Chapter 7: Retribution

Madam Yu had only one thought: I must save my nephew!

Having endured many hardships in her life, one more didn't matter to Madam Yu. She quickly made up her mind, her gaze fixed on Zhu San.

In the entire household, be it a faux son or a real son-in-law, on paper, there was only one man left—Zhu San. Knowing little about lawsuits, relying on connections, or seeking favors, all had to be arranged by Madam Yu herself. Many matters would ultimately be more convenient with a man's presence.

When Madam Yu called Zhu San over, she had already calculated her moves, inviting Zhu San and her mother to the back room to sit down and discuss. She began, "It's all fate! Now we're all in trouble, we need to find a way to get through this. Sister, don’t you agree?"

Although Zhang Xian'gu was a shaman not versed in official affairs, she had common sense and knew that a case involving sorcery was far more serious than Yu Ping's troubles. Being a proud person herself, she couldn't help but cry out, "That damned fool, why commit a capital offense at such a time, ah~" She wished her daughter would have a secure future before meeting such a fate!

Zhu San frowned and, without waiting for Madam Yu to offer consolation, spoke first, "Mother, don't cry yet. Handling urgent matters is crucial."

Zhang Xian'gu said, "What bloody urgent matter, huh~ How are we supposed to handle this!" She genuinely had no idea.

Madam Yu thought to herself: She's only sharp-tongued in trivial matters but clueless in serious situations, probably lacking insight.

Ignoring Zhang Xian'gu, Madam Yu asked Zhu San in a serious tone, "Zhu San, what do you think we should do?"

Zhu San countered, "Madam, do you have any suggestions?"

Madam Yu held up two fingers, "There are two issues at hand: one is your cousin, and the other is your father. Both matters lead us to the state prefecture; it seems we might need to make a trip there. Are you familiar with the place?"

Zhang Xian'gu retorted, "Who would go there without reason? I don't even know which way the state prefecture's gate opens! Madam, isn't your family connected to the officialdom? Why ask us?"

Madam Yu gave a wry smile, "Though said to be from an official's family, we've had some acquaintances in the county for generations. The state prefecture? That's beyond our reach! Yet, I visited a few times in my youth to see the world. To say I'm familiar would be an overstatement. It seems we have no choice but to face it head-on. Flower Sister originally came from the state prefecture, moved to the county after her parents died and her family fell into ruin, brought by her uncle, who later died, leaving her to marry into my family. We've lost all connections there. We only know some routes."

Zhang Xian'gu felt slightly relieved, "So... we're going?" Yet, she began to worry again. Traveling from the county to the state prefecture required money for food, clothing, lodging, and transportation. Seeking information about Zhu Shenhan's case in the state prefecture would mean another expenditure. Her family had no money! Without several tens to a hundred strings of cash, what use would going there be? Would they just cry at the prison walls after wasting travel expenses?

But if they did nothing, life for her and her daughter might become even harder.

Zhang Xian'gu, weighed down by worries, finally said, "Take it one step at a time?"

Is that a lack of plan? Madam Yu, somewhat reassured, asked Zhu San, "What do you say, Zhu San?"

Zhu San replied, "Madam, please speak frankly."

Madam Yu stated, "I plan to keep this house here, sell the others, gather some money, and head to the state prefecture. Will you come?"

Zhu San nodded, "Yes." With Zhu Shenhan imprisoned, seeking information required going to the state prefecture. Now, there wasn't time for Zhu San to register a new household identity, nor was there a Yu Ping to assist with various documents.

Pressed for time, she had no choice but to proceed to the state prefecture under her current male household registration.

Zhang Xian'gu quickly agreed, "Let Madam decide."

Without hesitation, Madam Yu said, "Alright, I believe not all my acquaintances in the county have been taken away. Let Flower Sister and your mother prepare the luggage at home. You and I will make a trip; first to see your cousin with some food and necessities, then meet with some elders to seek information and advice. Since both cases originate from the imperial envoy, it's best to handle them together by inquiring at the envoy's office."

