Yin Wu Yan raised his hand and measured Zhan Fei Yu's height. With a stern face, he said, "People who stay up late don't grow tall."
Zhan Fei Yu, who was already nine years old but less than half of Yin Wu Yan's height, glared at him with wide, indignant eyes. Pouting, she turned and walked towards the door, returning to her room to wash up and sleep. Did long legs and being tall make him so great?
He Nuan, who had been waiting outside the study, immediately followed her. Seeing her young lady's heavy footsteps on the ground, a smile quickly flashed in her eyes.
A moment later, Zhan Fei Yu, with her hair down and wearing a white inner garment, lay on the bed and couldn't help but ask, "A Nuan, how tall were you when you were nine?"
He Nuan paused her action of tucking her in. Looking at Zhan Fei Yu, whose eyes were shining with anticipation, she replied, "Some people grow early, and some grow late. I practiced martial arts and ate a lot when I was young, so I was probably a head taller than Miss."
The short and stout Zhan Fei Yu closed her eyes in despair and went to sleep, convincing herself that she was definitely a late bloomer…
Meanwhile, on the other side, in the Qin family's ancestral hall.
"Young Master Chai is truly devoted to Cousin Huang. To sneak out at night to meet with me, a widow? Aren't you afraid of being caught in the act, Young Master Chai?" Madam Qin sneered as she looked at Chai Yi.
Only that foolish Huang Li thought all men revolved around her. She didn't realize that with her pig-like brain, she'd be counting the money even if she was sold.
Unlike his usual gentle and harmless demeanor, Chai Yi curved his lips and smiled sinisterly, "Madam Wan should know that I am backed by the Grand Prince's maternal family. As long as Madam Wan reveals Pharmacist Di's secret, I can protect your two children."
Tucking a stray strand of hair behind her cheek, Madam Qin walked step by step towards Chai Yi. She tilted her head slightly, her face pale and weary, yet it also held a chilling madness.
"Young Master Chai," Madam Qin said, raising her hand to caress Chai Yi's face, laughing heartily, "I'm about to die, why should I care about those two children? Wouldn't it be better for our family of four to reunite in the underworld?"
Even though Chai Yi had envisioned various scenarios, he never expected Madam Qin to give such an answer. Looking at her bloodshot eyes, but her frenzied state, Chai Yi inexplicably felt a chill down his spine. The most poisonous heart is indeed a woman's!
"It's a pity my skills are inferior. Otherwise, how could that slut Zhan Fei Yu have plotted against me?" Madam Qin's ferocious and distorted face revealed unwillingness and hatred. She suddenly stood on tiptoe and brought her face close to Chai Yi's, so close that their breaths intertwined. "If Young Master Chai can bring me Zhan Fei Yu's head, I will agree to your terms!"
"Madam Wan thinks too highly of me!" Chai Yi pushed Madam Qin away and took two steps back. "The groom by Zhan Fei Yu's side is a master, and there might even be hidden guards sent by Scholar Gu. This is Nanxuan Prefecture, under the jurisdiction of Prefect Zhang. Madam, do you think I have the ability to kill Zhan Fei Yu?"
"Then there's nothing more to discuss. Young Master Chai, please leave!" Madam Qin scoffed, refusing to cooperate with Chai Yi any further. If possible, she wanted to drag everyone in the Qin family, the Huang family, and even Nanxuan Prefecture down with her to the grave, not just Zhan Fei Yu.
"Doesn't Madam Wan want to live?" As soon as Chai Yi uttered these words, he saw Madam Qin, who had her back to him, stiffen, as expected. The more ambitious a person is, the more they fear death.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. After a brief silence, Madam Qin pressed her hand against her pounding chest. Ultimately, the temptation was too great, and she couldn't help but lower her head first. "Can you let me live?"
"Madam Wan, you were calculated against by Zhan Fei Yu, simply because you have no power or influence. But I am backed by the Chen family. It's not difficult to find a substitute to die for you." Chai Yi scrutinized Madam Wan, whose eyes were now shining with intense light. If this woman could be used well, she might be of great use in the future.
There are things that men cannot openly handle, but women, especially beautiful and intelligent ones, are unexpectedly useful for gathering information or influencing others.
"When you bring the substitute, I will tell you Di Lianchuan's secret." Madam Qin's expression was calm, but her clenched hands trembled with excitement. Only by living could she get revenge!
Since Chai Yi had decided to win Madam Qin over, he naturally wouldn't refuse. "Alright, I will come again in three days. Madam Wan, wait for my good news."
