Thanks to Setsura, Green KiTea, Salt Rose or Topaz, and Elaine for the ko-fis! Enjoy the bonus chapters, and thanks for the support!

It was almost noon, yet the case had been tried the entire morning and still had not been concluded. The onlookers also showed no sign of leaving. On the contrary, more and more people crowded forward.

There were still quite a few carriages parked along the road. Some wealthy ladies even sent their servants to inquire about the case. This case was truly full of twists and turns — two complaint papers had actually implicated so many people.

“Wang Jinbao, Duan Dahu, do you two admit your guilt?”

With a loud bang of the wooden block on the judge’s bench, the two of them were so startled that they shivered. Duan Dahu was the first to open his mouth and confess, “My lord, it was Qiu Laoliu who ordered me and told me to shut down Wei Qingshan’s shop. As for everything else, this lowly one truly knew nothing!”

He really did not know. If he had known that there were so many things involved, he would never have gotten himself into such trouble. Qiu Laoliu had truly brought ruin upon him! The two men’s case was easy to judge. The county magistrate wiped the sweat off his forehead and said, “Wei Laotai maliciously slandered and made false accusations. Beat her with twenty boards and drive her out of town! Qiu Laoliu, Wang Jinbao, and Duan Dahu — the three of you relied on power to bully others, causing Wei Qingshan to suffer injustice and be imprisoned. The three of you are dismissed from your posts at the yamen, each beaten with twenty boards, and must compensate Wei Qingshan with ten taels of silver!”

Cries of approval came from the crowd. “My lord is wise!”

“My lord, giving that wicked woman only twenty boards is too light a punishment!”

“That’s right! I’ve never seen a mother like this before. Not only was she biased, but when disaster struck, she ignored her own son. Now, for the sake of silver, she even came to slander her other son — truly hateful!”

“That’s right, my lord, my lord!”

As soon as the judgment was handed down, the servants who had been gathering news quickly ran out and reported to the carriages, “Madam, the verdict is out! The verdict is out!”

“Quickly, speak, speak!”

The servant hurriedly reported. The several noble ladies sitting inside the carriage were still wiping away tears with their silk handkerchiefs. Upon hearing the result, they angrily threw their handkerchiefs to the ground. “That wicked woman’s sentence is far too light! Go find out more!”

Many carriages were stopped at the yamen gate. Many people, upon hearing the Feng family’s statement earlier, felt deep sympathy, wiping away tears of sorrow from their hearts.

“Who would have thought this case would be so complicated?”

“How can there be such a mother in this world, who would rather let her own son starve to death just to hoard grain? Wei Er biting off one of her ears before he died was letting her off easy!”

“Boss Wei is truly righteous. By right, all the family property was earned by him. Since the Wei family members had all been driven out, it should rightfully belong to him, yet he actually refused and compensated the victim instead.”

“I heard that the bandit leader of that gang of bandits was personally beheaded by Wei Qingshan, and even Yue Zhonglang’s subordinates lost several men.”

“Truly a case of an evil bamboo giving birth to good shoots.”

After the verdict, everyone began to discuss loudly, shouting that Wei Laotai’s punishment was too light.

The county magistrate struck the wooden block on the bench a few more times, but it was useless. He secretly wiped the sweat from his forehead. This Wei Laotai was truly hateful, but she had not committed murder or robbery. He could not simply have her executed — that would also go against the law!

But on the other hand, public anger was difficult to appease. With such an evil mother, it was hard for the people to feel at peace. The Great Zhao dynasty ruled the world with benevolence and filial piety. If this judgment was not handled well, he, too, would end up with a bad reputation. But he could not have her killed — it was driving him mad with worry.

The townspeople watching were so outraged that they almost wanted to rush forward to beat her. What was he to do?

At this moment, Wei Laotai was also frightened. She crawled over to grab Wei Qingshan’s clothes. “Qingshan, Qingshan! I may have treated you badly, but after all, I am your own mother. Save me, save me! Are you not afraid of heavenly retribution for committing matricide?”

