Chapter 004: Seventh Aunt

Your Excellency, please forgive me! Your Excellency, please forgive me. This cunning woman is arguing deceitfully, and the commoner can no longer endure it. I truly did not intend to offend Your Excellency

The two parted ways with a casual word, like strangers going their separate paths. In the end, however, they faintly heard Han's voice from behind: Meet at the old place on Feilai Peak in three days.

Having just caught his breath, he quickly replied: "Your Excellency, please take a stand for the common people! I had my household servant follow that vile woman, and he reported to me that he saw her meeting privately with Li Yi. He can testify that Li Yi has repeatedly seduced my concubine, Han. This matter is absolutely true; Your Excellency can inquire with Zeng Xiaor and find out!"

Miao An interrupted him somewhat impatiently, saying: "Alright! Alright! Li Yi, hurry back and read your books. The case is clear; this case involves the servant, Zeng Xiaoer, deceiving the master and falsely accusing you. You have nothing more to do with this matter! Go on! Go on!"

The official underlings immediately looked around, and after a while, they saw an officer entering with a servant.

Bang

Yang Yi was not in a hurry, but the seventh concubine, Madam Han, was bowing her head and crying out in a sorrowful voice: "Your Excellency, I am wronged! Since childhood, I have firmly remembered the Three Obediences and Four Virtues. Since entering the Zeng family, I have strictly adhered to the duties of a woman, never daring to stray even a step. How could I have committed such shameless acts, wuwuwu..."

Yang Yi chuckled indifferently to himself; even if the situation had not developed to this point, he still had a backup plan. The contract that he had Zeng Lihua write down yesterday, www.hetushu.com.com, served as evidence of his counterclaim against Zeng Lihua for her attempt to seize the Li family's assets, going so far as to fabricate rumors and falsely accuse him.

At this moment, the person in charge also seemed to waver, suddenly speaking in a stern voice: "Vile woman, why did you not inform me of this matter earlier? Now that the witness is about to arrive, how can you deny it..."

Miao An turned to Han and said, "Han, what Zeng Xiaor said is not entirely without reason. Since Zeng Xiaor has long harbored ill intentions towards you, and this is a slander against you, why did you not defend yourself earlier"

Was what Han said true?

Your Excellency! But this... this Zeng Xiaoer... I, a humble citizen, did not know he was such a treacherous person. I have been wronged!

As the saying goes: Under the three trees, why not seek!

You have once held a position! You are unable to distinguish right from wrong, falsely accusing others, what more is there to say

Zeng Lihua claimed that she did not have sufficient evidence or witnesses. As long as the Han family did not admit to the affair, this contract in her possession would be enough for Zeng Lihua to drink a pot of tea!

The esteemed county magistrate acts on behalf of the common people, and the great kindness and virtue of the magistrate will be repaid by the common people in the next life with grass and rings as tokens of gratitude

Do not cry! Do not cry... cough! This is the county hall, Han family, do not make a scene any longer. I have always enforced the law with the utmost seriousness and cared for the people as if they were my own children. If you truly have grievances, I will ensure that you are given a fair resolution.

This ... ... County Magistrate, the commoner indeed did not mention Zeng Xiaoer at home! But ... ...

After witnessing the astute side of the Han family in court today, Yang Yi found it difficult to dismiss her casually. It seems that in order to distance himself from this woman, he must devise a careful plan; otherwise, if she turns her love into hatred and seeks to overturn the case immediately, it could become quite troublesome

How detestable! So detestable, such a perfect and enchanting jade arm, yet it bears such a scar! This is intolerable, utterly intolerable!

Moreover, Zeng Lihua bears a grave sin of 'a man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime.' If Miao An develops an infatuation for the Han family, the Zeng family is likely doomed this time

Yang Yi's status as a scholar inherently provides a significant advantage. Coupled with the fact that his previous position was merely a temporary measure, and that he had no prior relationship with Miao An, it is not surprising that his attitude changed when provoked by Yang Yi.

I understand, my dear Li, rest assured, I know what to do

Yang Yi could no longer hold back and turned his head away; it was too amusing. Miao An had just revealed that pitifully affectionate expression, resembling a fat pig preparing to root through a garden of cabbages! There is no need for you, Han, to repay with a grass and ring in your next life; it is likely that Miao County Magistrate only requires your 'gushing spring' in return tonight.

Miao An let out a heavy "hmph," causing Zeng Xiaoer to tremble in fear. He quickly exclaimed, "Your Excellency, I am wronged! I am merely a servant of the Zeng family. Even if I had several times the courage, I would not dare to offend my master!"

"You once held an official position! Do you still regard me as an official in your eyes? Roaring in the court, showing no respect for rank, do you know your crime?"

