Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1257: It’s Done

"Are you blind? Can’t you see the evidence this Young Master Dou is holding?" Young Master Dou, his temper flaring, pointed to the proof clutched by the clerk and declared, "Don’t think you can use your old age to shield Xue De. This Young Master Dou doesn’t play by those rules."

Initially, he had no intention of redirecting his ire towards other Xue family members. However, since Old Master Xue had chosen this path, he couldn’t be faulted for showing no mercy.

A knot of fear tightening in his chest, Old Master Xue still refused to concede, sneering coldly, "Young Master Dou, I am aware that your new bank has been a great boon to the farmers, and the Magistrate regards you highly for it. However, you cannot wield the new bank’s influence to slander innocent people."

Magistrate Gu’s face darkened. What did that imply? Was he being accused of showing favoritism to Young Master Dou because of monetary gain?

If that was the implication, then he wouldn't hold back either!

Slamming his gavel down, Magistrate Gu proclaimed, "Xue De bribed Ms. Jin to infect Miss Yun Hua with a venereal disease. He then dispatched Miss Yun Hua to Young Master Dou’s private quarters with the intent to cause him harm. The evidence, along with witnesses, is irrefutable and beyond dispute. According to the law, Xue De is sentenced to public beheading. The Xue Family will be implicated, with seventy percent of their assets confiscated as a stark warning to others!"

"What?!" The Xue Family erupted in shock. How could the sentence be so severe? They were going to behead Brother De?

Magistrate Gu elaborated, "The Great Chu Dynasty imposes harsh penalties for such heinous crimes. Furthermore, Young Master Dou holds an official post as a spear bearer in the Yu Lin Army. Xue De, a humble student, attempted to harm a government official, thus aggravating his crime and necessitating a death sentence."

Upon hearing this, the Xue Family was plunged into deeper astonishment. Was Young Master Dou truly an official? Wasn’t he merely the son of a merchant?

"Doctor Liu, please attend to this scoundrel and keep him from dying; I have a few words I wish to exchange with him." When Young Master Dou came to file his complaint, he had also brought Doctor Liu with him.

Given the substantial sum of silver exchanged, and Doctor Liu’s well-known penchant for money, he readily agreed, cheerfully stating, "Heh, Young Master Dou, rest assured. With me here, he won’t perish. I’ll ensure he clings to life right up until the moment of his execution."

Behold, the medical prowess at Liu Family Clinic was truly dependable, capable of dictating the precise moment of one’s demise.

Doctor Liu, with his considerable skill, swiftly revived the gravely injured Xue De, who had been hovering on the brink of death.

Young Master Dou crouched before Xue De and addressed him, "I know the mastermind behind this is Old Thief Fan. As long as you honestly confess how Old Thief Fan instructed you to frame me, I shall withdraw the complaint, and your execution will be averted. What do you say?"

This offer was too tempting to refuse. Xue De, having endured a brutal beating and now aware that Young Master Dou was indeed an official, did not hesitate to divulge how Boss Fan had subtly guided him to frame Young Master Dou, promising an introduction to the Zongzheng Family’s Fifth Young Master afterward.

Fools!

Magistrate Gu felt a surge of dread, unable to bear witnessing this scene. Xue De had exposed both Boss Fan and the Zongzheng Family, a move that was tantamount to courting death! What sort of formidable power did the Zongzheng Family command? Xue De wouldn’t even live to face government execution; they would surely dismember him long before that.

Magistrate Gu cast a sideways glance at Young Master Dou, a shiver tracing its way down his spine. This seemingly impertinent and shameless Dou was, in reality, a master strategist. Even with his promise to withdraw the complaint, Xue De was doomed; the ones to end his life would simply be Boss Fan or the Zongzheng Family.

Moreover, the Xue Family could hardly expect a peaceful existence from this point forward. Boss Fan and the Zongzheng Family would undoubtedly ensure their utter ruin!

A moment later, Old Master Xue regained his senses. Perceiving Young Master Dou’s cunning scheme, he immediately rebuked Xue De, "Stop talking! You mustn’t utter another word!"

Regrettably, it was too late. Xue De had already confessed everything in a desperate bid to save his own life.

Having secured the confession, Young Master Dou had Xue De affix his fingerprint to the document. He then presented the signed confession to Magistrate Gu, smilingly saying, "Esteemed Magistrate, please affix your seal to this document."