…
One day was enough for the news of Madam Qin's adultery to spread throughout Nanxuan Prefecture. And after another day, a different version of the news quietly began to circulate in the streets and alleys.
The Qin family, in order to salvage the situation, almost "mobilized their entire forces." Madam Qin, despite dressing up, still couldn't hide the exhaustion on her face.
"Madam, the two ladies from the Huang family have gone to the East Lake Inn," the head maid who had returned from gathering information reported cautiously.
In the carriage, Madam Qin's lowered gaze was filled with anger. It was obvious to everyone that Qiong'er had been harmed by that slut Zhan Fei Yu, yet the Huang family went to the East Lake Inn to meet Zhan Fei Yu. No wonder the master returned empty-handed yesterday.
After a moment of silence, Madam Qin calmed her emotions and said, "Since that's the case, let's go to the East Lake Inn."
The carriage slowly moved away from the Huang residence.
Between the prefectural examination and watching the commotion, Zhan Fei Yu had no choice but to study diligently.
At this moment, Zhan Fei Yu looked at Yin Wu Yan in disbelief, then let out a joyous cry and excitedly pounced towards him. "Big Brother, you are too good to me."
Holding the excited, yelping young girl, and looking at the bright smile on her face, a smile flashed in Yin Wu Yan's narrow phoenix eyes. Sometimes she was truly like a child who would never grow up.
Outside the study door, He Nuan lowered her head with a complicated expression. Her young lady was now a young woman, but she had no self-awareness, and Seventh Master indulged her so much.
Yin Wu Yan glanced at He Nuan, naturally understanding her worries, but he had no intention of changing anything. This was the little girl he protected and doted on, and he would not willingly sever this closeness.
Getting the benefit and then acting innocent, Zhan Fei Yu tilted her head and looked at Yin Wu Yan, earnestly defending herself, "Actually, I don't really like watching the commotion that much. It's mainly to pass the time when studying is tiring."
Yin Wu Yan did not intend to expose her self-deceiving statement. "You only have fifteen minutes."
"I promise I'll come back to continue studying then." Zhan Fei Yu nodded repeatedly. She didn't have to worry about staying up late and not growing, and she could also watch the excitement. Big Brother was too considerate.
The Lakeside Pavilion near East Lake had a pavilion, where the gentle breeze made it a beautiful place to entertain guests.
"First Madam, Second Madam, I'm late." Zhan Fei Yu walked over quickly and gestured for the two Huang ladies to sit down.
"Miss Zhan, you are too polite. It is we who have intruded." The First Madam dared not be presumptuous, especially considering Madam Qin's fate soon. Her gaze towards Zhan Fei Yu was exceptionally complex.
For the sake of her reputation, it was inconvenient for Zhan Fei Yu to visit the Huang family repeatedly. To use He Nuan's words, she was already nine years old, and the separation between men and women should be considered.
Moreover, the Qin family was currently in the spotlight, and the Huang family, as in-laws, also had many people paying attention. Zhan Fei Yu visiting at this time would always give the impression of actively seeking fame and fortune.
Of course, the main reason was that she spent most of her day studying and truly had no time to go out and join the fun.
"Miss Zhan, after my husband received your letter, he pondered it for an entire night. However, the Huang family's ancestral teachings clearly state that the Huang family only makes medicine to save lives." The First Madam gently stated the Huang family's stance. Regardless of the situation in Nanxuan Prefecture, the Huang family would not pledge allegiance to any party and participate in it.
As for the Qin family, they were in-laws, and within their capabilities, the Huang family would certainly offer assistance. After all, this sister-in-law also bore the surname Qin.
Zhan Fei Yu smiled slightly and said, "First Madam misunderstands. I wrote to the head of the Huang family only because I didn't want the Huang family to be implicated by the Qin family. I wasn't trying to win over the Huang family to deal with anyone."
Zhan Fei Yu said this sincerely, but the First Madam did not believe her.
"It's not too late to make a decision after First Madam has read this letter." Zhan Fei Yu signaled He Nuan to hand over the letter in her hand.
The First Madam was somewhat puzzled, but after unfolding the letter and reading it from beginning to end, she suppressed her emotions and quickly refolded and put away the letter.
"This matter is of great importance, and I need to return to consult my husband." The First Madam said this to Zhan Fei Yu, but her gaze couldn't help but dart towards the Second Madam Huang sitting beside her. How dare she do that when Qin Qiong was so young?
