Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1261: Gu Dexing’s Betrothal

"Every stitch of clothing on him was removed, and when his corpse was found, it was completely bare. It was Liu Yexiang who, unable to bear the sight, took off his own clothes to cover Boss Fan."

A query arose, "Was it Liu, the night soil collector from the north of the city, who discovered the body? If he reported it, it must be the truth."

Liu Yexiang, residing in the north of the city, is renowned for his integrity; hence, his word carries weight.

"It was indeed Liu Yexiang who found the body. They say he was almost scared to death and is still at the government office, recounting the events. His exact testimony is unknown; we shall visit the Liu family in the north of the city later to inquire."

Someone scoffed, "The man is dead, what more is there to investigate? Why not focus on the Fan family? Six sons in total: one eldest legitimate son, two sons from concubines, and three illegitimate sons. The primary wife and the favored concubine are quite contentious. A dispute over inheritance is all but certain."

Upon hearing this, the crowd's interest immediately piqued, "Yes, yes, it matters little how the Fan surname met its end. The person is deceased, let's not dwell on it. What truly matters is witnessing the drama unfold among the living!"

A substantial throng quickly made their way towards the Fan family residence.

Outside the Fan family's imposing main gate, a considerable crowd had already congregated. Some were there simply to witness the unfolding events, others to pay their respects, and still others harbored ambitions of seizing the Fan family's assets.

"Have the Ma and Miao families arrived yet?!" Those present for the spectacle, unfazed by the somber occasion, inquired upon their arrival.

The Ma family represents the maiden kin of the primary wife, while the Miao family is the maternal lineage of the concubine. With Boss Fan deceased, the subsequent step would logically involve the division of his estate. Wouldn't the families of the two wives be present to support their respective sides and potentially escalate the conflict?

An individual who had been observing the situation replied, "Not yet, the news has only just broken, how could they possibly arrive so swiftly?"

Those in the know offered a different perspective, "Who says they haven't arrived? Word has it that both families have already gone to the government office, accompanying their nephew."

The onlookers were thrown into confusion, "Did they arrive or not? Can someone please provide a reliable account?"

"They are at the government office!"

"They are still en route!"

The two factions engaged in a heated argument, on the verge of a physical confrontation over the discrepancy.

...

Within the confines of the government office, Boss Fan's concubine, Madam Miao, was weeping uncontrollably, on the brink of collapse. Madam Miao's elder brother implored the Magistrate, "Your Lordship, my sister's husband has met an unjust end. I beg you to apprehend the perpetrator and deliver vengeance!"

The Ma family, displaying no lack of resolve, stood by their nephew, who was visibly distraught and close to tears. They pleaded, "Your Lordship, my nephew's life is most pitiable. Orphaned at a tender age, and now orphaned from his father as well. We implore you to champion his cause and help my sister's husband attain justice."

Neither family was willing to yield, each vying to present a more fervent plea, causing Magistrate Gu considerable distress. Weary of their theatrical display, he stated directly, "Boss Fan's case has been assigned to Judge Tang. He will handle the matter with impartiality and ensure you receive justice. All your concerns should be directed to Judge Tang."

With that, he departed, accompanied by his steward.

"Your Lordship, Your Lordship!" The two families cried out in desperation. Their appeals were not for the swift apprehension of Boss Fan's murderer, but rather for Magistrate Gu to expedite the division of the estate.

However, Magistrate Gu had already made his exit. With no other recourse, they surrounded Judge Tang, lamenting, "Lord Tang, you must stand up for us. My sister's husband cannot have died in vain..."

Judge Tang interjected, stating, "The forensic examiner has already inspected the body. Boss Fan sustained thirteen stab wounds. The driver and the two escorts were all dismembered with large blades. All their possessions were plundered, suggesting they encountered bandits and were murdered for their wealth."

He further elaborated, "Due to ongoing tax disputes, unrest has become widespread. Bandits and wicked individuals are prevalent, leading to numerous fatalities. These nefarious elements engage in killing and robbery before fleeing. Boss Fan, being a renowned and prosperous merchant in the Prefecture, attracted considerable attention. Remaining within the safety of his residence at night would have been prudent."

