Chapter Eleven: Seeking Justice

What astonished him even more was that his sister’s maid had transformed into the magistrate’s concubine, and was even claiming his sister had been expelled for stealing silver!

Chu Bing brought him to her own quarters in the rear courtyard. “How did you find your way here?”

She had originally planned to send word home once she’d settled in, so her family wouldn’t worry. She hadn’t expected this kid to track her down on his own—he was more capable than she thought!

“I went to the county office, and they said you hadn’t been there for ages. Sis, what happened? Did that bastard magistrate bully you?” Chu Wenyan rolled up his sleeves, ready for a fight. Despite his frail appearance, his temper was fierce.

Chu Bing felt a headache coming on. This little brat was as thin as a chick; who knew who would suffer more in a fight?

She pressed a hand to Chu Wenyan’s shoulder and explained solemnly, “The past is the past. What matters now is how we move forward and live well.”

Chu Wenyan still bristled with anger. “Sis, you’re just going to let it go like that?”

“And what if I don’t?” she shot him a stern look.

He lowered his voice, “Our family is poor, and you sold yourself as a servant to the magistrate for me and Father… It’s all because I’m useless.”

Knowing her brother’s stubbornness, Chu Bing worried he’d make trouble, so she explained everything that had happened in detail.

After hearing the truth, Chu Wenyan’s anger only grew. The maid had some nerve, usurping his sister’s position and betraying her!

But seeing the worry in Chu Bing’s eyes, he swallowed his words, silently resolving not to let his sister suffer any more indignities.

“How is Father?” Chu Bing asked, thinking of the man left alone in their old home.

At the mention of their father, Chu Wenyan’s expression turned dejected. “His health is getting worse. He didn’t want to worry you, so he never mentioned it.”

Chu Bing paused, recalling the original owner’s final wish. “Once I’m settled here, I’ll bring Father over. He should enjoy some peace and comfort with us.”

Business at the restaurant was brisk; the waiter had already called for her several times. After a few more instructions to Chu Wenyan, Chu Bing left.

As soon as she was gone, Chu Wenyan’s expression changed. He spotted an iron shovel in the corner, grabbed it, and marched out.

If that heartless magistrate dared bully his sister, he’d have to be taught a lesson! And that ungrateful maid deserved a good beating too.

Chu Wenyan slipped out the back door, shovel in hand, only to run straight into a young man in a pale crescent-white robe.

Just then, the young man called out, “Wait!”

Li Haoran had come by to help again today. Who would have thought that, upon entering the rear courtyard, he’d spot a youth who looked remarkably like Chu Bing, storming out with a shovel.

He immediately guessed who this was. He’d investigated Chu Bing’s background and knew she had a younger brother, Chu Wenyan, and an elderly father.

“Chu Wenyan?” Li Haoran raised an eyebrow.

Chu Wenyan was surprised—he hadn’t expected anyone to recognize him.

Seeing his confusion, Li Haoran hurriedly cupped his hands and explained, “I’m a friend of Miss Chu. She’s mentioned you before. May I ask where you’re headed?”

Upon hearing he was his sister’s friend, Chu Wenyan quickly hid the shovel behind his back, forcing out a stiff reply, “My sister asked me to take a walk on the street.”

“Oh?” Li Haoran eyed the shovel suspiciously.

Chu Wenyan simply brought it out, admitting in a tone of reckless abandon, “My sister’s been wronged. I’m going to get justice for her!”

Li Haoran was even more puzzled. “When was your sister wronged?”

Thinking of Chu Bing’s temperament, he found it hard to imagine her accepting injustice.

Fuming, Chu Wenyan recounted all that had happened.

Li Haoran had already learned most of these details during his earlier investigation, but he had always believed Chu Bing wasn’t the sort to let herself suffer quietly. Now, hearing it firsthand, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of sympathy.

After all, Chu Bing was just a young woman—and his own master at that. He felt it was his duty to seek justice for her.

“If you want to stand up for Miss Chu, count me in!” he declared.

Chu Wenyan eyed Li Haoran warily. “What’s your relationship with my sister?”

Li Haoran replied, “Miss Chu has helped me a great deal. Her matters are mine as well. Without me, I doubt you’d even get through the magistrate’s gate.”

That much was true.

Chu Wenyan knew well enough that, on his own, he’d likely never return if he went to confront the magistrate. But this man before him was sharply dressed and clearly of noble birth. With him along, the magistrate was sure to be taught a harsh lesson!

Chu Wenyan grinned widely. “If you’re willing to go, I won’t stop you. Just remember—don’t tell my sister about any of this!”

“Of course!”

The two of them hurried to the gate of the county office. Seeing Chu Wenyan about to storm inside, Li Haoran quickly grabbed his arm. “You don’t mean to just barge in like this, do you?”

“And why not?”

Li Haoran sighed. “Truth be told, your sister… Well, she did steal money, didn’t she? If it weren’t for you telling me, I’d never have known. That does put us at a disadvantage.”

But Chu Wenyan wouldn’t listen and was determined to rush in. Li Haoran had to suggest, “Fine, if you want to vent your anger, let’s wait here. When the magistrate comes out, we’ll throw a sack over his head and beat him soundly. What do you think?”

“Excellent!” Chu Wenyan was delighted.

If they were going to do something big, they ought to cover their tracks and not bring trouble to Chu Bing.

With a wave of Li Haoran’s hand, two black-clad bodyguards appeared, waiting for instructions.

Chu Wenyan was amazed as Li Haoran ordered, “Bring out a burlap sack and two masks.”

The bodyguards fetched the items and hid themselves in the trees, watching as their master and the young hothead masked their faces and crouched in a corner.

Dusk fell before the magistrate finally swaggered out of the office. A sedan chair was waiting, attended by four or five servants.

The magistrate, belly protruding, picked his teeth with a toothpick as he prepared to board the sedan.

At that moment, a shadow darted forward and crashed into him.

The magistrate felt his money pouch snatched from his belt and shouted instinctively, “Thief! Catch the thief!”

Chaos erupted. Then two masked figures sprang out, pulled a black sack over the magistrate’s head, and delivered a thorough beating.

“Ow, ow, that hurts! Who are you? I’m the county magistrate—let me go at once!”