Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1213: A Malicious Grand Gift

"Gold, gold! The Gao family actually has gold, and it’s three whole jars!" County Magistrate Zheng stared at the three jars of gold presented before him, every trace of his fatigue completely vanishing.

Yet, a touch of bitterness mingled within him. These illicit dealings were far more lucrative than his own official earnings, a truly outrageous reality.

Steward Zheng, observing the County Magistrate’s drooling demeanor, cleared his throat softly. "Sir, this is the hard-earned wealth of the townsfolk. We should hold it in contempt upon sight," he reminded.

Ah, yes, that was precisely correct. This was indeed the townsfolk’s sweat and toil.

The townsfolk had shed so much blood and hardship; he, as the County Magistrate, ought to feel profound sadness.

"Steward, have you completed the accounting?" County Magistrate Zheng quickly shed his greedy facade and inquired of the Financial Clerk.

The Financial Clerk responded, "Sir, the accounts are complete. The three jars of gold amount to four thousand five hundred taels. Converted to silver, that is forty-five thousand taels. According to the Great Chu Criminal Law, sixty percent of confiscated assets must be remitted to the imperial court. We may retain eighteen thousand taels. In addition, considering the Gao family’s mansion, lands, and businesses, we can allocate nineteen thousand three hundred taels."

County Magistrate Zheng let out a sigh of relief upon hearing this. "Nineteen thousand three hundred taels. While it still falls short, it can at least offer some measure of assistance to the townsfolk," he declared.

He then turned his gaze towards Qin San Lang. "Furthermore, the Gao family’s case has served as a potent warning to those within the county who seek to exploit and usurp farmers’ properties. San Lang, you have once again performed admirably this time."

The deterrence of those wicked individuals, thereby preventing further turmoil within Tianfu County, carried a significance far greater than nineteen thousand taels of silver.

With the resolution of the Gao family’s affairs, the county had gradually calmed, and even half of the townsfolk who had assembled at the government gates had departed with their coffins.

Upon learning that half the townsfolk had left, County Magistrate Zheng discerned the truth: Beyond the Gao family, someone else had evidently instigated the townsfolk, intending to foment unrest!

County Magistrate Zheng was incensed, unable to fathom the potential catastrophe had the Gao family not been apprehended; what if even more ruthless and formidable individuals had emerged?

And then there was the matter of Liu Chief Commander; if his alleged transgressions were indeed proven true, that would represent another monumental achievement.

"San Lang, it may not be long before Tianfu County can no longer retain you," County Magistrate Zheng expressed his deep appreciation for Qin San Lang. With him present, Tianfu County had experienced unprecedented order, and all manner of bandits, thieves, unscrupulous merchants, and local bullies had been too intimidated to perpetrate their wicked deeds with such impunity.

Should San Lang depart, and without a capable individual to maintain order within the Military Office, the county’s reprobates and mountain bandits from neighboring regions might seize the opportunity to wreak havoc.

After all, Tianfu County was one of the most prosperous in the vicinity, and those nefarious elements had long harbored desires to embark on a plundering spree.

Contemplating these possibilities, County Magistrate Zheng felt a growing headache.

Qin San Lang offered a smile. "Do not worry, sir. Before you conclude your term in office, I shall not be departing for the Prefecture garrison."

His plan involved dedicating these years to marrying Xiao Yu, diligently training his subordinates, and thoroughly organizing the affairs of Tianfu County. Only after all arrangements were meticulously in place would he advance.

Indeed, the advancement he envisioned concerned the fates of numerous families; thus, he was compelled to ensure flawless execution, leaving no room for error.

County Magistrate Zheng was pleased to hear this assurance and extended his sympathy towards General Guo and Vice General Lan. "General Guo and Vice General Lan have had their sights set on you for years. Rejecting them yet again this time, Vice General Lan might feel quite displeased."

Qin San Lang chuckled. "Not at all. Just recently, a promising talent named Zhong Yu has joined the Prefecture garrison camp. He shows considerable potential. Vice General Lan can mentor him, and he will undoubtedly become a capable aide in due course."

The Zhong family possessed considerable wealth, boasting two sons and a cherished younger brother. Given the depleted national treasury and the reduced salaries for the southern troops, the camp was in dire need of Zhong Yu’s contributions.

