Matriarch Rules, Scumbag Begs - Chapter 48

Chapter 48: Minister of the Court of Justice

“What did you say?!”
The courtyard erupted into chaos, with discussions and arguments rising one after another. Some people were scared stiff, while others hurriedly ran to check on Lu Yan’s condition.

The guards of the Minister’s mansion immediately went on high alert, drawing their swords, and the scene quickly descended into chaos. Pei Yuanzhou, who loved to watch the commotion, had almost reached the door with Shen Qiuci but now stood rooted to the spot, craning his neck to find out what was happening.

The son of the Censor-in-Chief, Young Master Zhou, who was close friends with Lu Yan, rushed towards the inner courtyard like an arrow shot from a bow. Soon, he returned with a horrified expression, shouting, “It’s that murderer! The method of the crime is exactly the same!”

“He cut his throat, carved the words ‘Tian Ji’ on his face, and left a blood-stained camellia flower beside him!” Upon hearing this, the crowd panicked even more, like birds startled by the twang of a bowstring.

“How is this possible? The criminal always strikes at night, how did he manage to do it in broad daylight with so many guards here?”
“I think we should leave as soon as possible!”

These words caused panic, and the crowd scattered like animals, creating a chaotic scene. Prefect Liu was also present at the banquet. Upon learning of the situation, he immediately stood up and addressed the crowd, “Everyone, please don’t panic. The mansion is heavily guarded, and if someone committed the crime, they must be among the guests. Maybe they haven’t escaped yet!”

He ordered the guards, “Guard the mansion gates and don’t let anyone in or out. The murderer is audacious, and we must catch them today! Otherwise, how can we explain Eldest Young Master Lu’s death in front of so many people to the Minister?”

Young Master Zhou asked, “You mean the murderer is still here?”
He looked around fearfully, his emotions becoming more agitated, “Then I definitely can’t stay here!”

He turned around and ran towards the door. Prefect Liu tried to stop him, “Young Master Zhou, don’t panic. We’re all gathered here, the murderer won’t dare to do anything.”

“Can you guarantee that?” Young Master Zhou pushed Liu away, “My father is the Censor-in-Chief! Do you know how precious my life is? Just because you say I shouldn’t leave, I have to stay here with the murderer? No way!”

This Young Master Zhou was notorious in the capital for being arrogant and always getting his way. No one dared to stop him now that he wanted to leave. They could only watch as he strode towards the door.

Shen Qiuci leaned against Pei Yuanzhou’s chest, her bright eyes fixed intently on him. She knew that if Young Master Zhou broke through the door, the situation would spiral out of control, and other officials would follow suit.
Once the crowd’s emotions were stirred, Prefect Liu wouldn’t be able to calm them down alone.

Just as Young Master Zhou was about to open the door, however, a group of brown-clad guards from the Court of Justice blocked his way. Recognizing their uniforms, Young Master Zhou frowned and said, “Men from the Court of Justice? Let me through!”

“A case is being handled by the Court of Justice. Please, Young Master Zhou, return to your seat obediently.” A low, lazy voice rose from among the guards.

Shen Qiuci looked past Pei Yuanzhou and saw a young man in dark robes stepping forward from the crowd. The man was tall and handsome, with an air of arrogance and sharp eyes that seemed as piercing as a blade.
It was clear that he was not someone to be trifled with.

“Who are you? How dare you block my way?” Young Master Zhou shouted.

The man smiled slightly and introduced himself, “Minister of the Court of Justice, Pei Chengyun.”

“You’re the new Minister of the Court of Justice? Ha!” Young Master Zhou sneered, not taking him seriously.
“Even when Minister Cui was in office, he had to give my father some face. You, as the new minister, should know the rules and know who to flatter!”

With that, Young Master Zhou confidently strode towards the door. Pei Chengyun didn’t move but held out his black gold folding fan, blocking his path, and said lazily, “Step back.”

Young Master Zhou angrily clenched his fist and punched Pei Chengyun in the face. However, Pei Chengyun casually flicked out his folding fan, hitting Young Master Zhou’s calf and causing him to lose his balance and fall heavily to the ground.

Pei Chengyun stepped on Young Master Zhou’s chest, causing him immense pain, “It hurts! Let up!” Young Master Zhou’s face turned white with pain, and he was drenched in cold sweat.

Pei Chengyun looked down at him and said, “I don’t know about other people’s rules, but now that I’m in charge of the Court of Justice, Young Master Zhou and your father will need to learn to adapt to my rules.”

Pei Chengyun lifted his foot and kicked the folding fan into the air, catching it neatly. With a flick of his wrist, he opened the fan and ordered sternly, “Seal the four gates, and don’t let a single fly out of this place without my permission.”

As he finished speaking, Pei Chengyun’s sharp gaze swept through the crowd and landed on Shen Qiuci.

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Author’s Note – [This is a female lead story, and the male lead is a tool. There’s no romance. If you’re still here and want to read about romance, you can leave. Thanks for reading!]