The Second Madam Huang was gentle and meek. Since the First Madam had taken the letter, she didn't mind and didn't even think of taking a look.
Zhan Fei Yu stood up. "I will see the two ladies out."
"We won't delay Miss Zhan's studies. We can leave on our own." The First Madam only wanted to return to the Huang family quickly. She nodded to the Second Madam and walked out with hurried steps.
However, as soon as they left the Lakeside Pavilion, they encountered Madam Qin, who had come looking for them in the inn's backyard.
"Sister-in-law." The Second Madam Huang looked worriedly at Madam Qin, whose dark circles under her eyes were difficult to conceal even with makeup. She wanted to comfort her, but she didn't know how to speak, as Madam Qin's adultery was too shameful to mention.
If she hadn't seen the letter, the First Madam might have sympathized with Madam Qin. Both were matriarchs and in-laws, they usually got along well and had a good relationship.
But thinking of Madam Qin's schemes against the Second Madam Huang, the First Madam couldn't help but direct her anger towards Madam Qin, after all, Madam Qin was her daughter!
Madam Qin suppressed her inner dissatisfaction, her expression filled with sorrow. "I went to the Huang family earlier, and the doorman said Madam was at the East Lake Inn, so I came along. Madam, do you have time?"
The First Madam was in no mood to pay attention to any member of the Qin family at this moment.
But the Second Madam, seeing her sister-in-law's tired face and hearing her hoarse voice, couldn't bear it and could only look to the First Madam for help.
Fine, she couldn't avoid it after all! The First Madam was quite straightforward. "Since we've met, why don't we sit in a private room at the inn? Madam Qin can also have some tea to moisten her throat."
The three of them moved to a private room upstairs in the inn, while the maids and nannies they brought waited outside, preventing anyone from eavesdropping.
At this moment, Madam Qin had no mood for tea. Her hoarse throat was a way to gain sympathy, but she also knew that the one in charge in the Huang family was not the gentle and benevolent Second Madam.
"Second Sister, you watched Qiong'er grow up. She was truly framed this time. It was Huang Bin and Madam Hao..." Madam Qin quickly explained the reason.
Wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes, Madam Qin held the Second Madam's hand and choked out, "The deed is done. Even if Qiong'er dies to prove her innocence, this stain has already been cast upon the Qin family. Sister, please pity my nephews and nieces. The Huang family has an excellent reputation in Nanxuan Prefecture. If we can get the Huang family's help, there might still be a turning point."
Indeed, the reputation of the Huang family in medicine was stronger than that of the Qin family. The Qin family was a scholarly family, highly regarded by scholars.
However, the medicines from the Huang family's pharmacies treated the common people of Nanxuan Prefecture. If they encountered poor patients who couldn't afford medicine, the Huang family would also give medicine for free.
"Sister-in-law?" The Second Madam thought of her family's younger generation and couldn't help but feel sympathetic.
Regardless of whether Qiong'er had made a mistake or not, the younger generation of the Qin family was innocent. With a daughter of the Qin family committing adultery, how could the daughters of the family get married? They might even be implicated if they were already married.
The First Madam had been suppressing her anger. The Huang family and the Qin family were in-laws, but just thinking about Madam Qin's previous schemes, the First Madam felt that the Huang family not adding insult to injury was already acting with great virtue. To use the Huang family's good reputation for benevolence and virtue to help the Qin family? What a dream!
Picking up her teacup and taking a few sips of tea to calm her emotions, the First Madam, with the demeanor of a matriarch, spoke in a cold and perfunctory manner, "Madam Qin, let's be frank. You say that the adulterer and Madam Hao conspired to frame Qin Qiong. You can only fool ignorant women and children outside with such words. A fly doesn't bite a seamless egg. If Qin Qiong wasn't meeting a man late at night, the yamen constables wouldn't have caught them in the act. The good reputation of the Huang family in medicine cannot be ruined by an outsider like Qin Qiong. Goodbye!"
Madam Qin was so angered by the First Madam's words that she trembled all over. From the Huang family's evasive attitude, she knew that the Huang family was unwilling to help, but Madam Qin never expected the First Madam to be so vicious. This was clearly an attempt to step on the Qin family!
The Second Madam Huang was gentle by nature, obeying her father at home and her husband after marriage. She usually listened to her elder sister-in-law, the First Madam, on Huang family matters. So, at this moment, the Second Madam Huang was also dumbfounded.
"Sister-in-law, we've been out for a while, it's time to go back." The First Madam urged her with a stern face. If she hadn't held back from slapping the Qin family members, it would have been due to her good upbringing!
