Righteous Words by Tan Bawang
“I also did not expect to meet Miss Mu here. Back then, you claimed to be a member of the Han family. I was looking for you!” Tan Bawang’s gaze became more and more sinister, and in his heart, he wished that he could tear Mu Yunyao into ten thousand pieces.
When on the streets of Huai’an City, she used an oil-paper umbrella to beat him up and allowed him to rest in bed for a month. What made him even more furious was that ever since she kicked him in the groin, he discovered that he could no longer be humane! He had invited a famous doctor to treat him, but there was not even a sliver of improvement. How could he not feel blood dripping from his heart?!
“Did I say that? I’ve been busy recently, so my memory is getting worse. Why can’t I remember saying that I’m from the Han family? I wonder what matter made Young Master Tan came here with great fanfare, what can I do for you?”
Tan Bawang sneered: “You stole my concubine, and even asked me what’s the matter here? Miss Mu’s ability to act dumb is truly admirable.”
“There are many concubines in the Tan family’s residence, but I haven’t had the chance to see any of them. Besides, we don’t lack servants to serve us. Why did I trying to steal your concubine?”
Tan Bawang was trembling with anger. All of his concubines had specially chosen. How could it become a servant in her mouth? Although he didn’t think much of his concubines, hearing Mu Yunyao say this, he felt as if someone had poked his lungs, “Miss Mu, stop playing around, just hand that Cai Qing over!”
“The concubine you’re talking about is Cai Qing?”
“That’s right. This morning, I already signed a contract with that Cai Qing. She volunteered to stay in my residence as my concubine, and with Matchmaker Liu of Jingling City as my witness. I was just about to discuss how to bring her back to Huai’an City when you assigned someone to take her away forcibly. I want to ask you. What is the reason?”
Mu Yunyao frowned.
“Why, you have nothing to say? The crime of stealing someone else’s concubine for no reason, according to the laws of the Imperial Court, is to be exiled for eight hundred kilometers. Mu Yunyao, if you kowtow and admit your wrongs now, I might let you off!”
The surrounding commoners were discussing amongst themselves. They didn’t even know who Tan Bawang was, but who didn’t know of Mu Yunyao? Now that they heard that she had stolen someone else’s concubine, they all couldn’t help but be curious. If a male stealing someone else’s concubine was acceptable, then what was Miss Mu doing robbing a concubine?
There are already people who can’t stop themselves from standing out to speak up for Mu Yunyao. “Young Master, you better not spout nonsense. Why would Miss Mu steal your concubine for no reason? There must be a misunderstanding.”
“What kind of misunderstanding could we possibly have? The person who went to snatch the person was her subordinate, the one called Liu Liang. He even injured my two followers. Men, quickly bring them up so that everyone can see how tragic my two followers are!”
As he said this, two people lifted up into the air. Their faces were purple and covered in blood. Lying on the shelf, they wailed in agony, causing many people around them to take two steps back, not daring to look directly at them.
Tan Bawang’s face filled with anger. “Mu Yunyao, you are too unreasonable and too deceiving. Quickly hand over my concubine, or else I’ll immediately go report it to the Magistrate and have the County Magistrate arrest you and interrogate you.”
Someone quietly spoke to Mu Yunyao. “Miss Mu, there’s no need to get into a fight over a concubine. If that Cai Qing is really in your house, you might as well hand her over to her. She had already signed the contract, and after all, she’s someone else’s person …”
However, Mu Yunyao shook her head slightly. “Many thanks to this Young Master. It’s just that the matter wasn’t like Tan Bawang had said.”
Seeing Mu Yunyao shake her head, Tan Bawang laughed sinisterly in his heart, his eyes brimming with the joy of revenge: “Mu Yunyao, you took so long to hand the person over. Could it be that something happened to my concubine in your house? I remember that Cai Qing once told me that his little brother Nan’er accidentally ran into you. You wouldn’t have a grudge and want to take revenge on them by capturing both of them, right?”
“Don’t speak nonsense. Miss Mu is not such a person!”
“That’s right. Miss Mu selflessly passed down the embroidery needle technique to help the woman from Jingling City. How could she possibly be that malicious of a person?”
“It’s hard to know a person’s true nature, who knows if she is seeking fame or not? If it wasn’t because of guilt, why did you not hand the person over and forcibly take someone else’s concubine?” Tan Bawang pretended to be surprised and said, “You didn’t really do anything, did you? Quickly hand over that person. If you continue to push your authority, I will lead people in to look for that person!”
Steward Qin immediately led his men to guard the door.
Tan Bawang sneered. Seeing Mu Yunyao like this, she was sure that Cai Qing had died from taking poison, which was why she didn’t hand over the woman. He became even more arrogant: “Mu Yunyao, do you think that you can cover up your crimes just because of this? Let me tell you that I’ve already sent someone to report this to the court. Today, I must seek justice for Cai Qing!”
