Chapter 84

Zhu Huan looked at his son, who had been beaten to a pulp over the past few days, his face swollen and bruised, unable to walk on his own, and had to be supported by the servants to return home.

Then he looked at Lu Dalang.

Lu Dalang said, "Mr. Zhu, you can stir up the clouds and rain in Yanzhou, but you can't do the same in Huazhou. Fulfill your promise."

Zhu Huan gritted his teeth and nodded.

Prepared long ago, Lu Dalang invited the head of the household to sign and seal the document, transferring Zhu Huan's share to his name.

Zhu Huan and his wife Qin took Zhu Jun back to Yanzhou.

Lu Dalang went to find Ding Jia: "The matter is settled."

"Good."

"How has your luck been these past few days?"

"Don't mention it, I've been quite unlucky." These days, Ding Jia not only lost all the money he had won before but also lost a lot more.

"Fear not, with this share in hand, you can earn 3,000 strings of cash without working for a year. I have 1,000 strings of cash in exchange notes, take it and use it."

"How can I accept that?"

"No problem."

"Then what about my share..."

"Wait a few more days. After all, there's a murder case. Mr. Zhu transferred the share to my name, and then I will transfer it to your name. If this gets out, people will suspect something. Besides, Governor Zhou is still in Huayin County and hasn't returned yet. Do you think I would take your share?"

Ding Jia laughed, not fearing this at all. He didn't kill the maid, and if the Lu family didn't recognize this debt, they would all have to face the consequences. At worst, he would be exiled for three years, but Lu Dalang would face the death penalty. He wasn't afraid of Lu Dalang killing him to cover up the crime, as the scholar, his parents, and himself all knew about it. How could he cover it up?

But Ding Jia still asked, "How long do I have to wait?"

"As soon as Governor Zhou leaves, I will invite the head of the household for a few meals and some gifts, and then I can transfer the 2% share to you."

It made sense, and Ding Jia had no doubts. However, this wait was disastrous. In just two days, he lost 1,000 strings of cash. At this point, Lu Dalang came again, complaining, "How could you lose to these little brats? Let me take over."

Lu Dalang, with the share in hand, had the confidence. These few people, having won money, also had the confidence, so they bet big. They had wins and losses, but Lu Dalang won more and lost less. In a short while, he won back 1,000 strings of cash and even made an additional 100 strings.

Lu Dalang pushed the 1,000 strings of cash in front of Ding Jia: "It's yours."

"How can I accept that?"

"Do we need to be so formal?" Lu Dalang winked.

Ding Jia took it, and Lu Dalang left to continue gambling. But when it was his turn, he couldn't win. He continued to lose, and soon he lost another 1,000 strings of cash.

One of them said, "You and Lu Dalang are such good friends, we're not afraid. You can owe us for now."

Gambling is the last and most harmful of the four vices: drinking, whoring, and gambling. Small bets can be enjoyable, but once you get hooked, even a great sage can't pull you out. Ding Jia was hooked and lost another 1,000 strings of cash in no time.

More than 2,000 strings of cash is not a small amount, even for the original Ding family. Ding Jia felt something was wrong and went to find Lu Dalang, but the Lu family's servant said their young master was out and wouldn't be back for a few days. At this point, those few people came again, persuading him, and Ding Jia was hooked again. He continued to lose, and by this time, he was completely lost. A few days later, when Lu Dalang returned, Ding Jia had already accumulated a huge gambling debt of 29,000 strings of cash.

Lu Dalang's face darkened: "We are partners, and I don't care about 1,000 or 2,000 strings of cash, but this much money, I can't decide on my own. Write a letter and have your father come to talk."

...

The sky was dusk, and Yu Shi was feeding medicine to her mother-in-law.

"Daughter-in-law, why haven't I seen my son these past few days?"

"He went out to make money."

"Where did he go to make money?"

"He went to the capital and won't be back for a while. The family is poor, so we have to think of some ways."

Suddenly, the door was pushed open, and a man burst in, shouting, "Yu Shi, how long do you plan to hide this from your mother-in-law?"

"Who are you?"

"My name is Zhu," said Zhu Qing.

The old lady sat up from the bed: "What are you talking about?"

"Mother, your son, seeing the family's poverty and your illness, with no money for treatment, has taken the place of a murderer and will be executed in the autumn."

"What did you say?" the mother and daughter-in-law said together.

"Mother, if you don't believe me, get up and ask others."

The old lady, angry and upset, slapped her daughter-in-law hard: "You unfilial daughter-in-law!"

"I am not unfilial. I didn't want my husband to die. Wasn't I forced?" Yu Shi cried in委屈.

"Mother, don't be upset, and Yu Shi, don't cry. I am here to save your son's life."

"Thank you, sir," the old lady struggled to get out of bed and knelt down.

Zhu Qing helped her up and said, "But you must listen to me. First, you must protect your family. The corrupt official in Huayin has been bribed by the Lu family and might harm your family."

"What Lu family?"

Zhu Qing explained the situation, leaving out some details, such as whether Fu Xiaozhuang was the murderer or not, but he was not the mastermind.

"How could you be so foolish?" the old lady cried again.

"Mother, didn't I say not to cry? I am here to save your son."

"How will you save him?"

"First, send your grandsons to Yanzhou immediately. My master, though not the richest, can help your grandsons start a new life. Second, you and your daughter-in-law should go to the capital and appeal to the emperor. County Magistrate Cai is just a county magistrate; he can't cover up the sky of the Song Dynasty."

"Why are you helping us?"

"My family is also a victim. The young master was beaten almost to death, and we need to take revenge. Besides, we have people in the capital."

Yu Shi was still worried.

"Do we have any grudge against you? Would we harm you? Do we have the money and power to deceive you? Would you let your husband be executed in the autumn?"

"Who would?"

"Then let's pack and leave immediately."

"It's almost dark."

"Exactly, it's almost dark, which is good for us to leave and split into two groups. I have two carriages ready outside."

"Are you still dazed? Quickly find your sons." The old lady shouted.

Yu Shi found her three sons and quickly packed their bags.

"Leave what you can do without. I will give you 50 strings of cash. When you get there, my master will arrange everything, including a house," Zhu Qing urged.

Yu Shi finally stopped.

They hastily packed a few small bags and got into the carriage. Her three sons were still confused. Zhu Qing said, "Young masters, let's talk in the carriage."

They all got into the carriage.

The sky grew darker, and the carriages set off. Zhu Qing thought to himself: The big show has just begun.