Chapter 29: Reunion

Zhu San wasn't entirely serious about finding the person. As she left the house with some change, she thought, "If I'm incredibly lucky and happen to find them, great. If not, I'll still gather some rumors about the capital and pick up some odds and ends."

After wandering around and sitting in teahouses frequented by traveling merchants to listen to their boasts and discern truth from lies, she decided to bring some local goods that were rare in the capital with the little money she had. This way, she could earn some living expenses upon arrival. Although Zheng Qi had given her family a substantial sum, it was only a temporary relief. She needed to rely on herself for their day-to-day living.

The capital was bound to be expensive for everything. Buying a house was out of the question, and even renting wouldn't be cheap. She had been spending money freely these past few days in the prefecture city, and Zhang Xian Gu had nagged her for being too extravagant. By her estimation, setting up in the capital would only be costlier. Buying now and bringing goods to the capital meant profit. The savings would have to go towards renting a place in the capital.

After hearing enough idle chat, Zhu San left the teahouse as the market was about to open and strolled through the marketplace.

While walking on the street, she suddenly heard someone call, "Zhu San?"

Turning towards the voice, Zhu San saw Jin Liang also wandering the streets. Noticing Zhu San's glance, Jin Liang quickly approached, followed by two of Zheng Qi's attendants. Jin Liang warmly introduced them, "You've met them, right? This is Zhu San. And these two, this is Lu Chao, and this is Gan Ze." Both were sturdy men in their thirties, with ordinary but decent appearances and taller than Zhu San. Lu Chao was darker-skinned, while Gan Ze was fairer.

Zhu San also smiled and greeted, "Brother Lu, Brother Gan."

Jin Liang corrected: "He's not the eldest; he's Lu Er (Lu the second)."

Zhu San nodded, and Jin Liang said to the other two, "We're all on the same side now. Despite his young age, San Lang is capable and filial." Lu Chao and Gan Ze, knowing why Zheng Xi sought Zhu San, had their thoughts but remained amiable.

Jin Liang asked, "Why are you out here wandering? And dressed like this?"

Though Zhu San had changed into a thicker jacket, it was still a narrow-sleeved, short outfit that made her look like a laborer, not very presentable. Zhu San said, "It's more convenient this way." Jin Liang inquired about Zhu Shenhan's injuries. Zhu San replied, "We had a physician come over. He's taken medicine, and the fever has gone down these past few days, and the wounds have scabbed over." Jin Liang, eager to foster a good relationship with this future "insider," accompanied her, asking, "What are you out here for?"

"To buy some odds and ends."

Jin Liang suggested, "Stick with what you have for now, and you can get new things once we're in the capital."

"Okay."

Keen on bridging the gap between Zhu San and Lu, Gan, Jin Liang mentioned, "Hey, have you heard about what's happening in the city?"

Zhu San stepped aside, putting some distance between them. Jin Liang was much taller, and being too close felt uncomfortable. Only after stepping away did she ask, "What's going on? The prefect's funeral? I saw it. Two coffins came out, which is a bad omen. His son is taking two coffins back to their hometown. If he stays out of trouble, it's fine, but if not, I'm afraid there will be problems."

Jin Liang said, "Who's talking about him? How about finding someone with the surname Xu? Would you like to try? Lu Er, Gan Da, interested in seeing something?"

Zhu San replied, "You're trying to amuse yourselves with me? That won't be easy to find!"

Jin Liang teased her, "Scared? Don't have the skill? Giving up?"

Zhu San rolled her eyes at him, "You don't even know how to provoke properly. Let me tell you—this can't be kept secret. I heard on the street a couple of days ago that you guys were looking for someone. A living person should have heard this news by now. If he hasn't shown up, what does that tell you? Either he doesn't want to deal with it, or he's no longer here, dead or gone. You walk down the street, and if you bump into him, that's luck. If not,

Lu and Gan exchanged glances, thinking this matched pretty well with what Qilang had said.

Jin Liang, not giving up, said, "How do you know you won't find them if you don't try?"

Zhu San replied, "They're not my relatives, and I have my own family matters to attend to. I can't spare the effort."

Jin Liang thought to himself that since this person is a filial son, his heart must be in the right place. Persuading him could not only showcase Qilang's abilities but also fulfill Vice Envoy Shen's wish, aiding in reuniting a family and accumulating good karma. He said, "You don't understand who we're looking for..."