With his presence, financial resources would become available, and a direct channel of communication with the Capital would be established. In times of crisis, requests for aid could be expedited directly to the highest authorities, proving immensely beneficial for He’an Prefecture.

Should He’an Prefecture or Tianfu County ever face dire peril, Zhong Yu would represent their ultimate hope.

County Magistrate Zheng remained unaware that Zhong Yu was, in fact, the notorious young master of the Zhong family. Hearing Qin San Lang’s words, he merely thought, Ah, San Lang is truly a magnanimous young man.

"Sir, Mrs. Gao Huang and the others have been brought in," Section Leader Jiang entered to report.

County Magistrate Zheng rejoiced instantly. "Convene the court session immediately. Pronounce judgment on that malevolent woman’s crimes, and let us bring this case to a swift conclusion."

Then he instructed the Financial Clerk: "Distribute the silver properly, ascertain how much each household can receive? Aside from those affluent enough to cover taxes, allocate it to the impoverished."

"Understood." The Financial Clerk affirmed, and alongside other clerks, they commenced their calculations.

County Magistrate Zheng, Qin San Lang, and County Captain Jiang proceeded to the public courtroom situated in the front courtyard.

County Magistrate Zheng, without the inclination to exchange further words with Mrs. Gao Huang, presented the evidence and delivered his verdict directly.

Mrs. Gao Huang let out a cold sneer: "So, it was indeed the Hong family that betrayed me. Ha, Mr. Hong, you believe that because the Gao family has been ruined, and I have fallen, your daughter is destined to escape misery? What a pity, I've prepared a grand gift for you. Once your daughter returns home, have a physician examine her pulse, and you'll understand the nature of this gift."

"You, what did you mean by that? What have you done to my daughter?!" Uncle Hong's voice was laced with extreme anxiety as he interrogated Mrs. Gao Huang.

Mrs. Gao Huang savored his pained reaction for a moment before laughing, "Nothing significant, I merely administered some potent medicine, ensuring she'll be unable to bear children for the remainder of her life. Consequently, if your daughter wishes to remarry or lead a tranquil existence, such notions are merely a dream!"

This explained why Mrs. Gao Hong, subsequent to giving birth to a son seven years prior, had never conceived again.

"You, you venomous woman, such a sinister heart you possess, why would you inflict such harm upon my daughter?!" Uncle Hong was past tears, his sole focus being the rescue of his daughter and her eventual marriage to an upright man. He never anticipated she had been rendered infertile.

She was already a second wife; without the ability to bear children, who would possibly marry her?

"Heavens, why are you so cruel, decreeing such a bitter fate for my daughter?" Uncle Hong lamented, striking his chest and stamping his feet. "If my Hong family has committed any transgressions, let the retribution fall upon me; why must my daughter suffer?!"

County Magistrate Zheng was also taken aback by this revelation; Mrs. Gao Huang was indeed malicious, resorting to such vile methods to inflict suffering upon others. "Guards, escort Mrs. Gao Huang to the Punishment Room for her sentence!"

This wicked woman deserved severe discipline.

Mrs. Gao Huang displayed no fear. Having entered the Gao family and resolved to aid Gao Sanxiong, she had never anticipated a favorable outcome. However, she cast a glance at Qin San Lang, remarking, "You are intelligent, but your aura is malevolent, and your sins are too great; your end will likely not be a pleasant one!"

If it weren't for him, the Gao family would not have met its downfall!

With an audible snap, County Magistrate Zheng erupted in fury: "You wicked old woman, still spouting curses at this juncture, truly heartless. Guards, remove her from here immediately."

Even a mere glance in the direction of County Magistrate Zheng was a repulsive experience.

"Yes, Sir." The Government Officials, equally incensed by Mrs. Gao Huang's actions, had never encountered such a malevolent elderly woman before.

"Sir, sir, this common woman is innocent! All the wicked deeds were forced upon her by Mrs. Gao Huang, that wicked old woman." Chang Taohua, demonstrating her cunning, upon witnessing Mrs. Gao Huang's capture, promptly fabricated a tale: "If this common woman had refused to assist her in her evil schemes, she would have compelled me to consume infertility drugs. It was the fear of becoming infertile that drove me to comply with her demands; my life has been one of misery!"

You claim misery, yet among the four daughters-in-law of the Gao family, you have given birth to the most children. These infertility drugs, who are you attempting to deceive with such falsehoods?