Chapter 141

Chapter 141

Lord An Guo's fingers tapped gently on the table before him. Li Ai lowered his gaze; both of them understood that Meng Die wouldn't ask such a question without reason. Considering the recent incident with the Rong mother and daughter, it wasn't difficult to guess that, given her character, Meng Die would never let this injustice slide.

Lord An Guo: "Should I ask Mister Dongfang to visit your residence tomorrow?"

Li Ai had been thinking along the same lines: "If our case goes to court, it might raise suspicion if Mister Dongfang is seen visiting our manor. Perhaps I should consult him first about some common strategies and write a reply to her. At the same time, I can inquire whether she requires Mister Dongfang's personal presence."

Lord An Guo: "That sounds reasonable."

Exiting the command tent, Li Ai glanced at the sky. The moon was high in the heavens; Mr. Dongfang was most likely asleep by now. He decided he'd seek him out the following day.

Despite Li Ai's haste, Meng Die didn't receive his reply until two days later. The letter meticulously outlined several methods of identification, with particular emphasis on recognizing dismembered limbs – clearly the result of consulting an expert.

Meng Die read the letter again and silently recited its contents to commit them to memory. Satisfied, she tossed the paper into the charcoal brazier and wrote a single character, "false," letting it dry before handing it to Meihong. "Send someone to your Second Master's camp. Look for a scholar named Mister Dongfang and ask him about this."

Confused by Meng Die's intentions, Meihong carried the task to Xia Bo, who was equally perplexed but carried out Meng Die's instructions without question.

Mr. Dongfang studied the bold, penetrating "false" on the paper, pondering for a moment before firmly nodding. "Anything is possible."

Upon hearing Mister Dongfang's words, Meng Die promptly sought out Lady Rong. Originally, she had planned to act after the New Year, but considering her recent troubled nights and lack of appetite, she thought, If I'm suffering, nobody else will be able to find peace either.

In just these two days, Lady Rong's vitality and spirit had improved immensely compared to when she first arrived. Not only were the people in Meng Die's residence amiable, but she was also well-fed with three square meals a day. The room was cozy, and Little Osmanthus would always drift off to sleep with a smile on her face.

When Meng Die arrived, Rong Shi and Little Osmanthus were assisting several matrons in watering and tending to the mushrooms. Little Osmanthus held a particular fancy for the plump mushrooms, giggling to herself as she watered them, seemingly oblivious to the source of her own joy.

"Second Aunt," everyone greeted her, and even Little Osmanthus, with her gap-toothed smile, called out, "Dear Aunt."

"Haha..." Laughter echoed around the room.

Meng Die's eyes shimmered with amusement as she said, "It seems Little Osmanthus truly loves me."

Madame Rong pursed her lips in a gentle smile, her gaze filled with affectionate sparkles when she looked at her daughter.

Meng Die asked, "Are you free now? I have something to discuss with you."

Madame Rong nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes, I'm free." Then, she turned to Little Osmanthus. "Mother and Second Aunt need to have a conversation. Can you stay here with the other ladies?"

Little Osmanthus nodded vigorously, no trace of the timidity from two days ago evident.

Madam Rong exhaled deeply, her smile broadening. She followed Meng Die back to the temporary residence they shared.

Meng Die took the lead and sat down. "Please, sit. There's something I wish to discuss with you."

Madam Rong hurriedly replied, "Second Lady, just tell me what needs to be done."

Meng Die said, "This matter involves many aspects, so let me explain it slowly. You currently have two options. As I mentioned the other day, you can stay with me until after the 15th day of the first lunar month, then work in my factory. Though it won't make you wealthy, it will certainly be enough to support you and Little Juanhua. However, if you decide to work for me, you must insist that Third Brother had promised Little Juanhua's hand in marriage before he passed, so as to prevent the Mu family from attempting to snatch her away again, either due to rumors or persistent intentions. We must make this lie seem true."

Madam Rong nodded repeatedly. "I understand, I understand. If I start working, I'll tell everyone that Third Brother betrothed Little Juanhua before he died. But... who is the intended groom?"

Meng Die: "This isn't difficult. There are many people in the military, and quite a few of them have sons. It wouldn't be hard to arrange an engagement. When they grow up, if they develop feelings for each other, they can truly wed. If not, after such a long time, calling off the marriage won't matter much."

