Chapter 44: Clouds Disperse, Evidence Emerges

Chapter 44: Clouds Parted, Evidence Revealed

Dawn crept softly over the capital, a light mist veiling the city in a pale shroud. Lin Shiya had not slept a wink the entire night, Murong Fu’s words echoing in her mind—both a source of support and heavy pressure. The wrongful case that had ensnared her family clung to her like an impenetrable fog, suffocating and relentless. She knew she had to find a breakthrough, and soon.

The Ministry of Justice prison stood in a shadowed corner of the city, a place where sunlight never reached and a chilling atmosphere pressed in from every side. The air was thick with the stench of mildew and sweat, enough to churn the stomach. From deep within the cells came the occasional wail of prisoners and the clanking of chains, adding to the place’s grim terror.

Lin Shiya’s heart sank as she entered.

Steward Zhao was a seasoned old hand at the Ministry, having managed countless cases; he knew at least something of the Lin family’s affair. Lin Shiya came to him now, hoping he might provide a clue. Short and stout, Zhao’s small eyes darted about with a sly glint.

“Madam Lin, you’re making things difficult for an old man like me. The Lin family’s case is tangled far and wide; I really don’t know much,” he said, rubbing his hands together, his tone dripping with evasion.

“Steward Zhao, I know you’re a man of reason,” Lin Shiya said earnestly. “My father is a victim of false charges, and now my brother languishes in jail. I must uncover the truth and clear their names.”

Zhao heaved a long sigh, his gaze flickering restlessly. “Madam Lin, you have no idea—the waters run too deep. I’m just a humble steward. How could I dare say more?” He mopped at his brow, avoiding her eyes.

“Steward Zhao, please…” Lin Shiya pressed, her voice firm. “I know you’re caught in a difficult position. But if you will only tell me the truth, I swear I will ensure your safety.”

Still, Zhao hesitated, glancing nervously around as if fearful of unseen listeners.

“Madam Lin, this…” he stammered, unwilling to reveal more.

At this impasse, Lin Shiya drew something from her sleeve and placed it on the table.

“Steward Zhao, perhaps you should look at this.”

Zhao’s gaze fell upon the object, and his pupils shrank in shock; color drained from his face.

In the dim cell, the item on the table glinted coldly in the faint light—it was the confession of the craftsman who had forged evidence against the Lin family, along with fragments of correspondence. Zhao’s breathing grew labored. If these were exposed, many would be implicated—his own life included.

He looked at Lin Shiya in terror.

She took in his reaction, her voice steady. “Steward Zhao, I see your difficulty, but the truth will come to light. I now hold part of the evidence—only your account of the events remains, and then I can bring the true villain to justice and clear my father and brother’s names.”

Sweat beaded on Zhao’s brow and trickled down as his lips trembled. He knew well that Lin Shiya was no ordinary woman; at such a young age, she had already topped the imperial examinations, her intelligence and courage far surpassing the common run.

Now that she had uncovered so much, she surely possessed further means. If he continued to hide the truth, disaster might fall upon him instead.

Lin Da, her elder brother, had watched silently from the side as his sister negotiated with Steward Zhao. He trusted in her intelligence and perseverance, believing she would uncover the truth and restore justice to their name. In the dank gloom of the prison, the unspoken trust and support between the siblings flowed like a warm current through their hearts.

Finally, Zhao drew a deep breath and steeled himself. “Madam Lin, I… I do know something of the inside story…” His voice trembled as he began, but suddenly, heavy footsteps sounded in the corridor, shattering the uneasy peace.

“Who’s there?” a rough voice barked outside the cell.

Zhao’s face went ashen. He snapped his mouth shut, terror in his eyes as he looked to the door.

The harsh voice of the jailer crashed through the cell like thunder, and Zhao’s plump body went rigid, sweat pouring down to soak his collar. He looked toward the door as if seeing the god of death himself.

Lin Shiya’s heart skipped. Her gaze swept quickly around, mind racing for a way out. As the footsteps drew nearer, her eyes landed on Coroner Wang, who was holding a bundle—the register of personnel transfers in the Ministry.

“Coroner Wang, if you please!” With a look, she gave her cue.

Wang caught her meaning instantly. He strode forward, opened the bundle, and announced loudly, “Sirs, by order of my superior, I am here to check yesterday’s records of Ministry staff transfers!”