"Okay, Sister-in-law." The Second Madam quickly stood up and gave an apologetic look to her sister-in-law, whose face was ashen, and could only follow the First Madam out.
A moment later, Madam Qin, unable to suppress her anger, smashed all the teacups on the table. "They've gone too far!"
The maids and nannies waiting outside the private room exchanged glances and lowered their heads. They would have to be more careful with their duties later and absolutely not anger Madam.
When Madam Qin returned to the Qin family and relayed the First Madam's attitude, the Master of the Qin family also slammed the table in anger. "They are all hypocrites who seek fame!"
"Master, what should we do now?" Madam Qin, no matter how reluctant, had already given up on Madam Qin as her daughter. Her frantic running around now was to protect the Qin family and the younger generation of the Qin family. When the entire nest is overturned, how can any eggs remain intact?
The Master of the Qin family's face was unusually grim. Although his visit to the Huang family was fruitless, judging by the attitude of the head of the Huang family, there was still room for maneuver. Now, he realized that the head of the Huang family might have been deliberately perfunctory with him before.
"I'll go to Qingya Academy!" The Master of the Qin family stood up. The Huang family couldn't be relied upon, and the Ming family at Qingya Academy would likely be the same.
After all, as scholarly families in Nanxuan Prefecture, the Qin family and the Ming family had always been in competition, but they had never openly fallen out. Now, to get the Ming family's help, they would have to offer considerable benefits.
Zhan Fei Yu did not expect that after she sent the two ladies from the Huang family away, Ming Shanzhang and Ming San would arrive shortly after.
Likely knowing that the prefectural examination was imminent, Ming Shanzhang stated the purpose of his visit as soon as he sat down. "Regarding the vocational school we discussed earlier, I agree to cooperate on behalf of the Ming family."
Ming Shanzhang had always believed that schools should be for teaching and educating people. As the headmaster and a teacher, their role was to impart knowledge and solve problems. Therefore, despite the Qin family's silent suppression over the years, Qingya Academy had not resisted much. In the end, the students snatched away by the Qin family had merely moved to study elsewhere.
Zhan Fei Yu stood up and bowed respectfully to Ming Shanzhang. "Thank you, Headmaster."
She couldn't help but recall the closed-door policy of the Qing Dynasty in her previous life. Only by pushing the Great Qing Dynasty towards industrialization would they not have to fear unstable border defenses or the barbarians from beyond the seas.
After genuine discussion, Ming San, with his unruly gaze, looked at Zhan Fei Yu with a complex expression. She had thought of things he had thought of, and things he hadn't. Was this still a nine-year-old girl? Perhaps even the officials in the imperial court were not as meticulous and shrewd as she was.
"You mean not to collect tuition fees at the beginning?" Ming Shanzhang frowned slightly. He was not a greedy person, but to maintain the normal operation of the academy, money was indispensable.
Whether it was building dormitories, paying teachers' tuition, or providing three meals a day in the dining hall, all of these required money. Without tuition fees, even emptying the Ming family's coffers would not sustain the academy for more than a few years, and to achieve mastery would take at least three years.
Ming San withdrew his thoughts, looked at Zhan Fei Yu, and couldn't help but retort, "Are you trying to use the Ming family's money to gain a good reputation for yourself?"
"Ya Hou!" Ming Shanzhang warned his younger son and unceremoniously slapped the back of Ming San's head. The sharp sound indicated the force of the blow.
Hissing in pain, Ming San glared unhappily at the gloating Zhan Fei Yu. This wretched girl was his nemesis!
"Headmaster, what I mean is to lend money to students from poor families. After they have achieved mastery, they can repay the tuition fees..." Zhan Fei Yu's proposal was essentially a modern student loan.
After all, the beginning is always the hardest. If tuition fees were not required, many people would surely be willing to come to the academy to learn skills.
After leaving the academy, if they repaid the loan within one year, the interest would be waived. If they repaid within three years, a small amount of interest would be charged. If it exceeded three years, it would be calculated separately.
"This is indeed a good method." Ming Shanzhang stroked his beard and smiled. This way, at least they wouldn't have to worry about not being able to recruit students.
Ming San, who had been participating in the discussion, eventually became a scribe, meticulously recording all the terms and conditions that Zhan Fei Yu and Ming Shanzhang had discussed. Although he kept a straight face and was very unwilling, his years of unrestrained indulgence meant that his vision and ability were insufficient when it came to practical matters.