Seeing Zhu San not taking the bait, he continued, "It's Vice Envoy Shen's niece..."

After hearing the backstory from Jin Liang, that the Feng and Shen families were related by marriage and both got entangled in trouble, Vice Envoy Shen's father committed suicide in time, lessening the fallout for the family, while the Fengs faced a grimmer fate, with the head of the family executed and the family enslaved, including Shen's sister who had married into the Fengs.

At that time, Mrs. Feng had just given birth to a daughter. A subordinate of the Feng family head, though implicated, was only dismissed due to minor involvement. This subordinate was Xu Youfang, who then arranged to smuggle the child out, raising her as his own in his hometown. Since he had been an official for years, his hometown was unaware of his circumstances.

Wealthy families usually hire a wet nurse, and some even prepare several. A lactating woman would, of course, have given birth herself. The wet nurse's husband, a servant of the Feng family, swapped his own daughter for the Feng's miss, entrusting his biological child to Xu Youfang for upbringing.

After the Feng family's case was overturned, Mrs. Feng returned to her parental home and began seeking her biological daughter. Just then, a major case occurred locally, and Vice Envoy Shen secured a position to come, both to protect his elder sister's orphan and to search for his third sister's flesh and blood.

Trusting Zhu San's character, Jin Liang detailed the old affairs of the Feng and Shen families, emphasizing Mrs. Feng's chastity and longing for her daughter, aiming to move Zhu San.

Both Lu Chao and Gan Ze felt compassion upon hearing this, but Zhu San, with sparkling eyes, asked him, "What about the child who was swapped and suffered with the lady? What happened to her?"

Jin Liang was slightly taken aback, then reached out to smack her head in annoyance, "I've said so much, do you think I'm narrating a story to you? Waiting for the next episode?! Quick, do you have any ideas?"

"You didn't answer my question, yet you expect answers from me? Hmph!"

"The vice envoy didn't mention it. Am I you? Disrespectful, asking such things of the vice envoy! Remember, when you see them, don't be so clueless."

Zhu San thought to herself, what kind of mess is this? It seems that child's fate isn't good. Compared to this poor girl's father, my own father seems merciful! That useless vice envoy is another story...

Seeing her silent, Jin Liang urged, "Have you thought of something?"

Zhu San replied, "How could I come up with something your master hasn't thought of?" Inside, she thought, let them do whatever, I'm not finding this person! Not for five hundred, not even five thousand... Leave them to it!

Jin Liang then dropped the matter of the vice envoy, correcting her, "It's our Qilang! Ah, our family's Qilang is the seventh in this generation in our house..." and went on to share some family affairs.

Suddenly, Zhu San grabbed a child passing by, "Hey, help me deliver a message, and you'll get something good out of it."

The child was startled at first but then looked downcast upon seeing her. Zhu San shook her head, thinking, do you know who you've stolen from?

Meanwhile, Jin Liang ran into an acquaintance, "Hey, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be preparing to return to the capital?"

The man replied upon seeing Jin Liang, "Picking up some local products before I go back. Can't go home empty-handed, or my wife won't let me hear the end of it."

Zhu San pulled the child closer and whispered, "Even the envoy's entourage steals, huh? If Zhong doesn't beat you to death," she handed him some money, "this should cover it! Stay out of trouble these next few days. If they can't find you, they'll pressure the lower ranks to solve cases. The headhunter doesn't recognize you? Tell that old thief not to send your brothers snooping around my place anymore, it's annoying! And pass a message to my mom, tell her I won't be home for lunch, I'll be out shopping for a bit longer."

The child sobbed loudly, clutching the money and running off.

Having finished his conversation, Jin Liang introduced the man to Zhu San as Zhong Yi's attendant. Zhu San nodded with a smile, advising him, "You should buy more dried goods. Fresh ones aren’t suitable for travel and take up too much space." The man looked skeptical, but Jin Liang said, "Listen to him. He's clever and won't steer you wrong." With a laugh, the man slowly walked away.

Jin Liang asked, "What were you whispering to that kid just now?"

Zhu San replied, "Just sending a message. Come on, I'll treat you to tea."

Jin Liang objected, "How much money do you even have? Don't waste it!"

"Let's go. You might not be thirsty, but I am!" Zhu San also called for Lu Chao and Gan Ze to join them.

Jin Liang conceded, "Fine, we'll have tea, but not with your money! Lead the way to a good tea house."

