Mo Sang – CH 232

Chapter 232. To Each Their Own Taste

The next day, the court session resumed. The main hall of the prefectural government was packed with people, inside and out, on the trees and walls—everyone who could squeeze in was there.

This Yuan née Fu was a true celebrity of Yuzhang City; her case of murdering her husband that spring had caused a sensation throughout the city.

Now, the new dynasty and the new prefect were going to retry her case, and there was a good chance of an overturned verdict. No one could resist coming to witness this firsthand spectacle.

The city’s legal professionals, and anyone involved in litigation, or even just casual confidants, naturally wanted to come and listen carefully, either personally or by sending their nimble servants to infiltrate the proceedings.

Things were different now. Before, it was the Southern Liang Dynasty; now it was the Northern Qi Dynasty. Although they used the same legal code, the way they applied it was vastly different from how others did it.

Moreover, judging from the current situation, the Great Qi was advancing like a whirlwind. It seemed the world would soon belong to the Great Qi. This was not just about the new prefect’s style but also the direction of the new dynasty.

From early morning, upon looking up and seeing the trees filled with idlers, the experienced servants of the Luo family, along with their advisors, quickly arranged for people to guard and patrol.

As Governor Luo’s most trusted confidant, Advisor Zhang naturally had to be present at this time to pick up any overlooked items, just in case.

Today’s small case was a big deal.

The prefectural government tacitly agreed on the spot for Li Sangrou to watch the excitement, essentially pre-selecting her, but Li Sangrou still arrived quite early and secured her place.

As an idle observer enjoying the spectacle, she was quite professional and dedicated.

The first few small cases were quickly concluded, and then Yuan née Fu was brought in again.

This time, Lady Fu was not wearing heavy shackles and chains. She had changed into the new clothes that Xiao Lu and Mazha had brought in yesterday, and her hair was neatly combed. Although she looked extremely old, was not pretty, and was very thin, she gave off a pleasant and refreshing feeling, completely different from yesterday.

Li Sangrou looked at Lady Fu with admiration. She was an extremely disciplined person, even somewhat overly upright, who disdained manipulating people’s hearts. Perhaps she also deeply disliked others’ pity.

As soon as Lady Fu entered, a middle-aged man kneeling behind the yamen runners stared straight at Madam Yuan, wiping away tears one after another.

Li Sangrou sized up the middle-aged man; this must be Lady Fu’s Elder Brother. He had come early to testify.

“Madam Yuan’s case is inseparable from her forced marriage in court.

Regarding the forced marriage in court, Magistrate Shao, you will answer on behalf of the former prefect, yourself, and everyone else involved.” Governor Luo took a sip of tea and spoke softly.

Li Sangrou turned her head to look at Governor Luo, who appeared to be a good-natured and easygoing man. She had heard that he was extremely skilled in civil administration, and judging from his demeanor, he certainly knew how to win the hearts of the people.

“Yes.” Magistrate Shao, feeling anxious but unable to refuse, stepped forward and stood beside Lady Fu.

“Madam Yuan née Fu did indeed have a marriage certificate, with Wang Po as the matchmaker, Zhao Qiang as the village head, and Zhang Wu as the husband. Have you seen this marriage certificate?” Governor Luo pulled out a copy of the marriage certificate and had it handed to Magistrate Shao.

“Your Honor, I have seen it, but this marriage certificate is pure nonsense.

Zhang Wu is a beggar who was carried to Zelou Garden to die. When he arrived, he was barely clinging to life. Nobody knows his name or surname. Zhang Wu’s name must be something Yuan née Fu made up.

Please, Your Honor, investigate thoroughly,” Magistrate Shao replied, bowing.

“Yuan née Fu, did you hear what Magistrate Shao said? It is a marriage, and you’ve made it up?” Governor Luo asked, looking at Lady Fu.

“I heard clearly. This marriage of mine was arranged by my brother, with a matchmaker and witnesses. He is willing to marry me, and I am willing to marry him. It is not a joke,” Yuan née Fu replied clearly.

