Chapter 71

On this day, there was no trial for Chu Huan at the yamen. Instead, Magistrate Hu felt uneasy all day. He had been in office for many years and had an extremely keen sense. For some reason, ever since he had thrown Chu Huan into the prison, he felt deep down that something significant was about to happen.

At noon, after eating only half a bowl of porridge, he felt somewhat irritable and ordered someone to bring Xue Lang from Baling Hall. Xue Lang entered through the back door of the yamen and arrived at the side hall, where Magistrate Hu was already waiting. Seeing Magistrate Hu's troubled expression, Xue Lang hurriedly asked, "Sir, did you call me here because something has happened?"

Magistrate Hu came straight to the point: "This case... cannot be tried in open court!"

"Cannot be tried in open court?" Xue Lang was startled and quickly asked, "Sir, why? Has something gone wrong?"

Magistrate Hu frowned and said, "I feel something is not right." He stared at Xue Lang and whispered, "Liang Buquan's words yesterday kept me up all night... There's something wrong with those words!"

"Which words, Sir?"

"Su Linlang's words," Magistrate Hu said, looking uneasy. "She said she would do anything to save Chu Huan... Those words carry a lot of weight. At first, I thought the Su family was just willing to spend money on me, but now I think those words might contain a threat."

"Threat?" Xue Lang sat down on a chair nearby and sneered. "Sir, the Su family may have some money, but would they dare threaten you? They are civilians, and you are an official. For civilians to challenge an official is like courting death!"

Magistrate Hu waved his hands repeatedly. "No, no. You must understand that money can make even the dead move. If Su Linlang dared to say those words, she must have spent a lot of money. She returned to the capital city... Xue Lang, do you think she might go to the governor's office?"

"The governor's office?" Xue Lang was taken aback, then frowned and whispered, "Sir, the governor is a busy man. Would he really get involved in such a small matter? Besides, the governor is a great man. Would he care about the Su family's money?" He lowered his voice even more. "They say the governor is incorruptible. He has maintained a poor appearance for years. Would he really accept a bribe from the Su family for a country boy? Sir, the governor is powerful, but in Yunshan Prefecture, he is not all-powerful. Commander Luo is always watching him. He wouldn't dare act rashly!"

Magistrate Hu pondered for a moment and said, "We can't be sure about anything. If we really proceed with the trial and the verdict is sent to the capital city for the Ministry of Justice, you don't know that the head of the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Lan, was personally promoted by the governor. If this case is presented, the Ministry of Justice might not handle it favorably..." At this point, Magistrate Hu's face turned grim.

Xue Lang frowned. "Sir, are you saying that even if the governor doesn't personally intervene, he will make the Ministry of Justice cause trouble?"

"If the Su family can reach the governor's office, the Ministry of Justice will definitely get involved," Magistrate Hu sighed. "I didn't think this through..."

Xue Lang hurriedly said, "Sir, you don't need to worry. Although Su Linlang's family is wealthy, they may not be able to reach the governor's office. Even if they do, we have solid evidence and witnesses. Why should we fear them? Sir, you came here because of Old Master Wu. Don't forget, you have Old Master Wu behind you!"

"Old Master Wu?" Magistrate Hu sighed. "Although Old Master Wu was once a high-ranking official, he has now retired. He has a title, but he is no longer an official... If something really happens, Old Master Wu may not be able to protect me!"

"Although Old Master Wu is not an official, his son is still very influential in the capital," Xue Lang said. "Sir, you once told me that Old Master Wu's son is a close confidant of the Second Prince. You have Old Master Wu behind you, and behind Old Master Wu is the Second Prince... Even the governor would have to think twice before overturning the case. We have solid evidence and witnesses. If things get out of hand, Commander Luo and Old Master Wu will surely challenge the governor... The governor won't risk making a big fuss over a country boy!"

Magistrate Hu nodded slightly and finally said, "You have a point, but I still feel uneasy." His eyes showed a fierce look. "We can't be too cautious. The governor's intentions are hard to guess... I think we should resolve this matter as soon as possible. The longer it drags on, the more uneasy I feel!"

Xue Lang leaned in. "Sir, what do you mean?"

Magistrate Hu pondered for a moment, then leaned in and whispered a few words to Xue Lang. Xue Lang frowned slightly, then nodded. "A small man is not a gentleman, and a man without poison is not a hero. Sir, that's a good idea!"

...

...

The food in the prison was terrible, but Fan Fat and the others still respectfully placed the food in front of Chu Huan, letting him choose. They huddled in the corner, watching Chu Huan nervously, waiting for "Master Chu" to finish eating. If there were any leftovers, they would eat them.

In every corner of the world, the strong are respected, and in a world of the strong and the weak, a set of rules that favor the strong naturally forms, even in a prison.

Chu Huan didn't hesitate. He was hungry, so he picked up the bowl to eat. At that moment, he heard a voice from outside: "Chu Huan, someone has come to see you!"

Chu Huan was startled, thinking it might be Linlang. He put down his chopsticks and stood up to look. He saw a slender figure outside the wooden door. The person was wearing a blue cotton jacket, a coarse floral skirt, and a purple headscarf. She had a clear and beautiful face, a stern expression, and was holding a bamboo basket in her right hand. It was none other than Suniang.

