Meng Yao followed Mrs. Qian to see Steward Qian.
Sudden heartburn, lost one’s senses.
Meng Yao performed acupuncture, then prescribed An Gong Niu Huang pill. She instructed the Qian family to get the medicine from the Hundred Herbs Hall. (An Gong Niu Huang pill clears heat and detoxifies, calms fright and opens orifices. Used for hot illnesses, invading the heart, high fever convulsions, etc. It is very effective for heat stroke, but should be used under a doctor’s guidance.)
The medicine is a bit expensive, but it can save the person and minimize sequelae.
"Don’t worry, after waking up, with good care, it’s not serious. But remember, you must avoid extreme joy and sadness, stay calm, and maintain a light diet," Meng Yao advised.
Steward Qian’s wife wiped her tears and agreed.
Meng Yao wasted no time, immediately set off to find Ren Zhong.
Mrs. Qian originally wanted to go with her, but due to tight business connections with the Qian family, she couldn’t leave.
To be faster, Meng Yao rode a horse.
Without the burden of a wagon, the speed of the ashes matched that of He Yan’s fine steed. The source of thɪs content is novᴇlfire.net
It took half a day’s journey by carriage, but by horse, it was shortened by half.
Meng Yao’s sudden arrival surprised Ren Zhong, thinking something had happened to Zi’an.
After Meng Yao explained her purpose, Ren Zhong relaxed, "The person is locked up, but a message came from the state. The injured person has relatives in the government office. The injury is severe, and he’s the family’s only child, hence causing a great stir."
"May I see the person first?" Meng Yao asked.
"Okay, I’ll take you there," Ren Zhong said.
Meng Yao saw Steward Qian’s son, Qian Yuanxing. Apart from a panicked look, he seemed fine, at least he had no bodily injuries.
"I am Mrs. Qian’s sworn sister, entrusted to come see you. Rest assured, your father’s injury is not serious," Meng Yao revealed her identity.
The worry in Qian Yuanxing’s eyes visibly lessened.
Immediately, he became agitated again, "Madam, I only punched that person once, and not very hard, how could it result in serious injury? I suspect they’re fabricating."
"A doctor has examined, indeed it’s a serious injury, not falsified," Ren Zhong stated from the side.
"They must have bribed the doctor," Qian Yuanxing clasped tightly to the prison door, eyes wide.
"Are you questioning my fairness?" Ren Zhong’s face darkened.
Qian Yuanxing shrank immediately, "I dare not."
"Stay calm," Meng Yao said softly, "Regardless, the fault was on the other side, but due to your impulsiveness, now they have the upper hand."
Qian Yuanxing regrettably held his head, "I, I didn’t consider..."
"Don’t blame yourself too much, anyone would lose composure if their father is injured. I just hope you learn from this, fighting is the last resort," Meng Yao left these words and left with Ren Zhong.
"Can I see the seriously injured person and their family?" Meng Yao asked.
"I need to confirm first, I can’t blindly take you there. They are quite emotional," Ren Zhong said.
If conflict arises, it would be worse.
"Thank you, brother-in-law," Meng Yao said.
Ren Zhong instructed Officer Xu to convey the message to the family, then inquired about the Qian family matter.
After hearing Meng Yao’s account, Ren Zhong affirmed, "Clearly, the Qian family was schemed."
"I know Landlord Li, his cousin is Qingzhou Prefecture’s magistrate. Landlord Li lost his father early, his mother remarried, so he was raised by his uncle’s family who deeply care for him as he grew up without parents. He is close to his cousin; their bond is like true brothers," Ren Zhong said, "Landlord’s position was handled by his cousin Li Tanyun."
"Brother-in-law, are you suggesting this matter involves the magistrate’s doing?" Meng Yao asked.
"Not necessarily ordered by Li Tanyun, but subordinates often anticipate superiors’ intentions and all know Li Tanyun and his cousin are close," Ren Zhong quickly pinpointed the connections.
Meng Yao contemplated.
Ren Zhong continued, "Though the tactics seem crude, they are effective. Furthermore, toppling a small merchant is trivial to them as long as nobody dies. Most of Qian family’s assets are in the government office’s vault."
Of course, exactly how much went into the vault or was embezzled is unknown.
But this is indeed a common tactic when the vault is low.
"Hence, I advise you to protect yourself wisely. As for your sister-in-law, wealth is external; hopefully, she understands," Ren Zhong further advised.
A small merchant cannot contend with someone backed unless that backing is unstable, otherwise the outcome is predictable.
Currently, Li Tanyun seems stable.
Meng Yao knew Ren Zhong spoke sincerely, and understood the logic of civilians not challenging officials, applicable in any dynasty, especially in feudal monarchies.
"First, let’s bring them out. Qian Yuanxing is Mrs. Qian’s steward son, both loyal servants, she doesn’t wish them to be sacrificial pawns in her and the Landlord Li couple’s conflict," Meng Yao said.
This was Mrs. Qian’s prior instruction to Meng Yao.
Prioritize people’s safety.
"Your sister-in-law is quite righteous," Ren Zhong seemed slightly astonished.
"She always has been," Meng Yao said, "How is Li Tanyun’s character?"
Meng Yao changed the topic.
"You ask this?" Ren Zhong seemed puzzled.
"Know yourself and your enemy for a hundred victories," Meng Yao said.
"Are you planning to stand up for your sister-in-law? Meng Yao, be rational. Your son has academic talent, but his journey just started and he’s not your leverage. As a civilian, how can you confront a magistrate?" Ren Zhong spoke heavily.
Meng Yao smiled wryly, "I know better than to challenge a magistrate. But since people around Li Tanyun helped the Landlord Li couple target the Qian family to please him, who knows they might target me or Dahe?"
"You mean you’re at odds with the Landlord Li couple?" Ren Zhong immediately grasped the key.
Meng Yao sighed, and narrated the previous events.
Ren Zhong’s brow furrowed, showing seriousness.
"Since the Landlord Li couple favored Dahe, why not go with it? This marriage can benefit Dahe, at least saving him five years of struggle in the officialdom," Ren Zhong said.
"Landlord Li couple are arrogant and domineering, how good could their daughter be? Dahe is not one to trade dignity for fewer years of struggle. Truly boarding Li’s boat would only lead to restrictions in all Dahe does," Meng Yao remained resolute.
"You’ve thought it through," Ren Zhong said with ill humor.