Hearing the Li family’s young lady’s words, Liu Yixuan breathed a sigh of relief, once again believing he had found the right person. Although the Liu family had been kind to him, everyone looks out for themselves. Marrying the Li family’s young lady was more profitable, not only bringing wealth but also connections, which would make any endeavor easier.
Following this, Liu Yixuan and the Li family’s young lady put on a show of deep affection, while Wu Caiwei and her family, after a journey of two hours, finally arrived at Yangshan County.
They beat the drum to enter the court and explained the matter thoroughly. It was already noon. The scribe took their statements and only detained the two individuals pending trial. The county magistrate’s true attitude remained unknown.
As soon as Wu Caiwei and her family left the yamen, the Li family’s young lady arrived and went to cajole the magistrate’s wife.
“What can I say about you, child? Isn’t he just a poor scholar? Is he worth you taking such a risk?” In truth, she didn’t think much of Liu Yixuan. Although the Li family were merchants, with their connections, they could find a scholar with a solid background.
“You haven’t seen him. If you had, I believe you would change your mind about him. He is dashing and handsome, gentle and polite…” As soon as Li Qingrou mentioned Liu Yixuan, her voice unconsciously softened.
“Stop, stop, stop. How can an unmarried girl chatter on endlessly about another man? You’re in front of me now, but you mustn’t do this in front of others.” Li Qingrou’s words were cut short by her aunt.
“In my heart, Auntie is the closest person to me. I only speak to Auntie. You must help me resolve this matter this time.” Li Qingrou hugged her aunt’s arm and pleaded charmingly.
“You’re already such a big girl, still acting cute. When will you grow up a little?” The magistrate’s wife tapped her forehead, her face full of doting affection. “Let’s make a deal first. You must be more careful in your actions from now on and not cause any more trouble for your uncle.”
“I know, Auntie. Please don’t worry. I will be obedient from now on.” Li Qingrou quickly promised, but her true thoughts were known only to herself. Let’s just get through this hurdle first.
The magistrate’s wife looked at her insincere expression and shook her head helplessly. After all, she was the only bloodline left by her sister who had passed away early.
For the next few days, Wu Caiwei and her family stayed in the county town, going to the yamen every day to urge them on, to see when the trial would begin. Su Dan Novel Network.
However, each time they were told to go home and wait. Wu Caiwei realized that something was amiss. It seemed the county magistrate was bound to shield his niece.
Fortunately, she had spoken to the young man in white about the relationship between Li Qingrou and the county magistrate. She had a solution for this situation.
Qiushuang and Dongzhi told her that the person she had saved was Prince Qin. The Prince had already written a letter to the Prefect, and the Prefect would do his best to help if they encountered any difficulties.
She instantly felt a sense of security, like leaning against a tall tree for shade. She never expected to have such a powerful backer one day.
Originally, they had planned to go to the prefectural city the next day to find the Prefect. But that afternoon, they were notified that the trial would be held the next day, so they decided to stay and see how the case would be judged.
They arrived at the yamen early the next morning. They had mentally prepared themselves beforehand, expecting that the two ruffians would be made to bear all the blame.
However, seeing the two men in person still caused them to gasp in surprise. In just a few days, the two had been beaten until they were covered in blood, with no part of their bodies unmarked, clinging to life by a thread.
The trial was simple, basically a one-sided declaration. The scribe held the prepared list of charges, and the magistrate announced the verdict. “After interrogation, Zhang Laosi and Ermazi, driven by jealousy of the Liu family’s good fortune and a hateful mentality towards the rich, intended to commit murder and arson. Although they did not succeed, their actions had a malicious impact. In my jurisdiction, such a heinous incident has never been seen before. Therefore, in order to serve as a warning, a heavy sentence is imposed. Both are sentenced to death in the autumn.”
Upon hearing the verdict, the two who were barely alive fainted.
Seeing Zhang Laosi’s fate, Wu Caiwei felt a great sense of relief. This was probably what the original owner of the body wanted to see. Zhang Laosi was the beginning of her tragic destiny.
Liu’s father and mother were indignant. The county magistrate let the real culprits go free and made these two minor hooligans take the fall.
Wu Caiwei comforted them, “It’s alright. If the Li family’s young lady is investigated and the Li family is implicated, Liu Yixuan will definitely turn on us Liu family again. How will we escape him then?”
Liu’s father thought about it and said worriedly, “Then what should we do? Should we just let it go?”
“How could we? Of course, we have to find a way to let the two lovers get together. It will be more interesting to see dogs fight dogs,” Wu Caiwei believed that with one domineering and one scheming, their lives together would surely be lively.
After the case was concluded, the Liu family returned to Qingshan Village. It is worth mentioning that Qiushuang and Dongzhi returned with them and would temporarily stay at the Liu family’s home. Wu Caiwei wholeheartedly agreed to this, as it guaranteed their safety.
Since Liu Yixuan felt the Liu family had no further value to him, he gradually reduced the frequency of their interactions. When asked, he claimed it was because they were both older and needed to avoid suspicion.
Although the countryside did not adhere strictly to gender segregation, it was acceptable for engaged couples to meet, talk, and exchange gifts. People thought that Liu Yixuan, being a scholar, probably valued etiquette more.
One day, Liu Yixuan received an invitation from Li Qingrou, asking him to admire the lantern festival together. Liu Yixuan eagerly went to the appointment.
Because his family was poor, he hadn’t eaten meat in a long time. The thought of being able to eat delicious food at nice restaurants every time he went out with Miss Li made him even more excited.
As soon as he left home, some children rushed to the Liu family to report. Wu Caiwei quickly took out a handful of candy and gave a few pieces to each child. The children took the candy and ran off with a whoosh.
Wu Caiwei quickly tidied herself up and, taking Qiushuang and Dongzhi with her, rushed towards the town, looking for an opportunity to act.
“Heaven is helping me,” Wu Caiwei thought to herself as she saw the two standing by the river releasing lanterns. She whispered carefully into Qiushuang’s ear, instructing her. Watching her disappear into the crowd, she soon heard a “plop,” and a female voice exclaimed from the crowd, “Miss Li from the east end of town has fallen into the water! Scholar Liu from Qingshan Village has carried her out.”
Immediately, discussions arose from the crowd. Everyone was talking about who Miss Li was and who Scholar Liu was. Seeing the gossip-mongering crowd, the three quickly and discreetly disappeared from the scene.
The next day, when she went out, Wu Caiwei felt that everyone was looking at her strangely, with sympathy and pity. It seemed the news from yesterday had spread. Wu Caiwei put on a very distressed expression, as if she was wondering what everyone was discussing.
In reality, she was overjoyed. After returning, the three sisters set up a trap and bet on when the Liu family would come to break off the engagement.
Liu’s mother was pleased with the rumors spreading outside. She had long known about her son’s affair with Miss Li and wanted to break off the engagement with the Liu family but couldn’t find a suitable opportunity. Regardless, the Liu family had been exceedingly loyal to her son. This incident provided the perfect opening. Although she might not get the betrothal gifts back, the thought of the Li family’s wealth made Liu’s mother feel it was all worthwhile.
On the third day, she impatiently found a matchmaker and went to their home.