Chapter 9: A Virtuous Wife at Home

Miss Ma felt extremely embarrassed: "Seeing him as such a talented individual, it is no surprise that he is so lecherous, taking the opportunity to take advantage of me." Mr. Ma also thought that it was somewhat reckless of him to directly support his daughter, but at this moment, rescuing his son from prison was of utmost importance. He had only one son, and if anything were to happen to him, he would be willing to exchange his daughter for his son. Therefore, he chose to turn a blind eye and rushed forward, saying: "If you have any ideas, please feel free to share. To be honest with you, Young Master Yang, both the magistrate of Min County and I are former soldiers, and the law... cough, cough, if you have any methods, please let me know. Regardless of their effectiveness, I, Ma, will be forever grateful for your great kindness."

Yang Ling said: "As the saying goes, 'Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated in a hundred battles.' I have witnessed the entire case, so there is no need to elaborate. However, since the focus of the case is whether the old man Wang was beaten to death or died of natural causes due to old age and frailty, it is essential to thoroughly understand his physical condition and any previous medical history. Only by identifying the flaws can we shift the responsibility and silence them, rendering them unable to speak."

Yang Ling only needed to say that he had no way out, and he could leave just like that, returning to continue searching for a method to get rich in ancient times, preparing a substantial inheritance for Han Youngniang, and then returning to the underworld to continue giving the Ox-Head and Horse-Face a headache. However, with a light beauty like Miss Ma, who resembled a pure lotus flower, which man would be willing to admit his incompetence in front of her

Yang Ling felt quite uncomfortable whenever she called him "Scholar," as it reminded him of those impoverished and pretentious scholars. Thus, he chuckled and said: "I am merely speaking the truth. Just now, I saw Miss Ma on the road, and she possesses the demeanor of a remarkable woman. There is no need for such flowery titles as 'Scholar'; simply calling me by my name will suffice."

The young woman smiled and said, "My husband is a man, and socializing and networking are essential. I understand that. By the way, today I worked at the tailor's shop, mending ten robes in the morning, earning a total of ten wen. This tailor shop takes on business from the post station, where there are over one hundred couriers who are constantly on the move, and their clothes wear out quickly. The tailor's business is quite good; I didn't expect that there would also be good work opportunities in the city."

This Huang County Magistrate, being a scholar, looked down upon the military background of this county magistrate, as at that time, literary figures were esteemed while military men were scorned. Therefore, he consistently played the role of Xu Shu beside him with great seriousness. Magistrate Min had long been accustomed to treating him as if he did not exist and did not bother to inquire about him at all

Yang Ling felt a pang of shame; he had merely resorted to the procrastination tactics he had used during his past work in claims processing out of a moment of desperation. It is well known that in China's insurance industry, it is easy to secure coverage but difficult to obtain compensation. The regulatory provisions can leave even a master's degree graduate feeling illiterate, and the multitude of required documents can drive even the most patient individuals to madness. This was merely a small test of his skills.

Upon hearing this, Magistrate Ma quickly cupped his hands in thanks, and they exchanged pleasantries. However, the impatient Magistrate Min could no longer contain himself and said: "Master Ma, it is not that I do not wish to help you, but the Wang family is numerous and influential, with neighbors ready to testify, all speaking in unison. Although there is the testimony of Scholar Yang, in a case involving a human life, I cannot dare to release someone lightly."

The magistrate of Min County readily replied, "Alright, alright, no problem. After all, you are a scholar. The matters that have been troubling me greatly, upon hearing your words, seem to have a way out. Scholars can be quite cunning, haha... uh, no, I mean, this scholar is quite clever."

While he was helplessly stroking his beard, a foreman leaned close to his ear and whispered a few words. Magistrate Min waved his sleeve and declared loudly: "Temporarily detain Ma Ang, and let the body be guarded by Wu. The rest of you may return for now; I will conduct an investigation before making a final decision."

Seeing the county magistrate's personality, Yang Ling couldn't help but chuckle. Hearing that the two were about to discuss matters he deemed inappropriate to overhear, he quickly cupped his hands in farewell. Miss Ma, an exceptionally intelligent individual, observed his amused expression and felt he appeared quite confident. Having met Magistrate Min at the banquet yesterday, she noted that he, like her father, came from a military background and lacked any convoluted schemes. Perhaps this Scholar Yang might indeed have a way to help, as these educated individuals must have studied the laws of the Ming Dynasty thoroughly.