The group of four found a decent tea house, ordered some snacks and meat dishes. Jin Liang, still not giving up, asked Zhu San, "Are you sure you won't search?"

Zhu San responded, "Let someone else make the hard-earned money! Look at all the fuss these past few months."

After a moment of thought, Jin Liang said, "You're right. You think more thoroughly than I do. But drop that tone, you're actually making a fair point. However, if you do find the person, can you tell if they're lying? Some have already tried to claim the identity, and as time goes on, the liars might get smarter."

Knowing he meant well, Zhu San didn't tease him further, "Hard to say, I've never met the real one, so I wouldn't recognize a fake." She poured him a bowl of tea.

Having accepted their hospitality, Lu Chao began to speak, "We're heading back to the capital in a few days. Have you prepared your luggage, San Lang?"

Zhu San answered, "I'm working on it. I was thinking of getting a mule cart, but sadly, I don't really know how to drive one."

Gan Ze said, "No worries, there are plenty of people to help. We'll be bringing a prison cart back, so we won't be traveling fast. Being inexperienced is fine. Do you know how to ride a horse? It'd be good to learn; I can teach you on the way."

Zhu San offered him tea in thanks, "Then I'll thank you in advance." She also inquired about life in the capital, comparing it with what traders had told her. Some matched up, others didn't. Some discrepancies were likely exaggerations by the traders, while others might stem from the different perspectives between noble attendants and common merchants.

Jin Liang was pleased to see them getting along well.

Zhu San asked about the cost of living and rent in the capital, as well as about the scenery they saw on their journey. Jin Liang warned Gan Ze and Lu Chao, "He's still young, don't invite him to drink or gamble!"

Both men laughed, and Zhu San did too. Jin Liang glared at Zhu San, "They might play occasionally, but you mustn't..." Zhu San nodded obediently, "Okay." Lu Chao said, "Don't listen to him; he plays too..." only to be silenced by Jin Liang tapping him on the head with chopsticks, "Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!"

This banter brought Zhu San closer to them. After a hearty meal, Jin Liang mentioned, "We didn't do any official work today, we still need to report back."

Zhu San settled the bill and parted ways with them, then went to the market to buy some local products before heading home.

………………

At home, Zhang Xiangui whispered, "You haven't even officially started the job, and you've already learned how to socialize outside! Be careful, you're a girl, and socializing with men outside, make sure you don't give yourself away."

Zhu San replied, "I know."

"What did you buy these for?"

Zhu San explained her plan to sell the goods in the capital. Zhang Xiangui responded, "That's sensible! Life is hard everywhere. You've had a long day, better get some sleep early."

Zhu San agreed, "Yeah, tomorrow I'll check out the mule and horse market and the cart shop; we need to get a cart."

Zhang Xiangui glanced back at the inner room, "For a long journey like this, especially with your father still injured, having a cart would be convenient. When are you leaving?"

Zhu San answered, "Soon, I guess. We're supposed to find someone for the vice envoy, but if we can't find them, there's no reason to stay here indefinitely."

"Oh, then it's settled." With things decided, Zhang Xian Gu became determined again, starting to plan for life after moving to the capital. Aware of the high cost of living there, she pondered what she could do to contribute financially.

Zhu Shenhan's condition had also improved significantly, to the point where he could stand with the help of crutches for a while. He encouraged, "We have hands and feet, and now that we have the favor of a noble, there's no need to worry!"

Zhang Xian Gu scolded him, "Stop causing trouble!"

The two of them started arguing again until Zhu San said, "Let's sleep." Only then did they stop their argument.

A night passed without words, and in the following two days, Zhu San wandered through the mule and horse market and the carriage shops, pondering a bit but not yet making a purchase—buying now would mean having nowhere to store them, and there was no fodder for the mules and horses. When the niece of Vice Envoy Shen was found, she would go buy the mule cart.

On the morning of the fourth day, he went out early to buy a calligraphy copybook and spread it out intending to practice writing. Then, a tittering of footsteps approached, belonging to a little girl he had seen before. The girl, carrying a basket, came up and knocked on the door panel, "Young master, there's trouble!"

This little girl was the apprentice of the old thief of Fucheng, the one Zhu San had sought out before. Zhu San asked, "How come you have time to find me? What's happened? Did you slip up again?"