She further explained to Zhu San that despite an imperial envoy's ability to bring many attendants, local helpers are still needed upon arrival. Not to mention, local cooks and servants are often employed, providing potential sources of information.

Accompanying Madam Yu out, Zhu San first visited a pharmacy for some ointments, then a food shop for provisions. The jail seemed disordered, but upon Madam Yu calling out to "Zhang Er Brother," he responded, "Ah, you've come. What a situation! The county magistrate just left; you should hurry and see."

Supporting Madam Yu inside, she remarked, "You see? It's just like this. Don't underestimate us folks. Officials look down on petty clerks, hardly bothering with the intricacies here."

Yu Ping's cell was dark, damp, and musty, but otherwise tolerable with a bed and blanket. Lying on a thin quilt and turning his head at the sound of unlocking, Yu Ping brightened up upon seeing Madam Yu, "Auntie!"

Madam Yu, with concern in her voice, said, "Have you suffered much? What's all this about? They didn't explain clearly. Quickly, make things clear to me! If you have any plans, tell me so I can act on them. Your wife has returned to her maternal home; I haven't seen her yet. I came to see you first. Can we go to your home now? I'll arrange some clothes for you."

As she spoke, she began to apply medicine to Yu Ping.

Yu Ping said, "Auntie is the most reliable! Don't worry, Auntie, it was just twenty lashes on the spine, and I can still sit up! Those hit on their buttocks and legs can't even sit. Heh, Zhu San is here too? Good brother! Just help your godmother, and I won't forget you when I'm back. My family has served in this county office since my great-grandfather, spanning several generations. How long can a county magistrate serve here? Three years? Five? Ten at most! The imperial envoy is even less of a concern; staying in the state prefecture for a few months is considered a long assignment. Once a new magistrate arrives, they'll still need people to work. I'll endure this temporarily and return to my duties as usual..."

Zhu San listened silently, not uttering a word. After Madam Yu finished applying the medicine, she scolded, "Stop talking and tell us, what do we do now?"

Yu Ping suggested, "If Auntie is worried, hire a carriage and accompany me to the state prefecture. Injured as I am, even if the imperial envoy releases me, I'll have trouble moving. I'll need family by my side to help me recover. Once we're before the envoy, I'll know what to say. Such matters can't be resolved by a mere clerk without higher approval. Heh, Zhu San, the household is full of women; you need to take more responsibility."

"Don't worry," Zhu San assured.

Yu Ping, still in good spirits, teased him, "Why so quiet? You had plenty to say back in Zhujiacun, all sensible and well-argued. What, did the jail scare you? That won't do! When I return, I plan to secure a position for you in the office too, so you have some income and a way to support yourself."

"Alright."

Yu Ping jokingly asked, "Auntie, why is your son-in-law so shy?"

Madam Yu replied, "Enough from you! Sort out your own troubles first before worrying about him!"

Yu Ping nonchalantly said, "What's the big deal?" and inquired why Zhu San was more talkative before but quieter now.

"Talking takes effort. I spoke up before because there was business to handle," Zhu San explained.

This response left Yu Ping chuckling.

Madam Yu said, "Don't fret, I'll take care of it. Do you have any message for your wife?"

"No need! I'll settle accounts with her when I return. Here's a private seal of mine; take it to Old Dong's house in the east of the city. I have some silver there; use it as needed."

Madam Yu responded, "That's good, having more funds for the trip to the state prefecture is always better. Another thing—the messenger mentioned the imperial envoy arrested your father. You initially claimed ignorance; what's the real story?"

Yu Ping, moving uncomfortably and aggravating his back wound, winced in pain, "Ouch, maybe, ouch, the documents arrived late and missed me! What's happening? Is it truly about sorcery?"

"You don't know?"

"Look at my condition, Aunt."

Madam Yu asked, "Then, do you have any plan?"

After thinking, Yu Ping said, "Such a significant case from the imperial envoy wouldn't be small. Surely, he's not the only suspect. Being an outsider without local registration or kin, they might pin everything on him. Tell your father according to my advice, Zhu San, urge him not to admit anything! Also, don't rashly acknowledge your father. You're Zhu San now, not a Zhu, with all your documents in order, unrelated to you. If you recognize each other, you too might be arrested, leaving your mother utterly helpless."

