Chapter 53: Enduring Disrespect

Chapter 53: Provoking Anger

Zheng Shanci had the Yamen Runners haul away both Cheng Ru and Patriarch Cheng. Cheng Ru’s face turned ashen as he looked at Imperial Censor Li, then turned to Zheng Shanci with a pleading expression: "It was all my son's doing. At my age, I’ve served the people well in my role. Won’t Lord Zheng show a bit of mercy?"

Upon hearing this, Patriarch Cheng realized his fate was sealed, but Cheng Ru's words still chilled him to the bone.

Zheng Shanci remained silent, waving his hand to have the Yamen Runners take them away quickly, to avoid further annoyance. Imperial Censor Li stood up, seeing that Zheng Shanci had left him no face and showed no leniency toward Cheng Ru. His expression turned grim, and he snorted heavily: "What a fine Lord Zheng of Xin Feng County!"

He stormed out, his sleeves billowing.

Zheng Shanci bowed respectfully, watching Imperial Censor Li leave with impeccable manners, leaving no grounds for reproach.

Returning to the inner hall, Scribe Jiang rushed to catch up, his forehead drenched in sweat, stammering: "Lord Zheng, offending Imperial Censor Li is not good for your career. The Cheng family is already finished. Why not spare Imperial Censor Li’s pride and go easier on Patriarch Cheng? After all, he doesn’t have many years left. It would benefit everyone."

Zheng Shanci sat in his chair, handing the case files to Scribe Jiang: "It's not that I don’t want to let him go, but he has committed too many sins. I can’t show leniency even if I wanted to."

Too much purity leaves no room for life, and the officialdom is no different when it comes to human relations. The Cheng family had long held sway over Xin Feng County, acting with arrogance and causing so much bloodshed. Letting them off would betray my conscience. A win-win? It was only Cheng Ru’s wishful thinking.

Scribe Jiang opened his mouth, wanting to persuade Zheng Shanci further, but Zheng Shanci waved his hand: "No need to say more. I understand the consequences. Take the registry officials and confiscate the Cheng family’s assets."

Scribe Jiang accepted the order and left. Zheng Shanci still needed to draft a report to the Ministry of Justice regarding this case, and he also wrote a report to the Ministry of Personnel about Deputy Magistrate Qi’s crimes, requesting the appointment of a new deputy magistrate. Although he was the county magistrate, the position of deputy magistrate was not his to decide. The lands, shops, and dependents of the Cheng and Qi families still required attention.

As for the Gao family, provided they stayed in line and knew their limits, he might let them off with a partial punishment. After all, completely dismantling the four major families in the city at once would not be conducive to the future development of Xin Feng County. Some matters still needed their cooperation.

Zheng Shanci’s ability to balance pressure and leniency was masterful.

Scribe Jiang went to confiscate the Cheng family’s assets, accompanied by Archivist Zhu. They opened the Cheng family’s storeroom, where the wives, children, and elderly were still weeping.

The room was filled with glittering treasures—precious paintings, jewelry, and gold and silver, all loaded onto carts and transported to the county office.

If this wasn’t corruption, then what was? Those who had doubted before saw the Cheng family’s wealth, and their skepticism largely disappeared.

"How could the Cheng family have so much gold and silver?"

"They surely embezzled it."

"Of course they did! Look at how much land they own in our county. Just the rent from the fields is enough to keep them wealthy, not to mention all those shops and estates. And you still say Patriarch Cheng was a good man? What a joke! He assaulted women, oppressed the common people, and pretended to be a saint."

A woman laughed: "Why didn’t you say this before? Only now do you speak up?"

"Before, we didn’t dare. Offending the Cheng family meant we couldn’t survive in this county."

The people watched as the boxes were carried out of the Cheng residence, their eyes filled with envy.

The county office was bound to profit greatly from confiscating the Cheng family’s assets.

Imperial Censor Li was lodged at the post station. Accompanied by his attendants, he saw that Zheng Shanci had already confiscated the Cheng family’s assets. Watching the Cheng family members standing at the gate, with children crying, he couldn’t help but feel pity.

"This Zheng Shanci is truly despicable, heartless to the core. When I return to the capital, I will make sure to impeach him thoroughly!"