The little girl snorted and said, "It's about you! Oh, what a coincidence, early this morning, our people saw your foster mother and elder sister being dragged by a group of country bumpkins, planning to tie them up and take them back to their hometown! How did you offend people? Why aren't you living with them anymore? I called some people to hold them off for a bit, if you're late they might be lost!"

Zhu San, surprised, said, "They?"

Yu Miaomiao and Hua Sister? These two had once passed on messages for her, she couldn't ignore them now that they were in trouble: "How do you know them?"

The little girl said, "You stayed in the inn for several days, I found out through asking around. Hey, when did you come back? You even changed your outfit, I almost didn't recognize you. If it weren't for Xiao Liuzi mentioning it yesterday, I wouldn't have known you were here."

Zhu San asked, "Where are they now?"

"They're on the main street! Your foster mother is amazing! She kept saying she wasn't a runaway wife, begging everyone to be witnesses, saying she wanted to see an official!"

Zhu San shouted into the inner room, "Mother! Foster mother and elder sister have come to Fucheng, they must have been forced to run because of the Zhu family's bunch of bastards! I need to go see."

After finishing preparing breakfast, Zhang XianGu came out with it and called Zhu San to eat, seeing the situation she asked, "What? Can you handle it?"

Zhu San said, "It's manageable. Foster mother has a plan, and elder sister isn't foolish. With a bit of help delaying them, there's a way out! Ah! Where's the document?"

"What document?"

"The one you and foster mother signed, the one recruiting me as a son-in-law!"

Where could it possibly be? The more you search, the harder it is to find! Zhu San said to the little girl, "Do me a favor, hurry over and ask them to help delay further. If that doesn't work, take both parties to file a complaint with the official! Go to the newly arrived imperial envoy! I'll be right behind you. This is for your troubles." He handed her a piece of silver.

The little girl said, "Okay."

Zhu San and Zhang XianGu searched the house thoroughly; the contract had previously been hidden in the bedding on the roof beams before being taken out and tucked under a quilt by Zhang XianGu, resulting in it being wrinkled all over when found.

With the document in hand, Zhu San was ready to leave, but Zhang XianGu said, "I'm coming with you! I made the agreement, and my thumbprint is on it! Old thing, you stay and watch the house!"

Zhu Shenhan said, "What? Wait! Seriously, as a son-in-law?"

Zhang XianGu snapped, "Tch! Shut your dog mouth! We'll talk when I get back! Just say you don't know anything if asked."

Zhu Shenhan felt snubbed and could only sit inside, stewing in frustration, swearing to himself that he must get a clear explanation later!

………………

On their way to the main street, Zhu San and Zhang XianGu were informed by people, "They've gone to the imperial envoy for a judgment!"

The two hurried to Zheng Xi's yamen, with Zhang XianGu panting heavily and Zhu San's forehead breaking out in a light sweat. With no prefect in the yamen, turning to the imperial envoy for judgment was indeed reasonable. Lu Chao was at the entrance, greeted Zhu San, and asked, "How did you get here? Is there an emergency?"

Zhu San declared, "My wife and foster mother have been falsely accused. I heard they came here to seek justice from the lord!"

Lu Chao was taken aback, "What? She's your wife? You're married?"

"I need to see this for myself..."

"Wait! I'll come with you!" Energized, Lu Chao found someone to cover for him and personally accompanied Zhu San to Zheng Xi.

Zhu San, supporting Zhang XianGu, made their way to the main hall, where preparations had already been made, with Jin Liang backing them up. At that time, Shen Ying had no interest in these trifles, but with people pleading "The yamen has no prefect, we beg the imperial envoy to decide," Zheng Xi reluctantly agreed to hear the case.

On one side were an older and a younger woman, looking disheveled with their hair and hairpins in disarray, sobbing while quickly straightening their clothes and tidying their hair, appearing to be respectable people. On the other side, leading them was a man in a long robe, followed by a dozen or so young men in short attire, clamoring to capture a family's runaway women, accusing them of dishonoring widowhood by fleeing to the city without their husbands, fearing they might bring shame to the family name with illicit affairs.

Yu Miaomiao was not to be outdone, asserting that since she and her mother-in-law had lost their husbands, the impoverished relatives sought to devour their household.

The elder Zhu, despite his age, spoke with vigor, "My lord, this is a matter of my Zhu family's property. My nephew and grandnephew were unfortunate to die young," he said, feigning tears on his wrinkled face, "We wanted to ensure a lineage for them, so there would be someone to tend their graves in the future. My lord, is this plan not just?"