Zhu San agreed, "Alright."

Madam Yu reassured, "Take good care of yourself; we'll get ready."

Yu Ping further advised, "The county magistrate must explain to the imperial envoy why Zhu Shenhan has no registration! It seems likely we'll all be escorted to the state prefecture soon, possibly within days. If you're heading to the state prefecture, Aunt, you should hurry. Your carriage can follow his convoy to avoid bandits on the road."

Madam Yu confirmed, "Alright! Who's in charge of issuing travel permits now? We'll need one for staying in inns at the state prefecture."

"Zhang Cheng."

………………

In a rush, Lady Yu took Zhu San to Dong's house to retrieve some money, then to Yu Ping's friend, Zhang Cheng, to get passes for a few members of the family. Lady Yu was originally named Yu Miaomiao, Madam Zhang's name was unknown to many, so she was listed as "Madam Zhang," and Zhu San finally learned that Flower Sister's real name was Xu Guanqun.

Yu Miaomiao said, "It's enough that you know Flower Sister's formal name; there's no need to spread it around."

They hired two carts and a large mule, checked Yu Ping's house, which had been sealed off, and Zhu San accompanied Yu Miaomiao to pick up two sets of men's clothes from a tailor before returning home.

Flower Sister and Madam Zhang had already packed their luggage. Madam Zhang and her son had little to pack, just a couple of bundles and two sets of bedding. However, Flower Sister managed to pack three large trunks and two big bamboo baskets. Yu Miaomiao assigned tasks, arranging for a hired hand to watch the house, while another, along with a young maid, would accompany them to the state office.

The hired hand tasked with house-sitting was instructed: "Go to the county yamen. As soon as the magistrate sets off, we'll follow."

Yu Miaomiao had reassigned the vehicles: Zhu San rode the big green mule, while luggage and chests were loaded onto a larger cart with a farmhand in charge. The women rode in the more comfortable horse-drawn carriage.

Early the next morning, the farmhand reported, "They've set off!"

Yu Miaomiao quickly led her group to catch up with the magistrate's procession. The magistrate rode a horse, followed by several prison carts, with Yu Ping seated in one, appearing to be in good spirits.

The prison carts moved slowly, requiring stays at rest stations for two nights along the way. Although there was some competition among the county officials, at this time, they all showed decency. When the magistrate rested, no one bothered Yu Miaomiao and Zhu San from visiting Yu Ping. Hua Jie prepared a well-rounded meal from provisions in her large basket, borrowing a kitchen at the rest station to cook for Yu Ping.

Yu Miaomiao then distributed money among the escorting officers, who happily accepted it and even inquired about her well-being. Yu Ping, still in a relaxed mood, shared more insights about how things worked in the office with Zhu San. He spoke much more than during their first meeting, talking well into the night without wanting to rest, while Zhu San listened intently.

Everything went smoothly, and by late morning on the third day, they arrived at the provincial capital. Seeing the magistrate enter the yamen, Zhu San turned the mule around to join Yu Miaomiao in searching for a larger inn to stay in, planning to visit Yu Ping in jail later.

Hua Jie, being from the provincial capital, vaguely remembered the location of larger inns. As they walked, they attracted various looks from passersby. Hua Jie felt slightly uneasy, but Immortal Zhang reassured her, "We're strangers here; they're just curious."

Upon arrival, they found the inn unchanged, still operating as a lodging house. Zhu San went in first to speak with the innkeeper about rooms. The inn's entrance was a dining hall, with guest rooms located upstairs and in the backyard. The inn's patrons couldn't help but stare at them, with Zhu San stepping in front of the women, asking, "Does the provincial capital enjoy gawking at newcomers?"

The innkeeper joked, "Is the young master here because someone in his family is involved in a lawsuit? Perhaps related to the imperial envoy? Maybe a relative in the government has been accused of accepting bribes, manipulating lawsuits, altering documents to steal land, or harassing others? Just so the young master knows, the imperial envoy executed three such people the day before yesterday..."

