However, Ms. Hua Junior coveted his silver and rice. Not to mention, she also feared that Ye Zi’an might pass the imperial examination and become a Recommended Man, then return to exact revenge on her. So, she started to plot how to steal his silver and rice, while also ensuring he won’t be able to continue his studies.
According to the laws of the Great Zhou, candidates for the imperial examination should be healthy and robust. Anyone with physical deformities or disabilities or whose appearance was less than dignified, like having a crooked mouth or squinted eyes, wasn’t eligible to take the examination. Even harsher, if misfortune befell them later, like becoming hand or leg disabled, their official posts would be revoked right away.
It was from some grapevine that Ms. Hua Junior heard that a limping man wasn’t allowed to take the examination. She then instigated her two sons to break Ye Zi’an’s leg. Ye Zi’an lived out of town, so even if his leg was broken, no one knew about it. Even if they did, given the gossip around, nobody might care. It wasn’t until Yang Dachuan, who was passing by his field, discovered what had happened and then went to the Land Officer for help. The Land Officer immediately sent for a doctor. It was said that at that time, Ye Zi’an’s leg was so swollen and he was also having a fever - a little more delay and he could have lost his life.
After a hard struggle, Ye Zi’an’s life was saved, but his leg was beyond help. Firstly, because he didn’t have any money and, secondly, the initial delay in treatment.
As for Ms. Hua Junior, after Ye Zi’an’s leg was broken, she stole his official seal and went to the county yamen to claim the silver and rice. But as soon as she explained her situation, the yamen officials immediately took back the seal, stating that the disabled could not hold official posts, and his status of Recommended Man would be immediately revoked. This left Ms. Hua Junior dumbfounded and her whole plan fell through.
Her failed plan didn’t matter to her, but it ruined Ye Zi’an’s life.
"Dad, have you noticed how similar Brother An’s ordeal is to yours?"
Right before entering the Yang Family’s courtyard, Yang Chuxia asked Yang Dachuan.
Yang Dachuan pondered upon hearing this.
Seeing this, Yang Chuxia furthered, "Dad, both of you were ten years old when these things happened, and both couldn’t continue your studies because of hand and foot problems. And, strangely enough, both incidents happened soon after those two women arrived at our place. Dad, Brother An is definitely not someone with bad luck, as the rumors say. Just like you, was it really just a coincidence that Uncle splashed a pot of hot water on you?"
Her words were so frank that she was just short of directly accusing Old Lady Hua of the conspiracy. However, she believed that Yang Dachuan understood her.
"My girl, Dad understands what you’re saying. Nevertheless, it’s in the past now. From now on, Dad will just look after you kids and won’t concern himself with the matters of the Yang Family anymore," Yang Dachuan softly replied after a long silence.
"Dad, I’m glad you’re thinking that way! You’ve seen what’s happened these past days. You, you don’t need anyone else but us siblings," Yang Chuxia comforted.
"Um, my good girl, I understand," Yang Dachuan said, chuckling.
Just as the father and daughter were about to step inside, a sudden commotion was heard in the distance. Yang Chuxia looked in the direction of the sound, only to see a woman accompanied by a group of people. They seem to be heading towards the Yang Family’s residence.
Only when the woman got closer was Yang Chuxia able to confirm that they were indeed heading towards the Yang residence, and they seemed to be looking for her.
The woman was none other than Ms. Hua Junior, accompanied by her two sons.
"You little wench, did you beat up my sons? Apologize immediately!"
"Apologize my ass! Your sons deserved the beating. The fact that I didn’t break their legs or disable their arms was due to the respect for Brother An," Yang Chuxia retorted. Ye Zi’an, who was silently standing in a corner, thought, "I don’t need such respect. Please, beat them to death."