Chapter 93: Human Life is Like Grass
Highness" Qin Luoyan withdrew her hand that was massaging his legs, poured herself a cup of tea casually, and looked extremely relaxed.Fu Zi Mo, upon hearing this, seemed to show some interest in his...By the time Qin Luoyan accompanied Old Li's wife to the yamen, it was already half an hour later.
Because it was a festival, there were few people in the government offices. Even fewer commoners came to watch the festivities.
Several people entered the government office and saw a clerk yawning. The clerk glanced at them listlessly, snorted coldly, and shouted, "Are you relatives of Li the Carpenter Why are you so slow You're making it hard for us to rest even during this holiday season!"
Old Li's daughter-in-law wiped away her tears and hurried over, taking a money bag from her bosom and shoving it into the officer's hand. "Officer, how is my father-in-law now Can we see him first"
"See, of course you see! You didn't know to come see, and now you have to take the body back. What do you think I'm doing here waiting for you It's New Year's, no one is at the morgue, if you don't take it back, are you going to let the corpse spend New Year with us" The officer took the pouch of money, but his words were still unpleasant.
"A corpse" Old Li's wife fainted dead away upon hearing this.
Qin Luoyan quickly helped Old Li's daughter-in-law up, while Lao Liu desperately pressed on her acupuncture point in the center of the tongue. After a long while, Old Li's daughter-in-law slowly regained consciousness.
“Old Li, Old Li, how could you just leave like this, leaving us orphans and widows How can we possibly live” Old Li’s wife had lost all composure and could only lie on the ground crying, she didn't even think about going to retrieve his body or find out the cause of death.
Qin Luoyan sighed and let Lao Liu help Old Li's daughter-in-law. She walked to the front of the yamen officer and said, "What is really going on Today, if you don't make it clear, we can't move this body back casually. If we don't get a proper explanation and something happens later, the evidence will be destroyed."
Perhaps it was because her expression was too calm, coupled with her outstanding appearance and temperament, that the yamen official, who was accustomed to observing words and expressions, instinctively felt that this person in front of him might not be easy to deal with. He reluctantly explained: "The cabinet made by Old Li doesn't need explanation. When the door panel fell down, it hit Master Wu's son. Naturally, the Wu family wouldn't accept this, so they demanded compensation from Carpenter Li. Carpenter Li couldn't afford to compensate, so of course he was beaten. Carpenter Li's son saw him being beaten and fought with the people from the Wu family. In the chaos, Carpenter Li was beaten to death. Master Wu's son was also injured, and a servant was knocked unconscious. So now the Wu family is suing Carpenter Li and his eldest son. That's the whole story. Carpenter Li injured someone without paying compensation, and even died being beaten, so the responsibility doesn't lie with the Wu family."
The constable's words sounded righteous and imposing, perhaps in his eyes, this was the truth. The Li family didn't even have a chance to defend themselves.
But, as a modern person, Qin Luoyan had received higher education. She wasn't illiterate. No matter what era she lived in, it wouldn't make sense for her to kill someone.
The village guard's words might scare someone like Old Li's uneducated wife, but he wouldn't get away with fooling her.
Qin Luoyan let out a cold snort, her gaze like a knife falling on the yamen servant's face. She asked, "You said Lao Li injured someone and didn't compensate, and also arrested Lao Li's eldest son. Was this case brought to court"
The constable was taken aback at first, then straightened his chest and roared, "During this festive season, our master wouldn't have time to handle such trivial matters! Do you think everyone is as idle as you ignorant women The fault lies with Li the Carpenter; he must bear the consequences. What else is there to investigate"
The clerk dared not answer her question directly, which already made her feel resentful. In the clerk's mouth, a serious matter of life and death was treated so lightly, as if human life were truly insignificant.