Madam Rong nodded repeatedly.

Meng Die pondered for a moment. "The advantage of this path is that you don't need to confront the Mu family directly. You can live your life peacefully. The downside is that you and Little Osmanthus won't receive a single coin from Mu Laosan's inheritance."

Madam Rong: "If we can't get it, then so be it. As long as I can live my days in peace, I have my hands and feet—I can support myself and my daughter."

Meng Die nodded. "Don't worry just yet. Let me tell you about another option. In this case, you would go to the authorities. You won't have to say anything; Lu Wei will speak on your behalf. All you need to do is cry bitterly in court."

Madam Rong was taken aback.

Meng Die: "I forgot that Lu Wei is no longer in my courtyard, so you wouldn't know her."

Madam Rong: "I do know about her. Auntie Zhao mentioned it to me. Miss Lu Wei was Lady Second's maid during the marriage, and she's now managing the workshop. She even fought a lawsuit for Lady Second."

Meng Die chuckled. "It seems you get along well with them."

Madam Rong smiled, pressing her lips together. "The aunts are kind-hearted, they dote on me and Little Osmanthus too."

Meng Die: "If you win this lawsuit, you'll be able to recover all the silver left behind by Mu Laosan. Moreover, there's a possibility that your case will set a precedent in the imperial court. Widows and young girls who have suffered similar fates as you and Little Osmanthus could also reclaim their rightful share of silver."

Madam Rong was stunned.

Meng Die: "This matter is significant. You don't need to decide right away. Tomorrow..."

"No, Second Lady," Madam Rong's eyes welled up with tears, yet they shimmered with determination. "I am willing. I am willing to file a lawsuit."

Confused by Madam Rong's intense reaction, Meng Die began, "You..."

"Second Aunt," said Yong, wiping her eyes. "Meng Die and I were fortunate enough to encounter a benefactor—Lord Ning rescued us both from the chaos. We then arrived at his residence, where we finally live comfortably with food and clothing. To be honest, it would be nice to have Third Brother's share of silver, but if not, I no longer wish to fight for it."

Meng Die asked, "But how could they...?"

Yong wiped her eyes again. "I have a young aunt back in my maiden family. When I was little and couldn't get enough to eat, she would secretly bring me food. She married a merchant, but one year, her husband fell ill and died while away on business."

Yong's voice quivered. "Before even completing the seven days of mourning for my uncle, my aunt and niece were sold by their clan members into a brothel. Their house and belongings were divided among the clan. To protect her niece from being violated, my aunt was beaten to death in that brothel. I still don't know whether my niece is alive or dead."

With a sharp crack, Meng Die slammed down the teacup in her hand, feeling her mind go numb and her vision fade to black.

Lady Rong: "Second Aunt, if... if I can truly help someone, I'm willing, I'll do anything, anything at all."

It took Meng Die a while to regain her composure: "Alright, tomorrow morning, I'll have Lu Wei accompany you to the capital's prefect to file a complaint. If the Mu family tries to use your willingness to remarry against you, just openly acknowledge it. There's no need to portray yourself as a chaste and virtuous widow."

Lady Rong didn't understand the term 'personality setting,' but she grasped Meng Die's intention and nodded repeatedly: "I've got it."

Upon returning from Lady Rong's, Meng Die promptly instructed: "Meihong, send someone to fetch Sister Lu Wei back. Have her delegate all her current tasks, and tell her not to return tonight."

"Okay."

Lu Wei, upon receiving the news, hastily entrusted all her tasks to Ruixue. It had to be said that as a former senior maid of the Wen family, Ruixue was not only skilled in accounting but also in management. Lu Wei could place her trust in her completely.

When Lu Wei returned, Meng Die was found lounging on a cushioned bench in a daze. Upon hearing the announcement of Lu Wei's arrival, she immediately perked up.

Lu Wei lifted the curtain and entered, asking, "Second Lady, is there an urgent matter?"

Meng Die smiled. "Not exactly an emergency, but it's a significant matter. Tomorrow morning, you should take Lady Rong to the capital's magistrate to file a complaint."

The winter in the capital was bitterly cold. Snow from the previous storm still lingered on rooftops or in less frequented areas. At such times, no one with a comfortable livelihood would rise early; who would want to leave the warmth of their bed on such chilly mornings?

