Kneeling on the ground, Huang Li looked at Prefect Zhang with utter misery and tears.
Involving a matter between a man and a woman, Prefect Zhang found it inconvenient to defend himself. The Zhang residence was not too far from the yamen, but not close either. If Madam Kong received the news, it would likely take her at least two quarters of an hour to arrive.
Fortunately, Vice Prefect Qian stepped forward. "Madam Huang, words are not proof. His Excellency has always maintained his integrity. You claim to be His Excellency's newly taken concubine. Who was the matchmaker? Do you have the concubine documents? Do your parents and elders know?"
Vice Prefect Qian's three consecutive questions, coupled with Prefect Zhang's composed and self-assured demeanor, caused the surrounding commoners to look at Huang Li with disdain.
This shameless woman must have found life difficult after her divorce and latched onto Prefect Zhang, who held the highest official position in the entire Nanxuan Prefecture.
"My lord, my mother is related to the Huang family. Just a few days ago, she sent zongzi to the Huang family. They never mentioned anything about this matter," a middle-aged man said loudly. Even if she were a concubine, she would be Prefect Zhang's concubine, and the Huang family would surely have made some announcement.
"Yes, my home is just across the alley from the Huang family. We neighbors haven't seen any matchmaker visit, nor have we seen the Huang family preparing any dowry," a woman in a short jacket chimed in loudly.
Prefect Zhang was a good official, as all the common people knew. They would absolutely not let this woman, Huang Li, harm Prefect Zhang.
If she were a legitimate concubine, she wouldn't be able to wear a bright red wedding dress, but she could still be carried in a sedan chair, accompanied by a dowager and maids, and bring a dowry. Of course, if she were a lowly concubine, it would be a transaction, like an object, with a status no different from a maid who had signed a contract of indenture.
Listening to the surrounding discussions, Scholar Chen frowned. Prefect Zhang's popularity with the common people was not a good thing for the Chen family.
Glancing disdainfully at Huang Li, who could only cry, Scholar Chen said sternly, "Vice Prefect Qian speaks wisely. Madam Huang, if you continue to cry and wail, Prefect Zhang need not speak. I will have you arrested on the charge of slandering a court official!"
Frightened by Scholar Chen's authoritative presence, Huang Li shrieked, "I have proof! It was Old Madam Zhang who agreed to take me as a concubine for Prefect Zhang! Of the three unfilial acts, having no heir is the greatest. Madam Kong cannot bear heirs for the Zhang family. Old Madam, being kind-hearted, did not let Prefect Zhang divorce her, but merely took me in as a concubine."
Parents could indeed arrange marriages and concubines for their sons, provided it complied with the "Great Qing Laws." Prefect Zhang, being over forty and without a son, meant that in a way, Old Madam Zhang taking a concubine for Prefect Zhang was reasonable.
"As if you could bear a son," a gossipy woman in the crowd interjected, drawing a burst of laughter.
"Huang Li was married to Young Master Ming for many years, yet she never even produced a single hair of a child."
Huang Li's face turned red with anger. She glared at the laughing crowd and shouted furiously, "You lowly commoners, shut up! If you speak nonsense again, I'll tear your mouths apart!"
"Lord Chen, I implore Lord Chen to uphold justice for this commoner..." Huang Li knelt again and wailed, "This commoner is not slandering Master Zhang. It was truly Old Madam Zhang who agreed to take me as a concubine. You can ask Old Madam to come, and this commoner is willing to confront her in court."
Scholar Chen looked at Prefect Zhang with a forced smile. "Master Zhang, since this is a matter of your inner chambers and involves Old Madam, why don't you take Huang Li back to your residence to handle it? I shall not interfere."
Huang Li's eyes instantly gleamed with ecstasy. As long as she entered the Zhang residence, she would be Prefect Zhang's concubine. Later, when she bore a son, she would get rid of Madam Kong, that old woman, and become the rightful Prefect's wife!
"No need. I once promised my father-in-law that even if I had no children, I would not take a concubine. This concerns my reputation, so it is best to investigate thoroughly," Prefect Zhang coldly refused Scholar Chen's "kindness."
As news of Huang Li's crying and commotion spread throughout the yamen courtroom, many commoners gathered outside the yamen, waiting for Old Madam Zhang's arrival.
"Doctor Huang is here," someone shouted from the crowd.
The onlookers turned their heads and immediately made way. Rushing over were the three members of the Huang family.
Besides Huang Li's parents, Old Master Huang had also come. Involving Prefect Zhang was no longer a simple marriage issue; if mishandled, the entire Huang family could be implicated. Fortunately, Old Master Huang knew Prefect Zhang's character, otherwise, he would have truly wanted to beat the troublesome Huang Li to death.
"Your humble servant, Huang Wenyuan, pays his respects to His Excellency..." Old Master Huang suppressed his emotions and knelt to pay his respects.
Father Huang and Second Madam also knelt. One focused on preparing medicines, and the other had a gentle nature like water. Who would have thought they would give birth to such an arrogant and selfish daughter as Huang Li?
