Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1208: Something’s Wrong

"I, a civilian, acknowledge that Gao Sanxiong committed a heinous crime deserving of execution. As his family, we have benefited from his ill-gotten gains, and according to the Great Chu Criminal Law, we should all face consequences. However, I implore the steward for mercy, pleading for the lives of my four daughters-in-law and three granddaughters," stated Mrs. Gao Huang, tears streaming down her face. "The eldest and second daughters-in-law are particularly innocent. One is the daughter of Master Tongsheng, and the other was chosen by my second son through unscrupulous means for her beauty, forcing her into marriage. Both have suffered greatly and should not be further implicated by the Gao family's transgressions."

Regarding the other two daughters-in-law, they were wed to Gao Sanxiong's illegitimate sons, one motivated by greed and the other through deceit. Mrs. Gao Huang, indifferent to legitimacy, also advocated for their leniency.

Squad Leader Jiang, upon hearing her plea, furrowed his brow and declared sternly, "Mrs. Gao Huang, if you recognize that your entire family profited from Gao Sanxiong's criminal acts, you must understand that no one among you is truly innocent. To speak as you do now demonstrates a lack of remorse and an attempt to obstruct Steward Zheng!"

Steward Zheng, much like Magistrate Zheng of the county, hailed from a reputable branch of the Zheng family. Though not exceedingly wealthy, they were instilled with the values of a noble household, emphasizing meticulous conduct in all actions to uphold the family's honor.

Mrs. Gao Huang's pleas might have fallen on deaf ears if directed at a brutish official, but against Steward Zheng, they held a certain sway.

Indeed, Steward Zheng glanced at the gathering of vulnerable women and children, a flicker of hesitation crossing his features.

Sensing his wavering, Mrs. Gao Huang seized the opportunity, pressing on, "Steward, I understand your esteemed family values integrity and benevolence. I beg you to spare my daughters-in-law and granddaughters."

She deliberately omitted her grandsons from her request, perhaps believing Steward Zheng would be more amenable to sparing the women.

"Steward Zheng," Qin San Lang, having just subdued Gao Sanxiong and his associates, arrived swiftly after receiving word from Section Leader Hong. He intercepted the contemplating Steward Zheng just in time.

Upon recognizing Qin San Lang, Steward Zheng's composure returned. He promptly rose and approached Qin San Lang, conversing in hushed tones. "...These are all defenseless women and children. Her plea for the daughters-in-law and granddaughters, while not fully absolving the grandsons, indicates an understanding of the law. The Great Chu Criminal Law primarily targets men, treating women with leniency. Given the recent tax unrest and public discontent, it would be prudent to release them, demonstrating the government's compassion to the county populace."

He continued, "Naturally, as Company Commander, you hold the highest authority here, and the final decision rests with you."

It was important to note that Steward Zheng, while holding an official position, lacked any substantive rank, merely serving as an aide to Magistrate Zheng.

"Steward Zheng, please accompany me," Qin San Lang gestured, turning to depart.

"Huh?"

"Why has this young man left so abruptly?"

Steward Zheng had no choice but to follow Qin San Lang out of the courtyard.

Witnessing this, Mrs. Gao Huang was taken aback. "Could this be the King of Yan? Why is he appearing at this critical juncture? Wasn't he supposed to be apprehending Gao Sanxiong? Is it possible Gao Sanxiong was apprehended so quickly by the King of Yan?"

Outside the courtyard, along the stone path beneath an osmanthus tree, a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, Qin San Lang remarked, "What Little Uncle Zheng said earlier holds truth, but there is something peculiar about Mrs. Gao Huang; she does not seem entirely straightforward."

Qin San Lang maintained a cordial relationship with Magistrate Zheng and others, hence his informal address of Magistrate Zheng as 'Big Uncle Zheng' and Steward Zheng as 'Little Uncle Zheng'.

He produced a scroll of documents and presented it to Steward Zheng. "Little Uncle Zheng, please examine this."

Steward Zheng accepted it with haste, a sheen of cold sweat appearing on his forehead. "This... you suspect Mrs. Gao Huang is concealing Gao Sanxiong's hidden fortune with his daughters-in-law?"