At the back gate of Marquis Yongyi's residence, an unusual sight greeted the early morning light: a carriage stationed there. The driver, clutching his whip, sat on the carriage board adopting the classic peasant’s stance, with both feet dangling and occasionally tapping against each other to stimulate blood circulation, thus preventing his limbs from freezing and numbing in the cold.

The carriage driver didn't have to wait long before the creak of the marquis's rear gate announced its opening. From within, a group of women emerged, led by a young lady clad in a sturdy, fine cotton garment, her hands cradling a warming hand stove.

Beside her walked an elderly woman with hunched shoulders and a bowed head. The woman's temples were graced with strands of white hair, and the lines on her face hinted at years of hardship. Her attire was thick, but ill-fitting, suggesting it did not belong to her. In her hand, she held a warming flask.

Following them were two matrons, one carrying a hot water flask and the other holding a food basket.

The carriage driver hastily leapt down from the vehicle. A matron hurried forward and said to him, "This is hot water; you can drink some to warm yourself up."

Another matron approached, placing a delicate food box on the carriage floor. "There are a few types of pastries in here, freshly baked. You probably haven't had breakfast yet at this hour, so have some to hold you over."

"Ah, thank you so much."

The two matrons helped Lu Wei and Madam Rong into the carriage. Once they were settled, the coachman had just finished his pastries and sipped some hot water, leaving him feeling warm all over.

Sitting back on the carriage bench, the driver cracked his whip, making a sharp sound in the air. The horses set off with a steady clip-clop, heading towards their destination.

Inside the carriage, Lu Wei looked at the anxious Madam Rong and reassured her, "The Mu family isn't in the capital, so there won't be any judgment today for sure. When we're in court, you don't need to say anything. I'll take care of everything."

Rong: "If His Excellency asks you questions..."

Lu Wei: "If His Excellency inquires, there's no need to rush to answer. If I don't prompt you, just speak the truth. If you don't know, simply say so; there's no need to pretend. Before we arrive at our destination and step down from the carriage, remove your outer cotton robe. Wear your own clothes for the audience."

"Alright."

Tang Muyan, the Magistrate of the Capital City, was just thirty-five years old – in the prime of his life. However, with the recent chill in the air, even someone as energetic as he found himself sluggish. As the saying goes, one feels drowsy in spring, tired in autumn, dozy in summer, and winter is the perfect season for sleep. Clearly, winter was the ideal time to snuggle under the covers.

Yawning, he arrived at the warm chamber adjacent to the courtroom to attend to his duties. Seeing that his clerk looked equally sleepy, he said, "Ask someone to go to the street and buy some hot soy milk, along with some hu bing. I suspect nobody has had breakfast yet."

The chief clerk beamed with approval. "Your Excellency is wise indeed. I'll arrange for it immediately."

Tang Muyan added, "Also, purchase more of Aunt Liu's Eight Treasure Sauce."

"Very well."

With the county magistrate treating them to breakfast, both the clerk, scribes, and officers enjoyed a satisfying meal. However, they grew even sleepier after finishing. They gathered in small groups to chat aimlessly, some even dozing off. Who would come to file a complaint at such an early and chilly hour?

Bang, bang, bang – the sudden drumming outside the courthouse startled the snoozing officers. They quickly grasped their authority-imposing batons and straightened their attire and hats.

Tang Muyan set aside the stack of past case files, momentarily stunned. The capital was divided into eight counties, and usually, when commoners sought justice, they would first approach the county magistrate. Only major cases would eventually reach his desk. It was rare to see someone come directly to him on such a chilly day.

With a lawsuit at hand, Tang Muyan entered the courtroom and sat down. "Bring the parties in."

As soon as they entered, Tang Muyan's mind buzzed. He didn't recognize the huddled woman, but he certainly knew Lu Wei all too well. Ahem, he had even secretly gone to watch the spectacle when Lu Wei had represented Meng Die in court before. He had a particularly vivid impression of her.

"Servant Lu Wei pays respects to Your Excellency."

"Peasant woman Mu Rong pays respects to Your Excellency."

Tang Muyan: "Rise and answer me. Where are you from, and whom do you seek to sue?"

