Chapter 70

When it came to putting on an act for her elders, Gu Qiancheng felt no pressure at all. Even if this tactic didn't work on the old master, on the surface, she still had to show the world a harmonious picture of the grandfather and granddaughter getting along, to prevent those shortsighted people from thinking she had a solid backing, especially her uncooperative grandmother...

Mentioning her grandmother, Gu Qiancheng felt a headache and a sore foot.

It wasn't until recently, when someone from her grandmother's courtyard came to invite her, that she learned unmarried girls in this world had to pay respects to their elders, regardless of the weather, every day.

Her previous absence due to injury was understandable, but now that she was healed, she had to go to her grandmother's every day to pay respects, or she would be considered unfilial.

Although her reputation for being unfilial had already spread throughout the capital, her grandmother still didn't let her off. For the time she hadn't gone, her "loving" grandmother sent people to scold her, and the next day when she went to pay respects, she was directly punished to stand outside...

Gu Qiancheng always knew that her grandmother didn't just dislike her but hated her. No matter how obedient she was, it wouldn't work. To live well in the inner courtyard, she still had to try to please the old master and have him put pressure on her grandmother.

Playing chess was just a minor tactic; the real key was still with Qin Jiyi. Gu Qiancheng appeared calm on the surface, but she was actually very anxious inside.

If Qin Jiyi didn't take action, no matter how much she tried to please the old master, it would be useless.

The old master wasn't her grandfather and wouldn't protect a useless granddaughter...

After playing chess with the old master all afternoon, Gu Qiancheng was exhausted. Fortunately, the old master was very happy and left the chessboard, saying nothing and letting Gu Qiancheng go back.

Back in her room, Gu Qiancheng leaned on a chair, massaging her temples intermittently.

She really had a headache. Putting on an act was truly not suitable for her. Just one afternoon, and she felt as tired as if she had worked overtime for a month.

Although she used to stick to her grandfather, it was because they had a good relationship. She didn't need to pretend around him. In front of the old master, she not only had to act obediently but also observe him subtly to avoid being too obvious or too fake, which might make the old master unhappy.

"This life is not for humans to live." Leaning on the chair, Gu Qiancheng began to think about what she should do if Qin Jiyi didn't take action to clear Gu Chengyi's name?

The more she thought, the more she felt that the life of a noble lady in ancient times was truly tragic. Her life was confined to this small courtyard, and even if she went out, it wouldn't help because she didn't even know the way, let alone the people.

Just as Gu Qiancheng was considering whether to seek help from Uncle Three to find Qin Jiyi, news finally came from Qin Jiyi's side.

Of course, the news wasn't sent to Gu Qiancheng but to Uncle Three.

"Qiancheng, the Prince of Qin has given me the evidence. What should we do next?" Uncle Three, holding the murder weapon and blood-stained clothes, came to find Gu Qiancheng.

Unconsciously, Uncle Three had already regarded Gu Qiancheng as the mainstay, asking her about everything. Basically, whatever Gu Qiancheng said, Uncle Three would do.

Gu Qiancheng didn't beat around the bush and directly told Uncle Three to take the items to the old master: "Ask the old master to find a lawyer to file a lawsuit at the Ministry of Justice." Since the Prince of Qin has done so much, their Gu family shouldn't be so cowardly as to not even show up.

"Is that enough?" Uncle Three looked puzzled. If that was all, why did they need to find the Prince of Qin?

"Our Gu family doing this is enough. As for the rest, Uncle Three, don't worry. The Prince of Qin giving you the items means he has already made arrangements. The Ministry of Justice will definitely accept the case. Don't worry about them refusing."

Gu Qiancheng misunderstood Uncle Three's intention, but her explanation did make Uncle Three feel relieved. He picked up the items and was about to leave when Gu Qiancheng called him back: "Uncle Three, wait a moment. I'll write something for you." Gu Qiancheng walked to the desk, picked up a pen, and wrote down the suspicious points on the corpse and the crime scene.

"Uncle Three, when the Ministry of Justice opens the case, you must ask them to re-examine the body. Don't worry, with the Prince of Qin's pressure, the Xianqi Marquis's residence won't dare to refuse." Having influential people in the court always made things easier, from ancient times to the present. If the other party had power and influence, and you couldn't find someone more powerful to intervene, you could only accept your fate.

"Before the examination, it's best to give some hints to the examiner, guiding him to focus on these aspects." Gu Qiancheng handed the paper she had written to Uncle Three.

"Uncle Three, you can read the content on the paper yourself, but don't show it to anyone else. Otherwise, if people know we have already examined the body, the case will be complicated again."

"Understood, Uncle Three." Uncle Three really wanted to give the paper directly to the examiner, but fortunately, Gu Qiancheng reminded him.

"Besides the examination, you must also require the authorities to re-collect evidence at the scene. The suspicious points I wrote are on the paper. When you go to the scene, you and the Xianqi Marquis will definitely be there. If the officials can't find any traces, you can point out the suspicious points one by one. As an official of the Ministry of Justice, it's not strange for you to know these things." Gu Qiancheng didn't mind taking credit for her work and putting it under someone else's name.

As a woman, it was better not to take such a prominent role. Her current strength couldn't protect herself. It was better to hide behind the Prince of Qin and Uncle Three.

"Understood, Uncle Three." Uncle Three nodded repeatedly, looking very serious.

This matter concerned his only legitimate son, and Uncle Three didn't dare to be careless.

Seeing Uncle Three getting more and more nervous, Gu Qiancheng comforted him: "Uncle Three, don't worry. Since the Prince of Qin has given you the evidence, it means he has already found the murderer. There will be no suspense in this matter, and Chengyi will definitely be released without guilt."

It was indeed not easy for Qin Jiyi to find the real culprit and the most favorable evidence in such a short time.

In the cases Gu Qiancheng had handled before, there were several where she could deduce the characteristics of the murderer from the scene but couldn't catch the murderer.

The criminal suspect being too smart was a headache for those who solved cases.

Uncle Three nodded repeatedly and went to find the old master with the items. The old master had already received the news, and as soon as Uncle Three arrived, the old master asked what Qiancheng said.

Uncle Three didn't hide anything and told the old master everything Gu Qiancheng had instructed. After listening, the old master remained silent for a long time before speaking: "Do as Qiancheng said."

Spending the afternoon playing chess with Qiancheng wasn't without its rewards. At least the old master was more satisfied with Qiancheng and even felt a bit reluctant to send this granddaughter, who was like a son, to the palace.

"If only she were a grandson." The old master looked wistful, but then he realized...

If Qiancheng were the eldest grandson, his shortsighted daughter-in-law would never tolerate her. Qiancheng might die from an "accident" before she even grew up.

Gu Qiancheng was completely unaware of the old master's thoughts. With the resolution of Gu Chengyi's case, Gu Qiancheng felt a great relief and began to think about the case Qin Jiyi mentioned when he came to see her last time.

Should she still investigate that case?

She had been very idle recently and needed the Prince of Qin to be her shield to avoid her grandmother's occasional punishments...

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**End of Chapter**