Chapter 117: The Hearts of the People

On this morning in Tongxiang, snow began to drift from the sky.

For the winter in the southern lands, snow was a rarity, no matter how cold it turned. The streets were not crowded; walking out through the bluestone alleys, one could see women in many courtyards sweeping away the dusting of snow. The children were the happiest, as snowflakes were a natural amusement, a fresh and novel delight.

Dai Yun had risen early to carefully brush the snow from the vines in her courtyard. Her six-year-old daughter, Ping'an, was sitting obediently in the main room eating her meal. The porridge was so thin one could see one's reflection in it, yet Ping'an ate with gusto, occasionally lifting her eyes to look out the window at the snowflakes swirling down, finding them quite interesting.

"Ping'an, close the window," Dai Yun called from the courtyard. "Don't catch a cold."

Ping'an answered, climbed off her stool, and stood on tiptoe to shut the window.

Dai Yun looked up at the roof and sighed. The weather was growing colder. If the snow melted and seeped through the damaged roof, the house would become even colder, and if it dripped onto Ping'an, it would be troublesome. She needed to find time to have someone repair the roof... If only there were a man in the house. Dai Yun could not help but think this. When Xue Huayuan was still around, she had never felt this way, but now, the thought surfaced frequently.

Dai Yun was not yet twenty-five, young and beautiful. She was a widow; her husband had gone fishing when Ping'an was just two and perished in a storm, a gale rarely seen in a decade. The boat had capsized, and he was gone. Since then, only Dai and her daughter had relied on each other to survive.

Without a man in the house, life was always inconvenient. The new county magistrate, Feng Yutang, was always trying to take advantage of her. Dai Yun had managed to fend him off once or twice, but she did not know how much longer she could hold out. The neighbors who used to be willing to help now avoided her due to Feng Yutang’s intimidation, leaving her to endure in silence.

Dai Yun sighed. Regardless of anything else, she only hoped Ping'an could grow up healthy. She walked over to the stone table in the courtyard and sat down, where her unfinished needlework lay—she relied on this to supplement their meager income. Seeing this, Ping'an hugged her wooden dog and sat beside her. The toy had been made for her by her father before he passed; the sight of it made Dai Yun’s heart ache.

Just as the mother and daughter were about to begin their day’s work, they heard a rhythmic knocking at the courtyard gate: "Knock, knock, knock."

"Someone's here!" Ping'an said.

Dai Yun looked toward the gate, her heart tightening. She feared it was Feng Yutang coming to cause trouble again. Every visit from him was a nightmare. But today’s knocking felt much gentler than his usual impatient, hurried rapping.

Ping'an opened her eyes wide, staring blankly at her mother. Dai Yun stood up, walked to the gate, and hesitated before opening it.

It was not the detested Feng Yutang standing outside, but a strange young girl.

The girl looked to be only fifteen or sixteen, with delicate features and bright eyes. She wore a dark green Su-embroidered moon-flower skirt and a cyan patterned cloak. The cloak was oversized, making her appear exceptionally fragile and dainty, and a faint smile played on her lips.

Dai Yun did not know this girl, but she recognized the fabric of her clothing; it was worth at least a hundred taels of silver.

Trembling slightly, she asked, "Who are you...?"

The girl smiled at her. "My name is Jiang Li. I have come to see you regarding the case of Magistrate Xue."

Dai Yun froze. Ping'an quietly followed, hiding behind the courtyard fence, peeking at the stranger.

Before Dai Yun could speak, the girl had already walked inside. "Let's go in. It's very cold out here."

Jiang Li stepped into the courtyard. It remained just as it had been, though perhaps more dilapidated and worn than before. It seemed Dai Yun’s life had not been easy. When Xue Huayuan had asked her to send money to Dai Yun, Jiang Li had visited this place; back then, Ping'an was just a tiny thing, but now she had grown so tall.

Time truly flew.

Dai Yun looked at the girl, feeling a sudden, profound hesitation. The girl named Jiang Li walked into the courtyard as if she were familiar with it, even sitting down at the stone table and looking at the needlework, praising it with sincere admiration: "You do such wonderful work."