Yong shivered slightly. Lu Wei stood up, assisting Yong at the same time. "Your Excellency, Yong originally hails from Huizhou's Xixian Village of the Rong Clan. Later, she married Mu Laosan from Xixian's Xi Xia Village. A few years ago, when the imperial army was conscripted, Mu Laosan served, and not long after he left, Yong gave birth to a daughter, whom they named Guihua. These years, Yong and her daughter have been living with her in-laws."

"Your Excellency, even though we emerged victorious in this battle, there were still soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Mu Laosan was one of them, giving his life for the country."

Tang Muyan's gaze fell on Yong's thin clothing.

Lu Wei continued, "When the army returned, the remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back with them. According to the rules established by our Great Ancestor, these heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation were buried in the Imperial Mausoleum. In addition, some personal belongings were also retrieved, including those belonging to Mu Laosan. Thus, Yong decided to bring her daughter to the capital, hoping to retrieve his belongings as a memento for the future."

Tang Muyan nodded repeatedly. "It's admirable that they, an orphan and a widow, still bear such concern."

Lu Wei replied, "Indeed, our County Lady shared the same sentiment. She also considered the inconvenience they, mother and daughter, would face residing in the military camp. Thus, she decided to invite them to stay at the Marquis's residence temporarily. The plan is to have them return to Huizhou when the weather turns warmer after the New Year."

Tang Muyan inquired, "Whom do you wish to accuse?"

Lu Wei hesitated for a moment, "Your Excellency, the situation is as follows: Ever since Madam Rong left Huizhou for the capital and even after settling into our Marquis's residence, she has been dreaming every night about her late husband appearing in tattered clothes, weeping to her about the hardships he endures, saying that he is on the brink of collapse. Initially, we all assumed that her excessive grief over her departed spouse was causing these dreams, the thoughts of the day invading her sleep. However, last night when she awoke from yet another dream, she recounted that her late husband was not only dressed in rags but also missing an arm, painting a most pathetic picture. Second Lady was greatly alarmed, feeling that these dreams were not merely the product of her daily thoughts manifesting at night."

Tang Muyan: "Oh? Pray tell, how so?"

Lu Wei remarked, "It's true that Mu Laosan lost an arm before he fell in battle. It was only later, when the battlefield was being cleared, that the limb was reattached. Given the gruesome nature of the incident, neither the soldiers who initially conveyed the news of his demise to the Mu family nor we ourselves have ever spoken of it. For **-madam to dream of Mu Laosan losing an arm, this... this is quite unsettling..."

Tang Muyan was also taken aback, for this matter was truly not easy to address.

Lu Wei: "Our Second Aunt inquired more meticulously about how Madam Rong dealt with Mu Laosan's funeral arrangements. Madam Rong explained that his parents and elder brothers took care of the ceremony, and that Mu Yao, the second son from his elder brother's family, was the one who broke the funerary bowl for Mu Laosan. His cenotaph was also erected within the family graveyard. Satisfied with the information, Second Aunt asked Madam Rong if, in her dream, Mu Laosan mentioned anything else besides the hardships he faced."

Tang Muyan asked, "Madam Rong, did Mu Laosan mention anything else in your dream?"

Lady Rong trembled, tears pouring down her cheeks like a waterfall. "S-Say...," she stammered, her sobs rendering her unable to speak coherently.

Lu Wei: "Your Excellency, when Second Madam asked, she mentioned that Mu Laosan had spoken in his dream about how his brothers were supporting him with money for the afterlife and how he was suffering from hunger and lack of clothing. She inquired why Madam Rong didn't send him spirit money or burn paper clothes for him so that he could rest in peace."

Everyone in the courtroom, except Lu Wei and Madam Rong, were stunned. The situation seemed peculiar but not entirely implausible. People at that time firmly believed in the existence of the underworld, where the deceased needed supplies sent by the living to sustain their afterlife. Without descendants to burn offerings, they would be unable to live comfortably there and would become wandering spirits.

Lu Wei continued, "Your Excellency, Second Madam understands that it's irrational to bring a lawsuit based solely on a dream without any evidence. However, considering that Mu Laosan sacrificed himself for the country and Madam Rong's sorrowful cries, she decided to have this servant accompany her to file a complaint. We are here to question the Mu family about how they conducted Mu Laosan's funeral and whether they sincerely burned spirit money for him or sent him paper clothes and figures. If all these were done, perhaps there has been a misunderstanding. It would be a comfort to his spirit if both parties could clarify their actions in front of Your Excellency."