Yu Miaomiao was shocked, "How could they execute without a verdict, without reporting to the higher authorities for a decision? Even for a capital offense, execution should wait until after the autumn review, shouldn't it?"

The innkeeper shook his head mysteriously, choosing not to speak further. Yu Miaomiao was both alarmed and frightened, feeling at a loss despite being considered resourceful among women. Immortal Zhang also felt panicked but, feeling it was her duty to protect Zhu San and Hua Jie, who were still considered children, insisted, "Let's settle in first!"

Yu Miaomiao snapped back to reality at this command and said to the innkeeper, "We'd like to book a courtyard, the best one available! And please, lead the way."

The innkeeper bowed with a smile, "Madam, please follow me."

Once in the courtyard, Yu Miaomiao invited the innkeeper to sit, "Let them unload and settle in. I have questions for you, innkeeper. Bring out your best wine and dishes, and Zhu San, you keep the innkeeper company."

The innkeeper replied, "I couldn't possibly; I have business to attend to. Madam, just ask your questions, and I shall stand and serve."

Yu Miaomiao still ordered the food and drinks, and Zhu Three took on the role of the host, sitting opposite the innkeeper while Yu Miaomiao and Zhang Xianmu did not join the table. Yu Miaomiao, seated on a chair to the side, asked her pressing question, "Why so sudden? Why would the imperial envoy be so harsh, killing without deliberation by the department?"

The innkeeper poured wine for Zhu Three and himself, raised his cup to Zhu Three, drank it in one gulp, and said, "If the lady knows so much, then she might be aware of cases where people were imprisoned until death without formal sentencing. Weren't they also essentially left to die for nothing? Everything is predestined."

Yu Miaomiao inquired, "Were all those brought in killed?"

The innkeeper explained, "Not all. But the genesis of this case is troublesome. The lady might know, in instances where offspring of wealthy families commit capital offenses, a substitute is bought to die in their place. Unfortunately, when one such substitute was sent to the capital, discrepancies were spotted, prompting the dispatch of an imperial envoy to investigate..."

"It’s bad luck for Yu Ping, the imperial envoy's arrival targets such dark manipulations among lower officials, not just this case but a broader crackdown on corruption."

Zhu Three interjected, "Then does he even have the time to bother with a sorcery case?"

The innkeeper revealed, "The little master knows of this too? He didn’t intend to, but stumbled upon it after arriving. A major sorcery case, especially involving a prominent figure from our state now officiating in the capital, from the household of Chancellor Chen, cannot be ignored."

Zhang Xianmu turned pale upon hearing this.

The innkeeper, seeing they had no further questions and not lingering for the food, stood up, "Ladies, please rest well. I must attend to business. Should you need anything, simply instruct the servers."

Yu Miaomiao, not content to sit idly, declared, "We can't just sit around! Zhu Three, bring the money, you're coming with me to scout around."

"Alright."

Madam Yu mounted the large green mule, with Zhu San leading it. Upon reaching the imperial envoy's office, Madam Yu tumbled from the mule, narrowly caught by Zhu San.

"Auntie?"

Madam Yu weakly exclaimed, "It's over!"

Following her gaze, Zhu San saw a line of people shackled with heavy cangues in front of the office, each bleeding profusely from their thighs, moaning in pain.

These cangues, made of hardwood and iron-bound, weighed from several dozen to over a hundred pounds. Being subjected to this after a beating was a death sentence in itself, a dark tactic of the bureaucracy now turned against these corrupt clerks.

In a low voice, Madam Yu remarked, "This imperial envoy is like the king of hell!"

Meanwhile, the onlooking crowd pointed and commented on the pitiful state of the clerks, relishing in recounting their misdeeds, occasionally saying, "Karma! Instant karma! Seeing them suffer is truly satisfying!"

With a sinking heart, Madam Yu was firmly supported by Zhu San, who suggested, "Let's go back and discuss further, away from prying eyes."