Dai Yun pulled Ping'an toward Jiang Li. "Miss... Miss Jiang, I don't understand what you mean. What about... Magistrate Xue's case?"

Jiang Li lifted her eyes to hers. "Dai Yun, Magistrate Xue has been imprisoned for embezzling disaster relief funds and will be executed in five days. You should know what kind of man Magistrate Xue is. I intend to overturn his case, but I need witnesses. Dai Yun, are you willing to be my witness and clear Magistrate Xue's name?"

Her voice was soft and gentle, yet it struck Dai Yun’s heart like a heavy hammer. Dai Yun instinctively gripped Ping'an’s hand tighter, forcing a stiff smile. "We don't really know about Magistrate Xue's affairs. We are just common folk; whatever the government says is the truth..."

"How can you not know?" Jiang Li looked at Ping'an, who was peeking from behind her mother. Jiang Li reached out a hand, and Ping'an, unable to resist, took two steps forward and reached out her own chubby hand to touch Jiang Li’s fingertips.

"Ping'an!" Dai Yun shouted, stopping her. Ping'an was her life, and she would never allow any harm to come to her.

Hearing her mother's rebuke, Ping'an quickly pulled her hand back, but she still stared at Jiang Li with curiosity, showing no fear.

"If it weren't for Magistrate Xue, would Ping'an have grown up to be as healthy as she is now?" Jiang Li asked. "Isn't that reason enough for you to be a witness and speak for him?"

Dai Yun felt as if she had been struck by lightning.

Years ago, after her husband died, Dai Yun was young and beautiful, and widowhood brought unwanted attention. She had remained faithful to her late husband’s memory. When Ping'an was two and a half, she fell gravely ill. Dai Yun had to borrow money everywhere to pay for the treatment. The illness was cured, but the debt was heavy. The creditor, who had long coveted Dai Yun, demanded she become his concubine to settle the debt. When she refused, he threatened to kidnap Ping'an and sell her to a brothel.

It was Magistrate Xue who stepped in when Dai Yun had nowhere else to turn. He rescued Ping'an and paid off their debts. The person who had delivered the money back then was Xue's own daughter. Dai Yun still remembered the beauty of that young lady and had marveled at how someone so kind and graceful could exist. Ping'an had loved her, laughing whenever she saw her.

Now that Jiang Li brought up the past, Dai Yun panicked. She did not want Ping'an to know her mother was an ingrate, yet she could not risk her daughter’s safety. Everyone in Tongxiang knew what kind of man Feng Yutang was—those who obeyed him flourished, and those who defied him perished. If he found out she was a witness, he would surely target Ping'an.

She was a mother; she could not watch her child fall into danger.

Dai Yun looked at Jiang Li, her eyes pleading. "Miss Jiang, we... we truly don't know anything. Please, find someone else... treat it as if we have failed Magistrate Xue..."

Jiang Li said nothing, but Dai Yun saw the flash of disappointment in her eyes. In that moment, whether from a guilty conscience or a trick of the light, Dai Yun felt as if she were not looking at this strange Miss Jiang, but at that beautiful and kind-hearted daughter of the Xue family. Her gentle smile was gone, and she was just sitting there, watching her with disappointment.

Dai Yun suddenly felt she had no face to see anyone.

Jiang Li stood up, patted Ping'an on the head, and said, "If that is the case, I will look elsewhere." She said to Dai Yun, "Sorry to have disturbed you," and turned to leave.

Was that... it? Dai Yun called out, "Miss Jiang..." When Jiang Li stopped, she didn't know what to say. After a long silence, she stammered, "Perhaps the others in Tongxiang... are the same as me..." She could not finish.

Jiang Li said, "I know, but if we do not do this, Magistrate Xue will truly have no hope left. I am fortunate that Magistrate Xue helped every household in Tongxiang. Five hundred and sixty-eight families—that sounds like there is still hope. If he had only helped a few, and those few were like you, that would truly be disappointing." She paused, then added, "Raise Ping'an well. Since you have already paid such a high price, do not give up."

...