Qin San Lang nodded in affirmation. "Based on my investigations, there is indeed reason to suspect Mrs. Gao Huang. While it appears she has been estranged from Gao Sanxiong for over a decade, Mrs. Gao Huang lacks strong parental backing, and Gao Sanxiong is notoriously overbearing – not someone she could easily endure. Then why was she never divorced?"

She had publicly shamed and even struck Gao Sanxiong on multiple occasions, leading to his utter humiliation. Considering Gao Sanxiong's temperament, he would have undoubtedly tormented Mrs. Gao Huang, leaving her bedridden, had he not killed her. Why then would he permit Mrs. Gao Huang to oversee the household's affairs?

Qin San Lang remarked, "This is a conniving pair, plotting together, staging a charade. However, their performance lacks thoroughness, leaving inexplicable loopholes."

"What should we do now? Arrest them instantly and hand them over to the magistrate's office?" Steward Zheng, lending credence to Qin San Lang's words, was quite incensed.

That Mrs. Gao Huang, capitalizing on her gentle facade and her publicly known contentious relationship with Gao Sanxiong, had nearly duped him, steering him toward a critical misstep.

Qin San Lang advised, "There's no need to drag them to the government office; simply confine them within their residence. The surveillance can be relaxed. When Mrs. Gao Huang can no longer bear the confinement, she will undoubtedly instruct her daughters-in-law to seize opportunities to contact outsiders for the transfer of the hidden silver. That is when we shall act, like persistent magpies observing their prey."

Upon hearing this, Steward Zheng couldn't help but offer a salute of admiration, "San Lang, although your family boasts three generations of military service, your intellect and strategic acumen are truly remarkable, rivaling those of scions from noble families."

Despite hailing from a distant and impoverished branch of the Zheng Family, Steward Zheng had received a commendable education and had observed how the legitimate heirs managed affairs.

In truth, San Lang's capabilities surpassed those of the Zheng family's current legitimate heir, Zheng Ying.

Qin San Lang, feeling a touch of bashfulness, offered a smile, "Little Uncle Zheng exaggerates. I have merely learned from my father and perused a few military texts; nothing truly warrants the title of strategist."

The mentor of the eldest brother was formerly the Chief of Staff in the Ministry of Justice, Lord Feng.

Lord Feng originated from the Feng Family of the Central Plains, an ancient lineage as venerable as the Zong family. His father had pioneered the drafting of the Great Chu Criminal Law through legitimate legal means. Due to his association with the eldest brother, while in the Capital, he had also received tutelage from Lord Feng.

However, Lord Feng became entangled in familial matters and was subsequently dismissed by the Emperor. He now relied on medication daily, was forbidden from leaving his residence, and could not engage in casual communication.

"Very well, we shall proceed according to your suggestion." Steward Zheng placed a hand on Qin San Lang's shoulder and departed with a smile. Yet, before stepping through the courtyard gate, the smile vanished, and he cast a cold glance at Mrs. Gao Huang, stating, "Company Commander Qin previously reminded me that you are all family members of a major offender and cannot be released carelessly, lest I face repercussions."

He continued, "However, rest assured, Magistrate Zheng is a benevolent official and will not make matters difficult for you women and children. Remain in your home for the time being; there is no need to go to the government office. As for whether you will eventually be released, a decision will be made after reporting to Magistrate Lord."

Hearing this, Mrs. Gao Huang harbored a deep sense of indignation inwardly. Qin Yan Wang, this young man, despite his youth, was remarkably adept at meddling, effectively thwarting their plans.

Nevertheless, Mrs. Gao Huang concealed her resentment, maintaining her benevolent demeanor, and tearfully expressed her gratitude, "I, a humble civilian woman, thank Steward Zheng for your leniency, and thank Company Commander Qin for your mercy."

Turning to her daughters-in-law, she lamented, "My poor daughters, you will not have to endure suffering at the government office any longer, boo hoo hoo..."

The several daughters-in-law of the Gao family commenced crying in unison, joined by the wailing granddaughters, presenting a most pitiable tableau.