Chapter 29: Taking it to Court

The floodwaters receded, leaving Qingshan Village in a state of utter ruin.

The Zhao family home was severely damaged. The courtyard wall had collapsed, crushing the vegetable garden into a pulp. The patch where they usually grew greens was now nothing but a muddy mess, without a single leaf left behind.

Worst of all, the four main walls had been soaking in water for several days and were now visibly swollen. Zhao Mengcheng feared they might collapse at any moment.

The only thing spared was the roof beam. Because it was high up, it had escaped the disaster, and the items hidden atop it remained intact.

Zhao Mengcheng tossed Monkey Face onto the muddy ground, rolled up his sleeves, and began to clean up.

Seeing their dilapidated home, the three little ones couldn’t help but feel distressed. Zhao Xin’s eyes reddened, and tears began to fall like golden beans.

Zhao Mengcheng crouched down to comfort her. “Don’t cry. If it’s broken, we’ll just fix it.”

Zhao Xin nodded vigorously. “I’ll help Daddy.”

Zhao Chun climbed up the roof beam and tossed down the hidden wooden box. Zhao Mao caught it and opened it, his face lighting up with joy. “Our treasures are all still here.”

“Really? Let me see!” Zhao Xin stopped crying and craned her neck to squeeze in.

“My stone is here too! That’s wonderful!”

Zhao Xin was referring to a small, smooth pebble she had found by the river and kept as a hidden treasure.

Zhao Mengcheng glanced at the small stones and wooden sticks in the box, shaking his head with a smile. He had to tidy up the house first, otherwise they wouldn’t even have a place to sleep tonight.

Seeing him busy, the three little ones stopped looking at their treasures and came over to help.

The bed boards were soaked. Fortunately, before leaving, Zhao Mengcheng had stuffed the quilts on top of the wardrobe. Although they were damp now, they could still be used after drying in the sun.

“Mengcheng.”

The Old Village Chief arrived with a group of people. “Let your aunt help tidy up the house. Let’s take this man to the yamen first, lest something happens if we delay.”

Zhao Mengcheng felt the same way. He wasn’t afraid of Monkey Face escaping, but he feared that more trouble would arise if they waited too long.

After giving the three children a few instructions, Zhao Mengcheng grabbed Monkey Face and left. Wang Ming, Liu Bingkun, and several others followed automatically. The Old Village Chief also insisted on going, fearing that the group of young men might be taken advantage of.

On the way, the Old Village Chief pulled Zhao Mengcheng aside and said, “When we get to the yamen, speak carefully. Since both you and A-Mao are fine, we might not be able to make this scoundrel pay with his life.”

Zhao Mengcheng naturally understood. “Uncle, I know what I’m doing.”

“How are the losses in the village?”

The Old Village Chief sighed. “It looks alright. Everyone was prepared, so the grain losses aren’t too bad. It’s just that the furniture got soaked and needs some repairs.”

As long as the grain was safe, it didn’t matter if the furniture of ordinary folk was damaged; they could make do.

Zhao Mengcheng reminded him, “Uncle, our village didn’t lose much, but it’s hard to say for the other villages. I think this year will be difficult for the common people.”

The Old Village Chief frowned. Entering the town required passing through several nearby villages, and what he saw as he looked closely filled him with alarm.

Qingshan Village was on high ground and had reacted quickly, so the overall losses weren’t great. When they left the village earlier, some households already had smoke rising from their chimneys.

But as they headed toward Shanghe Town, the number of houses destroyed by the flood along the way was countless. The water hadn’t completely receded yet. Some people were wailing loudly, while others looked haggard and hollow.

The Old Village Chief felt a chill in his heart. “I only hope no major disaster breaks out.”

The town, however, was as lively as ever. Although Changhe Town was also by the river, the ground for every household was built very high to avoid flooding. While the surrounding fields were submerged, Changhe Town remained preserved.

There were also nearby villagers who had fled here for temporary shelter, making the streets even busier than usual.

Everything seemed to be in good order.

The Old Village Chief breathed a sigh of relief. “Lord Huang of Shanghe Town is a capable man.”