It was an hour later when Ming Shanzhang and Ming San left the East Lake Inn. Although tired, Ming Shanzhang's spirits were visibly high. "The student surpasses the master. I can't deny my age."
"It's that girl who's too cunning," Ming San muttered. Meeting Ming Shanzhang's meaningful gaze, his handsome face blushed with embarrassment. He finally admitted that he was inferior to a nine-year-old girl.
"Ya Hou." Ming Shanzhang, who had been leaning against the carriage wall feeling somewhat tired, sat up straight and looked at Ming San seriously and sternly. "To be high in the temple is to worry about the people; to be far away in the rivers and lakes is to worry about the ruler. A person must achieve something in their life. You are twenty-six this year, how many more years can you indulge yourself?"
"I..." Ming San opened his mouth. The image of Zhan Fei Yu's chubby face flashed in his mind. Even if he was unwilling to admit it, seeing Zhan Fei Yu's handwriting was enough for Ming San to know how diligent and hardworking she was.
Composing poetry and writing articles might rely on talent, but calligraphy could only rely on the skill of ink and brush. For a young girl who had only been studying for two years to write such neat and beautiful calligraphy, only she herself knew the effort and sweat she had put in.
Ming Shanzhang patted Ming San's shoulder. "If you are unwilling to take the imperial examinations and enter officialdom, then I will hand over this academy to you to manage. Do you dare?"
Amidst the rhythmic sound of horse hooves, Ming San lowered his head and thought a lot. The youthful pride of his youth, the dejection and resentment after being rejected by Scholar Gu as a disciple, and then the unrestrained indulgence in wine and women…
Thirty years old and established! Recalling the past few years, Ming San felt ashamed of his muddled existence.
"Think about it carefully." Ming Shanzhang did not rush him. After all, even if the academy were to be established, it would require several months of preparation, especially finding skilled craftsmen to serve as teachers.
Qin family master, who had been waiting in the small hall, watched the scenery outside the courtyard with cold eyes. It seemed Zhan Fei Yu was determined to bring down the Qin family, otherwise, the Huang family and the Ming family would not have visited her at the East Lake Inn one after another.
A nine-year-old girl could actually make the headmaster of Qingya Academy personally visit her. The Qin family master had to admire Zhan Fei Yu's capabilities, but unfortunately, she was an enemy of the Qin family!
"Headmaster." After the carriage stopped, the servant hurried to greet him and help Ming Shanzhang alight from the carriage. Then he reported, "Half an hour ago, the Qin family master visited and is currently waiting in Mingxuan Hall."
Ming Shanzhang nodded and looked at Ming San, who was alighting from the carriage. "I've put your elder brother's letter in the study. Go and take a look, and then think carefully."
After saying that, Ming Shanzhang walked directly towards the Mingxuan Hall where guests were received. As for the intention of the Qin family master, Ming Shanzhang knew it without even thinking, but he was destined to be disappointed.
The maid brought fresh tea again. Ming Shanzhang couldn't help but exchange pleasantries with the Qin family master. Perhaps accustomed to Zhan Fei Yu's direct way of speaking, Ming Shanzhang felt his smiling face stiffen at the hypocritical and polite Qin family master.
"My family has suffered misfortune and produced such a rebellious daughter. Brother Fengxian, I am ashamed of the ancestors of the Qin family." The Qin family master sighed deeply, appearing so tragic and heroic that he seemed ready to throw himself to his death to confess his sins to the Qin family ancestors in the underworld.
Ming Shanzhang also wore a solemn expression. "Brother Qin, as the saying goes, rumors stop with the wise. The Qin family is a scholarly family, and those who associate with it are learned scholars. Why should Brother Qin care about the gossip and slander of those gossips on the street corners? The clear will clear itself, and the turbid will remain turbid."
If Ming Shanzhang hadn't emphasized the words "turbid will remain turbid," the Qin family master would have almost thought that Ming Shanzhang was genuinely comforting him!
Half an hour later, Ming Shanzhang, having spoken until his throat was dry, saw the Qin family master off in his carriage.
"Headmaster, the wind has picked up. We should go back inside," the servant reminded him in a low voice.
Watching the departing carriage, Ming Shanzhang stroked his beard and shook his head. The Qin family was at its wit's end. Thinking of how the Qin family had suppressed Qingya Academy openly and secretly over the years, Ming Shanzhang's wrinkled old face couldn't help but reveal a schadenfreude smile. They deserved it!
