dognovel Chapter 177 Letter of Dissolution
Chapter 177 Letter of Dissolution
In the courtroom, the cries and pleas for mercy were so loud they hurt Choi Ji-ho's ears. Suddenly, with a "snap," the courtroom fell silent.
Choi Ji-ho's patience had run out. He glared impatiently at the crowd below. "What kind of decorum is this, making such a racket in the courtroom? Do you really think this is a marketplace?"
"This humble subject dares not do so. I beg Your Excellency to calm your anger and forgive Elder Chen's crime."
As everyone apologized, they didn't forget to plead for Chen Laoda. They didn't want to meddle, but if they didn't intervene today, these two old Chens were no pushovers. They would definitely cause endless trouble in the village.
Shi Wanxia couldn't help but laugh out loud: "In that case, let's ask Chen Lao Er himself!"
All eyes turned to Chen Lao Er, leaving him momentarily at a loss. There were quite a few malicious and threatening glances. Chen Lao Er pondered for a long time before speaking.
"My lord, I humbly beg you to grant me your decision. I can agree not to sue Elder Chen, but I require a letter of severance from this family. Their life or death will be none of my concern. If you do not agree, I beg you to judge me strictly according to the law."
As soon as Chen Lao Er finished speaking, the Chen couple present were so angry that they cursed loudly: "You unfilial son, how dare you sever ties with the parents who gave you life and raised you? You unfilial son, aren't you afraid of divine retribution?"
"God, open your eyes! Why should such a beast be allowed to live on earth?"
Shi Wanxia was getting really tired of hearing it. These bizarre parents were cursing their own son like that. They really didn't deserve to be parents!
Cui Zhihao raised an eyebrow. It wasn't impossible to agree to Chen Lao Er's request, but these two scoundrels still needed to be punished.
"How dare you! In the courtroom, if you dare to utter such foul language, I will have you subjected to severe torture immediately."
"In this case, you can agree to Chen Lao Er's demands. If you don't agree, then you will have Chen Lao Da detained."
Seeing this, the Chen couple panicked and begged for mercy repeatedly. "Sir, we'll write a letter of severance, as long as you can save our son. We'll agree to any conditions."
Cui Zhihao disliked the feeling that things were spiraling out of control. "Alright, enough with this haggling. Boss Chen has committed a serious crime; he might escape death, but he'll face severe punishment. If you truly want him released, pay him thirty taels of silver. Otherwise..."
Those present dared not offend the county magistrate, but where would they, as honest farmers, get thirty taels of silver? Heavens! Wasn't this going to kill them?
"My lord, where would I get so much money? Please, sir, have mercy!" Chen Da's mother cried out and begged for mercy, her voice sending chills down one's spine.
Shi Wanxia finally understood what the county magistrate was up to. He was eliminating the problem once and for all, so that there wouldn't be any more quarrels and troubles later on.
The village head and the others from the clan hurried away from the family. They had finished their business, and there was nothing they could do about Chen Laoda's situation. Thirty taels of silver was no small sum; their annual income was only one tael. Where would they get such a sum?
"Alright, which one of you is the head of the Chen clan? The document severing ties has been written. Chen Lao Er, Chen Zhu, hurry up and affix your fingerprints! It's getting late. I've finished judging your case. Guards, take the prisoner Chen Lao Da into custody. The rest of you, disperse!"
Choi Ji-ho was feeling a bit sore all over from sitting. This case was essentially a family matter, and as the local official, this was the best solution he could think of.
The Chen couple and their other daughters-in-law were unhappy and all protected Chen the eldest, which angered Cui Zhihao. A sharp "smack" rang out, startling everyone in the courtroom.
"How dare you! What do you think you're doing in court? Chen the eldest is to be detained, and you two can go back and raise the money! Chen the second is free. Come to the county office tomorrow to re-register your household registration! I warn you, if you dare to fight in private or do anything illegal or disorderly, don't blame me for being ruthless."
"Court adjourned!" With a resounding thud of the gavel, Cui Zhihao announced the adjournment of the court. The case, which had dragged on all day, was finally coming to an end. It was already dark outside. Shi Wanxia tidied up the day's cases and put them away. She then got up and took them back to her room.
The people below the hall started making a fuss again. This time, the yamen runners didn't tolerate it. They grabbed the people and dragged them out of the county yamen. Chen Lao Er took the letter of severance, solemnly put it in his pocket, wiped away his tears, and solemnly and sincerely kowtowed to express his gratitude for the great kindness of the upright magistrate.
Cui Zhihao waved his hand, signaling him to stand up. "You don't need to thank me. I know you used to be a soldier. I just want to tell you that now that you're back, behave yourself and don't bring out your old ways of harming the people. Otherwise, I will not let you off easily."
Chen Lao Er repeatedly begged for mercy: "This humble subject dares not, from now on I will follow your lead."
Cui Zhihao impatiently dismissed the person; he was simply too tired today. When he got up, he realized the girl was gone. Had she gone home?
Cui Zhihao went to the side hall to fetch civilian clothes, as most of the people from the county government office had already left.
As soon as Shi Wanxia left the county government office, she found that her road was blocked. She looked up and saw Old Man Chen and his men blocking her way.
She remained completely calm. As an official appointed by the imperial court, how dare they be so audacious as to disrespect her at the entrance of the county government office?
Shi Wanxia remained calm and composed, arms crossed, her gaze sweeping over the group with disdain. "What, are you all defying the magistrate's judgment? Are you trying to disrespect an official of the imperial court? Insubordination is punishable by the extermination of nine generations of your family. Have you thought this through?"
When Old Man Chen and his wife heard that their entire family would be executed, they hesitated to act. But the scholar retorted loudly, "She's lying and exaggerating! How could I, a dignified scholar, be fooled by a little brat like you!"
His voice echoed in the silent air, carrying a hint of anger and disdain.
Shi Wanxia remained unmoved. Her gaze was firm and cold as she stared directly at the scholar and slowly said, "Do you think I'm joking? You commoners have some nerve to lay a hand on me, a government official. You're tired of living, aren't you?"
The scholar's face turned pale, his lips trembled slightly, but he couldn't speak. Old Man Chen and his wife, along with the others, also began to panic. They realized the seriousness of the situation and began to regret their actions.
Shi Wanxia guessed it must be this person, and instigated them to ambush her there. "You wouldn't happen to be jealous of me, an official, for having a woman in office, would you? Want to teach me a lesson? What a joke! Even if I weren't an official, you dare to mess with me? You must be incredibly arrogant!"
Shi Wanxia's imposing manner intimidated everyone present, leaving them stunned and speechless. They looked at each other, hesitant to make a move. The Chen couple, however, remembered their beloved son, who was currently suffering in prison.