His attendant, who had served Imperial Censor Li for many years, knew his master’s prideful nature and reminded him: "My lord, Lord Zheng of Xin Feng County dared to defy you so openly and even prosecuted Patriarch Cheng. He must have some powerful backing."

"In a backwater like Xin Feng County, what backing could he possibly have!" Imperial Censor Li fumed, thinking of how a mere county magistrate had dared to talk back to him. He longed to throw Zheng Shanci into the imperial prison and strip him of his rank.

"Young officials may have pride, but they must bear the consequences of that pride," Imperial Censor Li said.

…

Though it was a scene of justice served, Yu Lanyi was seething with anger: "What kind of official, what kind of person dares to act so boldly in front of Zheng Shanci?"

"If he were a good man, it wouldn't hurt to pay him some respect, but he came here just to show off," Yu Lanyi grew angrier the more he thought about it. What kind of Imperial Censor is he? Once in the capital, if he's not clean, I'll strip him of his rank."

"Young master, don't be angry. I've already sent someone to investigate this Imperial Censor Li. I'll inform you as soon as there's any news."

Zheng Shanci returned late in the evening, still somewhat exhausted. Yu Lanyi greeted him, squeezing his arm, "Why are you so tired? I had the kitchen prepare bird's nest stew for you. Don't ruin your health for nothing."

Yu Lanyi always liked to squeeze his arm, and Zheng Shanci was already used to it. He went back to his room, and just then, the kitchen brought over the bird's nest stew. Zheng Shanci sat down to eat it, appreciating Yu Lanyi's thoughtfulness.

"Zheng Shanci, I watched you interrogate Cheng Ru and also saw that Imperial Censor Li. Don't be afraid, I'll back you up," Yu Lanyi said, lifting his chin.

He had never suffered any grievances in the capital. Now in Xinfeng County, Zheng Shanci was the magistrate of Xinfeng County, and no one dared to provoke him. But now, this Imperial Censor Li had to come and challenge him.

"Thank you, my lord," Zheng Shanci replied with a smile.

As a seventh-rank county magistrate, without the support of his in-laws, Zheng Shanci wouldn't dare to be so bold. In the officialdom, every step was precarious, especially when encountering such seasoned officials. One misstep could cost him his official position.

After finishing the bird's nest stew, the servant took the dishes away. After washing up, Yu Lanyi hugged Zheng Shanci, resting his head on his chest.

"Next time you meet someone like that, just mention the Marquis of Changyang's residence. You don't know how much I wanted to teach that old fool a lesson today," Yu Lanyi said, pinching Zheng Shanci's face. "Only I get to tease you."

"I don't want you to be bullied by others."

Zheng Shanci held Yu Lanyi's waist, rubbing his nose against him, his fingers caressing his waist. "How do you want to tease me?"

As long as it doesn't involve hitting, it's fine.

Living off someone else's wealth feels good, Zheng Shanci sighed. No wonder so many people want to live off others; it feels good once you've tasted it.

The two only kissed, and Yu Lanyi felt sleepy. In his sleep, he still clung to Zheng Shanci's inner garment, sleeping soundly in his arms, still a carefree young master.

...

All those involved in the Cheng family's affairs were arrested, only the grandchildren were spared. Mrs. Cheng looked at the group of women in the rear courtyard. When Scribe Jiang came to seal off the property, many maids and servants gathered their belongings from the mansion and fled. Many concubines also packed their belongings and ran away. Now, there were still more than twenty women and children crying, waiting for Mrs. Cheng to make a decision.

Mrs. Cheng scolded, "Why cry now? Isn't the family chaotic enough?"

At her words, they finally quieted down. The eldest grandson of the Cheng family stood numbly behind Mrs. Cheng with his wife. Cheng Wen also returned from the county school. With such a disaster at home, he couldn't sit for the imperial examination anymore. Everything had turned to nothing. Cheng Wen couldn't help but feel resentful. He was well-read and the most promising student in his teacher's eyes. Before he could even take the exam, he had to endure such a tragedy. He developed an inexplicable hatred for Zheng Shanci.

If he could take the exam and earn the Jinshi title, how could Zheng Shanci have such power over their life and death?

Mrs. Cheng suppressed her anger and said, "Your sale contracts are here. The family is in trouble. I'll give each of you one tael of silver. Take your contracts and leave."