This pronouncement left no room for doubt among the assembled parties: Boss Fan had fallen victim to bandits, the incident was devoid of conspiracy, and it was merely a tragic accident.

As for the culprits, there was no need for further pursuit. The 'bandits' had committed their heinous acts, absconded with the valuables, and vanished, rendering them untraceable.

Boss Fan's demise would thus be officially categorized as murder during a robbery. The government office would refrain from pursuing any action against the Zongzheng family, the esteemed noble clan... Within the circles of power, such occurrences, though unfortunate, were not uncommon. However, influential families operated with discretion, leaving no incriminating evidence. Even if suspicion fell upon one of the three clans, their hands were tied without concrete proof.

Furthermore, this unfortunate turn of events was a direct consequence of Boss Fan's own choices. Had he conducted his business with integrity, shunning entanglements with powerful factions, he might still be alive. Instead, in his quest for advancement, he lost his life.

"Waaahh, what are we going to do now?" Ms. Miao covered her face, weeping profusely. Watching her, Young Master Dou nearly burst into laughter at the spectacle.

"The person is deceased, naturally, you should collect the body, arrange a proper burial, and then hand over the family assets to the legitimate eldest son for management. Ensure the family lives in harmony," Young Master Dou declared. Having enjoyed a restful night's sleep, he was now refreshed and watched Ms. Miao with an amused expression.

Ms. Miao nearly erupted upon hearing this. Handing over the family assets to the eldest son? What about her own two sons? Would they have to scavenge from what that brat left behind?

Absolutely not!

She had been married to Boss Fan for nearly twenty years, engaging in schemes for almost the same duration, all with the goal of having her own flesh and blood control the Fan family. To hand over the assets to the legitimate eldest son? She would have to die first.

Upon hearing this, Boss Fan’s eldest son nearly knelt before Young Master Dou, hurriedly stepping forward to greet him. "Fan Yu greets Young Master Dou... Father was suddenly murdered. Henceforth, please look after the Fan family's business, Young Master Dou."

Young Master Dou chuckled. "This Young Master Dou was acquainted with Boss Fan. If you take over the Fan family business, I will naturally lend a hand."

Bah, help me? What a sweet dream! The Fan family’s assets, I am determined to devour them all!

Young Master Dou handed a name card to Fan Yu. "Eldest Young Master Fan, I am departing the Prefecture with Master Ouyang today and cannot stay to see Boss Fan off. Keep this card. Should you encounter any difficulties, take it to Dou Ou Bank and find the Shopkeeper. He will assist you."

Honestly, Young Master Dou felt a pang of reluctance to leave, wishing to remain and witness the unfolding drama within the Fan family. However, it was already the fifth of August, and Gu Dexing's engagement ceremony was fast approaching. As a clan brother, Gu Jin'an needed to return home.

Furthermore, with Boss Fan just recently deceased, the Fan family wouldn't completely collapse for another month or two. He needed to let the sons of the Fan family stir up trouble first. Once things reached a sufficiently heated point, then he would make his move to absorb the Fan family's holdings.

Fan Yu was visibly flattered and quickly accepted the name card. "Thank you, Young Master Dou."

As he spoke, his gaze flickered towards Ms. Miao, his eyes gleaming with triumph.

Ha! Ms. Miao, relying on your supposed fierceness and numerous brothers, you thought you could seize the Fan family assets? Now that Young Master Dou backs me, let's see how your two sons can possibly contend with me?

Ms. Miao and the members of the Miao family were incensed. What merit did Fan Yu possess to earn the favor of Young Master Dou!

Ms. Miao, mustering her courage, stepped forward with renewed tears. "Waaahh, Young Master Dou, the Fan family has suffered such a calamity, you absolutely must provide more assistance to the Fan family... These are Auntie’s two sons, around your age. They are both intelligent, lacking only experience. Should they face any hardships, I hope Young Master Dou will guide them more."