Chapter 1886: Wang Yue's Efforts (Patreon)

Chapter 1886: Wang Yue's Efforts

Wang Yue had begun explaining the reason for her presence.

She and Zhou Tiedong were already betrothed, a fact well-known throughout Tuqiao Village. The incident involving Chen Qiu tarnishing her reputation was also widely known among the villagers, and it was easy to verify these facts.

Therefore, Chen Qiu's denial was futile.

Wang Yue was about to reveal the evidence she had obtained. "Since Brother Dong was imprisoned, both of our families have been devastated. Brother Dong mother even fell ill due to this."

Zhou Tiedong's parents were at a loss, so Wang Yue took matters into her own hands.

She needed to find evidence to prove Zhou Tiedong's innocence and save him.

So Wang Yue began investigating in the county town, hoping to find even the slightest lead. Eventually, she learned about Guo Zheng's situation.

After hearing about what had happened to Guo Zheng, Wang Yue suspected that he, like Zhou Tiedong, had been framed by Chen Shi.

She sought out Guo Zheng, and their discussions revealed that they had both fallen victim to Chen Qiu's schemes.

However, when it came to overturning the case and filing a complaint, Guo Zheng declined.

He was between a rock and a hard place. He had been the one beaten years ago, and nothing would change if he did anything now. The same county magistrate, the same constable, who could speak for him?

Wang Yue was disappointed; she understood Guo Zheng's concerns. She also realized that even if she found evidence, the outcome might remain the same.

When she was at a loss, Tuqiao County was attacked by rebels, and the city gates were sealed shut.

Not only could Wang Yue not enter the county town to search for further clues, but she also found it difficult to even see Zhou Tiedong.

Subsequently, the former county magistrate was arrested, and Constable Li was also apprehended.

Wang Yue felt a sense of justice being served, and her desire to overturn the case rekindled. However, with the old county magistrate incarcerated, the newly appointed one wouldn't take office until three days before the new year.

The new county magistrate was swamped with interrogating the rebels, leaving him with no time to spare. The court hadn't been in session at all.

Furthermore, Guo Zheng had many reservations. After once being a victim, he was terrified of being beaten again and held a deep fear of the authorities. He had no idea about the temperament of the new county magistrate. If the new magistrate was anything like the old one, any complaint he filed would likely be in vain.

To be safe, he advised Wang Yue to wait and gather information about the new magistrate's character.

Wang Yue felt uneasy due to his words. She also feared bringing more trouble to Zhou Tiedong. Hence, even though she was anxious, she suppressed her feelings as best as she could. Nevertheless, she promised herself that she would file a complaint after the new year or once the court sessions resumed.

Unexpectedly, yesterday, someone from Tuqiao Village visited her home to inform her that Zhou Tiedong had returned and appeared at the village entrance for a while.

Unfortunately, Wang Yue was in the county town at that time and was unaware of the situation. She only learned of it after returning home.

She rushed to Zhou Tiedong's house immediately. Zhou Tiedong's parents, in line with Shu Yu's instructions, remained tight-lipped in front of others, claiming to know nothing. However, towards Wang Yue, who had been tirelessly running around on her son's behalf and looked worn out, Zhou's parents treated her as their own. They knew how concerned she was for her son, and they had already accepted her as part of their family. They shared the story about County Princess Wen'an securing Zhou Tiedong's release from prison.

They mentioned that the carriage headed towards the prefectural city, but they didn't know why. They only heard the County Princess mention she had matters to attend to in the city.

Upon hearing this, Wang Yue knew the opportunity had come. She immediately returned to the county town to find Guo Zheng.

Upon learning that Zhou Tiedong knew the County Princess, she saw a glimmer of hope. With the County Princess as a backing, Wang Yue successfully persuaded Guo Zheng. County Princess Wen'an's recent favorable reputation in the county town had bolstered Guo Zheng's determination. Thus, he accompanied Wang Yue to the capital city.