…
Due to Madam Qin's adultery, the Qin family, which was implicated, was disgraced. As for the Qin family's in-laws and old friends, they were all observing the situation and assessing their options. Seeing that neither the Huang family nor Qingya Academy came forward to support the Qin family, these people immediately avoided disaster and refused to associate with the Qin family.
Even though the Qin family released the news that Huang Bin and Madam Hao had colluded to frame Madam Qin, the two were caught red-handed by the yamen constables. Coupled with the ironclad evidence, the scholars and common people of Nanxuan Prefecture, and even more so, believed the constables' accounts.
Three days later, no one knew who started it, but Wan Yunhao's classmates and friends, as well as scholars who had received favors from Wan Yunhao and had their studies guided by him, gathered outside the Qin family's gate early in the morning, demanding that the Qin family severely punish Madam Qin and give an explanation to the deceased Wan Yunhao.
The presence of over fifty scholars in long robes attracted many Nanxuan Prefecture residents to the Qin mansion gate to watch the spectacle.
"Brother Mei, let's hurry to the yamen. Brother Wan's clansmen have beaten the drum and filed a complaint," a hurried scholar said breathlessly, relaying the latest situation.
"If Brother Wan's spirit is in heaven, he will be able to rest in peace seeing those adulterous couple punished." The man surnamed Mei quickly stood up, not even bothering to smooth out the wrinkles and dust on his robes, and headed straight for the prefectural yamen with a group of classmates.
At this moment, the yamen was already surrounded by people three layers deep.
A quarter of an hour later, amidst the solemnity of the court, Prefect Zhang sat behind his desk and ascended the bench. "Who kneels before the court?"
"Your humble servant Wan Dezhu, the clan leader of Wan Village..." The kneeling clan leader was not old, only in his early sixties, and he represented the Wan clansmen, seeking justice for the deceased Wan Yunhao.
In the courtroom, besides the three kneeling Wan clansmen, on the other side was Huang Bin. Although he had not been tortured in prison these past few days, he had deliberately made himself look miserable.
Huang Bin knelt on the ground with disheveled hair. His outer robe was so dirty that its original color could not be seen, and its sleeves and hem were torn.
Even more miserable was the scar on his face, from his left eye to his right jaw. It was estimated that he had been injured in prison. The wound had not yet scabbed over and was bloody, looking particularly unsightly at first glance. Coupled with his hunched body, he looked no better than a beggar on the street.
"Is this the adulterer? I don't think so," a spectator asked, craning his neck to look. He shook his head in disdain. "As long as Madam Wan isn't blind, she wouldn't fall for such a piece of trash."
"Yes, I've seen the scholar Wan. He was so handsome and elegant. It seems Madam Wan was truly framed," Spectator B nodded in agreement, speaking a little too loudly so that the spectators outside the yamen could hear.
If the kneeling person were a distinguished and handsome young gentleman, even without any illicit affair, it would be said that there was one. But Huang Bin's appearance was so pathetic that no one believed Madam Qin would meet such a slovenly and vulgar man.
Meanwhile, Madam Qin, kneeling in a corner of the courtroom, held her slender and delicate body straight. She was still wearing white mourning clothes, and her hair was tied up with only a wooden hairpin. Her profile was pale and haggard, and her gaze towards Huang Bin and Madam Hao was filled with bone-chilling hatred.
"Silence!" Hearing the commotion outside, Prefect Zhang struck the gavel. After it quieted down, he continued to question Huang Bin.
"Your humble servant originally intended to retaliate against Wan Yunhao, but unfortunately, he was poisoned to death!" Huang Bin raised his head, his face contorted by the wound, looking terrifyingly ferocious.
Huang Bin glanced at Madam Qin and said hatefully, "Blame her for being Wan Yunhao's wife. A debt of the husband is paid by the wife. I didn't intend to kill Madam Qin, I just wanted to have a good time with her, and then go to Wan Yunhao's grave to inform him. Haha, perhaps Wan Yunhao would be so angry that he would crawl out of his coffin."
Huang Bin's瘋狂 laughter echoed in the courtroom. His utterly shameless words further enraged the spectators outside. If it weren't for the courtroom, they would probably have thrown rotten eggs and vegetables at this shameless scoundrel Huang Bin.
"How can there be such a shameless person in this world!" Scholar A's face turned red with anger, pointing at the arrogant Huang Bin. "You beast, you are unworthy of being human!"
"Poor Madam Wan, to be targeted by such a beast." Scholar B shook his head with pity. Regardless of Huang Bin's fate, Madam Qin had ultimately been harmed by him, losing her reputation.
