Chapter Bonanza (1/10)

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It took nearly a full day to walk to Sunjia Village. After burying Father Tang, the group stayed overnight in the village, naturally incurring some money. Early the next morning, Lin Hu and Tang Qiao offered to escort their mother back to the city.

“Why send her? Wu-ger and Tieniu are here,” Jiang Yun objected to her eldest daughter making the trip, finding the round trip too taxing. “These past days, you and your husband have been traveling nonstop with the children. Now it’s the busy farming season. Lin Hu has been running errands for your father’s funeral these past few days, neglecting the fields. You should hurry back.”

Jiang Yun didn’t want her daughter to face difficulties at her in-laws’ home. She patted her daughter’s hand.

Tang Xianling also spoke up beside his elder sister: “Mother, I’ll take good care of her. Sister, brother-in-law, once the household matters are settled and your harvest is gathered, we’ll gather at home again.”

Tang Qiao, hearing this, assumed they were referring to some minor tasks like tidying the memorial hall at her maternal home. She nodded. Her mother and younger brother were thinking of her best interests. The Lin family was well-off in the village, so she had no worries about food or clothing. They had many fields, but too many fields meant exhaustion—every task required manpower. She had been traveling with the children for the funeral rites for seven days already. If she didn’t return soon, her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law might start murmuring about her.

“Mother, I understand. Then I’ll take Huzi and the children back first.”

Jiang Yun’s gaunt, lifeless face brightened as she recalled something. “Oh, right. Wu-ger mentioned something to me a couple of days ago. I almost forgot.” She glanced at Lin Hu and the children.

Lin Hu saw this and was about to find an excuse to leave, fearing his mother-in-law might have something to say he should avoid.

“I’ll go tell the driver to take a different route.”

“Brother-in-law, you should listen too. Mother means no offense.” Tang Xianling chimed in simultaneously.

Jiang Yun hurriedly nodded. “Lin Hu, don’t misunderstand. The Hu family’s finances were in the red. Before your father passed, he hid fifty-six taels of silver. Wu-ger wants to evict the Li family from their rented land, but he needs to pay fifteen taels as a breach-of-contract penalty. Your father spent just under eighteen taels on buying the burial plot and other arrangements…”

Tang Qiao was confused. What was Mother rambling on about?

“Let me explain.” Tang Xianling knew Jiang Yun’s ‘old habit’ had kicked in—she never got to the point, plus he wanted the eldest sister and brother-in-law to owe him a favor, though he didn’t actually need it. “Sixty-six taels. After deducting Father’s funeral expenses, thirty-eight taels remain. My suggestion is this: eldest sister, second sister, third sister—the three of you divide it equally. Each takes twelve taels.”

Tang Qiao froze instantly. “How could that be?”

“Why not? You sisters are all children of the Tang family. It’s only right you divide what Father left behind.” Tang Xianling had no desire to touch this money.

Lin Hu’s heart stirred briefly, but reason returned. “No, no. Mother just mentioned you owe the Li family fifteen taels for breach of contract.”

“That’s right, Wu-ger.”

Neither spouse wanted it—both were traditionalists. Tang Qiao, as a married daughter, was considered “water poured out”; she was now part of the Lin family. How could she take money from her birth family back? Especially twelve taels—a substantial sum. Lin Hu, meanwhile, thought that if his wife took such a large sum from her birth family, word would spread and he’d be the subject of gossip.

Jiang Yun hesitated, thinking it best to just go along with it. Yet as Tang Xianling spoke to his eldest sister and brother-in-law nearby, his expression turned serious and resolute. He declared firmly, “Take it.”

“I run a shop in town. Even if I’m short on cash now, I won’t be short in the future. Sister, if you and my brother-in-law take this money, I’ll truly have peace of mind.”

Hearing Wu-ger’s words, Jiang Yun immediately nodded. “Take it. Listen to Wu-ger.”

Wu-ger was decisive—not the type to offer polite platitudes while dragging his feet. If he said the sisters should share it, he truly meant he didn’t want it.

Tang Qiao still hesitated, but seeing Wu-ger’s expression, she finally accepted it.

“Consider it in my safekeeping for now. If you run into trouble with your business, just come ask for it,” Tang Qiao said.

Tang Xianling replied, “Sis, I won’t lose money in business. Spend freely—don’t worry about Mother or me. Tieniu gave me plenty of silver when he proposed.”

