Chapter 52: The Magistrate’s Duty

Chapter 52: The Responsibility of the County Magistrate

The surrounding villagers were still pointing at Yun Geer, muttering indistinctly. Even after being rescued from the river, he still faced the crowd’s judgment. Few young men or women could swim, so it was a man who had saved him from the water. This man had wrapped a cloak around Yun Geer and then disappeared into the water, leaving no trace of his appearance.

"It’s Yun Geer of the Yun family. Why would he do something like this? Wasn’t he supposed to become a concubine in the Cheng family?"

The Yun family were wealthy merchants in Xin Feng County. Yun Geer, now eighteen years old, had a delicate and charming appearance. Mr. Yun had been in the process of choosing a husband for him when, a few days ago, while dining at a restaurant, he happened to be seen by Cheng Ru, who thought Yun Geer bore a resemblance to his deceased husband. Cheng Ru seized the chance to propose to the Yun family to take Yun Geer as a concubine. The Yun family, being just small-time merchants, couldn’t stand up to the Cheng family, even though Cheng Ru was old enough to be Yun Geer's grandfather. They reluctantly consented.

When discussing this marriage, people sighed with pity. Though they desired wealth, the age gap was too large. What’s more, since Cheng Ru had retired, his household had been packed with many people, exposing to the people of Xin Feng County the greed and lust hidden beneath Cheng Ru’s seemingly honorable facade. In recent years, the Cheng family had aggressively expanded, seizing land and accumulating wealth, leading to the downfall of many families, who were forced to become tenant farmers for the Cheng family.

In recent years, the Cheng family had also contributed funds to the county government to renovate the county school, offering financial assistance to impoverished students. During floods, they established porridge kitchens, portraying themselves as great benefactors and gaining high status in the local community.

Yu Lanyi noticed the crowd gathered around Yun Geer, who was trembling all over, his face a blend of tears and river water, leaving him looking utterly disheveled.

He stepped forward to help Yun Geer.

Zheng Shanci had no attendants with him, and Yu Lanyi was too conspicuous. As he stepped forward to assist Yun Geer, the crowd’s attention shifted from Yun Geer to Zheng Shanci. By now, the people of Xin Feng County had recognized their County Magistrate and readily made way for them.

"Take him to the clinic right away," Zheng Shanci said.

The group reached the clinic, with Yun Geer shaking in Yu Lanyi’s arms, clearly terrified.

"Zheng Shanci, go and hurry Dr. Song. Also, bring a set of clean clothes for your young master," Yu Lanyi instructed.

Zheng Shanci went to find Dr. Song, who entered with a medical kit.

Yun Geer's attendant left, not only to fetch clean clothes but also to inform Mr. Yun of the incident. Such a significant event left the young attendant at a loss. Not only would his young master be unable to marry, but his future was also ruined. Now that he had been saved by the County Magistrate and his husband, it was uncertain what would happen next.

Dr. Song noticed Yun Geer's resistance and reached out to take his pulse, then said thoughtfully, "He has a slight fever. Let’s give him some medicine first and see how it goes. As for his injuries, I’ll have the medicine boy apply some ointment."

Zheng Shanci followed Dr. Song out, and Dr. Song instructed another medicine boy to prepare the medicine. He then said to Zheng Shanci, "I’m not sure of your relationship with this young master, but judging by his attire, he seems to be an unmarried young man. However, he has already lost his virginity and is now running a fever."

Dr. Song added, "This is a scandal, so I didn’t mention it earlier. I’m telling you now so that you can make an informed decision."

Zheng Shanci replied, "I understand."

Dr. Song, about to leave with his medical kit, hesitated and then turned back to say, "Lord Zheng, do you have a moment now?"

"Of course," Zheng Shanci replied, instructing someone to call Jin Yun and Wang Fu over. He was still uneasy leaving Yu Lanyi alone.

The clinic was divided into an outer courtyard and an inner courtyard. Zheng Shanci and Dr. Song were in the inner courtyard. Dr. Song led Zheng Shanci to a pavilion to discuss matters over tea. After a cup of hot tea, Dr. Song began to speak.