Zhao Mengcheng thought so too. That Shanghe Town could remain so stable under the threat of a flood was inseparable from Lord Huang’s governance.

Soon, the group arrived at the yamen gates.

“This is the yamen, a restricted area. No loitering!” a Yamen Runner shouted sternly.

Zhao Mengcheng stepped forward and cupped his hands. “Brother Officer, we are here to report a crime.”

“A few days ago, this man took advantage of the rain to rob my young son. After being discovered, he even threw my son into the river, nearly killing him. We have come specifically to ask Lord Huang to grant us justice.”

Liu Bingkun also spoke up. “We all saw it with our own eyes. This beast wanted to kill him to silence him. We beg Lord Huang to uphold justice for us.”

The Yamen Runner was also startled. “To think such a wicked person exists in our Shanghe Town.”

He glanced at Monkey Face and frowned. “It’s just that you’ve come at an inconvenient time. Lord Huang is not at the yamen, so he cannot hear the case for now.”

“What should we do then?” the Old Village Chief asked quickly.

The Yamen Runner said, “The Lord is away, but Assistant Magistrate Bai is here. I’ll go inside and report this to see what Lord Bai says.”

With that, he hurried inside to report.

Zhao Mengcheng frowned slightly. He hadn’t expected Lord Huang to be away. This might lead to complications.

Soon, a thin-faced man followed the Yamen Runner out. His gaze was far from friendly as it fell upon them.

“Are you the ones here to report a crime?”

This Lord Bai had not appeared during the last court session. Seeing his impatient attitude, Zhao Mengcheng felt an ominous premonition.

Sure enough, once they explained the situation, Lord Bai interrupted impatiently. “I understand. Lock him in the dungeon for now. The flood isn’t even over yet; who has time to deal with such trivial matters?”

Zhao Mengcheng’s face darkened. An incident involving a potential loss of life was merely a trivial matter to this official.

Lord Bai turned to leave after speaking. “Is there anything else? If not, go back and stop blocking the entrance. When Lord Huang returns to hold court, you will be summoned separately.”

Once he left, the people from Qingshan Village looked at each other in confusion.

Liu Bingkun muttered, “Lord Huang is kind and approachable, but this Assistant Magistrate Bai sure puts on a lot of airs.”

The Yamen Runner glanced at them. “In that case, leave the man here and wait until Lord Huang returns.”

Zhao Mengcheng slipped him a piece of broken silver. “We wouldn’t dare object to Lord Bai’s decision, but this man is cunning and wicked by nature. We’re afraid that delaying things might lead to trouble.”

The Yamen Runner knew that Lord Huang held Zhao Mengcheng in some regard, so he lowered his voice. “Lord Bai has always been impatient with these minor affairs, but Lord Huang will be back soon. He will surely see justice done for you then.”

“Don’t worry. Once he’s in the dungeon, he won’t be able to escape even if he wants to. It’s only a matter of time.”

Zhao Mengcheng wasn’t worried about Monkey Face escaping. He was worried that the Wan Family would get wind of the news and act first to evade punishment.

Glancing at the gasping Monkey Face, Zhao Mengcheng leaned down and whispered in his ear, “Since ancient times, serious criminals are executed after the autumn. I wonder how many more days you can linger on.”

Monkey Face’s eyes widened in terror.

The voice that terrified him continued, “If you honestly confess who the mastermind is, you might still have a slim chance of survival.”

“If I were the mastermind, I would want nothing more than for you to take all the blame. When the time comes, you’ll be the only one to die. Once your head is chopped off, who will ever know of their crimes?”

Zhao Mengcheng gave a final cold laugh. “Think carefully. Do you want to die, or do you want to live?”

Monkey Face shuddered and was dragged away by the Yamen Runner.

The Old Village Chief pondered, “Since Lord Huang isn’t here, we have no other choice but to go back and wait.”

Liu Bingkun huffed, “They say it’s easy to see the King of Hell but hard to deal with the little ghosts¹. That Assistant Magistrate Bai just now really looked down on us.”

