Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1256: Black-Hearted

Young Master Dou's brow furrowed into a sneer. "So, it's them. Hmph, do they truly believe I'm so easily bullied? If they're so set on dying, I might as well indulge them with a bit of my time!"

He had spent many years in the south. Upon his initial arrival, certain local aristocratic families, underestimating his youth, attempted various schemes to entrap him. However, he retaliated against each and every one, even managing to profit handsomely during the process.

The Ying and Zongzheng Families have yet to witness his true capabilities; he would certainly enlighten them.

"Don't act rashly," Gu Jin'an advised. "You cannot directly confront the Ying, Zongzheng, and Shen Families at this juncture. Instead, focus on those who are aiding these three families in their attempts against you. This approach will demonstrate that you are not to be trifled with, while also signaling to the Emperor your respect for the royal family and your deference to those of higher standing."

The recent affair concerning the new bank had already drawn considerable attention to Young Master Dou. If he were to openly clash with these three prominent families now, even a victory could lead the Emperor to perceive him as disrespectful towards the royal family and the noble lineages superior to the Dou Family.

The Emperor, prone to suspicion and overthinking, might interpret any perceived disrespect as a direct challenge to his own authority, which would undoubtedly create significant trouble.

After Gu Jin'an meticulously laid out the strategy, he added, "Displaying a degree of restraint now can earn you the Emperor's favor. Rest assured, once Elder Ouyang has sufficiently persuaded the Emperor, His Majesty will personally intervene to dismantle the Shen, Ying, and Zongzheng families. At that point, all your grievances will be avenged."

Young Master Dou chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Your heart is indeed quite wicked. Very well, I shall heed your counsel and spare those three families for the time being."

Gu Jin'an's expression shifted to one of mock displeasure. "Are you attempting to flatter me?"

Your heart is the one that's wicked!

Young Master Dou gave a decisive nod. "Precisely, unless you genuinely believe yourself to be a paragon of virtue—spare me the pretense."

Having delivered his retort, he quickly made his escape, anticipating a playful retaliatory strike from Gu Jin'an.

In the ensuing days, Young Master Dou acted with ruthless efficiency. He systematically dismantled those who had assisted the Zongzheng Family in their schemes against him. To commence, he seized control of the most renowned establishment in the Prefecture, Yingxian Square, transforming it into his personal domain.

Madam Jin, on the verge of collapse, tearfully implored, "Young Master Dou, I was coerced by the Xue Family..."

"Silence! You dare address him as 'Young Master Dou'? You are a mere servant; you shall address him as 'Master'!") Young Master Dou declared with considerable arrogance. Seated prominently in the main hall of Yingxian Square, he gazed down at Madam Jin kneeling before him. "Explain in meticulous detail, omitting no severity, precisely how the Xue Family forced your complicity in harming me."

If her account lacked gravitas, how could he possibly bring the Xue Family to account?

Madam Jin, understanding his intent, hesitated. While the Xue Family wasn't overwhelmingly powerful, they harbored influential patrons, including esteemed figures from the Capital. Given this intricate web of connections, she, as a mere brothel madam, recognized the peril of alienating them, hence her reluctance.

"Oh? You still intend to shield them? Do you truly believe they can protect you? Is Magistrate Gu merely a figurehead, or is the Ouyang Family's influence insufficient?" Young Master Dou's words sliced through the air like daggers, leaving Madam Jin ashen-faced. "An old procuress playing the martyr? Very well, if death is what you seek, I shall graciously grant your wish."

He then let out a theatrical sigh. "Alas, I had initially thought you were merely a pawn, possessing untapped potential, and intended to retain your services in managing the brothel. But you..."

"Master, I will reveal everything!" Madam Jin exclaimed, practically leaping with relief. No longer fearing the repercussions of offending those behind the scenes, she divulged how the Xue Family had approached her, the circumstances surrounding Yun Hua's illness, the actions of Boss Fan, and the subsequent involvement of a noble young master from the Zongzheng Family, who was pulling Boss Fan's strings.

