“When did I ever say I’d help?”

Ji Wenyan looked utterly innocent. “I’m not stupid. It’s obvious Brother Yu has solid evidence and is trustworthy. If I help Yan Xiaobao and that Wang Ergou, who are in cahoots doing such despicable things, wouldn’t that make me an accomplice to their crimes? If my father found out, do you think he’d spare me?“

Seeing Ji Wenyan ultimately siding with the Yan family, Yan Xiaoyu and He Qiuhua both breathed a sigh of relief, while Yan Xiaobao’s family grew frantic.

”Mr. Ji, don’t let Yan Xiaoyu and Yan Erlang deceive you!” “ Master Yan stomped his foot in fury. ”Yan Xiaoyu rented a room from the Yan family—they’re in cahoots! Yan Erlang must have lusted after Yan Xiaoyu’s good looks and seduced him. Now these adulterers want to frame my Xiaobao!”

His words were truly vile. He Qiuhua wept bitterly: “Father, how… how can you speak of Xiaoyu like that?!”

Yan Shaoxuan’s expression turned icy: “Brother Yu is your grandson—we can’t touch you. But if you continue to spout such slander, we’ll take this to the county magistrate’s office.”

At the mention of the county office, Old Master Yan finally showed his fear: “You two can conspire all you want, but it’s crystal clear that Yan Xiaoyu framed my little treasure!”

Tao Cuiqing, who had just learned the whole story from Yan Yonghe, shot Old Master Yan a resentful glance.

Useless in achieving anything, yet adept at ruining everything!

She forced herself to suppress her emotions and offered Ji Wenyan a faint smile. “Mr. Ji, Xiaobao is still young. He was tricked into speaking without full consideration. But his heart is pure and kind—he would never do anything to slander someone’s honor or take their chastity.”

Yan Xingsheng chimed in immediately: “Indeed! I know my son’s character—he’s been wrongfully accused!”

How could Yan Xiaoyu tolerate them exonerating Yan Xiaobao?

A head poked out from behind Yan Shaoxuan: “If you trust Yan Xiaobao so much, why not just have me go to the county office to clear things up? Why must Lord Ji vouch for you? Could it be you’re trying to use Lord Ji to deceive the county magistrate and help Yan Xiaobao escape punishment?”

Old Master Yan was so enraged that he began cursing loudly.

Ji Wenyan glanced at Yan Xiaoyu and nodded. “I hold an official position. Whether you are right or wrong, my word carries weight. At the yamen, the county officials will naturally judge.”

“Master Ji, you are a good friend of Yan Yonghe and an honored guest in our family. We explained to you only to prevent misunderstandings—there was absolutely no ulterior motive. You studied at the county academy and are the son-in-law of the magistrate. You’re a man who sees clearly right from wrong. But my nephew is smooth-talking and skilled at stirring up trouble. You’re not from our village and don’t know his nature. You’re easily deceived.”

After Tao Cuiqing finished explaining softly to Ji Wenyan, she turned coldly to look at Yan Xiaoyu.

“Brother Yu, you keep insisting on going to the county office to clear things up, yet why did you beat my son into this state before the matter was even settled? The magistrate’s court relies on solid evidence to adjudicate cases. You, a mere country lad, with no proof whatsoever, struck my son with such vicious force—what exactly were you scheming?! You beat Xiaobao until he was dizzy and disoriented, then you plan to interrogate him, exploit any verbal inconsistencies to fabricate charges—how could he possibly defend himself? Once he’s in the yamen, won’t he be at your mercy?!“

”Xiaobao’s face and body are covered in wounds from your beating. He’s in so much pain he can barely stand. If not for his iron will, he would’ve broken under your brutal assault long ago!”

‌The woman’s fighting prowess surpassed that of both Master Yan and Yan Xingmao combined. With a single sentence, she redirected everyone’s focus to Yan Xiaobao’s injuries, attributing his slip of the tongue to being beaten by Yan Xiaoyu.