Qin Luoyan suddenly felt a wave of nausea. She swallowed, suppressing the feeling, and said in a cold voice: "You're just a minor official, you dare to announce the outcome of a case without going through the proper court proceedings Your guts are too big, aren't they Who gave you the courage I'm going to ask if it's even permissible for a minor official to handle cases on their own. Oh, and I want to ask, what kind of punishment should be given to an official who acts against the rules"
The guards never expected a woman to think this deeply. After all, they had pulled this kind of stunt many times before, fooling the family members without being exposed. Didn't they already investigate This Lao Li family was a newly arrived carpenter in Fengqi City. They didn't know anyone, and their whole family was uneducated and didn't understand the rules and laws. How could such a woman suddenly appear
"What are you to Old Li's family Even Old Li's wife hasn't spoken, why are you butting in" The constable felt uneasy, a cold sweat breaking out on his back, but he still tried to appear imposing.
"I'm the cousin of Old Li's daughter-in-law. These are my family members. How come I can't ask about this" Qin Luoyan immediately sensed that something was amiss with the officer and pressed him further, "Tell me the truth! We won't let this go so easily. We've never heard of someone being able to clear their name after killing someone. If you don't want trouble, just tell us the truth, or else... we'll go report to the Metropolitan Magistrate!"
Qin Luoyan wasn't naive about deception and trickery. She simply hadn't been inclined to use them. But in this situation, facing such pressure, Qin Luoyan felt the need to employ threats. After all, as they say, "Evil people have their own way of dealing with evil." You only truly intimidate someone by being even more ruthless than they are, making them fear you and ultimately achieving what you want.
That constable, upon hearing her tone, immediately lost half his bluster. Forget about going to the Commandant of Beijing; even if he found just someone who understood the law, they'd know there was a problem within the yamen. He was just a lowly constable, and it wasn't worth the trouble for him to get involved in this.
The clerk hesitated, glancing at Qin Luoyan and then at Mrs. Lao Li lying on the ground. “Aiya, I’m just an ordinary clerk, I don’t have the authority to say these things. But let me advise you both, don’t make this any worse. I’ll go up and speak to my superiors, get the eldest son of the Li family released. This will be the end of it. You’ve suffered a loss, just swallow it. The Wu family is powerful, you can’t afford to mess with them. Don’t drag your entire family into this!”
The yamen servant was sincere when he said this, but hearing it in Qin Luo'yan’s ears only made her face grow darker. People had died, and they wanted her to bear it What kind of logic was that
"If we don't stand up for ourselves, you, as a mere clerk, can't do anything about it. I'm going to beat the drum and lodge a complaint, demanding to see the magistrate!" Qin Luo'yan said, starting towards the front door.
That constable was so scared that he immediately grabbed her sleeve, "I'm telling you, madam, please stop making a fuss. This matter isn't up to our superiors to decide. In truth, we're powerless too. Our superiors are just small officials within the government office. In Fengxi City, what can a small official like us possibly do A single signboard falling could kill ten or eight people. You won't get anywhere by going to our superiors. If you alarm those above, we'll all be finished."
"Get out of my way!" Qin Luoyan looked down on this petty official, so she spoke without politeness, "If you can't do justice for the people and still confuse right and wrong, what right do you have to be called an official You step aside, I'm going to beat the drum!"
"Oh! I say, how can you be so oblivious I'm only trying to help you. I've said so much already, and if you still won't listen and insist on going to court, then don't come crying to me when something really bad happens." The constable finished his spiel, seeing Qin Luoyan show no sign of compromise, his face darkened even further, but he didn't appear afraid.
He's not afraid Qin Luoyan frowned, couldn't help but ponder deeply, what could make this constable so fearless She originally wanted to strike the grievance drum, but her steps slowed involuntarily.
She knew well that sometimes, one shouldn't be too hasty.
It's a pity that when she was talking to the constable, Old Li's wife overheard their conversation. Old Li's wife realized that there was something fishy about Old Li's death. She thought she could find someone in authority to avenge him, so she couldn't just stand there! She pushed aside Old Liu and stood up, then rushed out the door.