Madam Qin held her chin high, like a white lotus in a raging storm, pure and inviolable.
Prefect Zhang angrily rebuked, "Your mouth is full of vulgarity! Slap him!"
"Majesty..." The yamen runner shouted, and one of them stepped forward and began to beat Huang Bin's face with a bamboo board.
After a while, with a mouth full of blood, and both cheeks swollen and red from the beating, Huang Bin seemed to feel no pain and laughed madly, tilting his head back. "Heaven is unfair!"
"And you! You all ruined my good deed!" Huang Bin glared at the yamen runners in the courtroom with bloodshot eyes. These words clearly implied that if the constables hadn't caught him in the act, he would have already raped Madam Qin.
Just as everyone was looking at Huang Bin with righteous indignation, Huang Bin, who was kneeling in the courtroom, suddenly lunged at the nearest yamen runner, attempting to strangle him with his shackles.
"Stop him!" Amidst the chaos, as if knowing his revenge was hopeless, Huang Bin let out another wild laugh and suddenly threw himself against the wall.
With a bang, blood splattered. Huang Bin fell to the ground, blood flowing from his wound, covering his eyes. In a sea of red, Huang Bin looked at the slender white figure with longing and reluctance…
"My Lord, the criminal Huang Bin has died by hitting the wall." The yamen runner checked Huang Bin's body. His face was covered in blood, and his eyes were wide open. He died with his eyes open.
Prefect Zhang struck the gavel three times consecutively, finally quieting the chaotic courtroom. "Carry away the body of the criminal Huang Bin..."
Madam Qin seemed to be frightened, her face even paler than ever, without a trace of blood. This delicate appearance evoked pity from many scholars who knew Madam Qin or knew of her virtuous reputation. Her husband was poisoned to death, leaving her, a widow, to be bullied by villains.
"This old servant is wrongly accused! It was all Huang Bin who threatened me!" Madam Hao seemed to be frightened, kowtowing repeatedly and pushing all the blame for framing Madam Qin onto Huang Bin, leading to a situation where there were no witnesses.
"Madam, I respected you like a mother. Why would you harm me like this..." Madam Qin, who had been silent, finally broke down emotionally after Madam Hao confessed. Her strong back bent, and tears streamed down Madam Qin's face as she looked at Madam Hao with disappointment and heartache.
Madam Hao lowered her head, seemingly afraid to look at Madam Qin. "It wasn't me. Huang Bin instigated it. He is the mastermind. I am innocent."
Outside the courtroom, the spectators now looked at the grief-stricken Madam Qin with sympathy. Who would have thought that her own wet nurse would conspire with a villain to harm her?
Spectator A spoke again, "This old woman is simply ungrateful. Her fiancé died unexpectedly when she was young. How can that be blamed on Madam Wan?"
"Yes, even if she wanted to hate someone, it should be the Qin family master and those people. Madam Wan was only a few years old back then," Spectator B seconded the remark. "You can know a person's face but not their heart. Alas, it's better to be ordinary people. The people living under the same roof are all blood-related family members, and you don't have to worry about being betrayed at any moment."
The group of scholars who had gone to the Qin family's gate to sit in protest were now filled with shame. They had believed Madam Qin to be unchaste, but after hearing Huang Bin and Madam Hao's confessions, they almost wanted to cover their faces and flee. They had listened to biased accounts and read the sages' books in vain!
"Madam, this old servant is sorry to you!" Madam Hao suddenly bowed to Madam Qin and abruptly pulled out the silver hairpin from her head, then slashed it across her neck. Blood instantly splattered out.
Hiss! Two lives were lost while judging a case!
Falling into a pool of blood, Madam Hao covered her wound with one hand, but blood gushed out from between her fingers, quickly forming a small pool of blood on the ground.
"Madam!" Madam Qin cried out in pain, as if throwing herself forward, she hugged the convulsing Madam Hao, tears streaming down her face. "Madam, I don't blame you, I don't blame you anymore. Why were you so foolish..."
"This old servant is sorry... Madam, bury this old servant with my fiancé..." Before Madam Hao could finish speaking, she finally died of excessive blood loss next to Madam Qin.
"Madam!" Madam Qin cried out in extreme grief, hugging Madam Hao's still warm body tightly.
Seeing this scene, many spectators sighed. "Perhaps this is the saying that what a person says before they die is good."
"What's the use? That old woman died cleanly, but she didn't think about how Madam Wan could still live with any face!" Opposing voices erupted fiercely, as if feeling that Huang Bin and Madam Hao had died too easily.