Although Yang Ling was aware of these rules, he still acted according to the customs of later generations, and boldly stepped forward to firmly support Miss Ma's arm, helping her up. The soft arm rested in his hand, and that charming and lovely face was right before him, along with the fragrance of orchids and musk emanating from her, which was even more intense than when she had galloped past him on horseback.

Yang Ling apologetically said: "Well, I originally wanted to study at home in peace, but... ah, this... I remembered that there is someone of the same age living here, so I went to visit him for a bit"

Han Youniang was taken aback by his sudden affectionate gesture, her face instantly flushed with embarrassment. She shyly lowered her head and said, "Husband, we are married; we should support and cherish each other for a lifetime."

However, upon seeing Miss Ma's eyes, which were as gentle as water and filled with admiration, even Yang Ling could not help but feel a bit elated, with his vanity greatly satisfied

Although the meal was simple, it was much better than when they were in the mountains. Additionally, the owner of the oil mill had sent some oil residue for cooking. Although the taste of that vegetable oil was still somewhat unfamiliar, Yang Ling still ate a bit more of the meal.

Yang Ling felt a surge of emotions in his heart. Suddenly, he could not help but embrace her tightly, holding her close in his arms, gently stroking her soft, smooth hair. This was the first time Han You Niang had such an intimate interaction with him, leaning against his chest, feeling both joyful and content.

Miss Ma smiled gracefully and suddenly knelt before him, saying: "Young Master Yang, although my brother is somewhat reckless, he is by no means a wicked person who does evil. That shopkeeper from the Wang family, blinded by profit, lost his life unjustly, and now my brother is to be made to pay for it with his own life. Can you bear to watch this happen, Young Master Yang?"

Upon returning home, the sky began to pour down a vast expanse of white snow. The snowflakes danced in the air, and the weather unexpectedly became warmer, with the snowflakes sticking to my body.

Unexpectedly, the young lady said nothing about it; instead, she welcomed him in with a beaming face, brushed the snow off his clothes, and gently said: "My husband, you have returned. I have already prepared the meal and was anxiously wondering where to find you."

Provoked by her, Yang Ling blurted out: "Indeed, it is www.hetushu.com.com. I am merely a scholar, and I happen to be a witness in this matter. If I were to step forward and interfere with the magistrate's judgment, would that not be overstepping my position?"

Upon thinking of this, Miss Ma hurriedly took two steps forward and said in a delicate voice, "Young Master Yang, your expression suggests that you have a way to save my brother?"

Both County Lord and my father come from a martial background and have straightforward temperaments, with little knowledge of the law. Since Young Master Yang is well-versed in the law, how can he stand by and do nothing in the face of death?

At that time, there was a clear distinction between men and women, and physical contact was not permitted. Even if one was unwilling to accept her grand gesture and wanted to help her up, one could only gesture with hands held aloft, a distance of about one foot apart, and the other party would rise accordingly, as if the skill of assisting others was akin to the mastery of the Nine Yang Divine Skill, capable of inflicting harm from a distance of ten feet.

After a considerable amount of time, Han Yoniang gently pushed away his embrace, her face flushed with embarrassment. She dared not look at him, only lowering her head and nervously fiddling with the ties of her clothing as she shyly said: "My husband, the food is still warm. Please sit down, and I will serve you some rice."

The sage said: "What is the purpose of reading the classics? It is solely to 'bear responsibility.' When faced with matters, one should only speak of feelings of guilt or lack thereof, without inquiring about calamity or fortune. If one clearly knows that a matter is unjust yet seeks to evade responsibility with excuses and fails to uphold justice, this is called shamelessness. What does Young Master Yang think of this?"

Miss Ma hurriedly said: "Father, this scholar is named Yang Ling. My brother and I went to buy something, and the shopkeeper deceived me of my pearls. As a result, my brother was scolded and died of shame. Fortunately, Young Master Yang spoke up for my brother, which prevented him from being convicted based solely on the shopkeeper's biased testimony. Tomorrow, we will certainly have to trouble Young Master Yang again in court."

Yang Ling was at a loss for words, unable to believe how sharp-tongued this young lady was. He felt a loss of composure on his face, while internally he anxiously searched through the memories of his two lifetimes, hoping to devise some strategies based on the laws of the Ming Dynasty and later judicial judgments. At the same time, he helped her to her feet and said, "Miss Ma, please rise quickly. In my opinion, the owner of the Wang family shop likely has his own hidden ailments. Although your brother did push him, he certainly would not have intended to kill him. However, now that the Wang family is in an uproar and everyone is speaking in unison, with the man dead right there and your brother having indeed taken action, determining guilt or innocence is not so easily clarified. Even if I have some ideas, it may not necessarily save him."