The word “superior” made the jailers pause. “So it’s Lord Coroner. We’ll open the door at once!”

With a grating creak, the cell door swung open, its shrill protest slicing the silence. Two burly jailers entered, sweeping the cell with wary eyes.

“Coroner Wang, what brings you here?” one asked, suspicion in his voice.

Wang grinned. “Orders are orders. Everything must be checked—no mistakes allowed.” He feigned absorption in the register as he spoke.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Lin Shiya shot Zhao a meaningful look. Zhao wiped his brow and tried to compose himself.

“If this is official business, we’ll leave you to it,” the jailers said, giving the group a careful once-over before finally departing.

Only when the sound of their boots faded did Zhao exhale in relief, as if returned from the very brink of death. He was still pale and trembling.

Lin Shiya’s face remained calm, betraying none of her recent tension. She knew it was not yet time to relax. Her gaze sharpened as she turned to Zhao, her tone brooking no refusal.

“Steward Zhao, can you speak now?”

Zhao glanced at the shut door, then at Lin Shiya’s unwavering eyes. He drew a long breath and at last seemed to make up his mind. His lips trembled as he began, “Madam Lin, the truth is…”

He wiped his brow, his voice low and gravelly, as if dredged from the earth itself. “Madam Lin, the Lin family’s case was no simple matter of embezzlement or corruption. Someone deliberately framed you.” He paused, searching for words and perhaps for courage. “The officials responsible for auditing the Lin family’s accounts—all of them… took bribes from Minister Liu of the Ministry of Personnel…”

“Minister Liu?” Lin Shiya’s eyes flashed. She knew the name well—Liu An, the all-powerful Minister of Personnel.

She had long suspected that high officials were behind her family’s tragedy, but had not imagined Liu An himself.

“Yes… it was Minister Liu who ordered them to tamper with the Lin accounts, forging evidence of embezzlement…” Zhao’s voice dwindled to a whisper.

“And?” Lin Shiya pressed, her heart pounding as she sensed the truth at hand.

“Also…” Zhao swallowed. “Also… the presiding judge from the Court of Judicial Review took Minister Liu’s bribe and deliberately found the Lin family guilty…”

Lin Shiya clenched her fists, her nails biting into her palms. She forced herself to swallow her anger and continued, “But why? What grudge did the Lin family have with them?”

Zhao shook his head, fear flickering in his eyes. “That… I truly do not know…”

Lin Shiya stared hard at him; she could sense he was still holding something back.

Taking a deep breath, she softened her tone. “Steward Zhao, I understand your concerns. But what you’ve said today is enough to prove the Lin family was framed. If you help me, I swear upon my honor that I will keep you safe.”

Zhao hesitated, but finally nodded. “Madam Lin, I… I have one more thing that may help you…” From his robe, he drew a letter, handing it to Lin Shiya. “This… this is a letter Minister Liu wrote to the judge at the Court of Judicial Review…”

Lin Shiya took the letter and unfolded it. There, in black and white, was Liu An’s instruction to the judge, ordering the false conviction of the Lin family.

This letter was irrefutable proof.

Lin Shiya was so elated she nearly leapt up. She felt she was but a step away from the whole truth. Clutching the letter tightly, she turned to Lin Da, her eyes shining with hope. Lin Da, too, gazed at his sister with excitement—they had finally reached this day.

“Shiya…” Lin Da choked up, unable to speak.

Lin Shiya swallowed her tears and nodded. “Brother, we will see this injustice overturned!”

At that moment, a low voice sounded from outside the cell. “It seems Madam Lin has found quite a harvest.”

Lin Shiya spun around. Murong Fu stood at the door, his expression complex, his gaze deep and unreadable.

“Murong Fu…” Lin Shiya’s heart skipped. She did not know how much he had heard, nor how he would respond.

Murong Fu stepped into the cell, his eyes falling on the letter in her hand. “This letter—is it the key evidence?”

Lin Shiya nodded silently.

Murong Fu’s lips curled into a faint, enigmatic smile. “It seems the sky above the capital is about to change…” He paused, his gaze lingering on Lin Shiya, a flicker of emotion passing through his eyes. “Shiya, are you truly prepared?”