LW chapter 22

 

Zhou Yuan was stunned. If Sun Kang’s agreement really belonged to Chen Qing, then it wouldn’t be considered forced trafficking. At most, those people would receive a caning, but no prison time.

He didn’t know much about Chen Qing. He’d always assumed that Chen Qing’s marriage to Meng Tao was a normal union and not one arranged by Aunt Sun.

The mood turned tense. Zhou Yuan looked at Chen Qing, who was kneeling behind Aunt Sun and trembling.

There were so many people around, and Chen Qing was shy to begin with.

After Sun Kang finished speaking, Sun Lao Er handed two documents found in Aunt Sun’s room to the yamen official. The official then passed them to the county magistrate. The magistrate saw that the first document was a divorce decree, which explained that, since Meng Tao had died in battle and had never lived with Chen Qing, they were requesting a formal divorce.

The second document was a household registration form showing that Chen Qing was registered with the Meng family of Luohe Village as an adopted son, not a spouse. This made him legally part of the family.

It even had the official seal of the local authorities.

Right after Meng Tao died, Aunt Sun had gone to the village chief to register the divorce and update the household record. It wasn’t a big deal, so she’d forgotten to tell Chen Qing about it. Now that it was brought to court, she remembered.

The magistrate slammed the papers down. “How did these documents end up in your hands? This is clearly theft.”

Sun Kang was dumbfounded.

The magistrate continued, “This ger has been properly registered for a long time. You dared to trade people without any legal procedure and still show no remorse. This official hereby sentences the five of you to fifty lashes and three months in jail!”

The people below instantly started begging for mercy.

“Furthermore,” the magistrate said, “you targeted someone who contributes to our court. Did you know that? His Majesty is generous toward all soldiers who have served the country!”

As soon as the magistrate finished speaking, the crowd broke into applause.

Aunt Sun and Chen Qing both let out a long sigh of relief.

Remembering a recent royal edict, the magistrate decided to announce it right then: “To show respect for soldiers who died in battle, these criminals will be punished immediately with the cane.”

“Also, by imperial decree, all households with veterans will now have half their taxes waived. This will be enforced soon.”

“Wow!”

“Really?”

The crowd immediately praised the emperor’s wisdom.

Only those tied up and awaiting beatings had nothing to celebrate.

Chen Qing was still dazed. Everything around him felt distant and unrelated. The feeling of helplessness was lodged deep in his heart.

He saw his mother pounding the drum and speaking boldly in court, but he hadn’t been able to say a single word for himself.

Aunt Sun helped Chen Qing up, but she was worried that he might have more injuries. Those Sun family bastards had definitely hit him.

Thankfully, that wasn’t the case. After she stamped her fingerprint and finished the process, Aunt Sun helped Chen Qing out of the hall. They were ready to go home.

His ankle had almost recovered, but someone had stepped on it hard earlier. Now, it was swollen like a steamed bun.

“Let’s go to the doctor.” Chen Qing was slim and not tall, but Aunt Sun was old, and her back wasn’t what it used to be. She was fine at first, but after walking a bit, she started to struggle.

Zhou Yuan and Meng Qi followed behind. Though slow, Meng Qi was quick to pick up on cues. He asked, “Brother Yuan, you…”

Zhou Yuan didn’t hide it. Earlier, while Aunt Sun was pressing her thumbprint and Chen Qing was resting, the magistrate pulled Zhou Yuan aside for a private talk. Naturally, he now knew about Chen Qing’s original agreement.

Meng Qi wasn’t always easy to talk to. He is getting married soon. His mother said that his mother’s cousin is old enough to get married. He wants to rely on his close relationship with Zhou Yuan to let the two meet each other when he gets married.

“But… Chen Qing’s a widow, after all,” Meng Qi said. “Even if he never lived with Meng Tao, his reputation isn’t clean.”

Zhou Yuan’s gaze stayed fixed on the person in front of him. “There are rumors in the village that I’m a cursed star who kills without blinking. Why would I care about a bad reputation?”

Meng Qi wanted to say more, but Zhou Yuan had already walked ahead. With his long arms, he reached out and caught Aunt Sun and Chen Qing just before they stumbled.

“Auntie, your back isn’t in great shape. Let me carry him.”

Without waiting for her to reply, he hoisted Chen Qing up onto his back with one arm.

They didn’t know their way around the county town very well, but after asking around a few times, they finally reached Huichun Hall[mfn]回春 (huíchūn) means “to bring spring back,” often used for recovery, rejuvenation, healing, or revived energy. It is often used to describe a medical hall, clinic, or a place where healing happens.[/mfn]. Zhou Yuan carried Chen Qing inside and told Meng Qi to go buy his things.

Meng Qi had no choice but to agree. He was getting married soon and wanted to buy a gift for his future bride. This trip had been unplanned, though, and he hadn’t brought any money.

Seeing this, Zhou Yuan pulled some coins from his pocket and handed them to Meng Qi.

At Huichun Hall, the doctor examined Chen Qing and prescribed medicinal oil. There was no need for oral medication, but Chen Qing must avoid further injury. Another serious hit could leave long-term damage.

Aunt Sun was startled and immediately said he had to rest.

Chen Qing seemed to snap out of a daze and looked anxiously at her. “But autumn planting is just around the corner…”

“Don’t worry. I’ll ask someone else for help,” Aunt Sun said, patting his shoulder. “Don’t let this turn into a lingering illness.”