Faced with the tearful and emotional *picture* book lady, Yang Yi had no choice but to comfort her for a long time before sending the two of them back. He then wandered around the city, found a blacksmith shop, and ordered a finely crafted steel dagger in the style he was accustomed to from his previous life in the military

Your Excellency, when I, a humble woman, first entered the Zeng family, the servant Zeng Xiaoer saw that I was alone and destitute. My master, being old and frail, made lewd remarks towards me, which I sternly rebuked. However, Zeng Xiaoer, unrepentant, harbored a grudge and deceived my master, falsely accusing me of engaging in immoral acts with others. Your Excellency! I am wronged! ... Wronged indeed ... He harbored a grudge and deceived my master, falsely accusing me of engaging in immoral acts with others! Your Excellency! I am wronged! ... Wronged indeed ...

"Yier! It is good that you are fine. Quickly, return with your mother. From now on, you must study diligently and avoid causing trouble!" Yang Xueru wiped her tears and began to nag again. Rather than lecturing her son, it felt more like a plea.

Zeng Xiaoer, Han said that you once flirted with her. Is this true? Hmm?

Outside the county office, Yang Xu'er was accompanied by Aunt Li. As soon as she saw Yang Yi come out, she quickly approached him. Both of them had tears in their eyes, and it was understandable for them. Two indecisive women, faced with such a situation, must have been extremely anxious waiting outside.

Who is it in the hall? Hurry up and announce your name!

Where is Zeng Xiaoer? Why hasn't he been brought to class yet

Your Excellency, he is lying! When he harassed the common woman, she struggled fiercely to break free and was even scratched on the arm by him. Please take a look, Your Excellency!

The resounding bang of the gavel echoed through the hall, causing Zeng Renxing and the *tu* *shu* to tremble. Not only did he shudder, but Miao An in the hall also quaked. He exerted himself too much, causing his entire corpulent body to quiver, resembling a water-filled skin bag gently nudged by someone.

Enough! Considering this is your first offense, I will let you go this time. You must remember, in this court, if I have not asked you a question, you have no right to speak!

Yes, yes, yes! The commoner has taken note of it and expresses gratitude for the magnanimity of the esteemed county official

From Miao An's words, it can be inferred that he is not entirely a fool. Given the development of the situation, it is quite possible that he is doing this intentionally, solidifying the false accusation against Zeng Lihua, which would make it feasible for him to take control of the Han family

Miao An coldly stared at Zeng Lihua, and Yang Yi estimated that this time Zeng Lihua would probably have to part with seventy percent of her family fortune to seek a way out of her predicament

Miao An has a tendency to go berserk, and the more Yang Yi observes, the more amusing he finds it! This adultery case has unexpectedly turned into a case of harassment! It seems to have nothing to do with him! The prepared trump card has not been used, and the Han family is not simple at all! Their thoughts are meticulous, their reasoning is clear, and they possess quick wit; it is quite interesting! Extremely interesting!

Yang Yi and Han exchanged a secret glance, and then spoke to Miao An: "The county magistrate adjudicates cases with remarkable insight, comparable to the clear sky! This allows the student to regain his innocence..."

Come here! Drag that bold and cunning servant, Zeng Xiaoer, down! Give him a severe beating until he behaves himself!

From Miao An's questioning of Zeng Renxing, it is not difficult to discern that his mindset is markedly different from that of someone who has just entered the courtroom.

Han cried out in grievance, her voice as mournful as the cuckoo's blood-curdling call, complemented by her pitiful tearful eyes and delicate features. Her soft and plaintive demeanor truly moved those who heard her, causing them to feel sorrow and shed tears. What is even more remarkable is that she articulated her thoughts so clearly, turning the tables on the witnesses who had yet to take the stand, to the point where even Li Yi almost believed her words were true

Am I at ease? What do I have to be concerned about?

Yang Yi and Han Shi came out of the county office, noticing that no one was paying attention, and quietly reminded, "Be careful of Miao An"

After Han finished speaking, he rolled up his sleeves, revealing a section of pale, tender arms. Miao An's eyes instantly filled with blood, shining brightly. After a great effort to calm himself, upon closer inspection, he indeed noticed a faint scar on the arm, resembling a scratch.

Han's wife replied tearfully, "Your Excellency, the county magistrate, my husband only beats and scolds me at home, and he never made it clear that the one who orchestrated the false accusations was Zeng Xiaoer. How could I have known that he was secretly framing me? It was only when my husband mentioned that the witness was him that I recalled past events. Your Excellency, please see the injustice I have suffered!"

The servant, frightened, fell to his knees and stammered, "I am Xiao Er, and I have met the esteemed county magistrate!"

Come! First, imprison Zeng Renxing and Zeng Xiaoer in the dungeon and keep a close watch on them. Dismissed!

Less than the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the bloodied Zeng Xiaoer was dragged back to the main hall, where he openly confessed to having attempted to tease Han Shi, fabricating falsehoods to frame Han Shi as 'facts.' Moreover, he described the events in vivid detail. Upon hearing this, Zeng Lihua turned pale, her eyes rolled back, and she fainted.