Chapter 10: One must possess culture

"What a ridiculous farce!" Chen Xiliang said with a bitter laugh, "How can eating one's own chicken be called stealing?"

What mistake did they make that requires your discipline?" Chen Xiliang said with a cold gaze

After a moment of warmth between father and son, Chen Xiliang embraced Liu Lang and, accompanied by San Lang and Wu Lang, strode purposefully towards the main house

"May I ask, sister-in-law, when did we separate our households?" Chen Xiliang said coldly

Chen Xiliang did not take it to heart; he stood up and said in a deep voice: "I never expected that in just over forty days, so many things would happen. All the mistakes, every single one, are my fault. It is all my fault for being too focused on my career and neglecting my responsibilities as a father. It is all my fault for being too accommodating, which led others to think they could take advantage of me"

I was merely intending to teach Liu Lang a lesson, yet your two sons came up to hit me. I only slapped one and pushed a bit; who would have known your child is so fragile. Hou said with conviction: "So what if I hit them? Their parents are not around, and as their aunt, I have the responsibility to discipline them"

"You refuse to answer these questions, yet you insist on harping on the fact that my son ate one of your chickens," Chen Xiliang said, laughing in anger. "You should be ashamed; I feel embarrassed for you! And you still ask me why the authorities would pardon my son. You are truly out of your minds!"

This woman, with her veiled threats and sharp words, is indeed formidable. It is evident that she has rehearsed her arguments numerous times. In the end, she throws out her trump card: "Do not think that just because we cannot read a few characters, we are unaware that in the laws of the Song Dynasty, assaulting and murdering grandparents, grandmothers, and uncles is a heinous crime that cannot be forgiven!"

That is my chicken! Hou said angrily.

After careful consideration, he decided to respond with a firm stance, making the Hou family aware that this matter would bring no benefit to anyone. Thus, he eloquently articulated his prepared remarks: "According to our regulations, those aged over 70, under 15, and those with serious illnesses shall not be subjected to torture; those with crimes punishable by exile or less may redeem their offenses; individuals over 80, under 10, and those with serious illnesses who commit major treason or murder may petition for a reduction of their death penalty; generally, theft or injury may also be redeemed through fines."

Sister-in-law is correct; indeed, there is a provision for 'evil rebellion' in the laws of the Song Dynasty. Chen Xiliang, usually taciturn, suddenly smiled coldly and said: 'But you know only one side and not the other. Our Song Dynasty is founded on virtue, and the establishment of laws is not for punishment, but for the purpose of education and guiding people towards goodness. Therefore, there are the cautious regulations of 'three leniencies' and 'three pardons'.

Chen Xiliang had been holding his right arm up for so long that it was almost too sore to bear. Only after waiting for Sanlang to arrive did he tightly embrace him in his arms

"You still dare to speak nonsense!" Hou said angrily, "My rooster that crows has been secretly eaten by them. I have found irrefutable evidence from your Xiao Liu. Ask them if this is true!"

Be strong, father...

Chen Sanlang was immediately covered in goosebumps, his back felt cold, and a single thought occupied his mind: "I was actually embraced by a man, and, uh, so tightly..." His back involuntarily tensed up.

At that moment, Hou was seized by the throat

"Alas, there is no other way; I must endure it. Since I have taken on the role of Sanlang, I must be dedicated to my work," he silently recited in his heart: "I am Chen Sanlang, I am Chen Sanlang..." While engaging in self-hypnosis, he slowly approached.

Because my son has understandable feelings! Chen Xiliang stated word by word

Although feeling uncomfortable all over, Chen Sanlang still felt a warmth in his heart. God knows how helpless he has been these days, longing for a deity to come and save him.

Hou was bewildered; how could she understand the laws of the Song Dynasty? The crime she had just mentioned was taught to her word by word by Chen Xishi. Now hearing about something like "leniency in punishment," she was completely in the dark.

Chen Xishi also fell into silence, the provisions of the "Song Penal Code" are as vast as the sea; aside from those like the second son who need to prepare for examinations, who would take the time to study them in detail?

The two people ignored him, turned their heads away, and assumed an angry demeanor

"How do you know that the authorities will show leniency?" Chen Xishi finally could not help but speak up

Sensing his son's unease, Chen Xiliang still believed that he was in fear, so he gently patted his back and said, "Don't worry, father has returned"

However, from the father's perspective, this was a son who had caused trouble and feared his own demeanor. A pang of sorrow struck his heart as he shifted his two younger sons to his left arm, freeing his right arm and said: "Sanlang, come here to your father..."

San Lang could not help but steal a glance at Chen Xi Liang. Seeing that the latter did not show any signs of surprise, it was evident that for someone of a certain caliber, this was common knowledge. He could not help but lament in his heart: "Not understanding the law is not acceptable. If I could get through this time, I would definitely memorize the Great Song Penal Code first..." But now, he was at a loss, relying solely on this.

This statement stirred up a storm in Chen Sanlang's heart; he had never anticipated that the consequences would be so severe. It was even more terrifying than what those hired workers had described. He was unaware that this was also the result of his uncle and aunt's last-minute preparations.

