Chapter 404
The case of Liu Shi's death was clear, and even her son Liu Dazhuang would not press charges, especially since Madam Pang had offered one hundred taels of silver as compensation.
"I apologize for startling Miss Zhan. Consider this land my recompense; please accept it," Madam Pang said softly, her eyes like water filled with apology. After all, the matter originated from the Pang family's land.
In the crowd, Old Master Chen's expression changed abruptly. He wanted to speak, but whether it was the official in uniform, Governor Zhao, or the noble Madam Pang, they were all figures Old Master Chen could not afford to offend.
Therefore, even though he was anxious and worried about losing the land he had almost secured, Old Master Chen could only remain silent with a bitter expression.
Governor Zhao did not speak. This was a private matter between Madam Pang and Zhan Feiyu. As both were women, it was not convenient for him to interfere.
Moreover, while over a hundred mu of land seemed substantial, it was worth only a thousand taels of silver. Ordinary people could not earn this much in a lifetime, but for official families, a thousand taels was truly insignificant.
With a gentle smile, Zhan Feiyu refused without hesitation, "Madam, you are too kind. I was not startled. Furthermore, I am leaving Suzhou Prefecture today, and this land is nothing more than a tasteless bone to me."
This was the truth. Madam Pang was selling the land because she was also leaving. To manage this hundred mu of land would require leaving someone behind, which was too troublesome. It was better to exchange it for silver and purchase land again after returning to her hometown.
Madam Pang hesitated. She was naturally gentle and would not force the issue. Besides, she knew Zhan Feiyu was not short of money.
"Governor Zhao, since everything is settled, I shall take my leave." After signing and stamping, Zhan Feiyu prepared to depart. She had intended to leave in the morning, but this delay had pushed the time close to sunset.
Zhan Feiyu had suffered this misfortune for no reason. Governor Zhao instructed a clerk to collect the deposition, "Upon returning to the yamen, I will present this case file to Lord Yao for his review."
The yamen had sealed case files, and with Lord Yao's signature and seal on them, it would be impossible for anyone to falsely accuse Zhan Feiyu of Liu Shi's death in the future.
Zhan Feiyu bowed gratefully to Governor Zhao, "Thank you, sir."
A moment later, two carriages slowly departed. Through the window, Zhan Feiyu looked at Madam Pang standing by the roadside, feeling that something about this affair was rather peculiar.
"Is there anything amiss, Miss?" He Nuan asked. Initially, she had worried that the villagers of Niujiao Village were using a death threat to harm her young lady's reputation. Then Madam Pang arrived, and He Nuan became vigilant again. However, by this point, the carriages had already left, and nothing had happened.