Chapter 27: Filial Son

Zheng Xin and Shen Ying agreed on how to handle the drama within the yamen: it could not be ignored, but neither could they overinvolve themselves.

After persuading Zhong Yi to leave, Zheng Xin spoke diplomatically: "The boy's disrespect stems from his filial piety. It's not the time for further complications. If you wish, after we've arranged his father's affairs, we can return to the capital together. Should the Emperor inquire, I will report the truth, sparing you any injustice. How does that sound?"

Zhong Yi felt extremely unlucky. Even if it were just him, managing the aftermath wouldn't be easy. Now with Zheng Xin involved, not kicking a man when he's down meant he owed him a huge favor. This was a favor too big to accept! He had no choice but to take the easier path.

He decisively thought: So be it! What's wrong with returning to the capital to face punishment and lying low for a few years?

Zhong Yi accepted Zheng Xin's persuasion. Zhou You still felt indignant, arguing the magistrate's death was his own doing and had nothing to do with Zhong Yi. However, Shen Ying stopped him, quietly advising, "Respect the deceased. Making a scene would only tarnish Master Zhong's reputation. If you don't believe me, ask Master Zhong when you return."

The two also comforted the magistrate's son, quickly arranging his father's funeral without delving into the matter of the son's actions leading to his father's death.

Having calmed both parties, they instructed the yamen staff still capable of performing duties to assist in managing the posthumous affairs of the magistrate and his wife. They planned a few days of mourning, allowing the son to return home with the servants for burial, providing a document to ensure reception at official inns along the way.

After handling these affairs, they immediately wrote a report detailing the case and the magistrate's death, stating their plan to escort the prisoners and evidence back to the capital. They delayed due to concerns over the prisoners, who had been previously tortured and might not survive the journey.

Once the report was dispatched, the local community leaders crowded into the front court of the yamen.

Mr. Huang secretly yawned, observing Zheng and Shen's slightly red eyes but spirited demeanor. He inquired whether to bring everyone in together or address them all at once.

Zheng Xin suggested speaking to everyone at once to allow everyone to rest after a long night. In the front court, he posed two questions—

About a fair-skinned young peddler and someone named Xu Youfang who had been in the area twenty years ago.

Zheng Xin offered a reward for information, promising significant payment for leads before their departure to the capital. The sooner the information was received, the higher the reward.

This was a considerable sum, especially with the potential for increased rewards for early information.

Everyone was intrigued.

Xu Jia, particularly, felt his heart race, wondering about the consequences of mistaken information and asking for clearer identifiers.

Additional details were sparse, noting only the unique boxes on the peddler's carrying poles and that Xu Youfang had a daughter who would be twenty years old now.

Some murmured recognition of the Xu name but needed to verify details, recalling it from years past.

Zheng Xin acknowledged this could be a lead.

Xu Jia, initially eager to speak up, decided to double-check his suspicions, thinking the individuals in question hadn't fled yet.

As the crowd dispersed, Zheng Xin told Mr. Huang, "We'll go rest at the guesthouse now. Let them handle things, and you rest too. Don't wait to report any news; just come and tell us."

Mr. Huang was extremely pleased with him and hurriedly agreed.

Zheng Xin and Shen Ying paid their respects with incense in the back office before heading to the guesthouse prepared for them. Although the best accommodations had previously been arranged for Zhong Yi, Chen Meng had offered to host them at his home, but Zheng Xin and Shen Ying declined, emphasizing the need for impartiality in their investigation.

They arrived at another guesthouse tidied up by Mr. Huang and others, who apologized for its modesty, although the interior was just as fine as anywhere else.

Although Zheng Xin and Shen Ying brought their attendants, they declined the extra help arranged by Mr. Huang, asking for quiet as they needed rest. Compared to Zhong Yi, they were easier to serve, leaving Mr. Huang feeling relieved and light as he found a room to sleep in on the premises.

Soon, despite their exhaustion, they were woken by a soft report: "There's a clue."

………………

Motivated by the reward, Xu Jia rationalized that the clearly capable Zheng Xin was not malevolent, and the peddler's family, with their deception and legal troubles, were likely not virtuous. He convinced himself to report any findings to Zheng Xin quietly.

Xu Jia returned home for old clothes before heading to the rented house.

Meanwhile, the scene at the rented house was transformed.

Zhang Xiangong cleaned up Zhu Shenhan, who was covered in new and old injuries and couldn't move easily. After washing him and applying medicine, she put him on the bed to rest, then went to cook. Zhu Shenhan, meanwhile, repaired a broken door panel and cleaned it for use as a temporary bed.