Finally, Lin Hu went outside to negotiate the carriage fare. Staying here, he felt awkward about continuing the discussion over the silver.

Only then did Tang Xianling turn to his eldest sister: “I won’t hide important matters from my brother-in-law. You two have a good relationship—dispose of the money however you see fit. Once I’m firmly established in the city, if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask Tieniu or me. He has a kind heart.”

“What troubles could I have? Just take good care of Mother. As long as our family stays harmonious and peaceful, that’s enough.” Tang Qiao’s eyes grew slightly red. Her Wu-ger had truly grown up—he could now shoulder the responsibilities of the household.

She wouldn’t have to worry so much anymore.

Life at the Lin household was passable for Tang Qiao. At least, there were no major conflicts on the surface. But the Lin family hadn’t divided their household, with three brothers and their wives sharing one large courtyard, friction was inevitable. They’d endured several meals of undercooked rice. Outsiders, seeing no trouble, envied them for eating white rice, but in reality, they swallowed hard, uncooked grains mixed with tears. Only they knew the truth.

At this moment, Tang Qiao truly wished with all her heart that her Wu-ger would finally find peace after all his hardships.

Earlier, her natal family had left a mess, letting outsiders drain and ruin the household. Back then, she lived by reading her mother-in-law’s expressions, enduring her sisters-in-law’s taunts and mockery. She never imagined she’d one day stand tall, with Wu-ger as her pillar of strength.

Yesterday, the coffin-bearers harnessed the carts. Lin Hu rented a flatbed wagon without a canopy, brushed off the dust, and helped Erniang and her daughter climb aboard. The other cart carried passengers. Tang Xianling and Huangfu Tieniu helped Jiang Yun into the cart, then Tang Xianling climbed in himself.

Huangfu Tieniu rode a mule, keeping watch nearby.

The air was still cool as the two carts set off separately.

The return journey was swift with the lighter load. Most importantly, now that Father Tang’s funeral arrangements were complete, Jiang Yun felt somewhat relieved. She no longer mentioned how she had caused Old Tang’s death, as her Wu-ger disliked hearing it, so she refrained.

Only in her heart did she think: When she died, she would apologize to Old Tang again from beneath the earth.

They traveled without rest, reaching the city before noon. The driver pulled up to the main street of Baxing District. Huangfu Tieniu paid the fare, and Tang Xianling leaped down first. Tieniu kept a watchful eye, ready to steady him with one hand. Once Tang Xianling was firmly on his feet, he helped Jiang Yun down.

These days, proper washing was impossible, so they could only give themselves a quick wipe. Combined with the meager meals they’d been scraping by on for seven or eight days straight, Tang Xianling had grown thin. Jiang Yun likewise. Both were naturally slender and frail, now clad in loose, coarse hemp mourning robes with mourning cloth bound around their foreheads. Their complexions were gaunt, their hair disheveled. After the jolting ride on the dirt roads outside the city, they now walked with a slight stagger.

Huangfu Tieniu supported Tang Xianling and whispered, “Shall we rest a moment before continuing?”

“It’s fine. This is the perfect moment.” Tang Xianling saw the pitying glances from passing neighbors and knew he must strike while the iron was hot—now was his family’s moment to stand on the moral high ground.

If not now, then when?

“Have Master Tang and Auntie Tang returned?”

“Has Old Tang been laid to rest? One must still look after one’s health—grief can be harmful.”

“Comfort yourselves, comfort yourselves.”

Tang Xianling remained composed throughout, ignoring the crowd as he supported Jiang Yun into the shop. Passersby and neighbors watched the Tang family’s retreating figures, murmuring, “Mr. Tang’s expression seems off.”

“You noticed too? Mr. Tang speaks plainly, but he’s not arrogant. He never ignores people.”

In business, you’re born with a smile on your face. Even if it’s not the right time to smile, neighbors show concern. Before, Mr. Tang would respond, thanking everyone despite his grief. But today, his expression is truly off—cold and icy.

“Could he be planning something foolish?”

“Seeking revenge on the Hu family? Ah, that old woman from the Hu family must be seventy now. She doesn’t have many years left. Master Tang, don’t act impulsively and do something foolish. It’s not worth it.”