"Lord Zheng, as you know, I have been practicing medicine in Xin Feng County for many years and have earned some reputation here. The people trust my skills and are willing to let me treat them," Dr. Song said. "I have also taken the pulse of Patriarch Cheng and other members of the Cheng family. Both of these esteemed individuals have been drained by their indulgence in wine and women. I once subtly reminded Patriarch Cheng, who smiled and agreed on the surface but only intensified his behavior."

"Lord Zheng, as you know, such noble families do not want their health conditions in the hands of people they do not trust. The Cheng family found a new physician and no longer allowed me to treat them. However, while working at the clinic, I have encountered many maids and servants who bear various injuries, all from the Cheng family."

As Dr. Song spoke, he seemed to recall something, his back breaking out in a cold sweat. He swallowed hard and continued, "Once, a maid came to me for treatment. I gave her some ointment, and she came frequently. Then, after a few days, she stopped coming. I didn’t think much of it, assuming Patriarch Cheng had let her go."

"I was busy with clinic matters and put it out of my mind. Until one day, a poor couple came to the Cheng family, claiming that the Cheng household had killed their daughter. Only then did I learn that she had died, and her body was never found. Many people have disappeared from the Cheng family over time, but since they were household servants, no one cared."

Once a person signed a contract of servitude, their life and death were no longer in their own hands. If the master abused or killed them, there was nowhere to turn.

Zheng Shanci nodded, "Thank you, Dr. Song, for telling me this."

Dr. Song shook his head, "I only told you because I see that you are different from the previous magistrates. Consider it as just a story."

When Zheng Shanci returned to the room, he heard the sound of an argument. It seemed that Mr. Yun and Madam Yun had arrived.

"Thank you, Young Master Yu. We will take Yun Geer with us now. We apologize for the trouble we’ve caused you and Lord Zheng," Madam Yun said, gripping Yun Geer’s shoulder, her gaze as if she wanted to devour him.

Tomorrow, we’ll present a grand gift to Lord Zheng. For now, let’s take him home. Being at home is better than staying in the clinic.

Yu Lanyi frowned, meeting Yun Geer's pleading gaze. Although he agreed that being at home was better than staying in the clinic, it seemed Yun Geer didn’t think so.

He said, "I see he doesn’t want to go with you. Let him stay in the clinic for treatment first."

Madam Yun's smile stiffened: "Young Master Yu, Yun Geer is still an unmarried youth. Staying in the clinic too long isn’t good. His reputation is already tarnished by jumping into the river. If he stays in the clinic, it will only worsen his reputation. A sickly youth with a ruined reputation—as a mother, I’m deeply concerned about his future."

Yu Lanyi: "If he’s ill, shouldn’t he stay in the clinic?"

Jin Yun, with a calm expression, said: "Mr. Yun, Madam Yun, since our young master has spoken, are you still insisting on taking Yun Geer? This would upset our young master. Our young master is fond of Yun Geer and wishes to spend a little more time with him. Must you interfere in such a small matter?"

Upon hearing this, Mr. Yun and Madam Yun’s expressions changed. They stammered and quickly said they wouldn’t dare.

Zheng Shanci walked in and said, "Since my husband is fond of Yun Geer, let him stay a few more days. You can go home first."

Mr. Yun: "This…"

They didn’t dare say more and retreated in frustration. Mr. Yun secretly warned Yun Geer not to speak carelessly. Alas, it was unfortunate that Elder Cheng had taken a liking to this unfilial son. Among the many handsome sons in the family, why was it this one who had become so rebellious after a few visits to the Cheng residence? Now he had even attached himself to the County Magistrate’s Husband, opposing them.

Thinking about Yun Geer’s jump into the river, Mr. Yun sighed as he left the clinic. This incident caused such a stir and even involved the County Magistrate. He wondered if the Cheng family still wanted Yun Geer. This young man truly knew how to cause trouble.

Mr. Yun felt unlucky and went home with Madam Yun. As expected, the Cheng family had already heard about the incident and sent a servant to deliver a message. Mr. Yun personally met the servant and first handed over a silver ingot.

