Chapter 23 (1/2)

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?”