coobybook Chapter 59 The truth comes out
Chapter 59 The truth comes out
Murong Yi stood there solemnly and ordered everyone in the Prime Minister's residence to be summoned to the courtyard immediately. For a moment, everyone was filled with trepidation, wondering what the Ninth Prince was up to. Soon, maids, servants, guards, and matrons filed in, all with their heads bowed and eyes lowered, not daring to utter a sound.
Murong Yi's gaze swept slowly over the crowd, his eyes sharp as lightning. He said in a deep voice, "Today, I will investigate the matter of Miss Lin falling into the water thoroughly. Everyone who was present at the time, step forward." After he finished speaking, several servants stepped forward timidly.
Murong Yi strode up to them, her eyes sharp: "Tell me what you have seen and heard truthfully. If there is even a single falsehood, I will not let you off lightly."
A maidservant said in a trembling voice, "Your Highness, I was pruning the flowers when I heard the Second Miss and the Eldest Miss arguing. When I looked up, I saw the Second Miss had already fallen into the water. I really didn't see the rest."
Murong Yi narrowed his eyes slightly: "Pruning flower branches? From your position, could you clearly see the two of them pulling at each other?" The maid pondered for a moment and shook her head: "Your Highness, I was too far away and only saw blurry shadows."
Another servant stepped forward: "Your Highness, I was sweeping the path when I saw the Second Miss holding the Eldest Miss's hand, as if they were talking about something. Then, for some reason, the Second Miss fell down."
Murong Yi pressed further, "Are you sure it was the Second Miss who pulled the Eldest Miss first?" The servant nodded, "I'm sure, but I didn't dare get close at the time."
At this moment, a servant bowed and said, "Your Highness, when I was patrolling nearby, I heard the Second Miss shouting for help. When I rushed over, I saw the Second Miss struggling in the water, while the Eldest Miss was on the shore. However, I found no signs of a struggle or disorder on the shore."
"........."
Murong Yi pondered for a moment, then turned to face the crowd: "What you all have said, though different, has pieced together some outlines of the truth. Miss Lin, do you have anything else to say?"
Lin Yueyue had already turned pale, but she still tried to argue: "They...they must have been bribed by my sister to deliberately slander me."
Murong Yi sneered, "I have already ordered a thorough investigation of the scene. The evidence is all there. Do you think your sophistry will be of any use?" With that, he gestured for his servants to bring out the collected evidence: an embroidered handkerchief, some footprint models, and other key pieces pointing to Lin Yueyue's alleged staged performance. Seeing this, Prime Minister Lin sighed deeply, his gaze towards Lin Yueyue filled with disappointment and heartache.
Prime Minister Lin's face flushed crimson, his eyes blazing with fury, his chest heaving violently, his anger surging like a tidal wave about to burst its banks. He strode forward to Lin Yueyue, his raised hand whistling through the air.
With a sharp "smack," the slap landed heavily on Lin Yueyue's face. Lin Yueyue's head was turned to one side, and a clear handprint instantly appeared on her face, her hair falling messily across her cheek.
Prime Minister Lin trembled with rage, pointing his finger at Lin Yueyue, his voice hoarse with anger: "You unfilial daughter! I spoiled you and pampered you all this time, and you've grown up with such a vicious heart! To achieve your goals, you didn't hesitate to frame your own sister. How could you be so cruel and disregard sisterly affection? How can you face the ancestors of the Prime Minister's Mansion!"
Lin Yueyue was struck by the sudden slap, her vision blurring and a burning pain spreading across her face. She was stunned for a moment, then reacted, covering her mouth tightly with both hands, tears streaming down her face like a burst dam. Her cries were mournful and plaintive, her body trembling slightly, as if she had suffered a great injustice, her pitiful and wronged expression utterly unmistakable.
Aunt Liu, watching from the side, felt a pang of heartache. She rushed forward without hesitation and embraced Lin Yueyue tightly. Aunt Liu's arms were like iron bands, as if she wanted to protect Lin Yueyue in a safe haven, shielding her from any harm. She gently stroked Lin Yueyue's back, repeatedly murmuring, "Prime Minister, Yueyue was just angry for a moment, please don't hold it against her..." She spoke as she comforted her.
Lin Qianqian quietly watched Murong Yi from the side, her lips slightly pursed, but the deep affection in her eyes flowed like a gentle stream, and she felt an indescribable feeling in her heart.
Prime Minister Lin glared at her, his face filled with exasperation and disappointment. He strode forward, pointed at Lin Yueyue, and shouted, "You shameful thing! Get back to your room right now!"
After speaking, he quickly glanced at Aunt Liu, his eyes sharp as arrows, clearly signaling her to take Lin Yueyue inside and not continue embarrassing herself there. Aunt Liu understood and whispered a few words in Lin Yueyue's ear. Although Lin Yueyue was full of resentment, she could only pout and angrily turn around and go inside.
Prime Minister Lin then turned around to face Murong Yi, his anger instantly turning into deep apology. He bowed slightly and said, "Your Highness, please forgive my rudeness."
After speaking, his gaze slowly shifted to Lin Qianqian, his brows furrowed tightly, his eyes filled with apology and helplessness, as if he were saying sorry to her for putting her in such an embarrassing situation.