“Hmm, Fu Zheng’an, matchmaker Wang Po, village head Zhao Qiang, what’s the story behind this marriage between Fu and Zhang Wu? Tell me, Wang Po, you go first.” “Governor Luo pointed at Nanny Wang.

“Yes, Your Honor. First, I received orders from above that Lady Fu is getting old and cannot stay unmarried.

But Lady Fu is really old, not very pretty, has a bad temper, cannot do needlework, and always burns the pot when she cooks. She’s useless at everything, making it really difficult for her to marry; nobody wants her!

Then, Village Head Zhao said that Zhang Wu at the alley entrance is honest, kind, and good-natured. I spoke to Lady Fu first, and she said she was not picky.

Then I went to find Master Fu, and he said his sister’s approval was enough.

So, after several meetings, everyone seemed suitable, so I arranged a blind date. They liked each other, put on hairpins, and, despite being quite old, they got married that very day.

That’s how it is.” Nanny Wang spoke with remarkable eloquence.

“It’s just like what Nanny Wang said. The top officials said that if Lady Fu is not married by her age, it is against the natural order, and they’ve given her a deadline to marry her off. They even said it is because I, the village head, have not done a good job. But Lady Fu is so difficult to marry off, so incredibly difficult! I was really anxious, and finally, she got married,” the village head said, kowtowing.

“Your Honor, after my sister and Zhang Wu got married, Zhang Wu died about a month later.

During that month, my sister served him diligently, getting medical treatment and medicine without fail. After Zhang Wu died, my sister bought him a coffin and held a grand funeral for him. She’s been keeping vigil ever since,” Lady Fu’s brother, Fu Zheng’an, quickly added.

“Lady Fu’s marriage had the parents, her Elder Brother, a matchmaker, an official matchmaker, a witness, the village head, and a marriage certificate. Her ex-husband, Zhang Wu, has been dead for less than a year—I think only ten months; the mourning period is not even over, yet she’s being remarried in court. This is a violation of the law.” Governor Luo frowned, looking at Magistrate Shao.

“Your Honor, Yuan née Fu has been helping Wang Po and Zhao Qiang exploit loopholes in the law more than once. They are birds of a feather. Zhang Wu was indeed a dying beggar. This marriage is just a ploy to deceive the authorities!” Magistrate Shao was both angry and afraid.

“Do you have any evidence? Physical evidence? Witnesses?” Governor Luo asked, looking at Magistrate Shao.

Magistrate Shao opened his mouth but could not speak. What physical evidence or witnesses did he have?

Such obvious matters did not require physical or witness evidence in the past, but now, where did he have any?

“As the officials in charge of this place and this city, when judging people and handling cases, we cannot prejudge someone’s guilt based on our own preferences and opinions before there are any witnesses or physical evidence.

You say her marriage was a deception of the government, based solely on your belief that she and Zhang Wu are mismatched, that she’s deceiving you, and that she’s a shrew. You judge her based on your own assumptions? How can that be right?

If that were the case, if I disliked you today and thought you were a corrupt official, could I then convict you of corruption?

Tomorrow, if I see he’s old and ugly, and his wife is young and beautiful, and I think she was stolen, could I then convict him of abducting a woman?”

Pacification Commissioner Luo pointed at the head constable below the platform. The constable stood ramrod straight, not daring to move. His wife was indeed young and beautiful, but he had truly married her with his head down; he had not abducted her!

“In this world, there are countless seemingly mismatched couples and unbelievable things. If everyone acted like you, making wild guesses based on their own feelings, would the world not be in chaos?

Alas, the Southern Liang dynasty is indeed in chaos.

Before I came here, the Emperor summoned me and gave me detailed instructions. He mentioned that the officials of Southern Liang, from the court to the local levels, were acting too recklessly, disregarding the law, and judging cases based solely on personal feelings, their hearts too narrow. It seems that’s truly the case.

His Majesty is wise!”

Governor Luo suddenly cupped his hands and shouted, almost making Li Sangrou choke.