Tang Muyan paused, realizing that involving the frontline troops was no trivial matter. With the army still outside the capital, if he neglected this, and Madam Rong spread the news, it would surely dampen the soldiers' morale, and the emperor wouldn't spare him.

Looking back at Madam Rong, he noticed her weathered hands, indicating she was a diligent peasant woman. He began, "The journey from the capital to Huizhou alone..."

Lu Wei bowed respectfully. "Your Excellency, forgive this servant's rudeness. As the New Year approaches, it is a time to honor our ancestors. If the Mu family has not fulfilled their obligations, how can we properly celebrate the year?"

Tang Muyan paused. Lu Wei's last remark referred to how Mu Laosan would spend the New Year on the other side. Indeed, it was an issue. "Considering the distance, this matter concerns you." Tang Muyan hesitated, initially intending to suggest they take it to the Ministry of Punishment. But then he remembered that the Minister of Punishment was Lord Meng's own grandfather. Since Lady Rong was temporarily staying with Lord Meng, the Ministry would have to avoid any appearance of favoritism. Thus, bringing the complaint to him was indeed appropriate.

Unable to decline and yet unable to ignore it, Tang Muyan said, "I will immediately dispatch someone to Huizhou to bring the Mu family members to the capital. You shall await further instructions."

Lu Wei replied, "Thank you, Your Excellency." She supported Lady Rong as she spoke. "Come, let us return home first. If you dream about it again tonight, just say that you've already reported it to the authorities, and wait for the noble's judgment."

Tang Muyan sipped his warm tea in silence, feeling an unusual chill on this day.

As Lu Wei and the Rong woman departed, I promptly prepared the necessary documents and handed them to the two bailiffs. "When you meet the Mu family, tell them only that the Rong woman has filed a complaint against them. Do not disclose any details of the matter." The notion of someone dreaming about reporting to the authorities was too absurd; it was better left unsaid.

"Indeed, Your Excellency, I understand my position."

Observing the departing figures of the two bailiffs, Tang Muyan casually invented an excuse to board his carriage and head for the Supreme Court. He had a good rapport with the Chief Justice, Dong Hongjie, and something about this situation didn't sit right with him. Since Dong Hongjie had had contact with Meng Die, he decided to seek the man's opinion.

Dong Hongjie had found himself unusually idle lately. This time last year, the events that unfolded at Count Yongping's estate had led to a purge among the nobility and high-ranking officials. As a result, the influential figures this year had been unusually well-behaved, affording him a respite from the usual intrigues.

It's chilly today; he's currently enjoying a cup of hot tea with his colleagues at the office, and they've even sent someone to purchase some delicate pastries. The entire Supreme Court is basking in an atmosphere of leisurely comfort.

When Tang Muyan entered, he witnessed this leisurely scene, and a pang of sorrow struck his heart. He could have been just as relaxed, but alas!

Seeing Tang Muyan's expression, Dong Hongjie stood up. "Come, let's talk inside."

In Dong Hongjie's private workspace, Tang Muyan immediately laid out the entire situation. Finally, he inquired, "I just can't wrap my head around this. Brother Xian has had interactions with the County Princess before, so I thought to seek your advice."

Dong Hongjie pondered for a moment. "The County Princess usually acts with great propriety and reason. This matter sounds rather absurd. I'm unable to discern the motive for now. However, I do have some understanding of Huizhou. There are a few counties there that particularly prey on widows and orphans, exploiting and oppressing them. The County Princess has always shown compassion towards women. Perhaps this Rong woman has been mistreated, and the County Princess wishes to stand up for her."

Tang Muyan recalled Rong's tattered clothing, weathered face, and calloused hands. He nodded in agreement. "Rong indeed seems to be living a hard life. If she was truly wronged, given the County Princess's temperament, she would most likely confront the perpetrators directly. Why would she come up with such an unusual excuse of a dream?"

Dong Hongjie turned to Tang Muyan, and the room fell into a solemn silence. After a long while, Dong hesitantly asked, "Could it be that Rong's dream was actually true?"

Tang Muyan was speechless. This absurd explanation was surprisingly the most plausible one. Otherwise, they truly couldn't comprehend why, with Meng Die's consistent character and her esteemed status, she would find it anything but effortless to deal with the Mu family. Why go through such a convoluted scheme when there was no need at all?