Chapter 105: Resolving the Liu Family – Part Two

 

As expected, with the young man’s appeal and instigation, the scandals of the Liu family spread like wildfire in Fuyang Town and its affiliated villages, causing a significant sensation.

 

In recent days, the topic of discussion in the hot pot restaurant had shifted to who else had sought a lawyer to file a complaint against the Liu family for crimes such as forced abduction of local women, malicious competition, and conspiring against innocent citizens. It turned into a massive mutual assistance discussion.

 

These were not mere gossip; some of the severe cases involved families shattered and lives ruined. People couldn’t help but lament, and genuinely compassionate individuals even went to the victims’ homes to deliver food and clothes.

 

Being inherently kind-hearted and compassionate, Chuxia, along with Jing’s mother and Lin’s mother, secretly bought a batch of provisions and delivered them to the doorsteps of the victims. They didn’t seek repayment, only hoping to ease their burdens, especially for those who were widowed or orphaned.

 

Observing this, Jing Yi, thinking that it’s better to teach people to fish than to give them fish, invited some victims to work in the shop or the estate. The elderly could overlook the orchard or the main gate, while the younger ones could engage in various tasks, ensuring they wouldn’t go hungry while working at the Jing estate.

 

Even upon learning about it, Dean Wen invited an elderly couple who, without children, had their land bought at a low price by the Liu family. He offered them tasks related to cleaning at the academy.

 

“You young man, causing so much trouble. Aren’t you afraid of the higher-ups knowing and punishing you?” Dean Wen playfully scolded Jing Yi as he visited today, but it was evident he wasn’t genuinely angry.

 

The “trouble” Dean Wen referred to was Jing Yi’s idea of hiring the storyteller to publicize the Liu family’s misdeeds. Those in higher positions usually preferred swift and straightforward solutions to problems to avoid potential complications.

 

In the case of the Liu family, if they were dealt with from the bottom up, by the time it reached the Liu family in the capital or the third prince’s faction in Jingcheng, evidence would be wiped out, and higher-ups would become more cautious. Using a top-down approach was indeed efficient and had a powerful deterrent effect, but the downside was that even if the Liu family were sentenced to death, many grievances would be buried.

 

Though Jing Yi didn’t intend to seek justice for others, given the current situation, he felt fortunate to have brought the Liu family’s deeds to light. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have known the extent of the Liu family’s misdeeds.

 

“Dean, the Crown Prince treats his subjects like children, and the imperial envoy is dedicated to the people. I believe they won’t trouble me,” Jing Yi replied, understanding that Dean Wen wasn’t really blaming him, just playing along.

 

“Moreover, this is the result of the Third Prince’s faction’s misdeeds. Why should we cover up for them? Although the process might be painful, it’s the only way to treat the root cause!”

 

“You’ve got quite a twisted way of thinking. Will you attend the public trial of the Liu family in town the day after tomorrow?” Dean Wen asked.

 

“How can I miss such excitement? After all, both our fathers are victims. By the way, Dean, can you tell me what exactly they’ve done to incur the wrath from higher authorities?” Jing Yi had been curious for a while.

 

Even though the Liu family was deeply involved in wrongdoing, benefiting from the alliance with the Third Prince’s faction, Jing Yi suspected that others within the faction weren’t much better. However, the speed at which they were raided, arrested, and even involved the military seemed exaggerated.

 

“Humph! The Duke’s residence was harboring garments that violated the imperial regulations for the Third Prince.” Dean Wen casually dropped this bombshell.

 

“You mean!” Jing Yi managed to halt his train of thought just in time. For a prince to violate regulations, especially regarding attire, was a grave crime tantamount to treason!

 

No wonder!

 

However, Jing Yi still found it suspicious. The Duke’s residence, known for its diplomatic finesse and cautious actions, was more competent than the reckless Third Prince and his arrogant grandson or the assertive granddaughter of the Empress. It didn’t make sense for them to expose such an obvious handle. Yet, he dismissed these thoughts. Whether they were framed or truly guilty of treason, it didn’t matter to him. As long as he knew the Third Prince’s faction deserved their punishment.