With the new bed planks drying, Zhu Shenhan bought chicken, rice, eggs, flour, and a small pot for brewing medicine, planning to build a small stove herself.

Zhang Xiangong, seeing Zhu Shenhan's condition, decided to postpone eating the chicken, opting for the stewed meat and bones prepared the day before.

Zhu Shenhan expressed his gratitude, downplaying his need for luxury after enduring hardship in jail, and quickly fell asleep after eating.

Zhu Shenhan began constructing a small stove for brewing medicine while Zhang Xiangong continued cooking. Xu Jia, having brought over some of his own old clothing as a gesture, knocked on the door.

Zhang Xiangong, after wiping her hands on her apron, went to see who it was.

Xu Jia offered his own clothes for Zhu Shenhan, which improved Zhang Xiangong's mood, gratefully accepting the kind gesture.

Xu Jia inquired about the severity of injuries, implying the necessity of prior notice if the situation was dire.

Zhang Xian Gu scoffed at the notion, asserting their well-being.

Embarrassed by her retort, Xu Jia turned away, his attention caught by a peddler's burden by the wall. Identifying the peddler's profile – a youngster with a load, accompanied by an elderly mother – he speculated about earning a reward from the generous envoy, envisioning new clothes from any compensation received.

Quickly, he set his clothes aside and darted off.

Zhu San, busy with chores, missed Xu Jia's peculiar behavior, indifferent to his potential disparagements. Having been accustomed to derogatory remarks, her primary concern was for Zhu Shenhan's welfare, ensuring no legal troubles for her father before contemplating a fresh start. Considering the recent turmoil at the prefectural magistrate's office, she doubted Zheng Xi's immediate concern would be finding her.

After finishing the small stove for brewing medicine and feeling satisfied with its operation, Zhu San prepared rice in a pot for simmering, complemented by Zhang Xian Gu's bone soup enriched with vegetables, ensuring a sufficient meal with the available rice.

Zhang Xian Gu set out three bowls: one filled with bone meat and broth, another with vegetables, and a third with both. She brought the latter two to the table, advising Zhu San that the rice could simmer on its own, inviting her to eat.

Carrying the bowl filled with meat and bones to the bedside, she urged Zhu Shenhan to eat.

Sipping the savory broth, Zhu San appreciated the taste despite Zhang Xian Gu's culinary skills not matching those of the prefectural magistrate's cook. Unfussy by nature, she found the soup delicious, adding a meaty bone to another bowl before heading outside, finding the doorway brighter.

As she reached the door without kneeling, the sound of galloping hooves approached, causing Zhu San's expression to dramatically change as she held the bowl.

"The square-built one!"

………………

When Jin Liang was woken up, he was snoring contentedly. Coming from a military background, he was accustomed to hardship but waking him abruptly did irk him.

Since Zheng Xi was already up, Jin Liang, suppressing his irritation, said, "Lord Seven, go back to sleep. I'll handle it. I've seen the boy before!"

Originally a servant in the Zheng family, cultivated by Zheng Xi's father, Lord Zheng, Jin Liang was released from servitude and secured a military position due to his loyalty. Despite the opportunity to start his own household, he chose to remain loyal to the Zheng family. When Zheng Xi needed assistance for his mission, Jin Liang volunteered to join the entourage.

How could he let Lord Seven be disturbed over a minor matter? It was his duty to ensure Zheng Xi could rest well.

If he's the young peddler, this kid must follow Lord Seven obediently! If not, Jin Liang, with his eyes red from sleepiness, gave Xu Jia a stern look!

Xu Jia was unaware that matters and people have their urgencies and importances. If it was news about Shen Ying's niece, shouting at his bedside, Shen Ying wouldn't get angry. This young peddler, evidently, wasn't of significant importance. Zheng Xi's saying "You can report any news" included some polite exaggerations.

However, Xu Jia couldn't discern this, nor could he fathom the full story based on guesses. Had Mr. Huang been handling this, he might have first secured Zhu San's family locally or detained them until Zheng Xi and his entourage had rested enough to verify the information. But Mr. Huang had gone to sleep, and Xu Jia, focused solely on earning a reward, didn't even consult Mr. Huang. By the time Mr. Huang was informed, Xu Jia had already met with Jin Liang and Zheng Xi.

Zheng Xi merely commented, "This is not good behavior; don't provoke him."

Jin Liang, bristling with anger, went to verify the young peddler's identity, with Xu Jia trailing behind, nearly out of breath. Jin Liang controlled his horse's speed, not galloping full tilt, and easily reined in his horse upon reaching Zhu San, showing his teeth and demanded, "Kid, what do you say?"