“Quiet!” The Old Village Chief raised his tobacco pipe and gave him a hard rap. “Who are you, and who is he? Why should he look up to you? Watch your mouth, or you’ll bring trouble upon us.”

He then lectured the others from the village, “Those are the important people of the yamen. Usually, we can only bow and scrape when we see them. Don’t lose your sense of propriety over a bit of pride. When it comes to staying alive, pride isn’t as important as substance.”

Liu Bingkun was indignant, but under his father’s overbearing authority, he lowered his head and remained silent.

After walking a few steps, Zhao Mengcheng spoke up, “Uncle, I just remembered I need to buy some things for the house. You guys go ahead.”

The Old Village Chief frowned, suspecting that Zhao Mengcheng was unwilling to let things go. He wanted to offer some advice, but he couldn’t stop him.

Seeing him sighing, Liu Bingkun said, “Dad, why are you worrying so much? If you don’t trust me, surely you trust Brother Mengcheng. He’s the one the White Dragon personally descended to save. He has a great destiny ahead of him; he’ll certainly handle things better than either of us.”

At the mention of the White Dragon’s descent, the Old Village Chief immediately fell silent.

Zhao Mengcheng was indeed unwilling to let it rest. He felt that Assistant Magistrate Bai was very strange, so he took a roundabout way to find the Zhang family home.

Zhang Dahu hadn’t expected it to be him and was somewhat pleasantly surprised. “I heard the surrounding villages were flooded. Is your family alright?”

“We hid on the mountain for a few days, so nothing major happened,” Zhao Mengcheng said casually, then asked, “Brother Zhang, is everything alright in town?”

“Aside from the rain making it inconvenient to go out and the price of food rising quite a bit, everything is fine,” Zhang Dahu said with a smile.

Inside, Old Lady Zhang heard the voices and came out to greet them. “Dahu, is your friend here? Quickly, invite him in to sit.”

Zhao Mengcheng hurriedly said, “Auntie, I have something to ask Brother Dahu. I have to head back soon.”

Zhang Dahu looked at him. “Just say what’s on your mind.”

Zhao Mengcheng brought up the matter of Monkey Face, his face filled with anger. “The matter of the Tofu Secret Recipe before was one thing, but now they actually dare to commit murder for gain. I truly cannot swallow this insult.”

Zhang Dahu closed the door and pulled him aside to ask, “Are you sure it’s the Wan Family?”

“The man said so himself. Last time, he also said it was the Wan Family who sent him to buy the recipe,” Zhao Mengcheng emphasized.

Zhang Dahu looked at him. “I don’t know much, but this whole thing is very strange. If the Wan Family wanted to make life difficult for you, they could do it with a snap of their fingers. Why would they need to harm your children?”

“I also find it strange, but he kidnapped the child first and threw him away later. If it weren’t for our luck, my son and I would be at the bottom of the river by now.” Zhao Mengcheng’s hatred was impossible to erase when he thought of that day’s narrow escape.

Zhang Dahu thought for a moment. “Assistant Magistrate Bai married a daughter from a branch of the Wan Family, so he’s practically one of them. Now that Lord Huang is away, he will likely try to suppress the matter.”

Zhao Mengcheng’s brow furrowed.

Zhang Dahu continued, “However, ever since Lord Huang arrived in Shanghe Town, Assistant Magistrate Bai has been much more cautious in his words and actions. Perhaps he won’t dare to be too blatant.”

“But you also know that although the Wan Family has declined somewhat, they still have powerful backing. Even Lord Huang might not dare to challenge them directly.”

“Brother, I’ve said all I can. I know you feel wronged, but that’s just how the world is. Our small arms can’t win a wrestling match against a giant’s leg.”

“Fortunately, both you and your son are fine. That’s a blessing in disguise.”

Zhao Mengcheng thanked him and then left the Zhang house.

Zhang Dahu sighed, thinking to himself that Zhao Mengcheng would likely have to swallow this bitter pill. Even if the Wan Family was behind it, they would have plenty of ways to shirk all responsibility and escape punishment.

Old Lady Zhang asked curiously, “Why didn’t you invite him in to sit for a while?”

