Chapter 23

An Arrest by the Ministry of Justice

As Xu Qian stepped into the county courts, he heard a choked sob. “Brother…”

Xu Lingyue—who was dressed in a green silk dress—was crying. Tear tracks marred her face and her eyes were puffy, but she still looked beautiful.

Xu Lingyin was not with her—she was possibly being held in one of the side halls.

Xu Qian composed himself and nodded at Xu Lingyue.

Magistrate Zhu was seated at the judge’s desk, having been notified of the news beforehand. The bailiffs dragged in the parties involved—the county magistrate recognized the angry young nobleman.

Magistrate Zhu rose from his seat in surprise.

“Isn’t that Nobleman Zhou? How is Assistant Minister Zhou?”

The young nobleman yanked his arm from the bailiff’s grip and dusted the sleeves of his extravagant robe. Ignoring Magistrate Zhu’s question, he pointed at Xu Qian and said, “This man made an attempt on my life while we were walking along the streets. He must be punished.”

“I see, I see…” A fake smile was plastered on Magistrate Zhu’s face. He turned around and ordered sharply. “Fast-Hands Xu Qian! Get over here!”

Xu Qian stomped over.

“Bastard! Why did you threaten the son of Assistant Minister Zhou from the Ministry of Revenue? Are you dumb?” Magistrate Zhu gave Xu Qian a harsh kick. Then, he smiled at the young nobleman.

“Nobleman Zhou, this is a dispute between fellow sons of officials. We’re all family. Please have some mercy and forgive this fool for his transgressions.”

Beyond the crowd, Xu Lingyue watched the ongoing trial. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she witnessed her cousin endure the scolding. Red-nosed and puffy-faced, Xu Lingyue still looked prettier than most girls.

‘An assistant minister’s son… And from the Ministry of Revenue…’ Xu Qian’s hopes dimmed.

In the courts of Dafeng, an official’s power was not solely based on his rank but his background and authority.

First- and second-ranked officials were numerous but only a handful were truly powerful.

The ministers and assistant ministers of the Six Ministries were among the handful.

A fight involving the Assistant Minister of Revenue’s son was not a small matter.

“Don’t try to trick me. If you don’t officially arrest him, I’ll do it myself.” Nobleman Zhou turned to his men and ordered. “Pin him down!”

He did not believe the bastard would dare to fight back in the courts.

Magistrate Zhu’s deep voice boomed. “Those who commit acts of violence in the county courts will be executed, no questions asked.”

The bailiffs stepped forward. The standard-issue swords were held at the necks of the nobleman’s followers.

The civilian guards had their staffs raised in preparation for a fight.

Nobleman Zhou’s finger stabbed at Magistrate Zhu’s nose as he shouted, “You dare touch my men?”

“Please do not misunderstand, Nobleman Zhou. I am but an officer of the courts. I’m simply following the law.” The easygoing smile was still on the county magistrate’s face as he wiped away the nobleman’s saliva.

“Here I have a formal accusation by Xu Lingyue against you. It says you endangered the people with your horse-riding and harassed the daughter of a noble house.”

Magistrate Zhu had some cards up his sleeves—this particular tactic was useful for de-escalating a situation.

However, he did not expect the accused would be the Assistant Minister of Revenue’s son.

The young nobleman huffed incredulously. “Was anyone hurt from my horse-riding? Harassment? You can ask the people on the streets, I did not lay a hand on the girl.”

Magistrate Zhu folded the piece of paper and stowed it in his sleeve. “Perhaps the girl had mistaken you for the perpetrator.”

‘Damn, Magistrate Zhu is giving in. I need to come up with something. If things turn sour, I can escape but my uncle’s family will be implicated.’ Xu Qian was anxious. While they were both sons of officials, there was a significant difference in their social standing.

An official of the Armed Guards was nothing compared to the Assistant Minister of Revenue.

Despite the trouble he was in, Xu Qian did not regret his actions. He refused to stand by and let others trample on him and his family.

The cogs in his mind turned. He noticed one of Nobleman Zhou’s followers left the county courts. Magistrate Zhu made no move to stop him.

Xu Qian’s heart sank deeper. He edged nearer to Constable Wang and said softly, “Constable Wang, I think I’m in a bind. Can you do me a favor?”

“Speak.”

The head constable and Xu Qian had become good friends in the past month. They often visited the playhouse and drank together—it was a bond forged through shared interests.

“Can you lend me a silver tael?”

Constable Wang searched his body and gathered a handful of broken silvers that came up to less than a tael.