Madam Zhang saw Zhu San standing at the doorway, motionless, and came out to ask her, "Why are you standing there like a fool? Come in and eat..."

Jin Liang bared his teeth at her again.

Madam Zhang exclaimed, "Aren't you the one whose purse was stolen? It was our Old Three who found it for you! The tea stall! Have you forgotten? How did you find this place? Come in for a drink?"

Xu Jia arrived a bit later, and upon hearing Madam Zhang's words, he thought, "So, is this repaying a favor by the imperial envoy? Oh dear, I hope I wasn't too rude to them before. No matter, I even gave them a set of old clothes!"

Zhu San glanced at him before focusing on Jin Liang, asking, "What's the matter?"

Jin Liang dismounted, surveyed her and her bowl of food, and asked, "Is this all you're eating?"

Zhu San nodded affirmatively. Zhang Xian Gu, on high alert, questioned, "Who are you?" To her, anyone using food to entice a young girl was no good; despite reminding her daughter "you are a boy," she knew well her child was a girl, vulnerable to all potential harms that could befall any girl.

Xu Jia quickly explained, "This man is an attendant to the newly arrived Imperial Envoy, the one who released your family head!"

Jin Liang inquired, "What family head? Released what?" Puzzled about the peddler's household having a head at all.

Zhang Xian Gu, astonished, exclaimed, "What? Wasn't it said to be released already? Is there something else? What could that deadbeat possibly know? If he truly had any cursing power, would we be this poor or easily bullied?"

Indeed, despite both being spiritual practitioners, they lacked any real "magical power," subsisting on minor deceptions, with their skills combined not matching Zhu San's self-taught talents.

Xu Jia hurriedly recounted today's incident where the mother-daughter duo carted back a badly beaten shaman, confirming it was the local shaman involved in the witchcraft-turned-grave-robbing case.

Jin Liang's impatience vanished as he realized, "So you were trying to save your father." The peddler's earlier odd behavior now made sense. Visiting graves, withholding names, feigning madness, refusing to accompany Zheng Xi, and fleeing.

This represented "filial piety." The esteem for a filial child is universally high, especially for one so young. Jin Liang thought it wise for Zheng Xi to consider taking in such a loyal son. His demeanor softened genuinely.

Jin Liang politely addressed Zhang Xian Gu, "We've encountered... San Lang before. The lord finds him commendable and wishes to have him as an attendant. Would you be willing?"

Zhang Xian Gu was naturally opposed! Her daughter, serve as a man's attendant? Even if he were an Imperial Envoy, her daughter's formal identity needed rectification first. She couldn't just be sent off ambiguously to serve.

After the courthouse incident, Zhang Xian Gu was wary of officials; even short-term employment could end with her being sent away. An attendant? That was outright unacceptable.

Zhang Xian Gu shook her head, "We appreciate your kindness, but we're humble folks, clinging to our only child, never leaving her side."

Seeing no progress with her, Jin Liang turned to Zhu San, "San Lang?"

Zhu San asked calmly, "Am I currently considered a family member of a serious offender?"

Jin Liang responded, "Should be... not anymore?"

Zhu San simply responded, "Oh."

Observing the mother and daughter's nonchalant demeanor and recalling Zheng Xi's plans, as well as the local charlatan lying inside, Jin Liang felt underprepared without any first aid or his wallet, and said, "You two settle in comfortably, I'll be back shortly!"

Then, he abruptly took Xu Jia away!

Zhang Xianjun felt a wave of panic, asking Zhu San, "What do we do now?"

Zhu Sandao said, "First, let's check on father's injury."

………………

The two approached the bed to find Zhu Shenhan still sprawled out asleep. Zhang Xiangui exclaimed, "Wake up!" Zhu Shenhan twitched twice but did not rise.

Seeing the situation was not good, Zhang Xiangui set the bowl aside, touched Zhu Shenhan's forehead, and indeed, he had a fever. Muttering, she forcefully roused him, "Quick, eat something. The medicine will work soon, and it's no good on an empty stomach! You unlucky fellow, doing just fine in jail, taking a beating well, and now that you're back home cleaned up and with food, you fall ill."

Zhu San examined Zhu Shenhan's back. The beating wasn't intentionally harsh, but it wasn't light either. Layering new wounds over old ones and now making him travel without a comfortable sedan chair was like hastening his death.

Zhu Shenhan cracked a smile, "It's nothing, just stretching my muscles and bones."

Struggling to half sit up, his body wounded and unwilling to leave the bed, he draped Xu Jia's old clothes over himself, then covered them with a blanket, lying on his side while Zhang Xiangui fed him.