The servant weighed the silver in his hand and said, "Everything remains the same. Whether it’s Lord Zheng or anyone else, if Elder Cheng wants to marry someone, he will. You can rest assured. Earning Elder Cheng’s favor is a blessing for your Yun family. As for your Yun Geer, make sure to discipline him properly. Our Cheng family is a prominent household, not some small family. Today’s incident was quite embarrassing. Once Yun Geer comes back, the matrons will teach him proper etiquette."

"Some people have never known wealth and luxury. Now that they have this opportunity, they don’t know how to cherish it. Truly foolish," the servant said, seemingly accustomed to the attitudes of these minor officials. After taking the silver and issuing a warning, he left.

Mr. Yun, with a cautious demeanor, straightened his back as soon as the Cheng family’s servant left: "When Yun Geer comes back, you must discipline him properly. This is unacceptable."

Madam Yun obediently agreed.

Yu Lanyi had to leave, but Yun Geer’s servant stayed to help him clean up.

"I know it was you who told my parents. I don’t blame you. But I really don’t want to go back. That place is hell. If I go back, I’ll have to hang myself."

"I don’t want to live anymore," Yun Geer sobbed.

Yu Lanyi was still outside the clinic, speaking with Zheng Shanci: "We need to have someone keep watch here."

"I’ll arrange for someone to handle it. Let’s go back first; it’s getting late," Zheng Shanci said, taking Yu Lanyi back to their residence.

"Tomorrow, I’ll go to the county office to check the records. I didn’t see any files on missing persons there. They might have been hidden by someone with ulterior motives."

Given the Cheng family’s audacity, Zheng Shanci didn’t believe they only targeted their own servants. They must have targeted innocent girls and young men too.

Zheng Shanci patted Yu Lanyi’s shoulder and lulled him to sleep.

...

That night, the incident became a hot topic among the people of Xin Feng County. Everyone was talking about the Cheng and Yun families, and how Yun Geer had fallen into the river and been rescued by some unknown man, now taken in by the County Magistrate’s Husband.

"If you ask me, Yun Geer must be unwilling. A young and beautiful man like him wouldn’t want to accompany Elder Cheng. He’s even younger than Cheng’s grandson. It’s just not appropriate," one woman said with a pout.

"Look at the Cheng family’s wealth and influence. It’s not like an ordinary household. Besides, if he didn’t want to refuse, he shouldn’t have agreed in the first place. Now he’s jumping into the river—such fickleness shows a lack of virtue," a man argued.

"How do you know it was Yun Geer who agreed!"

The people discussed this gossip, which had never been so openly discussed before. Yun Geer’s jump had brought the matter to the forefront, and in their conversations, the Cheng family was thrust into the spotlight.

The next morning, Zheng Shanci personally went to the place where the archives were stored. Sure enough, he found no records of missing persons cases there. Zheng Shanci sneered and said, "Summon Deputy Magistrate Qi and Archivist Zhu. I have some questions to ask."

Wang Fu acknowledged the order and promptly left.

Archivist Zhu arrived promptly, unsurprised. Deputy Magistrate Qi also greeted Zheng Shanci calmly.

"Let’s discuss the archives. I’ve heard from elders that young boys and girls often went missing in the county for a time. Why are those records missing now?"

Archivist Zhu replied, "Such cases did occur. I remember there were five or six missing cases every year. Since Lord Zheng assumed office last autumn, such cases have ceased. I once led the Yamen Runners in investigations, but they all led to dead ends. Either the families gave up, or there were no leads."

Deputy Magistrate Qi said, "Before Lord Zheng’s tenure, a fire destroyed part of the archives room, and some records may have been lost in the fire. Rest assured, Lord Zheng, I’ve disciplined the Yamen Runner responsible for the archives. He’s been removed from Xin Feng County."

Zheng Shanci looked at Deputy Magistrate Qi, who remained calm.

Archivist Zhu scratched his head thoughtfully, "Does Lord Zheng require these records?"

Zheng Shanci: "Yes."

"I possess them," Archivist Zhu said.

Deputy Magistrate Qi’s face darkened as he glared at Archivist Zhu.

"As Lord Zheng knows, I oversee arrests, public safety, and prison management. We also need to investigate cases. Accessing the archives requires multiple approvals. The process is cumbersome. For complex cases, I had copies made."