"Qiong'er, what are you doing!" Suddenly, a shrill cry rang out. Everyone saw a figure pounce towards Madam Qin and snatch away the blood-stained hairpin from her hand.
The hairpin Madam Hao used to commit suicide was crescent-shaped, with a sharp arc on one side, comparable to a dagger, which was why it could instantly sever the blood vessels in her neck.
"Mother." Madam Qin looked up at Madam Qin, who was hugging her, and said with no will to live, "Mother, regardless of the cause and effect, my reputation is ruined. Only death can be worthy of my husband in the netherworld. Mother, please take good care of the children. Your daughter is unfilial. I will be filial in the next life..."
"You shut up! If you are unfilial in the next life, Mother wants you to live in this life!" Madam Qin cried mournfully, hugging Madam Qin tightly and refusing to let her seek death. "You were also harmed by villains. If you die, you will make Mother, an old person, send off a young person. You will kill Mother!"
Looking at the mother and daughter weeping bitterly in the courtroom, many people also felt their eyes sting. How innocent was Madam Wan? Yet now she had to use death to prove her innocence. What a pity for those two children, the eldest of whom was no more than six years old. The sorrow of this world could not be greater.
Not far from the prefectural yamen was a teahouse. Zhan Fei Yu did not appear while Prefect Zhang was presiding over the case. Instead, she was reading a book in the teahouse, waiting for the final outcome.
The door of the private room was suddenly pushed open. Zhan Fei Yu turned her head and looked. "Professor Qin, it has been several months since we last met in Shangsi County."
Qin family master's gaze was shrewd as he looked at the little girl sitting by the window reading. The sunlight slanted in, casting a soft glow on her. Who would have thought that such a delicate and intelligent young girl could be so cruel?
"Miss Zhan, are you very disappointed with this outcome?" The Qin family master walked over, lifted his robe, and sat opposite Zhan Fei Yu. "Two lives were shed as blood in the courtroom. Can Miss Zhan sleep at night?"
Hearing the thick sarcasm, Zhan Fei Yu closed the book in her hand. "Shouldn't Patriarch Qin say that Huang Bin and Madam Hao died as they deserved? They got what they wanted, and even if I can't sleep, it should be Madam Wan, as she has more than just these two lives on her hands."
"Miss Zhan, show mercy where you can!" The Qin family master's voice was chillingly cold. His gaze towards Zhan Fei Yu was as if he were looking at a dead person.
Since the Huang family and the Ming family refused to help, the Qin family master had no choice but to seek refuge with the merchant Mr. Chen as a subordinate. With this powerful backer, why should the Qin family master fear this young girl Zhan Fei Yu?
Zhan Fei Yu glanced out the window. Passersby on the street were gathered in small groups. Even without hearing any sound, one could imagine they were all discussing the morning's case, talking about Madam Qin, who was wronged and framed.
"Professor Qin, since the Qin family has turned the tide, I wonder if Madam Wan's life can still be saved?" Raising her eyebrows, Zhan Fei Yu asked with a smile. "It's probably not a concern for Professor Qin to lose two loyal servants, but Madam Wan is, after all, Professor Qin's daughter. To force your own daughter to death to preserve the Qin family's reputation, doesn't Professor Qin fear having nightmares at night?"
"Zhan Fei Yu!" The Qin family master stood up abruptly, shouting angrily. Killing intent flashed in his eyes. At this moment, he truly wanted to kill this wretched girl. Then, nothing would matter.
But just as the Qin family master was about to erupt in anger, a figure appeared silently beside Zhan Fei Yu. With a swish, a silver light flashed past.
The Qin family master was startled. He hadn't even noticed a third person in the private room. But before the Qin family master could think further, a lock of hair floated down.
"You..." The Qin family master suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with terror. Looking at Yin Wu Yan's sharp sword, he instinctively retreated, kicking over the chair with a bang.
"He who kills will be killed. I hope Patriarch Qin will remember these words." Zhan Fei Yu said with a smile, dropping the words. With such a mighty and imposing sword strike from Big Brother, she figured no one would try to assassinate her for a while.
It wasn't until Zhan Fei Yu and Yin Wu Yan left that the Qin family master in the private room finally felt alive again. In that moment, he felt as if he had already died. That man wearing a silver mask and that terrifying killing intent, could it be a death warrior sent by Scholar Gu to protect Zhan Fei Yu?
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It is unavoidable to say: Congratulations to our Party on its 100th anniversary! Wishing our motherland prosperity and strength!