Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1214: A Lesson

County Magistrate Zheng appeared utterly exasperated. "You woman, you can't even manage a decent lie; you just scrape together idiotic excuses. Mrs. Gao Hong was drugged, and yet you fabricate such a tale. But you are Mrs. Gao Huang’s daughter-in-law; how could she possibly drug you and then sever her own son's lineage?"

Chang Taohua was momentarily stunned before crying out, "My lord, Gao's second son possesses four maids and keeps two widows on the side; he certainly doesn't lack women to bear him children. Mrs. Gao Huang must have drugged me to coerce a commoner like me! I truly..."

"Enough," County Magistrate Zheng interjected impatiently. "The evidence is clear; there's no need for further testimony. Gag her and then have them affix their thumbprints to the confession."

"My lord, please, I was forced!" Chang Taohua wailed. Yet, no sooner had she begun to shout than a Government Official silenced her with a gag, compelled her handprint, and dragged her off to the women's prison.

Mrs. Gao Wu also attempted to profess her innocence, but the Government Official swiftly gagged her as well, forcing her confession with a thumbprint before taking her to the cell.

Fortunately, due to her father and brother's meritorious service, even amidst their crimes, Mrs. Gao Hong was spared imprisonment. However, complete exoneration would have to await the Prefecture Government Office's approval.

As Mrs. Gao Hong was merely an accomplice, her release, contingent on the Prefecture Government Office's agreement, would not necessitate the Imperial Court of Judicial Review in the Capital's sanction.

Only significant cases, such as murder, grand larceny, corruption, or treason, were subject to review by the Da Li Temple.

"Sister Ye, do not despair. I wager that the Old Devout Woman lied about your infertility. Father will surely find a skilled physician to examine you," Uncle Hong remarked, looking at his daughter with profound concern. He blamed her striking beauty and guileless demeanor for falling prey to Fourth Son Gao.

Witnessing this, Section Leader Jiang requested, "My lord, Doctor Zhou is still within the Punishment Room. Might we have him examine Mrs. Gao Hong?"

This course of action would prove convenient, swift, and cost-effective.

County Magistrate Zheng, having already accepted three pots of gold from the Gao family, readily agreed with a pleased expression. "Very well, let Doctor Zhou examine Mrs. Gao Hong."

"Thank you, my lord, thank you!" Uncle Hong was deeply moved, anxiously awaiting Doctor Zhou's arrival.

Shortly thereafter, Section Leader Jiang escorted Doctor Zhou. After examining Hong Ye's pulse, he delivered the grim news with regret. "She was indeed drugged with tiger and wolf medicine, likely during her confinement. The prospects for a cure appear slim."

"Doctor Zhou, I implore you, help my daughter Ye! She is so young, with decades ahead of her. She wishes to remarry and cannot remain childless," Uncle Hong pleaded with Doctor Zhou. "Rest assured, Doctor Zhou, whatever medicine you prescribe, our family will guarantee full payment without any delay."

Doctor Zhou appeared conflicted. "Treatment for this ailment requires potent medicine administered over many years; an ordinary family would find the cost prohibitive. Your daughter has already borne a child once; one offspring should suffice. Do not squander the family's silver."

Given the heavy taxes of the era, silver was best allocated to life-saving necessities; matters of childbirth could perhaps wait.

"Father, there is no need for treatment; I am fine," Hong Ye stated. Having not conceived for many years, she already harbored doubts about her ability to bear more children and felt indifferent to the prospect. Indeed, not bearing more children for the Gao family brought her a sense of relief. "I have come to terms with it... if I remarry, I will find someone with a son; I am not particularly picky."

Hong Ye did not wish to remarry, but her elderly father could not protect her indefinitely, and her brother, now married, could not support her forever. To avoid being a burden to her family, remarriage seemed her most viable option.

"Father, I beg you, please do not pursue treatment for me, okay? I do not wish to trouble the family any further."

Upon hearing this, Uncle Hong could only sob. He glanced at his son and considered the day's taxes and his other grandchildren. With tears welling, he conceded, "Alright, no treatment. Rest assured, I will find you a good family so you will not have to suffer any longer."

