Chapter 64 - Chapter 64: Chapter 64: Unable to Report to the Authorities (1/2)
Chapter 64: Chapter 64: Unable to Report to the Authorities
Translator: 549690339
Han Yu also raised an eyebrow at Su Wenyue. Having spent these days together, he surely knew his wife’s character. It was possible for anyone else, but Su Wenyue would definitely not let go of Mrs. Wang for her past grievances, let alone help her out. That girl must be up to some other mischief.
“Fourth sister-in-law, this…” Han Hu opened his mouth but didn’t know what to say. Why was the fourth sister-in-law so agreeable today? Could it be that his worries about the third sister-in-law being scheming and having motives were correct, making this matter likely related to her?
Han Lin too, hadn’t expected Su Wenyue to speak up for them. His face brightened with delight, “The Fourth Daughter-in-law is the sensible one. That’s exactly the point. Even the Fourth Daughter-in-law says so, so stop harping on my wife. She’s gentle and frail, and as a woman expecting a child, how could she possibly collude with outsiders? That’s sheer nonsense.”
As Su Wenyue listened to Han Lin speak, her smile grew even wider, “That’s just it, third brother. I don’t think this could be the work of our family at all. It must be those who eyed my dowry without gratitude. So don’t suspect anyone without reason. In my opinion, we should report it to the authorities. Such a brazen and vicious thief, who dares to rob our home in broad daylight and even injured Mother to this extent if this person is not caught, not only our home but the whole village won’t have peace. It’s better to report it. I heard that the county town has a constable who is very skilled at solving cases. With his help, we are guaranteed to catch the thief.”
When everyone heard Su Wenyue mention reporting to the authorities, they were all stunned. Peasant families like theirs would quarrel fiercely on any other day but would never report to the authorities. The thought just wouldn’t occur to anyone. Involving the authorities meant trouble, as people without money couldn’t hope for justice—everyone knew that dealing with government officials always cost money.
“How about that? It’s a good idea, isn’t it? Let the government handle this. I’ve heard that the county official in Xinye County is fairly just and incorruptible, with capable subordinates. I believe a minor case like ours would be solved quickly. I can’t wait to see which daring thief had the audacity to lay hands on Mother. He won’t be let off easily!”
“Report, report to the authorities? Fourth Daughter-in-law, you’re not joking, are you? How could we dare disturb the government for such a trivial family matter? The officials are all bloodsuckers; if we really attract their attention, our family would have to bribe them with silver, and not to mention, we could offend the officials and end up in prison.”
Han Lin was genuinely afraid, stuttering as he spoke. Let’s not even talk about how probable it was that the so-called thief had ties with his wife; even without any connection, he wouldn’t dare to provoke government officials. The wealthy think differently, and the fourth daughter-in-law wasn’t someone to be trifled with. Better to keep silent, or someone was bound to suffer.
“What are you saying, third brother? If someone hears it, you’ll be accused of slandering an imperial official. The magistrate of Xinye County is fair and strict, and his constables are good people, nothing like what you’re suggesting. We are the victims here, and if anyone were to be arrested, it should be the thief. Otherwise, how can we, on our own, find the thief? Mother’s injuries cannot be in vain.”
“You, as a woman, what do you know of such matters? It’s easy to say now, but what if the constables turn out to be unreasonable? How will you contend with them then? That would only bring disaster upon the Han family.” Regardless of the reason, Han Lin was staunchly against reporting to the authorities.