Elsewhere, Ye Mingyu was knocking on the door of another home.

This family was very poor, living in a dilapidated thatched hut. After the wind and snow of the previous night, the entire house looked ready to collapse. Ye Mingyu, having grown up in a family of immense wealth, rarely saw such poverty and found it almost surreal.

After a long time, the door was opened by an elderly woman who looked as fragile as a flickering candle. She wore thin, cotton-padded clothes; just looking at her made Ye Mingyu feel cold.

The old woman looked at Ye Mingyu as if she did not see him, asking in confusion, "Is someone there? Who are you...?"

The woman was blind.

Ye Mingyu said, "Old Madam, is your son home? I am looking for him." In the booklet Jiang Li had given him, this family clearly had a son who was a scholar.

"You are looking for Xuan?" the old woman said. "He went out to buy tofu and will be back soon. What do you need him for?"

As soon as she finished speaking, a voice came from outside: "Mother, I'm back!"

Mo Xuan had just reached his door when he saw a tall, burly man standing there. When he turned and saw the scar on the man's face and his fierce, ruffian-like appearance, he was startled, nearly dropping his tofu. He asked, "Brother..."

"Are you Mo Xuan?" Ye Mingyu examined him critically. Mo Xuan was nearly thirty and unmarried, living alone—no wonder, given his poverty. He was a man dedicated to his studies but had only ever achieved the rank of scholar. His hair was messy, he had a bit of stubble, and his cotton robe was washed white with age. He squinted at people, needing to get close to see clearly.

"Yes, I am," Mo Xuan said.

"I have some business with you," Ye Mingyu said roughly. "Let's step aside." He wanted to persuade Mo Xuan to be a witness and could not let a frail old woman hear. He gestured for Mo Xuan to follow him outside.

The old woman hesitated but did not follow. The house was too poor to have a courtyard, so Ye Mingyu led Mo Xuan to a patch of open ground behind the house.

Ye Mingyu said, "Mo Xuan, do you know that Magistrate Xue has been imprisoned?"

Mo Xuan froze, then nervously waved his hands, looking around. "Brother... don't mention that, don't mention that!"

*A cowardly scholar,* Ye Mingyu thought with disdain. "What are you afraid of? Will you die if you speak of it? Rest assured, with me here, I guarantee you won't die."

Mo Xuan had likely never encountered such a blunt person. Despite his desperate attempts to stop him, Ye Mingyu remained unmoved, saying "Magistrate Xue" repeatedly, as if afraid others wouldn't hear.

"Listen, scholar. Magistrate Xue is in prison and will be executed in five days on charges of embezzling relief funds. You know what kind of man he is. We are here to overturn his case and need witnesses. Are you willing to come forward, expose Feng Yutang, and help clear Magistrate Xue's name?"

Hearing this, Mo Xuan trembled like a leaf in the wind. "I can't, I can't!"

"What do you mean you can't?" Ye Mingyu, having no patience for such people, snapped. "Why not? You come with me! I recall Magistrate Xue helped you settle in Tongxiang, let you enter the local school, and helped you become a scholar. Why wasn't it 'I can't' back then? If it weren't for him, you wouldn't even have the copper coins to buy tofu today! How would you support your mother?"

Mo Xuan was not from Tongxiang. Years ago, he had brought his blind mother to find relatives, only to discover they had passed away. Destitute and a foreigner, he was on the verge of begging for his life. If not for Magistrate Xue, who had happened upon him being bullied by thugs and stepped in to help—even allowing him into the school—he never would have become a scholar. Though life was poor, he would have starved to death long ago if not for that help.

"They say that righteousness is often found among the butchers and dog-slaughterers, while the heartless are often scholars. I’ve finally seen it with my own eyes today!" Ye Mingyu said bitterly. "If Magistrate Xue had known he was helping such a wolf with a white-eyed gaze, he shouldn't have lifted a finger! He should have let you die at the hands of those bullies!"

