Chapter 6

It was nearly noon, and Gu Qiongzhi, looking dejected, walked out of the county office. The street outside was bustling, but all this activity had nothing to do with her.

Her husband, Mr. Yang, had passed away a few months ago, leaving behind a considerable estate. However, this estate was coveted by her in-laws.

These people would frequently come to her home, causing disturbances, seizing valuable items, and forcing her to hand over the property, making her life miserable.

Desperate, Gu Qiongzhi had no choice but to appear in public and file a complaint at the county office. However, her complaint was rejected. The official's response stated that the matter should be handled by the elders of the neighborhood and the senior members of the Yang clan.

This was a joke. The very people who coveted her estate were the Yang family members, and now the matter was to be handed over to them. What good could come of it? As for the so-called elders of the neighborhood, they were outsiders and could hardly stand up to the Yang family.

Thinking about this, Gu Qiongzhi clenched her teeth in frustration. If the government wouldn't help, what else could she do? Was she to let her in-laws bully and rob her?

No, she would never allow such a thing to happen, no matter the cost!

At that moment, the young widow looked up and saw a group of lawyers under a sunshade, and a new hope emerged. Perhaps she should find a lawyer to help her appeal?

These lawyers were surely more familiar with the county office than she was. With the inheritance from her husband, the young widow was not short of money. She could afford to hire not just one, but a group of lawyers.

Passersby pointed at Gu Qionzhi and commented, "Is this the beautiful young widow, Lady Gu, who is contesting her in-laws for the estate?"

Her companion nodded and said, "Yes, that's her."

The lawyers under the sunshade, upon hearing the words "contest the estate," immediately perked up like wolves spotting a fat piece of meat. Their eyes gleamed as they stared at Lady Gu.

Since there was a dispute over the estate and it had appeared at the county office, a lawsuit was inevitable. This was their chance to show their skills.

Moreover, getting close to a beautiful young widow was not a bad thing. Perhaps they could gain both her favor and her wealth. Life was all about having dreams, and what if they came true?

She's here, she's coming! The lawyers became excited, knowing this was a good business opportunity, but they wondered who would get it.

The young穿越者 Qin Dewei followed behind Lady Gu, from the county office to the street outside.

He didn't want to be a stalker, but he was short of money, very short of money. He had to try any possible way to earn some. Seeing the young widow heading towards the group of lawyers, he knew what to do.

Just as Gu Qionzhi was about to speak to the other lawyers, Qin Dewei suddenly dashed forward and stood between her and the lawyers.

"Madam, do you need help writing a complaint for a lawsuit?" Qin Dewei tried to look professional, his hands in his sleeves, and asked politely.

However, at twelve years old, dressed in rough, narrow-sleeved short clothes, his attempt at a professional demeanor was a bit awkward. Fortunately, his穿越者 aura and good looks somewhat compensated for his lack of proper attire.

The lawyers, who were about to get a big catch, were suddenly interrupted and became agitated. Seeing that it was just a young boy causing trouble, they couldn't hold back their anger and started cursing.

"Look at you, a boy who hasn't even grown hair, and you think you can make a living from lawsuits?"

"Truly, a mere child spouting nonsense. Go home and drink your mother's milk for a few more years!"

Qin Dewei remained unfazed. These were just the rantings of incompetent NPCs. Who among the truly capable scholars would stand on the street as a lawyer? He ignored them and calmly looked at the young widow.

Gu Qionzhi was taken aback. She looked at the young boy and then at the lawyers. What was going on?

Seeing that she didn't respond, Qin Dewei smiled professionally and said clearly, "I heard that you intend to file a lawsuit. I am willing to help. No fee for the complaint if it's not accepted, and no fee for representation if the case is not won."

At this moment, a lawyer in his thirties stepped forward, pointed at Qin Dewei, and said to Gu Qionzhi, "Young lady, think about it. Can you trust such a young, inexperienced boy?"

He then pointed at the other lawyers and said, "Writing complaints and handling lawsuits is not a game. It requires a deep understanding of the law, human relations, and the workings of the county office.

We have been practicing here for at least six years, while this boy is a first-timer! Compare us, and who do you think is more trustworthy?"

After such an analysis, anyone would find it hard to trust Qin Dewei. For a lawsuit, one should choose a more reliable lawyer. What could a twelve-year-old boy do?

