Chapter Fifteen: Reconciliation in the Hall

After leaving the court, the magistrate hurried into the inner hall—clearly, trouble was brewing in the rear courtyard. Gan Sui was in no rush; he signaled Hui Niang with his eyes to leave the county office together. Bai Zhi, needing to return to the medical hall, departed quickly after stepping down.

“Scholar Gan, what exactly is going on now? The magistrate mentioned something called ‘protection of the injured’—what does that mean?” Hui Niang was completely at a loss. She only knew that the medical expenses were now taken care of, and her heart was finally at ease.

Ban Xia also looked puzzled.

“The protection of the injured is a system designed to safeguard victims. In cases of fights and injuries, the accused must take responsibility for any changes in the victim’s condition within a certain period. Generally, it’s to observe whether the victim has any internal injuries that could lead to death.”

“My husband saw a doctor yesterday. He said the injuries are superficial, not internal, but the leg wound is severe. He’ll need to rest for quite some time.”

“If my guess is correct, soon the magistrate will come to tell you that the defendant wishes to settle out of court, offering silver to resolve the matter privately.”

“Privately?”

“According to current laws, injuring someone in public and causing harm to their limbs results in twenty strokes and fifteen days of detention. Once detained, one is barred from participating in the imperial examinations. The third young master of the Lin family is due to sit for them next year, so he’d rather pay more than suffer imprisonment.”

“So, just because he’s wealthy, he can assault others with impunity?” Ban Xia said angrily.

Hui Niang was even calmer than her, advising, “It has always been this way since ancient times—people are born into ranks and power tramples the weak. But this is already better than what we hoped for. We have the medical expenses, and can still negotiate for compensation. I can accept this; health is the most important thing, isn’t it? Lady Su, don’t be upset with me for lacking ambition. We country folk wouldn’t know what to do without you and Scholar Gan. To have things turn out like this, I’m already content.”

Ban Xia felt dispirited, and Gan Sui gently patted her head.

“Madam Tian, come in,” a soldier called.

Gan Sui and Hui Niang entered together; the magistrate was already waiting inside.

A scholar need not kneel before an official, so Gan Sui stood by the side. After Hui Niang paid her respects and rose, Magistrate Lin immediately saw that Gan Sui was the key figure in this case.

“You must be Scholar Gan,” he said.

“I am,” Gan Sui replied.

“I read your petition—clear in structure, eloquent, and your handwriting shows great character. In time, your prospects are boundless.”

“Thank you for your praise, sir.”

“I heard you have no direct connection to this case. How did you become involved?”

“I was asked by Madam Tian to assist, and after learning the facts, I wrote this petition. To be honest, my family is poor; I often rely on neighbors’ support. Being able to help others this time fills me with pride. When I was young, my teacher instructed us scholars to use our learning and reason for the sake of the common people’s suffering.”

“Good, good—ambitious indeed,” the magistrate said, clearly pleased. The short, stout middle-aged man standing beside him, however, was anxious, wiping his brow. “My son’s act of hurting someone in public is inexcusable. Let us discuss compensation now.”

“This is Lin Qianbao’s father.”

“I am Lin Yuan. I offer my apologies to Madam Tian for my son’s actions. I have already paid at Ren Ren Hall; Madam Tian can go there anytime for medicine and treatment. All expenses will be covered by me.”

“Is that enough? It is spring plowing season. The Tian family’s strong labor was crippled by your son, unable to work the fields. Madam Tian’s mother-in-law was so upset she fell ill. The family’s livelihood is in jeopardy—how will you address this?”

Lin Yuan was clearly more composed than his son, his face still smiling. “Scholar Gan’s reminder is just. Tomorrow, I’ll hire workers for the Tian family’s spring plowing. And here are thirty taels of silver—a token from me to comfort the old lady. Madam Tian, does this arrangement satisfy you?”

Hui Niang looked at Gan Sui, who nodded to her. She replied, “I never intended to pursue a lawsuit, but with both my husband and mother-in-law bedridden, I had no choice. If there’s further bullying in the future, I won’t back down—I’ll fight to the bitter end.”

“Rest assured, Madam Tian. My second son is unruly, but after this, I am resolved to send him to Qingshan Academy. You will have no further trouble from him.”

“That is good.”

Lin Yuan then turned to Gan Sui. “Scholar Gan, your studies are arduous. Because my son’s actions have disturbed you, I feel truly guilty. Here are twenty taels of silver to support your studies, so that next year you may bring honor to our county.”

Gan Sui felt averse, but remembering his family’s poverty, he replied, “In that case, I thank you, Master Lin.”

“No need, no need. Only…”

“Rest assured, Master Lin. Once today’s matter leaves this room, it will be forgotten. I will write a petition to withdraw the case.”

“Excellent, excellent.”