But since Yan Xiaoyu dared to strike first, he had nothing to fear.

“Get this straight: your son brought drugs to harm me—that’s why I struck. I acted in self-defense! Even if I’d accidentally killed them, they’d deserve it! You two burly men against me, a frail young lad. If I hadn’t beaten you senseless, what if I’d fallen into your trap later? Could you take responsibility for that?!”

“If you’re not satisfied, take it to the county magistrate. Tell him I injured those who tried to harm me. See if they’ll punish me!”

Tao Cuiqing was momentarily speechless. Seeing her mother at a disadvantage, Yan Yonghe piped up again. 

“Regardless, you have no right to strike someone. This is vigilante justice—it violates propriety and law. If you beat someone to death, there’d be no witnesses to prove it. Wouldn’t you then twist the truth however you please?”

The Yans were numerous, each more eager to speak than the last. Yan Xiaoyu had already forgotten about Yan Yonghe, but when he suddenly piped up again, he didn’t grow angry—he smiled instead. “My eldest cousin is absolutely right!”

“If that’s the case, then you and your mother should go to the county office and report me! I wonder, once the county magistrate uncovers the shameful deeds your brother and Wang Ergou committed, will you, a Xiucai, still be able to smile? I hear the imperial court selects talent based on character, too. Your brother committed crimes first, and you shielded him afterward. With such character, are you fit for great responsibility? Can you truly be a pillar of the Great Chu?”

As Yan Xiaoyu finished speaking, Yan Yonghe and the rest of the Yan family turned pale. Ji Wenyan’s gaze toward him held a hint of surprise. Yan Shaoxuan added softly, “You’re quite right. The previous dynasty had examination categories for ‘recommending virtuous and upright scholars’ and ‘recommending filial and upright scholars.’ Our current emperor also places great emphasis on the character of students.”

He shot Yan Yonghe a cool, indifferent glance. “Appointing morally corrupt individuals to official posts also violates the principles of propriety and law.”

Yan Yonghe staggered slightly, his face turning ashen. The rest of the Yan family fell silent, as if their tongues had been cut off. The villagers, however, continued their whispered exchanges, their murmurs of gossip never ceasing. 

Yu Chunying sighed. “It’s getting late. Now that we’ve found everyone, we should head down the mountain first.”

“Yes, ma’am.” The group, carrying two more injured men, descended the mountain in a large procession, heading toward the village entrance. 

Yan Xiaobao’s injuries were severe. After Tao Cuiqing arrived, she had already sent someone to the neighboring village of Nanling to fetch a doctor. As for Wang Ergou, Niu Fugui had also sent his son down the mountain ahead of time to inform Wang Ergou’s family.

Upon reaching the village entrance, Yan Xingmao and Wang Ergou’s Fulang rushed over together. Yan Xingmao looked deeply concerned, fussing over his son. Wang Ergou’s husband, Uncle Zheng, however, slapped Wang Ergou across the face.“You damned fool! I’m dying, and you’re already eyeing someone else! You useless coward, trying to copy the town gentry and take two Fulang?!” 

Uncle Zheng pinned Wang Ergou down and delivered blows to both sides of his face, soon knocking out another loose tooth.

No one knew what Yu Sanlang had said, but he gritted his teeth, his rage boiling over. Wang Ergou’s two sisters-in-law had to restrain him. Villagers gathered around, watching with relish. Ji Wenyan was among them, his face showing no less amusement than the villagers’. Suddenly, Nian-ger, who had been watching the children inside, dashed out.

“Ah!”

“Ouch! We forgot Nian-ger was home!”

“Stop hitting him! Stop hitting him! Nian-ger’s out here!!”

Yan Xiaoyu heard the villagers’ exclamations and was puzzled. Why couldn’t they fight just because Xiao Nian was here?

Just as he was wondering, Xiao Nian darted over to Uncle Zheng.