Gu Qionzhi, realizing this, moved to walk around the young boy.

But Qin Dewei, seemingly unaware, asked in surprise, "Madam, are you confused? Isn't it clear that I am more trustworthy? Can these lawyers be more reliable than I am?"

The lawyers sneered. This boy was a troublemaker, daring to challenge them. In terms of rhetoric, they, as lawyers, were not afraid of him.

Gu Qionzhi found the boy's words incomprehensible and even a bit annoying. How dare he say she was confused? She glared at him, feeling the urge to teach him a lesson.

"Ha ha ha ha." Qin Dewei laughed in a way that made everyone uncomfortable, as if they were being mocked.

"Madam, don't forget your status. You are a young widow, and these lawyers are in their prime. Think about the implications of close interactions. Think about the implications."

What? Gu Qionzhi was taken aback. Although she was distressed, she wasn't stupid. She immediately understood. She was a newly widowed woman, and these lawyers were all young men.

If she were to entrust them with writing complaints and handling the lawsuit, it would require close interaction, which could lead to rumors and gossip.

No, it would definitely lead to scandalous rumors! Her in-laws were already watching her closely, ready to find fault. If they saw her interacting closely with other men, they would surely use it to ruin her reputation.

Qin Dewei stood confidently in front of the young widow, pointing at himself, "Do you understand now? Who is more trustworthy?"

Gu Qionzhi re-evaluated the young boy. His age, which was his biggest disadvantage, could now be his advantage.

Interacting with a young, underdeveloped boy would be less likely to cause rumors. At least compared to interacting with young men, it would be less suspicious.

The lawyers also understood and were stunned. What could they say? They had been practicing for at least six years, and today they had seen something unprecedented. How could this boy snatch business like this?

The young boy had pointed out the critical issue. If they insisted on taking the business, it would be like admitting they had ulterior motives.

It seemed this young boy had been toying with them from the start! The lawyers, realizing this, rolled up their sleeves and surrounded Qin Dewei, clearly with ill intent.

"What are you going to do?" Qin Dewei was a bit panicked. Two fists couldn't match four hands, and a hero couldn't stand against a crowd.

"The business can be refused, but you need a lesson!" The lead lawyer said viciously, "Every profession has its rules. If you want to make a living here, you need to respect your seniors. Do you think we won't use our fists?"

Without a word, Qin Dewei turned towards the county office gate and shouted, "Uncle, save me!" Being a young boy, it wasn't embarrassing to shout for help.

"Who is your uncle?" someone asked.

Qin Dewei quickly replied, "The constable who often stands guard at the county office gate!"

Damn! The lawyers reluctantly retracted their fists. Living and working outside the county office, they had to give some face to the gate guards. Although the boy was despicable, they couldn't beat him up.

Young people these days have no respect for their seniors.

Gu Qionzhi, having watched the entire scene, sighed and asked the young boy, "You said you wouldn't charge if you didn't succeed?"

Qin Dewei held up a finger, "The price has changed. One tael of silver as a deposit, pay first, then service."

Since the opportunity was missed earlier, now it was a seller's market. Why not take advantage of the situation? Qin Dewei thought happily.

Gu Qionzhi suddenly laughed coldly and walked away without a word.

Was the price too high? Qin Dewei shouted, "Five mace! Five mace as a deposit!"

Gu Qionzhi didn't look back and continued walking.

Qin Dewei quickly caught up, saying, "Two mace, two mace of silver, can that work?"

Gu Qionzhi stopped and smiled through her veil, "You haven't done business before, have you? Are you new to the street?"

Qin Dewei, a seasoned problem solver and a Ph.D. in the history of Ming and Qing judicial systems, asked subconsciously, "How did you know?"

Lady Gu didn't answer directly but proposed her own terms, "You write the complaint first. If it passes the county office, then we can talk about the deposit for the lawsuit. Otherwise, no deal. If it comes to it, I won't file the lawsuit."

"This... okay." Being poor and desperate for money left him with no choice. He couldn't refuse the client's demands. Writing a complaint didn't take much effort anyway.

However, this young widow, though seemingly weak, was not easy to deal with. Qin Dewei sighed inwardly.

Actually, if she were a weak, submissive woman, she wouldn't have dared to contest her in-laws in court. In feudal times, filing a lawsuit in the county office was not something everyone had the courage to do, let alone a woman.