“He has things to do,” Zhang Dahu replied dismissively.

Old Lady Zhang asked instead, “I thought I heard something about kidnapping just now. Did they catch some human traffickers? Go and ask if there’s any news about the neighbor’s daughter.”

“Mother, you heard wrong. It’s not the same thing at all,” Zhang Dahu said helplessly.

Old Lady Zhang muttered, “Traffickers might all be part of the same gang. It doesn’t hurt to ask.”

Zhang Dahu couldn’t explain, so he just casually said he would ask. He didn’t realize Old Lady Zhang took it to heart, and she soon went next door to spread the news that the County Yamen had caught a human trafficker.

The family who had lost their daughter felt a surge of hope and hurried toward the County Yamen.

Having heard Zhang Dahu’s words, Zhao Mengcheng felt unwilling to give up.

In the book, the Wan Family had single-handedly caused the miserable first half of the three Zhao siblings’ lives. After Zhao Mengcheng traveled to this world, he hadn’t sought trouble with the Wan Family because he knew their glory would only last a few more years before they were destroyed.

To his surprise, even though he didn’t look for trouble with the Wan Family, they repeatedly came looking for him.

This time they had nearly cost Zhao Mao his life. How could Zhao Mengcheng just endure it in silence?

Zhao Mengcheng knew the Wan Family had many ways to escape justice. Even if Monkey Face confessed, they would only need to push forward a manager to take the blame, and the masters of the Wan Family wouldn’t be harmed in the slightest.

The culprit would remain unscathed, and that was something Zhao Mengcheng could not tolerate.

Suddenly, a plan flashed through Zhao Mengcheng’s mind. He turned on his heel and headed toward the bookstore.

Just as Zhao Mengcheng had guessed, since Assistant Magistrate Bai was practically part of the Wan Family, he sent word to them immediately after locking up Monkey Face.

The manager intercepted the message, cursing Monkey Face for being more of a hindrance than a help.

He bit the bullet and brought the news to Third Young Master Wan’s ear.

Third Young Master Wan indeed flew into a great rage. “That useless fool is beyond stupid! He couldn’t get the secret recipe, he couldn’t get the kid, and now he’s been caught and given them leverage. Does that idiot actually expect me to save him? Why didn’t he just die on the spot and save us the trouble?”

The manager also found it troublesome. “Young Master, what should we do now? I’m afraid Lord Huang is too upright, and Monkey Face is as timid as a mouse. He might implicate us when the time comes.”

“What can he implicate us in? A lackey acting on his own initiative, at most it’s a case of me being too lax with my subordinates,” Third Young Master Wan said dismissively.

The manager countered, “He also knows about our business of collecting beautiful young girls.”

Third Young Master Wan knitted his brows. “How troublesome.”

“Should we say something to Lord Huang’s side?”

“That man Huang is only acting tough because he sees the Empress has lost power. That’s why he dares to step on the Wan Family’s face,” Third Young Master Wan said through gritted teeth.

The manager quickly reminded him, “If the Master finds out, he will likely blame you.”

Third Young Master Wan wasn’t afraid of the County Magistrate at all, believing that even if the matter was exposed, the County Magistrate wouldn’t dare to do anything to him.

But he had to worry about the one at home. After thinking for a moment, he said, “Go to the dungeon and tell that idiot to keep his mouth shut, or else he’ll face the consequences.”

After a pause, he actually asked, “Is that little girl from the Zhao Family truly a peerless beauty?”

The manager lowered his head. “If she wasn’t, how could I have sent him to snatch her?”

In truth, he had never seen Zhao Xin at all. He was just lying to cover himself, fearing Third Young Master Wan’s wrath.

Third Young Master Wan believed him. He narrowed his eyes and began to calculate.

“I heard this flood has caused heavy losses for the local people. There will surely be many people selling their sons and daughters.”

The manager reminded him, “The Zhao Family has no land. They do tofu business, so they probably aren’t short of money.”

“If he’s not short of it, find a way to make him short of it. Trick him into gambling, teach him to visit brothels, do I really need to teach you this? Since that little girl is good-looking, we must get her by any means necessary.”