Young Master Dou listened with a degree of astonishment. Madam Jin, it seemed, truly deserved her reputation for establishing a thriving brothel in the Prefecture single-handedly; she was undoubtedly a formidable individual.

"Have you meticulously documented everything?" Young Master Dou inquired, glancing at the Shadow Guards disguised as attendants.

The Shadow Guards affirmed, "Young Master, all has been recorded, word for word."

Nodding with satisfaction, Young Master Dou turned his attention back to Madam Jin. "Come, accompany me to the magistrate's office, and we shall file charges against the Xue Family."

Huh?

Madam Jin was taken aback. She had anticipated a more clandestine approach from Young Master Dou in dealing with the Xue Family, not such a public display.

However, now bound to Young Master Dou's service, she responded obsequiously, "Yes, as you command."

With renewed alacrity, she rose and followed Young Master Dou to the government office.

Magistrate Gu, who had been treating Young Master Dou with remarkable deference akin to that shown a father, immediately took action upon Young Master Dou's arrival to file a complaint. Given the Xue Family's recent transgression against Lord Yu and their subsequent decline in standing, Magistrate Gu swiftly utilized the detailed list provided by Young Master Dou to issue warrants, resulting in the swift apprehension of Xue De, his sons, his uncles, and the elder Master Xue.

"An injustice, my lord!" Xue De had barely finished his cry when he was pinned down by the court official and received twenty heavy blows.

The officials wielded their instruments with considerable force, leaving Xue De near death's door.

Xue De’s father and his two uncles were also subjected to the same treatment. While Xue De’s father endured it with relative composure, his uncles were outraged by the unjust punishment. They wailed, "My lord, a child’s misdeeds are the father’s responsibility; we are not Xue De’s father."

"You may punish Xue De’s biological father, but why involve us?"

Magistrate Gu’s expression turned stern. "Uncles are considered as half-fathers. You bear the responsibility of educating your nephew and thus deserve punishment alongside him. If you dare to cry injustice again, your sentence will be doubled!"

Doubled?

Xue De’s two uncles, filled with terror, accepted their twenty strikes alongside Xue De’s father.

As for Old Master Xue, he escaped the physical punishment. At his advanced age, Magistrate Gu recognized that a death in court would lead to significant complications and explanations.

However, Old Master Xue was so incensed his entire body trembled. He questioned the magistrate, "Lord Magistrate, what transgression has the Xue Family committed to incur such severe punishment from you? Provide this old man with an explanation, or the Xue Family will never let this matter rest!"

The Xue Family was a prominent and affluent clan within the Prefecture, possessing considerable wealth and influence. They had long been established in He’an Prefecture. While not holding noble titles, they were by no means an easy faction to provoke.

Magistrate Gu instructed the clerk to present the confession and corroborating evidence, which had been procured by Young Master Dou, to Old Master Xue. "Examine them yourself, lest you falsely accuse this government of injustice."

Young Master Dou interjected with a smug tone, "Lord Magistrate, have no concern. The people of He’an Prefecture are wise, and the storytellers, in particular, are adept at dispensing justice. After today, they will only condemn the Xue Family as utterly shameless, without uttering a single word of criticism against you. Indeed, you are a rare and upright official."

Magistrate Gu: "..."

Is he subtly insulting me?

Never mind, for the sake of the silver involved, this official will overlook the remark.

Upon reviewing Ms. Jin’s confession and the evidence uncovered by Young Master Dou, Old Master Xue felt as though he had been struck unconscious. This impudent brat, Xue De, had truly brought ruin upon the Xue Family by daring to act as a pawn for Boss Fan!

A fool, a complete and utter fool.

Boss Fan, with the backing of influential nobles from the Capital, did not dare to openly attack Young Master Dou. From where did this brat derive the audacity to believe he could harm Young Master Dou and escape without consequence?

Nevertheless, Old Master Xue refused to accept the confession, declaring, "Lord Magistrate, Ms. Jin is merely a brothel madam; her testimony is inherently unreliable."