The head of the Zhang family ordered servants to block the way, but they were kicked aside by the soldiers.
The Zhang family servants were roughly kicked aside by the soldiers. This was a profound insult, as the saying goes, 'Even when hitting a dog, one must look at its master.' Yet these soldiers showed no regard for the Zhang family's status or influence at all.
Madam Zhang was furious and invoked County Magistrate Jiang's name.
The junior soldiers hesitated, but were immediately scolded by the veteran leading them.
Back in the restaurant, Zhang Huaiwen had threatened Lianniang, and she was truly terrified.
After all, she had been raised in the sheltered inner chambers, thoroughly spoiled by her family. She had experienced little of the world and was rather simple-minded. Therefore, back then, it had taken only a few words of guidance and manipulation from Zhang Huaiwen for Lianniang to set the trap
Now, the situation repeated itself. Zhang Huaiwen only needed to imply a threat, and Lianniang became utterly flustered and distraught. She remained in a bewildered daze the entire journey home and fell ill immediately upon arriving.
Landlord Jia sensed that something was wrong. After she woke up, he questioned her directly. Conscious of her great mistake, Lianniang hemmed and hawed, unable to give a clear account. Left with no other choice, Landlord Jia summoned her personal maid for questioning.
After learning the whole story, Landlord Jia was so angry he slapped Lianniang.
"Fool! You truly are a fool! Tricked by just a few words. How could I have a daughter like you?"
Lianniang shed tears: "Father, your daughter knows she was wrong."
What use was it to admit fault now?
Once this matter got out, the Jia family's reputation would be completely ruined.
If he were more ruthless, he could go and threaten Fang Zichen, take his fulang and son hostage, and force him not to report it to the authorities.
But their Jia family was not that kind of wicked, unscrupulous people.
He dispatched servants to investigate the matter. Upon learning the full extent of the great suffering Fang Zichen had endured because of his daughter's actions, Landlord Jia felt even more ashamed and deeply mortified. How could he possibly have the face to employ such underhanded and dirty tricks against the man?
Yet, Lianniang was still his own daughter. He could not simply stand by and do nothing.
As for Zhang Huaiwen, who dared to deceive and threaten his daughter like that, he naturally would not let him off.
Landlord Jia also had some dealings with County Magistrate Jiang.
This man was a good official, upright in his conduct. If one had to point out a flaw, it was that his judgment in personal matters was sometimes unsound; he notoriously doted on his concubine and neglected his wife.
He had previously held his post in Heyang Town. The Zhang family, seeking to win his favor and build a connection, had offered their youngest daughter to him as a concubine.
This was a common practice. When dealing with officials, wealthy local gentry families would typically curry favor by offering either women, or valuable gifts like jewels, silver, and money.
County Magistrate Jiang had always sternly refused such bribes in the past, maintaining an image of clean governance. But after seeing the Zhang family's youngest daughter, he suddenly went against his usual practice and accepted her.
People said this Miss Zhang was greatly favored by the County Magistrate. He even took the authority over the household management from his official wife and gave it to her to manage.
Landlord Jia knew that a woman's pillow talk could be extremely influential. He also understood what kind of person Fang Zichen was. If Fang Zichen had been motivated by greed, a bribe of silver would have quietly resolved the matter. However, it was clear that Fang Zichen was not that type of person. Because, if he were, Lianniang would never have resorted to such a foolish scheme in the first place. The fact that he dared to officially report the incident to the authorities indicated he possessed solid evidence and was fully confident of winning his case.
Landlord Jia feared that County Magistrate Jiang would protect Zhang Huaiwen when the time came and convict his daughter instead. Therefore, in the public courtroom, he had Lianniang drag Zhang Huaiwen out into the open.
Under the watchful eyes of the public, even if County Magistrate Jiang wanted to protect Zhang Huaiwen, how could he?
If he protected him, he'd probably be drowned in the common people's spit.
After Zhang Huaiwen was arrested, the Zhang family immediately sent someone to find Zhang Huaini.
Zhang Huaini and Zhang Huaiwen were born to the same mother. Although there was a nine-year age difference, they were very close. Upon hearing the servant say her younger brother had been arrested, Zhang Huaini couldn't sit still. She ordered the kitchen to prepare some soup, carried it to County Magistrate Jiang's study, flirted and bantered with him for a good while, before finally bringing up the matter of Zhang Huaiwen.
"Master," she massaged County Magistrate Jiang's shoulders, leaning down and breathing softly, like an orchid, into his ear: "Nini only has Huaiwen as a younger brother. We siblings have been close since childhood. For Nini's sake, please let him go, alright?"
County Magistrate Jiang sighed.
How could he possibly let Zhang Huaiwen go?
During the public court session, the Jia family had directly named Zhang Huaiwen as the mastermind. If he were to openly shield Zhang Huaiwen now, the common people would be outraged. They would loudly complain and lament the injustice, and the government office might even be pelted with rotten eggs.
"Master, I know you are in a difficult position." Zhang Huaini shed tears: "Nini doesn't want to make things difficult for you either. You want to be a good official, Nini knows that. But Nini has never asked you for anything..."
Before she finished, she choked up again.
She looked utterly heartbroken, so sad she might stop breathing at any moment.
Zhang Huaini was quite attractive. Although not to the degree of having skin like congealed fat or being breathtakingly beautiful, her eyebrows and eyes, when looking at someone, seemed to contain affection and longing. Her figure was delicate and small, with enviable curves. She was the type that made men feel protective and very fond of her.
Now, seeing her cry like pear blossoms bathed in spring rain, a picture of utter vulnerability that evoked deep pity, County Magistrate Jiang felt his heart ache for her.
"Don't cry," he said, flustered as he tried to comfort her. "Let me think of a way. I won't let anything happen to him."
Zhang Huaini looked up at him, tears in her eyes: "Really? Master, you won't lie to Nini, will you?"
County Magistrate Jiang gave her a sidelong glance: "When have I ever lied to you?"
"Then what does Master plan to do?"
"I..."
"Your Excellency." A knock sounded on the study door. "There is a guest outside requesting an audience."
County Magistrate Jiang frowned: "Didn't I say that when I am working, I am not seeing anyone?"
The servant said, troubled: "But... but the other party said he is your former teacher."
No comments:
Post a Comment