“Exactly, exactly. Master Tang is young. Why bother with an old woman from the Hu family?”

“I suppose Hu Kang’s mother will never have the face to show herself in Baxing District again.”

People chattered away, saying all sorts of things. Most were worried and felt sorry for Mr. Tang, but some said, “If Mr. Tang truly avenges his father, that would be a truly noble spirit.”

While righteousness and filial piety were spoken of thus, ordinary folk just trying to get by in their daily lives mostly just muddle through, seeking peace and stability. One shouldn’t sacrifice one’s entire life for some grand principle, right?

Yet such thoughts couldn’t be voiced openly. If Master Tang sought revenge by confronting Hu Kang, and they tried to stop him, wouldn’t that be obstructing his filial duty?

Just as they discussed this, Master Tang and his new husband emerged from the Tang residence. Both still wore mourning robes, and Master Tang clutched a scroll of paper.

“What’s Boss Tang up to?” asked Cui Dabao, fearing Boss Tang might actually go beat up the Hu family. If it were a younger man, he’d gladly lend a hand and join in the fight, even if it meant paying compensation. But beating up Hu Kang’s old mother? That was something he couldn’t get involved in.

Tang Xianling, holding the petition, looked at the concerned neighbors. His expression was calm yet resolute as he said, “In the past, whatever injustices and grievances the Tang family suffered, we swallowed them whole. After all, the dead are sacred, and the other party is a Juren. We common folk just swallow our bitterness.”

“But I cannot accept this injustice. I cannot bear the humiliation my family has endured. What else can I do?”

“But our repeated concessions only invited the Hu family’s relentless pressure, leading to my father’s tragic death. I cannot swallow this humiliation. To endure further would dishonor my duty as a son.”

“Thank you all for your concern. I must now take this to the authorities—”

As Master Tang spoke, some hearts sank. They knew he wouldn’t let this go. Naturally, no family could swallow such humiliation. Others tried to dissuade him from this foolish act.

But when they heard Tang Xianling utter the words “take this to the authorities,” everyone froze.

“Sue?”

“Sue at the Auxiliary Administration Bureau? Sue for what?”

Tang Xianling: “Sue Hu Kang for ruining my Tang family, swindling our money, and turning the tables on us. Sue Hu Kang’s mother for coming to cause trouble and driving my father to his death.”

“Good. Sue him. Good.” Someone in the crowd responded.

“Mr. Tang, go ahead. I’ll follow shortly. I witnessed your wedding day myself and will serve as your witness.”

Though people still feared taking the matter to court, it seemed far better than storming Hu Kang’s house—risking harm to the elderly matriarch, who was nearly seventy! Now, leaving everything to the magistrate’s judgment was the wisest course.

The Tangs were the aggrieved party. Even if the magistrate turned out to be a muddle-headed official who just patched things up, it wouldn’t harm the Tangs much. Letting Mr. Tang vent his anger was perfectly fine.

Cui Dabao hurried home immediately. He needed to call Douzi to accompany him to the magistrate’s office.

Douzi hadn’t eaten well these past few days, asking him daily, “Master Tang is so pitiful. How is Master Tang doing now? I didn’t even know our village head sold the land for such a high price. Did that cause Master Tang to spend too much money…?”

Now that this matter might finally be resolved today, Cui Dabao naturally called his husband to go see for themselves.

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The Hu family lived in Datong Lane.

They had once been a prominent family in the lane. Though they didn’t own a shopfront on the main street, they had two small courtyard houses. The Hu family ancestors were all skilled carpenters, and over generations they had saved considerable money. Thus, when Hu Kang was born, they harbored hopes of sending their child to study for the imperial examinations.

At thirteen, Hu Kang passed the preliminary examination to become a Tongsheng. Back then, he was considered a promising child prodigy in Datong Alley, destined for a future as a government official and the like.

Hearing this, the Hu family was overjoyed. They spared no expense in supporting Hu Kang’s studies. Beyond purchasing books, brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, they sent Hu Kang to a prestigious private academy to study under a master teacher. The tuition alone costs over thirty taels of silver.

From then on, the family’s financial hole only grew deeper.

Hailed as a child prodigy, Hu Kang possessed not only scholarly talent but also an innate arrogance. His demands for food, clothing, and luxuries rivaled those of the wealthiest families in the private school. The Hu household began its decline. By New Year’s Eve, when Hu Kang finally passed the Xiucai examination to become a scholar, the family had already sold one of their houses, leaving them with only a single courtyard.

