Chapter 29 Uncover the truth step by step
Deng Ziqiu nodded and said, "Yes, evidence is the most important. When I get back, I will find the man who got my father drunk and force him to tell the truth."
Jiang Zhiyu warned: "Zi Qiu, you have to be careful. What if that guy is not a good person and gets angry and harms you? What should you do?"
Deng Ziqiu smiled bitterly and said, "I know, but I really have no other choice. Zhiyu, don't worry, I will protect myself and won't let you worry."
Jiang Zhiyu's eyes were full of worry. After thinking about it, she decided to accompany him to find the man who got Deng Ziqiu's father drunk that night.
Deng Ziqiu and Jiang Zhiyu left the Imperial College and embarked on a journey to find the truth.
For convenience, Jiang Zhiyu deliberately changed into men's clothes, looking quite elegant and graceful like a noble man.
As night fell and the lights came on, the two men walked through the bustling streets with determined eyes.
"Zhi Yu, what kind of person do you think is the one who got my father drunk?" Deng Ziqiu lowered his voice and asked carefully.
Jiang Zhiyu frowned and said, "I don't know either, but since he was able to get your father drunk, he must be a scheming person. We must act carefully and try to avoid direct conflict."
The two came to a restaurant called "Zuiyuelou", where the incident happened that night.
The restaurant was bustling with laughter and chatter. Deng Ziqiu and Jiang Zhiyu found an inconspicuous corner to sit down, ordered some side dishes, and began to observe their surroundings.
"Zi Qiu, look at that man." Jiang Zhiyu pointed to a middle-aged man in the corner who was wearing coarse clothes and had a haggard face.
Deng Ziqiu followed her gaze and saw the man whispering with a waiter, as if they were plotting something. Deng Ziqiu's heart moved, and he whispered, "Zhi Yu, I think he is the one who got my father drunk."
Jiang Zhiyu nodded and said, "I know, we have to find a way to get close to him."
The two pretended to walk up to the man casually, and used the excuse of wanting to learn about the special drinks of Zuiyuelou to strike up a conversation with him. The man was a little wary at first, but after learning that the two were students of the Imperial College, his attitude softened a lot.
"My two gentlemen, you come to Zuiyue Tower to enjoy yourself. Why not try our 'Zuiyue Fairy Dew'? I guarantee you will get drunk and forget all the troubles in this world." The man recommended enthusiastically.
Deng Ziqiu pretended to be curious and asked, "Brother, why did you want to get our father drunk?"
The man's face changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and said coldly, "What are you talking about? There are so many people who come to Zuiyue Tower to get drunk every day, how would I know who your father is?"
"My father is Deng Liwu!" Deng Ziqiu was furious.
"Deng Liwu? Never heard of him!" The man curled his lips and was about to turn around and leave.
"Wait a minute!" Jiang Zhiyu's eyes rolled around, and he smiled and said hurriedly, "Brother, you misunderstood. We are just curious. However, since you are so proficient in wine, you must have studied the secrets of wine. I heard that Zuiyue Tower has a wine called 'Zuiyue Xianlu', which can make people drunk and forget the troubles of the world. I wonder if it is true?"
The man heard this, a hint of pride flashed in his eyes, and he said: "Since the two gentlemen are interested in wine, then I might as well tell you. This 'Moon Drunken Dew' is indeed unusual. It contains a secret medicine called 'Forget Worry Grass'. After drinking it, it will make people forget their troubles temporarily, but the price is..." At this point, he deliberately paused, glanced at Deng Ziqiu and Jiang Zhiyu, and continued: "The price is to lose memory."
Deng Ziqiu was shocked and asked quickly, "Brother, what kind of sacred thing is this 'Forget Worry Grass'?"
The man chuckled and said, "Forget-me-not is a precious medicinal herb that is hard to find on the market. The reason why I know about this medicine is because I have traveled around the world and have seen many strange people and things."
Jiang Zhiyu remained calm and asked, "So, how did you know that Deng Liwu would come to Zuiyue Tower to drink?"
The man's face changed, and he seemed a little embarrassed, but he still answered: "Actually, I saw your father coming to Zuiyue Tower alone that day, and I had an idea. I deliberately invited him to drink, hoping to get some useful information from him."
Deng Ziqiu stood up angrily, pointed at the man and said, "You...you are the one who got my dad drunk!"
The man was not afraid either, and sneered, "Master Deng, I admit that I got your father drunk, but this was not my intention. I just wanted to help your father eliminate some of his troubles and let him forget those unpleasant things for a while."
Seeing this, Jiang Zhiyu quickly grabbed Deng Ziqiu and said, "Ziqiu, don't be anxious. We haven't figured out the truth of the matter yet, how can we easily draw conclusions?"
Deng Ziqiu calmed down, nodded, and said, "You are right, Zhiyu. Let's hear what else he has to say first."
The man hesitated for a moment, and finally said, "Actually, I got your father drunk that day because someone asked me to do so. That person said that as long as I get your Deng family master drunk, he can give me a generous reward."
Jiang Zhiyu's eyes flashed with murderous intent, and he asked, "Who is that person?"
The man sighed and said, "That man's name is Ji Mingxiang, and he's a bully in the north of the city. In order to seize Zuiyue Tower, he deliberately framed your Deng family."
Deng Ziqiu and Jiang Zhiyu looked at each other and made a decision. They decided to find Ji Mingxiang and uncover the truth.
The next day, Deng Ziqiu and Jiang Zhiyu went to the north of the city to look for Ji Mingxiang. After some inquiries, they finally found Ji Mingxiang's residence - Qingque Lane, Ji Mansion.
Deng Ziqiu and Jiang Zhiyu stood in front of the gate of Ji Mansion in Qingque Lane and took a deep breath.
At this moment, their hearts are full of determination and courage. In order to clear Deng's father's name, they must uncover Ji Mingxiang's conspiracy.
"Zhi Yu, wait here for me, I'm going to find Ji Mingxiang." Deng Ziqiu said in a low voice.
Jiang Zhiyu nodded and said, "Be careful. If there is any danger, come back immediately."
Deng Ziqiu took a deep breath and pushed open the door of Ji's house. The house was heavily guarded, each holding a spear and looking like an eagle. Deng Ziqiu's eyes were firm as he strode towards Ji Mingxiang's study.
"Who are you? Tell me your name." A guard stopped Deng Ziqiu.
Deng Ziqiu smiled slightly and said, "I am Deng Ziqiu, I have something to see Master Ji."
Upon hearing this, the guard's expression changed slightly and he immediately turned around to report.
A moment later, a middle-aged man in a brocade robe walked out. He was Ji Mingxiang.
"Deng Ziqiu, what are you doing here?" Ji Mingxiang looked at the child in front of him with sharp eyes and a hint of sarcasm and displeasure in his tone.
Deng Ziqiu took a deep breath and said, "Master Ji, I'm here to clarify a misunderstanding."
Ji Mingxiang frowned slightly and said, "Oh? What misunderstanding?"