 

The county government gate opened on the fifteenth day of the eleventh month for the trial of the Liu family from Fuyang Town. The Liu family was originally supposed to be escorted back to the capital for joint trial. Still, due to the imperial envoy’s sympathy for the people of Fuyang Town, he specially requested to have both the Liu family’s trials conducted separately in Qingzhou Prefecture and Fuyang Town. Afterward, they would be sent back to the capital for the final trial, with the cumulative punishments aiming to reassure the hearts of the local people.

 

The Emperor promptly approved the decision, eliciting widespread applause and admiration from the people of Qingzhou. They marveled at the Emperor’s benevolence and genuine concern for the common folk.

 

The public trial of the Liu family and their associates, including collateral branches, unfolded at the county government office. The area outside the office was packed with eager onlookers, creating a chaotic scene. Even some mischievous children attempted to climb trees for a better view.

 

Observing the unruly crowd, the new county magistrate decided to relocate the trial to the spacious main street in front of the county office. This change eased the congestion but attracted more curious onlookers.

 

“Jing Yi is indeed clever. He booked two private rooms at the Jixiange Pavilion in advance. Otherwise, we would have to squeeze in with the crowd,” praised Lin Mother. He had always held a favorable opinion of his son-in-law.

 

“Absolutely, dealing with enemies is most satisfying when you witness them face justice,” asserted Jing Mother indignantly.

 

“Ah Yi, your father and the others will testify downstairs. Is that okay?” Chuxia expressed hus concern.

 

“Don’t worry, Xiaxia. I’ve arranged everything. Little An An, you’re drooling again, hahaha!” Jing Yi noticed An An drooling and couldn’t resist teasing him.

 

“All you do is tease him every day!” Jing Mother slapped her elder son’s shoulder playfully, then hurriedly called for another bowl of egg custard, afraid that her grandson might go hungry.

 

Inside the private rooms, the atmosphere was lively, while at the trial scene, it was solemn and dignified.

 

The crimes committed by the Liu family were meticulously investigated by the county magistrate and reported by Desn Wen. Victims willingly stepped forward to testify, leaving no room for doubt. The accusations ranged from lengthy reports of corruption to severe acts such as forced prostitution, and the magistrate recorded each offense along with its corresponding punishment.

 

As more and more heinous deeds were exposed, not only the victims but even the onlooking crowd gradually fell silent, tears filling their eyes.

 

This trial, commencing on the fifteenth day of the eleventh month at ten in the morning, continued relentlessly until sunset on the sixteenth day. The extensive list of crimes, from murder and arson to human trafficking, forced prostitution, malicious competition, intentional harm, and land seizures, revealed the Liu family’s widespread corruption and cruelty from top to bottom.

 

The trial unfolded for two entire days. Due to the extensive nature of the charges and the multitude of victims, the county magistrate took his time, ensuring every afflicted party had the opportunity to testify and that each crime was documented clearly. As more and more atrocities were unveiled, not only were the victims moved to tears, but even the onlooking bystanders found themselves profoundly affected.

 

This judicial process became a harrowing exploration of the Liu family’s extensive criminal activities, painting a grim picture of their misdeeds. The trial concluded without immediate execution, as the prisoners would be transported to the capital, where even more severe charges awaited them.

 

After learning about these heinous deeds, the onlooking common people and victims, though aware of the urgency and severity of the situation, found it insufficient to quell their anger without witnessing the execution of the evildoers.

 

On the following day, as the Liu family was being escorted to the capital, the streets were filled with furious citizens, eagerly awaiting the passage of the convoy.

 

As the convoy passed by, the prisoners on the execution carriage were pelted with rocks, resulting in bloody injuries. The sides of the street echoed with continuous jeers, including cries and shouts.

 

At this moment, the members of the Liu family understood fear. Huddled inside the cramped execution carriage, their faces displayed terror as they observed the furious expressions of the onlooking citizens.

 

Gone were the days of their past glamour and splendor.

 

“Chief, should we intervene?” a noticeably young bailiff, bewildered by the enraged crowd, asked the official leading the convoy.