Taking without permission is theft! Chen was at a loss for words, so Chen Xishi had to step in personally

Both the male and female listeners found the first half of his statement somewhat pleasant, but when it came to the latter part, it became exceedingly harsh. A scholar who insults others without using foul language is clearly condemning them for their lack of familial affection, for bullying the young, and for their utter moral depravity

Come here, my dear, I do not blame you... Chen Xiliang, upon seeing this, felt even more pity.

At this point, Chen Xishi was also left speechless

At this point, Mrs. Hou could no longer contain herself. She immediately unleashed her fury, saying: "I initially thought that your second brother was a cultured man, but who would have thought he would raise such scoundrels who steal and assault their elders! We have refrained from reporting them to the authorities out of respect for the family, and you should have returned to discipline them and apologize to my sister-in-law, who nearly lost her life. Yet, you storm in here with such aggression, showing no remorse, and instead, you turn the tables on me. I have come to understand that like father, like son; these little scoundrels are rooted in you, their father." As she spoke, she groaned, saying: "There is nothing more to say; we must report this to the authorities, we must report this to the authorities..."

Chen Xiliang placed Liu Lang on the ground and deeply bowed to his elder brother and sister-in-law, saying: "Elder brother and sister-in-law, I have returned."

The term "Three Exemptions" refers to the elderly, the young, and the mentally deficient committing crimes. Considering their capacity for action, their offenses may be exempted or their penalties reduced. "Three Mitigations" refers to crimes committed without intent, such as those arising from ignorance, forgetfulness, or negligence. Since these are considered unintentional crimes, their penalties are thus mitigated. It is precisely because he understands the seriousness of the matter that Chen Xiliang hurried back overnight. As he traveled, he contemplated how to exonerate Sanlang. He naturally considered whether to adopt a humble approach and plead with the Hou family to let his Sanlang go, but he was concerned that this would not prevent them from pursuing charges against Sanlang, which would always pose a future risk.

"You first beat my youngest son until blood came from his mouth and nose, and then you knocked my third son unconscious. Shouldn't an older brother intervene instead of just watching?" Chen Xiliang's expression also darkened

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"Let's not do that..." Chen Sanlang felt a chill run through him, instinctively wrapping his arms around himself. Although he truly regarded Wulang and Liulang as his own brothers, he still found it hard to accept the sudden emergence of such a father figure.

Shuai ... ... Chen Sanlang could not help but secretly applaud. It seems that this irresponsible cheap old man needs to be reevaluated.

"Stealing chickens and touching dogs, this is not a trivial matter, is it?" Hou said with conviction: "Stealing chickens when young, stealing silver when older, how can I not care?"

"Why take without informing! Is it because informing would not change the outcome!" Chen Xiliang slammed the table and said: "Please tell me, why was my son driven to that shack? Are they wild cats and dogs? Please tell me, why does my son, not yet ten years old, have to bear such heavy labor? If there is the slightest mistake, he is denied food! Are they your slaves? Please tell me, why did my son fall into the water, and you not only refused to provide treatment, but also denied them food for several days? Are they your enemies?" Please tell me, why does my son, not yet ten years old, have to bear such heavy labor? If there is the slightest mistake, he is denied food! Are they your slaves? Please tell me, why did my son fall into the water, and you not only refused to provide treatment, but also denied them food for several days? Are they your enemies?"

Chen Xiliang let out a heavy sigh and, softening his tone, said: "Elder brother, we are of the same mother, connected by the same roots. Even if we cannot treat our kin as our own, must it come to such cruelty? What exactly do you intend to do? Please speak plainly."

My son Sanlang was born in the third year of Jingyou, in the month of You, and he is now nine years and seven months old, which naturally qualifies him for the exemption policy for those under ten years of age. What does a child under ten understand about the laws of the Song Dynasty or the crime of treason? He naturally falls within the category of ignorance in crime exemption. Chen Xiliang spoke earnestly: 'Although both are considered treason, striking an elder is certainly much lighter than murdering an elder; it merely warrants a sentence of exile. When we reach the court, I will certainly petition for leniency. The magistrate must present my case to the court; the current ruler is a benevolent sovereign rarely seen throughout history, and he will surely grant mercy to my son!'' Chen Xiliang spoke without shame.

Holding tightly to his two emaciated sons, Chen Xiliang gazed towards Sanlang, who was huddled in the corner. Of course, this is from his perspective; in reality, Chen Sanlang had to lean against the corner because he was providing a bed for his two younger brothers.

If the family had not been divided, all the possessions of the Chen family would have been left by their ancestors. It is unclear whether they belong to the Chen or the Hou family?" Chen Xiliang exhaled a long sigh.

"It is impossible, my son, he would absolutely never engage in petty theft!" Chen Xiliang declared firmly

It is understandable, a joke! Hou said angrily: "To put it bluntly, he has no reason to stand on!"

In the main room, Chen Xishi sat while Hou Shi lay down, with their two sons ordered to stand on either side to maintain order. The couple, their faces filled with anger, gazed at the four men who entered.