Chapter 8, It is easy for a gentleman to be in a position, but difficult to guard against a petty person

With a playful smile, Huang Huzi told Li Jing that if that fat man truly wanted Li Jing's life, there would be no need to concoct any additional charges or impose a sentence of execution by hanging. The sixty strokes of the fish-catching rod, with just a nod from the fat man, could directly strike Li Jing dead on the spot, and afterwards, there would be no evidence to speak of. Yet now, although Li Jing has been sentenced to death by hanging, he has not even received a single blow, which indicates what?

At this moment, Wan Jing took the initiative to say: "Mother, elder sister-in-law, Aunt Ma, you go and reply to the Wang family, just say that I agree to this marriage with the Wang family."

There is no need for that at the moment, let's talk about it later. I see that you have a well-rounded forehead and a square jaw, which indicates a fortunate appearance; you won't die so easily. In the future, I will have use for you, as long as you don't forget today when the time comes

The elder sister-in-law exclaimed, "Why is this Wang family aunt handling things this way?"

Huang Huzi pointed out a way out for Li Jing, which was actually just a very simple statement, yet this statement precisely revealed Li Jing's current predicament

No one expected that the Wang family would bring up old matters at this critical juncture. They not only mentioned the marriage between Wang Liang and Wan Jing, but also revisited the marriage proposal between San Lang and the Wang family's younger sister. For a moment, Han Shi was somewhat taken aback; logically speaking, the Wang family's actions seemed somewhat coercive. However, on the other hand, the Wang family had just lent twenty mu of their own land to help the Li family in their time of need, making it difficult for the Li family to refuse the proposal at this time

I will take care of it shortly, it's just...

Well then, you take two jars of fine wine to the residence of Judge Wang shortly, and explain the situation to him. Just have him change Li Jing's sentence to an exile of three thousand miles, sending him to Yizhou. That place is indeed under the Zhang family's influence, far from the emperor's reach, and it is also close to the Huigu and Tubo regions. Once Li Jing goes there, he will definitely not be able to return.

Zhang Pangzi was huddled alone in the room composing music. The thought that Ma could acquire sixty acres of land made his mind lively, and an uncontrollable smile appeared on his face. Outside the door, he heard Wang Liang's voice; without raising his head, he said: "Come in"

The matchmaker was somewhat surprised that things went so smoothly; she immediately ran towards the Wang family, laughing joyfully to share the good news.

This is indeed a solution

How are the Li family members expressing themselves

Han sighed deeply and said, "Aunt Ma, marriage is always a matter of parental arrangement and the matchmaker's words. The Wang family does not hold our Li family’s current misfortunes against us, and they still remember the old feelings to propose marriage. Now that the fourth sister has agreed herself, I naturally have no objections. As for my second son’s engagement with the young lady from the Wang family, I have also given my consent. Please convey this to the Wang family."

Hurry and have someone at your home give that fat man a sum of money, and this matter will be nearly resolved. Huang Huzi lay on a pile of straw, while two of his subordinates diligently massaged his legs

Wang Liang feigned a slightly uneasy demeanor and said: "My lord, the few foolish women of the Li family were initially reluctant to part with their ancestral property. After some persuasion on my part, I have finally managed to convince them. The Li family is now willing to present fifty acres of land and ten acres of mulberry fields as a tribute to you, my lord"

My lord, Li Jing has been studying since childhood and has received recommendations from local officials, qualifying him for the provincial examinations. He was prepared to participate in the imperial examination, but he did not do so due to the death of his elder brother. This person is both literate and martial; he is not an ordinary individual. If we let him go easily now, I fear he may harbor resentment against you, my lord. What if he participates in the imperial examination in the future, passes, and is appointed to an official position? I am concerned that he may pose a threat to you. If he spreads rumors everywhere, it will inevitably have a negative impact on your reputation and could damage your standing.

Li Jing is not a fool; he immediately understood the situation amidst the smile of the man with the yellow beard. The official's sudden targeting of him might be due to Wang Liang's influence. However, Zhang Pang had no past grievances or recent enmities with him, and there was no reason for him to go out of his way to help a subordinate who was trying to take his life. To put it plainly, it was certainly still about interests. Wang Liang harmed him out of revenge, while Zhang Pang was undoubtedly trying to scheme for his wealth.

Zhang Hong squinted his eyes, a smile revealing his white teeth as he said, "Good, you have done well in this matter. I initially thought it would take some effort to resolve this issue, but unexpectedly, you handled it so quickly. I will not treat you unfairly; I will reward you with five mu of mulberry fields. You should also take care of the land transfer. By the way, go to Judge Wang's office again and retrieve the official document regarding Li Jing. As for that Li Jing, just let him go."

