Judge of the Song Dynasty

Wang Ye, although feeling that Zhang Fei was being evasive, did not press further. He had already expressed enough goodwill by talking so much. After chatting with Zhang Fei for a while longer, he took his leave.

Shortly after Wang Ye left, Xu Zun and Xu Zhiqian arrived at Zhang Fei’s home.

They formally congratulated Zhang Fei on his move to a new residence.

“Zhang San, what did Senior Brother Wang say to you?” Xu Zhiqian suddenly asked.

But Zhang Fei looked at Xu Zun.

Xu Zun stroked his beard and said, “He finds you congenial and of similar age, so he hopes to serve the country with you. I think that is quite a good idea.”

His tone was somewhat stiff; lying was indeed difficult for him.

Moreover, he felt guilty towards Zhang Fei about the matter. However, since it involved the Emperor, he had no choice and thus never appeared with Wang Ye simultaneously.

At most, he was merely an accomplice and had never been to the crime scene.

Zhang Fei didn’t mind these details. After all, they meant well. He said, “Thank you, Benefactor, for nurturing me. But for now, I hope to win the lawsuit for the Shi family. I don’t want to think about other matters for the time being.” Xu Zun nodded slightly, not pressing further. He actually believed Zhang Fei’s talents were quite unique, and whether he entered officialdom or not, both had their pros and cons. He respected Zhang Fei’s own decision. He added, “Regarding this lawsuit, I thought about it carefully today. I think you are right. The real culprit in this case is not a person but the law. Making a complaint against the law is indeed correct.”

As a maverick in the legal world, he could understand Zhang Fei’s thoughts the best.

But as he spoke, he stroked his beard again, “However, it will be more dangerous for you. If you really want to do this, you must first gain the support of influential ministers in court. With their backing, regardless of success or failure, at least you won’t be punished for your actions. I think Wang Anshi alone is not enough.”

Suing the imperial court could potentially be illegal, and if convicted, it would be at least a death sentence.

Support from the imperial court was necessary.

Otherwise, it was extremely dangerous.

Zhang Fei said, “What if we also have the support of Academician Sima?”

Xu Zun was shocked, and the straightforward Xu Zhiqian blurted out what he was thinking, “How is that possible? I’ve heard that Uncle Wang and Uncle Sima often quarrel over reforms. How can you possibly persuade both of them?”

Xu Zun nodded, thinking that this difficulty level was indeed very high!

But Zhang Fei confidently smiled, “If Lady Xu is willing to help me write two complaint documents, I believe it won’t be a problem.”

Xu Zhiqian asked curiously, “What’s so difficult about writing two complaint documents? How do you plan to write them?” The rıghtful source is N0v3l.Fiɾe.net

Zhang Fei said, “Just write down the full details of the case, making two identical copies.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes.”

Zhang Fei nodded.

If he wasn’t confident in this, he wouldn’t have suggested suing the imperial court.

Seeing Zhang Fei’s confidence, Xu Zun couldn’t help but start looking forward to it.

However, since Zhang Fei didn’t say much, Xu Zun didn’t ask further. After sitting for a while, he took his leave.

At this time, Li Si walked in, “Brother San, how should we handle these gifts?”

Zhang Fei said, “In the future, matters like this should be handled by the Madam.”

“The madam?” Although Li Si was simple-minded, he was aware of the situation.

Xu Zhiqian chuckled.

Zhang Fei, with a stern face, said, “Fifteen hundred strings of cash. Letting her do some work is no big deal.”

Talking about this made him frustrated.

“Yes!”

Li Si nodded and said, “I will go find the Madam.”

Xu Zhiqian laughed, “Are you trying to turn a pretend marriage into a real one?”

“No!”

Zhang Fei said, “This was supposed to be a real marriage, and now it’s almost falling apart. It’s frustrating. Moving is so difficult, let alone starting a family.”

Xu Zhiqian giggled.

Zhang Fei, with a stern face, asked, “What are you laughing at?”

Xu Zhiqian stifled her laughter and said, “I just find it amusing that, to others, every lawsuit you take on seems as difficult as climbing to the heavens, yet you resolve them with ease. Moving and starting a family seem easy to others, but for you, they’re extremely challenging.”

