Standing Next To You-Chapter 188: Can’t escape punishment

The meeting with the old man went as Bei Sangyun expected. Perhaps the old man felt guilty for not pursuing the matter with the Simon family after Lin Xiaoni’s engagement was settled; he did not mention or question Bei Sangyun about her leaving the mansion and disappearing without notice.

However, there was a matter that Old Master Lin couldn’t let go. He keenly asked her if she knew anything about the aphrodisiac drugs and their source. But Bei Sangyun denied it calmly.

Old Master Lin observed her expression carefully. Finding no trace of apprehension or guilt on her face, he sighed.

"I have promised the Simon family to find the person who drugged his grandson. Lin Xiaoni claimed she was innocent and the evidence against her is lacking. Since the culprit is still unknown, I had to conduct a wide search on everyone. Although I promised my old friend to punish the culprit for him, I’ll let it go if that person confesses to me and admits his or her wrongdoings."

Bei Sangyun crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. She pretended not to grasp his meaning and shrugged, "That’s good, then. The Simon family can have their justice."

The word ’justice’ pricked Old Master Lin’s heart. The Simon family had to get their justice, but what about her? Wasn’t his granddaughter wronged too?

He could secure justice for the Simon family, but he couldn’t do the same for his own granddaughter. How ironic.

Old Master Lin felt embarrassed. It was rare for him to lose face. He dismissed Bei Sangyun and did not continue interrogating her.

....

The wide search unfolded as Old Master Lin had directed. Every branch was meticulously examined, from the servants’ quarters to the master’s bedrooms.

Maid Ye Zhai observed stoically as the senior maids, who worked directly for Old Master Lin, sifted through her young miss’s room.

(A/n: Maid Yezhai was Bei Sangyun’s personal maid. She was the maid that stayed with Bei Sangyun the longest but their relationship was like stranger until the end. Refer Chapter 2 and other Chapters)

Although her face appeared expressionless, a hint of nervousness lingered within her. Unlike in the past, where she had kept a constant watch over the young miss, the current Maid Ye Zhai had no clue about Bei Sangyun’s whereabouts.

Since that peculiar day when Bei Sangyun began acting strangely, her behavior had become unpredictable and more eccentric. Maid Ye Zhai found it challenging to understand her.

Even Butler Xin, who held more power in the household and could give orders to the young miss, had changed. He had grown more careful and cautious around Bei Sangyun, as though he was afraid of her. While these subtle changes might have gone unnoticed by many, Maid Ye Zhai, with her intuitive nature, could discern them with a glance.

As someone attempting to adapt to Bei Sangyun’s new demeanor, she immediately sensed that the current incident was related to the young miss. Judging by the Young Miss’ current attitude, she was likely the one who had drugged Richard.

The search concluded after some time, with no significant findings in the room. The senior maids finally withdrew.

Maid Ye Zhai felt a wave of relief. Fortunately, the young miss had been clever enough not to conceal any incriminating evidence in her room.

But where could she have hidden the rest? Every crime leaves traces. Where had those traces vanished?

.....

Maid Ye Zhai’s concerns were addressed a few hours later when the fifth branch suddenly barged into the fourth branch’s wing, sparking a loud quarrel that echoed throughout the entire floor.

The servants who witnessed the fierce fight quickly spread rumors throughout the mansion.

It was revealed that the drug had been found in Lin Sunji’s room. The fourth branch vehemently denied the accusations, asserting that someone was framing their daughter. However, Lin Xiaoni firmly believed it was Lin Sunji.

Lin Sunji had persuaded her to visit Richard that night, and she was the only person who knew about the meeting.

Lin Xiaoni’s reasoning found support from her mother, Xiao Mi, who recalled Li Mei being the first to mention her daughter’s late arrival during their meal.

Li Mei had led everyone to check in person, displaying an arrogant smirk as if she were certain of what was happening.

The always poised and magnanimous Xiao Mi was so angry that she quickly complained to Old Master Lin.

"It’s not my daughter’s! Anyone with a brain can see that she’s being set up! Father, please investigate this more deeply." Lin Ruo defended Lin Sunji.

"Nonsense! All evidence points to your daughter and wife. Yet you pretend to be innocent? My daughter’s reputation has been stained because of your daughter’s ploy! If the Simon family didn’t take responsibility for my Lin Xiaoni, my daughter’s life would be ruined!" Lin Xiao, Lin Xiaoni’s father, argued.

Old Master Lin, feeling a headache coming on, raised his finger to signal them to stop. The two brothers glared at each other but fell silent.

Turning to Lin Xiao, Old Master Lin stated, "I promised your in-laws that I would bring justice—", Old Master Lin paused and frowned. This word reminded him of something unpleasant and changed his words, "--that I would make the person behind this pay. Not only did my friend’s grandson suffer, but your daughter did as well. Fortunately, things have ended well.

"You two are still brothers. Despite what happened, your daughter is blessed to marry into the Simon family. Although the method was wrong, isn’t it because of the fourth branch that your daughter is able to marry into the Simon family?"

Lin Xiao pursed his lips, having no words to refute his father’s truth. Even though they were schemed against, the outcome had turned out well.

Old Master Lin then turned to Lin Ruo, "As for your daughter, she must face the punishment for drugging the Simon family’s heir. Such actions should not be tolerated."

Lin Sunji, who was listening on the side, was dumbfounded. She stood up in a hurry, "It’s not me! Why should I be punished?!"

Old Master Lin glanced coldly at her, "Have you forgotten what I told you last time? I was lenient to your branch because I wanted to give you all a chance. But you’ve proven again and again that you are undeserving of it. This time, you won’t escape punishment."