"I still have the archives here."

Deputy Magistrate Qi’s face turned livid with suppressed anger.

Even the Cheng family couldn’t cover every misstep. With Deputy Magistrate Qi’s influence, the county had remained stable for years. Now, Zheng Shanci seemed determined to pursue these matters relentlessly.

"Then I’ll rely on Archivist Zhu," Zheng Shanci said with a smile.

Archivist Zhu nodded and left. Zheng Shanci looked at Deputy Magistrate Qi and changed the subject, "I remember there are a few unresolved cases involving the Qi family. Tomorrow, I will summon the head of the Qi family to the court. Deputy Magistrate Qi, ensure the head of the Qi family appears. If I don’t see him in court tomorrow, I will charge him with contempt of court and give him twenty heavy strokes."

Deputy Magistrate Qi’s face twitched as he reluctantly agreed.

Zheng Shanci dismissed him with a wave.

The commotion from last night was still lingering, but the people of Xin Feng County continued with their lives. One-fifth of the road had been repaired, and the people felt proud looking at the road they had built. The medicinal herbs in the fields looked tender and green after a spring rain. In the morning, the boys and girls heading to the textile workshop took buns or pancakes from home and happily went to work. Zheng Qingyin also went to the textile workshop. He followed the manager to do the accounts, clarified the books, and came up with new patterns.

The manager praised, "Young master has done very well. If Lord Zheng knew, he would surely be happy. Young master is already capable of opening his own shop."

Zheng Qingyin was pleased but still modestly said, "I still rely on the manager. I still need to learn from you."

Zheng Qingyin did not take advantage of his status to do anything inappropriate, and his humility also made the workers at the textile workshop have a good impression of him.

Lord Zheng opened the textile workshop, giving them a place to belong. They no longer had to keep farming in the fields. They brought money home, and their families treated them more politely. After all, money talks. They didn't have to ask their mothers-in-law or husbands for money to buy things. They earned their own money and spent it themselves.

Zheng Qingyin finished organizing the account books and returned home, where he saw a boy about to kneel before his sister-in-law. Zheng Qingyin was shocked.

"If there's something, just say it," Yu Lanyi had Jin Yun help Yun Geer up.

Yu Lanyi beckoned to Zheng Qingyin, who walked over and looked at Yun Geer.

"Sister-in-law, what's going on?"

Yu Lanyi then mentioned Yun Geer’s name, and Zheng Qingyin heard about the matter.

"If you have any grievances, speak up," Jin Yun said.

Yun Geer watched intently. He was a determined lad. If it were an ordinary boy who encountered such a situation, they might have endured it, fearing it would bring trouble to their family. But he jumped into the river and didn't die, which instead ignited his will to live, and the hatred in his heart was unstoppable.

"Young Master Yu, I want to sue Patriarch Cheng. The Cheng residence is a den of iniquity. Patriarch Cheng has captured many young and beautiful women and boys to serve Patriarch Cheng. If these people couldn't endure, they were thrown into the well to die. Among them are not only Cheng family servants but also some decent women, all victims of their cruelty."

Yu Lanyi was on the verge of anger when Jin Yun glanced at the young master. Yu Lanyi coughed lightly and remained silent.

Jin Yun asked, "Are you willing to go to court and testify against the Cheng family?"

Yun Geer had come for this very reason. He bit his lip, clenched his sleeves, and said, "I know Lord Zheng also seeks to deal with the Cheng family. As long as Lord Zheng promises me silver and a travel permit, allowing me to live incognito and leave this place of sorrow, I am willing to testify against the Cheng family in court."

Yu Lanyi quickly said, "I agree."

Yun Geer kowtowed to Yu Lanyi, saying, "Thank you, Young Master Yu."

Jin Yun remained silent.

Zheng Qingyin helped Yun Geer up and had him sit down. Meanwhile, Yu Lanyi had found a witness, and Zheng Shanci had obtained the case files from Archivist Zhu. He then instructed Archivist Zhu to follow the files and find the people who had reported the cases.