Seeing Zhang the Fat hesitating, Wang Liang let out a sigh of relief and hurriedly added: "There is no need for the official to take his life; we can sentence him to exile. The four major places of exile designated by the court are: Fangzhou in the southern mountains, Yanzhou in Hainan, Fengzhou in the interior, and Yizhou in the eastern part of Longyou. The official can choose any one of these places to exile Li Jing, and this fellow will never be able to return for the rest of his life, which will naturally not affect you, my lord"

This time, he schemed against the Li family, and Zhang Kuguan acquired sixty acres of land. However, under the pretense of Zhang Kuguan's authority, he took a total of one hundred acres, including his own twenty acres. Excluding his own land, after handing over the sixty acres to Zhang Kuguan, the remaining twenty acres from Wang the blacksmith's family would then become his. Given the significant risk he took to reclaim this land, how could he possibly return it?

The official character has two mouths, and the yamen opens with eight strokes. Li Jing entered this death row prison, and he was still at the mercy of Zhang the Fatty, who could arrange things as he pleased. To put it plainly, Zhang the Fatty exerted such great effort just to extort a sum of money from Li Jing

What is it?

Han was truly grateful to Wang Liang for having given his twenty mu of land to the Li family in their time of need

When the women of the Han family returned home and were about to prepare to go to the town to welcome Li Jing, they did not expect that the long-absent matchmaker Ma would arrive first. As soon as Ma entered the door, she stated her purpose directly. She was here today to facilitate a match between the Wang and Li families.

The enmity has already been established, and one must not easily let go of Li Jing.

Cui Zhenjiang of Chishan Town is a rough character, yet he has a particular fondness for playing Go. Although Cui Zhenjiang is not particularly skilled at the game, he has inspired officials of all ranks in Chishan Town to take up the study of Go. Zhang Kuguan, who is Cui Zhenjiang's brother-in-law, naturally seizes this opportunity to curry favor with him. Although Zhang Kuguan holds a minor official position, he comes from a scholarly background. He had previously known how to play chess, and with his recent dedicated study, his skills have significantly improved, making him one of the top players in Chishan Town. However, Zhang, being clever, knows that when he has the chance to play against his superiors, he must never win outright. Not only must he avoid winning, but he must also ensure that his superiors face considerable difficulty before ultimately achieving victory. Because of this strategy, Zhang has been thriving in Chishan Town.

"You say you are here to act as a matchmaker for Wang Liang on behalf of my family's Fourth Young Lady?" Han asked in surprise

It is indeed more than just that; this is truly a double blessing, a joyous occasion coming together. Today, I am not only here to facilitate the union between Wang's second son and Li's fourth daughter, but I am also here to bring good fortune for Wang's third daughter and your third son. I have heard that when your third son encountered trouble, the Wang family immediately offered twenty acres of land without hesitation. You see, your two families have been close friends for generations, and now with these two joyful events, it is indeed a blessing upon a blessing. Just as your third son is about to return, this marriage will surely help dispel any misfortune. The matchmaker spoke eloquently, leaving Han and the others completely stunned.

Sir, the Li family has only this one man left. With the exile of Li Jing, the Li family is left with only a few widows and young ladies, thus there is no need to worry about anything anymore. This is indeed a method that solves everything once and for all

According to Huang Huzi, the reason Li Jing ended up in this prison must be due to offending someone. Based on what Li Jing just said, the most likely culprit is that Wang Liang is behind this. Although Li Jing has now been sentenced to hanging with a commuted sentence, it does not necessarily mean that there is no way out for him.

Zhang Pangzi is an official, and Li Jing cannot do anything to him. However, he is merely a subordinate. After Li Jing leaves, if he finds that the ancestral property is gone, he should not blame it on him. Even now, he cannot forget the last gaze that Li Jing directed at him; whenever he thinks of it, he cannot help but feel anxious

Yes, I will take care of it immediately

The door opened, and Wang Liang bent down to enter. Zhang Pangzi pressed a white piece, signaling Wang Liang to come forward

Thank you, Brother Huang, for your guidance. If there is anything you need me to do, please feel free to speak directly

Zhang Hong held a black piece tightly, unable to let it go for a long time, and inhaled deeply, saying: "However, this official only seeks wealth, and does not wish to harm lives and damage my moral integrity for no reason. This matter cannot be completely severed."

After Wang Liang went to Judge Wang to finalize the judgment, he felt greatly relieved. Early the next morning, he returned to Wang Li Village, first seeking out the village chief to act as a guarantor for the notarization, transferring the sixty acres of land belonging to the Li family, as well as twenty acres each from the Wang Blacksmith's family and his own family, completing the necessary paperwork.