Chapter 003: The Scandalous Lawsuit

Since it was a last-minute effort, Yang Yi felt at ease. At this moment, they had just entered the city gate, and the three of them shifted the topic of conversation.

In this day and age, scholars are highly valued, especially considering that the individual before them is a fourteen-year-old who ranked third in the provincial examination. Normally, he is not someone that the two constables could afford to offend. Now that Zhang Long and his companion have gained both substance and prestige, their fondness for Yang Yi has greatly increased

Hangzhou was referred to as the foremost city in the southeast since the early Song Dynasty. The streets were bustling with prosperity, filled with various merchants and vendors, among whom were many Japanese, Korean, and even Arab individuals mingling in the thoroughfares

The engraving industry is also the foremost in the country, with first-class technology. In the fifth year of the Ren Zong Jia You era, it was ordered to engrave 250 volumes of the "New Book of Tang." In the first year of the Yuan You era, it was again ordered to begin engraving 294 volumes of the "Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government." Other books, such as the "Records of the Grand Historian," were printed in Hangzhou, which provides a glimpse into the advanced state of the engraving industry in Hangzhou

Only when the two summoned constables grew quite impatient did Yang Yi finally follow them out.

Miao An still remembers to ask for evidence, indicating that he has not completely lost his train of thought; this lawsuit is still worth fighting for

At this moment, the constables truly came to the door, causing her to cry uncontrollably. She insisted on following them to the Qiantang County Yamen to see what was happening. Yang Yi could only patiently persuade her and instructed Aunt Li to keep an eye on her, stating that if necessary, she could be brought out to the court later.

These materials naturally benefit from Li Yi's original memory; it seems that frequent visits to brothels have their advantages! At least the information is quite well-informed

The line "未见君子, 惄如调饥" in this poem describes a woman's longing for a man, capturing her impatience and insatiable desire. Yang Yi chooses to recite this poem at this moment, which undoubtedly carries a deeper significance.

Seeing the effects were good, Yang Yi continued with determination: "Follow the path of the ancients. When I have not seen a gentleman, it is like being tormented by hunger. Respect the path of the ancients, and when I have seen a gentleman, do not abandon me. Esteemed County Lord, I, a student, do not fully understand the Book of Songs, particularly the National Style section. I have heard that the esteemed County Lord is exceptionally talented and renowned throughout the land. May I take this opportunity to seek your guidance?"

As he recited the poem aloud, it was indeed the case that Miao An's eyes instinctively darted towards Zeng Renxing's former concubine. Truly, such a youthful and charming beauty, encountering the elderly Zeng Renxing with his head of white hair, how could one not be filled with insatiable desire

Once, he cast a fierce glance at Yang Yi, who remained completely unconcerned, as relaxed as if he were admiring flowers in his own backyard. After all, it was not himself who was involved with the young concubine. Even if it were, so what? Both parties were willing; it was not as if it were forced upon them

Yang Xuer had not slept all night, and when she got up, her eyes were bloodshot. She was a person without strong opinions; had it not been for Yang Yixian's remarkable calmness and his strong efforts to dissuade her, she would likely have sought out the Zeng family yesterday.

The shipbuilding industry here is second only to Mingzhou and Quanzhou, and it is also one of the four commercial ports of the Song Dynasty engaged in foreign trade. The other three are Mingzhou, Quanzhou, and Guangzhou, all of which have a Maritime Customs Office for management

Haha! Brother Zhang and Brother Zhao's kindness is deeply appreciated by Li, and I will surely repay it in the future. However... do you know if the former official has had any dealings with County Magistrate Miao?

As Deng Miao'an reluctantly withdrew his gaze, he discovered Yang Yi was looking at him with a smile. Oh no! Hadn't his earlier display of 'genuine emotion' been completely seen by Li Yi?

The Yang family resides by the West Lake, which, although not within the city walls, is not far from the West City Gate. Taking advantage of the fact that there are few people before entering the city, Yang Yi smiled amiably and said: "You two brothers have worked hard. I truly feel sorry for the trouble of having you come such a long way! May I ask for your esteemed names?"

Hangzhou's most developed industries include brewing, silk weaving, porcelain making, engraving, shipbuilding, and maritime trade, which can be regarded as the pillar industries of the city. By the tenth year of the Xining era, the commercial tax revenue alone in Hangzhou had reached 80,000 guan, while the liquor tax exceeded 300,000 guan, ranking first in the country

The silk weaving industry, needless to say, is the focal point of the entire Song Dynasty's silk weaving sector. The scarlet silk, white patterned silk, and brocade produced here have consistently been designated as royal tributes. The silk products supplied from the two Zhejiang provinces account for more than one-third of the national total, and there are state-run weaving workshops in the city employing nearly one thousand weavers

Yang Yi had not finished speaking when the two constables felt a weight in their hands, and immediately their faces lit up with smiles. The one on the left said: "Sir Li, you are too polite! We are merely footmen running errands for the yamen. Sir Li ranked third in the Zhongzhou examination at the age of fourteen, and your future is boundless. How could we, with our humble names, dare to trouble Young Master Li? Just call me Zhang Long and him Zhao Chai!"

Yang Yi has gathered extensive information about Miao An's personality and preferences. This fellow is also one who speaks of moral principles yet indulges in carnal pleasures in private, a man of ample flesh who fancies himself a romantic.

A strong life needs no explanation

Yang Yi stood to the left of the hall, while Zeng Lihua and his concubine knelt to the right; their treatment was quite different, as who could blame him for being a scholar! If you want to tell me, you can kneel first! Yang Yi was eager to advise Miao An to read the documents slowly, there was no need to rush!