After eating a few bites, he felt slightly better. Zhang Xiangui said, "Eat a little more, and I'll brew some medicine for you. You'll feel better after you take it." She was extremely anxious, but given her husband's condition, it didn't seem right to speak of the recent events. Zhu Shenhan drowsily finished his meal and then fell deeply asleep.

Zhang Xiangui opened her mouth, wanting to speak to her husband, but held back; wanting to speak to her daughter, she also refrained.

Zhu San seemed relatively calm, finishing the vegetables in the bowl and drinking all the soup. Then she took the cooked rice soup from the pot, ate a bowlful, poured the rest into the empty bowl, washed the pot, and began to brew the medicine. Zhang Xiangui sat still for a while, then ate the half-cold vegetable soup, startled by a bone she chewed on, glanced at her daughter, and silently finished the vegetable and rice soups, then went to wash the dishes.

Neither mother nor daughter spoke, and Zhu Shenhan's breathing was deep and steady.

As the shadows grew longer, the medicine was ready, and together they managed to get Zhu Shenhan to swallow it, though he still seemed somewhat confused.

Zhu San said, "The medicine is taken. If the fever persists by morning, we'll have to call for a doctor." At the mention of calling a doctor, Zhang Xiangui's first reaction was, "How much will it cost?"

Zhu San said, "We have enough for one visit, but it's a pity. Had we known this would happen, we wouldn't have dealt with the goods. Now we must sell the goods to have money... Don't worry, I'll figure something out."

"You must not engage in those activities..."

"I know," Zhu San replied.

The two fell silent again. Out of sheer desperation, Zhang Xianjun suggested, "How about I write some talismans, and go out to tell fortunes again?"

"Dad needs someone to look after him," Zhu San pointed out.

Silence ensued once more between them.

Zhu San pondered for a moment, then took the newly acquired household goods and sat down at the door, slowly crafting hairpins. A few worthless pieces of broken wood, with a bit of work, could be sold for a few coins – every bit counts! The slender wood strips took the shape of hairpins in her hands, calming her heart as she started making mental calculations.

With no case hanging over her, movements became more convenient. She still had a few coins in hand, enough to get by for a while. By turning over some goods, she could scrape together some money for living. As long as Zhu Shenhan recovered, the three of them could manage to survive. The immediate concern was only the imperial envoy.

She figured the envoy's interest in her wouldn't be too significant, nor would he take her family away. Zheng Qi was probably more intrigued by her appearance in the graveyard and such matters. If it really came down to explanations, she'd tell him everything he wanted to know. Once his curiosity was satisfied, Zheng Qi likely wouldn't persist.

Of course, if they were forcibly taken away, that would be a different story – she'd find a way to escape then.

With her mind made up, a slight smile played at the corners of Zhu San's mouth, and then, she heard the sound of hooves approaching.

Looking up, she saw Zheng Qi himself arriving!

………………

After Zheng Xi woke up again, his mood significantly improved. He intended to reward Xu Jia with one hundred strings of cash but, given the impracticality of carrying such a heavy amount, he instead gave a piece of gold.

Holding the gold, Xu Jia awkwardly expressed his gratitude for the generous reward and left joyfully, not forgetting to mention his good deeds: "Seeing their family in such dire straits, I gave them some old clothes and even discounted their rent."

Zheng Xi nodded slightly, and Xu Jia was then escorted out by the attendants.

Jin Liang elaborated on his encounter with Zhu San, which wasn't much of a story except for his observation: "Turns out, he's a dutiful son. His father is one of the local criminals you released today."

That single statement made everything clear to Zheng Xi, who, like Jin Liang, admired this act of filial piety. Despite the disapproval of swindling and deception, the presence of a filial son within such trades was commendable. If Zheng Xi's initial interest in the young peddler was partly out of necessity, now his personal admiration for the boy had increased significantly.

He knew well that a filial son wasn't necessarily a good person. Those who commit murder, arson, betray their masters for glory could also be filial sons. However, being filial is better than being unfilial. Filial piety shows vulnerability, a softer side compared to the incomprehensible actions of a second-rate scoundrel, making them seem more respectable.

Zheng Xi casually inquired, "Has Shen Wu's niece been found?"

Jin Liang replied, "Not that I've heard."

Zheng Xi said, "Since we have some free time, let's change our clothes and go see that young man."

Jin Liang noted, "Oh, according to his mother, he's the third son."

"What about his elder brothers?"

"I don't know. Ah, it seems he's the only child left; the others must have passed away."

Zheng Xi suggested, "Let's gather some essentials like firewood and rice, and pay him a visit."