Xu Qian pocketed the money and said, “Ride to my house. Beside my bed, in the drawer, there’s a blue book. Make sure you take the blue-covered one.”

His diary was a yellow-covered book.

“Take the book to Lady Caiwei of the Imperial Astronomers. Tell her I’m in danger and require assistance.”

Imperial Astronomers? Doubt crossed Constable Wang’s face. “Would I be allowed in?”

It was akin to asking a commoner to enter the Imperial Palace. He dared not approach such a distinguished place.

Xu Qian knew Constable Wang would be reluctant. “If something happens to me, no one will pay back your silvers.”

Constable Wang’s eyes widened.

“Help me with this and I promise you my next month’s salary.”

“Xu Qian, you little sh*t.” Constable Wang rushed out of the county courts to run the errand.

…

When Xu Pingzhi got news of the fight, he borrowed a horse from a colleague and headed for the Changle County Courts.

He stepped across the threshold and entered the main court. He was greeted with the sight of his crying daughter, bailiffs with their swords drawn, and a bunch of followers.

Xu Pingzhi turned his focus to his daughter. “What happened?”

The appearance of her savior made Xu Lingyue sob even louder. She told her father about the incident.

When Xu Pingzhi heard about the nobleman’s attempt to trample his youngest daughter, his eyes twitched while his expression darkened.

“If it weren’t for big brother, Lingyin would’ve been dead.”

‘Ningyan…’ Xu Pingzhi searched for his nephew among the bodies. He shut his eyes for a few seconds then told his daughter, “Go and take care of Lingyin. Don’t come until I get you.”

After ensuring his daughter was gone, Xu Pingzhi walked to the front of the crowd. He stared at the young nobleman dressed in an embroidered robe. “Nobleman Zhou, can this matter be settled peacefully?”

The young nobleman saw the murderous intent in Xu Pingzhi’s eyes and was reminded of Xu Qian’s warning.

The words of anger died in his mouth.

“Xu Pingzhi of the Armed Guards, if the nobleman decides to pursue the matter, will you drench this court in blood?” A voice rang out.

An elderly man entered the main court. He was dressed in a blue gown with gold accents on the sleeves and collar—jade accessories were strung across his waist.

His hair was mostly white and his face was gaunt. Despite his age, his gaze was hawk-like.

When he was done speaking, he had arrived before the courts.

The young nobleman was glad to see the elderly man. “Elder Chen.”

“It hurts my heart to see you injured. I watched you grow up. Tell me, which bastard laid a hand on you?”

The blood crusted on the young nobleman’s ear made the elder furious.

“I’ve told your father many times to get you a Qi-trained expert but he refuses because you like to get into trouble. But so what? At least your safety is guaranteed.”

Xu Pingzhi was in a dangerous situation. His body was locked in by a Qi pressure. As if a snake was coiled around his body, his muscles tensed.

This feeling was eerily similar to when he was fighting in the war.

The elder was a divinity-trained expert.

Magistrate Zhu coughed and said, “Respectfully, you’re—”

The elder interrupted. “No. I am just an old servant in the Zhou manor. I do not deserve Magistrate Zhu’s respect.”

“You’re being too modest.” Even the household staff of a high-ranking official was deemed important. As a seasoned court official, Magistrate Zhu knew better than to disrespect the elderly man.

“This whole thing was just a misunderstanding. The inspections are upon us and I believe peace is what we ultimately want. What do you say?”

The elderly man chuckled coldly. “A few insignificant officials will not affect the Assistant Minister’s inspections. The Zhou family has always been subservient to the crown. The matter shall be handled according to the empire’s laws.”

Initially, the audience did not understand what the elderly man meant. Then, loud footsteps sounded outside the main court.

A squad of armored soldiers stomped into the main court. Leading the group was a green-robed official—a white pheasant was sewn onto his uniform. The official glanced around the room and announced:

“The Ministry of Justice is making an arrest. Those not involved, please step back. Anyone who interferes will be prosecuted under the same crime.”

A moment later, the fifth-ranked official smiled at Nobleman Zhou. “May I know who is the criminal?”

Nobleman Zhou pointed at Xu Qian and said, “Lock this mad dog up!”

The fifth-ranked official waved his hand. “Arrest him!”

The armored soldiers rushed forward and arrested Xu Qian.

Xu Pingzhi asked, “What crime has my nephew committed?”

“I will decide whether a crime has been committed.” The fifth-ranked official said, “As an officer of justice, I will see that this case is tried fairly and meticulously.”

There were more words Xu Pingzhi wanted to say but Magistrate Zhu held him back.

“Take him!”