Mo Xuan listened, his face flushing red. Suddenly, he shouted, "Enough! Stop! Do you think I don't want to clear Magistrate Xue's name? Do you think I don't know he was wronged? Benevolence, righteousness, loyalty, and filial piety—I studied all of these! But Feng Yutang is not a human! Do you know what he did to those who tried to help the Magistrate before? He harmed their parents, wives, and children! I, Mo Xuan, may not be a hero, and I don't fear for my own life if it helps my benefactor! But I have my mother. She raised me through such hardship, and now she is blind and can do nothing. I have never been able to provide her a good life, but I cannot let her be put in danger because of me!"

Mo Xuan breathed heavily, his chest heaving. He had probably never argued with anyone like this before; his neck was red, and the veins on his forehead were bulging.

Ye Mingyu looked at him, his anger subsiding slightly, though he still hated his spinelessness. "You don't want to put your mother in danger, but are you willing to let her be shamed by you? You don't know how disappointed she would be if she found out. To have a son who makes her unable to hold her head high—that is a hundred times more lowly than being poor."

"You!" Mo Xuan was rendered speechless.

At that moment, a trembling voice rose: "Xuan."

The two turned to see Mo Xuan’s mother, the blind old woman, tapping her way toward them with her cane. She must have heard their argument and could no longer stay silent.

The old woman asked, "Xuan, is what this brother said true? Is Magistrate Xue really in prison?"

Mo Xuan stammered, unable to answer. His mother was blind and could not go out, so she was unaware of the earth-shattering changes in Tongxiang. He hadn't told her because he knew her character; if she knew, she would surely speak up for the Magistrate. And he did not want to see his mother in danger.

"Xuan," the old woman’s voice turned stern.

"It is true," Mo Xuan replied helplessly. "It has been over half a year. Magistrate Xue was imprisoned for embezzlement and will be executed soon."

"Nonsense!" The old woman slammed her cane into the ground, clearly angered. "Everyone in Tongxiang knows what kind of man Magistrate Xue is. Without him, there would be no Tongxiang today. Xuan, tell this brother that you are willing to be a witness. A person cannot forget their roots! If we don't stand up, how are we any different from those villains? This is aiding the tyrant!"

"But Mother..."

"I know what you fear. I have lived long enough; I am not afraid of death! If you are not afraid of death, stand up! If someone wants to harm you, I will face it with you. We have lived together all these years, what is there to fear in dying together? The most important thing is to have backbone. If you are afraid of death, then hide, and I will go with this brother to testify. I will not implicate you!"

"Mother, what are you saying? How could your son let you face danger alone?" Mo Xuan stomped his foot in frustration. He looked at Ye Mingyu and said with resolve, "Brother, you should find a place to hide my mother. I will go with you to testify. My mother is right—one cannot forget their roots. A villain like Feng Yutang will go to hell sooner or later. Why shouldn't I be the one to send him there?"

Ye Mingyu had intended to give up. This scholar was too timid, and he had no patience for dealing with men of letters. Jiang Li might have been able to persuade him, but he couldn't. Yet, in the final moment, the situation had turned, and Mo Xuan’s mother had changed his mind.

Ye Mingyu looked at the mother and son, feeling a twinge of emotion. He was young, strong, and bold, acting without much thought for the consequences. But many people had families and burdens; courage was not easily summoned. It was no wonder Jiang Li said the final step was the hardest, for the human heart was unfathomable and full of shackles.

But finally, someone was willing to stand up, right?

Out of five hundred and sixty-eight families, one had come forward. Surely there would be a second, a third... human nature held both evil and good.

Ye Mingyu patted Mo Xuan on the shoulder. "Lad, don't look so heroic. Feng Yutang is just a paper tiger, not worth mentioning. Besides, his good days in Tongxiang are coming to an end. No one will do anything to you or your mother. Everyone will be fine—the only one in trouble will be Feng Yutang."

Mo Xuan bowed. "I rely on you, brother."

"Don't mention it!" Ye Mingyu said. "I won't stay long; I have to find the next household."

"The next household?" the old woman asked curiously.

"There are five hundred and sixty-eight families in Tongxiang, and every one of them has received kindness from Magistrate Xue. I have to find all of them, one by one, to find witnesses," Ye Mingyu said proudly.