He was quite straightforward, but Master Ma was a bit more astute. Upon seeing that besides Magistrate Min and his own daughter, there was also a young man he did not recognize in the hall, he felt some apprehension and did not dare to bring up the case. When he saw his daughter greet him, he merely waved his hand and, with a puzzled expression, asked Yang Ling: "Who is this..."

"Good!" Magistrate Min clapped his hands in approval, his voice so loud that it startled Yang Ling. Ma Yicheng was also delighted, rubbing his hands together repeatedly, and said: "Young Master Yang is indeed remarkable. I am just anxious, and I cannot openly take my son out of prison. From what you said, it seems quite feasible. Since my son did not strike him, this old fellow must have had issues from the beginning. Magistrate Min, I will trouble you to send someone to investigate this matter thoroughly."

Sitting behind the low side table was the county magistrate, whose duty was to assist the county governor. There was no matter concerning the county that he should not inquire about. However, by convention, to avoid any suspicion of overstepping, the county magistrate was merely a preparatory figure for the county governor, often resembling a clay statue or wooden carving in a temple, remaining silent on all matters.

Miss Ma forced a smile and said, "In that case, thank you, Young Master Yang. I will trouble you to testify again during the retrial." Just as she was saying this, an official in his fifties, with three strands of black beard under his chin, hurriedly walked in. The magistrate of Min County, who had not yet left the courtroom, immediately approached him and said, "Master Ma, you have arrived just in time. This matter is truly puzzling for me; what do you think we should do?"

Upon hearing this, officials Min and Ma were immediately filled with disappointment. However, Miss Ma, being quite astute, promptly inquired, "So, does this mean that Young Master Yang does have a way, but is simply unable to intervene in the case due to his status?"

This girl is truly more beautiful than flowers, and in this grand hall, unlike the cold and frozen faces outside, her complexion has regained its softness and luster, fair and warm like exquisite jade, making her enchanting features even more captivating

Ma Ang was imprisoned, and everyone else was dismissed after leaving their names and addresses. Yang Ling also stood up to bid farewell to Magistrate Min. After exiting the main hall, Miss Ma hurriedly caught up and bowed, saying: "Thank you, Scholar Yang, for speaking up for my brother's justice"

The young girl had already returned home, standing at the door eagerly awaiting his arrival. Upon seeing his figure from a distance, she ran over. When Yang Ling saw her, his heart warmed, yet he also felt a twinge of guilt. In the morning, the young girl had gone out to work, and he had promised to study diligently at home, but he had been caught in the act. If she were to scold him, Yang Ling would indeed feel a bit apprehensive.

Upon hearing Miss Ma's words, both Magistrate Min and Deputy Ma felt a surge of energy, their four eyes turning in unison to look at Yang Ling, who was startled and quickly waved his hands, saying: "No, no, I am merely a witness; how could I presume to offer strategies for the esteemed county magistrate?"

At this moment, Yang Ling found himself in a difficult position, akin to riding a tiger. He glanced awkwardly at Magistrate Min, who appeared relieved and waved his hand generously, saying, "Yes, yes, yes, you scholars are quite clever. If you have any good ideas, please share them. My greatest headache is presiding over court cases. If the soldiers below are from the Tartars, I can simply wave my sword and be done with it. The real trouble lies in the disputes where each side claims to be right, and in the end, it is only I, the magistrate, who seems to have no justification. I truly find it impossible to render a fair judgment in such cases, and every time I hear the drumbeat, my heart races with anxiety."

Seeing his appetite gradually increase, Han Yoniang was truly happier than anything else, her eyes and brows always filled with joy. After finishing the meal, Han Yoniang tidied up the dishes, tied on an apron, and began washing. Yang Ling felt that he had truly become an unnecessary burden. He intended to help her wash the dishes, but unexpectedly, Han Yoniang was taken aback and scolded, "What man does such things? Husband, you should just sit down; this is the work of us women."

Yang Ling looked at her with a beaming smile, her face flushed with excitement as she spoke. Unable to resist, he gently pinched her cheek and chuckled, "You have such great skills, my dear. It's all my illness that has burdened you. The moment I saw your poor little face, it truly made my heart ache for you."

In the courtyard, Yang Ling recounted what he had seen and heard, confirming that Ma Ang had indeed not laid a heavy hand on Boss Wang. The Wang family, both young and old, knelt there weeping and lamenting about how well their father had been in health, insisting that Ma Ang must have committed murder. This left the county magistrate, a military man, utterly perplexed, sitting there with his round little eyes wide open, completely at a loss.