After twenty boards, she might not even survive. If it were any heavier, she would certainly die. She did not want to die!

Outside the yamen, the crowd was still shouting, “Severely punish the wicked woman! If she is not killed, the anger of the people cannot be appeased!”

“Punish her! Punish her!”

Lin Yu secretly tugged on Wei Qingshan’s sleeve. This case regarding Wei Laotai seemed difficult to judge.

Now, not only was the county magistrate in a difficult position, but Wei Qingshan, too, was affected more or less. A son accusing his mother was already contrary to both reason and law. If the punishment was made even heavier, he might later be accused of being unfilial.

With worry on his face, Lin Yu shook his head at Wei Qingshan. “It cannot be.”

Wei Qingshan slightly turned his head and said to Lin Yu, “According to my husband, how should this be handled?”

Lin Yu spoke two sentences with Wei Qingshan, and Wei Qingshan nodded. “I will listen to you.”

The two of them knelt on the ground together. Wei Qingshan spoke, “My lord, this humble one sued Wei Laotai not to punish her, but only to restore my reputation. I beg my lord to let Wei Laotai go, to count it as repaying the grace of giving birth to me. If there must be a beating, then I, Wei Qingshan, am robust — beat me instead, and let that count as repaying her. From today on, we will sever all ties and no longer interfere with each other.”

The noisy crowd quieted down, and everyone looked at the two kneeling in the court. The county magistrate gulped down two big mouthfuls of water — this was excellent, this was excellent.

He stood up and said, “The Great Zhao dynasty has always ruled the world with benevolence and filial piety. Wei Laotai, as a mother, was unkind and has brought this upon herself. A son suing his mother is contrary to reason, so the punishment is changed: the twenty boards will be borne by Wei Qingshan in her stead.”

Under his sleeve, Lin Yu tightly grasped Wei Qingshan’s hand. His palm was sweating. “I will bear half of it for you.”

“It does not matter.”

“My lord! How can you pass such a judgment? We refuse to accept it!”

“Refuse!”

“Refuse!”

The townspeople began shouting. They had wanted the county magistrate to severely punish her, but not only was the punishment not severe, but Wei Qingshan was to be beaten as well. Everyone was furious and began to protest. The yamen runners in the front used their wooden batons to block the crowd, but it looked like they were about to rush into the hall.

The county magistrate kept wiping his sweat and came down to appease the people. “Everyone, listen to me, listen to me first!”

The county magistrate shouted until his throat went hoarse before finally quieting the crowd. “Wei Qingshan is benevolent, filial, and righteous — the twenty strokes are waived, waived!”

“But this is too easy on that wicked woman!”

“That’s right, that’s right!”

The angry crowd was calmed somewhat. Wei Qingshan helped Lin Yu up and turned to cup his hands toward everyone. “Thank you all for speaking out righteously. I, Wei Qingshan, accused my mother only to expose the mastermind behind the scenes, only to let everyone know that I am not the heinous man she claimed I was. Wei Laotai is, after all, my biological mother. Please, let her go.”

“Ah, Boss Wei, you really are too kind.”

“Yes, yes!”

When the county magistrate saw that Wei Qingshan had spoken, he finally had a way to step down from the situation. He hurried back up to the high bench and threw down the red slip. “Come! Throw Wei Laotai outside the town. As for Qiu Laoliu, Wang Jinbao, and Duan Dahu — beat them heavily!”

The three were dragged and pressed onto the long bench, and the yamen runners fiercely struck them with the wooden batons. Miserable screams filled the air, and Duan Dahu and Wang Jinbao kept shouting curses. “Qiu Laoliu, you’ve ruined us!”

The furious crowd finally quieted down. The county magistrate gulped down two big mouthfuls of cold tea. This Wei Qingshan was clever — if Wei Laotai had really been severely punished, people might bring it up in the future and say he was unfilial.

He let out a heavy sigh of relief, sent people to the three households to collect the compensation silver for Wei Qingshan, and finally concluded the case, which had dragged past noon.

