Chapter 45 Resolution of the Lawsuit

Chapter 45 Resolution of the Lawsuit

Lu Lingyun walked away decisively, not giving Liu Shuhui any chance to argue back.

She had already explained the reasoning and shown sincerity. If Liu Shuhui still insisted on his own way, then she would let him debate it in court.

She had seen the situation.

Zhao Da was at fault, but he certainly did not deserve death.

An accident should be treated as an accident, and intentional acts should be punished accordingly.

"Dong Sheng, come here again tomorrow and tell him that we are willing to send his fellow villager's remains back to Jiangnan and provide them with five hundred taels in compensation. Additionally, if his wife and children cannot live in Jiangnan, we are willing to bring them to the Imperial City, arrange housing and employment for them, and help their children with education. Lastly..."

Lu Lingyun thought for a moment, "We are also willing to provide Liu Shuhui with a good room and free meals until the imperial examinations are over."

Lu Lingyun listed her compensation conditions and asked Dong Sheng to convey them to Liu Shuhui.

If they could resolve the matter through negotiation, it would be best. But if Liu Shuhui refused to accept, she would take it all the way to the Golden Hall.

She was not afraid of him.

He had his reasons, and Lu Lingyun had hers.

"Yes, Miss."

Dong Sheng nodded and agreed smartly.

The next day, Liu Shuhui, who had been depressed all night, heard a knock on his door from Dong Sheng.

Dong Sheng relayed Lu Lingyun's proposal to him.

After hearing Dong Sheng's words, Liu Shuhui became furious, cursing Lu Lingyun for being heartless and demanding to see her in person to discuss the matter.

Dong Sheng ignored him, dismissed him with a few words, and told him to consider it himself.

On the third day, Liu Shuhui withdrew his lawsuit, agreeing to the terms.

However, he did not accept the final compensation offered by Lu Lingyun, nor did he want the room or meals she provided. He only asked Dong Sheng to transport his friend's remains back to Jiangnan quickly and ensure that the promised silver was not reduced.

If Lu Lingyun played tricks, he would fight her to the end.

Upon hearing this response, Lu Lingyun gave a faint smile.

Although Liu Shuhui was stubborn, he was also a man of principle. Despite his harsh words, he ultimately acknowledged her reasoning.

Zhao Da did not deserve death.

With Lu Lingyun's sincerity, the compensation she offered was enough to justify it.

Liu Shuhui withdrew his lawsuit while still ranting about wanting to see Lu Lingyun again. Dong Sheng did not give him the chance and left after concluding the matter.

That same day, the authorities released Zhao Da.

In the afternoon, Zhao Da, his uncle, and his entire family came to the marquis's residence to kneel and express their gratitude.

"Thank you, Young Lady!"

"Young Lady, you are our family's savior!"

Lu Lingyun looked at the scattered group kneeling on the ground. "Get up, what does this look like?"

She then instructed Shuang Hong to get a chair for the old steward who used to serve the late grandfather, so he could sit down.

Zhao Da's family was deeply grateful.

"Young Lady, we have decided," Zhao Da said slowly, looking at his elderly uncle. "We will entrust the inn to the marquis's residence and work for the marquis's residence from now on."

Lu Lingyun had helped them so much; they were determined to repay her.

Moreover, after this incident, they realized how difficult it was for ordinary people to survive without the support of power.

When Zhao Da's uncle worked as a steward in the marquis's residence, no one dared to provoke them. But once they left the marquis's residence, they faced countless hardships.

They had to endure the bullying of local ruffians at their inn. When a major incident occurred, like this one, they risked losing everything.

In this era, it was better to join forces and follow powerful figures for survival.

Zhao Da's family decided to entrust the inn to Lu Lingyun and receive the protection of the marquis's residence.

"Are you sure?" Lu Lingyun asked, not surprised by their decision.

"Yes!" Zhao Da's family nodded together, and the old Zhao was about to kneel again.

"Young Lady, I can still serve you for a few more years."

"Old Steward, please get up." Lu Lingyun gave a signal to a servant, who immediately helped him up.

Looking at the family before her, she said, "Since you all feel this way, then it shall be so. However, you do not need to sell yourselves to the marquis's residence. You will remain free individuals. Consider it as me hiring you to manage the inn. In addition to your monthly wages, you will receive a thirty percent share."

Hearing this, Zhao Da's family was once again deeply moved.

They had come prepared to offer themselves anew, but Lu Lingyun's generosity in employing them while preserving their freedom was truly remarkable.

The difference between being a free individual and a slave was immense. Even though slaves generally lived better than commoners, they were still slaves.

Lu Lingyun's arrangement, providing both protection and freedom, was truly like a bodhisattva!

Everyone presented Lu Lingyun with the property deeds and left the marquisate with endless gratitude.

Lingyun looked at the deeds and instructed Shuang Hong to put them in her dowry chest.

This was her private property, not an asset of the marquisate.

After this, Lu Lingyun now owned four shops.

The inn would still be managed by Zhao Da's family. She just needed to inform Zhiran and collect the account books.

After catching her breath, Xia Mei brought another piece of news from her brother.

"Madam, my brother said he heard explosions coming from the Luo family's land outside the city these past few days."

She almost forgot.

There was also the matter with Xing Dairong.

"How big were the explosions?"

"It sounded like fireworks going off every day," Xia Mei described vividly.

"I see."

What exactly is Xing Dairong up to?

The next morning.

Lu Lingyun met Cheng Yunshuo, who had changed into his Imperial Guard uniform.

He had been ill for some time, but now he was fully recovered.

Not only was he better, but he also seemed different from before.

Previously full of youthful vigor, after this incident, he had become much more composed, even carrying a hint of maturity in his eyes.

"Prince."

"Xiao Jun, you came."

Cheng Yunshuo had become more familiar with Lu Lingyun, though unlike with Aunt Qiu, he remained courteous with her.

Even when alone together, they didn't act like a married couple but rather like old friends.

"Prince, it's good that you're well." Lu Lingyun gave him a faint smile.

"It's getting cold; remember to add more clothes." Cheng Yunshuo smiled back at her.

Lu Lingyun accompanied Cheng Yunshuo out, chatting casually along the way. He enjoyed being with her because it never felt tiring, and they could talk about anything.

After sending Cheng Yunshuo off, Lu Lingyun turned back to the manor. "Xia Mei, has your brother set out?"

"He has, already gone to report to the Prefectural Commandant Manor."

Lu Lingyun smiled calmly upon hearing this.

She had asked Dong Sheng to report Luo Heng's daily fireworks to the Prefectural Commandant Manor.

As an Imperial Guard, Cheng Yunshuo would have to handle this.