County Government Office Backyard
Upon learning that Li Fugui had been sentenced to join the army, Yang Ming immediately rushed over, hoping to persuade the Magistrate to reconsider the case. Yet, the Magistrate paid him no heed, leaving Yang Ming no choice but to visit him in the backyard.
"Student Yang Ming pays his respects to the Magistrate."
"Scholar Yang need not be overly formal. The case has been settled. Is there anything else Scholar Yang wishes to discuss?"
"I believe there are many doubts surrounding this case, and it’s very possible that Li Fugui was framed. Could Your Honor reconsider?"
"..." Was he implying that he had judged the case incorrectly? Anger flared up in his heart. Had he not been a Scholar, he would have already driven him out. "How so?"
"Your Honor, the key to this case is the house servant mentioned by Wang Huzi. We should find this house servant and verify the facts before reaching a verdict!"
After hearing this, Magistrate Li stood up, angered by this challenge to his first case since taking office. "A poor scholar dares to question my judgment? The evidence in this case is irrefutable; there’s no need to investigate further. Guards, show the guest out!"
Yang Ming did not expect this response from the Magistrate and realized he was being dismissed. It seemed unlikely that the case would be overturned, so he had no option but to take his leave.
After Yang Ming left, a beautiful girl around fourteen or fifteen years old emerged from the inner room, speaking with a voice as gentle as water, "Father!"
The Magistrate softened his tone upon seeing his daughter, speaking affectionately, "My daughter, what brings you out here?"
"Father, who was that man just now?"
"That was Yang Ming, just a poor Scholar. You’re a young lady of good family; it’s best not to inquire too much. Head back now."
The girl obeyed her father’s words and returned, yet she etched the name Yang Ming into her heart.
Walking on the street, Yang Ming contemplated what to do next when he overheard the bustling gossip.
"Have you heard? The Young Master of Dongfeng Restaurant has been thrown into jail!"
"It’s said to be due to the poisoning incident!"
"I have the latest news: to save Dongfeng Restaurant, the owner has disowned the Young Master, claiming it’s a splitting of the family, but in reality, he has cut ties with him!"
County Government Office Jail
Li Fugui, holding the deed of servitude brought by the house servant, was devastated. It was unimaginable that he would fall from grace so quickly. His family had abandoned him! Lifting his head, he let out a hollow laugh as tears streamed down his face.
"Li Fugui, you have a visitor!"
His parents had never visited, only sending a house servant. Who else in the world would come to see him? The more he thought, the more despair he felt.
"Young Master, Young Master!"
At the sound of the voice, Li Fugui’s eyes widened with surprise and joy—it was her, she had come to see him.
He quickly got up, and as soon as they met, they held each other’s hands tightly. "Xiaotian, is it really you?"
"It’s me, it’s me, Young Master, are you alright? Have they been beating you?" As soon as Xiaotian entered, she saw her disheveled and haggard young master and immediately started crying out of pity—for he had never endured such hardship.
"I’m fine. How about you? Has my mother been unkind to you?"
"The Lady has not mistreated me; she gave me the indenture contract. She said she would find a way to rescue you, and then we can run away together."
His mother had not come, but she had sent his Xiaotian. Could he truly walk out of this jail cell successfully? His conscription was imminent.
His gaze dimmed, "Xiaotian, that’s wonderful, you’re free. Leave this place quickly and stop waiting for me! Find someone who will treat you well and live a good life."