At that moment, Zhou Yuan spoke up. “I can help, too, Aunt.”

Chen Qing lifted his head and remembered the events at the village entrance earlier. Zhou Yuan’s fingers were thick, and they had hurt a little when he wiped the tears from Chen Qing’s face.

But why? Wasn’t he into Li Xin?

His mind wandered. He absently replied to Aunt Sun. When he came back to his senses, Zhou Yuan had already put Chen Qing on his back again.

Chen Qing reached up, grabbed the hem of Zhou Yuan’s shirt, and carefully placed it on the ox cart.

When they returned home, Aunt Sun saw the mess inside and imagined how scared Chen Qing must have been.

Zhou Yuan noticed, too. Especially when he entered Chen Qing’s room—the door panel was loose, the wardrobe was overturned, and his underclothes had been tossed about.

Chen Qing had been tense the entire time. Aunt Sun cleaned up the room so he could rest, then pulled Zhou Yuan aside.

“Thank you so much for today.” She held her chest and shared the whole story with Zhou Yuan.

“I didn’t say anything when they came for Taozi’s pension. But now, they even want to sell Aqing. What kind of family does that?”

Zhou Yuan glanced at the collapsed recliner in the courtyard and the marks left from the scuffle. “Auntie, I don’t think this is over yet.”

Aunt Sun sighed deeply. They had gone through legal channels, and those people had been punished, but that old woman wouldn’t let it go so easily.

“I know,” she said. “She’ll come make a scene.”

“Auntie, I won’t be going anywhere for now. If anything happens, just shout. I’ll hear you.”

Aunt Sun wiped her eyes. “Thank you. Truly.”

Looking at the broken window in Chen Qing’s room, she added, “It’s all because of Aqing in the end. They’ll take it out on him.”

“He didn’t do anything wrong,” said Zhou Yuan.

Aunt Sun nodded. “That’s why I think it’s time I find him a husband.”

Zhou Yuan straightened up, waiting to hear what she would say next.

“But it’s a bit difficult. Aqing is purehearted. He wore mourning clothes to Taozi’s funeral. People in Luohe Village—and even the whole county—are superstitious about things like that. I’d planned to sell some grain, pay our taxes, and offer a good dowry. Maybe then we’d find someone honest. But the more money I invest, the more I worry about attracting the wrong sort of people.”

Zhou Yuan opened his mouth to speak, but Aunt Sun continued, “Zhou Yuan, you’re a good man and have done so much for us. I can’t possibly repay you. I said before that I wanted your help judging people. You’ve seen more of the world; you should be able to tell who’s decent.”

“Auntie, I—”

Just as Zhou Yuan started to speak, the door burst open. Li Xin ran in, shouting, “Auntie! Where’s Chen Qing?! I heard from my dad that something happened to him—”

Aunt Sun nodded toward Zhou Yuan. “I’ll leave you for now.”

Zhou Yuan nodded. No rush.

Li Xin’s voice woke Chen Qing from a deep sleep. He called out to him, and Li Xin rushed into the room. He saw Chen Qing lying in bed with his nearly healed ankle bandaged once again.

Li Xin silently examined him. Other than a slight bruise on his waist, he had no major injuries.

He let out a breath. “Scared me to death! How could anyone be so shameless?”

Chen Qing was still nervous. If this got out, his reputation would be ruined. “How did you know?”

“It’s all over the village! They said your uncle’s family tried to steal Meng Tao’s pension and beat you up.”

Chen Qing looked up. “Is that what they said?”

Li Xin shrugged. “What else? Is there more to it?”

After hesitating, Chen Qing decided that Li Xin was a good friend who wouldn’t look down on him, so he told him everything. When he finished, Li Xin jumped up in anger. “What?! Are they even human? Where’s the law?!”

Chen Qing quickly pulled him back. “It’s fine. We reported them, and they’ve already been punished.”

“Not enough!” Li Xin fumed. “They should really pay for it.”

He stayed with Chen Qing for a while, leaving only when he saw that Chen Qing was getting tired. Then, Aunt Sun came in with egg pudding. “Eat something to calm your nerves.”

Chen Qing obediently ate it all.

Aunt Sun said, “Ah Qing, I still want to find you a husband.”

Chen Qing paused with the spoon in midair. “Mom, I—”

“They’ll definitely come back to cause trouble again. Without a man in the house, they’ll just keep hurting you.”

Chen Qing wiped his eyes. “Mom, no one would want to marry me.”

“Nonsense. You’re a good kid. You’ll find someone who loves you.”

Before Chen Qing could respond, Aunt Sun had already decided to visit Matchmaker Hua the next day.

The next morning, Zhou Yuan helped carry water and saw Aunt Sun walking with Matchmaker Hua.

He frowned. That fast? Had she gone to find her overnight?

He realized he couldn’t wait any longer. If he waited any longer, Aunt Sun might marry Chen Qing off to someone else.

Chen Qing sat in the courtyard with unfocused eyes, lost in thought.

Zhou Yuan knocked on the door, and he looked up.

“Aunt went to see Matchmaker Hua,” said Zhou Yuan.

Chen Qing nodded.

“You have nothing to say?”

Chen Qing shook his head, his voice was hoarse. “What should I say?”

“Why would you rather look far away than consider me?”

---

 If you’re enjoying my translations, feel free to leave a comment or support me on Ko-fi ☕