His wife suggested, “Our household struggles to make ends meet. Why not take on a few students? You could earn tuition while preparing for the imperial examinations.”

Hu Kang refused, dismissing his wife as short-sighted and money-obsessed. His mother, protective of her son, believed he was destined for high office. She gathered all the family’s savings and sent him to study at the official academy.

From then on, Hu Kang attended the official academy, demanding three or four taels of silver monthly from home. His demands grew ever greater, straining the Hu household. With five family members—the elderly, the weak, and children—all relying on Hu Kang’s wife to earn a living by laundering clothes, mending garments, and doing manual labor, the family barely scraped by.

After several years, Hu Kang’s wife succumbed to illness from overwork, leaving behind one daughter and two sons.

Now, Hu Kang’s mother alone supported the three grandchildren. She took over the work her daughter-in-law had done. Her son returned monthly, demanding money, complaining it was too little. Her mother pitied her son but could no longer manage the labor, sighing constantly. Later, she married off her eldest granddaughter for some silver to make ends meet and fund Hu Kang’s journey and examination expenses.

He still failed the examination.

That year, Hu Kang was thirty-five.

The Hu family rented out most of their living quarters, even leasing the main hall. Hu Kang’s mother and two grandsons lived in the poorly lit west room. The rent was meager, barely enough for daily sustenance, and at best, it could cover a little extra paper and ink for her son.

The son still complained the paper was poor, the ink inferior, and his robes not made of fine cloth, refusing to make do.

As for telling her son to abandon the examinations?

Hu Kang’s mother was the first to object. Her son was a child prodigy, the Hu family’s hope. She would become a noble lady, a grand dame. How could he not take the examinations?

But the Hu family was truly destitute. So when Hu Kang set his sights on the Tang family’s wealth, his mother knew. Hu Kang told her, “I’ll just borrow the Tang family’s silver. They’re simple-minded and easy to fool. Once I pass the exams and become an official, if they’re obedient, I won’t trouble them. At worst, I’ll repay the silver in the end…”

Thus, the entire family used the Tang family’s money with a clear conscience and righteous indignation.

A few days ago, Hu Kang’s mother rushed back from Baxing District, looking somewhat unsettled. Some neighbors in the district, feeling a bit of sympathy for the Hu family, asked a few concerned questions, only to be scolded by Hu Kang’s mother.

“Stop coming to my house to gawk at our misfortune.”

“What business is it of yours?”

“Get out.”

Several well-meaning neighbors turned pale with anger. Their own sons-in-law or daughters-in-law, upon seeing this, felt a sense of satisfaction. They advised their mothers-in-law, “Mother, don’t go near that old lady from the Hu family. She’s no kind-hearted grandmother.”

“That’s right. When her son passed the imperial exams, she flaunted her status as an official’s wife in front of us, even saying your granddaughter wasn’t fit to massage her grandson’s back.” Mentioning this made the father-in-law bitter.

Yet the mother-in-law still clung to the Hu family matriarch.

“Oh, how pitiful the old lady of the Hu family is,” she’d say. “But when that family flaunted their power and belittled your granddaughter, why didn’t you mention that? Pah!”

“I just felt sorry for her, being so old and having to raise two grandsons. But it seems I was the one at fault. I won’t pity her anymore.” The heartbroken old lady said.

Someone added, ”Pity is often mixed with contempt, isn’t it?“

”The Hu family ended up like this because they were so arrogant and boastful before.“

”Her son is dead. Don’t be so harsh with your words. If others hear it, they’ll say I didn’t raise my daughter-in-law properly.” Some mothers-in-law used this as leverage to discipline their daughters-in-law.

The daughter-in-law didn’t agree in her heart, but she nodded in agreement.

A few days later, the woman brought up the old story again, saying, ”This isn’t me being harsh. Compared to my few words about the Hu family, the things they did were truly wicked. Her son’s death was karma.”

She went on to recount the Tang family’s affairs in Baxing District in great detail.

By midday, the news had spread throughout Datong Lane, the alley adjacent to the Hu residence.

“No wonder the old lady rushed back looking so shaken the other day—she must have driven someone from the Tang family to their death!”