"Go and seek them out. Some had withdrawn their complaints. Ask them if they are still willing to come forward. If they are not willing, do not force them," Zheng Shanci said. He still held other leverage against the Cheng family. But he wanted to seek justice for these innocent people. Since he was here now, as the magistrate of Xin Feng County, no matter how long ago it was, no matter how old the case was, since it had come to his hands, he would handle it properly.

Archivist Zhu accepted the order and left.

Archivist Zhu took his trusted men and went to the people listed in the case files, but was turned away at several doors. Their lives had become much more prosperous, probably having received hush money from the Cheng family.

"We no longer remember this matter," an elderly couple shook their heads. There were two young children playing in their house, and they closed the door. They had already started a new life and didn't want to look back. Even if it was wrong, they had received compensation and were living a good life. Stirring things up now would only be counterproductive.

Archivist Zhu visited more than a dozen households, and only a blind old woman was willing to submit her complaint again. Her husband had already passed away, and her son had moved to Lan County, always wanting to take her with him, but she had refused to leave.

Archivist Zhu left a yamen runner to guard her, fearing the Cheng family might harm her.

The Cheng family was indeed in dire straits, especially after hearing that the traitor from the Xia family had gone to see Zheng Shanci again, making them even more uneasy. Patriarch Cheng got up and wrote a letter: "I heard that Imperial Censor Li is currently inspecting Qingzhou. He and I have a past connection. Quickly send someone to find him and bring him to Xin Feng County."

A higher official can crush those below, especially a position as critical as an imperial censor. Cheng Ru no longer sought to have everyone escape unharmed, but only to preserve his descendants and some family assets to live on. Cheng Ru felt some regret, having been caught in a mistake by a young boy.

"Now we can only see if Imperial Censor Li can make Zheng Shanci let me off."

Old cases were being revisited. Xia Dalang brought an account book to Zheng Shanci, containing the accounts of the other three families. Xia Dalang said, "We acknowledge our guilt. These are the means our family kept to protect ourselves, and now we hand them all over to Lord Zheng. Our Xia family will follow Lord Zheng's lead."

Zheng Shanci gave a faint smile, "Your family's account books are well hidden."

Xia Dalang: "I am willing to hand them over to Lord Zheng, only hoping for leniency in punishment."

Zheng Shanci supported Xia Dalang, "If you cooperate with me, the law will also be lenient with you. As for your family's descendants, I will also take care of them."

Xia Dalang was overjoyed and quickly replied, "Thank you, Lord Zheng."

Going to prison was acceptable. Losing the family fortune but keeping their lives, and having descendants left, they were not afraid the family wouldn't rise again. Moreover, having Lord Zheng's favor was better than anything else.

Xia Dalang returned home and told Patriarch Xia about this. Patriarch Xia, who had still harbored some hope, now completely lost it.

"As long as we can protect the family's descendants, it is worth it," Patriarch Xia let out a sigh. "The account books were originally meant to save our lives, but now we have handed them over to Lord Zheng, and also earned his favor. Whether our Xia family can survive depends on Lord Zheng's decision."

"Remember to ensure the descendants study diligently in the future," Patriarch Xia patted his eldest son's back.

Xia Dalang quickly replied, "Father, don't worry."

The next morning, Zheng Shanci summoned Patriarch Qi to the court. With solid evidence, he was imprisoned and sentenced to execution in the autumn. Deputy Magistrate Qi's face turned pale, unsure of what to do.

The crowd watched as the judge’s gavel slammed down in the courtroom, and the head of the Qi family was dragged away, his body limp.

Lord Zheng was humiliating him in public, and Deputy Magistrate Qi stormed out of the courtroom, his sleeves billowing.

Deputy Magistrate Qi didn’t return to the county office. The Qi family was charged with serious offenses—land encroachment and private salt trading—and there was also testimony from a Buddhist monk. With all this evidence, the Qi family had no choice but to admit defeat.

The people were shocked to hear the charges against the Qi family, unaware that the Qi clan had hidden so many dirty deeds. The villagers were truly shocked, and upon hearing about the Qi family's misdeeds, they clenched their teeth in anger. Those who had been wronged by the Qi family felt a deep sense of relief.