"Okay, I trust you, Father," Hong Ye responded with a smile. She intended to inquire about her son, Brother Liang, but just as she began, Hong Wen tugged her sleeve, prompting Hong Ye to wisely refrain from speaking further.

County Magistrate Zheng and his retinue departed without delay, instructing Uncle Hong, "Keep a close watch on Mrs. Gao Hong. She must not leave the premises without the Prefecture Government Office's approval."

With that, they returned to the back office to continue addressing tax-related matters.

"Lord Company Commander, a group has arrived outside. Two old men are leading them, surnamed Zhou and Lin. They claim to be your fellow villagers and famine escapees, and they demand an audience with you," Zhang Zhong personally approached Qin San Lang in the back office to discreetly relay the message.

Upon recognizing them, Qin San Lang informed Section Leader Jiang and County Magistrate Zheng, "They are Elder Zhou and Elder Lin from Li Village, Niugou Town. They've undoubtedly come to plead for Zhou Laoer, so sirs, you need not worry. I will handle them."

"Proceed." Reassured, County Magistrate Zheng and Section Leader Jiang returned their attention to the matters of taxes and appeasing the populace.

...

"My son merely accompanied Li Kuihu to visit the Gao family. Who could have foreseen they would commit such heinous crimes? My son did not partake in any evil deeds; he was innocently implicated and should never have been arrested," Elder Zhou wailed at the government gates, vehemently asserting Zhou Laoer's innocence and his wrongful apprehension by the officials.

*Thud!*

Qin San Lang struck the government gate's drum with the flat of his sword, silencing Elder Zhou's lamentations mid-cry.

"Company Commander Qin, see, that is the Company Commander Qin you were seeking," the villagers kneeling at the gate helpfully pointed out to Elder Zhou. They, however, retreated a few paces, unwilling to find themselves caught in the tempest of Company Commander Qin's fury.

One could observe the darkening of Company Commander Qin's normally handsome visage; he appeared on the verge of drawing his sword.

Elder Lin and Elder Zhou turned to behold Qin San Lang. His expression was severe, his gaze lethal, and a palpable aura of murderous intent enveloped him, startling them into a hasty step backward.

Elder Zhou regained his composure, crying out, "Qin family boy? Oh, San Lang, you must save your Uncle Zhou Er."

"Silence." Qin San Lang coldly cut in, his voice soft yet undeniably commanding, leaving Elder Zhou momentarily stunned into silence.

My, how formidable this young man from the Qin family is!

"Before you arrived at the county government, did you make a visit to the Gu Family in Da Feng Village?" Qin San Lang inquired.

Sensing Qin San Lang’s imposing demeanor, Elder Zhou hesitated to answer.

Elder Lin then interjected, "We did. Zhou intended to seek the Gu Family's assistance, but we were denied entry; they turned us away. Thus, the Zhou family had no other recourse but to come here."

He added, "I accompanied them not to aid the Zhou family, but to prevent any further complications they might instigate."

"Lin Laodi, your heart is cold, distancing yourself from my family simply because my second son is in trouble." Elder Zhou swelled with rage, his desire to strike out palpable. Losing the respect of Lin was infuriating; in days past, Elder Lin had always deferred to him.

"You have already departed? Then there is nothing more to discuss." Qin San Lang clasped his hands behind his back. "Zhou Laoer has violated the Criminal Law, and the Zhou Family members should also bear the consequences. Arrest them all and cast them into prison!"

Since they were so eager to see Zhou Laoer, he would graciously grant their wish.

"Yes!" Zhang Zhong, accompanied by soldiers from the Military Office, Luo Wu, and the Government Officials, swarmed towards the members of the Zhou Family. They apprehended the sobbing Elder Zhou, Zhou Sanlang, Zhou Laoer's wife, and the young Master Zhou, who appeared entirely innocent.

"The government was prepared to let you go, but since you insisted on coming here, you cannot blame us," Luo Wu remarked. He had harbored a long-standing dislike for the Zhou Family, and apprehending them suited his disposition perfectly.

However, Qin San Lang did not genuinely intend to inflict severe punishment upon the Zhou Family; his aim was merely to impart a lesson and forestall any future disturbances.