Magistrate Gu wavered. Did this young man intend to embroil the Zongzheng Family in a legal entanglement and drag him into the fray? He was willing to accept the silver, but he certainly wouldn’t tolerate being put in a position where his own life was threatened!

"Rest assured, Your Honor. The Fifth Young Master of the Zongzheng Family is of noble birth. I am merely a merchant’s son; how could I possibly dare to oppose him? Simply stamp the document and bring Xue De’s case to a close," Young Master Dou stated, a strategic smile playing on his lips. Though he couldn’t directly confront the Zongzheng Family, this confession granted him a significant advantage.

Sooner or later, the Zongzheng Family, either to placate him or to thoroughly eliminate any loose ends, would deal with Boss Fan. At that opportune moment, he intended to seize control of the Fan Family’s assets, thereby exacting vengeance for all his past grievances.

The Fan Family’s immense wealth brought a surge of excitement to his thoughts!

Magistrate Gu, after considerable deliberation, finally affixed his seal to Xue De’s confession.

In accordance with his promise, Young Master Dou retracted the accusation against Xue De. He then proceeded to Master Ouyang’s residence, presenting the confession directly: "Old man, keep this safe for me to prevent the Zongzheng Family from attempting to steal it."

Master Ouyang, having been apprised of Young Master Dou’s recent escapades, was incensed. "Can’t you exercise a little self-control and avoid seeking such services at a time like this? If not for your lack of restraint, this entire situation would not have arisen," he chided.

Young Master Dou retorted, "Hey, you misunderstand; I am neither a eunuch nor did I forcibly take a maiden. Why shouldn't I pay for companionship? I am the one who suffered harm, you know!"

"Furthermore, I did not offend the Zongzheng Family, nor even the Fan Family. My actions were merely a minor lesson for the Xue Family; I was so benevolent that I even felt moved by my own kindness. Why are you so angry?"

"Nonsense! Hurry along now; I have no desire to see you at this moment." Master Ouyang, having secured the confession, hastily dismissed him.

Young Master Dou, wisely recognizing the dismissal, made his exit.

Gu Jin’an followed him outside and inquired, "Young Master Dou, what are your intentions regarding Ms. Jin? Will you kill her or sell her? If you plan to sell her, please consider selling her to me."

It was noted that Cousin Le had previously been sold into Yingxian Square, a fact known to Ms. Jin. If she were to survive, selling her elsewhere could pose a future risk, as she might be bribed to harm Cousin Le.

Young Master Dou stared in astonishment at Gu Jin’an, pointing a finger at him. "Are you... are you truly that impoverished? You cannot even afford a young lady? Do not act this way; Ms. Jin is rather old. I shall find you a youthful, beautiful, and unblemished one."

Gu Jin’an stood in a daze for a few moments before snapping back to awareness. He angrily swatted away Young Master Dou’s hand. "Cease your nonsensical talk! Not everyone is like you, constantly pursuing beautiful women! I harbor no such desires and wish only for a deep connection with my future wife."

Young Master Dou scoffed with disdain. "Then, will your life not be exceedingly dull?"

He continued, "Ms. Jin possesses considerable skill in managing brothels; I shall retain her to oversee my brothel operations."

In the southern regions, scholarly pursuits were highly esteemed, and intellectuals often frequented brothels. These establishments were not only frequented by patrons who spent lavishly but also served as conduits for sharing familial news, making them exceptionally profitable ventures that Young Master Dou had no intention of abandoning.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin’an finally felt a sense of relief. Ms. Jin in Young Master Dou’s custody was, in essence, as secure as if she were under the Gu Family’s protection.

... (page: [Number])

Precisely as Young Master Dou had anticipated, upon learning of Xue De’s confession, Boss Fan swiftly initiated action against the Xue Family. Within a mere ten days, Xue De met his demise, and a significant portion of the Xue Family’s assets were razed.

Young Master Dou was ecstatic upon receiving this news. He reveled in the unfolding conflict, knowing he would ultimately be the one to seize the spoils.

While Boss Fan was occupied with the Xue Family, the long-awaited correspondence from the Capital finally arrived.

Upon perusing the reply from his elder brother, Master Ouyang addressed Gu Jin’an and the others, stating, "It is settled."