“Uncle Zheng, you’ve been wronged again, haven’t you? I told you before—just divorce Uncle Ergou! Sun Lai from Dongling Village loves your fiery spirit, doesn’t mind your laziness, and is perfectly happy to marry a divorcee. Why are you so stubborn about staying with Uncle Ergou?! Sure, Sun Lai’s poor, but he’s hardworking—perfect for a lazybones like you!”

He pleaded earnestly, his frustration palpable: “Now tell me straight—are you getting divorced today or not?!”

The villagers all wore expressions of long-anticipated certainty. Niu Fugui covered his face, while Yu Chunying looked decidedly awkward. 

Yu Sanlang eagerly stepped forward to pull him away, only to be brushed aside instantly. “Third Brother, I am busy!”

Ji Wenyan glanced at Yan Xiaoyu, then at Uncle Zheng and Nian-ger, and couldn’t help but marvel inwardly—Xiling Village truly produced remarkable people!

Yan Xiaoyu nudged Yan Shaoxuan with his elbow, leaning closer to whisper, “How does Nian-ger manage things?”

Yan Shaoxuan’s arm brushed against a warm, flushed body. It took him a moment to regain his voice: “Nian-ger has loved matchmaking since childhood. But since he hasn’t married yet, he targets the villagers. Whenever he hears of a couple arguing, he goes over to ask if they’re divorcing and if they need a new matchmaker.”

Yan Xiaoyu stared in disbelief. What a peculiar hobby!

Nian-ger chattered on, but Uncle Zheng wasn’t appreciating it, thinking he was being humiliated. But bound by his village status, he dared not curse. Uncle Zheng seethed inwardly, fuming as he plotted his next move, when suddenly he caught sight of the handkerchief in Yan Xiaoyu’s hand. His eyes flashed with fury. He leapt off Wang Ergou and rushed to Yan Xiaoyu, snatching the handkerchief from her grasp.

“Damn Wang Ergou! How dare you use my handkerchief to curry favor with your new Fulang? I’ll fight you to the death!”

Whoa! Yan Xiaoyu’s eyes lit up.

Perfect! No need for an investigation—Wang Ergou’s actions had been confirmed by his own Fulang.

Everyone sensed drama brewing, eyes widening in anticipation.

Well, now, with his Fulang stepping in, Wang Ergou was nearly beaten to a pulp, his crimes unexpectedly exposed.

The onlookers reveled in the spectacle, but only the Yan Xiaobao family wore ashen faces.

In desperation, Tao Cuiqing struck Yan Xiaobao across the face and wailed shrilly, “I told you to stay out of trouble! I warned you about hanging around Wang Ergou! That scoundrel was trying to lure you into his schemes! Even with good intentions, you couldn’t have avoided this! Now look—because of his sins, you’re dragged into this mess too!”

Yan Xiaobao looked utterly bewildered. Only belatedly did Old Master Yan react, crying out in protest: “Xiaobao is only twelve! How could he possibly conceive such a vicious scheme? Wang Ergou must have tricked him! He’s innocent!”

Yan Xiaoyu rolled his eyes. He knew this family wouldn’t admit fault.

But the real surprise was yet to come.

“Wrong is wrong. Whether he acted willingly or was deceived by Wang Ergou, committing such a grave offense demands punishment.”

Yan Yonghe’s face was stern as he pronounced judgment on his younger brother with righteous indignation: “Tomorrow I’ll personally escort Xiaobao to the county office. Whatever sentence the magistrate passes, we won’t complain.”

Immediately after, Yan Xingsheng added, ”Xiaobao made a mistake. We were unaware before, but now that we know, we shouldn’t shield him.“

He shot a meaningful glance at Tao Cuiqing: ”Yan Yonghe has zero tolerance for wrongdoing. He’s upright and principled. Don’t make things difficult for the boy!”

 ━━ 🐈‍⬛ ━━

T/N: A VIP arrives. Nian-ger, I was wondering when he would show up. He was such a funny read when I was reading the raws.