Chapter 377: Unfair
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Upon hearing Qin Zhenzhen’s response, Su Ning let out a sigh of relief, a secret happiness filling her heart.
Now, she could finally find peace of mind. If the governor faced conviction, he would never get the chance to propose marriage to their family. She would never be bound to that stiff, little master for the rest of her life.
However, the thought of the governor’s family suffering due to his colossal crime crossed her mind. Naively, Su Ning remembered how kindly the magistrate’s wife had treated them and inquired of Qin Zhenzhen, “Third Sister-in-law, if the governor is truly a bad person, will his family also face punishment?”
Qin Zhenzhen nodded in response. “Yes.”
In a feudal society where imperial authority reigned supreme, an act like assassinating a prince would inevitably implicate multiple generations. She wondered if their entire family would face execution or be subjected to exile.
Thinking about it, Qin Zhenzhen couldn’t help but contemplate the significant impact of the magistrate’s conviction on her own business. Fortunately, they had been prepared and had managed to mitigate their losses.
Su Ning’s heart felt heavy. “Third Sister-in-law, why is it that when one person commits a crime, the whole family has to suffer? It seems so unfair. There are things the children may not even know about, but they still have to endure the consequences with their parent. It doesn’t seem right.”
After a brief pause, Qin Zhenzhen responded earnestly, “On the surface, it might appear unfair, but in a way, it is just. You may not fully grasp what I mean.”
“I’ll provide you with an analogy to help you understand,” Qin Zhenzhen began.
“In this world, people are divided into different social strata. Some are born as impoverished commoners, struggling for food and warm clothing since childhood. Others are born into servitude because their parents were slaves, with no personal freedom. On the flip side, there are those who are born as aristocrats. They never worry about their basic needs, have dedicated servants at their beck and call, and are held in high esteem.”
“For instance, the children of the governor’s family have enjoyed a life of luxury from the moment they were born. Their father, the governor, is responsible for granting them such a privileged life. Conversely, if their father were an outcast, then they, too, would be born into that outcast status or even into slavery if their fathers were slaves themselves.”
“Because the prosperity and privileges bestowed upon the children of the prefectural magistrate’s family stem directly from the governor, it’s inevitable that they would share in his fate and suffer as well.”
“Do you grasp the concept?”
After a prolonged pause, Su Ning nodded.
“Yes, Third Sister-in-law, I understand.”
Seeing that Su Ning still seemed somewhat melancholic, Qin Zhenzhen consoled her.
“I understand your sentiments. It does seem somewhat unjust to have a system where one’s fortunes rise or fall, and a law that implicates nine generations. Anyone who dares to voice their opinions must be in favor with those in power.”
In ancient feudal society, achieving equality and abolishing the practice of one person’s actions affecting nine generations seemed impossible.
However, a glimmer of hope sparked in Su Ning’s eyes.
“Third Sister-in-law, does one need to hold a high-ranking official position to communicate with those in power?”
Qin Zhenzhen nodded in affirmation. “Indeed, that’s correct. They must hold a significant position to have their words carry weight and to be considered by those in power.”
Su Ning nodded resolutely. “I understand, Third Sister-in-law!”
“You mean that if Third Brother attains a high-ranking official position, he would have the authority to communicate with the emperor, correct?”
Qin Zhenzhen nodded again.. “Yes!”