By the time Qin Luoyan wanted to stop it, it was too late.
The sound of drums, rising from outside the door, echoed far and wide through the serene streets.
Many people eating lunch heard the commotion and couldn't help but complain, "Whose is this Complainers don't pick a good time. During this big New Year's celebration, everyone is busy eating. Who has time to attend to complainers"
"That's right, and the sound seemed to be coming from Dong Street. What kind of official is that one in that small office on Dong Street They say his position was bought with money! The person reporting him is really clueless."
“Poor thing. I’ve heard that official is exceptionally corrupt. If not for someone pulling strings, he would have been stripped of his position long ago. He’s managed to stay in office thanks to connections. During this festive season, disturbing such an influential figure...I imagine the person who filed the complaint hasn't even reached the official with their accusation before being beaten half to death.”
Unfortunately, these things are unknown to Lao Li's new daughter-in-law who just arrived in Fengqicheng, and Qin Luoyan who doesn't know anything about this place.
Since she had already made the decision to proceed, there was no turning back. Qin Luoyan sighed and said, "Whether it's fortune or misfortune, it will come regardless." She helped Old Liu support Old Li's wife as they entered the yamen again.
After about the time it takes to brew a pot of tea, an official with a slightly askew hat arrived accompanied by several lackluster-looking constables. The constables called out “Mighty!” in a listless manner, but their eyes glared angrily at Old Li's wife and her companions.
Old Li's daughter-in-law was about to cry for injustice when the magistrate suddenly slammed his hand on the table and shouted at Xu Liu, the official who had received them, "Xu Liu, you good-for-nothing! You can't even handle such a small matter properly, and let this vile woman beat the drum of grievance!"
Before the trial even began, this man had already labeled Lao Li's wife a 'vile woman'. Qin Luo'yan felt a jolt in her heart, sensing that something was terribly wrong today.
As expected, the next moment, the adult didn't even glance at the woman. He directly ordered the other two constables: "What are you waiting for Drag her down and beat her twenty lashes first! Come here making a fuss during this new year's celebration, beating the grievance drum like that. What grievances do you have It's just about the Wu family's matters, and you were the ones who got injured first! You dare to cry foul! The Wu family hasn't even cried foul!"
I've seen things mixed up, but never this shameless. Qin Luoyan has broadened her horizons. Watching the two yamen officers come over to pull Mrs. Lao Li away, Qin Luoyan sighed and stepped forward. "My lord, let alone whether Carpenter Li hurt anyone or not, just about the fact that Carpenter Li was beaten to death, you haven't cleared it up yet, and you say the Wu family is innocent Isn't this too hasty With your way of trying a case, I, a commoner, object!"
"Don't you agree" The official laughed, "Do I care if you agree or not Do you know who is backing the Wu family Wu family's eldest daughter was chosen last year to enter the palace and became a noblewoman. Who are you Dare you disobey Well, I still have to go home for the festival. You guys can go wherever you want to make a fuss, anyway, I don't care."
Two yamen servants dragged Old Li's wife toward the back hall. After a while, they heard Old Li's wife let out painful cries.
After the official finished speaking, he yawned and left, completely ignoring the people still in the yamen. The group arrived hastily and departed hastily, appearing utterly fearless.
Qin Luoyan never expected to see such unbelievable things here. This arrogance is too exaggerated, isn't it Under the emperor's feet, how could there be such a thing
After the group of people left, the first clerk walked back over. "I told you not to cause trouble, but you wouldn't listen. Now Li the Carpenter is dead, and if you make more noise, all of you will die."
Qin Luoyan found such a threat ridiculous, but what if it were an ordinary person with no background Facing someone whose influence had reached the palace, they would be nothing. Perhaps taking their lives would be as easy as breathing.
