Mo Sang – CH 303

Chapter 303. The Lawsuit

After the Lunar New Year, the Jianle City yamen, having sorted through the case files left unattended during the holiday and preparing to report and close them, encountered complications in a seemingly minor case: a patricide case in Chenliu County.

The ugly woman who had been writing petitions for others outside the yamen submitted a petition early on the first day of the second lunar month, pleading for justice for the mute Du family member in Chenliu County who had been murdered.

This petition from Lady Fu was not a single document but two thick stacks!

These two stacks were meticulously organized. One stack contained testimonies from the Du family’s neighbors in Chenliu County, clear and legible, complete with fingerprints and seals.

The other was Lady Fu’s written petition, detailing the case, the Chenliu County judgment, and what she felt was inappropriate, and why; citing numerous pieces of supporting evidence, presenting clear arguments, and employing rigorous logic.

The petition was handed to Magistrate Ying, who quickly skimmed through it, a fine layer of sweat forming on his forehead.

Before this woman, Lady Fu, set up her stall outside the yamen, Lu Hepeng, the clerk at Shunfeng Express, specifically asked to speak to her, saying that their Boss considered her a friend.

Later, Lu Hepeng took Lady Fu to the Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice almost daily to review case files; he knew about this.

Later, after Lady Fu set up her petition stall outside the yamen, he and Prefect Bai lived in constant fear for two or three months. He did not know what Prefect Bai was like, but he himself meticulously reviewed every case and event since the day he was appointed to the post, going over it two or three times in detail.

After setting up her stall, Lady Fu seemed no different from the other petition stalls, except that she often did not charge money.

But he and Prefect Bai never truly dared to relax.

Sure enough, trouble had now arisen.

“Prefect,” Old Wu, the head constable, poked his head out, his face mysterious. “Just now, when Lady Fu handed over her complaint, I saw that Master Chang!”

“Which Master Chang?” Magistrate Ying was thinking about Lady Fu and the complaint in his hand and did not immediately recognize him.

“Eh,” Old Wu exclaimed, giving Magistrate Ying a disdainful look. “Who else could it be but Master Chang, the one from Shunfeng!”

“You saw it clearly?” Magistrate Ying’s eyes widened.

“Eh!” Old Wu’s exclamation was much louder. “Look at what you are saying, Prefect! How could you not see Master Chang’s physique? Absolutely!”

Magistrate Ying stood there for a moment, then jumped up, pulled out the case file from Chenliu County, grabbed Lady Fu’s thick complaint, and hurried off to find Prefect Bai.

After hearing Magistrate Ying’s explanation, Prefect Bai grabbed Lady Fu’s complaint, examined it carefully, reviewed the thick stack of testimonies, and then looked at the case file submitted by Chenliu County. After carefully examining the file, Prefect Bai returned to the complaint.

He reviewed it again, his brows furrowed, and looked at Magistrate Ying, asking, “Is the case accurate?”

“It seems so,” Magistrate Ying replied cautiously.

Prefect Bai slowly let out a sigh of relief.

If the case was accurate, then even if they bore responsibility, their responsibility was limited!

“Let me look at it again.”

Prefect Bai reviewed the case file, the complaint, and the stack of testimonies once more, then slapped his hand on the thick stack of testimonies. “In your opinion, what is she trying to do?”

“To exonerate the mute?” Magistrate Ying answered uncertainly.

“This case involves two victims, one a paralyzed man, the other a mentally unstable old woman. They are insignificant. If it were just to exonerate the mute, would such a fuss be necessary?” Prefect Bai slapped the case file.

“Perhaps she does not know the ropes?” Magistrate Ying frowned.

“She does not know the ropes, but does that Master Lu not know them either? You just said you saw Master Chang from Shunfeng?” Prefect Bai leaned forward slightly as he mentioned Master Chang from Shunfeng.

“Old Wu said he saw him, saying that Master Chang’s physique is unmistakable,” Magistrate Ying hurriedly explained.

“That’s true. Master Chang’s physique is something most people do not have.

Master Chang is not the type to just go around watching the show. Besides, it has not even gotten serious yet.

Let me take another look!” Prefect Bai picked up the heavy petition again and examined it carefully.

After reading it once, and then again, Prefect Bai seemed to understand something. He pushed the petition in front of Magistrate Ying. “Take another look. Forget about Master Chang, forget about the Boss; just look at this petition. Think about it. What’s going on?”

Magistrate Ying picked up the petition, read it once, blinked, then read it again, and looked up at Prefect Bai.

“What’s going on?” Prefect Bai pointed at Magistrate Ying, asking breathlessly.

“It seems…the whole thing is saying the testimony being accepted is wrong.” Magistrate Ying’s tone was hesitant.

“Right!” Prefect Bai slammed his hand on the table. “I think so too!”