Third Young Master Wan sneered, “I don’t believe a country bumpkin can hold onto her.”

The manager repeatedly agreed, then turned and used his connections to enter the dungeon.

Monkey Face had been tormented for several days and was at his last gasp. Lying in a pile of straw being bitten by snakes, insects, rats, and ants, his heart was filled with despair.

“Manager, please save me.” When he saw the manager appear, hope surged in his eyes.

The manager sneered inwardly but only said, “You didn’t confess anything about the Third Young Master, did you?”

Monkey Face paused and said repeatedly, “I didn’t say a word. I only said it was my own idea. Manager, you must have a way to get me out, right? All it takes is one word from the Wan Family and the Magistrate will have to release me.”

The manager mocked Monkey Face’s naivety. The Wan Family did have that kind of influence, but who would use such a favor for a mere lackey?

He comforted him verbally, “Of course. You just need to stay in the cell for now. When you go to court, say it was your own idea. I will go and smooth things over with Lord Huang. At most, you’ll be sentenced to a few years of hard labor, and we’ll find a way to have someone take your place.”

Monkey Face froze. “Can’t you get me out now? The dungeon is full of rats and bugs. I really can’t take it anymore.”

“I’ll have someone send some medicine in for you. Just endure it a bit longer,” the manager soothed.

“Look at what you’ve done. Either don’t kill anyone, or if you do, kill them cleanly. How did you leave a survivor to report to the authorities? You’re just making trouble for the Third Young Master,” the manager scolded.

Monkey Face hung his head. “With such a big flood outside, how was I supposed to know someone thrown into the river could survive?”

He thought of something and shrank back. “Their villagers said a Divine Dragon came down to save Zhao Mengcheng and his son.”

“I think you’ve gone mad. Country folk are ignorant and superstitious, but you actually believed such nonsense?” The manager scoffed. “Just stay in here for a few days as a lesson. I’ll definitely get you out later.”

Monkey Face stared at him. “You’ll keep your word and get me out, right? Otherwise, even if I die, I’ll drag you down with me.”

The manager’s expression darkened. “Of course. If you don’t trust me, surely you trust the Third Young Master.”

Monkey Face fell silent.

The manager offered a few more casual words of comfort before turning to leave. He sneered inwardly. Once Monkey Face confessed to all the crimes, it would be difficult to overturn the case. Once the man was dead, who would ever know about their deal?

He didn’t see the cold, desperate look in Monkey Face’s eyes behind him.

Zhao Mengcheng’s words were engraved on Monkey Face’s heart, filling him with fear. If he waited for Lord Huang to return for judgment, he really would die.

Third Young Master Wan had no intention of saving him at all. Monkey Face realized this.

The manager gave the jailer a piece of broken silver. “Give him a few full meals so he has the strength to go on his way.”

The jailer chuckled, understanding his meaning.

The manager left the dungeon feeling troubled. From the Third Young Master’s tone, he was determined to get that little girl from the Zhao Family, but the manager had dealt with Zhao Mengcheng twice and hadn’t gained anything either time.

Ever since the Third Young Master set his sights on Zhao Mengcheng, nothing had gone smoothly for them.

The manager arrived at the gate with his worries. The gatekeeper stopped him. “Manager Ma, a woman claiming to be named Zhao has come to the door, saying she wants to sell her daughter.”

“Shh.” Manager Ma looked startled and quickly pulled him aside. “How did she find this place? You didn’t leak any news, did you?”

“I wouldn’t dare! I don’t know how she found us either. She just came to the door saying she wanted to find you to sell her daughter. She sounds like she’s from around here,” the gatekeeper said. “She’s waiting in the back alley right now.”

The manager frowned. “Tell them to get lost. The Wan Family always goes through human traffickers to buy people properly.”

The gatekeeper quickly agreed, “I’ll go drive them away right now.”

The manager thought of something and called him back. “Wait, what did you say her surname was?”

“Surname Zhao.”

“Surname Zhao?” Manager Ma frowned. “Forget it, I’ll go take a look.”