Yu Miaomiao, a formidable woman, cried without missing a beat as she recounted her ledger, "Fourteen years ago, before my poor husband passed, our household had twenty acres of superior land, fifty acres of average land, a hundred acres of inferior land, ten oxen, and two houses. I also had a son and a daughter-in-law living with us, along with several servants.

After the funeral, I was left with only fifteen acres of superior land, while Elder Zhu gained five acres; I lost twenty acres of inferior land, which he gained. My son's marriage cost me two oxen and a house, which then added another house and two oxen to his son's share...

When my poor son passed away, I was left without a single acre. Where did it all go?"

She continued with accounts of how she donated twenty acres of average land to the clan for her son's education. Zheng Xi and the others frowned upon hearing this. Exploiting widows... all too common, yet Elder Zhu's reasoning also held merit. A widow without a husband or son, having the clan establish a lineage for her, posed no issue.

No matter the argument, even if taken to the emperor in the imperial palace for judgment, one couldn't say that the husband's estate should not revert to his clan but to the widow. Nor could one argue that establishing a heir for the widow was wrong. This was considered a great virtue, a good deed.

As for the land registered in his name, Elder Zhu claimed, "I bought it with my own money!"

"Exactly!" Yu Miaomiao said, "My lord, pearls are found in the eyes of pearl fish, so why not use the money for fish-eye pearls to buy my pearls?"

Elder Zhu also kowtowed to Zheng Xi, "My lord, there's no reason in the world for a married daughter-in-law to run away."

Yu Miaomiao retorted sharply, "I have my own home, and of course, Hua Sister should be with me! Who else could be closer to her than I am?"

Seeing that Zheng Xi didn't immediately side with Yu Miaomiao, Elder Zhu also contested for Hua Sister, aiming to win her back as a bride for his grandson, which would be beneficial. After all, Yu Miaomiao had put effort into educating Hua Sister, who could read, do arithmetic, manage a household, and even save the expense of a dowry. How economical!

Elder Zhu stated plainly, "My lord, she belongs to my family." He was certain Yu Miaomiao and Hua Sister wouldn't dare mention Zhu San. The mother and daughter-in-law had been back in the county town for some time now. News traveled slow from the countryside, only recently reaching them about Zhu Shenhan's trouble, Zhang XianGu's escape with her son, and Yu Ping being dismissed and beaten, idling at home.

The Zhu family saw their chance. Without Yu Ping, the local strongman, to back her, no matter how formidable Yu Miaomiao was, she couldn't contend with the entire husband's clan. Only then did they dare to stage this drama. Due to the slow spread of news from Fucheng to the county and then to the countryside, they were unaware that Zhu Shenhan had been released and Zhu San, the "wolf cub," was no longer a fugitive and had no concerns about his future.

As Elder Zhu was still kowtowing, pleading with Zheng Xi to uphold "ritual and teaching," he heard a voice he wished never to hear again, saying, "Is that so? You're openly stealing my people, did you ask me?!"

Yu Miaomiao and Hua Sister, tears still on their faces, showed surprise and joy, Hua Sister exclaimed, "San Lang?!!! No, how did you get here, you..."

Zhu San, following Lu Chao to the hall, knelt down in the customary manner, holding the marriage document, and said, "I've come to take my wife home."

Zheng Xi's face finally showed emotion, "You? Stand up and speak."

He was allowed into the hall, and even Zhang XianGu followed.

Zhang XianGu, more articulate than Yu Miaomiao, felt supported by Zheng Xi's presence and emboldened with Zhu San there. With Yu Miaomiao present, she felt she couldn't be outdone by her "in-law," pointing at Elder Zhu, she burst out, "You old bastard, doing inhumane deeds! It's cruel to mistreat one's own! Driving your daughter-in-law to death, and now you want to bully someone else's?"

Zhu San called out "Mother," which made Zhang XianGu hold her tongue.

Zheng Xi asked Zhu San to explain the situation. Holding the marriage document, Zhu San said, "My foster mother's son is gone, and they recruited me as a son-in-law. Here's the contract, clear and unequivocal."

What he referred to as a contract was, in fact, a marriage document. Later, with Yu Ping's help, the document was flawlessly prepared. According to local customs, this was acceptable. At the time, with the axe over his neck, Elder Zhu even acted as a "witness" to the marriage, signing his name and seal.