“This woman, tsk!” Prefect Bai clicked his tongue loudly.

Prefect Bai’s slap and loud “right” emboldened Magistrate Ying. Magistrate Ying let out a long sigh of relief. “If that’s the case, then her petition is not about the case itself, but rather…” Magistrate Ying rubbed his fingers.

“Exactly!”

“That woman! Tsk!” Prefect Bai clicked his tongue again.

“So what do we do? Her complaint does not seem to concern us, but it is still stuck in our hands. If this is not handled properly, it could become a serious matter.” Magistrate Ying, who had just caught his breath, tensed again.

“Our prefectural government is in a bind!

However!” Prefect Bai leaned back in his chair. “Fortunately, we are in Jianle City. Over there, in the imperial city, the palace, the Ministry of Justice, and the Court of Judicial Review, there are plenty of people.

Get ready. We will go to the Ministry of Justice right now. This is a murder case; it should be handed over to the Ministry for joint trial. The complaint should also be given to them; it is only right,” Prefect Bai said, standing up.

Magistrate Ying stood up as well and hurriedly went back to change his clothes, and Prefect Bai also changed into his official robes. The two of them, carrying the case files, the complaint, and testimonies, entered through the Donghua Gate and headed straight for the Ministry of Justice.

………………………………

Li Sangrou, in the backyard of the Shunfeng headquarters, did not see any excitement but instead encountered Minister Ren of the Ministry of Justice.

As evening approached, Minister Ren, dressed in plain clothes, accompanied only by an aide of similar age, followed Old Zuo through the stables.

Li Sangrou had not met Minister Ren before, but fortunately, Old Zuo, before even stepping out of the stables gate, was already smiling obsequiously and repeatedly bowing as he introduced, “Boss, this is Minister Ren of the Ministry of Justice. He said he’s here to speak with you.”

Li Sangrou quickly stood up, cupped her hands, and bowed deeply. “Greetings, Minister Ren.”

“I dare not accept such praise!” Minister Ren hurriedly returned the bow.

Old Zuo chuckled. Usually, it was their Boss who would not dare accept such praise; today, it was someone else!

The aide following behind Minister Ren also bowed deeply in greeting.

Li Sangrou returned the bow with a deep bow, then quickly pulled out two chairs and offered them to him.

Old Zuo watched as Minister Ren and his advisors left the courtyard, then stepped back and returned to his shop.

Li Sangrou moved the tea tray over, boiled water again, rinsed it, and brewed fresh tea. “Before the Boss opened Shunfeng, I often came here. Back then, it seemed chaotic and somewhat dilapidated; I did not think it was a pleasant place.

These past few years, I’ve always heard people say that the backyard of the Boss’s Shunfeng is extremely beautiful. I wondered, what could be so beautiful about that place?

Unexpectedly, seeing it today, it truly is a beautiful sight!

It’s clear that scenery is subjective; where a blessed person lives, a blessed place will surely be found.” Minister Ren looked around and smiled.

“Minister Ren, you flatter me.” Li Sangrou looked up at Minister Ren.

This minister was quite the smooth talker; he seemed more like the Minister of Rites than the Minister of Justice.

Lady Fu’s petition had been submitted to the yamen this morning. The fact that this Minister of Justice had come to her door now could only be because of that petition.

Li Sangrou brewed tea, poured two cups, and pushed them towards Minister Ren and his accompanying aide.

“This tea is refreshing and invigorating, with an unforgettable aftertaste! Excellent tea!” Minister Ren took a sip and praised repeatedly.

“Excellent tea and excellent water!” The aide looked at the two clearly marked spring water buckets placed in a corner of the thatched shed.

“Indeed! And this tea, too?” Minister Ren leaned forward, his face displaying an air of familiarity, and gestured towards the imperial city across the way.

“Yes.” Li Sangrou could not help but nod and smile.

This Minister of Justice truly lacked any air of severity.

“No wonder! I was wondering why this tea tasted a little off. Just a little bit. I am only fortunate to have had it once, thanks to you, sir. It is truly excellent tea!” the aide exclaimed repeatedly.

“That tea cake of mine was from when I first became Minister. I went to the palace to meet the Emperor, and he happened to be looking at the newly arrived tea cakes. He casually bestowed one upon me.

I only get to drink imperial tea once. That one cake of tea is extremely precious. I only dare to break off a tiny bit when I am in a very good mood, brew a bowl of tea, and slowly savor it for half a day,” Minister Ren said, glancing at the half-used tea cake spread out on the table.

“If Minister Ren likes this tea, I will bring you two cakes back later. I just received about ten yesterday,” Li Sangrou said with a smile.

“Thank you so much!” Minister Ren quickly expressed his gratitude.

“This imperial favor is truly reserved for the Boss,” the aide remarked.