Zhang Fei sighed, “What did I do to deserve this!”

Seeing his genuine frustration, Xu Zhiqian couldn’t help but laugh at him. In fact, such matters would be easy for most men to solve. She comforted him, “Actually, you and Lady Gao are quite well-matched. You should put in some effort to win her over.”

“Win her over?” Zhang Fei scoffed, “With my fists? She was ready to die for her late husband. How long would it take?”

Xu Zhiqian said, “That proves she is a good woman. You should cherish her more.”

Zhang Fei shook his head impatiently, “You don’t understand.”

Xu Zhiqian teased, “Why don’t I understand? You’re just up to some lewd tricks.”

Damn! She does understand. Zhang Fei looked at Xu Zhiqian awkwardly, then said, “What’s lewd about it? I’m likely the only male heir in my family now, yet I’m constantly at risk. Wanting to leave an heir early is not wrong.”

Xu Zhiqian thought Zhang Fei’s reasoning was sound and asked, “What do you plan to do?”

“I…!”

Zhang Fei said, “Let’s handle the important matters first.”

After writing several complaint documents, it was already night. Xu Zhiqian left, and Zhang Fei, who hadn’t slept all night, suddenly felt exhausted and hungry. Suddenly, he smelled a fragrant aroma.

Following the scent, he saw Li Si bringing in a bowl of soup, “Brother San, you must be hungry!”

Zhang Fei was surprised, “Li Si, since when did you become so considerate?”

This guy was the kind of person who would not think of preparing winter clothes even when the cold came, unlike Xu Zhiqian who was more meticulous.

Li Si awkwardly smiled, “Madam and Xiaotao made this. I just delivered it.”

“Xiaotao?”

“The maid you bought last night!”

“Oh, right! I did buy a maid.” Zhang Fei slapped his forehead, sighing, “I must be really exhausted, forgetting everything.”

Li Si added, “But Brother San, Madam is truly amazing. She organized the house neatly in no time.”

“Really?” Zhang Fei asked.

Li Si nodded.

Zhang Fei asked, “Which room did you arrange for her?”

Li Si said, “I initially arranged for her to stay in the master bedroom, but she didn’t want to, so I had to put her in the guest room.”

Zhang Fei nodded, “The intention was good, but the method needs improvement. Keep working on it.”

Li Si scratched his head, “What method should I use then?”

“That’s easy.”

Zhang Fei looked at Li Si and beckoned him closer.

Li Si immediately leaned in.

Zhang Fei said, “If I were you, I would dismantle all the other rooms, leaving only one.”

Li Si gasped, “Then where would I live?”

“Bring the Madam here to eat!”

…

After a while, Gao Wenyin and Xiaotao brought in another dish.

Although she had changed out of the more glamorous dress from yesterday into a simpler one, she appeared more graceful and intellectual. Her tall, curvy figure exuded an allure of a good woman, which was truly deadly.

Capable in the hall and the kitchen, but not sure about…

“Please sit, Madam,” Zhang Fei said.

Gao Wenyin nodded gently and sat opposite Zhang Fei.

Zhang Fei said, “Madam, would you mind taking over the matters of the household?”

Gao Wenyin shook her head, “Bro…”

“Ahem!”

Zhang Fei glanced at Xiaotao.

Gao Wenyin quickly said, “I am deeply grateful for your kindness, my husband. I am willing to repay it in the next life by being a servant.”

He had paid cash but she was already talking about her next life—he had better avoid agreeing to that! Zhang Fei thought to himself and said, “If Madam doesn’t mind, I’ll leave all the household affairs to you for now.”

Gao Wenyin nodded, “It’s what I should do.”

Zhang Fei picked up his chopsticks, “Let’s eat.”

Although she was a sight to behold, he was genuinely hungry and began to eat ravenously.

After a while, he noticed Gao Wenyin staring blankly at her chopsticks and asked, “Madam, did you cook this?”

Gao Wenyin snapped out of her trance and said, “No, I just helped Xiaotao. She did most of the cooking.”