"You are truly a good person," Mo Xuan said blankly. "To help Magistrate Xue so devotedly—have you also received his kindness in the past? Magistrate Xue must be comforted to have someone so grateful. I thank you on his behalf."

"Hey, don't talk nonsense. I haven't received any kindness from the Magistrate," Ye Mingyu said. "It is my niece who has ties to the Xue family, and she came to Tongxiang specifically to help. If you want to thank someone, thank her. Her name is Jiang Li; she is the daughter of the current Chief Minister, Jiang Yuanbai. You will see her later—she is a rare and good girl."

Ye Mingyu thought to himself that this was only the first family, and they had already found someone willing to stand up. If Jiang Li knew this, she would surely be happy—for herself, and for the poor Magistrate Xue in prison.

...

Inside the county office, Feng Yutang was anxiously waiting for news.

He had to take Jiang Li’s life within five days. He didn't know what she was doing; setting aside the Xue case, if Princess Yongning knew he had botched this, she would not let him live.

Furthermore, the twenty bodies of his men lying in the back courtyard made it impossible for him to sit still. Jiang Li was such a difficult enemy; who knew what means she would use against him? He had lost twenty of his most elite men. Would he be the next one in the pile of corpses?

Feng Yutang didn't dare to think. The only thing that could stop his fear was to kill Jiang Li immediately. He would deal with future troubles later, but for now, he had to remove this dangerous threat.

But the men he had sent out early that morning, like the twenty-three from the night before, had yet to return. He waited from morning until noon, then from noon until evening. As dusk fell, the snow stopped, and the world was calm.

It was a calm that bred anxiety.

There was no news, and these men hadn't been spotted anywhere. It was as if they had vanished into thin air in just a few moments. No one had seen them, and one couldn't help but wonder if they had ever truly existed.

"Magistrate..." a servant scrambled in, his voice filled with terror. "Magistrate, they... they have been found!"

"Found!" Feng Yutang stood up, his heart pounding. He no longer hoped for news of Jiang Li’s death; he just wanted to know the whereabouts of his men. "Where?"

"In... in the back courtyard," the servant said fearfully.

Feng Yutang’s heart sank. His legs wobbled, and he struggled to steady himself. "Let's go take a look..."

Looking at the servant’s face, he knew the situation in the courtyard was dire. But Feng Yutang did not ask; it was as if he could only believe it if he saw it himself.

The twenty bodies found that morning had been covered in white cloths and stacked in a corner. Now, with the snow stopped, the previously empty courtyard had another row of lifeless bodies.

Feng Yutang closed his eyes.

Such methods, such provocation—he was at a loss. Jiang Li only had seven people with her; how could they cut through his guards like vegetables, wave after wave? Were they all peerless masters?

And how had they silently returned these bodies to the back courtyard of the office? Feng Yutang knew that if they could return the bodies without anyone noticing, it meant they could take his life just as easily.

Why hadn't they assassinated him yet?

Feng Yutang did not understand. He asked, "Isn't there a mute old woman in the courtyard? Bring her out. Ask her when she saw suspicious people. If she can't speak, have her gesture!"

If the old woman were in the courtyard, perhaps she had seen how they got in.

The servant blinked, as if just remembering her. "Now that you mention it, I haven't seen the mute woman for a few days."

"Could she be dead?" Feng Yutang frowned. That old woman had lived a long time; every time he saw her, he felt she would breathe her last any second. They had never paid her any mind, so her disappearance went unnoticed. She had likely died in her room.

"Since these people couldn't kill Jiang Li, she is still alive." Feng Yutang asked, "Where is she now, and what is she doing?"

His two subordinates looked at each other, not daring to speak.

Feng Yutang grew angry. "Speak!"

"Miss Jiang and the Third Master Ye split into two groups early this morning. They moved from the east of the county to the west, knocking on the doors of commoners. We don't know what they said, but they would leave quickly and move to the next house. They've visited hundreds of families."

"But we heard... we heard them mention the name of Xue Huayuan. They must be talking about the Xue case."