The official and the constables had inquired into Lao Li's family background thoroughly, which was why they were so fearless. In their eyes, Lao Li's family was nothing but weeds. They knew how to advance and retreat, which might allow them to keep their family alive. If they disobeyed, would anyone speak up for them if they were all killed
This is reality, isn't it It's not something you can simply rebel against by thinking about injustice and resistance. Living in such an environment is truly difficult.
When Lao Li's daughter-in-law was beaten until she was barely breathing and thrown out, she had already passed out in a daze. Old Liu, who had been scared stiff when the man earlier mentioned Wu family's powerful backers, didn't dare to stay there at all. He made up a lame excuse and left.
Qin Luoyan helped Old Li's wife up, her heart aching with sympathy, yet powerless to do anything. She didn't possess the extraordinary martial arts skills of a flying adept nor the awe-inspiring medical talent that could save the world. Right now, she was still a fragile woman, unable to even stand up to an adult, let alone an official.
Old Li's daughter-in-law was distraught, only knowing how to cry. When the officer entered the inner courtyard, after a short while, he walked out with someone else. The man was covered in blood. When he saw Old Li's daughter-in-law, he cried and knelt down, muttering "mother, mother, mother..."
Old Li's daughter-in-law finally came to her senses and held onto the man, crying.
The mother and son wept bitterly in front of the government office. Behind them was the imposing gate of the office, with plaques like "Mirror High Hanging" hung above it. In the sunlight, those gilded characters seemed so ridiculous.
Qin Luoyan sighed and waited until the yamen servant threw a corpse out with disdain before she walked to the blood-soaked man. She patted his shoulder, “If you're still a man, go carry your father’s body now. We'll figure something out when we get back. Crying here won't help even if you blind yourself.”
She didn't offer any heart-wrenching pronouncements. At this moment, she had no interest in showcasing her righteousness. Justice, to her, seemed like a luxury she couldn't afford. She wasn't some savior; she lacked the drive to uphold justice. All she could do was what she was capable of.
She has already spoken her mind. If this person doesn't listen, then perhaps she won't need to worry about this matter anymore.
Thankfully, the man raised his head, stared blankly for a moment, then gritted his teeth and turned to carry Li Carpenter's body.
Qin Luo's tightly strung nerves finally relaxed. Old Li's daughter-in-law now looked helpless, and if this child didn't show some responsibility, the family would truly be finished.
When they returned to Old Li's house, Er Ya was anxiously staring with the two children. When Hu'er saw the old Li's daughter-in-law and others returning, he immediately burst into tears. Old Li's daughter-in-law heard this and hugged Hu'er and cried together.
Li Jia's eldest son started to cry, Qin Luoyan frowned and shouted: "You can't cry, you are the head of the family now! Right now, you need to comfort your mother, and find a way to avenge your father. A grown man crying is useless."
Li Jia, the eldest son, had never met Qin Luoyan. Perhaps after going through such a big event, he became silent instead. He squeezed back the tears welling up in his eyes, "Miss..."
"Don't mention it, thanks are meaningless. Just tell me what happened first, and then we can figure out a solution." Qin Luoyan sighed. Just now, she had already thought about it, if there was really no way, she would go to Fu Zimu for help. As long as Fu Zimu was willing to make a move, there should be nothing he couldn't solve in this Nan Yue country.
However, she knew that with Fu Zimo's personality, he would never easily help someone who offered him no benefit. She could ask him for help, but she would have to pay the price. Last time, in order to save Yingsheng, she became his bed warmer. This time, what would she have to pay She didn't dare to think about it, nor did she want to.
“Several months ago, the Wu family hired carpenters to do some work, and my father and I went. My father is an honest man who does good work at a low price, so whenever any furniture in the Wu household broke, they would call us to repair it. This morning, someone from the Wu family came and said that a cabinet was broken and asked my father to come fix it. I thought about going with my father to help him finish the job sooner and get home earlier, but who knew this kind of trouble would happen…”
"Get to the point," Qin Luoyan frowned.