Lord Zheng had been swamped these past few days, often returning home late at night. Yu Lanyi, seeing him so worn out, felt a pang of sympathy.

"Being a government official is really exhausting," Yu Lanyi said, playing with Lord Zheng's hair, his eyes sparkling as he looked at him.

"It’s been pretty hectic lately," Lord Zheng replied, "but once the matters are settled, it won't be so bad." After all, the Qi family had deep roots in Xin Feng County, leaving plenty of evidence, while the Cheng family’s misdeeds were well hidden.

"Did you get the liquor ready for my uncle?" Yu Lanyi asked.

"It’s all set. When my uncle gets here, we can just load it onto the carriage."

Though busy, this had been agreed upon long ago, so it was already prepared. Yu Lanyi clung to Lord Zheng’s arm as he slept; Lord Zheng’s arm was solid and strong.

Another two weeks went by, and the villagers had finished another fifth of the road. The road stretched wide ahead, and some villagers walked on it, finding it smooth and firm, unlike the squishy dirt roads.

"They’ve done a great job with this road," a man laughed heartily, holding a rice bowl. The villagers in the shed, also holding rice bowls, chuckled at his words.

"Let’s see if we can scrape together some cash. Not enough for an ox, but maybe a donkey for the fields. We could even rent the donkey out and make some extra cash."

"Let’s see. The road’ll probably take another six months. Hey, we might actually save up enough for a donkey."

This got the villagers even more fired up. They’d always wanted an ox, but it was too expensive, so they settled for a donkey. Later, when the donkey had a foal, they could pass it on to their sons.

"Once the road’s done, my wife and I will pool our money and buy a donkey."

The fields of medicinal herbs gave off a fresh, earthy scent. The local merchants placed orders at the textile mill. They had previously sold Xin Feng County's chili sauce to Qingzhou, where it was very popular. Now that they had returned, they placed a large order at the chili sauce workshop. This single order brought a gross profit of five hundred taels of silver, and the workers at the chili sauce workshop worked even harder.

The people of Xin Feng County were all smiling. After finishing their meals, they continued to work on the road. In the morning, they tended to their crops, and when they had time, they came to work on the road, also getting a free lunch. Just as they were having lunch, someone shouted.

"Lord Zheng has brought Master Cheng to the courtroom!"

"Lord Zheng has brought Master Cheng to the courtroom!"

Instantly, everyone began to discuss: "He's going after the Cheng family. The Cheng family also encroached on my land, those scoundrels, pretending to be great benefactors."

"Let’s hurry to the courtroom to watch the spectacle!"

"We missed the excitement with the Qi family last time, we must not miss this one!"

...

The common people, as if celebrating a festival, swarmed to the county courtroom, pointing and whispering as they saw Cheng Ru standing in the courtroom.

"Isn't that Master Cheng? Why has he been arrested?"

"I don’t know. Master Cheng built bridges and donated money to the county school. Why has he been arrested?"

Cheng Ru, being a Jinshi, did not have to kneel before the county magistrate in the courtroom.

Lord Zheng struck the gavel and asked, "Cheng Ru, do you admit your guilt?"

"Lord Zheng, you must be joking. Our Cheng family has not committed any crimes. Arresting a law-abiding citizen like me, I am deeply troubled," Cheng Ru replied calmly, unperturbed.

Master Jin: "Young master, Lord Zheng is going to investigate the Cheng family!"

Yu Lanyi immediately dashed out, and Master Jin hurriedly grabbed a felt hat and chased after him.

Lord Zheng Shanci: "You won't confess until you're faced with undeniable evidence. Summon the witness."

Yun Ge'er stepped into the courtroom, knelt down, and exposed Cheng Ru's true character, including how Cheng Ru had raped him. He also spoke of the corpses found in the dry well of the Cheng family.

The crowd burst into an uproar.

"How could this happen? So many lives lost."

"I'm grateful my child didn't become a maid for the Cheng family."

...

Lord Zheng Shanci struck the gavel: "Eighteen bodies have been found in the dry well. Cheng Ru, what do you have to say for yourself?"

"Lord Zheng, you can't simply conclude that the bodies in our well were our doing," Cheng Ru laughed. "As for Yun Ge'er, he was supposed to become my concubine. He lured me, and now he's feigning righteousness in court to mislead everyone."

