Chapter 193 - Chapter 193: Chapter One Hundred and Ninety-Three: Malicious Gaze (2/2)
“The lower officer would not dare,” Magistrate Chu said with a show of respect, but a hint of sarcasm flickered in his eyes.
“Hmph, I thought not. Since that’s the case, come with me to make the arrests,” demanded Madam Sun. Seeing Magistrate Chu’s indecisiveness and having heard of his wife’s friendship with Madam Su, she worried he would not deal with the matter properly due to bias toward the Su family. She decided to accompany them herself, eager to assert her authority in front of the Su family and regain the respect she felt she had lost.
“As you command,” agreed Magistrate Chu, a look of triumph briefly crossing his face, too quick for anyone to notice.
With the general magistrate’s wife leading the way and Magistrate Chu in tow, they headed for the Su Mansion, and surprisingly, the bodyguard showed no objection, accompanying them back to the Su family. The bodyguard maintained a cold expression throughout, showing no sign of what he might be thinking.
The wife of the county magistrate heard the news from behind that Lord Magistrate Chu was heading to arrest someone at the Su Mansion. Worried, she quickly readied herself and headed out. An appearance by the general magistrate’s wife meant she couldn’t ask too much, but a subtle hint from her husband reassured her that the Su family would face no trouble, although she decided to follow them nonetheless.
A grand procession made its way to the Su family, including not just Mrs. Zhang’s own servants from the General Magistrate’s mansion but also the county government’s officers and the Su family’s servants. Passersby all stopped to watch while Mrs. Zhang, riding in the horse carriage, surveyed the scene outside with great satisfaction, reveling in the authority she displayed. She was looking forward to arriving at the Su Mansion; now that she had a handle on them, even if the Su family knelt and begged for mercy, she wouldn’t forgive them easily.
The Su family enjoyed a good reputation locally, earning the support of the local commoners. Seeing such a crowd heading toward the Su Mansion, along with a troop of officers, worried that something had happened to the family, many hurried to inform the Su family, subsequently receiving rewards for their efforts.
“Grandmother, you truly possess foresight. Mrs. Zhang really did come with officers in tow!” Su Wenyue, having woken from her nap refreshed, came to old lady Su and, with a smile, mentioned the report of Mrs. Zhang’s entourage as she approached.
“You sweet-talking little girl! Don’t worry, with your grandmother here, not one of those who bullied our family’s girls will get away with it.” Old lady Su had only just arrived when her granddaughter was mistreated, and naturally, she could not let it stand.
Old lady Su, noting the time was right, returned to her room and had the servants help her into the imperial edict attire worn only when visiting the palace or attending grand banquets. Donning the attire transformed her completely; the formerly gentle and kind old lady instantly became an imposing elder, and even Su Wenyue felt a bit nervous when she did not smile.
“How do I look, granddaughter? Do I seem imposing enough?” The old lady seemed to notice her granddaughter’s unease and asked cheerfully, lightening the mood considerably.
Su Wenyue’s discomfort was fleeting, and she responded with a smile, “Grandmother indeed looks imposing. Even your granddaughter feels overawed by your grandeur.”
Mrs. Zhang, accompanied by a multitude of attendants, arrived at the Su Mansion with more fanfare than before, and she charged straight in, only to be stopped once more by the Su family’s bodyguards at the gate.
“How dare you! Seize anyone who dares obstruct official matters!” Mrs. Zhang commanded, pointing at the officers.
The officers, however, did not heed Mrs. Zhang’s command, instead, looking expectantly at Magistrate Chu, as they followed only his orders. Seeing her own command ignored, Mrs. Zhang too turned to Magistrate Chu with a sharp look.