“They call him a son-in-law by marriage, but he cost the Tangs over four hundred taels of silver!”

“How much?!”

“Over four hundred taels. The Tangs are small merchants—they must have emptied their entire savings.”

“That bastard Hu Kang got what he deserved.”

The Hu matriarch overheard this, and the two families quarreled anew. But those trading insults weren’t pushovers either. Having endured so much humiliation, they now found great satisfaction in the Hu family’s misfortune.

“Your wicked son deserved to die! I’ll say it right to your face: earlier, my mother-in-law took pity on you and sent you and your two grandsons some of our family’s special dishes. But you, you greedy old thing, not only took our bowls, you had the nerve to say, ‘Why did you send them? You wanted to send it anyway.’ That’s one thing. But you borrowed our salt and oil and never returned them. My mother-in-law is kind-hearted. Seeing you as an old woman, she pitied you and said, ‘Forget it, forget it.’”

“And what happened?”

“We all live in the same alley. Yet she, having eaten and taken, still claimed we were just fawning over her son to curry favor for his future high office, so we didn’t need to be nice to her family.”

Just talking about this matter made her heart bleed.

Yet his mother-in-law remained the eternal do-gooder, insisting they’d been neighbors for decades and the Hus had their hardships too. His father-in-law chimed in, defending the Hus and mentioning he knew Old Man Hu Kang—our families have good relations, he said, so don’t sweat every little meal or treat.

Was she nitpicking over food? No. What gnawed at her was being treated as an afterthought. She wouldn’t waste breath defending her in-laws from humiliation, but when the Hus insulted her daughter? That she couldn’t stomach!

As this person mentioned, several women in the alley had endured scorn from the Hu family matriarch. When the Hu grandsons played with the neighborhood girls, Hu Kang’s mother would snatch them away, forbidding the play, and make snide, cutting remarks.

She declared her grandsons would marry noble ladies someday—what business did they have playing with these common girls?

Some fiery-tempered women retorted with insults on the spot, even threatening a fight. The Hu matriarch wouldn’t openly confront them, but behind closed doors, her mutterings were vicious, her words trampling on the young girls of other families.

Others, like this husband, endured the humiliation, biding their time and yielding. After all, it wasn’t a major issue—yet these small grievances gnawed at the heart, leaving a bitter taste.

Now, at last, they had a chance to vent their pent-up anger.

“Your son is wicked! Even Heaven can’t bear to watch! I’m just speaking my mind—Heaven has eyes and will judge right from wrong.”

Hu Kang’s mother clutched her chest, wailing in fury. This time, a few stepped in to mediate. Still, someone managed to calm the cursing husband, hinting it was best to let it go—after all, the old lady from the Hu family was thoroughly enraged. If she were to sue your household later, that wouldn’t be good.

Just then, constables arrived at the alley entrance, bellowing, “Is Mrs. Zou, mother of Hu Kang, present?”

“Oh dear, all this quarreling has drawn the constables!” The husband and mother-in-law seized the moment to scold the young man.

The husband, timid by nature, jumped in fright. Was he really going to be arrested by the ward officials for a mere verbal altercation? Then he thought, wait—the patrol officers were ward officials, but these two looked like constables.

“May I ask what brings you gentlemen here?” one woman mustered the courage to ask.

The constable replied, “Someone has filed a complaint with the magistrate’s office. They say the Hu family deceived the Tang family into taking a son-in-law, only to renege on the agreement. The aggrieved party is waiting in the courtyard. The magistrate has sent us to arrest the Hu family.”

The crowd in Datong Lane, who had just settled their quarrel: !!!

Upon hearing this, Hu Kang mother’s legs gave way, and she collapsed to the ground.

Seeing this, the constables proceeded to ‘escort’ the Hu Kang family away, leaving the crowd behind. Only after the constables had walked off did someone whisper, “The Tang family went to the magistrate?”

“I told you! A few days ago, the old lady of the Hu family returned from outside looking terribly distressed. Only today did I learn she’d enraged the young master’s father to death. That young man has now made it public—the whole of Baxing District knows Hu Kang deceived them to get the Tang family’s money.”

“That serious?”

“When her family went to the Tang household demanding money last winter, the old lady of the Hu family came back buying meat stew and new clothes for her two grandsons. I heard it was money from the Tangs. I even thought this young master was quite filial…”

Truth is, her mother-in-law was subtly pressuring her—hinting that even after returning home, her son-in-law of the Hu family still remembered to send silver for her winter needs.