“The Boss is worthy of it,” Minister Ren said, bowing slightly to Li Sangrou.

“Not at all, His Majesty is wise,” Li Sangrou replied, nodding slightly in return.

Minister Ren and his aide exchanged pleasantries for a while, praising the tea and the beautiful scenery. Having finished their small talk, Minister Ren turned to the main topic.

“Before the New Year, Master Lu brought along a woman surnamed Fu, saying she was a friend of the Boss. She’s very skilled at organizing case files. Many of the Ministry of Justice’s case files have indeed become much neater after she’s organized them,” Minister Ren said, smiling at Li Sangrou.

“I met Lady Fu in Yuzhang City. I heard she’s also extremely skilled at organizing case files there,” Li Sangrou said with a smile.

“Lady Fu submitted a petition to the yamen today. Did the Boss hear about it?” Minister Ren asked with a smile.

“The case of the mute murderer in Chenliu County?” Li Sangrou seemed somewhat uncertain as she looked at Minister Ren and asked.

“Yes,” Minister Ren nodded and smiled. “Did Lady Fu mention this case to the Boss?”

“Yes, she did. She went to Chenliu County before the New Year. Upon returning, she came to me first and told me about the case in Chenliu County.” Li Sangrou paused, then sighed. “A tragic case, alas.”

“Yes, the most tragic and heartbreaking thing is not the victim, but the murderer. As for the victim, I’m telling the Boss the truth; I believe he deserved to die.” Minister Ren’s face was filled with sorrow.

Li Sangrou sighed and remained silent.

“Did Lady Fu mention to the Boss that she wanted to file a petition to seek justice for the mute?” Minister Ren looked at Li Sangrou.

“Hmm? She told me the mute was in dire straits, but according to the law, he was not wronged. She filed a petition to seek justice for the mute? Seek justice for what? Is the mute innocent?” Li Sangrou raised an eyebrow, surprised and puzzled.

“Lady Fu’s petition states two things: first, testimonies should be considered from both sides to clarify the truth; second, the mute and the deceased should be considered as having severed all ties, completely estranged, like strangers. Therefore, the mute killed the deceased because of the deceased’s rape, leaving her no choice but to kill. The mute is innocent,” Minister Ren said, glancing at Li Sangrou.

Li Sangrou listened intently. After Minister Ren finished speaking, she frowned, looking somewhat puzzled. “It seems…it makes sense. Is this the right thing to do or not?”

After asking the question, Li Sangrou bowed slightly with a hint of apology and smiled. “I do not know much about legal matters, as Minister Ren knows. I always seek justice with a knife, which is why His Majesty sent Master Lu to instruct me.

Please speak frankly, Minister Ren.”

“It’s not a matter of right or wrong. These two matters are extremely far-reaching.

This case is minor, but these two matters are not. If the Boss feels sorry for the mute, perhaps she could ask for a pardon. That would be very easy.” Minister Ren hesitated for a moment, then smiled.

“If it were such a tragic situation, and only the mute was involved, a pardon would solve everything. But is such a tragedy only happening to the mute?” Li Sangrou asked, looking at Minister Ren.

Minister Ren was taken aback.

“Regarding the two matters Lady Fu mentioned, Minister Ren, do you think they were right or wrong?

Should we not consider all sides of the testimony? Should we not supplement it with witnesses and physical evidence?

Du Wu was murdered by a mute woman, who was raped and abused by him in broad daylight, in full view of everyone. Should we not sever all ties with him? Should we still respect such an elder?

What does Minister Ren think? Is it better to only listen to one side of the story for governing the country, or is it better to listen to all sides?

Is it better to prioritize one’s father over one’s son, or is it better to respect and serve one’s father even if he is a beast? Which approach is more conducive to educating the people?”

Li Sangrou’s tone was gentle, but her words were sharp.

Minister Ren glanced at his advisor, about to speak, when Li Sangrou smiled and said, “Minister Ren is both a father and a son, so I think you understand better.

My father died early…” Minister Ren’s words were cut short as he met Li Sangrou’s gaze. He was indeed both father and son, a subject!

“Murder cases must be tried jointly by the three judicial departments,” Minister Ren said after a moment of silence, looking at Li Sangrou.

“A new dynasty has its own new atmosphere. Every new dynasty is always stronger and better than the last, is that not right?” Li Sangrou smiled.

“I’ve learned something.” Minister Ren stood up and bowed deeply.

“You flatter me.” Li Sangrou also stood up, took two steps to the side, retrieved two cakes of tea from the thatched shed, and handed them to Minister Ren.

“Then I will not stand on ceremony. Please wait, Boss.” Minister Ren accepted the tea cakes, thanked her with a smile, and, along with his advisor, entered the stable courtyard.

Li Sangrou followed behind, seeing the two of them off all the way out of Shunfeng Shop.