Chu Huan was stunned. He never expected Suniang to come at this time. He stepped forward and said with a bitter smile, "Suniang, you... why did you come?"

Suniang bit her lip, her eyes red. She didn't speak, just put down the basket and silently took out two porcelain bowls and a small wine pot. She finally looked up, her face showing sorrow, and said, "If I had known this would happen, you shouldn't... shouldn't have come to the city. Mother hoped you would succeed, but...!" She wiped away her tears, unable to continue.

Chu Huan sighed. "Suniang, don't be sad. I'll be fine..."

Suniang said, "You still say you'll be fine? Do you think it's as simple as hitting someone? Uncle said this time it's a murder case... You always like to fight, and now look what's happened..." She was both angry and sad, tears streaming down her face.

Chu Huan asked, "Does Mother... know about this?"

Suniang shook her head. "Mother doesn't know. Uncle went over in the middle of the night. He was worried Mother couldn't handle the shock, so he only told me. Mother thinks you're doing well here. Uncle said he needed to tidy up the house, so I came along..." She paused, then continued, "I was able to come in because Uncle paid some money..."

"Where is Uncle?"

"Uncle went to see the magistrate," Suniang said softly. "He said you're not a violent person and wouldn't kill anyone, so he went to ask the magistrate to help you!"

Chu Huan sighed inwardly, "It's all their doing. What's the point of seeing him?" Seeing Suniang's sad face, he said softly, "Suniang, don't worry. I didn't kill anyone, and no one can convict me!"

Suniang blinked and asked, "You... really didn't kill anyone?"

"No!" Chu Huan said firmly.

Suniang wiped away her tears and said, "Erlang, as long as you didn't kill anyone, I'll help you clear your name. If the magistrate doesn't help you, I'll go to the capital city. If the officials there don't help you, I'll go to the capital. I won't let them wrong you..." Her tone was very determined.

Chu Huan was moved and leaned in, lowering his voice. "Suniang, when you leave, take Uncle back to Liujia Village... No matter what, you must persuade him to go to Liujia Village. Clean up the house...!"

Suniang was stunned and exclaimed, "What are you going to do?" Realizing her voice was too loud, she covered her mouth and looked around. She saw two guards whispering and laughing, not sure what they were talking about.

Chu Huan's expression was serious, and he lowered his voice. "Suniang, don't ask any questions. Do as I say. Take Uncle back to Liujia Village and stay there. Don't go anywhere. Understand?"

Suniang's eyes widened, not knowing what to say. Seeing Chu Huan's serious expression, she nodded involuntarily.

At that moment, the guards called out, "That's enough. You can go now. The head guard will be here soon. If he sees you, it will be trouble!"

Suniang picked up the basket and looked at Chu Huan, not knowing what to do. Chu Huan smiled gently and said, "Go. Don't worry about me... Remember what I said!"

Suniang nodded. She was a country girl and didn't know what to do in such a situation. Hearing Chu Huan's instructions, she seemed to sense he had a plan and vaguely agreed.

She walked away, looking back. She quickened her pace, and the two guards watched her. One of them laughed and asked, "Who are you to him?"

"I'm his sister-in-law!"

"Sister-in-law?" The two guards looked at each other and laughed. Their eyes roamed over Suniang's full chest and round buttocks. One of them said lecherously, "Food is better than dumplings, and a sister-in-law is better than a wife..."

Before he finished, Suniang's face turned stern, and she lifted the bamboo basket to hit the guard, shouting, "Shameless! Do you think I'm easy to bully? I'll beat you to death!"

The guard, surprised by Suniang's reaction, quickly stepped back, drew his knife, and shouted, "You bitch, how dare you!"

Chu Huan heard the commotion and clenched his fists, his face cold. He was determined not to let anyone bully Suniang. Just then, he heard a voice shout, "Stop!"

The guard stopped, seeing County Magistrate Zhao, dressed in black, suddenly appear in the dungeon.

County Magistrate Zhao's expression was stern. He came forward, looked at Suniang, and asked, "Are you Chu Huan's family?"

Suniang nodded.

"Leave quickly!" County Magistrate Zhao said coldly. "This is a restricted area. You can't enter without permission!"

Suniang looked back at Chu Huan, bit her lip, and left. County Magistrate Zhao glanced coldly at the two guards, who lowered their heads, trembling. He then walked to Chu Huan's cell, saw Chu Huan standing behind the wooden bars, and leaned in, whispering, "Did you... kill the person?"

Chu Huan frowned but didn't speak.

County Magistrate Zhao said coldly, "Your silence is an admission."

"At this point, does it matter whether I speak or not?" Chu Huan said coldly. "But to convict me, you need solid evidence... I hate it when people try to frame me!"

County Magistrate Zhao smiled faintly and whispered, "Chu Huan, if you didn't kill the person, you must hold out... Listen to me. No matter what happens, hold out... Many things will turn around if you hold out..."

After saying this, County Magistrate Zhao left without another word.

Chu Huan narrowed his eyes. County Magistrate Zhao's sudden appearance in the dungeon and his words were puzzling. What was his intention?