As he was speaking, the crowd parted, and County Magistrate Zhao, dressed in his official uniform, walked in with his official. “I heard that a lawsuit had filed here, so I’m here to take a look. Miss Mu, what exactly is going on?”
“Greetings, Lord Zhao. I only brought Miss Cai Qing, and her two younger brothers, to the house to recuperate, then this Young Master Tan came knocking. He wanted to frame me for stealing his concubine and secretly accusing me of murdering someone. I’m not sure what exactly happened.”
County Magistrate Zhao turned to Tan Bawang, “Who are you? Why are you causing trouble here?”
“Greetings, Lord Zhao. I am Tan Bawang, the Young Master of Cai Yue Pavilion. My concubine, Cai Qing, has been captured by Mu Yunyao. I don’t know whether she is dead or alive, so I went to the court office to report them. I hope that Lord Zhao can handle this matter impartially.”
County Magistrate Zhao frowned, “No matter who it is, I will handle the matter impartially. Tell me the details of the case.”
Seeing that County Magistrate Zhao was about to question him on the street, more and more commoners gathered around. Due to the presence of the officials, they could only silently watch, not daring to make a commotion.
Tan Bawang immediately recounted the incident vividly, especially when he heard that Mu Yunyao had sent people to capture Cai Qing and Ah Mao. His expression was full of righteous indignation. Matchmaker Liu then stood out and testified for Tan Bawang, saying that Cai Qing had indeed sealed and signed the contract, also volunteered to become Tan Bawang’s concubine.
The two followers who beaten up made voices. Those who heard the words shed tears, causing many people to feel endless sympathy for them.
Even after hearing this, County Magistrate Zhao’s expression was still solemn, making it difficult to discern. “Miss Mu, is the matter really as Tan Bawang said?”
Mu Yunyao shook her head slightly. “I’m not too sure about the specifics. Let Cai Qing explain herself.”
“What?” Tan Bawang couldn’t help but cry out. According to their plans, wouldn’t Cai Qing commit suicide by taking poison?
Mu Yunyao looked over, a trace of ridicule flashing across her lips. “Why? It seems that Young Master Tan is disappointed that Cai Qing is still alive?”
“How could that be? I’m just afraid that you’ll secretly threaten her …”
“I heard that Young Master Tan and Miss Cai Qing are in love with each other, and you especially came all the way from Huai’an City to meet her. With such deep feelings, how could she possibly harm you because of a few threats?” Mu Yunyao turned to look at Jin Qiao. “Go and invite Miss Cai Qing out.”
“Yes, Miss.”
Righteous Words by Tan Bawang
“I also did not expect to meet Miss Mu here. Back then, you claimed to be a member of the Han family. I was looking for you!” Tan Bawang’s gaze became more and more sinister, and in his heart, he wished that he could tear Mu Yunyao into ten thousand pieces.
When on the streets of Huai’an City, she used an oil-paper umbrella to beat him up and allowed him to rest in bed for a month. What made him even more furious was that ever since she kicked him in the groin, he discovered that he could no longer be humane! He had invited a famous doctor to treat him, but there was not even a sliver of improvement. How could he not feel blood dripping from his heart?!
“Did I say that? I’ve been busy recently, so my memory is getting worse. Why can’t I remember saying that I’m from the Han family? I wonder what matter made Young Master Tan came here with great fanfare, what can I do for you?”
Tan Bawang sneered: “You stole my concubine, and even asked me what’s the matter here? Miss Mu’s ability to act dumb is truly admirable.”
“There are many concubines in the Tan family’s residence, but I haven’t had the chance to see any of them. Besides, we don’t lack servants to serve us. Why did I trying to steal your concubine?”
Tan Bawang was trembling with anger. All of his concubines had specially chosen. How could it become a servant in her mouth? Although he didn’t think much of his concubines, hearing Mu Yunyao say this, he felt as if someone had poked his lungs, “Miss Mu, stop playing around, just hand that Cai Qing over!”
“The concubine you’re talking about is Cai Qing?”
“That’s right. This morning, I already signed a contract with that Cai Qing. She volunteered to stay in my residence as my concubine, and with Matchmaker Liu of Jingling City as my witness. I was just about to discuss how to bring her back to Huai’an City when you assigned someone to take her away forcibly. I want to ask you. What is the reason?”
Mu Yunyao frowned.
“Why, you have nothing to say? The crime of stealing someone else’s concubine for no reason, according to the laws of the Imperial Court, is to be exiled for eight hundred kilometers. Mu Yunyao, if you kowtow and admit your wrongs now, I might let you off!”
The surrounding commoners were discussing amongst themselves. They didn’t even know who Tan Bawang was, but who didn’t know of Mu Yunyao? Now that they heard that she had stolen someone else’s concubine, they all couldn’t help but be curious. If a male stealing someone else’s concubine was acceptable, then what was Miss Mu doing robbing a concubine?
There are already people who can’t stop themselves from standing out to speak up for Mu Yunyao. “Young Master, you better not spout nonsense. Why would Miss Mu steal your concubine for no reason? There must be a misunderstanding.”