"What about the ledgers?" Lord Zheng Shanci pressed on. "In the first year of Wuming, you drove the Li family in Chengkou to their deaths and purchased their fifty acres of fertile land at a bargain price. In the sixth year of Wuming, all sixty members of the Jiang family were slaughtered. Before that, the Cheng family wanted the Jiang family's tofu-making skills, and when they refused, they were wiped out. In the seventh year of Wuming, the Yao family's hundred acres of land suddenly ended up under the Cheng family's name. Should I go on?"

Cheng Ru's face twitched as he picked up the ledgers from the ground and saw evidence of the Cheng family's illegal salt trade. He sighed inwardly, wishing he could destroy the Xia family. They only thought the Xia family was timid, never expecting they would leave such incriminating evidence.

Cheng Ru's face showed deep sorrow, and Lord Zheng Shanci's heart sank.

"These were all my son's actions. I knew nothing about it. I am merely lustful and indulged a few servants. As for the decent women and boys Lord Zheng mentioned, I knew nothing. It was all my son's doing. I had no idea my son had committed so many wrongs. It was my failure to discipline him," Cheng Ru said, tears streaming down his face, repeatedly apologizing to the villagers and the place that raised him.

Yu Lanyi was so angry he wanted to punch the old scoundrel: "This old scoundrel."

Some of the villagers showed sympathy.

Patriarch Cheng, carrying a bundle of thorns, knelt in the courtroom and said, "It was all my delusion, entirely my fault. It has nothing to do with my father. Lord Zheng, I was wrong. Please arrest me."

"My son, my son, how could you commit such foolish acts?" Cheng Ru was heartbroken.

Lord Zheng Shanci watched this farce, silently cursing.

"This matter has nothing to do with..." Lord Zheng Shanci was about to retort.

"I heard there is a case being tried here. May I observe?" Imperial Censor Li, dressed in a red official robe, stepped forward. Seeing the red robe, Lord Zheng Shanci knew this was an official of the fifth rank or higher. His eyelids twitched, and he had a chair brought for him.

Imperial Censor Li said solemnly, "I am the supervising censor sent by the court, currently inspecting Xin Feng County. Having observed Lord Zheng's trial, it is clear that this was all the doing of Cheng Ru's son. Lord Zheng, are you going to indiscriminately accuse Cheng Ru? That would not be a good thing."

Cheng Ru straightened his back. Seeing his backer arrive, he felt assured. He no longer cared about his family's wealth, only wanting to save his life.

Lord Zheng Shanci remained calm and said, "Lord Li, how can this be considered an indiscriminate accusation? The evidence is irrefutable. Such a big matter, does Patriarch Cheng have the guts for it?"

Imperial Censor Li felt offended and his face darkened: "How dare you!"

A mere seventh-rank county magistrate dared to speak to him like this.

Yu Lanyi snorted inwardly, a mere fifth-rank supervising censor daring to be arrogant in front of their marquis's estate.

Scribe Jiang, seeing the censor had arrived, trembled inwardly. Offending Imperial Censor Li could cost Lord Zheng his position. In officialdom, a higher rank could crush you.

Lord Zheng Shanci said, "This is Xin Feng County. The county magistrate has the duty to handle lawsuits. Please, Lord Li, do not interfere."

Imperial Censor Li: "..." The world is upside down!

Lord Zheng Shanci then called several witnesses who had served by Cheng Ru's side to testify. He pursued the case all the way to Cheng Ru, determined to bring down the Cheng family.

"Lord Zheng, your way of judging cases is truly commendable. Can you still keep your official robe?" Imperial Censor Li said sarcastically, with a forced smile.

The duty of a supervising censor is to oversee officials, inspect counties, correct legal cases, and maintain court etiquette. If Imperial Censor Li wrote a memorial to the court, Lord Zheng Shanci's official career could very well be over. Supervising censors, though low in rank, hold significant power. Everyone tries not to oppose them for fear of losing their positions.

Lord Zheng Shanci clasped his hands and replied, neither humble nor arrogant, "There's no need for Lord Li to concern himself."