"Master Huang, rise and answer." Prefect Zhang's tone was gentle. The Huang family had been practicing medicine and helping people for years, enjoying an excellent reputation in Nanxuan Prefecture. Prefect Zhang would certainly give them this respect.
However, Father Huang did not rise. Without even looking at the weeping Huang Li, he said with a stern face, "Replying to His Excellency, this unfilial daughter knocked out the guarding servant and escaped from home. It is my failure to discipline her. As for taking a concubine, it is entirely fabricated. I have failed in my duty as a father. I beg His Excellency to punish me!"
Father Huang kowtowed, and Second Madam followed suit. Although she was reluctant to part with her daughter Huang Li, in the face of major right and wrong, Second Madam knew where her priorities lay.
"It's true, she's slandering Prefect Zhang." The commoners outside the yamen looked at Huang Li with contempt. They knew this would be the outcome. Good bamboo could produce bad shoots, and Huang Li had almost ruined the Huang family's century-old reputation.
"Yes, if she were a ruffian, do you think she would have latched onto someone?" Mocking voices arose, and the surrounding commoners looked down on Huang Li even more. She was unvirtuous and sought power and status, but it required mutual consent. How could a woman shamelessly cling to a man like this!
"Are you my father? If I marry Prefect Zhang, you will be the Prefect's father-in-law!" Huang Li roared in exasperation, glaring fiercely at Father Huang and Second Madam.
Perhaps knowing that her parents would not help her and would only drag her down, Huang Li quickly added, "As the saying goes, a daughter obeys her father upon first marriage and her husband upon remarriage. If you want to lock me up at home, you are unworthy parents!"
"You unfilial daughter!" Father Huang's face turned extremely displeased, yet Huang Li held her head high, with an air of arrogance that she had done nothing wrong.
"Your Excellency." Father Huang spoke again, his anger subsiding. He said coldly, "My family is unfortunate to have produced such an unfilial daughter! Today, I, your humble servant, disown Huang Li. From this day forward, Huang Li is no longer a daughter of the Huang family! I request all Your Excellencies to bear witness."
Second Madam opened her mouth, her eyes blurred with tears as she looked at Huang Li, who refused to admit her mistake. In the end, she did not speak. She could not ruin all the women of the Huang family for this daughter. Li'er only thought of herself, but she did not consider that after today, the reputation of Huang family women would be ruined. How would they marry in the future?
By the time Old Madam Zhang and Madam Kong arrived, the three members of the Huang family had already retreated to the side, waiting to return to the Huang family after the matter was resolved to strike Huang Li's name from the ancestral registry.
Given Old Madam Zhang's status and age, the yamen runners brought a chair for her to sit and answer.
"Mother, when did I take a concubine? How come I don't know?" Prefect Zhang's calm voice carried a hint of indifference.
Previously, Prefect Zhang had sympathized with Father Huang for having an unfilial daughter. Now, the tables had turned. Father Huang could disown Huang Li and expel her from the family.
But filial piety weighed heavily. Prefect Zhang couldn't possibly disown his own mother; otherwise, he wouldn't be able to be a prefect anymore.
Old Madam Zhang's eyes flickered, and her wrinkled old face showed guilt and unease.
Since the incident at the Peach Blossom Gathering where Old Madam Zhang schemed against Madam Kong was exposed, Old Madam Zhang had been under semi-house arrest in the Zhang residence. She was provided with food and clothing, but whenever she went out, she was followed by a group of servants, maids, and young attendants. At first glance, it seemed like a grand display, but these people were actually there to monitor her.
The most frustrating thing was that previously, Old Madam Zhang could accompany Madam Kong to social events. Today it was the engagement of the youngest daughter of the Zhang family, tomorrow it was the birthday of the old madam of the Li family. With Madam Kong's influence, even if these noble ladies disliked the vulgar Old Madam Zhang, they would still flatter and curry favor with her, chatting with her about family matters and trying their best to amuse and entertain Old Madam Zhang.
But after Madam Kong subtly revealed her stance, even when Old Madam Zhang went out, those noble ladies' attitudes were perfunctory. After exchanging greetings, no one paid attention to her, let alone flattered her. They wouldn't even say an extra word to Old Madam Zhang.
This angered Old Madam Zhang immensely, but she was helpless. She couldn't force others to talk to her.
After this incident, Old Madam Zhang finally understood that she, as a mother-in-law, had no power at all. Coupled with the whispers from Nanny Jiang, Old Madam Zhang decided to support Huang Li to suppress Madam Kong.
"Old Madam." Huang Li, wiping away her tears, looked pleadingly and helplessly at Old Madam Zhang, who was sitting on the chair. She subtly swayed her outstretched right hand.
Five thousand taels of silver! Old Madam Zhang, understanding the implication, showed a greedy expression. She merely looked down on Huang Li's disheveled appearance, finding her embarrassing.