He turned and walked into the alley, where he indeed saw a cowering woman with a fair-featured little girl behind her.

Manager Ma narrowed his eyes. “Are you the ones looking for me to sell a daughter?”

Zhao Dasao wore a flattering smile and pushed her daughter forward. “Manager, take a look and see how much my daughter is worth.”

Manager Ma’s gaze fell on Zhao Xiaohua and found that she was indeed good-looking. At the very least, her features were regular, making her a little beauty.

“What is your name?”

Zhao Xiaohua looked up. “Zhao Xin. My name is Zhao Xin.”

The steward was shocked. “You’re Zhao Xin?”

Zhao Xiaohua’s eyes flickered with uncertainty, but she nodded firmly. “Yes, I’m Zhao Xin.”

Zhao Xin’s name sounded much better than hers, like someone of high status, whereas Zhao Xiaohua’s own name made her sound like a common peasant.

Despising her own name, Zhao Xiaohua decided to take her cousin’s place, intending to steal the glorious future where Zhao Xin would become the Empress.

Zhao Dasao didn’t understand why her daughter was using her niece’s name, but she didn’t expose the lie. Instead, she kept pressuring the steward about how much money they would get.

She was truly at her wit’s end. Who could have known that after surviving the heavy rains and floods, their family would meet with such misfortune just as the weather cleared?

A rockslide from the hilltop had come crashing down right toward the family of three. While Zhao Dasao and Zhao Xiaohua escaped unharmed, Zhao Wencheng was not so lucky. One of his legs had been pinned under a heavy boulder.

It was fortunate that Liu Bingkun had been on the mountain and helped pull him out, but Zhao Wencheng’s leg was severely injured. Doctor Liu had only shaken his head after examining it, saying he had to be sent to the city for treatment.

Medical treatment required money, and if Zhao Wencheng’s leg ended up crippled, he wouldn’t be able to work in the future.

Zhao Xiaohua suggested selling herself once more, and this time Zhao Dasao gritted her teeth and agreed. That was how the mother and daughter ended up at the Wan family’s estate.

“If you’re Zhao Xin, is your father’s name Zhao Mengcheng?”

“My father is Zhao Mengcheng. This is my aunt.”

Zhao Dasao added quickly, “You can take the child, just give me the money. I’ll find a way to handle my brother-in-law.”

The steward’s brow furrowed. He cursed Monkey Face in his heart. While this “Zhao Xin” was decent-looking, she wasn’t so extraordinary that she was worth all this trouble.

He didn’t care how Zhao Dasao planned to keep Zhao Mengcheng quiet; that was their family business.

These people were practically begging to sell their daughter, yet Monkey Face had somehow managed to get himself thrown in jail. He was truly useless and deserved his misfortune.

Elsewhere, Zhao Mengcheng finished his shopping and hurried back home.

By the time he arrived, everything that could be tidied up had been taken care of. The three children were squatting in the courtyard, playing with mud.

“Dad!” Zhao Chun called out, preparing to pounce on him.

Zhao Mengcheng placed a hand on the boy’s head to stop him. “Stay back. You’re covered in mud.”

Zhao Chun sheepishly wiped his face, making himself look even more like a little monkey. “We’re fixing the courtyard wall.”

Zhao Mengcheng looked closer and realized the three little ones weren’t just playing. They were seriously trying to patch up the wall. Unfortunately, it had collapsed so badly that there was no way to restore it to its original state.

“Stop working on it. We’ll just build a new house later,” Zhao Mengcheng said. He had already been planning to do so.

“Dad, did you buy paper and ink?” Zhao Mao asked, looking at the items in his father’s arms with confusion.

The Village Chief had mentioned that his father went to buy supplies, so he had assumed it would be food or drink. He hadn’t expected his father to bring home scholar’s tools like brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones that couldn’t be eaten or drunk.

Zhao Mengcheng carefully set the items aside to keep them clean. “I have a use for them.”

Just then, Liu Bingkun walked through the door and spoke up. “Brother Mengcheng, I almost forgot to tell you. Something big has happened to Zhao Wencheng’s family.”

Translator’s Notes