Chapter 167 The Role of Xing’er (1/2)

The old maid beside the Queen immediately pointed out that there indeed was a seal on the banknote.

However, Baishao pulled out another banknote and smiled.

“Have a look, everyone. This banknote I’m holding is one that is truly used in Prince Yu’s Mansion. Every banknote used by the princess would bear this mark of her personal seal.”

Baishao presented both banknotes to the Queen, although from where the others could see, they appeared the same.

However, at the bottom of the banknotes, only one of them bore the character marking of Prince Yu’s Mansion. Apart from the mark of the seal, there was another rectangular character printed on it.

“This does not say much since Princess Yu is handling so much wealth in the mansion. I suppose you wouldn’t be using a slip of banknote that bears your seal when you try to bribe someone with it, lest you become a suspect in any crime.”

Princess Ming Yue maligned, as she could not wait to get Lin Mengya in deeper trouble so that she would die.

“You’re misunderstood, Princess Ming Yue. All the wealth in terms of silver, banknotes had been properly accounted for by putting them in records. Banknotes such as this one won’t end out in the hands of regular people. Although you can use at the money changers, they are not allowed to issue these. Banknotes such as this one are likened to the banknotes used by the ministers and they are usually carefully registered in the monetary authorities. If you’re still doubtful, let’s get someone from the monetary authority to verify the facts.”

While Lin Mengya was in charge of all matters in the prince’s mansion, Baishao was the one who really handled the money.

For this reason, Baishao was aware of every jot and tittle in the account records.

It would be plain stupidity to frame her master in this way.

Not only did this person trying to frame her master use a banknote issued by the monetary authorities, but she had also even used such a huge bill worth fifty pieces of silver.

Whoever did this was as good as digging her own grave.

“In that case, let’s have the seneschal of the monetary authorities come up here.”

Once again, the Queen seemed to be playing along with Lin Mengya.

Lin Mengya’s heart sank a little. Perplexed, Lin Mengya had no idea of the Queen’s intention or inclination.

“Your servant, Jin Xiu pay respects to Your Highness the Queen.”

The seneschal of the monetary authority was an old eunuch in his fifties.

He was apparently a slick and sly person who managed everything meticulously.

However, he differed from the other eunuchs in that there was no hint of craftiness and fawning about him.

He was a prudent man who had a fair system of punishments and rewards in place. Although the turnover of the workers in the monetary authorities was rather high, he had been sitting firmly on his job for a long time.

“You may rise, Seneschal Jin. Please take a look at this banknote on the table to verify if it had come from you.”

The Queen said with indifference while she seated on the head seat.

Seneschal Jin knelt there while he studied the two banknotes on the table carefully, and then he said, “These two banknotes were indeed issued out by the monetary authorities.”

“Who did you issue them to?”

“In response to your question, they were issued to Prince Yu’s Mansion.”

After answering the Queen’s question, he knelt there and became silent.

“You’ve all heard what he said. Princess Yu, this banknote indeed belong in your mansion. Even if you did not use it to bribe the maid, you are still guilty of not managing your families finances carefully.”

The words of the Queen was like an accusation towards Lin Mengya, convicting her of a serious crime.

“I would willingly take the punishment, Your Highness. However, I truly did not plot against the royal family.”

Negligence and treason were very different things.

Seeing that Lin Mengya had admitted the least serious allegations, Jiang Ruqin quickly shot Xing’er a look.

“Your Highness the Queen, my words are nothing but the truth. If Your Highness still has doubts, please put me through the screening. I believe I am the only one here who would be tested positive for having cinnabar on my hands.”

Xing’er was determined to go through with what her mistress had instructed her since her mistress was not going to allow her to shrink back.

She would give it her all for the sake of her family and little brother.

“You—”

Lin Mengya was shocked and furious, but at the same time flustered and exasperated.

“Alright, your request is granted.”

As the Queen nodded, Xing’er got up and placed her hand in the water.

One second passed, seconds passed… however, there was completely no change in the water after a long time.

By this time, Xing’er’s face was drained of its colors. How come—she had clearly touched cinnabar!

“There’s something wrong with this water!”

Xing’er demanded as she drew her hands out of the water, stunned and upset.

Lin Mengya smiled and placed her hands into the water.

In that instant, the water surrounding Lin Mengya’s hand began to turn purple.

The pale-faced Xing’er was lost for words.

“When I was having a good look at the talisman in my hands just now, I touched the cinnabar on it, which is why there is a reaction in the water and everyone can see for yourself. You kept saying I bribed you, however, why were you tested negative for the presence of cinnabar on your hands?”

Lin Mengya retracted her hands, took a towel and wiped them dry.

“This… this is not possible, this is not possible!”

Xing’er put her hands into the water once again but to no avail. There was no further change in the color of the water.

“There’s something wrong with this water, I’m sure!”