"Alright, why are you crying and wailing? Li, Mother is old. I don't know when my legs will give out and I'll go to see your father. But my heart is bitter. How can I explain to your father in the underworld? The incense of the Zhang family cannot be extinguished in my hands." As she spoke emotionally, Old Madam Zhang even wiped her eyes.
Scholar Chen's voice rose slightly. "So, Madam Huang, you truly agreed to take Huang Li as a concubine for Master Zhang?"
Old Madam Zhang was a little apprehensive at first, but thinking that Huang Li would give her five thousand taels of silver after entering the household, and considering how her daughter-in-law Madam Kong treated her, Old Madam Zhang straightened her back, ignoring Prefect Zhang's cold expression. "That's right. I, this old woman, want to hold a grandson soon."
Madam Kong was already accustomed to Old Madam Zhang's selfish ways. To maintain Prefect Zhang's reputation, she immediately said, "Mother, why didn't you inform me when you took a concubine for the Master? However, since you have already made the decision, your daughter-in-law will take Huang Li back to the residence. How can we delay the time of the Master and the lords with our family affairs?"
Compared to the disheveled Huang Li kneeling on the ground, Madam Kong, with her beautiful face and dignified demeanor, was clearly a better match for Prefect Zhang. At this moment, she even smiled and took responsibility for the matter.
Meeting Madam Kong's calm gaze, Huang Li instead shrieked, "I won't go back with you! Who knows if you'll harm me!"
"Then you are unwilling to enter the Zhang family's door?" Madam Kong asked with a smile. She was just a concubine, and even a legitimate one, what of it?
Once she entered the Zhang family's door, her life and death would be in Madam Kong's hands. She had not used her inner-chamber tactics before because there was no need. But now, with Old Madam Zhang and Huang Li, Madam Kong did not mind making them suffer a little.
"I..." Huang Li, caught in a dilemma, stammered and looked to Old Madam Zhang for help.
Madam Kong had already agreed to let someone enter the household. Old Madam Zhang could only pretend not to see Huang Li's pleading. Besides, she was a woman who had been divorced and then molested by a lecher. She should be grateful just to enter the Zhang family's door.
No matter how much Old Madam Zhang disliked Madam Kong, in terms of noble status, Huang Li was like mud on the ground. If she didn't have money and a dowry, Old Madam Zhang would have found her distasteful.
"Lord Chen, Huang Li's conduct is reckless and has delayed Your Excellency's itinerary. This is my poor household management. I apologize to Your Excellency on behalf of Huang Li. I beg for your indulgence." Madam Kong bowed to Scholar Chen, shifting the blame onto Huang Li.
Of course, this was indeed caused by Huang Li's actions, but Scholar Chen could not hold a concubine of such low status accountable.
Scholar Chen's half-closed eyes flickered with shrewdness. If this matter were to be resolved so easily, it would merely be a romantic affair for Zhang Chengli.
Furthermore, anyone with eyes could see that this concubine was taken by Old Madam Zhang without authorization, and Zhang Chengli and Madam Kong had no prior knowledge.
Scholar Chen glanced meaningfully at Huang Li, signaling her to produce the concubine documents.
But at this moment, Huang Li looked at Prefect Zhang with grievance, wanting him to uphold justice for her. She completely missed Scholar Chen's gaze, almost making Scholar Chen spit blood in anger. Compared to the smooth-talking Madam Kong, Huang Li was simply an idiot!
Scholar Chen forced a smile onto his thin face and teased, "Master Zhang is a fourth-rank prefect. Even when taking a concubine, the proper documents must be processed to avoid future trouble."
"I have the concubine documents, and they have already been filed with the yamen," Huang Li, who had gotten up from the ground, added. She belatedly took out the concubine documents from her embrace and cast a provocative glance at Madam Kong.
Once she entered the household, gained the Master's favor, and gave birth to a son, she would see how arrogant that old woman would be!
"So, there are already concubine documents. Why didn't Master Zhang mention it just now?" Scholar Chen took two steps forward, took the concubine documents from Huang Li's hand, and quickly scanned them. Then, he was surprised and paused. "The date is incorrect! Master Zhang, if I recall correctly, when you took Huang Li as a concubine, she had not yet been divorced!"
Scholar Chen's expression suddenly darkened. He put on the sternness of a superior. "Master Zhang, for a court official to have an affair with a married woman is a grave offense!"
An official taking a concubine was merely a romantic affair. But if Huang Li had not been divorced at the time, this would be the crime of adultery, punishable by exile for a lesser offense and castration for a more serious one.
The laws of the Great Qing Dynasty were strict, especially concerning officials, to restrain them from breaking the law.
"Guards, arrest Zhang Chengli immediately!" Scholar Chen suddenly attacked. Not only the officials in the courtroom but even the commoners watching outside the yamen were stunned. How did it suddenly change from taking a concubine to adultery?
If it were ordinary commoners having an affair with a married woman, after being caught, the punishment was usually fifty strokes of the cane, followed by a fine. But for court officials to commit adultery was a grave offense, and severe penalties were always imposed.