Wei Qingshan supported Lin Yu as they walked out. The people on both sides made way, and many along the road turned to look at the two of them. Lin Yu had not come out before, so now that he was out, he finally saw just how many people had been watching. There were even quite a few carriages parked by the roadside outside the yamen, and the people inside secretly lifted the curtains to look at the two of them. Those who did not know what had happened kept asking how it had ended. Wei Qingshan had no mind to answer them — he only wanted to quickly take Lin Yu home. They had been standing all morning, and his little husband was exhausted, having not even sipped water all morning.

Wei Qingshan, Lin Yu, and the Feng family members went back together. Shi Xiaoliu and Zhao Yueniang had gone back ahead after the case was judged, and by now they had already prepared the meal.

Lin Yu was also tired. After eating, he lay down to rest. Having been frightened and worried these past few days, he had not slept well. Wei Qingshan then drove the mule cart to take the Feng family of three back home, even bringing them a wild rabbit to take with them.

As soon as Wei Qingshan went out, many people greeted him. “Boss Wei, you’ve seen them off?”

Wei Qingshan cupped his hands. “Thank you all for speaking out righteously.”

Quite a few people blushed in embarrassment. They lived near Wei Qingshan, and on the day the officials had come to arrest him, they had also spoken. Yet Wei Qingshan bore no grudge and even thanked them, making them feel ashamed and red-faced.

Madam Jin of the dried fruit and pastry shop had also gone to watch the trial with Boss Jin today. Seeing that Wei Qingshan had sent the people off, she quickly grabbed two portions of sweets from her shop and chased after them. “Boss Wei, wait, wait!”

Madam Jin handed the two packets of sweets to the Feng family. “Elder, take these well. Live your life properly. Things will get better.”

Aunt Feng wiped her tears. “Thank you, Madam.”

By now, the matter between the Wei family and the Feng family was known throughout the entire town. People in the teahouses and restaurants were all discussing it, and there were even storytellers recounting what they had heard in the court. For a time, it drew sighs and lamentations from everyone.

Seeing Wei Qingshan driving the mule cart to send the Feng family off — and seeing how pitiful they were — many people gave them food and other things, and the Feng family kept thanking them over and over.

By the time Wei Qingshan came back after sending them off, it was already dark. Lin Yu had not woken up yet. Wei Qingshan went inside, lit the oil lamp, and woke him. “Xiao Yu, Xiao Yu, get up and eat.”

Lin Yu woke up groggily. After getting up, he was still dazed. “How did I sleep for so long?”

Wei Qingshan handed him a bowl of tea. “Drink some water and eat.”

Still a little dazed, Lin Yu drank directly from Wei Qingshan’s hand. His blank, sleepy look softened Wei Qingshan’s heart. How could his little husband be this good?

Even after sleeping, Lin Yu’s spirit did not recover much. After eating, he only chatted a few words idly with Shi Xiaoliu and the others before going back to sleep again. The shop was not open either — everyone was tired, so they decided to rest for a day before deciding anything else.

Because there was no work to do, all four of them did not wake up early the next morning. Lin Yu slept until the sun was high before getting up. He stretched lazily. After a full night’s sleep, he finally felt refreshed.

As soon as he moved, Wei Qingshan — who had been awake for some time — also got up. The two of them dressed and came out. In the courtyard, Shi Xiaoliu was cleaning the rabbit cages, while Zhao Yueniang was tending the fire and cooking. Seeing the two of them up, Zhao Yueniang smiled at Lin Yu. “Brother, you’re up.”

After the four of them ate, Lin Yu finally had some energy. “Let’s eat well for lunch. Xiaoliu, go call your mother and your younger siblings over, and also invite Mr. Lou. I will make something good for us this morning.”

After others had helped them, it was only right to express gratitude. Lin Yu wanted to make a good meal at noon to reward everyone. Shi Xiaoliu happily agreed, and after eating, she went to invite people.

Lin Yu had not been to the market for some days, so he took a basket, planning to buy some wine, tofu, and other things at the market.