Upon hearing Mrs. Cheng's words, the people in the rear courtyard thanked her, took their contracts, and left the Cheng residence with the silver.

Mrs. Cheng was being quite considerate. Some people, when their families were in trouble, would sell their concubines and maids to slave traders for some money. After all, with the contracts in hand, selling them was perfectly legal.

She wanted to do good deeds for her sons' sake. The Cheng family had already angered enough people in Xinfeng County. It wouldn't be wise to offend more people for no reason. If something went wrong, it would be a greater loss. Mrs. Cheng planned to take her two sons to Xuzhou to seek refuge with her maternal family.

By giving away some money, they could leave this sorrowful place steadily.

Mrs. Cheng saw that most of the people in the rear courtyard had left, only a few concubines with children remained. One of them timidly said, "Madam, one tael of silver is not enough for me and my child to live on."

Mrs. Cheng replied, "You are a sensible person. The Cheng residence has no more silver. I am seeking refuge with my maternal family. Before leaving, I am trying to be fair and kind. As for you and your son, you'll have to find your own way to survive. I am like a clay Buddha crossing a river, unable to save myself."

The concubines could only thank Mrs. Cheng and leave. Occasionally, someone would make a scene, and Mrs. Cheng would frown and have her servants drag them out, taking back their contracts.

Mrs. Cheng said indifferently, "Such people don't know gratitude. Sell them off."

Those who wanted to make a scene for more silver also gave up. After everyone had left, Mrs. Cheng said, "Eldest son, come with me to stay at an inn. We can't stay in this residence tonight. Second son, your path to the imperial examination is hopeless now. Go find Lord Li. He was a close friend of your grandfather. Ask him if there's any way you can still proceed. After all, you've studied for so many years." Speaking of Cheng Wen, Mrs. Cheng felt even more regretful. Why did this disaster have to strike before Cheng Wen could take the exam?

What talents does the Cheng family have left now? It's all like monkeys trying to catch the moon—completely futile.

Cheng Wen lowered his head and replied, "I’ll go find Lord Li right away."

The Cheng family’s eldest son had lost his drive. His husband had married him when Zheng Shanci first came to town, and now he too seemed numb. The eldest son didn’t inherit Patriarch Cheng’s wandering eye, but he was timid by nature. Mrs. Cheng patted the eldest son’s hand and guided him to the inn.

Cheng Wen didn’t dare to hold his head high in the streets anymore. The higher his pride had been before, the lower he now kept it. He rushed to the post station and told the postmaster he was looking for Imperial Censor Li.

"Well, the County Magistrate’s Husband is upstairs," the postmaster replied.

Cheng Wen’s heart raced. He remembered Yu Lanyi. Back then, when he returned from the academy and spotted him, he’d asked Xu Geer about his identity. When he found out he was the County Magistrate’s Husband, he’d given up. What was he doing here to see Lord Li? Cheng Wen had also heard that Zheng Shanci had shown no respect to Lord Li in the courtroom.

He scoffed to himself. How could Zheng Shanci not come himself and instead send his husband to plead with Lord Li? He’d been so bold in the courtroom, but now he had to humble himself—what a hypocrite.

He said, "I’ll go up and take a look."

Cheng Wen ascended the stairs and heard the sound of a teacup shattering on the floor. His heart raced. Imperial Censor Li was, after all, a high-ranking official. Could he really have so little composure? He quickened his pace.

Lord Li’s personal attendant was guarding the door, his expression somewhat peculiar.

From the room came the sound of a vase shattering.

Cheng Wen felt a sense of urgency and hurried forward, saying, "I am the second grandson of the Cheng family. I came today to see Lord Li. May I enter?"

The attendant looked Cheng Wen over and said, "His Lordship is currently speaking with Young Master Yu. You’ll have to wait."

From inside the room came the sound of chairs and tables being overturned.

Cheng Wen’s heart tightened, and he murmured, "The County Magistrate’s Husband is, after all, a young man. Even if Lord Li is angry with Lord Zheng, he shouldn’t take it out on a young man. That’s unbecoming of his dignity. If Lord Li is angry, he should go find Lord Zheng. Why torment an innocent young man?"

The attendant remained silent after hearing this.

Who was tormenting whom, indeed?