Miao An struck the table again with authority and said to Zeng Renxing: "Zeng Renxing! You have accused Li Yi of seducing your concubine and committing acts that violate public morals. Do you have any evidence for this? If there is no evidence, then it is a false accusation against an innocent person, and I will hold you accountable for the serious crime of false accusation"

Yang Yi spread his sleeves wide and bowed deeply, saying: "Your Excellency, the County Magistrate, I am Li Yi, who has diligently studied the teachings of the sages since childhood. At the age of fourteen, I achieved third place in the Central Plains examination. The teachings of the sages are always etched in my heart. You, too, are a person well-versed in literature. Can we, the disciples of the sages, engage in such disgraceful and immoral acts? The actions of Zeng Renxing are clearly a contempt for the way of the sages, undermining the educational value of Confucianism! Your Excellency, you must impose severe punishment on such a contemptuous rogue! Otherwise, if this matter spreads, as disciples of the sages, how can we hold our heads high in the world?"

The county magistrate is indeed correct; I have acted presumptuously!" Yang Yi again performed a deep bow, saying no more. As long as he had stirred up Miao An's jealousy and dissatisfaction regarding Zeng Lihua's relationship with an older man, his objective was achieved.

Zhang Long leaned in closer and said to Yang Yi: "Mr. Li should be cautious, as your former official, Zeng, visited County Magistrate Miao last night"

"Hey, hey, hey! You still claim that you do not disdain the sages. The county magistrate said that reading the works of the sages is in vain. Is he not implying that our study of the sages is utterly useless, and that their teachings have no transformative power? County magistrate! Everyone has been listening closely to what you have said. You must stand up for the students and uphold the reputation of the sages! Otherwise, if this matter spreads, people will think that all disciples of Confucianism are nothing but treacherous and immoral individuals. How can the teachings of the sages flourish in the world then?"

Very beautiful, or rather enchanting, with a tall figure, a slender waist, and ample hips, complemented by a pair of eyes resembling dew-kissed peach blossoms. She is the kind of woman who makes a man think of the bed at first sight. This is Yang Yi's direct assessment of Zeng Lihua's concubine. Upon entering, Yang Yi silently exchanged a glance with her.

Miao An, after glancing at the document, struck the gavel, causing the flesh on his face to quiver. He addressed Yang Yi with the following question: "Li Yi, it has been reported that you seduced his concubine, Han, in Guihua Alley of Hangzhou. You two have committed adultery multiple times, which is a disgrace to public morals. Do you have anything to say in your defense?"

Zeng Lihua's actions were quite swift, and sure enough, the next day, the officials from Qiantang County came to summon Yang Yi.

More importantly, if the concubine commits adultery with an outsider, once the charges are substantiated, she would face severe punishment. These two points combined are the reasons for Yang Yi's confidence in her

Zhang Long, Zhao Chai! Isn't it Zhao Hu? Quite interesting! Especially the way ancient people spoke, being polite for such a long time; if you only heard the first part, you might think they were too lazy to address you by name!

It is said that when he first arrived in Hangzhou, he was taken by the top performer, Miss Hanyun, at the Qinglian Courtyard. Relying on his status as a county magistrate, he attempted to forcefully pursue her, only to end up with a face full of disappointment. The reason is simple: he could not contend with the powerful backing of the Qinglian Courtyard, and they completely disregarded him.

Once, the complexion of Zeng was even whiter than his white hair. At this moment, calling him Zeng Lihua was indeed very fitting. He was seen kowtowing while crying out in a mournful voice: "Your Excellency, the county magistrate, Li Yi is slandering me. I, a humble citizen, have no intention of disrespecting the sage. It is Li Yi who seduces married women, wasting the teachings of the sages..."

Yang Yi believes she will not admit to an affair between them. Firstly, Li Yi has conquered her in bed time and again, leaving her unaware of what day it is! To completely win a woman's heart, it often starts with conquering her body; this statement is undoubtedly true.

In Qiantang County, at the county office, two groups of yamen runners in red robes and black hats stood solemnly on either side, holding water and fire sticks. The county magistrate, Miao An, sat high on the dais with a serious expression. Although his surname was Miao, he bore no resemblance to the slenderness associated with that name; the flesh on his face was already wrinkled. On this June day, as soon as he took his seat, he was already drenched in "fragrant sweat".

Miao An instantly adopted a dignified demeanor, cleared his throat twice, and said: "Li Yi, this is in the main hall of the county office. The case is still unresolved, so I will explain the teachings of the sage to you after this matter is settled"

As the saying goes, "Throw a peach to someone, and they will return a plum." Those who have become adept in these official circles surely understand what Yang Yi is trying to achieve with his actions

Driven by the man's unspeakable thoughts, Miao An could not help but curse Zeng Lihua in his heart, thinking that this old wretch was truly wasteful of resources

Indeed, this explanation seems reasonable. Miao An found it difficult to turn the situation around once again, and the folds of flesh on his face tightened even more. Zeng Lihua rolled her eyes dramatically, nearly fainting from anger

In terms of porcelain, Yue kiln celadon is one of the main types of porcelain exported abroad

Yang Yi's words seemed plausible yet misleading, suddenly invoking Confucius as if a towering mountain had descended upon him, leaving Miao An bewildered and at a loss in the grand hall

Not at all! Which neighborhood in Hangzhou doesn't know that Mr. Chen is a miser? Usually, even when County Magistrate Miao visits, he might not be willing to entertain him, let alone take the initiative to approach County Magistrate Miao.

Ah! Brother Zhang, Brother Zhao, your words are not correct. What is wrong with the yamen runners? They serve the court just the same, and they are equally loyal to the officials. Is there really a distinction between the noble and the lowly? Today, being regarded highly by both of you, if I, Li Yi, am fortunate enough to achieve success in the imperial examination in the future, I will still call you both brothers!