Wei Qingshan also went with him. When he came out yesterday, he had just found out that everyone in town already knew. He was afraid that Lin Yu would get crowded when he went out.

The three of them went out carrying baskets. As soon as Lin Yu stepped out the door, he felt everyone looking toward them. When Lin Yu looked over, people just smiled at him, and Lin Yu did not take it to heart.

The three of them went to the street and bought two pieces of tofu. The woman selling tofu refused to take Lin Yu’s copper coins no matter what, “This is for Lin Fulang, take it, take it.”

Lin Yu still put down the copper coins. It was not easy for small business owners, so how could he take advantage of them?

“Yo, Boss Wei, Lin Fulang, out buying vegetables?”

“My lettuce is very fresh, Lin Fulang, take it and eat it.”

“My baby bok choy is also good, take it and eat as much as you want.”

Lin Yu hurriedly refused again and again, “No need, no need.”

No wonder Wei Qingshan wanted to come with him. Everyone enthusiastically tried to stuff things into his arms. Lin Yu quickly pulled Wei Qingshan away, “We’ve bought the wine, let’s hurry back.”

Right now, the whole town was talking about Wei Qingshan’s matter, and the rumors were told as though they were magical. They said Wei Qingshan had chopped the bandit leader with one strike of his blade, that Wei Er bit off the evil woman’s ear before dying, and that Lin Yu had heroically saved his husband. It was said as if they had all seen it with their own eyes, and everyone praised the two of them for their righteousness.

Lin Yu quickly came out of the market. When they left, his basket had already been stuffed with many things—there were vegetables, and even a handful of bright yellow apricots.

The three of them bought a jar of wine and went back. On the way, many people were still watching them. When Zhao Yueniang got back home, she was still patting her chest, “Why is everyone so enthusiastic?”

After going home, they all started getting busy. Lin Yu had Wei Qingshan fetch a hen from the chicken coop to stew for soup, and then butcher a rabbit.

Lin Yu wanted to make a good meal, first to welcome Wei Qingshan back and wash away his hardships, and second to host Madam Wu and Mr. Lou, who had helped them.

Lin Yu and Zhao Yueniang sat in the courtyard picking vegetables. Not long after, Shi Xiaoliu and Madam Wu came over as well. As soon as the two children arrived, the courtyard became lively.

Shi Xiaoshu and Shi Xiaohua also squatted to the side to help pick vegetables, though they were not really needed. Lin Yu smiled and told the two of them just to play in the courtyard. He went inside the house and brought out fruits that children liked and placed them on the table, “Xiaoshu, Xiaohua, come eat some fruit.”

The two of them ran over. After Madam Wu and Shi Xiaoliu had worked here with Lin Yu, her family was no longer lacking grain. The two little ones were at the age when they were growing, and in this period of time, they had been fed well enough that the sallow look had left their faces, and they had even put on a little flesh.

Madam Wu smiled, “Lin Fulang, no need to mind them, let them play on their own.”

Lin Yu sat back down to pick vegetables. “These days, thank you, Madam Wu, for taking care of things, and also Xiaoliu, it’s all thanks to you for helping find people and asking around for news.”

Shi Xiaoliu looked a little embarrassed and let out two silly laughs.

Madam Wu waved her hands repeatedly, “No, no, I only helped with a little bit.”

Lin Yu took the vegetables out of the basket, and underneath were a few orange-yellow apricots. Lin Yu took them, washed them, and put them on the table. He casually picked one up and ate it. It was a bit sour, but quite appetizing.

Lin Yu pushed the bowl forward, “Xiaoshu, Xiaohua, you two eat some too.”

Shi Xiaoshu picked one up and took a bite, letting out a muffled sound as his face scrunched up, “So sour!”

Madam Wu called him over, “If it’s sour, then bring it here for Mother to eat. These days, even apricots and things like this aren’t cheap, we can’t waste them.”

Shi Xiaoshu handed the apricot he had bitten into to Madam Wu. Madam Wu took a bite, and even her teeth ached from the sourness, “These apricots are really sour.”

Lin Yu thought it was fine, “I think they’re okay.”