22. Testing the Schemes of the Heart

Afternoon, Rong County Government Office.

The county magistrate of Rong County, Xia Keshang, was a man in his thirties, slightly overweight. His official robe, draped over his frame, projected an air more of prosperity than authority. Seated at the bench, he struck the wooden block and demanded, “Who is kneeling before the court?” Without even glancing up, he gave the impression of a muddled official who, in a single month, had forgotten the family of a man he himself had sentenced to death. Did it never occur to him that someone might come seeking vengeance? Or did he truly regard human life so lightly?

The young man lifted his head, his gaze unwavering as he met Xia Keshang’s eyes. With a calm dignity, he replied, “Commoner Chai Rong, son of Chai En, Your Excellency. My father is the one you sentenced to be beheaded!” At the mention of his father, hatred flickered in Chai Rong’s eyes.

Xia Keshang pondered for a moment, but still failed to recall. The scribe at his side leaned in and whispered a few words into his ear, and only then did Xia Keshang remember who Chai Rong was. Striking the block again, he bellowed, “Brazen Chai Rong, your father harbored seditious texts, a crime for which nine generations of your family should have been executed. It was only out of mercy for your youth that I spared you. And now you dare come to the yamen to file a complaint? You truly do not know the meaning of death!” In truth, it was he who was ignorant of death, blissfully unaware of what was about to unfold, yet still accusing another of recklessness.

Hui Yue’er and Zhao Chengxian watched Xia Keshang’s handling of the case and shook their heads. What magistrate presumes guilt before hearing the facts? It seemed Zhao Chengxian would be disappointed yet again.

Chai Rong spoke loudly, “Your Excellency, my father was wronged! Those books were never his. True, my father owned many books, but none like those!” He recounted the events of the day his family was seized. “It was my birthday. My parents were preparing gifts for me. Just as we were about to dine together, Chief Lin arrived with soldiers to search our house. They found nothing incriminating, but then a yamen runner mysteriously produced some books. Chief Lin declared them seditious, and took my father away!” Tears streaming, he pleaded, “Your Excellency, those books were not my father’s, truly not…” The scene echoed that day in court, when Chai Rong had cried out in anguish, to no avail. He could not save his father then, and had no idea what outcome awaited him today. Resigned to die if need be, he had come to this hall that had brought him such utter despair. What hope was left for him now?

The townsfolk gathered outside the court pitied Chai Rong deeply, but not one dared oppose the tyrant; they nursed their anger in silence. Zhao Chengxian wanted to see if this muddle-headed Xia Keshang might yet be struck by conscience, but his hopes were dim.

Xia Keshang glared at Chai Rong and thundered, “You insolent wretch! To claim I judged unjustly? Men, give him fifty strokes!” The swaggering yamen runners advanced, grinning wickedly. They forced Chai Rong down, raised their boards, and were about to strike when—suddenly, one runner’s board clattered to the floor. Gripping his wrist in pain, he looked around in confusion, as did the others. All they saw was a small stone flying into the hall.

Hui Yue’er glanced at Zhao Chengxian and smiled, knowing he was responsible. After spending the day together, she realized Zhao Chengxian was not as useless as she had once believed—he had his merits.

Zhao Chengxian strode in boldly. “Is this how you administer justice, Your Excellency? With suspicion uninvestigated, is this how an official serves the people?” The crowd was bewildered—who was this man who dared intervene in such a case? How could an ordinary citizen be so bold? All eyes turned to Zhao Chengxian, full of curiosity.

Xia Keshang found the man somewhat familiar but could not place him. He roared, “Who are you to enter the court without my permission? What punishment do you deserve?” This was the last of Xia Keshang’s bluster. Zhao Chengxian presented a golden token of his rank. At the sight of it, Xia Keshang hastily came forward to salute. “Your humble servant greets the Prince Jun. I did not realize Your Highness had arrived and failed to welcome you—please, forgive me!” Zhao Chengxian ignored him and sat beneath the plaque inscribed “Justice Hangs High,” with Xia Keshang obsequiously standing by. Xia Keshang knew Prince Jun wielded little real power, but his words carried weight with the Emperor.

Zhao Chengxian gazed coldly at the yamen runners, making them quail. After a long silence, he spoke: “I have learned the facts of this case. Since there are doubts, the matter shall be transferred to the Ministry of Justice for further investigation.” He turned to Xia Keshang with a mocking smile. “Magistrate Xia, I shall report your conduct truthfully to the Emperor. I trust His Majesty will discern right from wrong!” Without another glance, Zhao Chengxian left the yamen. The outcome of the selection for Vice Minister of Justice was now all but certain.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, or those in between, hurry and shower me with tokens, red envelopes, and gifts! Hold nothing back—let the storm rage ever fiercer!