Now that it was confirmed that Lady Fu was Zhang née Fu, and the marriage arranged in court earlier was indeed a violation of the law, the case was simple. The responsibility for this case lay with the officials of Southern Liang who acted arbitrarily and recklessly, harming Yuan Zhaocai and Lady Fu.

Lady Fu killed Yuan Zhaocai, and out of chastity and righteousness, she was not prosecuted and was released on the spot. Yuan Zhaocai was pitiful, and the government offered sacrifices to comfort him.

Magistrate Shao was temporarily dismissed from his post and sent home to reflect and study diligently.

Li Sangrou watched as Lady Fu’s brother helped her, staggering out of the hall, and then, munching on melon seeds, continued watching the commotion.

……………………

Lady Fu was taken home by her brother and sister-in-law. First, they used cypress and peach branches to beat her from head to toe, cleansing her and dispelling any bad luck. Then they washed her thoroughly with buckets of hot water, and she changed into her own clothes. Together with her brother, they went to pay respects at their parents’ graves outside the city.

After returning home, they ate a meal and chatted for a while. Lady Fu went into the back room, which had been temporarily prepared for her. A lamp was lit, and Lady Fu immediately saw Li Sangrou sitting on a chair on the bed, smiling at her.

“Who are you?” Lady Fu was not particularly afraid; having just escaped death, she had nothing to fear.

“My surname is Li, Li Sangrou. Yesterday, I had someone bring you clothes and food. Sit down; do not stand. You are very weak right now,” Li Sangrou said with a smile.

“Did you help me?” Lady Fu put down the lamp and sat opposite Li Sangrou.

“I do not know,” Li Sangrou shrugged. “Governor Luo was transferred from the position of Minister of the Court of Judicial Review to Commander of Hongzhou. When he was Minister, everyone said he was incorruptible.”

“Are you from Northern Qi?” Lady Fu sized up Li Sangrou.

“Yes, I came from Jianle City.

What are your plans for the future? Will you still help people with lawsuits?” Li Sangrou bent one leg, resting her foot on the chair, looking quite comfortable.

Lady Fu looked at her without speaking.

“You would not dare, would you?” Li Sangrou continued with a smile.

“Governor Luo is different from the former Prefectural Censor.” Lady Fu did not answer directly.

“Judging from your words, you still want to help people with lawsuits if you have the chance? You do not take money; you just like it? Are you addicted?” Li Sangrou glanced sideways at Lady Fu.

“Who are you?” Lady Fu asked again.

“Have you heard of Shunfeng Express?” Li Sangrou scratched her head, finding it extremely difficult to answer the question of who she was.

“The postal service of Northern Qi.”

“Yes, I am the boss of Shunfeng. I own Shunfeng.” Li Sangrou looked at Lady Fu.

Lady Fu was clearly taken aback. “The postal service of Northern Qi? Is that not a military or political agency?”

“Yes, it has not been since Shunfeng.” Li Sangrou nodded.

Lady Fu scrutinized Li Sangrou again, her expression grave.

“Are you willing to risk your life to fight lawsuits?

This whole ordeal you’ve been in is because you took on someone else’s case. If you continue, who knows, one day you might get stabbed to death, or something like this might happen again, and they might force a man into your life or even put you in a brothel. Then, you might not have this good fortune again.” Li Sangrou looked at Lady Fu.

Lady Fu lowered her eyes, and after a long while, she looked up at Li Sangrou, forcing a bitter smile. “I cannot control myself,” she said.

Li Sangrou raised her eyebrows and, after a moment, let out a soft “ha” as a gleaming, narrow sword slowly slid from her sleeve.

Before Lady Fu could react, Li Sangrou was already standing in front of her, the narrow sword pressed against her throat.

“I am very skilled at killing. This one strike can sever your vocal cords, rendering you unable to speak, and then I can cut off your hands, preventing you from writing. That way, you will be able to control yourself.

How about it? Do you want me to help you?”

The chilling killing intent emanating from the narrow sword made Lady Fu stiffen, unable even to feel the pain of the blade piercing her skin. After a moment, Lady Fu swallowed hard, closed her eyes, raised her chin, and stretched out her hands.