“Really?”

Zhang Fei looked at Xiaotao.

Xiaotao quickly said, “Madam is also very good at cooking.”

Zhang Fei glanced at the shy Gao Wenyin and told Xiaotao, “This dish is well-cooked. Keep it up, and I’ll give you a bonus at the end of the year.”

Xiaotao was overjoyed, “Thank you for your reward.”

The end of the year—it was already the end of the year. She had just arrived and was already getting a bonus. She felt she had made the right decision.

“You can call me Brother San, like Li Si does.”

“Yes, Brother San.”

As they talked, Zhang Fei glanced at Gao Wenyin, seeing her still looking worried and silent. With a quick glance at Xiaotao, he said, “Li Si, Xiaotao, you both have worked hard today. Go rest.”

“Yes.”

After they left, Zhang Fei said to Gao Wenyin, “I have some ideas about your brothers’ lawsuit.”

Gao Wenyin was startled, “Really?”

Zhang Fei nodded and whispered, “But there are some risks…”

“What do you mean?” Gao Wenyin asked.

Zhang Fei rubbed his neck, “Sorry, I’ve been talking all day, and my throat is a bit sore.”

“Speak slowly, no rush. I’ll sit closer.” Gao Wenyin quickly moved next to Zhang Fei, looking at him expectantly.

This was more like a married couple! Zhang Fei leaned closer to Gao Wenyin and whispered, “You know who lives next door, right?”

Gao Wenyin nodded slightly.

It wasn’t Li Si who talked but Xiaotao who told Gao Wenyin.

Zhang Fei said, “I discussed your brother’s case with Lord Xu. Due to the passage of time and lack of evidence, it’s very difficult to investigate. It’s extremely risky, especially involving the Transport Commission.”

Hearing this, Gao Wenyin looked dejected, “I understand it’s not easy. If there’s no way, don’t force it. I don’t want to burden you, husband.”

She was getting more comfortable calling him “husband,” but it made her cheeks flush.

Zhang Fei forced a smile, “I promised to help you, and I will. Don’t worry about me.”

Gao Wenyin, seeing his resolute face, couldn’t help but worry, “Let’s not decide yet. Let me discuss it with… Seventh Brother.”

That scholar…? Zhang Fei rolled his eyes, “What’s there to discuss? They know nothing about lawsuits.”

Gao Wenyin was slightly surprised, “But if it burdens you, how can I be at ease?”

Zhang Fei shook his head, “There’s no turning back. If I don’t help clear your brother’s name, I’d be harboring criminals.”

“Ah!”

Gao Wenyin was startled and almost bumped into Zhang Fei, who had leaned close. Her face turned red, and she pulled back slightly.

Zhang Fei, smelling her faint fragrance, secretly glanced at her. Seeing her blushing cheeks and flawless skin, he thought, I never planned to marry her, just wanted her for her looks. But now, she’s become my wife. She’s quite virtuous; maybe I should cultivate this relationship.

Calm yourself, Zhang Fei told himself seriously, “These days, I need to focus entirely on this case. All household matters, including my daily needs, will be your responsibility.”

Gao Wenyin quickly said, “Rest assured, I will do my best.”

She was even more earnest than Xiaotao.

Zhang Fei smiled, “But Madam, if you neglect eating, you might fall ill, and then I’d have to take care of you.”

Gao Wenyin blushed and reached for her chopsticks, realizing they were still on the other side of the table. As she was about to get up, a pair of chopsticks were placed before her.

She glanced at Zhang Fei, who remained calm, “Sit here. It’s easier for you to serve me. I like to think while eating.”

Gao Wenyin nodded and obediently sat beside him.

Zhang Fei asked, “Madam, do you really know how to cook?”

Gao Wenyin shyly nodded.

Zhang Fei said, “I also know a few dishes. Let’s compete one day?”

“Ah? Sure…” Gao Wenyin awkwardly nodded.

Zhang Fei continued, “I hate washing and drying my hair, styling it, and dressing. From now on, you’ll handle all that.”

Gao Wenyin blushed and gently nodded.