Chapter 479
Wailing sounds erupted from the county yamen entrance early in the morning. A black coffin was placed right in the center, with yellow paper scattered everywhere and paper money burning in earthenware basins, emitting green smoke that would bring tears to one's eyes.
"What's going on?" a passerby who had stopped asked in confusion. Seeing a family of twenty to thirty people wailing like this, especially hearing the old woman and the women sobbing by the coffin, calling out "Xiao Bao" repeatedly, the passerby couldn't help but ask, "Did a child die?"
An auntie, carrying a basket to buy groceries, sighed, "It's the Huang family's only descendant, their only grandson. Who knows who harmed him like this."
Nearby passersby who knew the situation also chimed in. Although the neighbors who knew Granny Huang disliked her, it was because Granny Huang was overbearing and greedy, stirring up trouble even when there was none.
The child, Huang Baocai, was spoiled to the point of being lawless. Not to mention the neighbors in the same alley, even children he met on the street were often bullied by Huang Baocai.
Yet, Granny Huang doted on her grandson. When Huang Baocai beat someone, she would proudly praise her "Da Bao" for having spirit, for being a man who wouldn't be bullied in the future. As for the beaten child, they could only consider themselves unlucky. A clap requires two hands; if they hadn't provoked her Da Bao, why would Da Bao have hit them?
If Huang Baocai lost a fight, it would be a different story. Granny Huang could stand at your doorstep and curse for three days and three nights. If she encountered a family with many men and a fierce disposition, Granny Huang would start threatening to end her life or even lie down at someone's doorstep for half a month.
Ordinary people feared that it might lead to a death, forcing them to compensate with some eggs or buy two catties of meat to settle the matter. However, no matter how much they disliked the Huang family, the death of a child like Huang Baocai was still regrettable.
County Yamen.
"My lord, the Huang family is causing a commotion outside the yamen hall," the reporting constable said, head bowed, his body tense, fearing a furious kick from Magistrate Cheng.
Normally, Constable Wang would report these matters. Unfortunately, Constable Wang and a few others had broken legs and were recuperating at home. The other constables at the yamen feared Magistrate Cheng, and even their replies were now trembling.
Magistrate Cheng, seated in his armchair, sneered. His right hand, resting on the armrest, tightened with such force that a crack was heard. The wood actually broke.
"I shall go out and take a look!" Magistrate Cheng uttered, each word squeezed from between his teeth. He then stood up and strode outside.
The Huang family had set up a coffin and burned paper money outside the county yamen early in the morning. Magistrate Wei and the others were aware of this. However, Magistrate Zhu had assigned this matter to Magistrate Cheng for handling, so others naturally would not intervene.
"My lord, Magistrate Cheng's expression is quite grim," said Chief Clerk Xiao, looking at the departing Magistrate Cheng from the window, a hint of amusement in his expression.
Magistrate Cheng.
Wailing sounds erupted from the county yamen entrance early in the morning. A black coffin was placed right in the center, with yellow paper scattered everywhere and paper money burning in earthenware basins, emitting green smoke that would bring tears to one's eyes.
"What's going on?" a passerby who had stopped asked in confusion. Seeing a family of twenty to thirty people wailing like this, especially hearing the old woman and the women sobbing by the coffin, calling out "Xiao Bao" repeatedly, the passerby couldn't help but ask, "Did a child die?"
An auntie, carrying a basket to buy groceries, sighed, "It's the Huang family's only descendant, their only grandson. Who knows who harmed him like this."
Nearby passersby who knew the situation also chimed in. Although the neighbors who knew Granny Huang disliked her, it was because Granny Huang was overbearing and greedy, stirring up trouble even when there was none.
The child, Huang Baocai, was spoiled to the point of being lawless. Not to mention the neighbors in the same alley, even children he met on the street were often bullied by Huang Baocai.
Yet, Granny Huang doted on her grandson. When Huang Baocai beat someone, she would proudly praise her "Da Bao" for having spirit, for being a man who wouldn't be bullied in the future. As for the beaten child, they could only consider themselves unlucky. A clap requires two hands; if they hadn't provoked her Da Bao, why would Da Bao have hit them?
If Huang Baocai lost a fight, it would be a different story. Granny Huang could stand at your doorstep and curse for three days and three nights. If she encountered a family with many men and a fierce disposition, Granny Huang would start threatening to end her life or even lie down at someone's doorstep for half a month.
Ordinary people feared that it might lead to a death, forcing them to compensate with some eggs or buy two catties of meat to settle the matter. However, no matter how much they disliked the Huang family, the death of a child like Huang Baocai was still regrettable.
County Yamen.
"My lord, the Huang family is causing a commotion outside the yamen hall," the reporting constable said, head bowed, his body tense, fearing a furious kick from Magistrate Cheng.
Normally, Constable Wang would report these matters. Unfortunately, Constable Wang and a few others had broken legs and were recuperating at home. The other constables at the yamen feared Magistrate Cheng, and even their replies were now trembling.
Magistrate Cheng, seated in his armchair, sneered. His right hand, resting on the armrest, tightened with such force that a crack was heard. The wood actually broke.
"I shall go out and take a look!" Magistrate Cheng uttered, each word squeezed from between his teeth. He then stood up and strode outside.
The Huang family had set up a coffin and burned paper money outside the county yamen early in the morning. Magistrate Wei and the others were aware of this. However, Magistrate Zhu had assigned this matter to Magistrate Cheng for handling, so others naturally would not intervene.
"My lord, Magistrate Cheng's expression is quite grim," said Chief Clerk Xiao, looking at the departing Magistrate Cheng from the window, a hint of amusement in his expression.
"I shall go out and take a look!" Magistrate Cheng uttered, each word squeezed from between his teeth. He then stood up and strode outside.
The Huang family had set up a coffin and burned paper money outside the county yamen early in the morning. Magistrate Wei and the others were aware of this. However, Magistrate Zhu had assigned this matter to Magistrate Cheng for handling, so others naturally would not intervene.
"My lord, Magistrate Cheng's expression is quite grim," said Chief Clerk Xiao, looking at the departing Magistrate Cheng from the window, a hint of amusement in his expression.