“It seems you really cannot control yourself. Alright, I will help you.” Li Sangrou sheathed the sword and sat back down in her chair.

Lady Fu froze for a moment, subconsciously looking up at her hands.

Both hands were there.

“Go to Jianle City. Soon, there will only be one Great Qi in this world. When you get to Jianle City, first learn about the laws and cases of Great Qi, and…”

Li Sangrou paused, smiling as she looked at the still terrified Lady Fu.

“Great Qi is revising its penal code. Go and observe.

If you like lawsuits, then make a name for yourself in Jianle City first. There, as long as you act uprightly, you will not encounter anything like what happened in Yuzhang City.”

“You?” Lady Fu scrutinized Li Sangrou again.

“Go, do not linger here.

Recover for a while. Once you have some strength, I will have someone send you over.

Wang Po said you always burn the pot when you cook; is that true? When you get to Jianle City, stay with Zhang Mao. Let her help you recover for a while. Once you are stronger, you can make your own arrangements.

For legal matters, go find Master Lu Hepeng.

Master Lu used to assist Master Wen with matters in the Ministry of Justice. Now he’s with me, handling lawsuits and such.”

Li Sangrou paused, looking at Lady Fu, who was bewildered and blinking repeatedly, and asked with a smile, “Have you heard of Master Wen?”

“I’ve heard of him once or twice. Before Governor Luo came, he was in charge of the Hongzhou government.” Lady Fu was a little overwhelmed.

The man who used to be with Master Wen was now following her, and she addressed him by his first name!

“Yes, he’s from the Wen family of Northern Qi and General Gu’s right-hand man.

Lu Hepeng’s strength lies in his thorough understanding of the intricate relationships and past grievances between various factions and groups; he’s very adept at weighing options. This aspect does not seem suitable for you. Do not worry about him; just follow your own heart. If you want to only consider the law, then only consider the law and do not be influenced by him,” Li Sangrou continued.

“Alright,” Lady Fu replied subconsciously.

“Then that’s settled. When you are ready to depart, come find me under the banner of Shunfeng, and I will have someone escort you to Jianle City.” Li Sangrou stood up.

“I do not practice law,” Lady Fu said hastily.

“Who do you want to practice law for? I have a lawyer; Lu Hepeng is one, and besides, I rarely use lawyers; I prefer fighting and killing.” Li Sangrou drew her narrow sword, twirled it in her hand, and then slid it back.

“Uh…” Lady Fu was taken aback by Li Sangrou’s overly shrewd words. “Then why did you help me?”

“Hmm? Then why did you help others with their cases? You did not take any money,” Li Sangrou countered with a smile.

Lady Fu blinked, unable to speak.

“You like helping others with their cases, and I like helping you help others with their cases. We each have our own preferences.” Li Sangrou cupped her hands in a respectful gesture. “Farewell.”

Lady Fu almost instinctively stood up, walked to the door, but Li Sangrou was already gone.

Lady Fu leaned against the doorframe, stood there for a long while, then slowly sat back down in her chair, staring at the chair Li Sangrou had just been sitting in, feeling as if in a dream.

She had been quite surprised when those two people brought her clothes and things yesterday.

Since she was imprisoned, her Elder Brother had tried every means possible, even spending money, but the only thing he could manage to get in was a packet of pills. The jailer who gave her the pills said, “I am bringing them in for her in case she dies of illness; beheading her would be too lenient.”

After that packet of clothes and food, someone removed her shackles.

Lady Fu looked down at the ring of black scabs on her wrists, one wound upon another.

Now, she was safely back home, as if in a dream.

It was she who had helped her escape this calamity.

She ran a postal service in Northern Qi. She knew that the Great Qi was revising its penal code. That Master Wen was a member of the Wen family, holding a high position and great power. Those around Master Wen had become her subordinates…

Hmm, to Jianle City!

Her attachment to Yuzhang City could not outweigh her yearning for the future.