“What kind of misunderstanding could we possibly have? The person who went to snatch the person was her subordinate, the one called Liu Liang. He even injured my two followers. Men, quickly bring them up so that everyone can see how tragic my two followers are!”
As he said this, two people lifted up into the air. Their faces were purple and covered in blood. Lying on the shelf, they wailed in agony, causing many people around them to take two steps back, not daring to look directly at them.
Tan Bawang’s face filled with anger. “Mu Yunyao, you are too unreasonable and too deceiving. Quickly hand over my concubine, or else I’ll immediately go report it to the Magistrate and have the County Magistrate arrest you and interrogate you.”
Someone quietly spoke to Mu Yunyao. “Miss Mu, there’s no need to get into a fight over a concubine. If that Cai Qing is really in your house, you might as well hand her over to her. She had already signed the contract, and after all, she’s someone else’s person …”
However, Mu Yunyao shook her head slightly. “Many thanks to this Young Master. It’s just that the matter wasn’t like Tan Bawang had said.”
Seeing Mu Yunyao shake her head, Tan Bawang laughed sinisterly in his heart, his eyes brimming with the joy of revenge: “Mu Yunyao, you took so long to hand the person over. Could it be that something happened to my concubine in your house? I remember that Cai Qing once told me that his little brother Nan’er accidentally ran into you. You wouldn’t have a grudge and want to take revenge on them by capturing both of them, right?”
“Don’t speak nonsense. Miss Mu is not such a person!”
“That’s right. Miss Mu selflessly passed down the embroidery needle technique to help the woman from Jingling City. How could she possibly be that malicious of a person?”
“It’s hard to know a person’s true nature, who knows if she is seeking fame or not? If it wasn’t because of guilt, why did you not hand the person over and forcibly take someone else’s concubine?” Tan Bawang pretended to be surprised and said, “You didn’t really do anything, did you? Quickly hand over that person. If you continue to push your authority, I will lead people in to look for that person!”
Steward Qin immediately led his men to guard the door.
Tan Bawang sneered. Seeing Mu Yunyao like this, she was sure that Cai Qing had died from taking poison, which was why she didn’t hand over the woman. He became even more arrogant: “Mu Yunyao, do you think that you can cover up your crimes just because of this? Let me tell you that I’ve already sent someone to report this to the court. Today, I must seek justice for Cai Qing!”
As he was speaking, the crowd parted, and County Magistrate Zhao, dressed in his official uniform, walked in with his official. “I heard that a lawsuit had filed here, so I’m here to take a look. Miss Mu, what exactly is going on?”
“Greetings, Lord Zhao. I only brought Miss Cai Qing, and her two younger brothers, to the house to recuperate, then this Young Master Tan came knocking. He wanted to frame me for stealing his concubine and secretly accusing me of murdering someone. I’m not sure what exactly happened.”
County Magistrate Zhao turned to Tan Bawang, “Who are you? Why are you causing trouble here?”
“Greetings, Lord Zhao. I am Tan Bawang, the Young Master of Cai Yue Pavilion. My concubine, Cai Qing, has been captured by Mu Yunyao. I don’t know whether she is dead or alive, so I went to the court office to report them. I hope that Lord Zhao can handle this matter impartially.”
County Magistrate Zhao frowned, “No matter who it is, I will handle the matter impartially. Tell me the details of the case.”
Seeing that County Magistrate Zhao was about to question him on the street, more and more commoners gathered around. Due to the presence of the officials, they could only silently watch, not daring to make a commotion.
Tan Bawang immediately recounted the incident vividly, especially when he heard that Mu Yunyao had sent people to capture Cai Qing and Ah Mao. His expression was full of righteous indignation. Matchmaker Liu then stood out and testified for Tan Bawang, saying that Cai Qing had indeed sealed and signed the contract, also volunteered to become Tan Bawang’s concubine.
The two followers who beaten up made voices. Those who heard the words shed tears, causing many people to feel endless sympathy for them.
Even after hearing this, County Magistrate Zhao’s expression was still solemn, making it difficult to discern. “Miss Mu, is the matter really as Tan Bawang said?”
Mu Yunyao shook her head slightly. “I’m not too sure about the specifics. Let Cai Qing explain herself.”
“What?” Tan Bawang couldn’t help but cry out. According to their plans, wouldn’t Cai Qing commit suicide by taking poison?
Mu Yunyao looked over, a trace of ridicule flashing across her lips. “Why? It seems that Young Master Tan is disappointed that Cai Qing is still alive?”
“How could that be? I’m just afraid that you’ll secretly threaten her …”
“I heard that Young Master Tan and Miss Cai Qing are in love with each other, and you especially came all the way from Huai’an City to meet her. With such deep feelings, how could she possibly harm you because of a few threats?” Mu Yunyao turned to look at Jin Qiao. “Go and invite Miss Cai Qing out.”
“Yes, Miss.”
