Can a System Have Bad Intentions? - Chapter 164

Oh, boy.

This case was no longer just about commercial fraud.

If a noble princess and national hero were truly harboring someone from Zhao Kingdom in her household…

With all the buffs added, Magistrate Zhao’s eyes cleared instantly, and he looked like he had been injected with a surge of energy. He slammed the gavel. “Guards, take the criminal He Yujiao into custody and detain her in the dungeon. As for the accomplice, Dong Yuzhu, detain him as well and await a retrial.”

Hearing the word “retrial,” Dong Yuzhu immediately let out a sigh of relief and kowtowed fervently. “Your Honor is wise. I will fully cooperate with the investigation. I will speak the truth without reservation.”

The magistrate ignored him, motioning for the guards to take the two away.

Just moments ago, Gu Zhongming had been willing to stand up for He Yujiao. But now, with He Yujiao implicated with someone from Zhao Kingdom, if he still tried to defend her, what would that make him?

Gu Zhongming looked at He Yujiao with a questioning glance: Did you really harbor someone from Zhao Kingdom?

If He Yujiao truly harbored someone from Zhao Kingdom, not only could he not protect her, but he would also need to immediately distance himself from her.

He Yujiao, feeling guilty, shouted at the magistrate, “I want to see the Emperor! You have no right to detain me. Who do you think you are, just a mere magistrate? How dare you detain me?”

Without wasting words, thanks to the buff from Zhou Yafu, Magistrate Zhao, despite his age, swiftly leapt over the desk, took two agile steps toward He Yujiao, and grabbed the handkerchief from her hand, stuffing it into her mouth.

With a wave of his hand, he commanded, “Take her away!”

His combat skills were off the charts.

Gu Zhongming watched as He Yujiao was forcefully taken away, taking a deep breath and thinking to himself how close he had come to trouble. He then turned to Magistrate Zhao and said, “Lord Zhao, you are indeed a just official. Your integrity matches the plaque of justice above.”

Magistrate Zhao ignored him, walking directly over to Madam Qiao.

“If Dong Fabric Shop does not pay the compensation within three days, we will auction it on the fourth day. Qiao Family Inn, as the victim, will have the priority to acquire it.”

Lu Tang, mindful of her task, immediately stood up. “Your Honor, can’t the auction be held sooner? Like today?”

Magistrate Zhao shook his head. “The auction must follow due process.”

Lu Tang: …

Suddenly, she didn’t want him to be so impartial anymore.

“System, is there any way to make him change his mind? Any more buffs?”

【Dear Host Daddy, our buffs are permanent. Once a buff is added, it lasts forever.】

Lu Tang: …

“So he’ll become a mix of Bao Zheng, Yu Qian, and Zhou Yafu?”

【Yes, Host Daddy, only in his dreams can he be himself again.】

Lu Tang: …

She cast a sympathetic glance at Magistrate Zhao. In his dreams, reflecting on his actions during the day, will he scare himself to death?

【Ding~】

【The task time is up. Dear Host Daddy, we didn’t complete the champion task. The system is now updating the punishment task.】

【Please stop Gu Zhongming and say to him: How will you handle our child?】

Lu Tang almost fell to her knees.

The system, probably feeling that this task was a bit underhanded, said nothing further and pretended to be dead.

Gu Zhongming, looking embarrassed and clearing his throat, turned to leave. Just as he was about to step away, he felt a gust of wind rushing toward him.

Lu Tang took a step forward, grabbing Gu Zhongming’s arm.

The onlookers, about to disperse, saw this scene and immediately crowded back, eyes wide with curiosity: Is there more drama?

After being toughened up by the system, Lu Tang no longer cared about face. She grabbed Gu Zhongming, and in his moment of confusion, she proclaimed loudly and firmly, “Gu Zhongming, how will you handle our child?”

Boom!

The gossip about national affairs was nothing compared to this juicy private scandal.

The onlookers’ eyes widened in disbelief.

Even Madam Qiao and Lu Shuqing were stunned.

What?

Child?

Gu Zhongming staggered, staring at Lu Tang in shock. He was so taken aback that he choked and coughed several times before regaining his composure and yanking his arm out of Lu Tang’s grasp. “What nonsense are you spouting?”

Lu Tang stopped Gu Zhongming. “You know whether I’m talking nonsense, Lord Gu. The grievances between adults should stay between adults. Please don’t take it out on the child.”

Boom!

Today’s drama just got juicier!

Gu Zhongming’s face turned black.

“Are you implying that I would deny my actions? Lord Gu, would you care to explain why Gu Yunhe tried to harm me? Gu Yunhe’s actions are a fact, aren’t they?”

Who?

Gu Yunhe?

The people of the capital, unfamiliar with the events in Qinshui County, buzzed with speculation.

Regardless of familiarity, they all shared the same surname, Gu. And the young master of Qiao Family Inn’s words must mean something.

Moreover, judging by Gu Zhongming’s expression, there must be some truth to it.

To think that the dignified Minister of War, Lord Gu, would be involved in such matters!

But the young master of Qiao Family Inn is a young master, right? How did they have a child?

Magistrate Zhao, with multiple buffs, turned to Lu Tang. “Do you need me to seek justice for you?”

Lu Tang: …

You don’t have to be so diligent.

“Not right now, Your Honor. If I need it, I will definitely seek your help.”

Lu Tang wiped away nonexistent tears and glared at Gu Zhongming. “You may leave, just don’t mistreat the child. If there’s anything, come at me.”

From the crowd, someone let out an enlightened “Oh~~~”

“So, Gu Zhongming had He Yujiao seize Qiao Family Inn’s goods because of this matter?”

“My goodness! Brother, you’ve uncovered the truth!”

“No wonder. I was wondering why the Minister of War would keep the inn’s goods at his house. So that’s why.”

Gu Zhongming almost collapsed.

Previously, Lu Tang had grabbed him. Now, he grabbed Lu Tang. “Explain yourself! There is nothing between us. Why are you slandering me?”

Lu Tang looked helpless. “If you say there’s nothing, then there’s nothing.”

“What do you mean if I say there’s nothing, then there’s nothing? There really is nothing.” The esteemed Lord Gu was hopping mad.

Lu Tang pouted. “Then why did you seize our goods? Is the Gu family planning to use beddings embroidered with ‘Qiao Family Inn’? What a strange relationship!”

Gu Zhongming: Dead!

The commotion in the court delayed proceedings for about an hour before dispersing.

Once outside, Madam Qiao and Lu Shuqing flanked Lu Tang and pulled her into the carriage. “What’s going on? When did you have a child?”

Outside the carriage, the Four Young Masters of Qinshui peeked through the windows. “We’re curious too.”

Liang Cheng: Heartbroken and curious.