"Alright, alright." Li Jia eldest brother composed himself and continued, "My father and I were called to the two side rooms in the backyard. Both rooms had damaged furniture. My father went into one room, and I went into the other. After a while, I heard arguing coming from my father's side. When I went over, I saw people from the Wu family beating my father. I couldn't stand it, so I fought them. They outnumbered us, and my father and I were no match for them, so..."
Li Jia's eldest recalled the scene, and his emotions were on the verge of breaking down. Qin Luo Yan, however, remained composed, her face unchanged as she calmly asked, "When you went in, did you see anything unusual"
Even if Mr. Li, the carpenter, hurt someone, the Wu family had no reason to beat the person to death. Beating someone to death is simply unreasonable.
Li Jia, the eldest son, thought about it carefully and shook his head. "There's nothing special about it. That cabinet is made of purple sandalwood, very expensive. Inside, there are some random miscellaneous items..."
"A rosewood cabinet used for miscellaneous items" Qin Luoyan felt like she had discovered something and asked again, "What kind of miscellaneous items"
Li Jia, the eldest son, was taken aback. After thinking about it carefully, his face changed color. He was seventeen or eighteen years old. Although he hadn't gotten married yet, as a boy, he knew what he needed to know. Now that Qin Luoyan reminded him, he immediately remembered that there seemed to be something in the innermost part of that cabinet, something that looked a bit like a man's...a man's...
Li Jia's eldest son blushed and couldn't speak for a long time.
Qin Luoyan frowned, seeing that he couldn't bring himself to say it, so she directly asked: "Is it a sex toy Um... I mean, the kind used by men and women..."
"No, no, it's not between men and women. It seems to be used between men." When he said this, Li Jia’s eldest son hung his head completely.
Qin Luoyan finally figured out the ins and outs of the matter. Now it seems that Li, the carpenter, had stumbled upon Wu Gongzi's shameful secret and was subsequently killed to silence him.
Wealth and power, killing a person seems trivial to them.
Qin Luo'yan let out a cold snort, "Since we've found the reason, then we can find a way. It seems that Young Master Wu is a dan shou (a man who only has relationships with other men). As long as he has weaknesses, we have a chance."
"What are we going to do then" After the initial conversation, Li's eldest had a newfound respect for Qin Luoyan.
"Find evidence! Then deliver a fatal blow to the enemy!" Qin Luoyan glanced at Lao Li's weeping daughter-in-law, "Now, comfort your mother well, take care of your father's funeral arrangements, and then feign compromise. Don't show any signs of resistance. Let the enemy relax their vigilance, and then you secretly follow Master Wu."
Li Jia, the eldest son, nodded and admired Qin Luo Yan even more.
With a plan in place for handling the situation, Qin Luoyan felt it was best to give the Li family some space to heal. She sent Er Ya and Yi Sheng back to her own courtyard.
Along the way, both Er Ya and Yixing felt heavy in their hearts. Especially Er Ya, who couldn't help but cry, "Old Li's wife is so pitiful. In this day and age, the lives of the poor are truly not lives. I used to have a brother, because our family was poor, my brother was sold to a wealthy family as a servant. He died within two months because he made a mistake. He had signed a deed of sale, his life belonged to someone else, and when he died, we couldn't even seek justice."
Qin Luoyan listened without commenting, but couldn't help but let out another sigh. This day, she seemed to have sighed more than in a whole year. It was helplessness, a helplessness towards the social system. A life could be bought and sold like merchandise, measured by money.
But what could she do, at least now, she couldn't do anything.
"Excuse me, is this the residence of Mr. Wuming" As soon as the group approached the door, they saw a middle-aged man standing guard. When he saw them, his attitude was both respectful and flattering.
Qin Luoyan smiled faintly. After Yue Wuhen challenged Tianjigong, finally someone came looking for her. This was good; at least, she could use her own power to step by step reach a position where people couldn't bully her at will.
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