 

“Intervene? Why bother? The common people are just expressing a few fair words,” the chief casually replied, pretending not to notice the fruits, vegetables, and small stones thrown at the execution carriage. He disdainfully addressed the Liu family, indicating his lack of concern.

 

In the past, the Liu family had presented an impeccable facade, and the county government had received numerous complaints against them. However, each investigation only implicated their servants, and with the Liu family’s charitable image and active cooperation during investigations, the truth remained elusive.

 

Crucially, the former county magistrate vigorously shielded and protected them, preventing the exposure of their hidden, filthy secrets.

 

Now it seemed that the former county magistrate, the tutor, and the various officials they brought in were all no better than the Liu family!

 

A month and a half later, news of the Liu family’s fate reached Fuyang Town.

 

The Liu family of Fuyang Town, the main culprits implicated in severe crimes, were collectively sentenced to death by beheading or permanent exile, depending on the gravity of their offenses.

 

The Liu family in Qingzhou Prefecture, deeply involved in treasonous activities and violations of imperial decrees, saw their main culprits and even their extended family sentenced to death by beheading. Those involved in less severe crimes faced execution as well.

 

The once influential Liu family, deeply rooted in Qingzhou and Fuyang Town for many years, vanished in an instant. Some rejoiced, some celebrated, some feared, and some lamented.

 

The Liu family was no more; their residences, lands, and shops were confiscated by the authorities and put up for resale.

 

As for the seized assets, their true extent remained unknown. After compensating the victims, all were transported to the capital, conveniently filling the emptied royal treasury due to the exorbitant expenditure on the late emperor’s elixirs.

 

Some perceptive and shrewd merchants in town, undeterred by the Liu family’s current misfortune, hurriedly rushed to the government offices to seize opportunities, including Jing Yi.

 

Several families that had interacted with the Liu family during their time of prosperity also became key subjects of government observation and inquiry during this period.

 

These families now live in constant fear and anxiety, wishing to avoid any trouble. Instead of seizing opportunities, they prefer to keep a low profile, practically becoming invisible.

 

On this winter day, although the season had shifted, the weather was unexpectedly sunny, with a gentle breeze and a comfortable temperature.

 

“Mother, we’ll be leaving now.” Chuxia waved to Jing’s mother, who stood at the entrance of the estate.

 

“Yes, dear. Go and return early.” After speaking kindly to Chuxia, she turned to her displeasing eldest son, “Take care of Chuxia, Xiao Shu, and especially that rascal! Make sure you watch over them on the way!”

 

Certainly, it must have been this rascal’s rotten idea to leave while An An was sleeping. If An An woke up and didn’t see his parents, he would probably cry loudly, and how would they comfort him?

 

“I know, Mother. Please take care of An An and Father. We’ll be off now.”

 

When they reached the Lin family, they would pick up their two younger brothers, and Lin’s mother would soon come to the Jing family estate to watch over An An with Jing’s mother. The estate had a large garden, and the nearby Leisure Summer Villa had beautiful scenery—a place An An truly enjoyed.

 

“Alright, go on, you two!” Jing’s mother waved her hand, a bit troubled. Being a parent and still so playful.

 

“Goodbye, Mother!”

 

The younger ones all chimed in unison, and Jing’s mother couldn’t help but laugh. Well, as long as the family was harmonious and everyone lived happily, that was what mattered most.

 

This time could be considered a business trip and a paid vacation for Jing Yi and Chuxia.

 

The business part was due to the need to take advantage of the downfall of the Liu family. The properties of their estate and shop were top-notch, and it would be a waste not to capitalize on the opportunity.

 

As for the vacation, with the Liu family’s issue resolved and the mourning period over, there was no longer any gloom in the hearts of the Jing and Lin families. Added to that, the younger brothers were eager to get out and enjoy themselves. If their parents hadn’t objected, Jing Yi would have even considered taking along their ten-month-old baby, An An.

 

Seeing how Lin’s father readily handed over his two sons to Jing Yi, ostensibly to help manage some properties, but in reality knowing the two rascals were getting bored and restless, Jing Yi felt truly accepted. The silver notes were handed over directly to Jing Yi, and even the two carriages were handed over without hurry. With a carefree spirit, they strolled towards the county town.