Zheng Xi didn't look at anything else, his eyes immediately caught that Zhu Si was the witness, almost making him laugh out loud. He ordered someone to send a note to the yamen, instructing them to take over the case for review. Jin Liang personally delivered the note, and it was Mr. Huang who came to receive it. Mr. Huang was worried; having no prefect in the yamen wasn't good news. It seemed like freedom without a superior to report to, but in reality, it meant lacking a shield against the wind and a roof against the rain, especially with the imperial envoy still in town.

There was also a deputy appointed by the court, who took the opportunity to feign illness, claiming, "The death of the superior has left me heartbroken, my body wrecked by grief," displaying a perfect blend of loyalty and decorum, earning him the praise of "What a good subordinate!"

Mr. Huang was nearly in tears. With one superior dead and the other hiding, and other officials following suit, how could these lower clerks handle the imperial envoy? Zhong Yi was ruthless, and Zheng Xi's intentions were unpredictable; neither was easy to provoke. In a trembling voice, he asked Jin Liang for advice, "This... may I know what you suggest, sir?"

Jin Liang said, "Just proceed with the trial with confidence!"

Mr. Huang was nearly begging Zheng Xi to take the case, saying, "I truly am not qualified to judge cases, I am but a clerk, not an official!" He hurriedly left the yamen in a public carriage, pleading for Zheng Xi to judge this case.

Zheng Xi refused to take it, leaving Zhu San and others being bounced back and forth. Zheng Xi had Jin Liang, along with Gan Ze and others, escort them to the yamen, which refused to accept them, and the yamen also refused to take them back.

Mr. Huang, at his own expense, offered a bag of gold to Jin Liang, begging him to speak to Zheng Xi on his behalf. Jin Liang didn't take his money, saying, "It doesn't matter whether you give this young man to me or not, in a few days I'll be heading to the capital, and the lord will take him back to serve, not leaving him here to trouble you."

Mr. Huang had no choice but to reluctantly call out the "good subordinate" who was pretending to be ill, to say exactly that. The latter half of the case was then played out in the yamen. The entire process was led by Mr. Huang, who was actually trying to guess Zheng Xi's intentions in making his decisions.

Mr. Huang gently asked Elder Zhu, pointing at Zhu San, "Zhu Si, do you know who he is?"

Elder Zhu said, "He's Zhu Shenhan's son! A nest of thieves, all adept at deceiving and trickery! My lord, you cannot trust him!"

Mr. Huang said, "Oh? Then why did you believe him and even act as a matchmaker?"

At this, Yu Miaomiao began to search her pockets, "My lord, he was the one who witnessed the marriage! I also have the marriage document here, this is the contract where he undervalued my property, and the signatures match!"

Jin Liang, holding his saber, was quite amused by the scene, and seeing him smile, Mr. Huang also felt relieved. This case was easy to handle; just follow the regulations, and nobody could find fault! Indeed, Zheng Xi was right; he just wanted us to go through the motions, without making us bend the law or do the dirty work. Truly a great person!

This case was so easy to judge! Mr. Huang turned with a smile and bowed to the higher-ups, saying, "In that case, I request the lord to make a decision."

Whether it was Zheng Xi, Mr. Huang, or the deputy pretending to be ill, none of them looked favorably upon Elder Zhu's bullying of the widow. However, if it was just taking the widow back to the husband's family, nobody could fault Elder Zhu. The best plan might have been to establish a heir for Hua Sister, but everyone knew the complexity that entailed. It was better for Yu Miaomiao to part with some money to the Zhu family, and for the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law to return to their respective maternal homes.

Now with Zhu San's appearance, the scales in everyone's minds were already tipping, and now tipped even more clearly. The judgment was quickly made for Hua Sister to be Zhu San's wife, according to the contract, and Zhu San to become Yu Miaomiao's son-in-law. Elder Zhu's disrespectful disturbance and attempt to take another's wife resulted in his accomplices being punished

The Zhu family's thugs were dragged outside, stripped of their clothes, pinned down, and beaten, all under Elder Zhu's watchful eye. Elder Zhu couldn't grasp, "Why aren't the thieves being punished?" He cried like a child, "Why is this happening?"

Gan Ze kicked him and retorted, "What tragedy are you howling about? Spouting false accusations against good people? What thieves? The lord has investigated thoroughly; the guilty have been detained, and the innocent have been released! Besides you, there are no thieves out there!"

Elder Zhu's mouth hung open, stunned into silence!