing their situation, Jiang Fuying didn't continue to pursue the matter.
There was only one reason: There would be plenty of opportunities to settle accounts later. Without more direct evidence now, there was no need for her to miss the auspicious time and delay the grand opening and ribbon - cutting ceremony of Yuejiao Pavilion because of them.
"Please make a fair decision for me, My Lord." Jiang Fuying actively handed the account book to the Prefect.
The Prefect took the account book and immediately ordered the constables behind him, "The evidence is conclusive. Take him to the prison and wait for the verdict!"
Watching Boss Zhang being taken away by the constables, Jiang Fuying and Lu Huaizhou exchanged a tacit look and spoke in unison.
"My Lord is truly a worthy parent - official and a well - known upright official in the capital. You are just and impartial in handling cases. I really admire you."
"My Lord is so just and honest. Would you be willing to clear my name and my wife's name?"
The matter was handled properly without any new troubles, and he even received the praise from the Prince and Princess. The Prefect was overjoyed.
For such a small matter as clearing their names, the Prefect readily agreed.
"Of course. I'll go and post notices all over the capital to clear the names of the Prince and Princess."
"Thank you, My Lord."
After the Prefect left, Jiang Fuying and Lu Huaizhou looked at each other and smiled.
The reason they asked the Prefect to help clarify was simple:
To promote the shop for free!
The notices posted by the Prefectural Government would be all over the streets and alleys of the capital. By then, without spending a single cent, the name of Yuejiao Pavilion would spread throughout every street, achieving the best publicity effect!
Come to think of it, they should actually thank the Third Madam for causing this incident.
With a twinkle in her autumn - water - like eyes, Jiang Fuying nodded slightly in the direction where the Second Madam and the Third Madam were standing.
Seeing this, the Third Madam covered her pounding heart and quietly sighed to the Second Madam, "Second Sister - in - law, luckily I'm a sensible one and didn't leave any evidence."
The Second Madam rolled her eyes at her speechlessly.
She had thought this third sister - in - law could show her skills and severely dampen the arrogance of the Jiang family. Instead, she made a complete mess!
And she still had the nerve to say she was sensible?
This third sister - in - law was really incredibly stupid!
On the other side, Jiang Fuyue finally managed to get back to Pei Qing'an's side when she heard a low growl.
"There are too many people here. We'll settle this matter when we get back to the mansion."
With these words, Pei Qing'an didn't want to give her any face and was about to leave.
Jiang Fuyue tightly grabbed his hand and almost begged, "Qing'an, don't let others laugh at us. Let's wait until the ribbon - cutting ceremony of the shop is over..."
Pei Qing'an pushed her hand away and said indifferently, "Just this once. There won't be a next time!"