Someone chimed in: “Filial piety, my foot! I heard Hu Kang divorced him after passing the imperial exams and sent the Tang family a divorce letter.”

“What?!”

“Is that true? Then why would the Tang family still give money?”

“We all know the old lady from the Hu family. She loves to rant and rave, gossiping behind people’s backs. She probably blackmailed the Tang family for money. If they refused, she’d threaten to have her son divorce the Tang family’s ger, ruining his reputation so he’d never find a husband.”

“That’s truly despicable.”

“In our alley, everyone follows the Hu family’s gossip. Now seeing how they’re really causing trouble for the Tang family—that’s the real issue.”

The husband straightened his back. He’d always said the Hu family was no good! Let’s see what his mother-in-law and father-in-law have to say now. He could shut them up seven or eight times over this time.

“I wonder how the magistrate will rule?”

“Shall we go see?” Some women had free time; their children were left with their mothers-in-law while they went to the magistrate’s office for a bit of entertainment.

“Let’s go together.”

Inside the Fuzheng District Magistrate’s Office.

Tang Xianling stood at the side of the courtroom, accompanied by Huangfu Tieniu. Above them, Lord Li, clad in his official robes, sat upright. He studied the petition repeatedly, then turned his gaze to the newlywed couple below. The young husband appeared gaunt and emaciated, barely able to stand steady. His face was haggard, his expression filled with sorrow and grief.

This matter…

Lord Li saw it clearly: the Tang family had allowed Hu Kang to dictate terms and indulged him in drafting that marriage contract precisely because they hoped to profit from his future success in the imperial examinations.

In layman’s terms, it was a trap they willingly walked into—one party eager to strike, the other willing to endure. Father Tang’s motives were impure from the start, and he met his match in Hu Kang’s cunning.

The only true victim, it seemed, was the young ger of the Tang household standing below the dais.

Even so, he now sought justice through his father’s lawsuit.

Lord Li closed his eyes in deep thought. Whether this lawsuit stemmed from genuine filial devotion or an attempt to air grievances, he could hardly blame the young man. If the latter were the case, he was clever; if the former, he was simply a dutiful son.

Half an hour later, a constable reported that Hu Kang’s mother, Lady Zou, had been brought in.

“Your Honor, many common folk are waiting outside the courthouse. Residents from Baxing District say they can serve as witnesses.”

Lord Li: The evidence is plain to see, and the complaint is filed. What witnesses are needed?

But since they’re here…

“Admit them to the front hall to observe the proceedings.”

The bailiff bowed in acknowledgment, ushering the crowd in while warning them to remain silent. “No speaking unless the magistrate asks. Follow me—wait by this door to observe the proceedings.”

Among the crowd came Hu Kang’s elderly mother, Zou, supported by bailiffs after fainting and regaining consciousness.

Lord Li observed Hu Kang’s mother, advanced in years, shivering as she reached the courtroom. The moment the bailiff released her, her legs gave way like mud, and she collapsed to the ground. He knew then that the outcome of this trial could not be severe. At the very least, Hu Kang’s mother could not repay the four hundred and seventy taels of silver. If she truly had to repay it, the Tang and Hu families would likely drag out their disputes for decades more. The current justification, over time, would be forgotten by the people. They would only see the Tang family as oppressors, forcing an elderly woman and her young grandson to sell their home and live on the streets. They would say this magistrate had driven someone to death.

What he could do was deliver justice for the Tang family and Tang Xianling.

Furthermore…

“Before this court stands Zou-shi, mother of Hu Kang. The Tang family’s Tang Xianling now accuses Hu Kang of defrauding them of four hundred and seventy-six taels of silver, breaking his word…” Lord Li concluded, then demanded, “Zou-shi, are you aware of this?”

Zou-shi could rant and rave before neighbors in the streets, but before the imposing courtroom, flanked by officers wielding clubs, she was already terrified out of her wits. Kneeling before the bench, she stammered out the story.

“… I… I knew about it, but my son said we were just borrowing the Tang family’s money. He promised that once he became a high official, he’d repay them. What’s the big deal? We’d have plenty of money then!“

”The Tang family only wanted my son to pass the imperial exams and support them. Otherwise, why would they be so kind as to spend money on my son?“

”That old man was useless and died. It’s not my fault. I just said a few words.”

Tang Xianling remained silent, tears welling in his eyes.

Outside the courtroom, neighbors listened in outrage. Listen to this—is this even human speech? What commoner would dare say such a thing: “I used over four hundred taels of your family’s silver.”

He squandered their silver, then cursed the Tang family, implying it was all their fault.

Where is justice?!

“Since you admit it, then repay the money,” Lord Li declared first.

The moment ‘repay’ was mentioned, Mrs. Zou-shi grew frantic. Kneeling before the courtroom, she wailed about poverty: “Hu Kang got the money, but he spent it all—on books, banquets for classmates, food, drink, clothes. There’s nothing left!” Her sobs soon turned into wailing and curses.

Upon closer listening, it became clear that after Hu Kang passed the provincial examination, merchants from Datong Lane had collectively funded the Hu family, presenting them with silver. The Hus accepted all comers without refusal, and the newly minted Juren spent his days hosting banquets and drinking with guests at home.

“… Those heartless merchants! When my son was alive, they called each other brothers and flattered me as the wife of an official. But after he passed, they found every trick to force me to repay them…” Mrs. Zou-shi naturally resisted at first. Why should she give away money meant for the Hu family? Yet some merchants were especially relentless, bullying her because her son was dead and tormenting her family in every way.

“They claimed the silver was a gift when they gave it, but later demanded it back as a ‘loan to my family’.”

“They outnumbered me and pressured me into handing over the silver. Otherwise, they’d come causing trouble night after night.”

After settling the debts with these troublesome families, Mrs. Zou-shi had barely a few taels of silver left at home. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have gone to the Tang family to extort silver for use.

As for the over four hundred taels the Tang family gave for her son’s expenses, it was long gone.

Zou-shi, an illiterate old woman, had no idea where such a large sum went. Kang’er would say he needed money today to drink with classmates, or tomorrow to visit some famous master, all requiring money. Since he never asked her for it, and it came from the Tang family, Zou-shi never questioned it.

Little did she know that over four hundred taels had been spent.

Outside the hall, the crowd heard clearly. They cursed Hu Kang’s family for greed—demanding bribes before even taking office! They railed that after taking the silver, they’d stumbled upon a tough nut to crack. Did they think everyone would be as pliable as the Tang family? Serves them right!

Hu Kang’s mother wailed before the court, each word true: “Even if they killed me, I wouldn’t have four hundred taels!”

“This old woman simply refuses to repay the Tang family.” “She’s telling the truth—she can’t produce it.” “Then it’s simple: sell the house to settle the debt.” “Her place isn’t worth much anyway. They’ve rented out most of it; only two rooms remain for the grandmother and two grandchildren.”

These were onlookers from Datong Lane, murmuring in dismay.

Lord Li struck the gavel, silencing the crowd gathered before the court. He spoke again: “No money? There are ways to settle debts without repayment.”

Zou-shi’s eyes filled with tears as she looked hopefully toward the magistrate on the high dais.

“This magistrate now pronounces: Hu Kang’s marriage into the Tang family is verified by both witnesses and evidence. According to the laws of our dynasty, merchants are barred from pursuing scholarly titles. Hu Kang’s status as a Juren is hereby revoked. He is now a commoner.”

“Since Hu Kang is a son-in-law by marriage, Tang Xianling, you must issue him a second divorce letter.”

Tang Xianling froze for a moment before quickly bowing and saying, “Your Honor, I am illiterate. My husband can write. He will draft the divorce letter for me. Once Hu Kang is divorced, I shall have no further ties to the Hu family.”

Zou-shi, who moments earlier had been overjoyed at not having to repay the silver, was struck dumb with horror. Her son had spent years striving for scholarly honors, finally achieving the rank of Juren—only to have it all annulled? And now some lowly, illiterate merchant’s ger was to divorce her Juren son?

“No! I refuse! How dare he—just a ger—climb above my son?!”

“My son… You died so tragically.”

“Open your eyes and see…”

The gavel struck three times. Bailiffs wielding clubs advanced, and Zou-shi trembled in terror, unable to speak.

Lord Li, his face stern, declared: “This case is settled. No further discussion. Court adjourned.”